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Supper at the Grange to benefit JD Foundation

    PARKMAN — The Parkman Grange is partnering with the J.D. Foundation for a public spaghetti dinner and raffle with all proceeds to benefit the foundation. The mission of the J.D. Foundation is to educate children, teens and adults on the warning signs, risk factors, and other pertinent information of potential suicide victims, the second leading cause of death between ages 15 and 24. Other educational topics are what you as a concerned citizen, family member or friend can do for someone who is showing signs of being suicidal, where you can go for help and resources available to provide needed guidance.

    Cheryl Morin of Abbot, and her husband Vic are the founders of the J.D. Foundation named for her son William Jody Day who died by suicide Nov. 18, 2005. The Morins are willing to travel throughout the state to speak with any group or school that may be interested in learning about what they do to help prevent suicide.
    As well as suicide prevention and awareness issues they are working on other programs that affect our school age children such as anti bulling and a kindness programs. Cheryl says the foundation wants to sponsor things for kindergarten and first-graders. “Children can learn many things at a young age that will help them become more resilient,” she said. The J.D. Foundation follows the same model of Maine Suicide Prevention program. They have been very supportive and at times we may find ourselves at the same event. “We all need to work together to make a difference,” Morin said.
    The benefit supper will take place at the Parkman Grange Hall May 4 from 4:30 to 7 p.m. The menu includes spaghetti, meatballs, chop suey, salad, breads, a variety of desserts, coffee, punch and tea.  Admission to the supper is by donation. Immediately following the supper will be music provided by Blaine and Doug, admission to the concert is also by donation. If you can help by providing food or a monetary donation please call Morin at 876-2295. Donations will help with expenses incurred by members of the J.D. Foundation such as travel and program materials.

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