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“You know you are making a difference.” Join Alex in supporting Pine Tree Camp through the 2021 Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in

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Alex has been a regular at the Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in and Q106.5 Egg Ride for more than a decade.

“Once I went, I never stopped going,” he said.  “I started going back before I had my license. My father used to bring me.”

It’s an annual tradition he loves and, once he got his license, he started going to the start of the ride at the Hungry Hollow 76ers Snowmobile Club in Levant as well as being there to greet all the riders at the end.  He looks forward to seeing all the familiar faces and the traditions that make the Ride-in and Egg Ride so unique.

One of his favorite parts of the Egg Ride is the fundraising at Danforth’s Down Home Supermarket and the live broadcasts Q106.5 does from the store.

“I always go there and make my donation,” he said.  “A lot of people have made this a tradition of listening to Scott and Cindy on Q106.5 and watching the stories about Pine Tree Camp on WABI.”

Alex is motivated by how Pine Tree Camp gives Maine people with disabilities the chance to try new things and to have the time to just be themselves and feel accepted for who they are.

“That’s the nice part about doing this,” he said. “You know you are making a difference.  What Pine Tree Camp does is also a great thing for parents. They need a break too and when their child is at camp, it gives them the time to not have to worry about anything and catch up some R&R themselves.”

Last year, Q106.5 invited Alex to join the celebrity Egg Riders and he was thrilled to participate as a rider for the first time.

“When Cindy called and asked me, I said, ‘Is that even a question?  Sign me up!’”

He has always been impressed that Pine Tree Camp doesn’t turn anyone away regardless of their ability to pay and how the Ride-in helps ensure Maine people with disabilities can go to camp no matter what.

Pine Tree Camp is there for campers and their families – no matter what — because through thick and thin, loyal supporters like Alex are there.

As the 2021 annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in and Q106.5 Egg Ride to benefit Pine Tree Camp kicks off, Alex is more important than ever.  Why?  Like everything else, this critical fundraising event will look a bit different this year, but the need to raise money for Pine Tree Camp remains the same.

Join Alex and support the Ride-in today.   Give to support Alex’s fundraising efforts at Alex Demers is fundraising for Pine Tree Society (justgiving.com) or create your own fundraising page 48th Dysart’s Ride-In to Benefit Pine Tree Camp/Q106.5 Virtual Egg Ride – JustGiving.

Pine Tree Camp to You connects and engages during Covid-19

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Barbara has been going to Pine Tree Camp since she was nine years old.  This summer, for the first time in 15 years of being together with her friends on the shores of North Pond, due to the Covid-19 pandemic, her traditional week at camp suddenly took on a new form through Pine Tree Camp to You.

“It was really great that Pine Tree Camp staff so quickly came up with a plan because there was something to look forward to,” recalled her mother, Denise.

Pine Tree Camp to You was a virtual summer camp experience designed to safely connect campers through a series of remote week-long sessions.  Registered campers received a curated activity box containing everything they needed to fully participate.

Barbara signed up for two Pine Tree Camp to You weeks: Arts and Crafts and Drama.

“In a way, it was almost like having two sessions of camp,” said Denise.  “When her first box arrived, it was like Christmas in July.  A box of goodies arrived with everything she needed for Arts and Crafts week. Getting something from Pine Tree Camp gave her such a thrill and definitely boosted her happiness.  Once she saw the first box and knew what to expect, the next three weeks before the Drama box arrived gave her a lot to look forward to.”

In addition to doing self-guided activities, campers also came together virtually via Zoom to connect for group cabin activities with Pine Tree Camp staff and other campers; providing the chance to get to know each other and share experiences.

“It boils down to one word: connection,” said Pine Tree Camp director Dawn Willard-Robinson.  “We want to fill that need for connection in whatever way we can, even if that means we’re connecting virtually through a screen.  Keeping people connected is the very essence of what we do, and, during this time of physical distancing, that’s more important than ever.”

Months later, Barbara still cherishes her Pine Tree Camp to You boxes.

“They are being reused for everything because they say Pine Tree Camp on them,” Denise continued. “I commend the staff for the level of enthusiasm and joy they brought.  Every Zoom presentation they did was dynamic.  The boxes were well thought out and they had a true camp vibe. As always, they did an excellent job.”

 

In the news! The Free Press features story on Pine Tree Society’s holiday cards

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Sandy Crabtree’s “Winter Sunlight” caught the attention of The Free Press. Why? Because the beautiful painting featured as one of Pine Tree Society’s 2020 holiday cards showcases the quintessential Maine Pemaquid Lighthouse.

One hundred percent of proceeds from annual holiday card sales support Pine Tree Society’s programs and help Maine people with disabilities lead richer, more socially connected lives.

Cards can be ordered online at here or by calling 207-443-3341.

Pine Tree Camp to You Holiday Celebration!

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Get ready Pine Tree campers!  Pine Tree Camp to You Holiday Celebration is coming!  Join us daily starting December 14 to December 19 for holiday cheer and virtual activities designed to keep us connected, engaged and active.  We have some special surprises and guests in store – and we will kick-off the fundraising for the 48th annual Dysart’s Snowmobile Ride-in to benefit Pine Tree Camp.  This event, like everything else, will look different this year and we need your help more than ever.

Schedule of Events:

Monday, December 14th

  • Opening Night Campfire
  • Join us for the opening campfire for our Pine Tree Camp to You Holiday Celebration with special guest Eric Lunt! Register here

Tuesday, December 15th

  • Bingo Night
  • Join us for Bingo night and win some exciting Pine Tree Camp and Pine Tree Camp to You swag! Register here

Wednesday, December 16th

  • Paint Night
  • Join us for Paint Night with a special guests from one of our amazing Ride-In sponsors from Dysart’s! Register here

Thursday, December 17th

  • Talent Show
  • A Pine Tree Camp favorite-the talent show, brought to you virtually right from Pine Tree Camp! Showcase your talents-a song, dance, jokes, or other talent you may have! Register here

Friday, December 18th

  • Dance Party!
  • Let’s dance! Holiday outfits are encouraged although not required. DJ will be a special guest from our camp community Register here

 

New Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Libraries increase access to life changing tools

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Assistive Technology can be life-changing for people with disabilities. Thanks to a grant from Maine CITE, Pine Tree Society has access to hundreds of Assistive Technology devices for Mainers to “try before you buy.”

“Simply put, Assistive Technology is any tool that helps someone do a task easier and, as a result, increases their independence,” said Linda Bonnar, director of Pine Tree Society’s speech and Assistive Technology program.

In its simplest form, Assistive Technology can be as basic as using a piece of Play-Doh to wrap around a pen to make it easier to hold or finding the perfect on/off switch for a person who can’t physically use their hands. At its most complex, Assistive Technology can be an app designed to aid in communication or an eye gaze system for speech.

“Assistive Technology truly is anything that will make something that’s challenging for a person easier for them,” Linda continued. “We even have an adapted Xbox controller for families who never thought their child could play a video game.”

Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Library is exactly what it sounds like: it’s aresource library of Assistive Technology that people can

“We often hear people say they bought something they saw on TV or in a catalog and they can’t get it to work the way they thought it would,” Linda said. “With the option to test drive a new tool before buying, it not only saves money, it also helps people to not buy a tool that’s not the right fit for their needs in the first place.”demo and borrow to try out at school, home or work before making the decision to buy.

 

Linda and her team are experts in evaluating people’s unique needs.

“We show you the features, let you know what you it can do and, if after trying it out, you think it’s a good fit, we help you figure out the best way to buy it,” she said. “We help people make good, sound decisions.”

For example, a parent reached out because their child’s speech therapist suggested an iPad keyguard could help their daughter access her communication device with more ease. Through Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Library, they were able to try it for a couple of weeks to make sure it was the right fit.

“Recently, a school that was interested in utilizing a reading pen for a student contacted us to do anevaluation and demo to determine if it was going to be successful,” Linda said. “We found that it was a really good fit for this particular student. Thanks to our Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Library,

they were able to try it before making the investment. They learned it was a good decision financially and for the success of the student.”

Demos can be done in-person or remotely via Zoom and there are several options available for pickup and return, which expands access to rural areas of the state. The library also provides short-term loans while someone’s existing device is being repaired.

Pine Tree Society’s Assistive Technology Demo and Loan Libraries in Scarborough, Bath and Auburn are free and open to anyone who wants to explore technology to increase independence.

Want to learn more about Assistive Technology?

Visit www.pinetreesociety.org to watch our AT Spotlight series, featuring a variety of tools like speech watches, reading pens, voice and schedule apps on our blog at pinetreesociety.org.

An inventory of hundreds of options can be searched on the Maine CITE website: www.at4maine.org

Request a virtual or in-person demo in Scarborough, Bath or Auburn by calling Pine Tree Society at 207- 386-5930 or emailing Emily Capaldi at ecapaldi@ pinetreesociety.org.

Here is just a small list of the types of Assistive Technology available at Pine Tree Society. Call to learn more.

  • Weighted gloves
  • Specialized spoons for tremors
  • Keyguards
  • iPads
  • On/off access switches
  • Medication dispensers
  • Adapted Xbox controllers
  • Amazon Echo Dot
  • Reading pads
  • Reading pens
  • Speech watches
  • Apps such as Voiceitt and Visual Schedule Planner

Ready to take aim?

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Hitting a bull’s-eye for the first time is a thrill.

“The first time a camper hit’s a bull’s-eye at our archery pavilion is a great feeling for everyone,” said Mary Schafhauser, assistant director of Pine Tree Camp. “It’s awesome!”

This summer, thanks to a grant from the Waterville Area Women’s Club, Pine Tree Camp built a fully accessible, covered archery pavilion with three lanes; including moveable targets, railings, seating and storage space. The covered pavilion is ramp accessible and provides shade on hot days and protection from rain during inclement weather.

“It was a game changer to have a set structure with a roof during Adventure Day Pass this summer,” Mary continued.  “It became an attraction. One Adventure Day pass camper got so good, he wanted to compete against staff every time he came.”

When the Waterville Area Women’s Club was approached by Pine Tree Camp to partner with them on the archery pavilion, they saw it as an opportunity to complete a project that would have immediate impact.

“Rather than have campers wait for years for this opportunity, we wanted to complete the whole project for them immediately,” said Helen Bell-Necevski, executive director of the Waterville Area Women’s Club. “It’s been nice to see the archery program grow and know that the pavilion was fully utilized this summer and families had the chance to create memories together and just have pure fun.”

For Helen, the Waterville Area Women’s Club Archery Pavilion not only helps Maine children withdisabilities try something new and develop independence, it helps parents have the break they need as well.

“Our mission is women and children based,” she continued.  “When you help a child, you’re helping a mom and dad too.”

To ensure physical distancing, just one family at a time was allowed in the archery pavilion and the camper and their entire family had the chance to learn to shoot; turning it into an activity everyone could enjoy together.

Pine Tree Camp staff is committed to adapting every activity to allow full participation, and archery is no exception. Based on an individual’s abilities, staff helps adjust how the bow is held, guides how to notch the arrow or pull the bow.

“We do whatever it takes to help a camper be successful,” Mary concluded.

This winter, Mary will further advance this program by becoming a certified archery instructor.  This rigorous training will allow her to train others as well.

“Not only will our staff be certified, they will gain extensive experience adapting archery for people of all abilities,” she concluded.

Archery is one of dozens of specialized recreational activities available on Pine Tree Camp’s 285-acre barrier free campus; allowing Maine people with disabilities fully accessible access to the outdoors.

 

The Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund Awards Grant to Pine Tree Society

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The Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund announces the awarding of $117,384 in grants to six non-profit organizations in New Hampshire and Maine.

Among the beneficiaries, the Trustees of the Trust, Charles Doleac, Kenneth Barrett and Holly Ayes Malloy have approved a grant to the Pine Tree Society  — for in-home support services to children with development disabilities in southern Maine addressing the educational gaps experienced by children with special needs as a result of distance and hybrid learning as a result of COVID-19.

The Thompson Fund has awarded grants to the Pine Tree Society since 2000, to support the creation and sustainability of such initiatives as the Pine Tree Camp accessible playground, mental health care capabilities and an autism transition program.

Pine Tree Society President & CEO Noel Sullivan commented, “we are pleased to once again partner with the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund to impact Maine people with disabilities during a particularly challenging time.”

Theresa Thompson established the endowment fund in memory of her husband Roger, to make a difference in the local community by rewarding six specific local charitable organizations whose work was making a local impact. It was important to her to retain local administration of the grants so that there was a direct connection between the Trustees and the organizations she believed were the best able to create a lasting legacy in the names of Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson. Although the six organizations named in the Fund are set, the Trustees determine each one’s eligibility for grants on an annual basis, reviewing not only their proposals but their accomplishments with previous grant funds and their collaborations with each other to benefit the Seacoast.

In making the announcement, Managing Trustee Charles B. Doleac commented, “In the midst of a pandemic that has deeply impacted the operations of non-profits across the nation, the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson Endowment Fund trustees are pleased to recognize the work of the six local organizations who have responded to the challenges of COVID-19 protocols with new models, new technologies and new partnerships by awarding this year’s grants. Theresa Thompson chose the specific framework of the Fund because she believed it was critical to have local Trustees, who not only retained oversight of a fund benefitting local organizations but could foster an environment that trained future trustees for the fund, the beneficiaries and the community. The Thompson Fund is also a reminder that those who might be thinking about their own financial legacies should consider how their support for charitable entities in this critical time might allow them to maintain local control and make the biggest local impact. This type of trust retains the direct personal connection between the founders and the organizations whose missions they fund.”

The distributions are not guaranteed and the non-profits named in the Trust must apply each year to be considered for the beneficiary awards that are paid from the income of the Roger R. and Theresa S. Thompson estate trust fund.  To learn more about Thompson Fund beneficiaries and prior grant-funded initiatives, please visit ThompsonFund.org and follow the Thompson Fund on Facebook.

Adult services haven’t “skipped a beat” during Covid-19

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“We had connection from day one,” said Shelley Zielinsky, director of Pine Tree Society’s Adult Support Services of their response to Covid-19.

“We were able to maintain real- time connection with people from the very start of the pandemic. We were there.”

Within days of Covid-19 shutdowns, Shelley and her team launched remote programming using video. When cases rose, the team quickly adapted, offering one-on-one and remote programming to conferencing to keep clients keep clients connected, active and engaged.

She recalled how one client in Androscoggin county who has taken part in Pine Tree Society’s community support services for nearly 40 years found himself using technology on a daily basis for the very first time.

“At first, he needed full support to access the services,” she said. “In time, he was able to trouble shoot technology issues on his own, which increased his independence and confidence.”

When small group services resumed in June, based on the connection he’d had throughout the start of the pandemic, he and his family felt confident and he returned to in-person services.

When programming resumed, there was a renewed sense of the importance of accessing the outdoors. Together, clients went on bike rides, played tennis, went on hikes and made several day-long trips to Pine Tree Camp. These activities have continued through the fall.

“We have a good flow and a strong plan,” Shelley said. “When the pandemic hit, we didn’t lose connection with people. Instead, we fostered greater connections because we were a constant. When people returned to in-person programs, we hadn’t skipped a beat.”