News

Pediatrician to Join Franklin Health Pediatrics

Dr. Gabrielle Civiello previously served as chief resident at Maine Medical Center

Farmington ¾

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics is pleased to announce that pediatrician Gabriel Civiello, MD, will join its practice on September 5. Other providers in the practice include Lorien Batt , MD ; Kathleen Hickey, MD; John Hickey, MD; and Michele McCormick, MD.

 

Dr. Civiello received his medical degree from Dartmouth Medical School before completing his residency at Maine Medical Center . While at medical school, Dr. Civiello received the Saul Blatman Award for Excellence in Maternal and Child Health. During his residency, Dr. Civiello was the recipient of the Barbara Chilmonczyk Resident Scholar Award.

 

Before joining Franklin Health Pediatrics, Dr. Civiello served as chief resident at Maine Medical Center .

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics offers a full range of medical care for newborns through teens. Services such as well-child care and immunizations, sports physicals, adolescent gynecological care, asthma care, along with acute and chronic illness care are provided.

 

For more information or to make an appointment with Dr. Civiello, 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.

 

 

Local Youth Kick off Public Awareness Project

“Project Sticker Shock” Targets Adults who Provide Alcohol to Youth

 

Farmington-

 

Four youth groups within Greater Franklin County kicked off “Project Sticker Shock” a youth-led initiative to change adult attitudes about selling and providing alcohol to minors. The project is sponsored by the Maine Office of Substance Abuse to bring attention to the issue of underage drinking and the adults who provide alcohol to minors.

 

Local youth from Franklin County are part of a movement of youth statewide working with participating stores to spread “Sticker Shock” waves in an effort to reach adults who might be tempted to buy alcohol for youth under the age of 21. The florescent orange-and-black stickers stand out on the beer cases for all to see, and provide a strong reminder: “Providing Alcohol to Minors is Illegal! Fines are up to $2,000 &/ or up to one year in jail!”

 

The following local stores participated in the project: Cumberland Farms in Livermore Falls ; My Dad’s Place in Jay; Riverside Kwik Stop in Jay; Tranten’s in Kingfield; Bear Pond Variety in Turner; and Long Green Variety in Livermore Falls .

 

“We think that it is good to bring awareness to the fact that providing alcohol to a minor is illegal,” said Lynn Brennick, owner of My Dad’s Place in Jay. When adults supply alcohol to youth it sends a very mixed message. Underage drinking is not just a teen problem but a community problem as well. Adults, youth, law enforcement, and retail stores all need to be part of the solution.

 

The Sticker Shock Project was first introduced in Maine in February 2001 by youth in the Fort Kent area who designed the stickers and posters that are now being used in this statewide project.

 

Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County knows that underage drinking is a problem locally and advocates for responsible sales of alcohol within stores in Greater Franklin County. To do this HCC wanted to showcase the businesses involved as a partner in this effort. HCC employees and store employees helped kick off the event by holding cases of beer or wine, so that the youth groups involved could apply the stickers.

 

“A strong community message is sent when a business like Cumberland Farms of Livermore Falls takes responsibility for speaking out against underage drinking,” said Christine Bruen, HCC program associate.

 

Youth leaders and other local participating retail stores are working together to create a safer, healthier lifestyle by combating the problem of underage drinking. Alcohol has been identified as the number one drug of choice among Maine youth, and according to local youth, one of the easiest substances to obtain. The Sticker Shock project hopes to cause adults to think twice before making it easier for youth to access alcohol.

 

HCC wishes to thank all the stores that participated in Project Sticker Shock 2013! Your participation has made a difference in your community.

 

For more information about Project Sticker Shock, or if you would like to participate in this program, please contact: Christine Bruen at 779-2927 or by email at cbruen@fchn.org 

Governor LePage Partners with Nova Scotia to Restore Economic Driver Between Regions  

New Ferry Service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Portland, Maine proposed to begin in 2014

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage is pleased to announce that the province of Nova Scotia has chosen STM Quest, Inc. to set up and run a new ferry service between Yarmouth, Nova Scotia and Portland, Maine.

In a letter to the Premier of the Province of Nova Scotia, Hon. Darrell Dexter, Governor LePage expressed his enthusiasm for the return of the ferry service from Nova Scotia to Maine and provided formal support to STM Quest. STM Quest is one of three companies that submitted plans to operate the ferry service. The Governor has offered the following assistance to STM Quest:

• We will work with the Quest Navigation marketing team and we will allocate a portion of our marketing to promote the ferry service
• We will also assist Quest Navigation in securing an operating line of credit for the amount of $5 million
• We will assist including Quest Navigation’s capital needs into Portland waterfront planning to ensure consistency with the freight and business focus of the International Marine Terminal plans

“Since 2009, Nova Scotia and Maine have missed a critical link between our citizens and economies,” said Governor LePage. “On behalf of the people of Maine, we would welcome restoration of this vital service and economic driver.”

STM Quest, Inc., is a joint venture between Quest Navigation of Maine and ST Marine of Singapore. The ferry service is proposed to begin in the spring of 2014 using a new 161 meter ship that has capacity for 1250 passengers and 300 vehicles, and was the only Maine-based company to bid and commit in its plans a port of call in Portland, Maine.

This is the second economic development initiative the LePage Administration has assisted with to help bring business to the Portland waterfront. Governor LePage announced earlier this year that Eimskip (The Icelandic Steamship Company) signed a contract with Maine Port Authority to begin operations out of the International Marine Terminal in Portland.

Additionally, the Governor dedicates nearly $20 million, in a transportation bond that is before lawmakers this week, for improvements to multimodal facilities that support projects, such as major development on the Portland waterfront.

“Our roads and ports continue to be a focus of economic opportunity that helps create jobs,” said Governor LePage. “The restoration of the ferry service will boost Portland’s economy and Eimskip’s service will open new markets for businesses to generate economic growth throughout Maine.”

LePage Urges Efficiency Maine Trust to Focus on Affordable Heating Options

 

AUGUSTA – This week, the state is finally moving forward with a plan to assist Mainers to reduce their home heating costs. Governor LePage believes the program, still in draft form, should focus on “helping as many Mainers transition to affordable heating systems and help them lower their monthly heating bills. Offering affordable heat should be the priority.”

Early this year, the LePage Administration proposed using state funds available through the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) to help Mainers invest in a variety of affordable heating options, such as heat pumps, natural gas and wood pellet systems, highly efficient propane and oil burners, and verifiable building efficiency measures, such as air sealing and insulation. This proposal, outlined in LD 1425, was partially incorporated into the omnibus energy bill (LD 1559), recently passed by the Legislature.

“For decades, many Maine families have struggled to pay their home heating bills, which are among the highest in the country,” states Energy Office Director Patrick Woodcock. “Now, for the first time, the state is beginning to address this huge challenge, by providing Maine families financial support to change to more affordable heating systems and install efficiency measures in their homes.”

Providing this support has the potential to significantly reduce the cost of staying warm for many households. Director Woodcock cites the success of the Administration’s heat pump pilot project as one of these new, lower cost heating technologies. “The initial results of the heat pump pilot program, operated by Bangor Hydro Electric in coordination with Efficiency Maine Trust, have been extremely promising. Homeowners could save upwards of 40% on their heating bills by installing these mini split heat pumps. That is an exciting prospect.”

Heat pumps have been installed in the Blaine House, and, according to the Governor, “the comfort and affordability of the energy is potentially transformative. At the very least, a portion of the funding should be used to continue the pilot program. Our heating situation is too desperate to devote finite funds to systems that take a decade to make sense for Mainers.”

The proposed heating incentive program would provide rebates to consumers for installing heating system upgrades and building efficiency measures. The program will also make low interest loans available to install more expensive measures, loans that many more Maine families can qualify for than could with conventional loans. Providing more assistance for low income Mainers is also a priority for Governor LePage, and he urges Efficiency Maine Trust to devote more funds for heating system upgrades in low income households than is currently proposed. The Governor outlined all his recommendations in a letter to the Efficiency Maine Trust Board of Directors (see below).

Efficiency Maine Trust, administrator of the RGGI funds, has released the draft proposal for public comment. Suggestions on how to improve the program are welcome, and are due by Friday, August 16^th. The draft is available from Efficiency Maine Trust at 1-866-376-2463.

 

Transportation Bond Supports Jobs and Economic Development Opportunities

Transportation bond up for debate once again as lawmakers convene Tuesday

AUGUSTA – Lawmakers could provide a boost to Maine’s economy if they choose to approve a transportation bond this week. Members of the Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee meet Tuesday in Augusta to discuss a variety of issues, including a $100 million transportation bond. The bond provides funding for improvements to highways and bridges, as well as ports and railroads.

Governor Paul R. LePage proposed the bond in March. However, Democrat leadership has failed to move the measure forward, despite broad bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans, alike.

“Our roads and ports continue to be a focus of economic opportunity that helps create jobs, and while the federal government is sitting on the sidelines regarding transportation funding, now is the time for the State to invest in needed infrastructure improvements,” Governor LePage said.

“Democratic leadership so far has failed to act, and timing is critical. The Secretary of State’s Office needs bonds approved for the November ballot in the middle of August. The early deadline ensures our military troops overseas receive an opportunity to vote – surely a right our uniformed men and women deserve,” continued Governor LePage.

Maine’s transportation capital goals are behind and more fuel efficient vehicles on the roads contribute to declining fuel tax revenue to fund projects. Even with the approval of $100 million, The Maine Department of Transportation (MaineDOT) core highway and bridge programs face a funding shortfall.

The transportation bond provides $81 million for improvement to highways and bridges, and it provides job stability to those in the construction industry, where more than 8,000 jobs have been lost since 2006. Another $19 million is allocated for improvements to multimodal facilities that would support projects such as major development on the Portland waterfront, as well as preserving rail connections for Maine businesses.

“We hope the Appropriations Committee can do its work and the full Legislature can vote on our bond in a special session this August,” said Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt. “The few weeks between a special session in August versus September will mean seven months of delay for projects critical to Maine’s economy. It will mean lost jobs in Maine. It will mean missed opportunities for economic development.”

 

Governor LePage: Support of the Transportation Bond Supports Economic Stability and Jobs 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released a video Monday  highlighting the need for a $100 million transportation bond. View the three minute video here.

Support of the Transportation Bond Supports Economic Stability and Jobs

The growing debate over whether the Legislature should move quickly to pass a transportation bond comes down to one thing – jobs.

As your Governor, I want Mainers to have good-paying jobs, and I want businesses to have the support to expand in our great State. 

As lawmakers examine nearly a billion dollars of bond projects, our Administration is asking for just one bond to go to voters this November.

Our Administration, in March, proposed a $100 million transportation bond, which allows the Maine Department of Transportation to plan projects for the next three years.

It provides $81 million for improvement to highways and bridges, and it provides job stability to those in the construction industry, where more than 8,000 jobs have been lost since 2006.

We designate another $19 million for improvements to multimodal facilities that would support projects, such as major development on the Portland waterfront, as well as preserving rail connections for Maine businesses.

Our roads and ports continue to be a focus of economic opportunity that helps create jobs. But the federal government has flat funded transportation projects, and vehicles that are more fuel-efficient are generating less revenue in fuel taxes. With those decreases in revenue, this bond is needed now.

Even with the approval of $100 million bond, Maine’s highway and bridge programs are still facing a funding shortfall.

Democratic leadership so far has failed to act, and timing is critical. The Secretary of State’s Office needs bonds approved for the November ballot by the middle of August. The early deadline ensures our military troops overseas receive an opportunity to vote – surely a right our uniformed men and women deserve.

With strong bipartisan support from Democrats and Republicans alike, there should be no hold up on this transportation bond. There will be time in January to continue the bond debate for other projects.

Once again, we are at a crossroads. Democrats have a choice. They can do the right thing by supporting economic development and jobs or they can delay again.

The time to act is now and Mainers are depending on us.

Governor LePage Encourages Lawmakers to Reconvene in August to Pass Bond Measure  

Democrats refuse to allow transportation bond to go to voters in November

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage reached out to Senate President Justin Alfond and Speaker of the House Mark Eves in a letter on Wednesday encouraging the Maine Legislature to agree to reconvene in August to pass a transportation bond that will promote economic development and create jobs in the State of Maine.

The $100 million bond was presented by Governor LePage in March, and has broad bipartisan support. The bond must be approved by the Legislature no later than August to appear on the November ballot.

Democrat leaders did not respond to the Governor’s letter, choosing to issue a news release instead stating that they won’t take up bonds until September – a delay that means the transportation bond won’t appear on the ballot until June of next year.

“I am very disappointed in Speaker Eves and President Alfond. This bond is supported by Democrats and Republicans alike, yet they continue to delay, as they did with the hospital debt bill,” said Governor LePage. “I had hoped we could get past this pattern of holding up good legislation that we all agree on – it’s not in the best interest of Mainers.”

Once approved by lawmakers and voters, the Governor’s $100 million transportation infrastructure bond will allow the Department of Transportation to plan to fund projects based on economic and infrastructure priorities. Furthermore, contractors and construction workers will have confidence in long-term job security that will keep the paychecks flowing, which will continue to strengthen Maine’s economy.

Hello. This is Governor Paul LePage.

There are more than 40-thousand small businesses in Maine. They provide a very large percentage of jobs in our state. But even more Mainers are employed by micro-enterprises.

Micro-enterprises are businesses that employ fewer than 5 employees, and they certainly have the potential to grow into larger companies.

We have about 130-thousand microbusinesses in Maine that employ 170-thousand people. If they each add one more job, that would have a major impact on Maine’s economy.

This week I had the opportunity to meet with several micro-entrepreneurs. We talked about the opportunities and challenges facing small business in Maine.

Any business owner knows how hard it is to start, manage, market and grow a business. We want to help make it a little easier.

The State of Maine has a variety of helpful resources, including the Business Answers Hotline within the Department of Economic and Community Development, as well as the Maine Small Business Development Centers, which provides business management advice and education.

Our Administration will continue to work on issues such as access to capital and the availability of broadband internet in rural areas. We’re now working with the Finance Authority of Maine to improve access to start-up funding for micro-business owners, and we have collaborated with the Connect ME Authority to expand the internet in rural parts of the State.

Although more than 90 percent of Maine has connectivity, we are still deficient in many rural areas. And those areas have aspiring entrepreneurs.

Nicole Snow is an amazing young woman who is a shining example of a micro-entrepreneur. She lives in the small town of Sebec, and in 2008 Nicole decided to create her own business. The result is “Darn Good Yarn,” a yarn and fiber importer, wholesaler, and retailer. And let me tell you, this is a booming million dollar business today, thanks to the internet.

Government cannot create private sector jobs, what it can create is good policy that supports our growing businesses. Higher taxes won’t help new start-up or growing microbusinesses in Maine. We need a business-friendly environment in which businesses small and large can thrive and create more good jobs.

Micro-businesses may be small, but they can have a big impact on families and our economy. As your Governor, I want you, your children and grandchildren to call Maine home and become prosperous.

Micro-businesses can help you achieve that prosperity and success. We encourage Maine’s tradition of small entrepreneurs to continue to grow and prosper, and we are here to help.

For more information, call our Business Answers Hotline at 1-800-872-3838.

Flags to be Flown at Half Staff at Maine National Guard Facilities Tuesday, August 13 in Honor of Gen. John R. Deane Jr.

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has directed that the United States flag and the State of Maine flag be flown at half-staff from sunrise to sunset on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at Maine National Guard facilities in honor of Gen. John R. Deane Jr.

Deane, who died at 94 on July 18, 2013 in Bangor, led a distinguished 40-year military career that began with his enlistment in 16th Infantry in 1937. Upon earning the highest ranking admission of the presidential and Army appointments, he gained admission to West Point on July 1, 1938.

 

He achieved the rank of Four-Star General in February, 1975 as the Commanding General, United States Army Material Development and Readiness Command.

His awards include Distinguished Service Cross (2), Army Distinguished Service Medal (3), Silver Star (3), Legion of Merit (2), Distinguished Flying Cross, Air Medal (25), Purple Heart, Bronze Star with V Device and the Combat Infantry Badge.

He retired from the U.S. Army in 1977 and served as Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Deane Associates, Limited. He retired to his home in Gouldsboro, Maine in 1995. He is survived by his wife Carolyn. 

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at 1:30 p.m. at the old cadet chapel, West Point, New York. Gen. Deane will be interred at the West Point Cemetery with full military honors following the funeral.

Please note: If the Maine State and United States flags are flown on the same staff, it is appropriate to affix the Maine State flag with a black ribbon to denote mourning in lieu of lowering. 

 

Media Advisory: First Lady to be Named “First Lady of Camp”

First Lady Ann M. LePage will be honored for her support of The Travis Mills Project National Veterans Family Center

AUGUSTA – Media is invited to a special ceremony to be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at the Blaine House to honor and recognize First Lady Ann M. LePage for her support and assistance with The Travis Mills Project National Veterans Family Center.

Bread of Life Ministries will honor First Lady LePage by requesting she be the official “First Lady of Camp”. The Travis Mills Project National Veterans Family Center is located in Belgrade, providing a recreation center for disabled veterans and their families.

April 10th, 2012, US Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills of the 82nd Airborne, on patrol during his third tour of duty in Afghanistan, placed his pack on the ground, detonating a hidden IED (improvised explosive device). Four days later, on his 25th birthday, he awoke in a hospital to discover the blast that tore through his frame resulted in the losing portions of both legs and both arms. Travis is only the fourth quadruple amputee from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to survive his injuries.

The National Veterans Recreation Center is Travis’ dream and will open during “Founder’s Week” on August 25.

​On Friday, the First Lady, Bread of Life officials and a special guest will be available to discuss the Travis Mills Project and the upcoming Founder’s Week in more detail and answer any questions.

For more information about the inspiring story of Travis Mills and the National Veteran’s Family Camp, please visit http://www.veteransfamilycamp.com/#

WHEN: 10:00 a.m., Friday, August 9

WHERE: Blaine House, Augusta