Friends, family, board members and employees of the Central Aroostook Humane Society came together Jan. 26 to honor a very special longtime volunteer and advocate for the animals, Carolyn Cheney of Presque Isle.
Of course, we got her there on the pretext of an important board meeting. The fact that it was also her “milestone” 80th birthday made the celebration all the more festive.
Yes, she was surprised, and even more amazed that her husband Joe was actually able to keep the “secret.”
The society also surprised her by naming the greeting and adoption area of the new shelter in her honor.
(Courtesy of Lyndsey Cheney Maynard)
Carolyn has spent 50-plus years as a dedicated member of the humane society board of directors. She has been a past president, vice president and secretary, and if you ever received a lovely thank you note in the mail over the years, Carolyn was the one who wrote it.
She was instrumental when the first “new” shelter was built close to 40 years ago. And when the decision was made almost two years ago to construct a brand-new, state-of-the-art animal shelter, Carolyn was excited and started focusing on “How are we going to do this:”
She helped out on several grant opportunities, worked diligently on our popular Toast to the Animals to solicit donations and sponsorships, cooked up a storm when we had our bake sales at the craft fairs, and was always the voice of reason and experience when decisions needed to be made.
Carolyn also worked hard on starting a letter-writing campaign for our new Building Fund. She crafted a compelling letter and compiled a mailing list that eventually reached out to many individuals and business around the communities. Her efforts paid off when close to $20,000 was raised.
Carolyn continues to be amazed at the generosity of so many people who have a love and respect for animals and the work that is done at the Central Aroostook Humane Society.
It has truly been a privilege for all of us to have this amazing and beautiful lady on our board of directors and to celebrate the extraordinary dedication that she has shown for so many years.
Gloria J. Towle is the secretary for the Central Aroostook Humane Society board of directors.
