Rotary learns of elder services

6 years ago

The Mars Hill Rotary Club met Tuesday morning, Dec. 19, at 6:30 a.m. at the Aroostook Health Center.  

The special speaker was Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director of the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging.  She spoke about the agency and the services that are provided to improve the quality of life and promote the well-being of older people in the local communities.

These include providing information and assistance, insurance counseling, meals, family caregiver services, retired and senior volunteer programs, affordable apartments and special help, legal help and transportation.  

Eldercare services include personal care assistant service, housekeeping service and companionship service.  

Barresi Saucier said Aroostook County has a population of around 68,000, of which around 20 percent are older.  The agency served around 6,800 last year.   

The way society discusses aging makes a difference, as everyone is aging daily and will all need help one day, even if it is only for information.  The agency may not have all the answers, but they do know how to get the answers, she said.

It is important to urge state legislators for elder support in the areas of housing, direct care work force needs, family caregivers and transportation.

For more information on the agency, contact them at 207-764-3396, at 800-439-1789 or visit their website at www.aroostookaging.org.

Birthday calendars

The 2018 Rotary Birthday Calendars are now available at the Mars Hill Katahdin Trust Company, at the Mars Hill and Blaine Town Offices and at the Central Aroostook High School superintendent’s office.

The 2018 Calendar is the 54th edition of this calendar. Thanks to all who support this annual fundraiser.

Bottle Drive

The CAHS Spanish Club is raising funds for a trip to Ecuador in April 2018.  They are collecting cans and bottles to raise funds.  

To donate, take your items to the Mars Hill Redemption Center and designate the funds for the Spanish Club or call the school at 425-2811.

Aroostook Health Center

Upcoming events for the week of December 27 – January 2 include: Wednesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Adult Coloring at 9:30 a.m. and Karaoke with Larry and Larry at 1:30 p.m.   Thursday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and a Tea Social at 1:30 p.m.  Friday will feature Dollar Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and a New Year’s Eve Party at 1:30 p.m.   Saturday will be a free day with movie, puzzles and games available in the day room.  Sunday will have televised church available in the day room.  Monday is New Year’s Day and will be a free day.  Tuesday will feature Beauty Parlor at 8:30 a.m., Bingo at 9:30 a.m. and Game Time at 1:30 p.m.

All of these activities are subject to change. If you would like to volunteer to help with any of these activities, call Connie or Vicki at 768-4915.

BINGO

The William Cousins Post 118 of Mars Hill will host BINGO on Saturday evening beginning at 7 p.m. at the Post. There are cash prizes. Refreshments are available.  

Tomi Henderson is the correspondent for Mars Hill, Blaine, Bridgewater and Westfield. She can be reached at 551-6791 or e-mailing tomihen@yahoo.com.