PORTLAND — The University of Southern Maine has announced it has reached a major milestone in its campaign for the Promise Scholarship Program, which serves first-generation USM students with significant financial need. Over the past three years, it has raised more than $8.8 million for Promise, including over $7.5 million needed to endow the USM […]
Alex Lear
Staff Writer
Alex Lear is a lifelong Mainer who has spent 25 years in journalism -- the first 20 as a reporter for newspapers in Damariscotta and Falmouth, then as Opinions section editor for the Sun Journal and now a digital producer with the Maine Trust for Local News. His long-running “Learics” column won first place in the Maine Press Association’s 2023 Better Newspaper Contest. He and his wife Lauren are kept young by their 9-year-old daughter Alaina. Send feedback and suggestions to Alex.
SeniorsPlus seeks new members for advisory council
LEWISTON — SeniorsPlus, the designated Area Agency on Aging serving Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties, is seeking new members for its advisory council. The council is a requirement under the Older Americans Act and is responsible for advising on issues concerning older adults and Older Americans Act programs. The council serves as the “eyes and […]
Food bank issues capacity building grants to partner agency network
AUBURN — Good Shepherd Food Bank has announced the recipients of its Capacity Building Grant program. Investments in capacity enable the partner network to not only meet the needs of their community, but to transform food access to a model that prioritizes people’s health, provides affirming and supportive experiences, connects people to their community and […]
DKG International teaching workshop to run March 20
The Maine State Organization of DKG International’s annual S-T-R-E-T-C-H Your Teaching Workshop will be held virtually on Zoom this year. The free professional development program for all educators will take place Saturday, March 20, and on four consecutive Wednesday evenings in March and April. Presentation topics include the impact of teachers, relationship-based resilience, project-based learning, […]
Grants available from Hollis Brain Foundation Fund
ELLSWORTH — Grants to nonprofit organizations that serve disadvantaged, underserved and/or vulnerable communities in Maine are available from the Frances Hollis Brain Foundation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation. The fund awards grants to nonprofits that focus on individuals who live in Greater Portland, Lewiston/Auburn, Bath/Brunswick and Biddeford/Saco/Sanford, or to organizations with a statewide mission […]
Mt. Blue High School lists second-quarter honors
FARMINGTON — Mt. Blue High School has announced its second-quarter honor roll for the 2020-21 academic year. Highest Honors Madison Allen, Magnus Augustin, Carley Austin, Brittany Bailey, Cole Baker, Scott Barber, Abigail Bartlett, Calvin Beale, Ashton Beaudoin, Mason Biello, Allison Blauvelt, Levi Bogar, Luke Brown, Kelsie Butterfield, Elsie Campbell, Jenna Campbell, Jacob Caton, Hope Chernesky, […]
Monmouth Academy students achieve honors
Monmouth Academy has announced its first-semester honor roll for the 2020-21 academic year. Seniors Summa Cum Laude: Amaya Bauer, Ace Blundon, Kylie Brown, Alicen Burnham, Jocelyn Coffin, Chloe Dwinal, Abby Flanagan, Delaney Houston, Emma Johnson, Sophie Jones, Jason Kulinski, Stella Libby, Hayden Luce, Rhayna Poulin, Brooke Rooney, Lydia Roy, Madison Sharples, Benjamin Story and Grace […]
Journalism scholarships available for Maine students
ELLSWORTH — The Gannett Scholarship provides renewable support for students majoring in journalism or a field reasonably related, including print, broadcast or electronic media. The fund helps pay tuition to attend an undergraduate, graduate, trade or technical school. The Gibbs Scholarship provides renewable support to graduating high school seniors planning to major in journalism or […]
Living Well with Chronic Pain workshop to be offered
AUGUSTA — Healthy Living for ME is offering a free workshop to help individuals with a range of chronic pain conditions. Living Well with Chronic Pain will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Tuesdays, March 16 through April 27 on Zoom, a video conferencing platform. The program is for those who may experience a […]
Treat Memorial Library to offer ‘March Music Madness’
LIVERMORE FALLS — Treat Memorial Library has added the following to its shelves: the picture book, “Milo Imagines the World” by Matt de la Pena, the romantic novel, “Much Ado about You” by Samantha Young, and the fantasy, “The Witch’s Heart” by Genevieve Gornichec. For more recommendations, tune in at noon Saturdays, March 13 and […]