FPA June 2023

AARP Massachusetts is looking to honor the state’s top volunteer

unteers receiving small stipends toteer activity are eligible. The recipient does not need to be an AARP volunteer or an AARP member but does need to

uate nominations based on how the volunteer’s work has improved the community, reflected AARP’s vision

Last year’s recipient was Paul Meoni of Randolph. Paul has been active in town government for years serving as a Town Councilor, Schoolmittees. He also volunteered at a number of community-based groups in Randolph. During the pandemic he clocked dozens of hours at testing and

Whether you’re helping your community out during difficult timesgion of the state, AARP wants to hear about how you or someone you know -

Get to know us at aarp.org/ma.

/aarpma

@aarpma

chusetts Andrus Award for Community Service must be 50 or older. The achievements, accomplishments or service on which nominations are based must have been performed on

chusetts will donate to the charity of AARP Massachusetts is excited to shine a light on Bay State residents 50+ who use what they’ve learned in life to make a difference in the lives -

per volunteer, or maybe that someone is you, nominate them – you can find out more at aarp.org/ma. You can also find more information about volunteering as well.

Dr. Andrus lived her life by the motto, “To serve, not to be served,” which remains AARP’s motto today.

Boston Strangler murders

By Brett Peruzzi Managing eDitor

BOSTON – Anyone old enough to remember when the so-called Boston Strangler murders dominated newspaper headlines in the 1960s probably can recall the deep sense of fear they provoked in the public.

From the middle of 1962 to early 1964, 13 women were murdered in the Boston area. They ranged in age from 19 to 85 and all were single. They were strangled to death in their apartments and most were also sexually assaulted, and because of the similarity in the crimes, police believe they were the work of a single killer. Because there were no signs of forced entry, it was also believed that the women willingly let the murderer in, perhaps because they believed he was there to make a repair or perform some other type of service that their apartment required.

New Hulu film gives reporters’ perspective

A new film released in March by the streaming platform Hulu, “Boston Strangler,” has a different take on the Boston Strangler case. It’s told from the perspective of two female reporters at the Boston

Record-American newspaper (which later merged with the current Boston Herald). Loretta McLaughlin (played by Keira Knightley) and Jeane Cole (played by Carrie Coon) were the journalists who broke the story about the murders

by gathering evidence to connect the crimes. Longtime Massachusetts resident Chris Cooper plays their editor, Jack MacLaine. The two women struggle against the sexism of the era and also put themselves at great risk as they write

stories about the case and try to find the killer or killers. It’s a gripping newspaper procedural along the lines of other investigative journalism movies like “All The President’s Men,” “Zodiac,” and “Spotlight.”

In late 1964, a Malden man, Albert DeSalvo, was arrested for sexual assault of a woman after posing as a police officer to get into her home. While being held before his trial at Bridgewater State Hospital, which held the criminally insane, he supposedly confessed to the Boston Strangler murders to a cellmate. Even with his confession, evidence was not strong enough to prosecute him for the murders. He was sentenced to life in prison on other charges and was stabbed to death in prison by a fellow inmate in 1973.

Doubts raised about DeSalvo’s role

The film suggests that the cellmate DeSalvo confessed to, George Nassar, might have been the real Boston Strangler. It indicates that perhaps Nassar coached DeSalvo’s confession with the agreement that his family would be financially taken care of if Nassar was able to collect the reward money being of-

•

Reporter Loretta McLaughlin (Keira Knightley) and her editor, Jack MacLaine (Chris Cooper) in the Boston Record-American newsroom in the new Hulu film “Boston Strangler.”

PHOTO/CLAIRE FOLGER/COURTESY OF 20TH CENTURY STUDIOS

Boston Strangler | 9

Exploring Harvard’s former transcendentalist community

By sanDi Barrett contriButing Writer

HARVARD – In this pastoral town sits the scenic Fruitlands Museum (https://thetrustees.org/place/fruitlands-museum/). The Fruitlands offers visitors a snapshot of the transcendentalist movement that focused on subsistence farming and individual self-reliance. It is a piece of rural history frozen in time.

The Fruitlands Museum is owned by The Trustees of Reservations. Its beginnings as a farm were influenced by the teachings of Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson’s 1836 essay “Nature” was the centering force of the American Transcendental Movement. In 1843, Amos Bronson Alcott and Charles Lane began this small utopian community experiment that ultimately lasted a mere seven months.

A self-contained community

Fortunately, we are able to wander the grounds while imagining what this self-contained community was like in the mid-19th century. Historic homes dot dirt roads, beckoning you to walk through farm pastures

and sprawling plots of land. Spread across the 210 acres are the Native American Museum, the Shaker Museum, the original Fruitlands Farmhouse, the Wayside Visitors Center, and several walking trails. The site is framed with panoramic vistas recalling the rural past of these utopian idealists. It is a lovely and peaceful way to pass a sunny afternoon in Mother Nature’s wonderland.

A variety of exhibits

The Museum’s exhibits include a Shaker gallery, Hudson River and New England landscapes, and indigenous artifacts. With a permanent collection and changing exhibits, the museum offers a fresh perspective on each visit. Fruitlands offers periodic public educational programs for students and adults highlighting the museum’s bucolic history and fine arts collections.

As you wander the property, it is difficult to keep your eyes off the stunning panoramic view of Central Massachusetts. However, when you do return to ground level you will spy oddities of everyday life like the circa 1840 mounting block standing tall along the pathway. Shaker mounting blocks were common in these self-sufficient societies. They facilitated independence in communities where contact between men and women was carefully regulated. These blocks allowed women, and men, to board carriages without assistance.

Room to roam

In addition to walking the

grounds, there are over three miles of trails. Hiking the moderately rated trails is a favorite pastime for visitors. You can leisurely explore preserved woodlands and wetlands enjoying the fresh air while racking up your daily step count. Leashed dogs are welcome to join in on the hiking exploration, so bring your fur baby with you.

Access to buildings and tours across the property differs with each season. Snowshoeing in winter, hiking in summer, and private cozy firepit rentals to watch the sunset and stargaze throughout the year are just a few of the wonderful experiences you can enjoy at Fruitlands Museum.

If you go

Admission to Fruitlands is a nominal fee for non-members of the Trustees. You can join The Trustees for a moderate annual contribution. There are several membership options and the Contributing Membership gives your family access to hundreds of cultural institutions across North America.

One of the signature events is the Fruitlands Craft Festival. The 2023 festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 23 and Sunday, September 24. The art festival is a showcase of artisan crafters whose works make unique gifts for yourself or someone special. The festival is a delightful way to spend the afternoon at the Fruitlands Museum and explore your new favorite local artisan. Was Fruitlands a utopia? Let’s leave that for you to decide after you visit.

Pumanangwet (He Who Shoots The Stars), a sculpture by Philip Sears at the Fruitlands Museum.

PHOTOS/SANDI BARRETT

Top: The Fruitlands Museum in Harvard offers a snapshot of the transcendentalist movement that focused on subsistence farming and individual self-reliance.

Left: A mounting block, used for boarding a horse-drawn carriage, at the Fruitlands Museum.

Josephine L. Veglia, Esq.

Write a memoir to bring your life story to the printed page

By colin MccanDless contriButing Writer

REGION – So you are ready to write down your life story and craft a memoir about your life to leave something behind for posterity. Where do you even begin with such a herculean task? How do you get started? After all, the journey of 1,000 pages begins with the first chapter. Or is it the prologue? Here are some tips, recommendations and resources designed to help make this poignantly personal prose odyssey more manageable.

Defining the genre

Before beginning the process, it’s important to understand what a memoir is and is not. A memoir is a nonfiction first-person account comprised of events and memories from an author’s real life that are woven together into a central theme. It is not an autobiography, which provides a first-person historical account of a person’s entire life told chronologically. A memoir typically focuses on impactful moments in time and does not have to be presented in chronological order or narrated in a linear fashion. Lastly, autobiographies generally cen-

ter around facts and history whereas memoirs deal more with emotional experiences.

Bearing this in mind, when you’re deciding on how to structure the framework of your memoir it’s best to narrow the content down to a few pivotal or influential moments that transformed your life or have shaped the person that you became. Even though a memoir is a work of nonfiction, incorporate fiction-writing elements such as dialogue and descriptive action; appeal to the senses through vivid imagery and detail that engages the reader. Additionally, write

GrubStreet, a Boston-based nonprofit creative writing center, offers hundreds of writing classes throughout the year from intro to advanced levels, including multiple courses on memoir writing.

every day, even if just a few pages or a short chapter, so that you develop a writing routine and establish and adhere to personal deadline goals you’ve set. Additionally, reading other popular published memoirs might provide a further source of inspiration. Reader’s Digest features a comprehensive list at rd.com/list/memoirs-everyoneshould-read.

Memoir writing resources

A number of online resources offer basic guidance on memoir writing including the National Association of Memoir Writers’ website, which

provides both free tools as well as paid memberships. Its founder, Linda Joy Myers, has extensive experience teaching memoir writing and has written a book called “The Power of Memoir,” an eight-step course in memoir writing.

GrubStreet, a Boston-based nonprofit creative writing center, offers hundreds of writing classes throughout the year from intro to advanced levels, including multiple courses on memoir writing that are part of their core classes available every term (spring, summer and fall). Courses generally taught each term entail “Jumpstart your Memoir,” “Memoir in Progress” and “Advanced Memoir Writing,” according to GrubStreet artistic director Dariel Suarez. Due to memoir writing’s rise in popularity, Suarez noted, “We tend to have a lot of memoir courses throughout the year.”

While they do hold in-person instruction, most classes are conducted online, and usually range within four, six, eight or 10-week time frames depending on topic and skill level. They also offer one-day memoir workshops. Additionally, there are more intensive memoir programs that require a bigger

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commitment, such as “Memoir Generator,” which meets regularly over six months, and “Memoir Incubator,” a year-long course geared toward individuals looking to refine and polish a memoir to prepare it for publication. Paid memberships are available that provide discounted rates, but anyone can sign up for any class regardless of membership. Courses are held in the mornings, afternoons and evenings to fit contrasting schedules. While the programs are fee-based, they do provide scholarships to ensure finances are not a hindrance. “Our goal is to improve accessibility,” said Suarez.

Since GrubStreet encompasses a community of writers, it also affords the opportunity to make connections, meet other memoir writers and solicit constructive feedback. “There’s a lot of different resources,” stated Suarez. “We always say ‘we’re ready to meet you where you are.’” They aim to equip students with the tools they need to be successful in their writing endeavors. “It’s very serious,” he emphasized. “It’s a supportive environment. But it’s also rigorous.” Sign up for GrubStreet’s free newsletter at their website to learn more about upcoming memoir programming and events.

The Memoir Writing Club (www.thememoirwritingclub.com) offers a 16-week fee-based online

memoir writing course that teaches the art of writing memoir through live group sessions and a private session with course mentor Irene Graham. It guides participants through memoir story development and structure. Additionally, Wesleyan University provides a free instructor-led online class for beginners on memoir writing that is held year-round.

Publishing options

Several different options are available for publishing a memoir. Of course you can always self-publish

Additional sources:

Dariel Suarez

your memoir if financially feasible and it will give you full control over the process, but there are publishers you can submit your manuscript to as well if you lack the time, funding or patience for doing everything yourself. Traditional publishing involves scrutinizing different publishing houses and studying their submission guidelines and requirements. Author Emily Harstone, who wrote a book entitled “The Authors Publish Guide to Memoir Writing and Publishing,” has posted a list of 25 memoir publishers that accept direct submissions at

peacecorpsworldwide.org/25-memoir-publishers-that-accept-direct-book-submissions.

Traditional publishing doesn’t cost you anything, but the acceptance rates are typically fairly low, and response times can be slow. Partner publishing, in which you pay a fee upfront and the publisher helps with things such as book design, sales and distribution, is another alternative. It generally entails higher royalties and can expedite the process, but it can also be expensive, and you need to be wary of the potential for industry scammers.

Like any other book project, writing a memoir requires effort, research and dedication, but you can make the process a little easier by taking advantage of the abundant resources and tools available both online and in your community. Before you know it, you’ll be incubating your own memoir.

Duxbury Senior Center – https://www.town.duxbury.ma.us/senior-center/pages/memoir-writing GrubStreet – https://grubstreet.org/about/past-programs/memoir-project/ National Association of Memoir Writers – https://www.namw.org

‘How do I Publish my Memoir?’ – https://www.storey-lines.com/2022/05/04/how-do-i-publish-my-memoir/ MasterClass – https://www.masterclass.com/articles/6-tips-for-writing-a-memoir

Mary Ellen Cyganiewicz: 508-615-5837

Barbara Clifford: 508-769-6259

There’s a lot of different resources. We always say ‘we’re ready to meet you

Shipping container homes becoming a lower-cost housing option

By sharon oliver contriButing Writer

REGION – An abode is described as a place of residence, a house or home. The type of structure for a house is irrelevant and the architecture of such is becoming more and more interesting these days. One such structure is a steel shipping container, which is a popular housing trend. No bricks to lay. No wood to frame and no roofing is needed. Due to their sturdiness, shipping containers are reportedly able to withstand winds of up 170 miles per hour.

Benefits

Aside from being able to fully customize your home, building a shipping container house has several perks, like lower entry costs. It is possible to buy a new 40-foot shipping container for as low as $5,000. Smaller 20-foot containers are also very common. These rectangular shaped metal containers, which are normally used for moving goods on trains or ships, can be moved to almost any building site, and arranged to your choosing. The number of containers you want to stack or con-

nect will of course depend upon your budget.

The average cost for building a traditional style home in Massachusetts is around $185 per square foot and this does not include utility installation. However, a container home can be purchased for around $105 per square foot, freeing up extra cash to get creative and achieve a sleek design. While there currently are few builders

who specialize in container homes, there are companies that can modify them to your exact specifications and give you the customized home of your dreams. Because of their rectangular shape, most container homes fall into the contemporary school of architecture. Look for a provider or modifier who can produce a comprehensive list of things they can do to make the containers suitable for building.

Building homes from shipping containers is a growing trend due to their lower cost as well as durability.

Where to buy them

Wherever you purchase your shipping containers from should be able to deliver them to your desired site. So, be sure to ask about their shipping policy. Below is a short list of container home providers serving the Massachusetts area.

Conex Depot

Due to their long-established busi-

ness relationships, Conex Depot is able to find inventory throughout the entire world. The company helps customers find the shipping containers they are looking for at the best price.

Outback Storage Containers

Outback Storage Containers has a large variety of shipping containers of all sizes and offers delivery all across the New England area.

Mini Warehousing, Inc.

Family owned and operated Mini Warehousing, Inc. provides delivery all over New England plus a complete list of modifications they can make. According to Brian Quick, president of the company, “We have customers that call with any idea you can imagine and a lot of times it is literally a map and a sketch,” he said. “The container is really a box with a blank slate, and we really try to create that customer’s wants in a container. We’re able to do that. We’ve been doing that for 40 years.” The company is located in Mansfield.

Shipped.Com

This company helps buyers learn more about the shipping container home that sounds right for them. Not only does Shipped.com have thousands of containers on hand, but they also have online direct checkout and a digital cart.

Shipping Containers of New England

Shipping Containers of New England offers modifications and help with building.

Financing and design

Of course, for many people financing is essential. Many banks will make traditional mortgage loans for container homes but ask before you apply to be sure. Since alternative housing is likely categorized differently than that of a traditional home, gathering tax information is also important. A tax assessor can certainly help with this. As for insurance, you should be able to obtain it from anywhere you get regular homeowner’s insurance. Nevertheless, make sure you keep detailed records of your entire building process in order to value your new home properly.

One more step to take is putting together a desired floor plan. Write out or draw where you want the rooms mapped out in the containers along with desired placement of such things as bathroom and kitchen plumbing and take it to a professional draftsman to produce a blueprint. Also, while shipping container homes are allowed in Massachusetts, it’s essential to find out the exact zoning requirements of the municipality you want to build in before beginning your project.

Life after stroke begins here

Boston Strangler murders re-examined in new Hulu movie

Boston Strangler | from page 3 fered for leading to the arrest of the Boston Strangler. And that perhaps DeSalvo would benefit from a book deal as well.

Another possible suspect was Daniel Marsh, a Harvard dropout who was also held at Bridgewater with DeSalvo. Marsh had dated one of the Strangler’s victims, and years later, when he relocated to Michigan, a series of Strangler-like murders occurred in the Ann Arbor area.

A popular subject

The Boston Strangler case has been the subject of several previous movies, including the 1964 film “The Strangler,” starring Victor Buono, and a 1968 film “The Boston Strangler,” which took many liberties with the true story, featuring Tony Curtis as Albert DeSalvo. And in 2008, another film, “Boston Strangler: The Untold Story,” was released.

The notoriety of the Boston Strangler found its way into pop music as well, with both the song “Dirty Water” by The Standells and “Midnight Rambler” by The Rolling Stones containing references to the state’s most notorious serial killer.

•

•

•

•

Albert DeSalvo, who confessed to being the Boston Strangler, in custody in Lynn in 1967, after being captured following his escape from Bridgewater State Hospital, a state facility for the criminally insane.

Longtime Secretary of the Commonwealth manages everything from elections to census counts

By DeBorah Burke henDerson contriButing Writer

BOSTON – Born and raised in the Boston neighborhood of Brighton, William F. Galvin began supporting local political campaigns when just a teenager, whetting an appetite for what has become his lifelong commitment to public service.

Early on

Galvin began his public service career in 1972 as an aide to the Massachusetts Governor’s Council after graduating from Boston College, thanks to his connection with then-councilor Herb Connolly, for whom Galvin had campaigned. While working part-time at the Council, Galvin attended Suffolk University School of Law full-time.

“A vacancy opened up in the Massachusetts General Court,” Galvin stated, adding, “I took the seat and was successful.”

State Representative Michael Daley’s departure from office had opened that vacant seat, and out of a race of

nine candidates, Galvin won the seat in a special election in 1975.

In 1976, the same year he graduated from law school, Galvin became the Massachusetts State Representative from the Allston-Brighton district.

Taking the lead

An elections attorney and lifelong Democrat, Galvin has become a national leader in election administration and financial services oversight through his service as the Massachusetts Secretary

of the Commonwealth since taking that office in 1995. He has retained this title longer than any other politician in Massachusetts history. His last Republican predecessor, Frederic W. Cook, who served from 1921 to 1949, previously

Massachusetts State House

William F. Galvin began his political career when he was elected to the Massachusetts General Court as a state representative in 1975.

held the record.

As the principal public information officer for the Commonwealth, Secretary Galvin oversees election integrity, expanding voter access, protecting consumers, registering corporations, the filing and distribution of public records, and historical preservation. The current political climate has brought election integrity and voter access to the forefront.

“The Big Lie did a lot of damage in the 2022 election cycle,” Galvin noted. “But it has been exposed for what it was: fake. Most people understand that elections are fundamental to democracy, and the local folks working community polls are basically honest people.”

Building trust

Shortly after taking office, Galvin decertified punch-card ballots due to their unreliability. This was a few years before those cards caused problems in Florida in 2000 and resulted in being nationally outlawed.

When punch cards and lever machines were discontinued, there was a push around the country for states to adopt electronic voting machines, or DRE (Direct Recording Electronic) machines. These machines use a touch screen and typically have no paper trail or only leave a print receipt. Galvin insisted on retaining paper ballots and has never certified touch-screen voting machines in the Commonwealth.

“Every voter has greater confidence when filling out a ballot,” Galvin added, “and with paper ballots we retain the ability to recount or audit our results if there is ever a question about the accuracy of the count. This builds greater confidence and trust in the system.”

On voting

The percentage of voter turnout fluctuates depending on the nature of the campaign, how many contests are on the ballot, and the number of questions.

“When campaigns coincide with a federal election, we see the highest turnouts—as much as seventy percent in the last election,” he stated. “We are exploring more ways to reach out to community groups and others to encourage greater participation, especially in state elections. We may only see a fifty percent turnout, although that varies from community to community.”

Galvin has been a staunch supporter of Election Day registration and a strong advocate for the passage of the VOTES Act which finally made “no excuse” Vote by Mail permanent in the Commonwealth last year. He stood up to the Trump administration in 2017 and called out Trump’s false claims of fraud while protecting Massachusetts’ voter data.

The Census

As Census liaison, Galvin oversaw complete and accurate counts in 2000, 2010, and 2020 ensuring that Massa-

chusetts is fully represented in Washington and receives its fair share of federal funding.

With the latest Census count in 2020, Galvin’s efforts to mobilize communities around counting efforts allowed for Massachusetts to have a record-breaking population count. There was a particular focus on ensuring immigrant communities and persons of color were accurately accounted for. These efforts allowed Massachusetts to retain all its Congressional seats.

On the national scene

Galvin has been an active participant in the National Association of Secretaries of State, serving first as Chairman of the Standing Committee on Securities, then as Co-Chairman of the Committee on Presidential Primaries.

“This is an evolving, bi-partisan group with many different perspectives relating to procedures and policies, and there is a basic, honest foundation woven throughout,” Galvin explained. “We are the authoritative voice on the integrity of the election process and strive to uphold that process, better inform the public, and maintain a commitment to ensure our work is transparent.”

Keys to success

Galvin said he is committed to protecting and serving the people of the Commonwealth.

“It is easy to set goals, but achieving effective results is key,” he noted. “The challenges confronting this office require our ability to adapt to circumstances and change when necessary. We are always keeping our eyes on getting the job done most effectively.”

Recent challenges involve addressing the current banking issues that have emerged and managing regular enforcement of financial securities laws. In his work with the Massachusetts Historical Commission, his office is investing time in researching grants available to rehabilitate and accommodate the building boom taking place in some of the older cities in the Commonwealth.

Protecting victims of domestic abuse and addressing their need for confidentiality came under his oversight about 15 years ago. He is proud of the results his office has had in helping that vulnerable population, with 300 to 400 individuals successfully moving on with their lives each year, but he understands more needs to be done. He has plans to share a new perspective on this issue with both government leaders and the provider agencies involved.

In order to maintain transparency throughout the diversity of divisions he oversees, Galvin said he maintains regular, ongoing communication, which he feels is paramount in keeping the flow of information successful between all parties.

STOP THE PAIN WITH A REVERSE MORTGAGE

You’ve Worked Hard All Your Life, Now Let Your Home Work For You

Financial & Emotional Pain

According to the Joint Center For Housing Studies and the Federal Reserve, there are over 23,000,000 older homeowners in the US with over 31 percent reporting “major financial stress”. Just like them, you may be facing severe cost burdens directly jeopardizing your ability to remain financially independent in your home and have access to cash when needed.

“It saddens me to know someone is in financial pain right now when a solution is readily available…” Alain Valles

A Solution

A reverse mortgage gives qualified borrowers the option to receive cash as a lump sum, a monthly check, or a line of credit with NO minimum required monthly mortgage payments. The homeowner is, of course, required to pay ongoing real estate taxes, insurance and meet other loan guidelines.

The Mystery

Of the millions of people eligible for a government insured reverse mortgage, less than 2% have taken advantage of this loan program. The question is why?

The Answer

According to the Brookings Institution report, the word “reverse,” conjures images of retreat and defeat. Nothing could be further from the truth. Taking proactive measures to understand your options always leads to a better quality of life.

“Not everyone should get a reverse mortgage, but everyone should know how one works…” Alain Valles

Get Educated. Take Action!

A reverse mortgage might not be the magic wand to solve all of life’s challenges, but it very well could be the next best thing. Take the first step and get informed. I would enjoy the opportunity of having that conversation!

A great place to start is get your free “How to Use Your Home to Stay at Home” 36page book. This is the official reverse mortgage consumer booklet approved by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development and published by the National Council on Aging.

To receive your free copy, please call me at (781) 724-6221 or email me at alainvalles@ gmail.com

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I am also available to evaluate your specific situation, answer your questions, and calculate how much money is available to you.

Alain Valles was the first designated Certified Reverse Mortgage Professional in New England. He obtained a Master of Science from the M.I.T. Center for Real Estate, an MBA from the Wharton School, and graduated summa cum laude from UMass Amherst. He is the senior reverse mortgage loan officer MLO#7946 at Powerhouse Funding Corp. NMLS #1740551. He can arrange but does not make loans. Alain can be reached directly at (781) 724-6221 or by email at alainvalles@gmail.com

Framingham Senior Heroes Awards recognize city’s role models

By nance eBert contriButing Writer

FRAMINGHAM – In this city, senior role models are not just acknowledged, they are celebrated. This year’s recipients of the third annual Framingham Senior Heroes Awards are William (Bill) Rabkin, Margaret Kelley, Norma Shulman and Peggy Holland. They have all been recognized for contributing their time and expertise within the community for public service, culture and arts, social development and health and health care.

The awards, given by the Framingham Council on Aging, recognize older residents who have given their time and energy to bring about change in a positive way in the Framingham community and beyond. Any Framingham resident, age sixty and older, can be nominated.

A passion for politics

Norma Shulman said she had no idea that she was nominated for the Framingham Senior Heroes award. She moved to Framingham in 1975 and cannot recall a time when she wasn’t involved in her community and the PTO.

“I have always been the type of per-

“I am truly honored to be receiving this award for doing what is right and what is needed,” says political activist Norma Shulman, one of this year’s recipients of the Framingham Senior Heroes Awards.

son, that when something needs ‘doing’ I jump right in,” said Shulman. “I fought hard to get community members informed and involved in town elections, raise funds for schools and other things, which continues today.”

“I am also involved in many cam-

“I’m known as the video guy for non-profits,” says Framingham Senior Heroes Award winner Bill Rabkin, who has trained numerous people in his volunteer work for Access Framingham TV, the city’s public access media center.

paigns, local, state and national,” she explained. “And I put great effort into voter registration, including high school students who are eligible to preregister. I would love to see a ninety-nine percent turnout in elections. If you don’t participate, your voice isn’t represented

“I have been doing volunteer work forever and I find it very satisfying,” says Framingham Senior Heroes Award winner Peggy Holland, who volunteers in a variety of organizations that improve community health.

in the vote,” emphasized Shulman. She continues her quest to get people to not only vote, but run for office, support issues like getting funds for school programs, new buildings, gun safety and more. From volunteering with the PTO, Shulman’s work has cer-

tainly evolved. She is currently the cochair of the Mass Democratic Party’s Women’s Outreach Committee, which sponsors programs regarding women’s rights, issues and candidates. She is being recognized in the Public Service category.

“I am truly honored to be receiving this award for doing what is right and what is needed,” said Shulman. “If more people got involved because I reached out to them, that would be a badge of accomplishment.”

Compassion and concern

Margaret (Meg) Kelley received the Framingham Senior Heroes Award in the Social Development category. She has been very involved at the BLOCKS Preschool and has volunteered in several capacities with St. Bridget’s Parish and Framingham History Center.

“Meg is so passionate about working on the House Tour each year in May. She has an eye for detail and does a terrific job with the Patron’s Party the night before this well-attended annual event held the weekend after Mother’s Day,” said Laura Rankin, Director of Programs and Education at the Framingham History Center.

After retiring from teaching first grade for thirty years at the McCarthy School in Framingham, the Director of BLOCKS preschool asked her to work on the school’s accreditation effort. She also was involved in the incoming kindergarten screening. At St. Bridget’s Parish, she volunteered at their food pantry for twenty years.

“I am usually quite happy to be in the background. I am so humbled and honored to be receiving this award. When I got the call, I was so surprised that I had to sit down. My parents instilled in us the need to be compassionate and concerned for others,” said Kelley.

Improving community health

Peggy Holland received the Framingham Senior Heroes Award in the Health or Health Care category. She volunteers at First Parish in Wayland’s Meals for Families program, the REACH program for domestic violence, Literacy

Unlimited at the Framingham Public Library and is instrumental in the well being of those at Call2 Talk, a suicide and crisis lifeline.

“I have been doing volunteer work forever and I find it very satisfying,” said Holland. “It’s not something I expected an award for but I am so pleased.”

Keeping the public informed William (Bill) Rabkin was recognized in the Culture/Arts category. He has been very involved since 2009 with Access Framingham TV, the city’s public access media center. There, he produces, creates and directs television programs for distribution over Access Framingham’s cable channels and/or streaming live on YouTube and other platforms.

“I’m known as the video guy for non-profits,” he noted. “I am very pleased to be honored and recognized not only by the Council on Aging but also the Framingham History Center and Temple Beth Am. I’ve trained a lot of people, and this helps to enrich the community,” said Rabkin.

When the pandemic hit, all the production was switched to Zoom, which Rabkin learned quickly. He said he felt good knowing that those in other locations could still participate in programs. In addition, speakers that he was videotaping did not have to live locally anymore.

How the awards began

The Framingham Senior Heroes Awards program was the brainchild of Glenda Thomas, who is on the Council on Aging Board. It was born out of the Covid pandemic when seniors were separated from loved ones and she and other committee members wanted to give the community members some hope.

“We are finding our hidden gems within the community from a senior standpoint who do so much to enrich our lives embracing inclusivity and diversity,” said Thomas. “I thought this award would be a terrific way to recognize them for what they’ve done. Framingham is what it is today because of our seniors.”

Creating a New Tomorrow Despite Memory Loss

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D.

Yesterday, a long-term resident came into my office. Her eyes were swollen, and it was clear she had been given some upsetting news. She squared off her shoulders, took a deep breath, and said, “I just want you to know I have been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s.”

She told me she was okay, that her family was aware, and she would be able to count on them when the time came. She was not seeking drama or pity. I think she wanted me to know so that I could keep my eye on her and so that I would be able to reach out to her family when the time came. Her resolve was palpable. I have never seen such courage.

I’m not sure I could have been as brave as she was. I so value my ability to think and reason that this diagnosis would both terrify and decimate me. To be fair, it probably will some day since both my mother and my grandmother had significant memory loss which was likely due to Alzheimer’s.

However, we will all likely face our troubles in older age the same way we have throughout our lives. My strategy has always been to find the positives or hope for the best. It has always been my motto that every plus is a minus, and every minus is a plus, so I thought about how I hoped to change my outlook when my time comes. And so, I wrote this wish list for her:

If you start forgetting, I hope the first thing you forget is your diagnosis. It is just a small part of who you have been and will be.

If you get a bit anxious, I hope you are easily distracted by a warm cookie.

If you forget a bit of your history, I hope you forget the troubles that have followed you during your life.

If you misplace things, I hope you misplace your fears.

If you lose track of things, I hope you lose track of people who have never been helpful.

If you start repeating what is on your mind, I hope you repeat the loving affirmations of your family.

If you lose your sense of time and place, I hope your mind brings you to a beautiful spring garden.

If you forget how to do familiar tasks, I hope those tasks are filing taxes and counting calories.

If you have trouble with word recall, I hope those words are “lost,” “confused,” and “fear.”

If you develop a new reliance on routine, I hope your routine consists of remembering what brings you joy and hope.

And most of all, I hope your new tomorrow brings you simple pleasures that cannot be taken away—the joy of rediscovering your favorite meal, the happiness of a smile on someone’s face, and the delight of just being you in an ever-changing world.

Blessed are the forgetful, for they get the better even of their blunders.

Friedrich Nietzsche

To be able to forget means sanity.

Jack London

I can safely say, on the authority of all is revealed on the Word of God, that any man or woman on this earth who is bored and turned off by worship is not ready for Heaven.

Sponsored by Chief Joseph Robert J. Terkanian, P.O.

Northborough, MA

Watching monarchs

By Janice linDsay contriButing Writer

Maybeit’s true, as Alfred Lord Tennyson wrote, that “in spring a young man’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of love.” I wouldn’t know.

But I know that in spring this mature woman’s fancy lightly turns to thoughts of monarch butterflies.

It might be too early for monarchs to arrive from the south. But it’s not too early to look for the milkweed plants they love. Monarch butterflies aren’t fussy about what they eat, but they lay eggs only on milkweed and the caterpillars eat nothing but milkweed.

Milkweed and I have a history. My back yard is approximately an acre of meadow, surrounded by woods. It’s dotted with a few tall pines, with boggy spots and dry

spots, sunny spots and shady spots, many wildflowers but no milkweed.

Each year for five or six years, my friend with a healthy milkweed patch gave me milkweed pods from her yard. I opened the pods and spread hundreds of seeds over the field as Mother Nature would, letting them drift on a sweet breeze to settle where they wished.

Each spring when I looked, not a single plant.

Then in 2019, suddenly half a dozen plants appeared—not in the field out back, but in the middle of my front lawn. Dilemma: Lawn or monarchs? I marked off my “milkweed garden” so the lawnmower guy wouldn’t cut the baby plants, and waited for butterflies to appear.

They did. That year we saw an explosion of monarch butterflies. I found eggs, then teeny caterpillars, on my milkweed plants! I was so excited! But they soon became a challenge.

I didn’t have enough milkweed for all those caterpillars. They ate the leaves, then they ate the develop -

ing seedpods, then they ate the green off the stems. I emigrated caterpillars, collecting them in a bucket and driving them to my friend’s milkweed patch.

My sister had given me a butterfly cage. I captured a couple of my visitors and discovered that caterpillars do only two things: they eat and (can I say this in a family newspaper?) they poop. Feeding and cleaning up after foster babies became a parttime job, especially when I inadvertently brought teeny caterpillars in on the milkweed-leaf baby food and ended with half a dozen growing babies. Friends offered me leaves from their patches.

I was excited to think I could watch my guests build their chrysalises and break out as butterflies. Apparently, butterflies do not like to be watched.

When they’re ready to spin, they hang in the shape of a J. My guests hung from the leaves of nearby plants, from shingles on my house, from the wrought-iron railing of my

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

front steps, and the walls of their cage. I couldn’t watch for 24 hours a day, and, as often as I looked, I never saw the spinning. They waited until I wasn’t looking. I saw only finished pale green chrysalises.

You can tell when the butterfly is about to emerge. The skin of the chrysalis gets thin and you can see the black and orange of the wings. So you sit down to watch. Nothing happens. You watch some more. Nothing. You keep watching. More nothing. You think, “I have time to make a cup of tea.” When you return with your tea, a butterfly is hanging from the bottom of the chrysalis, drying its wings. I never saw an emergence.

Still, I had the satisfaction of knowing I had made a contribution, as my guests fluttered off in the general direction of Mexico.

In the years since then, my milkweed patch has grown, but I’ve had very few caterpillars. Maybe this year. My milkweed and I will be ready. I’ll be watching.

Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net.

Answers on page 18

Liven up your garden with unique fruits and veggies

may have benefits for heart health and blood sugar control.

Strawberry spinach

Strawberry spinach leaves and berries are edible. Not only that, but it is also highly nutritional. The leaves provide vitamins B, C and E, some lutein, a carotenoid with anti-inflammatory properties, iron and magnesium. The plant also grows wild across parts of North America.

Oyster leaf

Talk about enhancing a flavor. This unique and resilient plant can thrive in different weather conditions and pairs well with oysters due to its similar taste. The oyster leaf is native to the northern coastlines of the Atlantic and Pacific. While not thoroughly studied for nutritional benefits, it is a member of the borage plant family, which are known for containing high levels of vitamin C.

By sharon oliver contriButing Writer

REGION – Eat your spinach. Who did not hear that command as a child growing up? Unfortunately, some people carry their disdain for this nutritious leafy green plant and other vegetables well into adulthood. Also, there is the matter of finding consumption of the same old fruits and vegetables over and over again to be just plain boring. Nevertheless, we need these staples for their nutritional value.

There is hope, especially if you are a gardener. In fact, many already know that growing your own food is very cost-effective. Moreover, imagine livening up a salad by adding color with some Chinese pink celery or creating a tasty dish that calls for one cup of asparagus peas.

The following unique fruits and vegetables will have you rethinking your dinner menu and may even increase your veggie intake. Keep in mind, if you cannot find what you are looking for at your local garden center, places like Hudson Valley Seed Company, Johnnyseeds.com and even Etsy.com are sure to have what you want.

Autumn Star kalettes

This cross between Brussels sprouts and kale has gained favor among chefs and gardeners. The flowerlike rosettes have a nutty taste and are sweeter than Brussels sprouts or kale. Autumn Star kalettes are an excellent source of antioxidants, carotenoids, fiber, vitamin C and vitamin K.

Black Nebula carrot

With such a dark purple color, the Black Nebula carrot does indeed look almost black. This particular carrot has all the antioxidants and can be used in

the same recipes as the all-familiar orange carrot. Its roots and stems can also be used to make antioxidant-rich juices.

Blue Jade corn

Corn lovers will be impressed at the sight of a blend of yellow, white and gorgeous navy-blue corn kernels. Blue jade corn has the same amount of fiber as the yellow and white variety and is a good source of protein. When planting, the soil must be kept moist throughout the growing process.

Dandelion greens

There is more to a dandelion than just using them for making tea. The leafy greens are loaded with vitamins, minerals, iron and polyphenol antioxidants. Studies have shown that dandelion greens may lower blood sugar and cholesterol and help prevent cellular damage. They also help with digestion, regulation of diabetic symptoms, detoxify the body and strengthen bones. Dandelion greens are a good substitution for lettuce and/or spinach. Don’t discount the petals either. High in protein, the unopened flower buds can be deep-fried in butter or add a crunchy accent to any green salad.

Heirloom Pineapple

Alpine strawberry

Strawberries are popular for several recipes. However, what makes the heirloom pineapple alpine strawberry so special is its taste, with hints of pineapple, and its cream color. They can grow in hanging baskets, window boxes and containers housed indoors, so as long as they receive lots of light. Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese and contain a generous amount of folate (vitamin B9) and potassium. The fruit is rich in antioxidants and plant compounds, which

Planting some unique fruits and vegetables can bring a new dimension to your garden and may help you increase your intake of healthy foods as well.

Sterling artist gives back to the community through arts collaborative

By sharon longo contriButing Writer

STERLING – As a little girl, Andrea Driscoll developed a love of the arts. Today, as president of the Sterling Arts Collaborative, she brings that love to others in and around the area. Serving on the board in this capacity is second nature since she served as president on various boards beginning at age 22. The collaborative originated after she became involved with the Sterling Cultural Council, recognizing that artists―painters, poets, authors, wood carvers, potters, photographers and many others around the world do not get enough support for their craft. The 501(c) (3) non-profit started during the pandemic, and as Driscoll explains, “Sterling was the perfect place to roost a new idea.”

Growing the collaborative

At six years old, Driscoll started taking classes at the Worcester Art Museum after her grandfather on her mother’s side, an artist and musician, instilled a love for both. She continued this appreciation, singing at church and in high school and college groups. Attending Wellesley College to become a teacher, she minored in art therapy. “I

never realized when I graduated from college that everything I did on the side of my job or professional life was a resource towards another end,” she explained. Her work in resource development for 25 years, as well as teaching English and social studies, has helped.

“I have a sense of how you have to do things in order to get people’s attention,” she added. “Invite them to be part of what you’re trying to achieve.”

Using that knowledge, she asked

people to be on the board. “I picked people I know in town; two students from the senior arts center, and others who were suggested for their competency,” she said. “I chose people who would put thought into this, and we decided the board would be Sterling members only and have a town focus. Then others could join in advisory capacities.” From there she had to begin to raise money for the collaborative. “There’s a big fiduciary responsibility,” Driscoll

Newly Remodeled Apartments with a contemporary flair

admitted. “I’ve had such good feedback from the funders who say we’re headed in the right direction, and I enjoy seeing this grow. It’s scary and fascinating.” The money is used to rent a space for each event and to pay the artisans.

Giving back to

the community

“We were very involved in my church, and my parents were very involved in the community,” she said. “I’ve recently been writing grants for a project at my church, raising money to renovate an enormous kitchen to feed the hungry, and it’s been successful, but unfortunately there was a problem getting appliances during the pandemic. We had a hard time, but it got better. That’s the part I love; changing the face of a problem.”

The pandemic caused much loneliness and fear for many, and while she too has experienced those feelings, she has used her art in a therapeutic way. “If I am having a tough day, I have several sketch books that I would pull out at night, working on two or three sketches. I had about 100 of those and made them into cards.”

The reward of teaching

She has been teaching acrylic painting at the Sterling Senior Center for the

Andrea Driscoll, president of the Sterling Arts Collaborative, at right in blue blouse, with some of her acrylic painting students.

One of Andrea Driscoll’s acrylic paintings, an art medium she offers classes in at the Sterling Senior Center.

last five years, and she also teaches drawing at the Holden Library when she can. “I see learning as therapy,” she explained. “Everyone sits apart, but there’s a certain camaraderie. We’re able to help each other with concerns that they have, or we can make them feel better while they are there. There’s also a lot of encouragement between students.”

“We even had a show of our own about three years ago,” Driscoll noted. “People who have participated have been beside themselves that they got into the show. It was no contest, but just their willingness to share; you can see the change in them. It’s beyond my expectations, and it gives them some-

thing special.”

Something for everyone Driscoll’s vision for the Sterling Arts Collaborative is to bring arts and culture to the area with most of the events in Sterling, but with the intent of reaching many others outside of the area. “I want to see families have events where they can come together and meet artists,” she emphasized. “We want others to recognize Sterling as either a destination or a wonderful place for art. When you look around and see the happiness and enjoyment of being out with other people, there’s no dollar amount you can put on that.”

Advice for seniors

Anyone who wants to take a class in acrylic painting can call the Sterling Senior Center. The registration is at the desk, and the cost is $5 per two-hour class. “There’s a lot to learn, like everything else,” she noted. “The fact that they come back every week makes me happy, and then I know it’s a success. The senior center is very warm and welcoming. They really care.”

For more information on the Sterling Arts Collaborative, go to www.sterlingartscollaborative.org or their Facebook page.

‘Sandwich Generation’ of caregivers is caught in the middle

By sharon oliver contriButing Writer

REGION - Baby Boomers, Gen X, Gen Z and so on and so forth are all defined by age groups. On the other hand, anyone could suddenly find themselves being a part of another demographic, the Sandwich Generation, no matter the age. If you are juggling work, raising children or grandchildren and taking care of parents, then you are a part of the Sandwich Generation―people sandwiched between two sets of dependents.

Impact on caregivers

Caregivers of this generation often neglect their own needs, feel rushed and are increasingly pressed for time.

According to an October 2021 Pew Research Center study, around 23% of U.S. adults have a parent aged 65 or older, are raising at least one child under the age of 18 and are providing financial support to an adult child. Mental Health America reports some sandwiched caregivers experience high levels of financial strain while others report high levels of emotional

stress.

The Arbor & The Ivy Assisted Living facility, which has locations in Amherst, Chicopee, Dracut, Greenfield, Stoneham, Stoughton, Taunton and Westfield, also offers a respite or trial stay to give caregivers a short break to recover from illness/surgery or enjoy a little vacation. Parents who partake in this trial stay will reside in a fully furnished apartment with a monthto-month rent plan, receive a chance to enjoy three meals a day prepared by a chef, housekeeping and more. Sara Robertson, Chief Executive Officer, said, “In three generations, our philosophy has never changed and that is to give genuine kindness, care and comfort to everyone. They’re spending their days with like-minded people who have been through the same life experiences that they have been through,” Robertson added.

Roles vary depending on age

Some cultures, Asian for example, consider it a duty and a privilege to care for their elderly loved ones and to discuss challenges of feeling stretched

By sharon oliver contriButing Writer

REGION – Before people became familiar with Alzheimer’s or dementia due to a loved one being stricken with either disease, there was once another term often used to describe an elderly person’s mental deterioration: senile. Actually, they all describe a group of symptoms affecting memory, thinking and social abilities.

Symptoms peak late in the day

However, there is another condition called sundown syndrome which is characterized by agitation and confusion which peaks during late afternoons and evenings. Elderly people with sundowners are filled with panic and exhibit behavioral changes. According to one source, approximately two-thirds of adults with dementia are also affected by sundowning. To be clear, Alzheimer’s disease is a specific type of dementia with dementia being the umbrella of this cognitive decline.

Caring for a person with sundowners can be extremely taxing. Part of the mission of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association, a non-profit organization, is to educate the public and

policymakers about issues relating to the care of older adults and individuals with disabilities. Tara Gregorio, President of Massachusetts Senior Care Association, said this about staff professionals. “These are mission-driving individuals,” she emphasized. “They are inspiring. They are resilient and for all those reasons, I am motivated to do all I can to help support them through a living wage and through opportunities to advance them in their profession.”

Causes are varied

Some of the factors that may influence or contribute to sundowning are:

• Physical changes in the brain, including altered neurotransmitters (the body’s chemical messengers) and melatonin release

• Changes to blood glucose levels and body temperature caused by disrupted circadian rhythms (internal biological clock)

• Chronic pain

• Fatigue

• Low blood sugar

• Sleep disorders

• Medications

• Environmental factors, overstimulation and minimal exposure to sunlight and overstimulation

• Mental and physical exhaustion

• Unfamiliar or confusing environments

• Increased stress

• Moving to a new environment

When or if it comes times to place a family member in a care facility, it is important to look into everything that matters, including environmental conditions. Is the facility well-staffed? Is there adequate natural lighting so as to cut down any night and day confusion? You might also want to be sure your loved one won’t be awakened at dawn in order to receive a head start in their day. Early risings may contribute to sleep deprivation.

Reducing symptoms

One thing a provider will look for when taking into account the patient’s medical history is delirium. Since delirium is also a disorder characterized as a disturbed state of mind, it must be ruled out as the condition behind the patient’s suffering. Here are some suggestions for reducing sundowning symptoms.

• Plan appointments and activities during daylight hours

• Establish a consistent routine for as much time as possible. Knowing what’s next will help lower anxiety and give a sense of being in control.

• Ensure that bedtime allows plenty of time for rest. Melatonin is a natural food supplement that often helps people fall asleep.

• Include outdoor activities and walks during the day

• Make note of what worsens sundowning in your loved one to identify and reduce triggers

• Reduce stimulation in the evening hours, including limiting electron-

Sundown syndrome is characterized by agitation and confusion which peaks during late afternoons and evenings.

ics and caffeine and sugar late in the day

• Offer a larger meal at lunch, smaller one at dinner and no late-night meals. A light snack would be fine.

• Keep adequate lighting in the evening and make sure sleeping arrangements are comfortable. Being surrounded by familiar objects and family photos may have a calming effect, especially when placed in a new environment. Plugging in night lights may help them feel safe as well.

• Identify which soothing activities are well suited for your loved one. Reading a book or listening to music are some options.

Massachusetts has a roster of public and private organizations specializing in helping families dealing with forms of dementia. Caring.com contains a wealth of information regarding memory care for residents of Massachusetts.

‘Sandwich Generation’

Sandwich Generation | from page 17 too thin would be seen as complaining or ungratefulness. Carol Abaya, an aging and elder care expert, breaks down the roles of the sandwich generation as follows:

• The Traditional Sandwich Generation — Adults typically in their 40s or early 50s sandwiched between their elderly parents and their typically adult children who both need financial or other assistance.

• The Club Sandwich Generation

— Older adults in their 50s or 60s who are wedged between aging parents, their adult children and possibly grandchildren. This term can also refer to younger adults in their 30s or 40s who have younger children, elderly parents and aging grandparents.

• The Open-Faced Sandwich Generation — Anyone who’s non-professionally involved in elder care, which is an estimated 25% of individuals at some point in their lives.

Coping strategies

It’s important for members of the Sandwich Generation to commit to self-care or the whole family unit could fall apart. Tips for relieving financial pressures and reducing stress

include:

• Consider moving aging parents and/or adult children into your home to help save on costs and pool those resources.

• Look into an identify theft protection service along with a phone system to help keep telemarketers and scam callers at bay.

• Remember, the elderly and children of a certain age enrolled in higher education often qualify for tax benefits and breaks.

• Consider investing in a medical alert system for that extra piece of mind.

• Think about having part-time inhome senior care for a few hours of aid for parents and relief for yourself. More and more adults are finding their living situations changing due to aging parents with health challenges and/or adult children or grandchildren having to live with them. Unfortunately, such circumstances could take a toll on the caregiver’s own health and finances and can lead to resentment. Therefore, it may be a good idea to seek out a support group particularly geared towards the Sandwich Generation. Such relatable groups can be found online if not locally.

Affordable Living at its Best

• Heat and hot water included

• Qualified Applicants pay 30% of adjusted income

• 24 hour emergency maintenance

• Non-Smoking Community

• Monthly activities include: exercise classes, birthday parties, book mobile, blood pressure screens and podiatry

• Manicured walking paths with garden plots

• Ideally located in Natick residential bus route

• Pets okay under 20 lbs.