Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals Seeks Volunteers and Votes By Elizabeth Richards

A few years ago, the Maine State Society for the Protection of Animals wasn’t using any volunteers. Now, their volunteer program boasts approximately 275 active volunteers, and has seen more than a thousand volunteers pass through the program since it began.

Meris Bickford, CEO of MSSPA said that when she first began working for the MSSPA as a lobbyist and attorney, there was a lot of anxiety about volunteers working at a farm organization.

“Institutionally, there was a mindset that it was too dangerous to use volunteers,” she said.

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However, when trying to successfully manage a nonprofit organization, “Volunteers are truly the lifeblood of such an organization,” Bickford said. At the MSSPA, the annual budget hovers around one million dollars. Bickford said they could never raise enough money to pay people to do all the work that needs to be done. “Our volunteers and the programming that we have with them are absolutely essential to the daily operation here and also to the longer term growth,” Bickford said.

Prior to using volunteers, she said, MSSPA was fulfilling their primary program goal of rehabilitating and rehoming animal - primarily horses, which have been abused and neglected. But many other things essential to running the organization were not being done. “All of the organizational energy and finances were going into that one thing,” she said, “while board development, creation of a website, a regular newsletter, and building and field maintenance weren’t happening.” 

Now, the MSSAP has a robust volunteer program that allows for each task to be attended to. “We have a great group of volunteers who come in and actually work in the barns,” Bickford said. Volunteers clean stalls, wash feed buckets, and all the other chores that must happen every day, whatever the weather. “It’s a lot of work. Those volunteers who do that are really critical to helping our paid staff,” Bickford said. The paid staff is small, usually only two or three people per day, and having volunteers to do some of the work frees them up for the jobs that require more skill and experience.

There are plenty of volunteer opportunities for people who are less comfortable with horses or unable to do the physical barn work, as well. Volunteers can help maintain the organization’s database, prepare thank you letters to donors, help organize events, assist with the website, social media and newsletters. “There’s a whole range of communication that has to happen as well, and I have one paid person whose primary responsibility is to manage that - she couldn’t possibly do it all,” said Bickford.

Some of the volunteers do an extraordinary amount of work. For example, there is one gentleman who not only helps mow grass and maintain flower beds, but has also taken on helping to manage the Dunkin Donuts Coin Collection program the organization participates in. This is a large job, Bickford said, that requires not only driving from store to store each week to collect the coins, but also being trustworthy enough to handle money. “Here’s a guy who does it all. He’s great,” said Bickford. “We have a number of super high functioning volunteers like that. Without these volunteers, we just couldn’t do it. We just could not get done all of the tasks that are essential for making us successful,” she said.

Volunteers come mostly from the local community. Some are performing mandated community service hours, and many come from the correctional center across the street. “We have a very collegial relationship with the correctional center. We use inmate labor in the barns every day.”

Volunteers of all ages are welcome at MSSPA. Those under 16 must volunteer with a parent or guardian, and from 16 to 18 can volunteer on their own with parental consent. The process to become a volunteer includes an application - preferably online, but paper applications are also available. MSSPA also recruits groups of volunteers from large employers in the area for some of their larger projects.

Volunteers are needed every day, so scheduling around personal availability works out well. “We match you with something you want to do at a time that works for you, bring you in and train you on that job, then let you have at it,” Bickford said. Often, experienced volunteers are used to help train new volunteers. 

Bickford said one thing she loves to do is get to know each volunteer. “I like to know my volunteers even though we have a lot of them because I am so grateful for their support here,” she said.

Bickford said she feels fortunate to have MSSPA located in a community as supportive as Windham. Currently, there is another way the community can help. This year the MSSPA is on the written ballot for the Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More program, with a chance to win a $5000 grant. While they have launched several successful write-in campaigns and won $1000 each time, they couldn’t get on the written ballot. They were told the program focus was on people, not animals. People can vote online at:  www.msspa.org, in person at any Bangor Savings Bank branch, or at the farm on River Road from 1 - 4 p.m. daily. Maine residents of any age are eligible to vote from February 1 to February 28, 2017.

Windham High graduate combines education with life experiences abroad By Stephen Signor

Caroline Ireland (left) poses in front of a building being constructed

Well before Caroline Ireland graduated from Windham High School in 2015, her immediate future had already been mapped out. It began at an early age when she was in the girls’ youth group Challenge, run by Regnum Christi, a movement of the Catholic Church. Through this movement, 

Ireland joined Mission Youth as one of many missionaries that serve communities in the US and abroad in their specific needs.

Ireland’s interest in serving others is obviously innate. “I have always been a very curious person. My curiosity has definitely prodded my passion for volunteerism. I think all humans have a unique story to tell and I am always eager to listen. My passion and interest in service/volunteering also stems from my family. My parents and older siblings have always volunteered their time in a variety of ways.”

Once in high school it would be through the organization of Mission Youth that the first taste of travel and service would take place. “I knew they offered international service trips for high school students, so when I was a junior at Windham High School, my friend Katherine (who I did Challenge with) and her mom invited me to join them in Haiti. Of course I wanted to go so in July of 2014 I embarked on my first international service trip,” shared Ireland.

Haiti proved to be a really shocking and quite the influential trip. While there, she was exposed to a brand new culture and a country that was living in extreme poverty. “At first it was hard to look past all the trash and filth. I remember being genuinely repulsed at first, but then when I opened my heart to the people there I could see the inner beauty,” stated Ireland.

One day spent at the Home for the Dying, simply massaging the women in need was enough to learn the value of and importance of the human connection. “That day the simple act of the human touch and connection truly moved me. I vividly remember that day and am so grateful for the intimate experience I had with those women and the lessons they taught me,” continued Ireland. 

A typical Haitian Day

As a senior, things really took off. It started with the search for college. “I was unsure of what to study because I like a lot of things. I have always been passionate about people. I know I have the skills to work well with people and communities,” said Ireland. It was this mindset that lead to the decision to pursue a bachelor’s degree in social work. “I also believe I can grow as a human being in this field which is important,” continued Ireland.

Anselm College in New Hampshire was her choice. “When I was applying for colleges, I knew I wanted to attend a liberal arts catholic college. Also I wanted a school that was aesthetically appealing, had great food, and was challenging academically. Saint A's fit that description perfectly. Saint A's is incredibly hospitable and many people here are involved with service,” said Ireland.

Anselm was also chosen for its reputation and dedication to community service. But that was not the only reason. During school, Ireland works for the Meelia Center for Community Engagement (MCCE), a service/volunteer center on campus. “The Meelia Center is what sets Saint A's apart from a lot of other small liberal Arts Colleges and I'm truly grateful to work for such a meaningful place! Also Saint A's is home,” continued Ireland.

Just three weeks ago Ireland embarked on a trip to Guatemala. This one included her parents. “It has always been my dream to go on a service trip with my family, because now we can share in this unique and educational experience together,” explained Ireland. Saint Joseph's College in Standish has been offering trips run though Partners in Development (PID) for over 10 years and with her parents connected to the school - her mother the dean of students and her father a clinical instructor for nursing, a family trip came to fruition.

And so began the connection to PID. “It was a no-brainer when my mother asked if I would be interested in going. I immediately said yes. So, I didn't necessarily pick to work with PID, the opportunity sort of presented itself,” said Ireland, According to her, PID is an organization that truly brings about positive change. “While I was in Guatemala I learned more and more about this organization and I got to meet some of the sponsored children, work on the construction site of two dwellings, and truly see the impact this organization is making on these children and their families,” continued Ireland. 

There is always time to have fun

Now 19 and a sophomore, Ireland is adding to her life lessons while pursuing that bachelor’s degree in social work. This week she will be leaving the USA to further her studies in and around Orvieto, Italy for one semester. The time there will be spent learning, which includes travelling two days a week in other Italian cities to visit museums. Spare time will be spent exploring the rest of Europe. “In my free time or open weekends I hope to go to Ireland, France and other countries as well,” said Ireland. With a sister that lives and works in Israel, there are definite plans to visit her for Easter.

Although this may temporarily suspend performing service through volunteering, it remains a priority in her life. For others who may have a shared interest but are unsure about pursuing the rewards, “I think the best piece of advice I can offer, is to be open to new experiences. Be open to learning from someone who is different from you. Be open to learning about and engaging with a different culture from your own. Be in the present! Volunteering is a wonderful way to use your talents for good, as well as gain new insight and perspective from the people you are serving,” concluded Ireland.

To learn more about these volunteer opportunities visit: www.missionyouth.com/ and www.pidonline.org/programs/guatemala.

Fundraising effort a success due to the generosity of many By Lorraine Glowczak

If there is a precise definition and example of true generosity, caring and community support, the fundraising event this past Saturday initiated by the owner and employees of The Manchester Team at Keller Williams Realty would be it. 

Manchester, Brackley-Moody, Russell, Anderson

Over 300 people turned out at Smitty’s Cinema, 795 Roosevelt Trail in Windham on January 28 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help raise funds for the families of  Dennis Brackley, Gavin and Alexa Goad, Adrian King and Samantha-Jo Brink. 

Brackely, age 65, and his grandson, Gavin, age 4, both passed away as a result of a car accident that occurred on January 13, 2017 on Route 202 in New Gloucester. Alexa Goad, Adrian King and Samantha-Jo Brink, survivors, were hospitalized and are still facing extraordinary challenges as a result of the collision.

“This was an idea we came up with just eight days ago,” Brad Knowles, director of sales with The Manchester Team, stated. “Within this short time, the community has come together, including area businesses who have donated over 140 auction items, to help the four families in need.” 

One of the businesses includes The Manchester Team itself, who reserved two theaters and paid for theater tickets for all attendees to see the movie Sing. The Team, who worked tirelessly for the past week to make the fundraising effort a success, included not only Knowles but Cathy Manchester - owner, as well as agents and administrative staff that are comprised of:  Chris Anderson, Martha Russell, Rebecca Hatch, Jon Gomez, Sue Fleck, Taylor Candage, Patrick Matheson (and his wife Kate), Jennifer Visscher (and husband Doug), Kate Manchester-Betzer and James Betzer. The Team was also assisted by Melanie Craig, and Leni Grant and her daughter.

Another remarkable element of the fundraising success was the number of individuals who arrived at the theater on a sunny Saturday morning to support the event. Individuals included, not only family and friends of the victims, but people who did not know the families personally and were seeking a way to be of some service.

Over 140 auction items donated

“I don’t know the families of this horrible accident,” an attendee stated, and did not wish to be identified. “I just wanted to help in some way. I feel like what I’m doing isn’t much, but hopefully coming together, like we are today, will benefit the families in some way and ease some of their financial burden.”

One person who was able to make the event was the sister of Dennis Brackley. “I have been amazed at the outpouring of love we have received from the community,” Vickie Brackley-Moody said, holding back tears. “Even from people who do not know us. It truly astonishes me and I’m very grateful to all who have reached out to us.”

The silent auction that began at 11 a.m. and ended at 1:30 p.m. was open to everyone, not just to those who stayed to watch Sing. The winners were announced after the movie had ended. Those who were not present were contacted.

“Although monies are still coming in, we have raised $4,600 so far,” Manchester stated. "We'd like to thank Smitty's Cinema and Courtney Taylor, Director of Marketing and Sales, for helping us get this organized in such a narrow window; for graciously donating popcorn and soda, and for attending the event to be sure it came off without a hitch. Additionally, we'd like to thank all of the individuals and businesses that donated auction items. Without their generosity and support, the silent auction would not have existed. And finally, we'd like to thank the community for turning out as they did and supporting these families."

Funds raised from this event will help cover funeral and medical expenses for the families.

To donate additional funds, visit the website: www.gofundme.com/windham_crash_victims_fund. Checks or money orders can be sent to: Community Fundraiser, c/o The Manchester Team of Keller Williams Realty, 19 Main Street, Gray, Maine, 04039.

Author Debra Spark makes appearance at Raymond Village Library by Elizabeth Richards

Debra Spark captured the audience’s attention the moment she began reading from her book, “Unknown Caller.”  Spark’s author talk at the Raymond Village Library on Wednesday, January 25^th, was relaxed and engaging, a lot like having a conversation with a friend. 

Debra Spark converses with the audience

Throughout the course of the talk, Spark took the audience through her writing process, where the idea for the book originated, and outlined the story – without giving any key parts away.

“Unknown Caller” begins with a call from Joel’s ex-wife, Liesel. Liesel often calls late at night, disrupting Joel’s life with screaming and anger about Joel’s refusal to send more than a minimal amount of child support because he has not been allowed to meet his daughter. But this call is different. This time, Liesel says she’s sending the girl to him for the summer. The twist, however, is that she never shows up. Not only that, but Liesel stops calling, and the two seem to simply disappear.

Although for some writers, ideas are easy to come by, Spark said this is not the case for her. This idea came from the life of some long-time friends, whose situation mirrored the beginning of the book. Spark said she began to think “What if the daughter never showed up?” And the idea for her novel was born.

The audience was small, but enthusiastic. After reading a longer section that described Joel waiting in vain at the airport, Spark took questions about the book. Discussion followed, covering topics such as the travel required for research, since the novel took place over several continents; where the title came from; and character development.

For audience members who had not yet read the book, there were some lingering questions. Why, for instance, wouldn’t his daughter have had a cell phone, and why wouldn’t he have been able to find his ex and his daughter online, where almost anyone can be found? The digital age, Spark said, has certainly made plotting more difficult, but explanations can be found in the story.

Spark’s dynamic personality soon allowed the conversation to shift to other topics, from politics to what other members of the audience were reading. This left the event feeling more like a gathering of friends than a formal author talk. 

Veronica Haskell said she has attended other author talks at the library and was surprised at the small group. Library Director Allison Griffin said the crowd for author events can vary widely, from nobody at all showing up to a crowd that barely fits inside the library.

Griffin said they are trying to have at least one author and one non-author event each month. “They don’t have a community center here, so we’re trying to fill that need,” she said, adding that author events and wildlife/nature presentation are the most popular and most requested.

Haskell said one reason she attended the event was that it was a local author. “I like to listen to some of the local writers,” she said.

Cheri Dwinnell said she was at the library and had selected Spark’s book because it looked interesting and was a Maine author. Her husband pointed out the upcoming talk, so she decided to attend. Dwinnell read the book prior to attending the talk, and loved it, she said.

Spark said she enjoys doing events at libraries. “I feel like it’s my chance to meet people in other communities and introduce my work to people who would otherwise not find it,” she said. In larger venues, she added, many of the attendees are her friends. “When I do it in a library, its people I don’t know. Often, it’s a smaller audience, but it’s an audience that actually wants to be there,” she said with a laugh.

Spark is the author of eight books. Five are works of fiction, and four are novels. Spark has also written many shorter pieces that have appeared in major newspapers and magazines. She has received numerous awards, including a National Endowment for the Arts fellowship. Spark is a professor at Colby College and teaches in the MFA program for writers at Warren Wilson College. She, her husband and son live in North Yarmouth.