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Project Canopy offers tips for managing storm-damaged trees
The recent wind storm caused substantial damage to Maine's coastal counties. After power and other utilities have been restored, property owners will be faced with the issue of what to do with storm-damaged trees. Project Canopy, a program of the Maine Forest Service (MFS), offers tips and helpful guidance to property owners faced with questions about what to do with downed trees, limbs, and branches.
Trees and branches on homes and around power lines- Homeowners need to find immediate solutions for trees and branches on their homes. Branches and trees on power lines should be dealt with by calling local power companies. Even if a hanging limb is clear of power and utility wires, homeowners should rely on professionals to assess the severity of the damage before trying to repair or remove the branch.
Injured trees requiring climbing or chainsaw work Call a licensed arborist for help. Arborists are tree care professionals who are trained to assess and correct storm-damaged trees. They also have the experience needed to diagnose how much of a tree can or should be saved. Homeowners should be wary of those offering fly-by-night, emergency tree-cutting services. Always ask for proof of licensing, insurance and work references.
Trees covered with ice: as we head into colder months, ice and snow loads can further damage leaning trees or branches not broken free and can make a potentially dangerous situation even more so. Do not work around limbs that have broken off (or partially broken off) and are hung up in a tree crown. These can break off at any time with devastating force. Contact a licensed and insured arborist. For more information visit www.maineforestservice.gov or call (207) 287-2791.
Four Maine Teachers Receive Presidential Excellence Awards in Science, Mathematics, and Engineering
President Donald J. Trump announced the recipients of the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching (PAEMST) and the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Science, Mathematics and Engineering Mentoring (PAESMEM).
Awardees come from schools in all 50 States, the District of Columbia, the Department of Defense Education Activity (DoDEA) schools, and schools in the United States territories of Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the United States Virgin Islands. Nominations and awards are facilitated by the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and the National Science Foundation. The individuals and organizations announced today are 2017 and 2018 Awardees. Established in 1983, PAEMST is the highest award given by the U.S. Government to kindergarten through 12th grade teachers of mathematics and science, including computer science.
A panel of distinguished mathematicians, scientists, and educators at the State and national levels assess the applications before recommending nominees to OSTP. Teachers are selected based on their distinction in the classroom and dedication to improving science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education.
Recipients of the Presidential Award for Excellence in Mathematics and Science Teaching: Heather Dorr, Ella Lewis School; Kirsten Gould, Buxton Center; Elementary School; Priya Natarajan, Casco Bay High School; Alyson Saunders, Dexter Regional High School.
Maine State Archives to launch virtual reality, PSAs for bicentennial
The Maine State Archives will celebrate American Archives Month this October with the launch of two special projects in commemoration of Maine’s bicentennial of statehood: The Maine Bicentennial Moments Public Interest Advertising announcements series; and the Maine Virtual Reality Experience. Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap will unveil the Archives bicentennial projects at 11 a.m., Thursday, Oct. 24 with students at Windsor Elementary School, 366 Ridge Road, Windsor.
The Maine Virtual Reality Experience uses VR technology to provide viewers enhanced 360-degree visions of notable Maine places. VR participants will feel as though they are standing at the site of interest. Simply by directing their gaze while wearing the viewer, they can activate pop-up historical anecdotes or informational snippets about the site. Three Virtual Reality experiences are currently available: The Maine State House, the Old Orchard Beach Pier, and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory. More will be added during the Bicentennial commemoration.
The Maine Bicentennial Moments are 30-second Public Interest Advertising announcements featuring Maine history. Each Moment includes images and documents from the Maine State Archives and other sources to highlight a person, place or event in Maine history. The 72 Moments will be aired on broadcast television throughout the State during the Bicentennial commemoration in addition to being posted online. Each Moment is intended to pique viewers’ interest and to encourage further exploration of the topic.
In addition to launching these special bicentennial projects, The Maine State Archives is presenting a bicentennial exhibit later this fall in the Archives lobby at the Cultural Building in Augusta, featuring the Act of Admission to the Union, historic maps, and the first draft of the State of Maine Constitution.
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