Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (D-Maine) announced that three Maine fire departments in the First Congressional District will receive more than $150,000 in the second round of Fiscal Year 2021 grant funding from the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program. In this round of funding, the program is awarding more than $52.6 million to 296 eligible fire departments and first responder organizations nationwide.

The new South Portland Fire Station at Cash Corner was officially opened in May 2021. Gregory Rec photo/Press Herald

“Every day, Maine firefighters put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe. FEMA’s Assistance to Firefighters Grant is a profoundly important program that protects these brave heroes,” said Pingree in an Aug. 22 press release. “Whether for equipment, maintenance, or training, this federal funding is vital to ensuring our firefighters are prepared and protected. That’s why as a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I have fought to increase funding for this program every year.”

The Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program assists first-responder organizations in obtaining emergency response equipment, personal protective equipment, emergency vehicles, and training. Details of the grants are as follows:

South Portland: Maine Fire Service Institute — $108,608 for firefighter turnout gear, portable radios, and training props and equipment.

Casco: Casco Fire-Rescue Department — $14,361 to fit test firefighter breathing apparatus facepieces.

Boothbay Harbor: Boothbay Harbor Fire Department — $30,000 for a vehicle exhaust removal system.

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In the first round of funding for FY2021 announced last August, Scarborough, Old Orchard Beach, Casco, and West Gardiner fire departments received a total of $502,878 through the program. As of Aug. 19, FEMA has made 2,496 awards totaling $762.6 million.

Hannaford Supermarkets announce Groceries to Grads tuition reimbursement program

Hannaford Supermarkets recently announced a tuition reimbursement program that will provide higher and continuing education funding to qualifying full- and part-time associates.

The new Groceries to Grads tuition reimbursement program will offer associates up to $5,250 in tuition funds annually. The funding can be used at any accredited college or university, with additional tuition discounts available at partner universities within Hannaford’s network, including Husson University, Roux Institute at Northeastern University, Thomas College and the University of Southern Maine.

“At Hannaford, we are committed to investing in our associates by creating pathways to opportunity and career growth,” said Hannaford Supermarkets Vice President of Human Resources Margo Peffer in an Aug. 17 news release. “Our enhanced tuition reimbursement program will provide our associates with the support and flexibility they need to begin or continue their education and enhance their personal and professional future. This initiative is just one of the many ways that Hannaford seeks to deliver on its purpose of together, we are Greater than Groceries.”

Effective immediately, full-time and salaried Hannaford associates are eligible to receive up to $5,250 in tuition reimbursement funds annually. Part-time associates are eligible for up to $2,000 based on average hours worked. The funding is applicable to undergraduate and graduate courses, as well as certificate programs.

Additionally, qualifying Hannaford associates will receive exclusive tuition discounts when enrolled at six partner colleges and universities in New England and New York, including:

The College of Saint Rose in Albany, New York
20 percent discount on undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs
Husson University in Bangor
15 percent discount on undergraduate and graduate courses; and 10 percent discount on pharmacy courses
The Roux Institute at Northeastern University in Portland
20 percent discount on graduate programs
Southern New Hampshire University in Manchester, New Hampshire
10 percent discount on online undergraduate and graduate courses for both Hannaford associates and immediate family members
Thomas College in Waterville
10 percent discount on graduate and certificate courses with a free first course
University of Southern Maine in Portland
20 percent discount on professional development courses

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