"Monthly news and updates from the Maine Municipal Association."

Contents:
* 2008 Technology Conference
* Updated HR Toolkit
* New Low Cost for Volunteer Firefighter Accident Insurance
* Using MMA’s Legal Services
* 2008 CDBG Economic Development Program Application
* 2008 Project Canopy Grants Now Available
* How to Be Happy
* Beginning with Habitat Toolbox
* FYI: Workshops & Conferences
* Upcoming Workshops and Training (MMA Training Schedule)

2008 Technology Conference presented by MMA and
co-sponsored by the Maine GIS User's Group is coming to
the Augusta Civic Center on March 18, 2008.

The programming is packed with information and topics that you
won't want to miss! Details are available on MMA's web site
as well as an online registration form.

The programming information available online will be the
most current information. Check the web site for updates!

           for Conference information & programs . . .

Updated HR Toolkit

"The Americans with Disability Act and Maine Human
Rights Act: Disability Discrimination and the Municipal
Employer" resource has been substantially revised.

         for more information . . .

New Low Cost for Volunteer Firefighter Accident Insurance

MMA Risk Management Services is pleased to announce a
new low rate of $44.61 (reduced from $52.48) per Rostered
Volunteer for their sponsored Volunteer Firefighting Blanket
Accident Coverage product. The program, written by The
Hartford Life Insurance Company and provided through MMA’s
exclusive arrangement with HUB International New England,
provides supplementary accident, death and disability benefits
to Volunteer Firefighters, Ambulance and Rescue personnel.
The Coverage is written to provide some financial security for
Volunteer Firefighters who are engaged in the performance of
activities that may not be covered through the Maine Workers
Compensation Act.

If you would like further information or have any questions
about the Volunteer Firefighting Blanket Accident Coverage,
please contact Marcus Ballou, Marketing Representative at
MMA by phone: 800-590-5583, Extension 244 or via email at mballou@memun.org

Using MMA’s Legal Services

The number of inquiries to MMA’s Legal Services has increased
dramatically this year, along with often unrealistic expectations
for a response. With over 490 member municipalities and
almost a thousand inquiries per month, it is sometimes
impossible for our attorneys to respond within the time
expected or in the form requested.

To help us help you, please contact us as soon as possible
and let us know if you have a deadline. And please understand
that written responses (including e-mail) may require
substantially more time than a telephone call.

Also, because town meeting-related inquiries are often
urgent, we may have to defer or decline more time-consuming inquiries.

For more tips, see “How to Use Legal Services Most Efficiently”
and “Response Times for Legal Services”)

Thanks for your patience and cooperation.

The 2008 CDBG Economic Development Program
Application is now on-line!

To download the application go to the OCD web site at
www.meocd.org – click on “Forms and Materials; then
“Application Forms”; scroll down to Economic Development
and you will find the 2008 EDP Application document.

2008 Project Canopy Grants Now Available

Project Canopy Assistance Grants are available to state, county,
and municipal governments, educational institutions, and
non-profit organizations for developing and implementing
community forestry projects and programs.

Click here for more information about the project & workshops

How to Be Happy

Many studies have proven that people who are happy are also
healthier, less stressed, and less likely to suffer from conditions
like heart disease and diabetes. So how can you get rid of the
gloominess and start looking at the bright side of life? Try
these secrets to making your world a little happier:

1. Challenge yourself. People are often happier when they are
working toward a goal than after they have reached it. This is
because working toward something gives your life purpose,
which makes you feel good. So start challenging yourself -
learn a new language or master a new hobby, it will boost
your mood!
2. Say NO! This is usually one of the first words we learn to say
as a child, but one of the hardest ones to use as adults. Saying
‘yes’ to everything can leave you feeling overwhelmed and
overcommitted, which may make you cranky. So before
you say ‘yes,’ consider the request and determine whether
it is something you really want to do and if you have room
in your schedule to do it.
3. Pay cash. Shopping is one way that some people improve
their mood, however if you are simply swiping the plastic for
every purchase you are going to have a big problem when
the bills come in. Paying cash can help ensure that you aren’t
spending beyond your means and can help you avoid the
overwhelming credit card bills that can put you in a grumpy
mood.
4. Make memories. Someone once said that, “We spend too
much time making a living and not enough time making a life.”
Is this true in your life? Spending time doing things that you
enjoy- like family vacations- brings more joy than having
things- like a fancy car. Memories can last a long time and
make you feel good, even when you aren’t having the best
day.        ----- Source: Intelligence for Your Life

Beginning with Habitat Toolbox

The Beginning with Habitat (BwH) Program has added a
“Toolbox” to their web site. The Toolbox is a guide intended
to help towns and organizations develop and implement a
"conservation blueprint," or suite of local actions that can
achieve a municipality's habitat conservation goals.

           for Toolbox Details . . .

FYI: Workshops & Conferences (not sponsored by MMA)

* "The Governor's Energy Efficiency Summit: Revitalizing
Maine's Business and Energy Climate" will be held on
Thursday, April 3 at the Augusta Civic Center.  
            for Details . . .

* The 2008 State of Maine Harbor Master's Association
Training Session will be held March 19, 20, 21 at Maine
Maritime Academy in Castine.

As of August, 2006, anyone appointed or reappointed a
Harbor Master or Deputy Harbor Master must complete the
Basic Training Course within one year of being appointed or
reappointed unless that person has already completed that
course.

For questions or comments contact: Dave Schmanska, St.
George, 372.6363, hbrmstr@stgeorge.com; Jay Pinkham,
Freeport, 865.4546, frprthrbmstr@suscom-maine.net; or Kathy
Messier, Belfast, 338.1142, harbormaster@prexar.com.

* 2008 Building Operator Certification Class Schedule
            for Details . . .

Upcoming Workshops

2008 Workshop Schedule of current workshops is online.
Brochures and program details will be added when available,
so check back often if you are interested in a certain program. If a
listing below doesn't have a link, the brochure has not yet been
posted on the web site.

The 2008 Workshop & Training Calendar is also now online.

February 2008

Maine Plumbing Code Seminar, AM OR PM
session, Biddeford, 2/21/08
GA Basics and Not So Basics, Augusta, 2/28/08
Statewide Manager Interchange, Waterville, 2/29/08

March 2008

Planning Boards/Boards of Appeal, Saco, 3/13/08
Tax Lien Procedures, Portland, 3/19/08 OR Bangor, 3/27/08

Forgotten Your Password? E-mail the
ResourceCenter@memun.org. Don't forget to tell us who you are!

Need to Register for a Password to the Members Area?

Municipal Yard Sale & Classifieds Please check the Job Bank/Classifieds for new listings.
Remember that posting is free for municipalities! Use the correct
"Post a ___" link to the right of the screen to add your items, RFPs or jobs to the listings.

Posting is a "Do It Yourself" project. If you encounter problems,
contact the ResourceCenter@memun.org.

This and That (Housekeeping Items)
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