BUSINESS NEWS: HealthReach welcomes Dr. Martini

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Dr. Jenna Martini

This November, HealthReach staff in Strong, Livermore Falls, and Belgrade are happy to welcome Dr. Jenna Martini to their care teams.

Dr. Martini grew up in Peru, Maine. She earned her doctorate degree, Doctor of Osteopathy, from Touro University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine in Vallejo, CA. She previously earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from The University of Vermont.

Dr. Martini has a wealth of experience across the healthcare field. After completing family medicine training, she worked as a primary care physician and education faculty in a remote region of Northern California. She recently completed a second residency training program in Osteopathic Neuromusculo skeletal Medicine through Maine-Dartmouth Family Medicine Residency in Augusta, Maine. Dr. Martini will bring these experiences to her position at HealthReach by providing osteopathic manipulative treatment to patients at three HealthReach locations.

Dr. Martini shares, “I believe in meeting people where they are at and working as a team to help achieve their goals. I consider each person as a whole – including body, mind, and spirit. Osteopathic treatments can help the body to function optimally so a person’s underlying health can shine through. It’s amazing to see how much a person’s life can improve in all areas when they feel healthy and well.”

Belgrade Regional Health Center, Strong Area Health Center, and Western Maine Family Health Center are all part of HealthReach Community Health Centers – a Federally Qualified Health Center consisting of twelve community health centers located across Central and Western Maine. Dedicated clinicians deliver high-quality healthcare – inclusive of behavioral health and dental services – to Maine residents. To ensure access for everyone, HealthReach accepts Medicare, MaineCare, and major insurance providers.

In addition, an Affordable Care Program is available to both uninsured and underinsured residents. Assistance is available for applications to programs that help with the cost of your healthcare and medications, including Maine’s Health Insurance Marketplace.

New primary care doctor comes home to care for his community

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Gavin Hannon, DO

Northern Light Primary Care, in Oakland, welcomes Gavin Hannon, DO, to its team. Dr. Hannon grew up in Oakland and has come back to care for his hometown community.

Dr. Hannon earned his medical degree from the University of New England College of Osteopathic Medicine, in Biddeford, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Maine. He is board-certified in Family Medicine from the American Osteopathic Board of Family Physicians.

“I had always wanted to be a ‘small town doc’, a resource for the community, and I couldn’t think of a better place than Oakland to achieve that goal. Further than being able to achieve my professional goals, I know firsthand Oakland is a great place to build a life. The people are kind and caring; it’s the type of place where neighbors still help each other. We’re close to the mountains, we have the lakes, and I couldn’t imagine a better place to live and practice,” shares Dr. Hannon.

“My practice philosophy is to create a welcoming and relaxing atmosphere that promotes open and honest conversation so we can better work together to create an individualized treatment plan that is specific to a patient’s goals. It’s critical for patients to be engaged in their own healthcare,” says Dr. Hannon.

Dr. Hannon is welcoming patients 16 years and older. Please contact the office at 465-7342 to schedule an appointment. The practice is located at 74 Water Street, in Oakland. Learn more at inlandhospital.org.

AARP Maine seeks applicants for new volunteer state president

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AARP Maine seeks applications for a new Volunteer State President, a lead volunteer position that reports directly to the AARP Maine State Director and works closely with AARP staff and volunteers on a range of key issues that impact Mainers 50-plus. Applications will be accepted until October 31, 2023.

“The central pillar of AARP Maine’s mission is to help Mainers 50-plus and their families age with dignity and respect,” says Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “The role of the Volunteer State President is an integral part our work to advance AARP’s social mission in Maine. We seek a passionate, strategic thinker with outstanding leadership qualities and the ability to collaborate, motivate and inspire others as we work together towards this mission.”

The Volunteer State President works closely with hundreds of AARP Maine volunteers supporting important advocacy issues at the state and federal level. Advocacy activities include testifying on bills at the state legislature, bringing concerns and issues to Maine’s Congressional Delegation, representing AARP Maine in local media, hosting and speaking at local events, and providing inspiration and guidance to a growing body of volunteer advocates in the Pine Tree State.

Responsibilities of this volunteer role also include the sharing of information and resources on topics such as caregiving, fraud prevention, Social Security and Medicare. The Volunteer State President will lead events and work with local officials to bolster efforts that make Maine communities more age-friendly.

“This leadership volunteer position offers a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to utilize one’s skills and experiences to make a positive difference in the lives of all older Mainers and their families,” Bonam says. “The successful candidate will serve as a pivotal member of the AARP Maine team and our work on behalf of our more than 200,000 members in the state.”

The Volunteer Maine State President will:

● Serve as Chairman of the Executive Council, an all-volunteer panel made up of leaders from across the state and the AARP State Director.
● Report to the State Director and support staff and volunteers to help achieve AARP’s vision, mission and strategic priorities within Maine.
● Act as the primary volunteer spokesperson for AARP Maine, communicating AARP’s messages statewide.
● Have the opportunity to build networks and partnerships with organizations and key Maine decision-makers that will endure long after their term in office.
● Be governed by the policies and procedures of the Association.

Eligibility:

● An AARP membership is required.
● A commitment to the goals and priorities of AARP, a strictly non-partisan organization.
● An ability to lead in a collaborative manner.
● A proven track-record in strategic thinking and planning abilities.
● An inspiring team player with strong interpersonal skills, particularly in understanding group dynamics and facilitation.
● An excellent public speaker with strong oral and written communication skills.

To see a full list of responsibilities and qualifications or to apply by October 31, 2023, please click here.

To learn more about AARP and our work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @aarpmaine.

HealthReach welcomes new Mental Health Clinician

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Kristina Mont

This October, Sheepscot Valley Health Center staff is happy to welcome Kristina Mont, LCPC, to their professional healthcare team.

Mont earned her master’s degree in Professional Counseling from Monmouth University, in New Jersey. She previously earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Northern Arizona University. Mont’s wealth of professional counseling experience includes substance use counseling, group therapy, and family therapy. She will apply this diverse skillset to her work at Sheepscot.

Mont shares, “I love the saying, ‘We don’t grow when things are easy – we grow when challenged’. Every one of us can use help navigating life’s challenges. I’m a firm believer in maintaining our emotional and physical wellness to avoid ‘dis-ease’, so I’m excited to be joining the HealthReach team. HealthReach uses a holistic approach to treatment and is dedicated to improving the lives of community members. It is very fulfilling to meet someone where they are and watch them gain confidence and courage to become the person they want to be. When a person is feeling stuck or is ready to make changes, I offer my support.”

Mont joins the existing Sheepscot clinical team in Coopers Mills: doctors, Ann Schwink, Daniel Keane, and Kathryn Wistar; physician assistants, Brooke Perez, Anna Simmler, Craig Urwin, and Zachary Wissman; and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Melanie.

Rheumatologist joins Northern Light Inland Hospital

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Sheena Henry, MD

Northern Light Inland Hospital welcomes rheumatologist Sheena Henry, MD, to Northern Light Rheumatology in Waterville.

Dr. Henry earned her medical degree from the University of South Carolina School of Medicine and her undergraduate degree from Clemson University in Clemson, South Carolina. She is board-certified in Internal Medicine and Rheumatology.

Dr. Henry provides rheumatologic evaluation and treatment services for a wide spectrum of rheumatologic diseases: ankylosing spondylitis, calcium pyrophosphate disease (CPPD), gout, inflammatory eye disease, inflammatory muscle disease (ex. Dermatomyositis), lupus and other related autoimmune conditions, osteoarthritis join injections, osteoporosis, polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), psoriatic arthritis, Raynaud’s syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, scleroderma, and vasculitis.

“I treat my patients with the same passion and caliber as I would for a family member. I value the long-term relationships I have the privilege of developing with my patients. Also, my particular specialty allows me to provide interventions that get people back to enjoying their life – back to golfing or gardening, back to starting a family, back to traveling, etc. The greatest satisfaction comes when my patient’s condition is so well controlled that their treatment/disease is an afterthought in their day-to-day lives,” says Dr. Henry.

She adds, “I strive to have my patients feel that they are empowered to control their disease and understand the steps that are being taken in their care. Most of my medications require compliance for years if not lifelong; one of the biggest predictors of treatment/management success is when patients take ownership of their disease. If they feel comfortable with the plan and understand the significance/ramifications of their choices, they are more likely to have long-term success.”

Dr. Henry will be offering telehealth appointments and in-person visits. For referrals or more information, please call the practice at 861.7050, located in the Medical Arts Building on the hospital campus. Learn more at inlandhospital.org.

Timmins joins CMGC staff

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Nicole Timmins

The Central Maine Growth Council (CMGC), a public-private collaborative economic development partnership, is pleased to announce the appointment of Nicole Timmins as Grant and Finance Manager. Nicole is responsible for overseeing CMGC’s granting efforts, which include optimizing the grant administration process, preparing financial reports, and ensuring compliance with grant regulations.

Nicole’s work will directly support CMGC’s existing funding landscape in addition to being responsible for overseeing CMGC’s Economic Recovery Implementation Hub activities throughout Kennebec and Somerset Counties.

“I am excited for the opportunity to collaborate with an organization that champions business interests across all sectors, offering tailored solutions to support operational growth,” remarked Timmins. “The prospect of spearheading impactful initiatives that empower entrepreneurs and reduce obstacles they face is deeply motivating. I am committed to driving ongoing advancement in this space.”

Nicole brings previous experience as the Director of Finance at Care & Comfort, where she oversaw all aspects of the finance department, including managing staff, billing, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, and reconciling the general ledger. Her experience monitoring fee schedules to ensure compliance with various provider contracts and funding sources demonstrates Nikki’s familiarity with financial management.

Nicole holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Orono in Mass Communications.

Real estate group recognizes local state lawmaker

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Sen. Matt Pouliot, R-Kennebec (center), with MEREDA President Craig Young (left) and Executive Director Shelly Clark. (photo courtesy of MEREDA/Brian Peterson)

The Maine Real Estate & Development Association (MEREDA) honored Maine State Senator Matt Pouliot, R-Kennebec, during its 2023 Forecast Conference and Member Showcase. The organization’s annual event was held at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

In recognition of his leadership in housing creation policy and for his support of MEREDA’s efforts to advance responsible, practical and predictable policies for real estate development, Pouliot was awarded the 2022 MEREDA Public Policy Award.

“Senator Pouliot has been a steadfast supporter of MEREDA policy priorities, including his help in maintaining the Maine Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credit; his support for the establishment of a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (CPACE); his vote for the 2022 Housing Act; and his sponsorship of two MEREDA priority legislation items for the 131st Legislature,” MEREDA Executive Director Shelly Clark said in a video introducing the award at the event. “Additionally, Senator Pouliot has recently risen as a leader in bipartisan discussions about smart public policy to help curb Maine’s housing crisis.”

Citing his involvement with the Legislature’s recent Commission to Increase Housing Opportunities in Maine by Studying Land Use Regulations and Short-term Rentals, MEREDA said Pouliot was instrumental in establishing the new Joint Select Committee on Housing of which the final report of the Commission will be the starting point for the work of the new committee.

MEREDA also recognized Pouliot’s development efforts in Kennebec County, including the revival of the historic Water Street corridor in Augusta through redevelopment of downtown properties.

“His support for responsible real estate development, approach to policymaking, and service as a leader both in the Legislature and in his hometown of Augusta make Senator Pouliot a clear choice for this year’s 2022 Public Policy Award,” Clark said.

Senator Matt Pouliot is in his third term representing the communities of the newly-reapportioned District #15. He is the Senate Republican Lead for Joint Standing Committee on Labor and Housing and the new Joint Select Committee on Housing.

PHOTO: Windsor Fair president receives award

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Tom, left, is pictured with his wife Karen. Contributed photo

Windsor Fair shares that their esteemed president, Tom Foster, has been presented the Catherine L. Damren Distinguished Service Award by the Maine Association of Agricultural Fairs this past weekend at their annual conference. It means so much to see this award go to someone so deserving. Tom, a farmer himself, has been an asset to the agricultural and fair communities of Maine most of his adult life.

PHOTO: New chamber board members

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The Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce new board members. From left to right, Jordan Rowan, Kristian Suttie, Gary Poulin, Molly Woodward and Jamie Plourde. (contributed photo)

Sarah Sachs named president of KFS Mortgage Company LLC

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Sarah Sachs

KFS Mortgage Company LLC, the Waterville-based lending corporation that is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kennebec Savings Bank, has named Sarah Sachs as its new president. Ms. Sachs brings extensive experience in residential mortgage, retail banking and small business lending to her new role.

Prior to joining KFS Mortgage Company LLC, Ms. Sachs served in key roles at other banks as a vice president and mortgage lending manager. Under her leadership, her teams have won local and national awards in residential lending and retail banking.

“I’m very excited to take on this new role,” Ms. Sachs said. “My mission is to expand our product offerings here at KFS Mortgage Company, hire mortgage officers, and open additional mortgage offices in other parts of the state.”

She noted that KFS Mortgage Company LLC offers government mortgage products through Freddie Mac, Maine Housing, Rural Development, and the VA that will enhance what Kennebec Savings Bank already offers.

An active member of the Central Maine community, Ms. Sachs currently serves as commissioner and treasurer of the Augusta Housing Authority; a member of the Board of Directors of the Augusta Teen Center, and president of the Board of Directors of Howell House. She is a member of the Maine Association of Mortgage Professionals and an affiliate member of the Kennebec Valley Board of Realtors and Greater Portland Board of Realtors. Ms. Sachs lives in Augusta with her husband, Alden. They have two grown children.