The folks at Healthy Peninsula Project (HPP) have settled into their new offices located on the corner of Maine and Union Streets above the Blue Hill Bay Gallery.

"Projects are flourishing thanks to vital community support," comments Barbara Peppey the program's Director.

For two years, HPP has offered support and guidance to schools, businesses and communities interested in promoting healthy lifestyles through the reduction of tobacco use, increased physical activity and better nutrition.

In addition to their new office space, the team has two new members. Donna Fraser RN, BSN is the new Wellness Coordinator and Josephine Jacob, the Vista AmeriCorp Volunteer is the new youth coordinator.                

Ms. Fraser will focus on developing programs and policies related to tobacco prevention and cessation, physical activity and nutrition. She will also coordinate with hospitals, area businesses and schools to provide health information.                

Ms. Fraser graduated from the University of Southern Maine with a BSN. She has extensive experience in nursing management, education, infection control and health consulting. She has developed numerous programs and seminars relating to healthy aging, stress management, team building, nutrition health and wellness, and disease prevention in both the health and business professions.                    

She resides in Clifton, Maine with her husband Jerry. They have one daughter. When she isn't working, she enjoys reading, hiking, cooking and creating recipes for healthy cookbooks.                  

Ms. Jacob, a long time child advocate has been involved with the Healthy Island Project's Growing Up Reading program on Deer Isle. She has also be a chaperone for the Blue Hill Library's Teen Movie Night, a highly successful HPP collaborative program where area teens meet on Friday nights at the library to watch movies and enjoy healthy snacks.

Jacob is looking forward to getting involved with the various HPP supported community program. One such program is the Penobscot School's Explorers Club. The program gives students the opportunity to repair and create hiking trails in their community and with the donation of GPS mapping equipment, the students are learning new skills, which can benefit them in the future "This program is a perfect way to get kids and adults to interact in a sustainable way," remarked Jacob.

 Ms. Jacob lives on Deer Isle with her husband and two children. She loves the outdoors and enjoys hiking and biking and feels this new role is a perfect fit for her.