Spruce Run volunteers are a very important part of our program – without their generous support we couldn’t do all we do. In April we were sure to acknowledge their remarkable contributions and countless hours given to support Spruce Run and people affected by domestic abuse in our communities. Again, we say thank you so much for all that you do.

Now we want to  encourage you  to consider joining them in this very important work! If you are interested in how you can help check out our volunteer opportunities and fill out an online interest form.

The Bangor Roller Derby league is dusting off their Afros, bell-bottom pants, and platform shoes to get ready for this year’s Motor Booty Affair Fundraiser! The Motor Booty Affair Fundraiser will be held on Friday, April 27, 2012 at the Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon, Maine. Doors open at 6:00 P.M.

Bangor Roller Derby promises you a great time! During this event, guests will enjoy refreshments and light eating throughout the entire event, a cash bar, a silent auction, a 50/50 raffle, and one of the greatest disco/funk party bands in the country- Motor Booty Affair!

Tickets are available in advance at Bull Moose (683 Hogan Rd, Bangor (207) 262-0410) for $25 each or at the door.

Check out the Public Service Announcement

About Bangor Roller Derby

Sure, Bangor Roller Derby likes to skate, but derby is so much more than that. Our real mission is to become a positive, local showcase for the empowerment of women everywhere. This is why our 2011-2012 focus charity is Spruce Run. This fantastic organization will receive a portion of the proceeds from this great event!

Please remember that you can access our hotline 24 hours a day for assistance at 1-800-863-9909.

The following scheduled groups have been CANCELLED:

Monday 4/2 – Education Group 1 

Wednesday 4/4 – Mothering Through Abuse Group

Wednesday 4/4 – Support Group

Thank you for your patience.

Many thanks to our generous sponsors:

• Bangor Hydro Electric Co.
• Deighan Associates
• Northeast Cardiology Associates
• Northeast Reprographics
• Edwards, Faust & Smith, CPAs
• FairPoint Communications
• Hannaford Stores
• Miller Drug
• Northeast Periodontal Associates, PA

Special thanks to Bangor Metro Magazine, Bangor Letter Shop, Chapel Hill Florist, Granville Rental, The Zone and The Pulse radio stations.

University of Maine Women’s Health Fair

Wednesday, March 14th |  11-2 pm | Memorial Union – UMaine, Orono

The president’s council on women presents The Women’s Health fair. A number of community organizations will be present as well as free non-invasive bone scans. This event is free and open to the public.

18th Annual HOPE Festival & Green Expo

Saturday, April 21st | 11am-4pm |Student Recreation and Fitness Center- UMaine, Orono

The HOPE (Help Organize Peace Earthwide) Festival is organizad by the Peace and Justice Center of Eastern Maine to celebrate Earth Day and our connections to each other. This event is free and open to the public. This year’s festival will feature:

Bill McKibben, Keynote Speaker

Innana, Sisters in Rhythm, drumming & vocals

Timbered Lake, Music for Mother Earth

Zachary Field, Amazing Juggler

HOPE Festival Singers

Children’s Activities

 Local Food

 70 Social Change Groups

 Governor LePage will be signing a proclamation for the month on February 7^th at 11:30am at the State House in Augusta.  This yearly proclamation is an official way to recognize that dating abuse is present in teen relationships in Maine and that it takes efforts on all levels of the community to address it. 

 On February 16^th, Spruce Run is partnering with the Brewer and Bangor high school hockey teams to raise awareness about dating abuse during their annual Fill The Alfond night at the University of Maine.  Advocates from Spruce Run will be on hand to answer questions and promote healthy relationships with sports-themed giveaways. 

 Additionally, students in area schools are participating in a poster contest focused on Healthy Relationships and educating each other with a variety of awareness campaigns that include purple ribbons, “Wear Purple” days, and lunchtime tabling activities.

Contest information:

A total of 68 grants will be awarded, including the organizations listed on the ballot and to the top 20 write-in vote recipients (at least two write-ins per region). The top vote-getting organizations in each region, including write-ins, will each receive $5,000. The remaining 60 organizations will each receive $1,000.

You may submit one (1) ballot – paper or online – with up to three (3) votes.

Voters must be Maine residents.

Online voting ends March 5, 2012 at 11:59.59 pm.

Thanks so much for your help!

If so, you have found the right volunteer opportunity for you. Nervous about helping others? That’s to be expected – we have a training designed to prepare community members like you for this type of work.

Our next training for hotline volunteers begins in early February. For more about this training and the important role of a hotline volunteer visit our volunteer page. You can even sign up online! We hope to see you at the training.

Stalking can happen to anyone, and it affects 3.4 million victims a year. It’s a crime in all 50 states.  Stalking is an issue for many victims of domestic violence.  Intimate partner stalking is the most common type of stalking and the most dangerous.  

For more information about stalking and domestic abuse please explore our website. Information in this announcement was provided by nationalstalkingawarenessmonth.org.  Please visit their site for more information.