Click Here to Return to the In The News Page FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 15, 2009 For more information please contact: Marion Rodrigue 1-888-758-5680 Ironwood School Residents Host Governor John E. Baldacci Maine’s Governor John E. Baldacci recently visited Ironwood Maine and had the opportunity to meet with the residents and staff to learn about the program. During the briefing, residents talked about the Equestrian Program and gave the Governor a tour of the stables. Equine therapy has been proven to increase self-esteem, self-discipline, communications skills, and positive behaviors. The residents not only learn how to ride, but have complete responsibility to care for another human being. The main goal of the equine program is to encourage the teens to experience the joys, responsibilities, frustrations, thrills and love that result from having a relationship with a horse. The Governor also chatted with the teens about the culinary program. The residents explained that they have learned to prepare produce from the garden to produce satisfying meals and at least once a week select one ethnic specialty. One student remarked that he had the opportunity to experience culinary instruction from Chef Jeffrey Fredrickson of the Tradewinds Resort in St. Petersburg, Florida. Impressed by the program, the Governor remarked, “Rod, Marion and your staff, it is a wonderful facility and just seeing what you have offered here to people, not only kids and communities, but also to the state and regions throughout here is just enormous.” The Governor presented to Rod and Marion Rodrigue, Ironwood Maine Chairman/CEO and President/Director respectively, a plague inscribed with the following words: “Ironwood Maine – the future depends on what we do today.” About Ironwood Maine Ironwood Maine is a residential treatment center committed to helping families in crisis with troubled teens. We trust the teens and families we treat to share our commitment to generating successful, rewarding outcomes. Our aim is to assess and treat the causes of unruly behavior, while providing self-esteem building activities and life-enriching experiences along with academic studies. We strive to reunite youth and their families through clinical therapy, discipline, hard work, and shared experiences in a safe, secure, and therapeutic learning environment. For more information on the program call 877-342-2463 or go to www.ironwoodschool.com.  -END-