That is why I wish to recognize and thank people throughout the state of Maine for using their time and talent to make a difference in their communitiesMainers are, by nature, kind-hearted and generous individuals, so it would be impossible to list each and every person who has made a difference in his or her community. But I wish to cite a few examples of Mainers who have given their hearts to causes that benefit their communities.
One young person making a difference is 14-year-old Joey Roy, who built new bleachers at Dow Field in Jay as part of his Eagle Scout project. Joey took on this project at the age of 13 so he could improve conditions for elderly fans in the area. He successfully raised $1400 in support from local businesses and organized fellow scouts to build the new bleachers. Jay was inspired to organize the construction of two sets of bleachers after noticing that elderly spectators were watching events on the field from their cars or were standing for long periods of time holding onto the fence because there was no place to sit. Now when people go to Dow Field they can enjoy the action up close and in the comfort of bleachers.
Another example of kindness can be found in Harvey Chesley's efforts to help people with mental or physical disabilities. Harvey is the Director of the Pine Tree Camp located in Rome, Maine, which serves children and adults with disabilities. Pine Tree Camp is a statewide program that has been a destination for children and adults with disabilities since 1945. Besides running the Camp, Harvey has established an annual weekend trip to Greenville during the winter where some of the campers can enjoy snowmobiling and other outdoor activities. Organizing the weekend retreat takes time and effort and is a project that goes beyond his regular duties. Harvey has been leading this trip for years and does it in his desire to bring joy to people's lives.
Vicki Edgerly of Saco is another Mainer who embodies compassion and dedication to public service. Vicki helps the citizens of York County in a number of ways. She is on the Maine Welfare Directors, serves on the York County Public Safety Collaborative, works faithfully at the Violence No More program, serves on the board of the Biddeford Free Clinic, and serves on the Governor''s committee to create the Action Plan to End Homelessness. She is the Director of Health and Welfare in the city of Biddeford and the Vice President on the board of The Maine Way Project. Maine Way is a transitional housing facility for the homeless in Biddeford, Saco and Old Orchard Beach. Vicki was instrumental in the development of the project by securing funding, purchasing the home, gaining town approval and recruiting volunteers. This has been a critical resource for York County, and Vicki''s commitment to her clients is evident. In her role as Director of Health and Welfare, it is not uncommon for Vicki to be out at all hours of the night responding to an emergency housing issue where a family requires immediate housing. Her office also sponsors a toy drive for Christmas to benefit children in Biddeford who otherwise would not have presents under their Christmas tree.
Another example of goodwill was displayed when retired firefighter Mike Brooks ran a marathon to benefit others. In July, Mike ran for 46 hours across Death Valley as part of "Kiehl''s Badwater Ultramarathon," which lasted 135 miles. He used the marathon as an opportunity to raise funds for Camp Sunshine on Sebago Lake. By running this race, Mike was able to raise more than $17,000 for the camp, which supports children with life-threatening illnesses and their families. One of the saddest days for Maine was the day that we lost JoAnn Pike last spring. But her amazing spirit left a legacy that has continues to inspire the Good Shepherd Food Bank that she founded 20 years ago.
JoAnn started the food bank from her kitchen when she learned how much food went to waste and how many people in Maine went to bed hungry. Over the years, this food bank grew from a home kitchen operation to an organization upon which thousands of Mainers rely each month. Good Shepherd now serves 60,000 people each month throughout the entire state. And its workers and volunteers distribute 11 million pounds of food each year to those in need. She was truly one of the angels of Maine, and her spirit continues to reach Mainers who need a helping hand.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my job as a public servant is to be able to personally meet individuals throughout our state who have devoted their lives to the good of our communities.
I wish to thank these individuals and all who have made Maine an even better place to live. These individuals are a blessing to our state for which we should all be grateful this holiday season.
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