PRESQUE ISLE – The Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross, which serves the northern and eastern counties of Maine and covers two-thirds of the state’s geography, has named Northern Maine Community College as its 2009 Community Partner.
The award was presented to NMCC at the chapter’s 90th annual meeting held in Bangor recently. The Presque Isle college was recognized for its ongoing support and co-sponsorship of the Aroostook County Real Heroes Breakfast, which has been held on the campus over the past several years. NMCC has provided space and administrative support for the event, as well as the breakfast buffet served to the attendees, which have numbered around 175 in recent years.
“Northern Maine Community College’s support and co-sponsorship of the Real Heroes Breakfast has meant so much to all of us at the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross. Each year the college has provided us with an array of delicious breakfast foods, technology, and maintenance support in an environment conducive to recognize the heroes among us,” said Joyce Knorr, Aroostook County branch manager of the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross. “The American Red Cross looks forward to working with NMCC in the future as we grow our ideas and expand our services together in meeting the needs of students and community members.”
Over the years, the Aroostook County Real Heroes Breakfast has honored dozens of individuals who have performed acts of heroism or who have otherwise gone above and beyond the call of duty to improve the quality of life for people in northernmost Maine. NMCC President Timothy Crowley first extended the offer to the Red Cross to hold the event on campus.
“It is important that we – as a campus community – give back to the region we serve. The work of the Red Cross and its numerous volunteers throughout our area is extremely critical to our communities,” said Crowley. “The Real Heroes Breakfast embodies both that service and the caring and giving spirit of the people of Aroostook County. We are proud to both partner with the Red Cross for this event and to support their mission and work in our part of the state.”
NMCC’s service to the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross will extend in the coming years to include a representative from the college on the organization’s board of directors. Dr. Alan Punches, NMCC’s vice president and academic dean, was officially elected to the board at the annual meeting. Punches has served on the Aroostook County advisory board for the Red Cross over the past year.
“Our partnership means even more to us now that Dr. Alan Punches has been elected as a member of the Pine Tree Chapter’s board of directors,” said Knorr. “We share the interest of NMCC in serving the needs of our community.”
For more information about the Chapter and its services, or to make a tax-deductible contribution, go to www.pinetree.redcross.org or call the Caribou office at 493-4620.
Contributed photo
NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE Director of Development and College Relations Jason Parent accepts the Pine Tree Chapter of the American Red Cross 2009 Community Partner award on behalf of NMCC President Timothy Crowley and the NMCC campus community from Chapter Executive Director Shannon Flavin Cox at the Pine Tree Chapter’s annual meeting held recently in Bangor.
