“RSVP Volunteers: A Vital Piece” was the theme of the Aroostook Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) annual Volunteer Appreciation Celebration held May 13. Area volunteers attended the 36th annual Aroostook RSVP Volunteer Appreciation Celebration held at the Lister-Knowlton VFW in Caribou. Sponsored by the Aroostook Agency on Aging, RSVP supports an estimated 500 volunteers countywide.
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Members of the RSVP Central (Caribou-Presque Isle area) receiving awards for providing more than 500 volunteer hours are, in front, from left: Jo Ann Johnson, Luella White, Avis Woods and Yvonne McEachern. Second row: Arlene Wiggins, Willetta Gaston, Gloria Hebert, Guelda Michaud, Minnie Butler, Winnie Theriault and Brenda Curry. In back are Patsy Delong, Louise Saucier, Nancy Dow, Mary Jane Sperry, Carolyn Turner and Gail Young. Absent from the photo are Dorothy Anderson, Richard Cilley, Mayland Hartsgrove, Leona Hess, Arline Jonsson, Gladys McEachern, Norma Milton, Anne Price, Betty Rinehart, Joanne Rockwell and Lucy Shrout.
The luncheon honored volunteer service completed from January through December 2010. Along with recognizing volunteers for years served awards, 28 individuals were applauded for serving over 500 hours during 2010 and receiving the Maine Roll of Honor Governor’s Award.
In his 2002 State of the Union address, former President George W. Bush issued a challenge to all Americans to make time to help their neighbors, communities and nation through service. He called on each person to dedicate at least 4,000 hours — or two years — to service over the course of their lives. One central area volunteer Shirley Burson, met that challenge and was presented with the President’s Lifetime Volunteer Service award.
Ranging in age from 55 to 94 years, the seniors citizens who are part of the 166 active volunteers in the central Aroostook area donate their time to help meet critical needs in county non-profit and public programs as members of the Retired and Senior Volunteer Program.
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Margaret Kimball, left, Aroostook RSVP Caribou area coordinator is shown with Shirley Burson, who recently received an RSVP volunteer award honoring the more than 4,000 Lifetime volunteer hours she has provided.
Eleanor Reese, RSVP program director who served as master of ceremonies at the celebration announced that the volunteers had donated a total of 85,760 hours of service to county agencies and programs last year. These same volunteers also provided services including: medical transportation, friendly visiting, Meals on Wheels delivery, support of thrift shops, hospitals, nursing homes, animal shelters and museums as well as serving at schools, day cares, knitting and more.
Steve Farnham, Aroostook Agency on Aging executive director, also spoke about the significant contributions each volunteer makes to the people, programs and agencies of Aroostook County.
Phil Bosse representing Sen. Susan Collins and Barbara Hayslett from Congressman Mike Michaud’s office read congratulatory remarks. Craig Staples and Diane Green, representing Kathadin Trust Company, a major event sponsor, thanked the volunteers for helping in their central Aroostook communities. First Wind Energy also provided additional sponsorship for the event.
RSVP coordinators Margaret Kimball, Rebecca Lagassie, Linda Bartlett, Connie Michaud and program assistant Gini Garrett, planned the event. Betty Rinehart, member of the RSVP advisory council, and Rev. Ken Phelps, Aroostook Agency on Aging board president, were also involved with organizing the event.
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Shelagh Fitzgerald, left, and Pauline Jandreau were recognized for 20 years of RSVP service during the recent volunteer celebration luncheon held May 13, at the VFW hall in Caribou, honoring RSVP volunteers in the central area of the county.
The luncheon was prepared and served by Bud Brewer and other community volunteers. Noyes Flower and Plant Shoppe and Phil’s Florist and Greenhouse provided complimentary floral arrangements for the occasion. A large number of County businesses and organizations also provided support for the recognition day.
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At the recent RSVP volunteer celebration held in Caribou, recognizing local area seniors who generously give of their time to assist others, from left, Florence Farrell, Vaughn ‘Bud’ Brewer and Dathaline Brewer were recognized for 20 years of RSVP service.
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Receiving awards for 15 years of volunteer service were, in front from left: Margaret Kimball, Dorothy King and Jeannette St. Pierre. In back is Albert St. Pierre. Absent from the photo are Rita Edstrand, Ruth Silsbee and Delores Sperry.
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During the recent central area Aroostook Retired Seniors Volunteer Program recognition celebration RSVP Volunteers, in front, Elda Crouch, left, and Yvonne McEachern with Robert Kilcollins received awards for providing 10 years of volunteer service. Absent from the photo are Richard Cilley, Marion Dunham, John Hede and Marilyn King.
