Hello all,
School is back in session, in one form or the other. I’d like to take a moment to
acknowledge the work our Class of 1989 University of Maine-trained teachers
and health care providers are doing during these unprecedented times.
I know Kimberly White Silsby is leading the staff and students as principal of
Augusta’s Cony Middle and High Schools. Cathy Healy is teaching in person in
Virginia. Lisa Bourbon McKenney is teaching in Texas. Heather Lucas Zachau is
teaching in Freeport, ME, and Sarah Simmonds is teaching in Falmouth, ME.
Together these women have about 120 years combined experience in the
classrooms and no doubt have had to pivot to keep those students masked, six
feet apart, or engaged online, while continuing to provide quality education. I
know there are many more out there, too, and I want to say you are appreciated
for all of your efforts. This crew started with chalkboards, jumped to Whiteboards,
then SMART Boards, and now, when needed, they teach virtually as well. Back
in 1985-1989 when these versatile women were riding the Professional
Preparation Team buses to local area schools, and student teaching in a
community in Maine, they could never have imagined the challenges they would
face this year. Hats off to you and all the others in our class who are essential to
our society, including University of Maine-trained nurses, doctors, public health,
and other health care professionals facing the front lines of COVID-19. Thank
you!
From the Bangor Daily News —
Jeff Ramich, of Brunswick (Kennebec Valley Athletic Conference) received the
Maine Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA) Distinguished
Service Award.
Tony C. McKim, president and CEO of First National Bank, has been elected to
The Worthington Scholarship Foundation board of directors. The Worthington
Scholarship was founded by David Beverly Worthington of Spruce Head Island.
Currently 230 students are receiving $4,000 annual, renewable scholarships. It is
intended to help students afford and be successful in a community or four-year
college. Says Tony, “I know first-hand how a college education can help our
Maine youth achieve their dreams. With scholarships and guidance, the
Foundation can have a great impact on Maine future’s.” Visit
worthingtonscholars.org for more information.
From the Kennebec Journal —
Patricia McKenzie ‘97G, administrator for Kennebec Behavioral Health’s
outpatient and substance abuse services, was honored by the Peer Support
Specialist Network of Maine for her service to Maine’s Peer Support Community.
“She has been a loyal supporter of the Intentional Peer Support Program and to
many in the peer community for many years … Pat is a champion advocate,
promoting the expansion of peer services throughout behavioral health and
health care settings,“ said award presenter Kelly Staples, the facilitator of the
Certified Peer Support Specialists program. Kennebec Behavioral Health was
founded in 1960 and operates clinics in Waterville, Skowhegan, Winthrop,
Augusta, and Farmington. More information at kbhmaine.org.
Kim Akeley-Charron grew up in northern Maine, and earned a degree in art
history with a public relations concentration. She served as membership
coordinator at the UMaine Alumni Association for two years, and after moving to
Colorado, she worked as cultural events/marketing coordinator for the City of
Loveland’s Cultural Service Department for almost a decade. For the past nine
years she has been executive director of Thompson Education Foundation in
Loveland, CO. She and her husband enjoy traveling, watching their sons create
their own paths in life, and spending time with their Mini Retriever puppy Mayze.
Stay healthy, dear classmates. Please send me news.