Recognition

New England Rehabilitation Hospital of Portland presented several awards at its annual Employee Appreciation Day celebrations May 19 and 20.

David Hesselink of Portland, an occupational therapist, received The Buzz Fitzgerald Award, which is awarded to a staff member who has demonstrated extraordinary care to rehab patients and their families.

Nancy Lizotte, a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, of Brunswick, was selected as Clinician of the Year, which recognizes an outstanding clinical employee who demonstrates NERHP’s commitment to patient care.

Tim Daigle, nutrition manager, of South Portland, received the Rehabilitation Services Award, which spotlights employees who work to improve patient care and contribute behind the scenes.

Joe Dacey, a certified rehabilitation registered nurse, of Scarborough, was awarded the Sandra Marriner Certified Rehabilitation Nurse of the Year Award, the winner of which is nominated by peers, co-workers and physicians.        

At the Portland Sea Dogs game at Hadlock Field on May 1, Sea Dogs President Charlie Eshbach honored Roger Goodoak, founder of the nonprofit Maine Homeless Veterans Alliance and Portland’s own “Batman,“ with the 2016 William Troubh Community Service Award. Goodoak works tirelessly on behalf of Portland’s homeless population to deliver supplies and connect people with social services.

CARF International announced that Crossroads in Scarborough has been accredited for a period of three years for its outpatient, IOP and residential treatment programs for drug and alcohol addiction. This is the first accreditation that CARF, an international accrediting body, has awarded to Crossroads.

Crossroads is a nonprofit organization with offices in Scarborough, Kennebunk, Windham and Portland that has been providing addiction and behavioral health treatment services in Maine since 1974.

Ace Hardware Corporation announced that Falmouth Ace Hardware achieved designation as a Platinum Performance Retailing store for its outstanding performance. Developed as part of Ace’s long-term retail growth strategy, 20/20 Vision, Platinum Performance Retailing is focused on Ace’s customers, helping to ensure that Ace stores deliver on its brand promise day in and day out.

The first hole in one of the golfing season at Country Fareways in Bowdoin was achieved by George Lamarre of Brunswick, who aced the 108-yard number two using his 8-iron and a Titleist golf ball.

Hires, promotions, appointments

Portland Ovations has hired Anna Marie Klein-Christie as the new director of development. Heading into year two of a five-year strategic plan titled Ovations 2020, the 85-year-old performing arts organization is expanding its development department with Klein-Christie leading a team that consists of both a membership director and a grants manager.

Jeffery Burrell, general manager of the Westin Portland Harborview, announced the promotion of Brian Anderson to director food and beverage. Anderson previously was the executive chef and will continue in that capacity while assuming additional administrative and front-of-house responsibilities.

Pulp+Wire, an award-winning, full-service consumer packaging, branding and marketing agency, has hired Bryan Wiggins as its senior brand strategist.

Parkview Health has appointed Kim Watson as administrator of Mid Coast Senior Health Center.

David Woodward has joined VHB’s South Portland office to expand land development services and build upon the firm’s real estate practice.

Cory King has been selected as the new executive director of Southern Mid Coast Chamber of Commerce. King, who is an executive director of the chamber in Skowhegan, will start in June.

News from nonprofits

The Rotary Club of South Portland/Cape Elizabeth has donated $1,000 to two local public libraries for youth literacy programs. The Club began the ongoing program in 2007. Youth librarians at Cape’s Thomas Memorial Library and the South Portland Public Library each recently received a check for $500 from Rotary. The money will be used to enhance literacy programs through the purchase of books and materials to promote literacy, reading, and interest in education. Some of the materials will also assist those for whom English is a second language.

New ventures

Jason R. Ronco, L.C.P.C.-C., the former general manager of O’Naturals restaurant of Falmouth, has opened a counseling practice at 98 Clearwater Drive in Falmouth. His specialties include but are not limited to: grief counseling, senior issues, relationship issues, LGB and sexuality issues.

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