Bar Harbor Bank & Trust recognized by Newsweek magazine

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Bar Harbor Bankshares (NYSE American: BHB), the parent company of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, is pleased to announce the Bank has been recognized by Newsweek as one of “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions” for the fifth consecutive year. The Bank was selected from among approximately 8,800 financial institutions based on a combination of indicators of financial health, operational performance, long-term stability metrics, and customer reviews.

“To be considered one of ‘America’s Best Regional Banks’ for the fifth year in a row is an extraordinary achievement and truly reflects our commitment to our customers,” said Curtis C. Simard, President and CEO of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust. “Achieving this milestone is only possible thanks to the consistency and dedication of our colleagues. Together, we are able to provide best-in-class service to our customers and sustain our commitment to helping our customers achieve their goals.”

Bar Harbor Bank & Trust has been serving the financial needs of Northern New England residents and businesses since it was founded in 1887. The Bank balances the delivery of convenient digital products and services that customers need with the personal, relationship-oriented approach to banking that customers want, including more than 60 branches and more than 100 ATMs across Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont. The Bank employs hundreds of experienced banking professionals who provide personalized services to customers including financial guidance and planning, home financing, business lending, merchant services, and wealth management.

In addition to the “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Union” recognition by Newsweek, Bar Harbor Bank & Trust Bank has also been recognized by Forbes as one of the “World’s Best Banks” each year since 2023. Other awards the Bank has won in recent years include Forbes “Best-in-State Banks” in 2022, 2023, and 2024; Newsweek’s “America’s Best Banks” in 2022; and Mastercard’s Doing Well by Doing Good Award in 2022.

Newsweek collaborated with Plant-A Insights Group, a market data research group, to identify the financial institutions named to the “America’s Best Regional Banks and Credit Unions 2026” list. All regional banks and credit unions across the United States were examined and selected based on indicators of financial health, operational performance, and metrics indicating long-term stability. Only institutions operating in fewer than 30 states and that had positive profitability, creditworthiness, and healthy lending capacity were included in the analysis.

The results of the financial analysis were combined with additional data points including an independent customer survey of more than 71,000 United States residents, and more than 2.3 million social media reviews and 80 million app store reviews from Apple and Google Play.

DeMerchant assumes ownership of Staffing Solutions

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Cathy DeMerchant

Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc. has announced that co-founder Cathy DeMerchant has assumed full ownership of both firms, marking a new chapter for the woman-owned staffing and workforce consulting companies serving Central and Eastern Maine.

DeMerchant, who has worked in the human resources and staffing industry for more than 30 years, now serves as president and owner following the acquisition of her former partners’ interests. The transition formalizes a role she has effectively held for decades and positions the firms for continued growth with an expanded focus on direct hire, executive placement, and HR consulting services.

“This transition is about building on what we already do exceptionally well,” said DeMerchant. “We’re a small team, but we’ve always had an outsized impact for our clients because we take the time to understand their people, their culture, and the real challenges they’re facing.”

Founded more than two decades ago, Capital Area Staffing Solutions, Inc. and Bangor Area Staffing Solutions have earned a reputation for high-quality placements across a wide range of industries. While they continue to offer temporary/contract, contract-to-hire, and direct hire staffing, DeMerchant is expanding the focus to include executive placement and advisory services for employers navigating complex workforce and HR issues.

That advisory role is not new for DeMerchant. Over her career, she has worked closely with organizations on sensitive workplace matters including leadership transitions, internal conflict, policy compliance, and organizational culture — often serving as a trusted, neutral resource during high-stakes situations.

“Many employers need guidance,” DeMerchant said. “They’re dealing with regulatory changes, return-to-work challenges, or internal dynamics that affect retention and performance. Our experience allows us to step in, assess the situation, and help them move forward with clarity and confidence.”

Operating out of offices in Augusta and Bangor, they serve employers throughout Central and Eastern Maine. Their intentionally hands-on, process-driven approach emphasizes quality over volume — a model that has resulted in thousands of successful placements over the years and long-standing relationships with Maine businesses.

As a 100 percent woman-owned business, DeMerchant also sees the ownership transition as an opportunity to reinforce their commitment to ethical leadership, transparency, and people-first decision-making. “At the end of the day, this work impacts people’s livelihoods,” she said. “That responsibility matters to us, and it always will.”

For more information about Capital Area Staffing Solutions or Bangor Area Staffing Solutions, visit www.capitalareastaffing.com.

Northern Light Health marks American Heart Month in February

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Northern Light Health is going all in for heart health this February, joining the national observance of American Heart Month with a powerful message: “Be the Heart of Our Community.” Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Maine, accounting for nearly a quarter of all deaths in the state. “Be the Heart of our Community” is a call to awareness, prevention, and collective action.

Every 33 seconds, someone in the U.S. dies from heart disease. But there is good news: up to 80 percent of heart disease is preventable. Northern Light Health is committed to turning the tide by empowering Mainers with the knowledge and tools they need to live stronger, healthier lives with healthier hearts.

Throughout February, Northern Light Health will spotlight heart-healthy tips, risk factors, and success stories through our How Are You? Hub at northernlighthealth.org/HowAreYou, on social media, and at our care sites across the state from Portland to Presque Isle. Each share, post, and conversation is an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in someone’s life.

Northern Light Health offers a full spectrum of cardiovascular services, including prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. Learn more at northernlighthealth.org/Services/Cardiovascular-Care and catch more information about American Heart Month at northernlighthealth.org/heart-health.

HealthReach welcomes new Clinician, Luigi Santilli, FNP

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Luigi Santilli

This February, staff at the Madison Area Health Center are happy to welcome Luigi Santilli, FNP, to their professional healthcare team.

Santilli earned his Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Husson University. Previously, he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the University of Maine at Fort Kent and a Bachelor of Arts in Biology from the University of Maine Augusta. Santilli’s nearly eight years of medical experience includes emergency and ICU care, infusion, and travel nursing. Santilli also completed clinical experience for his FNP degree at HealthReach’s Sheepscot Valley Health Center. His extensive range of experience, paired with familiarity of the HealthReach community, will make him a great addition to the Madison team.

Of his new position with HealthReach, Santilli said, “I am looking forward to bringing a patient-first mindset to the healthcare community. I wish to be diverse in my practice and care for the community that I love in a direct and impactful way.”

Santilli joins the existing Madison clinical team – Family Nurse Practitioner, JoHanna Davis; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Kelly Bell Bragg; Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Madison Chadbourne; and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, Lauren Emery.

Valerie Lefebvre joins Bar Harbor Bank & Trust

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Valerie Lefebvre

Valerie Lefebvre has joined Bar Harbor Bank & Trust as AVP, Branch Relationship Manager for the bank’s location in Waterville. In this role, she leads a team of banking professionals to provide solutions and guidance to help individuals, families, and businesses in Waterville and the surrounding towns meet their financial goals.

Valerie brings several years of banking experience to her role. Prior to joining the bank, she held multiple positions with Capital Area Federal Credit Union, including consumer loan officer and real estate loan officer.

Valerie holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Maine at Farmington. She is also a certified notary.

Valerie, her husband, Zachary, and their two young children, Elaine and Ella, live in Waterville. Outside of work, she has volunteered with the Maine Special Olympics, including fundraising and athlete supervision.

NORRIDGEWOCK: Dunkin’ celebrates grand re-opening

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The Bailey Family of Dunkin’ celebrated the grand reopening of their newly-remodeled Norridgewock restaurant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in early November.

Owners Colleen and Ed Bailey, longtime residents of Norridgewock, and owners of nine Dunkin’ locations across the region, welcomed community members, town officials, and business representatives to celebrate the fresh new look and continued success of the local restaurant.

On behalf of the town, Town Manager Richard LaBelle presented Colleen and her team with a congratulatory message recognizing their investment in the community. U.S. Representative Jared Golden also extended his congratulations in a letter to the Bailey Family and the Dunkin team.

The event was hosted by the Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce and sponsored by Pye Barker and Summit Natural Gas. As part of the celebration, the Baileys presented a $1,500 donation to the Somerset Humane Society, honoring the organization’s outstanding work in support of animal welfare throughout the region.

The town of Norridgewock extends its appreciation to the Bailey family for their continued commitment to the community and local economy.

Max Kenney named Central Maine’s 2025 Young Professional of the Year

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Max Kenney

Engineer, civic leader, and Fairfield native recognized for driving innovation, community growth, and the next generation of leadership across Central Maine

Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC) and KV Connect, the region’s vibrant network for rising professionals, proudly announce Max Kenney as the recipient of the 2025 Young Professional of the Year Award. The honor was presented at CMGC’s annual meeting on October 20, 2025, supported by Kennebec Savings Bank, Valley Beverage, and Bricks Coworking & Innovation Space.

The Young Professional of the Year Award celebrates emerging leaders who embody professional excellence, civic commitment, and a passion for community growth. Kenney’s leadership, entrepreneurial drive, and volunteerism reflect the energy, creativity, and collaboration propelling Central Maine’s next generation forward.

A Fairfield native, Kenney grew up surrounded by family-owned businesses that have long served as local institutions – Belanger’s Drive-In, Tozier’s Dairy Farm, and TDF Auto. This early exposure to small business, entrepreneurship, and community service shaped his values and commitment to giving back. After earning an environmental engineering degree from the University of New Hampshire, Kenney worked in southern Maine before returning home during the pandemic—a move emblematic of the region’s growing wave of “millennial boomerangs.”

Today, Kenney serves as an engineer with the Kennebec Water District, where he manages construction projects, oversees new service connections, and ensures the delivery of safe, reliable, and affordable water to residents and businesses across the greater Waterville region. His technical expertise and passion for public infrastructure play an essential role in supporting the area’s long-term economic growth and quality of life.

“Max represents the future of Central Maine – talented, community-driven, and deeply committed to building something lasting,” said Garvan Donegan, President & CEO at Central Maine Growth Council. “Beyond his professional accomplishments, Max actively shapes the region and Fairfield’s future through his service on multiple municipal committees and as a frequent contributor to the Fairfield Economic and Community Development Committee. He’s not just working here—he’s investing in the region through his leadership and civic engagement, making him an outstanding ambassador for Central Maine’s next generation.”

Outside of his professional role, Kenney is a civic leader and community advocate. He currently serves as the 2025 Chairman of KV Connect, where he helps connect and empower rising professionals through networking, service, and mentorship. He also serves as an elected member of the MSAD 49 Board of School Directors and contributes to several Town of Fairfield committees, including the Planning Board and Budget Committee.

“Central Maine has given me so much—a sense of community, opportunity, and belonging,” said Max Kenney. “Being able to give back through my work and volunteer service is deeply rewarding. I’m honored to be recognized by CMGC and KV Connect and grateful to be part of a region that invests in its young professionals and believes in its future.”

Kenney’s blend of professional excellence, civic leadership, and community pride reflects the momentum and optimism fueling Central Maine’s next generation of leaders.

Submitted by the Central Maine Growth Council.

Kimberly Newby joins Bingham healthcare team

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Kimberly Newby

This December, staff at the Bingham Area Health Center welcome Kimberly Newby, FNP, to their professional healthcare team.

Newby earned her Family Nurse Practitioner degree from Husson University. Previously, she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing from the Univ­ersity of Maine at Fort Kent and her Associate’s degree in Nursing from the University of Maine at Augusta. Newby’s wealth of medical experience includes time spent in surgical nursing, primary care, and specialty care settings, with experience in pain management, chronic disease management, and more. Her extensive experience will make her a great addition to the Bingham team.

Of her new position with HealthReach, Newby said, “I’m thrilled to be joining the team at Bingham Area Health Center. I look forward to working with the people in the greater Bingham area on their health goals.”

Newby joins the existing Bingham clinical team – Doctor Abigail Cross; Physician Assistant, Cory Miller; Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Kelly Bell Bragg; and Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Leah Agren.

Founded in 1975, Bingham Area Health Center is a part of HealthReach Community Health Centers — headquartered in Waterville, Maine. HealthReach is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit operating eleven family medical practices and one school-based health center. The HealthReach mission is to serve the otherwise medically underserved. In 2025, HealthReach proudly marks 50 years of delivering high-quality healthcare to the rural communities of Central and Western Maine since its founding in 1975!

HealthReach services include general primary and preventative healthcare, including behavioral, substance use disorder, dental, and podiatric care services. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers, and there are no eligibility requirements to access care through HealthReach; all are welcome.

An Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured people. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with your healthcare and medication costs, including enrollment support for Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

The above is issued in furtherance of HealthReach Community Health Centers’ federally funded health center project. In 2025, HealthReach is projected to receive $4,436,654 in federal assistance, which is estimated as constituting 12 percent of project costs. Of total project costs for 2025, HealthReach estimates 88 percent to be financed with non-governmental sources.

The contents above are those of the author, and do not necessarily represent the official views of or an endorsement by, HRSA, DHHS, or the U.S. Government.

CNA students graduate from Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood’s program

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CNA Graduates: Keirra Romero, center, Summer Nesbit, left, and Faith Giles, right. Middle, From left to right, Lindsey Moody, RN, Administrator, Brenda Pryor, RN, Nurse Educator, (Students), Laila Rowe, LPN, Nurse Manager, Diana Mckeen, RN Infection Prevention, April Burke, LPN, Quality (in back). (contributed photo)

Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood is pleased to announce that Faith Giles, Summer Nesbit, and Keirra Romero recently graduated from the Continuing Care, Lakewood’s certified nursing assistant training program. Additionally, all three students passed the Maine State CNA exam with high scores. Continuing Care, Lakewood is grateful to have had the opportunity to enhance their knowledge and skills to becoming the next generation of top-notch CNA professionals, employed by Continuing Care, Lakewood.

If you are interested in being notified of an upcoming certified nursing assistant program session through Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood, please call Brenda Pryor, RN, or Lindsey Moody, RN, at 207-873-5125.

HealthReach announces new board member

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Dr. Paul Forman

Connie Coggins, President & CEO of HealthReach Community Health Centers, announces that Dr. Paul Forman has joined the organization’s Governing Board of Directors.

Dr. Paul Forman, of Albion, is a retired medical clinician. After graduating with his Doctor of Medicine degree and completing his residency as Chief Resident at Central Maine Family Practice Residency (now Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency), Dr. Forman worked as one of the founders and as a staff member of the Lovejoy Health Center.

He continued serving at Lovejoy from its opening in 1978 until 2007.

Additionally, Dr. Forman served as Chairman of the Department of Family Medicine, Chief of Medical Staff, and At-Large Director on the Board of Directors all at the Mid-Maine Medical Center (now MaineGeneral). Cur­rently, he is a member of the MaineGeneral Medical Center Honorary Medical Staff. The HealthReach team is grateful to have Dr. Forman back as a member of the HealthReach Board of Directors, and looks forward to all that we can accomplish with his support.

Dr. Forman will join Board officers: Jim Higgins, Chairman; Jack Ducharme, Vice Chairman; and John Opperman, Secretary & Treasurer; as well as Board members: Jenny Boyden, Paula Callan, Buffy Higgins, Michelle Kelley, Juliana Richard, Susan Tedrick, and Allen Wicken.

HealthReach appreciates the volunteer efforts of its Board members, who contribute to the leadership, direction, and success of the nonprofit. Without them,

HealthReach would not be able to serve the people of rural Maine as effectively as it does with local, high quality, and affordable healthcare.