PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The Rotary Club of Presque Isle is pleased to once again partner with several local retail sponsors, community public works departments and the Aroostook Agency on Aging to offer the third annual Safe Steps program. Through this collaborative effort, free 5-gallon buckets of sand/salt mix are provided to eligible older adults to help prevent slips and falls.
“Safe Steps has been hugely popular,” says Rotarian Steve Hanning, who has been involved in the project since the beginning and is the coordinator for this year’s effort. “When we decided to undertake this project three years ago, we had no idea how much interest there would be, not only from those who want to receive these buckets but from the businesses and towns that want to support this effort.”
Last year, 175 free buckets of sand and salt were delivered through the Safe Steps program between the two delivery dates. One delivery takes place in the fall and a second one, for those who miss the first deadline, happens in the new year. Deliveries are made to adults aged 60 and older from Presque Isle, Easton, Mapleton, Chapman or Castle Hill who register for the program.
The 5-gallon buckets are donated by Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, SW Collins Company and Tractor Supply. The towns of Mapleton, Easton and Presque Isle provide the sand and salt for the buckets for those being delivered in their respective communities. Rotarians and other volunteer teams collect and fill half-full buckets then deliver to those who have pre-registered with the Agency on Aging.
The Agency on Aging, with their focus on meeting the needs of those aging independently in our region and their established connections with that age population, is a valuable conduit for connecting people to the program.
“This is an excellent program that we are happy to be a part of. For many older adults, an unexpected fall can result in a serious and costly injury. The good news is that most falls can be prevented. One of the ways we can prevent a fall is by making outdoor entrances, walkways, and driveways free of slippery ice,” says Joy Barresi Saucier, executive director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging and a Presque Isle Rotarian.
If you are age 60 or older and live in Presque Isle, Easton, Mapleton, Chapman or Castle Hill, you are encouraged to register for the Safe Steps program at www.presqueislerotary.org/safesteps or call the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 207-764-3396. The deadline to register for a bucket this fall is Sunday, October 20, with deliveries scheduled for Wednesday, October 30.
