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 fourth annual Safe Steps program. Through this 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 take this project on, 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.”
In the past, one delivery took place in the fall and another in the new year. Last year, more than 190 free buckets were delivered. This year, the first delivery date has been pushed back to Dec. 3, in hopes that all the deliveries for the season can be made in that one day. However, to make sure needs continue to be met, a second delivery in early January will take place if needed.
Adults aged 55 and older from Presque Isle, Easton, Mapleton, Chapman or Castle Hill are eligible for the program. The deadline to register for the Dec. 3 delivery is Nov. 26; however, registration will remain open through the end of December for those who miss the first deadline. Those buckets will be delivered on Jan. 7.
The 5-gallon buckets are donated by Lowe’s, Harbor Freight, SW Collins Company, Tractor Supply, United Ag & Turf and Auto Zone. 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 and then make the deliveries.
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 resource 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. 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.
To register for the Safe Steps program, visit www.presqueislerotary.org/safesteps or call the Aroostook Agency on Aging at 207-764-3396.
