The York County Republican Committee will meet Wednesday, June 14, Flag Day, at Alfred Town Hall. The town hall is located at 16 Saco Road.

Those attending are encouraged to bring an American flag (or one will be supplied) and meet up at town hall to join a flag wave 5:30-6:30 p.m. Doors open at town hall 6:30 p.m. for 7-8:30 p.m. meeting focused on celebrating the flag and discussion of results of municipal and school district elections. Worn out flags will be collected at meeting for proper disposal by the American Legion.

For more information, email communications@yorkgop.org or call 207-468-2395.

Legion will assist with proper flag disposal

American Legion Post 26 in Biddeford is accepting all worn flags for a dignified disposal on Flag Day, June 14. A collection box is set up at the entrance of Legion Post 26, located at 508 Elm St. Sofia Aldinio/ Staff Photographer

According to Legion Post 26 in Biddeford, regarding worn out American flags, Section 176 (k) of the United States Code says; “The flag, when it is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, should be destroyed in a
dignified way, preferably by burning.”

American Legion Post 26 in Biddeford is accepting all worn flags for a dignified disposal on Flag Day, June 14. A collection box is set up at the entrance of Legion Post 26, located at 508 Elm St.

For more information, call Post Commander Michael Gibney at 207-423-3285.

Senate unanimously approves Ingwersen bill

On Thursday, May 25, the Maine Senate gave unanimous approval in an initial vote to a bill from Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel. The bill, LD 1151, “An Act to Decrease Barriers for Preventive Health Services by Allowing Pharmacy Technicians to Administer Vaccines,” aims to increase Mainer’s access to immunizations.

“This bill would act as a major step forward in the battle against preventable diseases in Maine,” said Sen. Ingwersen in a news release. “By removing the prescription requirements for adults, and allowing pharmacists to administer vaccines to younger children, we would be shoring up Mainers’ access to care, and protecting communities against easily preventable diseases.”

LD 1151 will make it possible for pharmacists to administer flu and COVID-19 vaccines to children aged 3 and above, removing the current restriction that limits this service to children aged 7 and older. The bill also removes the prescription requirement for Mainers who have a primary care provider, allowing them to access FDA approved/CDC recommended vaccines without having to first obtain a prescription. This requirement, unique to Maine, has been a barrier to accessing vaccines at pharmacies, and the new bill aims to address this issue.

Elise MacNair is this year’s Chenette Leadership Scholar at Old Orchard Beach High School. Elise will receive a $500 scholarship recognizing her efforts as class president all four years of high school and as the founder of ‘The Flock’ which aims to smash the stigma around mental health. She will be attending Bowdoin College this fall. Pictured with County Commissioner Justin Chenette, founder of the Chenette Scholarship Fund. Courtesy photo

The bill also requires pharmacists to report to the patient’s physician within 72 hours and to the vaccine registry within three business days of administering a vaccine. While this is already common practice among pharmacists, this bill would codify this practice into statute, ensuring that it is a legal requirement.

The bill faces further votes before the Senate and the House.