ACAP convenes staff for development day

PRESQUE ISLE — Staff of the Aroostook County Action Program (ACAP) gathered on Aug. 24 for a staff development day, held at the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Campus Center.  

Contributed photo EMPLOYEES UNITE — Staff of the Aroostook County Action Program take a break on the UMPI grounds during a busy day of professional development activities. Employees from throughout The County were able to unite for the event, which featured team-building activities and presentations.

“We have over 120 staff members across Aroostook County who work hard every day to provide excellent customer service to approximately 14,000 clients annually,” explained Connie Sandstrom, executive director.

“Our employees do amazing work with limited resources. We were pleased to offer a staff development day, allowing for a rare opportunity for county-wide personnel to gather in one place for staff training and equally important, to network and collaborate.”

Staff participated in a day of team-building and learning events including a session on chair yoga (light stretching techniques) provided by Julie French of LiveWell United in Presque Isle, and a presentation on body ergonomics from Allan Brown, PT, Chief Ergonomist for MEMIC (Maine Employers’ Mutual Insurance Company).  

“We are all so busy throughout the day,” explained Sandstrom. “It was a helpful reminder to all of us about the importance of moving through the day and to use proper body mechanics when sitting, standing or lifting.”