Media Advisory: Governor LePage to Meet with Lewiston and Auburn Mayors

January 27, 2016

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 27, 2016 Contact: Peter A. Steele, Communications Director

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage will meet for lunch today in his hometown with Lewiston Mayor Bob Macdonald and Auburn Mayor Jonathan P. LaBonte, both of whom were re-elected with decisive victories in November 2015.

The Governor will meet with the mayors at Simones Hot Dog Stand in Downtown Lewiston, a well-known eatery just blocks from where he grew up in Little Canada. Owned by the same family since 1908, Simones has been a favorite place for political leaders to visit for decades.

Mayor LaBonte is also the Director of the Governor's Office of Policy and Management.

WHEN: Today, January 27, Noon to 1 p.m.

WHERE: Simones Hot Dog Stand, 99 Chestnut Street, Lewiston

 

Thank you everyone who was able to attend - for a great meeting tonight. To summarize some of the things we are in need of (and please feel free to share this!):

 

1) Still looking for donations - either monetary or gift certificates to use for covering operating costs and as prizes for the events. We will advertise/promote for those donating. If anyone can check with local businesses, please do!

 

2) Music for the skate rink. If anyone has some type of music system that could be used to play music at the rink. 

 

3) A large tent with sides on it for use as a warming tent - to house food vendors and tables/chairs. We have a 20x30 but need another one to put with it, or one large tent. (Last year they used a 30x50)

 

4) We are selling 50/50 tickets and will have raffles for sale at the event (buy tickets and put into the raffle can of your choice). We have an Adirondack ski chair (pic attached) that we are selling raffles for (both the day of and ahead of time at the Town Office). 

 

5) We have openings for food vendors. Must be non-profits, first come first reserve for space inside the warming tent and for choice of items sold. Please contact me for more info.

 

6) People to help set up. Some set up will be done Friday afternoon - laying out area, putting up snow fence, etc. And more done Saturday morning starting at 8. 

 

7) People to man the raffle table during the event.

 

8) Get the word out. We have posters available at the Town Office, we have a Face Book page and we are trying to spread the word to as many people as we can reach. Please help us make this a success by getting the word out!

 

Thank you to everyone that is helping with this! Reminder - we will be meeting again next Tuesday night at 6:00 at the Jay Town Office.

 Healthy Community Coalition to Host Free Family Ski Nights

at Titcomb Mountain

 

Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County (HCC) is offering a free family ski night on February 5 from 4-8 p.m. at Titcomb Mountain in Farmington. Funding to make this event possible is provided through the Drug-Free Communities grant and the Carol M. White PEP grant with a focus on getting youth and families active in the community.

 

In addition, HCC is organizing free family events during school vacation week, February 15-19 ^, that include bowling, sledding, and ice skating for RSU #9 children and their families.

 

On February 19, HCC programs will partner with University Credit Union to offer an additional night of free family skiing at Titcomb from 4-8 p.m. HCC staff will be at the lodge to hand out lift tickets. Come meet Monty Moose; there will also be games, goodies, and free giveaways to those who attend

 

State of the State will be delivered in historic fashion

This year I will not deliver my State of the State speech to the Legislature. Instead, I’ll follow the historical precedent of sending a written message to the Legislature.

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

The State of the Union was always delivered as a written message to Congress until President Woodrow Wilson began the modern tradition of delivering it in person to lawmakers. 

I would rather talk with Mainers at my town halls. The truth is, I’ve delivered the State of the State to Legislators for five years —only to have it fall on deaf ears.

Last year, socialist legislators wasted more than six months of the taxpayers’ time and money on a political witch hunt. While Mainers were literally dropping dead from the drug crisis, these legislators were grandstanding for the cameras, hoping to score political points by attacking me.

Mainers did not send us to Augusta to play childish games. They sent us here to reform welfare, lower taxes, end the drug epidemic and find ways to keep our young people in Maine.

Mainers want their government to help them prosper and improve our state. That’s why I am bringing the issues directly to the people at my town halls and outlining my vision to make Maine prosperous. 

If they truly want to work for the people of Maine, legislators should listen to the people who put them in office in the first place. 

My vision is clear: Continue to reform welfare and strengthen the safety net for our most vulnerable; continue to lower taxes for all Mainers so they have more money in their paychecks; reduce energy costs for businesses so we can attract companies with good paying careers. Way too much money is spent on energy costs that could conversely go to wages; address the high cost of student debt that is burdening young people from living and working in Maine; and get tough on drugs by stiffening drug crime penalties, as well as cutting off the deadly drug supply by arresting traffickers who are crossing into our state.

The State of the State is about a long-term vision. Rather than deliver to Mainers once a year, I will continue to bring it directly to Maine people every week.

Thank you for listening.

 

Clinical Social Worker Joins Farmington Family Practice

Laflin Perform direct delivery of behavioral health services on the spot rather

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice is pleased to announce that Brent Laflin, LCSW, a licensed clinical social worker has joined its clinical staff to provide behavioral health services for patients.

 

Having clinical social workers alongside health care providers is a new integrated model being used at all four Franklin Health primary care medical practices. Social workers deliver behavioral health services on the spot—rather than by referral—providing immediate assessment and diagnosis and brief solution-based therapy for patients of all ages. They also provide patient education and support and complete referrals to case management and other services as needed.

 

Laflin received his master’s degree in social work in 2010 at the University of Maine, Orono. He earned his bachelor’s of fine arts degree with honors from the University of Southern Maine in 1993. Laflin has extensive experience providing outpatient therapy and case management services.

 

“Adding a social worker to the team in a primary care setting removes barriers and improves access for patients. They now have immediate support from a group of health professionals who work together to coordinate care so our patients can be as healthy as possible,” said Dr. Kendra Emery. “We believe that this collaborative approach improves continuity of care and produces better health outcomes at lower costs for our patients.”

 

In his spare time Laflin sings and plays guitar and mandolin for anyone who will listen.

 

For appointments call 778-3326.

 

Governor LePage Issues Emergency Declaration to Assist Mainers to Keep Warm

January 13, 2016

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has signed an Emergency Proclamation allowing Maine fuel transport and delivery trucks to drive additional hours to ensure timely heating fuel deliveries during the cold winter weather.

“The declaration allows heating fuel to be delivered to Maine families when they need it most,” Governor LePage said. “Keeping homes warm is critical to protect the public health and safety of Mainers.”

Heating fuel and bulk petroleum products in Maine continue to be in great demand due to a number of factors, including cold winter weather and regional and national storage and supply issues. Much of the heating fuels and bulk petroleum products are being delivered from outside of the State of Maine, which adds to the delivery time.

The Governor’s proclamation waives U.S. Department of Transportation rules and extends the hours of service for heating fuel transport and delivery trucks within the State of Maine through February 11, 2016. The Declaration language is as follows:

Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for US-DOT Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Hours of Service Waiver

WHEREAS, heating fuel and bulk petroleum products in Maine continue to be in great demand due to a number of factors, including cold winter weather; and

WHEREAS, much of the heating fuels and bulk petroleum products are being delivered from outside of the State of Maine, adding to delivery time; and

WHEREAS, homes and businesses alike are impacted; and

WHEREAS, federal motor carrier safety regulations determine the number of hours the drivers of heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport vehicles may operate; and

WHEREAS, many drivers in the State will shortly be approaching their federal limit on hours of operation and may have to cease delivery of heating fuel and bulk petroleum fuels; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten essential public health and safety services and endanger public property if heating fuels and bulk petroleum products cannot be transported or delivered within the State of Maine; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow heating fuels, specifically fuel oil, propane and natural gas delivery and transport drivers to operate additional hours; and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that are not directly supporting fuel delivery in the State of Maine, or that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23,

NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency within Maine for heating fuel and bulk petroleum delivery drivers as of January 12, 2016 through February 11, 2016.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following:

1. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given a least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is required to return to service.

2. Drivers operating under this proclamation shall carry a copy of the proclamation with them as evidence of their direct support to the State of Maine during this emergency period.

Paul R. LePage
Governor

 

 

Governor Seeks Judicial Candidates for the Maine Courts

January 12, 2016

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 12, 2016
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage today announced that his Judicial Selection Committee will accept applications for expected vacancies on Maine’s Superior and District Judicial Courts. Applications will be accepted until January 22, 2016.

“I take great pride in the process to select outstanding members of the Maine Bar and Maine Bench to rise to these important roles within our justice system,” said Governor LePage, “I have great respect for the Judicial Branch of Government and look forward to selecting candidates of the highest ethical, legal and intellectual caliber to fill these positions on the bench.”

The Governor’s Judicial Selection Committee will accept applications until January 22, 2016. All inquiries and applications materials are to be directed to John McGough, Chief of Staff. Interested individuals who have submitted an application since July 1, 2014 to the present need not reapply to be considered for these vacancies. Individuals who may have submitted applications prior to July 1, 2014 and who wish to be considered for the current opening should send a letter of interest or other transmittal indicating their continued interest in the position.

Application materials are online at http://www.maine.gov/governor/lepage/cabinet/appointments/process.shtml.

 

Governor Declares Limited Emergency to Help Restore Power

January 11, 2016

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 11, 2016 Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary (207) 287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has signed a limited Emergency Declaration allowing electric utility contractors from Canada into Maine to assist with power restoration efforts following Sunday's strong rain and wind storm.

There were approximately 27,000 outages Monday morning and assistance is needed to aid in rapid restoration efforts. The declaration will help Maine power providers pre-place their crews by extending the hours their crews can drive.

“This effort will allow power crews to restore power in areas that were impacted by the storm," Governor LePage said. “The ability to have electrical service repaired quickly is critical to protect public health and safety of Mainers.”

The Governor's proclamation waives Federal Department of Transportation rules and extends the hours of service for workers, and allows additional crews from other states to assist with repairs.

The text of the proclamation follows:

State of Maine Governor’s Emergency Proclamation for Electricity Restoration Efforts

WHEREAS, the State of Maine is experiencing the effects of high winds and storm conditions that have impacted transportation routes and put thousands of Maine homes and businesses out of power; and

WHEREAS, work crews will have to work many hours to clear roads and restore power; and

WHEREAS, power restoration crews have been requested from other service areas as well as Canadian provinces to assist in power restoration; and

WHEREAS, federal rules determine the number of hours the driver of an electrical line repair vehicle may operate; and

WHEREAS, drivers of such vehicles must cease operations when they reach the federal limit on hours of operation, and therefore would have to cease power restoration; and

WHEREAS, these conditions threaten public health and safety and endanger the property of Maine homes and businesses; and

WHEREAS, these conditions are expected to extend until January 15, 2016; and

WHEREAS, the declaration of a State of Emergency will facilitate the granting of a waiver from the U.S. Department of Transportation - Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 to allow relief from 49 CFR parts 390 through 399, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, and subject to the limitations described below, and therefore allow drivers of electrical line repair vehicles to operate additional hours; and

WHEREAS, motor carriers that have an Out-Of-Service Order in effect may not take advantage of the relief from regulation that such a declaration provides under 49 CFR 390.23;

NOW THEREFORE, I, Paul R. LePage, Governor of the State of Maine, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and laws of Maine, find that these conditions constitute a civil emergency under 37-B M.R.S.A. section 742, and for the purpose pursuant to 49 CFR part 390.23 of facilitating a waiver to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, specifically 49 CFR part 395 Hours of Service of Drivers, do hereby declare that a State of Emergency within Maine as of January 11, 2016 through January 15, 2016.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following:

1. No motor carrier operating under the terms of this emergency declaration shall require or allow an ill or fatigued driver to operate a motor vehicle. A driver who notifies a motor carrier that he or she needs immediate rest shall be given a least ten (10) consecutive hours off-duty before the driver is required to return to service.

2. Drivers operating under this proclamation shall carry a copy of the proclamation with them as evidence of their direct support to the State of Maine during this emergency period.

Paul R. LePage

Governor

 Health Network Participating in MaineHealth Food Fight!

Franklin Community Health Network is seeking healthy recipes featuring cabbage

Farmington¾

 

This winter, organizations across the MaineHealth system are launching Food Fight!, a battle of fruit and vegetable recipes, and a friendly competition among MaineHealth member organizations.  

 

The MaineHealth Food Fight is a way to highlight healthy eating by sharing recipes that feature local fruits and vegetables. In Greater Franklin County, Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) is seeking healthy recipes featuring cabbage. Recipes can be a salad, soup, dessert, or side dish.

 

It’s easy to get involved. FCHN just needs your best ideas! Here are the steps:

1. Find your best cabbage recipe,

2. Go to http://www.MaineHealthFoodFight.com, and

3. Submit your recipe in the form.

 

The panel that will judge FCHN’s cabbage recipe submissions in February include: members of food service (Scott Foster and Katie Drouin), Let’s Go! (Molly Clark), members of the WOW Council (Lorri Brown and Susan Carlton), administration (Jolene Libby), and marketing (Jill Gray).

 

Once selected, the top two recipes will be prepared and served in the Franklin Memorial Hospital Healthy Heart Café in March. Cafeteria attendees will have the chance to taste and vote for their favorite dish. The dish with the most votes will advance to the final round.

 

Other MaineHealth organizations involved in Food Fight and their respective fruit or vegetable include: HomeHealth Visiting Nurses, mushrooms; LincolnHealth, pumpkin; MaineHealth Accountable Care Organization, tomatoes; MaineHealth corporate, potatoes; Maine Behavioral Healthcare, beets; Maine Medical Center, broccoli; Memorial Hospital, kale; NorDx, carrots; Pen Bay Medical Center, apples; Southern Maine Health Care, winter squash; Synernet, parsnips; Waldo County General Hospital, blueberries; and Western Maine Health, spinach.

 

The purpose of the event is to build engagement with communities in support of MaineHealth’s mission and vision. The Food Fight will highlight the important role that healthy foods play in making our communities the healthiest in America.

 

The final round is a tasting event and celebration held at MaineHealth at 110 Free Street in Portland on March 29, from 3-5 p.m., where all MaineHealth member organizations will come together to sample the top recipes from each organization. All of the winning recipes will be prepared by a catering company and attendees will vote on which one takes the top spot. Judging also includes taste-testing by a panel of local celebrity judges.

 

Winners will receive the following great prizes:

·         The two individuals with the top recipe submissions at each organization, including FCHN, will receive a Food Fight prize package, including a Food Fight apron. 

·         The top two recipes at each organization will also be featured in a Food Fight Recipe book, which will be distributed in April. 

·         The individual with the winning recipe at each organization will be invited to attend the final round of the Food Fight where his or her recipe will be judged alongside other recipes from MaineHealth member organizations.

·         The individual who wins the final round of the Food Fight will receive a $250 Hannaford gift card.

 

Deadline for recipe submissions is February 8. For more details and to share a healthy recipe, go to http://www.MaineHealthFoodFight.com.

 

Franklin Community Health Network became the thirteenth member of the MaineHealth system in October 2014.

 

2-year Sugarloaf Season Pass being Raffled at Charity Summit

Proceeds benefit two Maine organizations fighting cancer

Farmington¾

 

One highlight of Sugarloaf’s Charity Summit this month is the drawing of an adult 2-year nordic and alpine season pass at Sugarloaf, valid for the 2016/17 and 2017/18 ski seasons, transferable and with no blackout dates. All proceeds from Charity Summit events benefit Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center and the Maine Cancer Foundation.

 

Raffle tickets are just $10 each or three tickets for $25. Raffle tickets can be purchased at Guest Services at Sugarloaf (cash or checks only) and online by credit card. The winner will be drawn at the Charity Summit Ball on January 30. The lucky winner need not be present to win and can give the 2-year pass to someone else!

 

So buy your tickets today for a chance to win and to support two worthy causes! Purchase online at www.sugarloafcharitysummit.org, (see navigation link at the top right of the page).

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital’s Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center provides timely access to state-of-the-art screening, diagnostic, clinical, and care-support services, provided by a multi-disciplinary team of experts. Services are available to all, regardless of their ability to pay in both Farmington and Livermore Falls. www.fchn.org/FMH/services/breast-care

 

Maine Cancer Foundation, established in 1976, improves the health and well-being of Maine people. A grant-based organization, the Foundation supports