Shelter bids farewell to Creasey
By Kathy McCarty
Staff Writer
PRESQUE ISLE — Staff at Homeless Services of Aroostook in Presque Isle are accustomed to seeing people come and go as residents transition from the shelter to other housing as they move on with their lives, but that wasn’t the case in February as staff bid farewell to one of their own, with the retirement of Autumn Creasey.
Photo courtesy of Susan Mitchell
A FAREWELL PARTY was held for Autumn Creasey, who retired in February after 12 years with Homeless Services of Aroostook. Pictured in front from left are: Susan Mitchell, shelter director; and Creasey. In back: Lisa Green, ACAP; Alicia MacNeil, UMPI intern; Gail Donovan, Life By Design; and Bob McDugal, retired staff.
“Autumn retired after 12 years with us. Over the years, she’s filled several positions. In honor of her dedication to serving others, an open house was held Feb. 4 to let people say goodbye,” said Susan Mitchell, shelter director.
Mitchell said while Creasey will no longer be a regular staff member at the shelter, she may continue to offer assistance from time to time.
“She’s pretty indispensable — may do some things from home for us,” she said. “She’s done so much for us here, including transitional housing, which she handled 20 hours a week.”
Creasey’s departure is bittersweet for Mitchell, since the two have worked closely together since Mitchell took the position of director at the facility.
“She’s the last person to leave who’s been here since I was hired. It’ll take some getting used to, not having her around,” Mitchell said.
Mitchell said it will also take time to determine how best to fill the void.
“We’ll try to figure out how to fill, yet expand, the position,” she said. “Autumn could still do some of the work from home, so whoever fills the position would do other tasks at the shelter in addition to some of what Autumn did.”
Mitchell said there was a good turnout for Creasey’s farewell party.
“A lot of people came throughout the event, to wish Autumn well in her future endeavors. Among those were: Greg Hamlin, shelter board member; Laurie Amero, Presque Isle Housing Authority; and LisaMarie La Framboise and Tammy Coughlin, both shelter staff. Those who could not attend sent letters via e-mail, which were printed and presented to Autumn,” said Mitchell.
In addition to the wonderful luncheon held in her honor, Creasey was presented with various gifts.
“The Board gave Autumn beautiful flowers and, along with staff, presented her with a generous gift certificate to Cindy’s Sub Shop (a Caribou eatery) which Autumn frequents,” said Mitchell. “She was with the agency for 12 years and we are all grateful to her for her hard work and dedication.”
