FALMOUTH

Down syndrome project earns ticket to Apple event

Falmouth High School sophomore John Wahlig was awarded a scholarship to Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference in San Jose, California.

Wahlig was chosen for a project he submitted, an application that uses various features of the iPad to help students with Down syndrome learn more effectively. Only about 5 percent of students from all over the world are selected for the conference.

BELFAST

Broadband panel seeks input on expanding service

The Belfast Broadband Committee is asking people who live or work in the city to fill out a brief survey about internet service, to help shape the panel’s broadband internet planning efforts.

In 2017, Belfast received a $15,000 Community Broadband Planning Grant from the ConnectME Authority and hired Axiom Technologies as a consultant to assist with implementing that grant. A portion of the funds will be used to promote the survey to better understand concerns about internet service, service fees, where gaps in service may occur, and needs for future connectivity.

Two different types of surveys will be conducted, both of which are available online at www.cityofbelfast.org/broadband.

The first is a Belfast Community Internet Survey (for residents and those who have a home-based business). The second is a Belfast Business Internet and Workforce Needs Survey for those who work at a location in Belfast that is used exclusively for business. Individuals are encouraged to fill out one or both if applicable.

Forms also are available at either the Office of the City Manager at Belfast City Hall, 131 Church St., or at the Belfast Free Library at 106 High St. Submissions must be received by June 4.

For more details, email broadband@cityofbelfast.org or call 338-3370, ext. 116.

PORTLAND

Maine College of Art receives $40,000 grant

The Maine College of Art has received a $40,000 Art Works grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to support the exhibit “Making Migration Visible: Traces, Tracks & Pathways.”

The award was included in more than $80 million in grants announced May 9 by NEA Chairman Jane Chu as part of the organization’s second major funding announcement for fiscal 2018.

The Art Works category is the NEA’s largest funding category. It supports projects that focus on the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence; public engagement with diverse and excellent art; lifelong learning in the arts; and the strengthening of communities through the arts.

For more details on projects included in the NEA grant announcement, visit arts.gov/news.

‘Can We?’ project aspires to revitalize democracy

Twenty-nine students, from seven Maine high schools, recently participated in a “Can We?” project to help reduce the widening divide between political parties and revitalize democracy.

The students were selected by a teacher within each school and committed to a three-month exercise, with the goal of understanding each other. The students represented varying political viewpoints, ethnic backgrounds and life experiences, but all wanted to improve the divisive political climate in American politics. They participated in weekend retreats that included intensive discussions and workshops on a central question: “Can we revitalize democracy?”

Originating at Waynflete, the project also involved students and teachers from Portland, Deering, Poland Regional, Cape Elizabeth, Westbrook and Lake Region high schools, as well as the National Institute for Civil Discourse and Maine Heritage Policy Center.

The students say that the “Can We?” project gave them hope that people are willing to listen and willing to compromise.

The project concluded on May 10 by students meeting with some of Maine’s gubernatorial candidates to share insights about the project and to discuss American politics.

BIDDEFORD

Hospital staff raises $1,100 in fight against hunger

Southern Maine Health Care employees raised $1,100 and collected nearly 2,000 pounds of nonperishable food to help feed hungry families during a monthlong food drive and quilt raffle.

In April, staff members from 21 locatons filled collection boxes that later were delivered to the Biddeford Food Pantry.

The quilt was handmade by four SMHC staff members to help support the fundraiser, with cash donations from the raffle helping the pantry purchase additional food supplies.