Recognition

The Cromwell Center for Disabilities Awareness raised more than $130,000 in June at the 2016 Annual Dinner and Auction, setting a record for support. Lynn Gierie, founder of the Scarborough-based Robbie Foundation, received the 2016 Mission Award for providing critical adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and therapy treatments that are not covered by insurance. 

Each year, the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials, AAA and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce recognize the best transportation projects across America. In early June, Commissioner David Bernhardt of the Maine Department of Transportation was recognized for “Expansion of Portland’s International Marine Terminal” in the “Quality of Life/Community Development, Small” category.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office honored Joyce Wientzen, Spurwink ‘s Child Abuse Program Director and Director of the Cumberland County Children’s Advocacy Center, for her commitment to the development and implementation of the CCCAC at its annual Awards and Employee Celebration.

Maine Coast Waldorf High School parent, Liza Bakewell of Freeport,  was named a 2016 Maine Literary Award Winner May 26 at SPACE Gallery in Portland.  Bakewell won the Book Award for Anthology (Editors) for her book “A Gateless Garden.” The Maine Literary Awards is an annual state-wide competition sponsored by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance.

Bernstein Shur of Portland has earned top honors for its Corporate M&A, Energy and Natural Resources, and Real Estate practice groups in the 2016 Chambers USA directory. Twenty-six of the firm’s attorneys were individually recognized, with 12 ranked at the top of their areas of practice.

Hires, promotions, appointments

The Chaplaincy Institute of Maine announced Portland residents Cheryl Cuddy and Aria Tuki were ordained as Interfaith Chaplains at the 13th Annual Ordination on June 5. Interfaith community ministers, also known as chaplains, learn to serve persons of many faith traditions, and no particular faith tradition.

Maritheresa Frain, of Portland, executive vice president, study abroad, for CIEE: Council on International Educational Exchange, was elected to The Forum Council by the institutional members of The Forum on Education Abroad.

The Junior League of Portland inaugurated the  following women for the 2016-2017 league year, which began June 1: President Katie Clark of Falmouth, assisted by President-elect Jillian Rich; Treasurer Christine Babb; Recording Secretary Allison Gjeltema; Community Vice President Alayna Hebert; Membership Vice President Allison (Frazier) Oldham; Public Relations Vice President Sarah Day; Fund Development Vice President Jessica Nason; and Mentoring & Placement Vice President Morgan Beauregard.

The North Yarmouth Business Association elected its slate of officers for 2017: Darla Hamlin, Soft Trac, LLC, president; Karen Morrison, Morrison Environmental Engineering, Inc., vice president; Marilyn Matthews, Averill Insurance Agency, secretary; and Leslie Taisey, Assured Solar Energy, treasurer

Manomet’s Grocery Stewardship Certification program of Brunswick announced the promotion of Catrina Damrell to field manager. Damrell will be responsible for managing all activities that occur at GSC participant grocery stores from managing client relations and project delivery; trainings; sustainability assessments and ensuring quality data reporting and analysis.

At the Maine Credit Union League’s Awards & Convention Committee, the Diane L. Oceretko “People Helping People” Award was given to Dorna Girardin, a 23-year employee of Town & Country FCU, which has locations in Portland, Scarborough and South Portland.  Girardin is a resident of Scarborough. Rod Rovzar, longtime attorney at Portland-based law firm, Norman, Hanson & Detroy, LLC., who served as general counsel for the Maine Credit Union League for nearly 40 years, received the Maine Credit Union League Chairman’s Award.

Giving Back

People’s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People’s United Bank, announced it has awarded a $9,000 grant to Genesis Community Loan Fund of Brunswick and $7,500 to Coastal Enterprises, Inc. of Brunswick.

News from Nonprofits

The South Portland/Cape Elizabeth Rotary Club, which has emphasized assistance to Maine’s homeless veterans for several years, has just completed its agreed-upon obligations to the Maine Veteran’s Affairs in Augusta for the Rotary year 2015-16. The Club has raised funds for Hannaford gift cards, gasoline cards, toasters, coffeemakers, cookware sets, bedding sets, and cell phones. The Club’s total contribution for the Rotary year has exceeded $5,500.

Milestones

Jack Mahoney, five-time “Jeopardy” champ, is celebrating his 15th year as the founder and lead teacher of Maine Prep, Maine’s largest test prep company, based in Brunswick.

DamrellKatie Clark