Island Health & Wellness Foundation: Just For The Health Of It Community Discussions

The following is a conversation that I had with Jessica Perez. Jessica is a Digital Equity Manager for the Maine Connectivity Authority. During our conversation we discuss:

1. What are the goals of the Maine Connectivity Authority? 

2. Why is internet connectivity necessary for a healthy community? 

3. What is digital equity?

4. Why is ensuring digital equity vital for Maine?

5. What do you wish more people knew about the Maine Connectivity Authority or digital equity? 

6. How can our community help to accomplish the goals of the Maine Connectivity Authority?

7. How do people reach you with questions or for more information?

8. What is bringing you joy right now?

P.S. Jessica had no idea that Perez is a well known last name here on the island. She plans to visit soon and I have promised to take her picture by the Perez Crossroad sign. Website for Maine Connectivity Authority:

https://www.maineconnectivity.org/

 

 

The following is a conversation that I had with Rene Colson of Healthy Island Project (HIP). Today we are focusing on a program that HIP is offering through the Foundation of Art & Healing called "Successful Aging Creativity Circle". During our discussion we talk about:

1. What is the Successful Aging Creativity Circle?

2. Why are offerings like this necessary for a healthy community?

3. What is the goal of this program?

4. What has been Rene's favorite part of this program so far?

5. If Rene could snap her fingers and solve one issue facing the aging population on Deer Isle-Stonington, what would it be?

6. How do people reach HIP to sign up?

7. What other community resources does HIP provide that my listeners should know about?

8. What is bringing Rene joy right now?

The following are topics used in the Successful Aging Creativity Circle:

What does healthy mean? Coping with Covid-19-Coping with uncertainty and traumatic times Making and keeping friends Resilience  Brain health Self care Finding meaning through legacy 

Dr. Nobel's book "Project Unlonely": https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/647051/project-unlonely-by-jeremy-nobel-md-mph/

To contact Rene:

HIP Phone: 207-367-6332

HIP email: healthyislandproject@gmail.com

Opiate Free Island Partnership, Island Health & Wellness Foundation and Healthy Acadia are partnering to host an Island Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 21st from 9:00 a.m. to noon at Island Medical Center. This year's event will be different from past take back days. In this episode, I talk about what the event will look like and answer frequently asked questions about Deterra medication wasting bags. Please join us!

Link to Deterra website: https://deterrasystem.com/

This is a special episode of the podcast designed to highlight an upcoming healthy living series called Fuel Up! Food, Fitness and Fun being offered by Healthy Island Project beginning Monday, April 10, 2023. This is an eight week session open to all islanders 18 years of age and older at no charge. Sessions will be held on Monday evenings from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Community of Christ Church in Stonington. Native islander and Registered Dietician Raegan Heanssler will be the facilitator. There will be yummy food AND prizes!

To sign up/register:

Call Healthy Island Project at 207-367-6332

Email Healthy Island Project at healthyislandproject@gmail.com

The following is a conversation that I had with Melissa Jones Bayley. Melissa grew up here on Deer Isle-Stonington and is a licensed massage therapist. In addition, she founded an organization called “Island Angels”. During our discussion, Melissa answers the following questions:

1. What is Island Angels and how did it get started?

2. Although many of my listeners probably knew your mom, please tell me more about her.

3. Island Angels just received approval to be an official non-profit organization. What does this mean for future projects and goals?

4. What services/support does Island Angels offer to those who are dealing with a cancer diagnosis?

5. Why is massage important for those who are dealing with cancer?

6. What challenges have you encountered while creating this organization?

7. What has surprised you about this project?

8. How can people support your work?

9. Let’s talk about massage in general. Why is massage important for overall physical health?

10. What services do you offer here on the island?

11. What does a typical massage appointment look like?

12. How do people reach you for massage or for Island Angels work?

13. If you could send one message to a person experiencing a cancer diagnosis or a family member helping to care for him or her, what would it be?

14. What is bringing you joy right now?

Links to Contact Island Angels:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070603110935

Phone: 207-664-8333

Email: mjonesbayley@gmail.com

The following is a conversation that I had with Rose Honders. Rose is the Community Services Director for Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA). This is Rose’s second time on the podcast, as she was a guest in her previous role as Director of At Home Downeast.  During our discussion, Rose answers the following questions:

1.  In your own words, tell me who you are, where you work and what you do.

2. What does Eastern Area Agency on Aging do and what kinds of services does it provide?

3. Who does EAAA serve?

4. What is a program or service that is offered through EAAA that you wish more people knew about?

5. If you could snap your fingers and solve one issue facing the population you serve, what would it be and why?

6. How do people reach you?

7. How can we support EAAA’s work in this area?

8. What is bringing you joy right now? (Hint: It is her amazing dog, Abraham!)

To reach EAAA:

Website: https://www.eaaa.org/

Phone numbers: 207-941-2865 or 800-432-7812

email: info@eaaa.org

Physical address: 240 State Street, Brewer, ME 04412

The following is a conversation that I had with Jo Cooper. Jo retired last year after 20 years as the Founding Executive Director of Friends in Action. Currently Jo is a Consultant and Project Manager of a Maine Health Access Foundation grant project titled “Transportation Equity for Healthy Aging.”  During our discussion, Jo answers the following questions:

1. Why are volunteer transportation programs important to the health of Maine communities?

2. What is the “Transportation Equity for Healthy Aging” project?

3. How did this project get started?

4. What is your job as a Consultant and Project Manager?

5. What is the goal of this project?

6. What challenges have you encountered while doing this work?

7. What has surprised you about this project?

8. How can people support your work?

9. What is bringing you joy right now?

The following is a conversation that I had with Jessica Ames. Jessica is the Outreach and Events Director for a program called Angel Flight East.  During the episode we talk about:

1. What is Angel Flight East?

2. How did this program get started?

3. How do people qualify for a flight?

4. What is the process to sign up for a flight?

5. Is there anything people should know before signing up for this program?

6. What are the requirements for a volunteer pilot?

7. How do pilots sign up?

8. Why do pilots fly with Angel Flight East?

9. What do you wish more people knew about the services your organization provides?

10. Can you give my listeners an example of a particular flight?

11. How do people reach you?

12. How can people support your work?

13. What is bringing you joy right now?

To reach Angel Flight East to access a medical flight: https://angelflighteast.org/passengers/

To reach Angel Flight East to become a volunteer pilot: https://angelflighteast.org/pilots/

To call Angel Flight East: 215-358-1900

The following is a conversation that I had with Hancock County Sheriff Scott Kane. Our discussion focused on a very unique and valuable service that his office offers called the Wanderers Program.  Sheriff Kane answers the following questions during the episode:

1. Tell my listeners about the Wanderers Program.

2. How did this program get started?

3. What information does the Client Wandering Database Intake form ask for?

4. Why is it important that people who love and care for someone with autism, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, or dementia register that person in the database?

5. How does law enforcement use the information to help locate a missing individual?

6. Is the database information shared with other departments in case the person is away from Hancock County when he or she goes missing?

7. How do people request a form?

8. What is bringing you joy right now?

To reach the Sheriff's Office to request an intake form: 207-667-7575

Location of Sheriff's Office: 50 State Street, Ellsworth, ME

For help with the form, don't hesitate to reach out to me at 207-801-8237 or by email at ihwf1966@gmail.com

**This episode features discussions about domestic and dating violence. Please listen with care. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic or dating violence, there are resources available to help you. You can call Next Step Domestic Violence Project at 1-800-315-5579.**

The following is a conversation that I had with Alli Williamson.  Alli is the Prevention and Youth Education Coordinator at Next Step Domestic Violence Project and the host of her own podcast called “Relationship Rewind”. In our discussion, Alli answers the following questions:

1. What does Next Step Domestic Violence Project do?

2. What does your role as Prevention and Youth Education Coordinator involve?

3. What does a “typical” day look like for you?

4. Tell us about the “Relationship Rewind” podcast.

5. Why is this podcast important for our local youth to listen to and talk about?

6. Why are relationships based in equality important for a healthy community?

7. What is one service that you offer as part of your role at Next Step that you wish more people knew about?

8. How can we best support your work?

9. How do people reach you?

10. What is bringing you joy right now?

To reach NextStep for any reason, please use the hotline number below:

1-800-315-5579

The following is a conversation that I had with Amanda Bowen and Jessica Shaffer. Jessica  is the Director of Community Health Partnerships at Northern Light Health and Amanda is from an organization called Find Help. This is not intended to serve as any type of medical or health care advice. It is just for educational purposes. Jessica and Amanda do a great job of answering the following questions:

1.  Tell my listeners about FindHelp.org.

2. How is Northern Light partnering with Find Help?

3. Why did Northern Light choose Find Help as its database for community resources?

4. Why is it important for community resource providers to be listed in this database?

5. How do people get their program or service added to Find Help?

6. Can anyone access this database of resources? If so, how?

7. What is your goal for the coming year in terms of getting organizations signed up in Find Help?

8. How is overall community health improved by databases such as this one?

9. How do people contact you?

To contact FindHelp:

Amanda's email: abowen@findhelp.com

Website: https://www.findhelp.org/

The following is a conversation that I had with Angela Fochesato, Executive Director of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center.  In this episode, Angela answers these questions:

1. What does the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center do and who does it serve?

2. How did the center start?

3. What has been the focus of her work so far?

4. Why is this work so important to our community?

5. What is one thing that the organization offers that she wishes more people knew about?

6. Does she have any exciting upcoming events to share?

7. How do people reach the Center?

To reach Angela and the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center

Phone: 207-664-0339

Email: angela@bethwrightcancercenter.org

Website: https://www.bethwrightcancercenter.org/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BethWrightCenter/

Physical Address: 23 Commerce Park, Ellsworth, ME 

Due to the holiday, there will be no new episode of the "Just for the Health of It" podcast this week. Instead, I ask you to take a few minutes to watch the short film "Island Strong", which can be accessed here:

https://ihwf.org/island-strong/

This professional short film highlights the work being done right here on Deer Isle-Stonington to address substance use prevention, treatment, recovery and harm reduction. It features interviews with your friends and neighbors who have been impacted by substance use as well as those working on the front lines to combat this disease.

The following is a conversation that I had with Nick St. Louis. Nick is the new OPTIONS Liaison for Hancock County. During our discussion, we talk about:

1.  What is the OPTIONS Program?

2. How did Nick end up in this position? 

3. What is his role as an OPTIONS Liaison?

4. How did the OPTIONS program originate?

5. What does a typical day look like for Nick?

6. What is a program or service that the OPTIONS program offers that Nick wishes more people knew about?

7. How does the OPTIONS program improve the overall health of our community?

To Contact Nick:

Phone: 207-496-9430

Email: nstlouis@amhc.org

https://www.amhc.org/

https://knowyouroptions.me/about-options/

This is a conversation that I had with Heidi Burgess. Heidi just completed the Maine Department of Transportation’s Child Passenger Certification Training.   She is eager to share what she learned with our community.  During our conversation, we discuss the following:

1. What is the certification training process like?  

2. What was Heidi's favorite part of the training?

3.  What surprised her the most?

4.  What piece of advice from the training does she wish every caregiver knew about?

5. How do people reach Heidi?

To reach Heidi, please call: 207-348-2609

**Trigger warning: In this episode we discuss sexual assault. Please listen with care.**

The following is a conversation that I had with Danielle Coutu. Danielle is a Registered Nurse and serves as the Regional Coordinator of the SANE Program. This program is administered by the University of New England’s School of Nursing and Population Health.  In this episode we discuss:

1. What does SANE stand for and what does this program do?

2. Why is trauma informed care important?

3. How does having SANE trained first responders, medical personnel, etc. benefit the community?

4. How can organizations or people contact Danielle to hear more about the services offered by her organization?

5. How can our community best support Danielle's work?

To contact Danielle, please email: dcoutu@une.edu

The following is a conversation that I had with Linda Nelson. Linda is the Economic & Community Development Director for the Town of Stonington. Today’s discussion focuses on a newly formed Health Care Task Force that the Stonington Economic Development Committee (SEDC) has organized as a way for the Town to support health care needs on the island. In this episode, we talk about:

1. The job description of an Economic & Community Development Director.

2. Where the idea for a Health Care Task Force came from.

3. Who serves on this committee.

4. The committee's goals and priorities.

5. What kinds of work has been done so far.

6. How our community can best support the work of the task force.

To contact Linda Nelson

Phone: 207-217-7364

Email: econdev@stoningtonmaine.org

Exciting news!! This is my first in person podcast interview!!!!

This episode features a conversation that I had with Raegan Heanssler. Raegan grew up here on the island and now works as a Registered Dietitian for the VA Maine Healthcare System.  During our discussion, we talk about:

1. What is a Registered Dietitian (RD) and how does it differ from a nutritionist or nutrition coach?

2. What made Raegan interested in becoming an RD?

3. Where did she go to school and for how long?

4. What advice does she have for someone going into the RD field?

5. What part of her job does she enjoy the most?

6. What does a typical day look like for her?

7. Why is a Registered Dietician an integral part of a health care team?

8. What has surprised Raegan about her work?

9. What is bringing her joy right now?

The following is a conversation that I had with Hallie Lartius. Hallie is an Island Institute Fellow who is working with Healthy Island Project. Her focus is digital equity and inclusion. In the episode we talk about:

Hallie's first year living and working in the Deer Isle-Stonington community.

What digital equity and inclusion are and why they are important to communities.

What Hallie has been focusing on in addition to her digital equity and inclusion work.

How the work that Hallie is doing will make our community healthier.

Healthy Island Project's Website: 

https://healthyislandproject.org/

Healthy Island Project's Phone Number: 

207-367-6332

Farm Drop Website for Deer Isle:

https://farmdrop.us/shop/?markethub=deer-isle

**Trigger warning: In this episode we discuss domestic and sexual violence. Please listen with care.**

The most important part of this entire episode is the Next Step 24/7 Hotline: 800-315-5579.

Anna Viertel is the Coordinator for Community Response at Next Step Domestic Violence Project, which serves the Deer Isle-Stonington community. This conversation ran long, but I hesitated to edit it because every word is so important and could save a life. During our discussion, Anna and I talk about:

What services does Next Step provide?

Why should our community be concerned about domestic violence?

What has been the focus of Anna's work so far as a Community Response Coordinator?

What is non fatal strangulation?

How can people reach Next Step?

To see more about what Next Step does, visit their website at: https://www.nextstepdvproject.org/helpline

Larry Clifford is the new Healthy Aging Coordinator at Healthy Peninsula. Healthy Peninsula serves the Blue Hill Peninsula, Deer Isle and Stonington through their work on Healthy Aging, Healthy Eating and Healthy Families. During our conversation, Larry answers the following questions:

What does "age friendly" mean?

Why should communities be concerned about being "age friendly"?

Why has Larry focused on community interviews?

What areas of need have been identified through these interviews?

How can we help Larry make our community more age-friendly?

What other programs/resources does Healthy Peninsula offer?

To reach Larry:

email: lclifford@healthypeninsula.org

office phone: 207-374-3257

location of Healthy Peninsula's office (it is new!): 26 Hinckley Ridge Road, Blue Hill, Maine

Healthy Peninsula website: https://www.healthypeninsula.org/

In this episode I talk with Jeannie Hatch, Executive Director of Island Community Center. Jeannie is a returning guest to the "Just for the Health of it" podcast. In this conversation we focus on Island Community Center's new gym, which is set to open around the end of June. Jeannie gives us all the details-hours, cost, equipment, etc. Jeannie is an inspiration, both in the skillful way she leads her organization and the way that she is quick to credit others for their contributions. I can't wait for you to listen!

To contact Island Community Center:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Islandcommunitycenter2/

Website: https://www.islandcommunitycenter.net/

Phone: 367-2735

Tim Hoescht and Ronda Dodge, Island Nursing Home (INH) Board members, sit down with me again this week and continue to answer listener and community questions. In this episode we talk about how staffing is the key issue preventing the nursing home from reopening. Tim even gives me a pop quiz-which I fail! We also talk about ideas that have been shared as to possible uses for the INH building that will benefit seniors.

To submit questions for future episodes or to give ideas about possible uses for the INH building, please email me at ihwf1966@gmail.com

In this episode, Tim Hoescht, Ronda Dodge and Skip Greenlaw sit down with me (via Zoom) and answer community questions regarding the recent report from the Island Nursing Home (INH) Board that was published in Island Advantages. 

One thing that they said off-air that I think bears repeating is that they hope the community will be kind and positive about the nursing home's future. 

Thank you, my listeners, for trusting me with your questions. Please know that after listening to this episode, if you have additional thoughts or questions, they are always welcome. The INH Board is willing to continue answering community questions as they are shared and I am committed to getting answers for all of you. 

To view a copy of the Island Nursing Home Board's report, click on the link below:

https://www.islandnursinghome.org/new-blog/2022/5/9/inh-releases-board-report

To contact Island Nursing Home with ideas for how the building can be used to benefit seniors, please call: 207-348-2351.

To share ideas with me, please email ihwf1966@gmail.com.

In this conversation I talk with Rose Honders, Director of At Home, a program of Downeast Community Partners. Rose and I discuss what At Home does, why it is an important part of our community, how people sign up, how much it costs, and how we can all support healthy aging. Rose brings warmth, enthusiasm and a sense of humor to both her job and this discussion. 

To contact At Home:

Phone number: 207-374-5852

email: rose.honders@downeastcommunitypartners.org

website: https://www.downeastcommunitypartners.org/services/elder/at-home/

Trigger warning: This episode contains discussions about child abuse and neglect. If you are in immediate danger or know of a child who is in danger, please call 911.

This is my second conversation with Savannah Steiger, Care Coordinator and Educator for Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council. April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month. While Savannah and her colleagues work on this issue all year long, they are using April as a time to highlight this issue in Hancock and Washington Counties.

Among other things, Savannah and I discuss:

What is the Prevention Council?

How and when did it get started? 

How many Councils exist in Maine and what are their areas of focus?

What is considered child abuse and neglect? 

What are the risk factors for child abuse and neglect and why are they important to recognize in addressing this issue?

How has the pandemic impacted child abuse and neglect?

How many cases of child abuse and neglect were there in Maine last year? 

What can we do as a community to minimize child abuse and neglect? 

What types of programs does Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council offer to parents, caregivers, community agencies and the general public? 

What should I do if I suspect child abuse and neglect?

Contact Information:

To report child abuse/neglect: 1-800-452-1999

Savannah Steiger: phone (text or call)-207-271-8199 or email ssteiger@sun-rise.org

Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council website: https://sun-rise.tv/can-council/

Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council phone number: 207-255-8273

To contact Anne West to sign up for a Front Porch session in Deer Isle: ihwf1966@gmail.com

The following is a conversation that I had with Erin Benson and Becky Nelson. Erin is the Senior Director of Workforce Services at Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) and Becky is an EMDC Youth Ambassador. Among many other topics, in this episode we discuss:

1. What programs does Workforce Services offer to Hancock County Residents?

2. What is a program or service that EMDC offers that Erin and Becky wish more people knew about?

3. How are the services offered by EMDC tied into the health of our community?

4. How do people reach EMDC?

5. How has the pandemic impacted EMDC's work?

6. How can we support EMDC?

This episode is a must listen for anyone who knows someone aged 16 to 24. The career development opportunities that EMDC offers for this age group are life changing! Listening to Becky's story of going from a high school student overwhelmed by the pandemic and remote learning to a confident, young woman who is planning to become a nurse will stay in your mind and heart forever. These kids truly are our future and EMDC is giving them the best start possible.

To reach the Workforce Services program to find out more about participating (either as a student in the program or as a business mentor/host), please call:

207-991-0147

or by email at:

workforce@emdc.org

The following is a conversation that I had with Renee Mozeliak. Renee is a Maine Recovery Core Intern at Healthy Acadia’s INSPIRE Recovery Center in Ellsworth. Among other things (including the universal appeal of tacos) we discuss the following:

Why did Renee decide to become a Recovery Coach?

What does Renee do at the INSPIRE Recovery Center?

What is a program or service that is offered at the recovery center that she wishes more people knew about?

What does Recovery Coaching mean to her?

How do people contact Renee?

What is a typical day like for Renee?

How has the pandemic impacted her work?

How can listeners of this podcast support the recovery center?

What is bringing Renee joy right now?

To contact Renee:

207-479-1397 (cell)

207-412-2288 (office)

www.healthyacadia.org

The following is a conversation that I had with Caroline King. Caroline is the Executive Director at American Red Cross of Northern and Eastern Maine. I am still amazed at the scope of services that the Red Cross offers to our area. During the course of our conversation, Caroline answered the following questions:

1. Did she always want to work in the non-profit world?

2. What services does the Red Cross offer in our area?

3. What is a program or service that the Red Cross offers that she wishes more people knew about?

4. What is the free smoke detector program?

5. How do people reach the Red Cross?

6. How has the pandemic impacted the Red Cross' work?

7. How can people support the Red Cross?

8. What is bringing her joy right now?

Contact information for the Red Cross:

1-800-RED CROSS (national phone line)

1-800-464-6692 (local Red Cross)

website: redcross.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/redcross

Twitter: https://twitter.com/redcross

This episode features my conversation with Dr. Hollan Oliver. Hollan is a native islander and is the owner of Coastline Physical Therapy and Performance in Deer Isle. In this episode we talk about how she ended up back on the island after years "away" and what draws her to this helping profession. 

In addition, Hollan and I discuss what services she offers, how to reach her for an appointment, what happens during a physical therapy session, and one thing we can all do today to increase our strength, mobility and flexibility.

Fun facts that are brought up in this episode:

Hollan's office manager is a sweet dog named Presley.

Hollan is a new mom. 

Hollan was one of the first recipients of an Island Medical Center health scholarship.

To make an appointment, visit Hollan's website at: https://coastlinetherapy.com/ or call her at 207-619-4974.

If you are a physical therapist, or know a physical therapist, who would like to practice on the island, reach out to Hollan at: hollan@coastlinetherapy.com.

Hollan's book recommendation-"Treat Your Own Back" by Robin McKenzie.

In this podcast episode, I talk with Savannah Steiger, Care Coordinator and Educator at Sunrise Opportunities Prevention Council. This is the third in a series of podcasts highlighting offerings at the new INSPIRE Recovery Center in Ellsworth.

In addition to the Parenting in Recovery Support Group, Savannah and her team offer a number of groups and programs throughout Hancock and Washington Counties that benefit parents and children. Among other topics, we talk about how we might bring more support to families in Deer Isle-Stonington.

Savannah is smart, resourceful, humble and full of heart for her work. Prepare to be inspired to change the world one family at a time!  To learn more about Savannah, check out this podcast episode that featured her experience getting her degree while parenting and overcoming significant obstacles:

https://1in5.simplecast.com/episodes/meet-savannah-steiger

To contact Savannah: ssteiger@sun-rise.org

Parenting in Recovery Support Group-Weekly on Tuesdays at 6pm to 7pm, In-person or Zoom from home Join us at INSPIRE or from the comfort of your home for coffee and conversation about the amazing and challenging journey called parenthood. Find support, share stories, find resources, get parenting info and so much more! Meeting ID: 216.556.6326 Passcode: public

In this episode, Ronda Dodge, Chairperson of the Island Nursing Home (INH), provides the community with updates, including:

1. Where to find a copy of the INH Task Force's final report and the INH Board's response to the report.

2. What needs the INH Board has that our community may be able to help fill.

3. Why a recent Bangor Daily News article said the Island Nursing Home may need millions of dollars to reopen.

Ronda also answers a listener's question about whether or not the INH Board plans to keep the two minivans, bus and pick-up truck that they had at the time of closing.

Lastly, Ronda and I talk about how she, and other INH Board members, are doing after four months of pouring their hearts and souls into this effort. 

To access a copy of the INH Task Force Report: https://islandnursinghome.squarespace.com/new-blog/2022/1/4/task-force-executive-report-and-recommendations

To volunteer to help the INH Board with fundraising, affordable housing or offer your talent/services, please email Ronda at: rcdodge@yahoo.com

To offer a housing or rental option, please email Lori Morey at: lmorey@islandnursinghome.org or call 348-2351.

Keep those questions coming! Email me at ihwf1966@gmail.com or call 207-367-5851 (leave a message).

Wow! This episode will leave you inspired and hopeful about the future of substance use recovery in Hancock County. As I talked with Beth and Tracy, it became so obvious that this is more than a job for them-it is a calling. Beth and Tracy answered all my questions, including:

1. What is the new INSPIRE Recovery Center?

2. Where is it located?

3. When is it open?

4. Can people just walk in?

5. What can I expect at the center when I walk in the front door?

6. What is your goal for the recovery center?

7. How can the Deer Isle-Stonington community help?

8. What is bringing you joy right now?

To find out more about the center and the Healthy Acadia's work, I've linked their website here: https://www.healthyacadia.org/

To sign up for the monthly calendar detailing INSPIRE's upcoming activities, email Tracy at: tracy.crossman@healthyacadia.org

Want to go to the recovery center with me? Email me at ihwf1966@gmail.com or call 207-367-5851 (leave a message) and we will set up a time.

Looking for recovery support? Healthy Acadia's website can help you access support. Go to: https://www.healthyacadia.org/need-help

In this episode I talk with Esther Adams and Marti Brill of the Mariners Soar! Afterschool Program at Deer Isle Elementary School. These two ladies pour their hearts and souls into caring for our island children. Among other things, Marti and Esther answer the following questions:

1. What is the After School Program? Who does it serve and why was it created?

2. How does the After School Program improve the overall physical and/or mental health of this community?

3. What does a typical day look like?

4. How do students access after school programming?

5. How has the pandemic impacted your work?

6. What has surprised you most about this program?

7. What is bringing you joy right now?

To financially support the afterschool program, please send checks made payable to "Deer Isle Elementary School" to 249 N Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Please put "Mariners Soar! Program" in the memo of your check.

To offer your help as a volunteer, please contact Marti or Esther by calling 348-6301.

In this episode Ronda Dodge and I talk about a recent announcement that Island Nursing Home has engaged Covenant Health, Inc.  to conduct a three-month assessment of the organization's viability to reopen. We talk about:

1. Does this announcement mean Covenant will own INH?

2. What is meant by affiliation?

3. Is INH now a religious facility?

4. When will the Task Force recommendations be shared with the INH Board?

5. What are the next steps?

Do you have property that might be used as a rental? Please contact INH at 348-2351.

Keep your questions coming! I can be reached at ihwf1966@gmail or 207-367-5851.

Ronda Dodge, Chairperson of the Island Nursing Home (INH) Board of Directors, and I continue our discussion about the closure of the facility, plans to reopen and what we can all do to be supportive in the meantime. 

Exciting news! The INH Board is working on finalizing a contract with an outside agency who will come in and provide an assessment and recommendations for reopening. We will have more details available next week, but this is a very hopeful step!

Ronda talks about the need for housing on or near the island. If you have any leads on this, please reach out to me at ihwf1966@gmail.com and I will forward them on to Ronda and Peter Roth. Peter is heading up the Task Force's Affordable Housing subcommittee.

It is not too late to Adopt a Resident! If you would like to participate in this worthwhile program, please email Dede Ragot at dragot@islandnursinghome.org.

To donate towards the cost of producing and sending an island calendar to each former resident, as well as for future holiday cards, gifts, etc., please send a check payable to: Island Nursing Home, 587 North Deer Isle Road, Deer Isle, ME 04627. Place the words "Calendar Project-Resident Needs" in the memo section.

Keep sending me your questions and I will try to ask them on a future episode. 

Email: ihwf1966@gmail.com

Phone: 207-367-5851

In this episode, I spend a few minutes talking with Sheriff Scott Kane. We discuss the health related work he and his deputies do in this community and he gives all of us some solid safety advice. I came away from this discussion so thankful for people like Sheriff Kane and his fifteen deputies who are willing to serve our community both on the job and in various volunteer capacities off the clock. He ends the episode by talking about what brings him joy even on the difficult days. 

If you need to report an emergency, please call 9-1-1.

If you would like to report a non-emergent matter to the Hancock County Sheriff's office, please call 207-667-7575.

Ronda Dodge, Chairperson of the Island Nursing Home Board of Directors, and I continue our discussions about the future of Island Nursing Home. She provides updates and clarifies a recent news article about a Stonington Select Board meeting held last week. Ronda also answers the following questions:

1. How is the “Adopt a Resident” program going?

2. Listener Question:  Is there any way that Heidi Gillen's training can continue now that Matthew Trombley has left? Can Heidi train under someone else at another facility?

3. Listener Question: On the last podcast, you indicated that a number of administration staff are staying on. What is the timeline for them? What is the budget? Does the board plan to ask for donations to make that happen?

4. Listener Question: It seems that keeping on so many admin staff the board is operating on an assumption that the recommendation from the Task Force will be a reopening. Is that the direction the board is thinking? What other options is the board considering?

5. What can the community do to be of most help to Island Nursing Home this week?

Keep your questions coming! Please email me at ihwf1966@gmail.com

It isn't too late to Adopt-A-Resident! Email dragot@islandnursinghome.org for more information.

Ronda Dodge, Chairperson of the Island Nursing Home Board of Directors, and I continue our weekly updates. This week Ronda answers a series of questions, including:

1. Did Matthew Trombley, Senior Executive Director, leave Island Nursing Home?

2. What will the INH Social Worker be doing over the next few months?

3. How is the “Adopt-A-Resident” program going?

4. Will any staff continue working at the nursing home now that it has no residents?

5. A question has come up about the $5,000 that the Town of Stonington gave to INH this year.  Now that the nursing home has no residents, does INH plan to return the money?

6. What can the community do to be of most help to Island Nursing Home this week?

Please sign up to participate in the Adopt-A-Resident program by emailing DeDe Ragot at dragot@islandnursinghome.org

Keep your questions coming! I can be reached at ihwf1966@gmail.com.

In this week's episode, Genevieve McDonald and I talk all things Island Nursing Home Task Force. She answers my questions, including:

1. What made you want to serve on the Island Nursing Home Task Force?

2. What has the task force done so far?

3. What has been the most surprising part of this process for you?

4. What do you see as the main barriers to re-opening the facility and how are these being addressed?

5. Do you think that your role as a lawmaker can help to address some of the larger, statewide (and even national issues) that are contributing to long term care facilities closing?

6. Do you think the rift that currently exists between the local newspaper and the INH Board can be mended? If so, do you have any ideas how this can be accomplished?

7. How can the community offer feedback or contribute to the work of the task force?

8. When does the task force expect to complete their work?

9. What happens then?

To register for the 11/15/2021 community event that will start at 5:45 pm on Zoom, please email Anne West at ihwf1966@gmail.com. This email can also be used to submit listener questions for future podcast episodes and to let us know of available housing resources on the island.

Ronda Dodge, Chairperson of the Island Nursing Home Board, and I continue our discussion about the recent news that the nursing home will be closing. In this episode we talk about:

1. The Adopt a Resident Program is up and going. To sign up to adopt a resident, please email dragot@islandnursinghome.org or call 348-6529 (leave a message).

2. An Island Nursing Home initiative to provide support to residents who have been moved to new facilities.

3. A calendar of beautiful island pictures for former nursing home residents assembled through the generosity of this community.

4. How the nursing home helped two young islanders who were recently released from the hospital following a car accident.

5. Thoughts on how the Island Nursing Home Board and local newspaper might be able to mend their relationship going forward.

Keep those great questions coming! I can be reached at ihwf1966@gmail.com.

This week, I talked with Ronda Dodge, Chairperson of the INH Board of Directors, about the upcoming closure of the Island Nursing Home. In this episode, she addresses the following community questions:

1. Matthew Trombley, Senior Executive Director, has announced he will be leaving. What is his timing? Does his contract provide for a severance payment?

2.  What will happen with the Administrator in Training position when Matthew leaves?

3.  Matthew indicated in a previous podcast that Berry Dunn (INH's outside accounting firm) ran scenario analyses. Has the board reviewed that information? Is the board planning to share that information with the Task Force?

4. INH had a lease on a house owned by Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries. Why was that lease given up if housing was needed?

5.  After all residents have been placed, what is the proposed INH budget? How will it be financed given no revenue stream? How many staff will still be employed and for what period?

Ronda also asks for the community's help in supplying residents with items to help them settle into their new homes. To volunteer to help with this, please feel free to reach out to me at ihwf1966@gmail.com.

Keep those questions coming! Questions can be sent to my email address ihwf1966@gmail.com and we will try to cover them in the next podcast.

Emma Weiss is an intern at WERU working on a community project related to health. To say she is a shining star would be an understatement. In our conversation we talk about her Community Wellness Watch program which airs on WERU monthly (archive link is below so you can catch past episodes).

One of her latest episodes features Anne Schroth, Executive Director of Healthy Peninsula, Jo Cooper, Executive Director of Friends in Action and Rene Colson-Hudson, Executive Director of Healthy Island Project about the work they do with seniors and how it has been impacted by the pandemic. Emma is just one of those people who exudes warmth, knowledge and a deep love for small communities.  You will come away from our conversation feeling motivated to volunteer, do good and make history!

Link to WERU's archived programs: https://archives.weru.org/category/community-wellness-watch/

Matthew and I continue our weekly discussions about the upcoming closure of Island Nursing Home. In this episode he updates the community about the two residents and one staff member who were diagnosed with COVID last week. In addition, Matthew  talks very frankly about his decision not to continue in a leadership position at INH following the closure. He also addresses a recent newspaper article about a business he co-created to address lack of staffing and increased COVID screening requirements at long term health care facilities. I really encourage everyone in the community to listen to this episode with an open heart and mind. 

To contact me with housing/property information or with questions for upcoming episodes please email: ihwf1966@gmail.com

Matthew and I continue our discussions about the upcoming closure of Island Nursing Home. In our fourth discussion, Matthew answers community questions that were raised at a forum held last Wednesday, including:

1. Does the nursing home have a sense of why visiting health care workers are choosing to leave?

2. Has the Board and/or Administration of the nursing home considered being acquired by a for-profit organization?

3. Is it true that staff must be vaccinated but visitors to the facility are not required to be?

4. Has there been any discussion of building a dormitory that would couple training with housing to develop the health care workforce?

5. Does he think it is worth the effort for local people who have lapsed health care certifications to get them activated again and offer to work shifts at the nursing home, even if it could only be once or twice per week?

6. Perhaps most importantly, what can the community do this week to be of the most assistance to Island Nursing Home?

There were other questions asked by the community at the forum, but these have been covered in past podcast episodes. 

Email questions for future episodes to: ihwf1966@gmail.com

In this episode Matthew Trombley, Senior Executive Director of Island Nursing Home and I tackle some tough questions, including:

1. Does he feel that the nursing home tried to communicate their staffing issues to the community before announcing the closure?

2. Does he think workforce housing can help?

3. Were staff required to sign gag orders?

4. How many residents have already been placed in other facilities?

5. Were State suggestions of alternatives to closing offered and considered?

6. Have staff from other countries been considered?

7. What are Matthew's plans for the future?

Keep your amazing questions coming! I will be having conversations with either Matthew or Ronda Dodge, Chair of the INH Board of Directors on a weekly basis through the month of October. I can be reached via email at ihwf1966@gmail.com

References made during the podcast:

McKnight's website for long term care information and news: https://www.mcknights.com/

This is my second conversation with Island Nursing Home (INH) Administration following the announcement it will be closing next month. In this episode, Ronda Dodge, President of the INH Board of Directors, and I discuss updates since we last talked, the appeal process for residents, how staff members are doing, what the INH Community Task Force will do and what will happen to the pets who live on campus. As always, we end with the question, "What can the community do to be of most assistance to INH right now?" You may be surprised at the answer, but it is vitally important and something all of us, no matter our circumstances, can do.

If you have a question for INH or would like more information on something you heard related to the closure, please reach out to me at ihwf1966@gmail.com or by phone at 367-5851. 

Our community received the news on Monday that Island Nursing Home (INH) is closing. In this episode, I talk with Matthew and Ronda about what led to this decision, what is involved in closing a facility and what is being done to find residents safe homes and to help staff find new jobs. We also discuss what the community can do to help, with an eye on the future of this beloved island organization.

This is the first in a series of conversations that I will have with the Island Nursing Home Administration and Board as we near the projected October 26th closure date. 

To volunteer to help with the Island Nursing Home Task Force or to submit a question for a future episode, please email Anne West at ihwf1966@gmail.com.

 

Over the past few months, the biggest question I have received from community members is "Where can I find in-home assistance for my loved one?" In this conversation I talk with Brian White, owner of One Step Home Care, about the process of getting someone signed up for in-home care, the need for workers in our area and why it might be advantageous to work with an agency. We talk about what kinds of services are provided, what schedules are available and why One Step has been able to stay in business for over 20 years.

Of course, we are not endorsing any one local agency. If your agency provides similar services to Deer Isle-Stonington, I'd love to interview you for a future podcast episode-please reach out!

Contact information for One Step Home Care:

Phone: 667-7926

Website: https://www.onestephomecare.com/

Email: onestepellsworth@gmail.com

It has been said that "Leadership is about making others better as a result of your presence and making sure that impact lasts in your absence."

Jo is the Executive Director of Friends and Action. In our second podcast conversation we talk about what services Friends in Action currently offers to our community as well as the work it took to plan, build and open an adult playground in Ellsworth. Jo also announces her upcoming retirement after almost 20 years of leading her organization and discusses the transition plan currently being undertaken.

Phone number for Friends in Action (to volunteer or to request a ride or other service): 207-664-6016

Website for Friends in Action:  https://www.friendsinactionellsworth.org/

The last time I talked with Paul, Haystack was in the midst of producing and distributing personal protective equipment. Where is that service now? How many people did Haystack serve through that innovative and generous program? What does 2021 (and beyond) hold for Haystack? What does Haystack want to do better? What is bringing Paul and his staff joy right now?

Paul is one of those leaders who exudes humility, wisdom, awareness and thoughtfulness. What results is an organization that is moving ahead, always learning and full of vibrant collaborators. I hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as I enjoyed having it. 

I also hope that everyone listening will take full advantage of Haystack's free online programming. This is such a gift to our community-just like Paul himself.

Haystack website: 

https://www.haystack-mtn.org/

Programming Note:

We are still recording this podcast via Zoom. For some reason, in my conversation with Dr. Cobb that follows, his voice came through at a much lower volume than mine. Of course, some people would say that it is because I am naturally a loud talker. I made the decision to go ahead and release this episode anyway. The information that he shares on ticks, browntail moths and acupuncture is vitally important. I appreciate you bearing with us during this time. 

This is Dr. Cobb's second time on the "Just for the Health of It" podcast. In this episode we cover ticks, browntail moths and acupuncture. Dr. Cobb is a wealth of information on all three topics. I came away feeling  thankful that our medical center is staffed by such competent, compassionate and forward thinking providers.

Show Note:

To reach Northern Light Primary Care Stonington (formerly Island Family Medicine) call 207-367-2311.

UGH! Have you noticed an increased number of ticks here in Maine this spring? It is not your imagination. Join my conversation with Griffin Dill of the University of Maine Cooperative Extension as we talk ticks-trends, ways to avoid being bitten, how to safely remove a tick, etc. Griffin approaches his work with a down to earth and enthusiastic attitude. You will come away from our discussion armed with valuable information and hopefully feeling empowered to enjoy our Maine outdoors safely.

Links mentioned in the podcast:

U Maine Cooperative Extension website: https://extension.umaine.edu/

U Maine Cooperative Extension Tick Division: https://extension.umaine.edu/ticks/

"Lyme Disease" by Richard Ostfeld 

https://www.amazon.com/Lyme-Disease-Ecology-Complex-System/dp/0199928479

In this episode Lynn and I talk about all things Occupational Therapy, CranioSacral Therapy and Visceral Manipulation Therapy, including:

1. What are each of those things and what illnesses do they treat?

2. What happens at an appointment with Lynn in her office in Stonington?

3. How do  I know if I should add these therapies to my care regimen?

4. Does Lynn take insurance?

5. How has the pandemic affected Lynn's work?

How to contact Lynn with questions or to make an appointment:

Email: lynn@rnwinters.com

Phone: 367-2441

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LPWinters/

Books recommended by Lynn:

"Full Body Presence" by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana

"Reclaiming Your Body" by Suzanne Scurlock-Durana

Join me for a very heartfelt conversation with Jeannie Hatch. Jeannie has been the Executive Director of Island Community Center in Stonington for five years. Among other things, in this episode we discuss:

What does the Island Community Center do?

What kinds of events/programs are held at the community center?

How can people contact Island Community Center?

How can we all support this incredible community gem?

What is helping Jeannie personally get through the pandemic?

SPOILER ALERT: Jeannie makes an announcement about this year's Stonington 6 road race at the end of the episode!

To contact Island Community Center:

Phone: 367-2735

Website: https://www.islandcommunitycenter.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Islandcommunitycenter2/

Opiate Free Island Partnership recently started a Syringe Service Program at St. Brendan's Church in Deer Isle. This program runs every Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. In this episode, Ashley Pesek, OFIP's Program Director answers the following questions:

What is a syringe service program? Is it different than a needle exchange?

What did OFIP have to do to bring this service to the island?

How do people use this service?

How is the program doing in its first month?

What are OFIP's goals in running this program?

How can we as a community support this program?

To reach Ashley at OFIP: 207-367-5850 or email ofip.director@gmail.com

OFIP's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/opiatefreeisland/

What does Eastern Area Agency on Aging (EAAA) do?

What kinds of activities are available for seniors during the pandemic?

How do I sign up for Meals on Wheels?

How can I support EAAA?

Join me as I talk to Catherine "Catie" Reed, Community Engagement and Activities Manager at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Catie provides a brief overview of EAAA's services (which are available to people living in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington Counties) and talks about upcoming offerings including Tai Chi and Medicare 101 class. To contact EAAA please call:

207-941-2865 or toll free at 1-800-432-7812

If you prefer email, please send a message to: info@eaaa.org

Website: https://www.eaaa.org/

I asked you, my listeners, to give me all your questions about vaccinations and boy, did you come through! Dr. James Jarvis, Physician Leader for Incident Command at Northern Light Health and Director of Clinical Education at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center spent a half hour with me this morning answering all your questions, including:

1. Can the hotline number for vaccinations be changed so that it is toll-free?

2. Why do people have to wait 15 minutes after receiving a vaccine before leaving the vaccination site?

3. What does Northern Light plan to do for those who live in rural areas and cannot travel to receive a vaccination?

4. If I am offered a vaccination due to my job, am I taking it away from someone else that needs it?

5. In the tiers for vaccination, where do "front line workers" such as those who work in grocery stores, truck drivers, etc. fit in?

6. Why are we being asked to wear two masks now?

This episode is filled with helpful information and explanations of why vaccination clinics are set up as they are.  Please listen and share this far and wide!

In this conversation, Walter and I cover a number of topics, including the following:

1. What does Memorial Ambulance Corps do? (Hint: It goes way beyond responding to 9-1-1 calls)

2. How did Memorial Ambulance get started? 

3. What happens when someone dials 9-1-1?

4. What can we all do to make sure we are prepared in the event we need to call 9-1-1?

This episode is rich in island history, stories of neighbors helping neighbors, and is full of need-to-know information. 

**For emergencies, please call 9-1-1.

The non emergent phone number for Memorial Ambulance in 348-5686

Phone app that lists all locations of AED's on DIS: Pulse Point AED (use the orange app, NOT the red one). 

Dr. Anthony Fusco has been practicing at Northern Light Primary Care Stonington for over a year now. What brought him to Stonington? When did he decide to be a doctor (and what did a homemade first aid kit have to do with it)? What does he recommend as something we can all do to improve our overall health? Dr. Fusco and I even talk about my one and only detention in high school. . .this discussion is full of gems that you won't want to miss.

Northern Light Primary Care Stonington/Island Family Medicine: 367-2311 (to make an appointment with a provider or find out about becoming a patient of this practice)

Book recommended by Dr. Fusco:

"Learned Optimism" by Martin E.P. Seligman

https://www.amazon.com/Learned-Optimism-Change-Your-Mind/dp/1400078393/ref=sr_1_1?crid=F92ORKXFMXSI&dchild=1&keywords=learned+optimism&qid=1607383317&sprefix=learned+op%2Caps%2C184&sr=8-1

How did Marnie Crowell end up as the island's first LifeFlight patient? Following her injury, what has helped her to lead a life filled with caring, compassion, service and positivity? What is Surimono and how does this art form play a part in Marnie's work? What is Marnie's biggest wish? You don't want to miss this episode-at the end you will emerge with a new appreciation for the healing powers of nature and the human brain!

Link to Marnie's website:

https://www.songsofseeing.com/

What services does Friends in Action provide to the Deer Isle-Stonington community? How do I sign up for transportation services? How do I volunteer with Friends in Action? Why is a ride so much more than just getting from Point A to Point B? I talk about this and much, much more in my conversation with Jo Cooper, Executive Director Friends in Action.  Friends in Action: Phone Number: 207-664-6016 Website: https://www.friendsinactionellsworth.org/ Recommended Book: "Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?" by Roz Chast https://www.amazon.com/Cant-Talk-about-Something-Pleasant/dp/1632861011/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2CYW89OR5W6DJ&dchild=1&keywords=can%27t+we+talk+about+something+more+pleasant&qid=1605041886&sprefix=Can%27t+we+talk%2Caps%2C173&sr=8-2

Do not miss this feel good episode! If you have been following the COVID outbreak at the Island Nursing Home over the last six weeks, this conversation with Matthew Trombley will warm your heart. Hear about the health status of residents and staff (spoiler: it is GOOD news) and the wonderful Christmas the residents of INH were able to have thanks to this community's generous support.

Also, hear about how the Island Nursing Home's COVID outbreak has led to ongoing partnerships with local colleges and how INH administration is using their lived experience to help other facilities facing similar challenges.

Just a little note on this episode: We were dealing with some unreliable internet this morning. You may hear some pauses, skips, etc. I apologize for this inconvenience.

To access Island Nursing Home's donate page, use the link below:

https://www.islandnursinghome.org/nonprofit-donation

In this conversation with Rene Colson-Hudson, we discuss:

 1. How she ended up in Deer Isle-Stonington. 

2. How her role has expanded since COVID arrived (she explains the process of organizing, cooking, assembling and delivering over 5,500 meals).

3. How Healthy Island Project is meeting the current needs of our community. 

4. How we can all support Healthy Island Project fulfill it's mission. 

How to contact Healthy Island Project: website:  https://healthyislandproject.org/ email: healthyislandproject@gmail.com phone number: (207) 367-6332

Rene's book recommendation: "The Art of Stillness: Adventures in Going Nowhere" by Pico Iyer Link: https://www.amazon.com/Art-Stillness-Adventures-Going-Nowhere/dp/1476784728/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2MQCI9USJU520&dchild=1&keywords=art+of+stillness&qid=1608665217&s=books&sprefix=Art+of+Stillness%2Caps%2C184&sr=1-1

In today's episode Matthew Trombley updates the community on the recent COVID outbreak at Island Nursing Home in Deer Isle. We talk about the following:

1. What is the current condition of residents and staff who have tested positive for COVID?

2. When will the first doses of vaccine arrive at INH and will residents and staff who have already tested positive still be vaccinated?

3. How is staffing at the facility?

4. What was the final result of the recent State survey conducted within the facility following report of the outbreak?

5. How has the INH Board of Directors helped out during this time?

6. Are there any needs the community should be aware of?

You will not be able to listen to this episode without coming to the conclusion that there is no place like Deer Isle-Stonington!

In this episode, Matthew provides an update on the COVID situation at Island Nursing Home and answers community questions including:

How many residents have passed away? How are other residents and staff members being helped to cope with these losses?

Is the National Guard still on-site?

What personal protective equipment does staff wear in the building?

How long can staff stay in a patient's room?

Why is Matthew primarily working from home?

How does the recent news that a COVID vaccine is being distributed impact the nursing home residents and staff?

Since the pandemic began, Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has seen many changes. What decisions were made by administration for the safety of the island? How did Haystack switch gears and begin producing free personal protective equipment? How many people have been helped through this innovative use of technology and art? Join me for a heartfelt conversation with Paul Sacaridiz, Executive Director of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts. Throughout our discussion, it is evident that Paul leads with knowledge, experience and compassion and we are lucky to have him here on Deer Isle-Stonington.

Haystack Website for ordering personal protective equipment and/or making a donation:

https://www.haystack-mtn.org/

Healthy Island Project website for contact information on obtaining personal protective equipment: https://healthyislandproject.org/ 

email: healthyislandproject@gmail.com

Paul's Book Recommendation:

"What Can a Body Do?" by Sarah Hendren

https://www.amazon.com/What-Can-Body-Do-Built/dp/073522000X/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3A3FK50BGZXNV&dchild=1&keywords=what+can+a+body+do+sara+hendren&qid=1607452380&sprefix=What+can+a+body+do%2Caps%2C968&sr=8-2

Most of us know by now that there has been an outbreak of COVID at our beloved Island Nursing Home. How are the residents and staff holding up? How are the administrators meeting staffing needs? What part can all of us play in helping INH through this difficult time? Please take a few minutes out of your day and listen to my conversation with Matthew Trombley, Sr. Executive Director of Island Nursing Home.

To volunteer to help, please email covid@islandnursinghome.org

How did Ashley go from wanting to be an OB doctor and delivering babies to a substance use and mental health counselor? What does Opiate Free Island Partnership do and why should we all keep Ashley's phone number handy? As a mother of nine children (yes you read that right), what advice does Ashley have for parents to help protect their children from substance misuse? Ashley and I discuss these questions and a whole lot more in this episode.

Phone number for Opiate Free Island Partnership: 207-367-5850

OFIP Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/opiatefreeisland/

Ashley's book recommendation: The Big Book by Alcholics Anonymous

Link on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Alcoholics-AAWS/dp/1893007162/ref=sr_1_4?crid=2QUVFVBBO3S5I&dchild=1&keywords=the+big+book+of+alcoholics+anonymous&qid=1603572918&sprefix=The+Big+Book%2Caps%2C197&sr=8-4

November is National Hospice Awareness Month. What does Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County do? What programs are offered to help caregivers and those who are coping with the loss of a loved one? These questions and more are answered in this heartfelt discussion with Jody Wolford-Tucker, Executive Director of this 40 year old organization. 

Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County website: https://www.hospiceofhancock.org/

Hospice Volunteers of Hancock County phone number: 667-2531

Anne West's email address: ihwf1966@gmail.com

Anne West's phone number: 207-367-5851

Jody's book recommendations:

At Peace Choosing a Good Death After a Long Life by Sam Harrington (DIS local!) https://www.amazon.com/At-Peace-Choosing-Death-After/dp/1478917415/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=At+Peace+book+sam+harrington&qid=1603231061&sr=8-1

The Four Things That Matter Most by Dr. Ira Byock  https://www.amazon.com/Four-Things-That-Matter-Most/dp/1476748535/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=Four+Things+that+matter+most&qid=1603231117&sr=8-1

Peace at Last and other works by Deborah Grassman https://www.amazon.com/Peace-Last-Stories-Veterans-Families/dp/0918339723

The Art of Comforting by Val Walker https://www.amazon.com/Art-Comforting-What-People-Distress/dp/1585428280

What does the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center do? What can I expect if I call their number for help? How can I get involved in assisting my neighbors who may be facing a cancer diagnosis? All this and more is covered in my conversation with Michael Reisman, Executive Director of the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center.

Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center Phone Number: 207-664-0339

Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center Website: www.bethwrightcancercenter.org

Link to Michael's recommended book:

https://www.amazon.com/Anticancer-New-Life-David-Servan-Schreiber/dp/0670021644

How did Dr. Timothy Cobb go from being an electrician and a truck driver to a primary care provider in Deer Isle Stonington, Maine? Why did a move to Maine win out over a move to Alaska when his family was deciding where to live? What is Osteopathic Manipulation Therapy? What can we all do today to improve our overall health? These answers and more are contained in our conversation. 

Phone number for Northern Light Primary Care Stonington (to make an OMT appointment): 207-367-2311

Link to the book "The Edge Effect" by Dr. Eric Braverman https://www.amazon.com/Edge-Effect-Longevity-Balanced-Advantage/dp/1402722478/ref=sr_1_1?crid=WIFZHGGS3EWD&dchild=1&keywords=the+edge+effect+by+eric+braverman&qid=1601571493&sprefix=The+Edge+Effect%2Caps%2C170&sr=8-1

What does Next Step Domestic Violence Project do? What is abusive behavior?  What happens when someone calls the helpline number? How has the pandemic impacted cases and reports of domestic violence in our area? How can we help? Dorathy and I spend a few minutes talking about this important subject and how it impacts the Deer Isle-Stonington community.

Here are some notes that are referenced in the episode:

Next Step Domestic Violence Project Helpline 24 hours/7 days a week: 1-800-315-5579

Next Step Domestic Violence Project website: www.nextstepdvproject.org

"No Visible Bruises" by Rachel Louise Snyder: https://www.amazon.com/No-Visible-Bruises-Domestic-Violence-ebook/dp/B07MXPQJ9G

Why is mental health important? What is one thing we can all do today to improve our mental wellness? This conversation with Denise Antonition, LCSW is full of wisdom, wit and warmth-just like Denise herself. 

In the episode, Denise recommends a book called "The Little Book of Mindfulness" by Patrizia Collard. This book can be purchased through Amazon. Following this podcast, the Board of Directors of Island Health & Wellness Foundation generously purchased 20 copies of this book for Denise and the other providers at Island Medical Center to use when working with patients.