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NEWSLETTER
June 2022
EVENTS | UPDATES | IMPACT
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Be sure to put August 27th on your calendar, you don't want to miss out on our 6th Annual COLOR ME UNITED 5k Walk/Run! |
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Register HERE for early bird discount. Use promo code COLOR22 limited time offer!
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United Way is very excited to launch a new program in line with our strategic goals. Transportation has long been an issue in our area, and while we have also launched a Community Rides program (starting in the Rangeley area but branching out soon), we have another great way to get folks to where they need to go!
Our Don’t Despair Car Repair program provides assistance for individuals in need of car repairs. Assistance up to $1,000 is provided at one of 13 partnering garages. Repairs above that amount would need to be paid by the applicant. Anyone in Franklin County, Livermore and Livermore Falls may apply, however, only one applicant per household can qualify and be funded one time. Assistance is determined by an application process and reviewed by a committee of community members within 48 hours. We want to make sure you can get back on the road as soon as possible.
Please download an application on the United Way website (click here) or pick up an application at one of our partnering garages (garages are listed on the website application).
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Mother’s Day Flower Sale
It was a beautiful day to hand out bouquets. Over 200 spring bouquets were sold, with proceeds going back into our community by supporting area programs. Community members could purchase bouquets for someone special, donate them to nursing homes, or both. Area students delivered donated bouquets and brightened the day of residents at 6 different nursing homes.
Thank you to Western Maine Financial Services and Wiles Remembrance Centers for sponsoring the event this year and to our volunteers for their continued involvement!
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2nd Annual Scavaganza
It was a warm day but that didn’t stop any of the teams from racing neck and neck at our 2nd Annual Scavaganza. Teams had to kayak in Wilson Lake, get pied in the face, climb in a casket, and drink some not so tasty juice, among other things, to get clues to their next location.
Did you know that Skowhegan means “watching place” for fish? Neither did our teams. In the end, Team Merrill won by seconds during the race for the final clue, spelling out “You matter more” at Bangor Savings Bank, with team Bing Bong coming in a close 2nd.
Thank you to this year’s sponsors Brooks Tree Care and Merrill’s Garage. Thank you to the area businesses that allowed us to use their locations and of course to our volunteers.
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***** $850 Relief Checks *****
United Way and the Western Maine CA$H Coalition are still doing Maine State Returns for folks so they can receive the $850 relief check that the Governor is sending out starting this month. You only need to file if you have not filed federal/state taxes for 2021 already. If you have, YOU ARE ALL SET! If you have filed for your rent rebate or property tax fairness credit, YOU ARE ALL SET!I
If you haven't filed any of the above, then we will help you file! all you need to have is:
- Your income from 2021 (this includes social security, SSI, SSDI, pension, IRA distribution, etc.)
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The amount you paid for rent or property tax in 2021
- Landlord's name and phone number if you rent
To date 223 returns have been filed (since the end of tax season) totaling $52,400 in State credits (many folks are finding they should be filing a Maine return every year to get these earned credits) and securing $210,800 in $850 checks to be sent!
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Thank you to Winnie Said! |
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United Way could not do what we do without our AMAZING volunteers! Once such volunteer is our 'newsletter specialist', Winnie Said! Each month Winnie spends some of her valuable time putting our newsletter together for us. We provide the content and she works her magic! It allows us to keep on 'doing what we do' on a daily basis and get all this great information out to you! Winnie also volunteers at our annual COLOR ME UNITED 5k Walk/Run (see photo) each August to take pictures...have you saved-the-date on your calendar? August 27th this year!
Thank you, Winnie, for your time, your expertise, and your efforts!
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Very Basics Funds Granted
Twice a year United Way provides funding through an application process to its Very Basics Fund. This is in an effort to help non-profits provide food, fuel, or shelter to those in need. We are pleased to announce that the following organizations received support from United Way this grant cycle:
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United Methodist Economic Ministry - Food and Fuel
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Town of Carthage – Food and Fuel
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Androscoggin Home Healthcare and Hospice Life Happens Fund– Food and Fuel
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Rangeley Lakes Regional School Social Work Program – Food and Fuel and other basic needs
** United Way appreciates donations to maintain this fund and meet the most basic of needs. If you are not in need of your $850 relief check, please consider donating it to the Very Basics Fund to help others in our community.**
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In addition to sharing links to our Corporate Champion Circle members' employment opportunities, United Way is pleased to share this information *for tomorrow* that Maine CareerCenters, in collaboration with the University of Maine in Farmington, will be hosting a Hiring Event, at the Learning Center Parking Lot, University of Maine Farmington (270 Main Street) on Wednesday, June 8th from 10:00-12:00pm. The event will be outside, rain or shine.
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Who wouldn’t want to work for a local business or organization that gives back to the community?! Several of our Corporate Champions have postings - check them out and share them with others!!
(Click on company name to link to career/job opportunity webpage)
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CORPORATE CHAMPION CIRCLE MEMBER |
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United Way of the Tri-Valley Area is proud to have Ron's Market as a Corporate Champion Circle member.
Ron’s Market, owned by Jon and Lois Bubier, located in Farmington, ME may be a small market, but has a mighty selection of specialty beer, a separate wine room, a deli for fresh cut meats and a bottle redemption. Managed by James Beane, you can stop into Ron’s Market and pick up any necessities you may need and enjoy the friendly small town market atmosphere.
Ron’s Market will be celebrating 100 years in 2024, click here to read more about Ron’s Market and owners, Jon and Lois Bubier.
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Throwback photo of Jon and Lois! |
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It's never too late to
"Give a little, help a lot!"
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Get Involved. Learn.
Make a Difference.
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United Way of the Tri-Valley Area |
| info@uwtva.org | https://www.uwtva.org/
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