MARCH 2016

Thank you February for being a month with much less

snow than last year, I am so grateful as I agreed to

shovel the walkway this year! March you came in like

a lamb, and we're hoping you just forget the saying and

go out like a lamb as well. Please be as kind to us as

February was with not much accumulating snow.

In March 1899, my mother, known as Grandma

Dempsey, was born in rural New England. Her mother

left for parts unknown when she was a young child,

and her father struggled to raise her. In those times, if

there weren't family members to help, children were

placed in foster care. Although those were not happy

or easy times for her, growing up as the youngest of

her ten children I never heard her complain about that

or anything else. Her cup was always half full. My

sisters and I try to emulate her whether it's offering to

help someone, not complaining when we could, or

appreciating flowers in spring time. With all those kids

she still managed to give each of us special memories.

Happy Birthday, Grammy! I hope each of you has a

special Grammy Dempsey that you think of when

times are happy or a little rough. And just think, you

may even be thought of as the one whose cup is always

half full, or even overflowing, with smiles and love!

Easter is early so we'll be wearing warm coats, but we

can still enjoy an Easter egg hunt or two. I do like those

jelly beans! One of my favorite commercials is the

little girl who plants jelly beans with her mom and on

Easter morning, they have magically grown into a

garden of goodies waiting to be harvested thanks to

Dad.

Please continue to be cautious on the roads, sidewalks

and driveways, I'm sure we'll see a few more days with

icy patches this month. Thank you for all that you do

for the Maine families we all serve.

Susan D. Giguere

Founder & CEO

Sue

A Message From Susan

2

A Moment With Mike

We Congratulate Our January 2016

Employees of the Month

CRYSTAL BRUEN Behavioral Health Care Employee of the Month

Crystal is a DSP and CSW with our Waterville

Branch. As a DSP, she works with adults in our

Dempsey Day Program and as a CSW, she works

with children. She is an incredibly positive role

model who successfully guides with a positive,

cheerful attitude and respect for the rights and

dignity of each client.

LINDSAY SIROIS Home Health Care Employee of the Month

Lindsay is a PSS with our Wilton Branch, who

we've had the pleasure of watching mature and

excel in both her work with clients and her

educational endeavors. We, along with her

client's and their families, admire her dedication

and passion for both.

Crystal and Lindsay we’re proud to have you as

valued members of the Care & Comfort family and thank

you for all you do for those we serve. Your Employee of

the Month awards are well deserved and again,

congratulations!

"Always remember you are braver

than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."

Happy Spring!

Though it’s been a pretty easy winter compared to last

year, I’m sure we were all happy to ‘Spring forward’

an hour on March 13 - a true sign that Spring is around

the corner. For me, that extra hour of sunlight at the

end of each day always seems to lighten my mood as

it signals warmer, sunny days ahead. It’s funny how

we look for small things each year to tip us off that

Winter’s grip will soon be slipping. In my town, I look

for the weight limit posting signs that come out in

March on the back roads – a sure sign that the sap is

running and the seasons are changing!

Speaking of change, I recently read a quote that I liked: “A bend in the road is

not the end of the road … unless you fail to make the turn.” Think about that for

a minute. Sometimes it seems like the only constant around us is change. We

may choose to adapt, or not. The road (life, work, family, friends, fill-in-the-

blank) will continue with or without us. We have choices, of course. We can

choose to make the turn, take another road, even slow down and think before

deciding. How do you handle change? What are some ways that you cope?

You may have noticed a change or two at Care & Comfort. Our new Director of

Human Resources, Lori Chamberlain, is settling in and doing well. And we’re

well into the search for our next Director of Nursing as Nancy Ward hangs up

her blood pressure cuff to celebrate a well-deserved retirement. At the same

time, some things aren’t changing at all. We are known state-wide for having

high standards and delivering top-notch home health care to our patients and

high-quality treatment to our behavioral health clients. It’s up to all of us to make

sure we maintain our excellent reputation in both divisions.

In addition to the good work you do for the Agency and our clients, remember

too that it’s important to find time for yourself and your family this month.

March 27 is Maine Maple Sunday. Visit a sugar house in your area. Take a drive

and spend time together. Many even have free samples of maple syrup over ice

cream – yum! What a fun way to get out and enjoy our beautiful state.

Once again I want to thank those of you who have emailed and called to share

your thoughts and questions. I very much appreciate your reaching out.

Remember that no question or comment is too large or too small. Thank you

also for the good work you do for our clients. Compliments come in regularly

from clients and their family members about how good our staff is, so know that

your caring, compassionate work does not go unnoticed.

Email me at mike.stair@careandcomfort.com. Tell me a bit about yourself and

what you do for Care & Comfort. Let me know what I can do to make your job

easier. I’m here to help however I can.

All the best,

Mike

3

Branch Office News

Please welcome Yasha Freidel, and Dawn Trecartin to the great Home Health Team.

In February many staff participated in the “Wear Red” day by wearing red and having a healthy lunch. This cause

is very near & dear to many in our community, and we were happy to be part of this great event.

Our own Danielle Perry’s daughter Kayleigh has been skating with the Northern Maine Figure Skating Club and is

a contestant competing at the Northern Maine Forum this spring. Kayleigh has also mastered the “Skater Girl

Handshake”. Yea Kayleigh, the PQI staff will be supporting you all the way.

The Presque Isle Historical Society has placed in display cases outside the McCain Conference Rooms at the

Aroostook Medical Center an exhibit of Vera Estey and the Estey House. This exhibit will be on display February

thru April. Stop in and look at some Presque Isle history.

And remember March is the beginning of the long awaited “Spring”. The weather is warmer and days longer. Events

at the Forum, campuses, malls, downtown store, etc. will be under way for all to get out and enjoy the sunshine.

Spring is finally on its way! After a very mild winter, we're still happy to be able to see the grass again in many

areas. The days are getting longer and warmer, and on March 13th Daylight Savings will begin. Don't forget to reset

your clocks! I don't know about you, but I am very much looking forward to being able to enjoy the sun being out

later in the evenings when I get home from work.

With Spring’s arrival, this, of course, means sap is running all over our fabulous state. In Piscataquis County, we

will soon all be gathering together for Maine Maple Weekend at Bob's Sugarhouse. On March 25 & 26th right here

in Dover-Foxcroft you can enjoy sugaring demonstrations, tours & samples of a Maine made treat on ice cream,

pancakes, maple baked beans, maple candy, popcorn maple taffy and much, much more! There will also be door

prizes, discounts and balloons for the kiddos.

Dover Foxcroft

1073 West Main Street Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426

1-866-236-2158 ♦ (207) 645-5304

Bangor

24 Springer Road, Suite 202

Bangor, ME 04401 1-877-784-6993 ♦ (207) 992-2535

Presque Isle

165 Academy Street

Presque Isle, ME 04769

1-877-287-4931 ♦ (207) 764-3071

Spring is on the way! March brings with it Daylight Savings (so we "Spring" ahead an hour and gain some much-

needed daylight at the end of the day) as well as St. Patrick's Day, Easter and the start of Spring...well, for

everywhere else but Maine. February flew by, as it always seems to, even with the extra day this year for Leap

Year. February was unusually warm, so we can only hope March bring us even more warm weather and an early

spring.

Toby W. and Mike K. have been busy with recruitment and we're pleased to welcome the following staff: Ashley

Holcomb CSW, Kellie Dyment CNA, Haleigh Robertson PSS, Brittany Tash CNA, Kevin Brooks CSW, Nicole

Stocio CSW, Allison Dunlap CSW, Daniele Gold CSW, Jasmine Abou-Elias CSW, Jessica Hill CSW, Bethany

Malone CNA, and Amy Liscomb PSS.

We make it happen!

4

We make it happen! Branch Office News

The Waterville office was hopping this past month. Joining our home health team were Kami S. Cobb and Holli J.

Morrison.

At the same time, we learned that the City of Waterville will be conducting a traffic study in the downtown area and

that Colby College may be constructing a building in the Concourse parking lot across from our office, so it’s possible

that parking and travel around the office may get a bit hectic in the coming months. Watch this space for news as we

learn more!

180 Main Street

Waterville, ME 04901

1-800-366-5302 ♦ (207) 872-5300

Waterville

I wrote in our previous newsletter that we were experiencing a tame winter. Given the amount of snow and ice we got

in February, I think I may need to retract that statement! As we deal with another month of winter, please continue to

be safe on roads, driveways, and walkways. If you can’t get somewhere safely, call your staffing supervisor and see if

your shift can be rescheduled to a different time. Keep thinking warm thoughts, soon we will not have to worry about

snow and ice!

The Wilton crew was prepared to attend the annual Children’s Fair in Farmington, with bookmark-making supplies

and our infamous Toilet Toss game in tow. Unfortunately for the Farmington community, the Fair was cancelled due

to plumbing issues in the building where it is held at UMF. We were disappointed to not have the opportunity to attend

and spend time with so many great families and organizations, but that means we’ll just have to plan even more fun for

next year!

This month our home health division in Wilton was joined by PSS Liza Hayden, while our mental health division was

joined by BHP Murray Bridges and CSWs Danielle Hesketh and Kasey Richards. We welcome you all to Care &

Comfort, and can’t wait to work with you in serving our clients! For those of you who have been on board at Care &

Comfort, please give our new staff a warm welcome if you are attending a supervision or in-service with them!

We are extremely excited to announce that our Adult Day Program in Wilton has officially begun, and we anticipate

the program growing over the next few months. Feel free to check the space when you are in the office next, so you

can see where we’ll be doing great work with the consumers!

Have a wonderful and safe March!

Wilton

284 Main Street, Suite 390

Wilton, ME 04294

1-866-397-3350 ♦ (207) 645-5304

3/20/2016

5

Caring for our Communities, caring for ourselves

Go Red for Women’s Heart Health

Day was February 5th and we caught

up with some of our staff who were

helping to spread the word that heart

disease kills more women than all

types of cancer combined.

Bangor’s Mike Kiam, Jen Wood and Bill Robinson

Heart disease is no pleasant or laughing matter but

Danielle Simmons, Sue Watson and Jamie from our

Presque Isle Branch will do whatever needs to be done to

get you to pay attention to the fact that more women than

men die of heart disease every single year.

Sue Giguere, Cindy Markham, LouAnn Trott, Toby Wood, Mike Stair, Catlin Kadner and

Lori Chamberlain from our Waterville office.

Take steps to lower your risk of heart disease:

Know your blood pressure

Don’t smoke. If you smoke, try to quit.

Get tested for diabetes.

Have your cholesterol and triglyceride levels tested. Your doctor may advise you to lower them.

Maintain a healthy weight.

Limit alcohol to no more than 1 drink a day.

Find healthy ways to cope with stress.

1 in 3 women will

develop heart disease.

80% of the time it is

preventable.

6

7

Employment Opportunities

Care & Comfort is growing and we are looking

for talented individuals. If you know someone

who has what it takes, be sure to tell them

about us and how to apply. We're looking for

employees who are the best, brightest, and

enjoy working hard.

7

8

HUMAN RESOURCES

NEWS

Hey, thank you all for the warm

welcome! I look forward to working with

each of you and hope you’ll take the time

to call or stop in just to say hi. It’s very

important to me to get to know you and

learn about your experiences here at Care

& Comfort.

I know you are key to the success of the

company, your clients/patient’s well-

being and your own growth. It is my job

to make sure you have the tools, resources

and environment in which to do that. I

believe when we all work together toward

the same goal we can accomplish

anything – and it’s always the best when

you have a little fun along the way. So,

while this is short but sweet, I leave you

with this:

A note from our HR Director, Lori Chamberlain

Think left and think right

And think low and think high

Oh, the THINKS you can think up

If only you try!

Dr. Seuss

Karen Jacques

Named Targeted

Children’s Case

Management

Supervisor

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Karen

Jacques as our Targeted Children's Case Management

Supervisor.

Karen, a graduate of Brunswick High School, received

her Bachelor's in Sociology from New York University

and recently received her Master's in Social Work from

the University of Maine Orono.

"We are pleased to have a person with Karen's extensive

experience and expertise, especially with adolescents,

providing leadership and oversight for our Case

Management services agency-wide, " said Mike Stair our

COO. “Karen will be celebrating her 10th anniversary

with Care & Comfort this May, having held positions of

increasing responsibility over that time. She has touched

many lives during her tenure with the Agency, and we

look forward to enjoying working together with her for

many more years to come."

Karen's favorite time of year is right around the corner!

She, her husband Shawn, son Sawyer, daughter Drew and

chocolate labs Max and Dallas enjoy the all the activities

that come with warm weather. Whether it's gardening or

being around the water, you're sure to find them outdoors

enjoying family and life.

Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress.

Working together is success.

9

BANGOR BRANCH

MANDT

March 2nd 9:00am-11:00am

Toby Wood

BHP/CSW/DSP Supervision March 9th 8:30am-10:30am

Keith LaPlante, LCPC

CSW/DSP Supervision March 24th 12:00pm-2:00pm

Robyn Gallant, IHSS

DOVER-FOXCROFT BRANCH

CSW Supervision March 16th 12:00pm-2:00pm

Robyn Gallant, IHSS

WATERVILLE BRANCH

CSW Supervision March 11th 9:00am-11:00am

Bonnie Cassidy

CSW Supervision March 23rd 4:00pm-6:00pm

Bonnie Cassidy

BHP Supervision

March 17th 9:00am-11:00am

Caitlin Kadnar

DSP Supervision

March 24th 3:00pm-5:00pm

Jason Clement

WILTON BRANCH

CSW Supervision March 7th 9:00am-11:00am

Sheila Davis & Danielle Simmons

CSW Supervision March 9th 3:30pm-5:30pm

Sheila Davis & Danielle Simmons

BHP Supervision March 17th 12:00pm-2:00pm

Keith Plouffe

PRESQUE ISLE BRANCH

Presque Isle CSW Supervision

Presque Isle Career Center

March 10th 9:30am-11:30am

Danielle Perry

Presque Isle CSW Supervision

Presque Isle Office

March 24th 5:00pm-7:00pm

Danielle Perry

Houlton CSW Supervision

County Federal Credit Union

March 4th 9:30am-11:30am

Jason Little

Houlton CSW Supervision

County Federal Credit Union

March 24th 12:00pm-1:00pm

Jason Little

WASHINGTON COUNTY

CSW/DSP Supervision

March 16th 12:00pm-2:00pm

Renshaw’s School of Self Defense

Shane Renshaw, IHSS

MARCH 2016 CALENDAR

DID YOU KNOW employees (except for salaried staff,

administrative staff, and team leaders) are eligible to receive a

bonus for referring qualified health care staff? A referral

bonus will be paid directly to you upon the completion of

hiring and the individual you have referred working a total of

100 hours. The referring employee’s name must be listed on

the employment application to be eligible for a bonus.

Bonus Paid by Discipline:

$50.00 for BHP, CSW, DSP, and IHSS

$50.00 for CNA/PSS/HMK/CC

$100.00 for LPN or RN

$200.00 for LCSW/LMSW-CC/LCPC/RNC

10

Know safety, no injury.

No safety, know injury.

Have you ever noticed that there seems to be a lot of trip, slip and fall

accidents in the early spring? It may seem like it would be the opposite

as winter is pretty much behind us and the walking surfaces are usually

bare, but it isn’t. Far too many of us start the season with so much

gusto and happiness that sunny and warmer weather is finally here that

we forget that we still need to pay attention to what we are doing. For

some reason we also feel a lot more confident and invincible this time

of year. maybe even taking more chances.

We know that we’ve written about slips, trips and falls many times.

but as our newsletter editor found out the hard way, you can never be

reminded often enough! Take a few minutes to read these and avoid

the pain she’s experiencing ~ accidents happen quickly and usually

when you least expect them too, please be aware of your surroundings

at all times.

Even though it is March and the weather has

been nice, beware of black ice that can form

after the sun goes down even if temperatures are

well above freezing.

Falls are one of the leading causes of

unintentional injuries in the United

States, accounting for approximately 8.9

million visits to the emergency

department each year.

Falls are the second-leading cause of unintentional death in

homes and communities, resulting in more than 25,000 annually.

Common locations for falls Doorways

Ramps

Cluttered hallways

Areas with heavy traffic

Uneven surfaces

Areas prone to wetness or spills

Unguarded heights

Unstable work surfaces

Ladders

Stairs

Some medications can cause dizziness and

increase your chances of falling

A missed step on a stairway can

cause a fall resulting in serious

injury. Typical reasons include:

Distractions

Poor lighting or glare

Hurrying

Shoes with raised heels

Carrying heavy or bulky items

Not using handrails

Tips for Prevention

Point your hips slightly toward

the handrail as you descend.

Keep your hands free and use

handrails.

Remove reading glasses before

using stairs.

New eyeglasses or contacts may

require 2 or more weeks to adjust.

Slow down and be extra cautious.

Don’t walk in a dark stairway,

turn lights on.

Worn out, inappropriate or

improperly fitting footwear is

responsible for about 25% of

slips and falls.

Buy shoes with slip-resistant

soles and avoid raised heels.

Avoid sandals, flip-flops and

shoes with open backs

(clogs).

Buy shoes that fit snugly.

Inspect soles and heels

frequently.

Wear appropriate footwear

for the expected walkway

conditions.

Be careful of wet shoes on a

dry floor. They can be just as

slippery as dry shoes on a wet

floor.

Fall prevention tips Clean up all spills immediately

Stay off freshly mopped floors

Secure electrical and phone cords out of traffic areas

Remove small throw rugs or use non-skid mats to keep them from

slipping

Keep frequently used items in easily reachable areas

Arrange furniture to provide open walking pathways

Keep drawers and cabinet doors closed at all times

Install handrails on all staircases on both sides.

Remove tripping hazards (paper, boxes, books, clothes, toys,

shoes) from stairs and walkways

If you have young children, install gates at the top and bottom of

stairs (unlatch the gate in order to pass – don’t climb over them)

Ensure adequate lighting both indoors and outdoors

Remove debris from exterior walkways

Adjust gutter downspouts to drive water away from pathways

Periodically check the condition of walkways and steps, and

repair damages immediately

Never stand on a chair, table or other surface on wheels

11

Remind yourself that it’s okay

not to be perfect

12

Happy Anniversary

March Special Days

1 National Pig Day

1 Peanut Butter Lovers' Day

2 Old Stuff Day

3 I Want You to be Happy Day

3 National Anthem Day

4 Employee Appreciation Day

4 Holy Experiment Day

4 Hug a GI Day

4 National Salesperson Day

6 Dentist's Day

6 National Frozen Food Day

8 International Working Women's Day

9 Panic Day

10 Middle Name Pride Day

10 Popcorn Lover's Day

11 Johnny Appleseed Day

11 Worship of Tools Day

12 Girl Scouts Day

12 Plant a Flower Day

13 Ear Muff Day

13 Jewel Day

14 Learn about Butterflies Day

14 National Potato Chip Day

14 National Pi Day

15 Dumbstruck Day

15 Ides of March

16 Freedom of Information Day

15 Incredible Kid Day

15 National Agriculture Day

16 Everything You Do is Right Day

17 Submarine Day

17 Saint Patrick's Day

18 Goddess of Fertility Day

18 National Agriculture Day

18 Supreme Sacrifice Day

19 National Quilting Day

19 Poultry Day

20 International Earth Day

20 Proposal Day

21 Credit Card Reduction Day

21 Fragrance Day

22 National Goof Off Day

23 Melba Toast Day

23 National Chip and Dip Day

23 Near Miss Day

25 Good Friday

25 Pecan Day

25 Waffle Day

26 Make Up Your Own Holiday Day

26 National Spinach Day

27 Easter Date

27 National "Joe" Day

29 National Mom and Pop Business

Owners Day

29 Smoke and Mirrors Day

30 National Doctor's Day

30 I am in Control Day

30 Take a Walk in the Park Day

31 National Clam on the Half Shell

Day

Special Days

Special People

One Year

Neeko Harvey

Holly Hegarty

Kaitlyn Bukauskas

Two Years

Jamie Duarte

Jennifer Miller

Brian Gillespie

Kandee Kidder

Michael Gray

Paula Landry

Elaine Veilleux

Florence Hill

Alexandria Maclellan

Three Years

Stephen Apsega

Heather Mcpike

Is your name missing from our birthdays and

anniversaries? If so, it is because we do not have

your permission to print it! You can easily change

this by contacting the HR department, your

supervisor or your branch manager.

3/16 Steven Decker

3/16 Colleen Drake

3/16 Krista Farnum

3/20 Jessica Ernst

3/22 Robert Weeks

3/23 Pamela Nelon

3/24 Hannah Shirley

3/25 Jennifer Drew

3/25 Lara Tuck

3/26 Laurie McLellan

3/27 Stephen Apsega

3/27 Amy Liscomb

3/28 Jennifer Chapman

3/29 Marie Lodge

3/31 Madison Bennett

3/31 Alissa McLaughlin

3/31 Sara Smith Criss

3/1 Carrie Baker

3/1 Chelsea Hersey

3/1 Tammy Pierce Milano

3/4 Laurie Goff

3/4 Erin Perry

3/5 Jessica Odonnell

3/6 Kapricemari Tompkins

3/8 Rachel Stires

3/8 Sheila Upton

3/9 Heather Mcpike

3/10 Shirley Huard

3/12 Caitlin Kadnar

3/13 Michael Keim

3/13 Angelica Levy

3/15 Crystal Bruen

3/15 Monique Cunningham

Happy Birthday

Five Years

Christina Murchison

Jason Clement

Six Years

Monica Worthley

Seven Years

Dianne Foster

13

For heel and arch

pain, try

stretching your

foot by rolling it

over a rolling pin

or a bottle.

Because we care!

Make simple changes, one at a time, for your health!

For your

Adding raw or lightly

cooked garlic and onions

to your meals may help

keep you healthy. Both

foods appear to possess

antiviral and antibacterial

properties and are

believed to boost

immunity.

SING TO STAY HEALTHY

Singing is good for the mind and body. It is

relaxing and also improves breathing and muscle

tone.

Humming helps too. Daily humming is a good

way to increase ventilation in the sinuses.

MARCH IS EYE SAFETY MONTH

With so many people using computers at work and at home, complaints of eye

strain, difficulty focusing and discomfort have become commonplace in doctors’

offices. One of the main reasons for this is people are still using the same

lighting, furniture and desk configurations they had when using typewriters. The

American Academy of Ophthalmology has put together some tips to help us

alleviate some of the eye problems modern technology has given birth to.

First and most important - get an eye exam by your ophthalmologist, who

can rule out the possibility of eye disease as the cause of your symptoms.

You could simply need glasses when working at a computer, or your

prescription might need updating.

Screen distance - you should sit approximately 20 inches from the

computer monitor, a little further than you would for reading distance, with

the top of the screen at or below eye level.

Equipment - choose a monitor that tilts or swivels, and has both contrast

and brightness controls.

Furniture - an adjustable chair is best.

Reference materials - keep reference materials on a document holder so

you don’t have to keep looking back and forth, frequently refocusing your

eyes and turning your neck and head.

Lighting - modify your lighting to eliminate reflections or glare. A hood

or micromesh filter for your screen might help limit reflections and glare.

Rest breaks - take periodic rest breaks, and try to blink often to keep your

eyes from drying out.

Another thing to remember is that the forced-air heating systems can increase

problems with dry eyes during the winter months. The usual symptoms of dry

eye are stinging or burning eyes, scratchiness, a feeling that there’s something in

the eye, excessive tearing or difficulty wearing contact lenses. Over-the-counter

eye drops, called artificial tears, usually help, but if dry eye persists, see your eye

doctor for an evaluation.

HANDY HYGIENE

By: Greg LaRochelle

As a child, you were probably reminded constantly to wash your

hands before coming to the dinner table. You might have

grumbled on doing so with hunger pangs driving you to rush the

process – a quick lather, rinse, and wipe on the hand towel, good

enough, now let’s eat.

Today, hand washing is still just as important and even more

critical as a preventative measure for infection control coupled

with wearing disposable gloves. The germs of yesteryear remain

with us with the myriad of bacteria and viruses possessing an

innate and crafty ability to multiply. Their primary mission is to

seek out a host organism, take up residence, and turn on their

replication machinery, oftentimes at the detriment of their host’s

health and welfare. Even our own flora of skin and intestinal

bacteria, bearing beneficial properties, can mount an attack and

disrupt organ function when our immune system is

compromised.

And now with the prevalent use (and abuse) of antibiotics, both

inside and outside of medicine over the past 60 years, the so-

called bacterial “superbugs” have emerged through mutation with

resistance to specific families of conventional antibiotic

drugs. What is our best defense against these superbugs? The

common answer for infection control is personal protective

equipment and hand hygiene (along with disinfecting

contaminated surfaces). So, it’s back to the call of washing hands

with soap and water, as simple as that may seem, to minimize our

susceptibility to germ invasion and infection. And what about

hand sanitizers? Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are okay when

your hands aren’t visibly dirty, but are not as effective.

14

MARCH IS COLON CANCER

AWARENESS MONTH

Among cancers that affect both men and women,

colorectal cancer (cancer of the colon or rectum)

is the second leading cause of cancer deaths in

the United States. Every year, about 140,000

Americans are diagnosed with colorectal cancer.

The 3rd week of March is Poison Prevention Week,

but nurses, pharmacists, doctors and other experts

staff the National Poison Help line 24 hours per day

every day. Call their toll free national number if you

suspect someone has been poisoned

1-800-222-1222

Almost anything can be poisonous if used in the wrong

concentration and/or in the wrong way. Children are

especially sensitive to many of the products we use

during spring-cleaning, painting, gardening and

automobile maintenance.

Here are some hints for keeping yourself and family safe:

Keep household cleaning products and other

chemicals in the containers they came in, and always

store them away from food and out of the reach of

children.

Never use empty food containers to store left over

chemicals. Never use empty chemical containers to

store food.

Read and follow directions for use and disposal of

any cleaning compounds, pesticides, fertilizers or

any other chemical product.

Never mix chemicals, including household cleaners,

or detergents.

Turn on fans and open windows when using

chemicals or household cleaners.

Don’t sniff containers to see what is inside.

When spraying chemicals, direct the nozzle away

from people and pets.

Bug and weed killers can be taken in through the

skin or inhaled and can be poisonous. Even leather

shoes and gloves do not offer full protection, so stay

away from areas that have been sprayed for at least

an hour or until the spray has dried.

Wear protective clothing when using any chemical

products.

If pesticides are splashed onto the skin, rinse with

soap and running water. Wash your clothing after

using chemicals too.

Remember to always put every medicine and

vitamins up and away and out of a child’s reach and

sight – every time they are used.

For more info, visit: www.PoisonHelp.hrsa.gov

Enjoy the littlest things…for one day you may realize they

were the biggest things in life.

15

the quality or state of being healthy in body and

mind, especially as the result of deliberate effort

Silence your

phone at

night for

better sleep

& rest!

Wellness Mind ~ Body ~ Soul

MAKE TIME FOR FUN! Make Time for Fun. Make time for leisure

activities that bring you joy, whether it be

reading, watching a movie, connecting with

others or taking a bath. Your body needs time to

take a break from your responsibilities and

recharge.

Engaging in casual

conversation with others

may help keep you as sharp

as doing a word puzzle,

according to some studies.

Just 10 minutes of daily

chatter appears to improve

mental function and

preserve memory.

Fight Daylight Savings Blahs

When we "spring forward" this

month, the lost hour can have a bigger

effect on our bodies than we might

think: "You might feel jetlagged, and

it can take two to five days to adjust,"

says Meir Kryger, MD, professor of

medicine at Yale University.

His fix: "Get some sunlight as soon as

possible"—by raising window shades

or making a coffee run—"to help re-

synchronize your body clock.

Luckily, the switch-over happens on a

Sunday morning, so many of us don't

have to go to work that first day!"

Getting enough sleep helps prevent

chronic diseases and promotes overall

health. Take a few minutes to assess your

sleeping habits with the checklist below.

Make any necessary changes to ensure

you are getting the best quantity and

quality of sleep that you can.

Are you going to bed at the same time each

night and rising at the same time each

morning?

Are you sleeping in a quiet, dark, and

relaxing environment, which is neither too

hot nor too cold?

Have you made your bed comfortable?

Do you use the bedroom only for sleeping

and not for other activities, such as reading,

watching TV, or using the computer?

Do you avoid large meals before bedtime?

Avoid Unnecessary Stress

It’s easy to become overwhelmed at times due

to various expectations of a household,

family, friends and employer. Making

realistic lists of to do’s each week will allow

you a feeling of accomplishment when you

tackle those priorities and cross them off as

completed.

National Sleep Foundation’s Sleep Duration Recommendations for Adults:

Recommended 7 to 9 hours May be appropriate 6 hours

10 to 11 hours Not recommended Less than 6 hours

More than 10 hours

Your accomplishments will

serve as encouragement to carry

you into your next list. Learn

how to say no, and realize your

limits. Understand your

stressors and make the

appropriate changes to your

lifestyle and your time.

Particularly during the winter months, it's

easy to stay inside and not interact or

communicate with others. Email and

texting is no substitute for a real live visit

with a friend. Make a deal with yourself

to stay in touch with friends and family.

Schedule short coffee or lunch dates,

movies or shopping excursions. By

making yourself schedule times to get out

of the house, you will be rewarded with

the company and conversation of others.

Nurture Friendships

16

DEMPSEY CENTER

NEWS

16

By: Jason Clement, Lead DSP

February was a busy month with craft projects and the joy of being creative with projects. We continued working on goals of healthy eating

and had group discussions about maintaining safety in the cold & walking in the unpredictable weather. The Group continues to collaborate

on daily living skill tasks, one, in particular, is helping each other keep our program area clean, especially after our amazing creative group

projects. Below are just some of Valentine’s creations, as you can see we have a lot of heart here!

All of us with the Dempsey Learning Center are definitely anxious to get out to the track to begin our Special Olympic track & field training.

We want to start preparing for the Wednesday, May 4th KASO track meet & Summer Special Olympic Games in Orono that take place on

Saturday, June 11th! We are hoping the groundhog was right, COME ON SPRING!

17

Matters

A penny saved is a penny earned!

How to make things last longer

Clothing

Two simple ways to stretch the life of all your clothes. Wash in cold

water and skip the dryer. All that heat just isn't good for your

clothes.

Shoes

Clean dirt and scuff marks off your shoes as soon as you notice

them to avoid any permanent damage. Out of shoe polish ~ try a

banana peel.

Mattresses

Follow the manufacturer's recommendations for flipping and

rotating your mattress to prevent premature sagging.

Refrigerators

Vacuum the condenser coil every three months (once a month if

you have pets).

Vacuum Cleaner

Empty the bag before it gets full (or the canister for bagless

vacuum) and clean the filter regularly. Use scissors or a seam ripper

to get rid of the hair and threads stuck around the carpet roller to

keep your vacuum running smoothly.

Bathroom Exhaust Fan

Clean the bathroom exhaust fan every once in a while (at least every

six months) to help it run more efficiently and to keep the air

moving, which inhibits mold.

Markers

Revive dried out markers by storing them vertically (tip down) for

a day or two. If that doesn't work, try dipping the tips in alcohol for

a few minutes.

Razors

Dry the blades off after each use, and they'll stay sharp longer.

Hand Soap

Purchase a foaming hand soap dispenser, and turn your regular

hand soap into foaming hand soap. You'll be amazed at how far you

can stretch one bottle of soap.

Use toothpaste to remove scratches on your screen!

Toothpaste will also help clean fogged up car lights!

Best Produce Deals for

March: Artichokes, broccoli,

Brussel sprouts, cauliflower, leeks,

lettuce, mushrooms, parsnips,

pineapples, radishes, rutabagas, turnips,

pineapples and mangoes

March is National Frozen Foods Month, so you'll see

many sales in the freezer section this month. Take a few

minutes to inventory the contents of your freezer. Then,

restock as needed.

The days are already getting longer, so use that to

your advantage. Keep the lights off later into the

evening and save on your electric bill. Make the

savings bigger by remembering to unplug your

devices and chargers when they aren’t in use.

Start Spring Cleaning Now! Open the windows and get

cleaning. Start with your closets

and you’re probably going to find

lots of items you no longer use and

can sell for extra cash or donate.

Do you have too much clothing? Most of us do, so make this your new mantra

Buy 1 - Donate 2 It works, you save money and cut down on clutter!

18

March Fun FACTS & TRIVIA

March’s birthstone is the Aquamarine.

Aquamarine is calming, soothing, and cleansing, and inspires truth, trust and letting go. In ancient

lore, Aquamarine was believed to be the treasure of mermaids, and was used by sailors as a talisman

of good luck, fearlessness and protection. It was also considered a stone of eternal youth and

happiness. Today it protects all who travel by, over, or near water.

March’s Flower

February Zodiac Signs

Pisces February 19th – March 20th

Aries March 21 – April 19

Did you know…… It is impossible for most people to lick their own elbow. (try it!)

A crocodile cannot stick its tongue out.

A shrimp's heart is in its head.

In a study of 200,000 ostriches over a period of 80 years, no one

reported a single case where an ostrich buried its head in the sand, or

attempted to do so.

It is physically impossible for pigs to look up into the sky.

The "sixth sick sheik's sixth sheep's sick" is believed to be the toughest

tongue twister in the English language.

If you sneeze too hard, you could fracture a rib.

Rats multiply so quickly that in 18 months, two rats could have over a

million descendants.

Wearing headphones for just an hour could increase the bacteria in

your ear by 700 times.

In every episode of Seinfeld there was a Superman somewhere in the

picture.

Some lipsticks contain fish scales.

Like fingerprints, everyone's tongue print is different.

Rubber bands last longer when refrigerated.

There are 293 ways to make change for a dollar.

The average person's left hand does 56% of the typing (when using the

proper position of the hands on the keyboard; Hunting and pecking

doesn't count!).

A shark is the only known fish that can blink with both eyes.

The longest one-syllable words in the English language are

"scrunched" and "strengthen." Some suggest that "squirreled" could be

included, but squirrel is intended to be pronounced as two syllables

(squir-rel) according to most dictionaries. "Screeched" and "strengths"

are two other long one-syllable words, but they only have 9 letters.

"Dreamt" is the only English word that ends in the letters "mt".

Almonds are a member of the peach family.

There are only four words in the English language which end in

"dous": tremendous, horrendous, stupendous, and hazardous.

A cat has 32 muscles in each ear.

Maine is the only state that has a one-syllable name.

An ostrich's eye is bigger than its brain.

Tigers have striped skin, not just striped fur.

In many advertisements, the time displayed on a watch is 10:10.

The characters Bert and Ernie on Sesame Street were named after Bert

the cop and Ernie the taxi driver in Frank Capra's "It's a Wonderful

Life."

A dime has 118 ridges around the edge.

The giant squid has the largest eyes in the world.

The microwave was invented after a researcher walked by a radar tube

and a chocolate bar melted in his pocket.

Most people fall asleep in seven minutes.

"Stewardesses" is the longest word that is typed with only the left hand.

The birth flower for March is daffodil. In the language of flowers,

daffodils symbolize chivalry, respect, modesty and faithfulness.

Irish Quotes and Sayings

If you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky

enough.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, may the luck of

the Irish be there with you.

Erin go bragh (Ireland forever)

A good laugh and a long sleep are the two best cures.

Who gossips with you will gossip of you.

Two shorten the road.

Every dog is bold on its own doorstep.

Nodding the head does not row the boat

You've got to do your own growing, no matter how tall

your father was.

It is often that a person's mouth broke his nose.

May neighbors’ respect you, trouble neglect you, the

angels protect you, and Heaven accept you.

19

Compliments

By Clients

Aimee Dubois

Eileen Hibbert

Ashley Miller

Julia Neher

Lindsay Sirois

By Staff

Megan Bechard

Belinda Chambers

Jennifer Chapman

Michelle Charette

Rhonda Cyr

Ruthanne Lebert

Julia Neher

Michelle Risinger

EVERY BUNNY NEEDS A

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20

Youth Art Month is a national annual observance each

March to emphasize the value of K-12 art education

for all children and to encourage support for quality

school art programs.

YAM is a wonderful time for communities to share

and enjoy the artistic talents of children as well as the

benefits and necessity of arts education in all of our

schools. YAM highlights the excellent visual arts

education being provided throughout our state.

Youth Art

Month Take just a moment and think about the way music

enhances your life. You may enjoy a favorite musical,

a church hymn, a thunderous score for an epic movie,

or the soothing softness of a symphony orchestra.

The music speaks to you in some way, as it does the person performing the song.

is a powerful communication tool capable of healing through expression and uniting

through a commonly understood language that can be both simple and complex.

The Gifts of Music believes music education should be accessible for every Maine student

wanting to express him or herself. Unfortunately, affording an instrument or music

lessons is financially out of reach for many Maine families. Also, with reduced budgets,

many schools are facing tough decisions about funding programs and music is usually

one considered expendable. The Gifts of Music believes music needs to be a vital part of

any school curriculum. Music education has consistently proven to improve the overall

scholastic achievement of students while also teaching them teamwork, patience,

listening, and cultural understanding.

That’s where The Gifts of Music comes in, and we need your help supporting Maine

students and their music educators. This is what we do with your donation:

• Used instrument refurbishing and “gifting” back to music

educators in Maine requesting an instrument

• Music scholarships for Maine students to participate in

private lessons, summer music camps, youth symphonies or

other educational, musical opportunity

• Grants for other non-profits to hire live musicians for their

fundraising or special events

• Grants to music educators to help meet unmet expense

related to their school music program.

You can support The Gifts of Music with a donation of a used instrument, or with a tax-

deductible cash contribution. You can donate securely on-line at our website

www.thegiftsofmusic.org or mail a check to The Gifts of Music, PO Box 264, Orrington,

Maine 04474. If you’d like to donate a band instrument, please call (207) 356-8015.

You can also visit and “like” us on face book at: www.facebook.com/thegiftsofmusic

Music In Our Schools Month is a month long event

that aims to draw attention to the significance of

music education in our schools and community.

The event happens the whole month of March every

year. Participating schools and related organizations

have various activities and concerts held in different

venues. These activities help showcase the talents of

students together with their teachers, band and

orchestras.

21

MAINE MAPLE SUNDAY

MARCH 27, 2016 Enjoy the Natural Sweetness of Maine's Maple Syrup

Pure Maine maple syrup with a hint of the great north woods

in it has been brightening the flavor of fine, Downeast food

since long before the colonists arrived. Now, hundreds of

years later, the quality is excellent, the degree of sweetness

is fixed by law, and the uniquely delicious taste still varies as

it always has. Sometimes the syrup is dark and rich,

sometimes pale gold and delicate. It all depends on the soil

and terrain, the wind and the weather, just like wine.

Storing Maple Syrup Pure Maine maple syrup contains no preservatives and should be refrigerated

or kept in a cool dry place after the seal is broken. Properly prepared maple

syrup will not freeze, and the freezer makes an ideal storage place.

It also may be heated to 180 degrees and canned in sterilized jars. Process pints

in boiling water for 10 minutes. If syrup ferments, it can be restored to full

flavor by bringing it just to the boiling point without stirring. Let it simmer for

2 or 3 minutes, then turn off the heat and let it cool to room temperature. Skim

all matter that rises to the surface, boil briefly once more and store as above.

Pure Maple, The Healthy Food Sweetener Pure Maple products are naturally good for you. Maple scores higher on every

measure of nutritional value when compared to other sweeteners used in

backing, cooking, or as a sweet topping.

Maple Syrup is a healthy source of vital mineral and nutrients. Maple syrup

delivers more nutrition than all other common sweeteners and has one of the

lowest calorie levels. Maple Syrup not only tastes good, it’s good for you.

More Health Considerations Preliminary research indicates that maple syrup contains the phytohormone

abscisic acid (ABA) in levels which may be significant to human health. ABA

is thought to stimulate insulin release by the pancreas, and may be beneficial in

the control of blood sugar levels and obesity related inflammation.

The Maine Maple Producers Association invites you

to join Maine's Maple Syrup Producers, statewide,

as they celebrate Maine Maple Sunday. Most

sugarhouses offer free maple syrup samples and

demonstrations on how pure Maine maple syrup is

made. Many farms offer games, activities, treats,

sugarbush tours, music, and so much more.

Maine Maple Sunday is always the fourth Sunday in

March although some sugarhouses are offering

events for both Saturday and Sunday. Visit

www.mainemapleproducers.com for a complete list

and map of participants. Please be sure to read the

description of each sugarhouse to know what times

they will be open and the activities they offer.

Maple Syrup

Corn Syrup

Honey Maple Sugar

Brown Sugar

Sugar

Manganese 100 0 3 29 9 0

Riboflavin 34 0 2 2 0 1

Zinc 11 3 1 5 1 0

Magnesium 5 0 0 3 7 0

Calcium 6 1 1 7 5 0

Potassium 5 0 1 4 6 0

Calories 217 241 258 170 211 194

Sugars (g) 54 65 70 41 54 50

Source: US FDA, 2007 Health Canada

22

How Maple Syrup Is Made From the time the first crow flies, usually in late February, to sometime in

mid-April, the sparkling clear "sweetwater" flows.

In a good year, one large tree may pour out as much as 60 gallons of sap

without suffering any injury. It seems like a lot, until you realize that the

sap will be reduced to about one and a half gallons of syrup.

Once it flows from the tree, the sap must be processed within a few hours

or it will spoil, so syrup makers work round the clock once the spring run

has started.

Much of the sap is still gathered the old-fashioned way, in buckets hung

from trees, and boiled down to syrup over wood fires. Some of the larger

producers have adopted labor-saving modern technology. They gather the

sap with plastic tubing strung all the way from the trees to the sugar house.

From holding tanks, which may hold as much as a thousand gallons, the

freshly collected sap, usually about three percent sugar, is fed continuously

into the evaporator. There it is kept constantly boiling, throwing off dense

clouds of steam as it becomes more and more concentrated. When the syrup

reaches a temperature of seven degrees above the boiling point of water,

the syrup maker knows the sugar-density is just right. Immediately, the

finished syrup is filtered to remove particles of "sugar sand." These, though

harmless, would turn the syrup cloudy. Once properly clear, the finished

syrup is packed in sterilized containers and sealed, ready to be distributed

and enjoyed around the world.

Enjoy Food Traditions and Social Experiences

There is an obvious social component to food. Whether a nightly

family dinner, special holiday occasion or social gathering, food

often plays a central role.

"Research indicates that family meals promote healthier eating and

strengthen family relationships," Gradney says. "Prioritize family

meals and enjoy the food traditions that accompany any type of social

gathering."

Appreciate Foods Pleasures and Flavors

Take time to appreciate the flavors, textures and overall eating

experience. In today's busy world, we often eat quickly and

mindlessly. Instead, try following this tip to help you savor the flavor

of your food: Eat slowly.

"Eat one bite at a time, and focus on the different flavors and

textures," Gradney says. "Stop and take time between bites. Eating

slowly not only allows you to enjoy your food, but it can also help

you eat less by giving your stomach time to tell your brain that you

are full."

Develop a Mindful Eating Pattern

How, when, why and where you eat are just as important as what you

eat. Being a mindful eater can help you reset both your body and your

mind and lead to an overall healthier lifestyle.

"Think about where you eat the majority of your meals," Gradney

says. "Many eat lunch at their desks or dinner in front of the

television. Take a few minutes out of your busy schedule to find a

nice place to mindfully eat instead of multitasking through your

meals."

Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist

"A healthy lifestyle is much more than choosing to eat more fruits

and vegetables," Gradney says. "It's also essential to make informed

food choices based on your individual health and nutrient needs. A

registered dietitian nutritionist can educate you and guide your food

choices while keeping your tastes and preferences in mind. RDNs are

able to separate facts from fads and translate nutritional science into

information you can use."

Find a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area by visiting

eatright.org.

The Academy's website (eatright.org) includes helpful articles,

recipes, videos and educational resources to spread the message of

good nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages,

genders and backgrounds. Consumers are also encouraged to follow

National Nutrition Month on the Academy’s social media channels

including Facebook and Twitter.

For National Nutrition Month, Enjoy Food

Traditions and Experiences to 'Savor the

Flavor of Eating Right' For National Nutrition Month® 2016, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics

is encouraging everyone to "Savor the Flavor of Eating Right" by taking time

to enjoy food traditions and appreciate the pleasures, great flavors and social

experiences food can add to your life.

"Food nourishes your body and provides necessary fuel to help you thrive and

fight disease," says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition

and Dietetics Spokesperson Kristen Gradney. "Food is also a source of pleasure

and enjoyment. 'Savor the Flavor of Eating Right' by taking time to enjoy

healthy foods and all the happiness they bring to your life."

23

BE AWARE OF ITEMS THAT ARE POISONOUS TO PETS Learn about your plants, since some common household plants can

be toxic to dogs and cats. For example, lilies are especially poisonous

to cats, so should be eliminated from bouquets where cats live. Just

one or two petals can be fatal!

Keep home fragrance products, such as simmer pots of liquid

potpourri, well out of reach. These products may cause chemical

burns if ingested.

Don’t spray aerosols or any heavily fragranced products around

caged birds. They are especially sensitive to airborne products.

Keep ashtrays and smoking cessation products such as nicotine

chewing gum or patches out of reach. Even cigarette butts contain

enough nicotine to cause poisoning in pets.

Be careful with batteries. Dogs enjoy chewing on batteries and

battery-containing devices such as remote controls and cell phones.

If ingested, they can cause serious chemical burns.

Hang up your purse! Pets love to dig through purses and backpacks

which often contain potential pet poisons such medications,

cigarettes or sugar-free gum with xylitol.

Be aware of human foods that are poisonous to dogs and cats.

Watch out for raisins, grapes, macadamia nuts, onions, garlic,

unbaked yeast bread dough, fatty foods and chocolate.

Keep garbage cans behind closed doors. Trash and compost bins can

contain many pet toxins such as cigarette butts, coffee grounds,

moldy foods and bones.

Keep alcoholic beverages out of reach, as alcohol can cause low

blood sugar in pets.

Keep medications such as over-the-counter and prescription pills,

inhalers and dietary supplements, safely locked up in secure

cupboards. Do not leave them on countertops or tables or store them

in plastic zippered baggies, which are easily chewed through.

Never medicate your pets with human products without first

contacting your veterinarian. Some common human medications

such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil) are

extremely poisonous to pets.

Always check the container before giving medication to your pet to

make sure it’s the correct medication. Also, it is best to store your

own medications separately from pet medications.

Keep pets out of the room while using bathroom cleansers or other

cleaning products, and close toilet lids to keep them from drinking

the water, especially if you use automatic chemical tank or bowl

treatment.

Keep rat and mouse poison far away from pets and be mindful that

rodents can transfer the products to locations accessible by pets. If

you need to use rodenticides in your home, consult your veterinarian

in order to select one that is safest for your pet.

When using insecticides in your home or on your pets, read the

label carefully. Never use flea and tick products meant for dogs on

your cat, as they may cause tremors and seizures.

Keep glues out of reach. Some glues, such as Gorilla Glue®, expand

greatly once ingested and require surgical removal. Just one ounce of

glue may expand to the size of a basketball.

TOP 10 PET TOXINS IN THE KITCHEN

Chocolate Xylitol (sugar-free chewing gum)

Grapes/raisins/currants Caffeine (coffee, tea)

Fatty scraps Onions/garlic/chives

Macadamia nuts Unbaked yeast bread dough

Alcohol Table salt

If you think your pet may have ingested something

harmful, take action immediately. Contact your

veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680.

Pet Poison Helpline charges $39 per call, which includes

unlimited follow-up consultations.