Maine Marks National Apprenticeship Week by Graduating First Ever Class of Heathcare Apprentices, November 2, 2015

AUGUSTA—Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette will give remarks on the value of apprenticeship and congratulate the first-ever class of healthcare apprentices for nursing in Maine at MaineGeneral Medical Center on Monday, November 2, 2015. She will present certificates of apprenticeship to more than a dozen MaineGeneral nurses.  The commissioner, MaineGeneral staff and graduates will be available to media after the ceremony.  National Apprenticeship Week is November 2–8, 2015. Joan Dolan, director of apprenticeship and strategic partnerships for the department will also be available for interviews about the overall importance of apprenticeship for Maine employers and job seekers. The Maine Apprenticeship Program (MAP) helps mobilize Maine's workforce with structured, on-the-job learning in traditional industries such as construction and manufacturing, as well as new emerging industries such as health care, information technology, energy, telecommunications and more. Students earn while they learn, and often avoid amassing debt while earning degrees in high-demand occupations. The schedule is as follows: 10:30                      Welcome                                         Chuck Hays, CEO, MaineGeneral Health 10:32                    Apprenticeship in Maine                Commissioner of Labor Jeanne Paquette 10:40                    Importance of Apprenticeship to MaineGeneral     Chuck Hays, CEO, MGH                          10:45                    MaineGeneral’s Experience                         Jennifer Riggs, VP, Chief Nursing Officer 10:50                    Experience of a MGMC Apprentice            Naomi Miller, Graduating Apprentice 10:55                    Awarding of Apprenticeship Certificates   When:  Monday, Nov. 2, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m.   Where: First Floor Conference Rooms MaineGeneral Alfond Center for Health 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta

Maine Governor LePage Highlights Initiative to make Occupational Licensing Easier and Faster for Returning Military Veterans.

Governor and Commissioner Highlight Initiative to Make Occupational Licensing Easier and Faster for Veterans--Assistance Available at November 10th Veterans Licensing Event

10/30/2015 01:50 PM EDT

In advance of Veterans Day, Governor Paul R. LePage and Commissioner Anne Head are highlighting an ongoing initiative at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation (DPFR) to make occupational licensing in several professions quicker and easier for veterans with relevant military training and experience.

Governor LePage signed Public Law Chapter 603 in 2012 to ensure that veterans are given full credit for applicable military training and experience when they apply for an occupational license from the Department's Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation. In 2013, the Governor signed Public Law Chapter 311, which builds on the 2012 measure.

"The people of Maine are tremendously grateful to those who have served," Governor LePage said. "We have a responsibility to recognize their skills, and to assist them in obtaining the credentials needed for good jobs. Veterans have much to offer businesses and organizations throughout Maine, and our economy needs their contributions."

These recent new laws provide the Department with greater flexibility in evaluating and crediting military experience toward license and continuing education requirements. It should also assist veterans and spouses by permitting them to acquire a license by endorsement if they hold a comparable license in another state for the remainder of the term of that license or until a license is obtained in Maine.

In addition to more flexibility, the laws signed in 2012 and 2013 have led to a concerted outreach effort by the Department. Staff has been participating in job fairs for veterans and attending meetings of organizations that serve military members, veterans and their families.

The next event will be held November 10, 2015 from 10:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. in the Androscoggin Room at the Department of Professional and Financial Regulation. The Department is located in Gardiner at 76 Northern Avenue. Information or directions can be obtained by calling 207-624-8605.

Additionally, the Department's homepage (www.maine.gov/pfr) features information to assist veterans in applying their military training and experience toward occupational licensing requirements. Details about licensing can also be obtained by calling Catherine Carroll at 207-624-8605.

Veterans are encouraged to contact the Department before applying for licensure. Military documentation that may be needed includes:

Copy of a DD Form 214, Report of Discharge; and

Copy of DD Form 2586, Verification of Military Experience and Training (VMET).

"The Department remains fully committed to evaluating and crediting military experience whenever possible and appropriate," Commissioner Head said. "Veterans are encouraged to attend the November 10th event or to contact the Department anytime to learn more about how we can assist them."

Obituary: Debby L. (Holtby) Clark

Debby L. ClarkOctober 26, 2015
Lebanon, Maine

Obituary for Debby Clark
Debby Lee Clark (Deborah Holtby), fifty-six years old, from Lebanon, Maine, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Monday, October 26, 2015. Debby slipped away peacefully, in her husband Jerrys arms, after a massive heart attack.

Debby's most precious memories were from times with family and friends at the beach. The family will have a private celebration of Debby's life and sprinkle her ashes in the ocean.

Debby was born in Anaheim, CA on May 9, 1959. She moved to Merrywood Farm in Lebanon, Maine where her love for animals blossomed. Debby was a graduate of Noble High School (1978), having a passion for helping others she went on to receive her Certification as a Nursing Assistant. Debby was a cherished and long-time employee at York Visiting Nurses which cultivated her love for the elderly. She was well-loved by her patients at Rochester Manor and Frisbee Memorial Hospital.
As a child of God, Debby's life personified the words from her favorite verse Proverbs 3:5-6; Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct thy paths. Debby was often seen reading her Bible and sharing her love for Jesus in AWANA, VBS and other ministries. She deeply touched others with her comforting and heart-felt prayers.

Debby enjoyed long walks and talks with Jerry in the woods surrounding their home, celebrating Jesus' birth with her family and their traditional Christmas Taco Dinner, sewing and quilting with her mother, making her infamous macaroni and cheese and Scotcharoos for family gatherings, camping with her family at Casey's, a feisty game of Canasta, reading and spending summer days at Fernald Shores with her grandchildren.

Debby is survived by her best friend and husband of thirty-three years, Jerry Clark and her parents Peter and Jane Holtby. Debby leaves behind her children Stephanie Ellis, Danielle Fuller, Miranda Glidden and Brandon Clark as well as her grandchildren Autumn Hazeltine, Mckayla Moores, Kendra Ryder, Joshua Ellis, Marissa Ellis, Laura Fuller, Ayllana Holtby, Logan Clark, Victoria Fuller, Karyssa Holtby, Cayde Clark, Sapphire Glidden, Brian Glidden, Anna Grace Fuller and Emma Clark, her brothers David and Stephen Holtby and other family and friends.

Debby's family is thankful for your prayers and support, please share your memories of Debby at www.johnsonsfuneralhomeme.com