Veterans Legacy Project Preserves Maine Heroes' Legacies

 

 

 

11/02/2015 10:55 AM EST

   Governor Paul R. LePage and First Lady Ann M. LePage Tuesday will join Bureau of Veterans Services director Adria Horn, veterans and their families to announce the Maine Veterans Legacy Project, a program helping to preserve the living histories of veterans.

The Veterans Legacy Project provides an opportunity for all generations of Maine families to connect with our military heroes, and enables citizens to actively volunteer to protect American history.

The Bureau of Veterans Services created the Maine Veterans Legacy Project with the mission of preserving Maine history by collecting first-person accounts of those who defended the United States during wartime. The Bureau of Veterans Services collaborated with a Maine media partner to film and produce the interviews and the State of Maine Archives will file the interviews, which will be made available to the public for view.

The Office of the Governor and the Bureau of Veterans' Services invite members of the public and the media to learn more about the project on Tuesday, November 3 at 10:00 a.m. in the Hall of Flags.

WHEN: Tuesday, November 3, 2015

WHERE: Hall of Flags, State Capitol Building, Augusta

Donations During Maine's Deer Season provide meat to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households across the state.

Governor LePage urges support for Hunters for the Hungry Program 

Donations During Maine's Deer Season provide meat to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households across the state 

 

 

AUGUSTA – With the 2015 hunting season underway, Governor Paul R. LePage is again urging Maine hunters to consider supporting the Hunters for the Hungry Program by donating all or part of their harvest to feed families in need. The popular program provides a means for Maine hunters, as well as hunters from other states, to donate harvested game to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households with a medical need.

“The Hunters for the Hungry Program is a way that Maine hunters can pursue a sport they love and help their neighbors at the same time,” said Governor LePage. “Donations can provide meat to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households across the state. The fact that this program has grown so steadily is both a testament to the need and the generosity of Mainers.”  

Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Commissioner Walt Whitcomb noted that since its establishment in 1996, the Hunters for the Hungry Program has provided thousands of nutritious meals to people across the state.

“Since 1996, Maine sportsmen and women have contributed to a program that provides nutritious meals to people across Maine,” said Whitcomb. “The Hunters for the Hungry Program puts high quality, native protein on the tables of Maine families.”

The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry distributes many types of donations to food pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and households with a medical need. The Hunters for the Hungry Program is part of the Department’s Emergency Food Assistance Program. It is done in cooperation with the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife’s wardens, Maine State Troopers and hunters, are all working towards a common goal of helping fellow Mainers.

The program accepts bear, deer and moose donations. Road kill donations are also accepted, provided the meat is not damaged. Hunters do not pay for the processing of donated meat. Meat processing costs are paid for by the Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry or the charity that receives the food. Hunters choosing to keep their game can still donate a few pounds to the program. Meat processors that are interested in getting involved with the program and learning how it works should call 207-287-7513.

For more information, to donate, or to get connected to a Hunters for the Hungry participating meat processor call toll free, 1-888-4DEERME (1-888-433-3763). The program also has a Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Maine-Hunters-for-the-Hungry/197411763763406

For more information about The Emergency Food Assistance Program:

http://www.maine.gov/dacf/ard/tefap/index.shtml

For more information about the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, go to: http://www.maine.gov/dacf

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

DID YOU KNOW?? You can get FREE help to Quit Smoking??

 

You can call the Maine Tobacco Helpline and get FREE nicotine patches, losenges or gum and a FREE "Quit Coach" too!!

It's fairly easy to sign up with just a brief 10 minute phone conversation!!

Give them a call today and live your life tobacco free!!!

Department of Labor Offering FREE Workplace Safety Classes in November

Department of Labor Offering Workplace Safety Classes in November

10/30/2015 03:00 PM EDT

 

*Space is available for classes in Augusta, Portland, Springvale, Westbrook and Wilton.*

AUGUSTA-The Maine Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Standards is hosting its no-charge safety courses for employers and employees throughout November. Visit the class registration page or call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) to register for any class.

"Maine's SafetyWorks! program continues to educate businesses and employees about hazards in the workplace," said Governor Paul R. LePage. "These no-cost classes teach everyone how they can prevent work-related illnesses, injuries, and deaths. I encourage you to visit safetyworksmaine.com to learn more and see their calendar of upcoming classes."

Courses are held at no charge to employers and their employees in the SafetyWorks! Training Institute at the Maine Department of Labor, 45 Commerce Drive in Augusta unless otherwise noted.

**School Laboratory Safety: November 3, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

The purpose of the training is to acquaint science teachers with the OSHA Laboratory Safety Standard and provide them with the information they need to develop their Chemical Hygiene Plans. At the end of this program, participants will be able to list the major provisions of the Laboratory Safety Standard, evaluate laboratory facilities, monitor storage areas, complete a Chemical Hygiene Plan for their schools and explain waste disposal options. This class is designed for science teachers only.

**10-Hour Construction Standards: November 5 to 6, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.**

This one-and-a-half-day course gives basic information on several of the OSHA standards for construction (29 CFR 1926). Attendees who complete the course will receive an OSHA 10-hour course completion certificate. Class runs from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on day one and 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on day two.

**Public Sector Work Zone Safety: November 10, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

Public agencies that work on public roads must follow the traffic control standard of the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). This hands-on half-day workshop covers the MUTCD standards and use of cones, signs, flags and paddles.

**Forklift Operator Safety: November 16, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.**

This class is designed for new operators. The instruction will involve classroom and hands-on training. Training will include performing a forklift inspection and use of the department's "new forklift simulator". This training does not meet the requirements to qualify the participant to be a "qualified operator ". Only the employer can provide such certification.

**A Practical Approach to NFPA 70E (National Fire Protection Association): November 17, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

In this class, you will learn how to protect workers from electrical hazards. NFPA 70E requirements will be discussed in layman's terms.

**Welding/Compressed Gases: November 19, 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.**

This class will include storage and proper use of compressed gas. Proper inspection techniques of hoses, torches and regulators will be demonstrated.

**Laws Governing Workplace Rights**

- November 3, 9 a.m. to noon, Oxford Hills Chamber of Commerce, 4 Western Ave., South Paris - November 5, 9 a.m. to noon, Lincoln Town Office, 63 Main Street - November 5, 9 a.m. to noon, York County CareerCenter, 9 Bodwell Ct, Springvale - November 12, 9 a.m. to noon, Greater Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Blvd., Portland - November 17, 9 a.m. to noon, Rockland CareerCenter, 91 Camden St., #201

This course is designed for human resource or benefits professionals, accountants, business owners, managers, or payroll supervisors. Labor laws can be complex. This seminar covers wage and hour laws, including minimum wage, overtime, youth employment, severance pay, equal pay, leave requirements (family medical leave, family sick leave, and domestic violence) and break requirements. Also, addresses commonly asked labor related questions.

Interested employers can learn more about the courses and register at http://www.safetyworksmaine.com , click "More Classes" from the homepage. Space is limited so reservations are required.

SafetyWorks! is not OSHA and cannot issue fines or citations to private businesses. While SafetyWorks! helps businesses of any size, priority is given to small businesses. The program trains about 8,000 people and consults at nearly 1,000 worksites in Maine each year. Employers interested in learning more about the consulting and training services offered by SafetyWorks! should call 1-877-SAFE 345 (1-877-723-3345) or visit http://www.safetyworksmaine.com .

The Bureau of Labor Standards is Maine's regulatory agency overseeing labor and employment law and workplace safety; it provides both consultation and enforcement services. The division promotes and achieves compliance with labor standards to protect and enhance the welfare of Maine's workforce.

The State of Maine is an equal opportunity provider. Auxiliary aids and services are available to individuals with disabilities upon request.