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Dedication of the Town Report AVIS THURSTON FORD Avis is truly a gift to New Gloucester in so many ways. Born in Saco, Maine, she married Edward Ford of New Gloucester and they made their home here. In the early 1970’s there was no New Gloucester Rescue. Avis was one of 12 residents who took classes and qualified to become a basic EMT responder. As such, she was a founding member of the New Gloucester Rescue which started in 1975. In 2012, she was recognized by the Maine State Police at an awards ceremony in Augusta. The “special award of commendation was presented to EMT Fire Rescue for outstanding contribution in grateful appreciation from men and women of the State Police and the citizens of Maine”. Avis, and the other true “first responders” who founded the Rescue, were honored at an EMS open house in 2015. A plaque is displayed at the New Gloucester Fire Rescue Building commemorating their selfless support of our community. Avis retired in 2015, having served with the New Gloucester Rescue for 40 years. And, although “Rescue 6 copies you 10-2” would no longer be heard on the nightly “tone test”, Avis promptly joined the Auxiliary to continue supporting the Fire and Rescue Department at events like their chicken barbeque. Avis once said Rescue was her life…and that is true in so many ways. She has always given her skill and caring to rescue and care for others. For her professional career, she worked full time at Pineland Hospital until it closed in 1996. Over the years, along with her EMT duties and Pineland she cared for her husband and other family members. And currently, Avis works part-time for Pine Tree Home Health Care and facilitates the Salvation Army distribution for New Gloucester. All this support and care comes nowhere close to including the love and help she gives to her neighbors and friends whenever and wherever it is needed. Maybe you have never needed medical care from Avis, but being an excellent caregiver is only one of her skills…she is also an excellent baker!! And, fortunately for New Gloucester, she loves to bake and is quick to share her rolls, bread, cakes, pies, and cookies (all made from “scratch”) … she bakes for everyone!! Avis is a long-time member of the New Gloucester Historical Society. She is on the Board of Directors and she is the refreshment committee! Some say the highlight of a meeting is the dessert made and shared by Avis. Ever had an apple pie from the Society’s Apple Pie Sale in October? Avis is the overseer and chief baker of over 150 pies for the Apple Pie Sale! Ever been to the Society’s Strawberry Festival in June? Avis makes all the biscuits for the shortcake! Avis is also a long-time member of the New Gloucester Congregational Church. She sings in the choir…and you guessed it, choir practice is punctuated by homemade goodies from Avis. She also makes bread for the Coffee House gatherings at the Vestry. It has been said that people like Avis who help their neighbors and perform community service work are motivated by dedication and concern for others. For many years New Gloucester has benefited from her dedication and concern…not to mention her baking…and we are pleased to have this opportunity to say,

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