Occupy Wall Street taking shape in Aroostook County
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — The Occupy Wall Street movement is spreading quickly, with groups springing up not only in the U.S. by all over the world — members joining together to express their concerns over the state of the economy. The movement has now reached Aroostook County, following this weekend’s gathering of like-minded individuals interested in addressing “issues of economic justice.”
“On Friday, Oct. 28, a group of 11 concerned citizens met at my home to begin planning Occupy Aroostook, a series of events to promote awareness, educate the public and stimulate citizen action about issues of economic justice,” said organizer Alice Bolstridge, of Presque Isle.
Participants included people from northern and central Aroostook and even from as far away as Bangor.
“We discussed issues that negatively affect the well-being of both local residents and the nation, such as the increasingly unaffordable costs of health care, problems of the high rates of unemployed and underemployed and labor policies that encourage the wide gap between rich and poor, as well as the negative influence of money in politics,” explained Bolstridge.
Participants agreed more needed to be done to get the message out, including demonstrations.
“We planned two kick-off demonstrations in solidarity with Occupy Wall Street. Anyone is welcome to participate,” she said.
Activities will get under way on Friday and continue next week.
“On Friday, Nov. 4, we will meet at the North Street parking lot in Presque Isle, then march along Main Street and advocate for economic justice. On Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 8 — we will meet at the parking lot between Cedar Street and Pleasant Street with messages about political action. Both events begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at about 6:30 p.m.,” said Bolstridge.
For more information, look for Occupy Aroostook on Facebook.
“If you want to help plan events, e-mail bolstridgea38@gmail.com or sdemaio@lycos.com. Or call 768-5827 or 455-8158. Please join us in our events. Bring a sign or leaflets and bring your enthusiasm for improving the situation for or us — the 99 percent,” said Bolstridge.
