Maine Health Care Association

Maine Health Care Association Established in 1954, MHCA is a statewide non-profit trade association representing long-term care

Governed by a Board of Directors, MHCA is the largest advocacy organization for facility-based long term care providers in Maine. Our membership includes nursing homes and assisted living/residential care facilities (also known as PNMIs). Members provide a range of long term care services that may include skilled nursing, rehabilitation or post-acute care, hospice, adult day care and independent l

iving services. MHCA membership also includes 200 associate members, or companies, that provide valuable products and services to long term care providers. MHCA is the state affiliate of the American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living based in Washington, DC. MHCA is committed to advancing the quality of services, image, professional development and financial stability of its members. Our education and advocacy on long-term care issues are at the heart of our service to our members and those who work or reside in a long-term care facility.

Rosemary Hede, Maine Veterans' Homes, Caribou Rosemary Spix Hede will celebrate her 101st birthday this year, and her st...
06/07/2026

Rosemary Hede, Maine Veterans' Homes, Caribou

Rosemary Spix Hede will celebrate her 101st birthday this year, and her story reflects more than a century of kindness, generosity, and quiet leadership.

Rosemary proudly supported World War II, living and working on a military base where she performed transcription work, contributing in important ways to the operations supporting our nation’s service members. Her husband served in the United States Navy, and Rosemary has been a devoted member of the American Legion Auxiliary for many years.

Education and learning are central to Rosemary’s life. She could read before she started school and was known for her exceptional abilities from a young age. Later in life, Rosemary learned how to create Braille books for the blind, focusing especially on math books that were desperately needed, spending countless hours producing these materials so others could have access to education and independence. Rosemary also volunteered weekly at the Adult Multiple Alternative Center in Caribou, reading to adults who were unable to read on their own. Rosemary also played a significant role in preserving local history. She helped compile historical summaries for New Sweden and Stockholm, Maine, was one of the first members of the Stockholm Historical Society, assisted in establishing the museum, and typed the entire book on Stockholm’s history. She also helped organize and support the annual Midsommar celebration in New Sweden for many years.

Family and community were always priorities. She was active in the PTA throughout her children’s school years and sang in her church choir for 50 years. In the early 2000s, she made more than 100 bonnets for newborns at Cary Medical Center so every baby could go home wrapped in love. Today, Rosemary remains active at MVH-Caribou, nurtures her faith by going to church with friends. Rosemary’s life is a powerful example of service, compassion, and devotion to others.

Photography by Monty Rand Photography, Bangor

Joyce Hardy, Inn at Atlantic Heights, S**o Major Joyce M. Hardy was born to Hazel and Eastman J. Hardy on April 7, 1937...
06/06/2026

Joyce Hardy, Inn at Atlantic Heights, S**o

Major Joyce M. Hardy was born to Hazel and Eastman J. Hardy on April 7, 1937 in Nashua, NH. During her senior year of high school, Major Joyce M. Hardy was chosen to participate in an IBM pilot program. While this was a pivotal opportunity Joyce’s faith called her to become a Salvation Army Officer. She graduated from a two-year program of the Salvation Army’s Training School (Bronx, NY) in 1962.

Joyce was commissioned and served at the Binghamton (NY) Citadel Corps and the Buffalo (NY) West Side Temple Corps and absolutely "fell in love" with the lifestyle of officership. For nearly fifteen years, she was appointed at the Salvation Army Stuyvesant Treatment Center in Lower-Manhattan, which served as transitional housing for women undergoing interpersonal growth, substance use treatment, and employment skill building upon release from prison. Following this appointment, she ministered to female inmates at the Bedford Hills Correctional Facility and Rikers Island. Other appointments included the Anthony Residence in New York City, Booth Hospital U***d Mother & Baby Home (Cincinnati OH), The Catherine Booth Home & Hospital (Cincinnati, OH) Divisional League of Mercy Secretary for New Jersey, and Divisional Women's Ministries Secretary for Southwest Ohio and Kentucky. During her final appointment, prior to retirement, she spent three weeks cooking for and ministering to emergency responders at the mobile canteen mere steps from "the pit" at ground zero after 9/11.

Post retirement, Joyce continued to serve others in many capacities in the Lancaster (PA) region, including seven years as chaplain for a retirement community, manager of a B&B and head of the Lancaster Citadel Corps Community Care Ministries team. Since moving to Maine in 2020, Joyce has participated in and served others through programs at the Old Orchard Beach Citadel Corps, and is finding new opportunities as a resident of the Inn at Atlantic Heights in S**o.

Photography by Wyndee Grosso Photography, Westbrook

Clayton Giggey, Woodlawn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Skowhegan Clayton "Buddy" Giggey was born on a farm in Mont...
06/05/2026

Clayton Giggey, Woodlawn Rehabilitation and Nursing Center, Skowhegan

Clayton "Buddy" Giggey was born on a farm in Montville, Maine, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. An outdoorsman, he loved to hunt and fish near Frye Mountain, but he also dedicated time to his community. He served in various civic leadership roles, from plowing snow to serving as a Montville Selectman, while also acting as a member of the Freedom Grange and leader of the local Masonic lodge in Thorndale. However, his most enduring legacy stems from a harrowing plane crash in 1965, which has an attention-getting ending that surprised everyone.

Buddy Giggey and two friends Roger Drew and Milford Downer remained close friends after graduating from Freedom Academy. They often explored Maine together, sometimes joined by Roger's uncle, Laurel Drew. On Labor Day in 1965, the four men took to the skies in a vintage 1946 Stinson Voyager for a scenic flight over the Penobscot Bay. Mid-flight, a loud snap rang out-a sharp, crackling sound like a gunshot. The fabric covering of the plane's fuselage had begun peeling away, severely compromising the aircraft. As the plane lost altitude, the pilot searched for an emergency landing spot in Castine. The descent was harrowing: the plane clipped trees, hit power lines, and crashed into a field. The impact, documented by the FAA was severe and violent, flipping the plane upside down and driving the engine into the fuselage. Despite the danger of leaking fuel, downed wires and an imminent explosion, good samaritans pulled the men to safety just moments before the wing tanks ignited. All men survived, but Buddy suffered the worst trauma: broken hips, a shattered arm, requiring multiple surgeries and a grueling recovery, supported by his wife, Punkey.

About 40 years after the accident, Buddy's son Mike was working in Castine when he struck up a conversation about the event. To his astonishment, a local man said he had the plane's propeller. Without hesitation, he gave it to Mike, who brought it home to the Montville farmstead. The returned propeller, once a part of a near tragedy, became a powerful symbol of heroism and survival.

Photography by Dianne Chicoine, West Gardiner

Roberta Fowler, Colonial Health Care, Lincoln Roberta Fowler, born on January 12, 1943, grew up in Old Town, Maine. She...
06/04/2026

Roberta Fowler, Colonial Health Care, Lincoln

Roberta Fowler, born on January 12, 1943, grew up in Old Town, Maine. She attended the University of Maine, where she earned her Bachelor of Science degree in 1965 and her Master of Science degree in 1966, and was inducted into the All Maine Women Honor Society.

Roberta dedicated 37 years to teaching Physical Education and Health at Orono High School. In addition to teaching, Roberta coached multiple women’s varsity teams at Orono High School, including basketball, softball, volleyball, and also was cheerleading advisor. Her dedication to encouraging the growth of girls resulted in her being named the Penobscot Valley Coach of the Year in 1970, and in 2015 she was inducted into the Orono High School Hall of Fame. While teaching, Roberta was dedicated to her community as well, serving as a member of the Old Town City Council for nine years and on the Old Town School Board for six years. She was a chair person for each Old Town City Council and Old Town School Boards for two years. Roberta was also the first woman to be accepted into the Old Town/Orono Kiwanis.

Her kindness extended to the four legged within her community too. In 1991 Roberta and 14 others took over the Old Town/Orono Animal Orphanage. Over time, they turned the shelter into a beautiful facility that adopters would travel from hours away to adopt from. The orphanage was a no-kill shelter and took in only stray animals but on occasion would take in animals being surrendered from senior citizens.

Roberta’s life did slow down a little in 2015 after she was diagnosed with colon cancer. She underwent chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and within six months, she resumed her active routine. Now retired from her previous busy schedule, Roberta is enjoying her time at Colonial Health Care. She stated to residents and staff members that she chose Colonial Health Care because of the facilities she toured, it was the cleanest, friendliest and offered a full activity calendar. Roberta now enjoys giving a helping hand with events put on throughout the year at Colonial Health Care.

Photography by Monty Rand Photography, Bangor

Congratulations to all 9 of Maine's 2026 Bronze National Quality Award recipients! Your dedication to quality care, resi...
06/03/2026

Congratulations to all 9 of Maine's 2026 Bronze National Quality Award recipients! Your dedication to quality care, resident well-being, and innovation is truly inspiring. Well done! American Health Care Association/National Center for Assisted Living

Richard Doiron, Maine Veterans' Homes, Scarborough Dr. Richard G. Doiron, PhD, grew up in a Gold Star family. His father...
06/03/2026

Richard Doiron, Maine Veterans' Homes, Scarborough

Dr. Richard G. Doiron, PhD, grew up in a Gold Star family. His father, Gilbert J. Doiron, was killed in action on October 31, 1941, when the destroyer USS Reuben James (DD-245) was torpedoed by a N**i submarine. Richard was not yet two years old and grew up never having known his father, but his sacrifice shaped the course of his life and instilled in him a deep sense of patriotism, duty, and service to others. Richard volunteered for the United States Army out of a profound respect for his country and the legacy of his father, entering active duty on January 5, 1968, and was assigned as a psychologist at Ireland Army Hospital at Fort Knox, Kentucky. There, he worked with returning combat Vietnam War veterans suffering from severe psychological and physical trauma. His role was critical in helping these men process their experiences and prepare to reenter civilian life after unimaginable hardships. Richard was awarded the National Defense Service Medal and was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain on December 16, 1969. While his military service was significant, it was only the beginning of a lifetime devoted to caring for veterans.

After returning to Maine, Richard dedicated his professional career to serving veterans as a civilian psychologist. In addition to having a private practice until retirement, Richard also served as Chief Psychologist from 1987-2000 at Maine Medical Center in Portland. During this time, he earned his Diplomate from the American Board of School Neuropsychologists, one of the highest certifications and most honorable in his field. Remarkably, his final patient before retirement had served in Vietnam, just as many of his earliest patients had.

In a powerful and symbolic way, Richard’s life came full circle: his professional journey began with caring for combat veterans and ended the same way. From growing up as the son of a fallen hero to dedicating his life to helping those who served, raising a family with is wife Judith in Scarborough, Maine, Dr. Richard G. Doiron’s story is one of sacrifice, healing, and unwavering devotion to America’s veterans.

Photography by Wyndee Grosso Photography, Westbrook

Dawn Degenhardt, Enclave of Scarborough Dawn grew up in Portland, one of five children. After graduating Portland High ...
06/02/2026

Dawn Degenhardt, Enclave of Scarborough

Dawn grew up in Portland, one of five children. After graduating Portland High School, she worked for the US Government in France for two years with the Superintendent of American Schools. She then moved to Cleveland for work, where she met her husband, Edwin, affectionately known as Hunk, through a blind date. They married a year later.

After struggling with infertility, Dawn and Hunk began the process of adoption, adopting two children. When they were told there weren’t any other children awaiting adoption, and knowing that couldn’t be accurate, they went about creating a new adoption agency, Maine Adoption Placement Services. Dawn and Hunk established agencies in 14 countries, placing thousands of children worldwide. The hardest country to break into was post-Cold War Russia. They started the first successful adoption agency in the country. One memorable adoption that stands out is a girl who had no hands or legs; they thought they’d never find a family for her, but they did. She ended up graduating with a master's degree in social work. Dawn stayed in contact with a good number of families throughout the years.

In 1988, Dawn was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. The cancer spread throughout her body, and she was given 6 months to live. She worked with doctors from Japan and Germany, going through many types of treatments. Despite all this, through sheer determination, she continued her work with her adoption organization while also raising 9 teenagers. Today, Dawn is cancer free, and she “definitely believes in miracles.”

Through her mission to revolutionize adoption, Dawn received numerous awards for her service, including the Jackie Kennedy Onassis award, Child Advocate of the Year, and Congressional Angels in Adoption Award. Former Governor Angus King, who has adopted children himself, even proclaimed June 22 as Dawn Degenhardt Day. Today, Dawn continues to foster a sense of community and goodwill with all she meets.

Photography by Wyndee Grosso Photography, Westbrook

Urban Coombs, Pinnacle Health and Rehab at Sanford Urban Russel Coombs’ life reflects a rich blend of family devotion, c...
06/01/2026

Urban Coombs, Pinnacle Health and Rehab at Sanford

Urban Russel Coombs’ life reflects a rich blend of family devotion, creativity, community involvement, and Maine heritage. Born on October 6, 1932, in Bucksport, Maine, Urban grew up in a close-knit household with his parents and two brothers, Warren and Bruce, learning responsibility, perseverance, and the value of imagination. As a young man, Urban worked alongside his father, Urban Harry Coombs, at their family-owned sawmill in Bucksport, built by his father. Together they logged timber, hauled it from the woods, and transformed it into usable lumber, supporting the community and strengthening the bond between father and son. Later, Urban worked at Pratt & Whitney in East Hartford as a welder dedicated to craftsmanship for 40 years. Urban and his wife, Marion have been together for 73 years, raising three children, Candice, Harry, and Caroline. Although Caroline has passed away, Candice and Harry visit often, share lunch, conversation, and their cherished ritual of enjoying a can of Moxie, Urban’s favorite drink.

In the 1990s Urban authored and illustrated three books, The Wonders of Willie the Wizard (1993), Magical Tales about Willie the Wizard (1994), The Miraculous World of Willie the Wizard (1996). A lifelong reader, Urban has read the Bible cover to cover and has a deep appreciation for poetry, rhythm, and rhyming language. He has written over 50 poems. Although due to hand limitations making writing difficult, he continues to create poetry verbally, often entertaining others with spontaneous verses. Urban enjoys painting and drawing, preferring colored pencils, and frequently contributes to group art projects. Urban composed numerous pieces for the piano, and although he no longer plays, his creative spirit continues to shine. He also served as President of the Sanford Art Association, a role that highlighted his leadership and deep commitment to his community. Known for his honesty and independent thinking, Urban has always been open about the fact that he did not serve in the military, describing his decision as one rooted in deep personal conviction. His life is defined by his devotion to family, community, creativity, and culture, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who has known him.

Photography by Wyndee Grosso Photography, Westbrook

Rodney "Rocky" Buck, MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care: Glenridge, Augusta Rodney “Rocky” Buck was born on No...
05/31/2026

Rodney "Rocky" Buck, MaineGeneral Rehabilitation & Long-Term Care: Glenridge, Augusta

Rodney “Rocky” Buck was born on November 22, 1952, in Waterville and raised in Fairfield, Maine, where neighbors knew each other and Friday night games mattered.

All along, Rocky loved two things most: people and sports. By the time he reached Lawrence High, those loves blended into one. Whether it was football, basketball, or baseball, Rocky wasn’t just playing, he was leading. As a three‑sport varsity athlete and co‑captain of all three teams his senior year in 1971 at Lawrence High School, he had a way of pulling teammates together and making everyone feel like they belonged.

After playing college basketball at the University of Maine at Augusta and serving in the Army Reserves, Rocky came back to Fairfield to coach freshman football, wanting to give back to the area that shaped him. In 1973, Rocky married his high school sweetheart, Marcia. More than fifty years later, they are still side by side, having built a family that included two sons, six grandchildren, and a great‑granddaughter.

Rocky spent 44 years at Huhtamaki, but his real life’s work happened after hours. He coached, refereed, organized, and volunteered, always making sure kids had a place to play and someone who believed in them. For 30 years, he ran youth baseball for SAD49, shaping generations of players. In 2020, the field at the Dick McGee Complex was renamed the “Rocky Buck Field,” a living reminder of all whose lives he touched.

Rocky also gave decades to officiating, serving on the Waterville Football Officials Board and the Central Maine IAABO Basketball Board for over 30 years. He refereed many state championship games. His lifelong dedication to youth and high school sports earned him induction into both the Cal Ripken Hall of Fame and the Lawrence High School Hall of Fame.

Even in retirement, Rocky kept moving, playing pickleball, volunteering at the Fairfield Interfaith Food Pantry, enjoying the Celtics and Red Sox, and traveling with Marcia. Rocky’s life has never been about trophies, it’s been about people, and the community he’s spent a lifetime lifting up.

Photography by Dianne Chicoine, West Gardiner

Nina Bohlen, Avita of Brunswick, Brunswick Nina Bohlen, born in 1931, is a beloved artist and cherished member of the Lu...
05/30/2026

Nina Bohlen, Avita of Brunswick, Brunswick

Nina Bohlen, born in 1931, is a beloved artist and cherished member of the Lubec community. Nina came to the small coastal town at the age of five and deepened her connection to the area as she grew older. Her love for Lubec became a lifelong source of inspiration for her—one she later shared with her husband, artist Hyman Bloom, whom she met and studied with while attending Radcliffe College.

After earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Radcliffe, Nina joined Hyman as a member of the Boston Expressionist movement, becoming one of the few women associated with the group. Throughout her artistic career, Nina drew deeply from the natural world she experienced in Lubec—the woods, animals, ocean, and surrounding landscape. Since 1957, her work has been shown at notable institutions including the Danforth Museum, the Boston Public Library, the Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, the L.C. Bates Museum, and the Tides Institute and Museum of Art in Eastport, Maine. Nina’s achievements extend well beyond her exhibition history. She received an American Academy of Arts and Letters Award in New York and was named an Artist in Residence at the Camargo Foundation in Cassis, France. Most recently, an art studio was named in her honor at the Tides Institute and Museum of Art, where she served for many years on the Board of Trustees and played a vital role in developing and supporting the Artist in Residence Program. The Tides Institute is also home to the portable etching press designed by Nina’s husband for her—one she often carried into nature to create work en plein air (create work outdoors).

Nina was also a dedicated educator, teaching classes and workshops in Maine and Massachusetts, and she mentored many private students. Beyond the visual arts, she was an accomplished musician and became a yoga instructor in the early 1960s. Today Nina is a beloved member of the Lubec community, where she is known for her kindness, sense of fun, and loving, accepting presence, which is felt by people of all ages. When asked how she wished to be remembered, Nina replied that she hopes to be known as “a good artist,” adding, “I’ve always loved Lubec.”

Photography by Sarah Labonte, Westbrook

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317 State St
Augusta, ME
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