Thumbs up to the University of New England’s effort to support marine life and educate people about marine science. Eighteen high school students, from Maine and other parts of the country, recently participated in a marine science course taught by UNE Assistant Lecturer Leah Bymers. The two-week course gave students a chance to learn about marine science, get a feel for college life and granted each three college credits.
UNE’s Marine Animal Rehabilitation Center also released a female porpoise earlier this month after the animal was stranded during a storm on Feb. 26 on Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport. The porpoise was treated for a variety of health problems and released in good health.
Thumbs up to the Biddeford Animal Hospital for its generous donation of $10,000 for use toward the creation of a dog park in Biddeford’s Rotary Park last week. The dog park has been in the works since 2008, but due to a lack of funding the project has not moved forward. Organizers say the project still needs another $10-15,000, but for now, work may be started on a fence for the park ”“ and it can open, bare bones, this fall.
Thumbs down to the Town of Waterboro for holding an unposted meeting. The entire five-member Board of Selectmen met with town staff at a special meeting July 22 to discuss a new reorganization plan. Staff were reportedly informed of the session the previous day, but the meeting, which selectmen say was open to the public, was not posted. Maine Press Association attorney Jonathan Piper, a managing partner with the Preti, Flaherty law firm in Portland, said the unposted session was a technical violation of the state’s open meeting laws, even if there was an intent that it be posted. Holding an unposted meeting means members of the public are not able to comment or ask questions of town business and members of the media are not able to document that business.
Thumbs up to Regional School Unit 21 for moving forward with plans to renovate the Middle School of the Kennebunks. Improvements to the building will take place over the next year, regardless of whether the district qualifies for state funding, for which it has applied. Since it opened in 2002, the middle school has been struggling with water intrusion and air quality issues. Members of the school staff sent a letter to Superintendent of Schools Andrew Dolloff complaining of the poor conditions and health issues ranging from upper respiratory troubles to a double vision, which they believe have been caused by mold and stagnant air in the building. Improvements need to be completed to ensure the health of students and staff, and the district is taking a step in the right direction with renovation plans.
Thumbs up to the Bacon Street neighborhood, which celebrated improvements to the area with the third annual Bacon Street Festival Sunday. Community Development Coordinator Linda Hardacker has helped direct resources to the area and residents have pitched in to build parks, plant community gardens and clean up the area. Police officers have also met with the residents in an attempt to control criminal activity. The festival included many local organizations and groups celebrating the community and local talents.
— Thumbnails is a Monday feature of the Journal Tribune’s opinion pages. If you would like to respond, please write the Reader’s Forum via e-mail at jtcommunity@journaltribune.com or by dropping your letter off at our Biddeford or Sanford offices.
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