University of New England

UNE and area oil dealers reach out to keep seniors warm

BIDDEFORD, Maine -  An oil for seniors effort spearheaded by the University of New England Maine Geriatric Education Center (UNE-MGEC) and the Coastal Healthy Communities Coalition (CHCC) of UNECOM’s Division of Community Programs has resulted in a generous response from local oil dealers. 

Area dealers have taken a lot of heat this winter, and several have stepped up to the plate to become part of the solution.

Dead River Oil Co., D.F. Richard Energy, Beaupre Fuels, Spang Fuels, and Champagne’s Energy have collectively donated $1,500 and 500 gallons of heating oil to be distributed to older adults in nine southern Maine towns:  Biddeford, Saco, Arundel, Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, Old Orchard Beach, Buxton, Dayton and Hollis. 

These towns comprise the communities served by CHCC, UNECOM’s Healthy Maine Partnership in York County, directed by Emily Rines.

Judy Metcalf, director of the UNE Maine Geriatric Education Center; Donna Richard, administrative assistant, Coastal Health Communities; Mary Spang, Spang Fuel;  Michael Beaupre, Beaupre Fuels; Dana Guay, Dead River Co.; Dave Marcotte, Champagne’s Energy; Emily Rines, director, Coastal Health Communities; Holly Korda, UNECOM associate dean, Community Programs. Also participating in the program, Rick Card, D.F. Richard Energy.

Difficult Winter
Holly Korda, UNE’s associate dean of Community Programs, says, “This winter has been incredibly difficult for many residents in southern Maine, and older adults are among those who’ve been hardest hit.   We have seen a real need in this population and wanted to help allay concerns about staying warm during this long Maine winter.  This is a wonderful example of neighbors helping neighbors.  We contacted local oil distributors – who are also neighbors in our communities – and asked them to help us reach out to our older area residents, and they responded generously.”

The funds and fuel donated in the “Keeping Seniors Warm” drive will be distributed to the nine area towns for distribution to older adults.  Others who would like to contribute to this effort are advised to contact the General Assistance Office in one of these towns to make a donation.  “It is our hope that others will be inspired to help ‘fill the tank’ for this worthy cause,” says UNE-MGEC Director Judith A. Metcalf.  Metcalf has been working with other community businesses to encourage their participation, as well.

For more information, contact Kathleen Taggersell, UNE Director of Marketing & Communications, at 207-602-2269

(Press release posted Feb. 19, 2008)