RUMFORD – The Maine Winter Sports Center has announced that Matthew S. Bell has accepted the position as Ski Patrol director/safety coordinator for Black Mountain of Maine.

Bell, a native of Presque Isle, comes to Black Mountain with a background in skiing and training. He has competed in several races throughout New England, including the Diana Golden Level I race series, where he remains undefeated. In addition, Bell has also competed at the national and international levels.

While at Black Mountain, Bell will be working with the volunteer ski patrollers.

Bell is a dean’s list student at Northern Maine Community College, vice chair of the State Independent Living Council, chairman of the Maine Outdoor Recreation for Everyone, a member of the Presque Isle Zoning Board of Appeals and the Presque Isle Fish and Game Club, and the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Disabled Hunters Advisory Council.

Bell has worked with the Aroostook Ski Patrol at Big Rock in Mars Hill, given lessons for Perfect Turn at Sunday River in Bethel, volunteered at Maine Handicapped Skiing, and has been an advocate for disability rights.

Dragon Cement receives award

AUGUSTA – Dragon Cement and Concrete has received a Governor’s Award for Environmental Excellence for its efforts to reduce greenhouse gases throughout its operations. Dragon’s $50 million modernization is a key element of its plan to reduce emissions, according to the company

Gov. John Baldacci and DEP Commissioner Dawn Gallagher presented the award.

In October, Dragon received a Maine Investor Award from the Maine State Chamber, which commended the plant modernization.

Dragon has concrete plants in Biddeford, Westbrook, Portland, Lewiston, Brunswick, Augusta, Canton, Fairfield, Madawaska and Presque Isle.