POLAND — Agassiz Village, a nonprofit overnight summer camp on Thompson Lake, will open for the summer season of 2021, after much consideration due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Agassiz feels it is critical for youth to have camp, especially this summer. And for the first time in its 86-year history, Agassiz is opening its doors to […]
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.
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Catholic endowments assist parishes in Farmington, Jay
FARMINGTON — From providing nourishment to those in need of food, to offering warmth in the winter, St. Joseph Parish in Farmington and St. Rose of Lima Parish in Jay are able to better the lives of community members due to new parish social ministry endowments with the Catholic Foundation of Maine (CFM). Established in […]
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Area musicians invited to apply for scholarships
ELLSWORTH — Musicians between the ages of 12 and 30 – who reside in Franklin or Somerset county and wish to pursue instruction or musical development on their chosen instrument(s) — are invited to apply to the Uncle Al Fund at the Maine Community Foundation. The scholarship supports further instruction or musical development of musicians […]
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Scholars society chooses Livermore Falls student
ATLANTA, Ga. — The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS) has selected student Cansis Widger of Livermore Falls to become a member of the organization. The homeschooled student was recognized for superior academic achievement. The society recognizes top scholars who have demonstrated outstanding leadership, scholarship and community commitment. The announcement was made by NSHSS […]
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Literacy Volunteers accepting poems for annual contest
FARMINGTON — The annual Literacy Volunteers Poetry Contest, free and for all ages, is open now until Wednesday, March 31, for all residents of Franklin and Somerset counties and the towns of Livermore and Livermore Falls. First-, second- and third-place winners will be selected in each of five categories: Age 0-10, 11-17, 18-25, 26 and […]
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Mt. Abram High School announces honor students
SALEM TOWNSHIP — Mt. Abram High School has announced its second quarter honor roll for the 2020-21 academic year. High honors: 93 or above in all academic subjects Grade 12: Brian Thane Dustin, Joshua Ireland, Clara Logan, Trenton Reed, Brecken Sargent, Patrick Storer, Camryn Wahl. Grade 11: Sara Galusha, Emily Marden, Caleb Thibodeau, Cameron Walters, […]
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Transportation programs for older adults get funding
ELLSWORTH — The Maine Community Foundation’s Maine Charity Foundation Fund has awarded $82,500 to 11 nonprofit organizations that support community-based transportation programs, including changes in response to the pandemic and efforts to keep community members aged 60 and older socially connected during a time of physical distancing. Grant recipients include: SeniorsPlus, Lewiston, to help fund […]
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Scholarship available for agriculture education
ELLSWORTH — Graduating seniors from Maine high schools who are National Future Farmers of America Organization members, and interested in pursuing a career in farming, agriculture or natural resources, can apply for a Ronald P. Guerrette FFA Scholarship through the Maine Community Foundation. The Guerrette FFA Scholarship Fund provides one $1,000 scholarship a year. The […]
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USDA temporarily suspends farm loan debt collections, foreclosures
BANGOR — Due to the national public health emergency caused by COVID-19, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced the temporary suspension of past-due debt collections and foreclosures for distressed borrowers under the Farm Storage Facility Loan and the Direct Farm Loan programs administered by the Farm Service Agency (FSA). USDA will temporarily suspend nonjudicial […]
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VA Maine reaches out by text, phone for vaccine scheduling
AUGUSTA — VA Maine care teams are scheduling COVID-19 vaccinations for eligible enrolled veterans via VEText. Text “start” to 53079 to opt-in to receiving VEText messaging. VA’s VEText program allows veterans to confirm or cancel scheduled appointments and sends reminders for visits via text message. Veterans may also receive text message updates about availability and […]