BDN Good News 2020 by Bangor Daily News

Good Thursday, December 24, 2020

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BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Happy Tails and Pawsitive News from BHS BY ERINNE MAGEE

It’s not uncommon to search or share funny and adorable animal videos for an instant pick-me-up. Knowing how much joy these cats and pups bring, may be the reason why 2020 was still filled with heartwarming pet-adoption stories, despite the pandemic. “Covid has caused some animals to be with us for a little longer due to decreased foot traffic,” said Kathryn Ravenscraft, Director of Development at the Bangor Humane Society, who adds that demand has been high, but matches take more time not just because of extra safety precautions at BHS but a freeze on transports last spring meant fewer animals at the shelter.

Gizmo’s perfect match

“One of our greatest success stories this year was with a 4-year old lab mix named Gizmo,” said Ravenscraft. Gizmo was brought to BHS in March as a result of his owner moving. Gizmo didn’t adapt to kennel life very well and had a hard time warming up to new people. Enter Darlene. She’d recently lost two labs of her own and was finally ready to rebuild her pet family. When she saw Gizmo’s picture on the website she thought, ‘He’s so homely he’s cute! That’s the dog I think I really want.’ Darlene went to the shelter and asked to visit with Gizmo. The staff warned Darlene that he may take a little while to warm up to her, which did not phase her one bit. When Gizmo came into the visitation room Darlene kneeled down to greet him and he promptly began licking her face, Ravenscraft recalled. The meeting further proved Darlene’s instinct to be true. The pair were meant to be. Gizmo has since been to the groomer and his personality as a lovebug has completely emerged, greeting guests in their home with warmth and enthusiasm. His favorite things are snoozing on the couch, chasing tennis balls and eating Pupperoni snacks.

Shelter Wish List

Roxy finds her forever home

Unlike Gizmo, Roxy’s adoption story took more time to unfold into a happy ending. She first arrived at BHS in 2013 because her owner discovered the family had an allergy to cats. Roxy was then adopted right away but again changed owners at least once outside of BHS because she was returned to the shelter in February by someone other than her adopter on record, again citing allergies. Roxy stayed with BHS for until fall to undergo significant dental work and the removal of an oral mass. In September, a family brought her home again only to return with her soon after. In October, Roxy was lovingly adopted. “This is the kind of story that seems sad at first glance and certainly Roxy has had more than her fair share of inconsistency,” said Ravenscraft. “But the important thing to remember is that these are exactly the kinds of animals we are here for. We would much rather they be returned to us for safekeeping so that health issues can be addressed and the right match can be made.” Ravenscraft reminds pet-owners, if anyone is ever wondering if they’re doing the right thing by surrendering an animal for any reason, they should give themselves a break.

Behind the scenes

To assist in prioritizing animals and making the adoption process a smooth one, BHS also completed a renovation this year. Post-construction, Ravenscraft notes BHS added 20 behind-the-scenes cat kennels and improved the HVAC system, which helped reduce the rate of upper respiratory infections in cats, a highly contagious illness known to be a problem for shelters. One of the greatest celebrations during construction was the removal of the incinerator, which had not been used in many years. “The room that once housed the incinerator is now the room where all of our transport animals are welcomed to the building,” said Ravenscraft. “What once was a room of sadness is now a symbol of hope and new beginnings.”

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Interested in donating items to the Bangor Humane Society? Here’s what they are most in need of:

Animal Care Supplies • •

• • • • • • • • • • • • •

Canned dog & cat food Full-sized blankets/sheets for dog kennels (new or used) Baby blankets/pillowcases/scraps of fleece and fabric for cat kennels (new or used) Soft cat & dog beds Towels/washcloths (new or used) Small animal food (rabbit, guinea pig, rat/mouse, hamster/gerbil, ferret, birds) and Timothy hay Small animal litter pans Kitten Milk Replacement (KMR) Canned baby food (meat based) Pet nursing bottles Wood pellets (for litter) Traditional kitty litter for foster care Small animal bedding Sturdy cat travel carriers Disposable PPE (surgical caps, gowns and booties)

(Note: all BHS dogs and cats are fed Hill’s Science Diet dry food, however, any brand of dry food is greatly appreciated for our pet food pantry.)

Enrichment Supplies • • • • • • • • • • •

Soft dog treats Dog & cat toys Soft dog treats Cat treats Rawhides/dog bones Shoe boxes & plastic containers for cat hide-aways KONG & treat dispensing toys Paper lunch bags Wood sticks & chew toys for small animals Cinnamon spice Peanut butter & squeeze cheese

Shelter Supplies • • • • • • •

Clorox bleach Rubber gloves Clorox cleaning wipes Paper towels Windex 13 gal. + 55 gal. trash bags Paper towels

Office Supplies • • •

Dry-erase markers High-lighters Binder clips

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Community Support

Not only are such expansions reliant on the support of the community, but much of the day-to-day operations are made possible because of the generosity of others. In a typical year, fundraisers like the annual Paws on Parade would help BHS sustain costs, but because the typical inperson platform could not be utilized in 2020, there was a significant decrease in money raised. Still, there are donation stories serving as a reminder that the spirit of helping animals is stronger than ever. Most recently, a 6-year old boy named Ryker sent BHS a hand-decorated package complete with bright colors and marked: “PAWSOME BOX.” Inside was a variety of treats and toys for cats and dogs. Ryker began raising money last year to send these boxes to shelters and rescues all over New England and BHS was one of the lucky recipients. Over the summer, 8-year-old Audrey and 5-year-old Landen hosted a lemonade stand during their parent’s yard sale and used their profits to buy supplies for BHS. Ravenscraft said the staff is also inspired by the letters that accompany donations, usually filled with gratitude for the BHS team. These letters are hung up in the staff common areas so if ever anyone is having a ‘2020 moment,’ they can return here and read the good they are doing.

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

“We continue to be amazed by the responsiveness and generosity of people in this area,” said Ravenscraft. “As soon as we put up a post on social media looking for blankets or pet food, it arrives seemingly by the truckload. We are moved daily by the love and care from the folks in our region in regard to the animals we serve. But the gratitude goes both ways, which is both profound and motivational.”

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Anah Shriners Helping

A member of the Anah Shriners Go-Kart team of Bangor rides up over a truck during Danforth’s annual Summerfest parade in 2018 BDN FILE PHOTO

Maine Families BY KATIE BINGHAM-SMITH

You’ve probably heard of the Shriners, known for their parades, red fez and, most importantly, for helping children and families in need. Shriners International began in 1870 by a group of Masons who wanted to start a new fraternity for the group. “[The Anah Shriners division] all started with a Maine-born and NY-trained Civil War Surgeon named Dr. Walter Fleming and his friend and actor named Billy Florence. Anah Shriners was founded in 1922 in Bangor, Maine where it proudly remains today,” says Dave Gulya, a Shriner since 2015 and a Freemason since 2003. Shriners Hospitals for Children change lives every day through “innovative pediatric specialty care, world-class research and outstanding medical education,” says Gayla. Shriners have 22 facilities located throughout the United States, Canada and Mexico. Each one provides “advanced care for children without regard for their inability to pay. The care may be provided at no charge but is actually very expensive. It is because of the individual Shriners, their local Shrine Centers and Clubs and Units that SHC is able to manage the annual budget of over $900,000,000,” says Gayla. Shriners raise money in many ways: receiving donations for appearing in many local parades, holding dinner and entertainment events, raffles, and the well-known Shrine Circus. In Bangor, the Anah Shriners main objective is to support the work done by Shriners Hospitals for Children in Boston and Springfield, Massachusetts, as those are the closest hospitals to our area. “The Anah Shriners are affiliated with a group called The Sunshine Club that raises money to assist with transportation and housing issues for patients and [their families],” says Gulya. The work done by The Sunshine Club is done at the request of Shriners Hospitals,

Gulya explains. “The Hospitals learn firsthand the needs of the patient and the family and request assistance on behalf of the patients. Sunshine Club members arrange for bus transportation as well as the assistance of Patient AirLift Services (PALS) volunteer pilots.” In 2020, the Anah Shriners changed the lives of several local families by helping children who endured injuries from “house fires, accidents involving brush pile burning and even burns received due to a chemical incident,” Guyla says. There were also several children who received care for scoliosis, limb deformities, cleft lip and palate, as well as other orthopedic issues. While they always keep the information of those they help private, Guyla says, “just know many families were helped in 2020.” Guyla says his favorite part of belonging to this amazing group is knowing that all their efforts go to benefit a child in need. “It’s incredibly rewarding,” he says. Guyla also enjoys working with his fellow Shriners who donate their own time over and over again in order to help children they will probably never meet. “They always do it graciously and enthusiastically. The fact that I get to do some of this ‘work’ while driving a go-cart modeled after a NASCAR also helps quite a lot,” he says. Being a Shriner also means you help other Shriners who are brothers in the truest sense. “Members of our Shrine that have become ill or otherwise fall upon hard times frequently receive help from our own,” he says. Members of the Shrine have helped with home improvements and put together dinners and other events to help raise money to pay for medical bills. Being a part of the “world’s greatest philanthropy” and having so many people he can count on and who count on him makes it all worthwhile. “Shriners and Masons are definitely more than a fraternity, it is a family,” he says. For information about how you can support the Anah Shriners, visit anahshriners.org.

Being a Shriner also means you help other Shriners who are brothers in the truest sense. “Members of our Shrine that have become ill or otherwise fall upon hard times frequently receive help from our own,” he says. Members of the Shrine have helped with home improvements and put together dinners and other events to help raise money to pay for medical bills.

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Maine Savings doing Good Deeds in the community COURTESY OF MAINE SAVINGS

Maine Savings had the opportunity to visit the Lamoine Volunteer Fire Department and present a $25,000 check. The donated funds are part of a Federal grant program awarded to Maine Savings. Bridgette, our branch manager at our Ellsworth location, had the opportunity to share the good news with the Lamoine Volunteer Firefighters.

“I have to say, I have never met people so appreciative of a donation, it was genuine and sincere.” - BRIDGETTE SHORE They used the money to purchase Washer Extractor and Dryer equipment, which is used to launder their Firefighter PPE Gear. This cleaning process removes any cancer-causing carcinogens from their suits (PPE), which is a leading cause of cancer among firefighters.

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Finding the Silver Lining of COVID When the pandemic changed their career paths, these women found new purpose and passion

BY JODI HERSEY

The COVID-19 pandemic changed life and work as we know it in Maine and around the world. For some, the shutdown we experienced in order to flatten the curve, was just the catalyst they needed to take a long, hard look at where they were personally and professionally and make a change once and for all. For Ashleigh McAlinden of Hermon, that meant saying goodbye to the medical field and jumping into the financial world with both feet.

Taking a Chance

“I’m no spring chicken so changing my career field was scary,” McAlinden said. “I went to school to be a medical assistant and had been with Northern Light for five years, but found the medical field was not for me. I felt if I didn’t take this chance, then I could miss out on a big opportunity.”

McAlinden’s second chance at a new career landed her at CMG Financial in Bangor as a disclosure coordinator. “I applied for the job pre-Covid, but accepted the job in March.” Without knowing it, McAlinden’s new position aligned perfectly with her second grade son’s hybrid school set up, which had him attending in-person instruction just two days a week and learning from home on the other weekdays. “Due to Covid, I am at-home full time,” McAlinden explained. “If it weren’t for this change, I would have had to quit my job [that I was at] so it was really a blessing in disguise.” Now, McAlinden spends her days gathering documents together, disclosing all the financial information loan applicants would need in order to be approved. “The company is phenomenal. They care about their employees and I think knowing just how appreciated I am makes me want to show up for work every day. This is by far the best decision I have made for my family.”

Resetting Priorities

Before the pandemic, Jen Carlson of Bangor was already feeling the need to recalibrate her priorities since she was working more and seeing her family less. After three years as a youth development director, Carlson accepted a new challenge with Northern Light Acadia Hospital. “Working from home is something I never thought I’d be doing in a million years and would not have, [had it not] been for the pandemic,” Carlson explained. “I can take my daughter to school and pick her up in the afternoon and be more present and available to my family.” Carlson’s new job is coordinating a program that will allow pediatric providers in Maine, especially in rural communities, a way to connect with behavioral health providers at Northern Light Acadia Hospital for consultations, training and resources. It’s a position she’s adapted to quickly. “I wouldn’t say I felt stuck or unfulfilled in my previous position, but what I realized was that because of the nature of my position, I was always ‘on.’ That led to missing some very important things with my family and that wasn’t okay,” Carlson said. The pandemic forced many Mainers to reevaluate how and where they spend their time, but for McAlinden and Carlson it showed them a better way to balance work and family for a healthy and more fulfilling life. “My advice is to know what your priorities are and to make sure that you stay true to that,” Jen Carlson. Ashleigh McAlinden. Carlson said.

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Despite trying times, Beal College celebrates its students BY WILL ROSENBERGER

It goes without saying that 2020 has been hard on all of us. Although, for the holiday season, Beal College wants to celebrate its students’ achievements and share some good news.

nurses, medical assistants, and other first responders will be entering the workforce at the time we need them most. Beal College is proud that so many students will graduate with the skills and experience needed to support the community.

Celebrating Those Who Made it Possible

Beal College wants to especially thank its outstanding and dedicated students. Rather than give up during hard times, students were able to overcome the hardships of this year. They rose to the occasion, keeping their grades up while also working, taking care of their families, and supporting the community. Beal College would be nothing without their positive attitudes and willingness to learn. Because of their phenomenal work, it’s projected that almost 100 students will graduate from Beal College’s first responder programs this year. Graduating

gy, the nursing program was able to continue providing a comprehensive learning experience for its students. By utilizing new learning devices like the Virtual Reality Training Tool, the nursing program could overcome new COVID-related restrictions. This allowed students to enter a virtual hospital, giving them important experience for the real world. Even though things were a little different this year, students at Beal College were still able to get the full college experience, including a graduation ceremony at the Bangor Drive-in! Thanks to the local community, we were able to safely come together and celebrate their achievements.

About Beal College Beal College is ACCSC-ac-

The Evolution of Learning

This success was only made possible by evolving the nursing program at Beal College. Rather than shut down completely, the staff and faculty adapted to the difficulties that the pandemic presented. Through the use of technolo-

credited and offers diploma, associate, bachelor and master degrees in an environment that values small class sizes, individualized attention, and a hands-on experience. Founded in 1891, Beal College prepares students for careers in fields as diverse as nursing and medical assisting, law enforcement, substance abuse counseling, welding, business, and more. To find out more, visit BealCollege.edu.

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Delivering Maine Holiday Spirit Across the Country

A family-owned business creating fresh balsam wreaths and greenery BY JOSH DEAKIN

It’s the most wonderful time of the year. The holidays are here and decorations are out in abundance. Houses are strapped with lights and various blowup characters accent lawns. Freshly cut Christmas trees decorate many picture windows across the state, hung with handmade and finely crafted ornaments to provide an elegance as well as a heartwarming quality to the living room. Wreaths, garlands and centerpieces are timeless symbols of the holiday season, and Whitney Wreath has been hard at work creating festive greenery to deliver across the nation. “It all began when I was wrestling with my cousin Bobby during Thanksgiving at my grandparents’ house in 1974 when I was 8 years old,” said David Whitney, owner of Whitney Wreath. The story he’s told so many times is now available on the Whitney Wreath website for the world to read. “‘Why do you smell like trees?’ I asked Bobby. He then proceeded to explain that he had been making money collecting tips from trees and selling them to Flo, the owner of Flo’s Wreaths in Marshfield, Maine,” Whitney elaborated. The story is a cute anecdote for the beginnings of Whitney Wreath. Flo would show David the craft of wreath making and this would carry over to his future business. “I knew right then and there that this is what I wanted to do,” Whitney said. “As I reflect back, Flo patiently took the time to explain her craft to me. Neither of us knew at the time, but these were the first steps towards building a business now known as Whitney Wreath. I started as an 8-year-old boy simply wanting to earn money for candy. But now it’s a source of livelihood and joy for more people than I could have ever imagined.” Whitney Wreath maintains a steady production schedule throughout the year and provides goods across the continental United States through shipping. “Whitney Wreath has a division doing business as Downeast Packaging Solutions,” explained Whitney. “We serve customers by assembling, forecasting, picking, packing, and shipping products. We have capabilities of handing orders directly from customers of our customers. Two of our clients include The Rope Company and Wyman’s Blueberries.” In addition to wreaths, the company makes other items as well. “We currently build lobster rope doormats for The Rope Company. We ship lobster rope doormats all over for The Rope Company,” said Whitney. “Our facilities together with our management team and labor force makes us an attractive partner for other enterprises who need facility and management without having to invest in both.” The company’s shipping capabilities mean that Whitney Wreaths can be found all around the country during the holiday season. While the wreaths are made from Maine trees, most of their products are shipped to other states across the nation. It’s entirely possible you may go on vacation to New York or Florida and see a Whitney Wreath on your journey. “We ship balsam fir Christmas wreaths and centerpieces to the contiguous 48 states. At least 98% of our products are shipped outside of Maine,” said Whitney. Whitney Wreath currently has four locations: Whitneyville, Crawford, Presque Isle and Nova Scotia. The headquarters in Whitneyville spans 75,000 square feet and is complete with 26 loading docks and doors. For more information about Whitney Wreath, visit their website at whitneywreath.com.

Good News

from AARP Maine

COURTESY OF AARP MAINE

As 2020 comes to an end, AARP Maine is delighted to share with Bangor Daily News readers some of the initiatives that have made this year so noteworthy. We want to begin by thanking our advocates and volunteers for their dedication and tireless efforts. Working together, we succeeded in highlighting many important issues. When our office halted in-person events in March, staff and volunteers came together to continue our focus on the issues that matter to older Mainers. We hosted tele-town halls with Election 2020 candidates, a conversation with Dr. Nirav Shah, scam webinars, and more in order to connect Mainers to answers during a confusing and challenging year. This summer, we worked to expand high-speed internet in Maine via the July 14th Maine State Primary. As a member of the Maine Broadband Coalition, AARP Maine collaborated with many organizations, and the measure passed by 75 percent. Our campaign was bolstered by the collaborative efforts of volunteers from across the state who shared stories about what high-speed internet access means to them. If you were one of the Mainers who voiced your support of broadband expansion in Maine, thank you! After the primary, we shifted our focus to November and our “Protect Voters 50+” campaign to support older Maine voters. We helped voters learn about candidates’ plans to protect Social Security & Medicare, lower prescription drug costs, strengthen the economy, and support safe and affordable long-term care. In addition, we worked hard to ensure that Mainers had the necessary resources to vote safely whether in person or by absentee ballot. We applaud the dedication of Maine’s town clerks, the Secretary of State’s office and others who worked tirelessly to ensure a safe voting experience for all. In other exciting news, you may have heard that eight Maine organizations received AARP 2020 Community Challenge grants. Grantees in Portland, Liberty, Eliot, Fryeburg, Limestone, Dexter, Millinocket, and Hallowell will implement “quick-action” projects to create more livable communities for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. If there is one thing that the pandemic has made clear, it is that personal connections are both immensely valuable and sorely missed. Even in the best of times, social isolation is a problem. In Maine, over 135,000 people 50-plus live alone and are at a higher risk of experiencing social isolation. We have compiled helpful resources for those who may experience loneliness this winter. You can download a free copy of our resource guide at www.aarp.org/me which will be useful for caregivers, too. AARP Maine will continue to advocate for older Mainers and their families, and we look forward to coming together again in 2021, whether virtually or in person. As always, we love hearing from you and we welcome your feedback and ideas, so please keep in touch! You can follow us on Facebook (@aarpmaine) and Instagram (@aarpme), and please visit us at www.aarp.org/me for the latest news and to learn how you can join our efforts in 2021. In the meantime, we wish you and your family a wonderful holiday season! Lori Parham AARP Maine State Director

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Photos that made us smile in 2020 Sophie Marquis (right) and Emma Clark of Glenburn pose for a cell phone photo as they leap off a boulder while beating the heat at a swimming hole in Dedham. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

A pileated woodpecker pops his head up while drumming on a fallen birch tree on April 15, in the woods in Dedham. AISLINN SARNACKI | BDN

Kelly Cookson of Holden made a fun sign to put in her yard with hopes of bringing some smiles to people driving by on Route 1A. Cookson said she doesn’t want to take credit for the slogan because she saw it on Facebook, but she liked it and decided to make it a sign. LINDA COAN O’KRESIK | BDN

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

University of Southern Maine President Glenn Cummings gives a diploma and two thumbs up to North Haven Island native Serena Wade as she graduates from the accelerated nursing program in a drive-though ceremony in Gorham. Graduates also received their traditional nursing pins. TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

Holding a hunk of ground beef, Damian Hoeflinger entices a flock of gulls on Portland’s Baxter Boulevard. Hoeflinger said he feeds them on a regular basis TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

BDN Good News • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2020

Reflections of the Heart BY ALECIA PINEO

Comfort and Joy; these are the two words that keep repeating in my mind and heart as we enter the Holiday season, 2020. As I reflect on this past year, it seems to me those two things have been threatened the most from COVID-19, our Comfort and our Joy. These two things are also arguably what we have needed the most to get us through this most challenging year. From the very beginning of my journey, as the owner of Visiting Angels, I have seen us as messengers. We can be messengers of many things. Sometimes, even things we don’t want to be messengers of, if we aren’t careful. In times of stress this is especially true. However, when we see ourselves as the messengers we are, we can choose. Every day I hear or see evidence that that is exactly what our frontline “Angels” are doing. We have learned to purposely smile with our eyes with our masked faces and try with all our might to send a sense of comfort with every fiber of our being when we are 6 feet apart. Comfort comes in the form of a meal with extra care, Christmas decorations unboxed or maybe just a simple warm blanket. Joy is in the companionship, the search for the little things to laugh about the knowledge that we are in this together. I would like to take a minute to honor each one of my “Angels” in and out of the office and each client we share. To my Angels, thank you. Thank you for your passion and your perseverance. Thank you for your willingness to change and adapt. Thank you for being messengers. United we are strong. To our clients and their families,

thank you for your trust. Thank you for flexibility and thank you for being a part of this team. We all need each other right now. We all need each for comfort and we all need each other for joy. Here’s to the New Year. We approach it with hope in our hearts but resolve in our step. A hope for a better year but resolve to continue giving our absolute best each and every day. If you need an Angel, we are here, ready and waiting. May we all find the comfort and joy we are so craving this holiday season and beyond. God bless each and every one.