McCain, Red Cross invite public to meet ‘Erv’ at mall

    A special public event will be held Tuesday, Jan. 22 at 6 p.m. in the food court of the Aroostook Centre Mall in Presque Isle when McCain Foods USA, Inc. presents a $75,000 Emergency Response Vehicle (known as ERV) to the Aroostook County Branch of the American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter. The snow date for the presentation is Jan. 23.     ERV is a state-of-the-art vehicle complete with GPS, radio communication and logistical capabilities, and is the first of 10 being donated by McCain Foods to communities around the country. It is designed to be a mobile service center capable of distributing food, beverages, materials and equipment anywhere it is needed during an emergency.  The vehicle will be driven by local, trained Red Cross volunteers and staff.
    “Having ERV right here in the county helps ensure that the Pine Tree Chapter is ready to meet the disaster response needs of people in all 65 Aroostook communities. I would like to thank McCain Foods for their generosity and longstanding support of the Red Cross,” said Joyce Knorr, local Red Cross Branch Manager. “We also want to thank Patti Crooks and the Aroostook Centre Mall for their contributions of space, publicity efforts, and entertainment plans for this wonderful event, and the Presque Isle Fire Department for helping ERV to look its best. There will be entertainment, demonstrations, refreshments, and fun for everyone. We invite everyone to come join us in welcoming ERV to Aroostook County.”
    Making the presentation to Red Cross officials will be McCain Foods USA’s Easton Plant Manager Dan Paradis.
    Live music will be provided by “Turning Point” and refreshments will be provided.
    The public may buy a “Mall Floor Tile” in support of the Aroostook County Disaster Relief Services for a donation of $5, and can be inscribed with an individual’s name or in memory of a loved one.
    ERV will be shown from Tuesday, Jan. 22 through Saturday, Jan. 26.