Newport Hannaford celebrates opening

Hannaford supermarket celebrated its grand opening of a new store in Newport on Dec. 17, according to Jon Fortier, store manager.

The opening featured several giveaways and sampling, Fortier said. Store officials cut the ribbon and donated $3,500 to the Newport Community Food Bank.

The store is at 44 Moosehead Trail and is open at 7 a.m. each day, and closes at 9 p.m. Monday to Saturday and 8 p.m. on Sunday.

The Dexter Hannaford also had its grand opening on the same day.

Natasha Foster appointed FMH staff nurse and childbirth educator

Natasha Foster, RN, BSN, CBE, has been appointed staff nurse on the Maternal/Child Health Unit at Franklin Memorial Hospital (FMH) in Farmington and will teach the organization’s childbirth education classes for expectant parents.

Foster received her bachelor’s degree in nursing in 2007 from Husson University. She has nine years of extensive nursing experience. Foster held a similar position at Redington-Fairview General Hospital in Skowhegan for six years.

The childbirth education classes take place for three evenings, and will give participants a better understanding of the labor process and will provide tools to cope with discomfort, Foster said. Participants are recommended to start classes at about 30 weeks gestation and are encouraged to share their hopes, fears and questions with other soon-to-be parents.

The next round of childbirth education classes will take place on Jan. 3, 10 and 17, from 6-8:30 p.m. in the FMH Bass Room. To register call Cyndi Corey at 557-4459.

UMaine Extension welcomes new livestock specialist

University of Maine Cooperative Extension has hired Colt Knight as the new Extension livestock educator.

Knight grew up in West Virginia and has a background in livestock production and management. He received his doctorate from the University of Arizona where he researched grazing patterns of cattle using precision agriculture technologies.

He recently completed postdoctoral work at New Mexico State University on enhanced GPS tracking systems and expedited data analysis, resulting in a booklet on the construction and use of GPS tracking collars. The booklet will be made available to researchers and students.

With UMaine Extension, his focus will be on developing and conducting educational programs and applied research projects statewide with an emphasis on livestock enterprises, animal health and nutrition, meat science, small-farm management, and sustainable farming practices.

Knight will begin at UMaine in Orono on Jan. 9. More information about the Extension livestock program is available online at extension.umaine.edu/livestock or by calling 207-581-3188.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine Announces Leadership Transition

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine has announced Alex Gaeth resigned as chief executive officer, effective Dec. 30, 2016. Gaeth, who has been with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 11 years, resigned earlier this month to explore new career opportunities. Gwendolyn Hudson, Human Resources Director, will serve as interim CEO while the organization conducts a search for permanent leadership.

Gaeth, from Rockport, has been instrumental in the agency’s growth from serving 90 kids in 2005 in the Mid Coast region, to today serving 780 youth facing adversity in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset and Waldo counties.

“It has been a privilege to work with a tremendous staff, dedicated board of directors and outstanding volunteers,” Gaeth said. “The future of our youth is very bright because of the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the exceptional people who carry it out every day.”

Ryan Madore, long-time board member and immediate past president, said Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine is positioned for continued success.

“We appreciate Alex’s dedication and service and wish him well in the future. And we are grateful to our generous community for their continued support of local youth,” Madore said. “It is the talent and strength of the incredible BBBS staff, coupled with unwavering support from our community, that will continue to change kids’ lives for the better.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters partners with parents, volunteers and other organizations to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships. Anyone interested in volunteering can call 207-236-2227 or email: info@bbbsmidmaine.org.

Compiled from contributed releases

Copy the Story Link