People and Business: Jan. 20

Four recycling records
set at ecomaine

PORTLAND — Ecomaine, the non-profit, municipally owned waste management corporation, has set four new recycling records for itself in the past month.

In December 2009, it received its highest amount of recyclables yet in one month for a total of 3,199 tons. This amounted to a new record for ecomaine with a 31 percent recycling percentage from owner-communities’ combined waste stream.

On Dec. 24, 2009, it created 85 bales of newspaper, breaking its past record for most bales of newspaper created in one day.

Most recently, on Jan. 4, 2010, ecomaine received the most recyclables in one day, for a record of 205 tons.

Ecomaine serves 21 municipalities in southern Maine and seven associate member communities, providing recycling services to a population of approximately 240,000.

Androscoggin Bank offers
‘Free Shred Fridays’

LEWISTON – Androscoggin Bank is running a promotion called “Free Shred Fridays” to help Maine residents – customers and non-customers alike – dispose of their confidential documents safely.

From now through Feb. 26, Maine residents can go to any Androscoggin Bank location and shred their confidential documents for free. In exchange, individuals will receive a $10 coupon towards the purchase of a lift ticket at Shawnee Peak.

The promotional service is available at any of Androscoggin Bank’s 13 locations, with local branches in Portland, Brunswick and Gray.

The Shawnee Peak coupon is good for any full-day adult or child lift ticket, including weekends. The coupon expires April 16 and is not valid for night skiing.

Shaffer named USM
chief operating officer

PORTLAND — James B. Shaffer, currently Dean of the USM School of Business, has taken on temporary responsibilities as the university’s chief operating officer.

Along with the additional, ongoing responsibilities of the university’s COO, USM President Selma Botman has asked him to lead a task force analyzing economic data to increase the community awareness of the fiscal consequences of university decisions.

Shaffer spent more than 30 years in executive positions at media companies, including The Sun-Times Company, The Los Angeles Times and the former Guy Gannett Communications in Portland.

In 2004 Shaffer began teaching at the USM School of Business and was named dean in 2006.

Awards

Riverview Physical Therapy, located at 50 Forest Falls Dr. in Yarmouth, was voted “Most Friendly and Helpful Staff,” in the 2009 Yarmouth Favorites contest sponsored by the Yarmouth Chamber. The clinic, under the direction of physical therapist Matt Douglas of Cumberland, specializes in sports rehabilitation, orthopedic injuries, post-surgical, and workers compensation.

Girl Scouts of Maine honored Brenda Garrand, president and strategic director of Garrand, a full-service communications agency in Portland, as a 2009 Woman of Distinction at a recent dinner. The Women of Distinction Dinner recognizes Maine women who serve as exemplary role models for today’s girls and young women, and acknowledges the achievements of women in all fields.

Betsy St. Germaine of Cape Elizabeth was the recipient of the Maine Breast Health Leadership Award in the professional category at the annual Silver Tea hosted by First Lady Karen Baldacci as part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. St. Germaine was recognized for numerous contributions spanning 25 years of supporting breast cancer patients in Maine. As a nurse at the Breast Cancer Center at Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Institute, she developed Maine Medical Center’s Breast Health Education Program. Dedicated to oncology nursing and raising the standards of care for breast patients, she was a founding member of the Southern Maine Oncology Nursing Society and the Maine Breast Nurse Network.

The Original Ultimate Spinner children’s game, developed by Portland architect/ industrial designer Patric Santerre, co-owner of ARCADIA designworks in Portland, and Jim Robbins, president of Robbins Lumber in Searsport, has earned three national toy awards: the 2008 Dr. Toy ‘100 Best Toys’ award, The Parent’s Choice 2009 ‘Parents Choice Silver Medal, and the 2009 Creative Child Magazine ‘Preferred Choice Award.’

The Portland Water District was presented with the 2009 Lee Agger Award from the Joint Environmental Training Coordinating Committee in recognition of its commitment to environmental training by providing 30-35 core training classes per year.

The Woodlands Club executive chef, Jeffrey Stewart, was named “Chef of the Year” for the second consecutive year at Greater Portland’s Ninth Annual March of Dimes Signature Chef Auction Fundraiser.

Dr. David Jones of Yarmouth, a faculty member in USM’s Department of Recreation and Leisure Studies, received the New England Therapeutic Recreation Award for Outstanding Educator for his dedication to innovative teaching commitment to provide play opportunities for children in poor and/or war-torn countries. Jones is active in the International Childhood Enrichment Program, which provides safe playground environments for children in Afghanistan and Haiti.

Roger Doiron of Scarborough was presented the 2009 Garden Crusader Award in the education category by Gardener’s Supply of Vermont. Nominated along with 650 individuals, Doiron was recognized for his successful campaign lobbying the White House to replant a kitchen garden, now known as the “First Garden.” Doiron received $1,000 along with the award, which he plans to donate to the Scarborough Schools to support school garden programs.

The Maine Innkeepers Association presented Pat Eltman, director of the Maine Office of Tourism, with the Special Service Award for 2009 at its 88th annual meeting and conference in recognition of her support of the Innkeepers Association.

Portland mayor Nick Mavodones, (pictured here, center) was the guest ribbon cutter at the grand opening cereomony of H&R Block’s newest district office and tax office located at 125 Auburn Street in Portland.