News

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage met with representatives from Maine’s veteran’s service organizations at the quarterly Commanders Call. The meeting was held Thursday and is part of the Governor’s ongoing effort to maintain an open channel of communication with these organizations.

The Commanders Call is hosted by Maine Veterans Services and members meet with the Governor to discuss and address current issues and the needs of the Maine’s veterans’ population. The Governor said, “The time I get to spend with these veterans is so important in understanding the issues facing Maine’s veterans today. We owe our veterans a debt of thanks and I appreciate the opportunity to hear from these leaders directly.”

During the meeting, Governor LePage appointed two new military Aides-de-Camp as authorized by state law in a ceremony in the Cabinet Room.

These veterans are appointed to the honorary rank of colonel and assist the Governor with activities affecting their organizations. They also advise the Governor and the commissioner of the Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management on issues affecting Maine veterans.

The Aides-de-Camp are David C. Olson of Portland, and Veterans of Foreign Wars and Rachel N. Bosse of South China, Woman Veteran at Large. Also present at the appointment ceremony was Peter Ogden, Director of Maine Veterans Services and Brigadier General James D. Campbell, the Adjutant General, who presented the commanders with the insignia designating the position of honorary colonel.

These individuals will hold their appointment as an Aide-de-Camp for one year.

“I am honored to appoint these outstanding veterans as my Aides-de-Camp. They have served their state and nation in times of war and peace, and continue to serve today” said Governor LePage “I look forward to their valuable input on veterans issues and know they will serve Maine’s Veterans well.

Governor LePage Nominates Bruce Fitzgerald to Serve as Director of MEMA

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage announced today that he has selected Bruce Fitzgerald of South China to serve as the director of the Maine Emergency Management Agency (MEMA.)

“Bruce has distinguished himself as an expert in the emergency management field through his many years at MEMA, and I am pleased to nominate him as the director,” said Governor LePage. “Bruce is the right man to manage the agency in times of emergency.”

Fitzgerald joined the MEMA staff in 2003, beginning as a program manager for Homeland Security grants, progressing to the Homeland Division Director and then serving as acting director. He served at MEMA through numerous state emergencies and Presidentially declared disasters, notably during Hurricane Katrina in 2005, the St. Patrick’s Day, Mother’s Day and Patriot’s Day storms in 2007 and, more recently, during Hurricanes Irene and Sandy. He holds a BA in Political Science from the University of Maine.

“I’m pleased and honored to have been selected by the Governor for this position. I look forward to continued service with MEMA leading this important agency,” said Fitzgerald. “I am confident that the professionals of the Maine Emergency Management Agency will continue to provide the high level of service to Maine’s citizens to which we have all become accustomed.”

The MEMA Director reports to The Commissioner of Defense, Veterans’, and Emergency Management (DVEM) and directly to the Governor during times of emergency.

Fitzgerald’s nomination is subject to final confirmation by the Maine Senate.

Workers’ Compensation Rates Fall to 7.7%, the Lowest Since 1998

Maine employers will save over $15 million 

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has announced that workers’ compensation rates will decrease by nearly 8 percentundefinedthe largest decrease since 1998undefinedsaving Maine employers over $15 million in the coming year.

Maine and New Hampshire are the only two states in the Northeast getting reductions, and Maine’s decrease is the larger of the two.

The National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) evaluated Maine’s workers’ compensation system and recommended a premium reduction of 7.7 percent based on multiple factors, including injury experience, injury trends, benefits and expenses.

“Maine employers and employees should take credit for the improvement in the workers’ compensation system,” said Governor LePage. “Maine claim frequency is relatively flat, lost time is stable, and the average medical costs per case are down. There has been a concerted effort in the state to improve safety in the workplace, promptly return injured workers to employment as soon as possible and control medical costs.”

NCCI sent the recommendation in a February 5 letter to Eric Cioppa, the Maine Superintendent of Insurance. In its Annual Report on the Status of the Maine Workers’ Compensation System, the Workers’ Compensation Board noted that the workers’ compensation system in Maine has transitioned from one of the most expensive in the nation to one that is moving to a level of average costs for both premiums and benefits.

The Maine Bureau of Insurance expects employers to save $15.2 million over the coming year.

“I am pleased with the NCCI voluntary market recommendation,” said Paul Sighinolfi, executive director and chairman of the Workers’ Compensation Board. “Their analysis of the Maine workers’ compensation market is consistent withundefinedor perhaps even better thanundefinedmy impression. All stakeholders within our system should be pleased with this recommendation because it is a combined effort of both the management and labor communities to reduce injuries and control costs that led to the recommended reduction in premium.”

Health Career Scholarships Available

Six $600 scholarships to be awarded

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

The Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary is once again offering health career scholarships. The scholarships will be presented to students in need of financial assistance who reside in Greater Franklin County, including Livermore Falls and Livermore, and are pursuing careers in the health care field.

To be eligible, the applications must be completed and returned by April 15. Applicants must also have been accepted to a school of their choice by that date.

In May, the Auxiliary will select six recipients for the $600 scholarships. The funds will be awarded following the successful completion of the first semester of post-secondary school.

For more information or to receive an application, contact Jill Gray at 779-2555.

State Offices to Close Wednesday Afternoon Due to Snow Storm  

AUGUSTA – Governor Paul R. LePage has announced that State offices in the following counties will be closing at NOON today due to inclement weather:

York

Cumberland

Sagadahoc

Lincoln

Knox

Waldo

Kennebec

Androscoggin

Oxford

Offices in Franklin, Somerset, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock, Washington and Aroostook Counties will remain open normal business hours. 

“I urge all of you to drive safely as you commute to your destination. Stopping on snow or ice without skidding requires extra time and distance. Drive slowly so you can adjust to changing road conditions. Please remember to keep a safe distance behind other vehicles and give plow trucks plenty of room to operate,” said Governor LePage.

Nurse Practitioner Joins Franklin Health Pediatrics

Farmington¾

Franklin Health Pediatrics is pleased to announce that nurse practitioner Nicole Donahue, CPNP, joined its practice on February 4. Other providers in the medical practice include Lorien Batt, MD, and Gabriel Civillo, MD.

Donahue is a nurse practitioner who received her master’s degree in pediatric nurse practitioner studies from Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana. She earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Maine.

Before joining Franklin Health Pediatrics, Donahue provided primary care at Waterville Pediatrics. Before that she provided patient care while serving as a pediatric charge nurse at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center. Donahue has also served as an adjunct lecturer in undergraduate pediatrics at the University of New England.

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, and acute and chronic illness care.

For more information or to make an appointment with Donahue, 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.

Donahue, who grew up in Dixfield, is pleased to return to the area. She and her husband Jon Merrill will be moving to Jay in the coming months.

Governor LePage and First Lady Honor Recently Returned Soldiers at Freedom Salute Ceremony 

BANGOR – On Sunday, Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage honored recently returned Soldiers of Detachment 14 Operational Support Airlift Command and their families. Eight Soldiers were recognized in Bangor during a Freedom Salute ceremony, which is designed to publically recognize the sacrifice of soldiers, families, employers and friends who have supported them throughout the deployment.

At the ceremony, Governor LePage and Adjutant General of the Maine National Guard and Commissioner of the Maine Department of Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management Brigadier General James D. Campbell reminded soldiers of the rich heritage of the Maine National Guard, the appreciation of the state for their service and the selfless sacrifice an entire family makes when a sSoldier is deployed.

"This afternoon we are here to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of your deployment, as well as the sacrifice of those who have supported you at home," Governor LePage said. "Although we can never give you all the appreciation you deserve, it is important you know how important your service is to our state and nation. Maine is proud of you, and I am proud you.”

Brigadier General James D. Campbell thanked the soldiers, the families and the soldiers’ employers for their unwavering support. “For many of you, this is your second or third deployment. Your continued dedication to duty is admirable, and we owe a debt of thanks not only to those of you in uniform, but to your families and employers as well.”

Detachment 14 Operational Support Airlift Command is stationed at the Army Aviation Support Facility in Bangor, Maine. The unit served with distinction and recently returned to Maine.

PORTLAND- In a coordinated effort to assist veterans and those currently serving in the military with obtaining state licenses and locating jobs, state and private partners will hold an Occupational Licensing and Job Fair on March 4, 2014 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 772 Stevens Avenue Armory in Portland.  Current and past military members are invited to attend, receive a printed Verification of Military Education and Training (VMET) and use relevant military experience toward licensing requirements in four licensed trades.  Veterans must provide proof of honorable discharge (DD 214).

“Our veterans have served us with honor, and it is only right that we help them get back into the civilian workforce with a good-paying job,” said Governor Paul R. LePage.  “I encourage our veterans who want to work in these fields to attend the fair. Our Departments of Labor, Professional and Financial Regulation and Defense, Veterans and Emergency Management are collaborating in new ways to ensure our veterans get the support they deserve.”

Staff from Maine’s Department of Professional and Financial Regulation will be present to assist attendees in applying their military experience toward state requirements for obtaining an occupational license.  Professionals in each field will also be on hand to help translate military training and education into civilian trade equivalency.

The Occupational Licensing and Job Fair for Veterans and Service Members will focus primarily on four occupations: Electricians, Plumbers, Stationary Steam Engineers, Boiler Operators/Oil/ Propane/ Natural Gas/ Solid Fuel Technicians.

Multiple employers with open positions in these respective fields will be present and conducting interviews at the Job Fair.  Attendees are encouraged to bring a targeted resume, any relevant letters from current and former employers and dress in a professional manner, ready for an interview.

The event is made possible with help from the Maine Military and Community Network, the Maine Department of Professional and Financial Regulation, the Maine Department of Labor and Employers in Support of the Guard and Reserve.  For more information, please contact Nathaniel Grace at Nathaniel.e.grace.mil@mail.mil or 207-430-5651.

The program is designed for those in grade 7 and older

FARMINGTON, MAINE¾

The Education Department at Franklin Memorial Hospital is partnering with Tri County EMS to host a Baby Sitter Certification Course on Tuesday, April 22. This one day course during school vacation week runs from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bass Room at Franklin Memorial Hospital. The course is open to anyone in the 7^th grade or older. The cost is $55 which needs to be paid in advanced.

The class will feature babysitter basics including feeding, burping a baby, spoon feeding, crying, behavioral problems, and discipline; and first aid for emergency response. All participants will become certified by the American Heart Association in first aid and CPR.

A full-color book complete with illustrations is included. It is an easy-to-follow format that lets former students use the book as a quick reference while babysitting.

Anyone interested in attending should include the name of the participant on the check along with payment of $55 payable to Tri-County EMS, 300 Main Street, Lewiston, ME 04240. The deadline for registration is Friday, April 11.

This course is made possible as part of the Western Maine AHEC grant initiative at Franklin Memorial Hospital. For additional information, contact Devon Frechette at the Franklin Memorial Education Department at 779-2451 or e-mail dfrechette@fchn.org.

AUGUSTA, Maine – Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage have tied a yellow ribbon around one of the Blaine House trees to remember all of our men and women in uniform currently serving both at home and around the world.

“All of our military members home and overseas deserve our appreciation. They’re the ones away from their families, giving all to protect the freedoms we share. I want to thank our troops for their service and sacrifice to keep our great Nation safe. I want to thank their families, too, for their patience and willingness to support their loved ones as they are away from home,” said Governor LePage.

“With the start of the New Year, I think it’s important to remember our loved ones serving our beloved Country,” Mrs. LePage said. “Almost every Mainer is somehow associated with a member of America’s military and I encourage everyone who knows a service member to adorn a tree of their own with a yellow ribbon. We must never forget the sacrifices that are being made each and every day to protect our freedoms and the freedoms of those around the world. ”

Ann LePage has made supporting our Troops her top priority while serving as Maine’s First Lady.  The First Family has a close personal friend who deployed in 2013.  Michael Cianchette, former Chief Legal Counsel for Governor LePage, is currently serving with the US Navy as a Lieutenant Junior Grade (LT JG) in Afghanistan.