Camden National Bank promotes eight employees

CAMDEN — Reflecting the growth of Camden National Bank and its commitment to creating career opportunities for its employees, Gregory A. Dufour, president and chief executive officer of Camden National Bank, recently announced promotions for eight individuals to Officer and assistant vice president levels.

"It is a pleasure to announce the promotion of eight team members who have shown the commitment and determination to advance in our company," said Dufour. "Each of these individuals demonstrates daily a commitment to our customers and organization which contributes to our success."

The following individuals were promoted, including several who are graduates of Camden National's internal leadership development program, Horizons. The multi-tiered program was created in 2009 to provide educational and leadership opportunities for employees interested in furthering their professional development within the Company and to help develop future leaders within the organization.

Promotions to assistant vice president:

· Christy Bendtson, assistant vice president, human resources - Hanley Center, Rockport; Horizons graduate, joined the company in 2004· Cynthia Bergin, assistant vice president, Brewer; joined the company in 2012· Marcella Eldridge, assistant vice president, Corinth/Milo; joined the company in 2000· Elizabeth Winslow, assistant vice president, Portland/Kennebunk; Horizons graduate, joined the company in 2007

Promotions to the officer level:

· Natalie Dame, commercial administration officer - Hanley Center, Rockport; joined the company in 2009· Penny Johnson, loan servicing officer - Hanley Center, Rockport; Horizons graduate, joined the company in 2011· Betsy Maguire, education officer - Hanley Center, Rockport; Horizons graduate, joined the company in 2008· Tena Wallace, retail banking officer - Hanley Center, Rockport; Horizons graduate, joined the company in 1996.

Mini Golf fundraiser benefits Coast Children’s Museum

ROCKLAND — The Coastal Children’s Museum and Golfer’s Grossing put the “fun” in fundraising during their Mini Golf fundraiser held August 23 and 24.  Richard and Wendy Crossman, the owners of Golfer’s Crossing, located at 7 Country Inn Way, Rockport sponsored the event by donating $2 for every person who played golf during the two-day event.  More than 150 golfers including families with and without children had a great time and fantastic weather while playing the challenging and fun course, raising $350 for the weekend. 

 “We are so appreciative of Richard and Wendy Crossman and their support of our mission,“ says Board President of the museum, Elaine Wilson. “They were so helpful to us and we enjoyed spending time at their wonderful course.” 

A raffle was held as well with prizes ranging from a sail on the Schooner Summertime to a Birthday Pizza Party at the Coastal Children’s Museum.  Other prizes were donated by Goose River Golf Course, Blue Sky Cantina, Dominoes Pizza, Rock City Coffee, Planet Toys, and Blake Vet.  

Wilson adds, “We want to thank the local businesses who donated such great prizes for the raffle as well as all of our volunteers; Cindy and Thia Allen, Judy Block, Felicity Bowditch, Tom Crowley, Anna Curtis,  Susan Edmands, Deirdre Felton, Delaney Strause, Marianne Swittlinger, Rebecca Vogt, and Dru and Tom Woodman. Everyone’s generosity and efforts made this fundraiser a success”

To find out more visit or call Golfers Crossing, 7 Country Inn Way, Rockport, (207) 230-0090. Dedicated to provide children and families the opportunity to explore, discover, and learn, through play, about the natural world, the arts and sciences, and the diversity of Maine’s coast, the Coastal Children’s Museum is located at 75 Mechanic St. in Rockland and open all year Wednesdays-Saturdays 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sundays 1 p.m.-4 p.m.

Destination Wellness forms board of directors

CAMDEN — Destination Wellness Midcoast Maine (DWMM) has elected its inaugural board of directors and officers. The newly formed professional organization has more than 115 members dedicated to connecting the public to resources, fostering the exchange of knowledge among its members, and promoting health and wellness as a mainstay of life in Midcoast Maine. Ultimately, DWMM intends to have Midcoast Maine recognized nationwide for its health and wellness resources.

"It is wonderful to be a part of such a rich community dedicated to health and wellness," said Tammy Lee, DWMM President. "Now that our organizational structure has been formalized, we’re ready to take a leading role in promoting the health-related resources available in our community and to help educate the public on the many paths to wellness."

The new board members are:

Meg Barclay-LedgeEnd Studio; Gary Chapin-Psychotherapist; Skye Hirst-Ph.D./The Autognomics Institute co-founder; Tammy Lee-Kundalini yoga therapy; Erja Lipponen-Eurynome Journeys Tours & Retreats; and Nancy Lubin-Intentional Essentials.

Dr. Barb MacDonald-N.D., L.Ac.; Dr. Deb Moskowitz-N.D./founder, Camden Whole Health; Rhonda Nordstrom-RHEAL Day Spa; Margaret Rauenhorst-The Start Center, Healing Arts; Dr. Alan Ross-M.D.; Jesse Simko-Midcoast Recreation Center; Judi Valentine-Ph.D./nutritionist;  and John Viehman-health marketing.

The new officers are:

Tammy Lee-president; Margaret Rauenhorst-vice president; Alan Ross-secretary; and Deb Moskowitz-treasurer

DWMM hosts a complete online directory of its members and their services, as well as a real-time calendar of health and wellness classes, workshops, talks, and gatherings. For more information, go to: www.destinationwellnessme.com; or on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/DestinationWellnessME.

Big Brothers Big Sisters board members

CAMDEN — Ed Gould of Bangor and David Richard of Winslow have recently been named to the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine.

Ed Gould is a partner with the law firm of Gross, Minsky & Mogul, P.A., in Bangor where he has practiced law for more than 30 years. His familiarity with Big Brothers Big Sisters began several years ago when his son, Matt, became a Big Brother while attending Bangor High School.

Matt had a compassion for working with children in the community. Gould says, “I saw what a difference Matt made working with his Little and how he reacted to Matt’s interest in bettering his life.”

Goulld and his wife Lynn have four children, Kate, Andy, Matt and Kelly, all of whom have been involved in the community throughout their school years. “I am pleased to be a member of the BBBS Board as I have seen what a difference a Big can make in the life of his Little. I am happy for the opportunity to continue Matt’s work for this extremely worthwhile organization.”

Dave Richard is the store manager for Hannaford Supermarket’s Elm Plaza Store in Waterville. He first became involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine when it expanded its service area to include Kennebec and Somerset Counties in 2012, and Hannaford became a major sponsor of the agency’s Bowl For Kids’ Sake event. He first served on the agency’s marketing committee and most recently has served on the Board Governance Committee.

His wife, Rachel, who also works for Hannaford, was a Big Sister when she was in college, and the Richards have a 4-year old daughter, Bailey. "Having a young daughter of my own I get to see and feel firsthand the joy she gets by doing activities like going to the beach, fishing or playing at the park. All these things have helped her learn, grow and develop into the person she is today. Children aren't afforded the ability to choose what type of opportunities they are given, but through Big Brothers Big Sisters children are afforded opportunities they otherwise would not get.

My hope is that the opportunities Big Brothers Big Sisters provides today may allow a child years from now opportunities he or she may not have had otherwise,” Richard says.

Big Brothers Big Sisters changes the lives of 560 children in Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo Counties facing adversity for the better, forever by providing strong and enduring, professionally supported one-to-one relationships. By partnering with parents, volunteers and organizations, children in the program have higher aspirations, greater confidence, better relationships, avoid risky behaviors and achieve educational success.

To find out how you can start something great for a child today by volunteering or donating, call 236-2227 or email: info@bbbsmidmaine.org.

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust donates to the Teen & Young Parent program

ROCKLAND — The Teen and Young Parent Program received a $500 donation from Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, which will support their Books for Home Visits project. The purpose of Books for Home Visits is to provide every enrolled child with a brand new, age appropriate book at their monthly home visit to promote literacy.

If you would like more information about the Teen and Young Parent Program or Books for Home Visits, call 207.594.1980 or toll-free within Maine at 877.972.5804.