Northern Light Inland Hospital announces finance leadership changes

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Chris Frauenhofer, left, Randy Clark, right.

Randy Clark, of Vassalboro, vice president of finance and operations, expands duties to two hospitals and care facility

Northern Light Inland Hospital, in Waterville, has announced several finance leadership changes.

Chris Frauenhofer, vice president of Finance of Northern Light Inland Hospital and interim administrator of Northern Light Continuing Care, Lakewood, in Waterville, has been named as the new vice president of finance for Northern Light Health’s system Medical Group.

Frauenhofer joined Northern Light Health in 2013, starting at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital before moving to Inland Hospital in 2017. Before joining Northern Light Health, he served in senior finance roles for more than 20 years at hospitals in New York, including Alice Hyde Medical Center and Niagara Falls Memorial Medical Center.

Frauenhofer received a Master of Business Administration from Niagara University (New York) and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Registered Accounting Program from State University of New York at Buffalo.

Frauenhofer lives in Mariaville. He will remain in the interim role at Lakewood until a new administrator is recruited.

Randy Clark, vice president of Finance and Operations at Northern Light Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield, will expand his duties to include Inland Hospital and Lakewood, becoming vice president of finance for both hospitals and the continuing care facility.

A resident of Vassalboro, Clark just celebrated 25 years with Northern Light Health. He started as a controller at Sebasticook Valley Hospital, in Pittsfield, in 1996 and became vice president of finance in 2005. In 2016, operations was added to his leadership role. For a few years, he oversaw finance as vice president for both CA Dean Hospital, in Greenville, and Sebasticook Valley Hospital.

Clark earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Maine (Orono) and his Master of Business Administration from Thomas College, in Waterville.

“Chris and Randy have been vital to our local leadership teams, and integral to system finance work. We know they will continue to help our system and member organizations succeed in their new and expanded roles – not only when it comes to finance, but with all aspects of our mission to improve the health of the people and communities we serve. Both Chris and Randy have a passion for excellent service and finding new ways to deliver on our brand promise.” says Terri Vieira, president of Inland Hospital, Continuing Care, Lakewood, and Sebasticook Valley Hospital.

Submitted by Kathy Jason, Lead Communication Specialist, Marketing and Communications for Northern Light Inland Hospital.

PHOTO: Four generations

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Four generations posed for this photo recently. Center, mother Kassie Bisson, of Belgrade, holding daughter Brinley Bisson. Left, great-grandmother, Joan Hallee, of Waterville, and right, grandmother Angela Hallee, of Winslow. (contributed photo)

New Dimension FCU announces scholarship program winners

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Jack Begin, left, accepted his scholarship certificate presented on Tuesday, April 27, 2021. Alyssa Bourque went to the Silver Street location to get her scholarship certificate on Monday, May 3, 2021. (contributed photos)

New Dimensions FCU awarded a Cony High School student and a Lawrence High School student each with a $2,500 scholarship for their first year in college.

Each year, New Dimensions FCU awards scholarships to deserving high school seniors that demonstrate strong character, community involvement, and academic success.

This year we received many applications from students; therefore, making it a difficult task to determine which of the students would walk away with a scholarship. After much deliberation, the New Dimensions Scholarship Committee selected two students who stood out so profoundly because of their dedication and perseverance during the pandemic while maintaining academic success and forward-moving achievements. New Dimensions has announced that Jack Begin, from Cony High School, in Augusta, and Alyssa Bourque, from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, have been selected as the 2021 New Dimensions Federal Credit Union College $2,500 Scholarship winners.

Jack Begin tells us that he is to report to the United States Naval Academy on June 30, 2021, where he begins his first year in his engineering degree. Alyssa Bourque will be attending the University of Vermont, where she will study biomedical engineering.

Ryan Poulin, chief executive officer, states, “At New Dimensions, we understand the power of education, and we promote the financial success and aspirations of our younger generations. We encourage all students who graduate high school and plan on attending school in the fall to participate in our scholarship program. Making this one of the many ways we contribute to the communities we serve.”

For more information, contact NDFCU at (800) 326-6190 or visit www.newdimensionsfcu.com.

Waterville Farmers Market open

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The Waterville Farmers Market is open at the Head of Falls, off Front St., every Thursday, from 2 – 6 p.m.

EVENTS: Amber Lambke to address Leadership Luncheon

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Amber Lambke

Amber Lambke, founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Inc., will speak at the June Leadership Luncheon on Thursday, June 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Amici’s Cucina, 137 Main Street, Waterville.

Enjoy a fabulous lunch and meet Amber Lambke, founder and CEO of Maine Grains, Inc.

She will share her vision for the future of growth in the organic grains community, her notable entrepreneurial path and lifelong experiences that propelled her to her current position.

Maine Grains are carried by specialty food stores and used by bakeries, breweries, and chefs throughout the Northeast.

Amber is also the founding director of the nonprofit Maine Grain Alliance whose flagship event, the Kneading Conference, draws hundreds of attendees from around the world each year and has spawned countless similar conferences.

A driving force behind Maine’s sustainable foods movement, Amber has worked with local business leaders and community members to successfully bring the cultivation and processing of grains back to the northeast. Her efforts have generated a broader understanding and appreciation of the flavor, nutrition, economic and environmental value of freshly milled, organic grains.

To register for this event please email Cindy@midmainechamber.com, check the website at www.midmainechamber.com or call 873.3315. Cost for the Leadership Luncheon is $20 per person for members; $25 at the door and for non-members. Lunch is included with the reservation.

Leadership Luncheon sponsors are Kennebec Savings Bank and Central Maine Growth Council.

Waterville scouts do clean up work at Fort Knox as a service project

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Waterville Boy Scout Troop #436 members, from left to right, Dresden Laqualia, Sam Bernier, Malakhi Kornsey, Josh Knight, Nick Tibbetts (behind), Tobias Crocker and Xander (who was a guest), stand next to the Fort Knox sign at the entrance. (contributed photo)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On April 24, Boy Scout Troop #436, of Waterville, traveled to Fort Knox Historic Site and the Penobscot Narrows Bridge and Observatory (America’s Original Fort Knox), in Prospect, as part of a service project to ready the park for opening for its season which began on May 1.

Three adults, Bruce Rueger, Jim Kornsey and Dan Bernier, provided support and guidance to the eight youth who took part. The youth were Nick Tibbetts, Tobias Crocker, Malakhi Kornsey, Dresden Laqualia, Sam Bernier, and Josh Knight and a guest.

“Our first assignment was picking up trash in, around and on the fort! The Scouts enjoyed climbing all over the historic fort while doing their good deed. They had fun while lending a hand. That is a win,” said Scouting leader Bruce Rueger. “Our second assignment was going down to the west tower of the Penobscot Narrow Bridge to rake the leaves in the landscaped areas of the parking area near that tower (where the elevator is located).”

Afterwards, the Scouts enjoyed a visit to Camden Hills State Park for a hike. The hike selected was Maiden Cliff. “We did the hike, played on a lot of huge boulders, and found a geocache at the top,” Rueger said. “It was a long day, but a great day for Scouting in Waterville.”

Cleaning up around the fort. (contributed photo)

Local children’s book author releases new book

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Jeanine Deas

In her new children’s book, Twinkle, Twinkle, Where You Are, Waterville-based children’s book author Jeanine Deas offers a comforting, reassuring message for children everywhere — one especially powerful as we all journey through the pandemic.

“The book is about love and longing,” Jeanine says. “During COVID — and after that — it offers a magical way for children (and adults) to endure times of isolation and separation from family and friends. It encourages us to remain hopeful that we’ll soon be reunited.”

The book began in a most surprising way, as, one morning, Jeanine “spoke” with her deceased mother. “I still feel the energy of our relationship,” Jeanine says. “I begin each day talking to her. One morning, while gazing at her picture, I whispered, ‘Mom, where are you?’ I paused, then said out loud, “I love you so, wherever you are.’ These words were the inspiration for Twinkle, Twinkle, Where You Are.”

Presented in delightful, touching rhymes and illustrated by Meaghan M. Bailey, Twinkle, Twinkle, Where You Are is ultimately a hope-filled picture book with a message that can enrich children throughout their lives.

“My desire,” says Jeanine Deas, “is that readers will come to understand that when distance, time, or even death separate us physically from those we love, we are always connected through the ever-present energy of our relationship. It’s the ‘TWINKLE’ that gives us hope.”

Twinkle, Twinkle, Where You Are is available at Children’s Book Cellar, in Waterville.

Taste of Waterville: The show will go on with modified format and location

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Mid-Maine Chamber of Commerce’s 29th annual Taste of Waterville is planned for Wednesday, August 4, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Head of Falls, off Front Street, in downtown Waterville.

This year’s format will feature cultural foods and demonstrations focused on the ethnic diversity of the area. Taste of Waterville will be an adult-focused, day-long event with a variety of ethnic food options, entertainment, and informative walks, along with live music, beer/wine gardens and brew samples. Timelines for entertainment and activities are currently under development.

Applications are now being accepted for restaurant, bite booth, food truck and food-related vendor participants. Taste of Waterville encourages participation from both Mid-Maine Chamber members and non-members throughout the region. To reserve a spot for this year’s event, please contact Cindy@midmainechamber.com.

Art society exhibition and scholarship opportunity

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The Waterville Area Art Society (WAAS) is celebrating 35 years with an art show that includes 150 pieces of art featuring 24 WAAS members. The majority of the show is exhibited at The Framemakers, in Waterville. Some work is also available to view at Selah Tea. To see the show, at The Framemakers, one can make an appointment (872-8927) or come to the store and be admitted as space allows (regarding quarantine restrictions). All pieces of art are for sale and can be virtually viewed and purchased online: https://the-framemakers.square.site This show runs through May 7.

The Society also offers a $500 scholarship for graduating seniors planning to major or minor in visual arts, performing arts or music. This scholarship is offered to eight local schools. Applications are due May 1. For more information about scholarships or about membership, you can email: waasmaine@gmail.com or call Mary Morrison at (207) 872-5843.

The art society was started in 1986 to promote visual arts in Maine, encourage local artists and to foster public awareness of Maine artists. Although currently not meeting in person, the group generally meets monthly and provides members with educational programs, art demonstrations, exhibit opportunities, and a place to share information with other artists. The newsletter also provides artists with upcoming exhibitions, juried shows and opportunities.

Waterville Creates announces plan to resume in-person programming

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In response to Governor Mills’ Moving Maine Forward plan, Waterville Creates is thrilled to announce its plans to resume in-person programming at the Waterville Opera House, Railroad Square Cinema, and various outdoor venues. Waterville Creates’ reopening plan is gradual in its approach and will be guided by strict safety and public health practices and protocols, including social distancing, masking of all staff and patrons, and enhanced cleaning and air filtration systems.

“We are excited to return to our core mission of providing live, in-person arts experiences,” says Waterville Creates President + CEO Shannon Haines. “We also take our responsibility to protect our community very seriously, and we have developed safety standards and expectations for each of our venues that we will explicitly communicate and enforce in order to meet that responsibility.”

Based on the state’s guidelines, Waterville Creates plans to reopen the Waterville Opera House for rentals beginning June 1 to accommodate spring dance recitals. The maximum capacity of the Opera House with social distancing is less than 250, which is about 30% percent of the venue’s full capacity of 810 seats. “We are incredibly excited to open the Opera House doors and welcome performers back to the stage,” says Waterville Opera House Executive Director Tamsen Brooke Warner. “The health and safety of our patrons, staff, and performers is our top priority, so we will be asking everyone to work together to ensure a safe environment as we resume in-person programming.”

Railroad Square Cinema will open in July with the 24th annual Maine International Film Festival (MIFF) and will remain open with regular first run arthouse film programming after the festival concludes. MIFF, which will be held July 9-18, will also include screenings at the Waterville Opera House and the Skowhegan Drive-In. “While we were thrilled to be able to offer an in-person experience last year at the Drive-In, it was the first time in 23 years that we didn’t host the festival at Railroad Square Cinema,” says Maine Film Center Executive Director Mike Perreault, adding, “We cannot wait to welcome people back to the cinema, and MIFF24 is really the perfect way to do it.”

Plans for reopening Ticonic Gallery + Studios are still in development, in part due to very limited capacity with social distancing, but Waterville Creates anticipates reopening the gallery at the Hathaway Creative Center in the fall.

Waterville Creates will resume outdoor programming with Art in the Park, at the Downtown Waterville Farmers’ Market, from June through September. Art in the Park is a free artmaking programming designed to engage residents of all ages in fun, creative activities in a welcoming environment. Due to popular demand, Waterville Creates, in coordination with its community partners, plans to continue its Art Kits for All distribution program throughout the year. Preliminary plans are also underway to host the popular Waterville Rocks outdoor concert series, but this programming is dependent on the loosening of State restrictions.

Due to the pandemic, the Waterville Opera House rescheduled several concerts over the past year for dates in late summer and early fall 2021, including the Femmes of Rock on August 27, LeAnn Rimes on September 17, and the High Kings on September 30. Plans for these shows are dependent on further relaxation of social distancing requirements and other protocols. The Waterville Opera House will communicate any further event changes to patrons by website, email newsletter, and social media.

All venues will adhere to strict capacity limits based on state guidelines for percentage caps and social distancing requirements. Patrons will be required to wear masks at the venues while not eating or drinking and to participate in outdoor in-person programs. Waterville Creates staff will continue to follow the guidance of government and public health officials and adjust its reopening plans accordingly.