Stephen D. Richard has served on the Aroostook County Action Program Board of Directors, since he was first elected to represent Private Sector Organization Member Central Aroostook Association in November 1988 – some 32 years ago. In November 1994, Steve was elected Board Chair and has served in that capacity with honor and distinction for 26 years, making him by far the longest-serving Board chair the Agency has ever had. As ACAP will mark its 50th Anniversary in two years, it's noteworthy that Steve has been part of Agency governance for over three decades, and has served as chair for more than half of our organization’s history. On Tuesday, November 24, Steve will chair his final meeting – ACAP’s Annual Meeting – which will be held via Zoom due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. In Steve’s honor, and in appreciation for all he has accomplished as an ACAP Board Leader, a maple tree was recently planted on the playground at ACAP’s Gouldville Early Care and Education Center in Presque Isle. All of us at ACAP are most grateful to Steve for the profound and incredible volunteer leadership he has provided ACAP for over three decades. It is also our hope that the tree, visible to passersby on Parson’s Street will stand for generations. It will bloom each spring in anticipation of the season ahead, provide shade to the future leaders of Aroostook County in the summer heat, put on a beautiful show of color in the fall, and endure the long and beautiful northern Maine winters – only to start the cycle over again. Thank you, Steve, for seeing ACAP through so many seasons!
