April 16, 2026
.com
Madison & Killingworth Vol. XXXI Iss. 16
A New England Newspaper of the Year 2018
Selectmen Authorize CERT Team By Aaron Rubin Staff Writer
Residents will soon have a new way to support their community during emergencies after the Madison Board of Selectmen authorized the formation of a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) at its April 7 meeting. The initiative establishes another avenue for volunteerism while enhancing the town’s ability to respond to extreme weather events and other public emergencies. Discussion of a CERT team began this past winter following a particularly harsh
season that saw two major snowstorms impact Madison and surrounding shoreline communities. In the event that future winter or summer storms affect residents, trained CERT volunteers can assist with disaster recovery and shelter management. Volunteers trained in drone aviation may also conduct search-and-rescue operations supported by such technology. Fire Marshal Sam DeBurra said the “biggest need” for the CERT team is shelter management, for which staffing is currently “inadequate.” With the town’s emergency shelter expected to be located at Walter C.
Polson Middle School beginning in 2027, DeBurra said it is “perfect timing” for the CERT team to be established now. With its formal establishment, DeBurra now has the authority to organize all necessary aspects of the team with support from the state, which may include funding for training materials and other associated needs. As state agents, CERT volunteers would function within the town government similarly to how volunteers served during the pandemic.
Maryanne Harmuth is helping bring Madison’s history to life.................2
See Selectmen Authorize page 9
‘Imagine’ The Joy
Eyes on a Title Hand girls lacrosse begins the Vista Life Innovations members season with championship dance with staff during a formal aspirations...................................20 dance held alongside the organization’s Starlight Benefit “Imagine” gala at Water’s Edge Resort & Spa in Westbrook on April 11. The event celebrated community support for Vista’s mission and honored Starlight Benefit honoree Ed Riley for his years of service.
Photo by Wesley Bunnell/ The Source
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Bringing Light and Atmosphere Cloudscapes is putting skies center stage at Susan Powell Fine Art.......................................23
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