FARMINGTON — Franklin Memorial Hospital has been awarded a three-year term of accreditation in magnetic resonance imaging after a recent review by the American College of Radiology. MRI is a noninvasive medical test that utilizes magnetic fields to produce anatomical images of internal body parts to help physicians diagnose and treat medical conditions, according to a news release from the hospital.

The ACR gold seal of accreditation represents the highest level of image quality and patient safety. It is awarded only to facilities meeting ACR practice guidelines and technical standards after a peer-review evaluation by board-certified physicians and medical physicists who are experts in the field. Image quality, personnel qualifications, adequacy of facility equipment, quality control procedures, and quality assurance programs are assessed. The findings are reported to the ACR Committee on Accreditation, which subsequently provides the organization with a comprehensive report it can use for continuous practice improvement.

“MRI is used to generate images of internal organs and soft tissue inside of the body,” said Christopher Bailey, FMH director of radiology, cardiopulmonary and cardiology. “Generally an MRI will be used to see tendons, ligaments, and cysts or other masses. It is the preferred exam for joint and spinal problems, because it can provide remarkably clear pictures of soft-tissue structures near and around bones.”

Franklin’s 2-year-old scanner features advanced wide-bore technology to improve patients’ experiences by operating with less noise, decreasing feelings of claustrophobia, and accommodating patients up to 500 pounds. In addition, patients choose their favorite nature video to view, lighting hue, and music during the procedure to create a soothing environment.

Also, Franklin Memorial Hospital as announced that Taylor Harris, a speech-language pathologist, recently earned three certifications: one as a modified barium swallow impairment profile clinician (MBSImP), another as a certified dementia practitioner (CDP) and last, as a Speak Out! clinician through the Parkinson’s Voice Project.

Speech Language Pathology is the evaluation and treatment of speech fluency, expressive language, voice and understanding as it relates to language use and swallowing.

Harris first became interested in a health-related career after attending the hospital’s summer health careers camp — Scrub Club — while in high school. She then majored in community health education at the University of Maine at Farmington and completed a hands-on-learning internship at Franklin. “That internship exposed me to a variety of health care careers,” said Harris. “But it wasn’t until I shadowed a speech therapist that I realized that’s what I wanted to pursue.” She subsequently completed a master’s degree in communication sciences and disorders at the University of Maine before starting her new career.

These additional certifications increase Harris’ ability to provide specialty care to her patients. The MBSImP training, which takes 25-30 hours to complete, is a standardized approach to instruction, assessment and reporting of physiologic swallowing impairment based on observations obtained from the Modified Barium Swallow study.

As a certified CDP clinician, Harris uses the latest methods, theories and tools related to Alzheimer’s and Dementia care best practices, including key aspects of dementia care such as communication techniques, disruptive behavior interventions, and tools for addressing other concerns such as wandering.

Harris refined her skills through the Speak OUT! program to work with individuals with Parkinson’s to teach them to speak with intent — to avoid developing a weak voice that can lead to serious speech and swallowing difficulties.

Harris has worked at Franklin since 2018. She provides patient care in the hospital’s medical/surgical inpatient unit and the physical rehabilitation outpatient unit in the Stanley Health Center on the Franklin Memorial Hospital campus.

Kennebec Savings Bank announces new board member Alison Lorenz

AUGUSTA — William Sprague Jr., chairperson of the Kennebec Savings Bank board of directors, has announced the addition of Alison Lorenz to the bank’s board.

Lorenz is a CPA, managing director, and tax director at One River CPAs, formerly PFBF CPAs. Lorenz is originally from Brewer, and earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Maine, followed by her Master of Business Administration at the University of New Hampshire. Prior to joining One River in 2006, she worked for an investment company where she started as a stock broker before specializing in the accounting of derivative securities, internal control compliance, and internal audit preparation and review, according to a news release from the bank.

Today, Lorenz works closely with people and businesses to prepare tax returns and help them plan short and long-term goals. She is a multi-state tax specialist with clients in other states as well as international clients.

Lorenz recently served on the board of directors at Maine Mountain Children’s House, a Montessori school in Kingfield; the board of directors for the Maine Society of CPAs; and is a member of the Maine Society of CPAs and American Institute of CPAs.

Andrew Silsby, Kennebec Savings Bank President & CEO said, “Alison is widely respected for her strong commitment to the community and is an incredibly knowledgeable tax and audit professional. We are fortunate and very pleased to have her join the Kennebec Savings Bank board of directors.”

Molly Ray joins Fontaine Family

Fontaine Family – The Real Estate Leader welcomes Molly Ray to the team at their Auburn location.

Ray grew up in Gardiner, where she attended Gardiner Area High School. She has 13 years experience in customer service and sales, primarily working in network marketing while being a stay-at-home mom. She’s done a little of everything, however, her favorite jobs have been when she can meet the specific needs of others.

Over the past decade, Ray and her husband have been renovating houses in western, central and coastal Maine. They’ve been on the buying and selling side of “the biggest purchase of your life” many times. She’s found it’s helpful to have someone on your side who has been where you are standing, and can walk you through this process.

Ray resides in Greene with her husband, two boys, and a dog.

Ray comes to Fontaine with her sales agent license and looks forward to working with both buyers and sellers with the support of the Fontaine Team. Her strong past experience in customer service will allow her to assist her real estate clients with confidence when buying or selling a home.

Engineers conduct top enlisted changeover

BRUNSWICK —  The Maine Army National Guard’s 133rd Engineer Battalion held a change of responsibility ceremony June 4 at the Brunswick Armed Forces Reserve. Command Sgt. Maj. Alpha Williams relinquished responsibility to Command Sgt. Maj. Edward Graves, according to a news release from the Maine National Guard.

Both Graves and Williams have an extensive history of working with the 133rd Engineer Battalion.

“Working with all these fine soldiers has allowed me an opportunity to get to know a lot of great leaders in this organization that I hope to get the pleasure to serve with you again in the future,” said Williams. “The staff within this battalion are bar none some of the best in the state. A battalion command team cannot be successful without a talented team, and we have some of the best.”

Williams enlisted in 2000 and started his career with the 152nd Support Maintenance Company. He has served as the first sergeant for both the 133rd’s Forward Support Company in Brunswick and the 185th Engineer Support Company in Presque Isle and Houlton. He has served as the command sergeant major of the 133rd since July 2019.

“The camaraderie and esprit de corps in this battalion are unlike anything else,” said Williams. “Having been the CSM for this battalion and serving with you all has truly been an honor.”

Graves enlisted in the Army in 1991 and transferred to the Maine Army National Guard in 1998, serving as a driver for the 133rd’s Headquarters and Support Company. His service in the 133rd includes time as a heavy equipment operator, team leader, squad leader, platoon sergeant and operations sergeant. Graves deployed to Iraq in 2004 and 2013 with the 133rd, and has served as first sergeant for both the 133rd’s Headquarters and Headquarters Company in Brunswick and the 136th Engineer Company out of Lewiston and Skowhegan.

“Thank you CSM Williams,” said Graves. “Be assured that I will do my best to protect, serve and guide all of these soldiers for a successful future in the Maine Army National Guard and the continued legacy of the 133rd Engineer Battalion.”

Graves holds a bachelor’s degree in science from Southern New Hampshire University. He and his wife, Shunna, reside in Brunswick and have two children, Haylee and Tristan.

Williams holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from the University of Maine at Augusta. He and his wife, Danyl, reside in Jefferson and have five children: Ethan, Gavan, Alpha, Tessa and Lydia.

15 Preti Flaherty attorneys selected as Chambers USA Leaders

PORTLAND — Sixteen Preti Flaherty attorneys and six practice groups have been selected for inclusion in the 2022 Chambers USA Guide to America’s Leading Lawyers for Business, the highly regarded directory of leading attorneys and law firms.

The recognition is significant as it is a result of independent research and interviews with clients and peers to impartially gauge performance and rank top attorneys and firms throughout the United States.

Maine attorneys selected for inclusion in the 2022 guide include:

Corporate M&A: Susan E. LoGiudice, Cape Elizabeth

Energy & Natural Resources: Anthony W. Buxton, Portland; Joseph G. Donahue, Gardiner; and Todd J. Griset, Brunswick

Environment: Sharon G. Newman, South Portland; Jeffrey D. Talbert, Falmouth; and David B. Van Slyke, Yarmouth

Labor & Employment: Michael G. Messerschmidt, Cape Elizabeth

Litigation: General Commercial: Timothy J. Bryant, Falmouth; Gregory P. Hansel, Cape Elizabeth; ; and Sigmund D. Schutz, Falmouth

Litigation: Medical Malpractice & Insurance Defense, Daniel Rapaport, Cape Elizabeth; and Elizabeth A. Campbell, Scarborough

Each attorney was assessed on qualities including technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial awareness/astuteness, diligence, commitment and other qualities most valued by his or her clients. Chambers USA researchers based the rankings on tens of thousands of in-depth interviews with leading attorneys, in-house counsel, and client leadership.

Preti Flaherty practice areas ranked in the directory include: Corporate/M&A, Maine, Band 2; Energy & Natural Resources, Maine, Band 1; Environment, Maine, Band 2; Labor & Employment, Maine, Band 2; Litigation: General Commercial; Maine, Band 3, ; and Litigation: Medical Malpractice & Insurance Defense, Band 2.

For more business news, visit CentralMaine.com.

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