University of Southern Maine

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Conference to Address Building Strong Maine Communities

November 12, 2004

An all-volunteer organization is making final plans for a second, statewide conference on how to organize and build citizen participation in the growth and development of Maine communities.

"MAINE NEIGHBORHOODS: BUILDING STRONG COMMUNITIES," will be held from 7:45 a.m. to 5 p.m., Wednesday, December 8, at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, Portland. Conference registration is $35 per person. Full conference information is available at www.livinginportland.org. Members of the public also can call 773-4336 for more information. The Greater Portland Neighborhoods Coalition, a volunteer organization established to provide a forum for statewide discussions on community-building issues of common concern, has organized the event.ÊÊ

The conference includes 16 workshops, including building neighborhood associations; downtown revitalization; new uses for old buildings, as well as sessions on community building in Millinocket and Bangor. Lewis Feldstein, co-author of "Better Together: Restoring the American Community," will give the keynote address. Governor John E. Baldacci will close the conference, and then open a "Statewide Block Party," a separate networking event scheduled from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Holiday Inn. The block party will feature local vendors, music, and games. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children. Registration to the block party also is available at http://www.livinginportland.org.ÊÊ

"This conference is for everyone who cares about improving their communities," said Christina Feller, president of the Greater Portland Neighborhoods Coalition, and co-founder of the Center for Maine Neighborhoods. "This conference also is all aboutÊconnecting on the issues, engaging in the dialogue, participating in seeking solutions and celebrating successes that occur all around us."Ê

Feller added that organizers have more than 40 scholarships available to attend the conference thanks to sponsors such as Peoples Heritage Bank, United Way of Greater Portland, Gorham Savings Bank, Bath Savings Bank, Jensen Baird Gardner & Henry, Hannaford Bros. Co., ALC Construction, Packard Development, the City of Portland, and others. Ê

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