Agency honors individuals, partners for superior service

by Contributed
5 months ago
A group of volunteers who deliver meals in the Frenchville/St. Agatha region was recently honored by the Aroostook Agency on Aging for years of friendly and reliable service to older persons in their communities. Brooke Gagnon, left, and Joy Barresi Saucier, right, presented The Service Award, sponsored by St. John Valley Pharmacy, to, front, from left, Valerie Voisine, Collette Bouchard and Armand Guerrette. Back, Paul and Rachel Raymond, Will Saucier and Aurel Lavoie. Not pictured, Rosaire Morneault, Camille Bernier, Jr. and Antoine Paradis. (Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Aroostook Agency on Aging used the occasion of its recent Annual Meeting  and 50th anniversary to start a new tradition of recognizing employees, volunteers, partners, and supporters who embody the organization’s mission to improve the lives of older persons in the  community.

Agency awards – framed photographs taken by Paul Cyr — were presented at the Oct. 5 annual meeting  in Mars Hill. Recognized this year were the following: 

The Service Award, sponsored by St. John Valley Pharmacy, was presented to a small group of volunteers from St. Agatha/Frenchville region. Will Saucier, Rosaire Morneault, Camille Bernier, Jr., Antoine Paradis, Collette Bouchard and Armand Guerrette have worked together for over 20 years delivering Meals on Wheels and connecting to the consumers to ensure they are safe in their own  homes.  

Laurie Fisher, center, a personal support specialist with Aroostook Agency on Aging, has provided in-home care to a multitude of consumers over the years equating to 40,000 hours. Presenting Fisher with The Caregiver Award are Manager of Home Care Nicole Fournier, left, and Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

The Caregiver Award was presented to Laurie Fisher, an Agency personal support specialist who has provided in-home care to a multitude of consumers over the years equating to 40,000 hours. Fisher’s coworkers and clients appreciate her wonderful attitude and say she is always willing to go beyond  expectations to make sure the persons she cares for are well taken care of and have everything they  need. 

Mackenzie Berube, center, a staff accountant from Van Buren, recently received The Commitment Award, sponsored by Northern Business Products. Representing Berube’s employer Aroostook Agency on Aging are Executive Director Joy Barresi Saucier and Finance Director Clint Deschene.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

The Commitment Award, sponsored by Northern Business Products, was presented to Mackenzie  Berube, a staff accountant from Van Buren. Described as “behind the whole team all of the time,” Berube exemplifies the highest degree of quality in her work and is regularly seen helping others  complete tasks. 

The Community Partner Award, sponsored by Aroostook Savings & Loan and presented annually by Aroostook Agency on Aging, was recently presented to Catholic Charities of Maine, a partner in the USDA Senior Food Box program. Presenting the award to Dixie Shaw of Catholic Charities, second from left, were Pamela Sherman of AS&L,Judy Anderson, director of Community and Volunteer Services, and Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director of the Agency.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

The Community Partner Award, sponsored by Aroostook Savings & Loan, was presented to Catholic  Charities of Maine, a partner in the USDA Senior Food Box program. Where the Agency coordinates the  grant, enrollment, and reporting, recipient Dixie Shaw of Catholic Charities leads the transportation and  distribution of over 800 shelf-stable food boxes each month, delivering to 18 sites across northern  Maine.

The Friend of the Agency Award, sponsored by Underwood Electric, was presented to Versant Power for their financial support of the iPad Lending Library, Adult Day Respite Service and Online Gathering Place programs, and recent investment in the Meals on Wheels service to help bridge the funding gap created by a growing demand for nutritional supports. Board President Rev. Dr. Ken Phelps and Executive Director Joy Barresi Saucier presented the award to Versant communications specialists Tina Morrill, far left, and Shelby Hartin.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)

The Friend of the Agency Award, sponsored by Underwood Electric, was presented to Versant Power for their financial support of the iPad Lending Library, Adult Day Respite Service, and Online Gathering Place programs, and recent investment in the Meals on Wheels program to help bridge the funding gap with so many enrolled in this program. Accepting the award on behalf of Versant were communications specialists Shelby Hartin and Tina Morrill.