eastern area agency on aging annual report

2 | Friday | February 18, 2011 | Bangor Daily News

By Noëlle MerrillPHOTO BY COLLEEN JORDAN

Eastern Area Agency on Aging is here foryou. We are fast becoming a householdname. Why? Because we are serving seniors,caregivers of all ages and we are helpingadults living with a disability connect to theservices they need to live well and age well.We are visiting your towns and holdingFriends and Neighbors meetings, we arepartnering with other service providers toshare information and best practices, we arehelping communities develop communitycenters and we can be reached by internet,telephone, email or letter.

And EAAA wants to be your friend, liter-ally. Please join us on Facebook and hearfirst hand what’s going on and how youmight benefit from our activities. So far wehave 465 friends; it would be great to seethat number double.

We are in our 37th year of service to theregion and have bragging rights to manyinnovations, new programs, reinvented pro-grams and awards. It has been a great year tosay the least.

One of our most popular and desperatelyneeded programs, the Furry Friends FoodBank, logged service to 628 pet owners byproviding 62,275pounds of donated foodand pet supplies. That is a 320% increasefrom the prior year in the number of peopleserved and a 65% increase in the amount offood, supplies and kitty litter we have dis-tributed.

Last year, Phil Pepin hiked the AppalachianTrail from Georgia to Maine in order to raisemoney for the program. We were able totrack his progress on Facebook and therewere many new donors and volunteers forthe program. We are grateful for his incredi-ble idea and effort that are making this such asuccessful program. We are also grateful forall the businesses, families and individuals

that have and continue to donate to this pro-gram so older people can keep their dear pets.

Eastern Area Agency on Aging pridesitself on making it easy for programs toreach consumers. For example, a few yearsago we were approached by an anonymouslocal professional who wanted to help sen-iors pay their fuel bills by adopting a family.He inspired his colleagues and friends to dothe same and EAAA acted as the go between,facilitating the identification of the family orperson in need and orchestrating the billing.

One hundred percent of his and his col-league’s money went to help those less for-tunate who are living in a cold house withno other options for fuel assistance. Andbelieve me, there is a need out there.

We see residents who stay in their beds allwinter because it’s the only warm place intheir houses. We see residents who sit by thekitchen stove to stay warm because they arekeeping their thermostat at 55 or 60 degrees.Another of his colleagues began purchasingAmish heaters for us to distribute. Since hebegan this project, we have distributed 70heaters all over our region.

Many of our clients who received theheaters wanted to do something for ouranonymous donor, but he preferred thatthey do something for someone else instead.So this year, he has provided the movie, “Payit Forward” to recipients of the heaters.

These unnamed benefactors are membersof our community and their spontaneousgenerosity is something to make us all proudof where we live.

By now you all know that Maine is theoldest state, based on median age. And youprobably know that the number of peopleliving in Maine over the age of 65 is about todouble. And I can assure you that no gov-ernment agency is going to give us money totake care of all of them. Consequently, East-ern Area Agency on Aging is working hardto educate aging Mainers that they need tostart planning for their own future. And it’strue; you need to own your future or riskquality of health and life. If you are a babyboomer, your time to begin planning is nowand we can help you do it. Give us a call.

Our nutrition program is one of the bestin the nation, in my opinion. This year weopened our 52nd community café so there issurely one near you. So far I have been to 32of our locations and hope to make it to all52 by year’s end, so I can personally recom-mend these to you. The cafés serve a fullmeal including a beverage and dessert for a$3.00 donation if you are 60 years of age orolder for a fee of $5.00 if you are under 60.There were 2,241 diners who enjoyed mealsat our cafés last year.

We are now working with the UnitedStates Department of Agriculture to dis-tribute 30 pound containers of food to lowincome elderly residents. This is done oncea month and has really helped those verylow income seniors who do not have muchpurchase power. We served 571 people lastyear and hope to take more off the waitinglist when we receive the next allocation.Maine was listed as second in the nationfor food insecurity. As an agency on agingwe are committed to partner with any enti-ty that can help alleviate this problem inour region.

Many of you are caregivers, either caringfor a spouse, parent or grandchild. We canhelp you by offering respite if you’re caringfor someone with Alzheimer’s disease ordementia, support group activities, fee forservice care navigation, and options coun-seling. Ask yourself, if you wear yourself outcaring for someone, then what will happennext? There are many good strategies thatcan help caregivers pace themselves for thelong haul. Make an appointment today withone of our caregiver staff.

With the advent of Health Reform, ourCommunity Services staff and volunteers isbusier than ever. We saw a 26% increase inthe number of clients served either throughhome visits, benefits counseling, informa-tion and referral, healthy aging classes andbenefit education. If you are a baby boomerand haven’t looked at your social securitystatements lately, you may want to visit oneof our staff. We can make sure you knowwhen to apply for Medicare (no, it doesn’tstart automatically) and how to understandall the options available for health care and

prescription coverage. Matter of Balance,Growing Stronger and Living Well coursesare available to help our region’s residentslearn more about falls prevention, maintain-ing strength as you age and how to improveyour quality of life if you are living with achronic disease. These programs haveproven success records and are available foryour participation.

If you see an ad for one of Friends andNeighbors meetings, please come. So far wehave sixteen scheduled for 2011, with atleast four in each county. We are workingon issues important to you and want andneed your input. Providers are welcometoo. Please come and share informationabout services. You can find the scheduleand minutes on our website, eaaa.org, orcall our receptionist and she will send youthe information. The meetings are mostly atour community cafés and are followed by agreat meal.

I offer my sincerest thanks to our Board ofDirectors and our Regional Advisory Councilsfor their dedication and avid participation.Anda very special thanks to all our staff and volun-teers, without whom we could not accomplishall the good work that we do in a year.

Executive Director’s Report: 2010Eastern Area Agency on Aging continues to be a resource to the community

Eastern Area Agency on AgingIt is the mission of the Eastern AreaAgency on Aging to be the best source ofinformation, options and services for sen-iors, adults with disabilities and care-givers. We listen carefully, respect individualchoice and value independence.

Address: 450 Essex Street, Bangor, ME 04401Telphone: (207) 941-2865

TTY: (207) 992-0150Toll-free: 800-432-7812

Online: www.eaaa.org and on FacebookE-mail: [email protected]

The Furry Friends Food Bank loggedservice to 628 pet owners by provid-ing 62,275 pounds of donated foodand pet supplies — a 320 percentincrease from the prior year in thenumber of people served and a 65percent increase in the amount wehave distributed.

We opened our 52nd communitycafé [in 2010]. The cafés serve a fullmeal including a beverage anddessert for a $3 donation if you areover 60 years of age or for a fee of $5if you are under 60. In 2010, 2,241diners enjoyed meals at our cafés.

In the Commodities program, weserved 571 people last year andhope to take more off the waiting listwhen we receive the next allocation.

By Debra BellSPECIAL SECTIONS WRITER

Eastern Area Agency on Aging’sstaff wants you to know that care-givers matter. And they want toprovide guidance, support, andhelp for those people who put theiraging or disabled loved one first.

In fact, in 2010 the Family Care-giver Program saw an expansion ofboth its services and client base.And that’s why the program is soimportant, Deputy Director andDirector of Family Caregiver Ser-vices Deborah Poulton said.

“We’re seeing more and morepeople comprehend that they’refamily caregivers,” Poulton said.“And they’re asking for the sup-

port to begin planning ahead.”According to Poulton, the Family

Caregiver program offers informa-tion, support, guidance, and refer-rals to caregivers — people who pro-vide unpaid assistance to a senior orolder adult. And the people who

staff this important department —caregiver resource specialists — areall licensed social workers with expe-rience in this type of service.

Specialists are available inPenobscot, Piscataquis, Hancockand Washington counties. In addi-

tion, caregiver resource specialistsfacilitate support groups on anongoing basis in each of these areas.

“Maine has one of the oldest pop-ulations in the country,”Poulton said.“State funds are few and far between,so we have to learn to do more withless while also helping families keeptheir loved ones at home.”

Some state funding coupledwith partnerships with local andregional healthcare professionalshelp those who are helping seniors.

“Healthcare reform has thepotential over the long term tohelp more people with long termcare benefits stay at home,” Poul-ton said. “But that’s four to fiveyears away. In the meantime ourfamily caregiver staff also workdiligently to provide a break for

caregivers using state dollars inthe Partners in Caring program,which provides respite for care-givers of persons with dementia.”

According to Poulton, supportgroups, respite programs, andother programs aimed at support-ing family caregivers are essentialfor the caregiver and for the per-son they care for.

“We want people to pay attentionto the fact that they are a caregiverand that it’s okay to ask for helpsooner rather than later when theybecome overly stressed,” she said.

EAAA Caregiver Resource Spe-cialists can be reached Mondaythrough Friday between 8 a.m.-4:30 pm. For more information,visit www.eaaa.org or call (800)432-7812.


In the fall of 2009, Eastern AreaAgency on Aging — along withtheir partners — were awarded athree-year, $650,000 grant by theHarry and Jeanette Weinberg Foun-dation. The grant supports theRural Community Based CaregiverNetwork and Support System.

According to Deputy Direc-tor/Director of Family CaregiverServices, Deborah Poulton, thisprogram enables EAAA and itspartnering agencies to offer “in-home assessment and volunteersupport services, caregiver coun-seling at the point of hospital dis-charge, and training for caregiversliving in this very rural area ofNorthern New England.”

In particular, EAAA focused thegrant funds on Hancock and Wash-ington counties. “Our intent was toexpand our outreach and service tocaregivers,” Poulton said.“In partic-ular… giving caregivers a neededrespite and break from their dutiesand to provide needed training.”

The grant has allowed EAAA tobring on board its newest member:Josephine Cirrinone.She serves as theFamily Caregiver Navigator responsi-ble for Hancock county. A similarnavigator role is being developed forWashington in partnership with theRegional Medical Center of Lubec.

“[I] help caregivers navigate the

confusing health care system andto coach them to take care ofthemselves,” Cirrinone said. “TheFamily Caregiver Navigator helpscaregivers to develop personal selfcare strategies to reduce theirstress and health care risks. Inaddition my role acts as liaison tothe professional community, fami-ly members, and other informalsupports. The Family CaregiverNavigator advocates for both thecaregiver and [their] loved one.”

In fact Cirrinone’s background isa perfect match for the responsibil-ities of the grant. According toPoulton, Cirrinone has a strongcase management and social servic-es background as well as experiencein marketing. Prior to coming to

work with EAAA, she handled mar-keting in New Jersey for a long termnursing home as well as workingwith Elder Independence of Maine.

“It has been very helpful to havethe long term care experience both inhome care and health care settings,”Cirrinone said. “I have an apprecia-tion for both levels of care and under-stand the caregiver’s challenges.”

The grant, Poulton said, targetsa rural demographic, and Hancockand Washington Counties were aperfect fit. “These counties havespecific challenges,” Poulton said.“We see caregivers in that area thathave very specific needs, especiallybecause they’re in a rural setting.”

The Weinberg grant has enabledEAAA to develop partnerships with

health organizations, civic groups, abroad range of providers and thecommunity in these areas — all tobenefit seniors and their caregivers.

“We’ve helped to expand thenetwork [in these counties]through marketing and visibility,”

Poulton said. “In addition, we’rehelping caregivers self identify ear-lier. They’re thinking that ‘that’sme’ earlier on which makes a dif-ference. By promoting communityresources, strengthening partner-ships, providing education, we’rehelping family caregivers come tous sooner and hopefully learningnew skills to stay well themselves.”

Adult day programs, such Friend-ship Cottage in Blue Hill, make ahuge difference to caregivers because

Bangor Daily News | Friday | February 18, 2011 | 3

Caregivers benefit from EAAA’s experience and support programs

Are you a caregiver?Do you...

• Provide rides for errands or appointments?• Help with groceries or pick up prescriptions?

• Help with money issues?• Help with household chores or personal care?

If you are assisting someone 60 or older — whether it is for a fami-ly member or friend — you are a caregiver and EAAA’s Family Care-giver Program is for you. EAAA can also help grandparents age 55

and older who are raising grandchildren.

Our intent [for the funds from the Weinberg Grant] was to expand our outreachand service to caregivers... In particular giving caregivers a needed respite and

break from their duties and provide needed training.

DEBORAH POULTON, DEPUTY DIRECTOR AND DIRECTOR OF FAMILY CAREGIVER SERVICES

See WEINBERG, Page 4

Helping the caregiver is a priority of EAAA’s 3-year Weinberg grant


There’s nothing like a hot cookedmeal, served in a compassionateenvironment. And in 2010, EasternArea Agency on Aging’s Nutritionprogram saw a stark increase in themeals it served to area seniors, peo-ple with disabilities and their guests.

“We served a lot more clientsthan in past years,” said EAAA’sNutrition director Rob Crone.“The community café concept hasreally taken off — it’s fun, the foodis good and it’s a good place to goand meet up with friends.”

EAAA opened up four new sitesjust to keep up with the demand,bringing the number of communi-ty café locations to 52. Accordingto Crone, the new Patten café is aperfect example of how the caféfeeds both mind and stomach.

“We had a very limited presence inPatten,” Crone said. “By opening thecafé, we now provide meals, and theyprovide a space for the community

service department to help residents.”He attributes part of the success of

the café’s to the “lunch bunch presenta-tions.”The presentations cover a varietyof topics that are of interest — and per-tinent — to the senior demographic.

With the increased demand,EAAA reached out to Eastern MaineMedical Center. EAAA’s nutritionprogram operates four kitchens andoutsources the rest of the café mealsto Jeannie Marshall Foods and nowto Eastern Maine Medical Center.

“EMMC has done a phenome-

nal job [in helping cook themeals],” Crone said. “Jeannie Mar-shall foods provides the meals for15 of our cafes and also providesfrozen meals for other counties.EMMC stepped up and is cookingfor nine of our locations.”

EAAA also continues to have astrong Meals on Wheels homedelivery program. “All Meals onWheels recipients also have twofrozen meals provided for emer-gencies or snow days,” Crone said.In 2010, EAAA helped more peo-

ple than in past years with both thecafé offerings and home delivery.And, EAAA looks forward to con-tinuing to feed both people’sminds and bodies.

For information about a Commu-nity Café near you, or to preview themenu, call EAAA at (207) 941-2865or visit www.eaaa.org/services.phpand click on the Community Cafélink under the nutrition program.

Commodities program

In March 2010, EAAA

expanded its food services toseniors and people with disabili-ties with the “commodities pro-gram”. This program, presentedthrough the USDA, is a “newand refreshing way to help sen-iors,” Crone said.

“We’re the first in the state toimplement the [commodities pro-gram],” he said. “In Maine, theentire program is run through theArea Agencies on Aging.”

The program provides 30pounds of food staple items —such as pasta, powdered milk,cereal, pasta, rice, juices, and “req-uisite yellow cheese” — to qualify-ing recipients. According toCrone, the program is aimed atproviding food stability for low-income seniors.

To be eligible, the senior musthave a monthly income of $1,100or less. Within the first month ofoffering this program, EAAA wasat capacity for recipients.

“The program also comes with anutrition education piece that’swritten out and included with thepackages,” Crone said.“We also haveon-site training as well as a presenceat the distribution location.”

Over 581 people in our areaaccess the commodities program.Because of this program EAAA hasbeen able to “continue to make adent in food-insecurity by provid-ing good nutritional products tolow-income seniors.” In addition,the commodities program hasbrought in about 260 new clientsto the agency.

When a client takes part in anyprogram, they benefit fromEAAA’s experience. In addition,the Commodities program hasopened up new partnerships withagencies like the Maine Sea CoastMission and Maine Coast Memor-ial Hospital.


EAAA’s Nutrition Program sees major growth in 2010

they provide a safe place for theirloved one to go during the day. Thishelps the caregiver with respite andthe loved one by providing stimula-tion and socialization with peers.Grant efforts anticipate seeing simi-lar programs in Washington county

in the next phase of the grant.This year, 2011, will mark year

two of the grant, and Cirrinonehas high goals for the program.

“I would like to help caregiversthat are struggling to manage theirday to day responsibilities andprovide care for their loved one,”she said. Cirrinone said that canbe accomplished through provid-

ing a Family Caregiver Navigatorto employers to help theiremployees who are caregivers andthrough expanding Caregiverworkshops to more residents.

EAAA’s Grant Partners

University on Maine Center onAging; University of MaineSchool of Social Work; Regional

Medical Center at Lubec; Ross-care-Eastern Maine HealthcareAffiliate; Washington HancockCommunity Agency/FriendshipCottage in Blue Hill; BucksportBay Healthy Communities Coali-tion; Healthy Peninsula; Hospiceof Hancock County; UMaineCooperative Extension SeniorCompanion Program.

WeinbergContinued from Page 3

For the tenth straight year, EasternArea Agency on Aging’s Meals onWheels is taking the Feinstein Challenge.

Alan Shawn Feinstein, a millionairefrom Cranston, RI, donates a milliondollars every year to nutrition programsacross the country. His goal is to endhunger and he challenges others todonate their money to the cause.

The dollar amount that agenciesreceive from the Feinstein Foundation

depends on how much money theywere able to raise in their communities.

The challenge runs from March 1 toApril 30 and only money raised by thatdate is counted in the report to Feinstein.

To take the Feinstein Challenge,make out a check to EAAA with “Fein-stein Challenge” in the memo line andmail to EAAA at 450 Essex Street, Ban-gor, ME 04401, deliver to EAAA, orbring to your local Community Café.

Help end hunger by taking the Feinstein Challenge



“Me-WOW!”That’s what many pets are saying when

they learn that the Furry Friends Food Bankprogram is stronger than ever. In fact,according to Eastern Area Agency onAging’s Nutrition director Rob Crone, inter-est in helping pets owned by seniors andpeople with disabilities "has gone crazy."

In 2009, the Furry Friends Food Bankdistributed 37,000 pounds of food to 133clients. One year later, the program dis-tributed 62,000 pounds of pet food to 628clients.

That’s a lot of pet food - but for FurryFriends Food Bank’s clients, it’s one lessthing to be worried about.

“People will call to help feed their petbefore they’ll call for themselves,” Cronesaid. “This program has been a great pro-gram that has brought in lots of newclients for us to help.”

The public has been very generous tothe cause, donating cat and dog food aswell as cat litter to Furry Friends FoodBank. Green Acres Kennel Shop, locatedat 1653 Union Street in Bangor, is a drop-off site for pet foods. Wal-Mart and a vari-ety of other stores provide pet food thatcan not be sold due to a bag being rippedor cans being dented.

Local businesses making a difference

In 2010, Green Acres Kennel Shop ran a“Goobernatorial” race between RePupli-can Rex Barker, DemoCat Sparky Moon-beam and Independent Fiona Katt. FromSeptember through November 2ballots were available for $1 atGreen Acres Kennel Shop.

Green Acres owner Don Hansonreported that 923 votes were castand Rex Barker won the electionwith 416 votes. Fiona Katt (theindependent) received 371 votesand DemoCat Sparky Moonbeamreceived 336 votes. Green Acresmade an additional donation for atotal donation of $2,000.

In November, Bell Imaging &Design held its annual Holiday PetPortrait event at Green Acres Ken-nel Shop. A portion of each petportrait session was donated to thefood bank, totaling $233. In addi-tion, Bell Imaging & Design haslaunched a new product: PetNotes. Each pack of five note cardsfeatures local pets including somekittens and a bunny from the Ban-gor Humane Society. A donation ismade to the food bank from the

sale of each note pack. Pet Notes are avail-able at Green Acres Kennel Shop, Chapel HillFloral and through Bell Imaging & Design.

Local people making a difference

Donations from members of the publicmake it possible for EAAA to help feedneedy pets. This year EAAA notes thatthere are several stand out donors.

Teenager Ann Pollard-Ranco used Maineingenuity to purchase pet food for FurryFriends Food Bank. In October, she tookadvantage of a sale from Hannaford thatprovided $1 back for every four store-brandproducts purchased. Her ingenuity enabledher to purchase 1,800 cans of pet food.

“When you bought four Hannaford prod-ucts, you’d get a dollar back, up to $10 backper purchase,”Pollard-Ranco said.“Basically, Iwas able to get a $10 coupon for every 40 cansof cat/dog food I purchased. I realized thatthis could be a great way to buy lots of cannedcat and dog food for pet food pantries.”

Avid hiker and Bradford resident PhilPepin, 54, tackled a big challenge: hikingthe Appalachian Trail. Starting his trek onApril 13, 2010, in Georgia, his goal was toraise money for the Furry Friends FoodBank and EAAA. It was very successful. Bythe time Phil reached Mt. Katahdin, the firstweek of August, his hike had raised $13,400.

The Furry Friends Food Bank currentlyneeds pet food, especially cat food, as wellas money to purchase additional food, lit-ter, and to reimburse delivery drivers.According to Crone, dry pet food ormoney are the best choices when donating.

For more information, visitwww.eaaa.org or contact Rob Crone at(800) 432-7812.

Furry Friends Food Bank sees increase in recipients and in donationsPHOTOS BY DEBRA BELL AND DON HANSON

(Top left) Don Hanson and spokespetsSparky Moonbeam, Fiona Katt, and Rex

Barker present a check for $2,000 to RobCrone from the Furry Friends Food Bank.

(Middle left) Debra Bell awards a check for$250 to Rob Crone from the Furry Friends

Food Bank based on sales from theNovember Holiday Pet Portrait event and

pre-sales of Pet Notes cards.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF EAAA

(Bottom left): Ann Pollard-Ranco used asale at Hannaford to purchase bulk

amounts of pet food for the FurryFriends Food Bank.

(Bottom right): Avid hiker Phil Pepin hikedthe Appalachian Trail from Georgia to

Maine to raise $13,400 for Furry FriendsFood Bank. His dogs (pictured) stayed

home to cheer him on.

Age 60-75JJaacckkiiee MMccAAddaamm ffrroomm MMiilllliinnoocckkeett;;

Nominated by Brenda Sytsma

Jackie McAdam was, and is, anexcellent baker who became well-known and greatly admired in theKatahdin area for this skill. Shebegan baking bread to sell to helppay for her terminally ill husband’scare and now runs OperationBread Basket.

Jackie, and many of her voluteers,make up to 48 loaves of bread and itis delivered by area volunteers onthe fourth Tuesday of every monthto homes of terminally ill cancerpatients. Their goal is to relieve a bitof the emotional burden carried bythe patient and family.

Jackie once said, “The goal of thegroup was to have everything apatient could need upon returnfrom the hospital, so they do nothave to worry.”

6 | Friday | February 18, 2011 | Bangor Daily News Bangor Daily News | Friday | February 18, 2011 | 7

Wanted: Seniors whoexemplify aging boldly

Annual George Hale Silver Frame Awardnominations being accepted

2010 George Hale Silver Frame Award Winners

Age 60-75AAuuddrreeyy PPeeaasslleeyy ffrroomm BBrrooookkssvviillllee;;

Nominated by Katherine Clifford

Audrey has spent her entire adultlife doing things for her community.She has organized many celebra-tions and parades in Brooksville andHancock County as well as volun-teering in the school helping thechildren with myriad activities.

Audrey was instrumental in start-ing the EAAA Community Café intown. Residents love the camaraderieof the café and have a good time.

Audrey was the one who organ-ized a group known as “the Keepers”who worked to save our old Baptistchurch. She is also a member of theJolly Helpers of the CongregationalChurch and is available to help whenher community needs it. Not onlydoes she do so much for Brooksvillebut she is also one of the leaders atthe Penobscot Historical Society.

Age 76+HHeelleenn VVoossee ooff MMaacchhiiaass;;

Nominated by Ruth Leubecker

Helen has been a community vol-unteer in the Machias area since 1965.She has been involved with theMachias Food Pantry, Hospice,Machias High School, Toys for Tots,Coats for Kids, gift packages for new-borns and soldiers and Christmasbaskets for college students and shut-ins are just some of her projects.

For 25 years she was co-chair ofthe Wild Blueberry Festival inMachias helping take it from hum-ble 35 years ago to a now interna-tionally recognized as a four-dayevent with over 250 crafters, antiquebooths, and a blueberry musical.

She has worked tirelessly promot-ing and growing the Christmas GivingTree. Helen was among the first torealize that limited resources demandsunity to achieve a common purpose.

Age 76+RRiicchhaarrdd EEuussttiiss ffrroomm OOlldd TToowwnn;;

Nominated by Gary Lowe

Richard has been a Director ofthe Penobscot Valley Senior Collegeand is now the President. His lead-ership has grown the program andincreased its popularity in the area.

Since age 60, Richard hasserved as President, Vice Presi-dent, Secretary and Treasurer ofthe Construction SpecificationsInstitute. He chaired the NationalCommittee for Engineers Week in1997-1998.

He served as a special advisor toBangor Superintendent of Schoolsfor the Bangor High School addi-tion in 2001, and is a webmaster forthe Maine Chapter, ConstructionSpecifications Institute and theNortheast Region since 1998. He isalso the editor of several industry-specific newsletters.

LLiiffee--LLoonngg LLeeaarrnneerr oorr EEnnttrreepprreenneeuurr

Age 60-75JJaanneett AAnnddeerrssoonn ffrroomm SSaarrggeennttvviillllee;;

Nominated by Linda Long

Janet is a retired home economicsteacher, who spends a little time eachday sewing quilts, aprons, decorativeitems and other craft goodies for theThursday Club sale.

Jan is a member of the SedgwickBrooklin Historical Society and hasfacilitated the One-Room School-house programs for local students.

When her book group read“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” by HarrietBeecher Stowe, Janet found a col-lection of cotton fabrics called theH.B. Stowe. Each member receiveda handmade sewing bag.

She partners with “fast knitters”and suggested that if they would dothe necessary knitting of pieces of asweater (back, two sleeves and frontbinding), she would quilt a front. Todate nine sweaters have been made.

Age 76+AAnnnnee CCrroonniinn ffrroomm BBeellffaasstt;;

Nominated by Deanna Carson.

Anne is an active watercolor painterand a member of several cooperativegalleries. She has her art shown inRockland, Belfast, Kingfield and Ban-gor and most recently, in “Reflections ofReflections” at the Gallery-By-Designand at Bangor’s “Brush with History”175th anniversary celebration.

Anne has cultivated beautifulperennial gardens and is involved inthe garden tours of the Belfast GardenClub. At the age of 78, she had a sum-mer showing of her gardens andwatercolors covered by the newspaperVillage Soup and attended by many.

She suffered a stroke in October andlost the ability to talk and create art.Anne worked endless hours to regainthese functions – and created art again.

Anne is also a singer and actressperforming is local productions.

AArrttiissttiicc oorr CCrreeaattiivvee

Age 60-75JJoonn YYoouunngg ffrroomm GGoouullddssbboorroo;;

Nominated by Raymond Antunes.

Jon is an avid skier. Despite a com-plete knee replacement, Jon workeddiligently to get back on the slopes twomonths later. Jon also enjoys sailing,hiking and biking. He spends time inthe state of Utah, mentoring to Britishstudents, and teaching them to ski.Jon is now learning to play the guitar.

Among other committees, Jon isChairman of the Gouldsboro HarborCommittee, and Vice-Commodoreof the Petit Manan Yacht Club.

Raymond tells a meaningfulstory, “While I was in cardiac inten-sive care at EMMC preparing forsurgery, a few days before Christmas,Jon showed up in my room dressedas “Rudolf the Red-Nose Reindeer.”George Hale’s relentless stamina,and involvement in communityreminds me of my friend Jon Young.

Age 76+TThheerreessaa LLaalliibbeerrttee ffrroomm BBaannggoorr;;

Nominated by Dawn Cyr/Juanita Taylor

Theresa is an 80 year old lady whocurrently plays drums in the BrewerHome Town Band, is a member of theDixie Land Band, sings and dances atthe various nursing and retirementfacilities, and encourages the residentsto participate too. She believes with allof her being that people must stayactive no matter what their age.

Theresa, a resident at Sunbury Vil-lage, has made it her duty to get theresidents up and moving. She teach-es line dancing to the seniors at Diri-go Pines and has formed and directstwo choruses with the Dirigo Pinesand Sunbury Village residents.

Theresa and accompanist, JerryHughes, has many “gigs” around thestate. Her calendar is full seven daysa week. She believes no one is evertoo old to start something new.

CCoommmmuunniittyy SSuuppppoorrtteerr

AAnnnnee && BBeenn CCrriimmaauuddoo ffrroomm SSeeaarrssppoorrtt;;

Nominated by Donna Marie Card

Anne and Ben Crimaudo arelong-time animal advocates, theirmost recent project being a non-profit organization Anne foundedin September 2007, called Sear-sport Animal Fund Endowment(S.A.F.E.). She realized that whenthe economy was in bad shape andthat there was no safety net forpeople who were unable to care fortheir companion animals.

S.A.F.E. immediately startedfundraising so they could providedog and cat food and cat litter topeople so they could keep their ani-mals safe at home.

Seniors are a big concern butthey have helped many people whohad recently lost their jobs.Nobody gets turned away as long astheir need is real.

In 2009, S.A.F.E helped 105 dogsand 133 cats in ten Waldo Countycommunities, giving out more than4,600 pounds of fry food, 1,100

cans, plus cat litter and dog bis-cuits. S.A.F.E. is an all-volunteergroup headed by Anne, and 100percent of all donations are usedfor helping animals.

Ben is the scheduler and principaldriver. Anne coordinates with a localveterinarian to educate people aboutcaring for their companion animals.

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By Carol Higgins-TaylorEASTERN AREA AGENCY ON AGING

It’s that time again. Time to start taking notice of the inspiring seniorsin your life. Then put pen to paper, or fingers to keyboard, and let usknow about them. Through the years, we have met some incredible sen-iors with amazing attitudes.

In May, in honor of Older Americans Month, Eastern Area Agency onAging is holding the fifth annual George Hale Silver Frame Awards: thePicture of Active Aging in Eastern Maine. While we are honoring themwith this award, we feel honored just to know them and hear their stories.

George Hale, beloved broadcasting icon, is currently co-host of theGeorge Hale Ric Tyler Show on the WVOM, 103.9, a Blueberry Broadcast-ing station, as well as doing a sports commentary on WABI TV5 on Fridays.

“We are very excited about these awards because there are so manyseniors doing great things in Eastern Maine who deserved to be recog-nized,” said Noelle Merrill, executive director of Eastern Area Agency onAging. “And George, is so inspirational that he’s the perfect person forwhom to name the award. He epitomizes active aging.”

EAAA is in search of nominees in two age groups: 60 to 75, and 76 andolder, who have shown themselves to be exceptional role models in anyone of the following categories:

• Artistic/Creative;• Fitness or Outdoor Enthusiast/Adventurer;• Life-Long Learner/Entrepreneurial; and• Community Supporter.“The Active/Creative category includes painters, quilters, gardeners

and others who are living vital lives and sharing their talents with theworld and we want to know about them,” said Merrill.

The second category is Fitness or Outdoor Enthusiast/Adventurer.These seniors live life to the fullest extent possible.

“Clearly our many senior athletes demonstrate that as people age theydon’t have to give up their physically active nature,” said Merrill.

The Life-Long Learner/Entrepreneurial category is for a senior withan attitude of being open to new ideas, and decisions, or an eagerness tolearn new skills.

“It’s said that brain fitness can be developed by formal education,being actively mentally engaged in life, continuing to learn, and exercisesdesigned to challenge cognitive skills,” said Merrill. “Given that Maine isthe oldest state in the nation, it shouldn’t be hard to find those entrepre-neurs or life-long learners in our midst.”

And the Community Supporter category celebrates and recognizes sen-iors who devote their time to helping others and their communities at large.

To enter someone, please complete a nomination form, which is avail-able to the right, by calling EAAA, or by printing off from our websitewww.eaaa.org. Send the form with a letter describing why the person is agood candidate for a George Hale Silver Frame Award to Noelle Merrill,

Eastern Area Agency on Aging, 450 Essex St., Bangor, ME 04401. Youmay enclose a photo but it is not necessary.

“Please check with the nominee first because some people don’t wantto receive public recognition,” said Merrill. “But, we think that those whoremain active and involved in the community are examples of greatnessfor the rest of us.We would also like to publish these essays to our website.”

The winners in each category will be awarded a silver frame and commem-orative key chain and will be honored with a celebratory luncheon in theircommunities.Winners will also have their pictures taken with George Hale.

The deadline for nominations is April 15, 2011. Eastern Agency onAging staff, board of directors and advisory council members are not eli-gible for the award, although each one is deserving.

EAAA is looking for nominees in two age groups:• 60 to 75;• 76 and older

The nominee should have shown themselves to be exceptional role models in any one ofthe following categories:

__ Artistic/Creative__ Fitness Enthusiast/Adventurer__ Life-Long Learner/Entrepreneur__ Community Supporter

To nominate someone for this prestigious award, complete this form and attach a letterexplaining why the person is being nominated.

NOTE: Please consult the person whom you are nominating.

Please send this completed form with your letter to:Noëlle Merrill, Executive Director of EAAA

450 Essex Street, Bangor, ME 04401

Thank you for your nomination.

Please print:Nominee name: ________________________________________________________Mailing address: ________________________________________________________City:____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________Telephone: ____________________________________________________________E-mail: ________________________________________________________________Category (Please check one and enter age of nominee)

__ Artistic / Creative Age: ________ Fitness Enthusiast / Adventurer Age: ________ Life-Long Learner / Entrepreneur Age: ________ Community Supporter Age: ______

Nominator name: ______________________________________________________Nominator address: ______________________________________________________City:____________________________________ State: ______ Zip: ____________Nominator Telephone (day): ______________________________________________Nominator Telephone (evening): __________________________________________E-mail: ________________________________________________________________

George Hale Silver Frame Award Nomination FormDeadline for Submissions is April 15, 2011


Penquis Off ers Affordable and Quality Assisted Living ServicesPenquis offers eligible seniors the independence and privacy of a one

bedroom apartment along with the added benefit of extra help with those

everyday tasks.

Assisted Living Services Include:Assistance with Medications, Light Housekeeping, Laundry, Personal

Care, Meals, Assistance Coordinating Transportation and 24 hour

By Brian SwartzSPECIAL SECTIONS EDITO R

Without dedicated volunteers,Eastern Area Agency on Aging couldnot successfully serve thousands ofseniors living in Hancock, Penob-scot, Piscataquis, and Washingtoncounties. And many exciting volun-teer opportunities exist at EAAA,according to Jody Vail, humanresources/volunteers director.

Volunteers are “unbelievablyimportant” at EAAA, Vail said.“They help us reach moreclients,” because they “live in thecommunities we serve. Theyspread the word about the servic-es we offer.”

Last year, dedicated volunteers“donated their time” to assistEAAA clients, Vail indicated; ofthat number, most assisted Mealson Wheels. To let potential volun-teers know about available oppor-tunities, EAAA posts the informa-tion at www.volunteermaine.organd their opportunities can also beviewed at www.eaaa.org, the EAAAWeb site. The agency also placesposters out in the community.

However, “word of mouth is ourbest recruiting tool,” Vail said. “A

volunteer will tell a friend about aprogram, and that friend will tellother people. This helps us expandour services to clients who haven’theard about them. This helps usspread the word about volunteeropportunities.”

Eastern Area Agency on Agingoffers numerous opportunities:

• Meals on Wheels. Volunteerdrivers deliver hot meals to home-bound clients.

• Community Cafes. Set up “inlocal churches, in local communi-ty buildings … all over our fourcounties,” 52 Community Cafesprovides places for seniors togather, enjoy a meal, and social-ize, Vail said. Volunteers helpserve meals and then clean upafterwards.

• State Health InsuranceAssistance Program. Afterreceiving “quite extensive train-ing” about health insuranceoptions (including Medicare),volunteers “sit down one on onewith our clients to provide themwith information about theirinsurance options, Vail said.

“It’s a very involved volunteerrole,” with volunteers even speak-ing to groups about insuranceoptions, she said. This program

currently “has more volunteersthan we’ve had in the past,” Vailsaid.

• Senior Medicare Patrol. Thisprogram helps Medicare con-sumers learn how to read andunderstand their Medicare state-ments and how to spot errors orpossible fraud.

• Furry Friends Food Bank.“This program helps supplementthe feeding of clients’ pets,” which“are important for the compan-ionship they provide,” Vail said.Clients who meet income or dis-ability guidelines can qualify forthis program, for which “we don’thave a hard time recruiting volun-teers,” she said.

• Matter of Balance, FallsAwareness Program. Trainedvolunteers teach seniors how toimprove their balance and pre-vent falls.

• Living Well Program. Thisweekly program focuses on chron-ic disease self-management. Vol-unteers teach EAAA clients aboutvarious strengthening exercises,techniques for dealing with fatigueand frustration, effective commu-nication, nutrition, and proper useof medications.

• Agency Governance andAdvocacy. Volunteers can serve onEAAA’s Board of Directors or on aregional Advisory Council based“in the communities that weserve,” Vail said. An AdvisoryCouncil keeps the board membersapprised about issues pertinent toseniors; board members formulateEAAA policies and oversee theagency’s operations.

For more information aboutvolunteer opportunities at EAAA,call 941-2865 or 1-800-432-7812or log onto www.eaaa.org.

By Brian SwartzSPECIAL SECTIONS EDITO R

Seniors needing minor repairsor seasonal maintenance donearound their homes can rely on EZFix Minor Home Repair, a pro-gram offered by Eastern AreaAgency on Aging.

“We focus on light carpentry,light plumbing, and minor electri-cal repairs and on doing seasonalmaintenance,” said Jody Vail, EAAAhuman resources/volunteers direc-tor. “We help clients to stay in theirhomes longer and safely.”

Volunteer-driven EZ Fix MinorHome Repair matches clients andtheir needs with qualified volun-teers. For a co-pay — which is basedon a client’s income and a job’s timerequirements — an EAAA clientcan receive assistance with:

• Small carpentry repairs, such asinstalling grab bars or householdhardware (door knobs and locks) orrepairing decks, railings, and steps.

• Minor plumbing repairs, suchas repairing or replacing leakyfaucets or toilets and repairingminor leaks in drains and sinks.

• Minor electrical repairs, suchas replacing light bulbs, installingor replacing light fixtures, orinstalling smoke detectors and

replacing their batteries.• Seasonal maintenance, such as

lawn raking, roof raking and snowshoveling in winter,and yard clean-up.

• A home safety checklist is alsoavailable at www.eaaa.org or bycontacting the EZ Fix programcoordinator, this checklist helpsclients identify some areas ofpotential concern in their home.

Clients must provide the materi-als needed to do particular homerepairs, according to Vail. The co-pay is set on a sliding fee scale basedon income guidelines, she indicated;clients must verify their incomes.

Eastern Area Agency on Agingwill soon offer housecleaning as

another EZ Fix Minor HomeRepair service, Vail indicated. “Thisis for people who can’t get aroundand keep up their homes like theycould in the past,” she said. “Thereis definitely a need out there.

“We are recruiting volunteers tohelp clean or tidy up clients’homes,” Vail said.

She noted that EZ Fix MinorHome Repair annually assists“about 200 clients.” Vail invitesseniors to call EAAA at 941-2865or 1-800-432-7812 to find outabout the program. The programis continuously recruiting addi-tional volunteers so that moreclients can be served.

Volunteers: The lifeblood of EAAA’s programs

EZ Fix program helps seniors with “honey do” list

PHOTO COURTESY OF EAAA

Housecleaning is a new offering of the EZ Fix program

PHOTO BY COLLEEN JORDAN, EAAA

EAAA’s Vest Dressed for Safe-ty program provides reflectivevests to senior citizens for a

$10 donation. To order yours,contact EAAA at (207) 941-2865 or visit them at 450

Essex Street in Bangor.

Be seen with a vestfrom EAAA s VestDressed program

By Richard R. Shaw

Winter in Maine can be a sea-sonal paradise for those able to getout and enjoy it. But for thousandsof seniors, winter can mean sixcold months confined to theirhomes, waiting for spring.

It doesn’t have to be that way,explained Dyan Walsh, director ofcommunity services at EasternArea Agency on Aging. Seniors canenjoy a safer, healthier lifestylesimply by participating in one ofEAAA’s free programs.

“Our evidence-based health pro-grams are really working,” she said.“Word of mouth is very importantin our agency’s 13,000-square-milecoverage area in Penobscot, Pis-cataquis, Hancock and Washingtoncounties.”

Three programs, in particular,are earning raves from satisfiedseniors and their families.

Lisa Dunning, health programscoordinator, monitors the four-county area’s programs. A mastertrainer, her success stories of reju-venated homebound seniors couldfill a book. Programs are held in

town offices, libraries, and retire-ment homes from Dover-Foxcroftto Machias. She connected second-graders and seniors at TremontSchool on Mount Desert Island.

Living Well for Better Health isa six-week program sponsored byHealthy Choices for ME! and isdesigned to improve health onestep at a time. The program helpsset a new goal every week. Chronicdiseases such as cancer, arthritis,and diabetes are addressed, alongwith dealing with emotional healthand good nutrition.

In addition, participants set rea-sonable goals, finding support andsolutions to problems. Dunningcited a Newport-area woman who,after six weeks, improved wellenough to walk her two dogs 30minutes a day.

A Matter of Balance is anaward-winning eight-week pro-gram aimed at reducing the fear offalling and increasing older peo-ple’s activity levels.

Aimed at participants age 60 orolder, MOB helps them adapt theirsurroundings to reduce the risk offalling. Seniors also spend 30 min-utes exercising as part of the pro-gram to improve flexibility, bal-ance, and strength. After sixmonths, seniors often feel morecomfortable discussing their fearof falling and are more inclined toincrease activity. Dunning and hervolunteers conduct falls riskassessments of all participants.

Growing Stronger is a one-hour exercise class that spans atleast 10 weeks and includes low-impact strength training. TheBucksport Parks and RecreationDepartment’s program has showngood results. It is open to seniorsage 55 and up and is geared tomeet the needs of participants ofall physical abilities.

For more information, contactEAAA by telephone at (800) 432-7812 and online at EAAA.org.

By Richard R. Shaw

Community Services is a largeand busy department of EasternArea Agency on Aging. A trainedteam of staff and volunteers areready to assess each senior’sunique needs.

Seniors who walk into theagency’s Bangor headquarters aremet by front-desk receptionistsJennifer Smith and RosemarieHahn.

For those living in EAAA’s vastfour-county area, four communityservices specialists are ready tohelp. Leslie Lizotte, PiscataquisCounty; Kimberly Childs, Han-cock County; Richard Lenfest,Penobscot County; and PennyCross, Washington County, areknown for their knowledge andcompassion.

“In our line of work, relation-ships are very important,” saidDyan Walsh, director of com-munity services. “Everything iswell thought out and credibilityis vital.”

Walsh visits Augusta regularlymeeting with the Office of ElderServices. She applies for grantsunder the Older Americans Actand other sources. Funding is vitalfor the programs that fall under

the community services umbrella.Some of them include:


Community Services keeps seniors active and engaged throughout the year

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NEWS PHOTO BY DEBRA BELL

Above from left: Theresa Boet-tner, Richard Lenfest, Colleen

Jordan are Information andReferral Specialists. At right:

Jen Smith and RosemarieHahn greet clients at the

reception desk.

Need something?Make EAAA your first stop

See PROGRAMS, Page 11

• Aging and DisabilityResource Center: Seniors andadults living with disabilities areassisted as they search for resourcesand services in their communities.

Lisa Dunning, health programscoordinator, oversees programssuch as A Matter of Balance, LivingWell for Better Health, and Grow-ing Stronger.

One of the most importantthings happening in CommunityServices this year involvesMedicare part D. Open enrollmentfor the prescription drug coverageprogram is being moved to Octo-ber 15 through December 7.

Previously, the dates were Nov.15 to Dec. 31. This more moderatetime of year will make it easier forenrollees to navigate Maine roads,explained Lee White, EAAA’s StateHealth Insurance Assistance Pro-gram coordinator.

“My world is insurance,” White

explained. “We have clinics in allfour counties and people there canhelp with Medicare Part D openenrollment and other concerns.”

White said she has three focuses:

people over 60, those with disabili-ties. and caregivers. She said her jobis to explain a full array of servicesfor EAAA clients and to be accu-rate, connected, clear, and concise.


SAVE THE DATE:2011 Senior Expo

May 20, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at Spectacular Event Center395 Griffin Road in Bangor

ProgramsContinued from Page 9

Sponsored exclusively by: Park at Spectacular Event Center or at theoverflow parking lot behind the AirportMall. Luxury busses, courtesy of SunburyVillage and Winterberry Heights, will beavailable to transport you to the Expofrom the Airport Mall.

Stay informed:Find Eastern Area Agency on Aging in

The Weekly, Midcoast Beacon, The LincolnNews, The Somerset Times, SebasticookValley Weekly, The Piscataquis Times,Designer Health Today, and Bangor Metro.

Listen for SENIOR TALK, a half-hourshow designed with seniors in mind onWVOM FM 103.9, Saturdays, 6:30 a.m. andSundays, 8 p.m. Also available in podcaston www.wvomfm.com. Exclusively spon-sored by Bangor Nursing and Rehabilita-tion Center.

Watch for EAAA on WABI TV5, SeniorWatch, Mondays, during the noon newsand Senior Spotlight, Wednesdays duringthe 6:30-7 a.m. news.

Open enrollment [in Medicare part D is beingmoved to October 15 through December 7.

Board of DirectorsNoëlle Merrill, Executive Director

Penobscot CountyVirginia Fortier (2013)Nelson Durgin (2012)Julian Haynes (2013)

Piscataquis CountyJane Fairchild (2011)Mary McCue (2013)Robert McReavy (2012)

Washington CountyDavid C. Burns (2011)Susan McIver (2012)Ruth Leubecker (2012)

Hancock CountyAlan Groh (2011)Jack Corrigan (2012)Joan Weber (2013)

At LargeCarol Mower (2012)Dr. Clifford Singer (2013)Arthur Comstock (2011)Dana Ward (2012)Dr. Robert Veon (2013)


Eastern Area Agency on Aging Financials: Fiscal Year 2010

Advisory CouncilPenobscot County:June Fiske, Old TownJane Johnson, BangorPat Keogh, BangorGary Lowe, BangorDonna Gillette, Corinth

Piscataquis CountyMargaret Witham, BrownvilleCarla Greaney, Brownville

Washington County:Frances Raye, PerryPhyllis H Siebert, EastportRobin Green, LubecBrenda Donaghy, Dennysville

Hancock County:Audrey Peasley, BrooksvilleAnne Dickens, EllsworthJoan Mary Anderson, EllsworthDenice A. Turner, Ellsworth

This advertising supplement was produced by the Bangor Daily. CCoovveerr DDeessiiggnn:: FaithBurgos; AAddvveerrttiissiinngg:: Linda Hayes; EEddiittoorriiaall:: Debra Bell, Noelle Merrill, Richard R.Shaw, Brian Swartz, EAAA staff; PPhhoottooggrraapphhyy:: EAAA, Debra Bell, Brian Swartz, ColleenJordan (EAAA); LLaayyoouutt:: Debra Bell.

Does your business or group have a special message or annual report? If so, contactthe Bangor Daily News Special Sections Department to find out how you can get yourmessage in front of our readers: Advertising Director Michael Kearney (990-8212),John Browning (990-8177), Linda Hayes (990-8136), or Jeff Orcutt (990-8036).

NEWS PHOTOS BY DEBRA BELL

From left: Dian Ewing, Accounting Assistant, Lee Ann Horowitz ChiefFinancial Officer are the faces behind EAAA’s fiscal department.

Computerized officeInformation Technology Director

Tom Boyd has been with EAAA forsix years. Under his leadership,EAAA has become a highly com-

puterized agency. He said thatEAAA has 43 computer users

including eight users whotelecommute. EAAA has wirelessInternet, and uses Skype to par-ticipate in meetings with peopleoff site and out of state. In addi-tion, EAAA maintains up-to-date

records of its clients.

Faces behind EAAA

eastern area agency on aging annual report

Documents