Age-Friendly Prepares for winter

Mainers helping Mainers is a well-used motto that has meaning in so many different aspects of our lives – here are a few examples.

The fact that many A-F/LL committees work to help protect their neighbors from the perils of winter is certainly no surprise. This is northern New England, after all! These committees create partnerships with their local Public Works departments, as well as local Fire/Rescue and Law Enforcement departments to accomplish much! Even the libraries get involved.

We are certain that we don’t know of all the communities that are engaged in this work, but we want to take this opportunity to commend and thank those that we do know.

We know of four communities with formal shoveling programs where volunteers are matched to people requesting assistance. and we know, informally, that local public service workers often reach out to help. In North Yarmouth, volunteers from the FireRescue Department make sure folks aren't snowed in.

To encourage public/private partnerships designed to keep public sidewalks clear, the so-called Golden Shovel is awarded annually to local businesses who perform this vital service best. South Portland, Bucksport, Caribou and Bangor recognize their business partners in this way.

Sand bucket programs exist all over the state. Buckets – often donated by local building supply companies or hardware stores – are filled and delivered to those residents needing them. And, as needed, they are refilled. By our last count, 20 communities have this program in place.

To date, emergency winter packs have been distributed by four communities. These winter packs may include various items: blankets, emergency weather radios, non-perishable foods, first-aid kits, flashlights and the list goes on.

Window Dressers, a program that builds and installs window insulation was started several years ago and continues. Recently, we saw a posting on social media inviting people who needed replacement film to reach out. Fryeburg, Hallowell, Jackman, Madison and Sullivan all help residents save heat, stay warm and save money. 

Warming centers became increasingly necessary last winter, following major storms that damaged power lines. At least seven communities, often in partnership with their libraries, as well as their public safety departments, opened centers. These were lifelines that permitted phone charging, food and a place to stay. Some have now become permanent.

In Cumberland, the Fire Department manages a program where residents may request a daily check-in call. In other towns, the A-F/LL committees take that responsibility: Readfield, Mount Vernon, Fayette, Vienna and The Grateful Undead in the Sacopee Valley which incudes Baldwin, Cornish, Hiram, Parsonsfield and Porter have established these most welcome programs.

Mainers helping Mainers!