January 4, 2010

Breena Rose Healy of East Millinocket is the first baby born at Penobscot Valley Hospital during 2010. The 5-pound-10 ounce baby girl was born at 7:40 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2010. Her parents are Darci Austin and Joshua Healy.

PVH would like to thank several local businesses and individuals for donating or making items for the New Year’s Baby basket presented to the family of the first New Year’s baby each January. Some of the folks who donated items, checks, or gift certificates to help the family with their new bundle of joy include: Possibilities, Cole-Whitney Ford, Bangor Savings Bank, Steaks ‘N Stuff, Wing Wah Restaurant, Hannaford, Haskell Lumber, Judy Hanscom, and Kid Care America.

Baby Breena, along with any other babies born at PVH this year and hospitals around the state, will be eligible for the Harold Alfond College Challenge and can apply to receive a $500 grant to start a NextGen College Investing Plan® account. Beloved philanthropist Harold Alfond established the program before he died to ensure access to higher education for all Maine’s children. There is no income limit or need to contribute additional money to receive the grant, and all Maine resident babies born in 2010 and those who become Maine residents before their first birthday will be eligible for the program.

Prior to leaving the hospital, the parents of all babies born at PVH are offered information about the Harold Alfond College Challenge and how to open a NextGen® account. Babies’ families must open a NextGen account before the child’s first birthday to receive the Alfond Grant, and more money may be put into the account by the parents if they so choose.

“We’re very pleased to participate in this program,” says PVH Spokesperson Allison Bankston. “This is a great opportunity for young families to start college funds for their children and for PVH to help them plan for the future.”

About 14,000 babies are expected to be born in Maine in 2009. The Alfond Grant program is administered by FAME--the Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). For more information on the Harold Alfond College Challenge please call 800-228-3734 or visit www.500forbaby.org.

Before investing in the NextGen Plan, parents should carefully consider the investment objectives, charges, expenses and risks of investing in the NextGen Plan. Families should also consider whether Maine offers state tax or other benefits that are only available for investments in the plan. Request a program description from FAME by calling 800-228-3734 or online at www.500forbaby.org and please read it carefully. NextGen is a Section 529 plan administered by the Finance Authority of Maine. Merrill Lynch is the Program Manager and underwriter.


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