Briefs: Humpback Whale Research Involves COA Graduate
Volta! ArtWaves! Mount Desert Spring Clean-up, Real Estate and More!
A Quick Note From Us: Each week, we compile briefs and press releases and event images and share them all in one (sometimes very long) story.
Our briefs article is mostly just press releases that we don’t write, or claim to write, but just share from the agencies, businesses, people, and organizations that send them in.
If things are not a press release, they are labelled “BRIEF” in their headlines. The press releases will not have that label. We’ve also started to put singular local briefs up on our website in their own tab as well. This will happen ahead of this weekly collection article. You can find those and past briefs/press releases here if you want those briefs a bit more timely. It’s just that there are so many that we’d be bombarding your email constantly if we sent them out individually.
Research highlights whale movement
BAR HARBOR — A major study of humpback whale movement patterns across the North Atlantic basin is illuminating the behavior of at least one endangered species of whale.
“Ocean-basin-wide movement patterns of North Atlantic humpback whales, Megaptera novaeangliae,” published by the International Whaling Commission’s Journal of Conservation Research and Management in February, provides an important basin-scale update to our understanding of whale movement patterns across the North Atlantic for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Lindsey Jones, a 2018 graduate of College of the Atlantic’s masters program, and a number of other researchers with College of the Atlantic Allied Whale and around the world analyzed nearly 10,000 individual whales using photo-identification (photo-ID) records collected from 1980 to 2015 in the North American Humpback Whale Catalog, which is curated by Allied Whale. They tracked how whales moved between five feeding areas and three breeding areas.
Jones and her co-authors found that whales from the Greater Antilles (like the Dominican Republic) mainly travel to western North Atlantic feeding areas (such as the Gulf of Maine and Canada), while those from the Lesser Antilles (like Guadeloupe) head to eastern feeding areas (such as Iceland and Norway). The endangered Cape Verde whales also migrate to eastern North Atlantic feeding grounds. The research suggests that the whales in the Greater and Lesser Antilles have different migration behaviors and may need to be treated as separate populations for conservation purposes.
Among the coauthors are current and former Allied Whale research associates Judy Allen, Thomas Fernald ’91, Rosemary Seton, Peter Stevick ’81, Frederick Wenzel, and Allied Whale director Sean Todd. In total, 35 researchers from both sides of the Atlantic contributed to the work.
“The only way we could look at this large of a data set was with that many people involved. That collaborative aspect was very important to this work, and to all of Allied Whale’s work,” Jones says. “The important data that the analysis is based on come from people collecting photos and sightings of humpback whales, from Norway to the Cape Verde Islands and Canada; thousands of whale-watching participants and researchers throughout the ocean.”
The study, which began as Jones’ graduate thesis at COA, is important because it helps scientists better understand how humpback whale populations are structured and where they migrate. By identifying distinct migration patterns, researchers can improve conservation efforts, ensuring that different whale populations get the specific protections they need. Since the Cape Verde population is endangered, knowing where these whales travel can help target conservation efforts more effectively, such as protecting key feeding and breeding areas from threats like shipping, fishing, and climate change.
“We, the people, back in 1972 said, ‘We believe marine mammals to have value and worth to the point that we're going to protect them.’ Thus was born the Marine Mammal Protection Act, and the next year the Endangered Species Act, and since then, US agencies, such as the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, and global groups, such as the International Whaling Commission, have been charged with the sustainable management of these species. This paper is a very important contribution to that management,” says Todd, who, along with directing Allied Whale, is the COA Steven K. Katona Chair in Marine Sciences.
Jones worked as a graduate research assistant with COA Allied Whale and subsequently served as the group’s director of photo-ID research for more than five years. She now manages the North Atlantic Right Whale Catalog with the Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium, working to research and conserve the critically endangered species.
Allied Whale formed during COA’s infancy in 1972 as a four-week class, Humans and the Great Whales. Biology professor Steven Katona, one of COA’s founding faculty members and a future president of the college, knew about as much about whales as the students – which is to say not very much – but joined them in the task of learning what they could, with a focus on saving these great creatures that were endangered due to human activities.
In the mid 1970s, Scott Kraus '77 started the North Atlantic Humpback Whale Catalog as his senior project. His photo-ID technique, which captured photos of the unique patterns seen on the flukes of whales, inspired and enabled whale research around the world. That former senior project is currently one of the largest international catalogs of photo-identified humpback and finback whales.
The current iteration of Allied Whale encompasses the stranding program, maritime research, immersive field studies at the Edward McC. Blair Marine Research Station on Mount Desert Rock, skeletal articulations, necropsies, and the photo-ID catalogs. COA students are involved in all parts of Allied Whale, through independent research, coursework, work-study, internships, and more.
While the study captures decades of data assembled by Allied Whale and their international collaborators, it also highlights the collaborative, investigative mission on which the group was founded, Todd says.
“This is a really important paper that executes on Steve Katona's vision that basin-scale knowledge of systems requires multiple institutions collaborating together—this is the ‘Allied’ of Allied Whale,” he says.
TOWN OF MOUNT DESERT SPRING CLEAN UP
Spring Clean Up Week
April 21-25, 2025
MOUNT DESERT—Spring clean-up coincides with school vacation and is April 15 through the 19, 2019. There will be only ONE pick-up of your items, so please have them out by 7:00 A.M on Monday.
Please note that your regular household trash will be collected on your regular pick up day.
Following is the schedule for the week. It is flexible and will vary depending upon on the volume of trash that is set out to be collected. Due to cost and time constraints, we are not able to backtrack so please pay particular attention to the schedule. There will be only one pick-up per residence.
Monday: We will start in Northeast Harbor.
Tuesday: We will start at the intersection of Routes 3 (Peabody Drive) & 198 (Sound Drive) and work towards Seal Harbor.
Wednesday: We will start in Otter Creek and work back towards Seal Harbor.
Thursday: We will start on Route 198 (Sound Drive) and work towards and into Somesville.
Friday: We will collect from the general area including Hall Quarry, Pretty Marsh and Beech Hill areas.
One truck will collect materials that include small amounts of asphalt shingles, tarpaper, sheet rock, insulation, plastic bags, and other non-wood materials. Amounts are limited to approximately the size of a pick-up truckload, 8' X 6' X 3.5', approximately six (6) cubic yards.
Another truck will collect a maximum of four tires per residence without rims (the rubber only) and metal appliances such as stoves, freezers, refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers. The doors must be completely removed from freezers and refrigerators. If they are not, they will not be picked up.
Another truck will collect burnable wood waste such as brush and tree limbs and a separate truck will collect lumber and other wooden materials. To be collected, all wood waste must be less than four-feet in length and less than six-inches in diameter. Amounts are limited to approximately the size of a pick-up truckload, 8' X 6' X 3.5', approximately six (6) cubic yards. Stumps will not be collected.
Engine blocks and vehicle motors with bases removed will be collected. They must be free of all fluids.
Another truck will collect bags of leaves.
All materials must be in suitable containers or bundles able to be handled by one person.
Materials that will not be collected include: batteries of any kind, boats, hazardous waste (petroleum products, antifreeze, etc.), universal waste (TV's, computer components, etc.).
The onsite supervisor will determine what is acceptable and what is not. That person will also determine acceptable load sizes. If you have any questions please call 276-5743, 276-5744 or 276-5531. Your assistance will be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
Also, the Town Office will be closed on Monday, April 21, 2025 in observance of Patriots Day.
VOLTA HOSTS THE NIGHT MARKET!
TRENTON—Join us at Volta Climbing Gym on April 4 at 6:30 p.m. for the Night Market! An evening of art, music, climbing, and community vibes.
🎤 Live Bluegrass music from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
🌯 El El Frijoles burritos for sale (yum!)
🖼️ Local artist tables
🔄 Creative barter & trade room- bring a couple of your handmade goods to sell or swap!
🧗 Climbing- $10 for non-members!
Whether you’re a maker, a music lover, or just looking for a fun night out, you’re sure to leave with something special.
THE DETAILS:
📍Volta Climbing Gym
📅 Friday, April 4th from 6:30-9pm
More on the Barter + Trade Room: Are you a casual creative who loves to make things? Bring a couple of your handmade items (earrings, felt creations, crochet, embroidery, pottery, woodwork, stickers, paintings, poetry, etc…) to sell or trade in the Volta Homeroom. We’ll have tables set up. There’s no obligation to stay the entire time. Hopefully, this is a fun way to share and showcase the wonderful things that our talented community members create :) People who don’t bring items are welcome to browse and purchase awesome handmade goods.
ArtWaves April Member’s Show Opens at Northeast Harbor Library
NORTHEAST HARBOR—ArtWaves is proud to present the April Member’s Show, an all-media exhibition celebrating the creative talents of its artist community. The show will be on display from April 3 to April 29 in the Mellon Room at the Northeast Harbor Library, located at 1 Joy Road, Northeast Harbor.
This exhibition showcases work from over 30 ArtWaves members, featuring painting, sculpture, printmaking, fiber arts, photography, and mixed media. An opening reception will be held on Wednesday, April 3, from 5–7 P.M., offering an opportunity to meet the artists and enjoy light refreshments.
Library & Viewing Information
Exhibit Dates: April 3 – April 29
Library Hours: Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. – 6 P.M. | Saturday, 9 A.M. – 5 p.m.
Visitors are encouraged to check the library’s schedule at nehlibrary.org or call (207) 276-3333 to confirm room availability.
Featured Artists Include: Nancy Norris, Vicky Smith, Kailey Lewia, Kathie Pratt, Julie Meltzer, Autumn Smith, Laura Naomi, Brian Caine, Sue Christian, JoAnne Yates, Tracy Grieves, Isabel Mancinelli, Kelly Cutler, Roger L. Brignull, Laney Lloyd, Rick Osann, Jake Jacobson, Neil Needleman, Caroline Keller, Shelly Price, Terre Lefferts, Bonnie Chase, Maria Charette, Paige Collins, Joan Vienot, Mary Ternus, Liz Cutler, Katie Hodgkins, Will Erlanson, and Sherri Christianson.
About ArtWaves
ArtWaves is a nonprofit community arts center dedicated to providing accessible arts education and fostering creative expression in Mount Desert Island and beyond. Through workshops, exhibitions, and collaborative events, ArtWaves connects artists of all levels and mediums.
For more information about ArtWaves and membership opportunities, visit www.artwavesmdi.org.
Free Tools Available at the Northeast Harbor Library
NORTHEAST HARBOR—On Saturday, April 26, from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., the Northeast Harbor Library will host a tool swap in collaboration with the Sustainability Committee of the Town of Mount Desert.
The tool swap is a drop-in event for anyone trying to upgrade their collection or build their dream workshop on a budget. Items will be made available for free to all, whether they have made a contribution or not.
The library is accepting donations of tools in good working condition during its standard open hours, from Saturday, April 5, until 11:00 a.m. on the day of the Swap. Accepted materials include hand tools, safety gear, landscaping equipment and power tools. Please contact the library in advance if you plan to donate a large piece of equipment.
IMPACT: THE COST OF FEAR
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—On Tuesday, April 15th at 5:30 p.m., at the Southwest Harbor Public Library, Meg Stone, author of The Cost of Fear, will explain why most self-defense advice is outdated, fear-based, and often ineffective—plus what actually works. Learn how to recognize coercion, set verbal boundaries, and use simple but powerful physical techniques to protect yourself.
Online viewing is available. Check out Meg’s book: The Cost of Fear: Why Most Safety Advice Is Sexist and How We Can Stop Gender-Based Violence. Books will be available to purchase.
Learn the art of fly-tying at the Gilley April 5
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Join Downeast Trout Unlimited and the Wendell Gilley Museum for a fun fly-tying workshop for students of all experience levels on Saturday, April 5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be options for beginning, intermediate and advanced students age 8 and older. Veteran fly tyers Bob Bechtold, Mike Elkavitch, and Al West will be on hand to guide students through the process with demonstrations and lots of hands-on help.
Beginners will learn the Maple Syrup and Wooly Bugger flies, while intermediate students will tackle the Golden Retriever and Marabou Micky Finn. Advanced students will learn the Marabou Black Ghost and Orange Stimulator flies.
All materials will be provided. Class size is limited, and registration is required. The fee is $26 per person for Museum members and $30 for non-members.
This workshop is four hours long, so bring a snack or lunch. Register at www.wendellgilleymuseum.org/calendar
Event co-sponsor Downeast Trout Unlimited is a non-profit conservation organization.
The instructors are all group members and volunteer with Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing-Machias.
Mike Elkavitch has been tying flies for about 30 years starting in New Hampshire. He enjoys the tying process and catching fish on flies he has tied and created. He is a member of Downeast Trout Unlimited and the Pleasant River Fish and Game Conservation Association.
Al West has more than 60 years of experience fly fishing and tying flies. He graduated from the University of Maine, Orono with BS in Biology in 1972 and worked for more than 40 years in various New England fisheries. He is a Registered Maine Guide, VP of Pleasant River Fish & Game Conservation Association, and serves on the Board of Directors Downeast Trout Unlimited. He also teaches a five-week course every spring focusing on casting, proper gear, reading the water, and fly selection.
Bob Bechtold graduated from East Stroudsburg University with an MS in aquatic biology in 1996. He was introduced to fishing at a young age by his grandmother and still has his first fishing pole. He began fly fishing more than 40 years ago, and has been tying flies for the past 20 years. He said he enjoys sharing what he has learned with others, and growing the sport of fly fishing and the art of fly tying.
MAINE CHESS ASSOCIATION CROWNS STATE CHAMPS
ORONO—Amidst the gleam of glass and metal of student engineering projects at the UMaine’s College of Engineering and Computing, Pre-K to 12 grade students gathered on March 22 to compete for the Maine Chess Association’s (MECA) state individual championship tournaments.
There were nine sections, or mini-tournaments, based on students’ grade or rating/ability. Hancock County players fared well including four-year-old Elam Monahan, from Rose’s Little School in Bar Harbor, taking the first place trophy in the Kindergarten to first grade championship section.
“Elam was ecstatic when he heard the announcement that he was the K-1 state chess champion,” said Dan Monahan, Elam’s dad and an assistant tournament director. “He started learning chess from his older siblings a couple of years ago and has since developed a passion for the game. We are very proud of him.”
Conners Emerson School also had several players competing. For K-5 elementary players, 2nd graders Daniel Chang came in 15th in the championship section and Sadie Monahan placed tenth in the Rated Under 500 section. For middle school, sixth grader Finn Monahan came in 13th in the championship section and seventh graders Anthony Siemion and Samuel Chang came in sixth and 16th, respectively, in the Rated Under 800 section.
“Having the tournament at the UMaine College of Engineering was fun because many of the student engineering projects were on display including what looked like a rocket snowmobile and also a robot that kids could play chess against,” added Monahan. “It was a great experience.”
MDI Chess hosts a scholastic chess club on most Sundays from 4-5:30 p.m. at Choco-Latte coffee shop in Bar Harbor. For more information about scholastic chess visit www.ChessMaine.net or contact MDI Chess at MDIChess1@gmail.com.
Homelessness Comes Into Focus
BAR HARBOR—A film screening and panel discussion on ending homelessness in Maine is set for April 16 at College of the Atlantic. Building Hope: Ending Homelessness screens at 6:30 p.m. in the Davis Center for Human Ecology, Rm. 102. It is free and open to the public.
Following the film, producer Melody Lewis-Kane will be joined by Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter & Services President and CEO Dr. Katie Spencer White, Next Step Domestic Violence Project Child Protective Services Liaison and Community Educator Leslie Linder, former director of H.O.M.E., Inc. Tracey Hair, and Maine Representative Gary Friedmann (D-Bar Harbor) in a discussion.
Building Hope shows us that there is hope to ending the suffering of homelessness. The film explores the stories of those caught in the daily crisis. With the help of respected state advocates, many have risen above their circumstances to find housing and jobs and are becoming productive members of society. Others, due to mental illness and substance use disorder, have yet to succeed. Today, it is even more difficult due to the dearth of affordable housing and the influx of asylum seekers taking up so many of the beds at our cities’ shelters.
The film explores why and how our society can heal the suffering. Maine’s Speaker of the House Rachel Talbot Ross (D-Cumberland) talks about her own vulnerabilities growing up, and now the $100 million dollars that she has led the state to invest in affordable housing. Maine Independent Senator Angus King addresses the inadequacies of our minimum wage and the government tax incentive bills he co-sponsors to give confidence to developers to create affordable housing and emergency shelters. Developer Kevin Bunker, the force behind building Portland’s new Homeless Services Center and the new Asylum Seekers Center, talks about the root causes of inequality in our system.
Preble Street’s Mark Swann laments over his city’s sweeps of encampments, yet his hope “springs eternal.” Community Housing of Maine’s Cullen Ryan makes crystal clear the damage that is done both to individuals without housing and to our society as a whole.
Free Workshop Series Will Delve Into Mindfulness Tools for Enhanced Well-Being
ELLSWORTH—Join Healthy Acadia's Sonya Connelly and Ursula Hanson for a free, four-class series to learn tips and tools for boosting mindfulness and self-compassion for better health. Classes are scheduled for Thursdays, April 3, 10, 17, and 24, from 6 to 7:30 p.m., at The Moore Community Center, 125 State Street, Ellsworth.
Mindfulness and self-compassion are inner resources that allow us to soothe and regulate ourselves in the presence of stress and anxiety, teaching us to handle life's challenges with a gentler and more forgiving attitude.
Experience the essence of mindfulness in this introductory session designed for beginners and those curious about cultivating a greater presence in daily life. Through guided meditation, gentle exercises, and practical tips, we'll explore how mindfulness can help reduce stress, enhance focus, and improve overall well-being.
This class series provides a relaxed, judgment-free environment to:
Discover the basics of mindfulness practices.
Learn simple techniques to bring awareness into everyday moments.
Understand how mindfulness fosters emotional balance and clarity.
“These classes build upon one another, and attending all four will be most beneficial,” notes Connelly. “But we welcome you to as many as you can join. No prior experience is needed—just bring an open mind and a willingness to explore. You will leave with practical tools to support your mindfulness journey.”
Pre-registration is required. Register online at bit.ly/msc-workshop425.
Sonya Connelly has served as the Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator at Healthy Acadia since 2020. She holds a master’s degree in counseling and has extensive experience in bereavement support and spiritual formation. With decades of experience in mindfulness, meditation, and contemplative practices, Sonya is passionate about simplicity and slow living.
Ursula Hanson, LCSW, has led Healthy Acadia’s Mindfulness in Education Program and the Monthly Mindfulness Series since 2017. With over 15 years of experience as a therapist, Ursula has used mindfulness to manage her own anxiety and enhance her overall well-being.
For more information about this event, future mindfulness events, or other programs promoting mindful living, contact Ursula Hanson at ursula@healthyacadia.org. To stay updated and register for free events, subscribe to Healthy Acadia’s e-newsletter or visit healthyacadia.org/hpm-mindfulness-for-health.
Healthy Acadia is a 501(c)(3) community health organization dedicated to building vibrant communities and making it easier for everyone to lead healthy lives. Serving Washington and Hancock counties, the organization provides community health support and leadership across Maine. For more information, visit healthyacadia.org.
Healthy Acadia to Host Tai Chi Instructor Training Workshops in September 2025
ELLSWORTH—Healthy Acadia is pleased to announce two upcoming Tai Chi instructor training workshops this fall, aimed at promoting better physical and emotional health through gentle mind-body exercises. Both workshops will be held at Healthy Acadia’s Ellsworth location, 77 Beechland Road.
The Tai Chi for Life workshop is scheduled for Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Tai Chi for Osteoporosis workshop will take place on Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Both workshops will be led by Tai Chi for Health Institute Master Trainers Pat Lawson and Nina Zeldin.
Participants will learn Sun and Yang style movements that support both emotional and physical well-being. The workshops are open to anyone looking to deepen their Tai Chi practice, whether for personal growth or to pursue instructor certification. Those interested in becoming certified instructors are encouraged to complete the necessary preparatory work and memorize the sets before attending. Non-instructors are also welcome to join, as the workshops are designed to enhance Tai Chi knowledge and skills for all participants.
Course Fees:
$250 per workshop, plus course materials
Early Bird Special: $175 if registered before June 6, 2025, or $300 for both workshops, plus course materials.
Course materials range from $50 to $83, depending on whether participants attend for personal enrichment or to become certified instructors.
Healthy Acadia continues its commitment to fostering healthy lifestyles in the community through wellness initiatives like Tai Chi. These programs are designed to empower individuals to achieve better health outcomes through regular mindful movement.
For more details and to register for the workshops, visit:
Tai Chi for Life Workshop: https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/workshops/workshop/?workshop_id=7322
Tai Chi for Osteoporosis Workshop: https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org/workshops/workshop/?workshop_id=7323
For additional information, please contact Nina Zeldin, Healthy Acadia by emailing nina@healthyacadia.org, or calling 207-479-1206.
Nina Zeldin has served as Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health Program since its launch in 2014. She teaches six to eight community classes each week and coordinates classes for Healthy Acadia’s Community Instructors. To date, over 2,500 people have participated in the program. Populations reached include older adults, children, people in recovery from substance misuse, and developmentally challenged children and young adults. As Maine’s sole Tai Chi for Health Institute Master Trainer, Nina can certify new tai chi instructors and recertify existing instructors.
Nina’s passion for sharing the health benefits of Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) programs springs from her own experience. Regular tai chi practice helps her manage symptoms of the chronic health conditions she experiences, and she finds joy in helping empower others to improve their health and well-being.
While Nina’s passion ignited Healthy Acadia’s Tai Chi for Health Program, it is the Tai Chi for Health Institute curricula and community of sharing that fuels its development and allows it to flourish. The science-based, safety-focused, and step-wise progressive teaching method of the programs makes it easy for people of all abilities to enjoy the health benefits of tai chi. This is the magic Nina strives to foster.
Pat Lawson is a retired Secondary Language Arts teacher from Florida who has been practicing martial arts for over 48 years. In 1992, after exploring various forms such as Judo, Karate, and Northern-style Kung Fu, Pat discovered that tai chi chuan offered a perfect blend of all aspects.
As an accredited Master Trainer, Pat has delivered Tai Chi for Health programs in many areas of the U.S., positively impacting countless lives. Pat has served as the chair of the education committee of the Tai Chi for Health Institute since 2018 and continues to teach in Martin County, Florida, spreading the benefits of tai chi to all who are eager to learn.
Healthy Acadia is a 501c3 nonprofit community health organization that works to build vibrant communities and make it easier for all people to lead healthy lives throughout Washington and Hancock counties, Maine. For more information about Healthy Acadia’s efforts to address food insecurity, and other health initiatives, visit www.healthyacadia.org.
The Tai Chi for Health Institute (TCHI) was founded in 2010 by Dr. Paul Lam and many of his colleagues to empower people to improve their health and wellness through Tai Chi for Health programs. The Tai Chi for Health Institute is a 501c3 nonprofit organization working to empower people to improve their health and wellness by making Tai Chi for Health accessible to everyone. Learn more at https://taichiforhealthinstitute.org
2025 Moose permit lottery applications are accepted online only until May 15, 2025 at 11:59 pm
AUGUSTA—Applications for the moose permit lottery are now open! To apply, visit mefishwildlife.com and complete the online moose permit application. During the application process, you can indicate your preferences, including which Wildlife Management Districts (WMDs) you’re willing to hunt in and whether you’d accept a permit in a different WMD if your top choices are already filled. You’ll also be able to choose your preferred hunting season, indicate if you’re willing to accept an antlerless permit, and name a sub-permittee. Additionally, you’ll be asked if you want to apply for the Adaptive Unit Hunt in WMD 4A.
Applications must be completed by 11:59 pm (ET) on May 15, 2025.
The 2025 moose permit lottery drawing will take place Saturday, June 21 at the High Peaks Outdoor Heritage Festival in Farmington, Maine. Those who do not attend the in-person drawing can view lottery results at mefishwildlife.com by 6pm on June 21.
For more information about moose hunting in Maine and the moose permit lottery, please visit: mefishwildlife.com
Have a question? Check out our frequently asked questions and answers.
Home and Community-Based Services Quality Assurance Project Focus Group Announcement
AUGUSTA—In December 2024, the Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) started a project to improve the quality of home and community-based services (HCBS). DHHS is working with a group called Alvarez and Marsal (A&M). This project is meant to help many groups that interact with HCBS, including the people who supervise those who provide case management services for people who have an intellectual disability or an autism spectrum disorder and receive home and community support.
Some key terms you might have heard during this project are:
Reportable Event: When something bad happens, like an injury or a mistake with medicine.
Incident Management: How DHHS tracks and fixes these kinds of problems.
Thank you to everyone who participated in the HCBS Quality Assurance project’s town halls and focus groups back in January and February. Your feedback on what does work and what does not work in the incident management system was incredibly valuable!
DHHS is now at a stage in the project where it plans to share ideas for strengthening the incident management system with different groups, including members, families, and guardians.
A&M will host a focus group to present these initial ideas and gather your feedback. Your input will help DHHS understand your perspective on potential opportunities to enhance the incident management system. This is another opportunity to share what would best support your experiences!
In this focus group, A&M will talk about:
Summary of what was talked about during the town halls and focus groups in January and February.
Introduction / discussion of ideas for the incident management system.
Close out / open discussion.
Important Details - Session #1:
When: April 9, 3:00-4:00 p.m. (each session is limited to 15 attendees)
Who: Individuals and families using services, advocates, and support groups
Where: Online (Zoom meeting, you'll need to register using the button below)
REAL ESTATE TRANSFERS
BAR HARBOR
• Sonja H. Callahan, a/k/a Sonja J. Callahan, Bar Harbor to College of the Atlantic, Bar Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
• Estate of William T. Mitchell, Bar Harbor to Island Housing Trust, Mount Desert, land with buildings and improvements.
CRANBERRY ISLES
• Cara P. Spurling Trust Agreement July 1, 1993 and Theodore L. Spurling Sr. Trust Agreement July 1, 1993, Islesford to Heather D. Spurling, Islesford, land with improvements.
MOUNT DESERT
• R. Michael Madell and Patricia Jan Madell, Bar Harbor to Joseph T. Murray and Maureen Baxley Murray, Florham Park, N.J., as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
• Rebecca R. Bryer, Gray to Acadia Landscape + Design LLC, Bar Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
• Town of Mount Desert, Mount Desert to Frederick T. King, land.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
• Rose Anderson, Allison Park, Pa., to Lori L. Anderson, Allison Park, Pa., land with buildings and improvements.
• John C. Hersey, Hampden to John M. Dunton and Lynne M. Dunton, Northeast Harbor, as joint tenants, interest in time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 26, week 52.
• R. Elliot Ashley III and Anne E. Ashley, Pinehurst, N.C., to John M. Dunton and Lynne M. Dunton, Northeast Harbor, interest in timeshare estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 43, week 52.
• Patrick J. Kierce Jr. and Michelle A. Kierce, Medford, Mass., to Harbor Ridge Condominium Association, Southwest Harbor, interest in timeshare estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 38, week 5.
• Lynn L. McRoy, Bar Harbor to Lynn L. McRoy, Bar Harbor, and Annalise Taylor Sheppard, Southwest Harbor, as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
• Bernard H. Jeanfils and Yasmina C. Conti-Jeanfils, Drexel Hill, Pa., to Yabeca LLC, Drexel Hill, Pa., land with improvements.
• Bernard H. Jeanfils and Yasmina C. Conti-Jeanfils, Drexel Hill, Pa., to Yabeca LLC, Drexel Hill, Pa., land with improvements.
SWAN’S ISLAND
• Todd Lawson and Sarah Lawson, Little Deer Isle to Jericho Bay LLC, Teton Village, Wyo., land with improvements.
TRENTON
• 617 Bayside LLC, Bar Harbor to 334 Oak Point LLC, Bar Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
• Inhabitants of the Municipality of Trenton, Trenton to Jacqueline Ranco, Trenton, land with buildings.
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