Appointments for the 2008-2009 year included: Bonnie Foster, president; Stephen Poitras, vice president; Larry LaPlante, treasurer; and Claudia Stevens, secretary. Foster was quick to thank outgoing President Brian Sipe for his service to the organization.
“I’ve always wanted my own gavel,” said Foster. “I’d like to recognize Brian for all his accomplishments during his two-year tenure – from community impact to nationwide initiative, he’s made a positive impact.”
Foster noted Sipe and his family had quite a record when it came to community service.
“I can’t tell you the number of hours he’s given to UWA. I’d like to give him a large thank you from myself and the UWA,” said Foster.
Sipe took a moment to express his appreciation to fellow United Way members and the community as a whole. He acknowledged UWA has been known as a fund-raising organization but that it is now entering a new era.
“UWA has always been recognized for its fund-raising. But it’s adding a new direction now. Its goal is still to provide funding but also to see what unmet needs are – find out what those things are and what we can do to address them. UWA has taken on the role of finding ways to address substance abuse and is presenting the first award for the substance abuse initiative. It also continues to fund area agencies,” said Sipe.
Sipe said the organization would continue raising funds for various organizations. Over the past three years there has been a significant shift in how this United Way views its role, said Sipe, noting UWA has begun to shift its focus from strictly funding existing programs, to seeking out new ways to address unmet needs in our community – Aroostook County.
“It’s a very exciting thing for UWA. It will provide a new avenue for people of the County to make contributions for areas they see in need,” said Sipe.
Sipe said the future looked bright, with Foster leading the way.
“You have a great new president coming on board. Things will be exciting and active in the coming year,” said Sipe.
Foster returned to the podium, recognizing all the outgoing board members and thanking each for their service. In addition to recognizing Sipe as outgoing president, Foster thanked Cheri Doak for serving as treasurer for the 2007-2008 year and Stevens for serving as secretary for the past year.
The following awards and recognition went to:
• Campaign Excellence Award – Naturally Potatoes;
• Outstanding United Way Agency Campaign – Helping Hands for Children and Families;
• Employee Participation Awards, for 100 percent employee participation: Bangor Savings Bank, County Federal Credit Union, Farm Credit of Maine, FedEx, Helping Hands for Children & Families, Gallagher Insurance, MMG Insurance and United Way of Aroostook;
• Gold Award Certificates, for 80-99 percent employee participation: Hayden Perry Insurance Agency, KeyBank of Maine; Marden’s – Houlton, Marden’s – Presque Isle and Northern Aroostook Alternative;
• Silver Award Certificates, for 65-79 percent employee participation: Air Force Real Property, Aroostook County Action Program, Ezzy Insurance Agency, Homeless Services of Aroostook, J.C. Penney, Katahdin Trust Company, National Starch & Chemical, Naturally Potatoes, Savings Bank of Maine, TD Banknorth and United Parcel Service;
• Bronze Award Certificates, for 55-64 percent employee participation: Aroostook Council for Healthy Families, CES Inc., Graves Shop N Save, Personal Services of Aroostook, Smith & Wesson, St. John Valley Associates, Thompson-Hamel LLC and U.S. Cellular; and
• New Workplace Campaigns: CES Inc., Ezzy Insurance Agency, Lowe’s, Marden’s – Madawaska, Naturally Potatoes and Sitel.
Salutes went to two campaign volunteers: General Campaign Chairman Michael MacPherson and Loaned Executive Joe Stroud, of DFAS.
The following businesses made the list for the Top 12 Workplace Campaigns: MMG Insurance, KeyBank, Fraser Papers, The Aroostook Medical Center, Naturally Potatoes, TD Banknorth, Katahdin Trust Company, Smith & Wesson, Maine Public Service, United Parcel Service, Aroostook County Action Program and Northern Maine Medical Center.
The following organizations, who receive funding through UWA, were presented awards in recognition of service in various areas provided to the community:
• Emergency Food and Shelter: American Red Cross, Battered Women’s Project, Grace Interfaith Food Table, Homeless Services of Aroostook, Salvation Army – Houlton Unit and The Lord’s Pantry;
• Disabled & Handicapped, Children & Adults: Central Aroostook Agency for Retarded Citizens, Green Valley Association, Personal Services of Aroostook and St. John Valley Associates;
• Family Support Services: ACAP – Child & Family Services, ACAP – Head Start, ACAP WIC Program, Catholic Charities Home Supply & Food Bank and Helping Hands;
• Elderly & Homebound: Daybreak and Retired Senior Volunteer Program;
• Youth At Risk: Aroostook Council to Prevent Child Abuse, ACAP HIV Outreach Testing and Central Aroostook Mentoring Program; and
• Substance Abuse Initiative: AMHC/Enhanced Case Management Opioid Replacement, ACAP – Partnership for a Healthy Community, Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp, Aroostook County Sheriff’s Office – Drug Detection Canine, Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention and Madawaska High School Bullying Program.
From July 1, 2006 to June 30, 2007, UWA had a total income – from donors, campaigns and projects – of $528,036, with expenditures of $512,058, leaving a net asset for the year of $15,978.
For more information on UWA, make a donation or to volunteer, contact 764-5197.
United Way appoints officers, presents awards
PRESQUE ISLE, Maine – The United Way of Aroostook appointed new officers for the coming year at its annual meeting held in May at the Northern Maine Community College.
