Occupation: Senior staff attorney, The Wilderness Society; director, Pinnacle Risk Strategies PLLC
Political and/or civic experience: New Gloucester Planning Board; New Gloucester Comprehensive Plan Update Committee; board member and governance chairperson, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association; Management Committee member, Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association Certification Services LLC
The town government operates now with a select board, town manager and Town Meeting, without a town charter. The purpose of a charter, in general, is to define the powers, functions and procedures of municipal government. New Gloucester supporters of a town charter said previously that it will give residents more oversight of their local government and increase transparency in town affairs.
The Wrap: Emilitsa – eventually; Bethel to lose a favorite cafe
Taco Trio to move, and a new pastry program will aid immigrant women.
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Emilitsa, the go-to spot in Portland for sophisticated Greek food since 2008, closed after the holidays because of the pandemic. The owners left an outgoing phone message making a vague promise that they would return to 547 Congress St. sometime in late spring. Then, crickets. Emilitsa’s social media hasn’t been updated in months, and that same farewell phone message is all you’ll get if you call the restaurant.
Well, I have mixed news for anxious Emilitsa fans. The good news is that brothers John and Demos Regas do, indeed, plan on reopening. The bad news is, you’ll have to wait until late summer, maybe longer.
New Gloucester Charter Commission race draws 11 candidates
New Gloucester residents will vote for six residents to join the Charter Commission, which holds a term of up to 24 months.
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Joining an already packed June 8 ballot in New Gloucester, 11 candidates are vying for six spots on the Charter Commission, a position that carries a term of one year to 24 months.
Michael Arata
Family: Married, three children
Education: Master’s of science in mechanical engineering, California State University Sacramento; bachelor’s of science in chemical engineering, University of California Davis
Occupation: Licensed professional engineer; owner, East West Mechanical Engineering LLC
Political and/or civic experience: Treasurer, Connections Community Group; Sunday school teacher, East Auburn Baptist Church; volunteer, New Gloucester Cub Scouts; member, New Commandment organization; volunteer, Bread of Life Food Pantry, Gray; member, Maine Society of Professional Engineers
Briefs
Chamber of Commerce awarded funds to support tourism
Kennebec Valley Tourism Council (KVTC) has awarded sponsorship support funds in the amount of $1,662.50 to Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce for the Taste of Waterville to assist in the growth of tourism in Maine’s Kennebec Valley and produce a positive economic impact on the region.
Mid-Maine Chamber was one of 12 sponsorship recipients awarded as part of the 2021 KVTC marketing partnership program. In total, the 2021 KVTC sponsorship support application requests reached nearly $29,100. The organization was unable to fully fund all regional sponsorship requests to its members this year. However, with the help of Brookfield Renewable U.S., KVTC was able to fund $19,351.50. KVTC is excited to award sponsorships to local organizations who are helping KVTC promote the Kennebec Valley region as a destination place with their own marketing initiatives.
Specialty Food Items: Root Cellar Staples
Our goal is to encourage local consumers to thoughtfully consider the sources of their food, as well as the steps it takes to get it to the market and onto their plates.
Try purchasing local products from these outstanding local food businesses. Use our Annual Food & Farm Directory as your guide to connect directly with our network of high desert agricultural producers and food businesses and get a taste of Central Oregon! Our 2021 Directory can be found online at www.getataste.org, through our new mobile Get A Taste app,or in print at partner businesses, regional farmers markets, libraries, and numerous public spaces throughout Central Oregon.