AUGUSTA On March 18, 2010, Maine Legislature’s Utility and Energy Committee held a  2 hour work session on LD 1810, the bill to implement the recommendations of the Governor’s Ocean Energy Task Force.  Scroll down   to listen to the speakers and legislators at this worksession (mp3s) Listen to March 11th public hearing on LD 1810 Mp3s

Due to the presence of Maine fishermen  and oceanic beauty in virtually every square foot of Maine state ocean waters, commercial windfarm companies may be required by the legislation to keep out of Maine state waters; in exchange, the industry seeks nonconfrontation with the fishing industry further offshore.

“Fishermen, resorts, the schooner fleets, a variety of human users are already fully exploiting Maine’s nearshore natural resources.” said Ron Huber “They can only be harmed if the industrial wind companies began leasing nearshore waters.”

Because of the complexity of the 38 page bill,  (see pdf copy of LD 1810 with state waters parts highlighted) the committee could not get through the entire bill and will meet again on Tuesday at 1pm

The Maine Lobstermen’s Association will work through the weekend on acceptable wording protecting fisheries.  Doubtless other fisheries as well.  The ocean windmill industry is no doubt busy, too,  hoping to reinclude permssion to do windpower in state waters in the bill.

Listen to speakers at the March 18, 2010 Hearing

* Introduction to the Worksession 4min

* MDEP’s Beth Nagusky describes proposed changes to Bill Part A 17 minutes

* MDEP’s Nagusky Q&A session 11 minutes

* Patrice Farrell, Maine Lobstermen’s Association 3 & 1/2 minutes

* MDEP’s Beth Nagusky describes proposed changes to Part B of LD 1811

* Suzanne Sayre 2 minutes

* John Ferland Ocean Renewable Energy Corp 1 minutes

* Dianne Messer, advocate, Liberty Maine 2 minutes

* Chris O’Neill, Friends of Maine Mountains 1 minutes

* Todd Rousette (sp?) Preti Flaherty lawfirm 2 minutes

* MDEP’s Beth Nagusky describes more changes to Part B

* MDEPs Beth Nagusky on changes to Part C of bill

* MDEP’s Beth Nagusky on changes to Part D of bill

* MDEP Beth Nagusky on Changed to Part E of Bill
* MDEP Beth Nagusky questioned on Part E 7 min

* MDEP Beth Nagusky questioned more 10 minutes

* University of Maine Dr Dagher 12 minutes

* Final stakeholders and close of work session  11 minutes

The unexpectedly loud powerful opposition to the bill by Maine scallopers, shrimpers and groundfishermen, joined by ocean resort and sailing interests and conservation activist Huber, may be bearing fruit.  “We won’t just stand by and let  the Department of Conservation start leasing out Maine’s legendary fishing and sailing grounds to big energy companies out of Boston and New Jersey.” said Huber  who is the litigant in the aforementioned  Huber v Bureau of Parks and Lands lawsuit over the Monhegan floating test site.

He said the bill would allow companies to seek 20, 40 and 50 year leases over state waters. “Are we really ready for that?” Huber asked. “I don’t think so.  Neither do most fishermen I know.“    The ocean windmill industry is probably busy this weekend too, he said,  hoping to regain language in the bill allowing windpower in state waters in the bill.

Heuber said That  the Maine Lobstermen’s Association leadership, which had been negotiating behind closed doors with the wind industry, had to be taken to task by scallop, shrimp and groundfish fleets and its own rank and file  before it stopped supporting DMR’s “Prepare to Share”  campaign, as  described by George Lapointe at the  wind energy seminar at the 2010 Maine Fishermens Forum.

On March 23rd, all interests will be back in Augusta before the Utility and Energy Committee for a 1pm  final  showdown on LD 1810

About the seminar

Despite our love affair for all things technological, in a recent survey of top sales and marketing professionals, event marketing was voted the number one discipline for producing results. Bob Tiernan, President of Cameo Marketing, will explore the power of one-on-one event marketing and how it can help your organization build strong consumer relationships that result in the creation of brand evangelists and drive sales. You’ll leave with a greater appreciation for the importance of maintaining human connections, especially in today’s world, in which we as marketers have become increasingly dependent upon electronic and digital communications.

Topics include

• The definition of event marketing and its history as a relatively new marketing force.
• The seven key benefits of event marketing and how well-crafted brand experiences can connect your organization with its consumers.
• Why and how event marketing continues to deliver an exceptionally strong ROI.
• Real-world examples of how Cameo Marketing clients have benefited by strengthening their connections with customers through event marketing.

About Bob Tiernan

Cameo Marketing was founded in 1992 by Bob and his wife Bonnie, and represents the fulfillment of Bob’s dream to build a second career. A native New Englander, Bob spent much of his professional life in the broadcasting industry and held executive level positions at Selcom, Westinghouse Broadcasting and CRN International. Bob provides leadership and creativity in the design of Cameo projects – from concept to fabrication to execution

Networking and registration for the seminar, which is open to both MMA members and non-members, begins at 11:00 AM. The presentation starts promptly at 11:40 and ends at 1:00. The cost for lunch is included in the fee: $15 members, $35 non-members, $10 students. TechMaine members may also attend at the MMA member rate. To register for the Lunch & Learn, please click HERE.

The Maine Marketing Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing ongoing marketing-related education and support to its members and to the region’s business community. It is the first group of its kind in Maine, dedicated exclusively to marketing education. Membership is just $89 for a full year.

Susan earned her B.A. from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree in public relations from Boston University College of Communication. She is a member of the Maine Public Relations Council (MPRC) and the United Way of York County’s Marketing and Communications Strategy Committee. She enjoys volunteering at Equest Therapeutic Riding Center, hiking and antiquing, and visits to Monhegan Island in Maine. Susan lives in Kennebunk with her husband and their Westie, Sydney.

Planning For Good Workshops, presented by Sarah Ruef-Lindquist  March 2010 Topics:

• Assessing organizational readiness

• Involving the Board: ensuring sound policy basis

• Setting Goals and evaluating success
  

Go to :  www.planningforgood.net for more information and advance registration details (required)

March 16th – Augusta location, Maine Bar Foundation offices

March 23rd – Portland location, Cumberland Club

efforts to put students at the center of learning

Wiscasset, ME –The Wiscasset schools of RSU 12 (http://wiscasset.maineadulted.org) have been selected as a recipient of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation’s Catalyst for Change awards, which recognize existing examples of personalized, student-centered learning experiences across New England. Twelve schools and education organizations have received a one-time grant of $50,000.

“We are thrilled that the hard work and commitment to personalized learning is receiving this recognition,” said Anne Fensie, Adult Education Director. “It is our hope that we can collaborate on successful models of student directed learning with other schools in the region to capitalize on the school reform initiatives that promote personalized learning. In addition to actively engaging students in learning, the Wiscasset schools have created a change in the school culture that makes students believe that the logical choice is to attend some form of postsecondary training or college.”

“The selection process has helped us become more aware of efforts already taking place across the region to put students at the center of the educational experience,” said Mary Sylvia Harrison, Vice President of Programs for the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.  “We’re pleased to recognize these schools and organizations, and we look forward to further exploring how to build on the momentum for innovation that these models create.”

All Catalyst for Change applicants were asked to clearly articulate how they define, implement and/or promote personalized, student-centered learning through their school models, policy change or advocacy efforts.  Applicants were also asked to present a clear rationale for their particular approach and provide supporting evidence of the approach’s contributions to the improvement of educational outcomes for middle and high school students, especially the underserved.  Applicants also had to show that their programs were a core facet of schooling and not a stand-alone program.

Wiscasset Middle School will utilize the award to ensure the successful continuation of Expeditionary Learning. This program engages students in authentic opportunities that allow them to be out in the community doing “real” work that has significant impact as they do research regarding our local environment, especially the watershed areas. Wiscasset High School will enhance personalized learning by enabling additional programming for at-risk students and supporting the implementation of Response to Intervention. The funds will also support initiatives to bring students out into the community for experiential learning with local professionals, including after school and summer programming. Wiscasset Adult & Community Education will increase the availability and intensity of services for out of school youth, especially as they transition to postsecondary education. In addition, these funds will be utilized in coordination with the Maine Department of Education Office of Adult Education to create additional self-paced curricula aligned with the Maine Learning Results and modified for adult learners at various educational functioning levels, which can then be distributed to adult education programs throughout the state.

Twelve schools and organizations from across New England were selected to receive Catalyst for Change awards, including: Sheepscot Valley Regional School Union # 12 (Wiscasset, ME); Boston Arts Academy (Boston, MA); Boston Day & Evening Academy (Boston, MA); The Domus Foundation (Stamford, CT); Jobs for Maine’s Graduates (Augusta, ME); Northeast Kingdom Learning Services (Newport, VT); Q.E.D. Foundation (Amherst, NH); Springfield Renaissance School (Springfield, MA); Steps to Success (Brookline, MA); Vermont Rural Partnership (East Hardwick, VT); Vermont Youth Conservation Corps (Richmond, VT); and Young Voices (Providence, RI).

For more information about the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, visit www.nmefdn.org

presents 5 Planned Giving Workshops

The first and very timely for many  Executive Directors,

this January 19 in Portland Maine

and January 26 in Augusta Maine
“Strategies for Planned Giving for the “small” Development Office”

attendees will learn:

• Maximizing potential with minimal capacity
• Engaging board and senior management for support and success
• Sustaining the effort for the long-term

Fees detailed at www.planningforgood.net

advance registration required,  no charge for Planning For Good clients

Complete details available at www.planningforgood.net

email @srueflindquist@gmail.com or call 975-5165

The films include “The Triumverate”, ‘Vital Records” and ‘For the Life of Me” by Jean Strauss, “Adoptee Rights:Philadelphia 2009” by Scott Hancock and “Roots: Unknown” by Zara Phillips.

Admission is by donation and light hors devours will be served at intermission. Festivities begin at Noon at The Maine Studios Facility on Presumpscot Street in Portland.

Snowdate is January 3^rd, 2010.

The Maine Studios is an eco-friendly Film Studio located in Portland; Maine’s largest city.  With over 43,000 square feet of production and office space, this facility is one of the largest film studios in the Northeast.  www.mainefilmstudios.com

CONTACT: Sarah Ruef-Lindquist (207) 975-5165

HALLOWELL, Maine.

Sarah Ruef-Lindquist has been named President of the Board of the Maine Bar Foundation (MBF) for the year 2010.

Founded in 1983, MBF serves Maine’s communities and the legal professional through its administration of the Interest on Lawyer Trust Accounts (“IOLTA”) Program and other public-service law related activities. MBF funds Pine Tree Legal Services, the Volunteer Lawyers Project, Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, Maine Equal Justice Partners, Legal Services for the Elderly, the Cumberland Legal Aid Clinic and has also provided funding to other non-profit organizations working to increase access to justice for those in poverty in Maine.

The Maine Bar Foundation has provided leadership and administrative support to one of the most successful fundraising initiatives amongst lawyers and the judiciary in the United States: Now in its 6^th year, the Campaign for Justice raises more funds from lawyers and the judiciary in Maine for legal services than all but one other state, raising over $400,000 in each of the years 2008 and in 2009 to support access to justice.

Ruef-Lindquist, a member of the Foundation Board since 2003, has served as Development Chair, Finance Chair, Investment Committee Chair and Treasurer. She also serves on the board of the Maine Philanthropy Center. She also serves on the Development Committee of Franklin Pierce Law Center, and has served on numerous boards of Maine and New Hampshire non-profits. She is a frequent writer and speaker on the topic of trust, estate and charitable planning, and is Senior Consultant and founder of Planning for Good, www.planningforgood.net providing gift planning support services to non-profits.

The Maine Bar Foundation’s offices are located at 40 Water Street, Hallowell. www.mbf.org

New Gloucester, Maine September 18, 2009 – The New Gloucester Community Fair Committee plans to expand this year’s fair from a one day to a two day event.  It is expected up to 10 thousand people will attend the fair over the 2 day period this year, making 2009 even larger than 2008.

Each year the New Gloucester Community Fair has drawn larger crowds, more recognition, and a whole lot more fun.  Building off the success of the 2008 season the fair committee has expanded the fair back to a two day event in anticipation of a crowd of about 10 thousand visitors.

Last November the committee held a visionary meeting to adopt a broad reaching vision for the ongoing success of the community fair.  With overwhelming support of the community, the Selectman and the fair committee, this year’s fair is rapidly shaping up to be the largest most exciting and successful yet.  The New Gloucester Community Fair has definitely found its nitch.  By focusing on community and family the New Gloucester Fair has been able to appeal to both young and old from Portland/South Portland to Yarmouth to Oxford to Lewiston/Auburn and further.  Even folks from as far away as Bethel were found at last year’s fair.

More staged events are planned along with a variety of musical performances.  More activities are also planned for this year’s fair including a free 20” bike give-away every hour.  One of the largest car shows in Maine takes place Saturday Oct 17^th.  A parade starts the day on Sunday Oct 18^th along with an early pancake breakfast sponsored by the Boy Scouts.  Tons of kid activities held both days including petting animals and tractor barrel rides.  There will be miniature car races and on Sunday even a vintage style baseball game is planned.  Saturday night concludes with fireworks.

For additional information, contact George Carmen or Michael Bardier at 207.926.4126 ext 7 or email newgloucestercommunityfair@yahoo.com

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The 2009 Lobsterman Triathlon and Aquabike will take place at Winslow Park in South Freeport, Maine on Saturday, September 19th.

PORTLAND, ME – September 14, 2009 – Tri-Maine’s Lobsterman Triathlon and Aquabike event will bring over 800 athletes to South Freeport on Saturday morning, September 19th. Acclaimed for having the “Best Scenery” of any triathlon in the country by Triathlete Magazine in 2008, the popular event sold out for 2009.

The race begins at 9:30 a.m. at Freeport’s ocean-side Winslow Park. Triathletes will swim 1.5-kilometers (.93 miles) in Casco Bay, head out on a 40-kilometer (24 mile) bike ride along the countryside of Freeport and Brunswick, and finish with a 10-kilometer (6.2 mile) “lollipop” run through the village of South Freeport. Aquabike competitors will follow the same swim and bike courses without the run, and all athletes will finish back at Winslow Park.

Following the completion of the race, local restaurant Gritty McDuff’s will host a classic lobsterbake. (More than 400 lobsters were served in 2008!) There will also be live entertainment, food options provided by Freeport’s Bow Street Market, and a LobsterKids Fun Run after the adult event.

The Lobsterman will feature both local athletes and competitors from more than 24 states and Canadian provinces.

“It’s exciting to see so many athletes coming to Maine to experience our stunning landscape and the some of the best in athletic competition,” says Will Thomas, Tri-Maine’s Executive Director. “We’re thrilled that the Lobsterman has become such a favored destination race and looking forward to another great event.”

For the safety of athletes, Staples Point Road and parts of South Freeport Road (between Route 1 and Main Street) will be closed to vehicle traffic from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lower Mast Landing Road, Flying Point Road, Bunganuc Road, and Pleasant Hill Road also experience cyclist traffic from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m., however they will remain open. Residents and motorists are asked to plan accordingly and proceed with caution.

The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is the Lobsterman charity partner and sponsor support for the event comes from L.L. Bean, Peak Performance Multisport, Orthopaedics Associates, Bow Street Market, The North Face, Comfort Suites of Freeport, Pape Subaru, Pepsi, Freeport Merchants Association, and SwimVacation.

Volunteers are also still needed for the race and can sign up by contacting Erik Boucher at erik@tri-maine.com.

Live results can be viewed on race day at www.tri-maine.com. For more information, contact Amy VanHaren.

About Tri-Maine:
Tri-Maine Productions is Maine’s premier multisport event management company. Providing high quality, competitive races in dynamic New England locations, Tri-Maine serves more than 3,000 athletes, 5,000 spectators, and 800 volunteers annually. Tri-Maine partners with first-rate local and national sponsors to provide an athletic experience like no other. Fusing arts, music, environmental consciousness, health, and community together with the active lifestyle, Tri-Maine delivers specialized events that transcend the traditional. Visit www.tri-maine.com for more information.

Contact:
Amy VanHaren, Tri-Maine Productions
207.221.5420 x 5
amy@tri-maine.com

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