News Briefs

Stimson Hall Improvements Completed
Gray--The renovations to the Cable Committee's broadcasting room and the addition of a handicapped accessible bathroom facility on the main floor has been complete. N.G. Bailey Inc. of Gray was the general contractor and through their efforts the project moved smoothly. The Cable Committee had committed funds to make this project work and in combination with a town appropriation from last years town meeting the project went without any problems. The total project with adds and deletes (change orders) came to $30,478 of which the Cable Committee has pledged to pay $8,500 and the balance comes from the town.

FEMA Reimbursement

Gray--The late 2003 Snow Storms caused a concern for municipalities in regards to the balance of their budgets. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) had responded through a Declaration and that made funds available for reimbursements. Gray's Public Works Director Steve LaVallee completed the applications and Gray just received a check for $18,000 which will go to year end undesignated fund balance.

General Assistance Reimbursements
Gray--Annually the State reviews the reimbursement approach it provides each town for authorized general assistance. Gray continues to receive 50% up to a threshold which is estimated to be $165,600 beginning July 1, 2004.

News from Pineland, New Gloucester

Mayall Mill: The scant traces of the Mayall Woolen Mill, reportedly the first machine-run mill on American soil, are poised to receive the recognition they deserve. In 2003, the Town of Gray, State of Maine, historical organizations, and the October Corporation, the owner of Pineland, agreed to clear trees and underbrush from the land on which the famous Mayall mills once lived, allowing visitors to see the stone remains of a textile powerhouse. The tale of these mills provides a fascinating glimpse at the early roots of American enterprise. It also portrays the struggle that ensued as the nation's earliest settlers began to think and act as a free-market society rather than a British colony.

As a new century marks the anniversary of Mayall Mill's closing, a historic display is being developed that will educate visitors about this important and oft forgotten landmark. As visitors stand at the corner of Megquier Road and Mayall Road, they will get a clear view of Mayall's stone footprint and last standing wall, reminders of the mill's dogged persistence and enduring history.

Year-round tomatoes: Starting soon, fresh tomatoes in the winter and all year long will be a reality at Pineland Farms through the technology of hydroponics. A local New Gloucester grower, Scott Howard, will begin tomato production in several new greenhouses located at Valley Farm starting in April. Other crops to be grown in these greenhouses will include basil, lettuce, spinach and strawberries.

The greenhouses at Pineland Farms have been outfitted with a state-of-the-art computer system to regulate amounts of nutrients provided to the plants and to control environmental conditions within the greenhouses, including temperature, humidity and lighting. This system will monitor, adjust and record data on these variables allowing for strident control and the production of top quality products.

The greenhouses will house 2,400 tomato plants, each of which will produce roughly one pound of tomatoes a week. Once production is in full swing, Pineland Campus tenants will have the opportunity to order tomatoes and other produce for delivery directly to their offices. Additionally, tomatoes will be available for purchase at the Portland Public Market, Wild Oats, and The Whole Grocer.

New tenants welcomed:
MedicWorks DBA Maine Institute of Medicine, New Gloucester Hall, 49 Pineland Drive, Suite 301A. The Maine Institute of Medicine provides programs in emergency medicine, wilderness medicine and outdoor rope and water rescue to healthcare providers and outdoor educators. Find them on the web at www.miom.net or call 866-321-3253.

Mountain, LTD., Yarmouth Hall, 19 Yarmouth Drive, Suite 301. Global permanent placement, contract staffing and solutions company specializing in, but not limited to, telecommunications, information technology and security work.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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