News

Androscoggin Land Trust Partners with Maine Community Foundation for

Endowment Management

Auburn - The Androscoggin Land Trust (ALT) has transferred its endowment funds, now totaling more than $185,000, to the Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF). The fund was given a recent boost through a successful $50,000 matched fundraising campaign.

“The foundation has an excellent track record and this service allows us to focus more on our core mission knowing a trusted partner can focus on this aspect” said Judith Marden, President of ALT. “When we conserve land, we take on a responsibility to our communities to steward that land forever. And to do that well, we need the resources of our endowment to not only be available, but to be growing in support of that effort,” Marden said.

Currently, MaineCF manages more than 160 nonprofit agency funds of different sizes from across the state of Maine. “Maine relies on the critical work done by its nonprofits,” said Meredith Jones, MaineCF president and CEO. “Managing their endowments and other long term funds is one way we can help them to grow and prosper.”

Through its diversified primary investment portfolio, MaineCF offers nonprofit organizations access to institutional investment strategies and management normally available only to large investors. The foundation employs multiple professional investment managers with experience in specialized sectors of the investment markets.

The Androscoggin Land Trust protects important natural areas, traditional landscapes, and outdoor experiences within the Androscoggin River watershed by promoting stewardship and supporting a network of public and privately held conservation land. ALT currently conserves nearly 4,850 acres of land, including over ten miles of riverfront along the Androscoggin River. For more information, call 207-782-2320 or visit www.androscogginlandtrust.org.

The Maine Community Foundation has been partnering with donors and nonprofits to build strong communities in Maine since 1983. More information about MaineCF can be found at www.mainecf.org or by calling 1-877-700-6800.

Healthy Community Coalition Mobile Health Unit June Events Schedule

Farmington ¾

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) has announced its June schedule for Mobile Health Unit outreach events. Staff will be offering services such as blood pressure and cholesterol checks; information on cancer prevention, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco; one-on-one health counseling; and information and assistance on the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program and other health assistance programs.

Guest presenters will be available at special events to discuss topics such as gardening, canning, and preserving. Free garden container kits will be available to participants on those dates.

The Mobile Health Unit will be offering health screenings at Tranten’s Store in Farmington on June 4 and 18; Tranten’s Store in Kingfield on June 11; the IGA in Rangeley on June 14; Edmund’s Market in Phillips in June 21; and the Eustis Town Office on June 28.

In addition, special gardening events offering free container gardens, gardening, and nutrition instruction will be offered at the Hope Harvest Garden at Franklin Memorial Hospital on June 6, 12, 13, and 20. All events are scheduled from 11 a.m.–3 p.m. During the month of June HCC will be accepting donations for the local food pantries.

All services are provided free. Donations are accepted. For more information, contact Janis Walker, HCC program manager, at 779-2750 or jwalker@fchn.org.

Hello, I’m Governor Paul LePage.

And I’m First Lady Ann LePage.

Governor: As Memorial Day approaches we would like to take this moment to remember and honor our fallen heroes. These brave men and women selflessly gave themselves to defend our great Nation and freedoms we hold dear.

Since becoming your Governor, I have written too many letters of condolence to the families of the fallen. It is, by far, the most difficult part of my job. What I do hope families take from these words, however, is how deeply appreciative I am for their sacrifice.

Maine has a profound heritage of dedication and service to our Country and we take great pride in our Troops. Sadly, this tradition accompanies the fact that no state, comparable to the size of Maine, has lost more service members in Afghanistan.

They have fought for us and died for us, and there is no way to repay them for what they have given, but on this Memorial Day, we can show that we are grateful for ALL of our fallen heroes.

First Lady: It was with a heavy heart on Friday, the State of Maine added four names to the Battlefield Cross Memorial in the Hall of Flags at the State House. Private First Class Tyler Springmann of Hartland, Captain John Brainard III of Dover-Foxcroft, Staff Sergeant Jessica Wing of Glenburn and Sergeant First Class Aaron Henderson of Houlton will not be forgotten. To date, 54 identification tags are draped on the memorial, a solemn reminder to us all that freedom is not free.

As your First Lady, it has been a pleasure to honor and pay tribute to our Troops. The countless acts of love, kindness and respect I have witnessed at Silver Star ceremonies, memorial services, farewells and homecomings are awe-inspiring. It is truly incredible the amount of reverence and honor people have for our troops and our veterans.

I can safely say that from all I have seen across this state and this country, Americans deeply respect the sacrifices our service members make to protect the things and the people they love. It is a respect that is removed from age, gender or politics and unites us as a nation.

Governor: On Saturday, Ann and I will pause and pay tribute to Maine’s fallen during the American Legion’s annual graveside flag ceremony here in Augusta. We invite you to share the morning with us as we place flags on nearly 15-thousand graves.

We were honored to be the first Governor and First Lady to participate in this ceremony last year and we have found it to be a special way for us to say thank you to the families of these fallen heroes.

At 9 a.m., hundreds of volunteers will help place flags on the graves creating a sea of red, white, and blue that is truly a breath-taking sight.

The American Legion under Donald Simoneau’s leadership started the program in 2007, and the turnout in volunteers has steadily increased every year since.

First Lady: This year’s ceremony will be on Saturday starting at 9 a.m. at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, on Civic Center Drive.

Together we can remember and honor our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen on not only Memorial Day but every day.

We wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day weekend.

Governor Directs Flags to be Lowered in Observance of Memorial Day

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today ordered that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag at state facilities statewide be flown at half-staff Monday in observance of Memorial Day. Flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until noon on Monday, May 27.

Governor LePage also asks businesses and residents to lower their flags to half-staff to pay tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defending our nation and our freedom.

“They have fought for us and died for us, and there is no way to repay them for what they have given, but on this Memorial Day, we can show that we are grateful for all of our fallen heroes,” said Governor LePage.

Governor LePage Requests Aid from U.S. Small Business Administration for Lewiston Fire Victims

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today asked the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to make emergency low-interest loans available to affected property owners and residents who had major damage from the recent fires in the City of Lewiston.

“These low-interest loans from the Small Business Administration can help those facing major repairs to their property and those needing to replace personal belongings," Governor LePage said.

On April 29, fire destroyed three apartment buildings in downtown Lewiston. On May 3, fire destroyed four additional buildings. Together the fires displaced dozens of families. Based on the results of a joint survey conducted by the Maine Emergency Management Agency, the Androscoggin United Emergency Management Agency, the City of Lewiston, and the U.S. Small Business Administration, damages exceed the SBA requirement of at least 25 homes and/or businesses with uninsured losses of 40 percent or more of their fair market value. A fire on May 6 did not meet these thresholds.

In the letter to SBA, Governor LePage requests that the affected area in the City of Lewiston be declared a disaster area by the SBA so that low-interest loans may be made available to the affected property owners and residents.

The SBA can provide real property loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or restore their primary home to its pre-disaster condition. Also, the agency can authorize personal property loans to provide homeowners or renters with up to $40,000 to help repair or replace personal property, such as clothing, furniture and automobiles lost in the disaster. In addition, businesses suffering damage could receive loans to help repair or replace damaged property and for loss of business.

The SBA loans would augment other efforts under way to provide aid to the fire victims. Volunteer groups have been active in the Lewiston area since the fires. To assist charitable groups in their efforts to help Mainers recover, the United Way created the Governor’s Lewiston Fire Victims Relief Fund. The Governor donated $50,000 to the fund.

Governor, First Lady Deliver Memorial Day Message

Memorial ceremonies remember and honor Maine’s fallen

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage on Friday delivered a message honoring those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our freedom. The Memorial Day address is available to view at the Office of the Governor website and the Governor’s YouTube page.

“Since becoming your Governor, I have written too many letters of condolence to the families of the fallen. It is, by far, the most difficult part of my job,” Governor LePage said. “What I do hope families take from these words, however, is how deeply appreciative I am for their sacrifice.”

As Memorial Day approaches, Governor LePage and the First Lady will pay tribute to Maine’s veterans by attending several ceremonies, including the Battlefield Cross remembrance ceremony Friday at 1 p.m. at the Hall of Flags in the State House.

Four Identification Tags bearing the names of servicemen and women with ties to Maine who died during overseas contingency operations were added to the memorial, bringing the total number to 54 names.

“Private First Class Tyler Springmann of Hartland, Captain John Brainard III of Dover-Foxcroft, Staff Sergeant Jessica Wing of Glenburn and Sergeant First Class Aaron Henderson of Houlton will not be forgotten,” said Mrs. LePage.

To remember and honor Maine’s fallen Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, Governor LePage and First Lady LePage on Saturday will participate in a Grave Flag Ceremony.

The American Legion started the Grave Flag program in May of 2007, and the turnout in volunteers has steadily increased every year since. This year’s ceremony will begin at 9 a.m., May 25 at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery on Civic Center Drive, Augusta. Folks are asked to gather at the top of the hill near the flag pole at 9 a.m. for a prayer, introductions and instructions.

The Marine Corps League in conjunction with the Maine Veterans’ Coordinating Committee and the State of Maine Bureau of Veterans’ Services hosts the third ceremony, which the Governor and First Lady will attend Monday. The Maine Veterans’ Memorial Day Ceremony will begin at 2 p.m. at the Maine Veterans' Memorial Cemetery, 163 Mt. Vernon Road, Augusta.

Battlefield Cross Memorial Remembrance Ceremony Honors Maine’s Fallen Heroes

AUGUSTA – A solemn ceremony today recognized Mainers who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the Global War on Terror. Governor Paul R. LePage joined Brigadier General James D. Campbell, Adjutant General of Maine, to host the 2013 Battlefield Cross remembrance ceremony in the Hall of Flags of the State House.

Four Identification Tags bearing the names of servicemen and women with ties to Maine who died during overseas contingency operations were added to the Battlefield Cross Memorial, bringing the total number to 54 names.

Members of the Maine Honor Guard individually placed the identification tags on the memorial as the names of the fallen Soldiers were read. A crisp Salute was then rendered in remembrance of each Soldier. Identical identification tags were presented to the family members in attendance.

The Battlefield Cross is a symbolic representation for Soldiers who have been killed in action, and its origins date back to the Civil War. The helmet and identification tags signify the fallen Soldier, their name never to be forgotten. The inverted rifle with bayonet symbolizes a time for prayer, a break in the action to pay tribute to a fallen comrade. The combat boots, worn and dirty, represent the final march of the Soldier’s last battle.

Nearly one hundred people gathered Friday to honor Maine fallen heroes. Speakers included the Governor, Brigadier General James D. Campbell, and Peter Ogden of Maine Veterans’ Services. Maine’s First Lady today also paid her respects to the families of the fallen. “I can safely say that from all I have seen across this state and this country, Americans deeply respect the sacrifices our service members make to protect the things and the people they love. It is a respect that is removed from age, gender or politics and unites us as a nation,” she said.

Governor LePage read a Proclamation declaring May 27, 2013 as Gold Star Family Day. “I am very proud to declare May 27, 2013 Gold Star Family Day in honor of the Maine families of the fallen who have given so much. Your sacrifice touches all of us deeply, and Maine citizens are with you in your loss,” said Governor LePage.

Brigadier General James D. Campbell addressed the family members of the fallen. “Our ceremony today recognizes their sacrifice and honors their service,” the General said. “It is fitting that as we approach Memorial Day we come together as a family to acknowledge the unique bond shared by Soldiers willing to give their lives for the person next to them.”

The four brave Soldiers honored today are Private First Class Tyler Springmann of Hartland, Captain John Brainard III of Dover-Foxcroft, Staff Sergeant Jessica Wing of Glenburn and Sergeant First Class Aaron Henderson of Houlton.

The Battlefield Cross was dedicated to the State in 2009 and is displayed in the Hall of Flags. The inscription on the memorial reads: State of Maine Global War on Terrorism Memorial. This Battlefield Cross stands as a lasting Tribute “To those who have made the ultimate sacrifice from a grateful State”. Thank you for your willingness to serve our State and nation by answering the call to duty. With great pride and deep sorrow, we honor you for your sacrifice. You will be in our hearts and minds forever. Dedicated May 2009

Lyme Disease Prevention Forum

Friday, May 31^st10:00-12:00pm

St. Mary’s Hospital, LePage Conference Center, Lewiston, Maine

Maine CDC and the Departments of Agriculture, Conservation & Forestry, and Inland Fisheries & Wildlife are partnering the Western Public Health District to present a Lyme Disease Prevention Forum onFriday, May 31st, from 10am-12pm at St. Mary’s LePage Conference Center .

The purpose of the forum is to inform those of us who work and play outside in the Western Public Health District (Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford Counties ) about Lyme disease and how to prevent it. Agency and local subject matter experts on human Lyme disease and deer ticks, their habitat, and control will provide information and tools on the prevention of Lyme disease, and we’ll have time for questions and answers.

For information on Lyme disease, see http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/infectious-disease/epi/vector-borne/lyme/.

More information will follow in the next couple weeks.

Thank you,

Jamie Paul

Public Health Liaison – Western District

Maine Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Department of Health and Human Services

200 Main Street

11 State House Station

Lewiston , Maine 04240

(207) 795-4302

Governor Condemns Democrats’ Appalling Attempts at Censorship

AUGUSTA – As the final weeks of the State of Maine 126^th Legislature approach, a disturbing trend is underway by Democratic Leadership within the walls of State House. For the second time this week, Democrats have attempted to silence the Governor and violate his right to freedom of speech.

In their latest act of censorship, Democrats have told the Governor that he cannot have a television in the Office of the Governor lobby area, which is on the second floor of the State House. In a letter, Governor Paul R. LePage informed Democratic Leadership today that the television is placed in the reception area of the Governor’s Office. Senate President Justin Alfond today told Governor LePage in a morning meeting that he could not have the television on display.

“The repeated attempts by Democrats to stifle debate on bills and to prevent me from speaking in front of the Appropriations Committee is a disturbing pattern of censorship that should concern all Mainers,” said Governor Paul R. LePage. “Now they are saying that the Governor of Maine cannot have a TV in the waiting area. Maine Democrats are taking their cue from the Obama Administration in Washington, D.C., which has violated the free-speech rights of American citizens and used the power of the government to silence those who disagree with them. If I have to remove myself from the toxic climate of censorship by Democrats in the State House to defend the taxpayers of Maine, then that’s what I will do.”

The 46-inch Samsung television on a rolling stand does not interfere with any functions or displays in the Hall of Flags. It is not a permanent fixture and does not require any wiring or modifications to walls or outlets. Messages now displayed on screen include a welcome message; the section in the Maine Constitution that guarantees Mainers the right to free speech; and the number of days that have passed since the Governor submitted his proposal for a balanced budget and his plan to pay the hospitals.

“It is silly that Senate President Alfond and Speaker of the House Eves would distract the attention of the Governor and from the important work for the people of Maine to focus on a TV set outside the Governor’s office,” the Governor said. “The TV simply notes the number of days it had been since I introduced my plan to pay off Maine’s massive welfare Medicaid debt.

“Unfortunately the Governor’s office is not the purview of the Governor: the space is controlled by the Legislature,” the Governor said. “Just as I have been meeting with people all over Maine outside the State House about the need to create jobs, lower taxes and fix our debt, I will continue to hold meetings outside the State House where people can feel free to express their opinions without censorship of the Senate President and Speaker of the House. My staff will continue to do their work in their current offices until such time as the partisan leaders of the Legislature choose to evict them.”

The Democrats refusal to allow a TV is the latest attempt at censorship. On Sunday they refused to allow Governor LePage to speak with members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee regarding the Medicaid shortfall the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) faces for the remaining fiscal year which ends on July 1. When Governor LePage did not sign the most recent supplemental budget, he made it clear he could not put his signature on a budget that was not balanced.

These are not the only instances in which the Democrats have tried to silence Republicans during this session. During a legislative work session in the Criminal Justice and Public Safety Committee, the committee’s co-chairman, Sen. Stan Gerzofsky, D-Brunswick, cut off Rep. Corey Wilson, R-Augusta, telling Wilson that his time was up, based on a plastic hourglass timer the committee had been using to limit testimony. The bill being discussed would allow employers to prohibit guns in employee vehicles on company grounds.

In a separate and shocking display of procedural bullying, Democrats on the Legislature's Labor, Commerce, Research, and Economic Development Committee pushed through a bill without any discussion before Rep. Lawrence Lockman R-Amherst, could present his amended version of the bill. The action not only prevented discussion of the original bill and its amended version, but ensured that the amended version would not be debated on the House and Senate floors.

Governor LePage Announces Judicial Nominees

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today announced the nomination of David J. Mitchell to serve as a District Court Judge and Judge John V. Romei to serve as an Active Retired District Court Judge.

“I am pleased nominate these two individuals with distinguished records to serve on the bench,” said Governor Paul LePage. “In choosing judges, my focus is on the qualifications, demeanor, and integrity of the candidates, not politics. These nominees reflect those priorities.”

Governor McKernan nominated Judge Romei, a resident of Roove Bluffs, to the District Court in 1992. Before he became a judge, he established his own private practice in Machias. Prior to going into private practice, he was hired as a Trial Judge by the Passamaquoddy Nation, where he continues to serve on a part time basis. Early in his career, he worked as a District Attorney. He is a graduate of the University of Maine, School of Law.

David J. Mitchell, a resident of Calais, has practiced law in Washington County since graduating law school in 1997. He currently has his own firm consisting of criminal defense, divorces, child custody cases, protective custody matters, read estate, Probate, and civil litigation. Since 2004, Mitchell has also served as the Tribal Prosecutor in the Passamaquoddy Tribal Court in both Pleasant Point and Indian Township. He is a graduate of the University of Maine, School of Law.

Judicial nominees must be reviewed by the Joint Standing Committee on Judiciary and confirmed by the full Senate.

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