Belfast, Maine (October 25, 2011) – Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage, a socially and environmentally innovative neighborhood in Belfast, recently received the People’s Choice Award from the Natural Resources Council of Maine at their annual meeting.

The award is given annually to an individual or group who demonstrates a passion and dedication to Maine’s environment. Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage was chosen from among the parties nominated and selected by residents from across the state.

“We are honored to receive this award recognizing our efforts to try out a new model for residential development in Maine—one that takes the future into account,” said Sanna McKim, a co-founder of the neighborhood development project as well as a future resident. “We’re excited that this idea of a family-focused neighborhood combining “smart growth”, sustainable agriculture, and energy efficient homes is becoming a reality.”

The organization also recently received planning board approval to begin construction.  Site work and initial construction of the development started this month and is expected to be complete by December 2013.  This project is believed to be the largest, single phase, non-government subsidized, residential development currently underway in Maine, with nearly 2/3 of its homes already spoken for.  The 36 private homes will range in size from 500 square feet to 1,700 square feet, with current base prices ranging from $150,000 to $333,000, including land, all infrastructure, and a large “common house,” the heart of a cohousing community.

About Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage
Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is a group of families who are creating an environmentally sustainable, multi-generational neighborhood that will feature homes based on the German Passive House Standard, a building certification based on extremely high energy-efficiency performance. Founded on a commitment to community and concern for the environment, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is reserving 85% of its land for agricultural use and open space. It is an innovative and sustainable housing option for living in rural coastal Maine. Find out more at www.mainecohousing.org.

The 36 clustered homes are based on the German “Passive House” (energy) Standard and will be so energy efficient that it is said a hairdryer could heat the homes in winter.  With only 13 certified Passive House homes in the country, if the residents choose to certify their homes, the project may become the largest of its kind in the nation.

In recognition of Belfast Cohousing and Ecovillage’s creative and forward-thinking approach to development, the project recently received the People’s Choice Award from the Natural Resources Council of Maine. The award is given annually to an individual or group whose actions have made a real difference in the protection of Maine’s environment. Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage was chosen from among the parties nominated and selected by residents from across the state.

Site work and initial construction of the development is expected to begin this fall, with a target completion date of December 2013.  This project is believed to be the largest, single phase, non-government subsidized, residential development currently underway in Maine, with 2/3 of its homes already spoken for.  The 36 private homes will range in size from 500 square feet to 1,700 square feet, with current base prices ranging from $150,000 to $333,000.

A Common House is also planned on the 42-acre parcel, designed by the families who will live in the collaborative neighborhood. This building will have a commercial kitchen for optional group meals, root cellar, freezer room, laundry, office and studio space, library, children’s playroom and guest rooms. Sharing these “extra” rooms allows the private homes to be smaller, and savings to go into higher quality, longer lasting building materials.

“We have built a caring community of individuals in the five years since we embarked on this project,” said Sanna McKim, who originated the venture and plans to live in the neighborhood.  “It is exciting to receive Planning Board approval, so that we can take this idea from the design and investment stage to construction and move-in.”

The majority of families that will live in the community have already purchased homes, but a few houses are still available for sale. The current families have been coming together regularly to plan as well as to play music, share food, host children’s play dates and become friends–despite distances that span from California to Austria. One of just a handful of self-developed cohousing communities in the country, the trust that grew out of learning how to make decisions together also led the group to find creative ways to self-finance the project. “We decided to borrow from within our own circles rather than use a bank to finance construction,” McKim said. “We’re growing the local living economy in Belfast by recirculating our money close to home.”

“This is a remarkable group of people, with diverse backgrounds and perspectives on life,” said Jim Wheelock, a community member originally from California.  “What all of us share is a commitment to caring for the environment and for living in partnership with our neighbors.”

In the cohousing community, vehicles are relegated to the periphery, so even toddlers will be able to run out their front door to a friend’s house without concern for traffic.  “Some of us plan to farm collaboratively and hope to someday grow all our own food. But we’re also looking for a real farmer to be part of the neighborhood, just in case,” said Susan Shea, a community member from Maine.

Everything is designed to encourage spontaneous community interactions and make a lighter environmental footprint an easy part of daily life.

About Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage
Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is a community of families who are creating an environmentally sustainable, multi-generational neighborhood that will feature homes based on the German Passive House Standard, acclaimed for their energy efficiency and design. Founded on a commitment to community and concern for the environment, Belfast Cohousing & Ecovillage is reserving 85% of its land for agricultural use and open space. It is an innovative and sustainable housing option for living in rural coastal Maine. Find out more at www.mainecohousing.org.

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The American flag flies in front of Piper Shores, Maine's only nonprofit lifecare retirement community.

SCARBOROUGH, Maine — August 11, 2011 — The creation of Maine’s first Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) 10 years ago this August not only required an act of the Maine State Legislature, but its founders also had to overcome a prolonged legal challenge by a neighbor and work through a labyrinth of local zoning ordinances. Long a passionate dream of well-respected community leaders, Piper Shores opened its door to the first residents in August 2001 and became the first retirement community in Maine to offer independent living, assisted living and skilled nursing care for one predictable monthly fee.

“A Maine resident looking for the benefits afforded by a CCRC, or lifecare community, in the 1990s would have to look to neighboring states because there was no provision in Maine for a continuing care retirement community,” said Mert Henry, a Portland, Maine attorney and Piper Shores’ first board chairman who is writing an historical retrospective on Piper Shores’ founding in 2001. “Creating the framework for Piper Shores literally required an action by the legislature.”

Appealing to Boomers – $5 Million Master Plan Construction Announced

Over the past 10 years, Piper Shores has emerged as one of the most successful lifecare retirement communities in the country, according to Life Care Services, LLC (LCS), which manages over 100 lifecare retirement communities around the country. But Piper Shores is not resting on its laurels. While many retirement communities are struggling with a slow economy and soft real estate market, Piper Shores is moving ahead with construction this month to implement a $5 million master campus plan improvement designed to appeal to the next generation of retirees as well as to provide upgraded amenities to current residents. The plan includes the construction of a 180-seat multi-purpose room for community-wide functions, dancing and entertainment events. Additionally, a new swimming pool, a circuit training room, a fitness classroom as well as a beauty salon and spa are planned. Hebert Construction Corporation of Lewiston, ME is expected to begin construction on the project on August 12, 2011.

“One of the mistakes retirement communities make is to fail to recognize the need to constantly reinvent, re-position and to adapt to the needs of current and future residents,” said Michael Bierley, Executive Director for Piper Shores. “We recognize how important health and wellness are to our current residents as well as to the next generation of retirees. Our board of directors is taking steps to keep Piper Shores offerings appealing and relevant to baby-boomers who are now starting to retire.”

In developing its fitness center plans, Piper Shores invited the University of New England’s Applied Exercise Science (AES) department to conduct a comprehensive resident needs assessment. The students then made specific recommendations in terms of room layout and equipment selection, optimized for an older population.

“I am so thrilled for this new facility,” said Ann Cowles of U-ExCEL (Exercise and Conditioning for Easier Living) who runs seven group fitness classes at Piper Shores for residents. “Having the new exercise facility will add a different dimension for exercise at Piper Shores. I foresee more individualized programs using the conditioning room to help increase fitness goals and resident well-being.”

About Piper Shores

Piper Shores is the only nonprofit lifecare retirement community in Maine and the first to be recognized by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) and the Continuing Care Accreditation Commission (CCAC) – the nations’ only accrediting body for continuing care retirement communities. Built in 2001 in a style that complements Maine’s architectural heritage, Piper Shores is located on 138 acres of beautiful oceanfront property, situated between Higgins Beach and historic Prouts Neck in Scarborough, Maine. Piper Shores is an innovative retirement community that promotes the long-term wellbeing of its residents through a continuum of activities and lifecare services. Piper Shores’ residents enjoy active, independent lifestyles with guaranteed priority access to on-site assisted living and skilled nursing care, whenever they may need it.

Piper Shores is owned by Maine Life Care Retirement Community, Inc., a Maine nonprofit organization, formed by a group of accomplished local individuals to deliver the shared vision of creating an ideal retirement community on the coast of Maine. Life Care Services, LLC, the nation’s leading developer and manager of senior living communities, provides management services for Piper Shores.

For more information, visit http://www.pipershores.org or call 207-510-5207.

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 For Immediate Release

April 13, 2011

Portland, Maine — The Maine Magazine Events Team announced plans for “Pop The Kennebunks,” a wine tasting celebration that is being planned and presented by Cellardoor Winery of Lincolnville, Maine. A first-time event for The Kennebunkport Festival, “Pop” events are nothing new to Cellardoor Winery. Since 2008 Cellardoor has hosted “Pop The Cork” a multi-venue celebration of wine, food and art in downtown Rockport and at this year’s Festival, Cellardoor brings the experience to Kennebunkport.

“We’re thrilled that the Cellardoor team will put their unique touch on the  Festival,” said Courtney McMennamin, Director of Events & Sponsorships at Maine Magazine. “We are quite confident that, based on how much guests enjoy Cellardoor’s ‘Pop’ events, ‘Pop The Kennebunks’ will be another showcase of Cellardoor’s commitment to hosting guests in their uniquely welcoming fashion. It’s one more reason why we think this year’s Festival will be the best one yet,” she added.

Pop The Kennebunks will be held at a spectacular estate (formerly the Elmina Sewall Estate) on Brown Street in Kennebunkport and will feature Cellardoor Wines, gourmet savories and sweets from Kitchen Chicks Catering and live music by Secret Service for dancing into the night. Complimentary trolley service to and from the event will be offered for ticketed guests.

“My team is looking forward to adding a bit of ‘Tiffany Blue’ elegance to the Festival as we welcome guests to our ocean side event,” said Bettina Doulton, owner of Cellardoor Winery.

The Maine Magazine Team also announced plans for a special presentation of check to Share Our Strength – Maine at Pop The Kennebunks. The check, which is guaranteed to be at least $20,000, represents proceeds from the previous nights’ Art. Works. Private Dinner Series. The money will help the organization in its mission to end childhood hunger in Maine.

Tickets for “Pop The Kennebunks” are $60 per person and are available, along with all Kennebunkport Festival event tickets, online at kennebunkportfestival.com.

Now in its seventh year, The Kennebunkport Festival is a community-focused event that celebrates Maine living.  For information call Courtney McMennamin at 207.772.3373 extension 124 or go kennebunkportfestival.com.

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They specialize in custom homes and renovations in Southern and Central Maine and the development at Stone Ridge Farm in Falmouth includes a custom home that is ready for you and your family right now!

70 Stone Ridge Farm

Located among the rolling hills and tree lined streets of West Falmouth is Stone Ridge Farm, an upscale subdivision of custom homes.  70 Stone Ridge is a dramatic and sophisticated design created for the modern lifestyle.  Form and function seamlessly blend together to create a truly unique atmosphere – at the unbelievable price of only $509,000!

This fantastic home is finished and ready for you and your family.

For more information visit either: Stone Ridge Farm Video or visit the property page on our website where you can download a brochure, deed and disclosures and of course view photos of the home and neighborhood.  70 Stone Ridge Farm

DeLise Decor, Portland, Maine’s newest home decor shop announces the launch of their website, which features a broad selection from their unique and unusual home furnishings collection.

DeLise Decor opened its doors in the Portland’s bustling Old Port district in June, and has been creating a buzz ever since. Apartment Therapy (www.apartmenttherapy.com) has hailed the DeLise Decor collection as “drool-worthy” and locals and visitors alike are finding an enchanting experience at the shop.

Owner Lisa Daggett spent the last 13 years in New York City and has moved back to her native Maine to open the shop. She and her team of pickers comb the New England landscape for vintage and antique paraphernalia. She also works with local artisans and craftspeople in the creation of architectural salvage pieces, which includes 19^th century Victorian chairs and settees reupholstered in modern fabric, a product proven to be very popular for its unexpected and delightful look.

Lighting, wallpaper, duvet covers and pillows all come from Lisa’s contacts within what has become a booming design cottage industry in the U.S. She states,  “As a designer, I know the challenges of finding interesting pieces in a world of mass-produced materials. One’s interior decor is a reflection of their personality, so adding one-of-kind design is essential in achieving an original space.”

Located in a 19^th century brick warehouse, which survived the fire of 1866, an experience in the Portland showroom is not to be missed. However, for those who can’t make it to New England soon, a visit to www.delisedecor.com is now a second best alternative.

MEDIA CONTACT:
DeLise Decor
324 Fore Street
Portland, Maine 04101
Contact: Lisa Daggett
Tel: (207) 774-7791
E-mail: lisa@delisedecor.com

Commercial building can be done only by a licensed, specialized contractor and Northstar Contracting lives up to the mark. The primary challenge in tackling commercial codes lies in the fact that they are more restrictive than the residential varieties. To a considerable extent, the case for commercial codes is vital due to the need for public safety for clients and their patrons. Commercial codes include ADA requirements, fire safety precautions, public wear and tear from flooring to glass to HVAC to electrical and plumbing among many others.

Building maintenance is a fast growing portion of our business. This includes local sites where bank teller lines are damaged and in need of repair, interior damage to retail stores, graffiti removal, modular furniture renovations, and water damage repair, etc.

We Ensure Operational Ease

A good commercial builder recognizes that once our portion of the project is completed, our client has to move in, change utilities, employee and customer notification and all take time. Therefore it is critically important to agree to deadlines and make them happen regardless of issues that can arise during the process. Northstar Contracting is staffed by able, skilled and professional members who are ready to put in their best efforts into any project. Rest assured that your task is taken care of in the best way possible and is completed on time.

It is common to have a client come to us during the build out with a change request because something has changed on their end or perhaps something looks quite different completed than it did on the approved plan. We are flexible at accommodating such requests as cost effectively as possible.

We offer hard, fixed estimates or time and material estimates including full disclosure of our costs with each project. This is a transparency seldom seen in the ‘testosterone laden’ construction world.

Why Northstar?

Northstar have been successfully making businesses beautiful since 1987 and today the brand is associated with aesthetic appeal and value added beauty. The name is synonymous with value minded business solutions that can beautify and embellish an establishment. We can work with you at finding solutions that will attract clients to your front door.

The Northstar Team is comprised of members with a diverse level of skill sets allowing us to ‘self-perform’ a large number of tasks. The list includes:

-      Framing; wood and steel; insulation

-      Ceiling grids and tiles

-      Install gypsum, mud/finish

-      Prime & paint

-      Carpentry; trim, moldings,

-      Full cabinet shop, working with veneers, laminates, complete stain shop

-      Custom built tables, booths, buffets, reception counters, etc.

-      We are the licensed Herman Miller installer for the Social Security Admin in the State of Wisconsin. We can dismantle and reinstall all modular furniture systems.

We utilize endorsed subcontractors that will perform the tasks beautifully, on time and on budget. If we are general contractor, we will guarantee their work or they won’t be on the job.

Finally, we can take on small jobs and larger jobs. Our smallest invoice has been $25.00 while our largest project exceeded $788,000.00 when completed.

Give Northstar a chance to ‘make your business beautiful’ and differentiate your business from your competition at a great value.

Northstar Contracting, Inc.

1750 Hamilton Court

Little Chute, WI  54140

Phone Number: 920-687-9472

Fax Number:  920-687-9473

Email: mailto:steve@northstarcontracting.com

www.northstarcontracting.com

Photo from left to right: Jim Delamater, Northeast Bank; Ron Philips, Coastal Enterprises; Margaret Bean, Maine Housing (behind); Lucie Ottati, Birch Hill Resident; Kevin Reilley, Benchmark Construction (behind); Governor John E. Baldacci; Richard Berman, Development Collaborative; Mayor Laurent Gilbert, City of Lewiston.

The event at the corner of Birch and Knox streets in Lewiston featured speakers from the collaborating partners of the project who spoke on the importance of affordable senior housing in Maine, the various challenges that the project faced and the successful collaboration of local and state organizations. Facility tours were given and refreshments were provided by Willie Bean’s.

“Birch Hill is one of those projects that has truly had a positive impact on the community. These economic times are unprecedented, and capital is the difference between a project like Birch Hill coming to fruition or simply being a plan on the shelf. That is why we believe it is imperative for those of us who can, to work together to continue to invest in our future,” said Jim Delamater, President and CEO of Northeast Bank.

“The real story of Birch Hill is in how it got created. It is a story of collaboration and leadership. It involved collaboration of many key partners and it is a story of leadership as each partner had to exert their individual leadership to create the development. Hopefully, we will see more projects like this over the coming year and we are thankful that this development came to fruition for the residents and the community,” said Richard Berman of Developers Collaborative.

Also featured at Thursday’s event was Lucy Ottati, a new resident of the Birch Hill Apartments. She shared her gratitude and excitement about her new home.

“It’s a joy to wake up every day in a place surrounded by activity. To look outside my apartment and see kids getting off the school bus and having people around really makes me feel part of a community, and I’m just honored to be living here.”

Local and state officials were also present, including representatives from Senator Olympia Snowe’s and Congressmen Michael Michaud’s’ offices. Mayor Larry Gilbert of Lewiston spoke about the project being a part of Lewiston’s revitalization and the city’s goals for the future.

“The City of Lewiston continues to seek out and embrace opportunities to grow and develop through worthwhile projects like this one, even amidst the struggles of the current economy. . . We will continue to invest and reach out to our partners to do what needs to be done to meet the needs of our community and our residents.”

Gov. John E. Baldacci attended the event as the keynote speaker. He congratulated the partners of the project on their success and also spoke on the importance of collaborative development in the state.

The Birch Hill Senior Housing project has created 20 units of simple yet elegant affordable elderly rental housing in a new building in downtown Lewiston. The unit mix includes 17 one-bedroom units and 3 two-bedroom units, with 5 units to be fully handicapped accessible. All 20 of these units will be targeted to households aged 55 or older with incomes at or below 60% of Area Median Income (AMI). Wireless broadband access is built in to the facility and a computer is available in the community room for residents. The building also has a laundry room available to residents.

The Birch Hill Senior Housing project started construction a year ago on a 15 year vacant lot in the heart of Lewiston’s downtown. Its completion was made possible through a public-private partnership between the City of Lewiston, Lewiston Housing Authority, Maine State Housing Authority, Coastal Enterprises Inc., Northern New England Housing Investment Fund, Benchmark Construction, Developers Collaborative and Northeast Bank.

About Northeast Bank

Northeast Bank, a leader in delivering one-stop shopping for financial services, is headquartered in Lewiston, Maine and is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Northeast Bancorp (NASDAQ: NBN). The Company has approximately $612 million in assets as of December 31, 2009 and operates 26 retail outlets, including 11 bank branches, 15 insurance offices and 3 financial centers serving the financial needs of western, central, mid-coastal and southern Maine, as well as seacoast New Hampshire. Information regarding Northeast Bank can be found on its website at www.northeastbank.com or by contacting 1-800-284-5989.

Fan NEB on Facebook * Join the NEB group on LinkedIn * Follow NEB on Twitter: @northeast_bank * Check out the NEB YouTube Channel

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Contact:
Mike Payson
Ridgewood Associates
207-939-4478
mike@RidgewoodFalmouth.com
www.RidgewoodFalmouth.com

New Owners Give New Life to Falmouth Community

Falmouth, ME, September 9, 2009 — The former Ridgewood Estates development, located off of Falmouth Road in Falmouth, has been acquired and revitalized by Ridgewood Associates to create a community and lifestyle that appeal to the interests and demands of the evolving real estate market.

Shortening the name to simply “Ridgewood,” new owners Mike Payson and Jim Wescott, Falmouth natives and brothers-in-law, have reinvigorated the project with new capital and will soon announce their vision for the real estate development, which consists of freestanding single-family homes, organized under a condominium structure to streamline common-area maintenance.

Payson says, “The original plan for the former Ridgewood Estates was a great concept. Jim and I feel strongly, though, that some new ideas will enhance the appeal of the community and make it truly unique in southern Maine.” He adds, “We have the capital to realize our vision, and we’re already off to a very good start.”

The first neighborhood is under construction and will include eleven homes. Three are completed and for sale, with prices starting at $389,000. One home is already under contract. The remaining homes are being built over the next several months.

Port City Architecture designed a selection of five home styles, ranging from 1,800 to 3,600 square feet. Floor plans accommodate a social lifestyle with open kitchen, dining, and living areas that invite natural light. Homes are situated in small clusters with facing front porches that allow for neighborly engagement and back yards that offer privacy and views of fields, woods, and wildlife. SYTDesign planned the site with a focus on maintaining the land’s pastoral beauty while incorporating pedestrian walkways, stonewalls, and ponds.

Homes are offered through Bruce Lewis, Hona Longstaff, and David Banks of RE/MAX By The Bay, Portland, 207-773-2345.

To learn more about Ridgewood, visit www.RidgewoodFalmouth.com

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