KV Connect - Editorials

03/19/2012

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0600

March 17

Leaders discuss love of Waterville

By Amy Calder acalder@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

WATERVILLE -- The city's got great art and culture, a fantastic quality of life and friendly people of all ages who work together to help those less fortunate.

Those are some of the reasons three young community leaders live or work in Waterville, volunteer in the city and plan to stay.

"It's home," Dana Hernandez told those who on Friday attended a KV Connect Leadership Luncheon Series event at the REM Forum. "It's a place that I trust, it's a place that I feel I've put so much heart into that I can't imagine living anywhere else."

Hernandez, 37, Nicole Desjardins, 34, and Patrick Michaud, 31, were panelists at the event, attended by about 25 people.

KV Connect is a networking group for people ages 21to 40 who live in the greater Waterville area. Members seek to have a positive impact on the community through economic, social, political and community service.

Mayor Karen Heck spoke briefly before the panelists, saying her vision of what is going to save Waterville involves young people. She said her staff of 20- to 30-year-olds helped her win the mayor's seat in November.

Heck said her goal is to make Waterville a vibrant and prosperous city and doing that means having to connect with people around the world through social networking. Those best to help do that are people younger than 40, she said.

Young people are helping to revitalize downtown, serving on committees, working hard and using their energy to create new ideas, according to Heck.

"The whole idea is to really capitalize on what already is one of the best downtowns in Maine," she said.

Hernandez, a Planning Board member, founder of Mainely Moms and Dads, Heck's mayoral campaign manager, and a candidate for Senate District 25, said she had never been in Maine before moving here from California when her husband got a job at Colby College a few years ago. She was pregnant with her first child at the time.

"It was a life-changing moment for us," she said. "It was the best decision we've ever made. We bought a house a couple of years ago. (Living in Waterville) was exactly what we wanted and it keeps giving back to me. It feels right."

Michaud, a partner at Nicholson & Michaud, CPAs, also is president of the Board of Directors for Waterville Main Street and treasurer for the Board of Directors for Inland Hospital.

Michaud said it is important to give back to the community, which is a requirement of working in his office.

"The experience you get when you volunteer your time or lend a hand or write a check or whatever you do -- it's amazing," he said.

Desjardins, director of sales at Hampton Inn, chairman of the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and a member of the Board of Directors for United Way of Mid-Maine, Inc., said she lives in Augusta but loves Waterville and can see herself buying a house here. She has been offered jobs that pay more money, but she turned them down.

"I've declined them all because I want to stay here. It's not about money anymore," she said.

The panelists recommended that young people set aside any fears they may have of getting involved and get to know people, volunteer and do what you are passionate about.

"(Don't be) afraid to just put yourself out there and try to be a voice for the community," Desjardins said.

Amy Calder -- 861-9247

03/3/2012

Sat, 03 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0700

March 3 AMY CALDER: Set up for success

By Amy Calder acalder@mainetoday.com
Staff Writer

When Nicole Desjardins was 9, she and her cousins, Matthew and Kevin, owned and ran a make-believe business, Friel Executive Enterprises.

Select images available for purchase in the
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"We had board meetings and I was vice president of sales and marketing and Matthew was president," she said.

Now 34, Desjardins reflects on why they played out that fantasy for several years.

"Apparently, we just wanted to grow up pretty quick and at 9, we were creating companies. Monopoly was our favorite game, if that tells you anything."

Desjardins told me this story Wednesday while sitting in the lobby of Hampton Inn on Kennedy Memorial Drive in Waterville, where she is director of sales.

I was curious to know how this dynamo of a woman has gotten to where she is at such a young age. Not only did she beat 1,850 other nominees recently for sales director of the year for Hampton Inns, she also serves on more boards and committees than I can count and volunteers her time doing everything from serving food to homeless people to teaching high school and college students how to write a resume and interview for a job.

Desjardins is chairman of the board of directors for the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce. She is the youngest person ever to head that panel which, by the way, has apparently had only six chairwomen in its history.

She also is a member of Waterville Rotary Club; serves on the board of United Way of Mid-Maine, Inc.; is a member of Realize Maine Network, which works to attract young people to Maine and retain those who are here, and KV Connect, a networking group for young professionals; helps raise money for breast cancer by participating in the Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, for which she formed a team at Hampton Inn; walks in events to raise money for multiple sclerosis; and takes part in the annual polar bear dip to raise money for kids to go to summer camp.

I could go on, but you get the idea. Oh, and her penchant for wanting to help those less fortunate? When she was little, her aunt took her to the soup kitchen to volunteer. There, she saw children like herself, but who did not have what she had.

"I learned a lot of life lessons there."

Desjardins cares about the community and really, truly likes people, aside from carrying a strong belief that success is easily attainable.

"It's not hard; it's simple. Get involved. If you're going to be the face of the hotel, get involved. Know your community leaders. Most people want to do business with people who support the local community."

Desjardins -- articulate, upbeat and confident -- looks like success, in a trim pant suit, short, neat brunette hair and brown eyes that maintain eye contact with everyone she encounters.

It was that energy, confidence and vibrant personality that convinced Hampton Inn general manager David Doucette to hire her for the sales job five years ago, even though she had had no experience in the hotel business.

She has helped increase revenues significantly at the hotel, which was built 11 years ago, he said.

"I just really liked the way she first sat down and talked, maintaining eye contact," Doucette said. "It was just the whole persona, and her strength. She had a strength inside."

Desjardins is a go-getter, yes, but she has a way of gauging people's needs and expectations, he said.

"It's her ability to work with them the way they want to be dealt with. Some people just want to sit back and relax. She's not a pushy person."

An Augusta native, Desjardins attended Catholic school and graduated from Cony High School.

She majored in psychology at Florida Institute of Technology while bartending on the side. Then she got a job at a women's clothing store, quickly working her way up to store manager after three years. She ultimately moved back to Maine and landed a job as a cellular store manager before applying for the Hampton Inn job.

"I love what I do," she said. "I can't think of another job I'd rather do. I like that every day could potentially be different. My days here never look the same."

She acknowledges that the reason she can work long hours and volunteer so much is that she is young, single and does not have a family waiting at home for her every day. She hopes to change that in the next few years, but for now, she remains driven to succeed in business and continue fulfilling her civic duties.

"I think it's just an internal drive to do be the best," she said. "I have too much of a competitive edge, probably."

She smiles.

"Probably some of it, honestly, is just trying to beat Matthew."

Amy Calder has been a Sentinel reporter 24 years. Her column appears here Saturdays. She may be reached at acalder@centralmaine.com

02/27/2012

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0700

Waterville Hampton Inn Director of Sales Wins National Award
Recognized as "2011 Sales Manager of the Year"

Waterville, Maine (Grassroots Newswire) 02/22/2012 -- The Waterville Hampton Inn, located at 425 Kennedy Memorial Drive, today announced the special recognition of one of its own members of management. Nicole Desjardins was recently awarded with the 2011 Sales Revolution Champion, which is awarded to one sales person out of 1850 Hampton Inn's.

The award winner is chosen based on usage of Hampton Sales & Marketing toolkit, use of sales tools, demonstration of everyone sells philosophy and continued revenue growth. Individuals were nominated by General Managers, Owners and Hampton Brand team members and then chosen by a selection committee. Nikki received a trophy, $500 gift card and recognition in Hampton Highlights.

"We are incredibly excited for one of our own team members to be so highly recognized," said David Doucette, general manager of the Waterville Hampton Inn. "Nikki is an invaluable member of our team and this award is further proof of the friendly service and top notch work she provides for our guests and hotel each and every day.”During the last 5 years, Nikki has been and is an active member in many local organizations. One of the most prominent is our Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. Nikki is currently chairing the board as the youngest female to hold the honor. She also serves on the Business Attraction & Retention Committee, is active with the Waterville Rotary Club and is a board member of United Way of Mid Maine. She is also a past chair of the RealizeMaine board and a current co-chair of KV Connect-a young professional group in Waterville. Nikki is a great believer in supporting our community by personally raising money for different charities and non-profit agencies. The ‘Fabulous Ninjas of Hampton Inn', our community service team, have participated in the ‘Polar Dip', MS Walk, the ‘Walk for Hope' and the Freaky 5K with the Hardy Girls & Healthy Women. In 2008, Nikki won the ‘Ultimate Sales Professionals' challenge and achieved the status of being in the top 5% of all the Hampton Inn Directors of Sales. The following year Nikki was awarded the ‘Rising Star' award from the Mid Maine Chamber of Commerce. Her involvement in the above charities, clubs and organizations has been an unbelievable asset to the growth of business at our hotel."

About Waterville Hampton Inn
Hampton Inn is owned by three Maine entrepreneurs who saw an opportunity to fill the need in Waterville for a top- branded hotel. We were the second of four Hilton branded properties that have been built in Maine by our owners. Their properties are Hampton Inn Presque Isle, Hampton Inn and Hilton Garden in Freeport. Our owners believe strongly in investing in Maine and building stronger communities through employment opportunities. Emerald Hospitality is our hotel management company based in Middleburg Heights, Ohio and oversees the sales and operations for properties throughout the United States.

12/19/2011

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0700

I would like to personally thank all KV Connectors for your help in making the greatest Christmas ever for our family we adopted from the domestic violence shelter. This year by far is the best year ever for support from you all. Everyone dove in to help out where they could and we probably purchased items totaling $800 to $1000. I am so proud to be a part of this wonderful organization and you should be too. I would like to share the response we received from our grandmother who received the items: First of all we had so much that it would not fit in her car and the lady form the DV program had to follow her in her car to bring everything we got for them. The grandmother was so overwhelmed with joy and happiness that it took close to 20 minutes to get her calmed down before she could even drive. She had less than $1.00 after she paid her bills for the month and could not believe a group our size could do so much. She has never asked for help before and was hesitant to do so this year. WE made the best Christmas wish possible for this family that was already struggling so much. We often take for granted how much we all have and that we can afford to help others who are in need so I wanted to share with everyone how much of a difference we made in this family lives. We will be receiving a letter from the grandmother and I will post that when it comes in. Thank you to all and Happy Holidays!!! Sincerest Thanks, Nikki Desjardins Co-Chair

05/27/2009

Wed, 27 May 2009 00:00:00 -0600

SUPPORT LIVE MUSIC!

Submitted by Shannon Haines, Steering Committee Member

How often do you hear young people lamenting the fact that it is hard to find things to do in Central Maine? I know that one of my biggest concerns in moving back to this area was that I wouldn't be able to catch any great live music anymore, and for a while that was true. I am happy to say, though, that thanks to the work of some local promoters, generous sponsors and area nonprofits, the live music scene in Central Maine is really heating up... so please go out and support it. Following is a list of upcoming events that you may want to know about.

* Friday, June 5, 8pm - Rustic Overtones LIVE at the Unity Centre for Performing Arts (ticketed event: 207-948-SHOW, www.unityme.org/theater)

* Wednesday, June 17, 8pm - Taj Mahal Trio LIVE at Waterville Opera House (ticketed event: 207-873-7000, www.watervilleoperahouse.org)

* Wednesday, July 8, 6:30pm - The Kayla Wass Band LIVE in Castonguay Square, Downtown Waterville - FREE outdoor concert!

* Wednesday, July 22, 6:00pm - The Calypso Soldiers LIVE in Castonguay Square, Downtown Waterville - FREE outdoor concert!

* Wednesday, August 19, 6:00pm - The Toughcats LIVE in Castonguay Square, Downtown Waterville - FREE outdoor concert!

* Wednesday, September 9, 8:30 - John Brown's Body LIVE at the Unity Centre for Performing Arts (ticketed event: 207-948-SHOW, www.unityme.org/theater)

* Saturday, September 12, all day - The Hill 'n the 'Ville Music Festival at Head of Falls, Downtown Waterville - FREE outdoor concert! Stay tuned for details on performers.

01/5/2009

Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Very Merry Holiday Season! Many thanks to all KVConnecters who showed their support for our local community by donating items and money for some of the members of the two families we adopted from the Family Violence Project. You will be happy to know you made Christmas truly magical for Tatiana and Matthew and Christine, Gage and Billy. Tatiana wrote to us saying: "Matthew and I are so grateful for your kindness of all the special gifts you have shared with us. I have been through so many things and appreciate the though and goodness that comes to my son and I at this time our lives. Our blessings and goodness are generously given to those who have spread this cheer our way. This project has given us hope and someday I hope I will be on the other end to give forward to others someday. Bless you again! Thank you so much - Love Tatiana & Matthew" Christine wrote: "This really helped me a lot. Thank you - Christine, Gage & Billy" Congratulations KVConnecters to a job well done!

01/2/2009

Fri, 02 Jan 2009 00:00:00 -0700

Submitted by Shannon Haines
Thanks to everyone who came out for a fabulous New Year's Eve party at the Holiday Inn. Also, thanks to the Holiday Inn for being terrific hosts. I think it is safe to say that everyone had a wonderful time dancing the night away. I know I certainly did, though my legs were burning the next day from the 4 hours of cardio!

New Year's is for many people a time of reflection, and I heard many people say that KV Connect was responsible for them meeting their closest friends, and I know that's true for me, too. I think that we have a really great group of young people here in the Waterville area, and I really hope to grow it in 2009.

Special thanks to Sarah Gibbs and Lisa Oakes for creating the evening's play list, which appears below for your perusing pleasure:

1970s
Can't Get Enough of Your Love	Barry White
Boogie Wonderland	Earth, Wind & Fire
I Wanna be Sedated	The Ramones
Stayin' Alive	Bee Gees
Sweet Home Alabama	Lynyrd Skynyrd
Buffalo Soldier	Bob Marley
You Sexy Thing	Hot Chocolate
Lady Marmalade	LaBelle
One Way or Another	Blondie
I Will Survive	Gloria Gaynor
Last Dance	Donna Summer
Sexual Healing	Marvin Gaye
Higher Ground	Stevie Wonder
Dancing Queen	ABBA
Funkytown	Lipps, Inc
Brick House	The Commodores
Sweet Caroline	Neil Diamond
Best of My love	The Emotions
Play That Funky Music	Kool and the Gang
Disco Inferno	The Trammps
Wonderful Tonight	Eric Clapton

1980s
Call Me	Blondie
Faith	George Michael
Down Under	Men at Work
Hazy Shade of Winter	Bangles
Karma Chameleon	Culture Club
Gloria	Laura Branigan
Jessie's Girl	Rick Springfield
Maneater	Hall & Oates
Take on Me	A- Ha
True	Spandeau Ballet
Hold Me Now	Thompson Twins
Hungry Like The Wolf	Duran Duran
You Spin Me Round	Dead or Alive
1999	Prince
Flashdance	Irene Cara
Maniac	Michael Sembello
Billie Jean	Michael Jackson
Love is a Battlefield	Pat Benetar
Welcome to the Jungle	Guns n Roses
Walk this Way	Run DMC feat. Aerosmith
Cruel Summer	Bananarama
Dancing in The Dark	Bruce Springstein
We Got the Beat	The Go-Go's
Video Killed the Radio Star	The Buggles
I Think We're Alone Now	Tiffany
The Glamorous Life	Sheila E
Blue Monday	New Order
Working for the Weekend	Loverboy
Pour Some Sugar on Me	Def Lepperd
Come on Eileen	Dexy's Midnight Runners
Tainted Love	Soft Cell
Take My Breath Away	Berlin
Don't You Forget About Me	Simple Minds
She's Like the Wind	Patrick Swazye

1990s
Express Yourself	Madonna
Gonna Make you Sweat	C&C Music Factory
Unbelievable	EMF
What is Love	Haddaway
The Rockafeller Skank	Fat Boy Slim
...Baby One More Time	Britney Spears
Baby Got Back	Sir Mix A lot
I Touch Myself	The Divinyls
OPP	Naughty by Nature
Nasty	Janet Jackson
All-Star	Smashmouth
Groove Is In the Heart	Dee-lite
Step by Step	New Kids on the Block
I'll Take You There	General Public
Rhythm is a Dancer	Snap!
Everybody Hurts	REM
More Than Words	Extreme
One	U2
Killing Me Softly	Fugees

2000s
Just Dance	Lady GaGa & Colby O'Donis
Single Ladies	Beyonce
Somebody Told Me	The Killers
Stronger	Kanye West
Get This Party Started	Pink
Ain't No Other Man	Christina Aguilera
Womanizer	Britney Spears
Shake That	Eminem
Glamorous	Fergie
Crazy	Gnarls Barkley
I Kissed a Girl	Katy Perry
4 Minutes	Madonna
Shake It	Metro Station
Promiscuous	Nelly Furtado
Toxic	Britney Spears
Crazy In Love	Beyonce
Don't Stop the Music	Rihanna
Hips Don't Lie	Shakira
Yeah!	Usher
SexyBack	Justin Timberlake
Promiscuous	Nelly Furtado
Forever	Chris Brown
American Boy	Estelle
Let it Rock	Kevin Rudolph
Hey Yeah	OutKast
Fallin'	Alicia Keyes
You Are the Best Thing	Ray Lamontagne
Stay or Leave	DMB

10/1/2008

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0600

KV Connect's Political Subcommittee wants to make sure our members have access to all the information you need to make an informed decision this election season. One of the best ways for us to make our voices heard on important issues is to vote on November 4th!

Join members of KV Connect and the Political Subcommittee at any of the upcoming debates. Check out a list of area debates in the KV Connect Opportunities section.

We've compiled this list of FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions) and answers to make participating in the political process easy.
How do I register?
You can register to vote at your town or city hall, your party's headquarters or at the Waterville Main Street office in downtown Waterville. More information about voter registration, changing your address, and voters' rights can be found online. In Maine, you can also register and vote the same day.

Where do I find a list of candidates?
For information about which general election candidates are running in your area, check out the final list of candidates.

What are referendums and how do I find out which questions will be on the November 4th ballot?
Ballot questions or referendums are questions which appear on the state's ballot wherein voters are asked to accept or reject a particular proposal. These votes can be on laws, the recall of an elected official, or a specific government policy. Referendums or ballot questions are a form of direct democracy favoring the majority. You can find the list of November 4th ballot questions online.

Where do I vote?
To find your polling place, visit the State of Maine website, enter your address and city, and you'll get a list of polling places. If you live in Waterville, you'll vote at the American Legion at 21 College Avenue.

I won't be around on November 4th. Can I still vote?
Of course! Vote absentee by requesting a ballot online or by going to your town or city hall during business hours and requesting an absentee ballot.

Still have questions? Contact your town or city clerk or the Maine Bureau of Elections.

We'll see you at the polls!