The Connector Speaking Up For Us of Maine

In This Issue: SUFU Advocates Rock Washington DC Jon's Corner - Disability Policy Seminar Pie In the Sky Leadership Announcement Save the Date - Fall Conference Announcements

SUFU Advocates ROCK Washington DC from Stacy Giberson After trials and hurdles, planes, trains, busses, vans, subways, and underground trollies we made it home from Washington DC. It was a journey that made me very proud of our self-advocates. Self-Advocates and staff spent weeks preparing for the trip to Washington DC. Preparations included practicing speeches for their presentation, planning appropriate and professional clothing, packing in a carry-on suitcase, and making it fit. There were discussions about TSA guidelines and what to expect when we pass through security. We talked about modes of travel, money matters, meals and self-advocates worked to get into shape for walking long distances. After all the prepping and the long journey these self-advocates walked into Rep Jared Goldens office, our first appointment, looking professional and well-polished.  Their hard work was obvious because they knocked their presentation out of the park. Over the next couple of days each advocate marched forward with very little complaint in the 70 degrees plus heat, for they had a mission to accomplish. They presented themselves 4 times not to mention the meet and greet breakfast with Senator King. They presented their lived experiences and expert opinions flawlessly. This crew of self-advocates proved they are great leaders, they seized opportunities for independence. They networked and managed new experiences without skipping a beat. They supported each other when patience were running thin and showed overwhelming appreciation to their supports. I am beyond proud of these folks. I learned about their true capabilities, and they soared beyond expectations. Rose, Regina, Marco, Abbott, Jon, Stephanie and Kile accomplished their mission with amazing grace and dignity. Thank you for an amazing experience.

Photo: Stephanie Pelletier, Nancy Cronin, Rosanna Belanger, Stacy Giberson, Regina Bowie, Kile Pelletier, Jon McGovern, Marco Orlando, Zack Cronin, Abbott Philson, Monique Stairs, and Senator Susan Collins posing on the Senators office balcony at the US Capital.

Jon's Corner I travelled to Washington with my parents by train. We started out catching Concord bus 1241 to Portland. Then on to South Station. We got there in time to have lunch before we had to catch the train. We took the Acela train that went right into Washington, D.C. The Acela is a fast train, so it was a nice ride. It was cool for me to go through Connecticut where I used to live. The thing that I liked most about The Disability Policy Seminar was that it was in person instead of being virtual on a computer. It was nice getting to be in DC for the first time since 2001. It was FUN just being there. I learned a lot of things I did not know about the Capitol building and its history when we were on the Capitol Hill tours. I got to meet with Senator Susan Collins at her Capitol Hill office. It was so cool to see her office. She was on board with the SSI Reform Bills and said she voted for them. We got to go to a breakfast with Senator Angus King that he hosts. And we were able to speak with him briefly. Then we met with his staffers and were able to give them our presentations. Senator King was onboard with the bills, but he needs a republican senator to be onboard as well. We met with Congressman Jared Golden’s staffers. He was not available because his wife had just had a baby and he was not there. We spoke about SSI and Marriage Penalty. I talked about how important it is to me. We got to see a dog that was there. His name was Arthur. I think he belonged to a secretary that worked there. We also got to meet with Congresswoman Chellie Pingree. We talked about why were in DC and SSI reform and the MarriagePpenalty.    During our down time, we got to visit some museums. We got to see the Hope Diamond. That was pretty cool. We saw the Jefferson Memorial. And we did a hop-on-hop-off bus tour. I got to find some penny coin machines. I was able to add to my collection of pressed pennies. I liked being in DC and seeing new things there. I got to meet new people from other states. And I was able to talk about the Marriage Penalty and what it means to me personally. They were not happy about it when I explained what it means. It meant a lot to me to be able to add my personal thoughts on it. I will remember everything about this trip and meeting with Senator Collins in her Capitol Hill office and her staff. They were nice to talk with. I also enjoyed getting to meet Nancy’s son for the first time. He was a cool guy. I liked talking to him about meeting all the congressional delegates. Seeing his excitement really made me happy. It was a great time. I am happy I went and got to make great memories.

PIE IN THE SKY–ECLIPSE EXTRAVAGANZA From Ruth Budris The Eclipse on May 8, 2024, was a sight to see! Planning for this event was started by our Southern Aroostook (Houlton) Chapter, with assistance from Central Aroostook (Presque Isle) Chapter. Everyone benefits, and such GREAT teamwork from our members! THANK YOU to everyone that was involved. Rose Belanger, Mark Elkins, Beth Flannery, Liz Toner, Terry Weed and Rena Young. Everyone helped pound the pavement in efforts of getting Whoopie Pies and prizes donated for us to sell during the Eclipse. Total whoopie pies collected was 330 & then 21 different prizes were donated by various businesses for our raffle that is taking place on May 6, 2024. All the proceeds will benefit SUFU members attending our annual conference in September. The day of the Eclipse was met with extraordinarily good weather. The temperature was in the 50’s, the sun was shining, the skies were blue, the birds were chirping & people were out in full force all around the town of Houlton. Downtown was shut down to traffic as there was lots of activity, and our SUFU tent was on Broadway Street. The tables were set full of whoopie pies & all the prizes waiting to be won. As the day went on, so many people stopped by the SUFU tent to talk to us and find out what we do. Discussions were had about LD1666 and the hard work our advocates are putting into eliminating the Marriage Penalty and increasing the asset limit. We also met folks interested in joining SUFU and attending chapter meetings in their local areas. Such an exciting time talking about SUFU and being in the community to share all that we do. The crowds grew as the time got closer to the totality of the Eclipse you could hear whispers as everyone gathered to view a truly astounding event! As the moon “Bites” the sun it slowly got darker, and the temperature changed. The sun’s corona was shining. Eclipse glasses were a must for viewing. Some say the animals acted differently due to it getting darker in the middle of the day. When the Eclipse was at totality what looked like flares coming from behind the moon, these are called Bailey’s Beads. Everyone cheered when it became dark. Afterwards the crowd moved about, and the day was winding down, we packed up and headed home with the remaining whoopie pies and smiles all around. While some were smiling, some were frustrated with the traffic, as there were people from all over the country converged on the town of Houlton. People were waiting in lines of traffic to return to their homes. For me this is an experience that I will never forget being a part of! If anyone is interested in buying raffle tickets, you still can. The drawing will take place on May 6th. The winners will be called and then prizes mailed out. Contact Ruth Budris at rbudris@sufumaine.org or call 207-227-1171.  I’ll be happy to get your tickets into the drawing.

SUFU Self-Advocate and Board Member Rena showing one of the donations.

SUFU Self-Advocate and Board Member Terri helping out at the SUFU table in Houlton.

Leadership Development Applications. SUFU is now accepting Leadership Development Applications.  If you would like to part of the next Leadership Development Training speak to your advisor about this opportunity or you can get an application on our website here.

Finally We invite you to check out our website . Read our most recent blog post and subscribe to future blogs. You can also find the list of our chapter meetings, or follow us on Facebook. If you are a SUFU member we want you to join our members only Facebook Group. To do that please email Laurie Coldwell or Jon McGovern. We don't want you to miss anything.

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Have an Idea for Something to be in The Connector? Contact: Laurie Coldwell Program Manager (207) 956-1004 / Ext. 1 lcoldwell@sufumaine.org

SUFU CONNECTOR Speaking Up For Us of Maine 207-956-1004 www.sufumaine.org