E-news October 22, 2015

Outing to Unity

The Special Events Committee recently organized a tour to Unity, Maine where participants got a chance to learn more about Unity College’s environmental programs, and the farmer-oriented services growing in Unity, including Veggies for All, the Unity Food Hub, and the Maine Farmers’ and Gardeners Association (MOFGA). The highlight of the trip was a chance to meet the MOFGA Farmers-in-Residence Patrick O’Brien and Megan Gardner and their animals (shown).

The committee is even now working on a follow-up trip that will include more farmers, including Amish and alpaca farmers. Organizers promise the trip will begin with the Amish General Store in Unity, and some special donuts!

Community Service Committee

October is a busy month for the Community Service Committee. Senior College members assist Waldo Community Action Partners confirming eligibility and information for households in Waldo County who need assistance with food for Thanksgiving and/or Christmas. Area agencies cooperate so that only one entity distributes these baskets. Over 1,200 households need assistance. Over 340 households have a senior as head of household. It is these households with seniors that get a phone call from Senior College members.

A big ‘thank you’ to more than 20 Senior College members who sat at their phones during October to get through to over 340 households. At times, this was challenging but also rewarding as the potential recipients are generally very appreciative of this phone call.

Our next scheduled project in March is Reads Across America. For this project, about 14 volunteers spend part of a day at Captain Albert Stevens Elementary School in Belfast reading to primary aged children. If you would like to participate, please contact us. If you have ideas for how we can further develop our outreach for this or other events, also contact us.

The goal of the Community Service Committee this year is to develop a clearinghouse on our website for various Waldo County (and beyond) agencies where volunteers are needed for charitable causes. We want to create a list of agencies with their contact information and details of their needs for volunteers. Senior College members who have time and expertise to give could browse this resource and find matches for their time and talent. Ideas and input are appreciated.

Wendy C. Kasten, 338-0462 (wkasten@kent.edu)
Marjory B. Stickler, 338-5059 (mbstick40@gmail.com)