“RSVP Reaching for New Horizons” was the theme of the Aroostook Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration held May 12. Nearly 50 volunteers attended the 35th annual Aroostook RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Celebration held at the Island Falls United Baptist Church in Island Falls. Sponsored by the Aroostook Agency on Aging, RSVP supports about 500 volunteers countywide. The luncheon honored service completed from January 1 through December 31, 2009. 
500 PLUS – Volunteers giving 500 plus hours of service to the Retired Senior Volunteer Program were, from left, front, Gladys Nason, Nettie Shorey and Mim Nichols; back, Bernice Campbell, Rose Levesque, Terry Dwyer, Annie Atkinson and Ethel Antworth. Absent from the photograph was Marion Hoar.
Ranging in age from 57 to 94, the seniors are part of the 92 volunteers in the southern Aroostook area who donate their time to help meet critical needs in County non profit and public programs as members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
RSVP Program Director Eleanor Reese served as master of ceremonies. Reese said the volunteers had donated a total of 93,914 hours to County programs last year. Volunteers also provided such services as: medical transportation, friendly visiting, Meals on Wheels delivery, support of thrift shops, hospitals, nursing homes, and museums as well as serving at schools, day cares, knitting and more. Steve Farnham, Aroostook Agency on Aging executive director, also made comments about the significant contributions each volunteer makes to the people, programs and agencies of Aroostook County.
THREE DECADES – Verna MacArthur holds her 30-year pin for service to the Aroostook RSVP Volunteer Program. MacArthur and other RSVP volunteers were recognized during an appreciation ceremony on May 12 in Island Falls.
Lorie Ireland for Senator Susan Collins office and Rachael Smith from Congressman Mike Michaud’s office read congratulatory remarks. Pete Porter and Kathy Howes, representing Katahdin Trust Company – a major event sponsor — thanked the volunteers for helping in their southern Aroostook communities.
RSVP advisory council members Don and Charlotte Marley from Smyrna, Mim Nichols from Houlton, and Terry Dwyer from Island Falls assisted with the event. The meal was prepared and served by Dottie Sines. Dozens of businesses and organizations throughout the area provided support for the day.
Besides recognizing years served awards, nine volunteers were applauded for serving over 500 hours during 2009.
SILVER AWARD – Mildred Reece was recognized for 25 years of service with the Aroostook RSVP Volunteer program during the 35th annual appreciation celebration held May 12 at the Island Falls United Baptist Church in Island Falls.
HONORED – The 35th annual Aroostook RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Celebration was held May 12 at the Island Falls United Baptist Church in Island Falls. Presented with an award to honor 15 years of service were Lois Downing, above, and Mary Lawler, who was absent for the photograph.
