Portsmouth Naval Shipyard Endures Through Recession

By Larry Favinger

Staff Columnist

KITTERY—

While the economy of Southern Maine and Southeastern New Hampshire had its ups and downs during 2011, the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard continued to be a huge, steady financial contributor to the local areas.

According to the Economic Impact Study released recently by the Seacoast Shipyard Association, the shipyard increased its employment, its civilian payroll, its military payroll, the purchases of more goods and services, and contracts in 2011.

The total of those activities is over $560 million.

Civilian employment at the Kittery yard has risen from 5,168 in 2010 to 5,187 last year with a corresponding increase in payroll. In 2011, workers earned $408,395,305 compared to $395, 166, 516 the year before.

Those figures break down to show $234,047,564 to 2,948 workers from Maine, $150,79,790 to 1,946 New Hampshire workers, $10,378,138 to 131 Massachusetts residents and $13,176,793 to workers from other states.

A breakdown of the number of employees in area towns and cities and the total payroll for them can be found in accompanying information boxes.

The number of civilian employees has risen each year since 1998 when there were 3,648 on the employment rolls.

The military payroll to the Navy and Coast Guard shows an increase over 2010 with $40,498,582 last year compared to $39,939,431 the previous year.

The shipyard purchased nearly $50 million in goods and services and over $63 million in contracted facility services, much of it from Maine and New Hampshire.

The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard, the oldest of the Navy’s four remaining shipyards, is considered “the most efficient yard in the Navy”, according to Navy Capt. William McDonough, a retired shipyard commander, now a spokesman for the Seacoast Shipyard Association.

The Association is concerned about the possibility of the formation of another BRAC down the road to consider another round of facility closures across the military landscape.

McDonough said the economic study underlines that a closure of the shipyard would be “a devastating thing to the local economy, as well as the overall states of Maine and New Hampshire.”

McDonough noted the shipyard has “a good workload for the foreseeable future,” another positive situation. Following World War II the Navy had 11 shipyards but that number has since been reduced to four.

More good news for the shipyard is the recent awarding of two contracts totaling over $65 million for modernization work at the yard.

U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe (R-Maine), Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Sen. Kelly Ayotte (R-N.H.) welcomed the announcement.

“The Portsmouth Naval Shipyard is an economic engine that drives the economy of southern Maine and New Hampshire," Sen. Collins a member of both the Senate Armed Services Committee and Defense Appropriations Subcommittee said. “I am pleased that the Navy recognizes the critical need for these investments at the shipyard. This will help improve the safety and efficiency of the terrific workforce that keeps our Nation's nuclear submarines ready for sea every day."

Sen. Shaheen and Sen. Ayotte are also members of the Senate Armed Services Committee.

“We have strongly advocated for the Navy to address critical infrastructure and modernization needs at the shipyard, and we’re pleased that this important work is now moving forward,” said the Senators in a joint statement. “The projects announced this month will make a significant dent in the facility modernization backlog and help improve safety and efficiency at Portsmouth, whose workers set the standard for maintaining our nation’s nuclear submarine fleet.

“We are pleased that the Navy has continued to recognize and correct the critical need for investments at Portsmouth.”

Waban Telethon Raises $80,000

SANFORD—

The 41st Annual Waban Telethon was held on Saturday, March 17, at the St. Ignatius Gym on Riverside Avenue in Sanford. The St. Therese of Liseux Parish sponsored this year’s Telethon. Even though the economy continues to struggle, and though many people are constantly challenged by the increased cost of living and ballooning gas prices; the community once again rose to the challenge. In spite of a continued economic recession, individuals, businesses and organizations came together and demonstrated their unflagging support of the programs at Waban by raising $80,122!

This was the 41st Annual Telethon, and, in keeping with the work that the dedicated staff at Waban does day after day and year after year, the theme was “Making a Difference.” In addition to the wonderful entertainment, fun events throughout the day and ice cream donated by Shain’s of Maine, there were several special ceremonies. The entire Telethon was dedicated to Waban supporter and Metrocast producer of the Telethon, Richard Gould, who passed away early this year. Waban staff member Dot Jowett received the Waban Making a Difference Award for her dedicated and inspirational service. In the community category, the Waban Making a Difference Award was given to Andy “Penny Man” Normand for his tireless work over the past twenty years in collecting and rolling $120,895 worth of pennies for Waban, subsequently having that amount matched by General Electric.

A crew from Metrocast Cablevision produced the Telethon while Metrocast Cablevision and Time-Warner Cablevision provided coverage with an expanded viewing area going from Kittery to Presque Isle. Unified Technologies provided the phone bank. This year’s hosts were Kevin Mannix of WCSH-TV and long time volunteers Kristen Guillemette Perfetuo, and RJ and Jim Legere.

St. Therese of Liseux Parish donated the use of the St. Ignatius Gym.

In addition to large business donations of goods and services from Central Furniture and Landry’s Furniture, there were many other large and small personal and business donors, too numerous to mention, that were instrumental in making the Telethon such a huge success.

The funds from the Telethon will be used for developmental therapy, specialized equipment, assessment services, therapeutic recreation and other educational and habilitation-based services for children who attend the Fraser-Ford Waban Child Development Center or who receive services from the Case Management Program.

Waban is exceptionally grateful and appreciative for all the tremendous support they received from the volunteers and donors both before and during the Telethon.

Photo Caption: Hosts Kevin Mannix and Kristen Perfetuo joined the dancers from Jazz Tappin’ Dance Academy onstage for a dance lesson at the 41^st Annual Waban Telethon in Sanford. (Courtesy Photo)

Green Wedding Giveaway Winners Announced

CAPE NEDDICK—

The winners in Clay Hill Farm’s fourth Green Wedding Giveaway® were announced at an intimate ceremony with finalists and local contest sponsors. Clay Hill Farm’s annual wedding contest encourages couples to explore the parallel between a commitment to each other and a commitment to the Earth. Additionally, the contest asks engaged couples to creatively “pick their shade” of green and share it with the world.

Jessica Maillet and Tim Caouette of Massachusetts were named the winners of the Green Wedding Giveaway 2012 for their outstanding everyday commitments to non-profits and local food initiatives. A July 8 wedding is planned for the couple at Clay Hill Farm, with a nuptial package to include: garden ceremony and catered reception for up to 75 guests, wedding florals, handmade invitations, photography, videography, accommodations, formalwear, hair and make-up, cake, DJ services, rehearsal luncheon, wellness package, favors, trolley transport and more.

In a surprise twist, head judge Battista Remati of Remati Media—joining the finale via Skype—announced a surprising second wedding package reward due to the raised bar by this year’s finalists’ inspirational magnitude and dedication to the people of the planet. Nita Mohanty and Anthony Acevez, of Illinois, were awarded the EcoReach® World Humanitarian award for outstanding global outreach. Mohanty and Acevez, a pediatrician and Chicago policeman respectively, have traveled the world helping children in impoverished countries. A late summer/early fall wedding will be planned for the couple at Clay Hill Farm.

“We are so honored and humbled by the ability of these two couples to give back locally and globally everyday,” said Jennifer Lewis-McShera, founder of the Green Wedding Giveaway. “Our social outreach has always been about celebrating real people making a difference through the natural beauty of relationships, but our winners this year have surpassed our expectations. It will be a privilege to celebrate their special day.”

Read more about the winners on the official contest website; www.greenweddinggiveaway.com

(Courtesy Photo)

Maine Red Claws/Maine McDonald’s Team of the Year Award Recipients Announced

WELLS—

At the Maine McDonald’s® High School Senior All-Star Basketball Games, on Saturday, March 10, the two Team of the Year Award recipients were unveiled. The Hampden Academy Boys Team and the Wells High School Girls Team each received the Team of the Year trophy as well as $1,000 for their schools’ basketball programs. Representatives from the Maine Red Claws, Maine McDonald’s and Maine Association of Basketball Coaches (MABC) made the announcement during half time at the All-Star Games.

“We are excited and honored to announce that the Hampden Academy Boys led by Coach Russ Bartlett and the Wells High School Girls, led by Coach Don Abbott, are our 2012 Team of the Year Award honorees. Both of these programs are shining examples of what it means to be named Team of the Year—excellence on the court and in the community,” stated Doug Quagliaroli, local McDonald’s Owner/Operator. “We are proud to partner with the Maine Red Claws in offering this award that will benefit these two outstanding high school basketball programs.”

Nominations for the 2012 Team of the Year award were submitted to the selection committee for review. The committee is comprised of representatives from Maine McDonald’s, Maine Red Claws and the MABC. The two teams were selected based on the stated criteria of having made “an exceptional impact on Maine High School Basketball and in the lives of others.”

“The Maine Red Claws are proud to partner with McDonald’s again this year on the Maine McDonald's and Maine Red Claws Team of the Year Award, and we are proud to recognize the Hampden Academy Boys and the Wells High School Girls teams with this year’s award,” said Red Claws President and General Manager Jon Jennings. “Each of these teams is a tremendous example of the impact that basketball can have on an individual and on a community as a whole. They show that a team can be not only competitive on the court but also have an equal and even more lasting impact off.”

Hard work and dedication on and off the court are words used to describe the Wells High School Girls Team. The Wells Girls have a deep understanding of team concept and are selfless in their play—one of many qualities that contributed to their success this year. The team is a close-knit group that plays the game with mental and physical toughness every day.

Along with teaching the game of basketball, Coach Abbott and his staff teach good sportsmanship and the importance of being a role model to younger players. In the last three years, the Wells Girls teams have raised more than $57,000 for Breast Cancer Living Well programs at York Hospital in Wells and York Hospital. This season alone they raised nearly $27,000 through their third annual Shootin’ for a Cure event and by partnering with the Wells Rotary Club’s annual golf tournament.

To quote a Wells Girls Team nominator, “The fact that each girl had an integral part in all that was done and that they learned how important it is to do for others…to serve, is a wonderful lesson being taught by Coach Abbott. I'm very impressed with these girls and this program.”

Photo Caption: Wells High School Girls’ Basketball, Maine McDonald’s Team of the Tear recipients, are pictured while at their “Shootin’ For A Cure” event on Saturday, January 14. (Courtesy Photo)

Jonathan's Restaurant Calls All Diners To Help With UNICEF TAP Project

OGUNQUIT—

In 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project was born in New York City. Based upon a simple concept, the Project asked that restaurants ask their patrons to donate $1 or more for the tap water they usually enjoy for free, and all of the funds raised would support UNICEF's efforts to bring clean and accessible water to millions of children around the world.

Since its inception in 2007, the UNICEF Tap Project has raised nearly $3 million in the U.S. and has helped provide clean water for millions of children globally. Now in its sixth year, the award-winning UNICEF Tap Project—a nationwide campaign sponsored by the U.S. Fund for UNICEF—will return during World Water Week, March 19-25. The first program of its kind, the UNICEF Tap Project has become a dynamic movement that affords everyone the opportunity to help provide the world's children with safe, clean water.

Jonathan's restaurant in Ogunquit is the only participating restaurant in the state of Maine at this time.

Through numerous fundraising and volunteer activities, the UNICEF Tap Project celebrates the clean water we enjoy on a daily basis by encouraging celebrity, restaurant, volunteer, corporate and government supporters to give this vital resource to children in developing countries. The concept is basic and compelling, "When You Take Water, Give Water."

2012 UNICEF Tap Project Funds will specifically target Togo, Vietnam, Mauritania and Cameroon.

Every day 4,100 children die of water-related diseases. Nearly 900 million people worldwide lack access to safe drinking water. With just $1 raised through the UNICEF Tap Project can provide a child with safe water for 40 days. The simple act of washing a child's face with clean water can prevent debilitating diseases-like blinding trachoma, an infectious eye disease that spreads from child to child. The world's leading cause of preventable blindness, blinding trachoma is endemic in 57 countries, with 1.2 billion people living in trachoma-endemic areas, primarily in the poorest communities in the developing world-meaning millions of children without access to clean water are at risk of becoming blind from trachoma.

During the UNICEF Tap Project week from Thursday, March 22, through Sunday, March 25, you may donate $1 or more for the usually free tap water that you enjoy while dining at Jonathan's Restaurant. The donation will be added to your bill as a part of your check. All funds raised will support UNICEF's efforts to bring safe, clean and accessible water to the millions of children around the world who need it.

Great Works Regional Land Trust Is Funded By Kate the Great Fans

OGUNQUIT—

A historic brew has become something of a boon for land conservation thanks to the Portsmouth Brewery owners, staff, consumers, and the brewer himself! Great Works Regional Land Trust has been awarded a $5,000 charitable donation from scratch ticket sales for the purchase of Kate the Great.

This coveted Russian Imperial Stout is brewed each year from a secret recipe created by Tod Mott, head brewer for Portsmouth Brewery. Its 2012 issue flowed from the taps for public consumption on Monday, March 5, and Great Works representatives were on hand for the fanfare as ticket winners gathered to purchase their brew.

“I really enjoyed meeting Peter Egelston and Joanne Francis, Portsmouth Brewery’s owners, and we are grateful for their support,” said Jack Kareckas, president of the Great Works board of directors. “An unrestricted donation like this is often hard to get. It allows us the flexibility to meet operating expenses as well as unanticipated needs,” he said. Jennifer Fox, another board member, was also present to acknowledge the donation.

Mott, the creative force behind Kate the Great, says he named his concoction after the 18th century Empress Catherine the Great. The brew was originally created in England and sent to her as an alternative to the intensity of Russian vodka. The strong black ale has a roasty, coffee-like flavor with fruity undertones, he says, resulting from of a blend of many types of malt, complex hops and the addition of Port wood to the conditioning beer.

Mott and his wife Galen are members of Great Works Regional Land Trust, and were pulling for the organization to gain support. This year’s scratch ticket sale yielded $30,000 and benefited five non-profits, chosen by Portsmouth Brewery staff. Other awardees included S. E. Land Trust of NH, Sexual Assault Support Services, 3S Artspace and the Center for Wildlife.

Great Works Regional Land Trust has conserved over 4,800 acres, including 57 properties owned and 29 under conservation easement, in the towns of Eliot, South Berwick, Berwick, North Berwick, Wells and Ogunquit, and the region. Most of the lands are open to the public, and visitors are welcome at the organization’s Beach Plum Farm office on Route 1 in Ogunquit. For information on membership, volunteering, and a calendar of hikes and other events, contact Patti Mitchem or Anne Gamble at (207) 646-3604 or www.gwrlt.org.

Photo Caption: Jennifer Fox and Jack Kareckas of Great Works Regional Land Trust thank Peter Egelston, founder and president of Portsmouth Brewery. (Courtesy Photo)

Governor LePage Welcomes Home Returning Marines

PORTLAND—

Governor Paul LePage welcomed home approximately 130 Marines and Sailors late in the afternoon on Wednesday, February 22, at the Portland International Jetport. The service men and women were assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Marine Corps Forces Reserve. These Marines and Sailors returned home from a ten-month deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“It was an honor to welcome our men and women in uniform home from Afghanistan,” said Governor LePage. “It is important we recognize our service men and women, remembering that some make the ultimate sacrifice to keep us safe at home. On behalf of all Mainers, I extend my sincerest thank you to these courageous service members, and their families for the sacrifice and commitment they have shown to our great state and nation.”

The Marines spent three months in California, where they underwent extensive pre-deployment cultural and counterinsurgency training. After the training, the Marines deployed to Afghanistan for seven months. They were assigned to NATO Training Mission-Afghanistan. The mission was focused on training Afghan Security Forces for the transition of security responsibilities from NATO to the government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan.

This was the unit’s second deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom; however it was their first deployment to Afghanistan. In 2003, 1st Battalion, 25th Marines deployed in support of Operations Enduring Freedom and Noble Eagle. In 2006, the unit also deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Photo Caption: Governor LePage welcomes home one of nearly 130 Marines and Sailors at the Portland Int. Airport on Wednesday, February 22. (Courtesy Photo)