Holden couple helps son collect items for Iraqis

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This Memorial Day weekend our thoughts are with members of our military, especially those who are in harm’s way.

And while those brave men and women put their lives on the line every day doing their duty, many of them somehow find the time to help others in any way they can.

Maj. Herb Joliat, the son of retired Lt. Col. Phil and Melody Joliat of Holden, is one of those extraordinary individuals who sees a need and tries to fill it.

As he stated in an e-mail to his parents, “If we intend to win the people of Iraq over and garner their support, I will need all of your help, and anyone you know who wants to help-support us as well.”

Maj. Joliat explained that since he arrived in Iraq, he has “found many agencies that require assistance as well as individual families.”

“There are hospitals, police stations, fire stations, youth centers and schools that lack the basic stuff. We could use whatever people want to send, and I will ensure the items sent get to the right people,” he wrote.

His father added that Iraqis “are in dire need of the simple things in life that we, as a rich nation, take for granted.”

Maj. Joliat is a civil affairs officer.

His father explained that civil affairs soldiers “go to the war-torn villages and towns, assessing damage in the way of water hygiene, sewer systems, generators, hospitals, orphanages, roads and schools, to name a few.”

Iraqi schools and recreation centers, for example, need such simple items as pencils, paper, notebooks, chalk, erasers and Band-Aids.

Joliat wrote, “We would welcome any donations either sent directly to our son … or they could be mailed or dropped off” at their home, 24 Hemlock Drive, Holden 04429.

For more information about how you can help, call the Joliats at 989-1671.

If you would prefer to send your items directly, mail them to Joliat, Attn: Civil Affairs Officer, HHD 1st Brigade 4th ID, APO AE 09378-0001.

Maj. Joliat wrote, “Anything you send would be greatly appreciated in helping us out.”

Jeff Wahlstrom, managing director of Starboard Leadership Consulting in Bangor and former president of United Way of Eastern Maine, has volunteered to lead a workshop for the Maine Association of Nonprofits.

“Recruiting, Engaging and Retaining an All-Star Board,” is scheduled for 9 a.m.-noon Wednesday, June 7, at Vision Care Center in Bangor.

Wahlstrom’s topics will include: strategies to identify candidates who meet your needs; proven recruitment techniques; how to orient and engage new board members; and guidance and tools for your governance or nominating committees.

The registration fee is $45 for MANP members and $90 for nonmembers. A limited number of scholarships is available for this workshop.

For more information about the workshop, scholarship opportunities, or to register, visit www.nonprofitmaine.org or call 871-1885.

The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter 11th annual Hike to End Homelessness will be held June 24 at Cadillac Mountain in Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island.

Led by BAHS program director Mike Andrick, the purpose of the hike is to promote awareness and advocacy on the issue of homelessness and to raise funds for the shelter, which relies on the generosity of the community for most of its funding.

The trek can include up to 100 hikers in teams of four, and shelter Executive Director Dennis Marble has announced there are still openings for 25 to 30 hikers who pay a $25 registration fee. The distance walked depends on which trail a team uses.

Hikers, members of the BAHS board of directors, and other BAHS supporters are also “selling $10 raffle tickets for a variety of nice prizes that will be drawn at the conclusion of the hike,” Marble said.

If you would like to participate in the hike, e-mail mikebahs@gwi.net.

If you or your business would like to contribute a prize or sell raffle tickets for this fundraiser, e-mail bahs@gwi.net.

Karen Higgins reports that a small group of dedicated people is working hard to re-establish the Hermon High School Alumni Association, and that the HHS first All Years Reunion will be held Saturday, July 15, in Hermon and Brewer.

The day’s events include visiting Hermon Middle School (the former high school) from 9 a.m. to noon; lunch at Hermon Baptist Church; and a social evening beginning at 6:30 p.m. at Jeff’s Catering in Brewer.

For more information, e-mail alumni@Hermon.net or call Higgins, 884-7036; Joanne Jewett, 848-3892; or Sharon Nickerson, 848-3641.

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