What: Fifth year of Battle for Breast Cancer field hockey benefit should put cumulative total at more than $100,000 raised for breast center patients

 

When:  Saturday, July 18, 1-9 p.m.

Where: Thomas College turf athletic fields, Waterville

 

Background: Paula Doughty, Skowhegan High School field hockey coach and a resident of Farmington, came up with the idea of having a benefit field hockey tournament in 2011 as a means to get her players and others involved in a rewarding community fundraising project.

 

Doughty chose the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center in Farmington to be the beneficiary of the event she spearheaded with 100 percent of funds raised to be used for working people with breast cancer who are uninsured or underinsured.

 

Doughty, together with longtime friend and hospital volunteer Elizabeth Richards, organize the tournament each year, and education of the players is of utmost importance. Prior to the tournament, players learn about mammograms and breast cancer through videos and discussions with breast cancer survivors and staff of the breast care center. And, every team is offered a tour of the center.

 

Team members are currently doing fundraisers, and seeking donations from family and friends for the tournament and approaching businesses for sponsorship.

 

The July 18 benefit tournament will feature eight Central Maine high school field hockey teams: Skowhegan, Spruce Mountain, Messalonskee, Mt. Blue, Lawrence, Mt. View, Leavitt, and Nokomis; and four middle school teams: Skowhegan, Mt. Blue, Nokomis, and Spruce Mountain.

 

Thomas College’s athletic facility features two side-by-side turf fields so that two games take place simultaneously. Cost to attend the tournament is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

 

A moving closing ceremony has become a highlight of the tournament. As dusk arrives and the final games end, players, coaches, parents, and fans holding pink and white inspirational balloons release them into the sky with their thoughts of hope, prayers, and memories of loved ones.

 

About the Beneficiary:

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center offers timely access to state-of-the-art digital screening, and diagnostic, clinical, and care support services by a multi-disciplinary team of health care providers. The center has locations in Farmington and Livermore Falls.

 

The Webber family created an endowed fund for the support of the breast center in 2004 in memory of Peter Webber’s late wife, Martha, who passed away as the result of breast cancer in 1995.

 

Governor Sends 65 Vetoes to Legislature for Consideration

July 16, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, July 16
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – On Thursday morning, as the 127th Legislature reconvened from its adjournment, Governor Paul R. LePage delivered 65 veto messages to the House and Senate for consideration. A link to all these veto messages is here. The Governor has allowed six bills to go into law without signature.

Since the adjournment of the Legislature on June 30 per a joint order, the bills have been in the possession of the Office of the Governor. Today the Legislature is back for the first time since its adjournment, making it the first opportunity for Governor LePage to return bills to legislators.

The State of Maine Constitution mandates the governor has 10 days to act on bills if lawmakers are in session. However, if the Legislature has adjourned, the governor is not required to take action until the Legislature reconvenes for three full and consecutive days.

In addition to the 65 veto messages, Governor LePage wrote to leadership requesting action on the bills. If they fail to act, he also asked for justification of their inaction.

Governor LePage is prepared to send a letter requesting a solemn occasion to the Law Court if the Legislature neglects to take up the vetoes delivered Thursday morning.

 

United Way partners with Stericycle Communication Solutions and Farmington Rotary to offer backpacks and school supplies through Packs for Progress.

Donations and volunteers are needed.

 

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Farmington Rotary, and Stericycle Communication Solutions are partnering to offer backpacks filled with essential school supplies through Packs for Progress.

This program is made possible because of this unique collaboration, and with the generous support of the following: L.L. Bean, ReEnergy Holdings LLC, TD Bank employees and patrons (Farmington Branch), Wiles Remembrance Centers, Gordon Excavating Inc., Otis Federal Credit Union, and Meader’s Construction.

 

Liz Kinaley of MAS Homecare said, "As a case manager with MAS Homecare, I work with children and families in the area that need extra support. Without United Way's help, the kids I work with would not be able to have school supplies to start their year off right. Whenever I go to the kids houses and give them a stuffed backpack, it is like Christmas! Their little faces just light up and they can't wait to go to school."

 

21% of Franklin County’s children live in poverty, and 55% of the county’s school-aged children qualify for free or reduced lunch (Maine Kids Count, 2013-14). This program relieves some of the economic burden on parents and to help kids succeed in school. Packs for Progress, which is in its fourth year, promises to make an even bigger impact on students’ success this year. 250 backpacks were stuffed last year, and this year’s goal is 400- an increase of 328 students supported from the 72 that were distributed in the first year.

Donations are needed to help reach this new goal. Supplies or cash donations may be dropped off at United Way at 232 Broadway in Farmington or at TD Bank in Farmington. Requested items include 3-hole punched lined paper, 1” binders, pencils, pens, spiral bound notebooks, erasers, and composition books.

 

On August 12th from 4 – 6 PM, Stericycle is hosting a backpack stuffing event, along with United Way staff and volunteers. Community members are invited to join in and help fill the backpacks so that they will be ready to go for the students. Volunteers can sign up on GetConnected.VolunteerMaine.org or call 778-5048. This event will happen rain or shine.

Those interested in reserving a backpack may call United Way at 778-5048. Recipients must be from Franklin County, Starks, Livermore, or Livermore Falls. Backpacks may be picked at United Way August 13th or August 14th from 8 – 4 pm.

 

Franklin Memorial Named Among the Nation’s Most Wired Hospitals Again!

Most Wired Hospitals Focus on Security and Patient Engagement

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) has again been named as one of the nation’s most wired hospitals according to the results of the 2015 Health Care’s Most Wired™ survey released today in the July issue of Hospitals & Health Networks, the journal of the American Hospital Association (AHA).

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital was one of 400 hospitals recognized in one of three categories: Most Wired (338), Most Wired – Small and Rural (36), and Most Improved (26). FMH received its recognition for Most Wired – Small and Rural.

 

The 2015 Most Wired™ survey and benchmarking study, in partnership with College of Healthcare Information Management Executives (CHIME) and sponsored by VMware, is a leading industry barometer measuring information technology (IT) use and adoption among hospitals nationwide. The survey examined how organizations are leveraging IT to improve performance for value-based healthcare in the areas of infrastructure, business and administrative management, quality and safety, and clinical integration.

 

According to the survey, hospitals are taking more aggressive privacy and security measures to protect and safeguard patient data. Top growth areas in security among this year’s Most Wired organizations include privacy audit systems, provisioning systems, data loss prevention, single sign-on and identity management.

 

This year’s Most Wired hospitals are utilizing the benefits of a patient portal to get patients actively involved in their health and healthcare. For instance, 89 percent of Most Wired organizations offer access to the patient portal through a mobile application. 

 

Franklin Memorial Hospital has made information technology a priority in recent years. Most recently, access to a patient portal was given to all Franklin Health primary care patients with computer access. This patient portal is a secure website that gives patients convenient 24-hour access to personal health information from anywhere with an Internet connection. Using a secure user name and password, patients can view their test results, office visit summaries, medication list, and request prescription refills and appointments. Patient portals have been found to enhance patient-provider communication, empower patients, support care between visits and, most importantly, improve patient outcomes.

 

Rebecca Arsenault, president of Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) and Franklin Memorial Hospital, said being recognized six times, and for the last five consecutive years is an important milestone. “This is a very prestigious and much sought after award. Those recognized are extending the use of IT systems outside hospital walls, including connecting directly with patients to improve patient engagement and ultimately patient care.”

 

“Congratulations to our nation’s Most Wired hospitals for harnessing the potential of information technology to improve quality care and patient safety and lower health care costs,” said Rich Umbdenstock, president and CEO of the AHA. “At the forefront of the field, these hospitals are setting the bar for protection of patient data through discerning security measures.”

 

 

Free Containers, Soil and Seedlings in Livermore and Stratton

Farmington¾

 

After a well attended successful event at the Hope Harvest Garden, Healthy Community Coalition staff and master gardeners will be offering additional events featuring gardening tips and hands-on demonstrations on Tuesday, July 14, at the Food City in Livermore Falls from 10 a.m-1:30 p.m. and the Livermore Falls Food Bank from 2-4 p.m.; on Thursday, July 16 at the Eustis/Stratton Food Bank from 10 a.m.-noon and at Fotter’s Market in Stratton from noon-3 p.m. Participants will be able to take home their own container garden. All plants and supplies are free, while supplies last.

 

Container gardening is a fun and easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables regardless of whether one has limited space in their yard.  Container gardens grow well on sunny steps and entryways and are fun way for individuals and children to learn about growing their own fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

In addition, Mobile Health Unit staff will be offering free health screenings, education and information.

 

For additional information, contact Janis Walker at 779-2750.

 Podiatrist Joins Franklin Health Orthopaedics

Dr. Zachary Blakeman also sees patients at Hospital Wound Clinic

Farmington¾

 

Podiatrist Zachary Blakeman, DPM, has joined the medical staff of Franklin Health Orthopaedics and Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) to provide podiatry specialty services.

 

Dr. Blakeman brings a valuable specialty in podiatry to Greater Franklin County treating patients with a wide range of foot and ankle challenges. His services include: treatment of soft tissue and bony surgeries of the foot and ankle; treatment of plantar fasciitis and related conditions; bunion and hammertoe surgery; foot and ankle reconstruction and revision; podiatric sports medicine; and non-diabetic and diabetic foot care, with consultation as needed with wound care specialist Dr. Gerald Tinguely in the FMH Wound Clinic.

 

Dr. Blakeman received his podiatric medical degree from Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in Independence, Ohio. He then completed a three-year hospital-based residency encompassing all aspects of pediatric medicine and surgery. During his residency, Dr. Blakeman also received training in internal medicine, infectious diseases, emergency medicine and trauma, vascular medicine, plastic surgery, and pediatrics.

 

Franklin Health Orthopaedics is located on the second floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center in Farmington. For more information or to make an appointment, call 778-9001.

 

Governor Signs Critical Transportation Bond Bill to Improve Infrastructure and Create Jobs

July 6, 2015

For Immediate Release: Monday, July 6, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage signed into law LD 1415, An Act To Authorize Two General Fund Bond Issues To Improve Highways, Bridges and Multimodal Facilities, which authorizes an $85 million bond package for transportation projects that will improve infrastructure, promote economic development and create jobs in the State of Maine.

The Governor signed the bond bill on Wednesday, July 1, and voters will consider approving the measure in November.

“This critical investment of $85 million into Maine’s transportation system will assure thousands of contractors and construction workers with long-term job security and continuing paychecks, and in turn will strengthen Maine’s infrastructure and economy,” said Governor LePage.

The bond ensures safe travel for residents and tourists alike. Investments include $17 million to construct, reconstruct or rehabilitate high-priority highways; $46 million for bridge replacements and rehabilitation; and $17 million for ports, harbors, marine transportation, aviation, transit and freight and passenger rail.

“This bond is critical for the State to deliver on its current Work Plan commitments, which keep our transportation system strong,” said Governor LePage.

Furthermore, this bond package strengthens improvements to the International Marine Terminal in Portland to support the new transatlantic shipping line (Eimskip) recently established in Maine’s largest city. This international connection benefits core Maine industries like fishing, agriculture, and forest products.

“The citizens of Maine have always recognized the importance of a solid, well-built well maintained transportation infrastructure,” said Maine Department of Transportation Commissioner David Bernhardt. “I am confident when asked in November, the voters will continue

 Rangeley Lakes Regional School Creates a Healthy Environment for Students

 

Rangeley-

 

Rangeley Lakes Regional School (RLRS) received a mini-grant award from Healthy Community Coalition (HCC) of Greater Franklin County’s Healthy Maine Partnership program. Through this award the school purchased an assortment of exercise equipment, nutrition education materials, and a Ninja blender for a healthy smoothie day.

 

The award recognizes the RLRS commitment to work on its tobacco, substance abuse and wellness policies. HCC provides area schools technical assistance by reviewing their policies and providing feedback.

 

RLRS has made great efforts with their tobacco policy and recently received tobacco-free signage to display throughout their campus. The signs are provided by the Partnership for A Tobacco-Free Maine. For more information on receiving technical assistance, please contact Nicole Ditata at 779-2932 or email at nditata@fchn.org.

 

 

Field Hockey Tournament to Benefit Webber Breast Care Center

Teams are seeking donations to benefit those diagnosed with breast cancer

Farmington¾

 

Area high school field hockey fans are in for another treat this summer when Franklin Community Health Network (FCHN) hosts the annual Battle for Breast Cancer Tournament, a round-robin benefit field hockey tournament taking place at Thomas College in Waterville on Saturday, July 18, from 1–9 p.m.

 

Now in its fifth year, more than $82,000 has been raised since 2011 for the beneficiary, the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center, a program of Franklin Memorial Hospital in Farmington.

 

The July 18 benefit tournament will feature eight Central Maine high school field hockey teams: Skowhegan, Spruce Mountain, Messalonskee, Mt. Blue, Lawrence, Mt. View, Leavitt, and Nokomis; and four middle school teams: Skowhegan, Mt. Blue, Nokomis, and Spruce Mountain.

 

Team members are currently seeking donations from family and friends for the tournament and approaching businesses for sponsorship. On-line donations can be made by visiting www.fchn.org/support/donate and can be directed to one of the teams playing.

 

Thomas College’s athletic facility features two side-by-side turf fields so that two games take place simultaneously. Cost to attend the tournament is $5 for adults and $2 for students.

 

According to Jill Gray Community Relations manager, “All funds raised will be used for working people diagnosed with breast cancer at the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center who are uninsured or under-insured.”

 

Prior to the tournament, the players are learning about mammograms and breast cancer through a video, and discussions with breast cancer survivors and staff of the breast care center. And, every team is offered a facility tour.

 

Additional information about the tournament can be found on Facebook; search for the group “Battle for Breast Cancer.” For updates click on the “Join” button at the top of the page.

 

The Webber family created an endowed fund for the support of the breast center in 2004 in memory of Peter Webber’s late wife, Martha, who passed away as the result of breast cancer in 1995.

 

Checks payable to FCHN can be mailed to the Fund Development Office, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington, ME 04938. For more information, contact Gray at 779-2555.

 

The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center offers timely access to state-of-the-art digital screening, and diagnostic, clinical, and care support services by a multi-disciplinary team of health care providers. The center has locations in Farmington and Livermore Falls

 

Healthy Community Coalition to Host Garden Event

Free Containers, Soil and Seedlings

Farmington¾

 

Healthy Community Coalition Staff and master gardeners will be offering gardening tips and a hands-on demonstration on Thursday, July 2 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Hope Harvest Garden next to Franklin Memorial Hospital. Participants will be able to take home their own container garden. All plants and supplies are free, while supplies last.

 

Container gardening is a fun and easy way to enjoy fresh vegetables regardless of whether one has limited space in their yard.  Container gardens grow well on sunny steps and entryways and are a fun way for individuals and children to learn about growing their own fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

In addition, Mobile Health Unit staff will be offering free health screenings, education and information.