FPA May 2023

Sherborn writer and expressive arts therapist transforms lives

‘Aim for Astonishing’

By DeBorah Burke henDerson ContriButing Writer

SHERBORN – “Transformative” describes the work and influence of Kelly DuMar, a poet, author, playwright, and generative writing workshop leader who passionately stirs the creative spirit within.

Born and raised here, DuMar is inspired by and deeply connected to place, home, habitat, and family. Nearby Farm Pond and the Charles River are sanctuaries for meditation, refreshment, and inspiration. Deeply empathic from a young age, she always wished to be a writer and a psychologist who could understand and care for other people’s psyches.

“Nature, home, and the spirit have always been intertwined for me,” DuMar stated. “In all my work, I help others tap into their source and make meaning of their lives.”

Seven years ago, DuMar founded the Farm Pond Writers Collaborative (now the Charles River Writers Collaborative)

DuMar | 10

Learn how you can put your time, knowledge and talent to use volunteering with AARP in Massachusetts. Help make the communities where you live, work and play the best they can be while engaging with others who share your passion for service.

Get to know us at aarp.org/ma.

AARP Massachusetts keeping an eye out for fraud

By Mike Festa, state DireCtor aarP MassaChusetts

All of us at AARP are proud of all the work The AARP Fraud Watch Network does. The Fraud Watch Network is a free resource for all alerting you to scams, providing tools to avoid fraud and help if it happens to you or a loved one. With AARP as your partner, you can learn how to proactively spot scams, get guidance from our fraud specialists if you’ve been targeted, and feel more secure knowing that we advocate at the federal, state, and local levels to protect consumers and enforce the law.

As much as we try to spot fraud and stop scams, it still happens. For some fraud victims, the financial toll is only part of the story; nearly two in three victims suffer a significant health or emotional impact, according to research by the FINRA Investor Education Foundation.

To address this reality, the AARP Fraud Watch Network and Volunteers of America (VOA) developed a free program to provide emotional support for people affected by fraud. It’s called AARP VOA ReST, which stands for Resilience, Strength, and Time. The program features small groups of participants led in discussion by one or more trained peer facilitators. These online, hour-long sessions help to re-establish trust, integrate your experience, and build back your resilience despite a difficult and painful occurrence. Discussions are confidential and you are welcome to attend one session or several—it is your choice.

Mike Festa

Experiencing a scam can be devastating. It does not have to define you. Visit www.aarp.org/fraudsupport to learn more about the free program and register today.

Once a month, AARP Massachusetts holds Fraud Talk Tuesday. It’s our way to stay on top of scams. In May, we are talking about scams that target veterans.

A new AARP report finds that veterans are more likely to lose money to scams than civilians. Fraudsters often use military jargon and specific government guidelines to craft an effective pitch to steal money from military members and veterans. AARP created the AARP Veterans Fraud Center, a new online education and resource center, to help protect veterans, service members, and their families against fraud.

Join us for a live Zoom discussion and Q&A on how to protect yourself and your loved ones from veteran scams. If you cannot make it for the talk, you can check out the recording afterwards. You will find it our web site aarp.org/ma.

Finally, a reminder to report scams to local law enforcement. The more arrests and the more prosecutions will help make for fewer scams. For help from AARP, call 1-877-908-3360 or visit the AARP Fraud Watch Network at www.aarp.org/fraudwatchnetwork.

Northborough legion honors World War II veteran

By Maureen sullivan ContriButing Writer

NORTHBOROUGH – Victor A. “Perry”

Sacco owned two restaurants in Northborough and one in Worcester.

He is also a veteran of World War II, and he recently turned 100 years old.

To commemorate his service to his country and his community, the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 on West Main Street held a special ceremony on April 2.

Sacco, who was recently honored by the Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park, received a wooden plaque handcrafted by Josh Paille, as well as a challenge coin from the Middlesex County Sheriff’s office.

The front of the plaque includes Sacco’s time and place of service, along with a replica of his medals. On the back is the name of the artist and the materials used.

The plaque and coin were presented by the post’s vice commander, Spencer Jacobs.

“This is great,” said Sacco.

Sacco served with the 552nd Field Artillery, 1st Army Division during the war. He took part in the invasion of

Victor A. “Perry” Sacco recently celebrated his 100th birthday. The WWII veteran and longtime restaurateur was honored by the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234 on April 2.

Victor A. “Perry” Sacco, center, is congratulated by members of the Legion Riders after a ceremony on April 2 at the American Legion Vincent F. Picard Post 234.

Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. Sacco finished the war with the rank of technician fifth grade (T5, equivalent to a corporal); he earned a Bronze Star and the French Legion of Honor.

“We are celebrating a good friend who turned 100 a few weeks ago,” said Roger Langevin, a past commander of the post. “He’s not just a veteran, he’s a hero.”

On his participation in two major battles, Langevin said, “Perry, you are one mean son of a gun.”

Sacco is a member of the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, which is based in Boston.

After the war, Sacco owned Monti’s and Bambini’s restaurants in Northborough, and Dino’s in Worcester.

Along with the Legion Riders, there was another World War II veteran in attendance—Frank Brown Jr., who served in the Navy.

New Arlo Guthrie exhibit a highlight at Boch Center Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame

By sanDi Barrett ContriButing Writer

BOSTON – “Alice’s Restaurant Massacree,” a favorite song of Arlo Guthrie fans, debuted at the 1967 Newport Folk Festival. Guthrie, who has lived most of his life in Western Massachusetts, has a unique folk style incorporating musical storytelling touches upon contemporary issues and social injustices of the time. And some still touch current day truths. All the while, he simultaneously entertains his audiences with his charming wit and catchy melodies.

The new “Arlo Guthrie: Native Son” exhibit at Boston’s Boch Center Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame (FARHOF) opened March 31. The exhibit will leave you yearning to hear Guthrie’s rendition of the “City of New Orleans” with its steady guitar strumming reminiscent of train wheels running along the tracks.

A trip down memory lane

The “Arlo Guthrie: Native Son” exhibit includes memorabilia guaran-

teed to take you on a trip down memory lane. Guthrie’s classic hippy-era costumes with denim, tie-dye, and 70s bell-bottoms play a starring role. A photographic timeline, including a handsome young Guthrie with Kermit and Miss Piggy―from his 1979 appearance on The Muppet Show―line the

walls. Candid photos depicting a lifetime of Guthrie’s friends, family, and career allow you a peek into halcyon days and all-consuming performances. Never-before-showcased items include Guthrie’s first guitar, family photographs, and his handwritten lyrics are on display giving you an idea

what a troubadour’s life entails.

A variety of exhibits

Your tour begins at the Wang Center (https://www.folkamericanarootshalloffame.org/about) where you can immerse your musical mind in a ca-

Celebrating Billy Joel Tribute ©LisaBoehm

Left: Massachusetts resident Arlo Guthrie, 75, has been a popular folk singer since the 1960s.

Right: The “Arlo Guthrie: Native Son” exhibit includes memorabilia guaranteed to take you on a trip down memory lane.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF THE FOLK AMERICANA ROOTS HALL OF FAME

PHOTO/BRETT PERUZZI

Arlo Guthrie | 9

You may be more ready for an electric car than you think

By Colin MCCanDless ContriButing Writer

REGION – In August 2021, the Biden administration issued an executive order setting a goal for half of all new U.S. car sales to be electric by 2030. Many of the top automakers, which had already begun the shift toward increasing their electric vehicle offerings, supported the proclamation’s targets.

The State of Massachusetts approved a mandate last year to ban the sale of gas-powered vehicles after 2035 and move completely to zero emission vehicles such as electric or hydrogen. As the country transitions from using gas-powered vehicles to electric automobiles over the next decade, those who haven’t already made the switch will naturally have some questions. Typical concerns are issues like available brands and models, affordability and charging range. Here’s an overview that covers some of the most frequently asked queries about electric cars.

Top brands and affordability

When it comes to brand recognition with electric cars, most people

are familiar with Tesla, but there are also Volvo and Polestar electric vehicles (EVs) as well as the Chevrolet Bolt, Nissan Leaf and Hyundai Kona Electric. Additional brands and models include Toyota’s BZ4X, the Subaru

“It is so much fun to drive an electric,” says Shrewsbury resident Ed Fanjoy, of his Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which has an autopilot feature, a version of cruise control with automatic steering, braking and acceleration.

“It’s like having a front row seat in an easy chair.”

Solterra and the Kia EV6. There are luxury electric car options too, such as BMW’s i7 and the Mercedes-Benz EQS Sedan. New models are introduced every year as the EV market continues to expand, including SUVs like GMC’s

Hummer EV and Ford’s F-150 Lightning, massive trucks long synonymous with inefficient gas guzzlers.

Cost is a primary concern for most people considering purchasing an electric vehicle. When electric cars first became available, the sticker prices were downright shocking, but the purchasing climate has changed some for the better due to several reasons. Generally, electric cars are now becoming a little more affordable thanks to an increase in competition, EV tax credits and the decreasing cost of lithium. According to Consumer Reports, Hyundai, Nissan and Chevrolet have all reduced prices on their entry-level models and Tesla has dropped prices as well. The nonprofit Plug In America notes that there are 22 electric car models priced less than the average cost of a new car sold in the U.S. Further aiding affordability is a burgeoning used market in electric vehicles. Moreover, supply chain issues exacerbated by the pandemic are improving.

To aid potential buyers, there is a federal tax credit of up to $7,500 offered for qualifying electric vehicles. Massachusetts has created a statewide MOR-EV program that issues up to $3,500 rebates to people who pur-

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chase or lease eligible electric vehicles. Another factor contributing to less expensive electric cars is the falling price of lithium, a metal used to make the lithium-ion batteries in electric vehicles. The drop is in part attributed to an increase in the supply of lithium.

Range, battery life, and reliability

Another common question people have about electric vehicles is how far they can drive on a charge. Most electric cars now have a range of 200-400 miles, enough to cover even the longest work commutes. Since EVs can be plugged in at night, the battery can be fully recharged by morning. If you have to drive any farther than that in a day, you can access DC fast-charging stations off the highway.

Batteries in electric cars typically last up to eight years or 100,000 miles but depending on driving and charging habits can be extended further, up to 10 to 15 years or 200,000 miles and beyond. EVs have considerably fewer parts than gas-powered vehicles and an electric motor instead of an engine, with no transmission or exhaust system, meaning there are fewer things that will need repairing. They generally require less maintenance and servicing than cars that run on gasoline. The most common issues EV drivers face involve keyless entry and

touchscreen problems. Although electricity and gas prices vary by state and municipality, it’s also typically cheaper per month on average to charge an EV versus buying gas.

Electric car owners tout speed, drivability

The Massachusetts-based New England Electric Auto Association is a community of electric car owners and EV enthusiasts that provides in-person education, training and outreach as well as webinars and virtual events on electric cars. It is committed to advancing the adoption of EVs and reducing our carbon footprint. NEEAA president Eric Desrosiers said they meet with a range of individuals and help guide them in the EV selection process, even hosting events where people can take test drives of different electric vehicles supplied through area car dealers. Desrosiers said sometimes the older generation is hesitant because they have driven gas-powered automobiles their entire lives, but once they drive an electric car, they change their minds.

If you’re skeptical about their speed and acceleration, you needn’t be. Desrosiers currently drives a Tesla Model 3 Performance, which can rocket from 0-60 mph in 3.5 seconds. “It’s an amazing car. It’s crazy fast,” he said.

NEAAA director of communications and retiree Ed Fanjoy drives a Tesla Model 3 Long Range, which has a range of 322 miles on a charge and goes from 0-60 in 4.2 seconds. The Shrewsbury resident bought his Tes-

la in 2020, after previously owning a 2016 Hyundai Sonata Hybrid.

He pays approximately $50 a month to drive his Tesla and logs an average of 20,000 miles a year. Fanjoy noted there has even been a free electric car charging station installed at his church bearing the tagline “fueled by faith.”

He contends that people view the switch to electric as inevitable but that many are waiting because of the charging stations. “Infrastructure is really the big issue.”

Long drives haven’t been an impediment to Fanjoy, who takes advantage of Tesla’s network of supercharging EV stations. He and his friend Karen recently returned from a trip to Sarasota, Florida. Fanjoy loves taking journeys like these in his EV and enjoys using Tesla’s autopilot feature, a version of cruise control with automatic steering, braking and acceleration. “It was incredibly relaxing. It is so much fun to drive an electric,” stated Fanjoy. “It’s like having a front row seat in an easy chair.”

NEEAA holds events throughout Massachusetts during the spring and summer months, including meetups in Westborough and Jamaica Plain scheduled for this year. For information on upcoming events, EV resources or electric car reviews, visit neeaa. org.

Shrewsbury resident Ed Fanjoy

charge his electric car while attending services at his local church.

Geriatric massage therapy works for all ages

By sharon oliver ContriButing Writer

REGION – For many, rest homes and elderly people immediately come to mind after hearing the word “geriatric.” However, when it comes to geriatric massage therapy, the treatment technique benefits are for everyone no matter the age. The idea is to reduce stress, improve sleep and posture, and boost blood circulation and lymphatic flow. There are different types of massage therapies such as deep tissue, and hand and foot massages. However, a geriatric massage requires a lighter touch, is geared towards those who are less active, and it strengthens one’s immune system by releasing toxic substances within the body and is more suitable for those experiencing pain.

As we get older, blood circulation tends to slow down and serotonin wanes over time. With this type of massage therapy, the hormone is released, leading to higher melatonin levels and better sleep. This can help eliminate the reliance upon sleeping pills. Various studies have shown that older adults who receive geriatric

massages are less likely to fall ill than those who don’t get one. Tonya Brooks is co-founder and a licensed massage therapist at Wings Wellness Medical and Integrative Massage in Stoughton, which offers geriatric massage therapy. “Whether you seek services for pain mitigation, post-surgical swelling relief, or stress reduction, I can help you achieve your goals,” she said.

Considerations and benefits

When considering a geriatric massage, there are factors to be weighed, like the client’s skin condition, pain threshold and types of medications prescribed. Therefore, finding an adequately trained massage therapist is very crucial. The technique requires a gentle touch, and the therapist should understand certain psychological fac-

tors especially since many of these clients are older and may lack physical contact with others on a regular basis.

A geriatric massage can help reduce damage following a stroke, stimulate paralyzed areas and help regain movement. While doctors often advise bed rest, they usually stress the importance of staying physically active as well. Such therapy may also have an impact on the client’s mental well-being. A therapeutic touch can provide comfort and relaxation especially for anyone dealing with stress, loneliness, depression or anxiety.

Research results

A Trusted Source clinical study found that a six-week period of massage therapy helped reduce stress and aggressive behavior in those suffering with dementia.

In the International Journal of Older People Nursing, 14 studies related to aging residents of a residential care facility indicated that geriatric massages could enhance the health and well-being of those in residential care.

Another study found that 12 older adults who received hand and foot

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When it comes to geriatric massage therapy, the goal is to reduce stress, improve sleep and posture, and boost blood circulation and lymphatic flow.

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massages experienced positive feelings afterwards.

Qualifications and techniques

In order to become a therapist who specializes in geriatric massages, proper training is necessary with the following topics likely to be discussed during training programs:

• Indications and contraindications for massage with elderly adults

• Massage techniques used in geriatric massage

• Hands-on practice with elders

• Business practices for the elder community

• Providing massage to elders with particular health challenges

• Wheelchair massage

Modifications made to traditional massage techniques include shorter sessions, passive movement of leg, foot, and shoulder joints and gentle massage of uninflamed joints of the feet and hands. While there are such things as age-related health conditions, issues like arthritis, strokes, diabetes or even pain can strike anyone. Skin conditions like diabetes and kidney disease can cause dry skin with some medications causing itchiness and scratchiness. Muscle stiffness is often another problem. Therefore, passive stretching is used to ease muscle tension. A qualified therapist would need to know what techniques to use so as not to cause skin irritations as well as be sensitive to proper positioning and keeping the client comfortable.

New Arlo Guthrie exhibit

Arlo Guthrie | from page 4 cophony of music history. The exhibits change at FARHOF regularly. Current exhibits include the Cultural Heroes― sculptures by Alan LeQuire. Fascinating larger-than-life heads of Billie Holiday, Bessie Smith, Woody Guthrie, and others captured an expressive moment. Another hall showcases the David Bieber Archives. Bieber’s collection of one-of-a-kind memorabilia includes a wall of the greatest American folk musicians and historic pop culture icons which transports you to an earlier lifetime of young love and wild dreams.

FARHOF winds through the Boch Center-Wang Theater with exhibits reflecting how iconic music shaped America’s contemporary music trends. Exhibits run through the theater’s lower levels spilling into the hallways that are covered with posters from long-ago performances and walls crammed with signatures of performers spanning decades. In the upper balcony walkway, theater-go-

ers can explore a timeline of musical greats before the show or during intermission. The exhibit, “Boston: A Music Town,” showcases the progression of music from the jazz and folk scene of the 50s through the rock era, R&B, hip-hop, all the way to the classical tunes of the Boston Pops and the Boston Symphony.

A FARHOF tour, in addition to the current exhibits, includes the historic Boch Center Wang Theater. The ornate theater is crowned with stunning architectural details and offers guests a glamorous theater experience. When available, tour guests can take center stage and step in the footsteps of great performers like Guthrie who have thrilled and entertained audiences from those very floorboards.

You may leave the Folk Americana Roots Hall of Fame with a recurring sticky musical earworm―like the restaurant run by Alice where you can get anything you want―that takes you back to a time and place where you can still hear it playing.

A youthful Arlo Guthrie as he appeared with Miss Piggy on The Muppet Show in 1979.

Sherborn writer and expressive arts therapist transforms lives

to guide women writers in developing their artistic voices and connecting deeply with their innate creativity.

“I call my photo-inspired workshop process ‘Aim for Astonishing’ because it elicits profound personal awakenings, deepens connections with others, and fosters beautifully crafted writing in poetry and prose,” DuMar said. “People tell me their feelings and their lives have been transformed through this unique creative writing experience.”

A sense of roots

DuMar’s family of origin struggled with the painful and complicated issue of alcoholism. As a teenager, she lost her first love in a car crash. These two traumatic experiences shaped her path and purpose. She learned that every day is a new beginning. That there is hope and always help to begin again.

With a major in English and minor in psychology from UMass Amherst, DuMar went on to Harvard Graduate School of Education to understand family systems. After graduating in 1984, DuMar worked

Affordable Living at its Best

An avid lover of the outdoors, DuMar finds places like Farm Pond in Sherborn and the Charles River sanctuaries for meditation, refreshment, and inspiration.

with adolescents around counseling and substance abuse. During an eight-year hiatus from Sherborn, she opened a thriving private practice in Florida. Writing was integral to her work.

After completing an 800-hour training in psychodrama, DuMar’s career took a turn where she used spontaneous drama to help people grow, change, and work through their issues.

“I learned about spontaneity, creativity, and acting,” DuMar said, “and that really changed my life. It awakened me to my own creative abilities and that process mattered to me. I overcame my own inhibitions of being shy and internal and became more expressive, playful, and light-hearted. Discovering creative freedom transformed my work with others.”

DuMar married while in Florida and started raising a family. With the birth of her second child, she chose to close her practice and focus on parenting. Homesick for New England, the family moved back to Sherborn, and after having a dream connected with her teenage

loss, she turned to writing—diaries about her children, teaching writing workshops, and publishing articles on parenting. In 2001, Red Pail Press published her nonfiction work “Before You Forget—The Wisdom of Writing Diaries for Your Children,” the first book for parents to apply the wisdom of personal journaling to parenting.

Many artistic pursuits

Wearing a producer’s hat, DuMar has coordinated the Our Voices Festival of Boston-Area Women Playwrights held at Wellesley College for twelve years and the annual International Women’s Writing Guild (IWWG) Boston Writing Retreat for six years. Monthly, she produces an open mic for the Journal of Expressive Writing and runs the weeklong Summer Play Lab for the IWWG, where she served on the board for six years. Additionally, she teaches an online play lab for women writers twice a year for the Transformative Language Arts Network.

Her master’s degree in counseling and consulting psychology from Harvard and ten years’ professional experience as a psychotherapist most recently came into play when DuMar was invited to join a volun -

teer support team to help Ukrainian psychotherapists and counselors in their day-to-day work with clients around the trauma of war. She facilitates the weekly online support group.

“Being involved in this outreach effort is just so meaningful,” DuMar stated, “I feel spiritually connected to these people and am grateful for the chance to use the skills I have to support these professionals in their challenging work.”

A widely-published writer

Her poems, prose, and photographs are published in many literary magazines, including Tupelo Quarterly, Thrush, Storm Cellar, Sky Island Review, Bellevue Literary Review, and more.

DuMar has published four poetry collections—“All These Cures” (Lit House Press, 2014), “Tree of the Apple” (Two of Cups Press, 2017), “girl in tree bark” (Nixes Mate, 2019) and “jinx and heavenly calling—I poached a portion of my mother’s love letters to my father, 1953-1954,” (Lily Press, 2023).

DuMar’s daily blog, #NewThisDay, features nature images from her walks around the Charles River with reflections on her writing life. Discover more at kellydumar.com.

DISCOVER IF A REVERSE MORTGAGE IS RIGHT FOR YOU!

1. Is your Social Security and savings paying you enough each month?

2. Do you find yourself wishing you had a few more dollars?

3. Are you delaying retirement for fear of running out of money?

4. Are house repairs or improvements breaking the bank?

5. Do you wish you had a cash safety net if ever needed?

6. Are you curious about a reverse mortgage but someone said they’re “bad”?

If you are 62 years old or older and fortunate to own a home with some equity, then a government insured reverse mortgage may be the solution to a better life. This is especially true with the upcoming recession and potential downturn in real estate values.

A Reverse Mortgage gives a qualified borrower the option to receive tax free cash up front, or a monthly check, or a line of credit to access cash when desired with NO minimum or required monthly mortgage payment.* A reverse mortgage has no impact to Medicare or Social Security benefits. You still own your home and can prepay without penalty.

Top Uses of a Reverse Mortgage

• Be able to afford your home

• Increase your monthly cash flow

• Pay off a current mortgage

• Pay off credit cards

• Access to tax free cash

• Complete needed home repairs

• Reserves for unforeseen emergency life events

• Estate planning to protect a surviving spouse

• Downsize and purchase a new home

• Peace of mind knowing that cash is available if needed

• And, the list goes on! What are your needs and desires?

*Note — You are required to pay ongoing real estate taxes ad property insurance and meet other loan guidelines.

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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.

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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.

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Hockomock Swamp’s mysterious reputation attracts visitors to Bridgewater area

By DaviD Wilkening ContriButing Writer

BRIDGEWATER - Physically, Hockomock Swamp is a vast wetland stretching across several towns in southeastern Massachusetts, with 16,950 acres in total. It’s the largest freshwater swamp in the state and is also known as a natural flood control area for the region.

A place of mystery

But it’s more likely known as a mystery, if you judge it on speculation and superstitions―a place haunted by year-round ghosts and strange creatures and known for bizarre sightings.

“Whether or not they go there, it’s the place most asked about for visitors to our website,” said Allyson Skerke, archivist and digital assets librarian at the Bridgewater Public Library.

You can check books and magazine articles in the library that usually include the words “strange” and read about the swamp that covers much of the northern part of southeastern Massachusetts.

It’s also called the Bridgewater Triangle, a lesser version of the infamous Bermuda Triangle, where airplanes and boats have mysteriously disappeared.

The library itself described the swamp this way:

“The Bridgewater Triangle is a mystical area of UFOs, ghosts, out-of-

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place animals, mythical creatures and more.” The library account attributes the term to New England-based cryptozoologist Loren Coleman.

It’s a mystical area “meant to be explored with a strong heart, an open mind and a sense of adventure,” according to the library description.

The swamp thrives with visitors

Hockomock Swamp in southeastern Massachusetts, the largest freshwater swamp in the state, has a long reputation as a place of mysterious sightings and events.

around Halloween, which is no surprise, but chamber of commerce officials at the various communities touching on it say it attracts yearround interest. Many people make a trip to the swamp, which is spread across parts of Easton, Bridgewater, Norton, Raynham, Taunton, and West Bridgewater.

A protected environment

Most of the swamp remains untouched by development, in large part due to many years of pushing for environmental protection legislation. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife owns approximately 5,000 acres within all six communities and the Hockomock Swamp Wildlife Management Area provides access to the public via recreational areas. Activities such as hunting, fishing, boating, canoeing, swimming and observation of and study of flora and fauna are allowed and encouraged. The Wildlife site says, “At least 13 rare and endangered species of plant and animals reside in the Hockomock.”

Some visitors choose or dare to take a hike in the swamp where there are trails. One of these is described in hiking trail guides as a “1.7 mile lightly trafficked loop trail located near Taunton, that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 32 minutes to complete. This trail is great for hiking and walking, and it’s unlikely you’ll encounter many other people while exploring.”

Reports from most visitors say it is a safe route generally devoid of any life-threating demons.

One hiker writes: “Great little hiking escape. There is hunting during hunting seasons so make sure to have your bright orange vest and hat if you

head in during those times. It is posted at the main entrance parking area; as it is a large area I think folks come in other ways and are surprised to find hunters. Just be safe and bring your orange during hunting season and you will be fine. Nice place to hike.”

Hiker Sherry Hines described it as “One of the prettiest trails I’ve walked in a long time. Easy and clear paths, and stunning scenery. No pukwudgies though!”

She was referring to a human-like creature of Indian folklore.

Pukwudgies can appear and disappear at will, shapeshift (of which the most common form is a creature that looks like a porcupine and allegedly launched poison arrows at visitors).

Native American past

The swamp’s early recorded days go back to the native Wampanoag Indians, best known for using it as a fortress against invasion by early English settlers. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Euro-American settlers deemed the swamp to be worthless, barren land, and attempted to drain it and convert it into profitable farmland. Reverend and historian William L. Chaffin of Easton was an early advocate of drainage schemes.

However, the natives of the region placed a higher value on the swamp. For centuries, natives had relied on hunting game there, and the swamp had gained a revered status among them. They named it Hockomock, the Algonquin term meaning “place where spirits dwell.” In addition to life-sustaining activities, much of the swamp served a dual purpose as a sacred burial ground. Stories and legends can be traced to its early days.

The Hockomock Swamp trail is among the most visited attractions but the area has other trails that are popular, said Kris Silva, president and CEO

Becoming comfortable being

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D.

May is National Mental Health Awareness Month.

COVID has reshaped our lives. Studies show that COVID caused a decrease in overall mental health as well as personality changes that may make us less prosocial, socially aware, or less socially motivated.

The CDC reports an estimated 20% of people over age 55 experience some type of mental health concern, commonly anxiety, severe cognitive impairment, and mood disorder (such as depression).

In the midst of all this bad news, there is a bright spot—a new study indicated that even a small social behavior like checking in on someone can improve well-being. Further, such “touches” mean more to the person than most would expect.

Study participants wrote notes to someone they hadn’t seen in a while. The researchers asked the participants how well received they expected the notes to be. Then they asked the people who received the notes how much they appreciated the thought. It turns out, people appreciate these small gestures very much and the writers underestimated how valuable the notes were.

If you can see where I am going, you can tell I am encouraging you to reach out to someone you know who struggles with their mental health. Some of you may be asking, I am happy to help, but I don’t want to intrude. Shouldn’t I wait for them to tell me what they need? Well, people are hesitant to ask. And yes, they need to reach out, too, but that doesn’t mean others should wait.

For those that hesitate to reach out, remember that research shows that helping benefits the person who gives.

For Valentine’s Day, our law firm (Bowditch and Dewey) wanted to do something nice for our residents. And so they wrote out 400 Valentine’s notes—just letting people know they

were remembered. The notes were simple and signed by strangers, and yet people noticed them. When I told people they were from our lawyer’s office, they were shocked. It may not have made a huge impact on all of our residents, but some noticed, and some were grateful.

And so I remind you this month to reach out, even if it makes you uncomfortable, to someone in your life who may be struggling. You may not

of the Taunton Area Chamber of Commerce.

The AllTrails website lists five trails in the Taunton area―reasonably flat and easy to venture for older walkers.

Other popular attractions

For non-hikers, the Old Colony Historical Museum at 66 Church Green in Taunton is popular with seniors, according to Silva.

Visitors have called it a “hidden gem” with “fascinating accounts” and “rich historical stories of the area dating back to the 16th century.”

Another famous walking trail is the Bridgewater area’s 1400-acre Great River Preserve, which encompasses a range of rarely-seen habitats and features. It includes over a mile of pristine river frontage along one of the most scenic and undisturbed stretches of the entire Taunton River, expansive open fields, mixed pine/oak woodlands, vernal pools, and habitat for several rare species, including the eastern box turtle, according to the chamber of commerce. Bridgewater and much of the area around the swamp are also well-known to visitors for their local breweries and farms, many of which have farm stands selling local produce.

For those who dare visit the swamp itself, it’s suggested you don’t go at night. No pukwudgies are expected but you never know.

understand why they are struggling. They may not have a formal diagnosis. It doesn’t matter. You should reach out because it benefits you. Not only does prosocial behavior improve your life, but operating outside of your comfort zone can help you, too. Studies show that trying out new social or other skills including reaching out can help us grow as a person. Become comfortable with the uncomfortable, especially this month.

The Old Colony Historical Museum in Taunton offers rich historical stories of the area dating back to the 16th century.

Little comment, big change

By JaniCe linDsay ContriButing Writer

It’s

thought-provoking, how a small event, even a small remark, can change a life’s trajectory. You move along confidently in one direction, then some slight comment creates a curve, and off you go to a better place you hadn’t considered, never looking back.

I ponder this now because high school and college graduations are coming up, and it was a college professor who unwittingly caused my change in direction, with three little words.

I entered the College of Education at Northeastern University in Boston intending to become a high school English teacher. Everything I liked best about school pointed me in that direction.

I chose NU because my parents couldn’t afford to send me to college. With Northeastern’s Co-Operative Plan of Education, which alternates classroom study with a paid job the university finds for you, I could pay for college myself as long as I lived at home in Newton.

Besides, I liked the idea of the university finding a paying job for me. I thought I could never find a college-supporting job on my own, being unsuited for any job I could think of. Most of my paid work had been of the babysitting variety.

The freshman year consisted of full-time classwork. Then came time for The Job. I wasn’t ready for student teaching. How would they find me a job?

Each student was assigned a coop coordinator who matched available jobs with qualified students. My coordinator must have begged my professors to identify any hint of applicable ability.

Fortunately, she asked my English teacher, Professor Skiffington. He was tall, thin, angular, quiet, and wry, given

to making comments like “every silver lining has a cloud” and “don’t be so open-minded that your brains fall out.”

He spoke three little words that changed my life forever. He told my coordinator, “She can write.”

A new co-op job had recently opened at a weekly newspaper in Brookline, just down the subway line from home. All it required was someone who could write and type.

The thought of that job interview terrified me. I’d never been in a newspaper office. I’d never seen that newspaper. But this was my big chance at A Job.

The editor spent almost no time interviewing me. Instead, he sat me at a desk with a typewriter. He handed me a list of facts about a house fire, scrambled so that there was no narrative. He told me to unscramble the facts and write the story. Yikes. That’s something I didn’t learn in education school.

But I muddled through and got the job. Before long, I was writing story after story. Mostly I wrote wedding and engagement announcements and obituaries, but sometimes I had a front-

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page story and a byline.

There’s an old expression that people “get printers’ ink in their veins.” It means that you fall in love with seeing your chosen words in print. I contracted a wicked case of printers’ ink vein from which I have never recovered.

That was the end of my teaching career. I changed majors. And here I am, writing words that will appear in ink on paper and maybe somebody will read them.

All because Professor Skiffington said, probably in his usual offhanded manner, “She can write.” He never knew what he had done for me.

All of this makes me ponder. Did I ever say anything, or write anything, that changed someone’s trajectory for the better? Does any one of us ever know how we might have unwittingly helped someone? Are we all George Baileys of “It’s a Wonderful Life” but without an angel to show us what the world would have been like without us?

I wish I had thanked Professor Skiffington.

Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net

Answers on page 19

Marlborough resident leads Massachusetts Senior Games

By Bill gilMan ContriButing Writer

MARLBOROUGH – For the first time in six years, there is new leadership at the Massachusetts Senior Games.

Dennis Pollard, 78, of Marlborough, was recently elected to a three-year term as chairman of the games’ board of directors. He succeeds Davis Cox, 83, of Northborough, who served six years as chair.

Pollard has served four years on the board, most recently as vice chair.

As with all organized athletic competitions, the Massachusetts Senior Games took a hit from the COVID-19 pandemic with cancellations and restrictions. Still, Pollard feels the games are in a strong position moving forward.

“We are certainly still trying to bounce back from the pandemic. But last year was a pretty good year for us,” said Pollard. “We are looking to expand and add sports. We’re adding cornhole this year. We’re looking to have a soccer tournament for the first time in five years, and we are hopeful to have a softball tournament for the first time in many years.”

Additional events will also be added to the track and field competition this summer at Springfield College.

More than 1,200 Massachusetts athletes take part in the Senior Games each year. As many as 30 sports will be contested at 20 different communities in 2023. Competitions are divided into five-year age groups. The competition season started with alpine skiing at Wachusett Mountain in Princeton on March 8, followed by the ice hockey tournaments, which started in late April in Worcester.

Despite the name, Massachusetts Senior Games has opportunities for athletes aged 40 and up to compete. However, only athletes 50 and over are eligible for the National Senior Games.

In addition to his position on the board, Pollard has also served the past five years as game manager for the games’ pickleball competition, an event which has grown into one of its most popular.

“The last two years we have had more than 200 people participating each year,” said Pollard. “It’s a sport

that has grown exponentially in popularity.”

Another goal for Pollard is seeking additional sponsors for the Massachusetts Senior Games and raising overall awareness of senior athletic competition.

Besides his passion for pickleball, Pollard is an active skier and cyclist. Married for more than 50 years, he and wife Diane have two children and three grandchildren.

While Cox’s role as board chairman has come to an end, he will be remaining active with the games in his new position on the executive committee.

“The past chairman moved to the executive committee for a three-year term. It helps maintain the continuity and keeps the experience,” he said.

Specifically, Cox will be working with the marketing team, looking to increase awareness of the games and generate positive publicity for the athletes with local news outlets.

Cox will also be continuing as an active competitor. This past year, competing in shuffleboard, he won gold and silver medals at the Massachusetts Senior Games and went on to win a silver medal in doubles at the national competition.

He has one other project he is pursuing with great vigor.

“I’m hoping that we can get the National Senior Games hosted by Massachusetts in Boston. It would be great for the state with more than 15,000 athletes participating,” said Cox. “I’m hoping it can happen in 2025, fingers crossed.”

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Dennis Pollard, right, of Marlborough, presents a plaque to Davis Cox, of Northborough, to recognize Cox’s six years of service as board chairman of the Massachusetts Senior Games. Pollard is succeeding Cox in that role.

COURTESY

PHOTO/MASSACHUSETTS SENIOR GAMES

Traveling with cats and dogs is a growing trend

By nanCe eBert ContriButing Writer

REGION – In today’s day and age, it is not uncommon to check into your hotel and see a dog on a leash in the lobby or board your flight near someone holding a pet carrier. Traveling with a beloved furry friend seems to have increased over the past few years.

For older people especially, the companionship a pet holds is powerful in so many ways. Because this fourlegged friend is also considered to be a family member, hotels, cruise ships, airlines and more are taking note and setting guidelines to enable people to have their pet join them on a vacation.

Many choices

There are thousands of hotels, Airbnb rentals, motels, inns and other lodgings that offer pet-friendly accommodations. The website www. tripswithpets is a great resource to help make your stay enjoyable. Some of the accommodations require an additional pet fee, stipulations on the pet’s weight and other rules.

According to the Marriott Hotels website, “While we do offer

pet-friendly accommodations, pets are only allowed in the following areas: your suite, hallways, lobby and outdoors, including the courtyard. Pets are not allowed in public areas where food and beverages are served or consumed. For your convenience, a Pet Walk and waste receptacle are lo-

cated at the rear of the hotel.”

When flying, different airlines that allow pets to travel adhere to different rules so it is important to check with the airline prior to heading to the airport. Some airlines allow smaller dogs and cats that remain in a carrier that fits under the seat. Other airlines

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may not allow them within the cabin but will transport them as cargo in a heated and well-ventilated area.

Be prepared

While traveling with a pet can be stressful, it is important to consider their comfort. Some things that might alleviate any problems are to walk your pet before you leave your home for the airport and again before checking in. Consult with your veterinarian to see if they have any suggestions as they know your pet. Many discourage the use of tranquilizers.

Have your pet use the carrier before traveling. This will make them more comfortable being enclosed in it. If at all possible, try to fly directly to your final destination. Having to change flights can definitely induce stress for a pet (and owners, too).

International travel with a pet is a bit more complicated as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has many strict rules and regulations travelers must adhere to. There are many documents needed to show that your pet is healthy to travel. Some of these might include blood tests, microchips, health certificates, permits,

Hotels, cruise ships, airlines and more are setting guidelines to enable people to have their pet join them on a vacation.

vaccinations and more. Taking a pet on a cruise would likely fall into this category. For pets traveling outside of the United States, official health certificates issued from a USDA-accredited veterinarian are needed.

Other considerations

If a pet is traveling on a separate flight as an air cargo, you, as the owner, need to ensure a pick-up at your final destination. According to the CDC, “Some US carriers do not allow pets to be shipped May through September, the hottest months for animals to travel in the Northern Hemisphere.” In addition, “the CDC has temporarily suspended the importation of dogs

arriving from countries that the CDC considers high risk for dog rabies, implemented in July 2021 and will be extended through July 31, 2023, and all current requirements will remain in place.”

When considering traveling with your pet, the first thing to think about is your destination. Will you will be traveling with a pet within the United States, traveling with a pet to another country or perhaps bringing a pet into the United States from another country? Research the required protocols and documentation necessary to make this as seamless as possible.

It is imperative that you find out from the airline companies if your pet qualifies to fly, if that is your mode of transportation to your destination. Not all animals or birds qualify.

“Planning a road trip with a dog is no different than traveling with a small child and requires advance planning,” said Janet Lavine of Westborough. “I pack baggies of daily food, extra leashes, dog bowls, bottled water, doggy diapers and a stroller for long walks. Also an emergency care kit that includes a tick remover, dog shampoo, hydrogen peroxide and other items.” She added, “A favorite blanket and teddy are also included for our dog Buzzy. Traveling with a dog requires as much ‘stuff’ as a child but having him with us is worth it.”

Mental health care can be a challenge for seniors to obtain

By DeBBie sPingarn ContriButing Writer

REGION – The state is full of stories about the breakdown of the mental health system, which was strained even before the coronavirus struck in March of 2020. Many stories focus on medical health care workers, overwhelmed caring for patients and their increased need for professional mental health. Therapists were needed not only for those thousands of medical care workers but for ordinary people, lost in isolation, often living alone, and through deaths of family members, job losses and increased anxiety felt in everyday life.

Changes since pandemic

With Covid on the rise, the world of medicine changed in an instant. This included mental health treatments, online therapy sessions and virtual visits. “The advent of telehealth has helped decrease the geographical obstacle to care,” said Dr. Joseph Shrand, Chief Medical Officer at Riverside Community Care, with corporate offices in Dedham. ”However,” he continued, “technology was a barrier for

some 65-plus patients, infringing on the use of telehealth.” Riverside Community Care serves more than 40,000 people a year in Massachusetts and many are on MassHealth and Medicaid, he added.

According to statistics from the Massachusetts Medicaid Policy Insti-

“The advent of telehealth has helped decrease the geographical obstacle to (mental health) care,” said Dr. Joseph Shrand, Chief Medical Officer at Riverside Community Care in Dedham, although technology remains a barrier for some seniors.

Health (but this is not true for all MassHealth programs).

One senior, who identifies herself as I.B., 66, from Newton, explained her coverage includes 80 percent Medicare and 20 percent MassHealth. She explained that her process of finding a therapist was “very easy,” in terms of the right fit for her in her request for a therapist with a specific gender, age, life experience and educational background. “People there were very professional and treated me with much dignity.” She added that the entire turnaround time from the first phone call to the first visit was about four weeks and easy enough to find people to accept her insurance.

Medicare eligibility changes mental health coverage

tute, a recent assessment estimates that approximately 17 percent of the senior population in Massachusetts (individuals 65-plus) are covered by MassHealth. For individuals who are covered under Medicare and MassHealth, their providers may need to accept both Medicare and Mass-

While Riverside Community Care serves more than 40,000 people per year in Massachusetts, many 65 and older on MassHealth and Medicare, another behavioral health center, Advocates, serves individuals in the western suburbs of Boston. Danielle Dunn, Vice President of Integrated Clinical Services, says seniors may have the longest wait for services, depending on

the type of therapist or service needed. “Access to affordable care changes when seniors are enrolled in Medicare at the age of 65, as Medicare does not cover the cost of non-LICSW therapists,” she explained. “Each month, Advocates sees approximately eight to ten adults turn 65, enroll in Medicare, and lose access to behavioral healthcare. So, due to insurance regulations, seniors often have the longest wait for services.”

“We have experienced an increase in referrals for those who need support over the last two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic,” Dunn added. “Seniors experience behavioral health conditions such as anxiety, cognitive impairment, substance abuse, grief and loss or depression― disorders that are widely under-recognized and untreated among this group.”

“In addition to the increase in re-

ferrals, the needs of those referred are greater than in previous years,” said Dunn. “COVID-19 has exacerbated isolation and added a layer of stress, uncertainty, and loss for seniors, making it harder for them to sit on a wait list.”

Despite such issues, Shrand is determined to spread the message that help is out there.

“By destigmatizing and depathologizing behavioral health,” he explained, “Riverside can increase and encourage access to the care needed by our 65-plus population, and every age group we serve.”

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