AUBURN – Healthy Androscoggin Coalition held its annual fall coalition meeting on Nov. 2 at the Hilton Garden Inn. Coalition members and volunteers were recognized for their outstanding service to the organization.

Angela Westhoff, executive director, welcomed guests and delivered a presentation highlighting the history of the organization and an overview of the past year’s accomplishments.

Practicing what they preach, members of the coalition donned hats, gloves and mittens and armed themselves with flashlights as they struck out along the river walk for a little physical activity before the meeting.

Healthy Androscoggin has four community goals and they include supporting tobacco-free lifestyles, reducing substance use among youth, promoting healthy eating and increasing physical activity.

Members reconvened in the conference room overlooking the falls. New staff members were introduced, volunteers thanked and the board of directors were recognized for their contributions over the past year. A special appreciation award was presented to Central Maine Community Health Corp. for serving as the organization’s fiscal agent.

The Coalition Member of the Year award was presented to Darlene Thompson. Thompson has been a strong asset and dedicated member of the Physical Activity and Worksite Committees.

After leading her worksite, Tambrands/P&G, to earn the Worksite Participation Award for involvement in Get Fit and Win,

Thompson recently was named chairwoman of the Physical Activity Committee.

“Healthy Androscoggin is lucky to have volunteers like Darlene that are the driving force behind our successful initiatives,” said Jessica Begley, health promotion manager of Healthy Androscoggin.

The Director’s Appreciation Award was presented to Brenda Joly, Maine Center for Public Health. While serving on the board of directors, Joly shares her expertise in data collection and program evaluation.

Her assistance with designing evaluation tools and improving data collection methods earned Joly the award.

The Will Bartlett Award is presented annually to a coalition member who gives their time for selfless dedication, leadership and compassion in promoting the ideals of Healthy Androscoggin and improving the lives of children in the community.

This year’s recipient was Vicky Wiegman. She is a substance abuse counselor at Lewiston High School, serves on the coalition board of directors, the Project Unite Committee and various other task forces. Wiegman is a founding member of the coalition.

The Healthy Androscoggin Leadership Award is presented annually to a member of the board who has exhibited leadership qualities and has provided the staff and board with expertise, support and is passionate about improving the capacity of the organization. This years’ leadership award was presented to Jim Handy.

Handy is the vice chairman of Healthy Androscoggin and is a consistent presence on the board. Handy presents Tar Wars, an anti-tobacco education program to elementary students in Androscoggin County, and trains others to deliver the program.

For more information, call 795-5990 or visitwww.healthyandroscoggin.org.

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