Pine Tree Society

News

Bangor stations cover Dysart’s Breakfast with Santa to benefit Pine Tree Camp

on

When Dysart’s held their annual Breakfast with Santa to benefit Pine Tree Camp, WABI TV 5 and WVII 7/FOX 23, both based in Bangor, were on-hand to cover the event

Families feasted on pancakes and the children had the opportunity to have their picture taken with Santa and decorate cookies.  All proceeds will be used to send people to Pine Tree Camp.

Pine Tree Society Development Officer, Tyler Cary said, “At Pine Tree Camp, we’ve never turned a camper away due to their inability to pay tuition and we’ve been open for over 70 years and we’ve kept that promise in place, but it’s only possible thanks to businesses like Dysart’s and our supporters.”

Mary Dysart-Hartt of Dysart’s on Broadway said, “We have a very valuable long-term employee whose son has always gone to Pine Tree Camp, so it’s a wonderful cause. We love that they are providing what every child should be able to experience.”

Dysart’s will have another Breakfast with Santa on December 9th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. at their Broadway location in Bangor.

To watch the segments from the December 2nd breakfast, click the links below.

http://www.wabi.tv/content/news/Pancake-Breakfast-Benefits-Pine-Tree-Camp-461529913.html

 http://www.foxbangor.com/news/item/22811-breakfast-with-santa

 

New Audiologist joins Pine Tree Society Audiology Team

on

Rich Bothfeld, Au.D., CCC-A, F-AAA has joined Pine Tree Society’s Audiology Department as a Clinical Audiologist. He joins Robin Galleher, MSPA-A, CCC-A, who is the director of the program.

“Rich knows our mission and values and wants to be a part of that. He really cares about his clients and goes the extra mile,” said Galleher.

Galleher has been the Director of Audiology at Pine Tree Society for 16 years and she and Bothfeld have complimentary skills that will expand on the program’s mission.

“He really likes working with kids,” said Galleher. “He has excellent skills in that area and I look forward to teaming up with him on that.”

“Kids add spice to life,” continued Bothfeld. “I enjoy giving young people as much help as I can to guide them on their path.  It’s really nice working with a mix of adults and children.  It’s fun to see a child in one appointment, then an adult in the next.”

He is particularly glad to be working as a two-audiologist team with Galleher on diagnostic testing with pediatrics and knows that he will continue to hone his skills and be able to help more people through their collaborative efforts.

Bothfeld says there are many reasons he wanted to work at Pine Tree Society.

“I’ve always been impressed with Pine Tree Society’s focus,” he said. “They provide services where needs need to be met.  I’m a clinician who will do everything I can to provide the services that an individual needs, so it’s a pleasure for me to be here.”

Bothfeld has been an audiologist for 19 years. Before that, he was a high school German teacher.

“I come from a musical family so I’ve always had an interest in sound,” he said. “After nine years of being a teacher, I decided to go back to school to become a speech language pathologist.”

It wasn’t long before he discovered his true love was audiology and approaching communication from a hearing standpoint became his passion.

For Bothfeld, “Every person provides a new challenge and helping each individual really hinges on counseling the person on how hearing loss is impacting their life. If you can have a person realize that it’s their ears that are not performing well – that it’s not them, it’s their ears — it helps them to observe what’s happening from a more objective standpoint. Nine times out of ten, adults who choose to use hearing aids become advocates for hearing aids.”

Pine Tree Society earns perfect score in transparency and accountability

on

As we enter “the season of giving,” people will be making decisions about where their donations can make the most impact.  With stories in the media about non-profits that misuse funds, it is easy to understand why people are concerned.

Pine Tree Society’s strong financial health and commitment to accountability and transparency have earned the organization another four-star rating from Charity Navigator, America’s largest independent charity evaluator. This is the second consecutive time, and the ninth time overall since 2003 that Pine Tree Society has earned this top distinction.

“We are thrilled to be recognized once again with a four-star rating which demonstrates our strong financial health and governance,” said Noel Sullivan, Pine Tree Society President and CEO. “Earning a perfect score in transparency and accountability shows we’ve worked hard to ensure that our donors can trust that we’re using their donations wisely in our work to transform the lives of Maine people with disabilities and their families each day.”

“It’s more important than ever for donors to be assured that Pine Tree Society will be responsible in utilizing their donations,” said Timothy Kittredge, Pine Tree Society Board Chair.  “We are committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar donated to support Maine people with disabilities. This commitment is reflected in the four-star rating from Charity Navigator.”

“Pine Tree Society’s exceptional four-star rating sets it apart from its peers and demonstrates its trustworthiness to the public,” according to Michael Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator. “Only a quarter of charities rated by Charity Navigator receive the distinction of our four-star rating. Based on its four-star rating, people can trust that their donations are going to a financially responsible and ethical charity when they decide to support Pine Tree Society.”

Pine Tree Society’s rating and other information about charitable giving are available free of charge on www.charitynavigator.org.

Discovering a life of passion and purpose

on

Dear Friends,

Discovering abilities together.  I have seen those words come to life again and again over the past year.  Let me tell you a story…PIne Tree Camp counselor

Ajay first came to Pine Tree Camp in 2007 as an eight-year-old.  Spending time with other campers helped Ajay see he’s not the only one with a disability. Knowing he’s not alone gave him the confidence to try new things.  Seeing other campers succeed has inspired Ajay to follow his dreams.  He was determined to someday go from being a Pine Tree camper to counselor.  This year, at 19, Ajay came to camp as a counselor.

“If I hadn’t gone to Pine Tree Camp, I wouldn’t be who I am today. It helped me to see the bigger picture, like what I could do in the future.”

Ajay went beyond discovering his abilities.  He has discovered a life of passion and purpose.

We see this again and again, every day throughout Maine…a mother hearing her child say “I love you” for the first time thanks to the use of a computerized device…parents of a child with autism connecting with other families who understand and finally feeling like they are not alone…a young adult with intellectual disabilities earning her first paycheck.

You as our donor, our partner, make this possible.  We cannot do it without you.  The funding Pine Tree Society receives through reimbursement for services only covers a portion of our costs.  Families caring for loved ones with disabilities have fewer and fewer resources to turn to for help.  We need your help to fulfill the promise of our mission, a mission that has been in place for more than 80 years.

Your donation will be put to work immediately to impact the lives of Maine children and adults with disabilities and their families.  We cannot do it without you.  Together, we can transform the lives of Maine children and adults with disabilities.  Thank you.

Sincerely,

Pine Tree Society CEO Noel Sullivan

Noel J. Sullivan
President and CEO

 

P.S. Please click here to give your tax deductible donation securely on-line today.

Pine Tree Society in the news: Providing accessible outdoor recreation for all

on

Pine Tree Society in Maine Sunday TelegramIt’s no secret that Pine Tree Society is dedicated to making accessible outdoor recreation available to Maine children and adults with disabilities.

On November 12, The Maine Sunday Telegram ran a front-page article entitled “Vacationland’s Limited Access.” The story focuses on the challenges faced by people with disabilities in accessing the Maine outdoors.

Pine Tree Society is mentioned as a nonprofit organization that makes outdoor recreation possible for people with disabilities. Photos in the story depict the barrier-free nature of Pine Tree Camp illustrating Pine Tree Society’s commitment to providing full access to Maine’s beautiful outdoors and the recreational activities for which our state is famous.

We are glad to see the spotlight on this topic that impacts the people we serve each and every day.

Read the full article here: http://www.pressherald.com/2017/11/12/maine-lags-in-providing-state-park-access-to-people-with-disabilities/

Pine Tree Society earns coveted 4-Star Charity Navigator rating

on

Pine Tree Society is thrilled to announce that the agency has earned another 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator by demonstrating strong financial health and commitment to agency accountability and transparency.  Noel Sullivan, President and CEO of Pine Tree Society, shared this letter that he received from Todd Thatcher, President and CEO of Charity Navigator.

 

Pine Tree Society Charity Navigator 4 Star Letter

Newport Hannaford Cause Bag program to benefit Pine Tree Camp

on

We are excited to share that Pine Tree Camp has been chosen by the Newport Hannaford as the latest beneficiary of the Hannaford Cause Bag program!

Starting today, and for the entire month of September, every time the reusable “Hannaford Helps” bag with the good karma message is purchased at the 44 Moosehead Trail, Newport Hannaford, we receive $1. Help support Pine Tree Camp and purchase the Hannaford Helps bag in Newport!

Spread the word to your family and friends too.

This is truly a great opportunity for us! Please visit the store, find the reusable bag rack and buy the blue Hannaford Helps bag!

Visit www.hannaford.bags4mycause.com for details!

Pine Tree Society reveals 2017 Holiday Card designs

on

For over 50 years, Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards have featured quintessential Maine art showcasing the beauty of winter.  What a difference a card makes!  Three million dollars in card sales has had a tremendous impact and transformed the lives of people with disabilities.

When you send your holiday cards this year, you can do so with pride knowing that Maine artists are helping you help Maine people, one card at a time.

This year’s cards feature work of renowned Maine artists, Carlton Plummer and Sandy Crabtree.  Both artists have designed cards for Pine Tree Society in previous years.

“Homeward Bound”Homeward Bound painting by Carlton Plummer for Pine Tree Society

Carlton Plummer’s scene features a man making his way home after harvesting the perfect Christmas tree. He moves through the rugged landscape of the snow-covered forest on his way to the quaint town in the clearing where his family eagerly awaits his arrival.

Squirrel Point Lighthouse card by Sandy Crabtree for Pine Tree Society“Squirrel Point”

Sandy Crabtree brings us a captivating watercolor of a beloved Maine lighthouse.  On a clear, brisk day on the Kennebec River, Squirrel Point Lighthouse is festively adorned with a wreath for the holiday season.  The Christmas tree in the yard and the jolly snowman waving from the hill are sure to delight the occupants of any vessels sailing by. 

Order your 2017 Pine Tree Society Holiday Cards now.

Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards are the perfect way to wish customers, vendors, family members and friends a happy holiday season while impacting Maine people with disabilities.

Click here to order online today. Cards will ship beginning in September.

Cards will be available for purchase at the 149 Front Street office in Bath during normal business hours after September 1.

You may also call (207) 386-5912 for more information or to place an order by phone.

Celebrating the Spirit of Pine Tree Society

on

July 27, 2017 marked the annual Downeast Feast at Pine Tree Camp.  This annual event celebrates the impact of Pine Tree Society and the people who help make it all possible.

Pine Tree Society President and CEO, Noel Sullivan, said, “Our work would not be possible without the support of thousands of generous friends throughout Maine and beyond. Whether you give your time, talent or treasure, your support makes the difference to the people we serve.”

Sullivan also thanked staff and board members for their commitment to helping Maine people with disabilities lead fuller, more socially connected lives.

After a special performance by a group of campers, Sullivan presented the annual Spirit of Pine Tree Society award to retired US Army Sergeant Travis Mills.

Sullivan explained, “For the past decade, Pine Tree Society has taken the opportunity at this event to honor individuals who truly embody the spirit of this organization. This year, we didn’t have to look very far.  Just down the road from where we sit tonight is amazing place that is making a transformational impact in the lives of combat-injured veterans:  the Maine Chance Lodge, founded by Retired United States Army Staff Sergeant Travis Mills.”

In an interview with WABI-TV5 reporter, Emily Tadlock, SSG Mills said, “I’m honored and thankful for the opportunity.  It’s a really great mission they have here.  We try to deliver our mission at the foundation in the same parallel so it’s exciting and I’m happy to be here.”

Sullivan added, “We feel we have a lot in common and he’s certainly someone who deserves a lot of thanks for what he does for our veterans.”

See links to WABI-TV5 coverage below.

Live interview with SSG Mills in the 5:00 newscast:

http://www.wabi.tv/video/?vid=437062943

Live interview with Noel Sullivan in the 6:00 newscast:

http://www.wabi.tv/video/?vid=437066383

A story which includes footage of the Pine Tree Camp Chorus performance on the 11:00 newscast.

http://www.wabi.tv/content/news/Travis-Mills-Honored-at-Pine-Tree-Society-Event-437092593.html

To see the performance of the Pine Tree Camp Chorus, click below: