LEWISTON – The American Heart Association has announced that Laurie Winsor will chair the 2007 Central and Western Maine Heart Walk. Winsor is director of marketing and development at Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice.

“Like so many others, my family has been affected by heart disease and I share the commitment to seeing the dollars raised through the Heart Walk help the American Heart Association continue research and prevention initiatives that will benefit us all,” said Winsor.

Joining Winsor on the Heart Walk Committee are Annette Nadeau, owner of Bedard Medical, who will serve as the teams chairwoman, and Rick Vail, president of Mechanics Savings Bank, who will serve as the sponsorship chairman.

The 2007 Heart Walk will be held on Sunday, Sept. 30, at Lewiston High School with a choice of a one-, two- or four-mile walk. The fundraising event has a $165,000 goal that will be used for research, education and advocacy work to help prevent heart disease and stroke.

“I am pleased to play a part in this year’s Central and Western Maine Heart Walk,” said Winsor. “It is impressive to see the growth in community involvement over the past several years and I am excited about the opportunity to build on this track record.”

A Heart Walk Executive Leadership Breakfast will be held from 8 to 9 a.m. Thursday, April 26, at Fishbones. Company leaders are invited to attend the event to learn more about the walk and how to get an involved. RSVP by calling Roberta Zimmerman at 879-5700.

For more information or to register a team on-line, visit the Heart Walk Web site at www.centralwesternmaineheartwalk.org.