Dr. Jacqueline Caldwell Joins Farmington Family Practice

Has a professional interest in women’s health.

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice is pleased to announce that Jacqueline Caldwell, MD, has permanently joined its medical practice.

 

Dr. Caldwell received her medical degree from Boston University School of Medicine, then completed her residency at Duke-SRAHEC Family Medicine Residency Program at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She has a professional interest in women’s health.

 

The medical practice follows a patient-centered medical home model that designates a primary nurse-provider team to coordinate patient care. Same day appointments are available as needed, along with 24/7 access to a provider when the office is closed.

 

Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice is located on the ground floor of the Franklin Health Medical Arts Center on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus. Besides Dr. Caldwell, providers include: Kristine Sanden, DO; Kendra Emery, DO; Deborah Hamilton, MD; Calli Meader, PA-C; Linda Seabold, PA-C; and Anna D’Epiro Cushing, LCSW, ATR.

 

For more information or to make an appointment, call Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice at 778-3326.

 

What: 90 Maine legislators to visit Franklin Memorial Hospital as part of Legislative Policy Academy

 

When:  Thursday, January 15, at 10:40 a.m.-noon

Where: Bass Room, Franklin Memorial Hospital

 

Background:   Maine Development Foundation’s Policy Leaders Academy is a non-partisan educational program for Maine Legislators on the Maine economy. This program has delivered high quality, objective and non-partisan experiential training to legislators since 1985. Program participants learn about:

·         Maine’s dynamic economy, the drivers of long-term growth, and what it takes to achieve job creation.

·         Maine’s regional economies, the interdependence and differences among these regions.

·         How business operates and how investment decisions are made.

·         The impact of public policy decisions on businesses and regional economies.

 

The result is better-informed decision-making by Maine’s Legislators.

 

AGENDA

• 10:40 a.m.: Welcome
• 10:50 a.m.: Rebecca Arsenault, FMH president/CEO, will share information about the changing dynamics in health care and how these changes are impacting care delivery in rural areas.
• 11:30: Jake Grindle, Western Maine Community Action health navigator program coordinator will give an overview of collaborative efforts for enrollment in the Affordable Care Act insurance marketplace.
• 11:50 a.m. Janis Walker Healthy Community Coalition program manager will discuss the Affordable Care Act’s community impact and stories from Franklin County.

 

 

Statement of Governor on Fitzsimmons Resignation

January 14, 2015

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, January 14, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage released the following statement Wednesday upon learning of the resignation of Maine Community College System President John Fitzsimmons:

“For more than two decades, President Fitzsimmons has presided over the Community College System and during that tenure he has accomplished great things. For this, I am appreciative and wish him the best in future endeavors.”

“Today, creativity, innovation and competitiveness must propel an antiquated system into a new era. Our students deserve an education that provides them the tools to be successful. It is our job to ensure the educational opportunities are accessible and affordable and lead our youth on a path toward success.”

 

 

Governor Signs Order to Keep Oil Trucks on Road and Mainers Warm

January 12, 2015

For Immediate Release: Monday, January 12, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage on Friday signed an emergency proclamation to ensure Maine residents receive heating oil deliveries without delay.

“Our oil delivery drivers need the flexibility to be on the roads so that Mainers stay warm during the coldest part of winter,” said Governor LePage.

The State of Emergency proclamation will enable the granting of a waiver from the Federal Department of Transportation to allow heating oil delivery personnel to stay on the road longer to make sure homes and businesses stay warm.

The Governor would also like to remind drivers who are picking up extra hours to remain safe on the roadways. “We want to keep Mainers warm, but drivers and business owners should understand their limitations too,” said Governor LePage.

The order will remain active for 10 days, beginning on January 09, 2015, the day the order was issued, or until the Governor declares the emergency is over.

The text of the proclamation 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 9 through January 23, 2015.

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.

 

 

Governor’s Budget Brings Major Tax Relief, Prioritizes Funding for Elderly and Disabled

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

AUGUSTA –Today, Governor Paul R. LePage released details about the FY 2016/2017 biennial budget, which contains a $300 million overall reduction in the tax burden for Maine families and small businesses. In the $6.3 billion budget, the Governor is making Maine more competitive nationally by creating an efficient, effective and affordable government.

The cornerstone of the Governor’s budget is his tax proposal, which modernizes Maine’s tax code, lowers top individual and corporate income tax rates, amends the sales tax base to some services and adjusts the sales tax rate, at the same time offering tax credits for low-income Mainers.

“During my first term, we took the first step toward significant tax relief. In this budget proposal we are modernizing Maine’s out-of-date tax code to make Maine more competitive with other states,” Governor LePage said. “I plan to reduce the top tax rate even further to 5.75 percent, dramatically improving our competitive position in this global economy.”

According to the State Business Tax Climate Index by the Tax Foundation, Governor LePage is the first governor to put a serious tax reform proposal up for discussion in 2015. The Tax Foundation ranked Maine 37th before Governor LePage took office, and then moved the state’s rank to 33rd under the leadership of the Governor during his first term.

If the Governor’s tax plan is implemented, the state’s ranking would leap from 33rd to 23rd on the Tax Foundation State Business Tax Climate Index.

Another major component to the budget is to ensure Maine’s elderly and disabled are cared for. The Governor includes more than $46 million to fund waitlists for the disabled and elderly. An additional $22 million is allocated to nursing homes.

“We are providing the necessary resources to care for the disabled Mainers who have been waiting in line for services they have long been qualified for, but were not funded,” said Governor LePage. “I also propose increased funding for nursing homes to make sure that Maine citizens continue to have access to quality long-term residential care.”

Furthermore, the budget addresses the need for access to primary care and preventative services providing more than $14 million toward primary care provider rates and preventative services.

Democrats and Republicans were briefed on the budget Friday afternoon. Senate President Michael Thibodeau commented, “I would like to applaud the Governor for offering an ambitious series of proposals that take an ‘outside the box’ approach to driving our economy and making Maine more competitive. As the Governor’s budget goes through the legislative process, I can tell you that each one of these initiatives will be given serious consideration. I would like to commend the Governor for putting forth such a bold proposal and look forward to working with him during the 127th Legislature.”

"This budget builds upon the past four years of Republican priorities including income tax reduction, controlled spending at the Department of Health and Human Services and significant tax reform,” said House Representative Kenneth Fredette. “I applaud Governor LePage on his bold initiatives and now getting to work on the legislative process of continuing to support our Republican priorities."

For the complete budget report visit: http://www.maine.gov/budget/budgetinfo/

 

 

Governor Nominates McLean to Maine Public Utilities Commission

January 8, 2015

For Immediate Release: Thursday, January 08, 2015
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that Carlisle McLean has been nominated as Commissioner of the Maine Public Utilities Commission (MPUC). McLean, if approved, would join current Commissioners David Littell and Mark Vannoy.

Since 2013 Carlisle McLean has served as Chief Counsel and has previously served as General Counsel and Senior Natural Resources Policy Advisor in the Office of the Governor.

Prior to joining the Office of the Governor, McLean practiced law with Preti Flaherty law firm from 2005 to 2011 handling matters ranging from permitting and compliance of energy and development permits, to obtaining LURC rezoning and development permits, to handling negotiations and settlements at Superfund Sites throughout New England and nationally.

Previously, McLean worked with the Yale Center for Environmental Policy, Trustees for Alaska, the New York State Office of Attorney General, the Pace Land Use Law Center and Freehills Law Firm in Sydney, Australia.

McLean has been an active member of the Maine and American Bar Associations since 2005 and has held leadership positions with both organizations. She earned her Juris Doctor/Master of Environmental Management from Pace University School of Law and Yale University School of Forestry. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Bates College.

Maine Public Utilities Commissioner Thomas Welch, who was also Chairman and Maine’s representative to the New England States Committee on Electricity (NESCOE), has chosen to resign from his post effectively opening a position for commissioner. Governor LePage announced on December 30, 2014 that he was appointing Commissioner Mark Vannoy as Chairman to replace Welch. Patrick Woodcock, the Director of the Governor’s Energy Office, will serve as Maine’s representative to NESCOE.

McLean will appear before the Joint Standing Committee on Energy, Utilities and Technology in the upcoming weeks. A date has not yet been scheduled.

The MPUC regulates electric, natural gas, telecommunications and water utilities to ensure that Maine consumers enjoy safe, adequate and reliable services at rates that are just and reasonable for both consumers and utilities. The Commission oversees emerging competitive markets for some of these services. The Commission also regulates water taxis and ferries in Casco Bay, and promotes safe digging through the Dig Safe underground utility damage prevention program.

 

 

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 2015/16 and 2016/17 ski seasons 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 and online. The winner will be drawn at the Charity Summit Ball on January 24. 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.sugarloaf.com/charity.

 

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 scientific laboratory and clinical cancer research, professional and public education, and patient support programs throughout Maine.  www.mainecancer.org

 

 

LePage Administration Unveils New Building with Focus on Welfare Reform

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

Facility focuses on transition from welfare to work

AUGUSTA – Continuing his focus on transitioning Mainers from welfare to work, Governor Paul R. LePage today unveiled a new facility that consolidates the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), Department of Education (DOE) and Department of Labor (DOL) offices. The building, located in South Portland, saves State of Maine taxpayers more than $23 million.

Compared to current Portland leased facility rates, the building saves Maine taxpayers $23.4 million over the next 30 years. Under the Governor’s leadership, the State of Maine last year signed a contract with ELC Construction, Inc. for the lease of new offices in South Portland.

Commissioners of the Department of Health and Human Services and Department of Labor, Mary Mayhew and Jeanne Paquette, joined Governor LePage to provide a preview of the newest effort to consolidate government buildings and services. ELC Construction, Inc. representatives and state employees also attended today’s tour.

“This building consolidates these agencies under one roof and provides Mainers with easily accessible resources and services to help them succeed,” said Governor LePage. “Our Administration looks forward to serving Mainers at this new location and continuing to offer the training and assistance they need to successfully transition them from welfare to a career they enjoy.”

Additionally, the Bureau of Veterans’ Services will join DHHS and DOL in the new facility to better assist veterans seeking assistance or employment. More than 22, 000 veterans or 18 percent of the state’s veteran population lives in Cumberland County. The Bureau of Veterans Services is excited about the opportunity to co-locating with DHHS and DOL to provide a one-stop shop for veterans seeking state or federal benefits.

The 30-year lease will provide the State with 75,000 square feet of space for DHHS and DOL to co-locate their Cumberland County offices. The consolidation of the two agencies into one location will make it easier for clients to access services provided by both agencies and promote the Administration’s goal of enabling Mainers toward economic independence by providing opportunities to move from welfare to work. “We are an administration that looks out for the taxpayers of Maine. This is a win-win for everyone, saving money and helping people,” added the Governor.

Under the terms of the new Cumberland County Regional Office lease, the rate per square foot in the first three years will be $19. Even after escalators provide for periodic increases over the 30-year term, the final price per square foot at the end of the lease in 2045 will remain about $3 less than today’s rate of almost $30 at the current DHHS leased space on Marginal Way in Portland.

The new facility will be open to the public starting January 26, 2015, for both DHHS and DOL and CareerCenter services.

 

Governor LePage Nominates Richard Rosen to Serve as Commission of Finance & Administration

Contact: David Heidrich, (207) 624-7800, Assistant Director of Communications, DAFS

AUGUSTA undefined Governor Paul R. LePage today announced the nomination of the Honorable Richard W. Rosen to serve as commissioner of the Maine Department of Administrative and Financial Services (DAFS). The nomination is subject to the confirmation process by the Joint Standing Committee on Appropriations and Financial Affairs and the Maine Senate.

Rosen, a native of Bucksport, has been serving as acting commissioner of DAFS since the retirement of former Commissioner H. Sawin Millett, Jr. in May. Prior to his appointment as acting commissioner, he served as the Department’s deputy commissioner of finance.

Previously, Rosen served as the director of the Governor’s Office of Policy and Management. During the 125th Legislature, he served as the Senate Chair of Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee. He served as a senator representing parts of Hancock and Penobscot Counties for four terms and as a member of the Maine House of Representatives for three terms, accumulating extensive legislative expertise in budget, tax, energy, and health and human services.

“I am pleased to nominate Richard Rosen to serve as commissioner of the Department of Administrative and Financial Services. For the last seven months, he has led DAFS through many important initiatives, including the development of my upcoming biennial budget. Richard is a dedicated public servant, and he will continue to serve the people of Maine well as commissioner,” said Governor LePage.

“I am honored to have been nominated by Governor LePage to serve as commissioner,” said Acting Commissioner Rosen. “DAFS is a dynamic organization with a broad scope of responsibility, and I look forward to continuing our important work on behalf of the Governor and the citizens of Maine.”

In addition to his public service, Rosen owned and operated Rosen’s, a department store located in Bucksport, with his wife, Kimberley, for more than 35 years. He is a graduate of the University of Maine and serves on the boards of the Retail Association of Maine, Bucksport Regional Health Center, and Northeast Historic Film.

 Pediatrician Joins Franklin Health Pediatrics

Dr. Erika Schumacher begins January 5

Farmington¾

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics is pleased to announce that pediatrician Erika Schumacher, MD, will join its practice on January 5. Other providers in the medical practice include Lorien Batt, MD; Gabriel Civiello, MD; Nicole Donahue, CPNP; and Iris Silverstein, MD, FAAP (developmental pediatrics only).

 

Dr. Schumacher received her medical degree from the University of Vermont College of Medicine. She then completed a one-year internship followed by a two-year residency in pediatrics at Yale-New Haven Children’s Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut.

 

Before joining Franklin Health Pediatrics, Dr. Schumacher had practiced at Meriden Pediatric Associates in Meriden, Connecticut since 2011. During this time she has also served as director of the Yale Pediatric Refugee Clinic. Besides pediatrics, Dr. Schumacher has a professional interest in international medicine.

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics offers a full range of medical care for newborns through teens. Services provided include: well-child care and immunizations, sports physicals, adolescent gynecological care, asthma care, treatment for developmental and behavioral issues, and acute and chronic illness care.

 

Franklin Health Pediatrics also provides walk-in urgent care services for its patients from 7:45−8:45 a.m., Monday−Friday. This service is for patients who have acute, short-term illnesses or injuries that need prompt attention, but aren’t life threatening. These may include earaches, sore throats, coughs, and sprains, among others.

 

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