Franklin Memorial Hospital Welcomes First Baby of 2015

Baby boy was born at 9:52 a.m. on January 1

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital is pleased to welcome its first baby of 2015, Adam Kevin Oberton. Dr. Tara Aumand of Franklin Health Women’s Care attended the birth of Adam, a 7 pound 1.2 ounce baby boy who was born at 9:52 a.m. on January 1.

 

Adams’s parents are John Oberton and Kimberly Bellanceau of Livermore. Adam is the couple’s third child, joining four-year-old brother Nathan and two-year-old brother Nickolas.

 

As Franklin Memorial Hospital’s first baby of 2015, Adam’s family will be presented with a Step 2 push around buggy donated by Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) on Friday, January 2, full of gifts donated by area merchants including: the Calico Patch, onesie; Devaney, Doak & Garrett Booksellers, book Farmyard Numbers; FMH Auxiliary Gift Shop, $50 gift certificate; FMH Maternal and Child Health Unit,  Bangor Savings Bank, $25 deposit account certificate; Trask Jewelers, infant spoon; and Hannaford, $25 gift card.

 Adams Achieves New Cardiac Rehab Certification

Is among the first 166 cardiac rehab professionals in the U.S. to obtain this honor

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) is pleased to announce that cardiac and pulmonary rehabilitation nurse Vicki Adams, RN, has passed the Certified Cardiac Rehabilitation Professional (CCRP) exam from the American Academy of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation.

 

FMH Cardio/Pulmonary Manager David Ames said this credential is new within the cardiac rehab profession and is the only comprehensive professional certification in cardiac rehab. “Vicki’s hard work, study, and perseverance has helped her achieve a significant goalundefinedrecognition of her skills and knowledge as a cardiac rehabilitation professional.”

 

Adams is among the first 166 cardiac rehabilitation professionals in the U.S. to obtain this honor Ames added.

 

The exam assesses proficiency via exam questions that evaluate knowledge of facts, concepts and processes required to complete tasks in the following areas: patient assessment; management of nutrition, weight, blood pressure, blood lipids, and diabetes; psychosocial management; tobacco cessation; and physical activity counseling and exercise training.

 

The FMH cardiac rehabilitation program, located on the first floor of the hospital, sees patients on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Patients learn about their heart problem, how to increase physical activity safely, and lifestyle changes they can make to decrease future risk.

 

Maine Unemployment Rate Down to 5.7 Percent

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

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a statement today about the 5.7 percent unemployment rate for November, which is down from 5.8 percent in October and down from 6.4 percent one year ago. The number of unemployed declined 5,400 over the year to 40,200.

The employment-to-population ratio, which is the percentage of adults who are employed and is a better indicator of economic recovery has held steady. Since the Governor took office employment to population ratio has increased much more than it has nationally and remains well above the national average.

“Our policies are working, and more and more Mainers are able to get a job and support their family,” said Governor LePage. “We will keep working until every Mainer who wants a good career can get one. When we work to lower taxes, create fair and consistent regulation and implement business-friendly policies, we help strengthen our economy.”

The Governor added, “We are also looking at ways in which we can grow our skilled workforce. Ensuring Mainers are able to transition from welfare to work is a priority of our administration. Our administration is committed to transitioning a welfare recipient to a career. It takes dedicated resources, time and effort of both the person receiving benefits and those providing the support.”

Private sector jobs were up 7,300 over the year, primarily in the professional and business services, education and healthcare sectors. The estimated decrease of government jobs is down by 400 from one year ago.

 

Reducing Domestic Violence Crime Remains Top Priority for Governor LePage

December 18, 2014

For Immediate Release: Thursday, December 18, 2014
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today approved funding for electronic monitoring programs in three counties in an effort to reduce domestic violence in Maine. The programs are part of a pilot project that will research the use of electronic devices on offenders as a way to increase compliance, reduce recidivism and maintain public safety.

The State Board o Corrections (SBOC) approved three applications on Wednesday. The SBOC announced Kennebec County will serve as the urban pilot project site, while Somerset County and Sagadahoc County will both serve as rural pilot project sites.

“Identifying and implementing programs that reduce domestic violence crimes across our State continues to be a priority for our administration,” said Governor LePage. “I appreciate the ongoing support Representative Ken Fredette has provided on this issue and in the coming weeks expect to introduce other initiatives to help end domestic violence. Meanwhile, this is a good step. Electronic monitoring has proven successful in other states, and I look forward to the results of these programs so we can move ahead on this as quickly as possible.”

The SBOC expects the pilot projects will run for up to six months, between January 1 and June 30, 2015. Kennebec County and Sagadahoc County will each receive $4,000 to begin the project, while Somerset County will receive an initial award of $2,000. Remaining funds will be distributed upon request and a demonstrated need by the three pilot project sites.

A financial order is required to allocate money from the $36,000 fund dedicated to the electronic monitoring program to those with whom the SBOC has contracted. The SBOC is independent of the State. However, in 2012 Governor LePage allotted nearly $20,000 toward the fund. The electronic monitoring task force, a seven-member group created by executive order of the Governor, was charged in 2011 with assessing the most effective and affordable ways to utilize electronic monitoring tools in Maine, as well as the most efficient ways to implement these systems. The first contribution of $18,000 came from the Second Annual Amy Lake Memorial 5K fundraiser. Steven Lake killed his wife, Amy, and her two children before turning the gun on himself. Amy had a protection order in place against her husband at the time.

 

Davis Playing Role in the Evolution of Nurse Education

Is clinical instructor at Franklin Memorial Hospital

 

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

 

Taffy Davis, MSN, RN-BC, a clinical instructor at Franklin Memorial Hospital, has additionally added part-time duties as a lead clinical instructor for the Maine Nurse Preceptor Education Program. This program is offered by Lunder-Dineen-Health Education Alliance of Maine (Lunder-Dineen), in collaboration with Massachusetts General Hospital.

 

The Maine Nurse Preceptor Education Program (MNPEP) began as a pilot in 2013 and developed by several Maine nurse educators under the Maine Partners in Nursing Education and Practice. It included online coursework and a face-to-face workshop.

 

MNPEP is broadening and expanding under Lunder-Dineen, offering free, easily accessible and evidence-based education to Maine health care professionals. Its goal is to improve the overall health of Maine residents by expanding their health knowledge and by advancing the skills and expertise of Maine health professionals.

 

Davis is additionally authoring an online module for a Charge Nurse program that is in development by the Association of Nurses in Professional Development. “These programs show the evolution of education for hospital-based nurses. It’s exciting to be a part of developing and providing education, not only for nurses at Franklin Memorial Hospital, but for Maine nurses and even those nationwide,” states Davis.

 

Davis has worked at Franklin Memorial Hospital since 1987. During her tenure, she has worked in the Emergency Department, managed several nursing departments, and currently works in the Education Department. Davis has a master of science in nursing, is board-certified in nursing professional development, and has completed classes in online learning and instructional design.

 

Mainers have spoken, and we have listened

During my first two years, we made good progress in moving Maine forward. In the past two years, we made very modest gains. But we could haveundefinedand should haveundefineddone much, much more.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

The people of Maine had a clear choice of which direction they want the state to go. They told us in November they want to keep reforming state government and to continue creating jobs.

They want to see more action and less rhetoric from their elected officials. They don’t want legislators playing backroom politics. They want us to get the job done.

That’s why we will continue to focus on four main priorities: welfare reform; spending reform; lowering energy costs; and reducing the size of government.

We are making significant progress in welfare reform, even though liberals from Washington, D.C. to Augusta, Maine are trying to derail our efforts.

We won’t stop implementing common-sense welfare reforms. The people of Maine told us they want welfare reform, and we will do what is right for them.

We will also do what is right for job creation. We need an economy that offers career jobs with higher pay and good benefits to Mainers.

Tax reforms, such as lowering the state income taxes, will attract companies and put money back in your pockets.

Lower energy costs are vital to attracting major employers, such as manufacturers and high-tech industries. It’s not a coincidence that states with the biggest growth are those with the lowest tax burdens and lowest energy costs.

When it comes to jobs, it’s the bottom line that keeps businesses in business. The costs of doing business in Maine must be competitive with other states if we are to attract the kind of good-paying jobs that will encourage young people and families to stay in Maine.

The size and cost of government should not burden hard-working families. We have been working to right-size government, but there is still more to do.

We must have an affordable and efficient government that is responsive to the needs of our citizens and our businesses. A government that is too big and too expensive takes money away from Mainers and discourages job creation.

Mainers and business owners want a government that spends their money as carefully as they do.

We have listened to you, and we hear you. We hope the legislature is listening too. We are not here to play political games. We are here to work for you, the people of Maine.

So rest assured, during the next four years I will continue do the right thing for Mainers.

 

Winter Windfall Raffle Tickets on Sale

Proceeds from the raffle will benefit Healthy Community Coalition

Farmington¾

 

Tickets for the Healthy Community Coalition’s (HCC) 5th annual Winter Windfall raffle are now available until the end of January. The raffle is sponsored by Franklin Community Health Network.

 

By donating $10 per ticket to HCC, the donor is eligible for 31 prizes to be drawn daily throughout January. Prizes include: a four-night townhouse stay on Rangeley Lake ($800 value); a guided drift boat trip ($400); 24" Sanyo HDTV ($279); area business, restaurant and massage gift certificates; ski passes to Sugarloaf and Sunday River; fitness memberships, and more!

 

The Winter Windfall raffle, a popular annual event, additionally gives a person the chance to win multiple times as all winning tickets are reentered into the drawing daily. Most prizes are valued at $50 or more. The tickets are the perfect stocking stuffer or gift for those who are hard to buy for.

 

“Proceeds from the raffle will allow HCC to offer services in the community not covered by grants, and allow for the expansion of current programs such as mobile health unit screenings and home visits to community members in need,” said Jennifer McCormack, executive director of Healthy Community Coalition.

 

Tickets for Winter Windfall are available from any HCC staff or board member, or by printing out and mailing in the form found at www.fchn.org/news. The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County is located at 105 Mt. Blue Circle, Suite #1 in Farmington.  For additional information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750.

 

Governor and First Lady Lay Wreaths to Remember, Honor and Teach

*Correction: 230,000 wreaths were placed on the headstones at Arlington National Cemetery this year. This is an increase of 87,000 wreaths from last year's 143,000.

Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-592-3718

Across America tribute draws thousands of volunteers to Arlington National Cemetery

ARLINGTON, VA – Today, joining nearly 30,000 volunteers, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage participated in the annual Wreaths Across America remembrance ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia. Paying tribute to the men and women who served our nation with dignity and honor, more than 230,000 remembrance wreaths were placed on their graves.

Since 1992, Morrill and Karen Worcester, founders of Worcester Wreath Company in Harrington, Maine have organized a group of volunteers to place wreaths in Arlington, Virginia. This is the project's 23rd year laying wreaths at our Nation's cemetery and signifies the largest amount of wreaths ever delivered. Across the country, 540,000 remembrance wreaths were placed in honor of our veterans at more than 900 locations.

The laying of the wreaths has become an annual tradition for the Governor and First Lady. For the past four years, First Lady LePage has traveled with the Wreaths Across America convoy – referred to as “The Arlington Project” – from Maine to Arlington National Cemetery, which began on Sunday, December 7.

“The support this project has received is overwhelming. This is the first year we have been able to ensure a wreath is placed on every single grave – all 400,000 men and women have a wreath,” said Mrs. LePage. “The effort of these volunteers and everybody who has donated to make this happen is amazing. The men and women we pay tribute to deserve this recognition for their service and they make me proud to be an American.”

Governor LePage and Mrs. LePage also placed a wreath at the mast of the U.S.S. Maine with various members of Maine law enforcement, including officers from the Portland Police Department. The mast was removed from the ship in 1905 shortly before the ship was taken out to sea and sunk with military honors. The mast was then installed above a memorial in Arlington National Cemetery in honor of those who lost their lives when the ship sank in Havana, Cuba, Harbor in 1898. This sinking was the event that started the Spanish-American War.

On Friday evening, the Governor and First Lady attended a rally in College Park Maryland for Wreaths Across America volunteers. The rally was held at Moose Lodge to welcome everyone and thank them for their time. “Mainers are generous and humble people who understand that freedom is not free,” Governor LePage said. “It is a true honor to stand beside my lovely wife and be a part of this tribute to honor and remember America’s heroes. I’m so very proud that this tradition began in Maine. Ann and I have had the privilege over the years to get to know Karen and Morrill who selflessly have dedicated themselves to their project’s mission: to remember the fallen, honor those who serve and their families and teach our children the value of freedom.”

For many years The Arlington Project had been the quiet mission of Morrill Worcester and his family. In 2006, internet stories fueled attention for his annual quest, and Worcester was contacted by the Patriot Guard Riders who generously offered their help with the project. Since then the Patriot Guard Riders have escorted the wreath trucks down the East Coast and taking several days to make the trip. This allows stops at schools, monuments, veterans’ homes and communities and gives the group an opportunity to promote their mission: Remember, Honor and Teach. This “parade” of truckers, supporters and well-wishers has become an annual event and teaching opportunity for Wreaths Across America and a valued part of the Arlington Project.

 

Healthy Community Coalition Releases Public Flu Shot Schedule

Farmington¾

 

The Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County has released its flu shot schedule. Staff will be available to administer the influenza vaccine (seasonal flu shot) to individuals 18 years old and older at numerous sites throughout our community.

 

The schedule is as follows:

 

·            Thursday 12/11 - Weld Town Office from 11 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

·            Thursday 12/11 - Carthage Town Office from 1 - 2:30 p.m.

·            Friday 12/12 - Farmington Public Library from 10 – 11:30 a.m.

·            Monday 12/15 - Stratton Library from 10 a.m. – noon

·            Thursday 12/18 – Phillips Town Office from 9 – 10:30 a.m.

·            Thursday 12/18 – Rangeley Library from 11:15 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

·            Thursday 12/18 – Strong Community Building from 2 – 3:30 p.m.

·            Tuesday 12/23 – Industry Town Hall 1 – 2:30 p.m.

·            Tuesday 12/30 – Carrabassett Valley Library from 2 – 4 p.m.

 

In the event of inclement weather that involves school closures, flu clinics on those dates will be rescheduled.

 

Please bring your insurance card and information with you. Most insurance companies cover the cost of receiving the shot. For individuals that do not have insurance there is a suggested donation of $20 or whatever you can afford.  Healthy Community Coalition purchases all vaccine used for the public clinics and appreciates donations to help cover costs for those in need. For more information, contact the Healthy Community Coalition at 779-2750.

 

 

Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage to Host Military Children’s Christmas Party

 

Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage to Host Military Children’s Christmas Party

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann LePage will host military families for a Christmas Party at the Blaine House on Saturday, December 6, 2014 from 1 to 3 p.m. Children and their families will enjoy Christmas cookies and hot cocoa with the Governor and First Lady and with special guests Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Maine’s military service members and their families make tremendous sacrifices on behalf of all of us,” said Mrs. LePage. “Many children are faced with the difficult task of a parent leaving home for deployment and being gone over the holidays. This is an opportunity for the Governor and me to show how much we sincerely appreciate their sacrifices while spending time together and enjoying some Christmas cheer.”

Any military family who wishes to attend should contact the Maine Army National Guard’s State Family Program to register either online at www.jointservicessupport.org or by calling the Child and Youth Specialist at 207-430-5773.