PRESQUE ISLE — In order to officially recognize those employees who have dedicated 20 or more years to the Central Aroostook ARC, young maples have been planted in their name alongside the agency’s Lombard Street entrance.
Not only do the tree plantings serve as a way to give back to the environment, they are also representative of the slogan for the agency’s most recent logo: Eight Programs, One Association. The logo was introduced in 2010 and shows the image of a person serving as the trunk of a tree (the agency), with eight roots (programs) planting the tree to the ground.
This idea was conceptualized by the Board of Directors when Executive Director Steve Richard and Board President Matthew McHatten brought up the idea of recognizing long-term employees at a board meeting in the summer of 2011. A plaque will be put in place that will list each employee receiving this recognition, along with a description of the appreciation program. As staff members reach this milestone, a tree will be planted and their name added to the plaque.
Currently, there are 16 staff members’ names going on the plaque for their length of service to the organization: Merle Antworth, Evelyn Cyr, Irene Dafonte, Carolyn Deschesne, Pamela Dyer, Katie Endy, Virginia Forbes, Kelly Gagnon, Kathy Howlett, Sally Lewin, Josette Madore, Alice Malloch, Barb McNeal, Pam Powers, Steve Richard and Mike Samon.
The agency, whose eight programs provide various services to people with developmental disabilities, hopes to keep adding names to this list over time. It certainly is well on its way to doing so, considering many of its current employees have been there for many years.
Pam Powers, adult services program director and staff member for over 25 years, shared her thoughts on her time with the agency.
“My experiences at Central Aroostook ARC reminds me of the quote from Julius Sterling Morton, ‘The cultivation of trees is the cultivation of the good, the beautiful and the ennobling in man, and for one, I wish to see it become universal,’” said Powers.
The event during which the Board of Directors will officially recognize the 16 employees who have earned this honor will be held on Thursday, June 21, at 11 a.m. on the grounds of Central Aroostook ARC, near the location where the trees are planted. Once the plaque is unveiled and employees are awarded their gift of appreciation, a catered barbecue luncheon will be provided to all individuals and staff who are present that day. Eating areas will be set up around the Lombard Street location so lunch can be enjoyed outdoors.
In case of inclement weather, the event will be rescheduled for Thursday, June 28. For more information call Natasha Brobst, administrative assistant/special projects coordinator, at 762-5591 or e-mail aasp@ainop.com.
