Bangor Daily GOOD News 2023

Good Friday, December 22, 2023

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Celebrating Kindness

in the Holden Community

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indness came early to Holden this year as the police department started its 25 Days of Kindness program in October. The program, implemented by the late Chief Chris Greeley, traditionally ran from Dec. 1 to Christmas Day. “We’ve gotten so many donations from the community that it has turned into a year-round program,” Holden Police Chief Eduardo “Eddie” Benjamin said.

Benjamin, who was Greeley’s lieutenant, was named chief after Greeley died March 9. The new chief vowed to carry on the Kindness program in his mentor’s

BY JUDY HARRISON

memory. Earlier this year, the town added to its “Welcome” signs: “Home of Chris Greeley’s 25 Days of Kindness.”

The department formed a non-profit this year to keep the money separate from the police budget and to ensure transparency, Benjamin said.

The program has gone from raising a few hundred dollars its first year to having $20,000 raised so far this year. Donations come in from all over Maine and even from out of state, according to Benjamin.

Acts of kindness range from large to small in expense and effort, the chief said.

In October the program spent about $5,000

on fuel oil and propane for residents of a Holden trailer park.

This summer, an officer stopped a single mother for a burnt-out headlight on her way home to New York from a vacation with her children at Acadia National Park. When she told him she did not know how to replace a headlight and had no one in her life who could, the officer went to an auto parts store, paid for the headlight from the Kindness fund, and installed it for her.

(Top) Cole Greeley (center), David Hawes (left), Benjamin Breadmore, and Donna Greeley carry boxes of groceries to the residents of Holden earlier this month. (Below) Former Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley carries teddy bears that were donated to the department.

PHOTOS: LINDA COAN O’KRESIK/BDN FILE

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BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • Decemeber 22, 2023

People rarely ask for help for themselves, but school officials, church pastors, managers in mobile home parks and subsidized housing complexes as well as police officers tell the department about people they know who are in need.

“People just walk in and say this family needs help,” Benjamin said. “They have no money to buy Christmas gifts.”

The program began in 2015 after Greeley was named chief.

“I thought it would be a fun incentive for officers to do good deeds during the month of December that weren’t in their job descriptions,” he told the Bangor Daily News in 2021. “It was a way to think outside the box a little.”

He urged officers to help a person shovel snow off steps or to carry in groceries if they saw a Holden resident having difficulty with that task. Greeley held a contest that first year and gave prizes to officers who performed the most acts of kindness. Benjamin was the winner.

“It made me so happy to help people,” Benjamin said recently.

Soon people were calling the police station asking how they could donate to the program. It grew each year as Holden businesses and residents continued to donate money, food, clothing, toys, and handmade quilts to the department.

Last year, Greeley told the BDN that it “exploded” with $26,000 received in monetary donations, a dramatic increase from the $7,000 raised in 2021.

Over the years, the Kindness program has become a part of the department’s culture.

“That’s 100 percent Chief Greeley’s legacy – caring for the community,” Benjamin said.

(Top) Holden Police Chief Eduardo “Eddie” Benjamin is carrying on Greeley’s tradition.

(Right) Late Holden Police Chief Chris Greeley’s name has been added to the town’s “Welcome” signs. The department is carrying on the 25 Days of Kindness program in his memory.

PHOTOS: LINDA COAN O’KRESIK/BDN FILE

BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 22, 2023 03 PHOTOS COURTESY OF KELLY SAUNDERS OF BAGADUCE RIVER EQUINE RESCUE

Safe and Snowy Pastures T he horses and other equines of Bagaduce River Equine Rescue in Brooksville will be having a mare-y Christmas. Kelly Sanders and her team have rehabilitated and given new homes to many of their hoofed friends, while others will stay at the rescue and have warm stalls and soaked sugar cubes for the rest of their lives.

The rescue first began in 2018 after Sanders adopted Blossom, a donkey who was saved from a kill pen in Texas. Sanders began searching online to see what other horses and equines needed to be rescued. At the time Sanders had no intentions of starting a non-profit rescue, but she quickly realized she wanted to save more.

Since then, roughly 60 horses and equines have been given a second chance. Although some have traveled from other states, she tries to help those within Maine.

All rescues are first quarantined, seen by a veterinarian, and given time to adjust to their new surroundings.

If a rescue has potential to be rehomed, adoption inquiries are vetted.

“All of the horses that we rehome always have a home here,” Sanders said. “They have to come back to us if the people can’t take care of them. They’ve gone through enough at that point.”

Sanders said many of the rescues have been shuffled from place to place, ending up with owners whose hearts may be in the right place, but they aren’t properly trained or equipped to care for the animals.

Shiloh was one such horse, Sanders said, passed around until one summer when Sanders noticed the Blue Rhone at different auctions in the state. In February, a vet reached out to Sanders regarding a hoarding situation.

Sanders drove to the location with the intention of rescuing one horse. She found Shiloh on the site in a 10 x 12 dog kennel with a wound on his withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades). She also discovered Nellie, a horse who was tied to a minivan. Both Shiloh and Nellie were taken in and evaluated. Nellie’s forever home is at the rescue. Shiloh’s withers eventually healed and he now lives at Spirits Place Cat Sanctuary in St. Albans.

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

Shortly after rehoming Shiloh, Sanders agreed to take in Jimbo, a Gray Gelding. After having two teeth removed and time for a wound on his withers to heal, Jimbo is heading to his forever home his month.

Bagaduce River Equine Rescue has a following of supporters who fundraise, donate, and share Facebook posts.

“If we can reach one person who can learn about horse care through our posts, who can financially support our mission, it just snowballs after a while,” Sanders said.

To learn more, follow the rescue on Facebook or visit their website at bagaduceriverequinerescue.weebly.com.

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Fashionably Raising Funds

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shley Rose Box Co & Boutique in Greenville will be on the nice list this season for raising money for a variety of charities through a local fashion show.

“Having a fashion show goes with having a boutique,” said Rebecca Lee, owner of Ashley Rose Box Co & Boutique. “I thought it would be amazing for this little town.” A silent auction for local goods and a VIP Party after the show were also a part of the event.

Lee and Hannah Holmbom-Brady, social media consultant and brand manager of Doers & Shakers, began working out the details of the show last winter.

Lee hoped to find a female fashion designer until Mason Leonard of Mason Leonard Fashion & SCAL popped up on her radar.

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

“He’s all about creating comfortable, beautiful clothing for women,” Lee said. “We called him. He kind of fit everything that I was looking for.”

Four models from Boston and five local models walked the runway in late June. With some of the funds raised, the boutique donated $800 to Purpleville, a local fundraiser for research and treatment of Alzheimer's and dementia. It’s a cause close to Lee, whose grandmother passed away from dementia.

Additional funds were used to purchase diapers and wipes for Maine Needs, a grassroots organization that provides families and individuals with everyday necessities. Holmbom-Brady brought Maine Needs to Lee’s attention as an additional cause to support. Since then, Lee has kept up to date with their requests for

Bangor Daily

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donations Know a person or organization doing good posted on in your community throughout the year?

Instagram.

Email aallen@bangordailynews.com “One of and we just might feature the things I them in next year’s issue! saw were diapers,” Lee said.

“Women didn’t have diapers for their newborn babies and I was like, that’s just wrong. Nobody should go without diapers.”

Ashley Rose Box Co & Boutique will be hosting another fashion show in June of 2024. For more information about upcoming events happening at the store, follow Ashley Rose Box Co on Facebook and Instagram.

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BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • Decemeber 22, 2023

Good News from AARP Maine

Thank you to our volunteers!

You make a big Our volunteers put it all together! Through thick and thin, they bring their passion and dedication to making Maine a better place to live for us all.

We thank you, and wish you and your families a happy holiday!

To learn more about us and our work in Maine, visit aarp.org/me. @aarpmaine

@aarpmaine

@aarpmaine

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COURTESY OF AARP MAINE

s 2023 comes to a close, AARP Maine is proud to share with Bangor Daily News readers the many efforts and accomplishments driven by our dedicated volunteers throughout the past year. A sincere thank you is owed to our advocates, community members and collaborative partners for their spirited, action-oriented, and tireless work.

For the first time in almost three years, we regularly filled the halls of Augusta with volunteers in our trademark red shirts and continued our tradition of Tuesdays at the State House in person. Each week, volunteers convened at the State House and over Zoom to hear legislative updates, learn the intricacies of policy, chat with state representatives, and plan outreach campaigns. Our members and volunteers testified throughout the legislative session and shared powerful stories about important issues such as the challenges of being a family caregiver, the effects of high utility costs on vulnerable households and the necessity of a stable, high-speed internet connection in communities everywhere.

Thanks to these testimonies, as well as an abundance of phone calls, “Kitchen Table Chats” with local legislators, and handwritten notes to legislative leadership, we are proud to celebrate some life-changing policy advances. In a historic win for Maine’s family caregivers, state budget legislation including language to establish a Paid Family and Medical Leave (PFML) program was signed into law. This legislation will help alleviate financial, health, and emotional stress for Maine’s 166,000 family caregivers. We continue to fight to keep utility rates fair in Maine, engaging in efforts to address the unintended consequences of Net Energy Billing for electricity customers who live on fixed or low incomes. Further, we advocated for more funding for affordable housing, improved access to voting, and fought for funding to support critical programs such as Maine Legal Services for the Elderly. It was an exciting and productive session!

In addition to their legislative efforts, many of our volunteers felt particularly inspired by AARP Maine’s mission: to empower Mainers 50+ to choose how they live as they age. Some of the volunteer-led activities you might recognize include monthly coffee talks and on-taps, free movie nights, tabling events at Maine’s larger festivals, including the Common Ground Fair, and virtual gentle chair yoga sessions.

AARP Maine staff members and volunteers were thrilled to return to LGBTQ+ pride festivals in various communities across the state, showcasing an unwavering commitment to supporting Maine’s LGTBQ+ community statewide. We see diversity as a source of strength and LGBTQ+ communities are a vital part of the quilt of American life. This fall we hosted an online event about the LGBTQ+ collection at the University of Southern Maine’s Jean Byers Sampson Center for Diversity in Maine. It included an interview with one of the co-founders of Wilde Stein at the University of Maine in Orono, one of the nation’s first university groups for LGBTQ+ students, now in its 50th year.

Our office is also deeply committed to supporting communities across Maine and their efforts to become more livable for residents of all ages. We partner with local leaders, organizations and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality. The AARP Community Challenge grants fund innovative projects that inspire change in areas such as public places, housing, transportation and more. AARP Maine is proud to have 14 grantees right here in our state whose projects will advance initiatives to create great places for people of all backgrounds, ages and abilities. A win for everyone! Also, as part of our livable communities work, we recently hosted an online event about becoming an advocate for pedestrian and bicyclist safety in communities across Maine.

In October, we were proud to recognize retired journalist Phil Chin with the Andrus Award for Community Service. The award is named for AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. As a leader of the AARP Fraud Watch Network in Maine, Phil spearheads our efforts to combat scams and give Mainers the resources they need to recognize scams and fight fraud.

BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 22, 2023 05

AARP Maine was also delighted to recognize Deb Alford and Ruby Parker of Scarborough with the Steadfast Advocate Award, which celebrates individual volunteers’ steadfast commitment to the betterment of the lives of older Mainers. Age-Friendly Sullivan in Hancock County was the winner of this year’s Beacon Community Award in recognition of how they have effectively focused on helping older adults live, and thrive, in place.

We hope the successes of the past year inspire you to reach out and get involved. We love hearing from you and welcome your ideas! Please visit our website at www.aarp. org/me, find us on social media @aarpmaine, and email us at me@aarp.org to learn more about how to join our efforts in 2024. We have many exciting endeavors on the horizon as AARP Maine continues to advocate for older Mainers and their families.

In the meantime, on behalf of our staff, volunteer advocates and our nearly 200,000 members in the state, I wish you and your family a wonderful and safe holiday season.

The cast of “The Quiz that Almost Killed Me.” PHOTO COURTESY OF WAGNER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director

The Play’s the Thing

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BY SARAH COTTRELL

ike many other rural middle schools, the Samuel L. Wagner Middle School students in Winterport have few extracurricular activities to choose from if they're not into sports. But Sara Asay, a seventh grade reading and writing teacher, is changing that by getting tweens and teens into reading. Yes, reading, thanks to the power of acting.

“The seventh and eighth grade staff took our classes to see ‘Peter & the Starcatcher’ last winter at the Penobscot Theatre, and conversations began around the need for a drama club at our school,” Asay said. “We talked about how beneficial drama was for students who didn’t play sports, that it helped them develop self-esteem and confidence, along with opportunities for these students to shine.”

The idea of starting a drama club where kids could explore new skills — and hopefully develop a love of reading — built enough interest for Asay to seriously consider launching a program. After a couple of weeks of thinking it over, Asay decided to take on the role of Drama Club advisor to put on a spring production to test out the waters, despite feeling nervous about the new adventure.

“I had never directed or produced a play before, other than acting in some as a middle school student myself, but quickly found that there was a steep learning curve,” Asay said.

The fall show, called “The Quiz that Almost Killed Me” by M.G. Davidson, is a comedy that blends the tribulations of middle school life with some holiday spirit.

Studies have long shown how drama can positively impact a student’s growth and learning potential, even beyond the rich experiences of challenging their reading skills. Drama allows kids to explore emotions, develop quick thinking and problem-solving skills, master anxiety, and overcome low self-esteem issues.

“While I’d love for all my actors to walk away as avid readers — I know that’s not the reality,” Asay said. “However, I do think that many of my actors have a newfound interest in plays and respect for anyone who steps onto a stage and in front of an audience.”

Asay says she can see that drama helps kids open up to reading in general, especially when they make the connection between reading and learning a script to what they would see on a stage.

“The way I’ve seen some of my students blossom has been an incredible experience, and I can’t wait to see what they do from here,” she said. “I wasn’t expecting to love drama the way I do, but what the students do with a script is what makes it something I’m excited for every day.”

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BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • Decemeber 22, 2023

You sign up for paperless billing, we donate $25 For every Versant customer who signs up for paperless billing between now and December 31, 2023, we’ll donate $25 to Power Match, a partnership with Aroostook County Action Program, Penquis CAP, and Downeast Community Partners to help our neighbors in need with their electric bill.

Sign up for paperless billing at bit.ly/paperless-versant To find out if you’re eligible for assistance through Power Match, please call your local community action program.

BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 22, 2023 07

A Thank You to Our A Cheesy Good Cause Community Partners

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

COURTESY OF VERSANT POWER

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e all want our loved ones to enjoy the holidays in comfort and warmth. No one wants to see a friend, family member or neighbor forced to make tough choices when it comes to paying their bills and putting food on the table.

But with the cost of living on the rise and available resources for assistance at a threeyear low, some Maine families are struggling to get by.

However, there is hope and help.

It’s during times like these that community action programs serving the individuals in our state become a lifeline. The employees at Aroostook County Action Program, Penquis, and Downeast Community Partners employees work every day to help improve the lives of the residents they serve, but they are especially integral to our communities in times of crisis, which often occur during the long and cold months of winter.

For those who do not qualify for traditional forms of assistance because of income limits, or for those who sometimes find it difficult to ask for help, reaching out to a local community action program is a last resort. Power Match, a charitable matching program created by Versant Power with help from ACAP, Penquis and DCP, was made specifically to help those individuals who do not qualify for traditional forms of assistance but find themselves in need of emergency help to pay their electric bill. To date, this partnership has provided nearly $160,000 in electricity bill credits to Versant Power customers in need and helped many of them avoid disconnection.

But without those who work at the community action programs in our service territory, we would not have been able to make Power Match possible.

We would like to use this space as an opportunity for thanks, specifically to thank the individuals at ACAP, Penquis and DCP who have made a difference in the lives of those around our state. To Sherry, Jason, Heidi, Tony, Candy and the entire team at ACAP – thank you for your incredible ideas and your tireless dedication to the residents of the County. To Janeen, Renae, Jennifer, Lynn and your team at Penquis, thank you for consistently showing up in your community day after day with a helping hand. And to Kate, Rachel, Sharon, and your team at Downeast Community Partners, thank you for doing everything in your power to meet the needs of residents when it sometimes seems impossible. We are grateful for you and for all the folks who work every day to connect those in need with resources to thrive.

A thank you is never enough, but please know that without all of you, we would not have been able to create Power Match. We are grateful for you now and always.

Signed,

All of us at Versant Power

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PHOTO COURTESY OF UMAINE ALPHA PHI

anta’s elves work hard this president of Health, Wellness, and month, but the women of the Accountability for Alpha Phi. Being one of the 173 active chapUniversity of Maine’s Alpha Phi chapter worked even harder last ters, money raised by the UMaine March organizing a mouth-watering sisters continues to support the event at Orono Brewing Company. Alpha Phi Foundation’s Health ReMac ‘n Phi is an annual fundraiser search Wing located at Tampa Genwhere a donation toward women’s eral Hospital in Florida.

“I know a lot of sisters in our own heart health earns you a bowl of delicious mac and cheese. On March 1, chapter have personal connecthe line was out the door, raising tions,” Barry said. “Heart health is among the top leading killers of $1,600 for the cause.

In preparation for the event, the women and it can go undetected for Alpha Phi sisters reached out to a really long time.”

To get upcoming event details and local eateries willing to donate their mac and cheese. Mac ‘n Phi has been learn how you can support the sorority, held for more than 10 years, but most follow UMaine Alpha Phi on Facebook recently gained the support of Orono and Instagram.

Brewing Company, which provided space for the event at their Orono location and additional help with the fundraiser.

In addition to OBC, restaurants such as Pepper’s Landing, Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery in Old Know a person or organization doing good Town, and fast-food chain Chickin your community throughout the year? fil-A were among the many conEmail aallen@bangordailynews.com tributing cheesy dishes. and we just might feature “It was really cool that people them in next year’s issue! were able to have gluten-free and vegan options this year,” said UMaine senior and former vice

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BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • Decemeber 22, 2023

Beal University’s Online Programs May Be The Best Choice For Your Education

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COURTESY OF BEAL UNIVERSITY

ecently, a friend of mine expressed her satisfaction with earning her Bachelor's degree online. She shared, "I finished school faster, which allowed me to start earning more money sooner, and now I can apply for jobs I couldn't consider before."

Our digital world continues to revolutionize various aspects of our lives, and education is no exception. The integration of technology and education has given rise to a dynamic learning landscape that caters to diverse interests and career paths, with Beal University in Bangor serving as a prime example.

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There are compelling reasons why Beal University could be the ideal choice for your education. Their 8-week course modules allow for accelerated studies, enabling you to enter the workforce sooner. With six mini semesters providing year-round study opportunities, you can complete your degree faster than at a traditional college, ensuring you receive the education you deserve promptly.

Flexibility is a cornerstone of Beal's approach. Freed from the confines of traditional classrooms, you can tailor your educational experience to suit your pace, a unique advantage not often found in conventional colleges.

Moreover, geography is no longer a hindrance, as Beal University allows you to tap into the expertise of educators from across the country. Discussion forums and networking events transcend physical boundaries, fostering connections with both peers and seasoned professionals in your chosen field. The online space becomes a collaborative hub, where knowledge is shared, and valuable relationships are formed.

Beal's digital classroom is designed to enhance your technology skills. Online courses not only impart subject knowledge but also teach proficiency in video conferencing, virtual classroom participation, and engagement in online forums – essential skills highly valued in today's tech-driven workplace.

From a financial perspective, Beal's online programs alleviate additional expenses associated with traditional education, such as room and board, transportation, and miscellaneous costs. This allows you to redirect both time and money towards your academic pursuits.

If you want to learn more about Beal University's online programs, visit www.beal. edu. Simply fill out the form on the homepage to receive more information. The friendly Beal University Career Advisors are available to answer your career questions, guide you through their virtual tour, and provide valuable financial aid information. Obtain the answers you need to discover the perfect career path for you by calling 207-307-3900.

Gone are the days when traditional institutions held the exclusive keys to knowledge. The digital revolution has reshaped the educational landscape, putting the future of learning squarely in our hands – our digital ones.