Maine's Capital Area

Who: Teams of friends, family, and co-workers throughout Maine

What: 2021 Travis Mills Plane Pull ®

When: Saturday, October 16, 2021; 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Northeast Air at Portland International Jetport, 1001 Westbrook St., Portland, ME

Why: To serve recalibrated veterans through the Travis Mills Foundation

How: https://www.classy.org/event/2021-travis-mills-foundation-plane-pull/e345520

Rally your friends, family, and co-workers to participate in the 2021 Travis Mills Plane Pull to be held Saturday, Oct. 16 at the Portland International Jetport, all to support our nation’s recalibrated veterans.

The inaugural event in 2019 raised $100,000 for the Travis Mills Foundation, a nonprofit organization that helps heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation at its retreat in Belgrade, Maine.

Thanks to partner Northeast Air, teams will go head-to-head to raise vital funds for the organization and of course, ultimate bragging rights.

Event partner Fed Ex is lending its Boeing-757 to the event that pits teams of 20 against one another to pull the 80-ton plane a total of 20 feet in the least amount of time.

Teams are broken into three divisions: General, Women’s Only, and Veteran/First Responder (75 percent of team members must be veterans and/or first responders). Prizes will be awarded for Top Fundraiser, Quickest Pull per division, and Most Patriotic.

Each team is charged with raising $2,500, all of which goes to the foundation. Register a team here and help the Travis Mills Foundation reach its goal of $150,000: https://www.classy.org/event/2021-travis-mills-foundation-plane-pull/e345520.

The event is free to attend for spectators. There will be activities for children, food trucks, and more. For information on sponsoring a team, contact Brandy Dupper-Macy at , or Linda Laughlin with Northeast Air at .

Sponsorships available: Presenting Sponsor: $15,000 (Exclusive to one partner); Co-Pilot Sponsors: $7,500 (Exclusive to two partners); Division Sponsorships: $5,000 (Women’s, First Responder and Military, General; three total sponsorships); Fuel and Fun Sponsorships: $2,500 (Open to five sponsors for food and children’s events); and Frequent Flyer Sponsorships: $1,000 (Open to 10 sponsors). FMI about sponsorships, contact Brandy Dupper-Macy at .

Join the Travis Mills Foundation for The Building Strength Gala on Saturday, September 11, 2021 from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Location: The Travis Mills Foundation, 1002 Watson Pond Road, Rome, ME 04963.  Enjoy an evening of entertainment by the Eli Young Band along with other celebrity guests.  Bid on one of a kind high-end silent auction items and once in a lifetime getaways and special items and experiences in the live auction. This evening is an opportunity to learn what the Travis Mills Foundation does and how it supports recalibrated veterans and their families through various programs that help these heroic men and women overcome physical and emotional obstacles, strengthen their families, and provide well-deserved rest and relaxation.

Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust recently presented donations totaling more than $9,600 to five Northern New England nonprofit organizations from its employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for A Cause. The recipients of the contributions collected in Q2 2021 are: Boots2Roots, Chandler Center for the Arts, NextStep Domestic Violence Project, Paramount Theatre, and West Central Behavior Health.

“While the nonprofit organizations Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees selected in Q2 2021 are diverse in the services they provide, they are unified in a common goal and that’s to improve the quality of life in our communities,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “We are honored to support them and the invaluable services they provide.”

Casual for a Cause gives Bank employees the opportunity to dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected during each quarter. The employees then vote on the nonprofits to receive their contributions. Employees have donated more than $100,000 to more than 50 organizations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont since the program launched in 2018.

Recipients of Q2 2021 Donations

Maine

Boots2Roots is the only organization in Maine specifically focused on preparing active duty military members up to a year before they begin their transition for immediate success in Maine, while providing a pipeline of new workforce talent to Maine employers. Services include personalized self-assessment, resume assistance, interview coaching, and more. Learn more about Boots2Roots at www.boots2roots.org.

"Boots2Roots sends a special thank you to the team at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their generous donation,” said Bill Benson, Executive Director of Boots2Roots. “Together we will continue to make a difference in the lives of military members and their families as they transition to work and put down roots in Maine."

NextStep Domestic Violence Project supports and empowers people affected by domestic violence, while striving to prevent and end the cycle of domestic violence through education and social change. Services provided by the organization includes a 24/7 helpline, emergency housing, legal assistance, and support groups. Learn more about NextStep at www.nextstepdvproject.org.

“NextStep appreciates your generous support,” said Dorathy Martel, Executive Director of NextStep Domestic Violence Project. “Unrestricted donations such as yours allow us to be responsive to the needs of survivors of domestic violence throughout Downeast Maine. Your gift will contribute to our efforts to make our shelter a haven for people with dog and cat companions. Many survivors value their pets’ safety as highly as they do their own, and knowing that there are safe places where they can be together expands their options.”

New Hampshire

West Central Behavioral Health is the nonprofit community mental health care provider for people of all ages living in the Upper Valley and Sullivan County, New Hampshire, regardless of their ability to pay. The organization offers a wide range of specialized services including outpatient, emergency, case management, residential and continuing care services. Learn more about West Central Behavioral Health at www.wcbh.org.

“Knowing we were chosen by the Bank's employees is especially heartening for it suggests mental illness and substance use disorders are an important part of their charitable priorities,” said Dave Celone, Director of Development & Community Relations at West Central Behavioral Health. “As we continue to seek to end the discrimination and bias surrounding mental illness, Bar Harbor Bank's employee support means the world to us.”

Vermont

Chandler Center for the Arts is a 575-seat theater in Randolph, Vermont, whose mission is to strengthen and energize the community, deepen the cultural and artistic growth of youth, offer opportunities for people to come together in celebration of the arts, inspire and cultivate artistic expression and education in the performing and visual arts for people of all ages and incomes. Learn more about Chandler Center for the Arts at www.chandler-arts.org.

“Chandler Center for the Arts is delighted and honored to be chosen by the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust in the Casual for a Cause employee-led program,” said Karen Dillon, Executive Director of Chandler Center for the Arts. “This support comes at a crucial time as we move into our reopening phase for indoor events in our 570-seat performance space and our art gallery. We are grateful and look forward to welcoming the public back safely to attend in-person events and to continue to provide arts opportunities to everyone in our area.”

Paramount Theatre is a historic theater that opened in Rutland, Vermont, in 1914. The theater hosts many events and performances and has assumed its role as an arts, cultural, and educational leader, and as a significant and valuable community resource. Learn more about the Paramount Theatre at www.paramountvt.org.

“The Paramount Theatre is an asset for the community because of the community,” said Eric Mallette, Executive Director of Paramount Theatre. “This generous donation by Bar Harbor Bank & Trust exemplifies what a caring, forward thinking community we are fortunate to call home. After 500-plus days of a dark stage, our ability to generate income ‘the old fashioned way’ via ticket sales has been compromised – we survived the rough waters of the pandemic because of selfless acts like the one illustrated by the tremendous team at Bar Harbor.”

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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Brunswick, Maine – John O’Neill has joined Bar Harbor Bank & Trust as Assistant Vice President, Community Banking Relationship Manager. In this role, he helps entrepreneurs in Central Maine find the right financing and deposit solutions for their small businesses.

John has more than 13 years of financial services experience. He began his career in banking in 2008 as a branch specialist at Granite State Credit Union. John later served as a branch manager for TD Bank, Northway Bank, and most recently, Service Credit Union.

John earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration and Marketing from Lyndon State College.

John lives in Topsham, Maine.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has named 15 recent high school graduates as recipients of the Bank’s 2021 Career Technology Education Scholarship. The $1,000 award is presented to students in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont who attended a technical career program as part of their high school curriculum and are planning to attend college or a technical school after graduation.

Maine Scholarship Recipients

Bryce Carter of Ellsworth, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Ellsworth High School and was enrolled in the biomedical research program at Hancock County Technical Center. He plans to study environmental science at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.

Belinda Catheron of Stueben, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Sumner Memorial High School and was enrolled in the health occupations program at Hancock County Technical Center. She plans to study physical therapy at Husson University.

Emily Lyman of Norridgewock, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Skowhegan High School and was enrolled in the certified nursing assistant program at Somerset Career & Technical Center. She plans to study nursing at Kennebec Valley Community College.

Lillian Philbrook of Ellsworth, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Ellsworth High School and was enrolled in the biomedical research program at Hancock County Technical Center. She plans to study forensic science at Central Maine Community College.

Meghan Reed of Pittsfield, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Maine Central Institute and was enrolled in the early childhood education program at Somerset Career & Technical Center. She plans to study early childhood education at Kennebec Valley Community College.

Hannah Shorey of Franklin, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Sumner Memorial High School and was enrolled in the biomedical research program at Hancock County Technical Center. She plans to study forensic science at Husson University.

Ronald Williams of Columbia Falls, Maine, is a 2021 graduate of Narraguagus Jr./Sr. High School and was enrolled in the culinary arts program at Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology. He plans to study culinary arts/hospitality at Southern Maine Community College.

New Hampshire Scholarship Recipients

Lucas Bell of Manchester, New Hampshire, is a 2021 graduate of the Manchester School of Technology, where he was enrolled in the auto mechanics program. He plans to study mechanics at Universal Technical Institute.

Ashtyn Cole of Manchester, New Hampshire, is a 2021 graduate of the Manchester School of Technology, where she was enrolled in the health science program. She plans to study health science at Manchester Community College.

Madison Miller of Newport, New Hampshire, is a 2021 graduate of Newport Middle High School and was enrolled in the health science technology program at Sugar River Valley Regional Technical Center. She plans to study biological sciences at the University of Connecticut.

Nika Mitchell of Concord, New Hampshire, is a 2021 graduate of Concord High School and was enrolled in the education program at Concord Regional Technical Center. She plans to study elementary education at Saint Michael’s College.

Amaya Simmons of Concord, New Hampshire, is a 2021 graduate of Concord High School and was enrolled in the health science program at Concord Regional Technical Center. She plans to study health care management at Granite State College.

StacyLee Stanley of Manchester, New Hampshire, is a 2021 graduate of the Manchester School of Technology, where she was enrolled in the cosmetology program. She plans to study cosmetology at Empire Beauty School.

Vermont Scholarship Recipients

James Parmenter of Wilder, Vermont, is a 2021 graduate of Hartford High School and was enrolled in the business administration program at Hartford Area Career & Technology Center. He plans to study communications at Southern New Hampshire University.

Jewelie-Awna Richards-Safford of Williamstown, Vermont, is a 2021 graduate of Williamstown High School and was enrolled in the construction trades & management program at Randolph Technical Career Center. She plans to study fine woodworking at Northern Vermont University.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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South China, Maine – Courtney Bonsant has been promoted to Branch Relationship Manager for Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s location in South China, Maine. In this role, she leads a team of banking professionals to provide solutions and guidance to help individuals, families, and businesses in the community meet their financial goals.

Courtney has more than 10 years of customer service experience, including five in the financial services industry. She joined the Bank in 2016 as a Customer Service Representative and took on various roles of increasing leadership responsibility. Courtney was promoted to Assistant Branch Manager in 2019.

Courtney has completed the Principles of Banking coursework from American Bankers Association. She is a State of Maine Notary Public.

Courtney, as a Junior Achievement volunteer, works with students at China Middle School and Erskine Academy to deliver JMG programs, a public education and private business collaboration that provides students with the skills and tools they need to succeed. She also volunteers for the Erskine Academy Financial Fair. Courtney previously served as a chair member of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s super raffle committee. In addition, she volunteered on the China Days committee and for the China Four Seasons Club Festival of Trees.

Courtney lives in China, Maine.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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Bangor, Maine – William “Tommy” Bennett has joined Bar Harbor Bank & Trust’s Community Banking Team as Assistant Vice President, Community Banking Relationship Manager. In this role, he helps entrepreneurs in the Central Maine area find the right financing and deposit solutions for their small businesses.

Tommy has more than 20 years of experience in the banking and financial services industry. He joined Bar Harbor Bank & Trust in 2019 and served as Assistant Vice President, Branch Relationship Manager for the Bank’s locations in the Greater Bangor area. Prior to joining the Bank, Tommy served as branch relationship manager for People’s United Bank and as branch manager/commercial lender for Fleet Bank.

Tommy received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Husson University. He holds Series 6, 63, and 65 licenses from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Tommy is registered with the Nationwide Mortgage Licensing System (NMLS) and is also a State of Maine Notary Public.

Tommy, his wife Ryan Elizabeth Feder-Bennett, and their two children, Grace and Eli, live in Bangor, Maine.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust recently presented donations totaling more than $10,000 to six Northern New England nonprofit organizations from its employee-driven charitable giving program, Casual for A Cause. The recipients of the contributions collected in Q1 2021 are: Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology, Girls Inc., Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter, NewStory Center, and Safeline Inc.

“Bar Harbor Bank & Trust employees are passionate about the communities where we live and work, and Casual for a Cause is a great way for us to make a meaningful contribution,” said Jack Frost, VP Director of Community Giving at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “We are honored to make these investments in our communities and to help our neighbors in need.”

Casual for a Cause gives Bank employees the opportunity to dress casually on Fridays in exchange for a bi-weekly payroll deduction made to a pool of funds collected during each quarter. The employees then vote on the nonprofits to receive their contributions. Employees have donated more than $100,000 to more than 50 organizations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont since the program launched in 2018.

Recipients of Q1 2021 Donations

Maine

Bangor Area Homeless Shelter (BAHS) is open 365 days a year and supports and strengthens the community by providing emergency shelter and supportive services to people who are homeless or at risk. BAHS also advocates for collaborative, locally driven solutions to end homelessness. Learn more about the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter at www.bangorareashelter.org.

“We at BAHS are very appreciative of the Bank’s Casual for a Cause donation,” said Boyd Kronholm, Executive Director of BAHS. “Over 60% of our funding came from private donations like yours last year. It is a vital part of our budget. We could not serve some of the most vulnerable community members without this type of support from the community.” 

Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology (MSAD 37) is s a member of Maine’s network of career and technical education schools and offers hands-on, career-oriented education in a variety of programs. Learn more about Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology at www.msad37.me/o/cwcit.

“We at Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology are very grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust and the ‘Casual for a Cause Program,’” said Lucille Willey, Director of Coastal Washington County Institute of Technology. “The funds raised by the BHBT employees will be used to support our students and to ensure that their needs are met. It is gratifying to know that our communities have such caring individuals who are willing to support our career and technical school and the students who attend.”

Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter works to provide safe shelter, food, support services, and an avenue to self-sufficiency for homeless adults and children in the community. The organization offers numerous programs including emergency shelter homeless assistance, financial education, youth empowerment, and more. Learn more about Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter at www.shelterme.org.

“We are grateful to the employees of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their support of this work and the people we serve,” said Katie Spencer White, Chief Executive Officer of Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter. “No one needs to be without shelter in a country as rich as ours and, by working together, we can make sure we achieve our goal of ensuring the experience of homelessness is a rare, brief and one-time event in a person’s life.”

New Hampshire

Girls Inc. provides girls throughout New Hampshire with life-changing experiences and real solutions to the unique issues girls face. The organization gives girls the tools and support they need to succeed, including trained professionals who mentor and guide them in a safe, girls-only environment; peers who share their drive and aspirations; and research-based programming. Learn more about Girls Inc. at www.girlsincnewhampshire.org.

“At Girls Inc. NH, we encourage kindness, generosity and forward thinking,” said Sharron McCarthy, CEO of Girls Inc. NH. “Bar Harbor Bank & Trust clearly embraces these principles as well. Choosing us as the recipients of your Casual for a Cause fundraiser feels great. Clearly, your team sees the value in creating a new generation of empowered female leaders. We thank you sincerely for this nod and will use the funds to our scholarship fund allowing girls to attend our programs and summer camp.”

Vermont

NewStory Center works to end the cycle of violence through support, education, prevention, and collaboration with all the people and communities of Rutland County. The organization offers counseling, legal, and social service advocacy; emergency shelter services, crisis counseling, and more. Learn more about NewStory Center at www.nscvt.org.

“Thank you to everyone at Bar Harbor Bank & Trust for their generous contribution,” said Avaloy Lanning, MSW, Executive Director of NewStory Center. “The needs of survivors of domestic and sexual violence are unique, and we cannot use a one size fits all approach. Gifts such as this allow us to get creative and truly offer client-centered solutions.”

Safeline Inc. works to end physical, emotional and sexual violence against women and children through direct service, education, advocacy and social change. The organization provides a 24/7 toll free number that offers support, safety planning, information and referrals as well as in-person support and legal, economic, and medical advocacy. Learn more about Safeline Inc. at www.safelinevt.org.

“Safeline is very pleased and honored to receive the Casual for a Cause donation from Bar Harbor & Trust especially because it was voted on by the employees,” said Linda Ingold, Director of Safeline Inc. “This shows that the employees as community members recognize the importance of ending domestic violence and sexual abuse, and that they are supporting those efforts!”

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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The COVID-19 Vaccine is available by appointment at the following Kennebec Pharmacy & Home Care location(s):

Augusta Retail Pharmacy
11 Medical Center Pkwy. Ste A.
Augusta, ME 04330

Rockport
839 Commercial St.
Rockport, ME 04856

Appointments will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of openings may be available. Appointments should be made using our online booking system. Please do not call the pharmacy to schedule an appointment.

Please Note: Due to the vaccines available to us, we are only able to vaccinate individuals age 18 and older.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, please visit: kennebecpharmacy.com/covidvaccine.

MaineGeneral Health is now accepting applications for its 2021 Health Scholarship Program.

Scholarships support the education of health care professionals in the Kennebec Valley and are available to individuals pursuing degrees in a variety of health-related disciplines. 

In 2020, MaineGeneral Health and individual sponsors awarded more than $40,000 in scholarships to 49 students in the Kennebec Valley. Scholarship recipients ranged in age from 17 to 50, pursuing degrees in nursing, radiology, pharmacy, sports medicine, social work and other health care careers. Scholarships generally range $500 to $2,500 each.

To learn more about MaineGeneral’s Scholarship Program and how to apply, visit https://give.mainegeneral.org/scholarships. The application deadline is Wednesday, April 7.

Brian Bernatchez CFP, Managing Director of Golden Pond Wealth Management today announced inclusion in LPL’s Executive Council. This elite award is presented to less than 1% of the firm’s more than 17,000 financial advisors nationwide*.

“On behalf of LPL, I congratulate Brian and his team at Golden Pond on reaching this milestone in the growth of their firm said Angela Xavier, LPL executive vice president, Independent Advisor Services. “Business owners, American investors and industries at large faced extraordinary challenges throughout 2020. In the advisor-mediated financial advice market, investors showed how much value they place on a trusting relationship with a financial advisor. We applaud them on their extraordinary commitment to their clients and resiliency as business owners. It is an honor to

support Golden Pond and we wish the entire team continued success as they continue to add value

for clients and in their business in the years ahead.”

Since 1996, Golden Pond Wealth Management is a family owned and operated firm celebrating its

25th anniversary in 2021—affiliated with LPL Financial since inception.

About LPL Financial

LPL Financial is a leader in the retail financial advice market and the nation’s largest independent broker/dealer**. We serve independent financial advisors and financial institutions, providing them

with the technology, research, clearing and compliance services, and practice management programs they need to create and grow thriving practices. LPL enables them to provide objective guidance to millions of American families seeking wealth management, retirement planning, financial planning and asset management solutions. LPL.com

*Achievement is based on annual production among LPL Advisors only.

**Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine June 1996-2020

Bar Harbor, Maine – Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is currently accepting applications from high school seniors for the Bank’s Career Technology Education Scholarship.

The $1,000 scholarship is awarded to income-eligible students who attended a technical career program as part of their high school curriculum and are planning to attend college or a technical school after graduation. Students must reside in counties in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont where the Bank has a branch location.

The Bank established the Career Technology Education Scholarship in 2018 and has awarded 45 scholarships to date.

Interested students can visit www.barharbor.bank/scholarships for more information about eligibility and to download the application. The deadline to apply for a 2021 Career Technology Education Scholarship is May 1, 2021.

Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB) is the parent company of its wholly owned subsidiary, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. Operating over 50 locations across Maine, New Hampshire and Vermont, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust is headquartered in Bar Harbor, Maine and has more than $3.6 billion in assets. As a leading Northern New England community bank, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust offers a full range of personal and business banking services, as well as wealth management services through its subsidiaries Bar Harbor Trust Services and Charter Trust Company. For more information about Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, visit www.barharbor.bank or call 888-853-7100. Member FDIC.

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Over the last 20 years, Maine’s Credit Unions & the Maine Credit Union League have raised over $10 Million, for the Campaign for Ending Hunger. The year 2020 was a record-breaking year for the campaign, which is both surprising and wonderful. In a year with so many more people in need of food assistance, those able to help dug deep and provided the help that was needed.

The pandemic caused Gardiner FCU to cancel several planned fundraisers, for the Campaign for Ending Hunger, including their annual yard sale & the spaghetti dinner. Missing out on those two fundraisers could have set them way back, but the credit union members and their community members supported every remaining fundraiser. Thanks to their support, Gardiner FCU will be donating a total of just under $20,000 to several area food banks and organizations that help provide meals to those who may otherwise go without.

The fact that the credit union members and community members fully supported this worthy cause was no surprise to the GFCU staff. Each year when the Maine Credit Union League goes over the fund raising figures, they announce which credit unions raised the most and who had the most generous per member contributions. Gardiner FCU consistently has the most generous, per member contributions. Seven out of the last eight years, their members placed first, the other year they placed second. “It goes back much farther than that.” explained Kelly Marie. “But we only display the most recent eight plaques.”

Gardiner FCU raises funds year ‘round for the Campaign for Ending Hunger and 100% of the funds go directly into their local community. “We’re so proud to be able to do our part & proud of the generosity of our members and our supporters.”

Aside from the many Ending Hunger fundraisers, GFCU also has school supply drives, food & toy drives. They support Special Olympics of Maine, area schools, school sports, and many other local charities and events. This month, March 1 – 31, they’re holding a pet supply drive, for the Kennebec Valley Humane Society. Lists of items that are needed, are posted in their lobby and under the Community tab on their website. GARDINERFCU.ORG

WATERVILLE, ME – February 24, 2021: New Dimensions Federal Credit Union (NDFCU) is pleased to announce its new Digital Branch Manager, Teresa Gagne, who began in the credit union industry, as a teller, over 30 years ago. Since then, she has worked her way up and has landed in the lending department, where her indirect lending expertise has been second to none over the past 25 years.

The Directors and staff of NDFCU are excited to have Gagne join their team as her extensive experience will be valuable as she settles into her position. Her focal point will start in executing new processes and procedures that will create efficiencies department-wide. She states, “I am really excited to be part of the New Dimensions family and to join a growing team of wonderful people. I have been in the credit union industry with a lot of focus and attention on dealerships and know I can help our members find the car of their dreams. I am also very excited to be able to assist the current indirect team so they can achieve success within their career paths”. Gagne has lived in Waterville for most of her life and enjoys spending time with her husband Steve. Together they share time with their two children, grandchild, and walking their dog.

Ryan Poulin, CEO, states, “We are excited to have Terri join our team. Her years of indirect loan experience will bring our loan department to new levels not only in house but in the dealerships that work with us every day. Terri has hit the ground running since she started, and I look forward to getting her started with our current indirect lending processes and workflows. We welcome her and look forward to working with her in the years to come.”

About New Dimensions FCU

New Dimensions Federal Credit Union is a member-owned, financial cooperative with nearly 170 million dollars in assets that offer a full array of personal and business banking services, has locations in Waterville, Augusta, Winslow, and Skowhegan. They proudly serve over 16,000 members and employ over 70 employees, who are available and ready to assist our community with their finances. For more information, contact NDFCU at (800) 326-6190 or visit www.newdimensionsfcu.com.

WATERVILLE, MAINE - February 22, 2021 - Golden Pond's founder and managing director, Brian Bernatchez, CFP , was recently named to Forbes' Best-In-State Wealth Advisors list for the second consecutive year.

According to Forbes, the annual list spotlights the nation's top-performing advisors, evaluated based on a methodology developed by SHOOK Research and nominated by their affiliated firm. Advisors are also evaluated based on personal interviews, industry experience, revenue trends, a review of compliance records and a focus on those that encompass best practices in service to their clients.

“On behalf of LPL Financial, we congratulate Golden Pond for being recognized on this year’s Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors list. This past year has demonstrated that strong financial advice cannot be underestimated, and that personalized financial advice is critical in helping clients work toward achieving their short and long-term financial goals,” said Angela Xavier, LPL executive vice president, Independent Advisor Services. “We applaud Golden Pond for continuing to raise the bar in our industry and demonstrate the value of the independent model in creating meaningful and long-lasting investor-advisor relationships.”

Golden Pond Wealth Management is based in Waterville, Maine. They provide retirement planning and comprehensive wealth management to individuals and families, and investment & endowment management to non-profit institutions.

Brian Bernatchez is an independent advisor affiliated with LPL financial, the nation's largest independent broker-dealer* and a leader in the retail finance market, providing resources, tools and technology that support advisors in their work to enrich their client's financial lives.

*Based on total revenues, Financial Planning magazine, June 1996-2020

LPL Financial, Forbes magazine and Golden Pond Wealth Management are all separate entities. The Forbes Best-In-State Wealth Advisor ranking, developed by SHOOK Research, is based on inperson and telephone due diligence meetings and a ranking algorithm that includes: client retention, industry experience, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, including: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Portfolio performance is not a criterion due to varying client objectives and lack of audited data. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receives a fee in exchange for rankings.

The University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) has earned the 2021-2022 Military Friendly® School designation by VIQTORY recognizing its exceptional service to veterans, military service members, and their families.

“UMA is honored to receive this designation,” stated UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “Our faculty and staff are dedicated to providing a welcoming community for our military service members and veterans.”

“We are very excited to receive this designation from Military Friendly Schools recognizing UMA’s commitment to support our military service members and veterans, and their families,” said Amy Line, UMA Director of Military and Veterans’ Services. “This has been a challenging year for everyone as we have responded to the pandemic. However, we have maintained the lines of communication and contacts with service members and their families through the use of virtual meetings and in-person contacts within the COVID-19 protocols.”

Institutions earning the Military Friendly® School designation are evaluated using both public data sources and responses from a proprietary survey completed by the school. Methodology, criteria, and weightings are determined by VIQTORY with input from the Military Friendly® Advisory Council

of independent leaders in the higher education and military recruitment community. Final ratings were determined by combining the institution’s survey scores with the assessment of the institution’s ability to meet thresholds for student retention, graduation, job placement, loan repayment, persistence (degree advancement or transfer) and loan default rates for all students and, specifically, for student veterans.

Over 1,200 schools participated in the 2021-2022 survey with 747 earning the designation. The 2021-2022 Military Friendly® Schools list will be published in the May issue of G.I. Jobs magazine and can be found at https://www.militaryfriendly.com/.

Earlier this year, UMA was also ranked by US News and World Report as Best Online Bachelor’s Degree for Veterans.

Additional information:

UMA Office of Military and Veterans’ Services

UMA has a rich tradition of supporting military and veteran students and has been “changing lives since 1965”. UMA is commitment to educating and providing opportunities to our veterans, service members and families. A Veterans Academic Center on UMA’s Augusta Campus and a newly refurbished Veterans Lounge on the UMA Bangor Campus provide students and staff with dedicated spaces to study before or after class, as well as seek support from fellow veterans.

About VIQTORY:

Founded in 2001, VIQTORY is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (SDVOSB) that connects the military community to civilian employment, educational and entrepreneurial opportunities through its G.I. Jobs® and Military Friendly® brands. VIQTORY and its brands are not a part of or endorsed by the U.S. Department of Defense or any federal government entity. Learn more about VIQTORY at www.viqtory.com.

MaineGeneral Medical Center, in partnership with the State of Maine and the City of Augusta, today opened a community vaccination site at the Augusta Civic Center. Nearly 200 members of the community received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the clinic.

“We’re pleased to bring COVID-19 community vaccinations clinics to the Augusta Civic Center. This location greatly expands our ability to provide more vaccine to community members,” said MaineGeneral Health President & CEO Chuck Hays. “The City of Augusta has been incredibly helpful in transforming this facility into a vaccination clinic. Along with State support on the ground, the City has supported our needs. This includes everything from transforming the physical layout, providing equipment to set up each area, helping us ensure the necessary technology is able to be installed, and providing key logistical support in every way here at the Augusta Civic Center.”

“Large community vaccination clinics like this one at the Augusta Civic Center are a key part of our effort to vaccinate as many Maine people as quickly, efficiently, and equitably as possible,” said Maine Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Jeanne Lambrew. “We thank MaineGeneral and the City of Augusta for their collaboration on this site, the Maine Legislature for their support of this location, and all those on the front lines of administering vaccines for their work to protect the health of Maine people.”

“This is a great day and an important first step in returning life in our community to normal,” said David Rollins, Mayor, City of Augusta.

MaineGeneral began community vaccination clinics at the Alfond Center for Health in Augusta on Feb. 1. With the opening of the space at the Augusta Civic Center, all public

COVID-19 vaccination clinics MaineGeneral provides will be conducted at the Civic Center.

“We’ve worked for weeks with the State to find the appropriate place to hold large vaccination clinics in the region,” said Hays. “As we receive larger amounts of vaccine, we’ll be able to meet the community’s needs at the Civic Center.”

Since the COVID-19 vaccines became available, MaineGeneral has provided more than 5,600 vaccines to eligible individuals, including health care workers and people age 70 and older.

Vaccination clinics at the Augusta Civic Center are open to Maine people currently eligible for vaccination under the state’s vaccination plan, including residents age 70 years or older, and health care workers and others eligible under phase 1a.

Maine’s vaccination plan aims to use the state’s limited supply of vaccine to save the lives of Maine people at greatest risk of serious illness or death from COVID-19 and to protect those directly engaged in the fight against the pandemic. In Maine, 13.4 percent of residents have received their first doses of COVID-19 vaccine. This includes more than 85,000 Maine residents age 70 and older.

Those who are eligible must register in advance through the MaineGeneral pre-registration process, which can be found online at www.mainegeneral.org/covid. Those who are eligible but do not have internet access can call toll-free at 1-866-XOUT-C19 (1-866-968-8219).

All people entering the Augusta Civic Center must wear a face covering and observe social distancing.

A video walk-through of the Augusta Civic Center clinics is available online at www.mainegeneral.org/covid

Recognizing diversity is an essential element of academic excellence, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) is offering Equity and Inclusion scholarships to students whose academic achievement and varied experiences will enhance and enrich the education of all UMA students and the institution’s educational mission. 

Equity and Inclusion Scholars may receive up to four years of funding, provided they continuously enroll each fall and spring semester in either full or part-time study in a graduate or undergraduate program and maintain the minimum GPA requirements of the scholarship.

“We are excited to provide this new scholarship opportunity,” stated UMA President Rebecca Wyke. “This continues UMA’s long-standing reputation as a welcoming learning community.”

“This scholarship provides benefits beyond the monetary assistance to the students,” said Susan Baker, UMA Professor of Science and Co-chair of the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Council, “We all gain when there are opportunities to engage with a diverse community of all abilities, races, ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, nationalities, religious traditions, socioeconomic classes, and ages.”    

Scholarship funds may be used to cover education related expenses, including tuition and fees. UMA anticipates awarding two graduate and five undergraduate Equity and Inclusion Scholarships each year.  Award amounts for full-time graduate students will be $3,000 ($1,500/semester) and part-time graduate students are eligible to receive $1,500 ($750/semester).  Those in full-time undergraduate programs will be eligible to receive $4,000 ($2,000/semester) and part-time undergraduate students $2,000 ($1,000/semester).

The application deadline is March 15 and scholarships will be awarded beginning fall 2021. For complete scholarship details and to complete the application, visit:  uma.edu/eischolarship