WELLS
Seniors recognized for academics, leadership
Wells High School seniors Colby Bolduc and Anavi Curtiss are recipients of the National School Development Council’s (NSDC) Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership, acknowledging their positive contributions to the school, including being positive role models, demonstrating admirable character and accomplishment.

From left, Wells High School seniors Colby Bolduc and Anavi Curtiss recently received the National School Development Council’s Award for Academic Growth and Student Leadership. Photo courtesy of Reg Bennett

Principal Eileen Sheehy said that Bolduc and Curtiss are examples of the many positive ways students can influence a school. “Their dedication to academics is commendable and their positive and enthusiastic presence is remarkable,” said Sheehy. According to the WHS Guidance Department, Curtiss has contributed hours of community service. One recent summer she volunteered at the Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge in Wells helping to make picnic tables, putting up fencing and assisting with the elimination of invasive plants. She also has volunteered at school and local events, including a Monster Mash at Wells Elementary School and the Family Jamboree in Wells. Curtiss has excelled in numerous Advance Placement courses, along with dual enrollment college courses.
“(Curtiss’) investment in the learning process is admirable,” said guidance counselor Matthew Howard. “She has made a tremendous impact in the halls of WHS.”
Bolduc serves on the Student Council and is a member of the Interact Club, volunteering at the Ronald McDonald House, and at the Preble Street Food Pantry in Portland. He is a four-year member of the football, lacrosse, and winter track programs, and was honored as First Team Campbell Conference All-Star and First Team All-Academic Selection in football. Bolduc has taken AP courses along with dual enrollment courses.
“Colby Bolduc is a driven, hardworking student-athlete, who is a role model within the community,” said Howard. “His selfless attitude shines in all he does … He has made his mark on the WHS community!”

PORTLAND
AARP Maine accepting applications for grant
AARP Maine invites local organizations and governments across the state to apply for the 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant program, through March 22. The grants fund quick-action projects that help communities become more livable by improving public spaces, transportation, housing, civic engagement, pandemic recovery, diversity and inclusion, and more.
AARP will prioritize proposals that are inclusive, address disparities, directly engage volunteers, support residents age 50 and older and aim to achieve one or more of the following outcomes: support communities’ efforts to build engagement and leverage funding available under new federal programs through laws like the American Rescue Plan Act, the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, and more; create vibrant public places that improve open spaces, parks and access to other amenities; deliver a range of transportation and mobility options that increase connectivity, walkability, bikeability, wayfinding, access to transportation options and roadway improvements; support a range of housing options that increases the availability of accessible and affordable choices; ensure a focus on diversity, equity and inclusion while improving the built and social environment of a community; and increase civic engagement with innovative and tangible projects that bring residents and local leaders together to address challenges and facilitate a greater sense of inclusion.
Other community improvements; including health services, community development, and coronavirus pandemic recovery.
The Community Challenge is open to 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4) and 501(c)(6) nonprofits and government entities. Other types of organizations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Grants can range from several hundred dollars for small, short-term activities to tens of thousands for larger projects.
The application deadline is 5 p.m. All projects must be completed by Nov. 30. To submit an application and view past grantees, visit AARP.org/communitychallenge.

Nonprofit that supports immigrants gets four grants
Hope Acts has received grants totaling $42,500 from four local foundations to support its ongoing asylum support programs.
Hope Acts is a nonprofit that provides housing, English classes and other resources to support immigrants as they transition to life in the Greater Portland area. Since its founding, Hope Acts has housed more than 80 asylum seekers at Hope House and assisted hundreds of others through classes and individualized assistance.
In 2021 alone, Hope Acts processed over 1,200 work permit applications allowing asylum seekers to legally work in the U.S., and had more than 200 students from 25 countries enrolled in their virtual English classes.
The recent awards included $15,000 from Maine Initiatives, $7,500 from Morton-Kelly Charitable Trust, and $10,000 each from Maine Community Foundation and the Maine Health Access Foundation.

WESTBROOK
Credit unions raise over $930,000 to end hunger
Credit union representatives from across Maine came together recently to recognize the significant contributions Maine credit unions made in 2021 to combat hunger. The 2021 Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger fundraising total of $930,367.80 was announced during the online event. The campaign also provided 242 organizations with financial support to feed people in need.
“I don’t think anyone expected the pandemic to linger on for as long as it has,” said Todd Mason, president and CEO of the Maine Credit Union League. “COVID-19 has not only impacted public health, but financial health as well. Fortunately, our credit unions have remained steadfast in their commitment to this incredible campaign and have once again demonstrated the power of their collaboration. I’m overwhelmed with pride over their fundraising accomplishments.”
Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger helps organizations like Good Shepherd Food Bank, Full Plates Full Potential, schools, colleges, food pantries, and meal sites to get food into the hands of hungry Mainers.
Thanks to the generous support of credit union members, employees, volunteers, and local businesses, Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger has raised more than $11.3 million since its inception in 1990. For more information, visit mainecul.org.

SACO
The Ecology School gets funds for new learning yurt
The Ecology School has received a $25,000 charitable gift from Androscoggin Bank for the naming rights of a new learning yurt. This gift enables The Ecology School to create a gathering, meeting, and classroom space that will be used by students and adult program participants at its new state-of-the-art sustainable River Bend Farm campus.
The Androscoggin Bank Learning Yurt represents the alignment of Androscoggin Bank’s legacy as a mission driven, values-based company with The Ecology School’s mission to inspire stewardship of and connection to the natural world through experiential learning in ecology, conservation, farming, and sustainability.
The learning yurt will complement River Bend Farm’s sustainable campus and contribute to The Ecology School’s mission by providing a space for students to engage with ecology, the natural world, and each other. The yurt will be outfitted with a solar power heat pump for year-round use.

STATEWIDE
Four Mainers to represent state at national pageant 
The United States of America’s Maine Pageant has announced the four women who will represent Maine at the United States of America Pageants on Feb. 16-20 in Las Vegas.
United States of America’s Teen Maine 2022 Haleigh Mclain of Fairfield; United States of America’s Miss Maine 2022 Jessica MacNeill of Kittery; United States of America’s Ms. Maine 2022 Laura McKee of Portland; and United States of America’s Mrs. Maine 2022 Emily Bailey of Farmington were crowned during their state pageant last November in Portland and have been preparing for the national pageant, as well as participating in community events and volunteering.
For more information about how to become a contestant in the 2023 United States of America’s Maine Pageant, visit usoamissmaine.com or contact executive director Christie Hines at maine@unitedstatesofamericapageants.com.

ELLSWORTH & PORTLAND
Scholarship available for agriculture education
Graduating seniors from Maine high schools who are Future Farmers of America organization members and interested in pursuing a career in farming, agriculture, or natural resources are invited to apply for a Ronald P. Guerrette FFA Scholarship through the Maine Community Foundation.
The fund provides one $1,000 scholarship per year. The application deadline is March 1. To learn more, visit the statewide scholarships section of MaineCF’s website at mainecf.org.