Partnerships Benefit Community Residents

 

Photo Caption:  Members of a Community Partnership Committee consisting of Western Maine Community Action (WMCA), the Lewiston CareerCenter Business Employment Services (BES),  met recently to review schedules and requirements for new training programs slated for January 2017 .  Pictured (l-r, seated) Cathy Stairs, WMCA Employment & Training Specialist; Jennifer Tiner, Assistant Director Lewiston Adult Education; Patti Saarinen, WMCA Program Site Coordinator;  back row:  Christine King, WMCA Employment & Training Specialist and Linda Roberts, BES CareerCenter Consultant.   The programs are geared toward providing courses to income eligible candidates the skills to achieve full time employment with upward mobile job growth and stability in the workforce.    Additional initiative partners include Tree Street Youth, the Root Cellar, Maine Immigrant and Refugee Services . Photo courtesy of Monica Millhime.

 

 

Lewiston - Adult Education, WMCA, the Lewiston CareerCenter, City of Lewiston, Community Concepts the John T. Gorman Foundation, and other community partners are collaborating on a number of training opportunities that will provide classroom time, as well as work experience or on the job training.  Candidates from low income, Veterans, and New Mainers are encouraged to apply for these various trainings that will result in the skills necessary to be successful in the workforce and related trades. 

 

Programs for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Construction, Personal Support Specialist (PSS) and Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) Certificate and Office Skills are scheduled to start the first of the year. Some programs are geared toward a Work Readiness credential and others will include an on-the-job training. 

 

Orientations will be offered at the CareerCenter, 5 Mollison Way, Lewiston throughout January.  Registrations are requested by December 30 for the CNA and Construction programs.  For more information on each program and registration call 753.9001.

Joseph Philippon Featured Guest Speaker January 5 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, January 5, Joseph Philippon will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Philippon is a 2005 graduate of the University of Maine at Augusta and possesses a bachelor’s degree in Administration of Justice.  Philippon was hired by Lewiston Police Department in 2005 and has been with the department for over 10 years.  Currently, Philippon is assigned to the department’s Community Resource Team where he focuses on strengthening community partnerships, identifying areas to improve service, recruitment, and overseas several enforcement and outreach programs for the department.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Wendy Jordan Featured Guest Speaker January 12 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, January 12, Wendy Jordan will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Jordan  has been a licensed Massage Therapist in the State of Maine since 2012. She  volunteers and provides hundreds of Massages and healing modalities with Military members and families at  the ARMY Buker Family Services in Augusta and the HOPE Association.   Therapeutic Massage and Energy session modalities are offered in a customized individual treatment packages aligned with muscular tension.  Treatment sessions and enhancements are based on individual needs.  Massage is no longer a luxury. It is a necessity to a balanced lifestyle.  Providing yourself time to experience relaxation for tired sore muscles and ease your mind is an important step in creating a balanced life. It also creates an outlet to unplug from environmental stressors.  Jordan specializes in chair or table Massage, foot sock / reflexology, Swedish Massage, myofascial, neuromuscular, hot stone, hydrotherapy, reflexology, face / scalp treatment, polarity and Reiki.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Tim Verrill Featured Guest Speaker January 19 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, January 19, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Tim Verrill, the Network Services & Facilities Manager at Seniors Plus will be the featured guest speaker of the LA Rotary from noon to 1 p.m.  Verrill has been a Rotarian since 2014. Introduced to computers by his older brother, he started programming as a teenager in high school, submitting games to Compute magazine for extra income, eventually creating an animal judging program for the University of NH. His first major job at Watts Fluidair in Kittery, he learned the business until he became production planner. Discovering much was done by hand, he computerized the department which significantly increased efficiencies and reduced manpower. Moving on to work with the Maine Technical College System, he was instrumental in bringing the Internet to the college system, linking all of the business offices together on a Wide Area Network, and supporting the needs of 7 colleges across the state. For the next 17 years, he worked with Evergreen Insurance in Lewiston as Information Systems Manager to advance their technology environment, bringing their systems up to date and running flawlessly. Now at Seniors Plus, he oversees a department of four skilled professionals, advancing technology & working hard to insure that the staff of 130 people always have the resources they need to perform their jobs. The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Mary Mayhew Featured Guest Speaker January 26 at LA Rotary

 

 

 

Lewiston – On Thursday, January 26, at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, Commissioner Mary Mayhew will be the featured guest speaker at LA Rotary.  Mayhew was appointed to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services in 2011 by Governor Paul R. LePage. She provides leadership, guidance and policy direction to the largest agency in state government – with approximately 3,000 employees and accounting for more than one-third of the state’s budget.

Commissioner Mayhew’s leadership has focused on reforming the state’s welfare programs to encourage self-sufficiency and long-term employment, establishing effective prioritization and financial management practices, halting more than a decade of multi-million dollar budget shortfalls and strengthening support for our at-risk families.  Prior to her appointment, Mayhew was the Senior Health Policy Advisor for the LePage Administration.  She also served as Vice President of the Maine Hospital Association for 11 years.  The public is invited to attend.  No reservation is required.  Lunch is available for $10 in the Fusion Restaurant at the Ramada.   FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

LA Rotary’s Mac McPeake Narrating the Night Before Christmas 12.22

 

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, December 22, veteran and Past-President of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club, Mac McPeake,  will share his annual tradition by narrating the ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas during the Rotary Christmas gathering of members, families, friends and guests of all ages.  Plan to join the LA Rotary at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston, from noon to 1 p.m. for this very magical and special celebration.  Luncheon is open to the public.  Lunch is available at the Fusion Restaurant for $10.  No reservations are required.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Auburn Breakfast Rotary Club Presenters

 

12/7/16        Edward Little Chorus

"Fermata NoWhere is an auditioned ensemble of students from Edward Little High School in Auburn. They have established a well-known reputation for excellence with community performances. Their repertoire includes a cappella arrangements of various pop tunes along with classics. All 17 students use their strong skills as musicians to strive for outstanding vocal performances. The group started in 1988 and is currently under the direction of Sarah Brooks. This is Sarah's first year as the Choral Director at ELHS and she is ecstatic to be working with such a brilliant group of students."

-          See attached photo -

-          The Auburn Breakfast Rotary club meets weekly Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue, Auburn, Me.  For more details contact Jeffrey “Pete” Preble at 207.751.6281.

 

12/14    Erin Reed, Trinity Jubilee

Erin Reed is the Executive Director, Food Pantry Coordinator of the Trinity Jubilee Center in Lewiston, Me.  The Trinity Jubilee Center addresses unmet needs of underserved people in Maine’s Lewiston-Auburn area through collaboration with local, state, and federal organizations, as well as other agencies and churches. We meet these needs through services that include a Meals Program, Food Pantry, Outreach, a Warming Center, and Refugee Assistance.

The Auburn Breakfast Rotary club meets weekly Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue, Auburn, Me.  For more details contact Jeffrey “Pete” Preble at 207.751.6281.

 

 

12/21/2016      Emily Dooling Hamilton, Healthy Androscoggin

Emily Dooling Hamilton  leads all tobacco initiatives at Healthy Androscoggin.  Healthy Androscoggin (HA) is a coalition of local people who work locally to improve the health and quality of life in our communities. Healthy Androscoggin is the local comprehensive community health coalition.  Emily provides tobacco education, prevention and cessation programs for Androscoggin County. 

The Auburn Breakfast Rotary club meets weekly Wednesday mornings at 7:00AM at the United Methodist Church, 439 Park Avenue, Auburn, Me.  For more details contact Jeffrey “Pete” Preble at 207.751.6281.

 

12/26/16  No meeting

 

Auburn Lewiston Rotary Offers Christmas Tree Sales & More!

 

Auburn – The Auburn –Lewiston Rotary Club is sponsoring their 10^th annual Christmas Tree Sale event on Saturday, December 3, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Maine Bucket, 21 Fireslate Place in Lewiston.  Join Rotarians for a day of fun where one can cut your own Christmas Tree.  Kids can have their picture taken with Santa in his giant chair.  Crafts, Christmas goodies raffle items, hot dogs, popcorn hot chocolate and more will be available.  Kindling seconds will also be available to purchase.  Trees, $35; over eight feet, $50.  Wreaths with bows, $12.  Boughs with berries, $5.  All donations support local charitable causes supported by the Auburn Lewiston Breakfast Rotary Club.  Credit cards are accepted.  Sunday, December 4 from 9 a.m. until noon Christmas Tree cutting, boughs and wreaths sales only.  Call for pre-sales if you cannot make the event.  Contact Doug or Autumn at 784.6700 or Lee Upton at 740.8510. 

 

Monica M. Millhime

Will Fessenden to Address LA Rotary 12.29

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, December 29, Will Fessenden, will be the featured guest speaker at Lewiston-Auburn Rotary at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston from noon to 1 p.m.  Will Fessenden is the Marketing Director for the Sun Media Group including the Sun Journal.  With a background in journalism, marketing and public relations, Will has been advocating for responsible community journalism for more than two decades.   In his present role Will handles marketing, promotions and  publicity for the Sun Media family of publications.  The Sun Media Group is locally owned by the 4th generation of the Costello family and includes the Sun Journal and more than a dozen weekly newspapers, niche publications and websites.  FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Tracey Chase to Share Bonney Staffing News at LA Rotary, December 1

 

Lewiston – Tracey Chase is a District Manager with Bonney Staffing Center, Inc. She has been with Bonney since 2008. She started out in the Lewiston location as part of a team of 3 and over the years that team has moved to Center street in Auburn 3 years ago and now they are a team of 10 Recruiters looking to add yet another staffing professional to her team because of the service growth and community involvement! She is now a District manager over 2 branches-Auburn and Windham with these 2 branches she has a staff of 13 that covers companies from Greene, to Gorham Me up through Hiram, and over to Rumford and over to North Conway NH. They staff for a wide variety of positions from Light industrial to office Day to Day to Direct Hire placements. She lives in Western Maine area however travels the Western/Central Maine area helping out companies and applicants where ever she can. She is an established innovator, committed to staying current with developments in the staffing industry. Her vision and management style are pleasantly pursuant and continually motivating and has provided tremendous growth opportunities for many area business and employees. Tracey provides an impressive track record for staff tenure, industry credentials, education and human resource experiences.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Bill Grant to Share Maine Adult Education News at LA Rotary, December 8

 

 

Lewiston – Bill Grant has been working in Maine Adult Education since 2006.  While working on his Master’s Degree in Educational Leadership, he became the Assistant Director of Lewiston Adult Education. In this capacity, Bill helped to implement workforce programming.  In 2013, he became the Director of Auburn Adult & Community Education, where he spent three years building academic, workforce and enrichment programs.  Bill has also worked closely with various businesses and local agencies, particularly around implementing the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.  In February of 2016, Bill became the Director of both Lewiston and Auburn’s Adult Education programs with a focus on enhancing the services Adult Education offers to our L/A Community. 

 

FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Diane Dostie Featured Speaker Auburn Rotary 11.9

 

 

Auburn - Diane Dostie will be presenting at the Auburn/Lewiston Rotary Meeting on Wednesday, November 9^th .  The group meets at the 7:15AM at the  United  Methodist Church on 439 Park Avenue, Auburn.

 

Diane Dostie serves as Dean of Corporate & Community Services at Central Maine Community College.  She has over twenty-five years of experience developing partnerships and implementing professional development and training programs for companies in Central/Western Maine.  She was instrumental in obtaining two National Science Foundation Advanced Technological Education grants to develop advanced machining curriculum. She recently received a million dollar grant from the Gene Haas Foundation, $1,595,000 from the Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration and $250,000 from the Northern Border Regional Commission to fund the renovation and expansion of the precision machining lab.  Under her leadership Central Maine Community College has become a Haas Technical Education Center offering classes impacting manufacturing education nationwide.  Additional information on the grant available at http://www.cmcc.edu/CampusLife/NEWS/CampusNews/CMCCEarnsMillionDollarHaasFoundationGrant#.WBo3NdL2ZaQ  FMI contact Auburn Rotary Program Chair, Pete Preble at jeff.preble@wright-pierce.com

GOVERNOR LEPAGE TO SPEAK AT TOMORROW'S MEETING

Good Morning,

 

Late yesterday afternoon, a request came in from Governor LePage's office asking if he could come speak at our Lewiston-Auburn Rotary lunch tomorrow at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston from noon to 1 p.m. The request stated:

 

"The Governor is seeking opportunities to educate business organizations about the impacts the referendum questions could have on the Maine economy."

 

After speaking with the Ramada, they are able to accommodate this request, and we are pleased to welcome the Governor.  

 

We hope that you can join us for this special guest lunch.

 

Monica

 

Monica M. Millhime

Employment & Training Business Specialist

Mary LaFontaine Featured Guest Speaker 11.03 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, November 3, Mary Kozicki LaFontaine, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  LaFontaine, Regional Director of the Southern CareerCenters, has twenty six years’ experience in the private and public sectors; prior to her current position she managed the Lewiston CareerCenter.    She holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and a Masters in Adult Education from the University of Southern Maine.  In addition, she teaches at USM-LAC, is Vice Chair of the Central Maine Human Resources Association, Chair of the College for ME-Androscoggin Board of Directors, and is a member of the New Mainers Community Collaboration, and the LA Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors through which she co-chairs the Workforce Development and Education Committee.  She recently served as an Auburn City Councilor for two terms and served one-term on the Auburn School Committee.  She has also recently served on the Auburn Public Library Board of Trustees. On a personal note, Mary resides in Auburn, is married to Richard, and has four adult children and 9 grandchildren.

 

FMI on future Rotary speakers, contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

 

Wendy Russell Featured Guest Speaker 10.20 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 20,  Wendy Russell, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Russell has been the Program Director of the Catholic Charities Maine SEARCH (Seek Elderly Alone, Renew Courage & Hope) Program for 8 years. This program supports seniors  by providing volunteer support to help them be more independent and remain in their homes as long as possible. She is passionate about supporting the elderly and making a difference in their lives. She enjoys working with and supporting the volunteers.  With a degree in Management from the University of New Hampshire, Wendy has worked in the management/social services field for more than 30 years. She has a variety of experiences in working for non-profit organizations, from managing Community Child Care Programs, Head Start, and YWCA programs to working with youth with various disabilities at Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center in N.H. She has created volunteer programming and built community partnerships to support the programs.  Wendy has written and received many grants that have enhanced and supported the non-profit programs that she manages. Wendy lives in Lisbon for part of the year, and in Turner at their camp the other part of the year, with my husband Tim and they have two children. Jennifer is an Elementary School Teacher and Benjamin is a Family Room Specialist at the Apple store. She enjoys spending time at the lake with family & friends and going on vacations with them as well.  FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

Nate Miller Featured Guest Speaker 10.13 at LA Rotary

 

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 13,  Nate Miller, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Miller is a Licensed Master of Social Work (LMSW) in the State of Maine.  He studied social work and psychology at the University of Maine at Farmington, Oxford Brooks University and the University of New England.  He has over 15 years of experience in social work, mostly working in aging and disability services in facilities and communities throughout Maine.  He is a Savvy Caregiver Trainer and a Tai Chi Instructor.  He is currently the Aging and Disability Resource Center Manager at SeniorsPlus, the Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties.  Nate has a special interest in, and passion for, improving our health care system by addressing socio-economic determinants of health.  His work has been featured by the Tri State Collaborative on Aging and Maine Quality Counts.  He lives in Hebron with his wife Danielle and his 8 y/o daughter Ruby.

FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Greg Boyd Featured Guest Speaker 10.6 at LA Rotary

 

 

Lewiston - On Thursday, October 6 veteran Rotarian, Greg Boyd, will be the featured guest speaker of Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Boyd is President and CEO of Alternative Manufacturing, Inc. (AMI) in Winthrop.   The company was founded in 1989, and is 100% employee-owned.  AMI provides a wide range of electronics manufacturing and support services to original equipment manufacturers across a diverse range of high-tech industries throughout the Northeastern U.S. and Canada.  From printed circuit board and wire harness production to product assembly, packaging and distribution, AMI’s ISO-9001 registered and UL-certified operations supply contract electronic manufacturing solutions that are custom crafted for both Fortune-1000 and start-up companies alike.  AMI’s Maine-based facilities and workforce of dedicated employee-owners enable an operation that responds and adapts quickly to customer needs for new product introduction, engineering design changes and fulfillment.  AMI offers transparent, competitive pricing and builds partnerships with customers that contribute to long-term success. The company’s work can be found worldwide in building security systems, solar energy equipment, aircraft instrumentation, industrial laser controls, LED lighting, industrial weather stations, and a host of emerging products from high-tech startups.  FMI on future Rotary speakers call 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

Tahlia Chamberlain to Share Androscoggin Literacy News at LA Rotary, September 1

 

Lewiston – Tahlia Chamberlain from Androscoggin Literacy Volunteers, will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary on Thursday, September 1 from noon to 1 p.m. at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston.  Chamberlain is a lifelong Mainer and over-the-top fan of her three large dogs and her husband, Norm. Since graduating from the University of Southern Maine in 1985, she has worn many hats as social worker, teacher, and program manager, and has had the privilege of working with thousands of people, from tots to teens, disabled adults and college students. In 1996, she became the first paid employee of Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin and quickly developed a passion for empowering adults through education. Twenty years later, the courage and tenacity of adult students and their volunteer tutors continue to inspire her.  FMI on future Rotary programs contact Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov. 

 

 

 

 

 Lewiston – Rebecca Grover will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, September 22. 

Grover is the GO Maine Program Coordinator; a position she has had for the last 3 years. GO Maine  is a program of the Maine Turnpike Authority, where Rebecca has worked in government and public relations for the last 19 years. Rebecca oversees the MTA’s alternative transportation programs, GO Maine, ZOOM and the park and ride lots, and is a member of the Public Relations and Legislative team  at the Maine Turnpike.  Grover has her masters in Geo Environmental Studies from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania and her undergraduate degree from the University of Maine at Farmington in Geology and Geography.  Grover is a Mainer and loves her home state. When not working, Rebecca spends most of her time with her two kids, Lily and Eli, often organizing carpools for their many activities.  FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.

LEAD ABATEMENT UPDATES TO BE SHARED BY JAYNE JOCHEM AT LEWISTON ROTARY 9.29

 

 

Lewiston – Jayne Jochem will be the featured guest speaker of the Lewiston Auburn Rotary Club at the Ramada Inn, Lewiston on Thursday, September 29.  Jochem started working for the City of Lewiston in May 2005 as its Grants Coordinator.  Her responsibilities included writing and administering all federal grants for the City.  During this timeframe she secured funding awards from the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control (HUD) for the Lewiston-Auburn Lead Program in two separate awards in2009-2012 ($2.3M) and again in January of 2015 an award of $3.4M; EPA Brownfields Programs (BCRLF, Assessment and Cleanup Grant programs) in the amount of $1.2M; HUD Special Project EDI among other grant programs in the amount of $240k.  In 2012, Jochem moved into her current role and became the Community Development Coordinator.  She administers the City’s Community Development Block Grant Housing and Commercial Revolving Loan Programs; Fed HOME Homebuyer Assistance Loan Program and the Homeowner Rehabilitation Loan Programs.

Jochem has had a long successful career administering federal grant programs in housing.  She started her career in the non-profit sector in 1981.  She attained her BS in Social Welfare from Southern Illinois University in 1976 and her Master’s in Business and Public Administration in State and Local Government and Non-profit Management in May 2002.  Originally from Maine, she returned home in July 2003 to care for her mother. 

FMI on other Rotary programs and events contact Program Chair, Monica Millhime, 753.9040 or email monica.millhime@maine.gov.