Portage Lake woman earns degree
ASHLAND NEWS
by Susan Feeney Hopkins
Lori Belanger, 44, a resident of Portage Lake, recently earned a medical coding/health information technician (HIT) degree through an online program from Rasmussen Leadership Academy.
Lori Belanger, 
who is a wife and mother of two daughters, ages 19 and 17, had earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing in 1989. After working in that field in various capacities for over 20 years, Belanger said she had a “personal dream to find a job that would allow me to work from home.” Due to medical reasons, her dream to work from home became a reality.
Unable to work outside the home and still wanting to contribute financial support to her family, Belanger decided to pursue a career in medical coding. After some research, Belanger started the online program in June 2010 and graduated in September 2011.
“This HIT program has provided me with the credentials needed to obtain any medical coding position available,” said Belanger. Prior to her graduation, Belanger was hired as a medical coder with Northern Maine Medical Center (NMMC). Since being hired at NMMC in April 2011, Belanger has taken the state of Maine RHIT exam and is now preparing for the state of Maine certified coding specialist certificate and is hopeful to continue on to receive a certificate in clinical documentation improvement (CDI).
When asked what her future career goals might be, Belanger responded, “Life is what you make of it and if a person is not afraid to learn new things, their future is endless. So, with that said, my future goals are endless. I will take one day at a time and see what comes my way.”
Quebec Caravan sendoff
Riders participating in the 2012 Quebec Caravan taking place the weekend of Feb. 10 will be departing from Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage Lake at approximately 7 a.m. Wouldn’t it be fantastic if they had a group of well wishers to send them off on their journey?
Prior to their departure, the group will be meeting (at Dean’s) for breakfast at 6 a.m. offering a great opportunity for community members to gather and learn about the history of the Caravan which celebrates its 55th anniversary this year.
There is still time to participate! Contact either the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce at 764-6561 or contact Sarah Brooks at 551-6471. Safe travels and adventure to the riders!
Susan Feeney-Hopkins is the correspondent for Ashland, Portage Lake, Oxbow, Masardis, Garfield, Nashville Plantation and the surrounding areas. She can be reached at 435-8232 or Feenhop@aol.com.
