Environmental Efforts

Lodging businesses in Ogunquit and Brunswick are the latest in Maine to be recognized for voluntary efforts in reducing their environmental impact by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. The Abalonia Inn and the Dunes on the Waterfront in Ogunquit and the Inn at Brunswick Station in Brunswick were certified recently by DEP as Environmental Leaders. The self-guided Environmental Leader program encourages lodging facilities, restaurants and grocers to implement sustainable practices that reduce environmental impact and save businesses money to achieve points towards green certification.

Good Deeds

Gelato Fiasco donated $1,003.44 to the Opportunity Alliance’s Keep ME Warm Fund for Cumberland County, proceeds from its Jan. 16 Scooping for Community event. The fundraiser was part of a series hosted by Gelato Fiasco at its Old Port and downtown Brunswick stores throughout the winter. The company donated 100 percent of sales from the events to partnering organizations like the Opportunity Alliance, one of the largest area organizations to distribute home heating assistance funds.

Additional help is on the way for women in the area who are having difficulty advancing their careers. Goodwill Industries of Northern New England is one of 45 Goodwill agencies across the country to take part in an innovative program that provides job training and placement services to women. The program, known as Beyond Jobs and funded through a $7.7 million grant from the Walmart Foundation, will now create a larger impact by reaching more women who are unemployed or underemployed. This new funding will help broaden the reach of a program that was started in 2010 in five U.S. markets serving 1,342 women, to serving an expected 12,250 women in 45 communities.

Recognition

Daniel J. Murphy, Bernstein Shur attorney and shareholder, received the Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating, the highest level of Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Rating system. The Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings are an  indicator of a lawyer’s high ethical standards and professional ability, generated from evaluations by other members of the bar and the judiciary in the United States and Canada. The evaluations are based on legal knowledge, analytical capabilities, judgment, communication ability and legal experience.

Acquisitions

Yarmouth Boat Yard owner Steve Arnold announced recently that his company has acquired Moose Landing Marina, located in Naples. Moose Landing Marina is the largest on-water facility in Maine with 15 acres and 1,000 feet of frontage on Brandy Pond with access to Long and Sebago Lakes. Moose Landing Marina offers new and used boat sales, 200 deep water slips, storage, dockage, valet, parts and service, launch ramp and boat rentals.

Sitelines, PA announced recently the acquisition of Brian Smith Surveying Inc., a long-time provider of land surveying and land use consulting services in the Mid-Coast region.

Scholarships

Mercy Hospital has established the Robert J. Masterson Nursing Scholarship Fund in recognition of Masterson’s years of service and dedication to his patients. Masterson, who retired recently from Mercy after more than 30 years, has left his colleagues very big shoes to fill. “Bob created a culture of excellence in critical care that he perpetuated in his everyday performance,” said colleague Carlene Stevens in a press release. “Bob genuinely cared for his patients and their families.  He not only promoted but expected family presence at the bedside.” Gifts to the Robert J. Masterson Nursing Scholarship Fund are tax-deductible and will be held in a restricted fund at Mercy c/o of the Mercy Development Office, 144 State St., Portland, ME 04101. For more information about giving to Mercy, visit www.mercyhospitalstories.org/cms/support-mercy/online-giving/ or call 879-3487.

Grants

The TD Charitable Foundation, the charitable giving arm of TD Bank, recently awarded a $12,500 grant to the Children’s Museum & Theatre of Maine to support early childhood programming. The TD Charitable Foundation and TD Bank have supported the museum’s early childhood educational efforts, including the popular Toddler Park exhibit, since 2001.

New Hires & Promotions

Longtime Bull Moose employee Luc Comeau was recently promoted to Movie Buyer for the company’s 11 stores. Comeau has worked for Bull Moose since 1998,  starting as a sales clerk in Lewiston. Promoted to Brunswick store manager, he  later became company shipping manager, based in the Scarborough Warehouse. Comeau then returned to manage of the Brunswick store.

United Insurance, one of the largest independent insurance agencies in Maine, announced Marcia Hartt has been named director of marketing. Hartt will be responsible for developing the communications strategy and managing the marketing, promotions and community education efforts for company offices in Maine and New Hampshire. Hartt joined United Insurance as part of the Hayden Perry office in Presque Isle in 2003. She has also worked as a commercial lines account manager and as a public relations media coordinator for the company. She earned her Accredited Customer Service Representative designation in 2010.

Mainestream Media, LLC’s Hot 104.7 announced the hiring of two new employees. Patrick Grey’s first day on air was Feb. 11, from 7 p.m. – midnight. Grey had been on air at WJFX in Ft. Wayne, Ind. He is the second full-time employee, following the introduction of program director and afternoon personality Ryan Deelon.