When I first met Sammee Quong several years ago, I knew I was meeting someone unique. Sammee has a smile that will knock you flat, and beautiful tattoos several of which are ginkgo leaves in honor of her Chinese heritage.
Saying that she is “retired” is a bit of a misnomer. In her professional life, she was a nurse and caring and kindness infuse everything that she does. For years, Sammee has helped a dear friend who, unfortunately, has endured physical challenges as she has aged. In addition to helping with basic chores and housekeeping, Sammee helped her friend relocate into senior housing, which has proved to be a much better option. Sammee’s friend is now in a less expensive home that is all on one floor which will enable her to live independently for years to come.
At 73, Sammee seems to leave no stone unturned. She is constantly casting her attention to something new; some way to enhance community programs and inspire others to join her. I love Sammee’s adventurous spirit and I hope that some of it rubs off on me! I would love to be that engaged and inspired as I get older. In fact, in our office we have a photograph of Sammee scaling a climbing wall at her local gym. We featured the photo as part of a new ad campaign that showcases older adults in Maine who are doing amazing things.
As a volunteer with AARP Maine, Sammee has taken on many roles. She testifies at the State House, writes letters to the editor on issues she cares about, and she is also a pivotal figure with the Augusta Age-Friendly Community. In addition, Sammee serves on the Board of Directors of the wonderful Viles Arboretum, a 224-acre botanical garden and arboretum located in Augusta.
Sammee loves to travel and has been just about everywhere including Egypt and Machu Picchu. It is here at home in Maine, however, where Sammee seems to really make her mark. She quietly goes about initiating local programs and many she leads herself. In just one example, Sammee started weekly walking excursions on the Kennebec River Rail Trail which take place every Thursday morning. Rain or shine, Sammee goes out walking from 8:00-9:30AM with her intrepid friends and other local residents. The walks have turned into a lovely time to socialize and meet new friends, all the while enjoying an outdoor fitness activity.
I’m interested in finding out if readers might be willing to join in this effort in other towns. With so many trails from which to choose in our beautiful state, there are easy opportunities to organize simple, short, local walks and excursions. If you would be interested in working with us and other volunteers as a Volunteer “Walk Captain,” please send a note to me@aarp.org to get started. Our goals don’t have to include running marathons or anything – just a light stroll will get the ball rolling. Please visit the events tab on our Facebook page @aarpmaine to see all of our scheduled walks, social events and other activities.
Everyone has the ability to create positive change in their communities and in themselves. As Sammee often says, “We are all in this together!” In the spirit of keeping moving and getting outside this summer season, let’s follow in Sammee’s footsteps and leave no stone unturned.
Originally published in Maine Seniors Magazine, June 2019.
Jane Margesson, AARP Maine Communications Director
Address: 53 Baxter Blvd, Portland.
Phone: 1-866-554-5380
Email: jmargesson@aarp.org
Facebook: www.facebook.com/aarpmaine
Twitter: www.twitter.com/aarpmaine
Website: www.aarp.org/me
