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May 1, 2014

Greetings!

We hope you enjoy our monthly E-Newsletters. Please send us comments and suggestions for future editions.  With your support, FMM is working to build and strengthen communities, places and people though planning, education, community engagement and community development initiatives.
 

  

Community Spotlight and Community Showcase -
FMM Annual Meeting on Wednesday, June 25 at 5:30 pm
Rockport Opera House
REGISTER TODAY ON-LINE!
Prize $ Available!
Community Spotlight Event
  
In what is sure to be a fun, educational and entertaining evening, the FMM Annual Meeting will be a combination Community Showcase and Community Spotlight, focusing on community, organizational and individual actions, events and initiatives that build strong communities. 

At this event you will learn what Maine, Mainers and our communities are doing to build and strengthen places, people and communities.

Sign up to host a Community Showcase table to provide examples of your efforts, your plans, and your projects. Have a photo display or samples of products. Do you have new community initiatives, a farmers' market, a  community garden, outdoor movies, a community picnic, a new parklet, or a new community event that strengthens people, places and communities?  Show it to us by hosting a table to showcase your work!

Or....sign up for Community Spotlight! Develop a 5 minute presentation (combination Pecha-Kucha-Ted Talk like presentation) with slides to tell us on stage about your community, organization, activity or event!  Ten presenters will be selected in advance.  One will be chosen for a $500 People's Choice Award! Application deadline is June 2.

Or...sign up to Sponsor the event, the bar or the food! Many sponsorship opportunities  are available.  Maine Association of Planners is one of our first sponsors!

At the very least, sign up to attend! Early bird discounts available now! 

EVENT FLYER and INFORMATION

REGISTER ON-LINE TODAY!

 

 

Gardiner Receives Implementation Funding to Support its Action Plan

 
Ten projects in Gardiner have received implementation funding to carry out their ideas to strengthen the City. These projects were identified and developed as a result of the Heart & Soul Planning project that city conducted over the past few years.  The Action Plan was developed by community members with the help of Friends of Midcoast Maine to prioritize these projects and later to seek funding from the Orton Family Foundation. After a rigorous review of the applications, a citizen committee recommended that these projects receive funding and the Foundation approved! The $25,000 in grant funding leverages over $400,000 in investment. Read More...
  
FMM Community Ambassadors
  
Friends of Midcoast Maine is looking for additional Ambassadors to work with FMM over the coming year. We have 55+ communities in our region and need at least one and preferably two from each community.  We currently are looking for additional ambassadors from
  • Appleton
    FMM Ambassadors enjoy breakfast and conversation prior to the program and discussion.
  • Bath
  • Bristol
  • Brunswick
  • Dresden
  • East Boothbay
  • Edgecomb
  • Harpswell
  • Hope
  • Northport
  • Owls Head
  • Phippsburg
  • Searsmont
  • St George
  • Trevett
  • Union
  
The next Ambassador Breakfast is being planned for mid-May. To become an ambassador to FMM or for more information about the Ambassador program, visit  FMM Community Ambassador Brochure or call Jane Lafleur at (207) 236-1077.
  
  
  

The Community Institute

 

In response the increased demand for training and technical assistance, FMM is launching a new educational program in late 2014-early 2015. The Community Institute will address the expressed need for technical training and collaborative opportunities in the midcoast and beyond. Several series of workshops and trainings will be available on a variety of topics including community engagement, community and economic development, planning tools, tax increment financing, youth engagement, site plans and subdivisions, place-making and transportation for everyone, to name a few. 

 

FMM is receiving grants, donations, and business and individual sponsorships for the Institute and is developing the curriculum, fee schedule and marketing materials. Seminar leaders from Maine, New England and elsewhere will be invited to participate in this cutting edge, relevant and critical initiative.

 

The Community Institute will "build community, build places and build leaders". The Institute will work to strengthen our communities by improving the collaboration, knowledge and skill in our state. If you would like to suggest a session topic or series, please e-mail Jane Lafleur at info@friendsmidcoast.org and type Community Institute in the subject line. 

 

 

 

 
Public Transit in Knox County
  

Four communities of Thomaston, Rockland, Rockport and Camden collaborated with Maine DOT to complete a study of the potential for public transit in the region.  The Midcoast Transit Committee received the final recommendations from Boris Palchik of Nelson/Nygaard a week ago. The final recommendations are contained within the final report.

 

The final presentation of the results is available at Transit Study Presentation.

News article Bus Service to Rockland and then Expand. 

 

 




  
  
Knox County Towns Invited!
Camden Conducts Rural Active Living Assessment
 
Friends of Midcoast Maine is working with the Knox County Community Health Coalition to identify 6 towns in Knox County that might be interested in conducting a Rural Active Living Assessment.
  
Assistance and training will be available from Friends of Midcoast Maine.  Camden completed one in October 2013.
  
This assessment can help communities assess the locations, proximity and quality of community amenities that promote active, healthy living.  The information can also be helpful in a community's comprehensive planning process. To take part in an community-led assessment, contact Jane Lafleur at info@friendsmidcoast.org or call 236-1077.
  
Interesting Articles
  

The Many Benefits of Street Trees and Urban Greenery
Jane Lafleur, Executive Director
Friends of Midcoast Maine
  
From Brunswick to Bucksport, helping midcoast communities shape their future.