InTouch
MONTHLY NEWSLETTER OCTOBER 2013
Restoration of Fairfield’s Historic Hotel Gerald Underway By Doug Cutchin
The restoration of the beautiful historic landmark, the former Hotel Gerald, is yet another major step in the long process of revitalizing downtown Fairfield. The renovation work is being done by a Fairfield construction firm, The Sheridan Corporation, and a team of local subcontractors. The owner is KVCAP, and the building is to be a beautiful senior citizens’ residence home containing 28 apartment units. The project has long been promoted by Fairfield realtor Tom Munson of Mainely Real Estate. His research made possible the use of Maine State Historic Tax Credits, which helped make the Hotel Gerald restoration project financially feasible. The project will also benefit from the town of Fairfield’s local tax increment finance program (TIF). The Hotel Gerald represents the golden era of Fairfield and central Maine’s remarkable entrepreneurial community, whose businesses were the economic engine that made this area one of the wealthiest per capita areas in the world! The Gerald opened on June 4, 1900. It was the finest hotel north of Boston and represented a brilliant era in Fairfield’s history. William Jennings Bryan and Franklin Roosevelt spoke from its balconies. On the day of the grand opening, large crowds were in the hotel all day. The dining room was filled with guests and an orchestra provided music. Built by Amos Gerald (builder of the first electric train system in Maine as well as the first electric light plant),
Highlights in this Issue: P. 2: From the President’s Chair P. 2: Recent Ribbon Cuttings P. 3: Public Policy Committee Update P. 4: Member Events Calendar P. 8: Member Spotlight: Eye Center of Central Maine
KVCOG Program Helps Launch New Businesses It’s amazing to look back and see how Kennebec Val-
The grand Hotel Gerald is represented in this image from an early 20th century postcard. the Gerald was an ornate, four-story building. It was highly ornamented with terra cotta trimmings as well as with figures in relief in the Renaissance style. The hotel had three golden domes on its top (the central one was embellished with a statue of Mercury, Roman God of speed). The 9 x 19 foot granite piece at the entrance was the largest single piece of granite ever quarried in Maine. It weighed 16 tons and had the words THE GERALD inlaid in brass on the surface. Continued on page 2.
ley Council of Governments’ Revolving Loan Program has helped businesses over the past 25+ years. Since the program’s inception, we have made 206 loans for a total value of $13,961,361. This has leveraged other investments outside of KVCOG totaling $64,039,210. At the time these loans were made, anticipated jobs retained totaled 2,498 and anticipated jobs created were 1167. KVCOG was and continues to be the difference in Kennebec, Somerset and western Waldo counties when it comes to finding ways to get deals done for small businesses that cannot attract bank financing. Most businesses rely on borrowing as a major source of capital for new plant and equipment, and sometimes working capital. Commercial loans are available at competitive rates; however, the “credit crunch” has had an impact on some businesses in some unexpected ways. Fixed rate loans with generous terms are harder to get. Collateral requirements have increased as a result of the slowdown in the real estate market, and in some cases, decreasing property values. Debt refinancing has become harder to obtain. Increased energy costs have had an impact on a business’ bottom line. At the same time that we have all of these challenges, it is also a good time to look to the future and plan for growth and new ventures. There are many ways to fund projects and many sources of funding. KVCOG provides assistance for business planning through the Small Business Development Center program, and business financing through our RLF program at our office in Fairfield. For more information, please contact Cole Palmer at 453-4258 ext. 214 or cpalmer@kvcog.org.
50 ELM STREET, WATERVILLE, ME 04901 • TEL: (207) 873-3315 • FAX: (207) 877-0087 info@midmainechamber.com • www.midmainechamber.com Brad Fisher, Chair of the Board • Kimberly N. Lindlof, President & CEO
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From the President’s Chair
Business After Hours Spann Students Commons at Thomas College 180 West River Rd., Waterville October 16 · 5:30-7PM
Maine State Chamber has officially announced its partnership with a national online news service, www.JustGoodNews.BIZ. It is Bowdoin Photography a new, FREE, national online news service that focuses solely on publishing positive business headline news from around the country, including Maine. The service is a powerful tool for attracting new businesses to a state and includes a "Who's Hiring" page connecting job seekers and employers. Mid-Maine Chamber will need your help to ensure we have Good News stories from our region. Please let us know if you have Good News to share! There area couple of ways to get the Good news onto this site: 1.) Go to www.JustGoodNews.BIZ , click Share Your Good News on the top of the page and fill in the info, including uploading photos if you have them. 2.) Send Kim an email with any leads. JGN has a writer who lives in Saco, PJ Lassek, who is happy to follow up on any leads you help to provide and will write the articles for free! 3.) If you know a story has already been published somewhere, simply send us the link. What qualifies for Good News? Growing, expanding companies; Innovative businesses & startups with great ideas; Who's hiring - So employers & jobs seekers can connect; National/regional/state rankings and awards. If you are interested, 'like' the JustGoodNews Maine page: www.facebook.com/pages/JustGOODNewsBIZMaine/221096151335827. If you follow Twitter, go to: https://twitter.com/justgoodnewsbiz.
Sponsored by:
Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Many fabulous door prizes, 50/50 raffle & more! Thank you to our 50/50 Sponsor:
Hotel Gerald Restoration Continued from page 1. This beautiful (inside and outside) new facility will give the downtown stores, restaurants and service businesses a new permanent client base made up of the folks that will live there and their families and friends that will visit them. It is the author’s belief that this project and other new businesses which are presently exploring locating in or near the downtown will return Fairfield to an expanding and vibrant economic era. We can use as our model the Hotel Gerald which exemplified the energy and vitality that was this area’s hallmark in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. ◊
Recent Member Ribbon Cuttings
- Kimberly
JustGoodNews.Biz Maine Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Pictured left to right: Kim Lindlof, Mid-Maine Chamber; Wick Johnson, Kennebec Technologies; Kris Rush, JustGoodNews.Biz; Dana Connors, Maine State Chamber; Rick Tardiff, J.S. McCarthy Printers; Peter Thompson, Kennebec Valley Chamber.
Left: Mid-Maine Chamber President & CEO Kim Lindlof joins Chief Joe Massey, Joan Laliberte, City Manager Mike Roy and Mayor Karen Heck in celebrating the new Waterville Police Department at 10 Colby Street. Right: Jen Olsen and June L’Heureux of Waterville Main Street celebrate its new space in suite 202 of 44 Main Street with supporters.
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Public Policy Committee Advocates for Mid-Maine Chamber Members By Matthew E. Clark, Esq. Chair, Public Policy Committee and First Vice Chair, Board of Directors
You, the membership of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce, have expressed the desire that our Chamber become more proactive in addressing legislation and other political matters which may have an effect, either positive or negative, on our membership. The Chamber has heard you loud and clear! This year, the Chamber has taken positions on a number of legislative issues, as well as hosted several forums to give the Chamber’s membership an opportunity to interact directly with our representatives both at the local, state, and federal level. Thanks to our sponsor, Eagle Rental, Inc., the Public Policy Committee organized three “Meet the Reps” events. These informal gatherings are intended to facilitate casual discussion between our membership and our elected officials from throughout the region. Dozens of elected officials, including Governor Paul LePage, and hundreds of Chamber Members attended these events which were a resounding success. We will continue to organize and host “Meet the
“Meet the Reps” - January 2013
Reps” events this fall and winter during the upcoming legislative session (see box below for dates). Keep a lookout on the Chamber’s calendar of events on the Chamber Web site for all the details on upcoming “Meet the Reps” events. The Chamber also took a number of positions on legislation of consequence to our local economy. Our Board of Directors voted to support a prompt repayment of the debt owed to our hospitals by the State of Maine. We supported an extension of the sales tax exemption on aircraft and aircraft parts, benefiting our region’s airports. We also supported legislative efforts to increase access to natural gas in our region, making our en-
ergy resources more competitive. Finally, the Chamber opposed efforts to reduce revenue sharing to our local cities and municipalities, perceiving such a reduction as a tax shift to local businesses and home owners. The Public Policy Committee also invites you to join the Chamber at our October 10 th Business Breakfast, hosted by Thomas College, which will feature Ben Gilman, senior governmental relations specialist at Maine State Chamber of Commerce, who will speak about issues of importance to the business community that will be discussed during the 126th Maine Legislature’s upcoming second session. To register for the Business Breakfast, e-mail Christian at prog.asst@midmainechamber.com. The Chamber will continue to monitor and respond to legislation having an economic impact on our region during the upcoming Legislative Session. If there is an issue of importance to you, please don’t hesitate to bring it to the attention of the MidMaine Chamber staff.
Save the dates for Meet the Reps! NEW LOCATION: Hampton Inn, 425 Kennedy Memorial Drive, Waterville December 5, 2013· February 6, 2014· March 6, 2014 Join Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce & KV Connect from 5:30-7PM at the Hampton Inn in Waterville on these dates for Meet the Reps, a series of events that brings professionals and community leaders together with elected officials at all levels of government to encourage dialogue. Thanks to our sponsor, Eagle Rental, for making Meet the Reps possible!
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October 2: Central Maine Growth Council presents the International Trade Symposium: Growing Trade and Global Outreach in Central Maine from 3-7PM at Ostrove Auditorium, Diamond Building, Colby College. Topics include: Maine and the Global Marketplace, Discussions with a Global Finance Panel, Developing Successful Foreign Trade Zones Business Incubators for International Trade Development. Sponsored by TD Bank, hosted by Colby College, co-hosted by Maine International Trade Center. FMI: internationaltradesymposium.eventbrite.com or email dsterling@centralmaine.org
Hallowell City Hall Auditorium to benefit the Cohen Center meals on wheel program. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children under 12, and $25 for a family of 4 or more. FMI: call 626-7777 or visit spectrumgenerations.org/magicshow. October 7: 1st annual Golf Scramble for Fuel Assistance in Central Maine hosted by J & S Oil at the Augusta Country Club. 9AM tee time; lunch included. FMI and to register: 623-9518 ext. 3104.
October 10: 10:30AM–12PM, Waterville Public Library, 73 Elm Street, Waterville. TOC Media workshop on Power of Email October 3: The iconic and profoundly influenMarketing: Best Practices and Strategies for tial Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, 8 PM at the Your Success. Master email communications Waterville Opera House, 1 Common St. with this comprehensive look at best practices Tickets: $50 Orchestra, $45 First Balcony, and winning strategies. Free. FMI: Tracy $40 Second Balcony. FMI or tickets: Call 873 O’Clair at toclair@toc-media.com. -7000 or operahouse.org. October 12: 5:30 - 9:30 PM, Family Violence October 5: Waterville Opera House presents Project presents their 35th Anniversary Gala, The Metropolitan Opera Live in HD: Eugene Cotter Union, Colby College. If you would Onegin at 12:55PM, 1 Common Street, Wtvl. like to receive an invitation, please send your FMI: 873-3000 or visit operahouse.org. contact information to October 5: Barbershop Harmony Show Prefvp@familyviolenceproject.org or call 623sented by the Kennebec Valley Chordsmen, 7 8637 ext. 301. FMI: Deborah at 623-8637 PM, at the Waterville Opera House, 1 Com- x300 deborahs@familyviolenceproject.org . mon St. Kennebec Valley Chordsmen mark October 12: The Maine Children’s Home their 41st anniversary with a concert featuring for Little Wanderer’s presents An Evening a capella choruses & guest quartets from of Ragtime Piano with Sue Schmitt at 7 PM in around the country. Tickets: $15. FMI or tickthe Given Auditorium Bixler Art & Music ets: Call 873-7000 or operahouse.org. Center at Colby College. Proceeds benefit October 6: Waterville Main Street Harvest The Children’s Place at The Maine Children’s Fest, 10AM–5PM. Family fun day with scare- Home. FMI: 873-4253. crow making, pumpkin carving, hayrides and October 14: Mid-Maine Homeless Shelter more. Head of Falls. FMI: celebrates its 1 year anniversary in its new jennifer@watervillemainstreet.org, watervillelocation. FMI: shelter@shelterme.org or 872mainstreet.org. 8082. October 6: Spectrum Generations presents October 16: Maine Development Founda"Keep the Wheels Rolling" Magic Show at the
tion presents the Leadership Unplugged Fall 2013 - Session 1. 7:30-9AM at UNE, 716 Stevens Avenue, Portland (College Pharmacy Building). A series of conversations with Maine leaders around issues of economic importance providing opportunities for leaders from all over ME and across sectors to come together to discuss the pertinent issues of the day and build the relationships that will allow us to move ME forward. FMI: mdf.org/events. October 18: TOC Media workshop on Getting Started with Email Marketing, 8 - 10 AM at Maine Technology Group, 120 Augusta Rd., Winslow. Learn how to easily build an email marketing campaign, branding it to your business, and publishing it to your social networks. Free. FMI: Tracy O'Clair: toclair@tocmedia.com. October 18: The Board of Trustees & Charity Ball Committee request the pleasure of your company at the Alfond Youth Center Charity Ball, 7 - 11:30 PM at the Alfond Youth Center, 126 North St., Waterville. FMI: aycme.org or contact Kim Fleming kfleming@alfondyouthcenter.org October 18-20: Thomas College Homecoming & Family Weekend. A full weekend of special events and activities for students, alumni and family. FMI: www.thomas.edu/homecomingandfamily or 873-0111. October 19: Cookie Lee Jewelry by Michelle is exhibiting at the 1st Annual Fall Fesitval Craft Fair, New Beginnings Church, Waterville, 9AM–3PM. Silent Auction, yummy concessions & fun activities for the children while you shop local crafters & vendors. Free admission. FMI: Amy Harrison at 659-6595 or facebook.com/events/583535765021930. Continued on page 6.
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Northern Benefits of Maine C.V. Diagnostics Adam Lowell PO Box 403 Oakland, ME 04963 272-4982· www.williamtuck.com adam@mainetechgroup.com
Hope Green 40 Gabriel Drive Augusta, ME 04330 774-1531· www.mechanicalservices.com info@mechanicalservices.com
Gamache Plumbing & Heating
Mid-Maine Drafting Services
Paul Gamache 2333 Riverside Drive Vassalboro, ME 04989 873-6448· pga49@yahoo.com
Mechanical Services, Inc.
Gary Libby 229 Cushman Road Winslow, ME 04901 859-0384· www.midmainedrafting.com gary@midmainedrafting.org
Adam Sturtevant PO Box 423 South China, ME 04358 720-0888· www.mainebenefits.com
Roki Repair Shop Maurice Rossignol PO Box 812 Waterville, ME 04903-0812
Worship Radio Network 160 Riverside Drive Augusta, ME 04330 622-1340· www.worshipradionetwork.org
Maine Development Foundation has Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC) has announced Jon H. Connolly of named Cheryl B. Miller its interim CEO Sheridan, Wyo., will be its next VP and dean and president after the unexpected resignaof academic affairs. Connolly will replace tion of Ed Cervone in late August. Prior to Karen White, who is retiring in Oct. after 32 years working for KVCC, her appointment, Miller served as the senior program director. She beserving the past nine years as academic dean. Connolly began his new gan in that role with the foundation in 2000. Congratulations, Cheryl! duties on Sept. 18. Inland Hospital welcomes Jared Wilkinson, DPM, a board-certified Chief Tom Gould assumed command of the Fairfield Police Depart- Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Specialist to Inland Foot and Ankle, ment recently and was sworn into office by Municipal Clerk Christine located at 325D Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville. Inland also Keller. Chief Gould comes from the Livermore Falls PD, where he welcomes A. Jack Barnard, a certified Physician’s Assistant, to Inland worked for 29 years progressing from patrolman to Lieutenant. He has Family Care, its family practice division. Barnard joins the downtown a breadth of experience in many facets of law enforcement and will be Waterville family practice at 16 Concourse West. an asset to the Town of Fairfield. Welcome aboard! Introducing National Worksite Benefits Group's new strategic comJames Jackson from Clinton has been hired as Sewer Mechanic and pliance partner, Steve Gerlach, a compensation attorney with Bernstein began work with the Town of Fairfield recently. Congratulations! Shur Counselors at Law. He counsels employers on executive compensation, employee benefit plans and ERISA. He advises businesses, Rob L. Johnston, Jr., founder & chairman of Johnny’s Selected Seeds, nonprofits and governmental employers on the compliance and costs of was selected by the All-American Selections Board of Directors to re- the Affordable Care Act. Steve was voted one of the Best Lawyers in ceive the 2013 Breeders’ Cup. The Breeders Cup Award recognizes America for 2013. Welcome! someone who has had a significant impact in horticulture by breeding stand-out varieties. Bert Languet and Judy Albair from Golden Pond Wealth Management recently attended focus13, a leading financial services industry Colby College announced Tuesday that David Greene, executive vice conference hosted by LPL Financial, the nation’s number one indepresident at the University of Chicago, will be the school’s next presi- pendent broker-dealer. Held in San Diego, August 18 to 21, focus13 dent. His first day will be July 1, 2014. Welcome, David! was one of the industry’s premier sales and education events for financial professionals.
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October 19: MaineGeneral Medical Center’s 10th Annual Walk for Hope. Begins at Sam's Club Augusta at 9AM. Register at give.mainegeneral.org/hope. FMI: 861-8676 or 626-1809.
enhance healthcare in our region. For tickets: 873-7000 or operahouse.org.
Business Expansion & Retention 8AM October 27: Join Friends of Quarry Tues., Oct. 1 Chamber Boardroom Road Recreation Area 11-2PM for an Public Policy Committee open house with tours and light refreshFri., Oct. 4 7:30AM October 22: Stained Glass Express pre- ments. FMI: www.quarryroadrecarea.org Chamber Boardroom sents Friends Night Out - Fall/Halloween or 680-4744. Executive Committee Plate from 5–8PM. $65 (includes all 7:30AM October 27: The Robert Cray Band pre- Fri., Oct. 18 materials, refreshments). Learn about Chamber Boardroom sented by Sweet People Productions & glass fusing & create a fun fall or HalThe State Theatre, 8PM at the WaterMembership Committee loween-themed plate. No experience ville Opera House, 1 Common St. Rock Wed., Oct. 23 8AM Chamber Boardroom required. blues icon Robert Cray is considered October 24: TOC Media workshop So- “one of the greatest guitarists of his genBoard of Directors Retreat cial Media Marketing Made Simple from eration.” Tickets: $50 Orchestra, $45 Thurs., Oct. 24 11:30AM Heritage House Restaurant 10:30 AM – 12 PM at the Waterville First Balcony, $40 Second Balcony. FMI Public Library, 73 Elm St., Waterville. or tickets: Call 873-7000 or opeLearn the essential strategies and best rahouse.org. practices for successful social media October 30: Waterville Main Street’s October 10: Business Breakfast Series marketing. annual Kringleville Auction. 5:30PM at 7:15-9AM at Thomas College October 25: Maine Development Foun- Silver Street Tavern. Tickets are $25 Oak Room, Spann Student Commons dation presents the Downtown Institute - and include elegant dinner. FMI: What’s Hot and What’s Not: A Look Session 4: Business Development on jennifer@watervillemainstreet.org. Ahead to the Second Session of the Main Street. 9–12PM at Johnson Hall, State of Maine 126th Legislature November 2: Climate Adaptation Facts: Gardiner. FMI: mdf.org/events. Ben Gilman, senior governmental relations specialist A Briefing for Kennebec River Valley with Maine State Chamber of Commerce, will cover the October 26: Pajama Pageant 7:15AM– Communities with Sustain Mid-Maine business and economic issues facing the 126th Maine 7PM. Cookie Lee Jewelry by Michelle Coalition at Kennebec Valley CommuLegislature and give us a sneak preview of what to exis proud to be a supporter of this local nity College. Two sessions with a numpect from its upcoming second session. fundraiser for The Maine Children’s ber of experts on the issue. Registration Home for Little Wanderers. FMI: face- is $10. FMI and to register: To register, visit www.midmainechamber.com or ebook.com/events/197751603718338. lwoods@waterville-me.gov or 680-4208. mail Christian at prog.asst@midmainechamber.com. October 26: Community Craft & Vendor October 16: Business After Hours Fair at Kennebec Valley Community 5:30-7PM at Thomas College College from 8 AM–2 PM. Proceeds For up-to-date events listings, visit our Oak Room, Spann Student Commons benefit Domestic Violence Awareness. events calendar at our Web site, Join us for networking, campus tours, Featuring guest speakers, music & chil- www.midmainechamber.com. If your and much more. As always, this is a dren’s activities. FMI: Maryanne Bar- organization has an upcoming event, great way to mix and mingle with other rows: Barrows.Maryanne@kvcc.me.edu please share it on our Web site. If you business professionals! Remember your need assistance, contact Amy at October 26: Inland Hospital's Fall Pops business cards. info@midmainechamber.com. Concert, 7–9PM at the Waterville No registration required. Join us! Opera House with the Portland Symphony. Proceeds help Inland Hospital
Upcoming Events
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Central Maine Web now offers mobile website development. CMW can either create a new website that responds in different ways on different viewing platforms (computer monitor, iPhone, iPad, etc.) OR create a simpler streamlined version of your website that users of iPhones and other similar sized screens will automatically be redirected to. There are pros and cons to both solutions and owner Ken LaVoie is always available to talk about the options. Visit www.centralmaineweb.com, call 873-9321 or email ken@centralmaineweb.com. The Children’s Holiday Program provides assistance to families in need with each child enrolled being provided 1 new outfit and 1 new toy, gift wrapped, & ready to be opened on Christmas morning. It’s managed in conjunction with other local organizations, & applications are accepted at the Fairfield Town Office beginning after Thanksgiving between 8:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Mon. - Fri. Application deadline is Fri., Dec. 13. Residents must provide proof of income, residency, & social security cards for all children being signed up at the time one fills out the application. Any residents interested in donating new unwrapped toys or clothing may do so at the Fairfield Town Office, or by mailing a check to: Town of Fairfield, Children’s Holiday Program, P.O. Box 149, Fairfield, ME 04937-0149. FMI: Amanda Soule- 4534284.
the first time to the eligible customers. of Maine Development Foundation, in order Since April 2008, FairPoint has invested more to improve the pedestrian experience at the than $200 million in its communications infraSpring Street/Main Street intersection. structure and technology to bring broadband to northern New England, including building Did you know that every time you shop at TJ thousands of miles of new fiber across the Maxx, you’re supporting Jobs for Maine’s region. Grads and hundreds of other charitable organizations? More than 50 years ago, the United Way of Mid-Maine kicked off its company that owns TJ Maxx started a founda- annual fundraising campaign at a recent tion to help improve people’s lives through breakfast held at Spectrum Generations in education and healthcare. The TJX FoundaWaterville. FMI about the campaign, call tion has just announced that it is awarding 873-0686 or visit www.unitedwaymidme.org. JMG a $5,000 grant to support our programs Contributions can be sent directly to United in Maine’s high schools and middle schools. Way of Mid-Maine, PO Box 91, Waterville, Thank you TJX Foundation! ME 04901. Leaps N Bounds Gymnastics, Inc.’s Performace Team is available to perform free of charge at events from December through May. Performances will be 15, 30 or 45 minutes in length. FMI: Heather at 453-5327.
After over 10 years at 14 Commons St., Hardy Girls Healthy Women is excited to announce that we are moving to even better headquarters! As of September 4th, we will be headquartered at 177 Main Street in Waterville. If you can, stop by and visit! American Cancer Society is now taking orders for its 2013 Christmas, Chanukah, and holiday cards. The donation you make in return for your cards will cover printing and shipping costs, help the American Cancer Society continue to save lives, and may be 100% tax deductible. FMI: neholidaycards@cancer.org.
Spectrum Generations is looking for volunteers to train to become coaches for its A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls program. The free coach training will be held at Spectrum Generations Knox Community Center located at 61 Park Street in Rockland on October 21 & 22 from 11:30am– 3:30pm. For more information about the program or to register for training, contact Tina DeRaps at 620-1657 or by e-mail at tde- Maine Children’s Home for Little Wanderraps@spectrumgenerations.org. ers’ Teen Parent School Program announced Congratulations to Waterville its largest graduating class, including its first Main Street for submitting a More Mainers can quickly e-mail photos, two male graduates, in the program’s 39 year winning grant application for download music and surf the Internet now that history. This year, seven teen parent students the Spring Street Pedestrian FairPoint Communications has expanded successfully earned their high school diploConvergence! It will receive a broadband service to more than 140 homes mas, most with academic honors. $15,000 grant from the Maine and businesses in the town of Clinton, Maine. Downtown Center, a program FairPoint high-speed Internet is available for
50 Elm Street Waterville, ME 04901
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Eye Center of Central Maine Offers Latest Technology to its Patients Dr. Peter Kohler, a native of Maine, is board certified in ophthalmology and has been restoring vision in patients with cataracts for over 20 years. He also specializes in laser refractive eye surgery (LASIK). Dr. Kohler is now pleased to be able to offer the laser technology to patients having cataract surgery. Cataract surgery is the most commonly performed surgery in the United States and with the new wave of baby boomers turning 65, the number of people suffering from decreased vision due to cloudy lenses, or cataracts, is only expected to grow. That is why a new technology, offered by Dr. Kohler, is so exciting. Dr. Peter Kohler at Eye Center of Central Maine is now offering ReLACS (Refractive Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery), a blade-free, computer-controlled laser platform combined with the most technologically advanced diagnostics. This allows Dr. Kohler to plan and perform a patient’s cataract surgery to individ-
gy that we offer in our blade-free LASIK program is now available to folks who suffer from cloudy vision due to cataracts. There are no two eyes that are exactly the same, so our ability to use a laser instead of a blade to treat the growing cataract population is really exciting.” By adding computer control to key steps of cataract surgery, cataract treatments utilizing ReLACS ensure the highest surgical precision available today. When combined with advanced implant options for cataract surgery, ReLACS procedures may offer visual freedom from glasses, contact lenses, or even reading glasses after surgery. “I am excited to be among the first in New England to perform refractive cataract surgery, ualized specifications unattainable with other astigmatic correction and presbyopia correcsurgical methods. “Our adoption of this tech- tion utilizing this advancement in predictabilnology is a testament to our dedication to ofity, precision and efficiency for patients fering the most advanced technology as an throughout the central Maine area. There are option for the patients in our community,” says no eyes like yours and there is no cataract proDr. Kohler. cedure like customized laser cataract surgery “We’re excited because the same technolo- for your eyes.”
Have some news you would like to share? Submit a short announcement to the Chamber office by the 3rd Friday of the prior month. Inserts are also available for $125 per month. Call 873-3315 or email info@midmainechamber.com. Disclaimer: Mid-Maine Chamber’s InTouch newsletter is published monthly as a benefit to members and affiliates. All member news is compiled and submitted solely by our members; therefore, we reserve the right to omit and/or edit as appropriate and cannot guarantee complete accuracy of all announcements. Sponsorship inserts do not necessarily reflect the position of Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce.