Nearly 100 volunteers, ranging in age from 55 to 98 , were honored at the 32st Annual Aroostook RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Celebration held at the State Road Advent Christian Church. The theme, Volunteers: Promised Treasures, set the tone for the day. The seniors are part of the 189 volunteers in the Central Aroostook area who donate their time to help County non-profit and public programs as members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program. Sponsored by the Aroostook Agency on Aging, RSVP supports 514 volunteers countywide. The luncheon honored service completed from January 1 through December 31, 2006.
Photo courtesy of Gini Garrett
FIFTEEN YEARS – Recognized for 15 years of volunteer work were: Florence Kinney, Emily Lloyd and Rosanna Michaud. Not present: Ethel Giles.
Aroostook RSVP Director Eleanor Reese, serving as master of ceremonies, said the volunteers had donated a total of 91,448 hours to County agencies and programs last year.
Steve Farnham, Aroostook Agency on Aging executive director, also made comments about the significant contributions each volunteer makes to the people, programs and agencies of Aroostook County.
Volunteers provided such services as: medical transportation, friendly visiting, Meals on Wheels delivery, support of chambers of commerce, thrift shops, food banks, hospitals, nursing homes, libraries and museums, as well as serving at schools, daycares, making minor home repairs, knitting and more.
Sen. Susan Collins offered congratulatory remarks in a letter read by State Office Representative Lorie Ireland.
Also in attendance was Barbara Hayslett who gave congratulatory remarks on behalf of Congressman Michael Michaud.
Peggy Bugbee, representing Katahdin Trust Company, a major event sponsor, thanked the volunteers for helping to make Aroostook County a great place to live. Also in attendance were numerous representatives of the agencies and programs where RSVP volunteers serve.
RSVP staff members Rebecca Legassie, Presque Isle area coordinator; Margaret Kimball, Caribou area coordinator; and program assistant Gini Garrett planned the event. RSVP Advisory Council member Dottie Sines from the Aroostook Agency on Aging in Presque Isle and Karla Bell from Caribou assisted with the event.
A delicious meal was prepared and served by Shirley and Harold’s of Presque Isle. Noyes Flowers, Phil’s Florist and Down To Earth provided complimentary floral arrangements for the occasion. Dozens of businesses and organizations throughout the area provided support for the day.
Besides recognizing years served awards, 24 volunteers were applauded for serving over 500 hours during 2006. This year, five volunteers received the President’s Volunteer Service Award for serving over 4,000 lifetime hours.
In his 2002 State of the Union address, President George W. Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to make time to help their neighbors, communities and nation through service. He called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours – or two years – to service over the course of their lives. He created the USA Freedom Corps to help all Americans answer his call to service and help foster a culture of service, citizenship and responsibility.
Photo courtesy of Gini Garrett
TEN YEARS – Honored for ten years of volunteer service recently were, from left: Marjorie Bricknell, Joseph Paquin, Rosalie D. Craig and Robert A. Craig II. Not present: Henry O'Bar, Richard Oullette, Priscilla Gallagher and Betty R. Higgins.
Photo courtesy of Gini Garrett
FIVE HUNDRED HOURS – Individuals honored for 500 hours of volunteer work were, seated, from left: Leona Hess, Rosalie D. Craig, Eva M. Donovan, Rosemary S. Hede and Doris J. Cyr. Standing: Arlene Wiggins, Luella White, Gladys McEachern, Arline Jonsson, Muriel Johnson, Robert A. Craig, II, Hazel Giggey, Gloria Hebert, Willetta Gaston and Constance Koutalidis. Not present: Nancy Bubar, Minnie Butler, Richard N. Cilley, Louise Espling, Edna Graves, Martha M. McCormack, Guelda Michaud, Henry Akeley and Alfred Bouchard.
Photo courtesy of Gini Garrett
FIVE YEARS – Volunteers recognized for five years of service at a recent RSVP ceremony were: Jacquelyn Martin and Avis Woods. Not present: Gilbert Hitchcock, Dolores Martin and Louis Calabrese.
Photo courtesy of Gini Garrett
FOUR THOUSAND HOURS – Recognized for over 4,000 lifetime hours of volunteer service were, from left: Vaughn Brewer, Gloria Hebert and Winnie Theriault. Not present: Edna Graves and Marjorie Howe.
