ORONO, ME (June 9, 2023) — More K–12 students and educators in Maine are set to benefit from stronger social, emotional and behavioral supports thanks to Maine PBIS, a collaboration between the University of Maine System and Maine Department Education, which is adding 21 new schools to its professional development cohort.

The schools, which will participate in the initiative over the next three years, are located in communities throughout the state, including Berwick, Boothbay Harbor, Brooksville, Bucksport, Damariscotta, Edgecomb, Litchfield, Madawaska, North Berwick, Sabattus, South Portland and Westbrook.

“Teams of educators from these schools will learn and practice together for the next three years, joining more than 30 schools that are currently part of our professional development model and more than 75 schools statewide that have already implemented sustainable supports for Maine students,” says Courtney Angelosante, Maine PBIS coordinator at the University of Maine College of Education and Human Development.

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, or PBIS, is a nationally recognized framework providing a multi-tiered continuum of supports in K-12 schools, promoting positive social and behavioral outcomes for all students. It is based on a community health promotion model. In schools that have implemented PBIS, it is expected that 95% of students will have most of their social, emotional and behavioral needs met before schools have to implement the third, or most targeted tier of interventions.

Maine DOE, in collaboration with UMS, supports schools and districts to implement PBIS through a cohort model that matches Maine-endorsed PBIS trainers and coaches with district and school-level teams. Maine PBIS’s professional development efforts have received national and international attention as a particularly effective example for rural schools and communities. 

“Being able to work with our PBIS coaches multiple times a year made our school’s efforts towards Tier 1 implementation much smoother,” says Sierra Bloom, a first-grade teacher at Surry Elementary School, which has already taken part in the UMS-Maine DOE initiative. “Our coaches were always there to support our work directly and led us to a solid foundation for our work in PBIS.”

Bloom adds that being able to work with other schools in the cohort model was beneficial. 

“We were able to collaborate and share ideas for success, while also gaining support towards common struggles,” she says.

This summer, Maine PBIS will host a five-day training institute for educators who are part of its professional development cohort. The training, which is limited to 50 participants and will take place at Husson University from July 10–14, will be designed to help teachers identify why a behavior is happening through a variety of assessment tools and procedures, leading to the development of a positive behavior support plan individualized to a student’s strengths and needs. More information about the Maine PBIS Advanced Tiers Summer Institute is online.

“The supportive and inclusive practices of PBIS have elicited overwhelmingly positive responses by administrators, educators, students and families. Our office looks forward to supporting and sustaining schools and districts in this work,” says Tracy Whitlock, Special Projects Coordinator in the Office of Special Services and Inclusive Education at the Maine Department of Education.

The department provides funding for the Maine PBIS initiative through a federal State Personnel Development Grant. The funding is helping scale up capacity for PBIS in the state through a UMS Microcredential for PBIS Coaching and Training. The second cohort of educators seeking the micro-credential endorsement will begin in fall 2023. Applications, which are available online, are due June 15.

GORHAM, ME  (June 9, 2023) – The business hours for Town of Gorham municipal departments located at 75 South Street will be changing effective July 1, 2023. The Municipal Center will now be open to the public Monday through Thursday, 7:00am – 5:00pm and closed on Fridays.* This change is being made in an effort to improve our ability to serve the public.

A significant review of each department’s hours of operation revealed that the current Municipal Center hours lack uniformity and consistency, which is often confusing for the public. The new hours will be more consistent and will improve public access to Town services by aligning interdepartmental hours and adding extra time before and after the current workday for business transactions to be completed. We hope that this new schedule will better accommodate the public and improve overall accessibility. *

The Recreation Department will continue offering Friday programming as usual.

The Gorham School Department Administrative Offices will continue to be open on their existing schedule, Monday through Friday, 8am to 4pm.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will the new days and hours of the Gorham Municipal Center be?

Effective July 1, 2023, the new hours of Town departments within the Municipal Center will be Monday through Thursday, 7:00am to 5:00pm for our predominantly public-facing departments. This includes the Finance Office, Town Clerk’s Office, Community Development (Code Enforcement, Planning, Economic Development, Assessing), and Recreation Department. *Any regular Recreation programs scheduled on Fridays will still take place and be unaffected.

What are the current Municipal Center hours?

Municipal Center hours are currently Monday through Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm for the Finance Department and Community Development Offices (Code, Economic Development, Assessing, and Planning). The Town Clerk’s Office is currently open Monday through Wednesday, 8am to 4pm, Thursday 8am to 6:30pm and Friday 8am to 1pm. The Recreation Department office hours are currently Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:00pm.

Will Baxter Memorial Library hours be affected?

No, Baxter Memorial Library will remain open on Monday, 9am to 4pm, Tuesday through Thursday 9am to 7pm, Friday 9am to 4pm, and Saturday 9am to 1pm.

Why did the Town make this change?

This change was contemplated for nearly a year as other municipal organizations made the transition, and as we explored opportunities to improve accessibility for the public and strategies to better compete in the labor market with expense-neutral solutions.

Who has the authority to change Town Hall hours?

The Town Manager has the authority and responsibility for the management of municipal departments, including establishing hours of operation. Over the last several months, the Town Manager has kept the Town Council informed that a change in municipal hours was being contemplated.

Does this affect Public Safety?

At this time, the business hours of the Police and Fire Rescue departments are not changing, and the schedules of on duty and public-facing police officers and firefighters / EMS providers will not be affected.

Will employees be working less hours?

No. Employees will be working the same amount of hours and in some cases more.

How is the public being notified of this change in hours?

The Town of Gorham has placed notices on our website, social media accounts, flyers within Town Hall, notices through our announcement listserv, as well as notification at public meetings. The Town will continue to make an effort to announce this change throughout the next year into 2024.

Do you envision changes to this schedule in the future?

While we envision this change remaining in place for the foreseeable future, we will assess the feedback from both the public and staff on an ongoing basis. Should we identify opportunities to improve our accessibility to the public in the future, we will remain open and willing to consider further adjustments.

I still need a permit or registration on a Friday. What are my options?

Many of the Town’s services are available online, including most functions within the Gorham Clerk’s Office such as motor vehicle re-registrations. Building permits can also be applied for via email through our Code Office with an online software for permitting going online in the fall of 2023. All departments will make reasonable accommodations for our residents and business clients.

GORHAM, ME (June 2, 2023) — Applications are now available for the Town of Gorham Senior Property Tax Assistance Program. This program was established to provide property tax assistance to persons 65 years of age and over who reside in the Town of Gorham. Under this program, the Town of Gorham will provide refund payments to those individuals who maintain a homestead in the Town of Gorham and meet the criteria established by this article.

 To obtain an application, please visit the Town Clerk’s Office at the Gorham Municipal Center (75 South Street), or see the Town’s website.

 Completed applications can be submitted to the Town Clerk’s Office now through the deadline of August 1, 2023. If you have questions and/or need assistance completing your application, email seniorrebate@gorham.me.us, or call 222-1671.

GORHAM, ME (June 2, 2023) — Family Discovery Story Time—Monday, June 26th  10am—Join us on the library lawn for Family Storytime! This multi-age program (ages 2-5) will feature books, music, movement and a hands-on activity! Please bring your own chair or blanket. In the event of inclement weather, we will be in the Youth Services program room.

Crafty Quest Gaming Workshop—Tuesday, June 27th  3pm—Join master storyteller and gamer Michael Best as he walks young players through the basics of role playing games (RPGs). Using his game-master skills along with crafts, participants will learn to create a character and a back story and will play a short RPG adventure. For fans of table-top games or those who would like to learn more about them.  Registration is required. (ages 6-12)

Big Blue Block Building Day—Wednesday, June 28  10-11am—Join us for some creative construction on the Library green. (All ages)

Art in the Park—Thursday, June 29th  10-11:30am—Bring your snacks and a blanket as we enjoy art in the park together. We supply the paints and paper, and you supply the creativity. This is one of our most popular summer events. (All ages)

CUMBERLAND, ME (May 31, 2023) — The Homeless Animal Rescue Team (HART) of Maine, an adoption center & shelter for cats in Cumberland, is thrilled to announce that this year’s March Meowness benefit fundraiser raised $6,088.84: Just under $2,000 more than last year’s event.

$2,511.84 of the proceeds will help pay for food, litter, and medications for the 80+ cats they have in their care at any one time: both at the shelter and in foster homes. $3,577 will go to The Burt Fund, which supports restoring and maintaining the health of injured stray cats that come into HART’s care with extensive medical needs.

The 2023 March Meowness Champion is Panda. Panda beat out 113 other ‘Cat-Testants’ (12 more than last year) for a year’s worth of bragging rights, and Panda’s family receives championship hoodies.

Andy Hanna, HART’s Operations Director, was thrilled with the success of this year’s event, noting, “Each year, we see the enthusiasm and participation grow, and we are very appreciative of everyone’s involvement.”

Janine Giustina, HART volunteer Development Committee Co-Chair, and Board Member, added, “Our sincere thanks goes out to Nate Hicks, who started this benefit on behalf of HART four years ago. There’s so much that goes into organizing this tournament, and Nate’s work within the local community to elevate HART’s mission by drumming up involvement and donations among HART’s supporters and area businesses is so valued by our organization.”

HART CELEBRATES

To celebrate this milestone, Mr. Hicks and the official March Meowness mascot, Marty, stopped by the HART shelter at 302 Range Road in Cumberland on Saturday to present the proceeds to Mr. Hanna and HART volunteers.

MORE WORK TO DO

March Meowness helped jumpstart HART’s 2023 fundraising efforts, and now, HART’s Spring Fundraising campaign is in full swing, with a goal to raise $50,000 by mid-June. The objective is to continue the organization’s work, sheltering and caring for cats in need, especially their longer-term residents with more complex and expensive medical needs, compounded by recent inflationary pressures.

Donations to HART’s Spring Fundraising Campaign can be made on HART’s website: hartofme.org. Checks are also accepted by mail, payable to HART of Maine. PO Box 351 Cumberland, ME 04021.

Homeless Animal Rescue Team of Maine Mailing Address: PO Box 351, Cumberland, ME 04021

Shelter Address: 302 Range Rd, Cumberland, ME 04021 207-829-4116 | info@hartofme.org | HARTofME.org

Left to right, Marty, the official March Meowness mascot; Andy Hanna, HART’s Operations Director, holding Norma Jean; and Tom Godsoe, HART Volunteer. Photo Credit: Janine Giustina

AUGUSTA, ME (June 2, 2023) – Governor Janet Mills today announced funding for nine new Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) conservation projects across Maine, advancing the State of Maine’s commitment to preserve precious natural resources, protect wildlife habitats, and ensure public access to lakes, rivers, scenic views, and mountain vistas.

 “These nine projects will preserve thousands of acres of land for the benefit and enjoyment of future generations,” said Governor Janet Mills. “I am proud that, through actions taken by the Legislature and my Administration, we are continuing to protect more and more of our cherished natural resources.” 

“These projects represent another example of Maine’s strong and enduring commitment to protecting our valuable natural resources, wildlife habitat, and wilderness areas,” said Patrick Keliher, Land for Maine’s Future Chairman and Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources.

 “Broad support for the Land’s For Maine’s Future program has enabled important ongoing work to protect land for the benefit of all who recreate in Maine, ensuring lasting benefits for our state and local communities both now and for future generations,” said Amanda Beal, Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. 

“Reinvigorated with $40 million through the leadership of Governor Mills, the Land For Maine’s Future program continues to preserve, protect and enhance many of Maine’s most valuable and pristine natural areas, ensuring Mainers and visitors alike will always be able to enjoy the way life should be,” said Judy Camuso, Commissioner of the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. 

Since the Governor proposed and the Legislature overwhelmingly approved $40 million to reinvigorate LMF, the LMF Board has approved 46 new projects, totaling $5.19 million. These projects are expected to leverage an additional $6.7 million in private and Federal funds. 

The newly approved projects announced today include:

 Lexington Deer Wintering Area: A 1,452-acre parcel in Lexington Twp, Somerset County, to be acquired by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. It encompasses high-value deer wintering habitat, freshwater wetlands, significant inland-wading bird and waterfowl habitat, and miles of freshwater streams. 

Branch Lake Expansion (Ellsworth, Hancock County): A 279-acre fee acquisition by the City of Ellsworth, expanding and connecting existing City Forest greenspace while safeguarding the public drinking water supply. 

Haystack Mountain (Montville, Waldo County): Presented by the Friends of Haystack Mountain and to be acquired by Midcoast Conservancy. This property features blueberry fields, walking trails, snowmobile trails, and breathtaking panoramic views from the 840′ summit.

 Eastern Trail and Cottontails (Wells, York County): The Town of Wells will acquire this 155-acre property, allowing the development of access to a new section of the Eastern Trail and preserving the ideal New England Cottontail habitat. 

Maquoit Bay – Sherwood (Brunswick, Cumberland County): This 32-acre property, to be acquired by the Brunswick Topsham Land Trust, encompasses upland and intertidal areas within the Maquoit Bay and Middle Bay Focus Area of Statewide Ecological Significance, including shoreline and a Wetland of Special Significance.

 Rumford Community Forest (Rumford, Oxford County): A 446-acre project presented by the Trust for Public Land and acquired by Inland Woods and Trails. It is between downtown Rumford and Black Mountain, with easily accessible trails forming a local and regional trail network. 

Salmon Falls Tidal Wetland (South Berwick, York County): A 79-acre project presented by the Town of South Berwick jointly with the Great Works Regional Land Trust, protecting the Salmon Falls River shore frontage and saltmarsh of special significance, including upland and intertidal areas within a cottontail focal area. 

Kezar River South (Lovell, Oxford County): The Greater Lovell Land Trust will acquire this 1,377-acre property, expanding on previously protected lands with LMF funding in 2022. It boasts 4.5 miles of river frontage, wetlands, and upland forest. 

High Peaks Orbeton Keystones (Madrid, Mt. Abram, Salem Twps, Franklin County): A 2,666-acre property to be acquired by the Bureau of Parks and Lands (BPL), improving access to existing BPL lands adjacent to the Appalachian Trail. It includes snowmobile and hiking trails and scenic sections of Orbeton and Perham Streams.

The Land for Maine’s Future Program, established in 1987 through a $35 million bond approved by Maine citizens, is the State’s primary method of conserving land for its natural and recreational value. Recognizing the importance of working lands and public access to these lands in preserving Maine’s quality of life, the program has conserved over 624,000 acres of land, including 333,425 acres of working land. 

This remarkable work includes the establishment of 70 water access sites, providing over 67 miles of shoreline on rivers, lakes, and ponds, the preservation of 41 farms and 9,884 acres of farmland, the conservation of 30 working waterfront properties, the conversion of 158 miles of former railroad corridors into recreational trails, and the creation of over 69 miles of coastal access. 

For more information about the LMF program and the conservation projects, please visit https://www.maine.gov/dacf/lmf.

GORHAM, ME (May 26, 2023) — Hula Hoop with Nettie Loops at the North Gorham Public Library. Wednesday, June 21st at 11am. Free event for all ages! Join us in front of the library for an outdoor hula hooping experience with local hula hoop artist, Nettie Loops! Bring a beach blanket and water bottle (optional). Rain date: 6/28. 

WINTHROP, ME (May 26, 2023) — Start this year’s 4th of July with a bang by entering the 21st annual “Friends on the 4th” 5K Run/Jog/Walk. The race is scheduled for Tuesday July 4, 2023 at 8:00 a.m. held in Winthrop, Maine at Norcross Point. The race, with a scenic course that runs along the eastern shore of Maranacook Lake, is open to runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages.

The pre-registration fee is $25 for 11 years or older and $15 for 10 years and younger. Payment and registration form must be received by 8:00 am, Tuesday June 27 to guarantee the t-shirt and gift bag. Event day registration is $35 with no guarantee of a t-shirt and gift bag. Same day registration MAY be available day of the race starting at 7:00 a.m. and ending at 7:45 a.m. at the American Legion on Bowdoin Street in Winthrop. Early registration is highly encouraged!

The Friends would like to send a big Thank-You to this year’s sponsors- Major sponsor: Homestead Realty. Gold level sponsors: Maine General Medical Center Sports Medicine, Definitive Brewing Company, G& E Roofing. Silver Sponsors: Lamey Wellehan , JF Scott Construction, Pine Tree Fence, Augusta Fuel Company, Winthrop Plays Outside, Family First Funeral Homes and Cremation Care, The Weathervane Restaurant. Bronze Sponsor: American Awards. All proceeds from registrations support programs offered by the Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, a 1,000+ member organization whose mission is

“protecting the lakes, ponds, and streams of the Cobbossee Watershed through community engagement, conservation and education”.

For more information, please contact the Friends office at 207-395-5239 or mail@watershedfriends.com.

GORHAM, ME (May 26, 2023) — North Gorham Public Library is now offering FREE day passes to Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens in Boothbay. Passes are available at the library for the season running May-October. One family (2 adults + any number of children under 18) per day can sign up for a day pass. Reserve ahead at the library! Please note you must have a NGPL library card to use these passes, but if you don’t have one yet fear not- you can get one for free! You do not need to live in Gorham to have a library card.

GORHAM, ME (May 25, 2023) – The Town of Gorham thanks everyone who participated in the Town’s climate resiliency outreach survey.

The survey results will help prioritize areas for investment in the years ahead. With the Council’s unanimous support for enrollment in the State’s Community Resilience Partnership at its May 2nd meeting, Gorham will now be eligible to apply for state funding to meet the needs that have been identified.