News

Ringing in the New Year with Bitter Cold Temps 

Governor LePage asks Mainers to check on neighbors who may need assistance

AUGUSTA – With bitter cold temperatures expected this week, Governor Paul R. LePage is asking Mainers to be safe and check on neighbors who may be vulnerable or elderly. The National Weather Service reports that very cold air will continue to remain in Maine through at least Friday.

“We want every Mainer to ring in the New Year warm and safe. Take precautions against the cold yourself, and also check in on friends and neighbors who may need assistance, especially those who are operating generators or alternative heaters,” Governor LePage said. “Keeping pets safe is important, too. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia. No pet should be left outside for long periods of time in below-freezing weather.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning remains a central concern of state, county and local officials as some homes remain out of power from the recent storms, mostly in Hancock and Lincoln Counties. Since the ice storm began, one death has been attributed to carbon monoxide poisoning related to operation of an emergency generator. The Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is tracking multiple additional CO poisoning cases.

The MaineCDC reminds Mainers that CO poisoning is not only related to generator use, it can also arise when alternative heat sources such as kerosene heaters are used improperly, when vents to home appliances are blocked, or when vehicles are improperly vented or run inside a garage.

“Neighbors helping neighbors save lives. Please share safety information with those who might not have received it,” Said Governor LePage.

• MaineCDC/MEMA Fact Sheet on Carbon Monoxide

Emera Maine (formerly Bangor Hydro Electric) also reports that line crews working on restoration are encountering numerous cases of improperly installed generators. In addition to the risk to the resident of carbon monoxide poisoning, if the generator electrical connections are not made correctly power can feed back into the distribution system, putting line workers at extreme risk.

• Generator safety information from Emera Maine

Here are severe cold safety tips and sources for additional information:

What you can do to stay warm:

• Dress in layers.
• Wear a warm hat – 30% of heat loss is through the head.
• Wear a scarf and gloves.
• Infants should be in a room in which the temperature is 61-68 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Drink plenty of fluids and warm/hot drinks.
• Eat regular balanced meals to give you energy – good nutrition is important.
• Keep active when it’s cold, but not to the point where you’re sweating.
• Keep dry and change out of wet clothes as soon as possible.
• Cut down on alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine, since all three cause heat loss.
• Try to keep one room in the house warm.
• Recognize the symptoms of hypothermia – impaired consciousness, sleepiness, confusion, and/or disorientation, shivering (may not see shivering in the elderly or people on certain medications), pale or blue skin, numbness, poor coordination, slurred speech.

For more help and information:

• Life or safety-threatening emergency: Call 9-1-1
• Power outage or downed power line: Call your electric utility
• Bangor Hydro Electric/Maine Public Service: 1-800-440-1111 (Central and Downeast Maine) and 1-877-655-4448 (Northern Maine)
• Central Maine Power: 1-800-696-1000
• Eastern Maine Electric: (207) 454-7555 Ext. 250, (800) 696-7444 Ext. 250
• For shelter locations or other health and safety resources: Dial 2-1-1 (toll free) or http://www.211maine.org
• Maine Prepares (weather alerts and safety information): http://www.maineprepares.com
• Maine Emergency Management Agency: http://www.maine.gov/mema
• MaineCDC’s “Stay Healthy This Winter” http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/mecdc/environmental-health/heat-2008.shtml
• National Weather Service Gray: http://www.weather.gov/gray
• https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Gray.gov
• National Weather Service Caribou: http://www.weather.gov/caribou
• https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Caribou.gov
• Maine DOT Travel Information: 511maine.gov or dial 5-1-1 (toll-free)
• MEMA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaineEMA
• MEMA on Twitter: @MaineEMA (twitter.com/MaineEMA)

Governor Extends Limited Emergency to Ensure Fuel Deliveries to Maine Homes 

AUGUSTAundefinedGovernor Paul R. LePage has signed a second limited Emergency Proclamation that will allow Maine fuel transport and delivery trucks to drive additional hours to ensure timely heating fuel deliveries during the unusually cold weather that is expected over the next several days.

“The recent ice and snow storms have hampered efforts for oil delivery trucks to deliver fuel, which is one reason this declaration is being extended,” Governor LePage said. “The declaration allows heating fuel to be delivered to Maine families when they need it most. Keeping homes warm is critical to protect the public health and safety of Mainers.”

Propane has been in short supply, and the situation is expected to worsen as demand increases due to cold weather. The supply from Canada has been impacted because the Northern Rail Route is closed due to the tragic accident at Lac Megantic. Additionally, a train carrying crude oil in North Dakota that collided Monday with another train may impact the supply.

Propane has been sent to dry crops in the west because of wet weather, which means fewer trucks are available from other parts of the country. Because of these factors, propane inventories are 25% lower than normal in Maine, and fewer outside haulers are available to come to Maine.

More than home heating fuels are impacted: fuels used in manufacturing, business heating, fork lift and other vehicle operations are also affected.

Much colder than normal weather is expected over next 30 days. 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 for two weeks. 

On Dec. 13, Governor LePage issued the same Declaration of Emergency to ensure fuel deliveries to Maine homes.

The Declaration language is as follows:

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

WHEREAS, Maine is experiencing artic cold temperatures and dangerous wind chills; and

WHEREAS, this cold weather is expected to continue for the next several days affecting the entire State; and

WHEREAS, heating fuel in Maine is in great demand because of the cold; 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 public health and safety and endanger public property if heating fuels 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 fuel and bulk petroleum delivery and transport drivers 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 for fuel drivers operating within the State of Maine exists as of December 31, 2013 through January 18, 2014.

Pursuant to this declaration, I hereby order the following: 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.

Paul R. LePage

Governor

Statement of Governor and First Lady LePage on Passing of Troop Greeter Bill Knight  

World War II Army and Navy veteran died on Christmas Day

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage on Thursday released the following statement with regard to the passing of World War II and Navy veteran Bill Knight:

“We have lost a man who reminded us time and again about the American spirit and how fortunate we are to live in a free nation. For so many years, Bill greeted our military men and women and he will be missed dearly for his dedication to service and remembered for an unwavering commitment to our Troops. Maine was fortunate to have known Bill, and we honor his memory by continuing to support our service members every day for their courage and sacrifice in defending our freedom.” – Governor Paul R. LePage

“When I met Bill for the first time, I knew he was a special and generous man. He taught us how a simple hand shake and saying thank you can inspire a nation. “The Way We Get By” is not only a documentary, but it is a piece of history that will live on and remind us of Bill’s compassion and dedication to our men and women in uniform. We thank him for his service and allegiance to our nation, and his legacy will be remembered.” – First Lady Ann M. LePage

Governor Urges Mainers to Give the “Gift of Life”  

“FairPoint Bundle Up” blood drives in Bangor and Portland, Friday, Dec. 27

AUGUSTA – This holiday season, Governor Paul R. LePage is urging Mainers to give the “gift of life” by donating blood. Mainers will have an opportunity to donate on Friday, December 27 as the American Red Cross teams up with FairPoint Communications to hold “FairPoint Bundle Up” blood drives in Bangor and Portland.

FairPoint Communications is encouraging Maine residents to bundle up their family and friends and give blood this holiday week. FairPoint is again partnering with WCSH 6 and WLBZ 2, the American Red Cross and other community partners for a holiday blood drive, scheduled for Friday, December 27 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at locations in Bangor and Portland. Eligible donors may give blood at the Holiday Inn by the Bay, located at 88 Spring Street in Portland, or the Bangor Elks Lodge at 108 Odlin Road in Bangor.

“A strong, stable community blood supply is a critical public health issue. We must have a safe and available blood supply, both for Maine’s continuing health needs and to draw upon in times of emergency,” said Governor LePage. “One donation can save the lives of up to three people. Consider giving the gift of life and making a difference today.”

All presenting donors will receive a long-sleeve Red Cross T-shirt and a goodie bag filled with treats. Plus, you can enter to win raffle prizes such as a laptop, tablets, eReaders and digital cameras.

The nation's need for blood is constant, and the Red Cross encourages eligible donors to give something meaningful this holiday season by donating blood for hospital patients in need. 

“We thank Governor LePage for his call to Mainers, and we encourage everyone to give the gift that really matters,” said Mary Brant, spokesperson for the American Red Cross, Northern New England Region. “Every two seconds someone in the United States needs blood. Blood can be safely donated every 56 days. Platelets can be given every seven days, up to 24 times a year.”

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit www.redcrossblood.org or call 1-800 RED CROSS (733-2767). Walk-ins are welcome.

CONNECT WITH GOVERNOR LEPAGE:

A Special Christmas Message from Governor Paul R. LePage

As we gather with friends and family this week to celebrate Christmas, I am reminded how blessed I am to have such a wonderful family. 

Hello, this is Governor Paul LePage.

As Governor, it is as important for me to help provide opportunities for my family to stay in Maine as it is for your children and grandchildren to live, work and play in our great State.

This holiday season, I hope you are encouraged at the direction Maine is moving.

Last week, we learned the unemployment rate fell for the third month in a row, putting it at its lowest rate since 2008. More Mainers are working, and that means more Mainers are providing for themselves and their families this holiday season.

Still, there are Mainers struggling, and I don’t want those families to lose faith. As your Governor, I have walked in your shoes and know how difficult it is to fall on hard times. However, where there is a will, there is a way.

Our Administration continues to work for you, and we will continue to make Maine a better place for all of our sons and daughters to find work, to start businesses and to stay here to raise families of their own.

As we come together for the holidays, we have an opportunity to share goodwill and gratitude and reflect on blessings we have received year round.

I have reason to be proud of our great State largely because of the fortitude of Mainers, and I am looking forward to another year of building opportunities for you and your family.

And while many families are together this Christmas, I would also like to recognize many families are apart.

I share my deep appreciation for our military service members who are serving away from their loved ones this Christmas. The First Lady and I thank you for your dedication and courage as you defend our nation and the freedoms we hold dear. We look forward to your safe return.

Also, I wish to thank our military families for all their sacrifices while your loved ones are away.

I wish you and your families, near and far, a safe and Merry Christmas.

State Offices in Kennebec County Closed

Offices in the Town of Ellsworth also closed

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has announced that due to widespread power outages and continued hazardous conditions associated with downed power lines from the ice storm, all state offices in KENNEBEC COUNTY and the TOWN OF ELLSWORTH will be closed today, December 24, 2013.

Since all State offices are closed tomorrow for the Christmas holiday, citizens and State employees can expect offices to reopen Thursday, December 26.

Governor LePage Urges Mainers to Stay Safe During Ice Storm

State offers assistance, emergency shelters now open 

AUGUSTA – As a major winter and ice storm continues to cause power outages and treacherous travel conditions, Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that the State of Emergency he declared on December 21 is still in effect, which ensures that all available State resources would be available to assist affected communities.

The Governor urges Mainers to stay safe and to take care of themselves and their neighbors. “After assuring that your family is safe, check in on friends and neighbors who may need assistance,” Governor LePage said. “Neighbors helping neighbors save lives. Please share safety information with those who might not have received it.” (Information is listed at end of release.)

The Governor is in constant contact with Maine Emergency Management Agency’s State Emergency Operations Center, which coordinates MEMA staff with state departments, including ACF, MaineDOT, DPS and Maine State Police, Public Utilities Commission, and the Red Cross.

 

Governor LePage and MEMA have issued these critical safety messages:

 Ice on roadways and falling trees and power lines will make travel dangerous or impossible.

Travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel, keep emergency supplies in your car such as flashlight, food and water.

Keep a safe distance from other vehicles, including plow trucks. “Please don’t crowd the plow.”

All the utilities are reminding the public that no fallen power line is safe to touch. If you find a downed power line, call your electric utility immediately

Death can result from improper use of generators. To avoid carbon monoxide poisoning, use generators outside only, at least 15 feet away from doors and windows. Have a carbon monoxide detector with battery back-up where people sleep.

 Signs of carbon monoxide poisoning are headache, nausea, vomiting or dizziness. Get out of the house and call 911 at once.

 

For power outage reports, contact:

Bangor Hydro/Maine Public Service: 1-800-440-1111 (Central and Downeast Maine) and 877-655-4448 (Northern Maine) or http://bhe.com/about-us/outages-and-restorations.aspx;

Central Maine Power at 1-800-696-1000 or http://www.cmpco.com/Outages/outageinformation.html;

Eastern Maine Electric: (207) 454-7555 Ext. 250, (800) 696-7444 Ext. 250.

 

Ice Storm Shelter Status

As of 10 a.m., these shelters are open:

Kennebec: Helen Thompson Elementary School: OPEN. Warming Center, West Gardiner, 309 Spears Corner Road. Open today from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm

Kennebec: Winthrop Ambulance Base: OPEN. Warming Center, Winthrop, 31 Old Western Ave. (Old Winthrop Health Center). Open today from 10:00 am to 8:00 pm.

Penobscot: Brewer Municipal Auditorium: OPEN. Emergency Shelter, Brewer, 203 State Street

Waldo: Troy Howard Middle School: OPEN. Emergency Shelter, Pet Shelter, Belfast, 173 Lincolnville Avenue

Waldo: Varney Community Center: OPEN. Warming Center, Brooks, 24 Veterans Highway

Waldo: Stockton Springs Town Office: OPEN. Warming Center, Stockton Springs, 217 Main Street, 567-3404

Washington: Washington County Community College: OPEN. Emergency Shelter, Calais, 1 College Drive

 

For more help and information:

Life or safety-threatening emergency: Call 9-1-1

For shelter locations or other health and safety resources: Dial 2-1-1 (toll free) or http://www.211maine.org

Maine Prepares: http://www.maineprepares.com

Maine Emergency Management Agency: http://www.maine.gov/mema

National Weather Service Gray: http://www.weather.gov/gray

https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Gray.gov

National Weather Service Caribou: http://www.weather.gov/caribou

https://www.facebook.com/US.NationalWeatherService.Caribou.gov

Maine DOT Travel Information: 511maine.gov or dial 5-1-1 (toll-free)

MEMA on Facebook: www.facebook.com/MaineEMA

MEMA on Twitter: @MaineEMA (twitter.com/MaineEMA)

Franklin Community Health Network Board of Directors

Votes to Join MaineHealth

 

Membership to Help Protect Quality of Care in Franklin County

 

 

FARMINGTON, Maine undefined Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN), which includes Franklin Memorial Hospital based in Farmington, Maine, has begun a process to make Franklin Community Health Network a member of the MaineHealth system. The decision to join MaineHealth was unanimously approved by the FCHN board of directors earlier this week.

 

The Franklin Community Health Network board of directors engaged in a process over the last six months to analyze options for the network’s future and concluded that membership in the MaineHealth system would protect the delivery and quality of healthcare in the greater Franklin County area.  Joseph Bujold, Chair of the Franklin Community Health Network board of directors explained, “We did our homework and decided that MaineHealth was the best option for us.  This decision best positions our organization to assure health care services for our communities for the next generation.”

 

Fewer than 15 percent of all hospitals nationally remain independent, and with the downturn in the economy and healthcare reform, many independent hospitals are in merger discussions. “The changing landscape of government reimbursement, the increasing costs to deliver healthcare, increasing regulation and a drive to improve quality is paving the way for many small hospitals to seek membership in larger systems,” said Rebecca Arsenault, President and CEO of Franklin Community Health Network.

 

FCHN’s membership in the MaineHealth system, which will make MaineHealth the parent organization of the hospital and the network, will allow FCHN to strategically partner with MaineHealth and its members to improve healthcare in the greater Franklin County area.  “Membership will help Franklin Community Health Network maximize its delivery of care to patients, realize efficiencies and cost savings and ensure healthcare remains available in the area,” said Bill Caron, president of MaineHealth.

 

“By coordinating resources and collaborating on healthcare delivery, we’ll be able to deploy resources more effectively and better serve our community today, and well into the future, added Arsenault. “MaineHealth’s access to technology and specialists will help our hospital to more fully develop quality healthcare models. We’re thrilled to be bringing the resources of Maine’s premier health system to our community.”

 

As the two organizations begin the process, they will simultaneously prepare an application to the State of Maine for a Certificate of Need and request an antitrust review. No issues are anticipated during this process; the merger is expected to be completed by late 2014.

 

Membership provides a number of opportunities to work together to improve the health of the communities in the greater Franklin County region; strengthening the ability to provide high quality, safe patient care to the local communities, while striving to increase access to tertiary services and lowering healthcare costs. 

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital has a history of collaborating with other members and affiliates of the MaineHealth system for well over a decade; including Maine Medical Center for cardiology and cardiovascular care, neonatal care at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and MaineGeneral Health for oncology services.  

 

About Franklin Community Health Network

Franklin Community Health Network was formed in 1991 as the parent entity for a system that would include a variety of affiliates and owned enterprises, most prominent among them  a 65-bed, 84-year-old Franklin Memorial Hospital.  Also included in this system are: Franklin Health physician practices representing more than 50 physicians and other clinicians who provide the vast majority of the region’s primary care and specialty practices; Evergreen Behavioral Services, an emergency mental health service; NorthStar, the region’s ambulance service; and Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County that is dedicated to prevention and health promotion. FCHN houses these diverse organizations, providing accounting and financial oversight, human resources, planning, facilities, maintenance, purchasing, and other administrative supports for all entities within its umbrella.  www.fchn.org.

 

About MaineHealth

MaineHealth is a family of leading, high-quality health care providers dedicated to ensuring their communities are among the healthiest in America.  As an integrated healthcare delivery system offering a comprehensive range of healthcare services for Southern, Central and Western Maine, MaineHealth is a group of organizations working together to make high quality healthcare accessible to all.  Recognized as one of the top 100 integrated healthcare delivery systems in the country, member organizations of MaineHealth include Maine Medical Center, Lincoln County Healthcare, Western Maine Health, Southern Maine Health Care, Pen Bay Healthcare, Waldo County Health Care, Maine Mental Health Partners, HomeHealth Visiting Nurses, NorDx, Synernet, and Maine Physician Hospital Organization.  Affiliates of MaineHealth include MaineGeneral Health, Mid Coast Health Services, St. Mary’s Health System, and New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland.  www.mainehealth.org.

 

Maine’s Unemployment Rate Drops 20 Percent since Governor LePage Took Office

Rate is lowest since 2008

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that the unemployment rate for November has fallen to 6.4 percent, the third consecutive monthly drop since September and the lowest rate since 2008.

The unemployment rate fell to 6.9 percent in September, dropped to 6.7 percent in October and then dropped again to 6.4 percent in November. One year ago in November, the rate was 7.2 percent. 

“We have been working hard for three years to improve the business climate in Maine so our companies can do what they do best: create jobs,” said the Governor. “We have reduced taxes, cut red tape, streamlined regulations and made fiscally responsible decisions to right-size government. All of these factors make Maine more competitive in attracting and retaining jobs.”

According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of unemployed people in Maine has fallen by 5,400 from this time last year.

November was the 74^th consecutive month Maine had a higher share of employed population than the nation (61.2 percent vs. 58.6 percent). Maine’s share of employed population continues to rise; the U.S. employed share has not improved in four years. The state’s unemployment rate remains below that of the nation.

“The nation’s unemployment rate remains high because of the broken system in Washington, D.C., which has resulted in $17 trillion of debt, unbalanced budgets, high taxes and uncertainty in the marketplace,” said Governor LePage. “Now Obamacare is crushing small businesses and the middle class. These job-killing efforts are the exact opposite of what a government should be doing to increase employment. Our state is working hard to mitigate these effects in Maine to help our businesses be more competitive.”

“Career politicians don’t know how to create jobs,” the Governor added. “I spent my entire career in business, and I understand what companies need to succeed. When businesses succeed, Maine families benefit from the good-paying jobs they provide.”

The Governor highlighted the world-class companies that have created jobs in Maine over the past few months, including Louisiana-Pacific Corporation, Barclaycards, Irving Forest Products, Ameridial, Eimskip, Tempus Jets, Maine Wood Products, Molnlycke Health Care and many others.

“These companies recognize the great strides our administration has made to transform Maine state government from an adversary into a partner with a ‘can do’ attitude that moves at the speed of business,” said the Governor. “Our pro-growth, pro-business policies have made it easier for them to create more jobs for Mainers.”

For a comprehensive list of public policies, including those that have encouraged job growth, visit the Office of the Governor website and click on the "Moving Maine Forward" booklet.

Franklin Health Stress Reduction Program Starting in January

Participants will learn to apply mindfulness practice to life stressors

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) is once again offering its intensive nine-session stress reduction program that is designed to teach participants scientifically proven practical skills to reduce stress and improve overall health and happiness. Program instructors are Dr. Kathleen Hickey and physician assistant Tim Davis.

 

“The course is designed for adults and the skills gained will help participants apply mindfulness practice to the many life stressors in everyday life,” said Dr. Kathleen Hickey. “Mindfulness means being completely in touch with the present moment in a non judgmental fashion. Several formal mindfulness practices will be taught including very basic yoga; however, no prior experience with yoga is necessary to take the class.”

 

The course is modeled after the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society founded by Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn at the University of Massachusetts Medical Center. It consists of eight consecutive 2.5–3 hour sessions and includes an all-day silent retreat on a Saturday, March 1. Participants should be committed to performing one hour of daily practice and homework to learn and practice mindfulness meditation, Hatha yoga, and body scan.

 

A participant of last year’s fall stress reduction program stated, “This class has been a great experience. I have gained a renewed sense of balance and community, a deeper level of relaxation, and an understanding of the forces that contribute to both stress and true relaxation.”

 

Anyone interested in the program is asked to complete the prescreening form that is available from the FMH Education Department by calling 779-2233 and attend the orientation session taking place on Thursday, January 16 at 6 p.m. in the hospital’s Bass Room. After attending the orientation, participants can decide if they would like to move forward with the complete course.

 

“Our classes here have a track record that is unparalleled in the practice of medicine. Fifty-seven percent of our first group noted a 50 percent reduction or greater in a long list of physical symptoms they had experienced prior to the class,” said Hickey. “And once the class is over support for attendees continues with group follow-up practice sessions, once or twice a month.”

 

The cost of the program is based on a sliding scale fee according to household income. The cost is: $150 for incomes less than $25,000; $250 for incomes $25,000–$50,000; and $350 for incomes greater than $50,000 per year. Anyone who is unable to afford the cost of the course, should ask about available scholarships.

 

Accommodations will be made for participants with physical disabilities.

 

For additional information contact Lorri Brown in the FMH Education Department by calling 779-2233 or e-mailing ljbrown@fchn.org.