Lincoln County Commissioners

Brackett introduces new ARC recovery counselor

CMP pitches NECEC
Tue, 04/16/2019 - 2:15pm

During the April 16 Lincoln County commissioners’ meeting, Sheriff Todd Brackett introduced the Addiction Recovery Center’s new recovery counselor, Theresa Arita. Arita replaced Bill Ellsworth, who died in a car crash in Nobleboro in December. She will be working with Angie Musto, who has been running the program with the support of volunteers since Ellsworth’s death.

The support groups are still looking for male volunteers, especially for the male peer to peer recovery meetings, in Waldoboro, Wiscasset and Boothbay Harbor, Brackett has said.

Arita is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. Musto is a Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor. People seeking recovery services can get more information about the recovery groups and all of ARC’s programs, by contacting them at the Damariscotta office at 563-2311.

Sgt. Aaron Beck has resigned from the Sheriff’s Office to join the Boothbay Harbor Police Department. Brackett received permission to advertise for a full-time deputy, saying he would promote from within for the sergeant’s job.

During the court’s off week May 2, Lincoln County employees will take mandatory trainings in a courtroom. These trainings, which range from issues of health and safety to sexual harassment, are required by the Department of Labor, Administrator Carrie Kipfer said.

The county will work with the state to participate in the Maine 200 celebration during 2020, for the bicentennial of Maine’s statehood. The celebration will start in March and extend through July. In March, the state is hoping each town will hold a community potluck supper on the same day,  to bring  all the people of Maine together for a common meal. During the summer months, tall ships will dock at numerous harbors, including Boothbay Harbor. Young people, aged 14-21, can apply to work on one of these ships, with the goal of having young people from each county on board.

John Carroll of Central Maine Power asked for support for its New England Clean Energy Connect project, which recently received key permits from the Public Utilities Commission. Carroll demonstrated county towns’ role in the transmission project, and showed how Maine would benefit from the proposed transmission line, which will be paid for by Massachusetts.