Giving back to the community is an important part of Re/Max International and Re/Max by the Bay's mission statement. As Re/Max agent, I also take that commitment to the next step in my personal life. Here are some of the events that I have particpated in.

This is a wonderful opportunity to help those with little or nothing when they arrive in Maine.  Thanks to Kim Coit and Diana who have given so much of themselves to help others. My self and many of my clients have contributed to this effort.

RE/MAX Making Miraculous Things Happen for Local Children

Many Thanks for Your Donations  To Assist Victims   of Hurricane Sandy  in New York and New Jersey    The Carol Ann Doucette Team

Greetings, Wanted to share more information on my last trip to Manchester, New Hampshire to drop off donations to The New Hampshire Cares movement to assist storm victims.    My outreach to the community was very heartwarming.  Many thanks to Re/Max Allied of North Windham for their neighborly assistance to a fellow Re/Maxer. Also special thanks to Realtors Steve Morrison Of Morrison Real Estate,  Kathleen Popvic of Better Homes & Gardens Masiello & Tom Noonan, Richie Vraux, and Bob McLellan of Re/Max Allied.   And a special, special thanks to The Raindrop Yoga Studio of North Windham whose generosity filled my SUV to capacity with bags and bags of donations with little notes of encouragement tucked inside.             McDevitt Mack Trucks in Manchester donated the use of a large truck to go directly to aid the storm victims in New Jersey and New York.          This is the truck that was filled to the brim when I arrived.  Plans were being made to replace it with either a 42 ft or 52 ft trailer truck.       No more room in this truck!    Two happy McDevitt Mack Truck helpers, Dave Citarell & Mick Mountser.   I am so glad to be part of this wonderful outpouring of support to for the Hurricane Sandy victims from New Hampshire and Maine.  Below is part of an email describing  the "New Hampshire Cares" Initiative.                           We have been asked by many people who we are, who spearheaded the initiative, are we a non profit? We would like to answer these 3 FAQs. 1. We are ordinary NH Citizens and Businesses who have personal ties to NY|NJ either as once a native or know families and friends down in NY|NJ, following our hearts and a call to action. 2. Neil Deluca made a Facebook post on November 1 asking for help from Facebook friends to help those devastated by Hurricane Sandy. I, Glynis Citarelli, born & raised in NJ,and worked in NYC, answered Neil immediately..YES, let's do this! Out of this came the initiative name; Operation NH Cares! 3. We are just a name, we are not a 501c nor a non-profit. We cannot collect money, but we can collect needed goods. 4. Having personal ties to the McDevitt and DeMoulas family, we approached them first. Both Families asked for NO PUBLICITY, that they were there to help for Goodwill and to help the people in NY and NJ. 5. We focused on NJ because that is the most devastated area. Our next focus AFTER Thanksgiving is NY-specifically Staten Island and the South Street Seaport area of NYC. 6. Our connection in NJ is a simple little Shelter and Food Pantry in Toms River called Grandmother's Pantry. We do not want to deliver the donations to the bigger distribution centers in NJ that have popped up, because we have family members working at this Shelter and they will personally help us to take donations which include clothing and food. 7. Many of these mega distributions centers down in NY|NJ are TURNING AWAY TRUCKS. 8. From our efforts, others in NH have started doing the same across the State under initiative names that resonate their personal feelings and goodwill, which is a good thing. 9. Operation NH Cares will continue to be very simple with no guide by bureaucracy but by the HEART of NH people. 10. A new Operation initiative is being formed in MA! It will be called Operation MA Cares. We owe the biggest of thanks to Facebook and the power of the UNIVERSE bringing all of us together! Once we have helped our Brothers and Sisters in NY|NJ Operation NH Cares will help anyone or any organization who need NH CARE (ing) HEART! And another email below:   Hurricane Relief Effort Grows Rapidly As Local Duo Urge Others To "Fill This Truck!" New Hampshire Pair Motivate Hundreds to Help Hurricane Sandy Victims   Demoulas Market Basket, Malden Mills Company Sign on Donations Pour in to Small Business "Drop Off" Centers   Derry/Amherst (November 8, 2012 - New Hampshire residents Neil DeLuca and Glynis Citarelli, along with the McDevitt family of Manchester, NH, are inspiring hundreds of New Hampshire residents help Hurricane Sandy victims through their grassroots effort "Operation New Hampshire Cares".   The volunteer group, which has grown from 2 to over 200 in less than 10 days (including corporations such as Demoulas Market Basket and Malden Mills Company, as well as numerous small and local businesses) aims to fill a large box truck with donations of food and clothing to be delivered directly to residents of the hardest hit areas of New York and New Jersey. The collection effort, which started on November 2nd, ends Wednesday, November 14th, with the truck leaving for New Jersey promptly at 5am, Saturday, November 17th.   A "Social" Phenomenon   Using Facebook and other social media, Operation NH Cares achieved a reach of over 9,000 in just three days, and it's growing rapidly. "We are overwhelmed by the outpouring of support we've received for this effort", said Neil DeLuca, cofounder, "I think the idea of filling the truck and driving it down there directly gives donors a sense of connectedness to the victims that is very personal, and we're hearing that means a lot to folks." He said.   Businesses Large and Small Sign On   Beginning November 9th, twelve Market Basket stores throughout the state of New Hampshire will begin collecting non-perishable food items for the drive, Cub Scouts Troop 160 of Salem are making blankets with donated material from the Polatec Malden Mills company of Methuen, and dozens of businesses throughout the state have volunteered as "drop-off" locations for donations. "We could never have done this without the incredible enthusiasm of the businesses we've partnered with. At every turn, all we've heard is "YES, of course!". It really renews your faith in humanity." Citarelli said.   A Continuing Effort Based on the large numbers of people who continue to offer donations of supplies and volunteer hours, the pair is hopeful that there will be more trips to New York and New Jersey, bringing supplies and goodwill from the residents of New Hampshire. "Our goals seem to be evolving by the day" said DeLuca, "What first started as an idea to quickly get some supplies to the area has blossomed into something that I now feel confident in saying will be there for them again in December."   For more information contact, please Neil DeLuca at 603-560-7686 or Glynis Citarelli at 603-673-8727. Help spread the word by "Liking" us on Facebook athttps://www.facebook.com/OperationNHCares.

Update for  Help For Police Officers  in New York and New Jersey Working to Assist Victims of Hurricane Sandy The Carol Ann Doucette Team

.  Greetings,   In a recent email that was sent out, we asked for assistance for the Police Officers helping in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. I am so pleased to share some of the results of so many people who become personally involved in this mass grass roots effort.   My SUV,the "lovelittlesebago" mobile was loaded to the roof with donations from our 2 Portland offices. After loading up at our Veranda St. office it was time to hit the road.   It was a beautiful sunny day and it was hard for me to grasp that all was not right with the world elsewhere on the East Coast.  It was also Election Day with all of the hustle and bustle that it brings.       Upon arriving at our new satellite office in Portsmouth,  New Hampshire I was so pleased to see our director of operations, Susan Scanlon and some fellow Re/Max agents. I was also looking for the Re/Max truck so I could assist in the loading of the supplies. As it turned out, I was told that the truck had been moved to the Hampton Police Department in Hampton Beach for loading.  So with more directions in hand, I started out on the next leg of the journey.      I had never been to Hampton Beach and was amazed as I drove through the area at the close proximity to the ocean. Sometimes just a concrete barrier separated the densely populated area from the sea.  It reminded me that if the storm had come further up the coast that this place also would have similar disasters as are seen in New York and New Jersey.            Hampton Police Department  Check out this link  to see this community from a police officers view. Certainly not the quiet town that I drove through in November. It also gives you a perspective of the time these officers have spent away from a very demanding job to help fellow officers and storm victims.                                         HamptonPD-NH   When I arrived at the police station I was directed to a 3 bay garage and was met by Sgt Duggans and Chief Jamie Sullivan.      They quickly helped me to unload my cargo into this area filled with a mass of donations. As always I seem to have my eyes closed with photos.       Please look behind us to get an idea of what this relief entails. Dozens of gas cans, generators, clothing, food, water and more. It all needs to be sorted and arranged for ease of distribution.  The Re/Max truck was in Portsmouth loading up for another afternoon run and then would come here to add all that was within the garage. I always want to put a face to anything that I am involved with. This was such an opportunity. These two officers were visibly moved by our efforts. They had been part of the group making the runs and intended to do more. They said that words can't describe the devastation that they had seen.They were quick to say that many others had devoted hours to making this effort work. With the added complication of snow and high winds yesterday, I can't imagine what these people are going through. Thanks so much to all of you who have made this a personal effort and to those who have contributed through relief agencies. We are all connected and in these times miracles and caring become the rule instead of the exception.                   We all make a difference in everything that we do.                    The smallest gesture can make the biggest impact.

 SUSAN KOMAN RACE FOR THE CURE

The Race drew over 1,100 people to Payson Park on September 9th and raised over $100,000!

RE/MAX has been a partner of Susan G. Komen for the Cure since 2002 and is a Race for the Cure National Sponsor. Associates support the Komen mission through local races, fundraisers and the Home for the Cure program, exclusive to RE/MAX agents who want to give back through their businesses.

Little Sebago Lake Website

MILFOIL INFESTATION, MITIGATION, ERADICATION, RESEARCH AND EDUCATION INITIATIVE

From Left to right in Washington: Maggie Shannon, Maine Congress of Lakes,Bob Mills. Lobbyist for LSLA, Peter Lowell, Lakes Environmental Assocation,Carol Ann Doucette, President of LSLA, Dr. Joseph Lee, President of St. Joseph's College and Elizabeth Schran from St. Joespephs College.

Bob Mills, new property owner on Little Sebago and a professional lobbyist and former member of the Professional Staff of the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee in Washington, has created a proposal  to help with funding for  milfoil mitigation in the state of Maine. The proposal in its conceptual stage was first introduced by Carol Ann Doucette President of LSLA at a meeting with Governor Baldacci in late fall. The Governor was extremely interested and asked for a follow up meeting with Mr. Mills in Augusta, when the proposal was completed .  At that meeting the Governors support plus that of the DEP brought the proposal  to the next level which was a presentation  to the constituents in Washington D.C. Making the trip were Carol Ann Doucette, of Maggie Shannon of Maine COLA, Peter Lowell of LEA, Elizabeth Schran of St. Josephs College and  it President, Joe Lee,  representatives of the partnership. Below is an overview of the proposal.

Six Maine organizations are working together to raise $4,000,000 over the next three years to control and contain variable leaf milfoil in Maine waterbodies. As a first step, the group is seeking $1,250,000 as part of the fiscal year 2009 Interior and Related Agencies Appropriations bill.

Partners include the Little Sebago Lake Association, Saint Joseph’s College, the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program, the Lakes Environmental Association, Friends of the Cobbossee Watershed, and the Maine Congress of Lake Associations. In addition to the $1,250,000 federal earmark, the partnership will pursue $800,000 in competitive Federal grants, and seeks to raise $250,000 in private donations. State funds have already been allocated for controlling invasive aquatic plants. At the start, the initiative will focus on a seven-lake test bed where proven control methods will be applied and evaluated for the dual purposes of plant control and developing a best practices guide for plant managers. Saint Joseph’s College has contracted with Jackey Bailey to oversee the applied research component under the direction of Dr. Mark Green of the Saint Joseph’s College faculty.

The proposal has received letters of strong support from Governor John E. Baldacci and Commissioner David Littell of the Department of Environmental Protection.  On February 27 several of the partners presented the proposal to staffers at the Washington, D.C., offices of Allen, Michaud, Snow and Collins and to Senator Collins in person.   Congressman Allen and Michaud and Senators Snow and Collins are writing the Senate Appropriations  Subcommittee on Interior, Environmental and Related Agencies to advocate for funding. 

Congressman Tom Allen’s Director of Economic Development Visits Little Sebago

Celeste Viger, from Congressman Allen’s’ office visited Little Sebago on August 22, 2008. This was a third visit from supporters of the Maine Milfoil and Mitigation Initiative before Congress for funding support. Other visits were from Senator Susan Collins and her representative of environmental and energy issues, Amy Carroll. Celeste spent about an hour on the Little Sebago suction dredge and was educated by its captain, Leo Shannihan. Also on board was Blake White, deck hand. Sharon Lamontage, LSLA treasurer was facilitator of the boat trip to the dredge. The visit was co-ordinated  by Carol Ann Doucette, president, who was also aboard to give an overview of the history and expenses of LSLA in regards to milfoil mitigation.  It is hoped that a visit will also occur from a representative from Congressman Mike Michaud’s office.

Senator Susan Collins Representative Boards Milfoil Suction Dredge on Little Sebago 

Amy Carroll, Washington representative of Senator SusanCollins, in regards to environmental and energy matters visited Little Sebagorecently. This was a follow up visit to that of Senator Collins earlier in the
week. Amy was escorted to Hippo 1 by Carol Ann Doucette and Sharon Lamontagne of LSLA. While on board crew captain Leo Shannihan and deck hand Debbie Sanborn demonstrated the boats operation, the
detailed documentation of areas where milfoil was removed and discussed thehistory of milfoil removal on the lake. Randy Richardson, the diver doing theunderwater suction also explained his techniques. Amy was very complementary ofthe level of organization that LSLA has exhibited in its milfoil mitigation.She also was impressed that a trip was made to Washingtonby Carol Ann with other Maine representativesto present the proposal now being supported by Senator Collins to providefederal funding to help with mitigation in the State of Maine 

Senator Collins Visits Little Sebago Lake

Senator Collins has also joined Senator Carl Levin (D-MI) in authoring bipartisan legislation to help identify and combat aquatic invasive species like milfoil. The legislation, “the National Aquatic Invasive Species Act,” would end the easy access of invasive species into U.S. waters through ships’ ballast water and establish a grant program to assist state efforts to prevent the spread of invasive species in ecosystems.  

Milfoil is one of the world’s most notorious and troublesome invasive aquatic plants. Its presence has been confirmed in nearly every state in the U.S.  It grows well in both still and flowing waters, tolerates mild levels of salt, and can survive under ice cover.

Re/Max Room At Barbara Bush Children's Hospital Grand Opening

         “We truly appreciate the generous donation that our RE/MAX agents made in our name. Werecently moved here from out of state. Shortly before our long-distance move our infant daughter  was diagnosed with a medical condition. In July, she had to undergo a medical procedure and spent one night at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital. The staff were kind and supportive and the wonderful facility made us appreciate thisdonation even more. Again we say Thank You to our agents, all the other RE/MAX agents and the staff at the Barbara Bush Children's Hospital fortheir amazing partnership that helps children in our community."    Client family of Collette Connolly of  RE/MAX By the Bay 

On December 10, The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and its Children’s Miracle Network will be hosting the First Annual RE/MAX Day (an Open House of sorts!) in honor of our stellar agents. Invitations were mailed in late October and we hope that you will be able to attend. During the event we will be unveiling an amazing new RE/MAX recognition program at the hospital.  It will provide fantastic and well-deserved recognition for RE/MAX, and, even better, it will also actually save the lives of children. 

As part of this announcement we have sent letters to 1,000+ of your past clients letting them know about the amazing things that RE/MAX agents are making possible at their local children’s hospital. Although they have been sworn to secrecy until 12/10, several of these past clients have replied with messages about how much they have appreciated working with you and how proud they are to be involved with RE/MAX and the children’s hospital. 

These client messages (like the one above) have brightened my day and reminded me why I am so very proud to be working with all of you. We all share more on December 10th. Again, we hope that you will be able to attend. Many thanks,

Elliott Pitts

Last year, RE/MAX agents in Maine and New Hampshire donated morethan $37,000 to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital at Maine Medical Center and its Children’s Miracle Network.

LET’S CELEBRATE! 

           Portland Board of Realtors 2007

Habitat for Humanity Home Constuction Project

 A great deal was accomplished by our Re/Max crew including agents Merle Hartford, myself, Ann Ball, leader Derrick Buckspan and the property owner.   Not in the photo, Pam Storer, Liz Dubois and Katie Malcom. 

2007 Rowgetta- Sponsored by Re/Max By the Bay

Winner-Re/Max By the Bay!

The kids build the boat... and the boat builds the kids."

The Compass Project mission is to use boatbuilding and rowing to provide positive direction to youth, encouraging the development of personal and community responsibility.

Rowers included Derrick Buckspan, Marissa Gagne,  Alicia McLaughlin & Lynne Weinstein and Captain, Bruce Lewis.

               Big Max of New England Comes to Portland Air Show

The ReMax Ballon came to Portland in October 0f 2007 to raise money for the Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital  at Maine Medical Center 

Re/Max Pilot Chis Mooney can be seen firing up the balloon.