Always Housing seeks Christmas gifts for clients

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Having grown from the previous year, and now operating eight group homes in the Bangor-Brewer area, Always Housing supports adults with developmental disabilities who reside in either supported living homes or group homes “on very limited funding,” according to staff member Denise Dinsmore.

The assisted-living services are for those between the ages of 21 and 55 who are clients of Maine’s Department of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Substance Abuse Services.

In the eight homes, “a lot of our consumers live in what is called two-bed supported living homes,” Dinsmore said, “which means they have to have their own bedding, towels and household-type things.”

Last year about this time, we issued a plea through this column for Christmas gifts for these individuals and, we are pleased to report, your response was most gratifying.

Many people from all over the state sent donations of money or items, Dinsmore said, for which she and all associated with Always Housing are grateful.

Once again this holiday season, Dinsmore is asking for your help to make the holidays happier ones for Always Housing consumers.

Dinsmore stressed that while some of the clients “have very active family members, what usually happens in two-bed supported living homes is that one consumer has an active family member, and one has nobody. So we try to do more for the one who has no one.”

Some needed items include games, arts and crafts, puzzles, clothing or items for winter activities, Dinsmore said, and such things as gloves, mittens and even sleds.

“They all enjoy CDs and tapes,” she added.

If you can contribute to this worthy endeavor, you can drop off items at the Always Housing office, 1104 North Main St. in Brewer, or with Dinsmore at 41 Old County Road in Hampden.

If you have concerns about what other types of gifts would be appropriate, Dinsmore would be happy to talk with you. She can be reached at 945-5932.

“We can also arrange to pick up items, if that would be more convenient,” she added, and the gifts don’t need to be wrapped, since the staff will do that. And once again, Dinsmore wants to reiterate how much she, the Always Housing staff and its clients appreciate your kindness, particularly at this time of the year.

Here’s a last-minute reminder that “Broadway Tonight 2: The Last 50 Years” will be presented at 7 tonight at the Orono High School gymnasium. Admission is $6 for adults and $4 for students.

The production is cabaret theater featuring your favorite show tunes, and will also offer delicious desserts.

On behalf of all those involved with the fund-raiser, Shayne Cobb and Connie Carter hope you will attend and help OHS students raise money to benefit the OHS auditorium fund.

Cobb said the show features “the last 50 years of Broadway show tunes sung by some very, very talented students, who picked out some of their favorite tunes from Broadway shows.”

Linda Williams of the Holy Family Catholic Church in Greenville invites you to its annual holiday fund-raiser.

The holiday bazaar and supper is 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 18, in the church hall.

Williams writes that the bazaar features “crafts, baked goods and more; homemade candies and a raffle.” The Take-A-Break Cafe will serve lunch for $5 per person from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at that site, where you can enjoy homemade beef stew, homemade rolls, beverages and a choice of pecan pie or cheesecake.

Then, if you still have room, you can enjoy lasagna, baked beans and gingerbread with whipped cream at the supper, which will be served from 5 to 6:30 p.m. The cost of this meal is $6 for adults and $4 for children under 12.

If you have questions, call Williams at 695-2155.

We heard from Brewer Middle School coordinator and theater director Rich Kimball that Brewer Youth Theatre will present two more performances of “Pajama Game” at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 17, and Saturday, Nov. 18.

Featuring “high school and middle school kids,” Kimball said, “we had one sellout of our two shows last week.”

“We think it is going to be a big crowd this week, but we do still have some tickets available.”

So, if you’re a theater fan, particularly performances featuring young people, plan to attend. For ticket information, call 989-8640.

Peggy Markson of the American Cancer Society reports that its “Road to Recovery” program is up and running in the Greater Bangor area.

Cancer patients needing transportation to treatment in this area can now receive rides from volunteer drivers.

If you are unable to get yourself to treatment appointments, and you don’t have friends or family members who can drive you to each scheduled appointment, Road to Recovery can get you there and home again.

Anyone needing transportation to and from treatment can call Bangor area Road to Recovery coordinator Sharon Hart at 989-7604.

Medical professionals, cancer patients and family members are welcome to call Hart for information or to make referrals.

Joni Averill, Bangor Daily News, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor 04402; 990-8288.