MDI Bio Lab Scientists Identify an Unexpected Forever Chemical Source: Rural Schools
Briefs: Northern Lights, JAX, Real Estate, and FOA News
BAR HARBOR AND TREMONT—Scientists at MDI Bio Lab are charting an apparent connection between rural Maine schools and PFAS contamination in nearby residential well-water supplies. And they are expanding testing of residents’ drinking water near two Hancock County schools where high levels of the so-called “forever chemicals” were previously identified.
The research is accelerating as the federal Environmental Protection Agency deploys strict new standards for safe levels of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in public drinking water supplies. (Private water supplies are unregulated, but the public standards are still important guideposts for health.)
The Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health is providing funds that MDI Bio Lab will use for 40 more tests in areas near Mt. Desert Island High School and Tremont Consolidated School, and last week the Tremont Selectboard voted to authorize funding for another 50 tests for the Tremont community.
The schools have ensured safe water supplies for students and staff, but the research demonstrates that more outreach, investigation and protective action may be needed in communities around 56 Maine schools where state data show PFAS levels above the EPA’s new limits for various types of PFAS.
“We identified concerning levels of PFAS at several residences that appear to have come from nearby schools here in Hancock County,” said Jane Disney, Ph.D. who directs the Community Environmental Health Laboratory at MDI Bio Lab. “We hypothesize that contaminants at the MDI High School, for instance, originated with floor waxes and cleaning products that led to more widespread contamination of local drinking water.”
The testing program is a recent addition to MDI Bio Lab’s “Healthy Water/Healthy Aging” citizen-engaged science initiative. Collaborating with other institutions, it provides outreach, testing, and response options for varied contaminants found in Maine well water, while examining their health effects over time.
The program helps residents get educated about their water and, when warranted, to take action. In some cases, they qualify for state help with remediation. One MDI resident who lives near the local high school, Shayla White, says she first heard about the program at a public meeting that Disney attended.
“Jane said that qualified residents could get free water tests, and I qualified, so I signed up,” White said. “And my water tested very high for PFAS. I started to get a little paranoid, but the DEP gave me bottled water and then they installed a new filtration system. And it worked. It's just been amazing. I mean, it's been not fun, but it worked out.”
PFAS exposure is a growing public health concern, with documented effects on metabolic hormones, cholesterol levels, testicular cancer, hypertension during pregnancy and other physiological effects.
NORTHERN LIGHTS WOW LAST WEEKEND
MOUNT DESERT ISLAND—The Northern Lights had Mainers looking to the skies Friday and Saturday.
A solar storm brought the aurora borealis’ vibrant colors to the skies of North America and beyond.
When trying to determine when and where the likelihood of spotting the northern lights might be, you can check this website, which shows forecasted activity. A shorter term forecast is here.
When taking photos with a cell phone, it often works best if you have a stable surface, put your phone on night mode and have a ten-second time for a long shot. There are multiple websites dedicated to helping people capture the lights.
Locals and visitors scrambled or meandered to multiple island sites this weekend to experience the lights.
Sand Point Road Closed
BAR HARBOR—Contractor construction activities to install a retaining wall on Sand Point Road began Monday, May 13, 2024. The road at 127 Sand Point Road will be CLOSED; no thru-traffic will be allowed. Drivers are to seek alternate routes for thru-access. The project is expected to be concluded in mid July.
Main Street - Additional Traffic and Parking Impacts
BAR HARBOR—Beginning on Thursday, May 16, private contract work will take place within the roadway near Peekytoe Provisions at 244 Main Street. The road will be CLOSED at Peektoe Provisions. This impact is expected on May 16 only. Due to the Main Street Sewer, Water and Stormwater project also going on at this same time, through-traffic should continue to use the main detour route of Ledgelawn Avenue to Cromwell Harbor Road.
Town Pier Comfort Station CLOSED Thursday-Friday, May 16-17
BAR HARBOR—Due to the Town Pier repairs, the pier’s comfort station will be closed on Thursday and possibly Friday, May 16-17. The nearby Newport Drive comfort station remains open.
Stormwater System Mapping and Visual Assessment
BAR HARBOR—Beginning Monday through Friday, May 13 through 24, 2024, Public Works and our consultant will be working in and around the roadway throughout Town to map the stormwater infrastructure and to perform visual assessments. The work is part of the Town’s Hazard Mitigation grant from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA). Work areas will have signage. Please use caution.
HOUSING ARTICLES QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
Not everyone could make the event this past Monday about the town’s proposed land use ordinance amendments, but you can still learn about housing articles via the links below.
Presentation: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/.../Housing-Articles-QandA...
Visit this webpage for more information about the housing articles: https://www.barharbormaine.gov/207/Land-Use-Information
League of Women Voters Celebrate Maine’s Municipal Clerks
HANCOCK COUNTY—The Downeast Chapter of the League of Women Voters of Maine (LWVME) visited clerks in ten towns across Hancock County to celebrate Municipal Clerk Appreciation Week. Over a dozen League members delivered flowers and sweets to their clerks while expressing gratitude and appreciation for all the clerks’ hard work and professionalism.
Municipal clerks are the unsung heroes of our democracy. They serve their municipalities and are on the frontlines of administering our elections. They work tirelessly to follow the law, assist voters, run orderly and secure elections, and count every vote. Thanks to their dedication, Maine’s elections are accessible, free, and transparent.
“People power our elections and democracy. This is a vital service that clerks provide, and without their efforts, Maine would not be one of the states with the highest voter turnout in the country,” said Ann Luther, a Downeast League member and LWVME board member.
This year marks the 55th Municipal Clerk Appreciation Week, taking place during the first week in May, and was first declared an annual proclamation by President Ronald Reagan in 1984.
HOMEOWNER SOLAR AND OVERCOMING GRID BARRIERS
BAR HARBOR—Thanks to current state and federal incentives, solar has never been more affordable or accessible for homeowners. The increasing cost of electricity further incentivizes everyday homeowners to invest in small rooftop arrays. As a result, solar adoption across Maine is increasing rapidly; however, there are many rooftop solar projects stalled across Versant Power territory because of our utility’s behavior.
During the event, Beth Woolfolk, ACTT’s Manager of Renewable Energy Planning and Policy, will break down the interconnection process, the current barriers homeowners experience, and how other utilities and states address the same issues. This event is designed to empower homeowners by outlining what they can do now to advocate for their projects, and how to promote the necessary changes that need to occur at the State Legislature and Public Utilities Commission.
This event is designed for anyone interested in the topic, regardless of level of expertise and knowledge related to energy. An in-person event will take place on Thursday, May 16th at 6:00 p.m. at the Jesup Memorial Library. A virtual event will take place on Wednesday, May 22nd at 6:00 p.m. for those unable to attend the in-person event on May 16th. Register for the virtual event on May 22 via this link.
Resilience Hubs & Peer-to-Peer Check-in Networks: A Community Dialogue
MOUNT DESERT AND TREMONT—During these discussions, community members will learn about resilience hubs and how these hubs have been implemented around the country, as well as examples of how neighbors have united to implement localized emergency responses through peer-to-peer check-in networks. Participants will then provide feedback on how such projects might unfold within the local community to best serve residents. The Town of Mount Desert and the Town of Tremont currently have a joint grant through the Maine Community Resilience Partnership that is funding planning for multiple possible projects, including resilience hubs and peer-to-peer check-in networks.
COA Beech Hill Farm Opens for Season
MOUNT DESERT—College of the Atlantic Beech Hill Farm opens for the season on Tuesday, May 28. The farm stand will be stocked with fresh, local, organic vegetables, flowers, baked goods, meat, dairy, and more. Planting out your garden? The farm stand has a wide array of vegetable, herb, and flower seedlings for sale as well.
COA Beech Hill Farm is located at 171 Beech Hill Rd. The farm stand is open Tuesday–Saturday, 9 a.m.– 4 p.m. through the fall. The farm offers 50% off all EBT and WIC purchases.
EDEN FARMERS MARKET OPEN FOR SEASON!
BAR HARBOR—The weekly farmer’s market featuring “Maine grown, raised and value added delights in Bar Harbor” is back on Sundays, from 9 a.m. to noon, rain or shine.
There is also an ancillary market in the lot off School Street behind the YMCA.
The market’s location is at Park and Main St at the YMCA Parking Lot, Bar Harbor.
For more information, check out mdifarmersmarkets.com
MDI Photo Club Announces 11th Annual Exhibit
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 2024 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 7th, from 5:00 to 7:00 pm 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
FRIENDS OF ACADIA BRIEFS
Stewardship Volunteer Program Restarts June 4
Volunteering opportunities to help maintain and repair Acadia’s trails and carriage roads return next month! The program will be in full swing Tuesday, June 4, and will run through the end of October. The drop-in program operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Because of construction at Park Headquarters, the meeting place for volunteers is at the Hulls Cove Maintenance Facility. For more details and a map of the meeting place, please visit our website.
Wild Gardens of Acadia Plant Sale June 15
Continuing a decades-long tradition, the Wild Gardens of Acadia will hold their plant sale this June. Help support the Wild Gardens by shopping at the sale on June 15 from 9 a.m. to noon at Saint Saviour's Episcopal Church in Bar Harbor. Cash and checks will be accepted.
The plant sale will be smaller this year as we are taking measures to try to prevent the spread of jumping worms (genus Amynthas), which are detrimental to soil health and the forest floor.
Proceeds from the sale fund the maintenance and operations of the Wild Gardens of Acadia at Sieur de Monts in Acadia National Park. The Gardens are open daily from dawn to dusk and display more than 400 native plants in habitats that represent those found in the park.
Learn more about the gardens and plan a future visit!
JACKSON LAB NEWS
BAR HARBOR—The Jackson Laboratory is home to extraordinary leaders and scientists at every stage of their careers. Meet three of them here — including one who has just arrived, and one whose time at JAX has prepared her for her next chapter — who share its mission to change the future of human health.
MARY DICKINSON, PH.D.
Mary Dickinson, Ph.D., an internationally recognized geneticist, developmental biologist and bioengineer who has pioneered the understanding of human disease through advanced imaging technology, has joined JAX as the inaugural executive vice president and chief scientific officer. Dickinson will lead JAX’s research enterprise, overseeing scientific strategy and operations to build on JAX’s unique strengths in genetics and genomics.
DAN CORTES, M.D., PH.D.
Dan Cortes, M.D., Ph.D., has embarked on a multifaceted journey powered by an innate curiosity about the human body. His path has led him to pioneering stem cell research within the Pera lab, where he explores the intricate genetic landscape underlying neurological diseases and disorders.
“If you silence your brain for a second and pay attention to who you are, you will find who you have been all along,” says Cortes. “There will be signs of who you have always been. You just have to follow them. When it was time for me to make a career decision, I had to pay attention to myself. When I was a kid, one thing that always remained consistent was my love for science.”
PAIGE RAMKISSOON
When Paige Ramkissoon finished her undergraduate studies at Ithaca College, she wanted to continue pursuing research but didn’t feel ready for the challenges of graduate school. The Postbac at JAX program provided an ideal stepping stone. Now, she has been accepted to a prestigious Ph.D. program at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
Postbac at JAX is a two-year individualized fellowship that provides recent college graduates hands-on lab experience, opportunities for professional development and personalized graduate school preparation through JAX Genomic Education and community-building among groups underrepresented in the sciences. Paige recently reflected on how her time at JAX has prepared for her for the next step in her academic training.
DEMOCRATS ARE LOOKING FOR AN INTERN
Via Laurie Fogleman,
“We at Hancock County Democratic Committee are very happy that we are able to offer a fabulous part time position this election year to two young people in Hancock County. It will be an opportunity to learn first hand how government and elections work while honing skills that could prove invaluable in future employment. And in the process, our interns will be encouraging lots of other young people to get involved and vote! They will help organize texting or calling parties, canvassing efforts, assisting local and state candidates and be introduced to the intricacies of the Maine government. Please share this information with anyone who could personally benefit or might know someone else who would. If you have any questions please write to me directly or through chair@hancockdems.org or to Moira O’Neill through treasurer@hancockdems.org.”
REAL ESTATE NEWS
BAR HARBOR
The James E. Harris Trust, Ann Arbor, Mich., to Leon Debbah, Bar Harbor, land with buildings.
Paula Marie, Bar Harbor to Visionary Investments LLC, Scarborough, land with buildings and improvements.
David B. Woodside and Katheen C. Woodside, Bar Harbor to the Woodside Family Trust, Bar Harbor, land with any improvements.
James M. Denegre, Southwest Harbor and Terry F. Hayamizu (also known incorrectly as Terry F. Hayamizui), Bar Harbor to the Terry Hayamizu Trust, Bar Harbor, land with any improvements.
Mallory C. Watkins and Michael Watkins, Bar Harbor to Molly V. Humphrey, Blue Hill, land with buildings and improvements.
Ann Martin, Yardley, Pa., to Hui Zhang, Acton, Mass., land.
Destination Health Properties LLC, Mount Desert to Breakwater Property Management LLC, Bar Harbor, land together with any buildings or improvements.
MOUNT DESERT
Henry M. Ogilby, Belmont, Mass., to The Westover Stable Realty Trust, Belmont, Mass., land with buildings and improvements.
Martha Cheston, Ambler, Pa., to Grayline LLC, Mount Desert, land with buildings and improvements.
Sally Anne Kellogg, also known as Sally Ann Kellogg,NewYork, N.Y.,to the Sally Anne Kellogg Trust Agreement, Chicago, Ill., land.
SOUTHWEST HARBOR
Guy P. Clifton III, and Sandra J. Clifton, Southwest Harbor to FYEAJ, LLC, Ellsworth, land with buildings and improvements.
John J. Leonard Jr. Warner Robins, Ga., Lynn Leonard Tinkham, f/k/a Lynn Denise Leonard, Manchester, and
Jessica Leonard Casey, Athens, Ga., to Harbor Ridge Condominium Association, 50 percent interest, Unit 35, Week 12, Harbor Ridge Condominium.
Diane Gail Lohrmann, Bergen, N.J., to Diane Gail Lohrmann, John Lohrmann, and Grace Ying Lohrmann, Bergen, N.J., joint tenants, Unit 31, Week 40, Harbor Ridge Condominium.
Diane D. Briggs, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., to Diane D. Briggs, New Smyrna Beach, Fla., and Trent M. Anderson and Sara Costello Anderson, Brunswick, joint tenants, 50 percent interest, Unit 41, Week 22, Harbor Ridge Condominium.
Estate of Dale Clement Beal, Bradley to Harbor Ridge Condominium Association, Unit 45, Week 5, Harbor Ridge Condominium.
Rina S. Pesner, Bangor to CeCelia Mailhot and Gregory Mailhot, Southwest Harbor, joint tenants, land with any improvements.
Paul W. Conklin, Las Vegas, Nev., to Mary A. Paparella, Riviera Beach, Fla., land.
Imladris LLC, aka Imladris LLC, Princeton, N.J., to Amy Davis Brown and Ryan Smith Brown, Northeast Harbor, joint tenants, land together with any buildings and improvements.
Windward Cottage LLC, Southwest Harbor to Daniel Heath Massery and Robin R. Massey, Southlake, Texas, joint tenants, land together with improvements.
TREMONT
Candace Daley, f/k/a Candace O’Keefe, Buffalo, Wyo., to David P. Shields, Southwest Harbor, land with buildings and improvements.
Barbara McCrum, Bass Harbor to Pandemonium, LLC, Bass Harbor, land with any improvements.
Rosamond Blake, Brattleboro, Vt., to Genevra Blake MacPhail, Burlington, Vt., and Phoebe MacPhail Townsend, Keene, N.Y., land with buildings and improvements.
Rebecca L. Hopkins, Bernard to Jamcachken Earth, LLC, Cutler Bay, Fla., land with any improvements.
Lillian Lawson, Bass Harbor to Rebecca L. Hopkins, Bernard, one-half interest, land with any improvements.
Jamcachken Earth, LLC, Cutler Bay, Fla. to Rebecca L. Hopkins, Bernard, land with any improvements.
Rachel A. Kirkham and Bradley R. Kirkham, Columbia, Pa., to Peter J. Kerekgyarto and Leni D. Kerekgyarto, Millersville, Pa., joint tenants, land together with any improvements.
Andrew W. Harkins, Tremont and Tyler Harkins, Tremont to Nicholas John Parlatore, Bass Harbor, land together with any improvements.
TRENTON
George D. Eaton, Trenton to Katherine Dobies, Salsbury Cove, land with buildings and improvements.
Margaret M. Austin, Trenton to Joseph K. DeBeck, Ellsworth, land.
Richard S. Post and Janet H. Post, Lexington, Mass., to Melissa J. Relyea, Bar Harbor, land together with any improvements.
Stephen R. McMullen, Trenton to Stephen R. McMullen and Jane D. McMullen, Trenton, joint tenants, land.
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