People and Business

Giving Back

Norway Savings Bank recently presented Freeport Community Services with a $10,000 donation to benefit residents of Freeport and Pownal. The nonprofit, social service agency, founded in 1974, provides emergency food, clothing and utility assistance.

The Maine Marathon, scheduled for Oct. 5, will dedicate all race proceeds to the Robbie Foundation, which assists special needs children and youth with developmental disabilities in Maine. Every two years, a local charitable organization is designated as the beneficiary of the race. The Scarborough-based foundation will be the beneficiary in 2015 as well.

The Avesta HomeOwnership Center recently received a $20,000 donation from the Bank of America Charitable Foundation. The center, sponsored by nonprofit housing developer Avesta, assists low- and moderate-income families attempting to buy their first home, improve the home they own or avoid foreclosure.

Grants

The Victoria Mansion, in Portland, was one of five museums in Maine that recently received a total of over $185,000 in grants from the federal government’s Institute of Museum and Library Services. The grants are among 263 IMLS awards made in 2014, totaling more than $30 million. The funds will be used to help museums expand learning opportunities, address community needs and preserve collections.

The Pejepscot Historical Society was one of eight nonprofit organizations statewide to receive a grant from the Grants to Green Program, sponsored by the Maine Community Foundation, Maine Development Foundation and Efficiency Maine. The program awarded grants between $1,300 and $2,000 to help the organizations audit and improve energy efficiency in historic downtown buildings.

New Hires, Promotions and Appointments

Brunswick-based Atlantic Regional Federal Credit Union has hired Heidi Small as a mortgage specialist. She brings to the role over 10 years of lending experience, including work with Down East Credit Union and Northeast Bank.

Rick Keller and Kathleen Scott, both of Scarborough, have joined the Cape Elizabeth office of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage. Keller studied construction management at Wentworth Institute of Technology. Scott previously practiced real estate in Florida, and operated her own realty.

The Yarmouth Historical Society has named Amy Aldredge as its new executive director. Aldredge had been serving as interim executive director since April. A Yarmouth resident for over two decades, she joined the staff of the society in 2011 and holds a master’s degree in American and New England studies.

New Beginnings

Riverbend Yoga has opened at 438 U.S. Route 1 in Yarmouth. The yoga studio, owned by Amy Sedgwick and Jen Bush, hosts over 30 classes per week for participants of all levels.

Dean’s Sweets, which makes and sells hand-dipped chocolate truffles, has moved to a new, larger store at 475 Fore St., Portland. The decade-old business opened its new location Sept. 24 after working out of a facility on Middle Street for six years.

Recognition

Vincent Veroneau, president and chief executive officer of J.B. Brown & Sons, was named recipient of the Maine Historical Society’s 2014 Maine History Maker Award, which honors contemporary citizens who are shaping the state. The real estate company, based in Portland, is one of the Maine’s oldest family-owned businesses. Veroneau was scheduled to be honored at a Sept. 30 gala.

The Maine Children’s Trust this week recognizes a half dozen individuals, organizations and businesses, including Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital, for their efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect throughout the state. The hospital, part of Maine Medical Center, will receive the trust’s Business Collaborator Award for working to decrease infant injuries due to unsafe sleep practices. The awards were scheduled to be presented at an Oct. 2 ceremony.

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