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Southern Maine Autism Conference continues for its 12th year

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Saturday, March 7 is a particularly special day in Maine. It’s the day families from around the state come together for the Southern Maine Autism Conference. This conference began 12 years ago as a way to connect parents with educators, service providers and resources. It is offered at no cost and, for the 12th year in a row, is at full capacity with more than 500 people expected.

Pine Tree Society and Spurwink work in partnership to bring leading experts to Maine to share the most up-to-date information available with parents and family members of children and adults with autism spectrum disorders.

According to the 2019 Maine Kids Count report, 2,824 children in Maine (9.5%) have autism, which, based on statistics provided by the Maine Department of Education, is almost triple the number of students who were diagnosed with autism when the Southern Maine Autism Conference first began.

“The need for this conference is significant,” said Pine Tree Society’s president and CEO, Noel Sullivan. “It may be just one day, but, for twelve years, this conference has been a meeting place where families gain knowledge, find much needed resources and form friendships and networks that last long after the conference ends.”

This conference also begins the annual worldwide spring focus on Autism Awareness Month, which occurs each year in April.

This year’s nationally recognized keynote speakers are back by popular demand. “Outside Your Comfort Zone” will be co-led by Kyler Shumway, PsyD and Daniel Wendler, PsyD.

WHAT: 12th Annual Southern Maine Autism Conference presented by Pine Tree Society and Spurwink

WHEN: Saturday, March 7 8:00am – 4:00pm

WHERE: DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 363 Maine Mall Rd., South Portland

REGISTER: www.maineautismconference.org

FMI: Abby Gordon — agordon@pinetreesociety.org — 207-386-5963

Thank you to our generous sponsors to help keep this event at no cost to attendees: Maine Behavioral Health, Autism Society of Maine, and Specialized Housing, Inc.

Four for four: Pine Tree Society receives a perfect 4-star score from Charity Navigator for fourth year in a row

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For the fourth year in a row, Pine Tree Society has earned the top 4-star ranking from Charity Navigator. Charity Navigator is the largest independent charity evaluator in the United States and 4-stars is their highest possible rating. Pine Tree Society’s commitment to strong financial health, accountability and transparency earned this top distinction.

Only 20% of the charities Charity Navigator evaluates have received at least four consecutive 4-star evaluations, indicating that Pine Tree Society outperforms most other charities in America.

“Earning a perfect score in transparency and accountability shows we’ve worked hard to ensure our donors can trust we’re using their donations wisely in our work to transform the lives of Maine people with disabilities each day,” said Noel Sullivan, president and CEO of Pine Tree Society. “We’re committed to maximizing the impact of every dollar donated to support the people we serve, and this commitment is reflected in our 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.”

View Pine Tree Society’s 4-star ranking at this link:

https://www.charitynavigator.org/index.cfm?bay=search.summary&orgid=7736

A young man with a plan: raising money for Pine Tree Camp

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Sometimes things don’t always turn out the way you planned. Sometimes they turn out even better! That’s the case with Austin, a 12-year-old snowmobile racer from Levant.

He planned to raise $750 to help Maine kids attend Pine Tree Camp this summer. Instead, he more than tripled that goal with donations continuing to come in.

It was through his love of snowmobiling that he learned about Pine Tree Camp.

His mother, Heather, recalled how he and his grandmother were on the trail and stopped for a break at a local snowmobile club and started talking about different things that go on during the winter months.

“As soon as he learned about the Q106.5 Celebrity Egg Ride to support Pine Tree Camp he said ‘Sign me up!’ and starting raising funds,” she said. “Both Austin and his brother race snowmobiles and we are always out of town and never took part in the event before. Now, we’ll never miss a year again!”

“This was my first time fundraising,” said Austin. His pitch was simple. “’Would you like donate to the Q106.5 Egg Ride to benefit Pine Tree Camp? It’s only $50 for one egg.’ Some people had heard of Pine Tree Camp and some hadn’t. And if people hadn’t, I’d explain that it’s a place where people with disabilities can go to camp,”

His parents are overwhelmed by the response he’s had.

“We live in a small community and it’s been phenomenal,” said Heather. “It’s hard to put into words. There’s so much emotion when you put your heart and soul into it. His hard work and dedication makes us feel proud that’s for sure.”

They have good reason to be proud.

“Austin has always had a special gift with kids and adults who have disabilities,” she continued. “He has a big heart and takes the extra step to help people out and make sure everyone feels involved.”

This summer, Austin and his family will take that a step further and volunteer at camp together.

“It’s important to us to take part in the Pine Tree Camp experience and see what all this hard work has gone towards,” said Heather. “We can’t wait, come on summer!”

Don’t miss this all you can eat breakfast

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On Saturday, February 1st, snowmobile riders in the 47th annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in and Q106.5 Egg Ride to benefit Pine Tree Camp will fuel up at the Hungry Hollow 76’ers Clubhouse in Levant with an all-you-can-eat breakfast.

“When people think of us, they think of this event,” said Matt Arnold, secretary/treasurer of the Levant Hungry Hollow 76’ers.

This fundraising breakfast is a tradition that’s interwoven with the history of the club.  Pine Tree Camp is a cause past officers and club members were very passionate about.

“A lot of time and effort went into this breakfast for all those years,” Matt continued. “And we feel it’s really important to carry on that legacy.”

It takes a lot of dedication from the entire community to make this benefit breakfast happen.  Lifelong volunteers return year after year to cook and serve the breakfast.  Area businesses donate the food and all the eggs for the Egg Ride.  Dedicated snowmobile club members groom and maintain the trails, support the volunteers and guide the ride for the 25-mile trip from the clubhouse in Levant to Dysart’s in Hermon.

One hundred percent of the donations from this breakfast go to Pine Tree Camp to support Maine children and adults with disabilities.

 

What:  Annual benefit breakfast for Pine Tree Camp

When:  Saturday, February 1st from 7:00 – 9:00am

Where:  Levant Hungry Hollow 76’ers Clubhouse, Horseback Road

Cost:  By donation

Pine Tree Camp registration is now open

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Pine Tree Camp opened its gates in 1945 as a summer camp for children with physical disabilities.  Over the years, it has evolved into a place where children and adults with disabilities are able to participate in all the recreational activities for which Maine is known all year long.  The barrier-free setting, along with an amazing staff, ensure that activities like swimming, fishing, kayaking, hiking, boating and even camping in a tent under the stars are completely accessible to all.  Participating in activities that take people beyond their disability has a tremendous impact.  It builds self-esteem and self-confidence.  That experience coupled with meeting friends who understand and experiencing the feeling of acceptance is transformational.

Returning camper? Register here.  New camper? Register here.

Questions? Call 207-386-5993 or email info@pinetreesociety.org.

2020 Pine Tree Camp Overnight Schedule:

Session 1 | June 16th – June 21st Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (Ages 19 & over) Session full.
Session 2 | June 23rd – June 28th Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (Ages 35 & over) Session full.
Session 3 | June 30th – July 5th Adults with Intellectual and/or Physical Disabilities (Ages 19 & over) Female spots full, male spots limited.
Session 4 | July 21st – July 26th Children
Session 5 | August 4th – August 9th Children
Session 6 | August 11th – August 16th Children
Session 7 | August 18th – August 23rd Adults with Intellectual Disabilities (Ages 19 & over) Session full.
Session 8 | August 24th – August 28th Camp Communicate

2020 Camp Pine Cone Schedule:

Week 1 | August 3rd – August 7th Children with Intellectual and/or Physical Disabilities (Ages 5-12)
Week 2 | August 10th – August 14th Children with Intellectual and/or Physical Disabilities (Ages 5-12)

Celebrating 75 years of Pine Tree Camp

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Pine Tree Camp has undergone many improvements over the years to ensure the highest level of care, comfort and safety of our campers, but one thing remains the same: the view never changes!

After many years of work, the majority of our iconic buildings have been modernized and winterized.  This not only addresses our campers’ needs, it makes our buildings much easier to keep clean and allows Pine Tree Camp to offer its transformational programming all year long.

“Now that we can offer programming year-round, the sky is the limit,” said camp director Dawn Willard-Robinson.  “Having winterized buildings allows us to think outside of the box. This year we’re adding adult specialty weekends in the fall, winter and spring to give our adult campers the chance to spend extra time out in nature throughout the year.  There’s a big need for that.”   

When people think of Pine Tree Camp, they often think of the kids we serve. Many of the people who first came to camp as children are now adults who continue to return to this special place every year.

“We have a lot of adult campers and they are an aging population that really needs support,” Dawn said. “We have one camper who is now almost 60 years old and has been coming to camp since she was eight.  She has never missed a single summer.”

Her home in southern Maine doesn’t provide her much access to nature and, each year when she gets to Pine Tree Camp, the woods are the first place she wants to be. 

Dawn recalled, “She sits outside all the time when she’s here.  You always see her reading a book on the porch of her cabin or going down the trails in her wheelchair to the woods.  It’s where she finds peace.”

In addition to updating our buildings for the comfort and safety of campers, the team at Pine Tree Camp has also been deliberately developing and improving access to camp’s unique features.  The next focus is an exciting project to expand the trail system.

For so many of our campers, Pine Tree Camp is the only place they are able to access nature.  Knowing that is the reality, we are constantly working to create more nature-based experiences.

“Our Pine Tree Camp alumni remember the original trail as the one that went out to the overnight camp area,” Dawn continued. “It wasn’t accessible for many campers and most had to get to the overnight area by boat or via the trail through the Preston Woods area.” 

About 20 years ago, Greg Ouellette, the former director of Pine Tree Camp and executive director of Pine Tree Society led a project to build a nature trail to the overnight area.  A trail at the other end of camp followed a few years later.

Pine Tree Camp is now undertaking the next phase of trail development, which entails joining the two existing trails to create a three-mile loop.

“These trails are necessary for our campers to experience and explore the woods,” Dawn noted. “The trails are wide and fairly level, yet they meander and wind around so there’s lots to discover along the way. The new section of trail we’re designing has huge glacial boulders that campers will get to go around so they can see how big they are. There’s also a bridge over a little stream that we’ll get to go over now.”  

Campers will also have the chance to see vernal pools, eagle nests, blue heron, loons and an active beaver dam. There’s even a spot where an eagle comes to the trail and leaves shells.

For Dawn, “Camp has changed over the years, but the heart of camp remains the same. We love having alumni come see the improvements and our door is always open for a visit.”

A silent auction benefitting Pine Tree Camp

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The Levant Hungry Hollow 76ers and the Penobscot Snowmobile Club are teaming up to cohost a silent auction at the 47th annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In to benefit Pine Tree Camp.

The silent auction will begin at 7 AM during the all-you-can-eat breakfast at the Hungry Hollow 76ers club in Levant, where the items will be on display for bidding.

Can’t make it to breakfast? Join us at the Penobscot Snowmobile Club in Hermon at 10:00 AM where the fun and bidding will continue! Enjoy refreshments put on by the Carmel Snowmobile Club. Plus, check out the Antique Sled Show.

Bidding will close at 2 PM – winners do not need to be present.

Check out the list of generously donated gifts:

CBR Powersports Parts and Service, Newburgh, ME
10 sets of (assorted colors) Arctic Cat and Polaris handguards
Valued at $50 a piece

JL Landscape & Sprague Nursery, Bangor, ME
One Seven Gallon flowering Crab Apple Tree planted within 20 miles of Bangor
Valued at $300

Twin City Tire, Brewer, ME
4 wheel alignment, oil change, and discount cards
Valued at $150+

Chelsea & Ben; Photo and Films, Hermon, ME
30 minute couples photo session
Valued at $225

Hermon Motors, Hermon, ME
Oil Change and Tire Rotation

Snow Trackers (Mike Haggerty U.S. Distributor), Hermon, ME
Set of snow trackers for any snowmobile 2000 to present
Valued at $211

Coach House Restaurant, Brewer, ME
Gift cards and branded clothing

TBA, Bangor, ME
4 VP racing gas cans
Valued at $45 a piece

Best Western White House, Hermon, ME
Certificate for one night stay
Valued at $200

Northridge Outfitters, Greenbush, ME
Certificate for a ½ day guided fishing trip for two on the Penobscot River
All gear is included (Gratuity not included and must have Maine fishing license)
Valued at $300

Smart Eye Care, Bangor, ME
Pair of Oakley Gibston Sunglasses
Valued at $170

Bangor Motorsports, Bangor, ME
Helmet
Movie
Valued at $130 for both

Ace Hardware, Hermon, ME
Circular saw
Valued at $50

Subway, Hermon, ME
$25 gift certificate

Village Market, Carmel, ME
$25 gift certificate

Rick’s Mini Mart, Carmel, ME
Certificate for pizza and soda

Dysart’s, Hermon, ME
Ton of wood pellets

Triple-S Tack Shop, Carmel, ME
Assorted equine supplies

The Shop Inc, Hermon, ME
$100 gift certificate

Economy Motors, Hermon, ME

  • Winter themed basket
  • Gift card to Chase’s Restaurant
  • Hot chocolate
  • 2 kids passes to Hermon Mountain
  • Free oil change (excludes diesel vehicles)
  • Several economy motors t-shirts
  • Other small items

Valued at about $150

Beal’s Driving School

$100 gift certificate

Advance Auto Parts (Hammond St)

Automotive related basket

Witham’s Heating, Levant, Me

Gift bag of assorted items

Witham’s Paving, Carmel, ME

Gift bag of assorted items

Dysart’s Employee

Hand-crafted stepstool and cutting board

Allstate Insurance(Steve Wilde Office), Bangor, ME

$100 Visa Gift card

For questions related to Ride-In events, please contact Stevie Bonnevie by phone at 207-386-5915 or email sbonnevie@pinetreesociety.org.

Join us for an Antique Sled Show to benefit Pine Tree Camp

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You won’t want to miss this! The Penobscot Snowmobile Club will be hosting an Antique Snowmobile Sled Show during the 2020 annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-In to benefit Pine Tree Camp.

The show will be from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Penobscot Snowmobile Club in Hermon, where you can expect to see a variety of antique snowmobiles, with the vehicles ranging from the 19antique snowmobile 220s to the 1970s.

The Carmel Snowmobile club will be helping during the event, selling snacks to benefit Pine Tree Camp. The Penobscot Snowmobile Club will also be selling various refreshments.

The Q106.5 Celebrity Egg Riders will make a pitstop at the event during their messy ride, where several antique sleds will join them in the final ride to Dysart’s in Hermon for a benefit luncheon, with proceeds going to Pine Tree Camp.

For questions related to Ride-In events, please contact Stevie Bonnevie by email at sbonnevie@pinetreesociety.org or call 207-386-5915.

Pine Tree Society brings ASL Interpretation to Portland Stage

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“I grew up going to the theatre. Theatre has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.”

Beth Given is the development director for Portland Stage. Not only is she passionate about theatre, she has a true passion for finding ways to help others discover theatre as well.

Three years ago she formed a partnership with Pine Tree Society’s Sign Language Interpreting team to provide ASL-interpreted performances for Portland Stage.

“It’s an important part of our community engagement efforts and helps us reach a more diverse audience base,” she said. Portland Stage focuses ASL-interpreted performances on family friendly productions like this year’s holiday show “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play.”

Photo by Aaron Flacke.

“Last year, a friend came to our ASL-interpreted holiday performance with her four-year-old son,” she continued. “He has cochlear implants and it was a magical experience to watch him experience theatre for the very first time.”

Maura Nolin is the director of interpreting services at Pine Tree Society. For her, this is a great opportunity for people in the deaf community to have the chance to experience a classic story performed live.

“We’re thankful to have the opportunity to partner with Portland Stage to provide this service for the deaf community. It’s not often that people in the deaf community have the chance to experience live theatre this way.”

Pine Tree Society will also provide ASL-interpretation for a special school performance of this holiday show.

For Noel Sullivan, Pine Tree Society’s president and CEO, the partnership with Portland Stage aligns with the organization’s vision of providing opportunities for Maine people with disabilities to connect with the community.

“Pine Tree Society works every day throughout Maine to help people with disabilities live fuller, more socially connected lives,” he said. “Our work to bring performing arts to those who otherwise would not have the opportunity is another example of this commitment.”

In addition to adding ASL-interpreted performances, Portland Stage has a hearing loop system and has received a grant to provide open captioning at performances throughout the season.

The ASL-interpreted performance of “It’s A Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play” will be held on Sunday, December 8th at Noon. A limited number of complimentary tickets are available via Pine Tree Society, and advance reservations are required. Please contact Tim Wilbur at twilbur@pinetreesociety.org or 207-386-5974 to reserve seats.