NOVEMBER 2018 • $5.95 MESENIORS.COM
Veteran George HW Bush: Naval Aviator Cadet to Commander in Chief
Also Inside: • Lions Club: Heart Of A Lion • The Power of Nostalgia • Spicy Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars • The Old Fashioned Thanksgiving ...and so much more!
Patriot Riders:
Vets Helping Vets
Proud Veteran. Loving Father. Generous Donor.
How a Salvation Army charitable gift annuity benefits Bill, his daughter, and others. Before he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force at age 18 in 1951, Bill had left the state of Maine only once: when his North Yarmouth Academy basketball team was treated to a Boston Bruins hockey game after winning the 1950-51 state championship. Bill’s horizons widened considerably as his Air Force stint took him from Rome, New York, to Cheyenne, Wyoming, to San Francisco, where he boarded a ship for Japan. For the next two years, he served his country in Korea and Japan as an airman first class, specializing in communications.
Stationed at Andrews Air Force Base upon his return to the U.S., he met Mary Ann, the love of his life. They were married in 1955 and soon returned to Maine, living in a tiny apartment in South Portland. Bill remembers the apartment was so small, that the toilet seat had to be used as a fourth seat when guests came to call. Bill spent the latter part of his career as a mediator, specializing in labor relations. He had one daughter, Kathleen “Kathie”. Now that Mary Ann has passed away, Bill and his daughter, a retired nurse who works for Senior Homecare, live together on Memorial Highway in North Yarmouth. In the past few years, Bill began donating regularly to The Salvation Army because he likes helping people in his community
and, as he puts it, “The Salvation Army keeps its administrative costs remarkably low.” Recently, Bill looked into the idea of investing in one of The Salvation Army’s charitable gift annuities. The rate of return had just been increased, and Bill liked the idea of being able to give his daughter a lifetime stream of income, while enjoying a sizable charitable tax deduction for himself. Both Bill and Kathie are also pleased to know that their charitable gift annuity will be helping those who are hurting and hungry in their local area. Kathie says, “I know The Salvation Army will help those in need, because you are a wonderful, trustworthy organization.” This Veteran’s Day, we are proud to salute veterans and donors like Bill for their service and support.
Serving those who serve our country since 1919. From the donut girls of WWI to those helping homeless veterans today, the people of The Salvation Army have been providing comfort and care to generations of service men and women. Veterans support us too – through generous bequests, as well as charitable gift annuities, which provide them and their loved ones with fixed income for life. On this Veterans Day, we thank you for your service and support. To learn how we help – and how you can help us through charitable gift annuities – call Amy Anderson at 207-245-3734.
PUBLISHER
David. S. Nealley EDITOR IN CHIEF
Ellen L. Spooner CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Ian J. Marquis EDITORS
Catherine N. Zub Mark D. Roth
Lois N. Nealley Sheila Grant
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Victor Oboyski
Joe Sawyer
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Publisher's Note
Yes, it is true that most Americans are truly grateful, and we share this with the tradition of Thanksgiving Day. Please read “The Old Fashioned Thanksgiving” by Edgar Albert Guest which our very own Hunter Howe sent to me years ago. The article does make one reminisce. To that end, we now know that being nostalgic is positive and beneficial in several ways. Read about nostalgia, in the article by Dr. Len Kaye, “The Power of Nostalgia and Exploring Your Memories”.
Veteran's Day
God Bless America and have a Happy Thanksgiving! In Honor Cheers! Of
All Those Who Have Served Our Country
—David S. Nealley, Publisher
David Jordon a member of Patriot Riders of America ME Chapter 3 with Publisher David Nealley
In Honor of All Those Who Have Served Our Country
What do Election Day, Veterans Day and Thanksgiving Day all have in common?
T
hese are all days that speak to our liberty and freedom for which we should all be grateful.
Yes, we are free to elect our leaders in the United States of America. In large part this, as well as so many of our freedoms exist, because of our veterans and active military. Maine has approximately 130,000 veterans. In other words, roughly1 out of every 10 people in our state is a veteran. So it is appropriate for Maine Seniors Magazine to celebrate our veterans each November.
We thank you on this Veterans Day!
In this Veterans Issue, we share the story of George HW Bush, “From Cadet to Commander in Chief”. Following is a story about the“Patriot Riders, Supporting, Assisting, and Honoring, Veterans”.
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Page5
NOVEMBER 2018 ISSUE 2 Publisher's Note
BY DAVID S. NEALLEY
5 Prime Mover: George H.W. Bush
BY PAULETTE OBOYSKI
13 Prime Mover: Patriot Riders
BY JOE SAWYER
21 Prime Mover: Heart of a Lion
Page 13
BY SHEILA D. GRANT
27 Special: Hire A Vet!
Page 61
BY LARRY GRARD
33 Sage Lens: The Power of Nostalgia
BY DR. LEN KAYE
37 Health Treasures: The Iris Network
BY SHELAGH TALBOT
43 Just Pondering: Poor Peebles
BY WALDO CLARK
45 The MAINE Point: Uncovering a Vital Link to
Maine's WWI History • BY JANE MARGESSON
49 Special: MAR: Making A Difference
BY BARBARA J. VAN BURGL
51 A Trail Less Traveled: Enjoying the Outdoor
Theater • BY BRAD EDEN
55 Special: Maine Voters Over 50
Page 21
INTERVIEW WITH LORI PARHAM
61 Food for Thought: Spicy Pumpkin
Cheesecake Bars • BY ELLEN L. SPOONER
63 From the Porch: The Old-Fashioned
Thanksgiving • BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST
Page 51 Recycled paper made in Maine
NOVEMBER 2018 • 4
PRIME MOVER
George H.W. Bush Naval Aviator Cadet
5 • MAINE SENIORS
PRIME MOVER • George H.W. Bush
George
Herbert Walker
Bush
From Naval Cadet to Commander in Chief as the 41st President of the United States
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President of the United States, is a World War II hero and a Maine Senior at 94 years old.
President George H.W. Bush was born on June 12, 1924 in Milton, Massachusetts to Dorothy Walker Bush and Prescott Bush (Republican Senator of Connecticut 1952-1962). He married the love of his life, Barbara Pierce of Rye, New York during wartime on January 6, 1945. She recently passed away on April 17, 2018. Their five children are President George W. Bush (43), former Florida Governor John (Jeb) Bush, Neil, Marvin, Dorothy Bush Koch. A sixth child, Robin, died of leukemia in 1953. He has 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
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Photos Courtesy of the President George H.W. Bush Library
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e was on active duty in the Navy from August 1942 to September 1945. His formal residence is in Texas but he spends almost half of the year at his family compound in Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport, Maine.
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NOVEMBER 2018 • 6
PRIME MOVER
President and Mrs. Bush at Camp David
World War II On June 12, 1942, President Bush enlisted in the Navy during World War II on his 18th birthday – the same day that he graduated from Phillips Academy, Andover, Massachusetts. He became the youngest pilot in the Navy at that time, when he was commissioned as an ensign. He served aboard the USS San Jacinto, flying Grumman Avenger torpedo bombers with the 3rd and 5th Fleets. The Avengers were heavy aircrafts that were difficult to fly and were challenging to land on the aircraft carriers. On September 2, 1944, 20-year-old George H.W. Bush flew his Avenger on an assault of the Pacific island of Chichi-Jima, 7 • MAINE SENIORS
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PRIME MOVER • George H.W. Bush
On June 12, 1942, President Bush enlisted in the Navy during World War II on his 18th birthday—he became the youngest pilot in the Navy at that time, when he was commissioned as an ensign.
a Japanese outpost, in order to destroy a radio tower at the island’s peak. Chichi-Jima was an important communications and supply point for the Japanese. Even though his plane was hit by Japanese anti-aircraft guns and on fire, and he was choking on smoke, he completed his mission and released his bombs - hitting his target and damaging the radio tower. Then he abruptly turned his plane to the sea to get far away from the island, which was filled with Japanese soldiers.
Left to Right: Radioman Joe Reichert, Lt. George Bush,Turret Gunner Leo Nadeau
George Bush in the Cockpit of His TBM Avenger
NOVEMBER 2018 • 8
PRIME MOVER Downed Pilot Lt George Bush rescued by USS Finback
During his time in the war, Bush flew
58 missions, making 126 carrier landings, and recording 1,228 hours of flight time. He was decorated with gold wings, the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with Gold Stars, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with Three Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Selective Service Medal.
He signaled his two crewmen to bail out while he enabled their escape hatch. He bailed out of the cockpit before his plane crashed into the ocean. The force of the wind lifted him the rest of the way out of the plane and propelled him backwards into the tail. He gashed his head and bruised his eye, landing deep in the ocean.
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PRIME MOVER • George H.W. Bush a Navy rescue submarine, the USS Finback. Sadly, his two crew members were killed during this mission.
U.S. Navy Pilot George Bush in the Cockpit of an Avenger
During his time in the war, Bush flew 58 missions, making 126 carrier landings, and recording 1,228 hours of flight time. He was decorated with gold wings, the Distinguished Flying Cross, an Air Medal with Gold Stars, the AsiaticPacific Campaign Medal with Three Battle Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal and the Selective Service Medal. He was discharged from active duty on Tuesday, September 18, 1945. After the war, Bush graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Yale in 2 ½ years with a degree in economics and a minor in sociology. He and his wife, Barbara, moved to Texas and
The squadron commander flying in a plane above, signaled the location of his raft. Bush swam to the raft and inflated it. Having lost the raft’s paddle, he leaned over and used his arms to steer the raft against the tide which was pulling him towards the enemy’s island. He searched for his radioman, John Delaney and his gunner, Ted White, but did not see them anywhere nearby. The future president was protected from the Japanese by American fighter planes overhead. While he was in the water, there was a Japanese gunboat heading towards him. This prompted Bush’s commander, in a plane flying above, to stave off the enemy’s boat by firing at it with a .50-caliber machine gun. He suffered a head wound but after a few hours in the water, sick to his stomach from swallowing salt water, he was saved by NOVEMBER 2018 • 1 0
PRIME MOVER
Bush became an oil field supply salesman and later co-founded an oil development company, a petroleum corporation while pioneering in experimental offshore drilling equipment. Public Service The future President began his public service when he was elected to the U.S. House of Representatives for Texas’ 7th District serving from 1966 to 1970. In 1971, he became U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations and in 1973, became Chairman of the Republican National Committee and served as Chief of the U.S. Liaison Office in China. He was appointed Director of the Central Intelligence Agency in 1976. From 1981 to 1988, he served two terms as Vice President to President Ronald Reagan. In 1989, he was elected as the 41st President of the United States. Sully the Dog This past June 2018, Sully the service dog arrived at President Bush’s home in Kennebunkport while former President Bill Clinton was visiting. President Bush, who tweets @GeorgeHWBush, sent the message, “A great joy to welcome
President Bush, Mrs. Bush, Millie the Dog leave Marine One
This Veterans Day we honor all who have served
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PRIME MOVER • George H.W. Bush
airline pilot Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, famous for his emergency landing on the Hudson River in 2009. Sully was trained and socialized in the VetDogs’ prison puppy program until he was 15 months old and then was further trained by the America’s VetDogs facility in Smithtown, NY. VetDogs is a nonprofit that provides service dogs at no cost to veterans, activeduty service members and first responders with disabilities. For more information: VetDogs website: www.vetdogs.org CVN 77 The USS GEORGE H.W. BUSH (CVN 77), named in honor of former President Bush, is a Naval aircraft carrier warship with nuclear propulsion and is the final ship built in the Nimitz class of carriers. It was commissioned on January 10, 2009. The President’s daughter, Dorothy Walker Bush, sponsored the commission of the CVN 77 and gave the first orders to the ship’s company at Norfolk, Virginia. President Bush with His Assistant Zach and Sully the Dog
home the newest member of our family,“Sully” a beautiful – and beautifully trained – lab from @AmericasVetDogs. I could not be more grateful, especially for their commitment to our veterans.” Sully, the yellow Labrador Retriever, was named after former
The official CVN 77 website states that the guiding principles of the ship are: “Like our namesake, we serve our country with integrity, dignity and humility.” Former President George H.W. Bush (41) is truly an American hero and a man who has lived his life dedicated to his family and has served his country in many extraordinary ways. We are proud that he is also a great Maine Senior! Thank you for your service, Mr. President. MSM
President George H.W. Bush on CVN 77 - Day of Commission
NOVEMBER 2018 • 1 2
PRIME MOVER
Patriot
Riders
Supporting, Assisting & Honoring Veterans
Patriot Riders of America, Maine Chapter 3 is an organization founded to support, assist and honor our local veterans.
P
atriot Riders of America was established a little over twelve years ago with chapters occupying the east coast from Maine to Florida. Maine Chapter 3 was founded just over five years ago. Determination and diverse talent illuminate the members of the Patriot Riders among the rest of the charitable organizations that support veterans. Their motorcycle-based culture brings out the very best in what it means to be free, living in an amazing state, in an amazing country. The Patriot Riders visit the Bangor and Togus veterans’ facilities 13 • MAINE SENIORS
BY JOE SAWYER
to interact with the veterans, albeit it a dinner, birthday party, or motorcycle rides with a barbeque, always providing continuous smiles and memories for all. Enjoy the pictures of a cook-out at the Bangor Veterans Home where many resident veterans were able to enjoy a motorcycle ride on a beautiful sunny day. The Patriot Riders do a variety of things as they volunteer to help a very special population. The Riders have experience in everything from medicine to farming, from HVAC to automotive repair, from sales to home maker and more. By combining individual talents, they have been able to build and install ramps on homes, complete roof repairs, subsurface water displacement, install septic tanks, repair driveways, and assist with snow removal. In addition, they have been able to provide temporary housing for those waiting for a permanent home, help find housing for the homeless, and provide food and fuel oil assistance valued at thousands of dollars. They have helped pay
PRIME MOVER • Patriot Riders of America
electricity bills, put medical equipment in homes and, equally important, provide an ear to those who just want someone to talk to. To further honor veterans who participate in the Honor Flight Program where veterans are taken to Washington DC to see their memorials, Patriot Riders from all the chapters in Maine welcome the veterans upon return with a Flag Line. A final piece of their trip is a true hero’s welcome back to Maine. The Flag Lines are presented with the highest dignity as Patriot Riders stand tall and proud presenting the American Flag and flags of all the services at the gate when the veterans return. The Patriot Riders also provide the same honor to those who pass away with a final salute to their service. The Flag Line never
A tribute to all our Veteran’s from the CD, “For The Love of Country”, words and music by Danny Harper ©2014 For more Veteran’s music and lyrics, visit dannyharpermusic.com
NOVEMBER 2018 • 1 4
PRIME MOVER
Going for a side- car cruise can be a real great time for the residents of the Maine Veterans Home.
goes without tears shed by both members of the Patriot Riders and the family members of the veteran. This level of service goes hand in hand with the transportation of “Remembrance Stones.” Unique to Maine, the stones are created by family members and are housed in Portland. Twice a year they join with other Patriot Riders chapters to transport and escort these stones to Mount Katahdin in the Spring and from Cadillac Mountain in the Fall. At these two locations a remembrance ceremony is held in honor of each fallen hero. Wrapping the year up, the Patriot Riders brave the inclement weather of December to place wreaths on our veteran’s markers. They work with Wreaths Across America to provide as many wreaths for each marker as possible and are getting closer to obtaining their goal to have a wreath on each veteran’s marker in the three veteran’s cemeteries in Augusta.
15 • MAINE SENIORS
PRIME MOVER • Patriot Riders of America Bike Rally BBQ day is a big hit with the veterans.
Well-being & Peace of Mind.
It’s Our Mission.
Getting ready for a ride.
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Vets helping vets enjoy the beautiful day.
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PRIME MOVER • Patriot Riders of America
Patriot Riders of America - Maine Chapter 3 is one of four chapters in this great state. Each has an area for which they take responsibility and provide services.
Patriot Riders of America - Maine Chapter 3 is one of four chapters in this great state. Each has an area for which they take responsibility and provide services. But it’s Chapter 3 that has the largest area from Waterville to Belfast, Bangor to Greenville, MDI to Calais, Millinocket to Jackman. Wow! In land mass alone, they cover an area the size of some smaller states!
Matty Mattson taking another veteran for a cruise
All year long, the Patriot Riders do what they do best . . . serve veterans in need.
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PRIME MOVER
If you see Patriot Riders maintaining the Winslow Park, or displaying fund raiser items at a venue—stop by. Talk with them. Learn more. Donate if you can. The Patriot Riders claim that businesses and communities are the veins that keep the heartbeat of their accomplishments flowing. Yet, it seems Bike rides and BBQ.
19 • MAINE SENIORS
that it is the Patriot Riders who keep the heartbeat of our communities flowing. MSM
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PRIME MOVER Lions Naples Student Of The Month (Left) Dave Gerrish (Right) Harvey Buzzell
Community service, with the
HEART OF A LION Lions Club International is one of those civic
organizations that one might not know much about – until a disaster strikes, a friend or family member needs help with glasses or a hearing aid, develops diabetes or cancer, or some other service is required that Lions around the world step up to provide.
L
ions Club International is the largest service club organization in the world, with 46,000 clubs and more than 1.4 million members providing service in 210 countries and geographic areas.
21 • MAINE SENIORS
BY SHEILA D. GRANT
The 101-year-old organization’s global causes are: diabetes, environment, hunger, childhood cancer, and vision. State and local Lions clubs are boots on the ground for providing service to their communities. For example, in Maine, hearing services have been added into the vision program. Maine Lions have 72 active clubs statewide with over 2,000 members. The average age of a Maine Lion is 62, and the majority of members are 50-plus, according to 1st Vice District Governor Tia Knapp. Lions Clubs are made up of people of all ages and backgrounds providing diversity to meet the needs of their local communities. “We find that seniors have more time available and enjoy the fun, networking, and socialization from doing community
PRIME MOVER • Lions Club International
service projects and fundraising,” says Knapp, who is in line to be Governor of the Maine Lions District next year.“Our current District Governor is a prime example of someone who wanted to get involved in his community. He and his wife moved to Eustis and really didn’t know any of their neighbors until they joined the local Lions Club. Now they have a new extended family; their social network has exponentially improved. Now, the Stratton/Eustis Lions Club has 69 members, in a community of less than 900 people.” The Maine Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation runs parallel to the global organization’s mission, said Knapp. “We have an eyeglasses and hearing aid program. We have a school-age children’s vision screening program in which we partner with local school districts to provide high-tech, fast, free vision screening services. Last year my local club screened over 1,700 children in our area, with 106 children being referred to an eye care professional for further testing. Effective screening and vision care can prevent future learning and behavioral problems.”
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Screenings are performed by Lions volunteers.“Al is in his early 80s,” said Knapp. “His wife Connie and a couple of the other
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PRIME MOVER
Vision is the cornerstone
of the Lions service mission, and the one the organization
is the most known for.
seniors from our club provide screenings at schools and day cares. That’s how they choose to serve the community.” Service takes a variety of forms under the five global areas. “Environment could be a community clean-up, or cleaning or testing water sources,” Knapp said. “For hunger, many of our Maine clubs volunteer for food banks or provide transportation for individuals to get food. As for childhood cancer, last year we were able to raise and provide a check for $10,000 to The Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital [in Portland, ME].”
Lions Naples Apple Sales
All Lions Clubs are involved in fundraising, with 100 percent of the monies raised donated back into the communities the clubs serve. “Maine Lions are in the process of a three-year initiative
Lions Picking Apples
23 • MAINE SENIORS
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We are available 8 am-8 pm, seven days a week from October 1 to March 31; and Monday through Friday the rest of the year. Medicare evaluates plans based on a 5-star rating system. Star Ratings are calculated each year and may change from one year to the next. Generations Advantage HMO plans (Contract H5591) received a 5-star Overall Rating for plan year 2019. Visit www. Medicare.gov for more information. Premiums vary by plan and county, and range from $0–$99. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. This is not a complete description of benefits. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Contact the plan for more information. Benefits, premiums and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. Plan selection information from Medicare Advantage/Part D Contract and Enrollment Data reports available at www.cms. gov. Martin’s Point Generations Advantage is a health plan with a Medicare contract offering HMO, HMO-POS, HMO SNP, Local and Regional PPO products. Enrollment in a Martin’s Point Generations Advantage plan depends on contract renewal. Martin’s Point Health Care complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex. ATTENTION: Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le 1-888-640-4423 (ATS : 711). ATENCIÓN: si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-640-4423 (TTY: 711). Y0044_2019_149_M Accepted: 10/15/2018
PRIME MOVER Denmark Lions Ball Field
“Serving the community is so important, even if it’s only two hours a year. Besides serving your community, you are meeting people and having fun!"
to raise $25,000 to donate to Camp Sunshine here in Maine,” said Knapp, noting that the camp’s mission is to provide respite and support to each family member when a child is affected by life-threatening illness. Vision is the cornerstone of the Lions service mission, and the one the organization is the most known for. In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Club International Convention in Cedar Point, Ohio, and challenged the organization to become “knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.” Vision has been a key mission ever since. Lions worldwide have adopted diabetes (a major cause of blindness) as a long-term commitment. The organization
Lions Belfast Scholarship
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PRIME MOVER • Lions Club International Lions White Cane Day
adjusts as new needs arise, Knapp said, noting that 9.4 percent of persons in the U.S. have diabetes or pre-diabetes. “We would like people of all ages to be in service to their community, but the reality is that most Lions are boomers and beyond who are able to donate the majority of the time to do this,” said Knapp.“Serving the community is so important, even if it’s only two hours a year – that’s two we didn’t have. Besides serving your community, you are meeting people and having fun! If you can help your neighbors and have fun at the same time, why not?” Fall is when the Lions gear up to provide holiday food baskets by conducting food drives, or providing support to the Toys for Tots program,“making sure that their community members have enough food and that children have toys,” Knapp said. Not everyone enjoys networking and socializing, but there are plenty of opportunities to simply provide service. “I think we have something for everyone,” said Knapp.“We would really like to recruit more people. It takes five people to start a branch club, or you can join one of the established clubs. The membership fee is waived for veterans, and at some of our clubs, for everyone.”
International President of Lions Clubs International, Gudrun Yngvadottir, visits with Maine Lions' 1st Vice District Governor Tia Knapp. NOVEMBER 2018 • 2 6
PRIME MOVER
Knapp, 54, will not be the first female Governor of the Maine Lions Club, but this year does mark the first female International President of Lions Clubs International, Gudrun Yngvadottir of Iceland.
Lions Wreaths for Fuel
Gap areas in Maine where no club exists include towns north of Fryeburg, and also in the areas around Biddeford, Brunswick, Jonesport, Lincoln, Dover-Foxcroft and Greenville.“The Bangor club has to cover a huge area because we don’t have many up in that area,” said Knapp. “We’d like more clubs anywhere. The Maine Lions Sight and Hearing Foundation fills the gap by providing eyeglasses and exams when there isn’t a club.”
“It is so enriching,” Knapp enthused. “If I can do anything to inspire anyone to take the plunge…so many people believe the Lions are a ‘good ol’ boys club.’ It’s not. It’s for everybody: women, and high school students who make up the Leos – Leo Clubs are a youth organization of Lions Clubs International. The word Leo stands for Leadership, Experience, Opportunity. Leo clubs encourage young people to develop leadership qualities by participating in social service activities. Our world today is busy, as busy as it was when Lions started in 1917, but there is still time for much needed fellowship and service.” Anyone interested in more information about the Maine Lions Clubs may visit www.mainelions.org. MSM
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27 • MAINE SENIORS
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SPECIAL Auta Main, Veterans Program manager for the state Department of Labor, addresses the big crowd at the fourth annual "Hire a Vet" symposium, held on Aug. 30 at the Augusta Civic Center.
John Butera, Labor Commissioner of Maine
Major General Douglas Farnham, Adjutant General of Maine. Nicole Bacon
Hire A Vet! Nicole Bacon of Skowhegan was all smiles at the kickoff for the 2018 Hire a Vet campaign, held at the Augusta Civic Center on Aug. 30.
BY LARRY GRARD
helped more than 100,000 people graduate from high school, obtain vocational certification or a college degree, become work-ready, obtain meaningful employment and achieve economic well-being.
“I’m networking,” said Bacon, herself an Air Force veteran now working for Fedcap.
Bacon had just visited the Woodlands Senior Living booth, and was chatting with fellow veteran Orrin Bimpson of Winslow. Bimpson, who served with the Marines in the 15th Expeditionary in Afghanistan, was looking for an upgrade in his job status. He runs the Northern New England region for T-Mobile. “I like the salespeople at T-Mobile,” Bimpson said. “I like meeting people, but I’m looking for more responsibility.”
Fedcap’s mission is to create opportunities for people with barriers to economic well-being. Each year, Fedcap offers services through its four practice areas - Education, Workforce Development, Occupational Health and Economic Development. Fedcap has
Auta Main, Veterans Program manager for the Maine Department of Labor, gave opening remarks as veterans made their way into the packed Civic Center. “I am astounded at the number of people in this room,” Main said. Main went on to tell
I
t’s Bacon’s job, after all, to help people become employed. Given that the Civic Center was jammed with 300 employers for Hire a Vet, Bacon was at the right place at the right time.
29 • MAINE SENIORS
A TRAIL LESS TRAVELED SPECIAL
“We’re looking for this to be the best year,” Butera said. “My staff tells me that this has been one of the largest job fairs ever to take place in the state of Maine.” prospective employers that the Department of Labor (DOL) “has done their best” helping people who are looking for work. She then reflected on the morning four years ago when Hire a Vet was launched. Back then, she recalled, the goal was “100100-100”: 100 days, 100 plus employers, 100 plus veterans. Not including numbers from this year’s event, which won’t be known until December, the campaign has connected more than 300 employers with more than 700 veteran-hires since its inception in 2015. Hire a Vet has been recognized as a best practice by the United States Department of Labor and the National Association of State Workforce Agencies. Main recognized the 300 employers who filled the facility with their booths, and thanked them.“We decided to move from the Augusta Armory to the Civic Center,” she said.“We were afraid the energy might not be the same, but Steve Roy (campaign coordinator) was right."
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Main also thanked “Hilton Honors” for putting up veterans traveling more than 40 miles from home to the event at no charge.“Employment is critical,” she said.“Most (of the veterans) are very eager to get to work.”
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John Butera, DOL Commissioner, said he hears every day from employers who say they are having a difficult time finding employees. “We’re looking for this to be the best year,” Butera said. “My staff tells me that this has been one of the largest job fairs ever to take place in the state of Maine.”
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Maj. Gen. Douglas Farnham, Adjutant General for the Maine Air National Guard, said the airmen and soldiers need supportive employers so they can balance their military duties with their jobs. “Matching the right veteran with the right employer is a win-win situation,” Farnham said.
Magazine
For more information call us at (207) 299-5358 NOVEMBER 2018 • 3 0
SPECIAL
Construction giant Cianbro Corp. of Pittsfield is looking for workers, and fielded plenty of inquiries. Cianbro has from the very beginning been associated with the military. Founding Ciancette brothers,Ken, Carl and Ival, saw duty in World War II, and Alton served in the Korean Conflict.“We’ve always had a military heritage behind us and we’ve continued that throughout the years,” said Kaleb Roy, the company’s national recruiter. Roy vouched for the work ethic of veterans. “They come in, they’re ready for work, they’re prepared for work,” he said. “You don’t have to worry about them. They want to work with their hands. They want to work outside. They want to learn a trade.” Cianbro is continually represented at job fairs such as the one in Augusta. The company takes part in “Hiring Our Heroes” events arranged through the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and sends representatives to sponsorship meetings at military bases. The veterans who checked in at the Cianbro booth on August 30th had plenty to choose from, according to Alan Grover,
communications manager.“We’re looking for everything,” Grover said,“from welders to mechanics to iron workers, pipe fitters, mill workers, electricians, equipment operators, instrumentation experts. And we’re also looking for safety professionals, engineers, superintendents and project managers. Experience is a help.” Grover also praised the work of veterans. “Their leadership training is a big help, and they’re kind of ingrained with being prepared for the task that they have been given. They have a team approach.” There also is ample opportunity for veterans who want to go into law-enforcement – especially guards at county jails. The Androscoggin County Sheriff’s Office is a prime example. Martin Fournier, communications director for the Auburnbased office, said there are seven openings in corrections, plus one full-time opening at the 9-1-1 desk and two or three parttime deputy jobs available.“We’re hoping to hire all seven today,” Fournier said.
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For Special Needs Plans Only: This plan is available to anyone who has both Medical Assistance from the State and Medicare. This policy has exclusions, limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force or discontinued. For costs and complete details of coverage, please contact your agent or the health plan. We do not discriminate, exclude people, or treat them differently on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability in our health programs and activities. ATTENTION: Si vous parlez français, des services d’aide linguistique vous sont proposés gratuitement. Appelez le 1-888-211-9817 (ATS : 711). ATENCIÓN: Si habla español, tiene a su disposición servicios gratuitos de asistencia lingüística. Llame al 1-888-211-9817 (TTY: 711). Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is a Medicare Advantage Organization with a Medicare contract. The HMO D-SNP is a plan with a Medicare contract and a contract with the Maine Medicaid program. Enrollment in Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield depends on contract renewal. Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is the trade name of Anthem Health Plans of Maine, Inc. Independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Anthem is a registered trademark of Anthem Insurance Companies, Inc. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Y0114_18_34174_U_007 CMS Accepted 01/02/2018 70232MUSENMUB_007 31 • MAINE SENIORS
SPECIAL
“[Veterans] come in, they’re ready for work, they’re prepared for work,” he said. “You don’t have
to worry about them."
Next to the Androscoggin County booth, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office was looking to fill no less than 30 positions. Jesse Ayotte of Minot, who served with the Army in South Korea, just left a job, and was seeking a better opportunity at Hire a Vet. “I’m looking for anything,” Ayotte said, “although I don’t want to sit behind a desk.” Fortunately, Hire a Vet is working successfully for veterans and employers. MSM
The Androscoggin County Sheriff's Office has plenty of job opportunities for veterans.
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NOVEMBER 2018 • 3 2
The Power of Nostalgia BY DR. LEN KAYE
Increasingly we are realizing the importance of reminiscence in helping individuals address their lives and prepare for their futures.
R
eminiscence, the act of remembering or telling someone about the past, has a great deal of value. Research has shown it has the capacity to reduce loneliness, boredom, stress and depression, and help us deal with traumatic experiences, cope with the challenges of daily living, and become more sensitive to that which is unfamiliar to us. But, reminiscing has value beyond its application as a therapeutic tool and technique that aims to address a variety of health and mental health issues with which we may be struggling. Reminiscing is just plain enjoyable. Once considered a disorder ever since the term was coined in 1688 by a Swiss physician who attributed soldiers’ mental and physical illnesses to their longing to return home, today nostalgic thinking is viewed much more positively. Sharing a nostalgic moment with another can bring you closer together. It can remind you of your roots and make you feel good about yourself. 33 • MAINE SENIORS
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Memories can serve to remind us of the richness in our lives, of those experiences that confirm that our past
has been significant and worthwhile.
As we grow older we continue to be able to use our imagination and call upon some particularly vivid memories from the past including recalling events, with sudden and rather remarkable clarity, that occurred much earlier in our lives. I may not remember where I put the keys to the car or my cell phone last night, or what I had for breakfast a day ago, but just ask me about that special Thanksgiving gathering with relatives 20 years ago and, lo and behold, my mind becomes sharp as a tack and my descriptions amazingly clear. Of course, not all that we recall is going to be positive. Some of what we recall will indeed be warm and soothing to the soul. You will want to share some of those memories with those who are in your life whether it be your spouse, partner, children, grandchildren, friends, or colleagues. Other memories will be private and probably need to be considered in the context of sort of a “silent monologue” in your own mind without witnesses, if you will. Exploring your personal history inevitably gives rise to the full gamut of emotions—joy, sadness, satisfaction, regret, pride, guilt and much more. Memories can cut both ways. They can sadden us or elevate our spirits. They can also imprison us or set us free. For the purposes of this discussion, I would like to think that memories can serve to remind us of the richness in our lives, of those experiences that confirm that our past has been significant and worthwhile while, at the same time, realizing that the sum total of those experiences has been a combination of both the positive and negative. Reminiscing, a close cousin to nostalgic thinking, can help us come to grips with our mistakes, reconcile our defeats, and savor our victories. Remembering can also assist us in reconciling the reality of our lives with the ideal, help us accept and even forgive those who have hurt us, and guide us in working through past conflicts. Our memories of past actions of lessons learned can be instructive, teaching us how to more successfully approach NOVEMBER 2018 • 3 4
current challenges and solve problems in the present. Sharing our past with others, including our children and grandchildren, through storytelling and recounting past events, is a great way to use our memories as an instructional tool that assists us in sharing traditional values, teaching moral lessons, and transmitting our family’s history and cultural heritage. There are many things that can trigger special nostalgic memories—a smell, a picture, a song or a sound. It happens more often than you think. Most people report experiencing nostalgic memories at least once a week, and for nearly half of us, it's as often as three or four times a week. Research indicates that nostalgic memories are high in young adulthood, are less frequent in middle age, and rise again in old age. The brain is an amazing organ. Take advantage of it by thinking back on the good times and the not so good times. I am not suggesting that you live in the past. Rather, I encourage you to think about memorable experiences, events, and relationships as representing opportunities to resolve, for yourself, past conflicts
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35 • MAINE SENIORS
and make sense of your own life history. It is also a great way to share with others your personal wisdom and lessons learned over a lifetime. Oh, and by the way, if you find you are forgetting more things than you would like—try walking. Believe it or not, research shows that brisk walking can increase the size of a brain region involved in memory formation. Findings suggest that moderate physical exercise can help protect the brain as we age. The region of the brain that is called the hippocampus shrinks as we grow older—it is a normal part of the aging process. This can contribute to forgetfulness, memory loss and even an increased risk of dementia. Remaining physically fit is known to be associated with both increased hippocampus size and improved cognitive ability. Yet another reason to stay active and out of the rocking chair. MSM
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HEALTH TREASURES
Bob Wakefield, board member and volunteer
Making a difference
for Mainers with vision issues BY SHELAGH TALBOT
Eyesight is such a precious thing, and when you
or someone you love suffers from low vision or Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) it can be frightening and frustrating.
H
elen Keller is a prime example of someone who did not let her handicaps slow her down; all her life she was an advocate for the blind. In 1905, she wrote to William J. Ryan, who founded The Iris Network, encouraging him to persevere when he presented his case to the Maine Legislature. “Maine still has a chance to lead the nation,” she declared.“We are always hearing of things that extend ‘from Maine to California,’ (or) ‘from Maine to Texas,’ and when I was a little girl, I used to 37 • MAINE SENIORS
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think of Maine as a pivotal point like a fixed star, from which the rest of the universe measures time and distance. Maine is the starting point of many great ideas and many great careers.” Thanks to Keller’s interest and the help of Joshua Chamberlain, Maine’s 32nd Governor, who appointed a number of members to the original board of directors, Mr. Ryan was able to succeed and formed what was then called the Maine Institution for the Blind. The Iris Network, which is the organization’s name today, has become one of the most respected non-profit agencies in Maine, serving about 1,000 individuals, each year throughout the state. The Iris Network was named 2018 Best of Portland. Charlie Prinn from Yarmouth is not letting his vision limitations stop him from doing what he loves. Despite having lost his sight about 14 years ago, he has not lost his love for golf and an active lifestyle. He met Titleist Pro, Bob Wakefield through The Iris Network. “My golf story is most important due to the two volunteers who assist me in this endeavor,” he said. “Bob volunteers to take the residents to lunch and outings, and
Photo of Helen Keller in 1888 as a child, and her teacher Anne Sullivan summering on Cape Cod. Helen holds her doll in her lap and ‘Doll’ was the first word she signed. Photograph courtesy of the Brewster Historical Society, Brewster, Mass.
The Iris Network has become
one of the most respected non-profit agencies in Maine—it was named 2018 Best of Portland—and serves
about 1,000 individuals, each year throughout the state. NOVEMBER 2018 • 3 8
HEALTH TREASURES
Charlie Prinn had worked for over 30 years as an investment executive at UNUM andthen became the President of J B Brown, a Portland real estate firm. Seen here enjoying his retirement with a game of golf, he has not let his vision problems interfere with his life.
“Charlie is an impressive prominent Mainer who became completely blind in his sixties. Some people might be hindered by this turn of events, but not Charlie!
serves on the board of directors, providing energy and ideas to Iris. He also takes me out to the golf course once a week.” Charlie remarked. In addition to the work that Bob does with Charlie, a brother drives up from the Boston area to practice with him. “Brother Steve has played golf with me for over 50 years,” Charlie explained.“And, more to the point, he’s volunteered for 25 years giving guidance, reading assistance, and counseling to college students. We’ll both hit a drive and then we will take the better 39 • MAINE SENIORS
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In 2017, Charlie received the Service Alumni Award from his Alma Matar, Bowdoin College
of the two – his 80-percent of the time. That way we wouldn’t waste too much time. I’ll listen and say it’s over there and then he’ll let me know how just how far away it is. He’ll let me know where to swing and I will ‘feel’ how the shot should be.” Charlie is grateful to The Iris Network and wants to spread the word. “Anyone with similar issues, I really encourage you to call,” he said. “They are a client-centered organization.” Regal Naseef, Director of Development & Communication at The Iris Network, recalls when she first met Charlie.“Charlie is an impressive prominent Mainer who became completely blind in his sixties. Some people might be hindered by this turn of events, but not Charlie! He wanted to live as full a life as possible, and that includes his love for the game of golf,” she smiled. “His swing is just as good as ever, I’ve been told, and thanks to the involvement of Bob Wakefield, Charlie can still golf and do it well!” Regal noted that two of the biggest requests that The Iris Network receives from senior citizens with low vision involves
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The Iris Network’s mission “to help people who are visually impaired or blind attain independence and community integration,” as well as their many successes would make
Helen Keller proud indeed!
wanting to have the ability to read the newspaper again, or read the fine print on their prescriptions. “These are simple wishes that can be granted by our vision rehabilitation and low vision professionals,” she explained.“For example, we can recommend hand-held and desktop video magnifiers for our clients.” The Iris Network serves people who are blind or visually impaired in their own homes anywhere in Maine or on their campus in Portland. “Our goal for seniors is to help people age in place,” said Regal.“It costs on average about $1,500 per client to provide services to help people remain independent, but,
The Iris Network has been serving the blind and visually impaired since 1905 and they provide a host of services including: • • • • • • • • • •
Vision Rehabilitation Therapy Low Vision Services Pre-vocational Training Employment Services Orientation & Mobility Instruction Access Technology Occupational Therapy Personal Adjustment Counseling Supportive Housing Recreational Activities
The Iris Network is a community-benefit 501c3, nonprofit organization. They work in partnership with Maine’s Division for the Blind & Visually Impaired (DBVI). The Iris Network serves around 1,000 people a year and while they are located at 189 Park Avenue in Portland, they serve clients throughout the state and beyond.
upwards of $60,000 to send someone to a nursing home. We can keep them living independently in their home at a significant savings. The Iris Network is growing to meet the needs of an aging population in Maine. The agency works in partnership with Maine’s Division for the Blind and Visually Impaired (DBVI) for rehabilitation services, and houses a Low Vision Clinic at 189 Park Avenue in Portland. Call them at (207) 774-6273 or visit them online at www.theiris.org. They have a wealth of information addressing the problems associated with all forms of visual impairment and a host of services to match. In regard to Maine’s seniors who are visually impaired, “Many clients are challenged by ARMD,” said Regal. “Our staff helps people after vision loss with adaptive techniques, tools and training.” She noted that clients of The Iris Network have “told us that their quality of life has been greatly improved.” As Helen Keller expressed in her letter to the Maine Legislature, “I have every hope that you will succeed in the noble work you have undertaken.” The Iris Network’s mission “to help people who are visually impaired or blind attain independence and community integration,” as well as their many successes would make Helen Keller proud indeed! MSM
41 • MAINE SENIORS
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Poor Peebles BY WALDO CLARK
What on earth is going on in the “friendly skies?”
L
emmetellya, there’s considerable controversy over emotional support animals so important to many folks. You see, many dimwitted, crackpot customers with exotic animals, under suspicious circumstances, circumvent the looseygoosey federal laws. Good grief, from fake news to fruitcake folks and their fake animals. Frustrated airline personnel find themselves acting as animal referees endeavoring to figure out which household pets to allow on board. Let’s take a look at some of the nincompoop perpetrators: One newspaper headline shouted out,“Florida woman says she flushed her hamster after suggestion from airline.” Apparently, Spirit Airlines told this distraught lady that her emotional support rodent,“Peebles,” wasn’t allowed to fly with her. Action taken, harmless Peebles perished in a toilet flush. My word! As we Mainers say,“She wasn’t quite right.” 43 • MAINE SENIORS
I felt some bad for poor Peebles. There’s more. United Airlines turned away a “proud peacock” called Dexter. Hmm. I thought about him strutting down the aisle to row seven, then sitting in seat C, next to me.“May I pet your peacock, ma’am?” The good news, humans drove Dexter across the country. You see, it’s hard to flush a peacock down the toilet. Delta reported that “customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar glides, snakes, spiders, and more.” This reminded me of the movie starring Samuel L. Jackson,“Snakes on a Plane.” U.S. Airlines removed a pig after it became “disruptive.” I wondered if “disruptive” meant pig-headed. Winston Churchill said, “I’m fond of pigs. Dogs look up at us. Cats look down at us. Pigs treat us as equals.” I’ll bet old Winston never flew with Porky Pig. An unspecified airline permitted a duck named Daniel Turducken Stinkbutt on a plane. I pondered, what quack would purchase a ticket for a Stinkbutt?
“Customers have attempted to fly with comfort turkeys, gliding possums known as sugar glides, snakes, spiders, and more.”
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At Miami International Airport, a man tried to bring a python on the plane by artfully concealing it inside his computer hard drive. Boy, if flying isn’t scary enough with passengers snarling and snapping, now we’ve got pets snarling and snapping. Earlier this year, The Wall Street Journal reported that Delta had six biting incidents in the past 60 days with total incidents up 84%. Before you know it, special agents, other than those who deal with terrorists, will be assigned to control fake animals. Good luck with that. Taking this further, can you imagine booking agents asking,“First class, coach, or exotic animal section?” Or, the check-in clerk asking, “What’s that sticking out of your luggage?” Or, a flight attendant strolling down the aisle spraying copious amounts of Heavy Duty Barnyard Fabreze. It’s coming. Ya know, I’d rather share the cabin with Fido the legitimate emotional support dog. Most have personalities far better than annoying passengers. Turkish author Orhan Pamuk in his My Name is Red, wrote,“Dogs do speak, but only to those who listen.” I dunno, to think we used to complain about bawling babies. Ah, the good old days. I sure understand that some folks have a special need for their emotional support buddies. But, until the airlines sort all this out, fasten your seatbelts, there’s turbulence in them thar skies. “Ladies and gentlemen, we’ll be landing in Portland in about twenty minutes. Ah … please don’t use restroom three … there’s a peacock stuck in the toilet.” MSM
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www.parkdanforth.com NOVEMBER 2018 • 4 4
Captain Jonathan D. Bratten, taken in France in 2016. Courtesy of Jonathan Bratten.
Uncovering a Vital Link to Maine’s WWI History As a documentary film enthusiast, I was very excited to see a local film screening last year of the Smithsonian Channel’s Americans Underground: Secret City of WWI.
T
his remarkable film tells the story of a labyrinth of caves discovered quite by chance in a French farmer’s field. The network of caves, it turns out, is where soldiers from both sides took refuge more than a hundred years ago during the war. What makes this story truly fascinating, however, is its connection to Maine and to a local historian who served as one of the film’s advisors. Captain Jonathan D. Bratten is prominently featured in the documentary because of his broad-based expertise when it comes to the First World War. Captain Bratten has been with Maine’s National Guard for more than a decade, and has served as the Maine National Guard Historian for four of those years. He sees as his mission an ongoing effort to share stories from around the state and to make sure that none of Maine’s soldiers and heroes are ever forgotten.
45 • MAINE SENIORS
BY JANE MARGESSON
“I knew when I went to France to assist with research for the film that there would be a Maine connection,” Captain Bratten recently explained to me, “but, the surprise was how many stories came from Maine.” One story in particular brought him in direct connection with the Passamaquoddy Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Donald Soctomah. “Until that meeting, we didn’t realize the depth of the involvement of Maine’s Native Americans in WWI,” Bratten said. In great part due to Soctomah’s in-depth research, it was discovered that 25 members of the Passamaquoddy Tribe served in WWI. In 2016, six of these brave soldiers who had been wounded or killed in battle were honored posthumously at a special ceremony. It was Captain Bratten who presented the soldiers’ families with the Maine Star Honorable Service Medal. As part of his work, Captain Bratten travels across the state and is eager to meet Mainers with stories to share. “Every year on November 11th,” he said, “we commemorate Armistice Day to acknowledge the truce signed in Compiègne, France between WWI allies and Germany. The challenge, of course, is that as we approach the hundredth anniversary of Armistice Day, it is
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THE MAINE POINT WHAT’S NEXT AFTER VISION LOSS?
In this month of November as we celebrate all Veterans, I hope you will talk to your loved ones and their families and ask them if they have stories to share about this
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extraordinary time in our history.
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a strong reminder of how much time has gone by and how easy it can be to lose the thread of these stories.” Captain Bratten invites anyone with a story to share to contact him directly either by email or by telephone: Jonathan.D.Bratten.mil@mail.mil or 207-430-6026. In this month of November as we celebrate all Veterans, I hope you will talk to your loved ones and their families and ask them if they have stories to share about this extraordinary time in our history. In addition to contacting Captain Bratten, you can participate in the Maine State Library’s program Remembering WWI: Preserving and Sharing Your Family’s History Related to the First World War. The library invites you to bring letters, souvenirs, photos and any other mementos you may have so they can be preserved in digital form and made available for research
in the DigitalMaine Repository. All are welcome to bring their materials to the Maine State Library in Augusta between 10AM and 4PM on Saturday, November 3rd. AARP also has a website dedicated to Veterans that includes a wealth of tools, articles and resources at www.aarp.org/ veterans.
Nine Passamaquoddy in the 103rd Infantry, taken in 1917. Courtesy of Donald Soctomah.
If you would like to see Americans Underground: Secret City of WWI, you are invited to attend AARP Maine and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute’s free screening at USM Hannaford Hall on Tuesday, October 30th at 9:30AM. As an added bonus, Captain Bratten will host a Q&A session following the film. MSM
NOVEMBER 2018 • 4 8
SPECIAL MAR Annual Meeting at the Augusta Civic Center. From Left to Right: Robert Powers, J.Timothy Leet, and Barbara Van Burgel
Making a Difference Do you think that seniors' retirement income and benefits should be subject to politics from year to year?
W
e believe that the security of one’s retirement fund should not be subject to politics. Yet, we know that it is and we must stay on top of these issues.
BY BARBARA J. VAN BURGEL
name is the retirement fund on which some 44,000 retirees depend. The retirement contract with its retirees should be honored. It is the main source of retirement income for many retired state employees, teachers, participating local district employees, spouses and other beneficiaries as intended.
Most of us agree that programs which we have paid into and depend upon, should be treated just like any other contractual obligations.
Maine Association of Retirees, (MAR) is the voice of Maine public sector retirees. MAR represents several “generations” of retirees with diverse needs and interests. The MAR dates back to 1981, when a small group of public service retirees established the Association for the purpose of providing pertinent information to public service retirees.
The Maine Public Service Retirement Fund by virtue of its very
One of our most important missions is to protect the Maine
49 • MAINE SENIORS
A TRAIL LESS TRAVELED SPECIAL
MAR Annual Convention at Augusta Civic Center
Most of us agree that programs
which we have paid into and depend upon, should be treated just like any other contractual obligations. Public Service Retirement Fund and to ensure that our members’ voices are heard. It is important to vote and there are a variety of issues important to all of us. At MAR we feel that it is important to know how candidates for office respond to the following questions. 1. Do you support making an annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) to the MePERS pension a contractual obligation similar to the federal requirement for Social Security benefits?
3. Do you support limiting the annual increase in medical deductibles, co-pays and premiums on public service retirees health insurance plans to the Consumer Price Index (CPI) level similar to Medicare? 4. Do you support a“freeze” of retirees’ property taxes at age 70? 5. Do you support removing MePERS pension from Maine individual income taxes? MAR has asked many candidates these questions. You should ask these questions as well or to learn more about our survey visit www.maineretirees.org or call 1-800-535-6555. At MAR we have around 14,000 members and we are proud of our progress. We welcome others to join our ranks as we work to ensure benefits to all retirees of the Maine Public Service Retirement Fund. Please visit www.maineretirees.org or call 1-800-535-6555. MSM
2. Do you support providing an annual COLA on the total MePERS pension versus the current limitation on the first $20,000 indexed?
NOVEMBER 2018 • 5 0
A TRAIL LESS TRAVELED
Enjoying the
OutdoorTheater Sometimes you need to just sit back and become a bit player in the outdoor world. STORY & PHOTO BY BRAD EDEN
N
ovember is the time of year that is often termed “Hunting Season”. That’s despite the fact that some form of hunting, for some sort of critter, with some sort of weapon, goes on year-round in Maine. It’s likely because the November deer season is when hunters are the most obvious; dressed in bright orange, and seemingly everywhere. Some outdoorsy people have been waiting anxiously all year round for November. And admittedly others dread it. It would be fairly easy to type up a story about one of my successful deer hunts, but success is relative, and not always what one might think. Sometimes it’s not about hanging a big buck, rather it’s the fascinating and sometimes bizarre events that unfold in the outdoors arena. Pull up a stool and I'll tell a couple of tales. One afternoon, after perching myself in a tree stand with no action to speak of, I climbed down and headed back to my truck with a few minutes of legal hunting light left. Seasoned bow hunters know it can be dark as doom in the woods at dusk but light enough to read a book in the open, so I wanted to peek into a blueberry barren to see if any deer were out. Sure enough, 51 • MAINE SENIORS
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A TRAIL LESS TRAVELED
Sometimes it’s not about hanging a big buck, rather it’s the fascinating and sometimes bizarre events that unfold in the outdoors arena.
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I spotted a deer a few hundred yards away along the top edge of the barren, looking right at me. I considered backing out of sight in hopes the deer would relax allowing me a stalk, but the waning light and lay of the land meant I had no time for that. Figuring I had nothing to lose, I decided to walk directly at the deer. I started across the wide-open barren at a steady cadence. As I got closer, it raised its tail to half-mast and dropped it back down, over and over. The deer was mesmerized, hypnotized. At around 100 yards I nocked an arrow, never breaking stride. The closer I got the smaller the deer got. Still, I kept walking and still the deer just stared at me. At 30 yards I had decided that, although perfectly legal, I wasn't going to try and shoot this “skipper” as they are called here in Maine. When I got to 20 yards the deer turned and bounded a few yards further away but didn't run into the woods. I stopped. Then the deer inexplicably started to walk towards me. We then proceeded to play cat and mouse with each other. I would advance, and the deer would frolic away, only to circle back close to me again and again. I reached out and grazed the hair on its back with my bow and it never bolted. I had never been this close to a live wild deer. Soon darkness descended, and I bid my little dance partner goodbye. Here is another lucky deer story. One cold November morning I was sitting on the ground with my back against a large boulder, high up on the side of a mountain, with my rifle in my lap. I took out my deer call and did a series of doe bleats at 15-minute intervals, hoping a deer would hear it, get curious, and come in for a look. Sure enough, I saw a flash of brown way down the ridge. My heart started to pound, and my mind raced with visions of a huge-racked Maine buck. Not this one. As it got closer I could see it was a young spike buck. Every deer hunter has been faced with this dilemma. It’s early season, plenty of time to wait for a big buck, but in Maine you may not even see another deer.
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As the buck started to veer to my right I did a couple more bleats. He turned and started a beeline towards me, like a bird dog on scent. I sat perfectly still and watched as he stopped just a few yards away and stared, confused. Where was the doe he’d heard? He circled up and behind me, apparently never catching my wind. Then he started to meander back down the ridge. I bleated again. He turned and literally loped back to me, stopping a mere spitting distance away, looking for the deer he was convinced was there. I let him wander off a couple more times but couldn’t resist calling him in as if on a string. Finally, I let him continue his morning travels and he disappeared out of sight. Once he had come close, it never occurred to me to shoot this deer. I was enjoying the show much more than I would have dragging him off the mountain. So, I guess what I am saying is that we deer hunters aren’t all cold-blooded murderers like often depicted on the news, in print, and on social media these days. Sometimes we are happy to be a bit player in the drama and satisfied to let the performance unfold and just enjoy the show. MSM
MAR is always working to ensure your financial security as a retiree!
If you are a Maine public service retiree, MAR is here to support you! YouR benefIts Include: • Advocacy before the legislature • Information on essential programs & services • Group dental insurance • Technology support • Discounts from select Maine retailers and service providers • And so much more!
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SPECIAL
MAINE VOTERS 50+:
What's on Our Minds?
Lori Parham
This month, Maine Seniors Magazine had the opportunity to sit down with Lori Parham,
State Director for Maine’s largest membership advocacy organization, AARP Maine. We wanted to learn what older voters are talking about, and how this non-partisan, non-profit is tackling important issues.
Maine Seniors Magazine: To begin with, Lori, I was really interested to learn that AARP has over 230,000 members in Maine. How are you able to interact with so many people? Lori: We are always eager to hear from our members and their families. In a rural state like Maine with its far-flung population, it can be hard for people to feel connected. That is one of the challenges for us, but our staff and volunteers travel extensively around the state. In the last two months, for example, working in collaboration with local community leaders and organizations, we held non-partisan voter community conversations on healthcare in Lewiston, Presque Isle, Bangor, Windham, Skowhegan, Machias and Blue Hill just to name a few. We have 55 • MAINE SENIORS
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Maine is a complex state. What people share up in the County won’t necessarily reflect the same viewpoints of residents in Oxford, Cumberland or Washington Counties.
an active presence on social media and we also host coffees and happy hours which give us a chance to connect with people in their own communities. When we hear stories from Mainers from all walks of life, it helps us understand which issues are hitting our state and what we can do as the state’s leading advocacy organization to bring them to light. MSM: What are some of the issues you hear about in your travels? LP: Maine is a complex state. What people share up in the County won’t necessarily reflect the same viewpoints of residents in Oxford, Cumberland or Washington Counties. Overall, though, we hear that Mainers are worried about the cost of healthcare, and they are anxious about the challenges of living in a rural community and having access to affordable housing or services like transportation and broadband. We also hear concern about the future of vital programs such as Social Security and Medicare. For some Mainers, these programs are literally a lifeline. One third of Social Security beneficiaries who are 65 and older have no other source of income. This is why the mid-term elections are so important because issues like these are on the line.
Mainers also talk to us about the importance of family, friends and community, and their love of the state’s beauty and natural resources. In fact, some of our members and volunteers like to get together for weekly walks on the Kennebec River Rail Trail or go snowshoeing on the Eastern Trail. MSM: We were interested to hear about the statewide survey you released in September. What were some of the results and what do they mean for your work in the years ahead? LP: In early September, AARP Maine shared the results of our 2018 Survey Insights from Maine’s Voters Age 50+. Of the 804 respondents 29% identified as Democrat, 34% as Independent and 30% as Republican. The survey reflects exactly what we
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are discussing, that Mainers 50-plus are deeply concerned about retirement security, healthcare and maintaining their independence as they grow older. An overwhelming majority of respondents indicated that candidates’ positions on these issues influence their voting decisions. To give you just a few examples from the survey, 95 percent think that Medicare is very important for people’s health in retirement. Ninety-seven percent think that Congress should make changes to ensure the program can continue to cover hospital benefits as it does now beyond 2029. MSM: Those are really high numbers! LP: They are, and this shows us how much these issues truly matter to people in our state. Mainers will be counting on leadership in Washington to address these very pressing concerns. We appreciate hearing from residents from York to Madawaska, and we look forward to working together toward long-term, meaningful solutions with our policy makers. SEE THE ROCK AND ROLL LEGEND BROUGHT TO LIFE!
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MSM: It was interesting to see the recent AARP Public Policy Institute report which focused on prescription drug costs. Do you think that Maine’s next governor and elected federal representatives will be able to address this?
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LP: As we all know, Maine is the oldest state in the country and about 50 people in Maine turn 65 every day. Nearly 75 percent of Americans 50 and older take at least one prescription drug and many take a lot more than that. As the report shows, prescription drug costs are continuing to skyrocket, and, as a result, many older Mainers are forced to make decisions that no one should have to make. Imagine cutting your pills in half because you can’t afford the full dose and doing so because otherwise you won’t be able to eat or heat your home that day. Our elected representatives in Maine and in Washington, DC must be willing to take a stand and address this issue head-on. MSM: What is ahead for AARP Maine in 2019? LP: AARP Maine looks forward to working with both state and federal lawmakers to find viable long-term solutions that make sense and we invite your readers to become part of our efforts. We are excited to launch our 2019 Tuesdays at the State House program on January 15th and all are welcome to join us. During the sessions, we gather in Augusta to meet with legislators,
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59 • MAINE SENIORS
SPECIAL
attend hearings, learn about specific policy issues, and create a strong presence every week. Our volunteers tell us they learn a lot and really enjoy this experience. In addition, we are always happy to hear from Mainers from around the state who would like to work with us on our advocacy and outreach initiatives. We truly believe that by working together, we can make a difference. MSM: Besides Tuesdays at the State House, are there other ways our readers can connect with AARP Maine? LP: Absolutely! Each month we host our coffees and happy hours around the state, plus we sponsor fun events throughout the year both for indoor and outdoor enthusiasts. For Mainers looking to give back, we offer a variety of volunteer opportunities. I also want to mention that we have free resources and information to offer Mainers 50+ and their families. I hope your readers will feel welcome to contact us if they have questions or if there is anything they need. There is always a lot going on and many ways to get involved! MSM
Highlights from the AARP survey of Maine registered voters 50+: On Medicare: 95% think Medicare is very important for people’s health in retirement. 97% agree that Congress should make changes to ensure the program can continue to cover hospital benefits as it does now beyond 2029. On Rx Drugs: 77% feel that candidates’ positions to address rising prescription drug costs are very important to them. 75% think drug companies have a lot of influence over members of Congress. On Livable Communities: 71% say candidates’ positions on helping older people live independently are very important in deciding who to vote for. On Social Security: 90% think that Social Security is very important for financial security in retirement. 68% believe the government should do something to strengthen Social Security immediately. Contact AARP Maine: Phone: 1-866-554-5380 Statewide Address: 53 Baxter Boulevard, Suite 202, Portland, ME 04101 Email: ME@aarp.org Website: www.aarp.org/me Facebook: www.facebook.com/aarpmaine Twitter: @aarpmaine
NOVEMBER 2018 • 6 0
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Spicy
Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars
BY ELLEN L. SPOONER
E
very year the holidays roll around and we begin pulling out our time-tested recipes for special gatherings. This year, why not take a step outside the box and try something new. Here’s a delicious alternative for your traditional pumpkin pie with whipped cream. MSM
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61 • MAINE SENIORS
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Featured Recipe SPICY PUMPKIN CHEESECAKE BARS (YIELDS 12+) FOR CRUST:
2 1/4 cups finely crushed gingersnaps 1/4 cup chopped pecans 5 tablespoons butter, melted 1/4 cup dark brown sugar 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1. Combine gingersnaps, pecans, butter, sugar and cinnamon and press gently into lightly grease a 9 1/2 x 13” pan or, for easier handling, line pan with parchment paper, leaving an overhang on all sides. 2. Bake crust at 325 degrees for 10 minutes. Crust will become more firm as it cools. Set aside. FOR FILLING:
1/2 cup canned or fresh pumpkin 1 tablespoon flour 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg 3 8-ounce packages cream cheese, softened 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons vanilla 3 eggs
6. Drop pumpkin mixture by spoonful over the cream cheese batter and gently swirl the two together using the tip of a table knife. 7. Bake at 325 degrees for 25-30 minutes until center is just set. 8. Cool on wire rack, then chill for at least 4 hours before cutting into squares. *Here’s where the parchment paper comes in. It allows you to lift entire dessert from pan and transfer to cutting board for cutting. 9. Using a sharp knife, cut into squares (approximately 3”x3”) and place on the serving plate. Note: These squares can be a bit “messy”. If you are serving them as finger food I would suggest smaller squares. If not, serve them on individual plates to be eaten with a fork. Squares will keep in refrigerator for two to three days. 10. Enjoy!
3. Combine pumpkin, flour, cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg in medium bowl. Set aside. 4. Beat cream cheese until smooth, then add sugar and vanilla until mixture is blended. Add eggs, one at a time, and beat gently until combined. 5. Blend approximately 1 1/2 cups of the cream cheese batter into the pumpkin mixture. Then pour remaining cream cheese batter over crust.
NOVEMBER 2018 • 6 2
FROM THE PORCH
A dear friend of Maine Seniors Magazine and an ongoing contributor for the column From the Porch, Hunter Howe, shared with me the writings of Edgar Albert Guest.
Please enjoy "The Old Fashioned Thanksgiving".
The Old-Fashioned
Thanksgiving BY EDGAR ALBERT GUEST, 1881-1959
It may be I am getting old and like too much to dwell Upon the days of bygone years, the days I loved so well; But thinking of them now I wish somehow that I could know A simple old Thanksgiving Day, like those of long ago, When all the family gathered round a table richly spread, With little Jamie at the foot and grandpa at the head, The youngest of us all to greet the oldest with a smile, With mother running in and out and laughing all the while.
Then laughter rang throughout the home, and, Oh, the jokes they told; From Boston, Frank brought new ones, but father sprang the old; All afternoon we chatted, telling what we hoped to do, The struggles we were making and the hardships we'd gone through; We gathered round the fireside. How fast the hours would fly— It seemed before we'd settled down 'twas time to say good-bye. Those were the glad Thanksgivings, the old-time families knew When relatives could still be friends and every heart was true.
It may be I'm old-fashioned, but it seems to me to-day We're too much bent on having fun to take the time to pray; Each little family grows up with fashions of its own; It lives within a world itself and wants to be alone. It has its special pleasures, its circle, too, of friends; There are no get-together days; each one his journey wends, Pursuing what he likes the best in his particular way, Letting the others do the same upon Thanksgiving Day. I like the olden way the best, when relatives were glad To meet the way they used to do when I was but a lad; The old home was a rendezvous for all our kith and kin, And whether living far or near they all came trooping in With shouts of "Hello, daddy!" as they fairly stormed the place And made a rush for mother, who would stop to wipe her face Upon her gingham apron before she kissed them all, Hugging them proudly to her breast, the grownups and the small.
63 • MAINE SENIORS
Become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) and give a voice to children in need. We hope you can join us for our March 19-22, 2019 training. Please contact us at casa@courts.maine.gov or at 207-213-2865 for more information
Happy Thanksgiving
from all of us at Maine Seniors Magazine!
MAINE SENIORS Magazine contributors are around this table - from left to right: Brad Eden, Hunter Howe, Cathy Genthner, Shelagh Talbot, Len Kaye, Avery Hunt, LC Van Savage, Ellen Spooner, Shane Wilson, Victor Oboyski, Paulette Oboyski, Catherine Zub, Lois Nealley, Mark Roth, Chloe Jon Paul, Ian Marquis, Sheila Grant, Jane Margesson, David Nealley Our version of the great Norman Rockwell painting "Freedom from Want" by Casey Johnson.
Respect. Respect. Honor. Honor. Gratitude. Gratitude.
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