PRESQUE ISLE – The Aroostook Agency on Aging has been named as AARP “Community Partner of the Year” for outstanding service to the older residents of Aroostook County during 2002.

The award was made in December at the annual Maine AARP volunteer appreciation luncheon in Freeport.

The agency was cited for its work with AARP from March through June 2002 to make people aware of benefits such as Medicare Supplemental Insurance and lower prescription drug costs.

The campaign, which included more than 20 workshops attended by 700 people around the county, resulted in a total savings of between $180,000 and $300,000 per year for the people helped.

Agency outreach staff assisted 247 people in obtaining benefits. Another 77 applications were mailed to people who filed for benefits without staff help.

FORT KENT – Jeannine Oakes of Fort Kent has been named Volunteer of the Year and honored for her eight-year commitment to Hospice of Aroostook.

Oakes was honored on Nov. 20, 2002, at the Blaine House in Augusta as part of the annual Hospice and Home Care Awards hosted by the Home Care Alliance of Maine. The alliance represents 25 home health agencies statewide.

Jackie LeVasseur, volunteer manager, nominated Oakes for the award and described her as someone who gives freely of her time and plays a key role in supporting new volunteers. Oakes volunteers approximately 150 hours each year for the hospice organization.