Presque Isle Rotary Safe Steps Program, Aimed at Reducing Accidental Falls, Returns for 2nd Year
NEWS RELEASE – October 3, 2023 – After a very successful inaugural year of the Safe Steps Program, the Rotary Club of Presque Isle is bringing the program back for a second year. The Club is partnering with several retail sponsors, community public works departments, and the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging to provide free five-gallon buckets (half filled) of sand/salt mix for older adults to help prevent slips and falls. Individuals age 55 and older are encouraged to register to have a bucket delivered to their residence by a volunteer community member on October 18, 2023.
In October of 2022, volunteers delivered sand and salt buckets to seniors in Mapleton, Castle Hill, Chapman, Easton and Presque Isle communities. The sand/salt and buckets are being generously donated again this year by Harbor Freight, S.W. Collins Company, Lowes, Tractor Supply and our local public works departments.
Rotary Community Service Chairperson Ginny Joles said, “SAFE STEPS is a service project that benefits many. This program is impactful for the safety of older adults. Rotarians, business leaders, and other volunteers benefit by doing good in the community. Last year it took 24 individuals two hours to deliver 80 buckets. The second round in December took fewer volunteers to make 30 deliveries. We urge older adults to participate again this year, register for a refill or first-time delivery. A sprinkle of sand-salt can give enough traction to prevent an unexpected slip and fall, which could lead to a very serious injury.”
Joy Barresi Saucier of the Agency on Aging said, “Our agency is excited to collaborate with the Presque Isle Rotary Club and fellow community partners on this effort for the second year. For many older adults, an unexpected fall can result in a seriously and costly injury that could compromise their ability to live independently. The goal of this program is to help reduce the number of falls and help keep seniors in their homes longer.”
To register for the Safe Steps sand and salt for seniors, or to request a refill of your safe steps bucket, please visit www.presqueislerotary.org and complete the online registration form OR call the Aroostook Area Agency on Aging at 207-764-3396. Registrations for the October delivery will end on October 11th. Registrations received after the 11th will be added to a waiting list for delivery later in the fall.
