Project Linus Cumberland County ME Chapter

BLANKET DAY CAPE ELIZABETH, SATURDAY FEBRUARY 4, 2012

2012-01-18T13:26:00.000-05:00

We've received a gracious invitation from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Cape Elizabeth to join them for a Blanket Day on Saturday February 4. Hours are 10:00 to 2:00 p.m.

We're needing to help replenish our supply of new, unwashed flannel. We'll have a drawing for a gift basket and gift certificate for those who bring 2 yards of new, unwashed flannel. I could use colors and patterns for 5 to 8 year olds.

Please contact me at 284-5606 for more information and to reserve your spot.

I hope to see you then.

Melodie

CHICKADEE BLANKET DAY IN BRIDGTON, SATURDAY JANUARY 14

2012-01-16T16:34:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to the Chickadee Quilters for their wonderful Blanket Day on Saturday. There were a total of 30 individuals there, including some not affliated with the group. With just a heart for the Project Linus program. Thanks to everyone. When I left, I had 26 blankets and there are many more being finished.

Thanks so much. You will have made many children a little happier.

Portland's Trauma Intervention Program (TIP)

2012-01-03T11:48:00.000-05:00

Trauma Intervention Program comforts victims, families

By Marge Niblock

Dec 31, 2011 12:00 am

Sgt. Bob Doherty and Portland’s Trauma Intervention Program are fans of one another. Last April, Doherty was the recipient of a Hero with Heart award, for caring and compassion on the scene. And Doherty feels “TIP allows police to provide better service.”
He didn’t always feel that way about TIP, a program comprised of trained citizen volunteers who provide support to victims and their families immediately following tragic events.
But after using the volunteers a couple of times, he became a proponent of the program. Doherty’s initial feeling was “they might get in the way,” when first told about TIP. That is not the case, however.
“We turn people over to them,” he says. “It’s comforting to know that people who have experienced trauma are in the good hands of a TIP volunteer.”
On one occasion, Doherty made use of TIP when he and another officer had to go to the home of a man in his 30s to deliver the news that the man’s mother had died. “Shock was evident,” said Doherty, when the man was confronted by two uniformed police officers who delivered the tragic message. “The worst part of my job is delivering bad news.”
Doherty called TIP to request that one of their volunteers come to the location to stay with the man for a while. He said, “They bring a high level of sympathy and empathy,” and added, “TIP allows me to leave that person better than I found them.”
Community Counseling Center at 165 Lancaster St. is the home base for TIP’s operation. Leslie Skillin-Calder is the Crisis Team Manager, whose job entails recruitment, training, assisting with marketing, and overseeing of volunteers, while remaining an active volunteer.
There are currently 30 volunteers under her jurisdiction, and she’d love to have another 10 added to that number because then there could be two people available for each shift.
Skillin-Calder was in TIP’s first training class seven years ago and has volunteered for four and a half years. She says “Always expect the unexpected.” The scenes the volunteers are called to are secure and safe prior to TIP’s arrival. Volunteers are not in any situation where they have to witness the initial moments of a horrible event.
The volunteers are caring people who form a team of citizen volunteers called to scenes of fires, automobile accidents, traumatic injuries and unexpected deaths, by emergency-response personnel. They are available within 20 minutes to first responders, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. They help people during their most difficult moments, so that victims of tragedy don’t have to face a crisis alone.
Before someone is left by the TIP volunteer, information is given to them. Brochures are left containing community resource guides that may be called upon in the future.
Volunteers commit to serving for three 12-hour shifts per month. A pager is carried and when the person is needed, a TIP dispatcher calls, who is also a volunteer serving in this capacity. This mimics the first-responder system. There is a choice of day or night shifts, with 60 shifts to choose from, which start at seven o’clock.
Because of the need for a 20-minute response time, some people who live farther away stay with a relative in or near Portland for those shifts that they’re on call.
Twenty-nine-year-old Chad Nicholson moved here from California and works for a law firm that handles environmental issues. After seeing an article about a man who was a TIP volunteer at the age of 90, he decided that was something for him to become involved with. “My day job is flexible,” says Nicholson, so he has done both day and night shifts during his yearlong work with TIP.
His training consisted of 40 hours of classroom training (two weeks) and three months paired with a mentor, including going on police ride-alongs.
He has experienced “sadness,” but nothing that has affected him adversely. He’s been awakened at 1 a.m. for an incident, and at 4:30 a.m. to go to the scene of an unattended death.
“Police may also call for you to meet them at the hospital, and you get the perspective from the police department. Then you become the liaison between police and family.”
One of Nicholson’s calls involved responding to a car accident where a child needed support while the parent was being treated. Volunteers wear TIP vests and carry a bag when answering calls. The toys in the TIP bag can be a very useful tool in many situations. Some of the things it contains are soft tissues, a “Linus Program” blanket, stuffed animals, coloring books, water, and brochures.
Both Nicholson and Skillin-Calder talk about “trying to go in as empty as possible,” allowing them to be a support for a person, whatever the situation may be.
Nicholson stated “I explain to the person (after arriving at the scene) that the police or the hospital has called for me to be with you.” He says he’ll touch the person’s shoulder or make eye contact when that seems appropriate. He said that sometimes a call may start out at a person’s home, but you’ll end up at the hospital with that person.
Maine Medical Center is one of TIP’s primary clients, along with the Portland police and fire departments.
Volunteers have a strong desire to help and to serve and there is a strong bond between them. There has been an astounding age range in volunteers. A 17-year-old girl has just completed her training after attending a TIP open house and deciding to become involved. She won’t be allowed to go out on calls alone until she reaches the age of 21, so she’ll always have someone else with her.
The gentleman that attracted Chad Nicholson’s attention in a news article recently retired at 91. He had become a volunteer at age 87.
There is a lot of interaction between volunteers, involving feedback and fellowship. Nicholson said “There’s a lot of support and things that re-energize me. It’s almost a familiar feel of being fulfilled, rather than being tapped-out.” He added “I’m surprised at the variety of backgrounds of the people involved, which is one of the program’s strengths.” His enthusiasm for the program has resulted in his bringing a couple of new volunteers to the group.

2012-01-02T09:27:00.002-05:00

Total of Blankets Delivered in 2011

2012-01-01T18:48:00.000-05:00

The numbers have been totalled and we delivered an amazing 1,371 blankets to Cumberland County hospitals and social service agencies.

The three largest recipients were MMC Barbara Bush Hospital receiving 432 blankets, MMC Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit receiving 240 and Spring Harbor Hospital receiving 264.

You should all be very proud - without each of you we couldn't have done this.

Bless you.

Holiday Note from Portland's Family Shelter

2012-01-01T18:06:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your continued support for the families here. We appreciate your generosity and thoughtfulness.

City of Portland Family Shelter Staff

This note is from a great group of people who work very hard with limited resources. We help them as appropriate.

2011 Raffle Quilt Winner

2012-01-01T17:52:00.001-05:00

I'm very pleased to announce that we raised $682.00 with our raffle quilt. A very "warm" thanks to all who sold or bought tickets. As you know, we use this money for office expenses and bags and paper and computer ink and postage can get expensive.

The winner was Collette Fortin of Portland, a member of Cobblestone who bought a ticket at her Chapter's meeting.

Thanks everyone for spreading the word!

2011 Memories

2011-12-31T20:34:00.001-05:00

Personalize a free slideshow design

BLANKET DAY BRIDGTON JANUARY 14TH, 2012

2011-12-14T14:42:00.000-05:00

An invitation from the Chickadee Quilters:

I have booked the Bridgton Community Center's big room for Saturday, January 14th for a Blanket Day. I think some will want to do the flannel kits, but we also want to work on some traditional quilts. We have found some easy patterns and I got a donation of some fabrics. Our budget allows us to buy the batting and we will use the quilt tops to set up another night to practice free motion quilting. I am very excited about this project.

Please let Beth Brown know if you'll be able to attend. Beth's number is 699-9107 or contact at teambrown97@roadrunner.com.

I'll be there. It's a great day. Thanks ladies!

HOLIDAY DONATION

2011-12-14T14:22:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Susie Wilson for her generous holiday check.

Her note to you all:

Thank you for all that you do - The children at Barbara Bush Hospital love the blankets - they provide such warmth and comfort. God bless.

GORHAM MIDDLE SCHOOL BLANKET DAY 12-9-11

2011-12-14T14:15:00.001-05:00

A heartful thanks to teachers Michelle Cyr and Donna Pastore and their 8th grade classes for the amazing Blanket Day as their 2011 Community Service Day. I returned with 14 terrific fleece blankets. Thanks everyone for your enthusiasm and hard work. What a terrific day.

WESTBROOK GIRL SCOUTS NOW BLANKETEERS 12-5-11

2011-12-14T14:02:00.000-05:00

Many thanks to Victoria Bates and the 3 Girl Scout troops for their wonderful tied fleece blankets. We met, and they presented me with 8 blankets. Sorry that I don't have your troop numbers. You've all done something very special.

Again, thanks.

MMC Barbara Bush Children's Hospital 12-5-11

2011-12-14T13:45:00.000-05:00

Melodie,

I know that I have mentioned over the phone and in person how grateful we are to the many volunteers that donate their time to making the beautiful quilts for the children, but I thought I would also send a letter of thanks.

So many parents are stressed and upset to see their child in the hospital. When we bring one of the quilts into the room, it brings such joy and comfort to the parents to know that someone is thinking of their children. The patients also love having a warm and colorful quilt to brighten up their room. They are so excited to know that they can take them home. I have seen time and time again patients that return with the quilts they were given on their last admission. This is a testament to how loved and appreciated they are to them.

Thank you again.

Sherisse Wormell, Child Life Coordinator

Maine Medical Child Life 11-4-11

2011-12-14T13:26:00.000-05:00

Dear Project Linus

Ladies! Thank you for your on-going, not to mention generous donation of the Quilts! They are beautiful and the families and kids here love having one waiting on their hospital bed. We truly appreciate your hard work and especially for the of the Quilts you provide for patients at BBCH.

Blessing & Joy to all of you!
Alice Burrowes, Child Lift Assistant

Thanks from the Trauma Intervention Program

2011-12-14T13:21:00.001-05:00

With Fall comes much activity and it looks like you have many events coming up. TIP is beginning the next training class tonight and for the next two weekends I will be teaching this new group of citizen volunteers. the month of November will be getting our new group up and running with many field training events. Our volunteers have been gifting Linus blankets throughout the summer and into this fall. The blankets have been going primarily to children that have lost a loved one and the look in the eyes when they clutch on to the blanket is amazing, a touch of gentleness in a harsh situation.

Please thank everyone for the time and love put into each and every blanket.

Crisis Team Manager
TIP Portland Maine Chapter
Community Counseling Center
165 Lancaster Street
Portland, ME 04101

Open House at Home Place Quilting, Dayton, Saturday September, 10

2011-08-31T23:00:00.000-04:00

Valerie Meserve of Home Place Quilting, Dayton is having an Open House on Saturday, September 10 and has invited me and Julie Baker, the York County Project Linus Coordinator to join her and be available to answer questions you might have about Project Linus.

Her open house hours are from 10a.m. to 6 p.m. You can contact Valerie at 286-7975 for further information.

Blanket Day Monday, September 12, 2011

2011-08-31T09:00:00.000-04:00

Join us on Saturday, September 12 from 9:30 to 2:30 at the Grand Atlantic Condos in OOB. We'll be doing something a little different this time as we'll be making teen blankets from scratch - not from pre-cut kits.Teams working together would be great.

Give me a call at 284-5606 to reserve a spot.

It's going to be fun!

Blanket Day Saturday, September 17, 2011

2011-08-30T22:00:00.000-04:00

We've been invited by the Immanuel Baptist Church in Portland to hold a Blanket Day. Hours are from 9:30 to 2:30. For those of you who have never made a blanket from one of our pre-cut kits, you should be able to accomplish your blanket that day.

Usually I need replacement flannel for kits, but this time, I'm all set. Bring your sewing machine and tools.

Please give me a call at 284-5606 so I can plan.

Marden's Annual Blanket Day, Saturday, September 24, 2011

2011-08-30T19:00:00.000-04:00

It's time again for Marden's Annual Blanket Day at all their retail stores that carry fabric. As you know, they are our major collection source of blankets through the year as this is one of their charitable projects.

I'll be in the Scarborough store, near the Maine Mall for all the fun from 10 to 3. Please come and join us for surprises and refreshments.

I hope to see you there.

The latest "thank you" notes

2011-08-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

I want to thank you and your organization so much for the blankets. We received so many wonderful blankets made by loving hands. It feels so good to be able to give them to the children and they are so excited when we tell them they can keep them. They use them on their beds and when they watch a movie they also bring them to snuggle with. Again thanks so much it is greatly appreciated.

Spring Harbor

Thank you to all the talented Linus blanket makers for your talent and kindness. I am a manager of a Food Pantry and also the primary “outreach” person for home visits. During the past two years I have had the privilege of distributing blankets to young people who are clients of our food pantry. I have given a blanket to a 5-year-old Afghan girl who recently arrived in Portland. Her father had been murdered in front of her eyes and the mother and little girl were struggling to make new lives for themselves. I also gave a blanket to a young preadolescent girl whose family had lost their home because her father could no longer work due to his terminal cancer diagnosis. And I gave a soft knitted blanket to a 4-year-old Iraqi refugee whose eyes just lit up as he snuggled with his own, new, special blanket. But perhaps the most poignant gift of a colorful Linus blanket was to a 14 year old Rwandan girl who had witnessed the murder of her entire immediate family and who was now living in a very crowded apartment with her aunt and cousins. She just loves her blanket and I hope this small item that belongs to just her will bring her comfort for many years.
Thank you to all of you who reach out to the young and suffering by sharing your love of knitting or sewing.
Dorothy Blanchetter- Falmouth Food Pantry

Our family would like to thank you and Project Linus for the beautiful blankets. We've been using them since the day we received them.

We appreciate your caring and generosity.

On behalf of the Gerber/Sandora family

Memories from September, 2009 thru May 2011. I hope you enjoy.

2011-05-28T15:42:00.002-04:00

Slideshow created with Smilebox

A "thank you" story

2011-05-26T07:55:00.000-04:00

This past weekend we had a volunteer drape a blanket over a boy who had suffered a head trauma when he was chilly in his hospital bed. The mother was so touched, as she wept she told the TIP volunteer that it was amazing to her that such a beautiful blanket that someone had made was being given away. The volunteer told the mother that the blankets are made to be given to children and families in the midst of a traumatic event. She was very grateful.

LESLIE

Crisis Team Manager

TIP Portland Maine Chapter

Community Counseling Center

165 Lancaster Street

Portland, ME 04101

207.553.9311

Quilt & Blanket Show April 30, 2011

2011-05-26T07:32:00.001-04:00

I met with Mrs. Morton's fourth grade class at

Manchester School in Windham on May 24. They

were the second and third place winners in the

student category. Each was presented a certificate

and a bookmark with a picture of the quilts.

Great job! Thanks so much for helping make

two children happy.

SCARVES FOR WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPICS

2011-05-23T18:11:00.000-04:00

Thought you might be interested in this information.SCARVES FOR WINTER SPECIAL OLYMPICS. Many of you participated in this last year.

Happy knitting!

Grand Chapter of Maine Order of Eastern Star

2011-05-23T12:15:00.000-04:00

ABSOLUTELY AMAZING!!!

On May 17th, all the Project Linus Coordinators were invited to the Wings of Peace annual convention of the Grand Chapter of Maine Order of Eastern Star at the Civic Center in Augusta. Amagine our surprise when we were met with A L L these blankets for Project Linus. There were almost 900 waiting for us. Five coordinators from the state were represented and we each brought home as many as we could.

What a wonderful and generous contribution.

A simple "thank you" to these kind people doesn't do it justice, but "thank you" from all the children that you will help to make their life a little bit more comfortable.

Canal School Blanketeers of 2011 Win the First Prize for students

2011-05-17T14:00:00.000-04:00

A group of Canal School 5th grade students have learned how to knit. This spring they were able to take part in making an afghan that was donated to Project Linus for their exhibit in Scarborough a couple of weeks ago. Theirs came in first place in the student category.

Melodie Provost, the chapter coordinator for Cumberland County, visited the school to thank the students who donated the afghan to Project Linus. She is also talked to the kids about Project Linus, answered questions, passed out certificates and treated them with ice cream bars.

Quilt & Blanket Show April 30, 2011

2011-05-17T13:40:00.003-04:00

Please check out the latest WCSH 6 Television interview. Many thanks to them. They do such a terrific job.

Quilt & Blanket Show April 30, 2011

2011-05-16T20:36:00.001-04:00

Free slideshow design made with Smilebox

Wow! What a wonderful day our Show was. A heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who made this look so easy.

A special thanks to our vendors: Cheryl Brubaker of Hooked Treasures, Kathy Angel Lee, Kathy Sheehan of The Silver Penny, Sanford Sewing Machine, Tony's Sewing, Maria of ConKerr and Shirley Corse of The Kid's Project. You added special interest.

Thank you to those businesses who donated prizes: Cotton Weeds Quilt Shop, The Calico Basket Quilt Shop, Central Yarn, Tony's Sewing, The Korner Knitters, Rosemary's Gift & Yarn Shop, The Silver Penny, Mimosa Salon and The Lowell Quilt Festival. You helped make it fun.

To Marden's Fabric Dept in Scarborough. Well done! Lunch was perfect and it was nice to see you and find out more about your new store. Looking forward to working together for a long time.

A "thank you" story

2011-04-14T17:30:00.003-04:00

I wanted you to know that your groups blankets recently went to three children who had witnessed a violent act and when given the blankets used them to snuggle up in.

We so much appreciate you all and the work you do!

I will be placing a tribute to your group at this year's Heroes with Heart event. I created a sign that will be placed by the TIP Bag display that thanks and recognizes those who contribute their time and energy to making blankets for the Project Linus.

Take care,

LESLIE

Crisis Team Manager

TIP Portland Maine Chapter

Community Counseling Center

343 Forest Avenue

Portland, ME 04101

207.553.9311

http://www.commcc.org/ /volunteering

VISIT FROM A PROJECT LINUS BABY

2011-04-12T12:16:00.000-04:00

At our April 2, 2011 Blanket Day, we were blessed with a visit from a very special Project Linus baby. Leanne Barschdorf-Nichols and baby Marian came to personally thank our volunteers for their work and contributions. Baby Marian had received one of our blankets at a time that was very critical in her health. Her parents felt that for them "coming back into her room after a difficult moment and there was her blanket, made all the difference for them. It helped them face their challenges knowing that they had love and support; and from strangers as well."

Mom Leanne is going to be making blankets with her circle of friends to help extend the warm feelings to others.

Thanks Leanne for sharing this with us and Marian - you're quite the cutie. Stay well.

Passing of Project Linus "Blanketeer" Jean Nitschke

2011-04-12T10:08:00.002-04:00

For those of you who may have know Jean, she was a prolific Project Linus volunteer, having made over 120 afghans. This is the notice from the paper: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/mainetoday-pressherald/obituary.aspx?n=jean-e-nitschke&pid=150113613

MMC BARBARA BUSH VISIT APRIL 5, 2011

2011-04-06T20:45:00.004-04:00

Thanks to the staff of Maine Medical Center's Barbara Bush Hospital for our tour. It was interesting and most enlightening. Many had specific questions, and this was a great time to get them answered. We got to visit the different units. What an amazing place. Everyone was so upbeat and kind. The hospital is blessed to have such positive and kind personnel. A very special thanks to Sherisse Wormell, Coordinator of Child Life Services. We're blessed to have you taking care of our children.

RECENT BLANKET DAYS

2011-04-06T20:24:00.001-04:00

February 5, Chickadee Quilters, Bridgton - sorry, no pictures.

February 6, LDS, Cape Elizabeth

February 19, Prince Memorial Library, Cumberland

March 11, St. Maximilian Kolbe Church, Scarborough

March 17 & 18, Sebago "Knit Wits", Sebago Grange, sorry no pictures

April 2, Jane Ellis, Old Orchard Beach

April 30 Studio Sale and Quilt & Blanket Show

2011-04-05T21:00:00.000-04:00

This show is coming up very soon and we have lots of fabric and books for sale.

There will also be a Silent Auction instead of our usual raffle. If you have something appropriate to donate, please contact Charlene at 883-3021 and/or leave a message for her.

The children of Project Linus appreciate your generosity in keeping our program running.

See you on the 30th. Sale starts ata 10 a.m.

For more information about this upcoming show, or to hang a copy of this poster in your area, please click the link below. Thank you!

A Volunteer's Story

2011-03-08T19:36:00.001-05:00

Check out this story by a local volunteer: http://myrna-bird.livejournal.com/9373.html.

WCSH 6 TV Interview February 2010

2011-02-27T17:01:00.002-05:00

You can click here for the full story and video link.

With many thanks to WCSH 6 TV for their interview and story.

1,651 Blankets Delivered in Cumberland County in 2010

2011-01-01T17:21:00.003-05:00

Can you believe it? That's an amazing number of blankets delivered to children either ill or in crisis. Thanks to all of you hardworking "Blanketeers".

Blanket Day SATURDAY APRIL 2

2010-12-31T09:54:00.000-05:00

Come join us in Old Orchard Beach at the Grand Atlantic Condominiums from 9:30 to 2 to work on your existing project or a flannel kit that's already been cut for you. We ask that you bring 2 yards of new, unwashed flannel in child friendly colors to help replenish our kits. Right now I could use some yellow and pale green colors in either plain or dotted patterns.

This is a fun day and a great opportunity to see what Project Linus is all about and how you can help.

For more information, please call me at 284-5606. I hope to see you then.