BDN Good News 2019

Good Tuesday, December 24, 2019

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tions of dog food with Yaba by his side.

“They travel back and forth from his treatments and they just support each other through both of their battles with cancer,” she said. “That they’re both fighting and it’s given him a purpose and strength through his treatment and now she has somebody who understands and has compassion for her situation as well.”

Shortly before Yaba arrived at BHS, Ernie, a long-haired white and gray cat found himself at the shelter after his owner passed away.

“That’s always a difficult thing for us because we know that these were animals that were in a home, that were loved, and

their owner dies and their entire environment changes,” Coventry said. it’s hard to get them all home again so often they get split up.

In between the daily workload of cleaning kennels, doing laundry, taking in animals and adopting animals out, success stories such as Yaba’s and Ernie’s and seeing them thrive after adoption makes the time shelter staff spend socializing and bonding and getting to know each animal in order to advocate for them that much more special, Coventry said.

“I think people underestimate how important these updates are so when Michael comes in with Yaba and we get to see her that’s a big deal for our staff,” she said. “Our staff get really excited. It’s

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2 Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Bangor Daily News

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Tuesday, December 24, 2019

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Two lucky shelter animals find their

By Joshua Archer

T

he Bangor Humane Society takes in thousands of surrendered animals and strays each year. Some animals are what the shelter calls “fast-track” and are adopted quickly. Others become long-term residents of the shelter which means it takes time to find the right fit for a forever home.

Longterm animals that are ill can make adoption even more difficult. But every now and then miracles do happen.

“We’re in the business now of really re-homing those animals that are harder to adopt,” said Stacey Coventry, director of development and public relations for Bangor Humane Society. “Sometimes they’re coming in with some sort of behavior or medical circumstance that is a little bit more challenging for us.

And those are always the ones that are very rewarding when we finally find the right match.”

provide ongoing check ups for the animal.

It was only recently that BHS was in a position to adopt out what they considered a hospice animal.

“We’ve been really fortunate over the last couple of years to have really great veterinary partnerships that work with us on a sort of diagnosis and treatment plan initially and then working with our community to find adopters who are willing to take those cases,” Coventry said.

In addition to the difficulties Yaba was going through she needed to be the only pet in the home.

“She was kind of a diva and didn’t want

ment when he visited BHS in search of a canine companion.

“We introduced Michael to Yaba and they hit it off immediately. There was just an immediate connection. He fell in love with her and so they ended up becoming a match and he adopted her and since then he has come in multiple times to visit,” Coventry said.

Longterm animals that are ill can make adoption even more difficult. But every now and then miracles do happen.

A 7-year-old pit bull mix named Yaba found her way to the Bangor Humane Society (BHS) after being abandoned in the Queen City last fall.

Shelter staff found her sweet and lovable.

“What we’ve come to know as a typical pit bull personality, just full of happy tail wags, she loved everybody,” Coventry said.

Yaba was never reclaimed and after a routine medical exam, a veterinarian found a mass on Yaba’s body. Additional tests determined the mass was malignant.

It was removed and luckily hadn’t spread, Coventry said.

“But when she recovered from the procedure we could not guarantee that mass wouldn’t grow back,” she said.

The shelter decided Yaba would be a hospice adoption which requires an adopter to have a veterinary relationship to

to make friends with other dogs. She was okay outside making dog friends, but she didn’t want to share her space with any other animals, so that made it a little bit more challenging,” Coventry said.

Yaba eventually became a long-term resident at BHS. “She had a lot of interest,” Coventry said. “We were we highlighting her on our pet-of-the-week segment on both TV and radio; she came with us to some off-site events. We had lots of people interested in her, but unfortunately they all had some circumstance that was not a match— whether they had cats in the home, another dog or were unable to follow through with an ongoing vet relationship.”

After spending the winter at the shelter, spring sun shined down on Yaba. In April, Michael Steeves, a veteran and dual citizen of Canada and the U. S., was passing through Maine on his way to the VA hospital to undergo cancer treat-

PHOTO COURTE SY OF

BAN GOR HUMANE SOCIETY PIT BULL MIX YABA found her forever home with Michael Steeves, a veteran, who now brin with the Bangor Humane Soc gs Yaba back for visits iety staff and to drop off dog food donations for the she lter’s current residents.

Michael makes frequent visits to the shelter to deliver donations of dog food with Yaba by his side.

“They travel back and forth from his treatments and they just support each other through both of their battles with cancer,” she said. “They’re both fighting and it’s given him a purpose and strength through his treatment, and now she has somebody who understands and has compassion for her situation as well.”

Shortly before Yaba arrived at BHS, Ernie, a long-haired white and gray cat, found himself at the shelter after his owner passed away.

“That’s always a difficult thing for us because we know that these were animals that were in a home, that were loved, and their owner dies and their entire environment changes,” Coventry said.

Ernie was part of a group of animals and

when a group ends up at the shelter it’s hard to get them all adopted together so often they get split up.

“When we first got Ernie he had a lot of behavioral issues that he was exhibiting—most likely stress induced—and one of his major issues was he wouldn’t use the litter box,” she said.

Ernie was adopted several weeks after his arrival but was returned shortly after.

Ernie was returned twice within a year.

“It’s disappointing for the animal to get returned,” Coventry said. “Sometimes that’s what has to happen in order for us to get enough information to find the right match.”

But as luck would have it in September of this year, Ernie went home with Kathleen Ricker, a sweet older woman who had no other animals in the home, Coventry said.

Bangor Daily News, Tuesday, December 24, 2019 3

Finding new homes

for old dogs

forever homes Ricker sends video and photo updates ing animals out, success stories such as on Ernie to the shelter via Facebook.

Yaba’s and Ernie’s and seeing them thrive “This cat who started in the shelter after adoption makes the time shelter staff and constantly avoided human contact, spend socializing and bonding and getting to had a lot of litter box issues, has now know each animal in order to advocate for come completely out of his shell,” them that much more special, Coventry said.

Coventry said. “And since he has been “I think people underestimate how with this woman she has not had any important these updates are, so when issues with him using a litter box, being Michael comes in with Yaba and we get hissy or anything like that. So some- to see her that’s a big deal for our staff,” times it takes more than one time, for she said. “Our staff get really excited.

Ernie it was the third time that was the It’s what gets them through the difficult charm, and we’re confident that’s a long- days. Not every day is a win, so when term match and that’s great.” they see these animals thriving that’s When it comes to animals like Yaba and the best part.”

Ernie the staff at BHS is diligent when selecting an adopter. BHS has a conversa- For a list of available pets and how you can tion with each potential adopter to find help, visit bangorhumane.org. out if he or she has experience owning an animal and knows how to provide basic care.

“It’s not out of the ordinary for animals like these that we’re highlighting to have multiple visits (with adopters),” Coventry said. “We’ve had dogs that have come from trauma situations that are exhibiting real nervous or fear-based behaviors and have been with us a long time, so we want to make sure that people understand there’s a transition period. “...They need that time —they’re going to go into a new environment with new people, new animals, and new rules of that particular place.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF BANGOR HUMANE SOCIETY In between the daily LONG-HAIRED CAT ERNIE struggled to find a good fit workload of cleaning kenuntil he met Kathleen Ricker and found his forever home. nels, doing laundry, taking in animals and adopt-

By Joshua Archer

T

he nonprofit Old Dogs New Digs isn’t your typical dog rescue. They are a network of volunteers who partner with local shelters and are always at the ready to help care for dogs in their final stage of life.

The core of the organization exists in Maine and according to its president, Mandy Fisher, they are branching out across the country and beyond.

With a chapter now in Colorado, Fisher said they’re well on their way to help shelters in New Mexico and even finding ways to help dogs in Costa Rica.

“Four of us actually just went down to Costa Rica, so we’re starting to network and we’re trying to find some homes for some of the dogs down there as well,” Fisher said.

Fisher began fostering senior dogs on her own and it wasn’t long before phone calls from area shelters came in.

“Multiple shelters were calling at the same time and I only fostered one dog at a time,” she said.

Fisher and her friends with an affinity for fidos joined forces to form Old Dogs New Digs.

“We knew this is something that needs to happen, something more organized, where there’s a bunch of people that can foster old dogs for the shelters and then we promote them and find them forever homes,” she said.

The idea took off and the ODND team were stunned by the stampede of folks willing to foster, adopt and volunteer.

Shelters will reach out to ODND if they have a senior dog that isn’t doing well in a shelter environment and want to get the animal into foster care.

“And then we find out if they just want us to post the animal online to get the word out or if they want to put it in a foster home and then we kind of go from there, but all the while they retain ownership so it really is a partnership with the shelters,” she said.

ODND also helps individuals who’ve fallen on hard times, typically seniors with senior dogs, who are entering assisted living and don’t want their dogs to go to a shelter.

There are also options for owners who can’t afford medical care for their aging dog.

“We have a community assistance program as well. We help in that way so that the people can actually keep the dogs and that’s the best thing,” she said.

For those interested in joining the legion of over 100 ODND volunteers, Fisher suggests they start by visiting olddogsnewdigs.com.

“We have volunteers to do a lot of things. A lot of people want to foster and that is one way to help, but there are also a lot of other ways,” she said.

Volunteers can join their board of directors, help with transportation, communications, foster home checks and more.

“Every dog deserves to live out their life in a loving home,” she said.

“Especially if they’re old and find themselves in a shelter. We just feel like they deserve to be in a home for their last little bit.”

To learn more and get involved, visit olddogsnewdigs.com.

4 Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Bangor Daily News

Running

for good Woman from Hampden runs one-person marathon raising $6,000 in the fight against cancer

By Katie Smith

C

ompleting a marathon has been on Heidi Sharpe’s bucket list for quite some time. While thoughts of running 26.2 miles swirled in her head, she was also thinking of something else: helping in the fight against cancer.

“I wanted to impact the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute through the Champion the Cure [Challenge],” the Hampden woman said.

Sharpe wasn’t new to exercising to raise money for a cause. After losing her mother, Bea, to lung cancer in June of 2010, she wanted to take action and formed a team which included her friend Jeff and nephew Christopher to join the Trek Across Maine, which is the largest fundraiser of its kind for the American Lung Association. They decided to call their team Nanie’s

Busy Beas after her mom.

“The longest I’d ridden a bike before the Trek was 10 miles,” Sharpe said. “I shocked my friends and family for sure.”

Sharpe did not want to stop her fundraising efforts there so, in February of 2019, Sharpe decided to marry her goals of fundraising and running a marathon.

She took to Facebook, figuring it would be the best way to announce her mission to run and raise money for cancer awareness.

But Sharpe wasn’t waiting to sign up for a local race. She created her own marathon. “I decided to put it out on Facebook that I was running my own marathon and my goal was to raise $2,500 for [the

Champion the Cure Challenge],” she said.

Sharpe did that and more. In fact, a few short weeks after that first post announcing her goal, Sharpe surpassed it.

After meeting her goal so quickly, Sharpe decided to keep running with it

PHOTOS COURTESY OF HEIDI SHARPE

HEIDI SHARPE’S FAMILY runs the final leg of her one-woman marathon with her.

Sharpe said family and friends supported her all along the 26.2 mile run. blowing her original goal out of the water.

“Ever since my mom died, it has been a passion for me to raise money and awareness,” she said.

When people came through for her in such a big way, Sharpe says she was deeply humbled. “I

to get ready for her first marathon. “I’ve run several half-marathons, but I’d never run a full marathon.

I wanted my body to be ready on race day,” she said. “There was a friend or family member, including members of Nanie’s Busy Beas, running with me every single mile.”

Her route started at Hampden Academy at 7 a.m. on Oct. 6; from there she h e a d e d down Route 1A into Bangor and through the West side streets to Valley Avenue and onto Kenduskeag Avenue, Burleigh Road and Essex Street.

From there, Sharpe ran through Bangor’s East side streets and finished in the neighborhood where

“I decided to put it out on Facebook that I was running my own marathon and my goal was to raise $2,500 for [the Champion the Cure Challenge].” and set the bar higher. It wasn’t long before the total amount raised was $4,000 — but again, Sharpe wasn’t done.

With support from the community, by race day she had raked in over $6,000 for the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute,

knew there were going to be people on my route cheering me on, but I was so surprised by the number of people that came out to encourage and motivate me. This is one thing I will never forget.”

Sharpe followed a 20-week training program

she grew up, across from Stillwater Park in Bangor.

As far as running another marathon in the near future, Sharpe reports she will probably not be doing that anytime soon. However, her efforts to help raise money for cancer research are not slowing down.

She will continue to raise money for the Lafayette Family Cancer Institute and doesn’t want to stop at $6,000 next year.

“I’m already thinking about what my team and I can do to raise more money this [coming] year than we did last year.”

After accomplishing her goal at lightning speed in 2019, there’s no telling what Sharpe and Nanie’s Busy Beas will do for cancer research in 2020.

For more about the Champion the Cure Challenge, visit ctcchallenge.org.

Literacy Volunteers celebrates supporters and unveils its endowment program Courtesy of Mary Marin Lyon

“F

ive years ago, I struggled with so many things and today, so much has changed. Now I believe in myself.”

Brandi Meservey, a single mother of three young boys who dropped out of school in 7th grade, was talking about changes in her life since connecting with Literacy Volunteers

of Bangor. She was a featured speaker at the organization’s donor appreciation event in September.

The event was part of Literacy Volunteers of Bangor’s 50th anniversary celebration. Donors heard personal stories from students who have benefited from Literacy Volunteers’ services and individual volunteer tutors.

“My tutors have done more than help me

improve my reading,” said Meservey. “They have taught me how to wade through complicated legal notices from my landlord, advocate on behalf of my children with their teachers, and explained the impact of credit scores.”

Other student speakers noted the ways their increased proficiency in English helped them find better jobs and contribute to the community.

In recognition of its 50th year, event organizers also unveiled Literacy Volunteers’ newly established endowment fund which will sustain its mission in perpetuity.

“As a former 3rd grade teacher, I am haunted by the students who struggled with reading,” said Jen Montgomery-Rice, Endowment Committee chair. “By 3rd grade, students who don’t read at

grade level typically don’t catch up to their peers, ever.

These students become the adults Literacy Volunteers will serve in our future and we want to be sure that we’re here to help them.”

Literacy Volunteers of Bangor was founded in 1969 by two retired teachers, Sister Mary Benigna and Agnes Beckwith. The first student served by this mission was a woodcutter who signed his name with

the letter X and eventually learned to read the newspaper. Today, Literacy Volunteers of Bangor serves over 350 adults annually and involves some 250 volunteers to carry out its mission.

For more information about how to volunteer, receive help, or donate to the endowment or annual fund, please contact 207-942-8451 or visit LVBangor.org.

Bangor Daily News, Tuesday, December 24, 2019 5

Maine Little League Volunteer

By Joshua Archer

A

t the tail end of summer, Bangor West Little League coach Mark Owens was honored as Maine’s Little League Volunteer of the Year at Fenway Park in Boston.

“I was shocked,” Owens said. “I didn’t know that I was nominated and didn’t expect to get a phone call from the Red Sox. It was a little bit of disbelief and then a little bit of sarcasm back towards the man who nominated me. Those guys put in just as much time as I do. Wasn’t sure why they picked me.”

Those “guys” Owens referred to are league president Derrick Cunningham and district administrator Mike Brooker. They nominated Owens for the award to the Red Sox Foundation, unbeknownst to him.

The Red Sox Foundation called Owens to inform him he had won and brought him and his family down to

a baseball game at the end of September.

Owens stood alongside fellow Little League Volunteer of the Year winners from each New England state in front of a Saturday crowd at Fenway during an on-field ceremony.

Recipients received their own Red Sox jersey embroidered with their name.

Owens’ jersey was presented to him by Jim Heffley, vice president of the Portland Sea Dogs.

“It’s great, it was quite an honor,” Owens said.

Owens said he’s unable to visit Fenway as frequently as he did before he had a family, but the ceremony wasn’t the first time he’s been on the field.

“It was actually my daughter’s first time at Fenway,” he said. “My son and I went earlier this year, so it was my second trip this season but we try to get down once a year. When I brought my son down it was actually ‘run the bases

night’ for the kids, so we got to get out onto the field and my son got to run around the bases after the game.

That was really cool.”

Owens is proud to admit that baseball is in his blood and that in his home there’s only one (baseball) team you’re allowed to support.

“You can cheer for the Patriots or whatever football team you want, but when it comes to baseball there’s only one choice and that’s the Sox,” he said.

Owens volunteers for and coaches his son’s regular season team for Bangor West and his daughter’s softball regular season and both of their all star teams.

He volunteers for field maintenance, parking, fundraisers, and recently helped raise money for a new scoreboard at the baseball field and rebuilt the minor league baseball field as well.

His father coached Little League baseball when Owens was a teenager “and I think he got done three

of the Year

years ago — almost 25 years [total]. Long after I was done he kept going back.

Baseball is in our blood,” Owens said.

Owens walked off Fenway’s field with more than a jersey — he also established priceless connections, he said.

“Actually some pretty good contacts for the other New England states,” Owens said. “It was good to talk to those guys and see how they do things. The northeast is a little bit different than everywhere else in the world, so just to see how we try to fit baseball in, in such a short period of time (because of the seasons), and see how everyone else does, it is just nice to talk to those guys.”

Owens said he admires his fellow volunteers and he looks forward to working with them each season.

“The group of people that the Little League has themselves are great you know.

It’s just nice to get everyone

back together.

The other volunteers, they’re going through the same thing that you are sometimes, and you just embrace it as it’s 45 degrees and raining, or trying to get the field ready because you know that’s not an enjoyable afternoon, but if we’re all there together then it PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARK OWENS makes a little MARK OWENS on the field at Fenway bit better. The (top) receiving the Maine Little League group of people that we have Volunteer of the Year award, and outside the stadium (above) with his family. working on our end is just fantastic and they do a great who helped get him there job,” he said. and it should be a league Owens said he joked as award not just an individuhe received his award to al award. those at the ceremony that The only bad news from he may be the face of his the Fenway ceremony was organization that day, but that the Sox didn’t win his teammates are the ones that day.

An Essay: The savor of Secret Santa

By Todd R. Nelson

T

his much was not secret: the 7 and 8th graders wanted their final secret Santa presentation to be a special moment. They wanted gifts to matter, to be shared by all, and to feel like a culmination. The next part of the planning conversation took slightly more time to sort out. There are a lot of negotiations that go into making secret Santa a satisfying holiday ritual at school.

“Let’s make sure it’s truly secret,” was another concern. “So don’t say who you chose from the hat.”

“And let’s all watch each other open the present,” was another suggestion.

“Let’s make a rule about giving,” said one student, shifting the discussion to spending limits and types of gifts, a topic on which the UN Security Council would have a hard time finding consensus. Some want no limit; others insist on modesty.

“A good amount is $10,” said one person.

This seemed like an acceptable baseline.

But then someone else added controversy: “Let’s say that what you give has to be handmade.” Shopping versus making is a dilemma.

“I don’t know what to make,” said one. “I’d rather just buy something,” said another.

“I’d rather get something from a store,” said someone else.

And then the teacher jumped in: “I insist on one rule.”

I had been reminded of a former class and its secret Santa plans. They had practiced the traditional routine of choosing a name from a hat and giving gifts to that person. The experience of picking a classmate at random and then producing small favors and presents to delight or amuse was a highlight in the year. But I thought the focus had shifted into a kind of crass interpretation of the season—the kind of emphasis that we intuitively resent when the commercials and advertisements turn the corner into 24-7 Christmas shopping right after Thanksgiving—or earlier. The airwaves are saturated with getting.

One year my homeroom had drawn the name of a classmate to surprise—simple treasures, but with, hopefully, genuine feelings. However, when the kids started leaving messages on the blackboard as to what they wanted from their secret Santas, the ritual felt corrupted. It’s giving that truly makes you happy, I thought. The pleasure is from causing unexpected delight, not just fulfilling someone’s wish list.

So I made The No Advertising Decree: “The blackboard is only for saying ‘Thank you,’” I insisted. It worked, lightening the mood for everyone. There was more gratitude in the air, more satisfaction and less

apparent competition, a tiny antidote to the pandemic seasonal affective disorder: getting disguised as giving.

I made The Giving Decree. And then, to cope with the “I don’t know what to make” dilemma, the students started brainstorming a helpful list. Money as criteria faded; ingenuity rose to the top.

The list grew swiftly.

How about making a favorite play list on a CD? Write a song using Garage Band, make an iMovie, print special cards with photos, or a calendar; bake cookies, brownies, a pizza; knit a hat, mittens, cell phone case; “build something cool out of wood,” make a clay sculpture, pottery; make a snowman, make fimo jewelry, origami ornaments for Christmas trees, a wreath.

You could write a message on a window, or in the snow. Bind a book of favorite songs, poems, quotes, first sentences, jokes, even favorite books. “How about a fanciful invention of some kind?” A mobile of pressed flowers! Give a snowball to save for July? “I know: cartoons or storyboards or flip books!” Write a poem, story, or letter. Offer a service or favor of some kind.

Make novelty certificates for...friendship, support, a service, a unique experience, coming to tea, taking a walk, going to a movie. “Everyone likes firewood or kindling.” Make a candle. How about a pass-

port to a special experience? Write a whole packet of letters...to be opened on occasions in the future, with special timely messages. Make a treasure hunt with a map to find the gift—all good. All things you wouldn’t necessarily ask for, but would be delightful to receive.

It’s still hard to put your finger on the source of exactly the right effect—and it is an effect that we’re really after. Effects are hard to describe without objects. As gift givers we seek umami, the Japanese word for the elusive savor or deliciousness of, say, a perfectly ripe peach—impossible to describe, but you know the taste. What if a gift could convey the savor of a perfectly roasted s’more, an exhilarating sled run, a snowflake on your nose, the smell of warm bread, the song of a thrush, laughter. These are ingredients, but not the savor itself.

Maybe it’s those special message ideas that come closest to producing umami— words or gestures that create for another person an instant to savor? It starts with a thought, and might be no more solid a gift than this: “I like you as you are.” But that feels full of a thin slice of the savor we feel in these words: “on Earth peace, good will to men.”

Todd R. Nelson is a retired teacher and school principal. He lives in Penobscot.

6 Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Bangor Daily News

Photos that made us smile in 2019

S

ome pictures can’t help but bring a smile to your face.

Here are just a few of the standout photos selected by our Bangor Daily News photographers that brought us joy — and a few giggles — throughout 2019.

PHOTO BY LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

JIM BISHOP, 87, is a familiar face at Mount Hope Cemetery, where he has worked for 28 years on the grounds crew. “It beats staying home, by golly,” Bishop said.

PHOTO BY LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

BENNY THE BOAR at Souder Station

Farm in Winterport.

PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE | BDN

THE PRIDE FLAG is flown on the Paddy Murphy’s building over West Market Square in Bangor. John Dobbs, the owner of the building, said they have been putting up the rainbow flags during Bangor Pride for several years.

PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE | BDN

HERMON HIGH SCHOOL’S Nate Allain (left) tags Ellsworth High School’s Devin Grindle at second base during the the Northern Maine Class B baseball championship game at Mansfield Stadium in June.

Bangor Daily News, Tuesday, December 24, 2019 7

PHOTO BY LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

KYLE AHERN, 14, from Dexter, enjoys a thrilling ride on the Scrambler as his friend Brady Adams, 10, takes cover until the ride is over at the 2019 Bangor State Fair.

PHOTO BY LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

PENOBSCOT VALLEY HOWLERS FANS cheer on the Lady Howlers in the class C girls state championship game in March 2019.

PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE | BDN

JOHN HOLYOKE holds four bear cubs while reporting on a den visit by the Maine Inland Fisheries & Wildlife bear crew.

PHOTO BY GABOR DEGRE | BDN

A MAN WALKS back to his vehicle with his dog after a crosscountry skiing outing at the Bangor Municipal Golf Course.

Beth Gardner, Agent 1219 Broadway Bangor, Maine 04401 Bus: 207-947-0924 beth.gardner.l8b5@statefarm.com

Jill St. Peter, Agent 319 Wilson Street Brewer, Maine 04412 Bus: 207-989-1288 jill.stpeter.jb4s@statefarm.com

PHOTO BY AISLINN SARNACKI| BDN

GOATS POKE THEIR HEADS out of a barn door at the Liberty homestead of Kirsten Lie-Nielsen, the author of “So You Want to Be a Modern Homesteader.”

8 Tuesday, December 24, 2019, Bangor Daily News

Good News from AARP Maine

Courtesy of AARP Maine

A

s 2019 comes to a close, AARP Maine is delighted to share with Bangor Daily News readers some of the highlights that have made this year so noteworthy. We want to begin by thanking our wonderful advocates and volunteers for your dedication and tireless efforts.

AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, established a legacy of community service and activism, and she coined our motto, “To Serve, Not to Be Served.”

The truth is that AARP simply could not do our work without you.

Working together this year, we succeeded in shining a light on many important issues such as broadband expansion, family caregiver supports and services, and soaring prescription drug costs, to name a few.

It is in great part due to the efforts of volunteer advocates that prescription drug costs became a top priority during Maine’s 2019 legislative session. Mainers were instrumental in bringing this important matter to the attention of their

elected leaders in their home districts. Residents from across the state testified in Augusta, and followed up with their legislators to keep the momentum going. The end result was that in June, a comprehensive package of bills was signed into law to lower drug costs in Maine.

Are you one of the thousands of Mainers who raised your voice in 2019 to fight prescription drugs prices? Thank you for being a part of AARP’s #StopRxGreed campaign which has bolstered our efforts not just in Maine, but across the country to address this critical matter. Together, we brought this issue into the spotlight where it belongs and we will keep it there until Rx costs are lowered for good.

In other exciting news, you may have heard that Maine has been designated an age-friendly state as part of the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities! Our State Director, Lori Parham, spoke at a news event with Governor Janet Mills at the end of October to mark this momentous occasion.

We send our sincere thanks

to each one of Maine’s 69 communities who have already joined the Network! Your creativity and dedication have resulted in an extraordinary array of initiatives that benefit Mainers of all ages.

Speaking of which, as part of our age-friendly efforts to commemorate AARP’s 60th anniversary, this year we celebrated the opening of an AARPsponsored fitness park in Broadway Park in Bangor.

The fitness park features FitLotTM exercise equipment that can be adapted to meet a wide range of fitness levels and abilities.

When the snow clears a little, we hope you will give it a try! We continue to be grateful for the support of our collaborators, community leaders and volunteers who worked with us every step of the way to bring this opportunity to Bangor.

This year, we held eight free shredding events in multiple locations in collaboration with local law enforcement so Mainers could safely dispose of their unwanted/expired drugs as well. Thanks to our teams of volunteers, we shredded over 80,000

PHOTOS COURTESY OF AARP MAINE

VOLUNTEER ADVOCATES (top) celebrate a job well done in Augusta. (Above) Volunteers install a new fitness park in Bangor. pounds of sensitive documents and law enforcement offices collected tens of thousands of pounds of drugs. Our thanks to everyone who participated — your efforts kept wouldbe identity thieves and scammers out in the cold!

As always, we love hearing from you and we welcome your feedback and ideas, so please keep in touch! Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@aarpmaine) and visit us

at www.aarp.org/me for the latest news and to learn how you can get involved. We hope you will continue to follow our work next year as we continue to fight for lower Rx drugs costs, and work to pass legislation to help hard working Mainers save for retirement.

Please don’t forget that we offer weekly and monthly free social and other events around the state and all are welcome!

These events offer a great way to meet new people and find out what we are doing in each community.

You can find the complete list of events at www.aarp. org/me. We look forward to seeing you there!

In the meantime, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season!

—Pat Pinto

AARP Maine Volunteer State President