Laurence Gross, SMAA’s Executive Director, welcomed Senator Angus King, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Mary Mayhew, Maine Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, Alan Casavant, Mayor of Biddeford, John Shoos, Executive Director of the Sam L. Cohen Foundation and Shawn Moody, Founder and President of Moody’s Collision Centers
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Dignitaries Gather to Honor Sam Cohen's Legacy

May 20, 2016 (Biddeford, ME) – May 20th was a big day for the Southern Maine Agency on Aging. We dedicated our new and innovative day center, the Sam L. Cohen Center in Biddeford. The beautiful weather underscored the joyful feeling of the assembled members and their families, donors, volunteers, press and staff.

The Sam L. Cohen Center opened in January and is providing stimulating and creative programming for people with dementia and giving respite to their caregivers.  Laurence Gross, SMAA’s Executive Director, welcomed Senator Angus King, Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, Mary Mayhew, Maine Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, Alan Casavant, Mayor of Biddeford, John Shoos, Executive Director of the Sam L. Cohen Foundation and Shawn Moody, Founder and President of Moody’s Collision Centers to the dais.

Each of the speakers had two observations: our center needs to be seen to be believed and that they understood the struggle facing caregivers. Many of our speakers had visited the Truslow Center and commented on the dramatic difference in space, light and programming opportunities. All of speakers shared comments about the challenged they had faced with aging family members.

Senator King commented on the uplifting and modern layout. Congresswoman Pingree was impressed with the innovations from the layout to the colors used throughout the Center. Commissioner Mayhew expressed hope that the Sam L. Cohen Center would serve as a model for other communities in Maine and around the country. Mayor Casavant was completely “blown away” by the contrasts to the old center.

John Shoos said, “The Sam L. Cohen Center is a reflection of Sam’s deep Biddeford roots and his abiding interest in helping those who need it. We are pleased to have the building carry his name.”

Shawn Moody was on hand to present a suburban vehicle donated by Moody’s to the Center. It’s used to transport members to the Center.

About the Southern Maine Agency on Aging
Since 1973, the Southern Maine Agency on Aging has provided residents of York and Cumberland counties with resources and assistance to address the issues and concerns of aging. The Agency serves people ages 60 and older, family caregivers, and people under 60 with a disability. Agency services are devoted to fulfilling its mission of improving the social, emotional, physical and economic well-being of older adults in southern Maine.