Senior SPRING 2018
LIVING THE
TRAIL LiFE
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
ADVENTURES MAINE HUTS & TRAILS
A Special Advertising Section of the Bangor Daily News • Friday, March 23, 2018
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March 23, 2018
sudoku Here’s How It Works:
Fun By The Numbers Like puzzles? Then you’ll love sudoku. This mind-bending puzzle will have you hooked from the moment you square off, so sharpen your pencil and put your sudoku savvy to the test!
Sudoku puzzles are formatted as a 9x9 grid, broken down into nine 3x3 boxes. To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box. You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes. The more numbers you name, the easier it gets to solve the puzzle! Answer on page 18!
Answers and more puzzles on pages 16-18! THIS PUBLICATION WAS PRODUCED BY Bangor Daily News
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March 23, 2018
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The Long Walk
An Appalachian Trail journey strengthens these mother/daughter bonds. BY JODI HERSEY | PHOTOS COURTESY RACHEL WILLIS
F
orty years ago, Nancy Averill of Hampden hiked part of the Appalachian Trail with her mother. Last year, at the age of 66, she decided to do it again with her own daughter, Rachel Willis of Portland. Both mother and daughter say it was an experience they will never forget.
“It kind of came out the blue,” Averill said. “She started talking about it the year before, so I
thought it would be a great way to pass the torch.” The duo started their southbound journey last August at Abol Bridge in Millinocket, along the portion of the trail known as the Hundred Mile Wilderness. According to many sources, this particular section of the trail is considered one of the most challenging and difficult to traverse along the 2,190-mile journey
“We were on a boardwalk over a swamp and I fell , maybe backwards into a bush and I thought, ‘Oh gee I’ve taken on more than I can handle.” — Nancy Averill
from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine. To prepare for their adventure, Averill, an avid swimmer, increased the frequency of her workouts in order to build up her stamina. “The first 20 minutes out, I wasn’t used to carrying my pack. We were on a boardwalk over a swamp and I fell backwards into a bush and I thought, ‘Oh gee, maybe I’ve taken on more than I can handle,’” Averill said. It wouldn’t be the first or last time Averill questioned her decision to hike the famous Appalachian Trail.
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March 23, 2018 “The first night it poured during the night and
was mesmerized by her child’s finesse.
we thought we’d drown,” Averill said. “But the
“She’s a ballet teacher and she’s in top
tent held up very well. The next five days the
notch shape. She scrambled over the rocks like
weather was perfect. We were there during the
a Billy goat, like they were nothing,” Averill
eclipse and we had a shield so we could watch it.
said with a laugh.
That was fun.” According
Not long into the trek, Willis also became her to
the
Appalachian
Trail
mother’s guardian angel.
Conservancy, thousands of hikers known as
“I fell many times, sometimes forward and
“2,000-Milers” have attempted to hike the trail in
sometimes backwards. She was wonderful and
its entirety over the years, yet only about one in
saved me so many times,” Averill said. “But my
four are able to complete it. One such completer
body was really complaining. I was having a lot of
was Emma Gatewood, known as “Grandma
pain in my knees. So we decided to cut it short and
Gatewood.” Gatewood is recognized as the
end at Gulf Hagas, but we didn’t make it that far.
first solo female thru-hiker. Then a 67-year-old
We made it as far as Nahmakanta Lake. It was the
mother of 11 (and grandmother of 23), Gatewood
first place we got reception with my cell phone, and
first hiked the AT in 1955. She followed it up with
my daughter texted my brother to come get us.”
other successful AT thru-hikes in 1957 and 1964.
While the journey ended earlier than either of
However, the hike’s rugged terrain was reason
them anticipated, the experiences from their trip
enough for Averill and Willis to stick strictly to a
crept back into their daily lives over and over again.
section hike along the Maine portion of the trail.
“My feet hit the ends of my boots [while on
“The terrain is outrageous. It’s all roots,
the trail] and caused my toe nails to get real
rocks, and mud,” she said. “The muddy spots
black and blue. They fell off a few months later,”
you can usually step stone-over-stone, or some
Averill said.
had boardwalks. But with the roots you have to
The
mother/daughter
duo
traveled
constantly look down and make sure your feet
approximately 25 miles over their five day
are going where they should go or you’ll trip.
journey. Willis is proud of how well her mom did
Scrambling over the rocks was a real challenge.
and the quality time they got to spend together in
A lot of them were bigger than me.”
the Maine outdoors.
While “Grandma Gatewood” became famous
“It was interesting to be traveling southbound
hiking the trail wearing Keds tennis shoes and
for what turned out to be a short distance, while
carrying a small knapsack, Averill opted for
crossing the path of northbound hikers on their
The mother/daughter duo traveled approximately 25 miles over their five day journey. WILLIS IS PROUD OF HOW WELL HER MOM DID AND THE
QUALITY TIME THEY GOT TO SPEND TOGETHER IN THE MAINE OUTDOORS. something more practical. With a trekking
last leg of what had been months of grueling
pole in each hand and her sturdy hiking boots,
effort,” Willis said. “Overall, it was a great
she was able to negotiate over some of the most
experience and a good show of my mother’s
difficult spots on the trail.
perseverance and my patience.”
“The trekking poles were really helpful. We stayed at a lot of campsites with our own tent,
Neither of them have any regrets—just lots of memories to share for years to come.
a little tent that folded up into a package that I
“She was able to do it with her mother [back in
could put in my backpack. And my trekking
the 70s], so it was nice to give her that experience
poles worked as tent poles,” she said.
again,” Willis said.
Navigating each step of the hike was left up to Averill’s daughter.
“The Hundred Mile Wilderness is really too difficult, and they tell you that in all the books.
“I enjoy navigating, not that it was difficult
Looking back now, I was naive thinking I could
to stay on trail,” Willis said. “But I was able
do it, [with] no problem. I should’ve done more
to encourage my mom knowing how far we’d
in the gym like squats to strengthen my knees,”
gone that day and what we had to do to get to a
Averill said. “But I’m glad I did it anyway. It was
good tent site.”
beautiful and memorable and being with my
As Averill followed her daughter’s lead, she
daughter was the best part.”
March 23, 2018
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BDN SENIOR LIVING
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“I enjoy navigating.. I was able to encourage my mom knowing how far we’d gone that day and what we had to do to get to a good tent site.” — -Rachel Willis
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d.” “The terrain is outrageous. It’s all roots, roc- ks, and mu ill — Nancy Aver
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March 23, 2018
Palliative care Going beyond traditional medicine. COURTESY EMHS PALLIATIVE CARE
I
t’s been more than two years since David
services at his home. “Robin and the palliative
Driscoll has been down to the shorefront
care team have been outstanding,” he said.
behind his Sebago Lake home, but he
“They’ve taken care of my healthcare needs, and
still loves to look out the windows at the
my emotional needs.”
waters that he spent many years enjoying.
Recognizing that there was a growing need
“I was quite the outdoor person,” said David.
for this service, EMHS launched its new
“I loved to go boating and fishing in the summer
community-based palliative care service line
and snowmobiling in the winter.”
systemwide last year.
David, 64, is homebound these days. Fifteen
“Good palliative care is about finding a way
years ago, he was diagnosed with arachnoiditis,
to walk beside someone living with serious
a disorder caused by the inflammation of the
illness,” said Hirsh-Wright. “Our culture
arachnoid, one of the membranes that surround
struggles to even talk about the concept that
and protects the nerves of the spinal cord. It’s a
life doesn’t go on forever.” She added that the
chronic, painful condition, and one of several
conversation eventually becomes about what
serious chronic conditions including diabetes
makes life worth living, rather than about
and recurring infections that David says sent
dying. As a patient recently told her, “It’s not
him to the hospital more than twenty times
that my illness went away, but that my doctors
last year. “The doctors would treat me when
started listening differently, and my pain is
I showed up, but once I left the hospital or the
much better managed.”
doctor’s office, I felt like I was on my own. I
David says that he truly believes he is
didn’t really have the help that I needed to live with this condition,” he said. He decided to consider palliative care.
David Driscoll at home on sebago lake. Nurses,
Hancock
receiving better care because he is in the
Hospice,
Hospice
palliative care program. The nurse who visits
of
and
Executive Council, implementation of a well-
Hospice
designed plan that moves patients into palliative
Nurses
care sooner based on conversations among the
his home twice a week attends to his medical
of Aroostook. VNA HHH assigns nurse
patient, caregivers, and providers results in
Palliative care, as defined by the Center to
needs, advocates for him, and sets him up with
practitioners and social workers to seriously
improved care quality, reduced inpatient costs,
Advance Palliative Care, is specialized medical
the services he needs, such as doctor’s visits or
ill, homebound patients to focus on defining
and lower total cost of care. And based on VNA
care for people living with serious illness. It
physical therapy.
what is most important to patients who live
HHH data, the need for that care will increase.
Eastern
County
Maine,
of
Homecare
Aroostook, and
Visiting
By 2019, there will be nearly 250 thousand adults
“Good palliative care is about FINDING A WAY TO WALK
BESIDE SOMEONE LIVING WITH SERIOUS ILLNESS.” -Robin Hirsh-Wright, LCSW
over age 65 in Maine, and roughly 20,000 of them would be eligible for palliative care. David never thought he’d need this type of care, at least not at this point in his life, but he’s certainly glad that he has it. He may not be able to physically walk down to the shorefront of Sebago Lake, but says that he gets a peaceful and calming feeling when he looks out across the waters of Sebago Lake towards Mount Washington. He says he feels truly blessed to
focuses on providing relief from the symptoms
“Two years ago, I could barely move my arms
with chronic illness. Those nurse practitioners
live in such a beautiful state and to have the
and stress of a serious illness, whatever the
and feed myself. Life was horrible,” said David.
and social workers collaborate with designated
support he needs to live his life and manage
diagnosis. The goal is to improve quality of life
“My palliative care nurse helped get me into
primary and specialty care providers.
his chronic illness.
for both the patient and the family.
physical therapy, and now my arms are back to
“It is important that patients understand that
“I don’t think I’d be here today if weren’t for
palliative care doesn’t replace their clinical
this program,” he said, “and you can quote me
Robin Hirsh-Wright, LCSW, who is the director
VNA Home Health Hospice operates the
team, but rather partners with that team to
on that.”
of Palliative Care Services for VNA Home Health
EMHS Palliative Care service line. VNA HHH
sharpen the focus on mitigating the effect of
Hospice, but says she was a real “saving grace”
is comprised of several formerly independent
illness on quality of life,” said Hirsh-Wright.
who helped set him up with palliative care
agencies including Bangor Area Visiting
David says he doesn’t remember how he met
normal and I can feed myself again.”
According to the Advisory Board Physician
For more information on EMHS Palliative Care, call VNA Home Health Hospice at 800-7573326 or visit vnahomehealth.org.
March 23, 2018
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March 23, 2018
Hound Advice BY ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD My little hound is now thirteen,
The woman in my mirror holds
a geriatric beast.
me with a steadfast gaze.
His muzzle’s white, his teeth are green,
Her temples white, her neck in folds,
He cannot hear, his eyeballs sheen,
Her eyelids puffed from dust and molds,
His trembling legs make him careen —
Her hormones give her hots and colds —
He’s changed, to say the least.
She’s seen a lot of days.
But little Guster runs our fields
What can I learn from Guster’s spark,
with undiminished zest.
his joy in life’s old age?
At meals, his twirl-dance never yields,
I’ll hang on to my baying bark,
His sister-dogs stand guard as shields,
I’ll chase some rabbits in the park,
His baying bark with force he wields —
Then cuddle friends when it gets dark —
He’s our beloved pest.
He’s quite the canine sage.
I wish I had known… H
●
She had a difficult choice to make. She
opportunities to further my career as a registered
could have had her kind, generous daughters
nurse and capture my entrepreneurial spirit.
I suspect that my story is
care for her, but she said no. She was the
I heard a commercial for Visiting Angels, and
uttering those words? I have. similar to many other people.
mother, and it was important to her that
it all came together. An opportunity to serve a
Several years ago, my grandfather passed
she stay that way. She felt like she had one
generation that had served me my entire life. An
away unexpectedly. After the shock wore
option—to leave. She moved into a nearby
opportunity to offer not only a choice for people
off, the “now what?” moment occurred. My
assisted living facility and did her best to
and their families caught between difficult and
grandfather was physically strong. He took
look on the bright side. She wasn’t unhappy
impossible but a solution. Through Visiting
care of my grandmother in many simple but
there; she just wasn’t home.
Angels, I’m able to offer what my grandmother
critical ways. He was the “helping hands.”
At that time, I did not own Visiting Angels.
had been looking for—an extra set of hands;
He buttoned buttons, tied shoes, opened jars,
I had never even heard of “homecare.”
someone to make the impossible possible; safe,
chopped vegetables, and so much more. He was
None of us had. In order to make a true
reliable, compassionate care at the place you call
her husband, her friend, and her partner.
choice, you have to know what your choices
home. It is with the utmost respect, dignity and
My grandmother had very little use of her
are. Homecare for my grandmother never
compassion that I welcome the opportunity to
hands. Simple tasks that we all take for granted
made it on the list. A few months after my
offer the power of choice.
were impossible. One thing was clear after the
grandmother left her home, we said our final
dust settled: my grandmother could not live
goodbye. Her life was in no way shortened by
Visiting Angels provides reliable in-home care
alone. What a blow—my grandmother was an
her move to a facility, but her life did not end
services to seniors throughout the area. For more
independent woman. Smart, full of hopes and
at home where she wanted to be.
information, visit visitingangels.com/bangor or
dreams, a lover of life and of her home.
bangordailynews.com
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BDN SENIOR LIVING
COURTESY ALECIA PINEO, RN, OWNER, VISITING ANGELS
“I wish I had known.” ave you ever found yourself
March 23, 2018
A couple of years later, I was looking for
call 207-573-1861.
“Visiting Angels makes me feel so safe and comfortable.
If you’re disabled like me, you think you can do everything, but you really can’t. My caregiver helps me accomplish things that I wouldn’t be able to do on my own. She takes me to appointments, grocery shopping, and other things so I am no longer housebound. For her to help me with my household chores is a blessing. They placed me with a caregiver that is my perfect match! She not only helps me with my everyday living, but she is my companion, my friend!”
-Sylvia M. A Visiting Angels client
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Fixings for a trail lunch is provided by the staff at Poplar Stream Falls Hut. PHOTO BY AISLINN SARNACKI
The “huts” of Maine Huts & Trails are spacious, high-ceilinged lodges with outbuildings that house thirty to forty people. PHOTO COURTESY ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD
-to-hut trails hut the by ed pir ins s wa tem sys ils Tra & s Hut The Maine in the European Alps. PHOTO COURTESY ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD
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A Maine Huts & Trails excursion offers a uniquely Maine experience. BY ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD
A
fter two years of walking past the Maine
Huts
and
Trails
gift
certificate taped to our kitchen wall, Jonathan and I finally
followed through on our plan to experience the Maine woods as guests in the huts. Along with two intrepid friends, we recently plotted out a four-night, cross-country ski expedition. What we discovered was one of Maine’s great unsung treasures. The huts offer a uniquely enchanting immersion into Maine’s vast and glorious outdoors for trekkers of all ages and all levels. “Hut” is a misleading term for these accommodations. They are spacious, highceilinged lodges with outbuildings that house
Happy Trails
thirty to forty people. You are blissfully disconnected from the electronic world, and you sleep in a sleeping bag in comfortably heated bunkhouses. Inside each main lodge there are large common areas for dining, games, reading, and lounging. There is beer and wine for sale and a fully-stocked kitchen where the hut staff prepare hearty, family-style meals. If that isn’t enough to tempt you to engage in “people powered” travel, you will also find waiting for you at the end of your rigorous day a warm drying room for your damp gear; indoor, stateof-the-art composting toilets; and – perhaps the most luxurious amenity – hot showers! On our way to the Airport Trailhead we made a stop in Kingfield, Maine at the Maine Huts and Trails (MHT) headquarters. I highly recommend this stop for first-timers, since employees offer lots of information, suggestions, and enthusiasm to get you pumped up for your first day. Thanks to Patrick’s insider information, we learned about the excellent vista near a trail stop we’d be passing called “half-way yurt.” The vista involves an extra trail climb of ten to fifteen minutes, but the view of Sugarloaf and the Bigelow range was jaw-dropping. Day one was a 3.3 mile, fully-loaded ski in to Poplar, the original hut. We worked up quite a sweat on that climb, but our loads were lighter for the rest of our ski-days. For an extra $35 per day,
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in warmer months
March 23, 2018
Views from around Maine Huts & Trails during the summer
(Left) The staff of Maine Huts & Trails Flagstaff Lake Hut gather with hut guests at the shore of Flagstaff Lake to watch the sunset. PHOTO BY AISLINN SARNACKI
A fresh snow makes for a beautiful, peaceful ski into the huts. PHOTO COURTESY ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD
MHT offers a shuttle to transport your gear (up to
mile we followed the pawprints of a fox, probably
25 pounds in a backpack) to your next destination.
grateful for an alternative to the deep slog in the
We happily sprang for that added perk.
woods. We spotted a downy woodpecker, flushed
Rihanna and Caleb, our hut staffers, greeted us at Poplar’s registration window, oriented
a grouse, and fell under the spell of our own rhythmic gliding through the silence.
us to the facilities, and announced the dinner
The half-way yurt was perfectly placed as a
menu – spicy beef stew, rutabaga mash, farro
lunchtime rest stop. We lit up the woodstove,
and butternut squash salad, homemade bread,
warmed and dried our damp outer layers, and
and coconut cupcakes for dessert. Yup, it was as
ate the lunches we’d prepared from the hut’s
good as it sounds. Not only are the huts almost
lunch buffet table that morning. Best of all, the
exclusively off the grid, they also do their best to
yurt is at the top of a rise, so your after-lunch
use locally-sourced food. That means real Maine
event is a lovely, long downhill glide.
blueberries and Maine maple syrup for your morning pancakes.
The MHT system was the brainchild of Larry Warren, who was inspired by hut-to-hut trails
Since I am not by nature a morning person,
in the European Alps. As MHT celebrates
I was daunted to hear that we had to have our
their ten-year anniversary, they have plans
gear packed and ready for the shuttle at 7:30
to expand their four huts and 80 miles of trails
a.m. However, since breakfast is served at
to an additional six to eight huts, each with its
7:30 anyway, it wasn’t so bad and allowed us
own particular character. Flagstaff, grandly
to start our long days promptly, with plenty of
overlooking
daylight ahead.
parking less than two miles away and is perfect
On day two we made the 11.5-mile trek from Poplar Hut to Flagstaff in a light snowfall. The
Flagstaff
Lake,
has
trailhead
for families interested in boating, hiking, snowshoeing, or skiing.
recent heavy snow and wind was a bonus, and
January is quiet season, so I found myself
not just for excellent skiing conditions. The
alone with my coffee one morning in the airy
woods were glorious and peaceful. Huge dollops
dining room. I gazed through a floor-to-ceiling
of snow muffled sound and decorated stumps and
pyramid of tall windows that framed a dazzling
spruce boughs. Birch and cedar trees were limned
portrait of snow and birches. Quintessential
in white highlights. We had easy going on the
Maine woods, I thought…and someone else is
groomed trail, and we weren’t alone. For about a
doing all the cooking. I will definitely return.
(Right) Flagstaff Lake Hut, one of the eco-friendly lodges in the Maine Huts & Trails system, is adorned with driftfood from the nearby Flagstaff Lake. (Below) Stand up paddle boarding is just one of the many outdoor activities available to guests at the Maine Huts & Trails huts. PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI
On aging
A (mostly) reasonable discussion with my dad. BY CHRIS QUIMBY
The author (from left), son Jordan, father Ray, and family at a sporting event recently. PHOTO COURTESY CHRIS QUIMBY
T
he season of life in which I now
expressed that he believes he is currently living
abide offers features my younger
his peak season. One of the reasons he cited is
self’s did not.
the training he’s receiving for the quality job
Of most value is the newfound
appreciation of youth that I lacked when I had no contrasting experience.
he expects to receive, along with likely settling down in marriage within the next few years. When asked the same question, my father,
Nevertheless, I have to be careful around
never short of a witty response, replied, “Now,
whom I complain of age. Anyone who has
because I can’t remember back very far and
lived longer than my 45 years scoffs at my
tomorrow I’m having a colonoscopy.”
lamentations, proclaiming they would kill to be
He regards his gray hair as a crown, a source
back in their fifth decade (providing, of course,
of the respect he feels others his age give and
they had the energy to commit such a crime).
receive to and from each other. “People see it and
These mature citizens share their own
think I’m smarter and wiser than I really am,”
challenges deeper along the road than myself,
he says, “because you can’t have gotten this far
challenges I will be fortunate to face twenty years
in life without having some challenges thrown at
from now should I live as long as my own father.
you and having gotten through them."
Dad looks ahead to a sometimes intimidating
When asked what advice he’d give to
elderly life filled with, as he predicts, problems
someone half his age, it was my son who chimed
with
in, encouraging young people to take risks and
“medication
management,
social
security, Medicare, pooping, and peeing, in no particular order.”
not fear failure. My father, meanwhile, suggested reading the
I appreciate how comparatively fortunate
book “Everything I Needed to Know I Learned
I feel when hearing him say such things, but
in Kindergarten” by Robert Fulghum. Within
am quickly reminded of my own decreasing
those pages exists the proverb that if you don’t
abilities whenever I’m around my 20-year-old
find happiness along the way, you won’t find it
son. He is now faster, stronger, leaner, and more
at the end of the road.
energetic than myself and a frequent picture of
And with the potential of increasingly bad
what I will never again be this side of the grave.
eyesight and failing legs, one might be within
My advantages over him are decreasing, but
their rights to wonder if they would be able to
are not yet absent. Comedian Tim Hawkins,
see the end of such a road and to even be able to
after his teenage son boasted of his own one
walk there if they could.
percent body fat by asking his father, “What have you got?” replied simply — “Money.”
I am thankful that I still have my own father whose gray hair I can follow for
But even that advantage over my son won’t
direction toward that sunset, and a son who
last. My son, when asked for his opinion
will hopefully benefit from the footsteps left
regarding when his life peaked and why,
generations before him.
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March 23, 2018
Getting a
Second Wind The Bangor Region YMCA—A partner in your health and wellness journey.
W
COURTESY OF JENNIFER CRANE, SECOND WIND MANAGER, BANGOR YMCA
hen people sign up for a
If you’re unfamiliar with exercise equipment
component of this program is a great way for
membership. One small monthly membership fee
membership at the Bangor
and/or are looking for help with an exercise
an older adult to be social with peers and our
covers all fitness, including land and water classes
Region YMCA, they are signing
routine to fit your needs, our trainers will walk
activities help keep those winter blues away and
and all of the social activities. If our monthly
up for much more than a
you through how to use everything in our Fitness
keep you moving and engaged in any season. As
membership fee doesn’t fit your budget, we also
fitness facility with a fitness center, two
Center, give you recommendations on the land
an adult ages, social components become very
offer financial assistance to those who qualify.
swimming pools, and fitness classes. What
and water fitness classes to take, and, if you like,
important to increasing longevity of life. Our
Members that are currently in our Second Wind
members get is a partner in their journey to
even create a personalized workout plan for you
Second Wind social activities are fun and are a
program rave about how much fun our social
help them improve their health and wellness.
to help you reach your goal!
great way to make new friends and keep the mind
activities and trips are and also how far they have
In 2015, the Bangor Region YMCA created
Our fitness classes are unlike any classes offered
active and engaged. We have movie nights, arts
come in their health and wellness journey. We
a special program called Second Wind, a fun
in our community. We have developed group
and crafts, drop-in card games, book club, and
have members come to us that have worked out
health and wellness program for older adults
fitness classes especially for our Second Wind
so much more! In addition to these activities we
their entire lives, but are not going to let their age
age 62 years and older. The program was created
members that are taught by fitness professionals.
also plan exciting day trips outside of the Bangor
slow them down. We also have members that have
to help our community’s older adult population
Our classes are designed to include all aspects of
region. As a group you will have the opportunity
never worked out before and come to us looking to
improve their health while providing a safe
fitness, cardiovascular, strength, flexibility and
to take frequent trips to our beautiful Wilderness
start at the age of 70. Everyone’s journey will be
and friendly environment for socialization and
balance, everything that will help you with aspects
Center at Camp Jordan, located along the shores
different and we embrace this difference at our Y
creating a sense of community.
of your life that you never thought of. Do you get
of Branch Lake in Ellsworth. At Camp Jordan
because we are here for each and every member
Members of our Second Wind program come to
winded walking up and down stairs? Are you able
we have the opportunity to take walks within the
and care about you as an individual, wanting to
the Y with a wide range of fitness levels. There
to shovel out after a snowstorm? Is getting in and
camp, canoe or kayak on the lake, enjoy the patio
help you become your best self.
are some who have been able to stay active and
out of a car a difficult process? These are all things
and views on Branch Lake, sit next to the fireplace
As the new manager of Second Wind, I was
are looking to try something new, others who
that our members have been able to improve
in our King Dining Hall and play a game or two,
accepted with open arms by our wonderful group
have never worked out before until they joined
on and change over time. One of our members
and those are just a few of the things we’ve done
of active older adults and I know you will be, too.
our Y, and those who come to us for help with
recently told me, “I don’t have to stop halfway up
while at camp! We also enjoy trips to the Botanical
I love our seniors and I am so proud of our Bangor
how to be active while struggling with arthritis
the stairs and catch my breath anymore!”
Gardens in Boothbay, trips to Katahdin Woods
Region YMCA and what we are doing for our older
or similar conditions, osteoporosis, or mobility
When you participate in our classes, you
and Waters National Monument for hikes and
adult population in Bangor and the surrounding
limitations. No matter what your fitness level
experience more than improvements in your
stargazing, trips to the Cole Land Transportation
areas. Come be a part of this amazing group of
is, our Second Wind program is for YOU! Our
health. In addition, you develop friendships with
Museum to see all the wonderful transportation
people. It will change your life!
amazing certified personal trainers are here to
other members of Second Wind. Our amazing
items from the years on display, and many more!
For more information about the Bangor
help you with your health and wellness journey!
program is not all about fitness—the social
All of these things are included as part of your
YMCA’s Second Wind program, visit bangory.org.
March 23, 2018
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Puzzles & Games
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March 23, 2018
WORD SCRAMBLE
ANSWERS ON PAGE 18!
Rearrange the letters to spell something pertaining to cars.
Crossword
CLUES ACROSS 1. UNPLEASANT SUBSTANCE
43. NOT BRIGHT
5. OIL GROUP
44. WESTERN ASIA PENINSULA
10. ONE-TIME YANKEES ROOKIE SENSATION 14. IRELAND
45. BASEBALL SPEEDSTER GORDON
15. LESS EASILY FOUND
46. GOLF SCORE
16. SOUTHEAST NIGERIA PEOPLE
47. TRANSMITS GENETIC INFORMATION FROM DNA TO THE CYTOPLASM
17. BRIDGELINE DIGITAL STOCK DESIGNATION 18. PLAY LOUDLY 19. ELEGANTLY FASHIONABLE 20. OPEN SORE 22. FROZEN WATER 23. SACRED ISLAMIC SITE 24. “KOKOMO” ROCKERS 27. FOLLOWS SIGMA 30. CEASE TO EXIST 31. COOL 32. DOCTORS’ GROUP 35. LESS ATTRACTIVE 37. SWISS RIVER 38. GREEK SOPHIST 39. GRANDMOTHERS 40. AFFLICT 41. RUSSIAN PANCAKE OF BUCKWHEAT FLOUR AND YEAST 42. ACTRESS __ RACHEL WOOD
48. DIEGO, FRANCISCO, ANSELMO 49. SONGS TO ONE’S LOVER 52. CATTLE’S MAMMARY GLAND 55. HAVING TEN
CLUES DOWN 1. PHILIPPINE PROVINCE 2. SHALLOW CHANNEL 3. TYPE OF ACID 4. CYGNUS’ BRIGHTEST STAR
60. SCARLETT’S HOME
5. ONE WHO BUYS AND SELLS SECURITIES (ABBR.)
61. HOLD VALUABLES
6. ILL WILL
63. ITALIAN SEAPORT 64. CAIN AND __
7. PLANT OF THE GOOSEFOOT FAMILY
65. BAD PLACES TO LIVE
8. INTELLECTUAL
66. LARGE, WADING BIRD
9. MINERAL
67. WITCHES 68. COVER WITH DROPS
10. SHINY SILICATE MINERALS
69. PROPS UP THE HEAD
56. FENCING SWORD
21. ADVISES
44. CONNECTS WORDS
23. “THE SPANISH TRAGEDY” PLAYWRIGHT
46. FOR EACH
25. SURROUNDS THE EARTH
49. CLOSES A DEAL
26. PADDLE
50. ARABIAN DESERT
27. ADJUSTED 28. SUCCULENT PLANT
51. VACCINE AGAINST POLIOMYELITIS
29. FOREARM BONES
52. AMERICAN STATE
32. BELONGING TO EGYPTIAN ASCETIC APOLLO’S COLLEAGUE
53. RELIGION PRACTICED IN CHINA
33. TYPE OF MENTAL ILLNESS
57. HALL OF FAMER RUTH
47. FLOWER CLUSTER
54. TYPE OF SEDIMENT
34. ONE FROM ASIA
58. “LAYLA” SINGER CLAPTON
36. 007’S CREATOR
59. GAMBLE
11. OTTOMAN CIVILIAN TITLE
37. DIRECT TOWARD
12. WHAT YOU WEAR WHEN EATING BBQ (2 WORDS)
38. PIE _ __ MODE
61. SINO-SOVIET BLOCK (ABBR.)
13. SOUL AND CALYPSO SONG
41. HILLSIDES
40. LARGE TERRIER 43. PATRIOTIC WOMEN (ABBR.)
62. MIDWAY BETWEEN SOUTH AND SOUTHWEST
March 23, 2018
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Hearing loss often overlooked, easy to detect H earing loss affects 31 million
According to a survey by the National
Americans. Still, only 20% of
Council on Aging, older people with undetected
those who need a hearing aid own
hearing loss are more likely to report
one. Hearing loss is a condition
depression,
anxiety,
paranoia,
emotional
that, in most cases, develops gradually—many
problems, and reduced social activity. Seniors
people don’t realize they are affected.
who lose their hearing may experience these
Fortunately, modern hearing care has become
common scenarios before discovering their
more aware of the symptoms of hearing loss.
loss. The survey concluded that seniors
This increased awareness has helped millions
who treat their hearing loss have better
hear better and enjoy life more.
relationships with their families, improved mental health, greater independence, and
Undetected But Significant Hearing
is
one
of
the
stronger feelings of security. basic
ways
we
communicate and interact with each other and
Warning Signs
the environment. Undetected hearing loss can
Although hearing loss is a very personal
have serious consequences.
condition, the symptoms are fairly consistent.
Children with undetected hearing problems
Hearing care practitioners generally ask a series
are sometimes misidentified as being mentally
of questions to identify whether a person has
challenged or as having learning disabilities. Because
experienced hearing loss.
1. PEOPLE SEEM TO MUMBLE MORE FREQUENTLY.
17
COURTESY BELTONE
If a person experiences these warning signs
repeatedly or in combination, it may indicate
2. YOU HEAR, BUT HAVE TROUBLE UNDERSTANDING ALL THE WORDS IN CONVERSATION.
a hearing loss.
3. YOU OFTEN ASK PEOPLE TO REPEAT THEMSELVES.
Hearing loss itself can be misunderstood. Wax
4. YOU FIND TELEPHONE CONVERSATION INCREASINGLY DIFFICULT.
that adversely affects hearing. Often people assume
5. YOUR FAMILY OR FRIENDS COMPLAIN THAT YOU PLAY THE TV OR RADIO TOO LOUDLY.
The Only Way to Know for Sure buildup in the ear canal is a common occurrence they have a permanent loss when, in fact, they don’t. A hearing screening and video otoscope inspection (a simple procedure in which a picture of a person’s
6. YOU NO LONGER HEAR NORMAL HOUSEHOLD SOUNDS, SUCH AS THE DRIPPING OF A FAUCET OR THE RINGING OF A DOORBELL.
ear canal is taken) can provide an accurate evaluation
7. YOU HAVE TROUBLE HEARING WHEN YOUR BACK IS TURNED TO THE SPEAKER.
inspection, I often find that simple wax buildup
8. YOU HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT YOU SPEAK TOO LOUDLY.
of what you’re hearing and what you’re not. According to one Beltone Hearing Care Practitioner, “When I give someone an otoscope is contributing to their hearing problem.”
Testing is Available to Anyone
speech is normally acquired through repeating what
Beltone, a leading manufacturer of hearing
9. YOU EXPERIENCE RINGING IN YOUR EARS.
Beltone offers hearing screenings at all of their 1,500
is heard, such children are at an early disadvantage.
aids, lists the following 10 warning signs of
Hearing Care Centers throughout the nation. If
Their education and development may be stunted by
hearing loss in their “The Gift of Hearing”
the lack of proper treatment.
brochure:
10. YOU HAVE DIFFICULTY UNDERSTANDING CONVERSATION WHEN IN A LARGE GROUP OR CROWD.
you’re interested in a hearing screening to see how you can improve your hearing, visit beltone.com.
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BDN SENIOR LIVING
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March 23, 2018
Remember When A look back at Bangor through the years
Bangor International Airport in 1975, 1964.TO and below, construction in 1968. , inPHO West side of Main Street, BangorBDN BDN PHO
TO
View of Main Street, Bangor, circa 1965 postcard. —
word scramble ANSWER: LIGHTS
answers FIND PUZZLES ON PAGES 2 AND 16!
sudoku Answers
Crossword Answers
March 23, 2018
Bijou Theater on Exchange Street in Bangor, circa 1957. PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD SHAW
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BDN SENIOR LIVING
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Remember When A look back at Bangor through the years
ium, circa 1960. The old Bangor Auditor COURTESY RICHARD SHAW PHOTO
The view down Main Street, Bangor in 1964. PHOTO COURTESY RICHARD SHAW
The Park Theater in the 1950s. BDN PHOTO
outside Freese’s department store in downtown Bangor in the 1960s. BDN PHOTO
March 23, 2018
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bangordailynews.com
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BDN SENIOR LIVING
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Navigating the waters of funeral trusts D
iscussing end-of-life issues can be an emotional experience. Making decisions upon the death of a loved one can be challenging, especially if the wishes of the deceased are murky or unknown. Funeral trusts often help families avoid making decisions at times when their emotions may make such decisions more difficult.
What is preplanning a funeral? Preplanning
a
funeral
can
save
Funeral trusts may be referred to as revocable
anyone and, at a later date, can be dissolved by
family
or irrevocable. An irrevocable funeral trust,
and friends from having to make difficult
or IFT, is a tool people who are facing the high
the person who originally created it.
decisions. It also enables people to choose their
cost of skilled nursing care can consider. An
When is a trust unnecessary?
burial space, services and transportation.
IFT establishes an account into which money
In certain instances, a funeral trust will not be
Preplanning also allows people to pay for or
for funeral expenses is deposited. The money
needed. Those who have the means to fund long-
arrange payment for their funeral costs ahead
cannot be withdrawn or refunded, and funds
term care services and will not need assistance
of time. According to Consumer Protection
must be used for funeral expenses.
later in life may not want their money locked up
Ontario, a person can pre-plan a funeral
In the United States, an IFT is often considered
without prepaying. However, many people
an eligible expense during the social services
prefer to have all financial components in
spend-down process. That means the money
place as well for maximum convenience.
deposited in the trust is exempt as a countable
Assistance with funeral trusts
asset from any financial look-back period that
Funeral
helps determine eligibility for government
companies that manage funeral funds. Speak
healthcare services, such as Medicaid.
with a funeral director if you want to learn more
What is a funeral trust? Funeral trust can be a smart investment for
in a trust. Others opt for life insurance policies to pay for funeral needs.
homes
may
work
directly
with
people who have not spelled out their wishes in
Revocable funeral trusts can be cancelled.
about trusts. Trusts also can be established by
a will or conveyed them in writing to someone
According to the National Care Planning
working with an elder care attorney or with a
who will be managing their estate.
Council, a revocable trust can be created by
funeral trust agency.
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March 23, 2018
www.gibersondorseyfuneralhome.com
What is
March 23, 2018
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cremation?
Brookings-Smith Funeral Home answers your questions about cremation and options to consider. COURTESY BROOKINGS-SMITH FUNERAL HOME
B
y definition, cremation is the
music, rituals, and poems? A funeral or a
plan, making sure you are using a firm with
for you to be present to witness their operation
process of reducing the body to
memorial is about the person who passed, but
a good reputation should be a must. We have
and to see firsthand their procedures that give
bone
the
it is for their survivors. Does being cremated
experienced many families that have initially
dignity to your loved one? Through Brookings-
application of a thermal and a
fragments
through
also mean being buried? Burial is not a
wanted basic direct cremation services but,
Smith, we operate Pine Grove Crematorium in
mechanical process. Today there is a large
requirement, although we would encourage
after the passing has happened, they realized
Bangor. We have found many families want to
trend to be cremated, but what does that
a final resting place for the survivors to
they needed more. Being affiliated with a firm
be present, as it gives peace of mind knowing
mean? Does it mean having some kind of
visit. These can be very difficult decisions
that has the ability to help with memorialization
that we are overseeing their loved one and can
ritual or memorial service, or not? Does it
for surviving loved ones who have not really
could be important.
see the process all the way through. Another
mean being buried, scattered, or both being
thought it through.
buried and scattered? Does it mean using
Both funeral homes and cremation providers surviving
families
with
Also, using a local firm helps with the
question is often where one can pick up the
initial call at the time of passing. If the passing
cremated remains. At Pine Grove Crematorium,
your local funeral home, or a cremation
help
cremation
happened at home, it may take hours for a
you can pick them up right at the facility. We
service provider? Where does the cremation
today. Many people use funeral providers so
provider to be there. We recommend that
welcome people to come to our Cremation
take place? Let’s look into this more closely.
that they can help with things like viewings
you fully check out the services that direct
Workshops for a complete tour of our facility
In Maine, there are many guidelines that
before cremation, the obituary, a place for
cremation providers offer—they are not all the
and all the safeguards we have put into effect to
cremation providers must follow. For instance,
memorialization, as well as maybe even a
same. Some important questions to consider
achieve the highest standards possible.
there is a 48-hour wait requirement from the time of death before the cremation can be completed.
Many people use funeral providers SO THAT THEY CAN HELP WITH
One common misconception is that we take the remains directly from the place of passing to the crematory. Prior to a loved one’s cremation, a good question to ask may be, “Where is my loved one being held?” For instance, at BrookingsSmith, we hold the remains in refrigeration for the 48-hour grace period. Another requirement is that the next of kin
THINGS LIKE VIEWINGS BEFORE CREMATION, THE OBITUARY, A PLACE FOR MEMORIALIZATION, EVEN A RECEPTION. FUNERAL HOMES OFFER A WIDE RANGE OF SERVICES AND MERCHANDISE TO CONSIDER.
needs to sign a cremation authorization form which discloses the procedures of the crematory.
reception. Funeral homes offer a wide range of
are: do they allow for a viewing? Do they help
People have many concerns and questions
So it is important to have your closest next of kin
services and merchandise to consider.
with an obituary or getting death certificates?
about cremation. The staff at Brookings-Smith
know your wishes. If you have no next of kin, a
There are also direct cremation providers.
Do they help with veterans benefits? Do they
are the true cremation professionals. Please
suggestion is to have this form signed in advance
“Direct cremation” means having cremation
have a place for memorialization? Having
call with any questions or concerns or to make
so your friends will know your clear directive—
completed
or
worked with families for many years, it is one
a no-obligation appointment to see us to discuss
that you wish to be cremated.
memorialization. Some of these providers are
thing to think about how the passing may go—
your cremation plans. We would appreciate
Many people say things like “just cremate
affiliated with a funeral home. In our case,
but it is another thing to experience a death.
your time to discuss anything from a basic
me,” or “all I want is a cremation.” Cremation
Memorial Alternative Cremation Services
Because this can be such an emotional time,
direct cremation, to a very detailed celebration
is simply a means of final disposition, not a
is affiliated with Brookings-Smith. This is
sometimes needs change and families need a
of life memorial.
form of a ritual. We encourage people to try
important information for several reasons. We
firm that can help meet those needs.
to identify what their needs or wants may
do not know when or how we will die and we
Many people want to know where the
be in terms of a ritual. Is it having a service
may need additional help from a professional
cremation will happen. This facility is called a
the
or some kind of gathering with family and
funeral provider. If you are considering
“crematorium” and each one has its own set of
mortuary services. For more information, visit
friends, or something more structured with
preplanning and/or prepaying your funeral
rules and standards. Does the crematory allow
brookingssmith.com.
without
any
viewing
Brookings-Smith Funeral Home is a family owned and operated funeral home providing greater
Bangor
area
with
complete
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March 23, 2018
In 2007 Brookings-Smith built Pine Grove Crematorium and Remembrance Center in Bangor to meet the trend towards cremation in our communities today. We found that the families we serve have peace of mind knowing that our professional staff oversees the cremation process all the way through. It’s just another way we guarantee that your loved one’s care is always in reach. This workshop will identify and discuss everything you would like to know about cremation.
Cremation Workshop:
In this one-hour workshop, you will learn • Definition of cremation specific to the process • Maine State Guidelines for cremation • Rules pertaining to scattering or burial of cremated remains • Memorialization – tribute – gatherings