DEAR SUN SPOTS: At a Rural Community Action Ministry board meeting Jan. 15, one of our board members asked me whether our Senior Transportation program had shut down. I explained it had not and is one of our most critically important programs for our rural communities. The board member said he asked because he saw a notice in Sun Spots that RCAM’s senior transportation program had shut down.
Our Senior Transportation program continues as one of our services. We are actively recruiting new volunteer drivers to increase our capacity to meet the needs of our seniors and offering incentives as well.
Just as background, from time to time, because of the ebb and flow of trained volunteer drivers, we have had to prioritize trips. When that happens, we make sure to connect riders with other resources. There was a two-week period this past summer when we suspended the program because of vacation schedules. During that time, we didn’t accept new requests for rides.
While this program has never been easy to continue, our board recognizes its importance, especially as RCAM is one of the only transportation resources in the towns we serve that provides rides for other than medically related purposes. We also focus on hunger prevention as a social determinant of health and so provide rides to food pantries, grocery stores, and local community diners and to warming centers.
To keep our program running, we depend on having trained volunteer drivers; the more the better. If anyone is interested, intrigued, or simply wants to explore what being a volunteer driver for RCAM would look like, please feel free to contact me by email or by phone at 524-1041 or jdaku@rcam.net. I will connect folks with our volunteer coordinator and our Senior Services Coordinator. — Janice, executive director, Rural Community Action Ministry, Leeds
ANSWER: This kind, clear response to the Jan. 11 Sun Spots regarding the Turner ladies who had “heard” that RCAM was no longer providing transportation gives our readers valuable information moving forward.
With my answer to the Jan. 11 letter, I urged this Sun Spotter to contact RCAM. Remember, even if you “heard something” from a friend, it’s still best to go to the source. If you don’t know how to find it, I can help.
I also hope there are readers who have the time and inclination to help the organization by becoming a volunteer driver. Being involved in your community always brings blessings to all.
DEAR SUN SPOTS: Does anyone have a puzzle board they no longer use? I would love to have one as I am alone and have a need for one without spending lots of money on it. Thank you. — No name, Turner
ANSWER: I’m sending your request off into Sun Spots Land. If anyone has a board they no longer use, please write to me with your contact information and I’ll see that this lovely lady gets the message.
This column is for you, our readers. It is for your questions and comments. There are only two rules: You must write to the column and sign your name. We won’t use it if you ask us not to. Please include your phone number. Letters will not be returned or answered by mail, and telephone calls will not be accepted. Your letters will appear as quickly as space allows. Address them to Sun Spots, P.O. Box 4400, Lewiston, ME 04243-4400. Inquiries can also be emailed to sunspots@sunjournal.com.
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