Spectrum Generations recognizes that older Americans are productive, active, and influential members of society — sharing essential talents, wisdom, and life experience.  Join us as we celebrate the vitality and aspirations of older Americans at our seven centers spread across central Maine.

Activities at the Cohen Center in Hallowell include the Active Agers Talent Show on May 18, where local musicians, vocalist, dancers and more will be performing at Jewett Hall at the University of Maine in Augusta.  Other activities planned for the month of May at Cohen include open microphone poetry night on May 20, a 4-week Eat Smart/Live Strong class starting May 1, a Maine Wildflower presentation on May 8, and a Mother’s Day Dinner Dance on May 10. 

BANGOR, Maine (NEWS CENTER)-- A new bill could allow habitual drunk drivers to get their license back earlier if they agree to install a breathalyzer in their car. The device is called an ignition interlock device and would only allow a sober driver to turn on the car. The driver would need to breathe into the IID to start the car to prove they are sober.

The device has the capabilities to take a phot of the person breathing into it which is then sent electronically to a monitoring service in real time.

Under the proposed bill, if a person is convicted of three or more OUI's in a 6 to 8 year period, their license would be reinstated after four years if they agree to use the device. This would cut down on the current license suspension and supporters argue it would help rehabilitate habitual drunk drivers. Seventeen other states already passed similar laws.

Spectrum Generations is pleased to announce that John Eckert of Hallowell, was selected as Volunteer of the Year for the 2013 Governor’s Award for Service and Volunteerism. He was presented with his award by Maine’s First Lady Ann LePage at a ceremony on April 24th in the Hall of Flags at the State House in Augusta.

Since 1987, the Governor’s Awards for Service and Volunteerism has celebrated and recognized the exemplary work of Maine’s most dedicated citizens. This award program, administered jointly by the Maine Commission for Community Service and the Governor’s Office, recognizes and honors the valuable contributions of Maine’s extraordinary volunteers while inspiring others to follow their example.

John joined Spectrum Generations Volunteer Corp at the Cohen Community Center in February 2010. He retired as a Veterans Administration Benefits Program Coordinator in 2010 and before that spent 26 years in the Armed Forces.