Bath’s Nathan Povich to join Maine Jewish Hall of Fame

The 2019 Maine Jewish Hall of Fame inductees were announced on May 3, and include a man whose family has deep connections to the Midcoast.

Nathan Povich of Bath will be amount the 10 inductees recognized in a ceremony on Sept. 22.

Povich, who emigrated to the U.S. in 1877, moved from Bar Harbor to Bath in 1916. He opened a furniture store that year and became a leading member of the community – and a checkers champion in his spare time. Povich was a charter member of the synagogue in Bath, Beth Israel, which continues to thrive. The home he purchased on the banks of the Kennebec River in Bath in 1927 still remains in the family as well.

The Maine Jewish Hall of Fame was created in 2018 to bestow recognition on outstanding Jewish leaders from throughout the state who have brought distinction and honor to Maine or beyond. Inductees include leaders in the fields of medicine, art, business, philanthropy, politics and community service.

During this year’s ceremony at 267 Congress St., Portland, all past honorees of the Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award will also be inducted into the Maine Jewish Hall of Fame, including Rabbi Harry Sky, Cantor Kurt Messerschmidt, Kenny and Mary Nelson, Charlie Shuman and Rabbi Gary Berenson.

Brunswick woman nominated to U Maine board

Gov. Janet Mills has appointed Patricia Riley of Brunswick to the University of Maine System Board of Trustees.

Riley has served as CEO of the Center for Health Policy Development and the National Academy for State Health Policy for five years and previously worked as director of former Gov. John Baldacci’s Office for Health Policy and Finance for eight years. She is a board member of the University of Maine Foundation in addition to several other civic organizations.

Tedford Housing director stepping down

The executive director of Tedford Housing will be stepping down at the end of the year, the board of directors announced earlier this month.

Craig Phillips has been at the helm of Tedford Housing since 2011, when he was hired as interim executive director and then later appointed executive director in 2012. During his tenure, Tedford Housing has expanded its case management services to individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in the Midcoast area, and strengthened its relationships within the community while growing the overall health of the organization.

“With a skilled and dedicated staff and mission-driven board as our foundation, we are committed to finding the next leader for Tedford Housing who will continue the important work of responding to the needs of our community’s most vulnerable neighbors,” says Tedford Board President Joyce McPhetres.

A transition committee has been put into place, which will evolve into a selection committee. A formal job description and posting will be made public by midsummer.

Phillips