In This Issue:

• Northern Maine Activities
• Jon's Corner
• Conference Recap
• Greater Portland Meet Up
• SUFU Statewide
• Discussion and Action

October 2025 News from SUFU North

By Stacy G., Project Coordinator and SUFU North Advisor

It’s been a busy and exciting season for SUFU members across Northern Maine! The StoryWalk® project is complete, another successful SUFU Conference has wrapped up, the Jerry Pond Accessibility Project is moving forward, and members are getting informed and ready to vote in November.

Central Aroostook Chapter: Building Community Through StoryWalk® The Storybook Stroll

Through an ONION Grant, the Central Aroostook Chapter partnered with the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library in Presque Isle to create a StoryWalk® at Mantle Lake Park. The idea began last spring when SUFU members met with Elyse, a librarian at the Presque Isle Library, to share their purpose of getting outdoors, promoting inclusion, raising awareness about ableism, and building stronger community relationships.

Together, they read and discussed only a couple of stories before unanimously selecting “The World Needs More Purple People” as the perfect fit for the project’s theme. The library purchased four copies of the book, and SUFU members helped laminate and assemble the pages, which were then installed along the accessible trail at Mantle Lake Park. (Photos included)

If you’re in the area, be sure to visit before the park closes for the season! The trail offers a beautiful, accessible nature walk that encourages everyone to enjoy the outdoors while reading a story celebrating kindness, curiosity, and community. 

Northern Penobscot Chapter: The Jerry Pond Accessibility Project

The Northern Penobscot Chapter continues working on the Jerry Pond Accessibility and Community Improvement Project. Earlier this summer, self-advocates, community members, and supporters gathered at Jerry Pond to conduct a comprehensive accessibility assessment. Members identified several needed improvements and are now gearing up to partner with Region III students to develop a presentation for local leaders and potential partners. The group will share its findings and recommendations with the community later this fall. This project has already taught valuable lessons in teamwork, leadership, and community collaboration, and it’s only the beginning! (Photos included)

Northern Aroostook Chapter: Growing with Purpose

SUFU members in the Saint John Valley continue to grow and learn together. Members have been focusing on self-advocacy, disability rights, and community engagement, with a shared goal of expanding their chapter and increasing participation in local activities.

Looking Ahead

As we move into the legislative season, members are preparing to learn about upcoming referendum questions and continue working on their next community-based projects.

From building accessible community spaces to strengthening partnerships and raising awareness, SUFU North members are leading positive change across Northern Maine. The months ahead promise more learning, advocacy, and community involvement—and we can’t wait to see what’s next!

Jon's Corner



Hi, this is Jon McGovern

I went to the DRM Dinner with the SUFU Staff & some of the people from the SUFU Board. They had a silent auction on different prizes you must bid on to win. A friend, Vickie McCarty got the Helen M. Bailey Award for all the hard work she has done for the CCSM.

Love the different types of food that we had. I also got to see Jodi Benvie in person for the first time in forever. I was happy to see my old friend again. The DRM Dinner is always fun to go to and see who gets the Helen M. Bailey Award every year and get to meet people that you don’t know that might become your friend. The DRM Dinner gets interesting every year.

SUFU Statewide Conference: Connection, Learning, and Celebration

In September, SUFU members from across the state gathered in Bangor for the annual SUFU Conference. Over two days, participants enjoyed networking, enriching workshops, food, music, and celebrations of achievement. Workshop topics included personal planning, employment, health, teamwork, and community involvement. For one self-advocate attending her first SUFU Conference, the experience was deeply meaningful. “I had a wonderful time,” Kimberly shared. “It was just so nice to be with people who are like me. I can’t wait until next year!”

Each year at the SUFU Conference Awards are given to well deserving self-advocates from around the state of Maine. We are proud of the work that they do and want to recognize their accomplishments:

This years Paige Barton Award Winner is Jon McGovern of Bangor. Jon exemplifies self-advocacy through his dedication to being a mentor to others and furthering his leadership. Congratulations Jon!

The following individuals received the Directors Choice Award. This award is given by the Executive Director, Monique Stairs.

Kevin Stubbs received this award in recognition of his persistence in his advocacy of a new wheel chair.

Jozie Easler received this award in recognition of their service on a committee that worked to eliminate restraints.

A new award was given out this year in memory of Georgia West. Self-Advocates are chosen for this award based upon them finding their voice and taking action in policy making through legislative testimony. Jon McGovern, Rose Belanger and Regina Bowie all received this award.


To see the full list of award winners please check our website at https://www.sufumaine.org/2025-conference-award-winners/

Greater Portland Meetup

Self-Advocates in the Greater Portland area are planning a coffee meet up for November 19th at 9:30 am at Coffee By Design. This will be an opportunity to meet other self-advocates in the area, connect and plan future meet-ups. Questions? Contact Laurie at lcoldwell@sufumaine.org We hope to see you there!

SUFU Statewide Meetings

Back by popular demand the SUFU Statewide meetings are returning! Self-Advocates gathered on zoom with SUFU staff to discuss their why for attending the state and topics. Members agreed that they liked the ability to collaborate with others around the state and to see people they don't normally see. Members brainstormed a list of topics to get started with. SUFU staff will be planning meetings for the upcoming months. 

Please consider joining us! We meet on zoom on the following dates at 1:00 PM


October 28th - Voting 101.

November 4th - Germs. How we get them, how we spread them.

November 18th - Setting reasonable expectations for holidays.

December 2nd - Safety measures for winter. 

Zoom Link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/911978966





Discussion and Action

Self-Advocates at the Discussion and Action chapter have discussed a variety of topics over the last few months.

A favorite topic is current events. Members will share something that they have read or watched so the group can discuss. 
They have covered topics such as medical care centers closing and access to covid vaccines. The group has also been working on building their network of people close to them that they can count on. They discussed who those individuals in their lives might be and what they would turn to them for. Earlier this month the discussion was balancing life - how much is too much?

Discussion centered around managing their calendars, giving themselves time to complete what they wanted to complete, and putting themselves on the calendar for self-care. Most recently the group took a deep dive into the referendum questions on the ballot.