Maine news, sports, weather | Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine

BARBECUE, TOO

Inmates lend a hand for county worker's Family Day

Staff brought children, grandchildren and spouses to the picnic

By Betty Adams badams@centralmaine.com
Staff Writer

AUGUSTA -- The mouth-watering smell of grilling hamburger, Boca burger and chicken surrounded the county building for several hours Wednesday as employees celebrated Family Day.

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A BANNER DAY: Kennebec Couty jail Inmate Jeremiah Hart of Augusta hangs a banner outside the Kennebec Co. Government Center in Augusta during the annual Wellness Fair and Family Barbecue on Wednesday. Human Resources Manager Terry York said the inmates did a fabulous job setting up and taking down the event and that it would be difficult to hold the event without their help.

Photo by Jeff Pouland

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Staff brought children, grandchildren and spouses to the picnic on the front lawn of the Kennebec County Government Center on State Street.

A half dozen inmates from the jail next-door erected a banner over the front door and strung colorful flags across the front of the building and walkway. As food came off the grill, they relocated some long tables to shadier spots under trees.

The barbecue also served as a wellness fair; Information from the county's health care providers, employee assistance program, and workers' compensation preferred provider was available at outdoor tables.

180 people are employed by Kennebec County, according to County Administrator Robert Devlin.

Betty Gabriel, deputy registrar of deeds, sat with her granddaughter, Melissa Mann, who joined her for lunch. They were awaiting the arrival of seven of Gabriel's coworkers.

Gabriel, who is on the county wellness committee, said the event helps bring the employees together and provide an introduction to wellness and healthful eating habits.

"We learn how to moderate and portion control," Mann said.

Still, the two planned to eschew the Boca burgers -- a meat-free burger -- in favor of beef burgers.

"We eat chicken a lot at home," Gabriel said.

Sheriff Randall Liberty said about 140 employees work in the corrections and law enforcement fields. Many deputies and correctional officers were there in uniform, some with family members.

"My focus and concern for the staff is obesity and tobacco cessation," Liberty said.

Terry York, assistant county administrator and human resources manager, serves as chairman of the wellness committee. She said the family day started in 2004.

York's two granddaughters joined her for the meal.

Lt. Marsha Alexander, assistant jail administrator, had a half of Boca burger left on her plate. She decided to try her own vegetarian patty after sampling another.

"I'm a slow eater," she said. "I like to chat."

Betty Adams -- 621-5631

badams@centralmaine.com