York County Hunger Programs Receive Congressional Recognition

ALFRED—

Representative Chellie Pingree in the U.S. House of Representatives recognized the Mothers and Others Against Hunger project and the York County Shelter Programs on Thursday, March 1.

In Rep. Pingree's remarks for the Congressional Record she stated: "Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize an incredible program in Maine, The Mothers and Others Against Hunger through the York County Shelter Programs. The York County Shelter Programs is a homeless services provider in Alfred that has been in operation for more than thirty-one years and continues to be an essential part of York County—over the years caring for thousands of Mainers. Maine is a state that has struggled with food insecurity and Mothers and Others Against Hunger is making great strides in eradicating hunger in Maine. Projects like this demonstrate Maine's unbreakable community bond in our fight against hunger today."

Pingree personally presented an official, framed recognition of her endorsement of the work of the York County Shelter Programs and Mothers and Others Against Hunger on Thursday, March 15, when she and her staff toured the Shelter buildings in Alfred and learned about their many programs that address Mainers in need.

Over one hundred businesses, agencies, and individuals have pledged to donate either $50 in food or a $50 donation to help support the work of the Mothers and Others Against Hunger project. A map has been set up on the Mothers and Others Against Hunger website (www.mothersandothersagainsthunger.org) depicting all the towns in Maine and New Hampshire that have pledged their support to this program.

Twenty-three of the twenty-nine York County towns already have participants in this hunger project. Pledges have been made from seven counties in Maine and New Hampshire, and from Arkansas, Iowa, Rhode Island and Vermont. Area businesses and individuals concerned about the issue of hunger are urged to consider joining this group.

The Mothers and Others Against Hunger group will host a Mother's Day Dessert and Tea in Alfred on Sunday, May 13, from 1 to 4pm. Proceeds from this event and from the Fifth Annual 5kRun /Two Mile Walk for the Homeless and the Hungry on Saturday, May 19, at Mother's Beach in Kennebunk, will benefit efforts to eradicate hunger. For additional information contact Mary Doyle at 207-793-2759 or email: mqdoyle@gmail.com.

Photo Caption: York County Shelter Programs Executive Director Donald Gean discusses the Shelter's several feeding programs with U.S. Representative Chellie Pingree outside the Shelter's Bakery on March 15. (Photo courtesy of Mary Doyle)

York, South Berwick and Wells Police Departments Receive Federal Grant

YORK COUNTY—

While the next national and state wide Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28, from 10am-2pm, police departments in the towns of York, Wells and South Berwick are now offering community members the opportunity to safely dispose of unused, unwanted or expired medications at any time.

Three MedReturn “Drug Lock” boxes were recently purchased for South Berwick, Wells and York police departments through a Drug Free Communities Grant from Choose To Be Healthy and with a donation from York Hospital.

The Drop Boxes are large green metal boxes located in the police departments’ waiting areas and entrances. All are secure, within eye and camera of a police officer and available to the public 24/7 for convenient and proper disposal. Area police will coordinate proper and safe disposal of the drugs collected in the Drug Lock Boxes on a regular basis.

Chief Dana LaJoie of South Berwick Police Department said that he “welcomes this addition as it allows for expedient and safe disposal. No longer do citizens have to be burdened with how to dispose of medications.” All three police departments—Wells, York and South Berwick—encourage people from surrounding communities to also take advantage of the new Drug Lock Boxes.

Sally Manninen, who coordinates the Drug Free Communities grant that helped pay for the MedReturn boxes, said when she asked York Hospital if it could help pay for the rest of the expensive boxes, Jud Knox, President of York Hospital and John Phyllis, Head of the Hospital Pharmacy both quickly agreed that it was a worthy effort.

In York County schools, 16 percent of the 9-12th graders surveyed reported abusing prescription drugs at least once in their lives (Maine Integrated Youth Health Survey, 2011). The good news is this number has gone down from 20 percent in 2009. Restricting access to prescription drugs in the home and disposing of drugs properly is just part of the effort to prevent prescription drug abuse in our communities.

During the last Drug Take Back Day in October 2011, the State of Maine collected 14,120 pounds of drugs, ranking Maine number one per capita in the U.S. collection effort during each of the three previous national collection events. Here in nine communities of southern York County served by Choose To Be Healthy, police and community members collected almost 1200 pounds in last year’s April and October Drug Take Back Days.

The next National Drug Take Back Day is Saturday, April 28, from 10am-2pm. The event is anonymous and free. Area collection locations for April 28 include: Wells Ergent Care, Ogunquit Transfer Station, Hannaford in York, the Fire Station on Gorges Road in Kittery, the Police Stations in Eliot, Berwick and North Berwick, and the Community Center in South Berwick.

People are asked to remove any personal identifying info from labels. Medicine accepted includes prescription, over-the-counter or veterinary pills, drops and ointments. Police will not accept thermometers, batteries, durable medical equipment, intravenous solutions, injectables or illegal substances.

For more information, contact Sally Manninen, Choose To Be Healthy’s Substance Abuse Prevention Coordinator at York Hospital’s Center for Community Health, at 207-439-2936. Go to the Drug Enforcement Administration DEA website www.dea.gov for the National Drug Take Back Day drop off locations nearest you.

Final Winter Gateway Farmers’ Market This Saturday

YORK—

This Saturday, March 31, marks the final date for this year’s Winter Farmers’ Market in York. Stop by and support your local farmers, food producers, artists and artisans. Pick up your usual market foods: fresh veggies, Maine maple syrup, breads, fish, baked goods, jams, granola, fresh eggs and locally raised pork, beef and chicken. They also have some select crafters participating with knitted goods, soaps, wood items and handcrafted jewelry.

The summer market will kick off its tenth season on Saturday, June 2, from 9-1pm here at the Chamber of Commerce with their new sponsor, When Pigs Fly. Keep your eyes and ears open for more information as the summer season approaches. The 2011/2012 Winter Gateway Farmers’ Market took place on eleven Saturdays between November and March, indoors at the American Legion (9 Hannaford Drive), in York. The market runs from 9am-12pm and there are 25-30 vendors each Saturday.

The Bank of Maine sponsors the market. Local decisions, local people, and a banking partner committed to providing exceptional service. Visit their website at www.thebankofmaine.com.

Check out www.gatewayfarmersmarket.com for a complete list of participants and when they’ll be attending the market. For more information contact the Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce at 207-363-4422.

Photos Caption: Linda of Archer Angus shows off her grass-fed beef at a recent Market. (Courtesy Photo)

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)