Susanna Norwood-Burns joins the staff of New Hope for Women

ROCKLAND — New Hope for Women announces the addition of Susanna Norwood-Burns to its staff as a community advocate in Waldoboro.

Thanks to the generosity of a private family foundation committed to the health and safety of Waldoboro residents, Norwood-Burns will spend three days each week devoted exclusively to intimate partner violence prevention and response initiatives in the town of Waldoboro.

She'll collaborate with community partners to provide a consistent and helpful response to domestic violence, dating violence and stalking, look for ways to address barriers to seeking support, and provide confidential advocacy in a variety of settings within the community of Waldoboro. In addition, Norwood-Burns will spend two days per week working on New Hope for Women's crisis hotline and co-facilitating support groups.

Norwood-Burns' belief in the mission of New Hope for Women originated when she served as a hotline volunteer, intern, and part-time employee while finishing college.

"New Hope for Women's philosophy of unconditional positive regard and respect for their clients also extends to their staff and colleagues, making it a very special place to work. I truly believe in the mission of the agency and I am delighted to be back on a full-time basis. I'm also pleased by the supportive response of Waldoboro businesses, organizations, and the town offices to Domestic Violence Awareness Month efforts."

Norwood-Burns lives in Damariscotta with her husband and son.

New Hope for Women offers support to people in Sagadahoc, Lincoln, Knox and Waldo counties affected by domestic violence, dating violence, and stalking. It also provides important educational resources to assist our communities in creating a safer and healthier future.

Learn more about New Hope for Women at www.newhopeforwomen.org or call 800-522-3304.

Nurse practitioner joins Pen Bay Internal Medicine

ROCKPORT — Pen Bay Internal Medicine welcomes Susan Bell, MSN, NP-C to its healthcare team. Bell is a board-certified nurse practitioner.  She looks forward to providing adult primary care services and to building long-term relationships with patients in the community.

A New Jersey native, Bell moved to Maine in 2006 and has worked at Pen Bay since 2008. She received her master’s degree in nursing from Duke University, and her B.S. in nursing from the University of Massachusetts at Boston. Bell is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners and is a member of Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing.

Susan Bell, MSN, NP-C, is accepting new patients and can be reached at 593-5800.

The office of Pen Bay Internal Medicine also includes Denise Anderson, DO, Mudita Bhugra, MD, Kirsten Staples, MD, Neal Yetman, DO, Kristin Dobbins, NP, Jennifer Dreher, NP, and Gunnel Leddington, LCSW.

Pen Bay Internal Medicine is located in the Pen Bay Physicians Building, Suite 202, on the Pen Bay Medical Center campus. For more information, visit penbayhealthcare.org/find-a-doctor.

Local nonprofits gain from Camden Rotary Club

CAMDEN — Camden Rotary recently presented $1,000 grants to five local charities. Camden-Rockport Historic Society, Area Interfaith Outreach, Knox County Health Clinic, Literacy Volunteers of Mid-Coast Maine, and Coastal Children’s Museum received these grants. The club will seek new grant applications in early 2015.

Steven Dumas Catering recognized

WHITEFIELD — Steven Dumas Catering has won first prize at the Kennebec Valley Chamber of Commerce Expo in Augusta. Of the 76 vendor member exhibits, Steven Dumas Catering was chosen for "his unbelievable display of delicious confections" as described by Chamber President, Peter Thompson, in a letter to KV Chamber members on October 10.

Steven Dumas started his catering company in 1997. The business now handles more than 30 events per year. The service area includes, but is not limited to Eastern, Central, and Midcoast Maine. From Bangor to Augusta to Bath and anywhere in between.

For more information on Steven Dumas Catering, visit www.stevendumascatering.com.