Financial adviser Chris Marshall of Edward Jones volunteered to support the Greater Bangor Area Toys for Tots program by using his office as a drop-off location for the toy drive. Help needy children in the area by bringing a new, unwrapped toy to the office, 482 Stillwater Ave. in Bangor, during regular business hours Dec. 1-20.
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The Washington Hancock Community Agency has kicked off its 10th annual Christmas for Kids and More drive. Each Christmas the agency partners with several groups to give gifts to approximately 500 children. The agency is seeking donations or volunteers willing to “adopt” a family. Checks made payable to the Washington Hancock Community Agency with Christmas for Kids and More on the memo line may be sent to the agency at P.O. Box 299, Ellsworth 04679. Those in need of gifts may call the agency at 664-2424 in Hancock County or 546-7544 in Washington County.
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Volunteers are needed to manage and assist in the management of more than a dozen venues for Bangor’s New Year’s Eve celebration, The Downtown Countdown, 7 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Dec. 31. The Countdown is a family event featuring art, music, food and culture throughout downtown. Volunteers will be stationed at a specific venue and will be responsible for venue management, announcements and information throughout the night. Venues include Bangor Opera House, City Hall, Union Street Brick Church, West Market Square information tent and more. Volunteers must be at least 18 years of age and be available for two to four hours from 5 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 31, to 1 a.m. Monday, Jan. 1. For information or to volunteer, visit downtownbangor.com, call 631-2035 or email mackie@eventsbymackie.com.
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A seventh-grade mathematics and science teacher in his 12th year of teaching was honored at a surprise all-school assembly recently with the presentation of a prestigious national teaching award and a check for $25,000. Maine Department of Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen presented the Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award to Morgan Cuthbert in front of students, colleagues and local and state dignitaries at Frank H. Harrison Middle School in Yarmouth. When Cuthbert arrived at Harrison Middle School, he took a classroom unit focused on blood and expanded it into a hands-on, service-learning experience that takes students out into the community. For three years, Cuthbert’s students have sponsored an annual blood drive in partnership with the local chapter of the American Red Cross where they have displayed their research projects about the circulatory system. The project has been so successful, according to Harrison Middle School Principal Bruce Brann, that Cuthbert is working with other schools to replicate the blood unit. For information about the Milken Educator Awards, visit mff.org or call 310-570-4775.
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University of Maine Business School student Lawrence “TJ” Caldwell, student leader of the MBS Corps, the community outreach arm of the school, helped with a food drive to benefit the Crossroads food pantry in Old Town. He planned, organized and led the effort, aided by other students. Professor Martha Broderick and her business law class also helped with the effort. Approximately 300 nonperishable food items were donated by the school’s students, faculty and staff.