Maine Day back in full for first time since pandemic

ORONO, Maine (WABI) – For the primary time since 2019, Maine Day was again in full power on the College of Maine campus in Orono Wednesday.

After the pandemic interrupted the normal day of neighborhood service for the final two years, slightly rain wasn’t going to cease college students from getting their fingers soiled once more.

“My favourite half? In all probability simply waking up! Simply actually excited for at present. I feel it’s gonna be an important day,” mentioned Elizabeth Hurm, Midshipmen, Second Class, Navy ROTC.

For lots of UMaine college students like Hurm, who’s a junior, Wednesday marked one other return to normalcy.

“That is like my first actual Maine Day, so it’s actually thrilling,” mentioned Hurm.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic despatched college students dwelling previous to Maine Day. Then in 2021, in-person gatherings have been nonetheless restricted.

“That is my final yr. I’m graduating in per week, and it’s similar to, I might cry! It’s so good whenever you get in there, it’s electrical. The air is simply electrical, and we’re all having a improbable time and making an enormous distinction which is the loopy half,” mentioned Dominique DiSpirito, pupil director of the Maine Day Meal Packout.

“We’re engaged on the College of Maine World Conflict II Memorial, so it’s the MBS Corps and the College of Maine ROTC. We’re sweeping, planting flowers, simply serving to to beautify the campus a bit,” mentioned Shelby Philips, incoming president, MBS Corps.

“As cadets within the Military ROTC program, I feel it’s vital as a result of these are the folks that have been right here earlier than us, and it’s good to uphold what they did and form of make it higher for the neighborhood as it’s now,” mentioned John Nabreski, Military ROTC Cadet.

Over within the Memorial Gymnasium, volunteers ready about $15,000 value of meals for native pantries as a part of the annual Maine Day Meal Packout.

“I’m having a extremely nice time. It’s superior to see all people again in particular person after being distant for thus lengthy, having 300 volunteers for only one factor,” mentioned Starla Straub, promoting specialist, Maine Day Meal Packout.

“I’ve been within the much less lucky scenario aspect of issues, and it’s laborious whenever you don’t know when your subsequent meal is gonna come. So, if we will help folks out with some breakfast or some dinner, then I’m pleased with that,” mentioned David Gross, a sophomore on the UMaine soccer staff.

“The entire day is about service, and so, it’s not simply right here within the health club, it’s all throughout campus. There’s actually hundreds of school, employees, and college students who’re all working collectively at present,” mentioned John Volin, UMaine Provost.

Maine Day additionally coincides with Maine Day of Giving.

The college raised greater than $2.5 million within the days main as much as it.

A minimum of one other $77,000 has are available in on Wednesday.

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