For more information:
Angela Smith at 207.272.6894
Tim Hobbs at 207.769.5061

Presque Isle, Maine — Maine has always played a vital role in the nation’s seed potato industry, exporting tens of thousands of tons of Maine certified seed potatoes to states up and down the East Coast, and internationally, each year. More than 100 growers from across Maine ship 100+ varieties to places all over the map. Recently, however, commercial grower Daniel Corey sent seed potatoes to a new address: Epcot. Yes, as in the Walt Disney World Resort theme park.

Epcot plans to use the seed potatoes to develop a suitable hydroponic potato growing method (growing plants in pots) and to select the right varieties so that potatoes could potentially be included in The Land pavilion. This attraction entertains millions of guests every year aboard the Living with the Land boat ride – a 14-minute experience showcasing major agricultural crops from around the world.

Corey, who operates Daniel Corey Farm in Monticello, Maine, believes beyond a shadow of a doubt Epcot will meet with success. “Our seed potatoes will grow there. Florida is our biggest customer of seed potatoes, and we know what works,” said Corey. “Our seed potato industry is second to none…our potatoes will be part of The Land.”

Corey is excited about working with Epcot, namely because it is one more way to promote Maine’s potato industry – and to educate people around the world. “Many people don’t even realize potatoes start out in a test tube, using the eye of a potato,” he said. “Many potatoes, even those grown in other states, get their start right here in Maine.”

Corey donated Lachipper, Atlantic, Peter Wilcox, Harley Blackwell, Red Lasoda, NY 129, Yukon Gold seed potatoes. These varieties consist of reds, whites, yellows, purple, potato chip, and table varieties.

There are about 380 potato growers in Maine, from Aroostook County to the western mountain region around Bethel and Fryeburg. The total impact of the potato industry on the state’s economy is $540 million in sales, 6100 jobs, over $230 million in personal income, and over $32 million in state and local taxes. For more information visit www.mainepotatoes.com.
—30—

Portland Chiropractic Neurology has recently begun offering some much needed pain and abnormal movement relief to patients with Parkinson’s disease.  Parkinson’s is a degenerative disorder of the brain that results from the destruction of cells that produce dopamine. Symptoms include rigid muscles, abnormal movement in the upper extremity and postural instability.  While the exact cause of Parkinson’s disease continues to be investigated, some of the latest research shows that accidents involving head trauma have been linked to the disease, which affects the Substantia Nigra at the level of the Mesencephalon in the brain stem.

Dr. Aaron MacArthur and his team at Portland Chiropractic Neurology offer chiropractic and neurological treatments that can help patients with Parkinson’s disease by correcting the spinal misalignments and activating the parts of the brain that are affected with Parkinson’s disease. After nerve irritation has been removed, proper communication between the brain and spinal cord is restored.   This activates the Mesencephalon and fuels the proper function of the Basal Ganglia, reducing tremors and increasing Cortical stimulation.  “While there is still a lot to be learned about Parkinson’s disease,” adds Dr. MacArthur, “many patients have reported better neck movement, fewer tremors, and the ability to stand and walk for longer periods of time.”

Learn More:
If you would like more information about Parkinson’s disease relief through chiropractic care, or the other services provided by Portland Chiropractic Neurology, please visit their Web site: http://www.portchiro.com/or call (207) 699-5600 for a consultation.

About Portland Chiropractic Neurology:

Portland Chiropractic Neurology is located at 19 Commercial Street Suite 2A in Portland, Maine. Dr. MacArthur is the only Chiropractor in Maine with a specialty in Neurology.

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

For more information contact Christopher Berube, (207) 324-7511
Part of Record-Setting Maine Credit Union League Campaign

Sanford, Maine – Representatives from several of York County’s community food pantry programs met with York County Federal Credit Union officials to accept a check representing more than $13,000 in contributions collected by YCFCU employees participating in the Maine Credit Union League Campaign for Ending Hunger.

At the ceremonial presentation held at York County FCU’s South Sanford office were leaders from Biddeford’s Bon Appetit Community Meal Program, Kittery’s Footprints Food Pantry, the Sanford Food Pantry, York County Food Rescue (Sanford), and the York County Shelter Programs of Alfred.

“York County Federal Credit Union has supported this statewide program for many years,” said Christopher Berube, chairperson for YCFCU’s Ending Hunger committee.

“Our annual Walk To End Hunger, started by York County FCU employees in 2006, brings together community members, friends and family in raising much needed funds that are earmarked for hunger organizations and food pantries in York County.

Money raised by the credit union is also shared with the Saco Food Pantry, Hollis Center Food Closet, and St. Mary’s Ecumenical Food Pantry.

“We’re very pleased to report that York County was one of the leading participants in the 2009 Maine Credit Union League effort,” said James Nelson, YCFCU president. “All told, York County Federal Credit Union, together with dozens of other Maine credit unions, raised more than $375,000 in the 2009 Ending Hunger campaign.”

###

The 14 hour STRIVE Rocks Dance Marathon starts this Saturday with Hip Hop Classes from Trish Moulton!

The Dance Studio of Maine today announced that Trish Moulton has signed up with STRIVE to offer hip hop classes at their 6^th annual Dance Marathon on Saturday, March 6^th. STRIVE offers social, recreational, and educational programs for over 600 teens and young adults with developmental disabilities in Maine. Last year, the Dance Marathon raised $30,000.

Trish Moulton will serve as a volunteer and will be bringing many of her students from the Dance Studio of Maine to take part in the event. “I am proud to work on this wonderful event with the best volunteers and most creative dancers” said Moulton.

If you would like to take part in the event, you can get a registration form online at www.firstgiving.com/strive.

About Trish Moulton

Trish Moulton is a dance instructor and the owner of the Dance Studio of Maine and Music School of Maine. She and her dances have won many awards and participated in dance competitions all over New England. She can be reached at 839-6161 or at http://www.dancestudioofmaine.com