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W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 13 G I V I N G G U I D E 2 0 1 9 – 2 0 2 0 According to Yaffe, the Latinx com- munity and immigrants are playing a major role in the town's growth. Today, about one third of the students at Milbridge Elementary School are Spanish-speakers, which represents a significant change. "As folks are thinking about the future of Maine and in particular rural Maine, we would love to have them involved as allies in this work, and as we try to change the narrative that is being pushed at the national level about immi- grants and people of color," says Yaffe. "We know we are stronger together." Libra Foundation and the rebirth of Monson Piscataquis County is the size of Connecticut and Rhode Island com- bined, but is the least populated county in Maine and one of the largest east of the Mississippi River. It has a popula- tion of 17,500 people, approximately six people per square mile. Until recently, the county had not been the recipient of any major charitable giving in recent years. at has certainly changed. In the last three years, thanks to grants from the Libra Foundation, the town has undergone some major changes that aim to help revitalize the area and make it a destination for hikers, wil- derness adventurers and artists. Like many rural towns in Maine, the town's population has decreased by about 50% over the last 100 years. According to the 2010 census, its popu- lation is 686. In 2017, the Portland- based Libra Foundation began buying buildings in the downtown Monson area in a $10 million effort to build an arts community there. With the help of regional partners, the foundation has helped transform the town's downtown with the creation of the Monson Arts Center, which includes artist studio spaces and hosts workshops and artist residencies. Monson Arts offered 10 four-week residencies this year to writ- ers and visual artists from all over the country and world, as well as multi-day workshops with local artists. "What's really been fantastic is that there's a tremendous amount of local, sophisticated talent in the arts in and around Monson — artists like painter Alan Bray, photographer Todd Watts and potter Jemma Gascoine," said Craig Denekas, CEO for the Libra Foundation. "It's been nice to provide some exposure to the great talent that is already in the area while building Monson's reputation as a place for artists." C O N T I N U E D O N F O L L OW I N G PA G E » Making a difference. CES congratulates Good Shepherd Food Bank on their Hampden Distribution Center Grand Opening! We are grateful for the opportunity to support them in their Food For All Campaign to Nourish Maine. Sensible Solutions 207.989.4824 www.cesincusa.com CESI NC Engineers Environmental Scientists Surveyors Small town feel | Big city results We've been offering timely, efficient, and quality legal services since Portland was a small town. Our modest size assures personal attention by experienced, savvy attorneys, which leads to favorable outcomes in a timely and cost-effective manner. As the town grew, so did our expertise. Let our 148 years of smarts solve your next legal issue. Portland | Biddeford perkinsthompson.com Perkins | Thompson 20251422 Perkins Thompson_3/8.indd 1 3/7/19 9:28 AM