Talented volunteers brighten patients’ lives

    HOULTON — Norb and Jane Kuk offered their volunteer services to Houlton Regional Hospital (HRH) after moving to Houlton, especially since they had been very active volunteering in their church in Vermont.
Contributed photo
ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE — Jane and Norb Kuk hold up some of their paintings for Houlton Regional Hospital.
    In December 2006 the Kuks enjoyed visiting patients but wanted “something to do.” The activity coordinator on HRH’s Progressive Care Unit asked if they would be willing to fulfill some requests of the patients by painting ceiling tiles. Some patients had very specific requests such as painting pictures of their family pets or certain kinds of scenery.
    The Kuks undertook the challenge. When asked if painting was a profession or hobby, both replied emphatically “hobby.” And, then they explained that previous to volunteering at HRH they had taken only one watercolor course. They said it never occurred to either of them that they could not do it. So, they soon started painting with acrylics.
    Now, they are enjoying their new found hobby together, which is bringing enjoyment to many patients. Norb has even decided to go a little farther with his new hobby and takes portrait painting instruction for his own enjoyment.
    Visitors to HRH’s Progressive Care Unit can see and enjoy the painted ceiling tiles. Various paintings include family pets, wildlife, flowers and scenery. The Kuks’ next painting project is to give a new face to the children’s’ train located in Houlton Pediatrics.
    The Kuks, originally from Vermont, found Houlton on the Houlton Chamber of Commerce Web site. They chose to enjoy semi-retirement by purchasing a home in Aroostook County and moved to Houlton approximately four years ago. Their only other experience with Maine was enjoying annual spring fishing trips in Greenville. Norb, a writer by trade, continues to operate his home-based marketing computer business.