MAPLETON, Maine — The Aroostook Retired and Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP) and Aroostook Agency on Aging recently held their 40th annual volunteer recognition luncheon at the State Road Advent Christian Church in Mapleton.
The theme for the day was Volunteers: Aroostook’s Precious Gems, and volunteers were treated to a sit-down meal and entertainment, which included a memorable slideshow highlighting the last 40 years of volunteering.
RSVP Director Judy Anderson thanked the volunteers for their service in 2014, including 39,000 hours of volunteering in Aroostook County. Katahdin Trust Company is the major sponsor for the event.
Shirley Suprenant of New Sweden was recognized for 25 years of service, and received a silver watch. Eva Donovan of Caribou, Marilyn Pearson of New Sweden, and Judith Saucier of Mars Hill were recognized for 20 years of volunteering, receiving engraved mantel clocks. Betty Rinehart of Caribou, Mary Jane Sperry of Washburn and Lucy Shrout of Fort Fairfield were also recognized for reaching 4,000 lifetime hours of volunteering and received the United States Presidential Award.
Additionally, Nancy Dow, Carolyn Turner of Presque Isle, Patricia Edgecomb of Limestone, Marie Hewitt of Easton, Lois Howes and Rhonda Thombs of Ashland, Thomas Saucier and C. Ray Jones of Mars Hill, and Shirley Kilcollins of Bridgewater, were all recognized for 15 years of dedicated service, each receiving an RSVP tote bag. Linda Cyr of Limestone, Linda Davis of Caswell, Anita Gardiner of Stockholm, Dale Golder of Presque Isle and Ezalee Smith of Easton were all recognized for 10 years of volunteering.
RSVP is one of the longest-running volunteer programs in the country. It is a federally sponsored program under the Corporation for National and Community Service. Volunteers age 55 years and older volunteer at a wide variety of places, making a difference in the lives of children, veterans, elderly, disaster survivors, and their communities. They match volunteer interests with community needs and are always looking for volunteers.
Anyone interested in volunteering may contact Anderson at the Aroostook RSVP office, 1 (800) 439-1789.
