by John Maguire
Coastal Journal staff

THOMASTON — A 150,000 square foot Walmart Supercenter is just one component of a plan for a some 40 acre parcel of land across from the Hampton Inn in Thomaston, according to town manager Valmore Blastow. Partners of research company Planning Decisions will present the findings of their comprehensive economic impact study on the proposed store in Thomaston at a public forum on July 19 at Watts Hall at 6 p.m.

The proposed Walmart  expansion initiated the study under the Informed Growth Act, a state law that requires a comprehensive economic impact study for retail businesses that plan to expand to 75,000 square feet or more. 

Mary Swain and Will Neilson, Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network Advisory Board. Photo by K. Wheelerby Kitty Wheeler
Coastal Journal contributor

     Martha Cushing, the volunteer coordinator for the Greater Bath Elder Outreach Network (GBEON), a local nonprofit organization, is always looking for more volunteers.  The waiting list of older people who request help continues to increase, and Cushing doesn't want to disappoint them. Catholic Charities and the Diocese of Portland started this outreach program in 2004 to help older people remain at home with help when needed. 

They offer their services through online websites, by word of mouth from other volunteers, and by networking in church parishes. Volunteers provide free services throughout Sagadahoc County and Brunswick that allows older people who live alone to remain in their homes. 

BRUNSWICK — Mid Coast Hospital was officially recognized as one of Maine’s “Preferred Providers” by the Maine State Employee Health Commission. At a ceremony on July 1, Frank Johnson, Executive Director of the Maine State Employee Health Commission, talked about how Mid Coast earned that distinction.

“I am pleased to be here today on behalf of Maine’s largest employer,” said Johnson. “As trustees to the State employee health plan covering over 40,000 sate employees and their dependents, it is very important for us to partner with health care systems able to provide high quality, accessible and cost-efficient health care. The commission believes strongly that Mid Coast should be recognized for its sustained high performance, and I am here this morning to acknowledge our appreciation for this achievement.”

Mid Coast CEO Lois Skillings credited her predecessor, Herbert Paris, for this accomplishment, and gave kudos to the Mid Coast staff.

“I am especially pleased to welcome the staff of Mid Coast team of physicians and nurses and clinicians and the rest of the staff,” said Skillings, “all of you, who every day truly do the heavy lifting that got us this award. It’s really your celebration. You fulfill our promise to deliver outstanding healthcare each and every day, so it’s thanks to the work that you do.”

Johnson also pointed out what an accomplishment it was for Mid Coast to have not “slipped” from that list in five years. For more information, visit www.midcoasthealth.com. 

by John Maguire
Coastal Journal staff

BRUNSWICK - Brunswick residents packed the Maine Street Station meeting room on June 23 to simutaneously voice their support of train service in town and also their opposition to the proposed site for a 40,000 square foot train layover and maintenance facility. 

According to several news reports, abuttors to the site filed a civil suit in Cumberland County Superior Court requesting that a judge overturn a zoning variance for the facility proposed by the Northern New England Passenger Rail Authority (NNEPRA). Several people among the some 200 who were present stood before a podium to say they support train service in town, but do not think the residential neighborhood where NNEPRA wants to build the facility is the right location.