I n this Issue Chapter News Community Inclusion Inclusion Awards Testifying Whoopi Pie Fundraiser Leadership Training Annual Statewide Conference We still need you for the Annual Statewide Conference. Do you have a workshop you would like to present? Please connect with Laurie Coldwell at lcoldwell@sufumaine.org to fill out a proposal form.

Whoopi Pie Fundraiser The SUFU board is holding a Whoopi Pie Fundraiser. Partnering with Grant's Bakery in Lewiston, board members and chapters are selling packs of Whoopi Pies. Contact your favorite SUFU member or call 730-0474 for Laurie Coldwell to place your order. All orders must be in by May 31st. Orders will be delivered on June 12th and 13th.

BANGOR CHAPTER ATTENDS 2019 INCLUSION AWARDS Marco Orlando April 25, 2019 – Members of the Bangor Chapter of Speaking Up For Us traveled to the State House in Augusta to attend the 2019 Inclusion Awards on behalf of the statewide organization. In attendance was Marco Orlando, Eric McVay, Mike Labrec, Rose Davis, and advisor Krista Kennedy. The event was held in the prestigious Hall of Flags, hosted by Nancy Cronin on behalf of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council. Numerous students and teachers throughout the state of Maine were honored in record time for their thoughtful contributions to art and writing intended to promote inclusion during a blink-and-you-miss-it 20-minute award ceremony. Those in attendance appreciated the sentiment behind the event. To paraphrase Nancy Cronin’s opening comments to begin the event, inclusion does not come easy, but it is absolutely worth it. Members of the Bangor Chapter thoroughly enjoyed themselves as they interacted with other attendees in the coveted Hall of Flags, including local policymakers and representatives of the Maine Developmental Disabilities Council and Disability Rights Maine, both before the event began and after the event was over. It meant a great deal to them to take advantage of a golden opportunity to utilize critical networking skills and make meaningful lasting connections with trusted allies of the statewide organization.

Leadership Training Our annual leadership training is happening. We have nine participants in this year's Leadership 1 Class. Terrence Reidy reports that "The class is going quite well. The group hit it off, and bonded quickly. Quicker than another class that we have had. Many are willing to grow and make changes to further their own lives." Participant Rose Belanger shared "I am learning that everyone is different but can be a leader. The class helps me understand that there are many ways to be a leader. I also see different points of view and we all need encouragement" We look forward to see and hear more from the 2019 Leadership Class

Chapter News

Portland Chapter The Portland Chapter has been alternating their meeting location by visiting different coffee shops around town. They recently met at Starbucks, and will be meeting at Coffee By Design for the next meeting. In June they will be going to the Holy Donut. While there, they discuss many issues that members bring up. In addition, the chapter will be sailing in July in Portland Harbor!

Casco Chapter The Casco chapter has embarked on fitness testing at the end of each meeting. They all had different goals for this, from being healthier, their participation at Special Olympic events, or to just see how fit they are. What a great example this group is in working physical fitness.

Millinocket is making connections! The Katahidin Area/Millinocket Chapter has been busy. The members hold some of their meetings at their local Meals on Wheels location. After their meeting, they along with other community members participate in a chair yoga class. Then they have lunch in the cafe, and spend that lunch time talking with each other and members of the community. The chapter members also have been making donations of pet food to the furry friends program. What a great way to connect with community members! We look forward to hearing more!

Presque Isle and Bangor Chapter Gearing up for the Fundraising Season The Presque Isle and Bangor chapters are gearing up for their fundraising season. Both chapters are raising money to go the Annual Statewide Conference held in September. They have been out in their respective communities, meeting people and selling raffle tickets. The Bangor chapter recently completed a successful Mother's Day Basket raffle. Angela Wilcox won the basket and it was given to her on May 11th. The Presque Isle chapter is running a Father’s Day Raffle for a cooler with tickets being sold until June 15th. The winner's name will be drawn that day. A "Thank You" goes out to all the businesses who have supported both the chapters by donating items or allowing them to host their fundraisers outside their establishments.

Houlton Chapter Hosts a Spring Luncheon Our Houlton chapter hosted a spring luncheon earlier this mornth. Joining them was members from Lincoln, Presque Isle and Millinocket. 39 members and staff came together to not only visit with each other and have fun, but to enjoy a visit from Monique, Interim Executive Director. Monique spoke about the changes that are happening throughout the organization and answered any of their questions. All enjoyed their lunch, and then planted vegetables and flowers for members to take home. Finally, they played the mystery box fundraiser. This was a very successful chapter event with all looking forward to doing this again in the near future.

Belfast takes part in Community Inclusion The Belfast Chapter recently had the opportunity to work on a project with 7 community members, interns from the Schoodic Institute and the Acadia National Park. Together they planted 400 small bare root trees for a climate change project at the Coastal Mountains Land Trust. In addition to working alongside each other in planting the trees they also made tree protector tubes to protect the trees from small animals while they are being established. It was a great opportunity work alongside members of the community and get to know each other. A few members will continue volunteering alongside the community members and interns each week. As these trees are established and grow, the relationships started at the project will also. On a separate day, the Belfast Chapter joined Laurie Bernier at the Belfast Rail Trail. As part of the ongoing community inclusion they hiked the trail and talked about what was needed and how they could be a part of it. They took part in cleaning the trail up for all community member's continued enjoyment and shared their ideas of additional benches or picnic tables along the trail. This would provide resting places for those who use the trail daily for walking, biking, and hiking. Two Belfast Chapter members are committed to continued work on this trail for all of the Belfast Community to use and enjoy. Special Thanks to Krista Kennedy for her photos of the chapter at the Belfast Rail Trail. 

Testifying in Augusta Recently Jon McGovern, Kile Pelletier, and Stephanie Tardif went to Augusta to testify on bills that were being heard in the Health and Human Services Committee. We asked them to share their experience here with you. Stephanie Tardif shares, "My experience on testifying for the first time was terrifying. When I got there there were a lot less people than I imagined. Also, Stacy and Irene from Disability Rights Maine practiced with me and I was fine after that." Kile Pelletier tells us why he went to Augusta; "When I went to Augusta I testified on supported decision-making. Supported decision-making is important to me. It is important for me to continue to make my own decisions in life." Jon McGovern says that "I had someone from Disability Rights Maine help me write my testifying speech. I went with Monique Stairs to the Statehouse to testify. Testifying has gotten easier the more I do it."

SUFU's Website Have you been to SUFU's Website? Come 'see' us at sufumaine.org There you will find regular blog posts from members, and important information, forms needed for the Annual Statewide Conference, and our most up to date calendar of events in you area.

Have an Idea for Something to be in The Connector? Contact: Laurie Coldwell lcoldwell@sufumaine.org

SUFU CONNECTOR Speaking Up For Us of Maine 207-956-1004 lcoldwell@sufumaine.org www.sufumaine.org

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