Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Coast Maine supports the Black Bear Mentor program at the University of Maine.  By supporting this auction, you will be supporting our program.  Check out the description of the wreaths at http://www.bbbsmcm.org/2011/11/penobscot-county-wreaths_3337.html.  Each wreath is valued at over $100, and there are some cool gifts included.

The wreaths are on display all over Bangor, and they will all be at the Bangor Mall on December 1 at 6:00 pm for the end of the auction.  If you have any questions, please call Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Coast Maine at 593-0380.

It’s TURKEY TIME!! The Bodwell Center at UMaine is collecting turkeys to support families in the greater Old Town and Orono areas. You can drop them off at the YMCA on Saturday or contact Lisa at 581-4194 to make donations next week!

On Friday, October 14, members of CEAC and the Bodwell Center were joined by Paul and Kat from 97.1 The Bear for the 3rd annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive.  The weather cooperated for the entire broadcast, which was a nice change.  A good amount of non-perishable food and gently used clothing were collected from students, staff, and community members for the drive.  Thank you to Paul and Kat and everyone who participated in the drive.  All of the food and clothing will be used to support the Black Bear Exchange, an on-campus food pantry and clothing exchange, in Estabrooke Hall.  If you would like to make a donation or get more information about the Black Bear Exchange, please contact Lisa Morin, Bodwell Center Coordinator, at 581-4194 or lisa.morin@umit.maine.edu.

For more information, contact Lisa Morin at 581-4194 or lisa.morin@umit.maine.edu

Looking for places for you or your student organization to volunteer??  Come to the Volunteer Fair and speak to the many community organizations present to get ideas. Also get more information about the Bodwell Center programs, including Black Bear Mentors, Civic Passage, UMaine Cares, GobbleFest, and Holiday Sharing.

Thursday, September 29, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm in the Bangor Room, Memorial Union.

 Your gift is your presence.

As a direct patient care volunteer, you give the gift of your presence. No matter who you are, you have something to offer to hospice patients. Typically, the needs are simple – conversation and friendship, emotional support, someone to listen – the small things you do can make a difference in someone’s life.

Our seven-week training will begin on Wednesday, September 28, 2011 and will continue to meet on October 5,12,19,26 and November 2 & 9 from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. at Orono High School in conjunction with Orono Adult Education. We will cover various topics such as the history and philosophy of hospice, the medical aspects of hospice care, communication, the hospice family, spiritual & cultural dimensions of care, grief & loss and the responsibilities of being a hospice volunteer lead by hospice team members and facilitated by the volunteer coordinator.

Please join us for this fascinating exploration into hospice and our unique and comforting approach to care for the mind, body, and spirit at the end of life.

For more information about hospice volunteering please contact Roanne Austin, Volunteer Coordinator, Beacon Hospice 942-2920 or roanne.austin@beaconhospice.com. We do recommend that surviving family members and caregivers wait at least one year following a loved one’s death to serve as a direct patient care volunteer.

To register, please call Orono Adult Education at 866-4119. There is a $10.00 registration fee for this class. 

Teach English to Adults from Around the World

 Training Starts October 4th

 Bangor- Do you have a passion for helping others and interest in learning about other cultures? Then, come learn about Literacy Volunteers of Bangor’s English language tutor program. Currently there is a waiting list of students who want to improve their English that are from around the world. English Language Learner (ELL) Tutor Training will be offered on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-9 pm starting Tuesday, October 4 – 27 at United Technologies Center, 200 Hogan Road Bangor. The 18-hour course provides an overview of second language acquisition skills, understanding and working with cultural differences, teaching strategies and lesson planning. Prior teaching experience, foreign language skills, and/or a degree in education are not required.

The course fee is $35. Scholarships are available. Register by called Literacy Volunteers of Bangor at 947-8451 or sending an e-mail of interest to suzannefolsom@lvbangor.org.   For more information on other certifications and class sessions visit www.lvbangor.org.

The deadline for mentor applications has been extended to September 30!!    2 hours/1 day per week is all it takes to make a difference in the life of a child.  Complete an application and bring it to the Bodwell Center today to become a mentor!!  Mentor Application 2011