Probus Club
On May 19, the Probus Club of Central Aroostook met with President Karen Sweeny presiding. She opened the meeting by asking Pearl Carmichael to read an uplifting poem entitled “Springs Unfolding Days”.
Mel Fitzherbert, program chairman, introduced Steven Farnham, executive director of the Aroostook Agency on Aging. His presentation including handouts and visual aids, gave and interpreted facts concerning the services, mission, counseling and advocating and covered the needs promoting the well-being of the elderly in Aroostook County.
This Agency was incorporated in 1972. It now employs 148 people and has a volunteer staff of 84. It has served at least 5,100 citizens. Coordination and linkage with other services such as ACAP is one of their most important tasks as well as work done in individual homes. The budget is subsidized with funds from the state, federal, county and towns plus the United Way, fund-raisers and donations. Their total budget is a little over $3 million.
Mr. Farnham went on to provide information concerning many topics including health insurance, long-term care insurance, legal assistance living wills, family caregiver support services, elder care and many other services. All of their programs are extremely helpful in making differences in the lives of senior citizens who are in need of their many services.
Steve also explained the importance of being cautious of keeping our homes locked, as numerous breakins involving thefts of medications as well as personal and household items have been taken. Police should be contacted immediately in any unusual situation that occurs in your home or neighborhood.
Following a question and answer period Mel presented Steve with a Certificate of Appreciation from Probus.
The meeting proceeded with Pearl reporting that a care card had been sent to Jane McEwen. She delighted us with reading another poem “Little Bits of Spring”.
The secretary and treasurer reports were read and accepted.
Paul Lynch reported that he had met with the Scholarship Committee. Several applications from Easton, Presque Isle and Washburn were reviewed by the committee. After discussion it was moved and passed that Suzanne Hews, Guidance Person at PIHS, would, on behalf of PROBUS, present the award to the recipient at the appropriate time.
Mel spoke of the Loring Wildlife Refuge tour and after a discussion it was decided that a fall tour would be a better time. A tour of the weather station is tentatively set for our June meeting. Mel will make the final arrangement and members will be notified with the details.
