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Friday, April 26, 2013
Volume 9 • Issue No. 17
Howe Brothers Unveil Robotic Device That Shields Special Responders By Adam Marletta Contributing Writer SANFORD – Looks like the futuristic world of cybernetic police officers depicted in 1987’s “Robocop” may be closer upon us than we realized. At least that was the impression spectators were left with recently after viewing a demonstration of the robotic ballistic shield SWATBOT at the Sanford Police Department. About 50 people, including reporters, police officers and children, attended the demonstration – the SWATBOT’s first public unveiling. The device is the latest creation of Howe and Howe Technologies, a militarycontracting firm launched by identical twin brothers Michael
The SWATBOT, a robotic device designed by Howe and Howe Technologies, Waterboro, Maine, to protect special responders, was unveiled recently in a demonstration at Sanford Police Department. (courtesy photo)
and Geoffrey Howe from Waterboro. The RS1-RBS1 – or “SWAT-
RSU 21 Chosen for Health Care Project KENNEBUNK – Maine Regional School Unit 21 (RSU 21) has been selected to participate in an American
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Arts & Entertainment 23 Calendar of Events 26 Classified 40-41 Computer Lady 22 Home & Business 37-39 Library News 11 Pets 36 Puzzles 45 Real Estate 33-34 Sports 34-35 Where To Dine 26-32
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BOT – is a remote-controlled special responder device, specifically designed to stand in for human
See SWATBOT page 7...
Breaking Out the Bling, Vision Fair at York Public Library
Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) project aimed at improving health care services provided to students. The district was selected based on a grant prepared by Doris Kain, registered nurse at Sea Road School, in cooperation with her colleagues. This is a five-year project, funded through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) School Health Branch. Known as TEAMS (Training, Education, Assistance, Mentorship and Support), the AAP provides training, resources and technical assistance to school districts interested in strengthening policies, practices, and infrastructure related to school health services. A three-member team has been formed, comprised of Dr. Donald Burgess, FAAP, physician partner; registered nurse Karen Markellos, community health partner, and Kain, who will serve as the district health See RSU21 page 18...
YORK – Rubies, Sapphires, and Topazes! These are three of the many devices and information stations that will greet people who stop by “Vision Fair – Reading for All” on Tuesday, April 30, from 1 to 5 p.m. at York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road. Additional devices and information about different strategies will also be available at the event, which is sponsored by the library and The Iris Network. The purpose of the event is to get the word out that options exist to help people continue or resume reading and enjoying books. Reading exercises the brain, improves concentration, teaches, entertains and relaxes. Most importantly, reading is a key to independence. Being able to read food labels, medication labels, bills, and newspapers are all daily tasks that require reading. Through a grant from Kennebunk Savings Bank’s Hun-
Health & Fitness A special section concerning your health...
INSIDE:
officers during especially dangerous situations. The unit’s AR400 steel nose shield, for instance, can offer greater protection from enemy fire, while its remote capabilities allow soldiers or law enforcement officers to examine suspicious bags or containers from a safe distance. In fact, in an eerie and bitter irony, the Howe brothers had originally scheduled the showcase in Boston, but promptly changed locations after last week’s explosion at the Boston Marathon. The strange twist of fate was not lost on the brothers, who sense a great urgency to shift their traditionally military-oriented robotics to domestic law enforcement. “After the events of this
week, we see there is even more imperative for devices such as this,” Mike Howe said. “Sequestration or not… we must think proactively.” Geoff Howe, adding to his brother’s remarks, noted the array of scenarios – schools, hospitals, federal buildings and more – where the duo’s “newest, latest and greatest” technology can be applied. Police Chief Thomas Connolly, who heads Sanford’s Special Response Team (SRT), praised the “huge tactical advantage” SWATBOT offers responders. “It’s time to put our money behind smart technology that will protect officers, citizens and property,” Connolly said. After the opening remarks, attendees got to witness SWATBOT in action. With the help of local SRT members, SWATBOT engaged in two simulated sce-
PG 15-21
Steve Kelly, Certified Vision Rehabilitation Therapist at The Iris Network, demonstrates the use of a Topaz, a desktop video magnifier. (courtesy photo)
tington Commons Charitable Foundation the staff from York Public Library and the vision rehabilitation professionals from The Iris Network are teaming up to deliver a day devoted to vision, reading and independence. This hands-on afternoon will give patrons and members of
Also check out our special section on
business & finance PG 12-14
the greater York community the opportunity to test and explore various devices and strategies to continue to read. Ruth Mlotek, director of vision rehabilitation services at The Iris Network, stated, “When we ask clients what they want to See VISION page 17...
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