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Enjoy winter with the Appalachian Mountain Club

Vol. 50 | No. 11 | November 2023

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Award-winning graphic designer Gene Mackles now a game creator

engaging & entertaining

By Matt Robinson Contributing Writer NEWTON - Every day, we are inundated with images that impact our lives. From corporate logos to icons for apps on our phones, it would be difficult to get through a day without these signs and symbols.

Gene Mackles has had an interest in graphics and their meaning since a very early age and has translated it into not one but two successful careers.

“I’ve been into it as far back as I can remember,” said Mackle. “Beginning maybe when I was five years old, I enjoyed going to the supermarket just to see the packaging.”

Early inspiration Eager to pursue this passion, Mackles connected with one of the most celebrated graphic artists of his age―Milton Glaser, creator of NY” logo and so many others. the iconic “I “Milton was a wonderful teacher!” Mackles re-

Gene Mackles with some of the games he has designed.

Graphic Designer | page 3

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Celebrating caregivers this month

By Mike Festa, State Director AARP Massachusetts

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ll across Massachusetts family caregivers give so much of themselves to care for their loved ones each and every day. Caregiving can be difficult work that can cause financial, physical, and emotional strain, which is why they need, and more than deserve, our support.

November is National Family Caregiving Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating their work while also advocating for more resources for Mike Festa family caregivers.

Being a family caregiver is one of the most important jobs you’ll ever have—and one of the most challenging.

The role can be frustrating, satisfying, exhausting, joyful, thankless and everything in between. Whether it’s your first time being a caregiver or you’re a pro, caring from afar or in your own home— AARP has you covered with resources and information.

This November, AARP Massachusetts presents a virtual series on caregiving. It’s a chance to get your questions answered and get some guidance as you navigate these waters. We have webinars on the essentials on caregiving, providing a good framework to help guide you and your loved ones, as well as the financial aspects to help you manage the costs and complexities of caregiving more easily. Plus, we have we presentations on medical literacy, brain health and downsizing and decluttering. The webinars are on Thursdays in November. To register, visit aarp.org/

caregivingma. You will find links to recordings of the webinars there as well.

We also have AARP Family Caregiving Guides. They can help you develop and implement a caregiving plan. The guides include information on how to have vital conversations, ways to assess your loved one’s needs, information on caring for yourself, checklists, medication charts and contact lists.

Sometimes, it’s easier to just ask.

That’s why AARP has a dedicated, tollfree family caregiving line for people taking care of a loved one. Our agents can’t provide specific advice to callers, but they can suggest resources on a variety of topics.

Agents are available to take calls Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET at 1-877-333-5885. The support line is also available in Spanish, at 1-888-971-2013.

Caring for a loved one can take a heavy financial toll. That’s why AARP Massachusetts is working with legislators on a Family Caregiver Tax Credit bill. The average family caregiver spends almost $7,000 a year out-ofpocket to help care for their loved ones.

An Act to Establish the Family Caregiver Tax Credit would establish a refundable tax credit for family caregivers of up to $1,500 per year, for expenses relating to the care they provide.

Family caregivers are the irreplaceable backbone of America’s long-term health care system, and we are ready to push for solutions that give relief to family caregivers, like family caregiver tax credits and more.

We need to build up a group of dedicated supporters who will speak up for these solutions. Visit aarp.org/ ma to join the fight for family caregivers, become an advocate, and learn more about what AARP is doing in Massachusetts.

Mike Festa is the State Director for AARP Massachusetts. For more articles visit www.fiftyplusadvocate.com.

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Award-winning graphic designer now a game creator Graphic Designer | from page 1

called, citing his mentor’s imagination “grounded in reality and common sense.”

Another early inspiration for Mackles (who has himself served on the faculty of the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston) was Ivan Chermayeff, who created such notable logos as those for the Smithsonian Institute and Showtime.

“I met with him when he was working on Channel 2’s rebranding in 1973,” Mackles explained. “[His] involvement led to a major elevation of design in the station’s hierarchy and Chris Pullman spearheaded the department as it transitioned from a local station into a national production powerhouse.”

Work for PBS Mackles went on to design such legendary logos as those for PBS Kids and the animated WGBH logo (which is still in use). Mackles also created the pilot for the game show “Quickdraw” and served as graphic designer and animation art director for the video version of “Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego?”

“My work on PBS Kids was a blast!” Mackles said with a smile, revealing the love he has for his work and his good fortune to be in the right place at the right time.

Through middle and high school, Mackles studied piano and music theory at the Juilliard School. After graduating from Dartmouth College with a degree in Fine Arts, he attended the School for the Visual Arts, where he took a class with Glaser.

Despite what may appear to be a diverse academic background, Mackles maintains that all of his educational experiences followed a consistent line ― or perhaps two.

“Discipline and problem solving,” he replied when asked what was common among the various programs he engaged in as a student. “I have been constantly surprised by how often my preconceptions come up short and how the actual solution is something I never would have thought of.”

Shift to game design Being open to trial and error and to pivoting when one path does not go as planned has not only served Mackles well throughout his career but may have influenced his own pivot into game design.

“The idea of designing a closed system where the main objective is social connection and fun, has been in the mix since the late 1960s,” he explained. He suggested that his design work may actually have been a means to this entertaining and engaging end. And while his passion for design

Abive: Gene Mackles and his son Matt play his game Schmeckers, which Matt co-created, together.

Left: This game from Mackles is one of his most popular, and also won an award from Mensa, the oldest high-IQ society in the world.

remains, Mackles admitted it’s not always fun and games (even though one of his games won an award from Mensa, the oldest high-IQ society in the world).

“I often find it difficult to know when a project is finished,” he noted, suggesting that “learning how to fail fast…[is] a valuable skill.” Not that Mackles has known failure all that often. In fact, many of his games have won industry awards and continue to prove popular among ever-expanding audiences.

“My two most popular games are IOTA and Splurt!,” he says of the pair of games that are licensed to the parent-created company Gamewright.

When asked where “PDG” in his company name PDG Games came from, Mackles explains that, when he showed one of his creative creations to Pullman, his fellow designer said that it was, “Pretty damn good!”

Added benefit Though all of his games remain popular and productive (in that they exercise the mind and bring people together), Mackles’ newer games include what he promotes as a “secret surprise” that benefits all players — a basic guide to meditation.

“Over time, I discovered that setting aside your thoughts and your ego and effortlessly letting go and relaxing as deeply as possible results in a particularly direct and powerful mind/body recharge,” said Mackles.

“Not unlike a really good night’s sleep, and that the payoff for this small bit of discipline is a longer, happier life.”

As his games are also intended to make players’ lives happier and

more fulfilling, it makes sense that he would promote this other practical practice.

“After all, if helping people survive and thrive isn’t the name of the

game,” he concluded, “I don’t know what is.”

To find Mackle’s games, visit https://www.gmackles.com/PDGgames.pdf.

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A strong advocate

Representative Kate Donaghue of Westborough

By Nance Ebert Contributing Writer WESTBOROUGH - Representative Kate Donaghue has worn many hats in her professional career. But she is truly energized by her role as a legislator representing the 19th Worcester District, which encompasses parts of Framingham, Northborough, Westborough, and all of Southborough.

A new career in politics After happily retiring from a 40year career as a software engineer in 2019, she soon found out her husband was diagnosed with cancer, and he passed in 2021. Donaghue needed to keep moving forward and decided to run for state representative.

Donaghue was elected in 2022 and took office in January 2023. Her committee assignments include Mental Health, Substance Use and Recovery, Education, Public Service and Consumer Protection and Professional

Campaigning is a sort of hobby, says Donaghue, and she thrives on being involved and making a difference.

Licensure. As a newly elected legislator, most of the work she supports is work that is already in progress.

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A strong advocate She is a strong advocate for addiction treatment as she lost her son

Brian to an overdose. She is also an advocate for caregivers. In addition, Donaghue has volunteered for many organizations throughout the years like the Appalachian Mountain Club and the Green Mountain Club. She and her husband were avid hikers, and the trails need more than just maintenance. Donaghue worked vigorously on advocacy with land protection, trail building and more. Her efforts have brought twenty-five thousand acres of space into permanent, public protection.

“There are typically about five to eight thousand bills filed at each session and only three to five percent of those become law,” said Donaghue. “A bill that I co-filed this year deals with mental health and insurance. Currently, insurance companies only require a 14-day inpatient stay with someone dealing with substance abuse. I’d like to see that increased to 30 days,” she noted. “This was a law that when I testified on it, my son was alive.”

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Every day I realize how much my experience of living sixty-nine years has helped me in my current thinking of legislature being proposed. It is an honor for me to be at the State House and I enjoy learning new things daily. as “probably the oldest new legislator out of the new class.”

An avid lover of the outdoors, Donaghue volunteered for many years for organizations like the Appalachian Mountain Club, Green Mountain Club and the Westborough Community Land Trust.

Donaghue first testified on that bill as a citizen dealing with a son who was struggling with substance abuse.

This was the first time she was truly public with her son’s struggle with opioid addiction.

“The second time I was testifying, my son Brian was gone,” said

Donaghue.

Giving back is a personal decision for Donaghue. Once retired, she decided to un-retire and spend time supporting candidates who share her similar values. Professionally, this is Donaghue’s third career, and she finds it interesting to refer to herself

Legislative success Donaghue recently worked on a piece of legislature advocating for free school lunches that was passed.

In addition, another piece of legislature passed was one she filed and got through. In Massachusetts, if you work for the Commonwealth and have no income due to an injury, there is a “sick bank” set up. This is critical for the recipient.

“Being a legislator as a member of a committee is very interesting.

Somebody files a bill, and it goes to a committee. The committee then holds a hearing. It’s interesting to hear from people who are testifying,” said Donaghue.

What Donaghue enjoys best about being a representative is that she can help people, both individual-

ly and at a policy level. She strongly supports families of loss. When she became involved in politics she shifted from the non-profit sector to the political sector. One of the things she finds frustrating is that sometimes the resources needed to help someone are not available.

Donaghue has resided in Westborough since 1974. Campaigning is a sort of hobby, and she thrives on being involved and making a difference. She has long been an active member of the environmental world, and was on the board of the Westborough Community Land Trust and the Green Mountain Club.

“Every day I realize how much my experience of living sixty-nine years has helped me in my current thinking of legislature being proposed. It is an honor for me to be at the State House and I enjoy learning new things daily,” she said.

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Enjoy winter with the Appalachian Mountain Club The AMC’s Highland Center in Lincoln, New Hampshire is a year-round destination but provides an ideal location for winter activities in the White Mountains.

By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer REGION - Before the first dusting of snow covers the gardens of Central Massachusetts, the White Mountains of New Hampshire may already have been covered in a brilliantly white deep blanket of snow.

Your base camp A winter escape to the Appalachian Mountain Club’s (AMC) Highland Center (www.outdoors. org/destinations/new-hampshire/highland-center) is a cozy home base to enjoy mountain trails, brilliant blue skies, brisk outings, and warm fires. When you live in New England during the long winter season, it is important to chase away cabin fever. A short trip to Bretton Woods, New Hampshire’s year-round Highland Center lodge is a wonderful spot from the dreary daily grind.

The Highland Center is a perfectly perched base camp for your winter escapades. Winter hiking, snowshoeing, cross country ski-

ing, downhill, snowboarding, snowmobiling, the list of outdoor activities is extensive. As a guest at the Highland Center, you can borrow L.L. Bean gear from the storeroom. Snowshoes, warm jackets, waterproof outerwear, and other necessities are free to use.

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Left: The Highland Center’s LL Bean Room provides a wide variety of outdoor gear for use by guests.

Right: The Highland Center’s great room offers beautiful views and a nice place to relax before, after, or instead of venturing out into the cold.

PHOTOS/SANDI BARRETT

available for purchase. The kitchen staff is adept at feeding hungry outdoor explorers and the meals are hearty and delicious. The clean, bright, and cheerful dining room has window views open to the fields and frame the white-capped mountains crisp against the bright blue sky.

The knowledgeable staff, volunteers, and fellow outdoor adventure seekers are a wealth of information about trail conditions, weather, gear, and safety. You don’t need to be an

extremely intrepid hiker to venture out from the lodge, but you do need to be cold-weather prepared.

Other AMC New Hampshire lodges open year-round include the Joe Dodge Lodge in Pinkham Notch and Cardigan Lodge in Alexandria.

Check the lodges’ respective websites for reservations and unexpected seasonal closures.

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Winter Hiking Course at the Highland Lodge. (https://activities.outdoors.org/search/index.cfm/action/ details/id/141800) It runs Friday, December 1, 2023, 5:30 p.m. to Sunday, December 3, 2023, 3 p.m. The course is a mix of classroom and ontrail sessions covering hiking safety, map reading, how to pack, basics of traction and trekking poles, and more. No excuses — snowshoes and crampons are available to borrow from the L.L. Bean Gear storeroom.

The AMC New Hampshire Club (https://amcnh.org/) offers a Winter Hiking Series for beginner and seasoned winter hikers. The training works to provide day hiking safety in the White Mountains. The four-hike series runs from November through January covering gear, clothing, nutrition, and winter hiking techniques. Grab your crampons and learn how to hike safely in snow and ice.

A getaway to New Hampshire’s White Mountains is a wonderful way to enjoy Mother Nature’s beautiful gifts. More than a summertime adventure destination, enjoying the outdoors can be fun any season of the year. With proper gear and training, you will love exploring the trails around the AMC Highland Center during the winter months.

Outdoor adventure seekers should consider the AMC’s Adventure Travel Worldwide program. (www.outdoors.org/adventures/ adventure-travel). With international destinations like Patagonia, Nepal, Costa Rica, and Madagascar along with domestic trips including the Sawtooth Mountains, Arches National Park, and Saguaro National Park, you will find an exciting adventure just waiting for you.

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Puzzle Hub officially opens at Shrewsbury Senior Center

By Evan Walsh Reporter SHREWSBURY – Take a puzzle, leave a puzzle.

That’s the motto of Shrewsbury’s latest community resource. On Aug. 17, three members of Girl Scout Troop 11087 officially opened the town’s Puzzle Hub. The Puzzle Hub — located just outside the Shrewsbury Senior Center and next to the Community Refrigerator — was the result of months of planning and coordination by three scouts — Celia Marichal, Navyaa Shakthi Ravi and Melina Lam — eager to earn the Silver Award, one of the organization’s highest honors.

Originally inspired by the Little Free Library movement, the Puzzle Hub gives community members free access to all kinds of puzzles. Residents may also drop unwanted or unused puzzles at the box to share with the community.

“We’ve been able to give [puzzles] out to members of the community,” Council on Aging Director Hollie Lucht said at the dedication ceremony. “This has been a tremendous asset. I wanted to thank [Marichal, Ravi and Lam] on behalf of the senior center.”

Above: The Puzzle Hub officially opened on Aug. 17.

Left: The three members of Girl Scout Troop 11087 are presented with citations by Rep. Hannah Kane.

PHOTOS/EVAN WALSH

The work for the Puzzle Hub started over one year ago. Ironically, constructing the hub was, in some ways, a puzzle in itself. The scouts said at the dedication ceremony that several key pieces needed to come together to complete the larger project.

Marichal, Ravi, and Lam thanked their adviser Dominic Ruggiere, troop leaders Patricia Minton and Saradha Madhuragopal, Lucht, Missy Hollenback, Kevin Esposito, Andrea Castinetti and many others for their continued

support.

Many local companies — including Koopman Lumber, Papa’s Hardware, Dunkin’ and Jersey Mikes — also helped the troop by offering donations and discounts. Worcester Technical High School made the plaque on the Puzzle Hub. “It took many hands and many hours to raise the money we needed, but… we were able to complete our goal,” Ravi said at the ceremony.

The scouts primarily fundraised

for the hub by holding several lemonade stands throughout the year, raising over $1,000 in total.

The Puzzle Hub, the result of all the scouts’ hard work, has a brick exterior, blending in perfectly with the senior center and the Town Hall.

“It is so perfect… I think people in town of all ages will love [it],” said state Rep. Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury), who presented the scouts with official citations at the event.

Caroline Gordon contributed to this report.

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Artificial intelligence a concern for discrimination in the job market Artificial intelligence is increasingly playing a role in hiring practices today.

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer REGION - Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often enjoyed through the lens of a movie or television series. Photo manipulation is also a favorite pastime on social media platforms, but is the use of artificial intelligence becoming a real threat when it comes to jobs, especially for older people? Job seekers are already witnesses to technology taking over some positions such as cashiers by way of self-checkout kiosks.

ic serv

gorithm had discriminated against someone. This can be particularly hard on those who wish to work past traditional retirement age in order to save more money. Thankfully, there are law offices, such as the Renee Lazar Law Firm in Bedford, who assist clients who feel as though they have lost out on a job due to this type of discrimination. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke for the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division stated, “Algorithmic tools should not stand as a barrier for people with dis-

abilities seeking access to jobs.”

Legislature introduces bill to help Aside from a disability and according to a Gallup poll, a large number of people want to work past traditional retirement age. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of workers 75 and older is expected to continue to grow. Earlier this year, as it became more noticeable how AI was quickly advancing, several bills were introduced before

What older workers can offer Meanwhile, it is important to remember that AI cannot replace

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Computer algorithms instead of human review Many employers are using AI and automation for hiring practices these days. While it may save on physical demand and wage payouts, such technology has also been a detriment to household income. The U.S. Justice Department and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission issued guidance to employers on the usage of algorithmic tools which could also have the potential to run afoul of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Now, there is a growing concern about AI and the inability to find employment due to feeling a hiring al-

the Massachusetts Legislature’s Joint Committee on Advanced Information Technology, the Internet and Cybersecurity.

Massachusetts State Representative Sean Garballey and Sen. Jason Lewis’ bill (H 64/S 33) is supported by Caitriona Fitzgerald, deputy director at the Electronic Privacy Information Center. Fitzgerald told the committee, “The problem we face with AI today is that it’s being used broadly in society to replace human decision-making with little to no rules about testing these systems for accuracy, effectiveness, or bias. And that has real tangible harms.”

The Garballey and Lewis bill would create a commission to study the use of automated decision-making by government agencies and require the commission to create a catalog of the AI systems being used across state government and make that list public. The commission would also advise the legislature on regulations to put in place.

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10 • fiftyplus advocate + NOVEMBER 2023 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Red Sox lose Tim Wakefield, one of their most storied pitchers

By Brett Peruzzi Managing Editor

pitch, in which the ball travels erratically to the batter, allowed him to join the select fraternity of pitchers who have struck out four batters in a single inning.

BOSTON – On October 1, Red Sox Nation was stunned by the news of former Red Sox knuckleball pitcher Tim Wakefield’s death.

PHOTO/WALDO JAQUITH

A wide array of accomplishments Wakefield, 57, died of a seizure after undergoing surgery for brain cancer. His 17-year career with the Red Sox made him the player with the longest tenure on the team. Among his accomplishments were being the Red Sox pitcher with the third-highest number of wins, being the oldest active Major League Baseball player when he retired at 45 in 2012, and pitching the most innings of any Red Sox pitcher.

Wakefield began his career with the Pittsburgh Pirates for two seasons, before being signed by the Red Sox in 1995, where he would spend the rest of his career. His knuckleball

Tim Wakefield throws one of his famed knuckleballs.

World Series win His efforts later helped the Sox win the American League Championship Series in 2004 against the Yankees. The Sox went on to defeat the Cardinals in the World Series, with Wakefield pitching in Game 1. The team went on to sweep the series, giving Boston its first World Series win in 86 years. Due to an injury, Wakefield was off the Sox roster for the World Series win by the team in 2007.

In 2009, Wakefield became the oldest Red Sox pitcher, at age 42, to pitch a complete game. That same season, he would eclipse the record of Roger Clemens for the most starts as a pitcher for the team, and be named to the All-Star team. In 2010, he received the Roberto Clemente award for his community service. He

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com +

NOVEMBER 2023 + fiftyplus advocate • 11

HOME SWEET HOME I love my home.

I love my independence.

I love my reverse mortgage.

Home Sweet Home PHOTO/RYOSUKE YAGI

Tim Wakefield pitching against the New York Yankees at Fenway Park during the 2006 season.

announced his retirement before the beginning of the 2012 season. That same year, he began working for the New England Sports Network as a studio analyst covering the Red Sox, a role he continued in until this year.

Giving back Wakefield’s philanthropic efforts were long and widespread, raising millions of dollars for a variety of causes related to children. The Red Sox made him honorary chairman of its philanthropic arm, the Red Sox

Foundation, for which he made numerous public appearances and otherwise supported fundraising and community service events.

“Tim’s kindness and indomitable spirit were as legendary as his knuckleball,” Red Sox principal owner John Henry told The Boston Globe after Wakefield’s passing. “He not only captivated us on the field but was the rare athlete whose legacy extended beyond the record books to the countless lives he touched with his warmth and genuine spirit.”

“I love my home. I’m getting older. I want to be financially independent and prepared. I’m anxious about my options. I don’t want to be sold.”

These are the most common responses when discussing reverse mortgages. In fact, few people are eager to move from where they live. Studies have shown that 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 would prefer to stay in their current homes as they age.

In recent years there has been a powerful trend across the U.S. called “aging in place.” Aging in place is “the ability to live in one’s own home safely, have access to money for current and future needs, and maintain a good quality of life for the rest of your life”.

Life Happens and it costs money!

As you grow older you may face the challenge of being able to afford to continue to live in your own home. The top financial stress points include: • Not having enough money every month • Ongoing mortgage or home-equity line payments • Recurring and unexpected health expenses • Credit card bills • Desired home repairs • Loss of a loved one • Or, just trying to enjoy life a bit more.

Without a plan, your quality of life may diminish or be forced to sell your home.

Artificial intelligence a concern for discrimination in the job market

What are the top advantages of a reverse mortgage?

The most common uses of reverse mortgages are: • Access to tax free cash when needed • NO monthly mortgage payment (note- you are responsible for real estate taxes, insurance, and other loan guidelines) • A monthly check for life • A reverse mortgage line of credit • Having fun Take Action!

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

AI | from page 9

sought-after skills that older workers often possess. Skills like critical thinking, dedication, dependability, problem-solving, time management and discipline still hold great value.

Nevertheless, being past the age of 50 does not mean the capability to keep up with technology is dead and done.

CVS Health has developed a Talent Is Ageless program that is designed to recruit mature workers and includes options like flextime, compressed workweeks, job sharing and telecommuting.

Through its “Discovering You!” training module, older employees have the opportunity to further their career through education and help inspire colleagues to follow suit, and a quarter of the company’s employees are over the age of 50. CVS also has ongoing partnerships with organizations that include the American Society on Aging, National Caucus and Center on Black Aging, Inc., and the Network of Jewish Human Service Agencies. There are approximately 356 CVS stores located throughout the state of Massachusetts.

Alain Valles Reverse Mortgage Specialist 781-724-6221

To receive your free copy, please call me at (781) 724-6221 or email me at alainvalles@ gmail.com 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) 7246221 or by email at alainvalles@gmail.com

12 • fiftyplus advocate + NOVEMBER 2023 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Framingham WWII veteran honored on 105th birthday Charles “Charlie” Audet of Framingham, front, with city officials, was honored recently on his 105th birthday by the city where he has lived for over 60 years.

By Brett Peruzzi Managing Editor FRAMINGHAM – When Charles “Charlie” Audet of Framingham was born in October 1918, Woodrow Wilson was president, World War I was drawing to a close, and the world was gripped by a deadly influenza pandemic.

Yet 105 years later, the World War II veteran, a paratrooper who was wounded in the Battle of the Bulge, is still standing.

To honor Audet, Mayor Charlie Sisitsky and the 11-member City Council declared October 9, Audet’s birthday, as Charles “Charlie” Audet Day in the city of Framingham. One of 10 children born to a French-Canadian family in Fitchburg, Audet graduated from high school and was working as a hotel bellhop when he was drafted to serve in World War II in 1941, at the age of 23. Standing at only five-feet, two-inches tall, all of his U.S. Army uniforms had to be custom-made.

PHOTO/COURTESY OF THE CITY OF FRAMINGHAM

Parachute Infantry Regiment, during World War II, Audet was wounded by shrapnel during the Battle of the Bulge in January of 1945. Of the 750 members from the 509th who fought at the Battle of the Bulge, only 48 were not injured or killed.

Audet’s first taste of combat was during the North African campaign.

Operation Torch in Oran, Algeria,

War-time experiences A volunteer member of the first American paratrooper unit, the 509th

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in 1942, was the first time American paratroopers invaded enemy territory. The following year, he fought in the invasion of Italy in Operation Giant III in Avellino, Italy in September of 1943. After recovering from his wounds from the Battle of the Bulge, Audet returned to active duty and served in Europe through the German surrender in May of 1945.

Business career after military service Audet ended his U.S. Army career as a corporal and was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for his service. Audet returned to the United States after the war and graduated from Boston University in three years, taking advantage of the educational benefits offered by the GI Bill. Audet then had a successful career as an accountant.

Audet met his wife Eleanore and married her on April 18, 1953.

They lived in Leominster for four years before buying a house in Framingham in 1957. The couple served as foster parents and were a loving presence to nearly 50 nieces and nephews. Audet continues to live in the same green ranch house on Central Street.

Mayor Sisitsky, City Councilor Michael Cannon, Veterans Agent Kathleen Lang, Veterans Council member Robert Downing, and Veterans Council member Bill Blumsack visited Audet at his house, where several members of his family had gathered, and presented him with the official proclamation declaring Charles “Charlie” Audet Day.

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Unconventional choices

By Marianne Delorey, Ph.D.

NOVEMBER 2023 + fiftyplus advocate • 13

The elderly should have three documents drawn up and signed well in advance of problems: a health care proxy, a power of attorney, and a will.

P

erhaps it is the nature of elder housing. Perhaps people who have no one else seek community in their later years. In any case, I have met my share of people who do not have family or friends to speak of. Some have always been loners. Some have distanced themselves from family, or had family walk away from them. In any case, many people find themselves near the end of their lives with few choices of people to lean on.

Adults in general, but especially those who are elderly, should have three documents drawn up and signed well in advance of problems: a health care proxy, a power of attorney, and a will.

The biggest problem I see in my profession is that many elders do not complete these documents. In many

www.fiftyplusadvocate.com +

cases, there is an aversion to making a choice because people are afraid to make the wrong choice.

I have a message from personal experience to share — the only wrong choice is to make no choice at all.

My mother chose, but did not choose me. She chose my brother because he was the oldest. It bothered me because I was the most involved child. I went to doctor appointments and kept an updated list of medications. I also have devoted my career to taking care of the elderly (and have a graduate degree in gerontology).

I did feel slighted, to be honest. I was also a bit inconvenienced when she needed a health care proxy but my brother was out of town. But, in the end, I am glad he was chosen because I can’t imagine having to go through all

the work alone or worse, without my mom having done her due diligence and having these documents in place.

Maybe her choice was not the one I would have expected, but the fact that she made the choice made my life much easier. And if I can “get over” feeling slighted, so will the people that you are afraid of offending.

Regardless who we offend with our choices or motivations, these decisions, made before they are needed, truly show a person’s love for their family by making sure to inconvenience them as little as possible.

And for those who struggle because they are loners, or because they don’t think anyone will really be there, here are some questions you can ask to determine who you really count on, and who can be there for you:

SUPER CROSSWORD PUZZLE

1. Who is the last person to call you?

2. Who has always told you the truth?

3. Who keeps your spare key for when you lock yourself out?

4. Who thinks clearly in a crisis?

5. Who always remembers your birthday?

6. Who watches your pet if you are going to be away?

Chances are, one of the people you thought of is not part of your conventional family. Maybe a neighbor is more involved in your day-to-day life than your child. Maybe your high school friend from far away knows what you want for medical care better than someone nearby. Maybe your 18-year-old grandson is truly calm in a crisis. No worries! Better to identify someone to be in charge. They will likely not be alone. They will reach out and check in with others for the harder decisions. The sole point is to make a choice — any choice — so that fewer people suffer when no choice was made.

Marianne Delorey, Ph.D. is the executive director of Colony Retirement Homes. She can be reached at 508755-0444 or mdelorey@colonyretirement.com and www.colonyretirementhomes.com.

FOLLOWING CONCEPTION Answers on page 17

14 • fiftyplus advocate + NOVEMBER 2023 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

‘Spag’s’

— a Shrewsbury retail institution for more than half a century The iconic Spag’s discount store on Route 9 in Shrewsbury was a familiar sight for passing motorists for over 50 years.

By Michael Perna Jr. Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY – For more than fifty years, “Spag’s” was a colorful discount store known throughout New England. The business was started in 1936 by Anthony “Spag” (his nickname due to his fondness for spaghetti) Borgatti using $25 that he borrowed from his mother. Initially, he operated out of part of a large building on Route 9 in Shrewsbury that was owned by his family. At the time, “Spag” was only 18 years old.

Expansion over the years The business started out selling car batteries, tires, oil and some other items, mostly due to the business being located on the then fairly new Route 9 and the volume of traffic passing by. It eventually grew larger and larger until it became a huge retail complex. Several nearby buildings

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were bought and turned into specialty type shops for the main store.

These buildings included the Garden Shop, which had been a private residence on Baker Avenue, that was expanded into the main parking lot; the Christmas Shop, which previously had housed part of the Frongillo Lumber Company on Route 9; the Sport Shop, which had previously housed an Italian restaurant; and “Spag’s Schoolhouse,” which was located in what had been the Ward School. In addition, the main store itself, which originally housed a trucking company, was expanded several times over the years.

Fond memories Borgatti was also renowned for starring in the TV commercials filmed at the store. Clad in his trademark cowboy hat and khaki work shirt, he welcomed people to visit, and dispensed folksy advice in his strong Boston accent, ending with the tag line, “And you’ll always save money!”

Former customers will surely remember “The Ramp,” which connected the original store and the area that had many cash registers facing the main parking lot. “Door 10” was also a well-known stop used for picking up orders. A further addition was built which allowed tractor trailers to

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com + Anthony “Spag” Borgatti opened his eponymous discount store in Shrewsbury in 1936.

NOVEMBER 2023 + fiftyplus advocate • 15

viewpoint Always one more (weird) thing

By Janice Lindsay Contributing Writer

I

unload directly into the store, this being built on land “traded” to the town for property on Maple Avenue, which has been used as soccer fields ever since.

A large warehouse facility was housed in the former Chelmsford Ginger Ale building on Maple Avenue. The gates at the Route 9 entrance to this long-vacant facility still have two large cowboy hat-shaped metal decorations on them, the “ten-gallon hat” being something he was rarely seen in public without.

In the years shortly before the business closed, an expansion was attempted. A Spag’s store was opened in the Springfield area but did not prove successful.

After initially selling automotive supplies, Spag’s expanded into items like fishing gear, sporting equipment, tools and hardware. Later on, the business would sell almost anything imaginable―everything from shoes and clothing to toys, hardware, household goods, gardening equipment and plants. Other traditions associated with Spag’s included free tomato plants given away in the spring and oranges (Spag reportedly owned an orange grove in Florida where the oranges were grown).

Legacy lives on After the death of Borgatti (in 1996) and his wife Olive, their daughters took over the business for a number of years until it finally closed in 2003. The building was used as a Building 19 store for a few more years, until it was finally sold and torn down.

Today the Lakeway Commons complex is located on the site. The legacy

of Spag’s lives on however. The Whole Foods Market there proudly displays the original, restored neon “Spag’s” sign inside the store. In addition, a restaurant on the upper level of the store is known as the “Borgatti Bar” and displays several photographs of the original business. A monument was also erected in the shopping complex, honoring Spag and his legacy―a metal ten-gallon hat graces the top of the structure.

To say that Borgatti and his family left a lasting impression on the town of Shrewsbury is an understatement.

He was known as a generous man, donating large amounts of money to various causes throughout the area.

Examples of his generosity include picking up the cost of “mercy” meals for town residents that passed away, donating a bookmobile to the Shrewsbury Public Library, and supporting town families that were in need. One memory that stands out in the mind of this writer illustrates how Borgatti operated. In the early 1960s, a member of the Shrewsbury Fire Department passed away suddenly right before Christmas, leaving behind his wife and young children.

Spag contacted my father, who was a lifelong friend and also a fireman. He told him to come to the store and pick out as many toys as he wanted to give to the deceased fireman’s children. At the time I was about twelve years old. I went to Spag’s with him on that cold December night, helped load the toys into his car, and brought them to the children. The cries of happiness of the children and the tears of joy from the fireman’s widow remain a touching memory even today.

s something awry in the atmosphere? Or is it me?

First, the track pad on my new laptop quit.

I also use an external mouse.

To use Old Mouse on New Laptop, I needed Gizmo One. Mouse has the old-fashioned big plug but Laptop has only a new-fashioned teeny port, so Mouse plug won’t fit. Gizmo One has one large port; its teeny plug fits into Laptop. Plug Mouse into Gizmo, Gizmo into Laptop, works great.

Until track pad quits.

Phone Computer Company Guru.

Broken track pad is a hardware problem, send Laptop to Repair. Under warranty, free. They send shipping box. Guru says back up contents onto external hard drive before shipping.

My External Hard Drive (EHD) has the old-fashioned large plug. Cannot plug Mouse and EHD into Gizmo One at the same time. Without Mouse, cannot tell Laptop to back up contents. So, buy Gizmo 2, with four large ports. Plug Mouse and EHD into Gizmo Two, Gizmo Two into Laptop and…

Suddenly, trackpad works again.

Phone Guru. Her technical judgement: “That is weird.”

Weirdness didn’t stop at Laptop.

Landline phone stopped ringing when someone called. Phone company guy checked everything, pronounced Phone dead. Phones die?

That night, I tried to set the house’s alarm system. It refused. Error message: “Control TMPR.” Control temper? Probably not. I located manual: control panel had been tampered with. (What?) Eventually, I realized that after the phone guy checked the wiring in the control panel, he neglected to lock its door.

“Tampering.”

My elderly refrigerator made alarming cracking noises. Death seemed imminent. Bought new one.

Installers could not install it. New Fridge has no ice maker, old one did.

Installers could not turn water hose off completely at the cellar connection, rusty valve maybe. If they disconnected hose from dying refrigerator, it would drip forever. So new

PHOTO/JANICE LINDSAY

refrigerator waited in the garage. I hired plumber to close the line.

I saw the doctor with back pain, suspecting my elderly mattress; he agreed. Found new one but could not accept delivery on the first afternoon they suggested because I was having root canal surgery, which had been postponed from eight weeks before when, after seeing my dentist in serious pain and being told a dying tooth was infected and being on antibiotics and feeling better, I saw the endodontist whose technologies couldn’t identify which of two teeth was the offender, and sent me home to wait until it got worse.

Well water suddenly smelled odd when I opened the tap. Water test company said not serious, well must be “shocked” (flushed with bleach).

Test anyway. They sent test kit, I followed instructions, whisked kit to the post office, kit arrived at lab after the time limit, they would send me another kit, forgot, I waited three weeks, tried again, water is fine except for one teeny problem that shocking will correct. Contractor said he would shock the well on Tuesday. Didn’t.

That was six Tuesdays ago.

The security certificate of my internet service provider expired so for three days other systems thought I was a spammer. The generator didn’t go on automatically when the power quit during a storm. The next time, it did.

I asked the universe, “What else have you got?” The universe sent a wasp mob to build a basketball-size nest around, and hanging from, a pair of floodlights near the peak of the garage roof. It looks like a weird bugeyed monster inhabiting my house, and it seems just about right.

Contact jlindsay@tidewater.net

16 • fiftyplus advocate + NOVEMBER 2023 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Our fondness for fluffernutter is forever

By Sharon Oliver Contributing Writer

(SMAC) in the basement of his home in Melrose in 1901. The Curtis Marshmallow Factory was established in the early 1910s and Snowflake became the first commercially successful shelf-stable marshmallow crème.

Even though other companies manufactured similar products, Emma had a gift for marketing and popularized their marshmallow crème by offering recipes like sandwiches featuring nuts and marshmallow crème which were shared in a weekly newspaper column and radio show. By 1915, Snowflake was sold nationwide.

LYNN – PB&J may be an old favorite and peanut butter coupled with banana slices might be a craving for others, but when it comes to many people in Massachusetts, especially Baby Boomers, peanut butter mixed with marshmallow fluff is an iconic sandwich of their childhood. Dubbed “fluffernutter” by an advertising agency hired by Durkee-Mower in 1960 as a means to market the sandwich, the fluffernutter is made with marshmallow crème, a confectionery marshmallow spread that was invented in Massachusetts.

Origin stories vary As to who actually created the sandwich, well, there are two versions regarding fluffernutter’s origin. One story is that Archibald Query began making and selling batches of sandwiches door-to-door in his hometown of Somerville in 1917. After his business failed due to a sugar shortage and rationing during World War I, Query sold the rights to his recipe to childhood friends and business partners H. Allen Durkee and Fred Mower

The Durkee-Mower company produces Marshmallow Fluff in its Lynn factory, and has trademarked the term fluffernutter.

of Swampscott in 1920 for $500.

Another claim is that the idea came from Emma and Amory Curtis, the great-great-great-grandchildren

of Revolutionary War hero Paul Revere. Legend has it that Armory created the marshmallow spread called Snowflake Marshmallow Crème

Supporting the war effort During World War I, Americans were urged to make a sacrifice of eating meat only one day a week. In 1918, Emma Curtis published the recipe for her “Liberty Sandwich” (peanut butter and marshmallow crème) and suggesting people could still obtain their daily nutrients while supporting the wartime effort.

However, in 1915, the confectioners trade journal Candy and Ice Cream published a menu of lunch choices that candy shops could advertise besides hot soups. One item was the “Mallonut Sandwich,”

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www.fiftyplusadvocate.com +

NOVEMBER 2023 + fiftyplus advocate • 17

Life after stroke begins here First step. First word. First hug. First dance. Every first matters, and each milestone is worth celebrating, which is why we are proud to Go Red for Women. Find your first with us for a better stroke recovery.

A fluffernutter sandwich is a fond childhood memory for many Massachusetts natives.

which consisted of peanut butter and “marshmallow whip or mallo topping” spread over lightly toasted whole wheat bread.

Tributes and recognition Whatever its true origin, fluffernutter is a registered trademark of Durkee-Mower of Lynn. In 1930, the company sponsored a 15-minute radio variety show, “The Flufferettes,” to market their popular confection.

Each episode was basically one long ad but had to be presented as entertainment to comply with noncommercial radio regulations. In 2006, Durkee-Mower sued Williams-Sonoma, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, alleging the cookware and home furnishings retailer infringed on its trademark by selling a marshmallow and peanut butter chocolate-covered candy under the Fluffernutter name.

Hardcore fluff fans celebrate their famous after-school snack every October 8 (National Fluffernutter Day) and with the annual Fluff Festival in

Somerville, where fans enjoy music, games and a cooking contest based around fluff and fluffernutters. In 2006, a proposal was made in the state assembly to make fluffernutter the official sandwich of Massachusetts and that same year it became a new Brigham’s Ice Cream flavor. The proposal failed, after spending a full week deliberating.

One side argued that the beloved peanut butter and marshmallow crème combination contributed to childhood obesity. On the other hand, history lovers contended that the fluffernutter was a culinary legacy. One passionate state representative proclaimed, “I’m going to fight to the death for Fluff.” Nevertheless, the ice cream was a big hit that year.

Merriam-Webster added the word fluffernutter to its dictionary in 2021 and in 2011, NASA astronaut and Lowell native Richard Michael Linnehan ate a fluffernutter while aboard the International Space Station and participated as one of the Fluff Fest contest judges.

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18 • fiftyplus advocate + NOVEMBER 2023 + www.fiftyplusadvocate.com

Boston Athenæum is a hidden gem in the heart of the city

By Sandi Barrett Contributing Writer BOSTON - The Boston Athenæum is a breathtaking private library, but also a beautiful museum and busy cultural center. Quietly tucked into one end of historic Beacon Street, it is a hidden gem, perfect to explore on a day trip into the city.

Opulence from an earlier time When you enter the building, the massive ceiling heights, towering multi-paned windows, and historic art collection envelop you in a cloak of opulent bygone days. Founded in 1807, the Boston Athenæum’s mission was to house a reading library along with a collection of rare books, maps, and manuscripts surrounded by beautiful art pieces. The library contains over 500,000 books available for circulation and over 100,000 rare collector pieces.

The first floor, which is open to the public, offers a series of rooms each decorated with important statues and paintings. A small reading nook with overstuffed chairs and views of the Granary Burying Ground is a cozy hidden nook of solitude.

The fifth floor reading room offers members a quiet space to study, research, or read in peace while surrounded by elegant architecture and rich, club-style furnishings.

Bibliophiles need to take a tour of the Boston Athenæum’s stacks. Packed with historic volumes, walking over the glass-floored stacks will have you gaping at the sheer volume of books. The five-story building with two additional basement levels has an unfathomable amount of completely filled bookshelves.

Through a small kitchen off the stairwell is a terrace offering panoramic views of the Boston skyline. Strewn with a half dozen tables, the unobstructed view beckons you to sit and soak it in a beautiful Boston day.

Tours and programs The best way to explore the Boston Athenæum (https://bostonathenaeum. org/) is with a tour. Guests are welcome to visit the first floor for free and full library tours are offered frequently for a nominal fee. You can also purchase a day pass which grants access to all the member-only areas of the library. Imagine finding the perfect book, sinking into a cozy leather chair, and

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The quiet reading room showcases the Boston Athenæum’s opulence from an earlier time.

spending the afternoon wrapped in a perfectly spun story. Tours fill up quickly. Pre-booking online is highly recommended.

The library offers a wide selection of programs including insights into the development of Boston along with lectures on a wide smattering of local and global topics.

Other nearby attractions A view from the rear windows offers a peek of the Granary Burying Ground. Laid to rest on this small plot are a treasure trove of historical who’s who. Local Massachusetts dignitaries rest next to three signers of the Declaration of Independence: Samuel Adams, John Hancock, and Robert Treat Paine.

PHOTO/SANDI BARRETT

Other notables include the revolutionary hero Paul Revere and Benjamin Franklin’s parents. After visiting the Athenæum, take time to stroll among the headstones.

Along with the Boston Athenæum, a visit to the Granary Burying Ground and the State House are within walking distance. Afterwards, stroll through Beacon Hill and explore Acorn Street, the most photographed street in Boston. Add a visit to Louisburg Square and admire the beautiful brownstone homes in this small, upscale enclave.

Boston is a beautiful city, walking friendly, and full of history, art, and culture. Lucky for us, it is simply a short drive away. Make some time to explore our Commonwealth’s capital.

www.fiftyplusadvocate.com +

NOVEMBER 2023 + fiftyplus advocate • 19

Fabric, friendships, and philanthropy: Schoolhouse Quilters quilt for good The Shrewsbury Schoolhouse Quilters donated over 30 quilts to Abby’s House in June.

By Evan Walsh Contributing Writer SHREWSBURY – Fabric and friendships.

That’s how members of Shrewsbury’s Schoolhouse Quilters described their group.

On the first Sunday of every month, dozens of avid quilters convene at the First Congregational Church of Shrewsbury for the group’s monthly meeting. There are over 60 members of the organization, and each meeting draws roughly 40 members.

What began as an informal “quilt talk” between two church members in 1980 quickly blossomed into an inter-state affair. While some quilters are local, the group is proud to have members from throughout New England. One member lives in Connecticut, group members said, while another commutes from the Boston area.

“I just think of all the friendships that I’ve made there,” said Ann Laura Wasgatt, who has been involved with the group for over 10 years. “I love all the interesting tips and learning…

[People] always come in and tell me a new way to do something.”

The quilting group’s growth has been organic, relying primarily on word of mouth.

For instance, one member invited three friends to one month’s meeting.

Shortly after, all three friends joined the group. Another member was talking to her dental hygienist about the group. Now the hygienist is joining.

It could be the refreshments available at some of the meetings. It could also be the ongoing recipe exchange between group members, but according to three longtime members of the quilting group the community truly makes the group special.

Members don’t actively quilt at the meetings. Instead, people share

PHOTO/DEB KELLEY

tips and tricks, give advice, and show their recent work to the group. The group members said that even those who have been quilting for decades benefit from the meetings.

“At quilt gatherings, [when] you forget something, there are 30 people trying to give you it,” said Deb Kelley, the group’s current president.

The group also occasionally hosts guest speakers and organizes workshops.

The Schoolhouse Quilters don’t just quilt — they also give. Charity is a pillar of the organization.

“It’s part of the mission. Our family members only need so many quilts, so it’s about giving them away now,” Susan Brown said. “There’s always something we’re working on.”

The group has previously made over 50 duffle bags for foster children

at UMass. In June, the group donated 38 patchwork quilts to Abby’s House in Worcester.

“I think my favorite moment [of my time in the group] is that June meeting when we [came] together with everything we made and [were] about to give [to Abby’s House],” Brown said.

In the past, the group has also donated to numerous charitable organizations, including Veterans Inc., Andy’s Attic, Pernet Family Health Services, St. John’s Food Bank and various area hospitals.

The group also donates to support the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell.

The Schoolhouse Quilters also award one scholarship to a graduating high school student pursuing an education in a field related to arts and

crafts or home economics.

“We enjoy knowing that we’ve done something to make a statement to someone else,” Kelley said.

The group has more donations, philanthropy, and fun ahead.

“It’s a pride,” Kelley said. “People will look and say, ‘You buy this beautiful material and cut it up and put it back together. It doesn’t make any sense.’ But, it’s a pride. Plus, you can pass it on. Hopefully somebody will look at my quilts one day and say, ‘Oh! I remember that person.’

“It’s a sisterhood. The love of fabric and friendship and creativity.

That’s what it’s all about. I have goosebumps now,” Kelley added.

For more information about the Schoolhouse Quilters group, visit https://www.facebook.com/Schoolhousequilters.

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