LEWISTON – United Way of Androscoggin County introduced a new early childhood initiative called “Bornlearning” at its annual meeting Thursday morning.

The program’s objective is to translate expert research into easy action steps to help young children learn. It’s built on the idea that children are born learning, so parents and informal caregivers can enrich that learning in everyday moments such as doing laundry, running errands or cooking dinner.

Glenn Cummings, speaker of the Maine House of Representatives, delivered the keynote address in which he emphasized the importance of childhood education in Maine.

He told how the United States has been successful in using public policy to bring a large percentage of senior citizens above the poverty level in a new generations, but he said too many young children are still in homes where incomes are below poverty level.

Public policy can be brought to bear on correcting that problem, he said.

Cummings also emphasized that government is making great strides in eliminating lead and mercury risks for children, including regulation of toxic chemical in toys.

“The work in front of us is tremendous,” Cummings said.

United Way of Androscoggin County will distribute “Born Learning Tools” informational booklets soon. The material cover topics including “Are You Baby Smart?” “Everyday Activities for Dad,” ” Fun and Games with Songs,” “Child Care Checklist,” “Meal Ideas for Young Children,” and a “Sleep Diary.” The information is online at the Web site, www.unitedwayandro.org/bornlearning.

In his remarks as outgoing chairman of the board of directors, Mark Anthoine pointed out that the organization is completing its 75th year. He said it included “the most successful fundraising campaign ever.”

United Way of Androscoggin County raised more than $1,833,000 in 2007.

Jeff Gosselin will be chairman of the United Way’s board of directors through 2008.

Two awards recognizing individuals who contribute to the community were made at the meeting.

Doug Zimmerman of Greene received the Geneva Kirk Volunteer Award for his efforts to assist people in rural areas of Androscoggin County. He contributed more than 750 hours of community service in the past year.

Much of his work was made possible through the Rural Community Action Ministry of Leeds.

Dan D’Auteuil received the Jim Phillips Award in recognition of his dedication to the mission, vision, and values of United Way.

David McLaughlin, treasurer, told the members that United Way of Androscoggin County “is in a very sound position.”

He said it is evidence of the United Way of Androscoggin County’s ability “to stretch that dollar as far as we can.”

Joleen Bedard, executive director of United Way of Androscoggin County, said, “We are very lucky to have so many great people from our community to help us.” She added, “Once you volunteer for United Way, we never let you go.”

In the annual report, Bedard noted that the past year marked a new method of comprehensive local needs research and assessment.

“We are extremely proud of the implementation and results of this new impact model,” she said.

Nearly 100 members and guests attended the breakfast meeting at Bates College.