PORTLAND, ME (July 29, 2022) — The Bicycle Coalition of Maine, state legislators, and dozens of bicycle and pedestrian advocates from across the state met with Gov. Janet Mills for Tea at the Blaine House in Augusta on Thursday morning.

“We appreciate the opportunity to connect with the governor about the importance of active transportation,” said Bicycle Coalition of Maine Executive Director Jean Sideris. “The full house of attendees from across Maine and a wide variety of backgrounds demonstrates that there is broad support for making deep and long-term investments in biking and walking.”

“It was a pleasure to welcome the Bicycle Coalition of Maine to the Blaine House,” said Gov. Mills. “I look forward to continuing to engage with them and others to promote healthy, clean, and safe forms of transportation for Maine people.”

The attendees included state representatives and numerous bike shops, local businesses, local active transportation committees, public health proponents, trail organizations, non-profits, and other bicycle and pedestrian advocates.

The day began with a group bike ride that saw about 25 cyclists ride from the Maine State Library to the Blaine House. Bike racks set up on the lawn of the governor’s mansion ended up packed with bicycles prior to the event’s 9:30 a.m. start time.

After tea and refreshments in the Blaine House, the attendees returned to the Blaine House lawn for speeches by Sideris, Maine Public Health Association Executive Director Dr. Rebecca Boulos, and AARP Maine Volunteer State President Carl Bucciantini.

“MPHA was honored to join the event today, and grateful to the Bicycle Coalition of Maine for organizing and Gov. Mills’ administration for hosting,” Boulos said. “It was awesome to see so many people in support of investing in Maine’s bike/ped infrastructure, which we know improves public health, strengthens the economy, and helps Maine achieve its climate goals.”

“As the population ages and the popularity of e-bikes grows, we must make it safe to ride,” said Gorham Bike & Ski owner Jamie Wright, who provided e-bikes for demonstrations in the Blaine House driveway as part of the event. “We need more bike lanes, paths, trails, and a way to educate the general population about getting outside and being active.”

The Coalition aims to make the state safer and more welcoming for people walking, biking, and rolling, which is especially relevant given the record-high 20 pedestrians that were killed in Maine in 2021. Seven pedestrians and one cyclist have already died on Maine roads thus far in 2022.

Below: Gov. Mills includes (left to right) Nancy Grant, BCM Executive Director Jean Sideris, and BCM Assistant Director Jim Tassé.

GORHAM, ME (July 23, 2022) — Lots of wildlife and a new story this week at Hawke’s Preserve. A green heron was seen sitting on a post in the pond by the parking lot. Then a flash of brown fur went by and slid down to the Presumpscot River across the trail, evidence we think, of a river otter.

Also a wonderful new story, Over and Under the Pond by Kare Messner, has been installed on the Tow Path. The project is a collaboration between the land trust and United Way of Southern Maine. To find this trail and others in the area go to www.PRLT.org/preserves-trails

GORHAM, ME (July 20, 2022) — Calling all runners! The Second Edition Print Run 5K is open for registration!! We are absolutely overjoyed to be bringing this race back post-pandemic, and we hope you all have fun and enjoy celebrating Summer Reading at the library with a nice evening race! Register online at tinyurl/PrintRun5K

GORHAM, ME (July 24, 2022) — Looking to get into education, but don’t have a degree? Check out our new Educator Apprentice Program! Start as a full time sub, end with an Associates degree in just two years while being paid full time with benefits and…COURSES ARE FREE!

See Flyer for more information!

Positions open NOW for fall, 2022 start!

Apply using information on the flyer or reach out directly to Rhonda Warren at 222-1012.

GORHAM, ME (July 20, 2022) — Today marked the end of 4 intense days at NCA (National Cheerleading Association) camp that took place at Husson University in Bangor and our Mini Rams ended their first ever camp experience with a FIRST PLACE win with their jam routine in the youth category!!!

We’ll post on Facebook some camp highlights over the next few days, but in the meantime help us congratulate our cheerleaders, who also received superior ribbons and a spirit stick for their fantastic efforts! We are so proud of you and you represented Gorham fiercely today!

KIWANIS BEACH STANDISH, ME (July 20, 2022) –Friday, August 26, 2022 will be an awesome day! Veterans will begin their day with coffee and donuts and be paired up with boat captains who will take them out and fish a body of water known to possess 7 and 8 lb bass.

In the early afternoon lunch will be served and there will be an opportunity to play cornhole and just hang out and enjoy the time with your fellow veterans. There will also be the opportunity for a little swimming on the beautiful Sandy Beach.
Too reserve your spot or volunteer your boat for this day contact Jim Martel 207-233-1332

GORHAM, ME (July 15, 2022) – Gorham PD held Rookie Camp 911 from July 11 – July 15. The following posts are a brief recap of the daily events that the campers experienced.

Day 1:

Campers gathered and introductions took place with counselors, campers and public safety staff members. Campers received Camp T-Shirts and Identification Cards.

Campers learned about Patrol K-9’s, ESU, Taser Demo, and being a good Digital Citizen.

We would like to thank the Scarborough Police Department K-9 Teams, Det. Sgt. Daniel Young and Det. Rappold for making this day a great success!!!

Day 2:

Campers met with a Marine Patrol Officer and learned about Conservation Law on the Ocean. They got to touch oceanic lifeforms in particular lobsters and clams. Campers were also visited by the ME State Police Major Crime Unit where they learned about crime scene processing as well as getting a tour of the MCU Evidence Van.

In the afternoon, campers learned about the 911 system from Cumberland County Regional Communication Center dispatchers. They were able to understand the importance of 911 and provide proper information during an emergency situation.

Campers brought in their bikes and recieved a presentation on bike safety by members of the Gorham Police Dept. Campers were able to successfully navigate a bike safety course using proper signals and stops.

Day 3:

The day was spent at Shaw Park on the water. ME Game Warden Pete Herring talked with the campers about the importance of wearing a life jacket as well as other conservation laws. They were asked to put a life jacket by themselves and received McDonald’s coupons upon successfully demonstrating on how to properly secure the vest.

Gorham Fire Department showed the campers their water rescue gear and were allowed to see how the gear works first hand.

Det. Gene Gallant came in the afternoon to talk about his Dive Team Equipment and his role as a Dive Team member. He also spoke with the campers about his use of a drone to help officers reconstruct crime scenes.

Thank you to all our instructors and presentors.

Day 4:

Gorham Fire Department Day. Fire Fighter Leighton showed the campers equipment from Gorham Rescue and showed the campers how she would utilized the equipment in emergency situations.

In the afternoon campers were shown how a hose was pressurized and how they use the hose and truck to extinguish fires. Campers were able to hold the hoses under direct supervision to get a feel of how fire fighters have to put out fires.

The remainder of the day consisted of fun in the water with a BBQ and ice cream provided.

Day 5:

The final day of Camp consisted of a presentation from the ME Forestry Department at the Gorham Public Safety Facilities. Campers were made aware of fire prevention in a woodland/camping setting. They were shown the equipment used by Forest Rangers and were able to use their hand held water tanks to simulate putting a fire.

Campers then went on field trips to the Animal Refuge League learning about the care of lost and recovered animals. They learned about the care of the animals as well as the welfare that was provided to these animals.

Campers finished their field trip with a trip to the Portland Fire Boat on Commercial Street in Portland. Campers learned about the water front and how Portland Fire Department assists with rescues and fires on the ocean and waterfront.

Campers returned back to the Gorham Public Safety Facility having a group photo and receiving certificates of completion to the CAMP 911 program.

 GORHAM, ME (July 11, 2022) — Kindergarteners through fifth graders in Gorham gathered for a week of community, compassion, and compromise in late June at Peacemakers, a vacation Bible school at St. Anne Church.

“We set up a peace camp for the week and the kids learned how to handle situations that arise due to conflict and how to compromise, talk the situation out between each other, and come up with solutions that work best for all instead of fighting, yelling, or walking away,” said Cindy Fiore of St. Anne.

 The week was led by Sister Jackie Moreau, RSM, parish catechetical leader at the church. 

“They learned to practice peace in their lives through music, games, crafts, and Jesus’ example,” said Sister Jackie. 

The children met for three hours per day for the five-day program and were assisted by parish teens and adult volunteers. The kids even learned the story of Fatima and organized a presentation for the parents at the end of the week. 

“The kids got to reenact the story about the three children who Our Lady appeared to. They also learned how to pray the rosary,” said Cindy. “It was a great week and experience for all involved.”

SOUTH PORTLAND, ME (July 15, 2022) — A hotel in South Portland that is housing newly arrived, asylum seeking families has asked for our support in making their playground a better place for the dozens of kiddos that live there.

Kids need safe, outdoor spaces to get out their energy, engage their imagination, make friends, explore and just have fun.

Currently, the playground is pretty bare and it’s showing in the way the kids interact with it. 

What if they had a place full of activities & options for kids of all ages, interests & abilities? 

What if they had a place so exciting, they could get lost in play for hours & their parents could use that time sorting out how to settle into their new community or to get some rest?

Do you have any outdoor playthings no longer in use that you can pass along to help these kids have a great first summer in their new home?

Hula hoops, jump ropes, sidewalk chalk.  Balls & slides & a big swing set.  Comfy outdoor seating, bubble machine.  Soccer goals & a basketball hoop.  Sun shades & a water play table.

Is there an activity your own child loves to participate in outside? Help make that a reality for the kids at this hotel.

Please drop any contributions off at the hotel.  PLEASE DO NOT BRING THEM TO MAINE NEEDS.  The hotel manager asked that donations be dropped off directly at the hotel so that they can be put to immediate use.

Donations can be brought to:

Quality Inn, Main Office

738 Main Street

South Portland ME 04106

Attn: Michelle

Let’s make this a place kids want to be.  Let’s help them have a memorable summer.