State Economist Amanda Rector will be the guest speaker at next week’s West Bay Rotary meeting. In this capacity, she conducts ongoing analysis of Maine's economic and demographic conditions to help inform policy decisions.

She intends to speak about changing demographic and economic conditions in Maine, mostly a statewide focus but with some regional data as well. 

The month of February saw a statewide uptick in both sales and home prices, due to continued buyer demand and an increase in single-family homes available for sale. Statistics shared by Maine Listings indicate a jump in home sales of 11.44 percent, comparing February 2024 to February of last year. The median sales price increased 7.52 percent, reaching $354,000, during that same period of time. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

Buying or Selling?

Call Patti Brown at Newcastle Realty! 

(207) 530-2253 | pattibrown@cheneycompanies.com

While not everyone's favorite team won this year's Super Bowl, the club was happy to donate the proceeds of our annual Super Bowl raffle with the Camden Area District Nursing Association. Here fellow member Sandy Cox presents the winnings to CADNA Executive Director Judi Lydon.

St. Peter's Episcopal Church, located at 11 White Street in downtown Rockland, will host the following services and events during Holy Week and Easter:

Wednesday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. Tenebrae. Holy Eucharist in the church, with choir

Thursday, March 28, 5:30 p.m. Maundy Thursday. Holy Eucharist in the church, with choir 

West Bay Rotary is now accepting spring grant requests to support local causes, thru April 1st. Twice a year, the Club, through its Charitable Foundation, provides financial support to organizations that work to improve the lives of people in Knox County and Lincolnville. Grants up to $1,500 are awarded for general operations, specific programs, or defined projects that will be completed within 12 months of receipt of donation.

With spring in the air and biking season just around the corner, satisfy your curiosity about e-bikes. What exactly are they and how do they work? Would an e-bike be the right thing for me?

Buying or Selling?

Call Stephanie Poland at Newcastle Realty!

(207) 380-2772 | stephaniepoland@cheneycompanies.com

CAMDEN, Maine—West Bay Rotary is accepting spring grant requests to support local causes, now thru midnight April 1^st.

Twice a year, the Club, through its Charitable Foundation, provides financial support to organizations that work to improve the lives of people in Knox County and Lincolnville. Grants up to $1,500 are awarded for general operations, specific programs, or defined projects that will be completed within 12 months of receipt of donation.

Midcoast Maine has a long history of volunteerism that strengthens our communities and empowers individuals. New Hope Midcoast, the Regional Domestic Violence Resource Center serving Midcoast Maine, is looking for volunteers who want to join our caring team, make a difference, and enjoy fun, community events. Volunteers will assist with clerical work and events throughout the year.

By Mimi Edmunds

Over 100 years ago, the pandemic known as the “Spanish Flu” of 1918, a viral epidemic likely started among WW1 troops in the United States and Europe, swept through Maine causing tens of thousands of deaths. Its rapid spread spawned mobile nursing associations that rose to meet the crisis of an overflow of victims homebound due to the lack of hospital beds.

Bonnie Lewis, a member of the business insurance team at Allen Insurance and Financial, recently achieved the designation of Accredited Customer Service Representative in Commercial Lines from the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America.

The ACSR program is a nationally recognized designation that provides participants with a strong insurance foundation, customer service skills and the technical knowledge necessary to succeed in today’s agency environment.

Abraham Dugal, CFP®, has been named Director of Investment Management at Allen Insurance and Financial.

Dugal has been a financial advisor at Allen since 2015. In his new role, Dugal will manage our investment portfolio oversight process, collaborate with our advisors for client investment decisions, and lead our retirement plan practice.

A lively singing group for seniors, Classic Harmony, formerly Hearts Ever Young, will be held at The Lincoln Home for all interested every Tuesday at 2 p.m. The talented Sean Fleming and Beth Preston are leading the group, which welcomes all seniors, of all abilities. Music will be a wide variety including pop, gospel, Broadway tunes, folk songs and familiar selections from the Great American Songbook.

Let’s get the party started with the Just Because Dance Party February 9^th at Blue Barren Distillery! Stop by from 7:30-10:00 p.m. at 2 Wayfarer Drive in Camden and welcome the new year while dancing the night away with friends. This fun event includes the opportunity to support New Hope Midcoast, our Regional Domestic Violence Resource Center. Donations made during the evening will go directly to New Hope. So bring some friends and join the party! See you there!

THOMASTON, ME: Thomaston Place Auction Galleries’ division, Thomaston Light, starts off the new year strong after conducting their first auction of the year – Retro Chic.

      On January 29^th, I was sitting in my chair engaged in a face time conversation with a friend, when a series of colored balloons rose up behind me. I not only saw this but the person I was talking to saw this as well. The multicolored balloons, perhaps 4 or 5 of them, had no strings attached as they floated upward and disappeared into the ceiling.  

Join Cheney Insurance and several other well-known local businesses in this conveniently located professional building.

Walking distance to downtown Damariscotta, office space benefits from excellent visibility with off-street/private parking.

With access to shared kitchen and restrooms, both units are clean, spacious, and accessible. Contact Dennis Hilton for more information (207) 380-343

Maine continues to see a steady increase of qualified buyers while lack of inventory and current interest rates contribute to a lower-than-average number of real estate transactions.  Statistics shared by Maine Listings indicate a 6.14 percent decrease in sales comparing December 2023 to December 2022. For that same time, the median sales price increased 6.21 percent, reaching $350,500. The MSP indicates that half of the homes were sold for more and half sold for less.

We are seeking a passionate, creative and dedicated Museum Educator to join our small Children's Museum. As a Museum Educator, you will play a vital role in creating engaging and educational experiences for children of all ages.

You will be responsible for developing and implementing interactive programs and activities that promote learning, creativity, and exploration with a focus on marine life and coastal Maine.

Jerry Farnham will be on hand at Brady’s on Saturday the 27th at 2pm for a book signing, chat, and some talk of his next book! Come on down and meet the author!

The deadline of January 31 is fast approaching for non-profit organizations in Knox County and Lincolnville to submit grant applications to the Camden Rotary Club. For details, visit the club’s Grants page.

The club’s redesigned grant-making process focuses on high-impact, non-profit programs and projects in five priority areas: