Eastern Area Agency on Aging Annual Report by Bangor Daily News

2 | Friday | February 18, 2011 | Bangor Daily News

By Noëlle Merrill PHOTO BY COLLEEN JORDAN

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is here for you. We are fast becoming a household name. Why? Because we are serving seniors, caregivers of all ages and we are helping adults living with a disability connect to the services they need to live well and age well. We are visiting your towns and holding Friends and Neighbors meetings, we are partnering with other service providers to share information and best practices, we are helping communities develop community centers and we can be reached by internet, telephone, email or letter. And EAAA wants to be your friend, literally. Please join us on Facebook and hear first hand what’s going on and how you might benefit from our activities. So far we have 465 friends; it would be great to see that number double. We are in our 37th year of service to the region and have bragging rights to many innovations, new programs, reinvented programs and awards. It has been a great year to say the least. One of our most popular and desperately needed programs, the Furry Friends Food Bank, logged service to 628 pet owners by providing 62,275pounds of donated food and pet supplies. That is a 320% increase from the prior year in the number of people served and a 65% increase in the amount of food, supplies and kitty litter we have distributed. Last year, Phil Pepin hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine in order to raise money for the program. We were able to track his progress on Facebook and there were many new donors and volunteers for the program. We are grateful for his incredible idea and effort that are making this such a successful program. We are also grateful for all the businesses, families and individuals

Executive Director’s Report: 2010 Eastern Area Agency on Aging continues to be a resource to the community that have and continue to donate to this program so older people can keep their dear pets.

The Furry Friends Food Bank logged service to 628 pet owners by providing 62,275 pounds of donated food and pet supplies — a 320 percent increase from the prior year in the number of people served and a 65 percent increase in the amount we have distributed. Eastern Area Agency on Aging prides itself on making it easy for programs to reach consumers. For example, a few years ago we were approached by an anonymous local professional who wanted to help seniors pay their fuel bills by adopting a family. He inspired his colleagues and friends to do the same and EAAA acted as the go between, facilitating the identification of the family or person in need and orchestrating the billing. One hundred percent of his and his colleague’s money went to help those less fortunate who are living in a cold house with no other options for fuel assistance. And believe me, there is a need out there. We see residents who stay in their beds all winter because it’s the only warm place in their houses. We see residents who sit by the kitchen stove to stay warm because they are keeping their thermostat at 55 or 60 degrees. Another of his colleagues began purchasing Amish heaters for us to distribute. Since he began this project, we have distributed 70 heaters all over our region. Many of our clients who received the heaters wanted to do something for our anonymous donor, but he preferred that they do something for someone else instead. So this year, he has provided the movie, “Pay it Forward” to recipients of the heaters. These unnamed benefactors are members of our community and their spontaneous generosity is something to make us all proud of where we live. By now you all know that Maine is the oldest state, based on median age. And you probably know that the number of people living in Maine over the age of 65 is about to double. And I can assure you that no government agency is going to give us money to take care of all of them. Consequently, Eastern Area Agency on Aging is working hard to educate aging Mainers that they need to start planning for their own future. And it’s true; you need to own your future or risk quality of health and life. If you are a baby boomer, your time to begin planning is now and we can help you do it. Give us a call.

Our nutrition program is one of the best in the nation, in my opinion. This year we opened our 52nd community café so there is surely one near you. So far I have been to 32 of our locations and hope to make it to all 52 by year’s end, so I can personally recommend these to you. The cafés serve a full meal including a beverage and dessert for a $3.00 donation if you are 60 years of age or older for a fee of $5.00 if you are under 60. There were 2,241 diners who enjoyed meals at our cafés last year.

We opened our 52nd community café [in 2010]. The cafés serve a full meal including a beverage and dessert for a $3 donation if you are over 60 years of age or for a fee of $5 if you are under 60. In 2010, 2,241 diners enjoyed meals at our cafés. We are now working with the United States Department of Agriculture to distribute 30 pound containers of food to low income elderly residents. This is done once a month and has really helped those very low income seniors who do not have much purchase power. We served 571 people last year and hope to take more off the waiting list when we receive the next allocation. Maine was listed as second in the nation for food insecurity. As an agency on aging we are committed to partner with any entity that can help alleviate this problem in our region. Many of you are caregivers, either caring for a spouse, parent or grandchild. We can help you by offering respite if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s disease or dementia, support group activities, fee for service care navigation, and options counseling. Ask yourself, if you wear yourself out caring for someone, then what will happen next? There are many good strategies that can help caregivers pace themselves for the long haul. Make an appointment today with one of our caregiver staff. With the advent of Health Reform, our Community Services staff and volunteers is busier than ever. We saw a 26% increase in the number of clients served either through home visits, benefits counseling, information and referral, healthy aging classes and benefit education. If you are a baby boomer and haven’t looked at your social security statements lately, you may want to visit one of our staff. We can make sure you know when to apply for Medicare (no, it doesn’t start automatically) and how to understand all the options available for health care and

prescription coverage. Matter of Balance, Growing Stronger and Living Well courses are available to help our region’s residents learn more about falls prevention, maintaining strength as you age and how to improve your quality of life if you are living with a chronic disease. These programs have proven success records and are available for your participation.

In the Commodities program, we served 571 people last year and hope to take more off the waiting list when we receive the next allocation.

If you see an ad for one of Friends and Neighbors meetings, please come. So far we have sixteen scheduled for 2011, with at least four in each county. We are working on issues important to you and want and need your input. Providers are welcome too. Please come and share information about services. You can find the schedule and minutes on our website, eaaa.org, or call our receptionist and she will send you the information. The meetings are mostly at our community cafés and are followed by a great meal. I offer my sincerest thanks to our Board of Directors and our Regional Advisory Councils for their dedication and avid participation. And a very special thanks to all our staff and volunteers, without whom we could not accomplish all the good work that we do in a year.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging It is the mission of the Eastern Area Agency on Aging to be the best source of information, options and services for seniors, adults with disabilities and caregivers. We listen carefully, respect individual choice and value independence. Address: 450 Essex Street, Bangor, ME 04401 Telphone: (207) 941-2865 TTY: (207) 992-0150 Toll-free: 800-432-7812 Online: www.eaaa.org and on Facebook E-mail: info@eaaa.org

Bangor Daily News | Friday | February 18, 2011 | 3

Caregivers benefit from EAAA’s experience and support programs By Debra Bell SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s staff wants you to know that caregivers matter. And they want to provide guidance, support, and help for those people who put their aging or disabled loved one first. In fact, in 2010 the Family Caregiver Program saw an expansion of both its services and client base. And that’s why the program is so important, Deputy Director and Director of Family Caregiver Services Deborah Poulton said. “We’re seeing more and more people comprehend that they’re family caregivers,” Poulton said. “And they’re asking for the sup-

Are you a caregiver? Do you... • Provide rides for errands or appointments? • Help with groceries or pick up prescriptions? • Help with money issues? • Help with household chores or personal care? If you are assisting someone 60 or older — whether it is for a family member or friend — you are a caregiver and EAAA’s Family Caregiver Program is for you. EAAA can also help grandparents age 55 and older who are raising grandchildren. port to begin planning ahead.” According to Poulton, the Family Caregiver program offers information, support, guidance, and referrals to caregivers — people who provide unpaid assistance to a senior or older adult. And the people who

staff this important department — caregiver resource specialists — are all licensed social workers with experience in this type of service. Specialists are available in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties. In addi-

tion, caregiver resource specialists facilitate support groups on an ongoing basis in each of these areas. “Maine has one of the oldest populations in the country,” Poulton said. “State funds are few and far between, so we have to learn to do more with less while also helping families keep their loved ones at home.” Some state funding coupled with partnerships with local and regional healthcare professionals help those who are helping seniors. “Healthcare reform has the potential over the long term to help more people with long term care benefits stay at home,” Poulton said. “But that’s four to five years away. In the meantime our family caregiver staff also work diligently to provide a break for

caregivers using state dollars in the Partners in Caring program, which provides respite for caregivers of persons with dementia.” According to Poulton, support groups, respite programs, and other programs aimed at supporting family caregivers are essential for the caregiver and for the person they care for. “We want people to pay attention to the fact that they are a caregiver and that it’s okay to ask for help sooner rather than later when they become overly stressed,” she said. EAAA Caregiver Resource Specialists can be reached Monday through Friday between 8 a.m.4:30 pm. For more information, visit www.eaaa.org or call (800) 432-7812.

Helping the caregiver is a priority of EAAA’s 3-year Weinberg grant By Debra Bell SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

In the fall of 2009, Eastern Area Agency on Aging — along with their partners — were awarded a three-year, $650,000 grant by the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Foundation. The grant supports the Rural Community Based Caregiver Network and Support System. According to Deputy Director/Director of Family Caregiver Services, Deborah Poulton, this program enables EAAA and its partnering agencies to offer “inhome assessment and volunteer support services, caregiver counseling at the point of hospital discharge, and training for caregivers living in this very rural area of Northern New England.” In particular, EAAA focused the grant funds on Hancock and Washington counties. “Our intent was to expand our outreach and service to caregivers,” Poulton said.“In particular… giving caregivers a needed respite and break from their duties and to provide needed training.” The grant has allowed EAAA to bring on board its newest member: Josephine Cirrinone. She serves as the Family Caregiver Navigator responsible for Hancock county. A similar navigator role is being developed for Washington in partnership with the Regional Medical Center of Lubec. “[I] help caregivers navigate the

Our intent [for the funds from the Weinberg Grant] was to expand our outreach and service to caregivers... In particular giving caregivers a needed respite and break from their duties and provide needed training. DEBORAH POULTON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF FAMILY CAREGIVER SERVICES

confusing health care system and to coach them to take care of themselves,” Cirrinone said. “The Family Caregiver Navigator helps caregivers to develop personal self care strategies to reduce their stress and health care risks. In addition my role acts as liaison to the professional community, family members, and other informal supports. The Family Caregiver Navigator advocates for both the caregiver and [their] loved one.” In fact Cirrinone’s background is a perfect match for the responsibilities of the grant. According to Poulton, Cirrinone has a strong case management and social services background as well as experience in marketing. Prior to coming to

work with EAAA, she handled marketing in New Jersey for a long term nursing home as well as working with Elder Independence of Maine. “It has been very helpful to have the long term care experience both in home care and health care settings,” Cirrinone said. “I have an appreciation for both levels of care and understand the caregiver’s challenges.” The grant, Poulton said, targets a rural demographic, and Hancock and Washington Counties were a perfect fit. “These counties have specific challenges,” Poulton said. “We see caregivers in that area that have very specific needs, especially because they’re in a rural setting.” The Weinberg grant has enabled EAAA to develop partnerships with

health organizations, civic groups, a broad range of providers and the community in these areas — all to benefit seniors and their caregivers. “We’ve helped to expand the network [in these counties] through marketing and visibility,”

Poulton said. “In addition, we’re helping caregivers self identify earlier. They’re thinking that ‘that’s me’ earlier on which makes a difference. By promoting community resources, strengthening partnerships, providing education, we’re helping family caregivers come to us sooner and hopefully learning new skills to stay well themselves.” Adult day programs, such Friendship Cottage in Blue Hill, make a huge difference to caregivers because See WEINBERG, Page 4

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EAAA’s Nutrition Program sees major growth in 2010 Help end hunger by taking the Feinstein Challenge

By Debra Bell

For the tenth straight year, Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels is taking the Feinstein Challenge. Alan Shawn Feinstein, a millionaire from Cranston, RI, donates a million dollars every year to nutrition programs across the country. His goal is to end hunger and he challenges others to donate their money to the cause. The dollar amount that agencies receive from the Feinstein Foundation

SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

There’s nothing like a hot cooked meal, served in a compassionate environment. And in 2010, Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Nutrition program saw a stark increase in the meals it served to area seniors, people with disabilities and their guests. “We served a lot more clients than in past years,” said EAAA’s Nutrition director Rob Crone. “The community café concept has really taken off — it’s fun, the food is good and it’s a good place to go and meet up with friends.” EAAA opened up four new sites just to keep up with the demand, bringing the number of community café locations to 52. According to Crone, the new Patten café is a perfect example of how the café feeds both mind and stomach. “We had a very limited presence in Patten,” Crone said. “By opening the café, we now provide meals, and they provide a space for the community

Weinberg Continued from Page 3

they provide a safe place for their loved one to go during the day. This helps the caregiver with respite and the loved one by providing stimulation and socialization with peers. Grant efforts anticipate seeing similar programs in Washington county

service department to help residents.” He attributes part of the success of the café’s to the “lunch bunch presentations.” The presentations cover a variety of topics that are of interest — and pertinent — to the senior demographic. With the increased demand, EAAA reached out to Eastern Maine Medical Center. EAAA’s nutrition program operates four kitchens and outsources the rest of the café meals to Jeannie Marshall Foods and now to Eastern Maine Medical Center. “EMMC has done a phenome-

nal job [in helping cook the meals],” Crone said. “Jeannie Marshall foods provides the meals for 15 of our cafes and also provides frozen meals for other counties. EMMC stepped up and is cooking for nine of our locations.” EAAA also continues to have a strong Meals on Wheels home delivery program. “All Meals on Wheels recipients also have two frozen meals provided for emergencies or snow days,” Crone said. In 2010, EAAA helped more peo-

in the next phase of the grant. This year, 2011, will mark year two of the grant, and Cirrinone has high goals for the program. “I would like to help caregivers that are struggling to manage their day to day responsibilities and provide care for their loved one,” she said. Cirrinone said that can be accomplished through provid-

ing a Family Caregiver Navigator to employers to help their employees who are caregivers and through expanding Caregiver workshops to more residents.

EAAA’s Grant Partners University on Maine Center on Aging; University of Maine School of Social Work; Regional

depends on how much money they were able to raise in their communities. The challenge runs from March 1 to April 30 and only money raised by that date is counted in the report to Feinstein. To take the Feinstein Challenge, make out a check to EAAA with “Feinstein Challenge” in the memo line and mail to EAAA at 450 Essex Street, Bangor, ME 04401, deliver to EAAA, or bring to your local Community Café.

ple than in past years with both the café offerings and home delivery. And, EAAA looks forward to continuing to feed both people’s minds and bodies. For information about a Community Café near you, or to preview the menu, call EAAA at (207) 941-2865 or visit www.eaaa.org/services.php and click on the Community Café link under the nutrition program.

Commodities program In

March

2010,

EAAA

Medical Center at Lubec; Rosscare-Eastern Maine Healthcare Affiliate; Washington Hancock Community Agency/Friendship Cottage in Blue Hill; Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities Coalition; Healthy Peninsula; Hospice of Hancock County; UMaine Cooperative Extension Senior Companion Program.

expanded its food services to seniors and people with disabilities with the “commodities program”. This program, presented through the USDA, is a “new and refreshing way to help seniors,” Crone said. “We’re the first in the state to implement the [commodities program],” he said. “In Maine, the entire program is run through the Area Agencies on Aging.” The program provides 30 pounds of food staple items — such as pasta, powdered milk, cereal, pasta, rice, juices, and “requisite yellow cheese” — to qualifying recipients. According to Crone, the program is aimed at providing food stability for lowincome seniors. To be eligible, the senior must have a monthly income of $1,100 or less. Within the first month of offering this program, EAAA was at capacity for recipients. “The program also comes with a nutrition education piece that’s written out and included with the packages,” Crone said.“We also have on-site training as well as a presence at the distribution location.” Over 581 people in our area access the commodities program. Because of this program EAAA has been able to “continue to make a dent in food-insecurity by providing good nutritional products to low-income seniors.” In addition, the commodities program has brought in about 260 new clients to the agency. When a client takes part in any program, they benefit from EAAA’s experience. In addition, the Commodities program has opened up new partnerships with agencies like the Maine Sea Coast Mission and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital.

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Furry Friends Food Bank sees increase in recipients and in donations

By Debra Bell

SPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

sale of each note pack. Pet Notes are available at Green Acres Kennel Shop, Chapel Hill Floral and through Bell Imaging & Design.

“Me-WOW!”

Local people making a difference

That’s what many pets are saying when they learn that the Furry Friends Food Bank program is stronger than ever. In fact, according to Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Nutrition director Rob Crone, interest in helping pets owned by seniors and people with disabilities "has gone crazy." In 2009, the Furry Friends Food Bank distributed 37,000 pounds of food to 133 clients. One year later, the program distributed 62,000 pounds of pet food to 628 clients. That’s a lot of pet food - but for Furry Friends Food Bank’s clients, it’s one less thing to be worried about. “People will call to help feed their pet before they’ll call for themselves,” Crone said. “This program has been a great program that has brought in lots of new clients for us to help.” The public has been very generous to the cause, donating cat and dog food as well as cat litter to Furry Friends Food Bank. Green Acres Kennel Shop, located at 1653 Union Street in Bangor, is a dropoff site for pet foods. Wal-Mart and a variety of other stores provide pet food that can not be sold due to a bag being ripped or cans being dented.

Donations from members of the public make it possible for EAAA to help feed needy pets. This year EAAA notes that there are several stand out donors. Teenager Ann Pollard-Ranco used Maine ingenuity to purchase pet food for Furry Friends Food Bank. In October, she took advantage of a sale from Hannaford that provided $1 back for every four store-brand products purchased. Her ingenuity enabled her to purchase 1,800 cans of pet food. “When you bought four Hannaford products, you’d get a dollar back, up to $10 back per purchase,” Pollard-Ranco said.“Basically,I was able to get a $10 coupon for every 40 cans of cat/dog food I purchased. I realized that this could be a great way to buy lots of canned cat and dog food for pet food pantries.” Avid hiker and Bradford resident Phil Pepin, 54, tackled a big challenge: hiking the Appalachian Trail. Starting his trek on April 13, 2010, in Georgia, his goal was to raise money for the Furry Friends Food Bank and EAAA. It was very successful. By the time Phil reached Mt. Katahdin, the first week of August, his hike had raised $13,400. The Furry Friends Food Bank currently needs pet food, especially cat food, as well as money to purchase additional food, litter, and to reimburse delivery drivers. According to Crone, dry pet food or money are the best choices when donating. For more information, visit www.eaaa.org or contact Rob Crone at (800) 432-7812.

Local businesses making a difference

In 2010, Green Acres Kennel Shop ran a “Goobernatorial” race between RePuplican Rex Barker, DemoCat Sparky Moonbeam and Independent Fiona Katt. From September through November 2 ballots were available for $1 at Green Acres Kennel Shop. Green Acres owner Don Hanson reported that 923 votes were cast and Rex Barker won the election with 416 votes. Fiona Katt (the independent) received 371 votes and DemoCat Sparky Moonbeam received 336 votes. Green Acres made an additional donation for a total donation of $2,000. In November, Bell Imaging & Design held its annual Holiday Pet Portrait event at Green Acres Kennel Shop. A portion of each pet portrait session was donated to the food bank, totaling $233. In addition, Bell Imaging & Design has launched a new product: Pet Notes. Each pack of five note cards features local pets including some kittens and a bunny from the Bangor Humane Society. A donation is made to the food bank from the

PHOTOS BY DEBRA BELL AND DON HANSON

(Top left) Don Hanson and spokespets Sparky Moonbeam, Fiona Katt, and Rex Barker present a check for $2,000 to Rob Crone from the Furry Friends Food Bank. (Middle left) Debra Bell awards a check for $250 to Rob Crone from the Furry Friends Food Bank based on sales from the November Holiday Pet Portrait event and pre-sales of Pet Notes cards. PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAAA

(Bottom left): Ann Pollard-Ranco used a sale at Hannaford to purchase bulk amounts of pet food for the Furry Friends Food Bank. (Bottom right): Avid hiker Phil Pepin hiked the Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Maine to raise $13,400 for Furry Friends Food Bank. His dogs (pictured) stayed home to cheer him on.

6 | Friday | February 18, 2011 | Bangor Daily News

Wanted: Seniors who exemplify aging boldly

Bangor Daily News | Friday | February 18, 2011 | 7

2010 George Hale Silver Frame Award Winners Life-Long Learner or Entrepreneur

Artistic or Creative

Fitness Enthusiast or Adventurer

Community Supporter

Annual George Hale Silver Frame Award nominations being accepted By Carol Higgins-Taylor EASTERN AREA AGENCY ON AGING

It’s that time again. Time to start taking notice of the inspiring seniors in your life. Then put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and let us know about them. Through the years, we have met some incredible seniors with amazing attitudes. In May, in honor of Older Americans Month, Eastern Area Agency on Aging is holding the fifth annual George Hale Silver Frame Awards: the Picture of Active Aging in Eastern Maine. While we are honoring them with this award, we feel honored just to know them and hear their stories. George Hale, beloved broadcasting icon, is currently co-host of the George Hale Ric Tyler Show on the WVOM, 103.9, a Blueberry Broadcasting station, as well as doing a sports commentary on WABI TV5 on Fridays. “We are very excited about these awards because there are so many seniors doing great things in Eastern Maine who deserved to be recognized,” said Noelle Merrill, executive director of Eastern Area Agency on Aging. “And George, is so inspirational that he’s the perfect person for whom to name the award. He epitomizes active aging.” EAAA is in search of nominees in two age groups: 60 to 75, and 76 and older, who have shown themselves to be exceptional role models in any one of the following categories: • Artistic/Creative; • Fitness or Outdoor Enthusiast/Adventurer; • Life-Long Learner/Entrepreneurial; and • Community Supporter. “The Active/Creative category includes painters, quilters, gardeners and others who are living vital lives and sharing their talents with the world and we want to know about them,” said Merrill. The second category is Fitness or Outdoor Enthusiast/Adventurer. These seniors live life to the fullest extent possible. “Clearly our many senior athletes demonstrate that as people age they don’t have to give up their physically active nature,” said Merrill. The Life-Long Learner/Entrepreneurial category is for a senior with an attitude of being open to new ideas, and decisions, or an eagerness to learn new skills. “It’s said that brain fitness can be developed by formal education, being actively mentally engaged in life, continuing to learn, and exercises designed to challenge cognitive skills,” said Merrill. “Given that Maine is the oldest state in the nation, it shouldn’t be hard to find those entrepreneurs or life-long learners in our midst.” And the Community Supporter category celebrates and recognizes seniors who devote their time to helping others and their communities at large. To enter someone, please complete a nomination form, which is available to the right, by calling EAAA, or by printing off from our website www.eaaa.org. Send the form with a letter describing why the person is a good candidate for a George Hale Silver Frame Award to Noelle Merrill, Eastern Area Agency on Aging, 450 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401. You may enclose a photo but it is not necessary. “Please check with the nominee first because some people don’t want to receive public recognition,” said Merrill. “But, we think that those who remain active and involved in the community are examples of greatness for the rest of us.We would also like to publish these essays to our website.” The winners in each category will be awarded a silver frame and commemorative key chain and will be honored with a celebratory luncheon in their communities.Winners will also have their pictures taken with George Hale. The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2011. Eastern Agency on Aging staff, board of directors and advisory council members are not eligible for the award, although each one is deserving.

Age 60-75

Age 76+

Age 60-75

Age 76+

Age 60-75

Age 76+

Age 60-75

Age 76+

Jackie McAdam from Millinocket;

Richard Eustis from Old Town;

Janet Anderson from Sargentville;

Anne Cronin from Belfast;

Jon Young from Gouldsboro;

Theresa Laliberte from Bangor;

Audrey Peasley from Brooksville;

Helen Vose of Machias;

Nominated by Brenda Sytsma

Nominated by Gary Lowe

Nominated by Linda Long

Nominated by Deanna Carson.

Nominated by Raymond Antunes.

Nominated by Dawn Cyr/Juanita Taylor

Nominated by Katherine Clifford

Nominated by Ruth Leubecker

Jackie McAdam was, and is, an excellent baker who became wellknown and greatly admired in the Katahdin area for this skill. She began baking bread to sell to help pay for her terminally ill husband’s care and now runs Operation Bread Basket. Jackie, and many of her voluteers, make up to 48 loaves of bread and it is delivered by area volunteers on the fourth Tuesday of every month to homes of terminally ill cancer patients. Their goal is to relieve a bit of the emotional burden carried by the patient and family. Jackie once said, “The goal of the group was to have everything a patient could need upon return from the hospital, so they do not have to worry.”

Richard has been a Director of the Penobscot Valley Senior College and is now the President. His leadership has grown the program and increased its popularity in the area. Since age 60, Richard has served as President, Vice President, Secretary and Treasurer of the Construction Specifications Institute. He chaired the National Committee for Engineers Week in 1997-1998. He served as a special advisor to Bangor Superintendent of Schools for the Bangor High School addition in 2001, and is a webmaster for the Maine Chapter, Construction Specifications Institute and the Northeast Region since 1998. He is also the editor of several industryspecific newsletters.

Janet is a retired home economics teacher, who spends a little time each day sewing quilts, aprons, decorative items and other craft goodies for the Thursday Club sale. Jan is a member of the Sedgwick Brooklin Historical Society and has facilitated the One-Room Schoolhouse programs for local students. When her book group read “Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by Harriet Beecher Stowe, Janet found a collection of cotton fabrics called the H.B. Stowe. Each member received a handmade sewing bag. She partners with “fast knitters” and suggested that if they would do the necessary knitting of pieces of a sweater (back, two sleeves and front binding), she would quilt a front. To date nine sweaters have been made.

Anne is an active watercolor painter and a member of several cooperative galleries. She has her art shown in Rockland, Belfast, Kingfield and Bangor and most recently,in “Reflections of Reflections” at the Gallery-By-Design and at Bangor’s “Brush with History” 175th anniversary celebration. Anne has cultivated beautiful perennial gardens and is involved in the garden tours of the Belfast Garden Club. At the age of 78, she had a summer showing of her gardens and watercolors covered by the newspaper Village Soup and attended by many. She suffered a stroke in October and lost the ability to talk and create art. Anne worked endless hours to regain these functions – and created art again. Anne is also a singer and actress performing is local productions.

Jon is an avid skier. Despite a complete knee replacement, Jon worked diligently to get back on the slopes two months later. Jon also enjoys sailing, hiking and biking. He spends time in the state of Utah, mentoring to British students, and teaching them to ski. Jon is now learning to play the guitar. Among other committees, Jon is Chairman of the Gouldsboro Harbor Committee, and Vice-Commodore of the Petit Manan Yacht Club. Raymond tells a meaningful story, “While I was in cardiac intensive care at EMMC preparing for surgery, a few days before Christmas, Jon showed up in my room dressed as “Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer.” George Hale’s relentless stamina, and involvement in community reminds me of my friend Jon Young.

Theresa is an 80 year old lady who currently plays drums in the Brewer Home Town Band, is a member of the Dixie Land Band, sings and dances at the various nursing and retirement facilities, and encourages the residents to participate too. She believes with all of her being that people must stay active no matter what their age. Theresa, a resident at Sunbury Village, has made it her duty to get the residents up and moving. She teaches line dancing to the seniors at Dirigo Pines and has formed and directs two choruses with the Dirigo Pines and Sunbury Village residents. Theresa and accompanist, Jerry Hughes, has many “gigs” around the state. Her calendar is full seven days a week. She believes no one is ever too old to start something new.

Audrey has spent her entire adult life doing things for her community. She has organized many celebrations and parades in Brooksville and Hancock County as well as volunteering in the school helping the children with myriad activities. Audrey was instrumental in starting the EAAA Community Café in town. Residents love the camaraderie of the café and have a good time. Audrey was the one who organized a group known as “the Keepers” who worked to save our old Baptist church. She is also a member of the Jolly Helpers of the Congregational Church and is available to help when her community needs it. Not only does she do so much for Brooksville but she is also one of the leaders at the Penobscot Historical Society.

Helen has been a community volunteer in the Machias area since 1965. She has been involved with the Machias Food Pantry, Hospice, Machias High School, Toys for Tots, Coats for Kids, gift packages for newborns and soldiers and Christmas baskets for college students and shutins are just some of her projects. For 25 years she was co-chair of the Wild Blueberry Festival in Machias helping take it from humble 35 years ago to a now internationally recognized as a four-day event with over 250 crafters, antique booths, and a blueberry musical. She has worked tirelessly promoting and growing the Christmas Giving Tree. Helen was among the first to realize that limited resources demands unity to achieve a common purpose.

George Hale Silver Frame Award Nomination Form

Community Supporter or Entrepreneur: Couples

Deadline for Submissions is April 15, 2011

Anne & Ben Crimaudo from Searsport;

EAAA is looking for nominees in two age groups: • 60 to 75; • 76 and older The nominee should have shown themselves to be exceptional role models in any one of the following categories: __ Artistic/Creative __ Fitness Enthusiast/Adventurer __ Life-Long Learner/Entrepreneur __ Community Supporter To nominate someone for this prestigious award, complete this form and attach a letter explaining why the person is being nominated.

Nominated by Donna Marie Card

Anne and Ben Crimaudo are long-time animal advocates, their most recent project being a nonprofit organization Anne founded in September 2007, called Searsport Animal Fund Endowment (S.A.F.E.). She realized that when the economy was in bad shape and that there was no safety net for people who were unable to care for their companion animals. S.A.F.E. immediately started fundraising so they could provide dog and cat food and cat litter to people so they could keep their animals safe at home.

Seniors are a big concern but they have helped many people who had recently lost their jobs. Nobody gets turned away as long as their need is real. In 2009, S.A.F.E helped 105 dogs and 133 cats in ten Waldo County communities, giving out more than 4,600 pounds of fry food, 1,100

cans, plus cat litter and dog biscuits. S.A.F.E. is an all-volunteer group headed by Anne, and 100 percent of all donations are used for helping animals. Ben is the scheduler and principal driver. Anne coordinates with a local veterinarian to educate people about caring for their companion animals.

NOTE: Please consult the person whom you are nominating. Please send this completed form with your letter to: Noëlle Merrill, Executive Director of EAAA 450 Essex Street, Bangor, ME 04401

Thank you for your nomination.

Please print: Nominee name: ________________________________________________________ Mailing address: ________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________ Telephone: ____________________________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________________ Category (Please check one and enter age of nominee) __ Artistic / Creative Age: ______ __ Fitness Enthusiast / Adventurer Age: ______ __ Life-Long Learner / Entrepreneur Age: ______ __ Community Supporter Age: ______ Nominator name: ______________________________________________________ Nominator address: ______________________________________________________ City:____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________ Nominator Telephone (day): ______________________________________________ Nominator Telephone (evening): __________________________________________ E-mail: ________________________________________________________________

8 | Friday | February 18, 2011 | Bangor Daily News

Volunteers: The lifeblood of EAAA’s programs By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITO R

Without dedicated volunteers, Eastern Area Agency on Aging could not successfully serve thousands of seniors living in Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis, and Washington counties. And many exciting volunteer opportunities exist at EAAA, according to Jody Vail, human resources/volunteers director. Volunteers are “unbelievably important” at EAAA, Vail said. “They help us reach more clients,” because they “live in the communities we serve. They spread the word about the services we offer.” Last year, dedicated volunteers “donated their time” to assist EAAA clients, Vail indicated; of that number, most assisted Meals on Wheels. To let potential volunteers know about available opportunities, EAAA posts the information at www.volunteermaine.org and their opportunities can also be viewed at www.eaaa.org, the EAAA Web site. The agency also places posters out in the community. However, “word of mouth is our best recruiting tool,” Vail said. “A

volunteer will tell a friend about a program, and that friend will tell other people. This helps us expand our services to clients who haven’t heard about them. This helps us spread the word about volunteer opportunities.” Eastern Area Agency on Aging offers numerous opportunities: • Meals on Wheels. Volunteer drivers deliver hot meals to homebound clients. • Community Cafes. Set up “in local churches, in local community buildings … all over our four counties,” 52 Community Cafes provides places for seniors to gather, enjoy a meal, and socialize, Vail said. Volunteers help serve meals and then clean up afterwards. • State Health Insurance Assistance Program. After receiving “quite extensive training” about health insurance options (including Medicare), volunteers “sit down one on one with our clients to provide them with information about their insurance options, Vail said. “It’s a very involved volunteer role,” with volunteers even speaking to groups about insurance options, she said. This program

Penquis Offers Affordable and Quality Assisted Living Services Penquis offers eligible seniors the independence and privacy of a one bedroom apartment along with the added benefit of extra help with those everyday tasks.

Assisted Living Services Include: Assistance with Medications, Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Personal Care, Meals, Assistance Coordinating Transportation and 24 hour

currently “has more volunteers than we’ve had in the past,” Vail said. • Senior Medicare Patrol. This program helps Medicare consumers learn how to read and understand their Medicare statements and how to spot errors or possible fraud. • Furry Friends Food Bank. “This program helps supplement the feeding of clients’ pets,” which “are important for the companionship they provide,” Vail said. Clients who meet income or disability guidelines can qualify for this program, for which “we don’t have a hard time recruiting volunteers,” she said. • Matter of Balance, Falls Awareness Program. Trained volunteers teach seniors how to improve their balance and prevent falls.

• Living Well Program. This weekly program focuses on chronic disease self-management. Volunteers teach EAAA clients about various strengthening exercises, techniques for dealing with fatigue and frustration, effective communication, nutrition, and proper use of medications. • Agency Governance and Advocacy. Volunteers can serve on EAAA’s Board of Directors or on a regional Advisory Council based “in the communities that we serve,” Vail said. An Advisory Council keeps the board members apprised about issues pertinent to seniors; board members formulate EAAA policies and oversee the agency’s operations. For more information about volunteer opportunities at EAAA, call 941-2865 or 1-800-432-7812 or log onto www.eaaa.org.

Be seen with a vest from EAAA s Vest Dressed program

PHOTO BY COLLEEN JORDAN, EAAA

EAAA’s Vest Dressed for Safety program provides reflective vests to senior citizens for a $10 donation. To order yours, contact EAAA at (207) 9412865 or visit them at 450 Essex Street in Bangor.

EZ Fix program helps seniors with “honey do” list By Brian Swartz SPECIAL SECTIONS EDITO R

Seniors needing minor repairs or seasonal maintenance done around their homes can rely on EZ Fix Minor Home Repair, a program offered by Eastern Area Agency on Aging. “We focus on light carpentry, light plumbing, and minor electrical repairs and on doing seasonal maintenance,” said Jody Vail, EAAA human resources/volunteers director. “We help clients to stay in their homes longer and safely.” Volunteer-driven EZ Fix Minor Home Repair matches clients and their needs with qualified volunteers. For a co-pay — which is based on a client’s income and a job’s time requirements — an EAAA client can receive assistance with: • Small carpentry repairs, such as installing grab bars or household hardware (door knobs and locks) or repairing decks, railings, and steps. • Minor plumbing repairs, such as repairing or replacing leaky faucets or toilets and repairing minor leaks in drains and sinks. • Minor electrical repairs, such as replacing light bulbs, installing or replacing light fixtures, or installing smoke detectors and

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAAA

Housecleaning is a new offering of the EZ Fix program

replacing their batteries. • Seasonal maintenance, such as lawn raking, roof raking and snow shoveling in winter,and yard clean-up. • A home safety checklist is also available at www.eaaa.org or by contacting the EZ Fix program coordinator, this checklist helps clients identify some areas of potential concern in their home. Clients must provide the materials needed to do particular home repairs, according to Vail. The copay is set on a sliding fee scale based on income guidelines, she indicated; clients must verify their incomes. Eastern Area Agency on Aging will soon offer housecleaning as

another EZ Fix Minor Home Repair service, Vail indicated. “This is for people who can’t get around and keep up their homes like they could in the past,” she said. “There is definitely a need out there. “We are recruiting volunteers to help clean or tidy up clients’ homes,” Vail said. She noted that EZ Fix Minor Home Repair annually assists “about 200 clients.” Vail invites seniors to call EAAA at 941-2865 or 1-800-432-7812 to find out about the program. The program is continuously recruiting additional volunteers so that more clients can be served.

Bangor Daily News | Friday | February 18, 2011 | 9

Need something? Make EAAA your first stop

Community Services keeps seniors active and engaged throughout the year By Richard R. Shaw

NEWS PHOTO BY DEBRA BELL

Above from left: Theresa Boettner, Richard Lenfest, Colleen Jordan are Information and Referral Specialists. At right: Jen Smith and Rosemarie Hahn greet clients at the reception desk.

By Richard R. Shaw Community Services is a large and busy department of Eastern Area Agency on Aging. A trained team of staff and volunteers are ready to assess each seniorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unique needs. Seniors who walk into the agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bangor headquarters are met by front-desk receptionists Jennifer Smith and Rosemarie Hahn. For those living in EAAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s vast four-county area, four community services specialists are ready to help. Leslie Lizotte, Piscataquis County; Kimberly Childs, Hancock County; Richard Lenfest, Penobscot County; and Penny Cross, Washington County, are known for their knowledge and compassion. â&#x20AC;&#x153;In our line of work, relationships are very important,â&#x20AC;? said Dyan Walsh, director of community services. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Everything is well thought out and credibility is vital.â&#x20AC;? Walsh visits Augusta regularly meeting with the Office of Elder Services. She applies for grants under the Older Americans Act and other sources. Funding is vital for the programs that fall under

the community services umbrella. Some of them include: See PROGRAMS, Page 11

Winter in Maine can be a seasonal paradise for those able to get out and enjoy it. But for thousands of seniors, winter can mean six cold months confined to their homes, waiting for spring. It doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be that way, explained Dyan Walsh, director of community services at Eastern Area Agency on Aging. Seniors can enjoy a safer, healthier lifestyle simply by participating in one of EAAAâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s free programs. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Our evidence-based health programs are really working,â&#x20AC;? she said. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Word of mouth is very important in our agencyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 13,000-square-mile coverage area in Penobscot, Piscataquis, Hancock and Washington counties.â&#x20AC;? Three programs, in particular, are earning raves from satisfied seniors and their families. Lisa Dunning, health programs coordinator, monitors the fourcounty areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s programs. A master trainer, her success stories of rejuvenated homebound seniors could fill a book. Programs are held in

town offices, libraries, and retirement homes from Dover-Foxcroft to Machias. She connected secondgraders and seniors at Tremont School on Mount Desert Island. Living Well for Better Health is a six-week program sponsored by Healthy Choices for ME! and is designed to improve health one step at a time. The program helps set a new goal every week. Chronic diseases such as cancer, arthritis, and diabetes are addressed, along with dealing with emotional health and good nutrition. In addition, participants set reasonable goals, finding support and solutions to problems. Dunning cited a Newport-area woman who, after six weeks, improved well enough to walk her two dogs 30 minutes a day. A Matter of Balance is an award-winning eight-week program aimed at reducing the fear of falling and increasing older peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s activity levels.

Aimed at participants age 60 or older, MOB helps them adapt their surroundings to reduce the risk of falling. Seniors also spend 30 minutes exercising as part of the program to improve flexibility, balance, and strength. After six months, seniors often feel more comfortable discussing their fear of falling and are more inclined to increase activity. Dunning and her volunteers conduct falls risk assessments of all participants. Growing Stronger is a onehour exercise class that spans at least 10 weeks and includes lowimpact strength training. The Bucksport Parks and Recreation Departmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s program has shown good results. It is open to seniors age 55 and up and is geared to meet the needs of participants of all physical abilities. For more information, contact EAAA by telephone at (800) 4327812 and online at EAAA.org.

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10 | Friday | February 18, 2011 | Bangor Daily News

Programs Continued from Page 9

• Aging and Disability Resource Center: Seniors and adults living with disabilities are assisted as they search for resources and services in their communities. Lisa Dunning, health programs coordinator, oversees programs such as A Matter of Balance, Living Well for Better Health, and Growing Stronger. One of the most important things happening in Community Services this year involves Medicare part D. Open enrollment for the prescription drug coverage program is being moved to October 15 through December 7. Previously, the dates were Nov. 15 to Dec. 31. This more moderate time of year will make it easier for enrollees to navigate Maine roads, explained Lee White, EAAA’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program coordinator. “My world is insurance,” White

Bangor Daily News | Friday | February 18, 2011 | 11

SAVE THE DATE: 2011 Senior Expo May 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Spectacular Event Center 395 Griffin Road in Bangor Park at Spectacular Event Center or at the overflow parking lot behind the Airport Mall. Luxury busses, courtesy of Sunbury Village and Winterberry Heights, will be available to transport you to the Expo from the Airport Mall.