Good A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Wednesday, December 24, 2025
ake ! m o t ies happier r o t s d even o o g l Fee holidays your
2
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025
Pet adoptions that will warm your heart for the holidays BY AISLINN SARNACKI
E
very year, hundreds of dogs and cats find homes through the Bangor Humane Society, an animal shelter that can trace its history back to 1869. Coincidentally, this haven for homeless pets is located on a road called Mount Hope Avenue. Indeed, it’s a place of hope. “There’s lots of happy stories from this year in particular, and lots of dogs and cats waiting right now for a family,” said Kathryn Ravenscraft, director of development and communications for the Bangor Humane Society. “We’re hoping for similar outcomes for all of them.” It’s always heartwarming to see an animal find its family, but some adoption stories are particularly moving. So, looking back on 2025, let’s celebrate a few of BHS’s biggest success stories.
“Bruno is a dog that we couldn’t even have on the adoption floor because he’d be so triggered by too much sensory input and strangers coming in,” Ravenscraft said. “So we had him in the back of the house in a private ‘condo.’” A couple became interested in adopting Bruno after seeing his profile on the BHS website. With the help of BHS staff, they got to work slowly building trust with him, visiting periodically at the shelter, then having a trial sleepover at their home. At the beginning of 2025, Bruno went home with them and hasn’t looked back. “Bruno is loving life to the fullest,” said Lily Perlmutter, who adopted Bruno. “Every day is something new. He is always up for an adventure.” “We have videos of him chasing balls in the rural place where he lives,” Ravenscraft said. “It’s just the ultimate success story to see Bruno go out and be happy.”
Bruno
Tigger, Lucky, and Caesar
One of the happiest BHS stories from This year, BHS facilitated about 1,500 pet this year occurred back in January, adoptions. With a no-kill policy, the shelter when a big brindle dog named Bruno treats pets that have a wide range of medical was finally adopted. He’d been waiting and behavioral challenges, and at the shelter for four years. they look for adopters who can “A lot of [the pets at the shelter] are continue that care. waiting for their unicorn person to For instance, Tigger, a brown come along,” said Ravenscraft. tabby with white markings, has “They’re looking for the exact diabetes and requires regular environment they need to thrive.” doses of insulin by mouth. While Bruno was such a case. He came into Lucky, an asthmatic cat, uses a PHOTO COURTESY OF the shelter as a stray, so his background little inhaler. Both found homes Lucky dog Bruno found his KATHRYN RAVENSCRAFT perfect home with is a mystery, but it’s safe to say he’d through BHS this year. Lily Perlmutter after been through a tough time. He was Then there’s Ceasar — a big cat four years at the shelter. reticent about people, the kind of dog with a big personality. With long, PHOTO COURTESY OF PHOTO COURTESY OF who needed time to build trust with luxuriant black hair and white BARBARA PLUMMER LILY PERLMUTTER anyone. markings and socks, Ceasar first BHS staff worked hard training Bruno and giving him the best life arrived at BHS in 2017 and was quickly adopted, then returned in January of possible at the shelter. One staff member in particular bonded with him 2024. There he waited over a year before being adopted again. By then, Ceasar and would take him for car rides and long walks in the Bangor City Forest. had developed kidney disease, but his new owners didn’t bat an eye.
Lucky
Caesar
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025 3
“When I first met Caesar, he was described as ‘spicy,’” said Barbara Plummer, who adopted him. “It turned out that he was mostly sweet with a bit of spiciness. He was very affectionate. He loved to play and zoom up and down the stairs… Things did need to be on his terms and he needed to be introduced slowly to things like being brushed.” Caesar adapted well to his new home, and for a brief time, lived like a king. Then his disease flared up, and he passed away. “My prior cat also had kidney disease and lived a long life,” Plummer said. “Caesar was young and very fit, so it was a bit of a shock.” “The great part of this is that he didn’t die here in the shelter,” Ravenscraft said. “He went home with someone who loved him very much, who worked really hard to understand what he needed in order to be happy and gave him a great home.”
Donatello and Scarlet After losing Caesar, the Plummers decided they’d like to adopt two cats so they could play and keep each other company. First, they adopted Scarlet, then Donatello — who needed a little extra love and care. “He came in as a stray and was severely emaciated and very sick with an upper respiratory infection and had corneal ulcers,” Ravenscraft PHOTOS COURTESY OF said. “He also had a ligament BARBARA PLUMMER tear in one of his legs at some point, so he has a bit of a limp … But [the Plummers] can’t be put off by medical cases.” After just a few months in his new home, Donatello is doing well and putting on some weight. In addition, he’s adapting to his new playmate, Scarlet, and establishing boundaries — as cats will do. “I can’t say enough good things about the staff at the Bangor Humane Society,” Plummer said. “They truly care about the animals in their care and want what’s best for them. I’m also impressed by how much our community supports them. Every time I have been there, people have been dropping off donations.”
Donatello
Scarlet
If interested in supporting BHS through donations, volunteerism, or adopting a pet, visit
bangorhumane.org.
4
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025
BY STEPHANIE BOUCHARD
A
100 Neighbors Who Care helps feed those in need in Penobscot Valley
t any given time, Eastern Area Agency on Aging’s Meals on Wheels program has a wait list of 300 to 350 people. It’s the one program of EAAA’s that is always in need of support, said Christopher Hill, EAAA’s communications and development director. Earlier this year, the agency was able to begin providing meals to 17 Bangorarea people on that wait list because of a $24,000 donation from a unique community-led fundraising effort that is part of a worldwide philanthropy trend. 100 Neighbors Who Care – Penobscot Valley, the organization facilitating the donation to EAAA, is a giving circle — a philanthropic model in which a group of people get together to pool their funds in support of a chosen cause. Giving circles are a form of collective giving that has steadily gained popularity across the globe since the early 2000s, and is projected to double in the next five years, according to a report released in January by the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy of Grand Valley State University in Michigan. According to the report, in the U.S. between 2017 and 2023, there was a 140% growth in giving circle participation and monetary donations, with nearly 4,000 giving circles totaling approximately 370,000 participants donating more than $3.1 billion. 100 Neighbors Who Care – Penobscot Valley formed in 2021 with an initial group of just under 100 people. With the purpose of creating community by gathering members together to raise money to support nonprofits in Penobscot Valley, the group also increases awareness of the work these organizations are doing in the community, said the group’s cofounder, Dan Moore, a retired Air Force command chief master sergeant. Group members commit to donating $100 each at a one-hour meeting four times a year. At those meetings, three nonprofits nominated by members of the group and randomly selected at the previous meeting, have 10 minutes each to share with the members what their organization does and how they’d use the donation.
After the presentations, the members vote for the nonprofit they will support that quarter. The organizations not selected at that meeting are immediately eligible for future opportunities. The organization that is selected is not eligible for another chance for two years. Almost more important than the financial donation, says EAAA’s Hill, is the opportunity to present to the group. “I’m thankful that we got [the donation], but to be able to share with a room of 200 to 250 supporters about what we do, there’s value in that itself,” Hill said. Matt Dexter agrees. Dexter is the executive director of Christine B. Foundation, a Bangor-based nonprofit that provides healthy food and nutrition support to people in eastern Maine newly diagnosed with cancer. The organization received a $19,500 donation from the group. “You have a chance to educate 200 or 250 people immediately and that ripples,” Dexter said. He said he’s had people who didn’t talk to him at his presentation approach him later. “I think one thing that is underrated is just how close-knit this community is,” he said. “Being a recipient of the check is one thing, [but] what’s really powerful is the network and the community and the values that they’re sharing that ripples through all the organizations’ missions.” Today, 100 Neighbors Who Care – Penobscot Valley has 239 members and, just before its final meeting of the year, had raised more than $353,000 over the course of 18 one-hour meetings. Some members have even begun volunteering for organizations that have presented to the group. “I’ve been a member of this community long enough to know that there are many generous people,” Moore said, “and I just felt that the [giving circle] would flourish in the Penobscot Valley region.”
To learn more about 100 Neighbors Who Care – Penobscot Valley, go to 100neighbors.org.
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025 5
Company Sends
1,000 Pairs of Socks to Machias Area School BY JUDY HARRISON
T
he Machias Bay Area School District is 1,000 socks richer thanks to Jennifer Bunker, a first-grade teacher at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School in Machias. Bunker took Bombas, a firm based in New York City, up on its commitment to give away one sock for every sock it sells. Since its founding a dozen years ago, Bombas has given away 150 million socks, T-shirts, and underwear, mostly to agencies that serve the homeless. The company also donates to schools with a high number of students whose families live at or below the poverty line. “I buy Bombas in my personal life and saw an ad on their website that said they
give away one sock for every one sock I buy,” Bunker said. “My husband and I entertained the thought — wouldn’t that be a great thing for Washington County.” Bunker filled out a lengthy application online for the company’s charitable program. It included questions about the county’s economics and the number of families struggling financially. The teacher asked for sizes that would fit children from pre-kindergarten through second grade, if approved. “Every child in that age group and at the day care center in Columbia Falls received two pairs of black socks,” she said. “We have such an abundance of socks that each office has some so if kids get their socks wet outside, we can give them a dry pair to wear. They can keep them if they need them.” The school district, formally known as Alternative Organizational Structure 96, consists of the towns of Cutler, East Machias, Jonesboro, Machias, Machiasport, Marshfield, Northfield, Roque Bluffs, Wesley, Whiting, Whitneyville. The district’s schools are Machias Memorial High, Bay Ridge Elementary in Cutler, Elm Street Elementary in East Machias, Fort O’Brien Elementary in Machiasport, Jonesboro Elementary, Rose M. Gaffney Elementary in Machias and Whiting Village Elementary. Washington County is one of the poorest counties in the state with 20.26 percent of households qualifying for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Only Somerset County has a higher number — 20.62 percent — of households in Maine receiving that benefit. Bunker said one of the reasons she applied to Bombas was to take a small burden off teachers who sometimes pay out-of-pocket for things like socks, gloves, and winter hats for students who need them. The socks arrived without warning in mid-October in four large boxes, the teacher said. “For some kids, a new pair of socks is like a hug,” Bunker said. “They wear them until they need another pair.” Bombas was founded in 2013 by friends Randy Goldberg and David Heath after they learned that socks were the item of clothing most often requested by homeless shelters. They established a “buy-one-give-one” sock company in order to provide the most socks possible to those in need. The brand began growing rapidly after its win on the television show “Shark Tank” in September 2014. Today, Bombas also sells T-shirts and underwear, the next two most requested items at homeless shelters after socks. The company has partnered with more than 4,000 organizations, 20 of which are in Maine, to distribute its products free. They are called “giving partners.” Bombas is Latin for bumblebee. “Bees work together to make their hive a better place,” Bomba says on its website. “We like that. On the inside of every pair of socks, we stitch these words: ‘Bee Better.’” The give-away program is titled BeeBetter. Bombas has been endorsed by B Corps, a group that considers whether for-profit businesses are meeting “high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency, and accountability. B Corps use the power of business to do more than seek profit,” according to its website. “They use their profits and growth to positively impact their stakeholders — and the planet.”
6
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025
Pup with a Purpose Blind and deaf dog makes connections as a school therapy dog BY JODI HERSEY
A
PHOTOS COURTESY OF ASHLEY JACKSON, CARMEL ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
blind, deaf, and stray dog from Texas is finding he lacks nothing when it comes to being a therapy dog. Enzo, a Neopolitan Mastiff, was adopted by Dawn Scovel of Etna several years ago. Scovel said she just knew her giant sidekick had a purpose despite his disabilities. “Even though he has these issues, he is still wonderful, and he can function every day, and he can make people smile,” Scovel explained. This is Enzo and Scovel’s second year working as a therapy dog team at Carmel Elementary School. The duo has a special parking spot in front of the school. Once inside, using his sense of smell, he greets the staff and many teachers before making his way to the library where students have the opportunity to read and visit with him throughout the day. “I just come and give him love,” said third grader Lily Matson. “I like that I can pet him whenever.” “I am more of a dog person than a cat person,” added third grader Evan Pelletier. “He sleeps a lot but he is a good boy.” School principal Tom Vicaire said Enzo is making a difference in the school. “[For] each child when they come in the building, they are individuals and you never know what that child may be facing,” Vicaire explained. “Enzo brings a certain peace and calm that is a sort of comfort that the ABCs and 123s that they face each day just doesn’t bring.” Title 1 Interventionist Ashley Jackson said “Enzo Days” at Carmel Elementary are the staff and students favorite day of the week. “He spreads his love, joy, and comfort,” Jackson said. “Kiddos who may struggle to read feel comfortable having a nonjudgmental person or furry friend to read to. It also helps to soothe any anxieties they may be feeling.” Scovel said the rescue in Texas from where she adopted Enzo believes untreated ear and eye infections may have led to his blindness and deafness. “He cannot hear and cannot see out of one eye completely. The other eye may only see shadows,” Scovel said. Fortunately for Enzo, none of those are qualification requirements to become a certified therapy dog.
“His job is to make the students and teachers happy,” Scovel said. “It makes my week coming to this school and doing this. I love watching the kids and their reactions.” At just 6 years old, Enzo’s work ethic and commitment are a welcome addition to all at Carmel Elementary School. “Each time he comes in here you can see each child light up,” Vicaire said. “When they’re with Enzo, it’s like magic.”
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025 7
for Parkinson’s “When I look over and see Kevin playing ping pong, it’s like someone who doesn’t have Parkinson’s,” said Kate Hanson whose husband, Kevin Finnigan, was diagnosed 10 years ago. “It was devastating,” he shared. For Chris Mattson, he was “scared to death” with his diagnosis in 2018 after five years of experiencing tremors. David Smith’s diagnosis came five years ago. “It is a struggle for everyone with Parkinson’s to overcome many of the symptoms like fatigue, lack of motivation, inability to get things done like in the past.” All three men face their challenging days with games of ping pong, reminding them of their childhood. “There is lots of information about how beneficial ping pong is for those with Parkinson’s,” Smith said. Holding the paddle to show how his hand was trembling, Smith said, “But once that ball heads my way, my brain focuses on that and my tremor stops — it’s fascinating!” Table tennis is advantageous for those with Parkinson’s disease, a progressive neurological disorder that affects a person’s movement. PingPongParkinson® was founded in 2017 by musician Nenad Bach. “What began as a simple game of ping pong soon became a transformative experience,” Bach claimed. And that is just what the trio in Belfast are appreciating. Paul Naron, owner of the building that houses the farmer’s market in Belfast, started a ping pong club three years ago. Smith’s son Andy mentioned it to him. “I was so excited about playing ping pong,” Smith said. “I wanted to see for myself what it was like to play now that I had Parkinson’s. I even won the first tournament! I had played when I was a kid, and Andy and I had a pretty fierce competition going in our own basement at home.” “Folks hadn’t played in about 20 years, and it’s like revisiting their younger days in college or basement ping pong,” Naron said. “We all have a great time. It’s a lot of fun and a great way to meet people, but those guys with Parksinson’s, they need to play because it’s been a true benefit.” The key for these men is staying active. Mattson said that while Parkinson’s affects people in different ways, he still managed to walk five miles the morning I met him around the ping pong table. “I attend a class three days a week at the Y that is a cardio workout with weights and dance steps to the music,” Mattson said. “It’s engaging the brain and it does curb the tremors.”
BY ANNE GABBIANELLI
Finnigan just started playing ping pong in October. “It’s a great experience,” he said. “I got booted out of playing pickle ball out of concern for my safety,” he shared with a smile, “but with ping pong, you’re not in danger of falling.” With a volley going on between Smith and Finnigan, it was apparent the camaraderie was as valuable as the exercise. Mattson commented how he met Smith through a support group. “It’s an awesome group we attend in Camden, and we spend a lot of time supporting each other,” Mattson said. “The support group is for the caregivers as well.”
8
BANGOR DAILY GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2025
Good News from
A
AARP Maine COURTESY OF AARP MAINE
s 2025 draws to a close, AARP Maine is proud to share with Bangor Daily News readers the many accomplishments driven by our dedicated volunteers throughout the year. A sincere thank you is owed to our citizen advocates, community members, and collaborative partners for their spirited, action-oriented, and tireless work. Once again, this year, we filled the halls of Augusta with our trademark red shirts and continued our tradition of Tuesdays at the State House. Each week, volunteers convened at the State House to hear legislative updates, learn the intricacies of policymaking, chat with state representatives, and plan outreach campaigns. Our members and volunteers testified throughout the legislative session and shared powerful stories about important issues such as the challenges of being a family caregiver and the effects of high utility costs on vulnerable households. In addition to their legislative efforts, many of our volunteers felt particularly inspired by AARP Maine’s mission: to empower Mainers 50-plus to choose how they live as they age. Volunteerled activities this year included e-bike demos, coffee talks in Bangor and bowling in Brewer, offering engaging, educational, and fun opportunities for local residents. Community engagement was another area where volunteers demonstrated exceptional leadership in Bangor. Local events included free movie screenings, shred events, ice cream socials, On Tap events, and a summer-long series celebrating the 90th anniversary of Social Security. Volunteers participated in the annual Hike for the Homeless as well as the Bangor Rotary’s annual Veterans Day breakfast, and Eastern Area Agency’s health expo and fall breakfast fundraiser. Many of you join us regularly for monthly coffee meetings at Dysart’s and we hope to see you again in 2026! Our electric bill workshops helped local Mainers stay informed about their bills but also provided a better understanding about fair and reasonable utility rates in Maine. In addition, volunteers hosted virtual Fraud Watch events, educating the 50+ community about different types of scams. AARP Maine participated in five pride festivals this year, including Bangor, demonstrating a strong commitment to supporting Maine’s LGBTQ+ community. We believe diversity is a source of strength, and the LGBTQ+ community is a vital part of the quilt of American life. Our office is also deeply committed to supporting communities across Maine and their efforts to become more livable for residents of all ages. We partner with local leaders, organizations, and dedicated residents to help make that vision a reality, including in Greater Bangor. Finally, we celebrated with our volunteers at our Annual Meeting this fall, held in Freeport at the Wolfe’s Neck Center for Agriculture and the Environment. We honored retired Orono resident Linda Dougherty with our annual Andrus Award for Community Service, an award named after our founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Linda’s commitment and service to others is exactly what AARP strives to achieve. We hope the successes of 2025 inspire you to reach out and get involved. We love hearing from you and welcome your ideas! Please visit our website at www.aarp.org/me, find us on social media @aarpmaine, and email us at me@aarp.org to learn more about how to join our efforts in 2026. We have many exciting endeavors on the horizon as AARP Maine continues to advocate for older Mainers and their families. On behalf of our staff, volunteer advocates, and nearly 200,000 members across the state, I wish you and your family a joyful and safe holiday season. Noël Bonam AARP Maine State Director