Matt DeLaney Leaving the Jesup, Glen Mary Pool Update, Town Needs Volunteers for Northeast Creek Monitoring
Hospital Awards, Artemis Gallery, Real Estate, Saturday Protest, State Releases . . .
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. 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 all out individually.
BRIEF: MATT DELANEY LEAVING THE JESUP
BAR HARBOR—In a note to the Jesup Memorial Library community this afternoon, Jesup Memorial Library Executive Director announced that he has resigned for both personal reasons and another job opportunity, which requires him to relocate to upstate New York.
We’ll have a larger story about DeLaney’s contributions to the Jesup during his leadership there as well as community reaction, but we wanted to let you know if you did not see his message.
DeLaney has led the library through its multi-million fundraising and expansion project as well as been its advocate for financial support from the town.
“After four years serving as the Director of the Jesup, my family and I have made the decision to relocate closer to our families in upstate NY. I will continue with the Jesup through mid-July and focus my remaining time on our building expansion and supporting our staff and board in preparations for a smooth leadership transition. Although I will miss the opportunity to join all of you in a ribbon-cutting, recent health events have accelerated my family’s timeline to return home, and a job opportunity provides us a rare path back toward the region where my wife and I grew up.
“The Jesup’s Board has convened a search committee to find the library’s next director and I will be working closely with them on a transition plan. We have an exceptional staff and board and the library is on very firm footing to move enthusiastically into its next chapter. I look forward to watching the building continue to take shape as we plan for an opening later this year.
“I am immensely proud of our staff and board for their hard work to steward this exciting project, which is on track and running smoothly toward near-completion. I’m so grateful that I could be part of this important chapter of the Jesup's growth, and take heart knowing I am leaving the library at a time when the present and future are overflowing with excitement, hope, and possibility. This community will be in good hands with an interim director from mid-July, followed by a new library director who will bring this incredible new space to life alongside all of you.
“Thanks for your support of the Jesup over the last four years. I join you in excitement for its future,” DeLaney wrote.
CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS!
Town Needs Help With Northeast Creek Watershed Water Quality Monitoring
BAR HARBOR—The Town of Bar Harbor is starting a Maine DEP Volunteer River Monitoring Program that will allow us to understand current water quality within the Northeast Creek watershed and determine methods to protect this crucial resource in the future. Monitoring is expected to begin in June 2025 with sampling occurring at regular intervals through September.
Location: Northeast Creek Watershed
Monitoring: June – September 2025
Interested volunteers will have the opportunity to, upon registration, participate in two training opportunities to learn to take water samples and use monitoring equipment.
Sign-Up Deadline: Wednesday, May 28 at 5 PM
Mandatory Training Date: May 30 at 10:30 AM
If you are interested in registering as a volunteer, please reach out to Staff Planners Hailey Bondy or Cameron Sands.
hbondy@barharbormaine.gov or 207-288-1783 (or) csands@barharbormaine.gov or 207-288-1782
Bar Harbor to Host Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony Featuring Keynote Speaker Dr. Dwayne Tomah
BAR HARBOR—All are welcome to join the Annual Memorial Day Remembrance Ceremony on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Village Green in Bar Harbor. This free, public event honors the memory of those who gave their lives in service to the United States.
The ceremony will feature a wreath laying made possible by Queen Anne’s Flowers, a community invocation led by Rev. Tracy Shaffer from the MDI Episcopal Churches, a poem written by retired fire captain, Jai Higgins which will be read by Matthew Horton and a keynote address by Dr. Dwayne Tomah, a Wabanaki and Passamaquoddy language and cultural knowledge carrier.
Dr. Tomah is recognized as the youngest fluent speaker of the Passamaquoddy language and has dedicated his life to the preservation and revitalization of Native language, history, and culture. His work includes translating and interpreting the historic 130-year-old wax cylinder recordings of Passamaquoddy songs and stories for the Library of Congress, considered some of the earliest known field recordings of Indigenous voices. Through his teaching, Dr. Tomah emphasizes the enduring power of tradition, community, and healing.
"Having Dr. Tomah join us this year is incredibly meaningful, not only to honor our veterans but also to recognize and celebrate the deep Wabanaki roots of our region," said Jonathan Robles, events & marketing manager at the Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce. "Fostering and nourishing relationships with Indigenous communities is essential, as is creating inclusive spaces where cultural perspectives and voices are welcomed and respected. Through remembrance, education, and mutual respect, we have the opportunity to honor those who served while also strengthening the bonds that connect us all. This ceremony is a step toward deeper understanding and unity within our community."
The ceremony is expected to last approximately one hour. Attendees are encouraged to arrive by 9:45 a.m.
For more information, please contact Jonathan Robles at Jonathan@visitbarharbor.com or visit www.visitbarharbor.com.
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) membership organization that represents approximately 400 businesses in the Bar Harbor and surrounding communities and provides business development opportunities, visitation services, and community-building events.
BRIEF: GLEN MARY WADING POOL UPDATE
BAR HARBOR—The Village Improvement Association has released a statement about the renovation of the wading pool at Glen Mary Park. The statement is attributed to David Witham, the project representative and a board member.
“The Village Improvement Association is excited to share that a great deal of progress has been made over the past several months towards the Glen Mary Wading Pool project. An extensive effort has been made towards soil testing, site engineering, pool design, electrical and pump house capacity analysis, site drainage, restroom needs, landscaping, and deciphering both state and local codes. The more we learned, the more complexities we discovered, but the design team has made great progress and it is our hope to have construction plans ready to go out for pricing in the next month to help establish a comprehensive budget.
“The overall design has had some very minor modifications from the conceptual plan shared with the public last year. The only area of real note is that the overall size of the pool was reduced slightly in order to accommodate an area in the pool that is now a bit deeper than the 24" proposed last year (due to conflicting information from the state regarding lifeguard requirements) which will allow for a zone for kid's swimming.
“One factor that has become abundantly clear during this process is that we are dealing with a more complicated and expensive project than first anticipated, but we remain optimistic that through our partnership with the Town, VIA funding in place, available grants for such projects, and a robust fundraising effort, that we will indeed bring this long awaited vision to life, possibly as soon as 2026. We also anticipate that elements of the overall concept may need to be phased in with the initial emphasis focused on completing the pool itself.
“Please keep an eye out for further updates in the very near future.
“Thank you for your patience and understanding as we get our legs back under us after having just completed the reconstruction of the Shore Path. Our efforts are now fully on Glen Mary with the goal of starting site work later this fall!”
The Mount Desert Islander’s Zach Lanning recently reported on the pool renovation. You can see that article here.
TOWN OF BAR HARBOR PRESS RELEASE/NEWS FLASH
FAQ on the Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan
BAR HARBOR—We have heard and responded to questions over the years as the Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan was being drafted and finalized. Now that the Comprehensive Plan is on the June ballot (Article 2), we felt it was important for the community to have access to answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs) as they conduct their research on how to vote.
You can access the FAQs through this link: /DocumentCenter/View/8236/FINAL_Comprehensive-Plan-FAQ-051525---2
You can learn more about the Bar Harbor 2035 Comprehensive Plan via this link: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/501/Comprehensive-Plan
To learn more about the June election, visit this link: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/438/Elections---June
Contact the Planning Department if you have any additional questions:
Phone: 207-288-3329
Email: cmartinez@barharbormaine.gov
More Than Milk: Local Control and the Fate of MDI Dairies
SOUTHWEST HARBOR- Join us on June 3 at 5:30 p.m., at the Southwest Harbor Public Library for More Than Milk: Local Control and the Fate of MDI Dairies.
Marketed as an ideal food, especially for children, large-scale production and distribution of milk ramped up around the same time that Mount Desert Island was enjoying the height of its Gilded Age in the 1880s. Increasing numbers of summer people, hotels, and restaurants meant increased food production to meet those needs. But raw milk was risky, possibly contaminated by a number of diseases. Although there was never a case of milk-borne disease documented on MDI, summer residents insisted on high standards and inspection of island dairies. Village Improvement Associations hired inspectors to ensure quality control, but summer people were often reluctant to pay the increased costs, until farmers took matters into their own hands, forming MDI Diaries, a dairy cooperative giving local farmers more control of their product. But market forces eventually won out, and island dairies are a thing of the past.
Learn more about this fascinating time in MDI history with Raney Bench, executive director for the MDI Historical Society, who will talk about local control from summer residents, and John Clark, dairy historian, whose family operated the last creamery on MDI, in Southwest Harbor. John will share his research into the heydays and collapse of MDI dairies.
This program is a collaboration between the MDI Historical Society and Southwest Harbor Public Library and will be offered in person and via Zoom. To register, go to:
https://swhplibrary.libcal.com/event/14399209?hs=a
Raney Bench is the executive director for the Mount Desert Island Historical Society and author of several Chebacco articles. She lives in Southwest Harbor with her husband, son, and several furry friends.
John Clark Jr. is a third-generation Clark to have worked in the dairy industry on Mount Desert Island. His father, Jack Clark Sr., and his grandfather, Owen (O. J.) Clark were in the business of either delivering or processing milk from 1939 until 1980. As a young boy, John rode along on milk deliveries with his father. In the summer of 1975, he delivered milk on a route using a Chevy Blazer "milk truck". 1975 was the twilight years for many small dairies in Maine, with his family’s dairy closed in 1980 after 41 years.
John created the Downeast Milk Bottles website www.downeastmilkbottles.com to share the Maine milk bottles and memorabilia he and his father collected and to share the stories of other dairies on the Downeast coast.
Birch Bay Retirement Village Honored with 2025 Aging Leadership Award
BAR HARBOR—Birch Bay Retirement Village has received the 2025 Aging Leadership Award from LeadingAge Maine and New Hampshire, honoring exceptional leadership, workforce development, and innovation in senior care.
The award was presented at LeadingAge’s annual May conference to Executive Director Robert Hemenway, Programs Director James Hoke, and Marketing Director Susanne Hopkins. This marks another major milestone for Birch Bay, which also received the 2019 Standing Ovation Award for Excellence in Dementia Care.
LeadingAge Maine and New Hampshire is a nonprofit membership organization representing over 60 mission-driven providers of aging services, including nursing homes, assisted living communities, and home- and community-based services. As a regional affiliate of the national LeadingAge organization, it works to advance policies, promote collaboration, and support innovation in the field of aging through education, advocacy, and leadership development.
Birch Bay Retirement Village serves older adults through independent living, residential care, memory care, and adult day programs. Known for its commitment to staff development and resident-centered care, the organization offers a health occupations training initiative, life enrichment internships, and a unique music therapy internship led by a board-certified neurological music therapist.
“Our team is deeply honored,” said Hemenway. “This award affirms our mission to lead, not just serve.”
Rooted in person-centered care, Birch Bay’s resident-driven approach and robust staff training reflect an enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in aging services.
Birch Bay is proud to join the 2025 LeadingAge Award recipients and remains dedicated to shaping the future of care for seniors in Maine and New Hampshire.
ACADIA IS NOT FOR SALE PROTEST
Island Connections Raises the Bar for $20K Match Challenge
BAR HARBOR—Island Connections is once again celebrating independence on Mount Desert Island with the launch of its annual Match Challenge fundraising campaign, running May 26 (Memorial Day), through the 4th of July. This Independence Day themed campaign highlights Island Connections’ mission to promote independence and dignity by providing essential rides to medical appointments, grocery stores and more, all at no cost to riders.
This year, the stakes are even higher; thanks to generous seed donors, this year’s goal is $5,000 higher than last year’s. All donations up to $20,000 will be matched dollar for dollar to support free, reliable transportation for older adults and people with disabilities.
“We’re challenging ourselves to go further than we did last year,” said Executive Director Carissa Tinker. “It’s the perfect time to do it; what better way to celebrate Independence Day than by investing in Independence for our Neighbors?”
Board President Stephanie Clement added, “This campaign is an opportunity to highlight one of the core values behind our mission: independence. Island Connections empowers people to live their lives fully, regardless of age or ability, and supporting this challenge means making that possible for more members of our community.”
Donations made between May 26th and July 4th will be matched dollar-for-dollar up to $20,000, effectively doubling the impact of each contribution. This match campaign would not be possible without the generous support of the seed donors: Glenn & Nancy Tucker, Liz Cutler, Witham Family Hotels Charitable Fund, and two anonymous donors.
To contribute to the Match Challenge, visit islconnections.org and click “Donate,” or send a check to 93 Cottage St, Suite 101, Bar Harbor, ME 04609. Call 207-288-4457 for more information.
Patrick Ainsworth, Carolyn Barry, Tonya Brown, and Essie Simmons Receive Lee Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence
BAR HARBOR — Congratulations to RNs Patrick Ainsworth, Carolyn Barry, Tonya Brown, and Essie Simmons, the recipients of the 2025 Ursula E.J. Lee and Dr. Leung Lee Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence.
These awardees were described as going above and beyond for their patients and their families. They are recognized for always listening and advocating, so that anyone who comes to MDI Hospital and Health Centers is treated with dignity and respect.
Patrick, a palliative care nurse, provides compassionate and thoughtful care to patients living with serious and chronic illnesses. He takes the time to listen deeply, educate thoroughly, and guide patients and their families through complex medical decisions with empathy and clarity.
Carolyn, a health center nurse, is described as a trusted leader and resource. Her expert triage skills and compassionate approach ensure that patients always receive timely, appropriate care, taking into account both clinical and social factors.
Tonya, an emergency department nurse, is known for taking on the most challenging and complex cases without hesitation. She is a leader and fierce patient advocate. Tonya cares for behavioral health holds and ICU-level patients and everyone in between, and treats them all with the same level of high-quality care and compassion.
Essie, a health center nurse, is always willing to step in wherever she is needed, even if it is outside of her usual role and responsibilities. Essie brings a warmth and calming presence to her work and exemplifies the best qualities you would want in a member of your care team.
Established in 2019 by Dr. Leung Lee in memory of his wife, the Ursula E.J. Lee & Dr. Leung Lee Memorial Award for Nursing Excellence honors the compassionate, loving care Ursula received from her nurses at MDI Hospital. The award is given to four nurses each year who demonstrate clinical excellence and a commitment to compassionate care in their nursing practice.
History of the Award:
Ursula was born in 1925 in Berlin, Germany to a well-respected doctor and his second wife, an operating room nurse supervisor. He was Jewish; she was Lutheran. Significantly younger than her two siblings, Ursula grew up surrounded by family and relatives. They were all well-educated and cultured, free of religious conflict. She excelled in her studies at school, and her popularity with classmates insulated her somewhat from the troubles of pre-war Germany. But by 1938 war seemed imminent, and her father sought to get his family out of Germany in any way possible.
Through the Kindertransport program, it was arranged for Ursula to be sent to England to live with a country vicar, his wife, and their three teenage children. In July 1939 at the age of 14, she left Berlin for England with the permitted one small suitcase, never to see her father again. Less than a month later, WWII began.
Life in wartime England was hard, but Ursula prospered. She was loved by her foster family, and she never failed to marvel at how generous and caring they remained despite wartime hardships. While Ursula had arrived in England with only a minimal proficiency in the English language, she graduated four years later, at the top of her class, speaking perfect English with a charming British accent. Although awarded a scholarship to Oxford University, she declined that honor as Britain was still at war and she wanted to serve her adopted country. Instead, she enrolled in nursing school.
For Ursula, working as a nurse in post-war England was a satisfying and rewarding experience – nurses were afforded great responsibilities due to the shortage of physicians. However, to join her mother and brother who had survived the war, she emigrated to the United States in 1948. During the summer of the following year, she met her future husband, Leung Lee. For him, it was love at first sight; for her, it took a few more months.
During the following years, their relationship flourished. 1953 was particularly memorable as they discovered beautiful MDI and Acadia National Park, which would become the highlight of many summer vacations, and more importantly, they were married. Ursula had blithely ignored the adage: “Don’t marry a medical student and suffer a decade of hardship; marry a doctor with a successful practice.”
From 1953 to 1964, while Leung completed his clinical training and a research fellowship in Pathology, Ursula had no choice but to become a masterful multitasker: a skillful nurse anesthetist and a favorite of surgeons, a homemaker, a gardener, a supportive and loving wife and the mother of two very young sons.
In 1964, they settled in Princeton, NJ. The town had an enclave of notable German emigres who had been driven out of Europe by the war and attracted there by Albert Einstein. It was here that Ursula enjoyed life to the fullest. She was befriended by many German emigres and could speak German with them – a “Berliner” again. She and Leung transformed their ordinary yard into a garden masterpiece that was admired by all, including other master gardeners throughout Princeton.
After Leung retired from a successful career at Princeton Medical Center, they considered moving to a retirement community, but did not do so until Birch Bay Retirement Village was opened in 2002. Then they had the good fortune to buy a cottage with a panoramic view of Frenchman Bay. Ursula was able to landscape the cottage with beautiful flowering trees and bushes. She enjoyed social activities with neighbors and Mainers. Her 16 years at Birch Bay were a period of peace and contentment.
Although Alzheimer’s disease shortened her life, it never touched her wry sense of humor. Ursula will always be missed, but will be remembered for her grace, kindness, courage, and ability to persevere and overcome hardships. After the passing of Dr. Lee in early 2020, the Lee family re-dedicated this award to the memory of both Ursula and Dr. Leung Lee.
Author Talk with Winter Fox: Grace Coffin and the Burbank Bloodbank
May 29, 2025 from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m.
BAR HARBOR–On Thursday, May 29th, from 6:30 - 7:30 p.m., MDI author Winter Fox will speak at the Jesup Memorial Library about the release of his 8th novel, Grace Coffin and the Burbank Bloodbank. The Grace Coffin series is a mystery/romance/undead comedy mashup, featuring ghosts, revenants, vampires, mad scientists, and young rock musicians.
Winter Fox is a novelist, musician, and stone artist from Southwest Harbor. His literary and musical journey has taken him all over the US and beyond. He holds a BA in literature from Colgate University, and his novel Flight of the Wren garnered a Booklife Editors Pick award in 2018. He writes and records audiobooks in his treehouse studio.
Student Art Exhibit at the Jesup Memorial Library
May 1 - 31, 2025
BAR HARBOR–An exhibit of art by students of local artist and educator Emily Bracale can be seen at the Jesup Memorial Library in Bar Harbor through the month of May. Among the K-8 students are Jack Hurst, Guy Peacock, and Seb Wagner.
MEMORIAL DAY BOOK SALE
NORTHEAST HARBOR—The Northeast Harbor Library will host a Memorial Day book sale on the library lawn on Monday, May 26 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The sale will include a large, well organized selection of books and media - nonfiction, fiction, DVDs, CDS, children’s items, puzzles and some valuable or collector editions. Most items are in new or excellent condition donated by local residents, including one donor's entire large private collection of adult fiction books. There are no advance sales, and book sale items are not picked over.
Sales are by donation except for some specially marked items. All proceeds support the Northeast Harbor Library. The sale will begin before the Memorial Day parade and remembrance ceremony and will continue through the afternoon, during and after the community cookout.
MDI Photo Club Announces 12th Annual Exhibit
NORTHEAST HARBOR—The MDI Photo Club is pleased to present its 12th annual photo exhibit, showcasing the talents of its members. The exhibit will be on display throughout June 2025 in the Mellon Room of the Northeast Harbor Library. This year's exhibit promises a diverse collection of photographs capturing the essence of Mount Desert Island and beyond. An opening reception will be held on Friday, June 6, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. in the Mellon Room. The public is invited to meet the photographers, view the exhibit, and enjoy light refreshments.
The MDI Photo Club is a welcoming group of photographers of all skill levels dedicated to the enjoyment, mastery, and furtherance of the art of photography through cooperation, effort, and good fellowship. They meet monthly from September to May for presentations, photo sharing, and outings. In June, they culminate their year with this highly-anticipated member exhibit.
For more information:
Contact the MDI Photo Club: contact@mdiphotoclub.org
Contact the Northeast Harbor Library: talktous@nehlibrary.org
HEALTHY KIDS DAY
Artemis Gallery Opening Features Morgain Bailey, Rob Finn, Jennifer Judd-McGee, Rebekah Raye and Carol Shutt
MOUNT DESERT—The Artemis Gallery’s first opening of the summer season will be on May 22 at its location at 1 Old Firehouse Lane in Northeast Harbor. It’s also its first day open for the season.
The featured artists are Morgain Bailey, Rob Finn, Jennifer Judd-McGee, Rebekah Raye and Carol Shutt. The exhibition which runs until June 9 will benefit the Bar Harbor Food Pantry through sales from the show.
The reception will be from 5-7 p.m., with the featured artists in attendance. Each of the gallery’s exhibitions benefit a local nonprofit.
LINKS TO LEARN MORE
For a list of openings and more details.
To check out the artists.
HOURS
May 22 to October:
Mon - Fri, 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
Sat & Sun, 12-5 p.m.
Open year round by appointment.
Volunteer with Friends of Acadia to Preserve the Beauty of Acadia National Park
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—How can you help preserve and promote the natural beauty of Acadia National Park? Find out with JoAnne Wood from Friends of Acadia on Tuesday, May 27th from 5:30-6:30 p.m. at the Southwest Harbor Public Library. Learn how community members like you can get involved volunteering with the Friends of Acadia to help the park through membership tables, stewardship drop-in sessions, office volunteering, and other opportunities. JoAnne will highlight the importance of these volunteers in supporting FOA's mission to preserve the natural beauty of Acadia National Park. You will also learn about FOA’s history and role in fundraising for the Park and the role that volunteers play in all of our different projects and programs.
Registration appreciated for this in-person program.
Whether you're a seasoned volunteer or new to the idea, this talk will provide valuable insights and inspire you to get involved. Don't miss this chance to learn how you can contribute to preserving Acadia National Park by joining the FOA volunteer team. We look forward to seeing you there!
Friends of Acadia preserves, protects, and promotes stewardship of the outstanding natural beauty, ecological vitality, and distinctive cultural resources of Acadia National Park and surrounding communities for the inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations.
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/4m52vt3w, call 244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.
Sign-making in Southwest Harbor at the Library
SOUTHWEST HARBOR—Want to amplify your voice, promote your event, or simply flex your creative muscles? Join us at the Southwest Harbor Public Library on Saturday, May 24th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., for an instructional and engaging sign-making class with local artist Mike Duffy. Whether for yard sales, demonstrations, or any other creative outlet, signs are a powerful way to share information with the community. Mike will discuss and showcase best practices and tips for crafting engaging signage. Materials will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own as well. Pre-registration is required. Limit 15 people.
To register, visit https://tinyurl.com/553pufb2, call 244-7065, or email programs@swhplibrary.org.
Downeast Trout Unlimited May 28 2025 Social and Talk
ELLSWORTH—The monthly DETU meeting will be In person only at Helen’s in Machias on Wednesday, May 28, at 5:30 p.m. Colby Bruchs will discuss: Atlantic Salmon Conservation in Downeast Coastal Rivers: Habitat Restoration, Connectivity, and Land Conservation Benefiting Fish and Local Communities.
Space is limited. Please RSVP to Tammy Packie, tpackie@gmail.com
Colby will present the current status of Atlantic salmon smolt production and adult returns in the Narraguagus River. He will discuss trends in adult salmon returns in the Pleasant, Machias, East Machias, and Dennys Rivers. He will also provide an overview of ongoing habitat restoration and connectivity projects that benefit Maine’s diadromous and freshwater fish species and local communities in Eastern Maine.
Colby Bruchs is a fisheries scientist at the Maine Department of Marine Resources. For the past 16 years he has specialized in management and conservation of Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar), sea-run fish, and their habitats in Maine’s Downeast Coastal rivers. A graduate of the University of Maine (Class of 2007), his diverse experience in fisheries includes assessing the impact of dam removal on fish populations and stream geomorphology in Michigan and recreational fish management, landlocked salmon restoration, aquatic invasive species control, and landowner relations in Vermont. He currently operates the Atlantic salmon Life Cycle Monitoring Station (LCMS) on the Narraguagus River and provides biological and technical support to stakeholders engaged in stream connectivity, habitat restoration, and land conservation projects. He also manages DMR’s Machias River Conservation Easement which permanently conserves over 18,400 acres and 166 miles of shoreline frontage on the Machias River and several of its tributaries. In addition to his work conserving sea-run fish and habitat he works in commercial fishing in the waters off his home in Jonesboro. When not working he is most likely poling a canoe down a river, jigging lake trout through the ice, or kicking back by the sea with his longtime partner Lesley and their son Bodie!
Maine Community Foundation Launches Local Press Initiative
Press Forward Maine to be led by Maine media executive Lisa DeSisto
PORTLAND & ELLSWORTH— The Maine Community Foundation (MaineCF) today announced the launch of a new initiative to strengthen Maine communities by ensuring strong, local news coverage in all parts of the state. MaineCF applied and has been selected by the nonpartisan philanthropic initiative Press Forward to become one of 36 independent chapters nationwide.
Press Forward and Press Forward Maine share the goal of strengthening communities by reinvigorating local news. Press Forward Maine will be housed within MaineCF and led by Senior Advisor Lisa DeSisto, former CEO of Maine Today Media and the Maine Trust for Local News. The initial focus will be building a broad-based advisory panel to identify and prioritize the best ways to reimagine and expand access to local reporting.
“Our own research and the ‘Strengthening Maine’s Civic Life’ report we funded last year tell us two things,” said MaineCF CEO Deborah Ellwood. “One, most people in Maine are interested in reading and learning about their communities but, two, may encounter barriers for understanding how they can engage and participate locally. Press Forward Maine will bring people and resources together to close that gap because quality reporting means people can learn about any issue, understand how to get involved, have their voice heard and find solutions together. We are very pleased Lisa DeSisto is joining to help lead this effort as senior advisor and excited to get to work with our donors and partners.”
DeSisto, who also worked at the Boston Globe for 17 years before leading Maine’s largest media organization through many changes over 13 years, said, “I know all too well that these are changing times in the news business. This is important work and am glad to continue as senior advisor to Press Forward Maine. We are committed to contributing to a vibrant media ecosystem by partnering with large and small news organizations. As a nonprofit community foundation with a 42-year record of working in communities across all 16 Maine counties, Maine Community Foundation is the perfect institution to convene media partners and craft new models for collaboration and innovation to better engage with Maine people.”
MaineCF’s Vice President of Philanthropy Bree Arsenault said there is interest in supporting local news infrastructure among MaineCF’s current and potential donors. “There seems to be an understanding among those looking to build a better Maine that local news and information are essential to inform and involve people in working together to find solutions. We are pleased to partner with Lisa DeSisto and work with our network of donors and partners to invest in promising solutions.”
In 2023, MaineCF embarked on a needs assessment project to help define the next phases of the foundation’s strategic work. Over a period of nine months, more than 1,500 community leaders, donors, nonprofits and stakeholders from every county in Maine provided their insights and perspectives on the state’s challenges, needs and opportunities.
Respondents repeatedly noted the need for more information about how to get involved locally. Consistent access to news and information is central to the health of Maine communities and core to the state’s progress on its biggest challenges. These include resilience to severe weather events, the need for affordable housing and economic opportunities in all parts of Maine.
The MaineCF-funded “Strengthening Maine’s Civic Life” report by the Goldfarb Center for Public Affairs at Colby College and Public Engagement Partners highlights the state’s strengths and vulnerabilities and uncovered a high level of support for quality local news.
According to this research, Maine people rank 10th in the nation on keeping up with the news, with 74% percent of Mainers engaging in reading, watching or listening to news about political, societal or local issues, compared with the national average of 68%. Residents expressed facing barriers to civic participation, including lack of information about engagement opportunities.
The Maine Community Foundation brings people and resources together to build a better Maine through strategic giving, community leadership, personalized service, local expertise and strong investments. To learn more about the foundation, visit www.mainecf.org.
Press Forward is a national movement to strengthen communities by revitalizing local news and information. A coalition of funders is investing more than $500 million to strengthen local newsrooms, close longstanding gaps in journalism coverage, advance public policy that expands access to local news and scale infrastructure the sector needs to thrive. Press Forward is housed at The Miami Foundation. For more, visit pressforward.news.
*Note, some of you have asked if we are a part of this. We are not. The only contact we’ve had with the organization is this press release.
Statewide Collaborative Farm to Neighbor Maine Campaign Launches
MAINE—Two months ago, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) ended the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program without warning. This funding represented
$1.25M to be distributed over three years to purchase food from Maine farms and distribute to hunger relief initiatives throughout the state.
One month ago, seven groups that had previously received LFPA funding came together, with support from Peak Season Maine and Full Plates Full Potential, to imagine a collaborative campaign designed to continue to advance their shared efforts to increase access to locally grown foods.
“Forty percent of Maine’s population struggles to make ends meet. The most recent federal cuts to farm and nutrition programs means our neighbors throughout Maine are going to be in even more urgent need of access to nutritious locally grown foods. We as farmers and food advocates are here to serve this cause and are asking for your help,” said Penny Jordan, Farms for Food Equity
Today, the Farm to Neighbor campaign officially launches with an invitation to the public to help purchase food from Maine farmers to feed our neighbors. To learn more about each entity and its food access work and to make a tax-deductible donation, please visit the campaign website: www.farm2neighbormaine.org.
Farm to Neighbor’s mission is to expand local food access to vulnerable people, support underserved and BIPOC farmers, and contribute to a resilient agricultural economy and community. The Farm to Neighbor distribution partners represent diverse farming community stakeholders that are committed to working collaboratively to inform a Statewide lens on equitable and culturally important local food access in Maine.
Fundraising Goal
The group has set a fundraising goal of $750,000, which would allow project partners to distribute the equivalent amount of food, purchase from as many farms, and supply to as many hunger relief initiatives throughout the state as in previous years of the LFPA program.
“This campaign represents an incredible collaborative showing from Maine’s food access and farm viability leaders. The Farm to Neighbor partners have come together in a time of urgent need to stand up for our farmers and work towards our shared goal of ensuring our neighbors have access to foods grown here. We are excited to see what we can accomplish together,” said Colleen Hanlon-Smith, campaign manager, Peak Season
Their goal is to raise 30% of this total during an initial two month long campaign period in May and June 2025. Through collaborative outreach, they seek to mobilize the public’s support to ensure this year’s crops intended for hunger relief can be purchased from farms and delivered to neighbors in need.
What are Farm to Neighbor’s plans to sustain this past another year?
Farm to Neighbor partners are committed to maintaining food access programming ongoing as a central tenet of each participant’s organization. Farm to Neighbor partners will also be working collaboratively on market diversification and development to ensure long term resiliency for impacted farm partners.
Farm to Neighbor Distribution Partners
The following entities will serve as the distribution partnership for this initiative.
1. Cultivating Community
2. Daybreak Growers Alliance
3. Farms for Food Equity
4. Healthy Acadia
5. Mi’kmaq Farms
6. New Roots Cooperative
7. Somali Bantu Community Association
REAL ESTATE
BAR HARBOR
Karen A. Shields, a/k/a Karen Shields, Bar Harbor to Dwayne A. Shields, Bar Harbor and Eleanor Quinn Shields, Littleton, Colo., land with buildings and improvements.
Dwayne A. Shields, Bar Harbor and Karen A. Shields, f/k/a Karen A. MacQuinn, Bar Harbor to Eleanor Quinn Shields, Littleton, Colo., land with buildings and improvements.
Graff BH Holdings LLC, St. Louis, Mo., to Bar Harbor Limited Partnership, St. Louis, Mo., land with improvements.
Lewis Augusta Living Trust and Fran E. Augusta Living Trust, Vero Beach, Fla., to Ashskypoint L3C, Seal Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
Steven Roger Roy and Catherine Sanborn Roy, Ellsworth to Joy Suzanne Randall, Galloway, Ohio, land with buildings.
Kimberley C. Wolfe, Mount Desert to Steven Roger Roy and Catherine Sanborn Roy, Ells-worth, land with buildings.
Beth Gott, Southwest Harbor to Kimberley C. Wolfe, Ellsworth, interest in time-share estate at West Eden Commons Condominium, Bar Harbor, unit 14.
Bradley M. Ipsan and Nadine A. Pinto, Bar Harbor to Megan E. Loomer, Bar Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
MOUNT DESERT
Jennifer Tamedl and Brian Tamedl, Seal Harbor, as joint tenants to 6 Wetlands Way LLC, Seal Harbor, land.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Dean H. Ingalls Jr. and Allison I. Ingalls, Southwest Harbor to Julia Rose Timoteo and Nicole M.Timoteo of Pascoag, R.I., as joint tenants, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condo-minium, Southwest Harbor, unit 27, week 47.
Michael W. McKellar and Sharon R. McKellar, Weld to Scott B. Moen and Tandra L. Moen, China, as joint tenants, time-share estate at Harbor Ridge Condominium, Southwest Harbor, unit 24, week 19.
Frances K. Johnson and Charles W. Johnson, Green Cove Springs, Fla., to Bradley E. Holmberg and Sara L. Wadsworth-Holmberg, Pearland, Texas, as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
Keel Way Enterprises LLC, Southwest Harbor to Deborah Sauri and Michael Sauri, Arlington, Va., as joint tenants, land with buildings.
SWAN’S ISLAND
Leonard M. May and Jackie L. May, Swan’s Island to Gary Anderson and Sarah Trafton, Gardner, Mass., as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
TREMONT
Thomas F. Flournoy III Personal Residence Trust Oct. 17, 1994, Atlanta, Ga., to Thomas F. Flournoy IV Irrevocable Trust June 14, 1994, Atlanta, Ga., land with buildings and improvements.
Estate of Ronald Frascoia, Bokeelia, Fla., to Alexander Kosowski and Alexandria M. Kosowski, Hamilton Square, N.J., as joint tenants, land with buildings and improvements.
TRENTON
Dysart Realty Co., Bangor to Dysart Realty Holdings LLC, Bangor, land with buildings and improvements.
Pine Valley Building and Land Company LLC, Trenton to Stay Frosty LLC, Trenton, land with improvements.
STATE PRESS RELEASES
River Herring Festivals Offer a Great Way to Spend a Weekend in May
AUGUSTA—If you're looking for a great way to spend a weekend, below is a list provided by the Gulf of Maine River Herring Network of upcoming river herring festivals that celebrate the annual migration of blueback herring and alewife.
You'll have a chance to witness the remarkable spring migration, run or bike along migratory routes, learn about restoration efforts, fish passage improvements, alewife research, and the cultural importance of river herring to Maine's tribal communities.
Benton Alewife Festival, May 17, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: https://townline.org/events-benton-alewife-festival-to-be-celebrated-on-may-17-2025/
Blackman Stream - Maine Forest and Logging Museum, Alewife Day, May 17, 10 a.m.-3 p.m.: https://umaine.edu/mafes/event/alewife-day/
Skutik River Alewife Run, Sipayik to Forest City, May 24: https://www.mitsc.org/news/2025-skutik-river-alewife-run
Pennamaquan Alewife Festival, May 24, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: https://greenhorns.org/alewife-festival/
Damariscotta Mills Run with the Alewives, May 24: https://damariscottamills.org/run-with-the-alewives/.
Orland alewife festival, May 24, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Bagaduce alewife celebration, May 25 from 11-2 at Pierce’s Pond in Penobscot, ME: https://www.worldfishmigrationday.com/event/bagaduce-alewife-celebration/
Brunswick Dam fish viewing station, May 1st through early June, Wednesday-Sunday from 1-5 p.m.
Penobscot Running of the Alewives, Penobscot Nation Farm, May 31, 12-5 p.m.: https://www.penobscotnation.org/event/running-of-the-alewives/
Other resources for learning about river herring:
Maine Rivers - Alewife Trail Map
Gulf of Maine River Herring Network - Tools for Communities
Maine DMR - Maine River Herring Fact Sheet
Governor Mills Announces Departure of Hannah Pingree, Director of Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future
AUGUSTA Under Pingree's leadership, GOPIF drove Administration efforts on climate, housing, and economic policy to benefit Maine people and communities.
Governor Janet Mills announced today that Hannah Pingree, Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future, will depart the Administration on Friday, May 16, 2025. A former Speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, Pingree has led the governor's policy office since January 2019.
Governor Mills proposed her unique "Office of the Future" in her first inaugural address in 2019 to work in partnership with people, businesses, and communities to pursue common-sense solutions to long-term issues facing Maine. Under Pingree's leadership, GOPIF drove Administration efforts to address climate change, increase the supply and affordability of housing, strengthen the economy and workforce, improve early childhood education and expand child care options, and support Maine people as they age.
"Over the past six years, Hannah Pingree has been unafraid to take on big challenges and get things done for Maine people -- from addressing energy efficiency and climate issues, to rebuilding working waterfronts, to creating a Cabinet on Aging, to tackling the housing crisis, to reinvigorating the Children's Cabinet, and working to build a stronger economy and workforce for Maine. I have been so impressed, but not surprised, at the results she has driven for Maine in each initiative she has undertaken, and I will miss her vision and leadership in my Administration," said Governor Mills.
"When I proposed an 'Office of the Future' in 2019, I asked Hannah to lead its creation because with her background as a local school board chair, a legislator, member of the Appropriations Committee, and House Speaker, I knew Hannah had the ability to bring people together and the imagination to develop innovative solutions to the most pressing problems facing our state," added Governor Mills. "She and her team at GOPIF have exceeded my expectations at every step, and I look forward to watching her do great things for Maine in the years to come."
"It's been an extraordinary honor to serve as the first Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future over the last six and a half years," said Hannah Pingree. "I'm so grateful to Governor Mills for the tremendous opportunity she gave me to dive into Maine's biggest challenges and lead work across her Administration to chart a path to solutions. She made this office her priority from day one, and Maine is better for it. In partnership with communities and businesses and with the support of my amazing team, we've helped build a more resilient, healthy, and thriving future. As I explore new opportunities, I will remain relentlessly focused on the future of the state we all love."
Tackling Climate Change
Under Pingree's leadership, GOPIF advanced bipartisan legislation in Maine to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create the Maine Climate Council, an assembly of scientists, industry leaders, bipartisan local and state officials, and citizens charged with developing a plan to address the impacts of climate change on Maine, meet statutory targets to curb greenhouse gas emissions, and support investments in communities and infrastructure.
As Council co-chair, Pingree led its development of Maine's common-sense plan for climate action, Maine Won't Wait, which spurred action to curb emissions, including the installation of more than 100,000 heat pumps two years ahead of schedule, expanding programs to make homes more energy efficient, reducing Maine's dependence on heating oil, growing the clean energy economy and workforce, and investing in making communities more resilient.
After severe storms in December 2023 and January 2024 that caused unprecedented damage across Maine, GOPIF designed a $60 million relief package for Maine homes, businesses, and communities -- the single largest investment in storm recovery by any Administration in Maine history.
GOPIF also developed the Governor's Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission to prepare Maine's first comprehensive plan for strengthening infrastructure resiliency to climate effects such as extreme storms, increased storm surge, flooding, and rising sea levels. The Commission delivered its final report on May 7, 2025.
Based on the Commission's early work, GOPIF developed this year's LD 1, bipartisan legislation to enhance emergency planning at all levels of government, prepare communities and infrastructure for severe weather, and reduce long-term storm-related risks and costs for Maine homeowners and businesses. Governor Mills signed LD 1 into law on April 22.
"Hannah Pingree has been a driving force and successful problem-solver in protecting people's health, building Maine's economy, and safeguarding clean air, land, and water resources for future generations," said Maureen Drouin, Executive Director of Maine Conservation Voters and a member of the Climate Council's Natural and Working Lands working group. "I'm grateful for Hannah's effective leadership in bringing people from different backgrounds together around common sense solutions to build a healthier, more livable, and more prosperous future for all."
"Hannah has been an outstanding leader, motivator, and champion for Maine's successful statewide efforts to address climate change and promote clean energy solutions that will benefit Maine people and our economy," said Pete Didisheim, Advocacy Director, Natural Resources Council of Maine. "Under her guidance, the Maine Climate Council crafted a comprehensive and impressive climate action plan based on input from multiple working groups, business and community leaders, policy experts and scientists, and thousands of Maine people. Hannah is a skilled policy leader and the State has been fortunate to have had her serve as Director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future."
"As a leader in a community home to one of the state's largest working waterfronts, I've directly experienced how deeply Hannah listens to the needs of Maine communities and galvanizes people to tackle big challenges," said Linda Nelson, director of Economic & Community Development for the Town of Stonington and co-chair of the Infrastructure Rebuilding and Resilience Commission. "Her skilled, practical leadership has put Maine at the vanguard of response and recovery to extreme weather. From securing $60 million in unprecedented storm recovery funds in 2024 to the very recent passage of LD 1, Hannah has worked tirelessly and successfully to prepare Maine for a more resilient future, and I look forward to her next steps.
"It has been a privilege to work with Hannah Pingree in her role in the Governor's Office," said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. "Hannah has been a skillful collaborator, and she is dedicated to ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. AARP Maine commends Hannah for her leadership and steadfast commitment to initiating solutions to address long-term challenges for Maine residents."
Under Pingree, GOPIF launched the Community Resilience Partnership in 2021 to award grants to communities around the state to make local investments in climate resilience, clean energy, and energy efficiency. To date, the Partnership has grown to include 263 participating communities representing 76 percent of Maine's population, and has awarded $18.8 million in grants to Maine towns, cities, tribal governments, and regional planning, economic development, and community organizations.
Based on the success of the Partnership, GOPIF guided the establishment of the Maine Office of Community Affairs, a one-stop shop within State government that will provide coordinated and efficient planning, technical assistance, and financial support to towns, cities, Tribal governments and regional entities, to help them better plan for common challenges, pursue solutions and create stronger, more resilient communities.
"From day one, Hannah Pingree made it clear that municipal leaders had her attention," stated Kate Dufour, Director of Advocacy & Communications at the Maine Municipal Association. "From weekly calls during the height of the pandemic to discuss municipal needs and concerns, discussions on how best to involve municipal governments in Governor Mills' climate-related work, including the Community Resilience Partnership, to her willingness to research and respond to one-off questions, Hannah was an asset to the Association and its members. It has been a pleasure to work with Hannah, and on behalf of municipal leaders across Maine, MMA wishes her the best."
Expanding Housing Investments and Supply
GOPIF led State efforts to expand the housing supply in Maine, which resulted in $300 million dedicated for affordable housing production in recent years through direct investments and powerful incentives, such as bipartisan legislation to establish the Maine Affordable Tax Credit Housing Program.
GOPIF designed innovative programs to build new housing, such as the Rural Affordable Rental Housing Program, which created 366 new units in 20 communities across Maine, and the Affordable Homeownership Program, which has invested in 325 new single-family homes in 21 communities.
Further housing initiatives designed under GOPIF include innovative financing measures to protect vulnerable affordable housing developments and mobile home parks and expanding permanent supportive housing for people experiencing chronic homelessness.
"As a key member of Governor Mills' Administration, Hannah's leadership in preserving existing affordable housing while advancing efforts to create more homes has delivered lasting benefits for people across Maine," said Liza-Fleming Ives, Executive Director of Genesis Community Loan Fund. "From supporting resident-owned mobile home communities to preserving affordable rental housing in rural towns, her work has expanded opportunities and strengthened economic security statewide. Lives are better because of these efforts, and we're grateful for Hannah's leadership, innovation, and vision."
"Hannah's leadership has moved Maine forward in expanding access to safe and affordable housing," said Rebecca Hatfield, Chief Strategy and Growth Officer at Hancock Lumber and former CEO of Avesta Housing. "Her office has developed and advanced investments in housing for Maine's workforce and zoning changes that have helped Maine's housing supply better meet the growing demand."
Strengthening Maine's Economy and Workforce
GOPIF continues to oversee implementation of the Maine Jobs and Recovery Plan, Governor Mills' plan, as approved by the Legislature, to invest a historic $1 billion allocation of Federal funds to Maine from the American Rescue Plan to spur the state's economic recovery from the effects of the pandemic.
The Governor's Jobs Plan reflected priorities from the Governor's Economic Recovery Committee, which GOPIF facilitated, and led to bipartisan legislation to enact the Jobs Plan in 2021. Maine was among the first states to invest its funds and ranks first in New England for putting federal recovery funds to work.
Jobs Plan initiatives have invested more than $211 million directly in Maine businesses, created workforce training opportunities for 26,000 Maine people through new and enhanced apprenticeship, career and educational programs and investments, and supported more than 700 job-creating infrastructure projects around the state.
This includes $35 million to the Maine Community College System for free and low-cost vocational training, $20 million to help schools build out new career and technical education facilities or job training equipment, helping parents through $25 million to create over 4,850 child care and pre-kindergarten slots, and $5 million to connect workers and employers with better transportation.
"Hannah's leadership at GOPIF has been transformative for the state's economy and workforce, and I'm grateful that Maine's community colleges are part of this important work," said Maine Community College System President David Daigler. "Hannah's been a strong thought partner, focusing in on real-world challenges and encouraging effective and innovative workforce solutions that had immediate impact and will continue to grow Maine's skilled workforce into the future. We'll miss her in this role and wish her well in her next act."
"We are grateful for Hannah's service as the director of the Governor's Office of Policy Innovation and the Future," said Keith Bisson, President of Coastal Enterprises, Inc. "Her office has kept a laser focus on child care through the Children's Cabinet, supporting the providers we work with and enabling working parents to get and stay in the workforce. GOPIF's leadership of Maine Won't Wait recognizes the impact of changing environmental conditions, including disruptive weather events, on our natural resource-based businesses, from farm and food processing to shellfish and seaweed farmers and processors, to forest products companies. We wish her all the best as she moves on."
In addition to climate, housing, and economic initiatives, current GOPIF projects include Maine's response to the opioid crisis; directing the Governor's Task Force on Artificial Intelligence; overseeing the Children's Cabinet, Cabinet on Aging, the Office of New Americans, the Ending Hunger in Maine Initiative; and the Maine Forest Bioproducts Advanced Manufacturing Tech Hub.
Governor Mills has named Sarah Curran to succeed Pingree as Director of GOPIF. Curran has served in GOPIF since its establishment and as deputy director since 2021, during which time she has led its climate planning and community partnership programs.
Prior to becoming deputy, Curran led planning for Maine Won't Wait and supported planning for Maine's 10-Year Economic Strategy, in collaboration with the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development.
So far in 2025, Maine Dept. of Labor Recovers $57,715.20 in Back Wages and Liquidated Damages for Workers
Through the Strategic Enforcement model, the Department focused resources on industries in which violations are known to occur at a higher rate.
AUGUSTA—The Bureau of Labor Standards Wage and Hour Division has released information about labor law violation cases closed in the first quarter of 2025. The Wage and Hour Division issued final orders and citations to 19 employers, finding 1,119 violations affecting 199 workers. Multiple employers entered into settlement agreements with the Department.
“Our priority is to resolve violations and make workers whole as efficiently and effectively as possible,” said Bureau Director Kate Burkhart. “Of the employers cited in the first quarter, 58% entered into a settlement agreement with the Bureau. Settlement agreements not only make workers whole. They also establish oversight and training requirements to help employers achieve and maintain compliance with Maine’s labor laws. This allows the Bureau to prioritize the recovery of wages and damages owed to workers over penalties paid to the State.”
Some examples of the violations cited so far in 2025 are:
The Bureau found that Northern Maine Medical Center misclassified 4 members of the nursing staff as independent contractors, when in fact they were employees under the law. The employer was ordered to pay the nurses $15,706 in wages, liquidated damages, and interest and assessed a penalty of $92,800. The Department agreed to suspend all but $8,750 of the assessed penalty when the employer agreed to pay all that was owed to the employees within 7 days and not have another violation of Maine’s labor laws in the next two years.
The Bureau cited Resurrection Golf, Inc./Old Marsh Country Club for failing to pay an employee on time for most of 2023 and for withholding but not paying the cost of health insurance premiums. The Bureau found that the employer owed the employee more than $2,200 for the money withheld from the employee’s paycheck, plus over $5,000 in liquidated damages and interest. The Bureau also assessed penalties of $8,000 for the violations.
The Bureau found that Pennacook Falls Investments, Ltd./Best Western Plus, Rumford failed to pay or underpaid 43 employees, on 111 occasions, from the start of business in May 2022 through April 2023. The employer agreed to pay over $28,200 in wages and liquidated damages to the employees, compliance monitoring, training, and resolving other violations. In turn, the Bureau agreed to suspend all but $2,181.60 of the original penalty as long as the employer does not have another violation of Maine’s labor laws in the next two years.
Cases in the first quarter show the importance of using the Strategic Enforcement model,* where the Division focuses investigative resources on industries in which violations are known to occur at a higher rate. In Maine in 2024, violations in the hospitality industry accounted for 84%, health care for 21%, and construction accounted for 25% of the total labor law violations found.
First quarter cases also highlight the importance of using all the tools available to the Bureau to collect due wages, liquidated damages, and penalties from employers who violate labor laws. Prior to 2024, the Bureau could only pursue collection by initiating a civil lawsuit against the employer. After changes in the law effective in August 2024, the Bureau now has the authority to order the payment of back wages, liquidated damages, and penalties, and to pursue a judgment to make workers whole. The Bureau partners with the Attorney General’s Office to do this. Since August, the Department has recovered $136,810.75 in back wages and $50,461.33 in liquidated damages and interest for workers.
The full list of final agency action so far in 2025 can be found here.
Anyone who believes their employment rights have been violated, or employers who have questions, are encouraged to reach out to the Wage and Hour Division at (207) 623-7900 or maine.gov/labor/contact/.
Come discover the magic of the Maine outdoors, create lasting memories, and build confidence in outdoor skills for your next adventure.
AUGUSTA—Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife offers Maine Outdoor Programs to provide hands-on learning experiences for all ages and skill levels. These programs help participants build and enhance skills in hunting, fishing, trapping, outdoor preparedness, and wildlife viewing in a supportive and engaging environment.
This spring Maine Outdoor Programs is hosting a Family Outdoor Skills Day in Augusta for a day of fun and outdoor learning. This program will be your guide in a whole new world of outdoor recreation adventures. You'll be surprised where new outdoor skills can take you!
📅 Sunday, June 1, 2025
⌚️ 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Sportsman's Alliance of Maine - Outdoor Learning Center
2273 Belfast Rd (Route 9) - Augusta, ME
Choose the skills building sessions that most interest you! Sessions marked with ** begin at certain times, all other sessions are drop in, drop out at your leisure. Sessions are subject to change.
Archery/Intro to Bowhunting (ages 10+)**
Trout Fishing- Spin Casting
Intro to Trapping
ATV Riding Course (ages 10-14)**
Fly Fishing (Ages 6+)**
Map and Compass
Wilderness Survival**
Wild Game Cooking
Rifle Range - Safe Firearms Handling (ages 10+)**
Turkey Hunting Demonstration
Deer Hunting/ Tree Stand Safety
**These sessions include a safety portion or longer introduction and will rotate every hour. In the morning, these sessions will begin on the hour at 9:00, 10:00, and 11:00. Lunch will take place 12-12:30. Afternoon sessions will take place at 12:30 and 1:30.
You won't find a more supportive and welcoming environment to build new skills as an angler, naturalist, outdoor survivalist, and hunter. Register today!
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