Staff Writer
“One of the most impressive things about our new location is the tremendous amount of office and storage space we now have to call our own,” stated Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter of the Red Cross.
Phil and Janice St. Peter visited the new offices of the Aroostook County American Red Cross — Pine Tree Chapter in Caribou, during the open house event held Friday, March 11. The new office space is located in the Caribou Office Park building on Sweden Street. From left are Phil St. Peter, Joyce Knorr, branch manager of the Aroostook County Pine Tree Chapter, Erica Quinn-Easter and Janice St. Peter.
Knorr was referring to the new site of the local Red Cross branch now situated in the Caribou Office Park building on Sweden Street in Caribou (behind the Family Dollar store). On Friday, March 11, Knorr and Penny Kern, Safety Training Coordinator for the Aroostook County chapter, hosted an open house at the location which they have occupied since January.
“I can’t stress how much Phil and Janice St. Peter (owners of the office building) have helped us throughout this move,” said Knorr, “this space fits our needs, we have everything right at our fingertips, plus plenty or room to store the training equipment.” “The conference room provides us with a place to hold small training sessions, there is ample parking, our offices can be very private and we are only a block away from the Aroostook County EMA. It really is sort of a dream come true,” Knorr added.
“Our offices are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 :30 p.m.,” stated Knorr, “but for anyone coming in for assistance regarding something other than an emergency situation, we do suggest they call ahead because due to the challenge of a limited staff, we both may not be right here all the time. Of course the Red Cross emergency contact number is available 24 hours a day.”
As one of the oldest non-profit humanitarian organizations both on the state and nationwide level, the Red Cross serves the immediate needs of those in distress. “We try to bridge disaster and recovery,” said Knorr, “ and we do this by reaching out to available resources. The people in local communities never fail to step up to the plate to help others and together we are able to listen to what the needs of individuals in emergency situations are,” she added.
The Red Cross — Pine Tree Chapter, (like others,) is supported by volunteer work and services of others.
Recently the following volunteers were recognized as 2011 heroes by the local chapter. Each volunteer has received more than 20 hours of Red Cross training and collectively they have provided over 3,000 hours of volunteer services this past year. Volunteers reside throughout Aroostook County from Wallagrass to Island Falls and make a huge difference in the lives of others.
Volunteers applauded were Alice Beaulieu, David Donovan, Kristi Herron, George Knorr, Bill Thomas, Karla Bell, Theresa Goguen, Bob Jordan, Pete Marcotte and Ken Urquhart. Also Lynette Dobbs, Guy Herron, Penny Kern, John Metz, Judy Winchester, Alan Lafavor and the young men from the Christopher Home.
For more information on becoming a Red Cross volunteer contact Knorr at 493-4620 or stop in at the new location. Mandatory background checks are completed on all individuals prior to volunteer training.
Barbara Hayslett, right, district representative for Congressman Michael Michaud, stopped by the new home of the Aroostook County American Red Cross-Pine Tree Chapter in Caribou, during the March 11 open house. Hayslett is shown speaking with Joyce Knorr, branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter.
