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The President's Schedule Today

May 31, 2013, 9:00 am
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President Barack Obama holds a meeting on hurricane preparedness, in the Situation Room of the White House, May 30, 2013. Seated at the table, clockwise from lower left, are: Chief of Staff Denis McDonough; Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano; Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood; OMB Director Sylvia Mathews Burwell; National Hurricane Center Director Rick Knabb; NOAA Acting Administrator Kathy Sullivan; Interior Deputy Secretary David Hayes; FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate; Lisa Monaco, Assistant to the President for Homeland Security and Counterterrorism; Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz; and Alyssa Mastromonaco, Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)
In the morning, the President will receive the Presidential Daily Briefing in the Oval Office.

Later, the President, joined by college students, will call on Congress to help keep college affordable for middle-class families and students by preventing student loan interest rates from doubling on July 1st.

Later in the morning, the President will welcome NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen to the White House.  The Secretary General’s visit underscores the vital importance the United States places on the North Atlantic Alliance and our relationship with Europe, and our shared commitment to addressing challenges together.

In the morning, the Vice President will travel to the Presidential Palace.

At 10:00 AM LOCAL TIME/9:00 AM ET, the Vice President will meet with President Dilma Rousseff.

Later in the morning, the Vice President will travel to the Ministry of External Relations.

At 11:15 AM LOCAL TIME/10:15 AM ET, Vice President Biden will meet with Vice President Michel Temer.
At 12:15 PM LOCAL TIME/11:15 AM ET, Vice President Biden and Vice President Temer will deliver statements to the press. These statements will be open press and audio will be streamed live to www.WhiteHouse.gov/Live.

Afterwards, Vice President Biden and Vice President Temer will attend a lunch. This lunch is closed press.

In the afternoon, the Vice President and Dr. Biden will depart Brasília, Brazil, en route Washington, DC.

9:00 AM
The Vice President meets with President Dilma Rousseff
Local Event Time: 
10:00 AM
9:40 AM
The President receives the Presidential Daily Briefing
The Oval Office
10:15 AM
The Vice President meets with Vice President Michel Temer
Local Event Time: 
11:15 AM
10:20 AM
The President delivers remarks on student loans
The Rose Garden
10:50 AM
The President meets with NATO Secretary General Anders Fogh Rasmussen
The Oval Office
11:15 AM
The Vice President delivers statements to the press with Vice President Temer
Local Event Time: 
12:15 PM
12:30 PM
Press Briefing by Principal Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest


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Garden History Lecture Series

May 31, 2013, 9:09 am
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PMM logo w image HR  
 Garden History Lecture Series
Heirloom plants 
Early American Garden Design:
 Popular Landscaping in Colonial and Victorian America

Monday, June 3, 7:00 pm

To highlight the importance of the garden in history, we are presenting a series of illustrated garden history talks by horticulturalist Diana Chapin ofThe Heirloom Garden of Mainein Montville. Diana's first talk ison how gardening changed from the Colonialcatalog coverthrough the Victorian Eras.  Her slides depict popular landscape design techniques of the period and will help anyone with an old home or an interest  in heirloom gardening to develop their landscape using traditional design techniques.   
 Heirloom Garden of Maine3
 
 
Diana George Chapin's family has farmed in New England since 1628.   At The Heirloom Garden of Maine she collects, preserves and propagates over 300 varieties of flowers, bulbs, vegetables and herbs that were common in early American gardens.   Diana holds a B.S. in Landscape Horticulture and Design, and a M.S. in Plant, Soil and Environmental Science from the University of Maine.
Heirloom Garden of Maine2  
This talk will be at PMM's Stephen Phillips Memorial Library, 11 Church Street, Searsport, on Monday, June 3, at 7:00 pm. Tickets in advance are $8 members, $10 non-members, or at the door $12 members, $15 non-members.   Buy tickets online athttp://garden01.eventbrite.com or call 207-548-2529.

Series tickets are available for all four talks at $24 for members and $30 for non-members. The other talks in the series are Heirloom Gardening is for the Birds! (Bees and Butterflies, too!) on Monday, July 1, 7:00 pm, Colonial Herbs for meate and medicine, and Shaker Influence on Monday, August 5, 7:00 pm and Seed Saving Primer, and Genetic Engineering and Food Security on Monday, September 9, 7:00 pm.
                         
   www.penobscotmarinemuseum.org


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Brian Catell & the Jump City Jazz Band to Kickoff Downtown Bangor Summer Concert Series!

May 31, 2013, 10:44 am
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Bangor, Maine - The Downtown Bangor Partnership is pleased to announce the 2013 return of the Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series. On Thursday evenings from June 6th to August 1st, the public is encouraged to come to Pickering Square in Downtown Bangor to hear some great, free music.  The Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series is presented by Bangor Hydro Electric Company. The Bangor Daily News is our media sponsor for this event.

Kicking off this year’s Concert Series on the evening of June 6th, undoubtedly with a bang, will be Brian Catell & the Jump City Jazz Band! Priding themselves on being an extremely versatile group, the band’s musical repertoire consists of various jazz, swing, pop, and rock pieces, while the group itself features an array of instruments, including brass, woodwind, keys, and strings.

Brian Catell & the Jump City Jazz Band has been featured on television, as one segment of the group serves as the house band for the WABI television program, “The Nite Show with Dan Cashman.”

The concert starts at 6pm and runs in conjunction with the Fresh Air Market on Broad Street from 5:00PM-8:00PM.  Up to 50 vendors are expected weekly.  Market items sold are handmade, prepared or raised by the vendor; emphasis is placed on Maine-made, specialty food items and produce.  Available items include artwork, baked goods, produce, specialty foods, handbags, jewelry, photography and much more.  Food vendors are also on site.

Remaining 2013 Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series Lineup:  June 13th Juke Rockets, June 20th Travis Cyr, June 27th Rog and Ray, July 4th Bangor Band, July 11th Dark Hollow Bottling Company, July 18th The Mallett Brothers Band, July 25th Retrorockerz, August 1st Flash! in the Pans Steel Drum Band   For more information on the summer long event, go to www.downtownbangor.com.

The Downtown Bangor Partnership promotes and markets activities that enhance the distinctive identity of Downtown Bangor, encouraging retention and growth of commercial, residential, and cultural life within the downtown district. For more information on the Downtown Bangor Partnership visit the following link: http://www.downtownbangor.com.
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TEMPO Youth Orchestra Honors America at The Grand!

May 31, 2013, 11:29 am
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Ellsworth, Maine - TEMPO (The Eastern Maine Pops Orchestra for Young Musicians) will showcase
music that celebrates America’s history in their spring concert, “Our Founding Fathers: The Civil War and America” to be performed at The Grand on Saturday June 15th at 7pm.

From their live scoring of a timeless silent film classic to their participation in an event honoring our country’s veterans, TEMPO has made their home at The Grand since 2012, providing young musicians an opportunity to enhance their skills through performance. Made up of advanced players who hail from near and far parts of our state, TEMPO’s latest concert both honors America’s history and commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Civil War. The orchestra (conducted by Rebecca Edmondson and Ethan Edmondson) will be playing everything from the American folk classic “Shenandoah” to instantly familiar works  from “Gone With The Wind”, “The Last of the Mohicans” and Ken Burns “Civil War” documentary, to the conductor’s own composition “Chestnut Ridge.”  There’s even an audience sing-a-long to a medley of well-known American tunes from throughout this country’s history.

Bring a friend and share the experience of TEMPO’s spring concert, “Our Founding Fathers: The Civil War and America,” at The Grand on Saturday June 15th at 7pm.

Tickets are $9 for General Admission and $5 for Students and are available at The Grand box office (667-9500) or online at www.grandonline.org.

The Grand is proud to be the home of TEMPO-The Eastern Maine Pops Orchestra for Young Musicians. For more information on this concert or any of the other musical offerings please go to the theater’s website at www.grandonline.org .  Like us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Grand-Auditorium/112755987339

Image attached: Rebecca Edmondson and TEMPO
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Free Week-Long Story-Camps for Kids Emphasize Reading and Creativity

May 31, 2013, 12:38 pm
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Blue Hill, Maine - Blue Hill Public Library and School Union #93 are cosponsoring 3 week-long sessions in July and August of a free morning day camp at the Library, called Summer Fun with Leaping Literacy. Children will use art, drama, and movement to enter the wonderful worlds of their favorite books, fun and exciting ways for children to explore story books, strengthen their reading skills and let their imaginations take them for a thrilling summer ride. Activities will include “music and jumping around,” journals, interactive science, book-making, and art projects.

The program is for children Ages 5 to12, but the age range is flexible based on interest and need. The sessions are scheduled for Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to noon, July 29th to August 2nd, August 5th to 9th, and August 12th to 16th. More than one session may be requested depending upon availability. In addition, middle or high school students may request an internship to assist the teachers, and receive community service hours and a letter of recommendation upon completion of the program.

This program is free, thanks to the generous support of the Stephen and Tabitha King Foundation, the Robert N. Haskell & Gladys M. Stetson Fund of the Maine Community Foundation, and Friends of the Blue Hill Public Library. Registration is open and forms are available at the library or at www.schoolunion93.org. For more information call Rachel Kohrman Ramos at the Union # 93 Central Office, 374-9927.
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Governor announces SBA will provide low-interest loans for those affected by fires in Lewiston

May 31, 2013, 1:00 pm
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Augusta, Maine - Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that the Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved his request for emergency low-interest loans, following the recent apartment house fires in the City of Lewiston. Low-interest disaster loans will be made available to property owners, residents and other local businesses affected by the fires.

“We are pleased that the SBA can offer support to those whose lives were disrupted by these fires,” Governor LePage said. “The people and businesses of Maine have given generously to assist those left homeless by the fires. Now these low-interest loans from the SBA are also available to help them get back on their feet.”

The Governor added that SBA assistance is available not just to those with property damage, but possibly for businesses that have lost revenue as a result of the fires.

The SBA can provide loans of up to $200,000 to homeowners to repair or replace damaged or destroyed real estate. Homeowners and renters are eligible for loans up to $40,000 to repair or replace damaged or destroyed personal property. In addition, businesses suffering damage could receive loans to help repair or replace damaged property and for loss of business.

The following application information has been provided by the SBA:

A Disaster Loan Outreach Center will open at Lewiston City Hall next week. SBA customer service representatives will be available to answer questions about the disaster loan program and help with loan applications.

Disaster Loan Outreach Center

Lewiston City Hall, 27 Pine Street in Lewiston

Opening:   Tuesday, June 4 at 8 a.m.

Hours:      8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Tuesday through Thursday, June 4–6


Individuals and businesses unable to visit the center in person may also obtain information and loan applications by calling the SBA’s Customer Service Center at 1-800-659-2955 (1-800-877-8339 for the deaf and hard of hearing), or by emailing disastercustomerservice@sba.gov. Loan applications can also be downloaded at www.sba.gov. Completed applications should be returned to the center or mailed to: U.S. Small Business Administration, Processing and Disbursement Center, 14925 Kingsport Road, Fort Worth, TX 76155.
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"Grace Bailey" The Maine Windjammer Project

June 1, 2013, 4:27 am
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Haeger knuckles the Curve, 'Dogs beat Altoona 7-3

June 1, 2013, 9:54 am
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Xander Bogaerts his third homer of the homestand

Portland, Maine - Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger (2-2) yielded two runs over 6.1 innings and Portland (30-23) had six run-scoring hits, taking the series opener from the Altoona Curve (21-33) 7-3 on Friday night at Hadlock Field. The Sea Dogs finished May at 16-14 and improved to 2-2 on the homestand.

Haeger notched his second quality start of the season, giving up two hits, two runs, four walks and five strikeouts.

Altoona starter David Bromberg (2-5) suffered the loss, allowing three hits and two runs over four innings.

Xander Bogaerts put the game away in the eighth, cracking a two-run shot with two outs off Jason Townsend. Bogaerts is 7-for-14 with 3 homers and 9 RBI on the homestand.

Portland scored the game's first 2 runs in the fourth off Bromberg.
Bogaerts started the rally with a walk. Tony Thomas and Michael Almanzar had back-to-back RBI doubles.

Shannon Wilkerson extended his season-high hitting streak to eight games, blasting a solo-homer off the Coke Bottle above the Maine Monster, giving the 'Dogs a 3-0 lead.

In the fifth, Portland added two runs off reliever Luis Sanz. J.C.
Linares blasted a homer to center, his second of the season.
Christian Vazquez walked and scored on a triple by Heiker Meneses.

Altoona cracked the ice in the seventh with three runs off Haeger and Rafael Perez. With one out, Andrew Lambo blasted a solo-homer to right-center field for the Curve's first run. Haeger left the game after hitting Drew Maggi. Perez gave up a run-scoring single to Justin Howard and an RBI fielder's choice to Carlos Paulino.

Brock Huntzinger tossed a scoreless ninth to seal the win.

Prime Motor Group Player of the Game: Charlie Haeger

The Sea Dogs and Altoona Curve (Pirates affiliate) continue their three-game series tonight at Hadlock Field with a 6:00 PM first pitch. Right-hander Brandon Workman (5-1, 3.75) takes on James McDonald, who makes a Major League Rehab Assignment.

Radio coverage begins at 5:40 PM on the U.S. Cellular Sea Dogs Radio Network and via the Tune-In Radio app for smartphones and tablets. Tickets are available by calling 207-879-9500 or at seadogs.com.
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Boatbuilding School Launch of New Projects

June 1, 2013, 11:38 am
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Rockland, Maine - On Friday, June 14, 1:00 pm, The Apprenticeshop (the school for traditional

boatbuilding and seamanship in Rockland, Maine) invites the community to celebrate the graduation of apprentices from its 2-year boatbuilding program and cheer them on as they launch their newest traditional wooden boat projects.

This year, an 11’6” Herreshoff Columbia dinghy, a 12’ Robert Steward Susan skiff, a 12’ John Atkin Nina sailing dinghy and a 29’ Leonard Boatshop whaleboat will launch from the school’s waterfront at 643 Main Street. Launch is held rain or shine.

The build of the whaleboat is a contribution to the historic preservation effort at Mystic Seaport in Connecticut to restore the 106’ bark Charles W. Morgan: the last remaining wooden whaleship in the world.  The Morgan carried seven whaleboats per voyage.  These were the boats that were lowered off the deck once a whale was sighted and the hunt ensued. As part of its full restoration, Mystic officials needed to replicate these 28-29’ vessels, and conducted a national search for small boatshops to participate.  The Apprenticeshop was the only shop in Maine chosen.

Students and staff plan a rowing expedition to Mystic in late June to deliver the whaleboat and honor the seafaring traditions of Maine.
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June ArtTalk at the Harlow Gallery - Paste & Pages artists to discuss their work

June 1, 2013, 12:37 pm
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Hallowell, Maine - On Thursday, June 13th, 2013 at 6:30 pm, 13 Maine artists will present a panel discussion on collage and the book arts at the Harlow Gallery at 160 Water Street in Hallowell.  All of the artists are participating in the Harlow Gallery's June art exhibition, "Paste & Pages" on view June 7-29.  Your $3 suggested donation supports arts programming at the Harlow Gallery.

The Harlow Gallery ArtTalk series is sponsored by The Bank of Maine, a local Maine business and long-time supporter of arts programming at the Harlow. Bank locally!

The following Maine artists are participating in the discussion:

Cynthia Ahlstrin, Winthrop

Gordon Carlisle, Eliot

Betsy Cook, Hallowell

Helene Farrar, Manchester

Penelope Hall, Kingfield

Ed McCartan, Brunswick

Cynthia McGuirl, Thomaston

Amy Ray, Monmouth

Abbie Read, Appleton

Erin Smith, Portland

Sally Wagley, Hallowell

Lisa Wheeler, Waterville

Carol Wiley,  Newcastle
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"Reflections From The Past" The Maine Windjammer Project

June 2, 2013, 5:55 am
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Severe Thunderstorm Warning: Central Oxford & Franklin Till 1:45pm

June 2, 2013, 9:59 am
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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN GRAY MAINE HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR...
  CENTRAL OXFORD COUNTY IN WESTERN MAINE...
  CENTRAL FRANKLIN COUNTY IN WESTERN MAINE...

* UNTIL 145 PM EDT...

* AT 1247 PM EDT...NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A
  CLUSTER OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL...AND DAMAGING WINDS IN EXCESS OF 60 MPH.  THESE STORMS WERE  LOCATED 6 MILES SOUTH OF RANGELEY LAKE STATE PARK...OR 9 MILES SOUTH OF RANGELEY...  AND MOVING NORTHEAST AT 30 MPH.

* SOME LOCATIONS IN THE WARNING INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO
  RANGELEY.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 800 PM EDT SUNDAY
EVENING FOR SOUTHWESTERN MAINE AND NEW HAMPSHIRE.
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"Amistad" The Maine Windjammer Project

June 3, 2013, 5:08 am
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Coast Guard Saves And Assistes 17 Lives Off Texas Coast

June 3, 2013, 5:23 am
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 HOUSTON — Coast Guard crews along the Texas Gulf Coast responded to multiple search and rescue cases Sunday resulting in 17 lives saved or assisted.

In total, 10 search and rescue cases were logged:

The Galveston Beach Patrol and Station Galveston rescued a total of 12 boaters from three separate boats after their boats capsized from severe weather
Air Station Houston helicopter crews hoisted a fisherman to safety after he fell into the water 11 miles off Galveston
Station Freeport rescued a kayaker who was offset by weather off Surfside beach in Freeport
A good Samaritan assisted Station Sabine Pass in rescuing three boaters 23 miles southeast of Sabine, after their boat starting taking on water.
"Today we assisted 17 mariners who were first hand witness to the devastating effects of strong winds and heavy rains," said Lt. Matthew J. Walter, a command duty officer at Coast Guard Sector Houston/Galveston. "I strongly urge all mariners to check the weather regularly before departing the dock and while enjoying themselves on the water. Severe weather can arise quickly and take even the most prepared mariners off guard."

The Coast Guard reminds all boaters and mariners to do the following before heading out on the water:

Wear a life jacket at all times
File a float plan
Check the weather prior to departing the dock
Have a marine band radio and visual distress signals on board
Have a registered 406MHz Emergency Position Indicating Radio Beacon
Have a Personal Locator Beacon
Do not boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.


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3 People and Dog Rescued

June 3, 2013, 5:36 am
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ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Three people and one dog were rescued by Coast Guard crewmembers after the 13-foot boat they were aboard capsized in the vicinity of Long Boat Pass Inlet, Sunday.

While on patrol, a 24-foot Special Purpose Craft — Shallow Water boatcrew from Coast Guard Station Cortez found the capsized boat at approximately 7 p.m., with the three people clinging to the hull after the boat was waked by a larger passing vessel.

The SPC-SW boatcrew removed all people including the dog from the water, placed their boat in tow and transported them to Coquina Key Boat Ramp with no injuries.


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Reception for Bagaduce Music Lending Library Exhibit at the Blue Hill Library

June 3, 2013, 5:44 am
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Blue Hill, Maine - Bagaduce Music Lending Library will hold a reception at the Blue Hill Public Library for their current exhibit, Bagaduce Music Lending Library: 30 Years, on Thursday June 13th from 3:00 to 6:00 PM.  The exhibit includes items from the Library’s collection and photographs from the 30 years of its history.

The Bagaduce Music Lending Library, now one of the largest music library collections in North America, began with 250 pieces of music in 1983. Today there are over 250,000 different titles in a great variety of musical genres, with over a million pieces housed in Blue Hill. The library’s music is available world-wide for education, performance and research.

The exhibit, Bagaduce Music Lending Library: 30 Years is in the Roland Howard Room cases upstairs and will run through the end of July. The exhibit includes vintage sheet music with colorful and artistic covers; music written by children from throughout the state of Maine; and photographs from the Young Composers Competition and Festival, the Annual Pops Concert and other events from the Library’s history.

The exhibit is available during library hours subject to the Howard Room meeting schedule. For more information call the Library at 374-5515.
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Tanker and Barge Collision In The Houston Ship Channel

June 3, 2013, 5:48 am
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The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, sustained some damage after a collision with a tug pushing barges in the Houston Ship Channel June 2, 2013. No injury or pollution was reported from the incident. U.S Coast Guard Photo.
HOUSTON — The Coast Guard is responding to a collision between a tug pushing barges and a tanker in the Houston Ship Channel Sunday.

There has been no report of pollution or injury from either vessel. The unloaded 800-foot tanker, Minerva Maya, is reporting damage to the port bow and the five barges being pushed by the tug, M.L. Crochet, sustained some damage. All vessels are currently secured and in stable condition.

Coast Guard Marine Safety Unit Texas City watchstanders were notified of the collision at 9 a.m. and began the response.

A team of incident responders, marine inspectors, port state control examiners and marine casualty investigators from the marine safety unit are going to each vessel to conduct a preliminary investigation and mitigate any possible risk to environment or the mariners aboard the vessels.

The cause of this collision is under investigation.


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How to Stay Safe on Social Media: A Talk at the Blue Hill Public Library

June 3, 2013, 5:57 am
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Blue Hill, Maine - Blue Hill Public Library will host a talk by Nina Milliken, Education Coordinator for Downeast Sexual Assault Services about “Cyber-Safety,” how to stay safe on social media, Wednesday June 12th at 6:30 PM. The talk will be geared toward 4th graders and older, and their parents, as well as any other concerned community members.

When online, children may encounter inappropriate content, sexual predators looking for children, theft of personal information, and cyber-bullying or harassment. Nina will provide tips for avoiding these problems and provide information on where to go for help if dealing with such an issue.

Downeast Sexual Assault Services is part of Downeast Health Services, and offers education, short term counseling, support groups, hospital and court accompaniment, and advocacy for free to people affected by sexual abuse and the public.  Both organizations serve Hancock and Washington Counties. DSAS is funded in part by United Way.

The event is free and open to the public.  For more information contact Pat at 374-5515.
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE PUBLIC SCHEDULE MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013

June 3, 2013, 6:06 am
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DEPARTMENT OF STATE
PUBLIC SCHEDULE
MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2013

SECRETARY JOHN KERRY
11:00 a.m. Secretary Kerry holds a bilateral meeting with Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski, at the Department of State.
12:30 p.m. Secretary Kerry holds a working lunch with the Chilean President Sebastian Pinera, at the Department of State.
Final access time for journalists and still photographers: 12:15 p.m. from the 23rd Street Entrance Lobby.
2:00 p.m. Secretary Kerry holds a bilateral meeting with Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov, at the Department of State.
3:30 p.m. Secretary Kerry delivers remarks at the American Jewish Community Global Forum, at the Grand Hyatt Hotel, in Washington, DC. 

DEPUTY SECRETARY BILL BURNS
10:30 a.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with Indian Parliamentarians, at the Department of State.
11:30 a.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with Tunisian Former Prime Minister Hamadi Jebali, at the Department of State.
12:15 p.m. Deputy Secretary Burns meets with Paolo Scaroni, Chief Executive Officer, ENI, at the Department of State.
1:30 p.m. Deputy Secretary Burns attends a meeting at the White House.

UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY AND PUBLIC AFFAIRS TARA SONENSHINE4:00 p.m. Under Secretary Sonenshine meets with YaLa Young Leaders, at the Department of State.
6:00 p.m. Under Secretary Sonenshine attends a reception in honor of H.E. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, at the Embassy of Egypt, Washington, DC.

CHIEF OF PROTOCOL AMBASSADOR CAPRICIA PENAVIC MARSHALL
Ambassador Marshall assists with the bilateral meeting of the President of the Republic of Chile, His Excellency Sebastián Piñera, at the Department of State.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR CONFLICT AND STABILIZATION OPERATIONS FREDERICK BARTON8:00 a.m. Assistant Secretary Barton meets with U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena, at the Department of State.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS AFFAIRS BRIMMER
10:00 a.m. Assistant Secretary Brimmer hosts her final town hall as Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of International Organization Affairs, at the Department of State.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR INTERNATIONAL SECURITY AND NONPROLIFERATION TOM COUNTRYMAN
Assistant Secretary Countryman is on foreign travel to the Republic of Korea, China, Japan, Malaysia, and Indonesia through June 11.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS MIKE HAMMER11:00 a.m. Assistant Secretary Hammer delivers opening remarks to the Historian’s Advisory Committee, at the Department of State.
12:00 p.m. Assistant Secretary Hammer attends a working lunch with the Historian’s Advisory Committee, at the Department of State.

ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR WESTERN HEMISPHERE AFFAIRS ROBERTA JACOBSON3:30 p.m. Assistant Secretary Jacobson holds a briefing at the Foreign Press Center, in Washington, DC.

ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL-MILITARY AFFAIRS THOMAS KELLY
Acting Assistant Secretary Kelly is on foreign travel to Brazil through June 6 to chair the Tenth Annual U.S.-Brazil Political-Military Dialogue. 

ACTING ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR DEMOCRACY, HUMAN RIGHTS AND LABOR UZRA ZEYA
2:30 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Zeya meets with U.S. Ambassador to Bangladesh Dan Mozena, at the Department of State.
6:00 p.m. Acting Assistant Secretary Zeya attends a reception in honor of H.E. Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu, at the Embassy of Egypt, Washington, DC.

AMBASSADOR-AT-LARGE STEPHEN RAPP, OFFICE OF GLOBAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE
Ambassador Rapp is on foreign travel to San Remo, Italy, to attend a conference on accountability, and to participate in the program regarding global criminal justice issues.

DIRECTOR OF POLICY PLANNING DAVID MCKEAN4:15 p.m. Director McKean meets with U.S. Ambassador to Yemen Gerald Feierstein, at the Department of State.
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Despite Sandy’s Damage, U.S. Coastal Residents Still Unprepared

June 3, 2013, 6:31 am
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Red Cross/Weather Channel sound the alarm after survey finds coastal residents have a false sense of security
WASHINGTON, Friday, May 31, 2013 — Less than a year after Superstorm Sandy, a new survey shows that few Americans living in coastal counties have taken necessary action to prepare for severe storms even as forecasters are predicting a busy 2013 hurricane season.
The survey by the American Red Cross and The Weather Channel found that overall, nearly six in 10 (58 percent) of those surveyed say they are very or somewhat concerned that they will be in harm’s way because of a hurricane, similar to poll results from 2007. Still, only about half of those surveyed have an evacuation plan or a plan for communicating with family members if they get separated. Nearly a third of people did not know where to stay in an evacuation or did not have an emergency kit with supplies.
Even if few are taking steps to get ready, Superstorm Sandy has raised awareness of the need to prepare, especially in areas hit hardest by the storm last year. Coastal residents of New York and New Jersey were most likely to take action to prepare. The survey found that 56 percent of New York and New Jersey coastal respondents were concerned they could be in harm’s way of a hurricane in 2013, and 49 percent said their Sandy experience has encouraged them to take more steps to prepare for this hurricane season.
“The Red Cross and The Weather Channel are sounding the alarm to move people from concern to action,” said Richard Reed, senior vice president of disaster cycle services at the Red Cross. “The time to prepare is now, whether it’s downloading a disaster app, creating your family’s evacuation plan or making sure you have extra supplies of medication on hand.”
"Covering severe weather and seeing firsthand the devastation it can cause is a constant reminder for me of how important it is to be prepared,” said Jim Cantore, meteorologist and storm tracker for The Weather Channel. “We want to save lives and the best way to do that is by keeping people informed and helping them prepare before severe weather strikes."
Other key survey findings include:

  • Local TV news remains the most popular source of emergency information (94 percent), followed closely by The Weather Channel (85 percent).
  • One in five households now has member with a health issue or disability. A quarter of those households are not confident they have a plan to meet these medical needs in an emergency.
  • Smart phone apps are providing coastal residents with new ways to prepare for emergencies, and 14 percent have downloaded a smart phone app that could help them in emergency situations.

    • The Red Cross and The Weather Channel urge everyone to update their family evacuation plan, emergency preparedness kit and get better prepared for this hurricane season:

  • Create an emergency preparedness kit with food and water, and other basic supplies for each family member to last at least three days. Remember to include essential medications, copies of important documents and special items for children and pets.
  • Plan what to do in case you are separated from your family during an emergency and what to do if you have to evacuate. Coordinate with your child’s school, your work and community’s emergency plans.
  • Be informed about what disasters or emergencies may occur where you live, work, play and pray, and how to respond as safely as possible. Find out how local officials will contact you during a disaster and how you will get important information. 

    • Red Cross and Weather Channel resources and tools can help make preparedness easier: 

  • Download any of the Red Cross free disaster-specific mobile apps—particularly the Hurricane and First Aid apps—to get lifesaving preparedness information in the palm of your hand before and during emergencies. Red Cross apps can be found in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Store for Android by searching for American Red Cross or by going to redcross.org/mobileapps. 
  • Download The Weather Channel app and log on to weather.com for accurate and up-to-the-minute severe weather reports in your community. Visit the "Safety and Preparedness" section of weather.com for life-saving information including videos, tools and tips to help you prepare for a weather emergency.
  • Use the Red Cross Ready Rating™ Program (readyrating.org). It’s a free, web-based program designed to help businesses, organizations and schools to become better prepared. Members complete a self assessment of their current readiness level and receive immediate, customized feedback with resources to improve preparedness. First Aid Emergency Drills help businesses train their staff for emergencies and disasters. 
  • View free checklists at redcross.org/preparednessfastfacts.

    • When severe weather strikes, no network is more dedicated to keeping people safe and prepared than The Weather Channel. With over 200 meteorologists delivering expert tracking and round-the-clock reporting, The Weather Channel keeps you informed in the event of a weather disaster. 
    More on what to do before, during and after a hurricane can be found at: redcross.org/prepare/disaster/hurricane. An infographic on the survey findings can be viewed here.
    Survey details:
    Telephone survey of 1,412 U.S. adults 18 years and older residing in coastal counties from Maine to Texas.

  • Gulf Coast (Texas to west coast of Florida): 300 respondents
  • Southern Atlantic Coast (East coast of Florida to Delaware): 303 respondents
  • New Jersey/New York Coast: 406 respondents
  • New England Coast (Connecticut to Maine): 403 respondents

    • Survey conducted in May 16-22, 2013 by Issues and Answers. Margin of error is +/-2.6 percent at the 95 percent confidence level. Where appropriate, survey results from an August 2007 have been included. This was a telephone survey of 751 U.S. adults 18 years and older residing in coastal counties from Maine to Texas with a supplemental sample of 150 Gulf Coast residents. Results are also referenced from February 2004 and May 2001 polls which included 500 randomly selected respondents living in coastal counties from Maine to Texas.

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