CALAIS, Maine — The Washington County Council of Governments is offering up to three free 18.7-gallon recycling bins to any municipal office, school or business in Washington County that requests them, on a first come-first served basis.
In return, recipients of the free bins are asked to participate in a one-hour discussion at their workplace on current recycling efforts. WCCOG can help identify factors that have hindered or prevented the establishment of a recycling program, and offer other information and assistance to start up or expand a recycling program. Additional bins are available for purchase from the Maine Resource Recovery Association (MRRA) in a variety of sizes and colors.
WCCOG is able to provide the free recycling bins and offer free technical assistance on recycling with the help of a grant from the United States Department of Agriculture’s Rural Utilities Service. Funding from this grant supported the countywide household hazardous waste (HHW) and electronic waste collections in Calais and Machias in the summer of 2011.
The Marion Transfer Station has commissioned a feasibility study and a concept-level design for a new regional recycling facility in Marion. The USDA-funded research was used to determine potential markets and volumes of recyclables such a facility in Marion could handle once constructed.
For information about the bin offer or for technical assistance on recycling, contact Sandi Duchesne at 735-5436 or smduchesne@roadrunner.com.
Michaud’s staffer to meet with residents in Trenton
TRENTON, Maine — Rep. Mike Michaud announced that his staff will be available to meet with Mainers in Trenton on issues they are facing with federal agencies and to discuss services available through his office.
From 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21, constituent service representative Morgan Pottle Urquhart from Michaud’s Bangor office will be available at the Trenton town office located at 59 Oak Point Road in Trenton. If Mainers have any questions or would like to set up an appointment (not required), they are encouraged to contact Urquhart at 942-6935.
Down East hospital to hold health fair, flu shot clinic
MACHIAS, Maine — The public is invited to Down East Community Hospital’s sixth Annual Community Health Fair and Free Flu Shot Clinic from 1-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 13 at the Lee Pellon Center in Machias. Last year, more than 800 people participated in the fair.
The flu shots and the tables for participating organizations will be free of charge.
This year the event will include free pediatric flu shots as well as free adult flu shots. Adults also will be provided free blood pressure screenings. Down East Community’s Imaging Department, ENT Practice, Physician Practices, Rehabilitation Services, Women’s Center and many other departments will be participating.
Additionally, health-related organizations from throughout the area will join Down East Community staff to provide valuable information about health care services in the area. Participating organizations include Washington County One Community, Down East Hospice, Community Health and Counseling, Sunrise Senior College, Maine Veteran’s Home, University of Maine Cooperative extension and many others.
For information on the Health Fair and Flu Shot Clinic, contact the community relations office at 255-0244.
WQDY Radio honored at broadcasters convention
CALAIS, Maine — WQDY Radio based in Calais received three awards at the Maine Association of Broadcasters 2011 Convention held Sept. 10 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Auburn.
Jeff Demmons and Mike Ellis took third place in the MAB’s 2011 Radio News Awards in Sports Play-by-Play.
Tom McLaughlin received two awards — a first place award in the Feature category “Texting Tragedy” and a second place in the Spot News category for “Overnight House Fire.”
Judging for this year’s entries from radio and television stations in Maine was carried out by the Indiana Broadcasters Association.
UMM homecoming, family weekend on tap Sept. 23-25
MACHIAS, Maine — The University of Maine at Machias will hold its annual Homecoming & Family Weekend from Friday, Sept. 23 through Sunday, Sept. 25. Highlights will include the launch of the new Clipper Athletics Hall of Fame, athletics alumni games, activities and amusements for kids, a golf tournament and more.
At 1 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, the festivities kick off with canoe jousting on the pond. UMM President Cynthia Huggins will then host a wine and cheese reception for alumni and parents from 4 to 5 p.m. at the O’Brien House.
Saturday morning will begin with an open house and free swim at the Reynolds Center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children participating in the free swim must have a parent present.
At 10 a.m., the Alumni Association Executive Board will meet, providing an opportunity for other alumni to get to know the board members. The Alumni Association will then hold their annual meeting at 11 a.m. to discuss alumni road trips and events for the coming year and the new UMM Alumni Sports and Recreation program for graduates and their families. Both meetings take place in the Clipper Lounge of Sennett Hall.
Other events scheduled for Saturday include men’s and women’s soccer against Eastern Maine Community College beginning at noon; kids activities on the mall from noon to 4 p.m.; an art exhibit featuring the paintings of Alison Weld in the Powers Hall Art Galleries from noon to 4 p.m.; tours of the new greenhouse, Admissions Office, and Advising Center departing from the O’Brien House at 1 p.m.; Chemistry Magic with William Otto and Shallee Page at 2 p.m. in the Science Building; and the Green and White Ball at 9 p.m. in Kilburn Commons.
At 5:30 p.m. Saturday, the inaugural induction ceremony for the newly formed Clipper Athletics Hall of Fame will be held, honoring the athletic achievement of former student-athletes and coaches. The ceremony will take place at 5:30 p.m. at the Reynolds Center and will honor eight Hall of Fame inductees: Barbara Thompson ’74, Dana Colwill ’83, Frank McGrady ’84, Mike Bottalico ’86, Todd Middleton ’91, Tracey Kershner ’91, Andrew Meredith ’93, and Nathan Turk.
Alumni games in basketball, soccer, and volleyball also will be held throughout the weekend for former student-athletes. A full schedule of events can be found online at www.machias.edu/homecoming. For more information, contact the Office of Student Life at 255-1305.
Eastport Arts Center readies for fall events
EASTPORT, Maine — The Eastport Arts Center is offering a harvest of fall events, from workshops to concerts and holiday fairs to theater.
A new music series debuts at the EAC in September: “Local Harvest,” will feature area musicians performing benefit concerts to raise money for sound equipment for the arts center. The first group in the series will be Timbercreek with Frank Seger at 7 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, playing old-time country and bluegrass. The band includes Jim O’Neal from Lubec on bass and guitar, Frank Seger from Perry on Bill Monroe-influenced mandolin, and John Viselli from Cooper on fiddle, and vocals.
There will be a pumpkin carving and decorating workshop from 2 to 4 p.m. Oct. 22, followed by a pumpkin decorating contest the following weekend on Oct. 29.
The Stage East fall production, Deathtrap, opens on Friday, Oct. 22, and ends Sunday, Oct. 30.
November features the Fall PBSO concert on Saturday, Nov. 12., and Saturday, Nov. 19, there will be a Harvest Fair in the morning and Two Old Friends will return for an evening concert of Irish and Appalachian music.
In December, the Christmas production will open on Friday, Dec. 9, and closes Sunday, Dec. 18. On Saturday, Dec. 10, there will be a Holiday Fair followed by the Festival of Trees.
Call the arts center for more information, 853-4650 or email eastportarts@gmail.com.
Marshfield church to celebrate 140th anniversary
MARSHFIELD, Maine — On Sept. 18, the Marshfield Congregational Church will celebrate its 140th anniversary and John Sprague’s 20th anniversary of serving as its pastor.
A special service will be held at 8 a.m. with special music, historical recollections, and special readings. Coffee and donuts will be served before the service. All will be welcomed as the congregation will share a video and breakfast at the Bluebird Restaurant in Machias after the service.
For information, contact Alexandra at 255-8132.
Calais event to help fight multiple sclerosis
CALAIS, Maine — Walkers from throughout eastern Maine will gather at The Bank of Maine, 344 Main St. in Calais at 11 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, to kick-off the first annual Walk MS Calais fundraiser in support of the work conducted by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
Walk options of 3 miles and 1 mile make it possible for a wide range of individuals to participate. Walkers agree to raise at least $25.
Funds raised through Walk MS Calais will help provide programs, services and advocacy for the 4,000 people in Maine diagnosed with MS and their families. To register for Walk MS Calais, visit www.walkMSgne.org or call 800-344-4867.
Those who wish can also register the day of the event. Registration begins at The Bank of Maine at 10 a.m. with the walk starting at 11 a.m. Lunch will be served immediately after the walk.