Information You Can Use

Automobile Regstration

Secretary of State Motor Vehicle Division, State House Station 29, Augusta, Maine 04333-0029

Phone: (207) 624-9000

Child Care

Many excellent child-care services are available in the Capital Area. Day care centers, private homes, nursery school programs and after school child care programs are available. Southern Kennebec Child Development Corporation in Augusta is a source of information for parents, employers and providers seeking child-care information. Phone: (207) 626-3410 or 1-800-525-2229.

Climate

The weather of the area is in four distinct seasons, but without the severe snowfalls and cold of the northern regions. Since Augusta is at head tide in the Kennebec River it is considered coastal, but it lacks the heavy fogs of the seashore towns. The summer heat is comfortably tempered, but a few days occur with maximums reaching as high as 90 degrees. Mid-summer afternoon temperatures are in the ideal range of 75 to 80 degrees on an average day, with the nighttime minimum average in the upper 50's. Uncomfortably hot and humid nights are relatively few. Winters are moderately cold, with a mean temperature of 23 degrees for the three months of December, January and February. Readings of zero or lower are recorded on an average of 13 days per winter.

Clubs/Organizations

Getting together with people who share your interests is an important part of life in the Capital Area. Most national service and social organizations can be found here. For a complete list of clubs and organizations please contact the Chamber.

Housing

Housing in the Capital Area is available to suit every taste and need. Median sales price of homes in Kennebec County in 2004 was $125,000 although the range of homes can extend to luxury homes on beautiful lakeside settings. Homes for the most part are located on heavily vegetated lots whether in the urban areas or in nearby country settings. Apartments are available in the area at reasonable prices and a number of seniors and assisted-living homes are available. Please see our membership directory for a full listing of "Real Estate Development Rentals" professionals or write or call the Chamber for an area Real Estate Guide.

Senior Citizen Assistance

General information is available from the Bureau of Elder & Adult Services, State House Station 11, Augusta, Maine 04333 Phone: (207) 287-9200 or 1 800-262-2232 or call Senior Spectrum, One Weston Court, Augusta, Maine 04330, Phone: (207) 622-9212 or 1-800-639-1553.

Taxation

The tax structure of Maine is comprised of state and local taxes. The state collects retail sales and use taxes, income taxes and business related taxes. At the local level, real estate, personal property and excise taxes are collected. Additional detailed information may be obtained from municipal offices or from the Maine Revenue Services, State House Station 24, Augusta, Maine 04333-0024. Phone: (207) 287-2076

Newspaper/Radio/Television

The Kennebec Journal serves the region as the primary daily newspaper. The Capital Weekly newspaper is published Thursdays. Several local radio stations are operated by Clear Channel and Citadel WMME/WEBB. Adelphia provides cable and local television to the Capital Area. Network service is available via stations WCSH-TV, WGME-TV and WABI-TV located in Bangor, Lewiston/Auburn and Portland, Maine.

Utilities

Central Maine Power, an Energy East Company, provides the area with electric service. Verizon is the primary provider of telephone service, although several local independent companies also serve the area. Adelphia provides the region with cable television service. The Capital Area is served by a number of gas and oil dealers. The availability of municipal water and sewer systems varies from community to community.

Welcoming/Greeting Service

If you are new to the Capital Area and would like an information package from Augusta Area Newcomers, please call Ramona Venskus at (207) 622-4312.

Visitor Information

Camping Guide

Maine Campground Owners Association, 655 Main Street, Lewiston, Maine 04240 (207) 782-5874

Craft Shows

United Maine Craftsmen, P.O. Box 861, Portland, Maine 04104 (207) 621-2818

Fishing and Hunting

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife , State House Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041 (207) 287-8000

Lodging

Whether you are in the Capital Area on a business trip, searching for a new home or on vacation, area innkeepers welcome you and invite you to sample their warm hospitality. You will find bed and breakfasts, quiet country inns, large modern hotels and lakeside cottages.

Area campgrounds are available to accommodate your tent or trailer. For more information, write or call:

Maine Innkeepers Association, 142 Free Street, Portland, Maine 04101 (207) 773-7670

Maine Fairs

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, State House Station 28, Augusta, Maine 04333-0028 (207) 287-3871

Fishing and Hunting

Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife , State House Station 41, Augusta, Maine 04333-0041 (207) 287-8000

State of Maine Map/ Tourist Information

Maine Office of Tourism, 1333 Washington Ave., Portland, ME 04103 1-888-624-6345

State Parks

Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, State House Station 22, Augusta, Maine 04333-0022 (207) 287-3821

Reservation: (800) 332-1501 within Maine --- (207) 287-3824 outside of Maine

Chambers of Commerce

Local Chambers of Commerce provide visitor and relocation information for their areas.

Worship

The Capital Area offers many places of worship for nearly every faith. With so many religious denominations represented you are sure to find a very warm welcome in the house of worship of your choice.