Bucksport health center makes connections with seniors

The town of Bucksport, a picturesque village nestled on the banks of the Penobscot River, is a very nice place to visit. For some seniors, however, it is the only place to live.

“In order for our older citizens to remain in this community, there needs to be a range of housing options,” said Mary Jane Bush, health planning director for Bucksport. “I think it is really important to look at all the resources available out there.”

And look at them she does. Bush oversees “eight subcommittees comprising more than 140 volunteers who work on implementing recommendations from the Bucksport Health Plan,” she said.

This all began in 1995 when the Bucksport Regional Health Center sponsored the development of a healthy community program for the area. Volunteers formed a committee and, under the leadership of the Health Center, organized Healthy Communities of Bucksport, now known as Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities.

The group took its role very seriously and became deeply involved in community health issues, which created a need for more funding and “organizational structure,” said Bush.

Enter the town of Bucksport, which has a strong interest in the health and well-being of its citizens.

In 1998, acting on a request from these serious committee members, the Bucksport Town Council re-chartered Healthy Communities of Bucksport under the town, funded the operational costs and requested that a comprehensive health plan for the town be developed.

The original core group of volunteers blossomed into the organization of subcommittees in effect today, each tackling a different stage of life.

One such subcommittee is Senior Resource.

Among its accomplishments is the organization of health forums for seniors covering a variety of topics from hearing services to low-cost drug programs.

The senior resource sub-committee, in partnership with the Bucksport Recreation Department, also established a strength training program for seniors.

The Successful Aging Program, which assists and educates seniors on the best ways to plan for the future, was implemented in conjunction with the UMaine Center on Aging.

The senior resource subcommittee of the Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities is certainly a busy group. Members also will hold a fair at the Bucksport Senior Center 4-7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12. But this is not your traditional fair. It’s more like dinner theater. Skits portraying elder issues will be performed. A survey will be distributed after the show asking audience members which topics they found most interesting. Workshops will be held on these very subjects. A light supper will be served and it is all free.

The group leaves no stone unturned in the quest of helping seniors.

While available to all ages, the Buck Connection is utilized mostly by seniors. Every Wednesday for one dollar, people may call Terry’s Taxi and be driven into town.

They are then given a transfer, which allows them to ride the shuttle around the business district to do errands. When their shopping is done, Terry’s Taxi chauffeurs them back home.

“We actually need to raise $2,600 in matching funds to keep the connection with Terry’s Taxi,” said Bush. “The town and the Department of Transportation are funding the shuttle service, but we need to chip in for the taxi service. It is such an important resource for seniors who otherwise would be unable to get to important places such as the grocery store, pharmacy and bank.”

To obtain more information about Bucksport Bay Healthy Communities or to volunteer, call Bush at 469-7951.

To donate to the taxi matching program, make a check out to Downeast Transportation Services-Bucksport Bay Taxi Service and mail to Downeast Transportation Services, 194 Main St., Ellsworth, ME 04605-1939.

Seems Bucksport really is the place to be for seniors.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on the Eastern Area on Aging, call 941-2865, log on www.eaaa.org or e-mail info@eaaa.org.