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Devon Galvan has been the charming and very busy Director of Active Living 55+ in Cumberland since 2021. She has been with the town since 2011. She manages this sprawling program and loves doing it. She sat down with us recently to share the history of her program.
Of course, the first question is always how did this all begin?
The need for more support for the older adults in Cumberland was the catalyst for the Active Living 55+ program. (first known as Aging in Place). It began in 2014 and helped identify needs and develop relevant programming. They wrote their Action Plan which served as an initial blueprint. This was a completely volunteer effort.
They were accepted into the AARP Network of Age-Friendly States and Communities in 2014.
And, what is it like today?
And, what is it like today?
Today, there is a full-time staff member located at the Town Office, allowing people to have a familiar face to talk with regarding questions or concerns. And there are many programs!
What types of programs do you have today that have endured the ten years you have flourished?
What types of programs do you have today that have endured the ten years you have flourished?
The Cumberland Area Rides (CAR) program provides rides to medical appointments, the pharmacy, the grocery store, to religious services, the food pantry, and for general errands. Every effort is made to fill the more than 25 requests a month, although there are occasions when no volunteer is available, but this has become rare. This program is for Cumberland residents, who are 60 and older and has been popular from the start, as has the Handy Helpers - volunteers will do minor chores that don’t require a license.
What makes this kind of generous programming possible?
What makes this kind of generous programming possible?
We are supported by numerous volunteers. Our programs are only successful due to the kindness of others who volunteer their time to support their neighbors. In the spirit of the election season, Devon told us about one of her most successful volunteer recruitment tools. Going to the polls on election day!
Does Active Living 55+ have support from your town leadership?
Does Active Living 55+ have support from your town leadership?
We have been extremely fortunate that our leadership supports our efforts. Our Town Council, Town Manager and municipal staff are the biggest cheerleaders for our Age-Friendly Initiatives. Without their unwavering support, it would not be sustainable.
Please tell us about your programs.
Please tell us about your programs.
We recognize the importance of offering programs that promote inclusion and prevent isolation.
For the second year, we have sponsored a fall vaccine clinic.
We also partner with tech-savvy students who will help with technology by appointment.
We have partnered with high school sports teams to help with spring and fall yard clean-ups every May and October.
On Big Project Days, volunteers help older residents do yard work and help with projects around the house. We can usually do 5-7 large projects per season. This year, the football team stacked 3 cords of wood, while other volunteers raked and moved summer furniture to storage
In partnership with the Fire Department, durable medical equipment is available. We can loan you a walker, shower seat, commode, or other medical equipment at no charge.
We partnered with Home Depot – who is consistently generous with support for our programs - and created winter safety kits. They were distributed to older adults. They also donated materials for sand buckets that are available by request and delivered in December and February. We have also compiled a comprehensive Resource file.
We are very social, as well.
We are very social, as well.
Daily activities at the Recreation Center at Val Halla include "Learn Something New" on Mondays, join the singing group on Tuesdays, Wednesday is the special event day including a movie matinee, concert, BINGO and Thursday is game day. All programs are drop in and free. The indoor walking group is at Greely High School starting in December and continuing through March.
Mornings with Friends is a free program that happens monthly. We have speakers and learn about various topics from retirement, scams to emergency preparedness, and more! Coffee, tea, and goodies are served.
Our Holiday Celebration is very popular. The Greely High School Madrigal Singers and Kelly Greenlee from Prince Memorial Library help with the entertainment. Of course, refreshments are served.
Neighbors Sharing Food and Conversation
What gives you the greatest pride and sense of accomplishment?
What gives you the greatest pride and sense of accomplishment?
I am most proud that we have implemented monthly luncheons through a partnership with Southern Maine Agency on Aging. We serve lunch to over 80 wonderful people. This offers a place for connections and memories to be made. This year, we will celebrate Christmas together with a lovely meal.
And the future?
And the future?
We are working hard to offer more support to veterans in our area through collaboration with VA Maine and Home Depot. These two community partners have made it possible to offer Resource Fairs, a wreath ceremony, and building projects such as ramps and stairs for local veterans.
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