People and Business

Donated dramatist digs debut

Maine State Music Theatre on April 29 unveiled Clancy House, a four-bedroom residence that will provide accommodations for actors employed during the theater company’s summer season. Clancy House, at 9 Cedar St., Brunswick, was given last year to MSMT by an anonymous donor, and since then has been under renovation. Union rules require that professional “summer stock” actors are housed within one-quarter mile of their rehearsal space, so the donated space relieves some of the need for MSMT to rely on rental properties. Based in Brunswick, MSMT has staged Broadway-caliber shows in the Mid-Coast region since 1959.

New Hires, Promotions and Appointments

Stephanie Eglinton, of Portland, has been named senior program officer at the Maine Community Foundation, a statewide organization that works with donors to improve the quality of life for Maine people. Eglinton will manage the foundation’s Cumberland and York county committees. Previously, she worked as a program officer at the Sam L. Cohen Foundation, and also has served as a legislative fellow in the U.S. Senate. Eglinton holds a master’s degree in public policy from Duke University.

Robert Cummins, a trial attorney with more than 50 years of experience, has joined Portland law firm Norman, Hanson & DeTroy. Cummins, who practices law in Chicago, will be of counsel. He is recognized as an expert in legal ethics and professional conduct, and has held leadership positions with the American Bar Association and the Illinois State Bar Association.

The Plant Memorial Home, a nonprofit assisted living facility in Bath, recently named Linda A. MacMillan as director of development and marketing. Previously, she served as associate director of development at Mid Coast Health Services in Brunswick, and also held similar positions with Maine Bank & Trust, People’s United Bank, the Maine Maritime Museum and The Highlands. She also served on the Plant Home’s board of directors for the past year.

Maine Medical Partners, a physician group affiliated with Maine Medical Center, has added Dr. Philip Anson to its neurosurgery and spine practice. Anson is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon who has practiced in Portland since 1984. He received his medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, and completed his residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Rochester, followed by an additional year of training in England and Switzerland.

Health Affiliates Maine, a statewide substance abuse and mental health agency, has hired Dawn Stratton as a counselor, providing therapy for young adults, adults and couples from her home office in the Portland area. Stratton is a licensed clinical professional counselor who specializes in issues including the loss of a loved one, parenting difficulties, relationships and work-related stress.

Grants

Bangor Savings Bank Foundation recently awarded a total of $100,000 in grants to 68 nonprofit organizations throughout Maine. Recipients of the foundation’s “Community Matters More” grants were selected partially on the basis of more than 3,000 votes cast by the public. The recipients include the Mid Coast Hunger Prevention Program, based in Brunswick, which was awarded one of eight $5,000 grants. Grants of $1,000 went to five nonprofits based in Cumberland County: Casa Inc., Girls on the Run – Maine, Habitat for Humanity of Greater Portland, Project G.R.A.C.E. and Simple Gifts.

The People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, has awarded a $3,500 grant to Special Olympics Maine, based in South Portland. The contribution will help offset the cost of the 2015 State Summer Games, and support the 1,500 athletes with intellectual disabilities expected to attend the annual event, scheduled for June 5-7 in Orono. In addition, the foundation has awarded a $5,000 grant to Let’s Get Ready, of Portland. Let’s Get Ready helps low-income high school students by providing free entrance test preparation, admissions counseling and other support needed to successfully pursue a college education.

Sidebar Elements

Celebrating the opening of Maine State Music Theatre’s actors residence on April 29 were, from left, Board of Trustees President Ed Bradley, Managing Director Stephanie Dupal, Brunswick Town Manager John Eldridge, Clancy House volunteer Margy Burroughs and MSMT Artistic Director Curt Dale Clark.