Northern Light Primary Care in Unity welcomes Jennifer Turner, LMSW-CC, a licensed master social worker, to the team. Jennifer was the Unity practice manager for the past five years and has transitioned into this new role. Jennifer has been with Northern Light Inland Hospital for 21 years.
Jennifer earned her undergraduate degree in social work at Saint Joseph’s College of Maine and her master’s degree in clinical social work from the University of New England. She is state licensed.
Jennifer shares, “I want to be a part of changing the stigma around mental health/behavioral health. It is an honor to be “allowed” into a patient’s world and be a part of their healthcare journey, one I don’t take lightly. It is important to listen, then listen more. I enjoy coming alongside the patient to help them reach their goals while providing a safe place with no judgement.”
Jennifer is a generalist social worker who provides individual therapy. She works with patients, ages 10 years and older, who have all types of symptoms and diagnosis, such as: substance use, grief, women’s health, and chronic illness. She also has experience working with learning disabilities and challenges. She will be seeing patients in-person at the Unity practice with telehealth as an option.
For referrals or more information, please call our practice at 948.2100. The practice is located at 80 Main Street in Unity.
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Matthew Burnham, a lifelong resident of the Boothbay Region who served as a lobsterman for 17 years while also building and remodeling homes, has joined Augusta-based Rizzo Mattson, REALTORS® as a sales agent.
“As Rizzo Mattson, REALTORS® celebrates 40 years of real estate service throughout Maine, they are bringing onboard someone of Matthew’s diligence and devotion to caring, personal service,” said Brian Rizzo, Designated Broker-Owner of Rizzo Mattson, Realtors® who also serves as the immediate past president for Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors® and as a director for both Maine Listings and Maine Association of Realtors® this year.
In his spare time, Matthew enjoys spending time with family and friends, listening to music, finding new adventures, and hanging out with his black Lab puppy, Zeppelin.
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Annemarie Allen, of Windsor, has been named to the dean’s list for the fall 2022 semester at Quinnipiac University, in Hamden, Connecticut.
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Eldon McLean, 93, was honored as the oldest resident of North Anson by the presentation of the ceremonial Boston Post Cane by Anson Historical Society, at the Anson Town Office, on February 9, 2023. President Sharon Mellows, Vice President Charlotte Withee, Chairman Ralph Withee and Anson Administrator Tammy Murray and Michell Quint, a member of the society, and Eldon’s wife Laurie, were present.
Eldon was born June 9, 1929, in North Anson, to Kenneth and Alberta McLean. He attended Mark Emery and North Anson Academy. Eldon served in the U.S. Army and served in Korea. He worked at Wings Mill, on construction and later was manager of Sampson’s, in Rockland, and later manager of Hannaford, in Madison. Eldon is a member of the Lions Club and the Lexington Highland Historical Society and past member of the North Anson Grange, Mason’s, and Lexington Highland Snowmobile Club.
Eldon married Laurie Howes and they had three children, Wendy, Larry, and Michael. They have five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
Eldon’s mother, Alberta, was presented the Boston Cane in 2001 at the age of 96.
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Palermo Community Foundation (photo by Connie Bellet)
Submitted by Connie Bellet
PALERMO, ME — The Living Communities Foundation has received a generous donation of $3,000 from Michael Bigos, son of Ted and Jeanne Bigos, of Palermo. Michael Bigos, an attorney living in Auburn, has donated the funds to honor his father and late mother, who were founding members of the foundation, originally called the Palermo Community Foundation. The Bigos family was active in civic and community service in Palermo, also being involved in building the Post Home for American Legion Post #163, as well as the Palermo Community Center. Before he retired, Ted Bigos worked for the USDA as a loan officer, and for the Town of Palermo as its Assessor. At this time, Ted Bigos is residing at the Veterans Home, in Augusta.
The Living Communities Foundation is an all-volunteer Charitable Foundation that Ted Bigos helped become registered under IRS code 501(c)3. Its mission is to respond to the needs of the community in an adaptive, sustainable mode using traditional values, ancient wisdom, and common sense. The Palermo Community Center has been home to Palermo Online, an early Internet Service Provider; a digital learning center; an art studio; a recording studio for music and Native language preservation; the Palermo Food Pantry; and the Great ThunderChicken Drum. Programs have included classes in American Sign Language, Biblical studies, guitar and art lessons, as well as free Dinner-and-a-Movie nights.
The board of directors, officers, and volunteers of the foundation join together to thank Mr. Bigos and his family for his kind donation. It is support like this that keeps the foundation fully functional well into the difficult times we all face.
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Daniel Keller, who is co-conductor of the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra and on staff at the Southern Maine String Camp conducts the orchestra rehearsal. (photo courtesy of Stephanie Taylor)
“I think of it as a hidden gem in central Maine,” says board president Stephanie Taylor, about the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras (KVYSO), an independent nonprofit formed in 2018 as an outgrowth of the Pineland Suzuki School of music, in Manchester. The initiative was an effort to bring the string musicians of the Suzuki School together with local students of wind, brass and percussion instruments for a full orchestral experience.
Stephanie Taylor
Taylor, a professor of Computer Science, at Colby College, in Waterville, and mother to one former and one current student member of the orchestra, serves as both the president of the board and the group’s webmaster.
“I’m the president of the board,” she says, “which basically just means I’m an involved parent.”
The orchestra consists of two ensembles, the Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra for intermediate students, and the Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony for advanced students. Middle school and high school students are encouraged to audition, with placement determined by skill level. KVYSO is especially looking for percussion, brass, and wind instrumentalists.
The group works hard to avoid conflicts with other activities in which the students may be involved, such as sports or other musical groups. They hold two ten-week seasons each year, culminating with a public concert. Their off-season is January and February, when the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra is active, so that students can participate in both groups if they wish. Frequently, KVYSO schedules trips such as the one planned for New York City in April.
Tuition for participation in the Intermediate Orchestra is $100 per semester, and $165 per semester for the Advanced Orchestra. Financial aid is also available for parents who wish to apply.
The Kennebec Valley Youth Symphony Orchestras are currently holding auditions for their spring season, and holds rolling auditions throughout the year. Students can schedule an audition appointment by filling out the form on their website and emailing it to Betsy Kobayashi, Education Director, at info@kvyso.org.
The orchestras are conducted by Jinwook Park, the orchestra conductor at Colby College, and Daniel Keller, who is co-conductor of the Mid-Maine Youth Orchestra and on staff at the Southern Maine String Camp. Keller is an inductee of both the Maine Music Education Association Hall of Fame and the National Music Hall of Fame for Music Educators. Of Jinwook Park, Taylor says, “He is incredible musically and the students absolutely love him. He’s a very nice guy that pushes them to do really amazing stuff.”
The Kennebec Valley Youth Orchestra’s next concert is scheduled for Friday, May 5, at 6:30 p.m., with the location to be determined. Watch The Town Line’sCalendar of Events for updates or visit the Schedule and Concert Information page on their website at kvyso.org.
https://townline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TownLineBanner.jpg00Eric W. Austinhttps://townline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/TownLineBanner.jpgEric W. Austin2023-02-22 13:01:152023-02-22 13:01:54KVYSO a hidden gem in central Maine
This February, staff at Sheepscot Valley Health Center, are welcoming Brooke Perez, Physician Assistant, to the team.
Brooke earned her master’s degree in Physician Assisting from Trevecca Nazarene University of Tennessee. Previously, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Pre-Medicine from the Eastern Nazarene College of Massachusetts. Brooke draws from a solid background in rural medicine and urgent care, along with experience in local inpatient facilities.
Brooke shares, “I am thrilled to transition into family practice, and to have the opportunity to blend my existing knowledge of orthopedics and inpatient medicine to provide high-quality healthcare for the whole family. Collaborating with my patients to help them reach their health goals is very important to me. I am excited to contribute to a healthier community here in Central Maine”.
Brooke joins physicians Ann Schwink and Kathryn Wistar; physician assistants Anna Simmler, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; and psychiatric nurse practitioner Nancy Glover. Our clinicians offer medical and behavioral health services for patients of all ages.
Residents of Coopers Mills and Whitefield – and nearby towns – have enjoyed quality care at the Sheepscot Valley Health Center since its founding in 1980.
Sheepscot Valley Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers, a group of 12 Federally-Qualified Health Centers located across Central and Western Maine.
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The Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has recently awarded a $10,900 grant to Smithfield Volunteer Fire & Rescue to purchase a Groves extractor & gear dryer. The new equipment will allow first responders to be better prepared in emergency situations and protect the citizens of Smithfield as well as volunteer members. The grant is part of more than $73 million given by Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation to public safety organizations across the U.S.
The awarded grant will be used to purchase a Groves extractor and gear dryer, in order to wash and dry our volunteer’s personal protective equipment (PPE).
For the past 16 years, donations have been the driving force behind Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation® supporting first responders and public safety organizations nationwide.
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U.S. Senator Angus King speaks with the children. (contributed photo)
Sen. King with The Neighborhood Child Care Center owner Jennifer Lizotte. (contributed photo)
U.S. Senator Angus King recently visited The Neighborhood Child Care Center, in Winslow, to observe firsthand how funds from the American Reinvestment Plan Act (ARPA) have benefited child care centers. Meeting with Executive Director Jennifer Lizotte, Senator King spoke about investing in the child care industry stating, “Quality early care and education is critical for folks to get back to work.” He also spoke about how important it was for families to have a safe, secure center where children have opportunities for social skill building, healthy snacks, daily physical activities, and enrichment including STEM activities. He stated, “Having quality child care also stimulates the economy.”
The senator was one of the primary architects of the the American Reinvestment Plan Act which has provided a unique opportunity for state and local governments.
During his visit, Jennifer explained the challenges of opening and running a child care center in the midst of the pandemic. ARPA funding provided the financial stability needed for the center to remain open and provide care for approximately 50 families. “Parents need to be able to go to work even during a pandemic” noted Jennifer. “We all still need to be able to pay bills and put food on the table. It’s nearly impossible for parents to do this without childcare. ARPA funding allowed us to survive these challenges”.
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