PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — “Homestyle Country Farm” was the theme for Aroostook RSVP’s recent recognition celebration held at the Aroostook Shrine Club.
The event allowed organizers — RSVP, Aroostook Agency on Aging and AmeriCorps Seniors — to honor hundreds of volunteers from Patten to Frenchville who in 2021 alone donated more than 28,600 hours of service to their friends and neighbors with a monetary value of nearly $850,000.
Among the nine volunteers who donated more than 500 hours each to Aroostook RSVP in 2021 were, clockwise from bottom left, Patsy Delong of Presque Isle, Bernice Campbell of Oakfield, Terry Sandusky of Mapleton, and Lucille Violette of Madawaska. Absent for the photo were Sylvia Stephenson, Leone Ouellette, Ruthann Weeks, Diane Allen and Phyllis Pelletier.
(Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
Because the celebration had been canceled for the past two years due to the pandemic, those who participated in the Sept. 1 event were especially thrilled to be together in one place and in person.
Among the guest speakers was longtime volunteer and Vice Chairman of the Aroostook RSVP Advisory Council Betty Rinehart of Caribou, who is one of more than 350 active volunteers who served more than 28,600 hours in 2021. The monetary value of this service is nearly $850,000.
(Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
Sherry Beaulieu, who oversees voluntary services for the Agency on Aging, said despite challenges presented by COVID-19, she was amazed by the determination volunteers showed in serving their communities during an extraordinary time of need.
This group of Caribou-area volunteers gathered for a “team photo” during the recent Aroostook RSVP celebration. They include, from left, seated: Leola Ouellette, Diane Allen and Judie Bougie. Standing: Myrna Dixon, Rebecca Dixon and Nancy Dow. (Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
“The time and talent you contribute helps many of our community partners and stations to broaden their resources and keep their service available in The County. I am so humbled and in such awe of the gifts you give daily through service to others before self with your incredible servant’s hearts,” Beaulieu said.
Caribou volunteer Richard Bechtel was recognized for 15 years of service to his community.
(Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
Among those recognized with 2020 Service Awards were: Alma Rossignol and Richard Bechtel, 15 years; Joan Caron, Myrna Dixon, Christy Plourde, Bonnibelle Pratt and Bernadette Voisine, 10 years; and Marcy Carter, Reta Cousins, Juliette Dube, Alice Gendreau, David Hall, Shirley King, Leola Ouellette, Lorraine Redwine, Will Saucier and Roberta Savary, five years.
Lucille Violette and Patsy Delong, each volunteered more than 1,000 hours in 2020 while Lois Shaw, Ruthann Weeks, Diane Allen, Leone Ouellette and Margaret Campbell all donated over 500 hours during the year.
Bernice Campbell of Oakfield was honored for 20 years of volunteer service through the Aroostook RSVP and its partners.
(Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
2021 Service Awards went to: Necia Daigle, 30 years; Bernice Campbell and Camille Bernier Jr., 20 years; Mona Violette, 15 years; and Patricia Graham, Louis Grant, Claudette Levesque, Kenneth Peters, Ina Pratt and Sylvia Stephenson, 10 years.
Among those receiving recognition for five years of service to Aroostook RSVP were, Leola Ouellette of Caribou, left, and Roberta Savary of Ashland. (Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
Earning 5-year service honors were Arlene Blier, Judy Bougie, Sandra Boykin, Claude Brissette, Rebecca Cummings, Rebecca Dixon, Lorraine Duffy, Francis Fitzpatrick, Dorothy Gillespie, Susan Glick, Michael Ireland, Jerry Joles, Danielle LeBlanc, Linda Lynch, Phillip McGlauflin, April McIsaac, Carol Michaud, Kenneth Murchison, Jim Murphy, Antoine Paradis, Lillian Pelletier, Barbara Perkins, Leighton Perkins, Carolyn Phelps, Priscilla Phillips, Barbara Pierce, Mary Pocock, Gerald Raymond, Linda Raymond, Lois Shaw and Phyllis Taylor.
Those who volunteered more than 500 hours in 2021 were Patsy Delong, Sylvia Stephenson, Leone Ouellette, Lucille Violette, Ruthann Weeks, Diane Allen, Phyllis Pelletier, Terry Sandusky and Bernice Campbell.
Bonnibelle Pratt of Oakfield, left, and Myrna Dixon of New Sweden were honored as 10-year Aroostook RSVP volunteers.
(Courtesy of Aroostook Agency on Aging)
Following a catered brunch and the awards/recognition program, the “Northeast Band” played classic country music and the names of door prize winners were announced.
RSVP Aroostook is funded by an AmeriCorp Seniors grant and additional support from United Way of Aroostook.
