Shelter director says ‘thank you, Greater Bangor’

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Each December, Dennis Marble, director of the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, sets aside time to write the Bangor Daily News a thoughtful letter thanking the public for its support.

And to your credit, I believe that each year he has more and more to write about.

Recognizing “this is traditionally the time of year when those of us fortunate enough to have blessings to count, take the time to do so,” Marble wants you to know that staff and volunteers at the shelter also “reflect upon the many acts of charity and compassion from our community we witness every year.”

Marble is convinced “that this shelter would not remain available for homeless people and other very low-income neighbors were it located anywhere else.”

That says a great deal about the level of generosity and compassion exhibited by our community.

Trying to help “more than 2,000 people each year, regardless of where they come from” means that BAHS is “not just a local program,” Marble wrote.

“However, we continue to need substantial local support,” since the sum of state and federal dollars BAHS receives represents less than 45 percent of the annual budget, he wrote. “Clearly and simply, we would not be open every day and night of the year if all we had were governmental resources.”

Marble acknowledged the contributions of local individuals, churches, businesses and associations that “collectively pitch in and keep this little place afloat.”

Among the “charitable acts” shelter personnel witness daily are food drives initiated by elementary school children, and other children who request that a donation be made to the shelter in lieu of birthday presents.

Then there is the charity of a man “who stayed with us six months earlier,” who later came to the shelter door with a donation of his own.

And there are three women “who have already worked a hard week at their own jobs” who are laughing together in the kitchen as they prepare supper for 35 people.

Marble estimates that more than 2,000 people “help shore us up each year.”

Hundreds make monetary donations as individuals or through places of worship, businesses, the United Way of Eastern Maine, organizations, social clubs, family foundations, trusts and wills.

“We are able to save serious money on categories like food and bring much more human contact to our guests and visitors due to the time and compassion invested by our volunteers,” Marble wrote. “Through their efforts and numerous food drives, each year we are able to serve more than 30,000 meals and distribute emergency food to local families for less than $500.”

Savings also are realized from free or reduced-price services offered for laundry, fuel, window repair, pest control, plumbing, maintenance and occasional renovations, Marble reported.

Shelter guests benefit from the “warmth, support and knowledge” of others, such as representatives of local service agencies, law enforcement and fire department personnel “who bring their expertise to these people in need,” he reported.

In closing, Marble wrote, “I feel very fortunate that I live and work in this community, and that I have a vantage point which allows me to see many of these humanity-at-our-best moments each year.

“So, Greater Bangor, from all of us here at this shelter, thank you and happy holidays!”

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The public is invited to “Shop for the Cure” from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Bangor Mall in front of the entrance to J.C. Penney.

Bonnie Lee Tucker of Hampden, president of the Susan Komen Foundation Maine affiliate, reports that the sale’s purpose is to increase awareness of breast cancer and raise funds for breast cancer research.

“We have some very beautiful jewelry with pink ribbons that range from motorcycle pins to faith pins,” Tucker said.

At the same event, Komen Foundation volunteers will offer information about the organization and provide information for others interested in volunteering.

The event can help with holiday shopping and also support breast cancer education and research.

For more information about either the Komen Foundation or this event, call Mary Brooks at 223-5041.

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Everyone is invited to attend the holiday concert offered by the Brewer Hometown Band beginning at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 16, at the Brewer Auditorium.

Guest performers for the concert will be The Holiday Singers with Jean Sigler.

While admission is free and refreshments and door prizes will be offered, any and all donations will be graciously accepted to benefit a local charity chosen by the band.

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Speaking of our holiday letter writer, Dennis Marble will be a panelist at a presentation by the Northeast Geriatric Mental Health Providers Council, “Aging Without a Place; Geriatric Homelessness: Its Roots in Mental Illness, Substance Abuse and Chronic Illness.”

Panelists James Gomen, who specializes in intensive case management and shelter outreach for Community Health and Counseling Services, and Cindy Booker-Bingler, co-director of the Emmaus Center in Ellsworth, also will join the discussion: “How Can We Respond to This Growing Problem in Our Community?”

The discussion takes place from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 19, in the New Auditorium at Bangor Mental Health Institute.

Everyone is welcome to attend, and certificates of attendance will be available.

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