Local Politics
COA Summer Institute to Focus on Democracy
(Bar Harbor) Many consider this year’s election to be one of the most consequential of our time. With that in mind, the 2024 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute will focus on Questions of Democracy, exploring questions of authoritarianism, artistic freedom, and socio-political change. The Institute will consist of ten sessions over five days, July 29-August 2nd. Speakers will include US Representative Jamie Raskin, MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, elected officials, journalists, poets, authors and more. Registration opens Saturday, June 1st at, c o a dot e d u forward slash s i.
(Bar Harbor) MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough of Morning Joe, retired Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer and other elected officials, journalists, poets, and authors will present at this year’s 2024 College of the Atlantic Summer Institute. COA says the theme, “Questions of Democracy”, will examine democracy in the United States as the country moves towards perhaps the most consequential election of our time. Speakers will explore questions of authoritarianism, artistic freedom, and socio-political change. The Institute will consist of ten sessions over five days, July 29-August 2nd. Registration opens Saturday, June 1st, at c o a dot e d u forward slash s i.
AM Radio Bill Advances in House
(Maine) A House bill that would require carmakers to keep AM radio in the dashboard has taken a step forward in Congress. Inside Radio reports a House subcommittee last week approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act which, if passed, would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. Representatives say in times of emergency, it’s important to have every available avenue to receive public safety alerts in a timely manner and that AM radio continues to be a medium in which Americans can receive such information, particularly in rural communities. The National Association of Broadcasters says it welcomed the vote.
(Maine) When’s the last time you listened to an AM Radio station? Actually, it’s not as rare as you may think, especially in rural areas where farm reports and other information are often broadcast via AM stations. Inside Radio reports a House subcommittee last week approved the AM Radio for Every Vehicle Act which, if passed, would require the Secretary of Transportation to issue a rule requiring access to AM broadcast stations in motor vehicles. Representatives say in addition to its importance in rural and other areas, in times of emergency, it’s important to have every available avenue to receive public safety alerts in a timely manner. The bill reportedly has the approval of the National Association of Broadcasters.
Economy
Extended Tax Filing Deadline
(Maine) If you’re one of those taking advantage of the extension for filing your 2023 federal income tax returns and payments, the IRS reminds you that June 17th is the deadline. Residents in seven Maine counties – Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset – were granted the extension this year due to storm damage as designated by FEMA.
(Maine) June 17th is the deadline for those eligible for the extended tax deadline. Residents of seven Maine counties – Androscoggin, Franklin, Kennebec, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Somerset – were granted the extension by the IRS this year due to storm damage as designated by FEMA.
Education
Versant Power Planetarium June Offerings
(Orono) The vastness of space means there will always be new worlds to explore and new opportunities to learn. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, tells Star 97.7, beginning June 7th, their Friday night programming will take a look at how technology is changing both how and what we know about our universe. (((PlanetJune 1 “…understanding of the universe at large. :21))). That’s at 7 p.m. every Friday night in June, beginning June 7th. For tickets and more information, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) June’s Sunday afternoon children’s programming at the Versant Power Astronomy Center includes a visit from Big Bird! Executive Director Shawn Laatsch tells Star 97.7, (((PlanetJune 2 “…and sharing the night sky with us.” :12))). That’s beginning this Sunday and every Sunday at 2 p.m. And no need for the kids to be bored this summer, the Planetarium will once again offer special summer programming for kids every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 2 p.m., beginning June 19th. For tickets and a schedule of programs, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) The Future Looks Good – at least that’s according to the group One Republic. Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center tells Star 97.7, it’s a chance after a busy week to sit back and relax to a unique program of music, lights, and artistry. (((PlanetJune 3 “…and a really fun music program, as well.” :06))) That’s every Sunday in June at 4 p.m., beginning June 2nd at the Planetarium on the University of Maine Orono campus. Tickets at astro dot u maine dot e d u.
(Orono) No better time to marvel at the heavens above us than the clear skies of spring. Star 97.7 asked Shawn Laatsch, Director of the Versant Power Astronomy Center, to tell us what to look for in the coming weeks. (((PlanetJune 4 “…after sunset in our nighttime sky.” :14))) And whether you’re looking to expand your knowledge, relax to music, or find something to keep the kids informed and entertained – chances are, it’s happening at the Planetarium. To learn about all the Astronomy Center’s offerings, visit astro dot u maine dot e d u.
Environment
MDEP Issues Updates to Rules for Coastal Sand Dune Areas
(Maine) Coastal sand dune systems are not confined to Southern Maine. That’s a heads up warning from the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. They say all coastal sand dunes are protected systems under the National Resources Protection Act. They remind folks activities in sand dunes have different permitting requirements than other coastal resources. The Maine Geological Survey has published an updated statewide map of towns with mapped coastal sand dune systems. Those include Addison, Bar Harbor, Beals, Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Deer Isle, Jonesport, Lamoine, Winter Harbor and many other Downeast towns. Find a complete list on the MDEP website.
(Maine) Gouldsboro, Harrington, Addison, Bar Harbor, Eastport, Steuben, Sorrento – more than 80 towns in Maine have mapped coastal sand dune systems. The Maine Department of Environmental Protection reminds folks that all coastal sand dunes are protected systems and that activities in sand dunes have different permitting requirements than other coastal resources. Find an updated statewide map of towns with coastal sand dune systems, along with permitting rules – such as no new seawalls – at maine dot gov.
Health
Bar Harbor Farmers’ Market to Offer Free Local Vegetables
(Bar Harbor) What’s better than fresh, local vegetables? How about if they’re free! A Healthy Acadia event planned for Friday, June 6th, will bring free fresh vegetables and more to MDI Housing Authority sites. Housing Authority residents and guests can pick up free farm-fresh produce, explore enrollment opportunities for this season’s programs and get information about local resources at the Malvern Belmont Community Room in Bar Harbor from 10 to 11:30 or at the Ridge Apartments in SW Harbor from 2 to 3:30 on June 6th.
(Bar Harbor) Summer is the perfect time to enjoy fresh, local vegetables. Next Saturday, June 6th, Healthy Acadia invites residents of Housing Authority sites to pick up some of those veggies for free. Housing Authority residents and guests can enjoy free farm-fresh produce, explore enrollment opportunities for this season’s programs and get information about local resources at the Malvern Belmont Community Room in Bar Harbor from 10 to 11:30 or at the Ridge Apartments in SW Harbor from 2 to 3:30 on June 6th.
Nursing Homes Closing at Faster Rate in Maine Than Elsewhere
(Maine) A new study says nursing homes in Maine have been closing at roughly four times the national rate – an alarming trend in a state with the oldest median age in the country. MaineBiz reports data published this month by the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston shows between 2010 and 2023, in the US as a whole, 5% of nursing homes closed – in Maine during that same period, the rate was 19%. The news is not all bad. The report shows services for older adults are increasing, allowing many to live and age longer in their own homes. Still, experts say the closure of nursing homes in Maine – Narraguagus Bay in Milbridge is the latest to announce it will be closing – is staggering and creates incredible strain on the state’s healthcare and long term care systems.
(Maine) With Seaport Village Healthcare in Ellsworth transitioning from nursing home care this spring, facilities offering skilled nursing care in Hancock County ceased to exist. The change followed closure of the Deer Isle Nursing Home in 2021; and just this month, Narraguagus Bay in Milbridge announced it will be closing in the next 60 days. MaineBiz reports while such closings are an alarming trend across the US, the rate of closures is four times higher in a state with the nation’s oldest median age than in the nation as a whole. To address the problem here in Maine with an eye toward a solution, the 2024 Mainebiz Health Care Forum will be held in Freeport on June 5th. Registration is open and more information available at mainebiz dot biz.
Human Interest/Entertainment
Mano e Mano Mosaic
(Milbridge) Big things are happening at Mano e Mano in Milbridge. We’re talking a 5,000 piece mosaic big. Over the next few months, the non-profit says thousands of people will arrive in Maine, ready and eager to harvest and process blueberries. To help support them, and as a way to celebrate all the different members of such a vibrant community, the new Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare Center will install a 14 square foot mosaic, designed by Amanda Edwards with community input. But first, they need OUR input. To contribute, visit mano maine dot network for good dot com. And when you give before June 20th, your gift will be matched.
(Milbridge) It won’t be long before thousands of dedicated families will arrive in Maine, ready to harvest and process the season’s blueberries. Mano e Mano in Milbridge will be there with tireless support, through childcare, bi-lingual services and more. Mano e Mano says this year, they’ll be celebrating all the different members of such a vibrant community by installing a 14-square-foot, 5,000 piece mosaic at the new Rayitos de Sol Bilingual Childcare Center. The art was designed by Amanda Edwards, with support from the community, and will be a constant reminder of the beauty of our differences that make one big beautiful world. If you’d like to contribute, visit mano maine dot network for good dot com. And when you give before June 20th, your gift will be matched.
Reservations Open for MSM Sunbeam Award Gala
(NE Harbor) You’re invited to join Maine Seacoast Mission at the 2024 Sunbeam Award Gala on August 15th. This year’s honorees are the Diana Davis Spencer Foundation and Island Institute. The event will be held at the Bar Harbor Club, and you can now reserve for individuals or full tables. To make your reservation, email d mack at seacoast mission dot org.
(NE Harbor) Two longtime supporters will be honored at Maine Seacoast Mission’s 2024 Sunbeam Award Gala on August 15th. The Diana Davis Spencer Foundation is a committed philanthropic partner with deep ties to Maine. Island Institute will be honored for its 40 years of commitment to working with island and coastal communities in marine economy, sustainability, and community. The event will be held at the Bar Harbor Club, and you can now reserve for individuals or full tables by emailing d mack at seacoast mission dot org.
Sports
Red Sox vs. Orioles tonight in Baltimore
The Celtics have made a habit of rallying late – last night they made it a clean 4-zip sweep in the Eastern Conference Finals, beating the Pacers 105-102. Celtics reach the NBA Finals for the second time in three years.