HealthReach Community Health Centers welcomes new provider

WATERVILLE — Nancy Cooley, FNP, is joining the per diem provider team of HealthReach Community Health Centers, according to a press release.

The organization, which has 12 health centers in central and western Maine, maintains a pool of fill-in providers to make sure patients receive uninterrupted care when site providers are in training or on leave, the release said.

In addition to teaching nursing at several Maine universities since 1978, Cooley has been providing outpatient medical care in Central Maine since 1999.

Three home businesses featured at Chamber event

The Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association recently hosted the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s June Business After Hours. The event was a “multi-member mixer,” featuring three businesses that are run out of homes in the area, according to a press release.

The Fairbanks School Neighborhood Association, which shared with the group the history of the Fairbanks School and its recent renovations, including the event space used for the Business After Hours that can be rented out for events, according to the release.

The business owners featured included, Nancy Titus, owner of Need 2 Be Organized, discussed her business, which offers organizing solutions and assistance for individuals and businesses.

Ann Marie Comeau showcased the cookies and display arrangements she offers at her business, Heartfelt Cookies. Her cookies can be made to fit many dietary restrictions, and can be arranged and wrapped for any occasion.

Nancy German, a voiceover professional and owner of Voiceabilities, shared some of her voiceover work, which she offers for advertising services, broadcasting and media productions.

July’s Business After Hours will take place on Thursday, July 24, and will be hosted by Expenet Technologies and Ray Ray’s Café in downtown Wilton. For information , call the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 778-4215.

American Council of Engineering Companies of Maine announces new executive director

The American Council of Engineering Companies of Maine has announced that Raegan LaRochelle of Eaton Peabody Consulting Group has taken the reigns as executive director.

LaRochelle replaces John Melrose, who is stepping down, according to a press release.

“ACEC of Maine has enjoyed a strong partnership with Eaton Peabody Consulting Group for several years,” said Jim Wilson, president of ACEC of Maine Board of Directors. “John Melrose of EPCG has been an outstanding executive director, but with his decision to step down we sought a new executive director who could continue his efforts to strengthen ACEC. We are thrilled to have Ms. LaRochelle take over those responsibilities, and look forward to continuing our partnership.”

LaRochelle has been a consultant with EPCG since 2011. She previously was the executive director of the Maine Food Producers Alliance. In her work as an economic development consultant, she has developed tax increment financing districts and conducted other economic development projects for many Maine communities.

Maine Primary Care Association recognized

Darcy Shargo, COO and Rebecca Emmons, director of quality improvement of the Maine Primary Care Association were recognized for accomplishments and vision to advance the integration of nehavioral health and primary care by the Co-Occurring Collaborative.

The collaborative serves Maine advocates for best practices, encourages professional development, maximizes collaboration and facilitates integrated health and behavioral health services, according to a press release. As a leader in system change, CCSME encourages professional development and resource development among individuals and organizations serving those affected by co-occurring conditions.

In comments during CCSME’s annual meeting, Maine Primary Care Association was praised for its work on more than one behavioral health front, according to the release. MPCA has had the opportunity to work with CCSME to build partnerships for training and technical assistance for Community Health Centers across the state as well as work on a suicide prevention grant, all with the goal of integrating behavioral and mental health into the Patient Centered Medical Home model that all of Maine’s Community Health Centers strive for.

“CCSME’s support is vital to the work we do,” says Shargo in the release. “It’s a great honor to be recognized by such an influential organization, one that makes such an impact on the state.”