Visit a State Park or Historic Site for Free, Sunday, June 20th

I wanted to let you know that on Father’s Day, Sunday, June 20th, all Maine residents can enjoy free admission to Maine state parks and historic sites [click here for more info]. This could be a great way to enjoy the day and celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Maine State Park System.

Have Fun!

VisitMaine.com

Visitmaine.com is the Maine Office of Tourism’s Official tourism website. Each year, the site receives more than 1.7 million unique visitors every year to its web portal.

Visitmaine.com offers tourists and other visitors to Maine the opportunity to map out their trip to our state by searching for restaurants, diners, shopping, camping–just about anything you can think of that is tourism-related.

Visitmaine.com provides visitors looking for tourism-oriented information like restaurants, shopping, and outdoor activities a variety of choices by town or region. Visitors can actually develop a trip guide while they are on the site so they can help plan their itinerary while they visit Maine.

Any Maine tourism-related business can post information about their business on the website. Communities or organizations holding festivals or other events can also advertise their listing too. For example, if a visitor types in Lisbon Falls, a listing for the Moxie Festival appears with detailed information about the weekend of entertainment from July 9th through July 11th.

If you would like to advertise your tourism-oriented business or event on visitmaine.com, check out the instructions I have listed further below in this email. If you would like additional assistance with your business or organization’s listing, please contact Suzanne McKechnie at (207) 624-9808.

How to Add Your Business to VisitMaine.com

Instructions for First Time users of visitmaine.com:

1. Go to visitmaine.com.
2. At the bottom of the page, click on “Tourism Partners”.
3. At the bottom of the page, click on the “Create a profile” icon.
4. Complete the online form and click “Save.” This brings you to the “Manage Listings” page.
5. Click on the “Add a new organization” link next to the green circle with the white cross.
6. Complete the five-step process for adding an organization.
7. In Step 4, be sure to check the “accept the map below” box if you want people to see a map or your business’ location or map directions using our trip planning tool.

NOTE: The map location is based upon what you input into the “Physical Address” section of Step 1. If the red pointer appears in the wrong location on the map in Step 4, you may click the correct location on the map to move the pointer. You may use the minus or plus scale in the upper left corner of the map to zoom in or zoom out.

8. Click “Finish.” This submits your listing to the Office of Tourism for review. Please allow one week for review and approval.

School is almost out so that means summer is almost hear. I have an 8th grader being promoted to high school this year. I am very proud and excited for him.

You may see me out and about in the next week. On Saturday, June 5th, I will be at the Sabattus Town Meeting; on June 8th, voting day, I will be standing at the polls in Greene in the morning, and Sabattus in the evening. I hope to see some of you out and about.

Enjoy your weekend!

2010 Fair Locations and Dates

It’s fair season! Below is a listing of the upcoming fairs for 2010. Have fun!

HOULTON FAIR, July 1-4
OSSIPEE VALLEY FAIR, July 8-11
WATERFORD WORLD’S FAIR, July 16-18
PITTSTON FAIR, July 22-25
MONMOUTH FAIR, July 28-31
BANGOR STATE FAIR, July 30-Aug 8
NORTHERN MAINE FAIR, July 30-Aug 7
ATHENS FAIR, Aug 6-8
TOPSHAM FAIR, Aug 8-14
SKOWHEGAN STATE FAIR, Aug 12-21
UNION FAIR, Aug 21-28
PISCATAQUIS FAIR, Aug 26-29
ACTON FAIR, Aug 26-29
WINDSOR FAIR, Aug 29-Sept 6
BLUE HILL FAIR, Sept 2-6
SPRINGFIELD FAIR, Sept 3-6
HARMONY FREE FAIR, Sept 3-6
CLINTON LIONS FAIR, Sept 9-12
LITCHFIELD FAIR, Sept 10-12
CORNISH HORSEMAN’S DAY, Sept 11
OXFORD FAIR, Sept 12-18
NEW PORTLAND FAIR, Sept 17-19
FARMINGTON FAIR, Sept 19-25
COMMON GROUND FAIR, Sept 24-26
CUMBERLAND FAIR, Sept 26-Oct 2
FRYEBURG FAIR, Oct 3-10

Tuesday, June 8th, Voting Day

This is a just a reminder to vote next Tuesday.

This a primary election for Governor so it is an important one. Visit WMTW Channel 8 to view Democratic and Republican debates…
http://www.wmtw.com/politics/23780094/detail.html

Want to know what the Referendum questions are? Visit this link…
http://www.maine.gov/sos/cec/elec/citizensguide.pdf

Confused about Question one?
http://www.state.me.us/revenue/incomeestate/1040/taxreformindividual.htm

http://www.sunjournal.com/state/story/855316

Today I received some important information about Medicare and the new health law. If you or a loved one has Medicare you will want to read the below information.

Have a great day!

Medicare and the New Health Law

Starting today and throughout this week, Medicare beneficiaries across the state will be receiving a brochure titled “Medicare and the New Health Law - What it Means to You.” The mailing outlines the key provisions of the Affordable Care Act for people with Medicare as well as members of their families.

Medicare is encouraging people to log on to www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE to get their questions about Medicare or the Affordable Care Act answered and reminds them to be alert for possible scams.

The first benefit that many people with Medicare will receive as a result of the passage of the new law is a one-time check for $250, if they enter the Part D donut hole and are not eligible for Medicare Extra Help. Beginning next year, the Affordable Care Act ensures that Medicare beneficiaries will get free preventative care services like colorectal cancer screening and mammograms, in addition to a free annual wellness visit. The law also includes new tools to help fight fraud by helping Medicare crack down on criminals who are seeking to scam seniors and steal taxpayer dollars.

The brochure can also be found at:
http://www.medicare.gov/Publications/Pubs/pdf/11467.pdf

It’s fishing season! If you or a family member enjoy fishing, you will enjoy reading about all of the stocked lakes/ponds in Maine.

I have also provided some information on a couple of Efficiency Maine programs that you and family may be able to benefit from.

Have a great day!

Fish Stocking Report

The 2010 Fish Stocking Report is now available. This report features daily updates from hatchery staff. Anglers will now be able to easily locate waters freshly stocked with catchable trout.

Waters are grouped by county, listed by town, and include the date of stocking as well as the species, quantity, and size of fish released.

Have fun out there!

2010 Fish Stocking List

Residential Heating/Cooling Appliance Replacement Program

Funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides incentives for residents who are replacing the following items with more energy efficient models:

• Central air conditioners
• Oil furnaces
• Oil boilers
• Gas furnaces
• Gas boilers
• Air source heat pumps
• Electric heat pump water heaters
• Gas tankless water heaters

Check out this link for more information and an application.

Appliance Rebate Program

Look for the point of purchase displays at retailers statewide to take advantage of the Efficiency Maine Appliance Rebate Program. Enjoy rebate incentives today and lower bills tomorrow on selected Energy Star appliances:

Be sure to obtain a mail-in rebate form from a retailer at purchase time to submit with a copy of your receipt.

It appears that spring is finally here. The phlox in one of my flower gardens is already is bloom!

In this e-newsletter, I want to share with you information about funds that are available to homeowners in Maine. This is very important information. Many of these programs have been funded by the Federal Government and we have been asked to spread the word!

Have a great day!

Maine Housing’s Weatherization Program

MaineHousing’s Weatherization Program and Central Heating Improvement Program (CHIP) provide grants to low-income homeowners and renters to reduce energy costs by improving home energy efficiency.

Weatherization improvements may include insulation, weatherstripping, caulking, and some safety-related repairs. CHIP grants may be used to repair or replace central heating systems.

Many people do not check out these programs because they believe they make too much income. I have a friend in Lisbon who lives alone. Maine Housing was able to help her with an energy audit and new roof. Check it out, this may be the help that you have been searching for.

You can find out the income guidelines and more information on this program here… Maine Housing’s Weatherization Program

Maine Housing’s Home Repair or Replacement Program

Maine Housing’s Home Repair Program provides help to low-income homeowners you cannot afford necessary home repairs. For eligible homeowners, the Maine Home Repair Program can assist with such things as:

• Wells and septic system repairs or replacements
• Heating and electrical system repairs
• Roof and chimney repairs
• Structural repairs
• Lead paint mitigation
• Repair or replacement of windows and doors
• Energy efficiency improvements
• Repair or replacement of siding
• Handicap accessibility improvements
• Other health and safety repairs

Maine Housing’s Appliance Replacement Program

The Appliance Replacement Program helps low-income people to reduce their energy costs by replacing older refrigerators and other home appliances that are inefficient and expensive to operate. The Appliance Replacement Program is made possible with funding from Efficiency Maine, a program of the Maine Public Utilities Commission.

Through this program they also help you to review all your household energy expenses and show you how to save money by making your home more energy efficient.

Find out more about this program here.