the grateful undead of the Sacopee River valley
THEIR REMARKABLE STORY
Written with assistance of Kathy Chaiklin and Laurie Downey
Almost 13 years ago, a group of friends from southwestern Maine gathered for shared food and to begin the discussions which, ultimately, led to the formation of one of the first informal “age-friendly” groups in Maine.
They called themselves the Grateful Undead.
These friends were concerned about issues that they foresaw would arise as they aged. They wondered what supports existed in the community to help them, if needed.
In her own words, Kathy Chaiklin, a founding member said:
Our Grateful Undead organization started nearly 13 years ago as a group of “aging friends” who wanted to create a support network for ourselves to help with issues of aging in place.
Theirs is a regional program, including communities in the Sacopee River Valley: Baldwin, Cornish, Hiram, Parsonsfield and Porter. These towns also comprise their school district, SAD #55, who has been a reliable program partner. Newfield was also included. Residents from nearby towns are always welcome to events.
Early on, to learn more about the needs people had or thought they might have, they met informally with many residents. Their two questions were: What do you need? What does your community need? They advertised their meetings, inviting any and all to join and contribute ideas. In 2017, they completed a formal assessment. The information they gathered helped them plan new programs. They recruited volunteers of course, and many people reached out because they wanted to be part of this developing program! Now, in 2024, as they expand their programming, GU is exploring other volunteer recruitment options.
The first program they established was a transportation initiative.
As the group was getting started, they formed partnerships with local social and health service agencies to help them achieve their goals. The Sacopee Valley Health Center told them that there was a need for transportation for patients. Soon, volunteers were providing those badly needed rides. Stimulated by the success of the program, the health center won a grant that funded a van and driver for patients. GU volunteers (the Transporters) continue to help patients get to appointments that are out of the region.
Town office staff have been supportive in a different way, as they are often the first ones to hear about needs among their residents. The GU leans on these town employees to help them recognize when and where help might be needed. One of the needs identified by town officials was help with home repair. Another partnership, this time with the Masons and members of the Grange, resulted in their Handy Helper program.
At first, the programs that they sponsored were low cost, but then, as their dreams of services and programs grew larger, the group knew that outside funding was necessary. To accept grant funding, it was necessary to create a legal entity. In 2022, they formed a 501(c)(3) non-profit to apply for and accept grants. The dreams were growing! Budget support was also offered by every town they represented.
They published – using a grant, of course – a comprehensive resource list. The Sacopee Valley Resource List was distributed through the town offices. It was very well-received by residents and town officials alike. It has since been updated. In response to the pandemic, they created a Phone Buddies program to stay in touch with people who wanted a check-in. Using another grant, they created a series of ads teaching safe practices. In 2023, to help publicize their work, some tech-savvy members created a website.
Considering that the Grateful Undead began as a social group, sharing food and conversation, it is no surprise that they would create many social opportunities. With funding support from the Southern Maine Area on Aging, Monday Morning Coffees include conversation, music and friendly competition - cornhole, cribbage, Ping Pong and more – are offered. These are very well-attended at the Parsonsfield Town Hall with 20 – 25 people coming every Monday.
Once a month, they host the Community Café Luncheon – also in partnership with SMAA. Donations are welcome. Each month, these lunches are “sold” out, serving 50 people.
Other social events, such as line-dancing, tai chi and a walking group, draw many to join in.
As do many other Lifelong Community programs, the Grateful Undead facilitates public education. They collaborated with the SAD 55 Adult Education program during the pandemic to offer facts about the pandemic, for example. Recently. because of feedback they heard, they have worked to create an older men’s support group. They also partnered with the Sacopee Valley Health Center to offer a support group for cancer patients.
Each month, the luncheon is a huge success!
In the Sacopee Valley,
square dancing spans generations!
In 2023, they formally joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities.
Their latest project is an unusual one, as they are helping spread the word that a local resident needs a new kidney. They are helping her find one!
This energetic and accomplished committee has achieved much in their 13 years, and more is yet to come!