Healthy Community Coalition Announces August Mobile Health Unit Schedule

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Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) announces its August schedule for Mobile Health Unit outreach events. Staff will be offering services such as blood pressure, cholesterol and glucose checks; cancer prevention, nutrition, physical activity and tobacco information; one-on-one health counseling and information; and assistance with referrals to the Maine Breast and Cervical Health Program and other health assistance programs.

 

Additional services include colon cancer screening kits for those who qualify and body composition analysis. The test kits, a less invasive way to screen for colon cancer, can be completed in the privacy of one’s own home. Body composition analysis allows participants to see total weight and how many pounds of that weight are made up of muscle, fat, and water. It can track changes in muscle and fat tissue, and physical fitness improvements when weight may not change.

 

The Mobile Health Unit will be offering health screenings at Industry Food Bank on Monday, August 3 from 9-11 a.m.; Fairbanks Food Bank on Monday, August 3 from noon-2 p.m.; Rangeley Food Bank on Tuesday, August 4 from 10 a.m.-noon; Rangeley IGA on Tuesday, August 4 from 12:30-3 p.m.; Farmington Save-A-Lot on Wednesday, August 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Wilton Blueberry Festival, next to Franklin Savings Bank on Friday, August 7 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.; Sandy River Farm Supply in New Sharon on Monday, August 10 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m.; Livermore Falls Food City on Tuesday, August 11 from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.; Livermore Falls Food Bank on Tuesday, August 11 from 2-4 p.m.; Salem Food Bank on Tuesday, August 18 from 1-4 p.m.; Fotter’s Market in Stratton on Thursday, August 20 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.; and Phillips Old Home Days, at the Phillips Library on Friday, August 21 from 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

 

All services are provided free. Donations are accepted. For more information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750 or jwalker@fchn.org.

 

Governor Signs Proclamation Recognizing Maine Korean War Veterans

July 24, 2015

For Immediate Release: Friday, July 24, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Maine Korean War Veteran Recognition Day is Monday, July 27. To mark the special day, Governor Paul R. LePage today signed a proclamation honoring all Korean War Veterans and encouraged Mainers to recognize the observance.

The proclamation recognizes all Maine Korean War veterans, as well as the 38 POW/MIA and 245 lives lost by the State of Maine during the war. More than 36,000 lives were lost in the United States and more than 100,000 wounded.

“Their legacy of patriotism and dedication to country is an inspiration to all Americans,” stated Governor LePage. “This is a war that many consider the “forgotten war” so it’s important that we remember and honor our veterans for their service and sacrifice.”

The proclamation language is as follows:

WHEREAS, on June 25, 1950, Communist North Korea invaded the Republic of Korea with approximately 135,000 troops, initiating the Korean War; and

WHEREAS, nearly 1.8 million members of the United States Armed Forces served along with the forces of the Republic of Korea and 20 other Allied nations under the United Nations Command to defend freedom and democracy in the Korean Peninsula; and

WHEREAS, the United States suffered with 36,574 lives lost and 103,284 wounded, and the State of Maine lost 38 POW/MIA and 245 lives during the Korean War in some of the most horrific conditions in the history of warfare; and

WHEREAS, 60 years have passed since the signing of the cease-fire agreement at Panmunjom on July 27, 1953, yet the Korean peninsula still technically remains in a state of war, and the Korean War has become a “Forgotten War” to many Americans; and

WHEREAS, many of the members of the Armed Forces who fought in the Korean War returned home without the fanfare that greeted the heroes of World Wars I and II; and

WHEREAS, the Korean War veterans deserve to be recognized by all Americans for their honorable service during the Korean War in the defense of democracy and freedom.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAUL R. LEPAGE, Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim that July 27, 2015 to be

MAINE KOREAN WAR VETERAN RECOGNITION DAY

throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to recognize this observance.

 

Governor LePage Provides Needed Funds to Non-Profit Community Organizations

July 23, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 23, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has allocated State Contingent Account funds to several non-profit organizations, which will benefit thousands of Mainers.

“Every year, I first prioritize any state emergency needs that arise during the beginning of the fiscal year. Toward the end of the year, I designate remaining funds to community programs,” said Governor LePage. “There are so many wonderful non-profits serving the needs of Mainers, which range from food banks to recovery and rehabilitation centers to veterans support organizations. Each is worthy in its own right, and they all provide opportunities and assistance to those in need.”

Each fiscal year, the Legislature appropriates funds to be expended at the direction of the Governor. According to Maine statute, the Governor may allocate from the State Contingent Account amounts not to exceed in total the sum of $300,000 in any fiscal year and not to exceed in total the sum of $4,350,000.

The following is a list of allocations from the State Contingent Account for fiscal year 2015:

Shepherd Godparent Home – $10,000
A registered 501(c)(3) organization in Bangor, the Shepherd's Godparent Home provides housing, vocational, educational and other support services to young women who are pregnant and in crisis. The support services include counseling, educational opportunities, career development and medical care. Funds will be directed toward construction of an additional transitional apartment unit to serve more residents.

House in the Woods – $20,000
A registered 501(c)(3) organization located in Lee, Maine, House in the Woods offers free outdoor retreat programs for veterans and their families to assist in the journey toward healing the mental and physical pain of loss. The funds will help connect military families to one another and with local sportsmen to experience the recreational, therapeutic and educational properties of Maine's wilderness and outdoor heritage.

Challenger Learning Center – $30,000
A registered 501(c)(3) organization in Bangor, The Challenger Learning Center provides hands-on educational experiences and simulations in Space and Earth Science for students during the school year and in summer camps to inspire students to seek secondary education and high quality careers. The funds will enable more students to have access to the Center's STEM education programs.

My Place Teen Center – $50,000
A registered 501(c)(3) organization in Westbrook, My Place Teen Center serves at-risk youth in Cumberland and York Counties. The free program, available year-round, provides teens with a safe haven outside of school while offering academic and life skills support and meals. The funds will aid in the launching of a three-year effort to closely monitor and evaluate the long-term effects of programs on participants, with the goal of applying the results to positively impact more teens.

Highlands Senior Center – $20,000
A registered 501(c)(3) organization, the Maine Highlands Senior Center in Dover-Foxcroft is currently under construction and will provide day services to local senior citizens. The construction involves renovation of the historic Central Hall at an estimated cost of $1.9 million, of which $600,000 remains to be raised. The facility, which will not be a residential facility, will enable social interaction and support for seniors who live at home with their families and will operate using a "medical model" with nurses and medication assistants on staff. The Center anticipates the creation of eight to 10 new positions with the ability to provide daily services for as many as 18 families.

Windham Veterans Center – $10,000
A registered 501(c)(9) organization, the Windham Veterans Association is raising funds to fulfill the vision started by the late association president, Stuart "Toby" Pennels. The Toby's Dream Campaign seeks to raise funds to complete external renovations and paving at the Windham Veterans Center, to improve visibility and access of the facility from the main road. The association anticipates that the improvements will help increase revenue from renting the center for private events. The increased revenue will enable the association to increase the number of veterans served.

DownEast Magazine – The Art of Giving Gala – $6,000
Six organizations to get $1,000 each: 1) The Locker Project at the Good Shepherd Food Bank, 2) Colby College Museum of Art, 3) North Haven Emergency Medical Services, 4) Maine College of Art Scholarship Fund, 5) the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association, 6) Bowdoin College of Art.

Professional Training for Teachers – $7,129
Reimbursement to provide Regional School Unit 50 for the training of two teachers at an out-of-state conference on the subject of dyslexia.

SEALSfit – Supporting Maine Youth – $16,000
The Maine Leadership Institute of Scarborough and the Portland Police Department have designed a program to enhance the self-esteem and personal resilience of our youth, as well as to empower them to build bridges with other culturally diverse youth in their communities. The program, called SEALSfit, combines seminars on topics such as values, leadership and communication along with with physical fitness based team-building drills lead by former Navy SEALS. The program provides an experience and access to resources that youth can build upon to positively impact their communities.

Maine NASCAR Race Car – $15,000
Promotes the State of Maine nationally through a Maine NASCAR race car. These funds were combined with other Department funds to purchase Maine logos and "Open for Business" decals for the car. In addition, a number of events were held at the three races and in Maine.

Mental Health Crisis Intervention Training – $10,000
The Maine Chapter of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI Maine) provides training and certification on Mental Health First Aid, which helps law enforcement officers and members of the public identify, understand and respond to signs of addictions and mental illnesses. In the last year, NAMI Maine has trained and certified 1,200 people in Mental Health First Aid. Training of this nature helps people identify and support those around them who may be contemplating suicide as a result of their mental illness. In addition, this training helps law enforcement officers identify signs of mental illness and provides them with information on how best to interact with people with mental illness. The funds authorized by this financial order will provide training for up to 200 individuals.

Vietnam Veterans – $1,000
The American Legion Post 148 in Windham conducted a series of events honoring Vietnam Veterans on Memorial Day. The observances on Memorial Day 2015 focused on commemorations centered on the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War. The funds authorized by this financial order will provide funding assistance in support of events, which include wreath-laying ceremonies and ceremonies honoring Vietnam veterans.

Easter Seals Maine - $10,000
The mission of Easter Seals Maine is to provide exceptional services to ensure that all people with disabilities or special needs and their families have equal opportunities to live, learn, work and play in their communities. This includes the Military and Veterans Services Program which provides critical and timely financial assistance to veterans, service members and their families to ensure dignity, health and overall well-being. The funds will provide assistance for unmet needs of veterans returning from combat and transitioning to civilian life. This funding includes assistance in housing, medical, financial and family support.

Governor’s Summit on Human Trafficking – $25,000
The goal of the Governor's Summit on Human Trafficking is to create a comprehensive state-wide action plan to combat human trafficking in Maine. Previously entitled "Not Here" conferences, the gatherings included participation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security, the U.S. Attorney - District of Maine, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the Maine Attorney General office, local district attorneys, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and numerous victim service providers. The conferences have expanded in scope and attendance, requiring transition to a Governor's Summit. The Governor's Summit on Human Trafficking will educate attendees on the exploitation of women, identify labor trafficking in Maine, offer sessions focusing on different state locations, develop best practices regarding reporting policies and procedures, and create a state-wide action plan to combat human trafficking.

 

 

Dr. Ryan Whitt Joins Franklin Health Pediatrics

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Franklin Health Pediatrics is pleased to announce that pediatrician Ryan Whitt, MD, has joined its practice. Other providers in the medical practice include Lorien Batt, MD; Gabriel Civiello, MD; Erika Schumacher, MD, and Nicole Donahue, CPNP.

 

Dr. Whitt completed his medical degree from Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine, graduating in the top 25 of his medical class. He then completed a three-year residency in pediatrics at Nationwide Children’s Hospital/Ohio State University.

 

During his residency Dr. Whitt was the recipient of the Gold Humanism Honor Society Excellence in Teaching Award. Besides primary care pediatrics, his professional interests also include medical education. Dr. Whitt is a member of the American Academy of Pediatrics and American Medical Association.

 

During his free time Dr. Whitt enjoys participating and competing in athletic and outdoors activities including hiking, white water rafting, tennis, basketball, and skiing.

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics offers a full range of medical care for newborns through teens. Services include: well-child care and immunizations, sports physicals, adolescent gynecological care, asthma care, and acute and chronic illness care.

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics also provides walk-in urgent care services for its patients from 7:45−8:45 a.m., Monday−Friday. This service is for patients who have acute, short-term illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention, but aren’t life threatening. These may include earaches, sore throats, coughs and sprains, among others.

 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Whitt, call Franklin Health Pediatrics at 778-0482 or visit the practice located on the first floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus.

 

 

Flags to Half-Staff Until Saturday in Honor of United States Marines and Navy Officer Killed in Chattanooga

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – On Monday, Governor Paul R. LePage ordered that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag at all state facilities be flown at half-staff, effective immediately through Friday, July 24, in honor of the United States Marines and Navy Officer killed last week in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Today, President Obama issued a proclamation ordering the lowering of flags on all public buildings and grounds to half-staff until sunset on Saturday, July 25.

Governor LePage issued the following statement when directing flags to half-staff on Monday, July 20:

“The shootings in Chattanooga were horrific acts of violence that took five brave Americans who fought to protect the freedoms we all share today,” said Governor LePage. “Ann and I join Mainers in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of the service members whose lives ended too soon because of a senseless and cowardly act. We will honor these heroes with the symbol of our great nation, which they so proudly served. I encourage all Mainers to lower flags in respect for them as we continue to mourn.”

 

 Annual Healthcare Golf Classic Nets $25,000

Benefits two local health care services

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More than $25,000 was raised at Franklin Community Health Network’s (FCHN) annual Healthcare Golf Classic held July 12 and 13 at the Sugarloaf Golf Club. Proceeds from the tournament benefit the Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) of Greater Franklin County and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center.

 

Twenty teams from throughout New England took part in the event.

 

Franklin Printing comprised of Greg and Ann Nemi, Devon Smith, and Dan DiPompo took first place gross at Monday’s tournament, a four-person scramble. Other winners were Team Webber with second gross that included Peter Webber, Seth Wescott, Karl Strand, and Dana Bullen, and third gross was Franklin Memorial Hospital’s team of John Arsenault, Mark Malone, Quinn Allen, and Joe Francoeur.

 

Nason Mechanical comprised of Rick Murphy, Fred Hall, Jr., Jeff Bolduc and Greg Bubier took first place net, followed by Western Mountain Financial Services in second place consisting of Jared Ranger, Matt Casavant, Kris Orrok and Tom Bureau, and the Kyes Insurance team of Rock Bjorn, Flint Christie, Jill Perry, and JB Christie placed third.

 

The tournament featured closest-to-the-pin and longest drive contests. Closest-to-the-pin winners were Karl Strand, Seth Wescott, Dave Cota, and John Cureton, while the men’s and women’s longest drive winners were Tom Bureau and Sarah Klein.

The winner of Sunday’s preliminary tournament was Nason Mechanical.

 

The event’s title sponsor was Nason Mechanical, and other major sponsors included Mercer, Cianbro, DiGiorgio Associates/Monitor Builders, Lincoln Financial, and Synernet.

 

Jill Gray, FCHN communications and fund development manager stated, “We are delighted to have celebrated the twenty-eighth year of the Healthcare Golf Classic. Its longevity and success is due to the fantastic support from teams and players who take part each year, as well as the corporate sponsors that make this a successful event.”

 

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center, a program of Franklin Memorial Hospital, provides timely access to state-of-the-art breast cancer screening, diagnostic, clinical, and care support services. The Center, with locations in Farmington and Livermore Falls, memorializes the Carrabassett Valley resident who died from breast cancer.

 

The HCC and its mobile health unit uses a coordinated public health approach of education, health promotion, and outreach to improve the health and well-being of area residents. HCC is an affiliate of Franklin Community Health Network.

 

For additional information, contact Gray at 779-2555.

 

Governor Directs Flags to Half-Staff in Honor of United States Marines and Navy Officer Killed in Chattanooga

July 20, 2015

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 20, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today ordered that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag at all state facilities be flown at half-staff, effective immediately through Friday, July 24, in honor of four United States Marines and a Navy Petty Officer killed in Chattanooga, Tenn.

“The shootings in Chattanooga were horrific acts of violence that took five brave Americans who fought to protect the freedoms we all share today,” said Governor LePage. “Ann and I join Mainers in sending our thoughts and prayers to the families of the service members whose lives ended too soon because of a senseless and cowardly act. We will honor these heroes with the symbol of our great nation, which they so proudly served. I encourage all Mainers to lower flags in respect for them as we continue to mourn.”

 

 

Healthy Community Coalition Sponsoring Summer Activities for Youth in Franklin County Through Grant

 

The Healthy Community Coalition will be sponsoring summer activities for school-aged youth in Franklin County through the Carol M. White Physical Education Program Grant. Several area partners have been engaged to offer a variety of physical activity opportunities throughout Franklin County.

 

Approximately 50 youth in Mt. Blue RSD schools have signed up for one-week slots at the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center. Registration for this program occurred prior to the end of the school year and filled quickly. Upcoming theme weeks include Super Hero Celebration, a Western Theme, and Summer Olympics. Each week has a field trip to a fun location. Many of the available slots have been filled; however, contact the UMF Fitness and Recreation Center about space availability at 778-7138.

 

The Carrabassett Valley Recreation Department is offering the following programs:

            Canoeing, Mondays from 8am- 4pm beginning July 13 through August 24, Ages 10-14

            Mountain Bike Camp, M-F from 8am - 4pm, July 20 through July 24, Ages 8-18

            Mountain Bike Camp, M-F from 8am - 4pm, July 27-July 31, Ages 8-18

Canoes and bikes are available for use. To register, please call the Carrabassett Valley Recreation Department at 237-5566. When registering, please indicate if your child will need equipment or will be bringing their own.

 

A series of four golf lessons will be offered at Wilson Lake Country Club in Wilton on Wednesdays beginning July 22 from 5:30 p.m.-7 p.m. Golf clubs will be available for use. Please call the country club at 645-2016 to register your child.

 

A summer program at Strong School will be taking place on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9am to 2pm, July 14-30 for kids in grades 1-5. A field trip on Thursdays to area attractions is planned. Children attending this program will be offered a free breakfast and lunch through the Summer Meals Program.  Slots for this program are currently full.

 

Mt. Abram High School is offering an Adventure Program for High School students on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from July 14-30.  This is a partnership with the GEAR UP program and students will be taking a 3-day trip to Jackman the last week of the program.  To register please call 347-9515.

 

All programs are offered free of charge through grant funding.

 

For questions regarding the grant or the required data collection, please contact Laurie Soucy at lsoucy@fchn.org or (207)779-2924.

 

 AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage submitted a request today for an opinion from the Maine Supreme Judicial Court on whether the 65 bills he vetoed have become law or not.

“Now that the Legislature has refused to consider the vetoes, my constitutional duty as Governor to ‘take care that the laws be faithfully executed’ is in question,” the Governor stated in the request. “I must know whether my vetoes stand."

When the Legislature adjourned on June 30 with no date to reconvene, the Governor was prevented from returning the bills to their houses of origin. This triggered a constitutional provision that a Governor could hold the bills until the Legislature reconvened for three consecutive days.

To expedite the process for the Legislature to consider the vetoes, Governor LePage returned the bills to their houses of origin on July 16, the earliest opportunity he could return them after the Legislature’s adjournment on June 30. Both the Speaker of the House and Senate President refused to consider the vetoes.

The Governor asked for the Law Court’s opinion on three questions. “We must know what type of adjournment prevents the return of a bill to the Legislature,” he stated. “We must know whether the Legislature triggered the constitutional three-day procedure for the exercise of the Governor’s veto. And finally, we must know whether the 65 bills I returned to the Legislature on July 16 were presented properly before that body for reconsideration."

 

Governor Offers Bill to Extend Deadline on Land for Maine’s Future Bonds

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage Wednesday announced he has submitted legislation to extend the land conservation bond authorized in 2010, which is set to expire in November.

Under the Maine Constitution, bonds may be reauthorized, provided the Legislature votes to reauthorize within 2 years of expiration of the bonds. Governor LePage delivered his bill, which is sponsored by House Republican leader Ken Fredette, Wednesday to the Revisor’s Office reauthorizing the 2010 land conservation bond until the end of fiscal year 2016 – June 30, 2016.

In return, the Governor would like to use this additional year that the bill will provide to work with the Legislature on the land conservation issue.

“I am not opposed to the Land for Maine’s Future Program,” said Governor LePage. “What I have repeatedly shared with the Legislature is that before the State spends more money on more land conservation, which primarily benefits the wealthy, I want to first make sure that we take care of Maine’s neediest.”

Currently there is $8 million in an account that is funded by the harvest of timber on state-owned land. The Governor has proposed on more than one occasion, including in a Governor’s bill during this past session, that the State utilize $5 million from this account to help Maine’s poor with home heating costs. However, the Governor’s bill was killed.

“This bond reauthorization bill will provide more time for legislators to discuss