JULY 2021 - Care & Comfort
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JULY 2021
A message from Sue Gorgeous days and warm weather, ah, isn't it No matter what life throws your way, always believe in
wonderful! Can it really be almost the end of July? yourself and what you can do. The stars may be out of reach,
But, it's okay! We're back to our New England home but your aspirations need not be! 30 years ago, with a dream,
and in just a few days, I will be spending time with a desk, and a computer I founded Care & Comfort. However,
lots of fantastic people during our Employee not all our objectives need to be "big" ones; I've come to
Appreciation Days. I missed them so much last year! really enjoy the satisfaction of accomplishing those that seem
For those of us fully vaccinated, the freedom of minor. Here's a quick example. While doing most of the
feeling comfortable going maskless in many places, cooking for my daughter’s family this past year, I became
Susan D. Giguere like outdoors, reminds us of what a difference a year pretty adept at reading labels, as one has food allergies. Now
Founder & Chair that we're home, I'm still doing that as we work on eating
can make. While I hope we never experience
another pandemic, I do think we grew stronger, more aware, and healthier and taking better care of ourselves.
appreciative during it. We have a saying in Maine, "it's a poor day when you don't
Like most, my life did a complete 360 with no pre-planning or guide to learn something new." I hope you set your sights on what's
follow. Yes, there were challenges ~ hundreds of them, to be honest! important to you and be a Mainer who learns so you can
Yet some were good; they tested my skills, forced me to learn, and achieve what you want!
highlighted that with teamwork and humor we can overcome. Hmm, Thank you for all you do for the Maine families we all serve,
doesn't that pretty much sum up how life always is? and please take time for yourself.
Life is a journey. Turn those 'One day I'll…' goals into
A Moment With Mike 'Today I'm going to …' goals. In the Independence Day
Mike Stair, President & CEO spirit, declare your independence from "Are we there
Happy July! This is when we yet?" and take that first small step toward your goal! Tell
enjoy the height of summer, and someone else – a friend, a spouse, a significant other –
also when we celebrate freedom what you've decided to do and make a commitment!
and our nation's independence! Nothing succeeds like success, so build on your own small
Of course, we have also victories to motivate yourself to make larger gains. I
traditionally held our summer promise you'll be surprised at what you can do! It's
Employee Appreciation Days amazing how good you'll feel to look back and say, "I did
each July. I so enjoy these and that."
am thrilled to share that our in- We are a family here at Care & Comfort.
person events are back! We've seen so much happen over the past
We are hosting the events in August – isn’t it great that 30 years. Other companies have come
we're able to get together again?! We'll be taking and gone, but we’re stronger than ever.
appropriate precautions of course. See the notice in We want to share in your victories and support you
this newsletter for specific dates, times, and locations through the tough times. Thank you so much for being
for your event. I look forward to seeing you there! part of our team. You have my unending respect and
In addition to sharing lots of important information at gratitude.
our Employee Appreciation Day events (along with As always, I am here, and I am listening. I welcome any
food, prizes, and giveaways), we'll be kicking off the
thoughts, ideas, questions that you may have. I am
celebration of Care & Comfort's 30th anniversary! Can
available via e-mail, mike.stair@careandcomfort.com,
you believe the Agency has been around since 1991?or you can call me at 872-5300. Even better, you could
We have staff and clients alike that weren't even stop by if you are in the office!
around back then. Does that make me feel old? Why
thank you for asking. No, it does not!
Mike
There are a handful of movies that if I'm flipping
through channels and see one of them on, I will stop to
watch at least a few minutes. … The Princess Bride,
Shawshank Redemption, and of course Chevy Chase in
any of the National Lampoon "Vacation" movies. The
premise: A family goes on vacation, and if anything can
go wrong, it does. Much like real-life vacations. Who
hasn't been on a trip with a child? No matter how long
the journey is – 5 minutes, 5 hours, 5 days – you are
bound to hear that wonderful question, "Are we there
yet?"
We sometimes ask that same question in our own lives.
We set goals for ourselves. And sometimes, it seems
like we will never quite get there. Health goals,
financial goals, education, or work goals. We get busy,
and … with the best of intentions … we look back … life
has passed us by! 'Are we there yet?' turns into 'Where
has the time gone?' I read once a perfect quote "Life is
what happens to you while you're busy making other
plans." 2
PSS Certification Bonus
Claire Luce
Vladimir Tamarkin
Chantyl Webber
Kudos to our
team members
recognized by
May 2021 May 2021 clients for their
hard work and
Behavioral Health Employee of the Month Home Health Employee of the Month caring ways!
CALEB ACKLEY, BHP-I ROSE SIROIS, PSS
Bangor Branch Waterville Branch Patricia Field
Erica James
Jessica Fetch
Skyler Lewis
“Too often we
underestimate the
power of a touch, a
smile, a kind word, a
listening ear, an
honest compliment, or the
smallest act of caring, all of
which have the potential to
turn a life around.”
June 2021 June 2021
Behavioral Health Employee of the Month Home Health Employee of the Month
DANA LEGEL, BHP-I & DSP CHRISTINE TAYLOR, PSS
Waterville Branch Waterville Branch
3
4
Lori Chamberlain Sandy Allen Betsy Coburn Keith Plouffe Julie Colter Joe Tinkham Toby Wood Karen Adams Stacy Dostie
COO Chief Financial Director of Director of Director of Recruiting and Regional Manager HH Staffing Team BH Staffing Team
Officer Information Clinical Services Nursing Development Lead Lead
Services Manager
With most people getting
Bangor vaccinated, it is exciting to get a
sense of normalcy back in the
world!
We are so proud of our employees
~ they truly are the heart and soul
of Care & Comfort and provide so
much for our great State in
24 Springer Drive, Suite 202 countless ways! Many are
Bangor, ME 04401 veterans, and several currently
1-877-784-6993 ♦ (207) 992-2535 Our President & CEO, Mike
serve in the military, protecting Stair, pictured with Chad and
our freedom, providing disaster relief, helping neighbors in Michelle Fournier, enjoyed a
crisis, and even entertaining us. Chad Fournier is one of
concert performed by the 195th
them. Chad is a CHSS with our Bangor Behavioral Health
Army Band and gave it rave
Team and is also a Sargent with the 195th Maine Army
reviews!
National Guard Band. He and his fellow musicians from all
over the state of Maine offer a wide array of performing
groups, including a full concert band, marching band, brass
quintet, sax quartet jazz combo, and a rock group. Most of
us know Chad is quite the clarinet player, but some of us
just learned he sings as well ~ according to the Fiddlehead
Focus, "His groovy rendition of Tom Petty's "Spike" was a
hit" during the band's recent performance in Van Buren!
All shows are free, open to the public, and a lot of fun for
those of all ages! For more information about the 195th
Band and to check out their upcoming performances click
here 195th Maine Army National Guard Band.
We’d really like to hear what’s going on in your world ~ travel, new
babies, engagements, weddings, awards, milestone events,
community volunteering, or whatever else you would like to share
Bill Robinson and his
with our newsletter readers, and don’t forget to send pictures.
daughter, Aurora were all
smiles as they celebrated her
Bangor team members please contact
Pre-K graduation!
Halle Hegstrom, our Bangor Office Assistant
and Newsletter Reporter, to share your news.
Email your info and photos to
halle.hegstrom@careandcomfort.com
5
Colleen Drake Bill Robinson Scott Moore Robyn Gallant
Lead Targeted Clinical Team Clinical Team Lead CHSS
Case Manager Leader Leader
Bangor, Dover & PQI Waterville
Dover-Foxcroft After the long winter and being Recently Cathy Koczur took a vacation to visit family in
cooped up from the pandemic, here in Northern California. While there, they saw many exciting
Dover are happy to finally be getting sights. Inverness beach where sea lions were sunbathing on
some warm weather. the shore, the Golden Gate Bridge with views of Alcatraz,
BHP Karen Cedillo is not only Calaveras big trees state park, and Lake Tahoe were
welcoming the nice weather but also a highlights.
grandbaby. Karen’s daughter, Angel,
gave birth to a healthy baby girl on
1073 West Main Street
1073 West Main Street May 12th. Laila Marie came into the
Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426
Dover-Foxcroft,
1-866-236-2158 ME 04426
♦ (207) 645-5304
1-866-236-2158 ♦ (207) 645-5304 world weighing 6lbs and 15 oz.
“Traveling – it
leaves you
speechless, then
As a thank-you to the guidance
counselors and a couple turns you into a
secretaries at our local schools, storyteller.”
our Dover and Bangor offices put
together a little gift for them.
Each includes a beautiful blue
Dover-Foxcroft team members please contact
Care & Comfort mug filled with
Mary-Ellen Smart, our Dover Administrative Assistant
candy, hand sanitizer, and a thank
and Newsletter Reporter to share your news.
you card. Each has been very
Email your info and photos to
helpful working with us as we mary-ellen.smart@careandcomfort.com
provided services for our clients during the last school year.
6
As summer has arrived, many in the Exciting news from a Central Office Care & Comfort team
Waterville office are finding themselves member ~ our next generation is being recognized by
Waterville
getting out and about the great state of Senator Angus S. King! Noah Trahan, son of staffing
Maine. As the temperatures rise, we supervisor Melanie Hunt and her fiance Steven, received
remind you to stay hydrated, use the 2021 Future of Maine Aspirations Scholarship.
sunscreen, wear a hat, protect your eyes
Noah has a goal of
as well as your skin from the harmful UV
becoming a video game
rays, and enjoy yourself.
designer and studying at
180 Main Street Our Billing & Finance Specialist, Doug Husson University. Both
Waterville, ME 04901
Wescott, recently visited the trolls
1-800-366-5302 ♦ (207) 872-5300 mom and dad are
exhibit at the Coastal Maine Botanical beyond proud of this
Gardens in Boothbay with his wife, daughter, and 3 grandsons: young man.
Henry (10), Sully (7), and Wes (4). Though it was hot, Doug and
his family really enjoyed seeing this exciting exhibit at the
gardens.
We do hope as the summer progresses, everyone will
share their photos and memories with us.
Also, please don't forget that Care & Comfort offers a
discount to Funtown Splashtown USA in Saco: see page 9
for all the details. Great fun for the whole family awaits!
Mary-Gene Rumery, Projects Coordinator, recently visited the
Maine Wildlife Park in Gray with her partner, mother, father,
grandmother, and children: Jeffery (8), Karson (5), and Laci Jane
(3). While there, they celebrated Karson turning 5. Mary-Gene
reports the park is very well cared for, the paths are well
maintained, and easy to push strollers and wheelchairs on. They
are only requesting a mask be worn when using the store.
Sandy Allen with her Sheila Upton with her
daughter, Kayla. daughter, Sarah
Waterville team members please contact
Mary-Gene Rumery, Care & Comfort’s Projects
Coordinator and ‘Newsletter Reporter’ to share your
news.
Email your info and photos to
mary-gene.rumery@careandcomfort.com
7
Welcome SUMMER! While there is not much going on
Wilton Presque Isle in the office (except the usual
School is out! What a year it was for
these kids having to tackle school and hustle and bustle), a lot is going
COVID regulations. It feels amazing to on in the area. The 73rd Annual
see our high school kids graduate this Maine Potato Blossom Festival
year and have celebrations with their took place July 10th through the
friends and family. 18th in Fort Fairfield. Over 85
events took place with the most
Colleen Drake, Lead Targeted Case
intriguing being the “Mash Potato
284 Main Street, Suite 390 Manager, had a daughter graduate 165 Academy Street
Wilton, ME 04294 Presque Isle, ME 04769 Wrestling.”
1-866-397-3350 ♦ (207) 645-5304
from Mt Blue High School. Kayla was 1-877-287-4931 ♦ (207) 764-3071
an honor student at MBHS and Also, now that the warmer
worked hard to be an independent, full months have arrived, so have Thursdays on Sweden Street
remote student this year. She also had in Caribou and Rockin on Riverside, Riverside Drive, in
the honor of completing a significant Presque Isle. Both events are weekly and offer great fun
project for the school, which was a with food, music, dancing, and games.
school-spirit mural that now hangs at Coming up in August, there are a couple of family fun
Mt. Blue Campus. She plans to go into events. First is the Washburn August Festival, which takes
the workforce and use her free time to place from the 20th thru the 22nd. Followed that is the
work on her passion of writing. Crown of Maine Balloon Fest August 26th thru the 29th.
Congratulations, Kayla; we all wish There are two locations, one at the fairgrounds and one at
you the very best. Echo Lake. Try a tethered balloon ride, experience the
Our Care Connection Day Program in Wilton started their vendors, and so much more.
summer with some excitement! They took a tour of the Wilton We hope that if you get out and enjoy any of the events, you
Fire Department. They got to see different fire trucks and learn will share photos with us ~ we love featuring our staff and
about being a firefighter and what our amazing men and promoting the communities we serve!
women in uniform do to protect us from fires.
Wilton team members please contact Presque Isle team members please contact
Carla Fitch, Wilton’s Administrative Assistant Brittany Riassetto, PQI’s Office Support Assistant ,
and Newsletter Reporter to share your news. and ‘Newsletter Reporter’ to share your news.
Email your info and photos to Email your info and photos to
carla.fitch@careandcomfort.com brittany.riassetto@careandcomfort.com
8
Alison Hansen, an PSS with our Wilton Branch, shared this photo
of her favorite hat on Hat Day. Think like Alison, and enjoy the
silly moments of life ~ better yet, enjoy & share them
9
We are pleased to shine the spotlight on and applaud two of our
Care & Comfort team members who recently achieved milestones
in their lives when they celebrated their graduation day.
Tiffany Spencer Gould, and Sheila Upton each had the passion,
commitment, and self-motivation to achieve their educational goals successfully ~ all while
working with us full-time! These ladies chose to embark on a journey they knew would add
challenges to life as they knew it, yet with confidence and support from friends and family,
they overcame all!
Tiffany and Sheila, we are very proud of and happy for you! Congratulations on your
accomplishments; we know your future holds many more fantastic personal and professional
successes!
Congratulations to Congratulations to
Tiffany Spencer Gould Sheila Upton
a PSS with our Bangor Home Health Team, on her a Care & Comfort Home Health Staffing Supervisor,
graduation from Beal University’s Medical Assisting on earning her Masters in Business Administration
program. from Thomas College in Waterville.
This dynamic and determined individual plans to You are absolutely amazing Sheila!!
continue her schooling to earn her Associate Degree in
Medical Assisting ~ all while working 40hrs weekly
with Care & Comfort and 15-20hrs at Beal and caring
for her husband who has a disability!
Tiffany you are inspiring!!
Walt Disney
10Graduations are memorable milestones for those of
all ages who worked so hard to achieve their goals
and for those who supported them. Care & Comfort is
pleased to honor and shine the spotlight on grads
who are family members of our staff and wish them
well in their next adventures!
Congratulations to Desiree Hill
on her recent graduation from Skowhegan Area High
School! Desiree’s proud Mom is Flo Hill, a PSS with our
Waterville Home Health Division.
Congratulations Kayla Allen
a 2021 graduate of Friends University in Wichita, KS,
with a Bachelor of Science degree.
She has been named the University’s Administrative/
Sports Information Graduate Assistant Intern and will
pursue her Master’s of Science and Strategic Leadership
Congratulations to Isaac Webber
degree in the fall. Kayla’s proud Mom, Sandy Allen, is
on his recent graduation from Dexter Regional High
our Chief Financial Officer.
School! Debbie Webber, a Clinician with our Dover-
Foxcroft Behavioral Health Team, is Isaac’s proud Mom!
11Congratulations to Breanna Winchester Congratulations to Jocelynn Bartlett
on her recent graduation, a year early, from Waterville a recent 8th Grade graduate of Caribou Community
Alternative Education. Judy Winchester, a PSS with our School. Jocelynn’s proud Mom is Heather Bartlett, a
Waterville Home Health team, is Breanna’s proud Mom! PSS with our Presque Isle Home Health Team!
Congratulations to Aurora Robinson
Congratulations to Lilly Lagasse on her Pre-K graduation from All Saints Catholic School. This
on her recent graduation from Penquis Valley High young lady has been part of our Care & Comfort extended family
School. Lily’s proud Mom is Nellie Lagasse, a PSS with her entire life. Aurora’s immensely proud Dad is Bill Robinson,
our Dover-Foxcroft Home Health Team. our Behavioral Health Division Clinical Team Leader in Bangor.
12She served in the US Navy for five years, and I, for one, thank
her for her service to our country and for keeping us safe.
Recently Erica, Mom to her 2-year-old daughter Aria, moved
to the Augusta area and is enjoying an active lifestyle while
creating goals for her future and putting them in motion!
Soon she will begin classes at Perdue Global as she works to
earn her Associates Degree in Nursing. She tried to
downplay this as “it is online courses.” To this, I say pish
posh! If you experienced online learning during covid, you
know that is not an easier way to continue your education ~
and she will be doing it with her little one’s needs still being
Erica is very well-liked and her priority!
respected by her staffing
In her spare time, Erica enjoys doing anything outside and
supervisor, clients, and their
has a fondness for hiking and kayaking. She is also involved
families! Clients describe
in her church and will be taking part in a mission trip to
her as positive and friendly.
Africa that is being headed up by her family. While there,
Her supervisors add that she
they will help at the school, run a dental clinic, and
is always professional and
administer Covid vaccines.
willing to pick up shifts or
change her schedule to We are honored to have Erica as a vital member of our Care
accommodate clients and & Comfort family.
staffing needs. By Mary-Gene Rumery
Because many of you are usually in
the field, we have found this to be
an effective way to communicate
with you.
Please be sure to take a moment
to read all emails from
Care & Comfort.
13Katharine Bates Jessie King Christina Bolduc Ruth Moreau
Nikki Boisvert Joan Lofthus Lisa Buckland Maureen Nadeau
Jennifer Brewer Morgan McGary Elizabeth Carney Ruthann Pelletier
Melissa Brown Christina Murchison Helene Charette Suzette Randall
Sharon Bullock Shelly Ouellette Diane Clark Joe Rowden
Karen Cedillo Paul Reed Jr Jamie Duarte Lori Sanipas
Angela Chambers Brittany Riassetto Rene Fournier Bobbi-Jo Seamans
Rosemarie Feihel Mary Ellen Smart Constance Hensel Nicole Shaw
Patricia Field Erica Toner Skyler Lewis Chantyl Webber
Dianne Foster Nancy Ward Kathy Look Douglas Wescott
Melissa Meader Andre Winters
Jennifer Mishou
Eighteen Years Four Years Ten Years Four Years
Doug Libby Karen Richmond Jamie Curtis Heather Poveda
Robert Shaw
Twelve Years Three Years Eight Years
Debbie Steeves
Karen Adams Rebecca Hodgkins Barbara Pepin
Chad Fournier Brittany Lyons Three Years
Seven Years
April Gallant-Trask
Nine Years Two Years Sheila Woodman
Heather Morse
Kali Thompson Kendra Belden
Six Years Anna Reuman
Morgan Hackney
Six Years Rhonda Cyr
Jennifer Mishou Two Years
Helene Charette Jessie King
Caleb Ackley
Dorothy Davis Catherine Koczur
Melissa Meader
Aimee Noble Joe Rowden
Michael Stair One Year
Geraldine Boyd
Five Years
Rebecca Crooker
Danielle Clark
Skyler Lewis
Current employees can earn
an enhanced referral bonus!
Check out your page 20 for details
14Mental health plays a significant
role in overall health and wellness
and positive mental health is vital
to a child's development and
everyone's well-being.
If you are concerned about your
child’s mental health, where do you
begin? Start by talking with your
child’s teacher or ask your family
health care provider for a referral
to a mental health care provider
who focuses on children.
15Mental health disorders are the most
common health issues faced by our
nation's school-aged children ~ it is
estimated that up to 1 in 5 children
experience one.
What can you do to help children with
mental health disorders?
• Educate yourself about mental health.
• Talk openly about mental illness.
• Avoid using language or words that
spread stereotypes and stigma.
• Understand that mental health
disorders occur in every socio-
economic demographic.
• Express empathy and compassion for
children living with mental illness.
• Raise awareness of children's mental
health. 16because we care,
your safety matters!
Safety &
Wellness
Do you know the signs of Dehydration?
Children and adults present differently.
Signs in children and infants are commonly:
No matter what your feelings are
Easily irritable, the top of the skull has a sunken soft spot, tearless
about summer there is something
crying, dry mouth and tongue, sunken eyes and cheeks, and
we want to remind you of.
infrequent urination or no wet diaper for three hours.
Dehydration, what is it?? Signs in adults are commonly:
Dehydration occurs when our bodies are not getting Muscle fatigue, dizziness, reduced cognitive
enough fluids to account for water loss. In general, our processing, thirst, confused or dazed states of
bodies lose a baseline amount of water. However, we awareness, dry mouth, infrequent urination, and
can lose water at a faster rate in certain situations. dark-colored urine.
What are the Causes of Dehydration? Treatment of Dehydration:
• Excessive sweating or losing fluids thru your pores. For mild cases of dehydration, simply consuming enough fluids to
Did you know that sweating is your body's way of replace the fluids you are losing will do the trick. For more severe
telling you that you need more fluids? Excessive cases, please seek immediate medical treatment.
sweating can happen while exercising as well as in hot How can one avoid becoming Dehydrated?
weather and humidity.
• Drink from a reusable and refillable water
• Vomiting and Diarrhea cause the body to lose
bottle. This way, you can keep track of the
significant amounts of fluids and electrolytes.
amount of water you consume; try to
• Fevers increase your overall body temperature. They consume a minimum of 64 ounces of water
make your internal organs and tissues work harder, daily. However, be sure not to overdo it.
thus causing the body to process water at a higher
• Start your day with a glass of water.
rate than usual.
• Some helpful tips for making drinking water more interesting:
• Increased urination is caused by many different
infuse the water or use the flavor packets. You can also eat your
reasons, including diabetes, other illnesses, and many
water, yes you heard that right.
medications.
• Watermelon, apples, cantaloupes, oranges, celery, cherry
• Consumption of alcohol makes people urinate at a
tomatoes, and carrots have high water content. Remember,
faster rate. If we do not replace the fluids, even a
while you are working, plan water breaks, especially in areas
couple drinks could cause dehydration.
that do not have air conditioning.
Did you know that water makes up..
95% of the brain ~ 90% of the lungs
83% of blood ~ 76% of muscles
and 22% of bones
Be like Karen, keep your body hydrated!
1718
19
20
May 2021
June 2021
It is essential that you keep your
info up to date as we often send
out important notices, emails, Remember ~ every being needs
Here’s a checklist of changes you might have: a little care and comfort!
Name
Home and/or Mailing Addresses
Phone number
Email Address
Contact Ali Short in HR by phone 872-5300
or email
ali.short@careandcomfort.com
EMPLOYEE DISCOUNTS
Harry J. Smith Co.
Car & Truck Repairs
Provided through Anthem Resource Advisor, 13 Sanger Avenue, Waterville
25% off all parts
this program offers counseling by phone or or the Chamber Special
online video chat if you're feeling stressed,
worried, or having a tough time and may
want someone to talk with. Verizon Wireless
1-888-209-7840 Verizon Wireless customers can save up to
19% on line services and an additional 3%
when you sign up for paperless billing.
Call the customer service number on J&S Oil
your bill and let them know you are a
CO-OP Pricing for HealthCare workers!
Care & Comfort employee to receive
Call (207) 872-2714
this discount.
Press 1 for current pricing and conditions
ADP LifeMart Discount Program
Available to all Care & Comfort Employees!!!!
Planning a vacation? Looking for a discount on a gym membership? Need to rent a car?
Comparing prices on auto, home, life or pet insurance?
LifeMart can provide 1. Log on to your ADP account
2. Select the Myself tab, from the drop down box
you with discounts on a
3. Choose Benefits
huge variety of services 4. Click on Employee Discounts – LifeMart
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