Extensive renovations underway at Mid Coast–Parkview Health 

Mid Coast–Parkview Health has begun work on an extensive yearlong renovation and expansion project at its senior health facility, Mid Coast Senior Health, with a groundbreaking on May 2.

Langford & Low Construction will be building a new 7,000-square-foot wing, as well as completing a 9,000-square-foot renovation to the Nursing and Rehabilitation at Bodwell and long-term care at Mere Point communities. 

Expanding hospice care services will also be a key component of the project. An enhanced environment for hospice care, including dedicated family, kitchen, and gathering spaces, will provide respite. 

“With Maine’s rapidly aging population, Mid Coast–Parkview Health recognizes the importance of providing specialized care options for seniors,” said Randee Reynolds, vice president of Community Health. “The renovation of Mid Coast Senior Health, while an exciting endeavor for our organization, is also a pathway to ensuring our community has access to the highest quality, most modern, and comprehensive elder care available.”

Girl Scout helps spread the love with lap robes

With the help from a local Girl Scout, members of the Brunswick Emblem Club recently presented 20 lap robes to Margaret Zillioux, coordinator of Hospice Volunteer Services at Chans Home Health & Hospice in Brunswick. 

Present were Emblem Club Chairwoman Linda Bauer, mentor Barbara Wyman and Abby Lentz, who took on the endeavor as her Gold Star Award, the most prestigious and difficult for a Girl Scout to earn.

The project produced approximately 75 lap robes which were knitted, crocheted and constructed by Emblem Club members and their friends.

One of the first lap robes was given to Lentz’ grandmother, Helene Bisson, who was a chairwoman of the Brunswick Emblem Club and died from cancer while the project was just starting.

The project has now been completed, with the remaining lap robes being brought to the Maine State Association of Emblem Clubs to be given to members who will see that they are distributed in their towns to either hospice centers, cancer treatment centers or nursing homes. 

Midcoast communities tapped for being tree-friendly

Bath and Brunswick were among the communities honored with Maine Forest Service’s Project Canopy 2019 Frank Knight Excellence in Community Forestry Awards on May 20.

Representatives from over 20 Maine municipalities kicked off Maine Arbor Week and Emerald Ash Borer Awareness Week in Camden, where Project Canopy Director Jan Ames Santerre and DACF Commissioner Amanda Beal presented the awards. Hallowell, Portland, Saco, South Portland, Westbrook and Yarmouth were also recognized.

Local American Legion holds installations

George T. Files American Legion Post 20 & Auxiliary Unit 20 Brunswick held a joint installation of officers on May 15, including Greg Mears, Marty Diller, Jim Oikle, Joe Donahue, Cindy Zalenke, Read Rich, Carl Curtis and Wayne Thibideau. The Installing Officer was former National Commander Tony Jordan.

Auxiliary Unit 20 officers installed were Diane Connor-Jewett, Terry Owen, Alice Severance, Linda Bauer, Tamara Watson, Melissa Farris, Ruth Thibideau and Beverly Diller.

During the ceremonies, Commander David Watson also received a membership award for the year 2018. 

Girl Scout Abby Lentz and Brunswick Emblem Club members Margaret Zillioux, from left, Linda Bauer and Barbara Wyman collaborated on a project to bring comforting lap robes to patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Commander David Watson of George T. Files American Legion Post 20 in Brunswick, center, received a membership award earlier this month for his efforts in 2018. Flanking Watson are Department of Maine Vice Commander Matt Jabaut and former National Commander Tony Jordan.