June 2018 Maine Seniors Magazine by Maine Seniors Magazine

JUNE 2018 • $5.95 MESENIORS.COM

A Tribute to Barbara Bush Charlie Daniels

Also Inside: • George Denney of Freeport • Surviving the Black Fly Scourge • No Fish In That Cove • Tasty Potato Gherkin Salad • Riding Again! ...and so much more! • Think Tank

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FOR ALL T H AT YO U ARE A diamond for each of your qualities

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Bowdoin College Grad and Global Strategic Alliance Manager; Maine Native; West Coast Bookseller; Library Fanatic; World Travelers; Collectors; Volunteers; Highland Green Residents

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Publisher's Note

Well-being & Peace of Mind.

It’s Our Mission.

PUBLISHER

Time does fly!

EDITOR IN CHIEF

David. S. Nealley Ellen L. Spooner

CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ian J. Marquis

EDITORS

Catherine N. Zub Lois N. Nealley Mark D. Roth Shelagh Talbot

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Victor Oboyski Joe Sawyer

RossManor Assisted Living Skilled Rehabilitation Nursing Services Outpatient Services

SALES & DISTRIBUTION

Christine Parker Kimberly Reid Tallus Miles Leonard Russell Jim Gorham A. Peter Legendre Judy Legendre Roseanne Bolduc Clyde Tarr Diane Nute Jim Nute Paul Conley Laurie A. Poirier

WRITERS

Publisher David Nealley with his Senior Prom date Loren Intolubbe

Dr. Len Kaye Jane Margesson Paul Weeks Shelagh Talbot Ellen L. Spooner Hunter Howe Larry Grard Brad Eden Paulette Oboyski

SOCIAL MEDIA

Shane Wilson

BUSINESS OFFICE

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207-941-8400 • ross-manor.com 758 Broadway • Bangor 1 • MAINE SENIORS

t seems as if it were just yesterday, when I was a senior in the class of 1979. One of the top tunes in 1979 was “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” by Charlie Daniels. This summer, on July 7th, Charlie Daniels will be entertaining Mainers at the Waterfront Concerts in Bangor. Charlie Daniels is now 81. He told Maine Seniors that “Some of my most productive years have been since my 65th birthday”. Inspirational! Please enjoy our feature story “One of the Biggest Hearts in Country Music”.

87 Hillside Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401 Phone: (207) 299-5358

Maine Seniors Magazine is published in the State of Maine by Maine Seniors Magazine, L.L.C. in association with Maine Media Consulting, L.L.C. All information herein represents the views of individual writers and their understanding of the issues at hand, and may not represent the views of the Maine Seniors Magazine, its management, or editorial staff. For more information about Maine Seniors Magazine, visit www.meseniors.com.

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10 issues for $29.95 by making a check, payable to Maine Seniors Magazine. Mail to Maine Seniors Magazine, 87 Hillside Avenue, Bangor, Maine 04401.

Recycled paper made in Maine

Yes, sometimes it seems like it was just a few years ago when I was a senior in high school. Now at age 57, I am one of Maine’s senior partners. By the way, I did not establish the age of 50 as an embarkation line in the sand… AARP did that.

Speaking of AARP, we are pleased to have had Jane Margesson, the Director of Communications for AARP Maine, as a contributor of MAINE SENIORS Magazine over the past several years. In this issue, Jane shares a story about riding a bicycle again. However, for those of you who prefer to walk, you may enjoy the story of George Denney - “There’s No Business Like ‘Shoe’ Business”. George, who successfully built Cole-Haan Shoe and sold it to Nike Corporation, is now giving back to his community of Freeport. Last October, we had a great feature story on Barbara Bush. In this issue we have a tribute to this truly great lady, based on our original story by Paulette Oboyski. May God bless her and her family. We should all count our blessings and live each day to the fullest with Senior Power!

We know that the desire may be strong to create an endowment that will keep your dream, your legacy, alive for years to come. We can help make that happen. The Catholic Foundation of Maine administers over 112 endowments that support Catholic ministries in the State of Maine. If you wish to give to any of them or open your own in memory of a loved one, or for a special purpose, please contact the Foundation in confidence. Charitable gift annuities, gifts of life insurance, stocks, proceeds from a retirement account, and real estate may also be given to the endowments as well as outright bequests. For more information, please call Elizabeth Badger, Executive Director, at (207) 321-7820 or email elizabeth.badger@portlanddiocese.org.

207.321.7820 www.catholicfoundationmaine.org

—David S. Nealley, Publisher JUNE 2018 • 2

Page 5

JUNE 2018 ISSUE 2 Publisher's Note

BY DAVID S. NEALLEY

5 Prime Mover Tribute: Barbara Bush

BY PAULETTE OBOYSKI & SHELAGH TALBOT

11 Prime Mover: Charlie Daniels

BY SHELAGH TALBOT

20 Prime Mover: George Denney

BY LARRY GRARD

Page 11

27 Sage Lens: Join The Maine Older Adult

Research Registry • BY DR. LEN KAYE

31 Just Pondering: Knit Picking

BY WALDO CLARK

33 Legacy: Elder Planning

GUEST ARTICLE

35 The MAINE Point: Riding Again!

BY JANE MARGESSON

37 Residential Review: Aging Vibrantly

Page 20

GUEST ARTICLE

41 Outdoors: No Fish in That Cove

BY PAUL WEEKS

43 Legacy Too: Who Gets the Family Camp?

GUEST ARTICLE

49 A Trail Less Traveled: Surviving the Black

Fly Scourge • BY BRAD EDEN

53 Bucket List: How Deep is Your Bucket?

BY CLYDE TARR

55 Residential Review Too: Music in Your Living Room • GUEST ARTICLE

59 Food for Thought: Potato Gherkin Salad

BY ELLEN L. SPOONER

61 From the Porch: Think Tank

BY HUNTER HOWE Page 49

JUNE 2018 • 4

PRIME MOVER • A Tribute to Barbara Bush

PRIME MOVER Barbara Bush at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

“Barbara had an extraordinary sense of humor. She was very selfdeprecating and fun to be with. She was extremely sensible and down to earth and remained that way through the White House years.” and creative, and she loved her garden in Kennebunkport. Her mission was to leave Walker’s Point more beautiful than when she found it. She planted things for the future.” There is also a garden in Kennebunkport dedicated to her called, “Ganny’s Garden”. It is surrounded by stonewalls engraved with all the initials of her grandchildren.

A Tribute to

Barbara

Bush

(The following article contains excerpts from Maine Seniors Magazine October 2017, Barbara Bush: A Gift to Maine)

BY PAULETTE OBOYSKI & SHELAGH TALBOT

Barbara Pierce Bush

had the ability to touch and inspire everyone she met.

he was the wife of the 41st President of the United States, George Herbert Walker Bush and the mother of the 43rd President, George Walker Bush. She served as First Lady of the United States from 1989 to 1993 and was the matriarch and muse for her large family of altruistic high-achievers. Every summer for the past 72 years, she and her family lived on their compound on Walker’s Point, Kennebunkport, Maine.

5 • MAINE SENIORS

Mrs. Bush told Maine Seniors magazine that what she liked about Kennebunkport were the people. Betsy Hemingway, her close friend for over 45 years recalled,“Barbara had an extraordinary sense of humor. She was very self-deprecating and fun to be with. She was extremely sensible and down to earth and remained that way through the White House years.” The former First Lady loved dogs and flowers. “She wrote a letter of support in order to get people in town to allow dogs on the beach,” said Mrs. Hemingway. Barbara also had a beautiful garden at Walker’s Point.“It was her pride and joy and she knew where every flower was,” Mrs. Hemingway added. Mrs. Bush’s daughter, Dorothy “Doro” Walker Bush Koch said, “My mother was a great example of a ‘doer’. She was talented

Officially named in 1995, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is a hospital within Portland’s Maine Medical Center. During its

Mrs. Bush and Friend Betsy Hemingway

“When maintaining a home became too much, my husband and I decided to sign-up for a new cottage at St. Andrews Village; it was exciting because we were one of the first ones and were involved when it was built. I still call the Village my home today and never feel alone here—our community is safe, peaceful and the grounds are lovely. If I had to sum it up, I would say my top favorite things here are my longstanding friendships, the dedicated and caring staff and the fun activities/events that go on all year long.” Jean Slayton, St. Andrews Village Resident

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PRIME MOVER • A Tribute to Barbara Bush

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Mrs. Bush’s daughter-in-law, Margaret Bush said, “If you looked up volunteerism in the dictionary there would be a picture of my mother-in-law. She was truly the definition of volunteerism. She has been extremely inspiring her entire adult life..." I have observed so many selfless efforts on her part to give her support to the local community. She spent all of her birthdays for years visiting the children at the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital and reading to them. She would bring one of her small dogs with her, which of course brought great joy to these very sick children—and that’s how she spent her own birthday.” Due to her inspiration, the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is the cornerstone of the Raising Readers program. Mr. Wells noted, “Every child born in Maine receives books funded by the Libra Foundation’s Raising Readers program. Every hospital, pediatrician and well-baby clinic in Maine has books that they give to their children patients. Maine is the only state in the United States where all of the children receive books until age five.”

Doro and Her Mom Mrs. Bush, Margaret Bush at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital

“If you looked up volunteerism in the dictionary there would be a picture of my mother-in-law.

She was truly the definition of volunteerism."

start, Owen Wells was Vice Chairman of Maine Medical Center. Philanthropist Elizabeth Noyce pledged to donate $3 million to the hospital if Mrs. Bush permitted them to use her name. Mrs. Bush said yes and noted that,“It was the nicest form of blackmail.” Mr. Wells, who is currently the Vice Chairman of the Libra Foundation, added,“Barbara Bush personified the grandmother of children in America. This hospital has been a great tribute to her. It is one of the twenty-five leading children’s hospitals in the United States. 7 • MAINE SENIORS

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PRIME MOVER • A Tribute to Barbara Bush

PRIME MOVER

Flowers laid in memory of Barbara Bush with view of Walkers Point. Photo by Beth Simpson Robie

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We are all proud that you chose

to always come home to Maine.

You will be sorely missed.

May you rest in peace.

Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for helping to enrich our State of Maine by choosing to live here for so many years along with your husband, President George H. W. Bush and your very lovely family. You have made this state and our country a much better place because you were a very lovable, thoughtful and inspiring woman. We are all proud that you chose to always come home to Maine. You will be sorely missed. May you rest in peace. MSM

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Barbara Bush dedication plaque Kennebunkport. Photo by Beth Simpson Robie

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Another dedication for Barbara Bush dedication in Kennebunkport Photo by Beth Simpson Robie

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JUNE 2018 • 1 0

PRIME MOVER • Charlie Daniels

PRIME MOVER

Charlie Daniels and Chris Wormer 2014 CMA Awards Festival

Charlie

Daniels One of the Biggest Hearts of Country Music

Happy Father's Day

BY SHELAGH TALBOT

Charlie Daniels, one of the most joy-filled musicians in the business, has been making his

unique mark on the American musical landscape for more than sixty years

ow he’s very much looking forward to his return to Bangor this July. “I love the state of Maine. It’s so beautiful!” he exclaimed. “I like the fact that it’s not so sparsely populated that you can’t get out into the country really easily. And, I really like the people—they’re so genuine. Of course, the band and I like Maine food too—we love getting into that lobster—you just can’t beat it!”

With an established fan base solidly in Maine and around the world, Charlie has traveled a long, and sometimes difficult path to get to where he is today. He grew up in Wilmington, North Carolina—the “land of the longleaf” pines, as he likes to call it. From the time he was a kid, he loved singing and was known for lustily belting out hymns at church—he was only eight years old. When he was in high school one of his buddies, Russell Palmer had a beat-up Stella guitar. He taught Charlie three chords and that was the beginning of a life-long love affair with music. Charlie couldn’t get enough. He practiced diligently, and it wasn’t long before he and his friends had cobbled together their first band in 1953—The Misty Mountain Boys. One of his pals brought him a fiddle and Charlie “squeaked and squawked” his

“I love the state of Maine. It’s so beautiful! And, I really like the people—they’re so genuine. Of course, the band and I like Maine food too—we love getting into that lobster."

When in doubt, it's gotta be

Uncle Henry's.

way to learning the basics. "How my parents ever put up with me, I’ll never know,” Charlie wrote in his recently released book, Never Look at The Empty Seats.“I made some of the most horrible noises on that fiddle you could ever imagine hearing.” www.unclehenrys.com

11 • MAINE SENIORS

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PRIME MOVER • Charlie Daniels

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Six years and endless hours of practice later, he was a professional musician playing with a rock n roll band—they called themselves the“Jaguars” and released a single with Epic Records by the same name. About that time, Charlie discovered he really enjoyed songwriting and co-wrote a song recorded by Elvis Presley. Then, as his playing skills matured, he found himself being a session musician for Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen and Ringo Starr among others. Charlie credits Bob Johnston for really getting his career off the ground. By 1970 he’d cut his first solo album and two years later the Charlie Daniels Band, thoroughly infused with that great southern rock sound, came together. In less than two years, the band had a top-thirty album—Fire on The Mountain. There was no stopping them; they traveled all the time, crisscrossing the country and playing venue after venue. People noticed and when Charlie and his band, now referred to as the CDB, created a show in Nashville called the Volunteer Jam, scores of famous musicians were delighted to join them. Notables included their friends the Marshall Tucker

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Above: Charlie Daniels Band went to the Association of the U.S. Army convention here in Washington on Oct. 4, 2005 to pay a musical tribute to the troops and thank them for their service. Army Gen. B.B. Bell, USAREUR and 7th Army commander, seen at left, said he invited Charlie to the event after the legendary performer fiddled his way into the hearts of U.S. troops deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Below: Grand Ole Opry's Dan Rogers (Dir. Marketing & Program Development) presents Charlie Daniels with a special Hatch Show print and cake backstage Tuesday night to celebrate his 10th Anniversary as a Grand Ole Opry member. Chris Hollo photo

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JUNE 2018 • 1 4

PRIME MOVER • Charlie Daniels

PRIME MOVER

he and David Corlew started an independent record label—Blue Hat Records—and he also received an honorary doctorate of letters from the University of North Carolina, Wilmington. Charlie was asked to give the commencement speech.“It was the first time I’d worn a cap and gown since graduating high school in 1955,” he wrote. Best of all, “Nobody walked out, I got two standing ovations, and an honorary doctorate degree. I found I thoroughly enjoyed public speaking.” Over the last eighteen years, Charlie has shown no sign of slowing down. He has published three books—Never Look at The Empty Seats, Ain’t No Rag and The Devil Went Down to Georgia—been the editor for another—Growing Up Country— and played all over the world. The most special gigs to him were the ones performing for the troops. In 2005, CDB logged more than 16,000 miles taking their spirited show to Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Kuwait and Iraq, where they performed for more than 15,000 soldiers. During his time in Iraq, he noticed that many of the troops played guitar and other instruments. Lots of their instruments were scruffy, missing strings and so forth. When Charlie got back to the states, Charlie Daniels with his band

Over the last eighteen years,

Charlie has shown no sign of slowing down. He has published three books, been editor for another, and played all over the world.

Band, Willie Nelson, Roy Acuff, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Crystal Gayle, James Brown, Emmylou Harris, and many others. “We had such a good time, we decided we should do this once in a while,” Charlie wrote. Meantime, that “once in a while” became almost every year for more than twelve years. In 1979, Charlie and his band sealed their popularity and talent by winning a Grammy for his #1 hit, The Devil Went Down to 15 • MAINE SENIORS

Georgia. He wrote about the song’s recording process in his book: “The devil’s fiddle part presented a challenge,” he penned. “Nowadays that part would most likely be done electronically, but in 1979 we were basically on our own. I played seven different fiddle parts, one of them with a specially rigged eightstring fiddle.” Ten years later, Charlie was not only busy with live performances and record deals, but he added acting to his repertoire. He appeared as Stoney Carmichael in Angela Lansbury’s hit show, Murder She Wrote, and co-starred in the family movie Lonestar Kid, along with actors James Earl Jones and Chad Sheets. The 1990s were also very productive years for Charlie. He released an award-winning Christian album with Sparrow Records, called The Door, and celebrated his 60th birthday at the Tennessee Performing Arts Center in Nashville with his Volunteer Jam XVI—his first-ever all acoustic jam. In addition, JUNE 2018 • 1 6

PRIME MOVER • Charlie Daniels

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he created Operation Heart Strings to provide instruments, strings, CDs and computers to the troops. Three pallets of goods flew to Iraq. “I will always treasure the time I’ve spent entertaining our troops,” Charlie wrote. He writes he was glad to provide “some much needed distractions for the men and women serving their country so far away from home.” In 2014, in addition to Operation Heartstrings Charlie, David Corlew, and Joe and Mercedez Longever founded The Journey Home Project, a 501(c)(3) non-profit, whose mission is to help the Veterans of the United States Armed Forces. At this point in the 21st century, Charlie has played a Superbowl, won all manner of awards and inductions, including the Grand Old Opry, and garnered a Star on Music City Row; yet he is modest about these accomplishments and grateful for each and every day he is on this earth. When asked why he would be away from family and friends over the July 4th weekend, he didn’t hesitate: “I know a lot of entertainers like to spend the holidays with family, but we don’t mind being out there playing

during those times. Music is what I know about,” he continued. “And after talking to other people that have put on some years—I know it keeps your interest and gives you a reason to get up in the morning,” he chuckled and then got serious.“I think mandatory retirement is horrible. Some of my most productive years have been since my 65th birthday. I plan to keep on doing this for as long as possible—look at Jimmy Dickens, he was playing well into his 90’s! And Roy Acuff and Bill Monroe are inspirations to me—they all are. They played out for a long, long time.” We’re delighted and excited to welcome him to Bangor once again. Charlie and his band will be appearing in the show “Southern Uprising” with their old friends, the Marshall Tucker Band, Travis Tritt, and the Outlaws. It’s happening Saturday, July 7th, at Darlings Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor. Charlie hopes he might have some time to go Downeast during this latest visit

We’re delighted and excited to wel-

come him to Bangor once again. Charlie and his band will be appearing in the show “Southern Uprising”

on Saturday, July 7th.

to Maine. “Maybe a little fishing,” he joked. He has a message for those coming to the concert: “Let the folks know that we’re coming up to play for you—pick for you and rock out with you. MSM Come and listen!”

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George Denney speaks to a stunned Freeport Historical Society board in April, 2016, following his announcement that he was donating $1 million to the historical society.

George

Denney BY LARRY GRARD

In a town known for business giants such as L.L. Bean and E.B. Mallett, George Denney stands tall.

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There’s No Business Like “Shoe” Business

enney, who began in the shoe industry as a stitcher at E.E. Taylor, built Cole-Haan shoe into a top-of-theline national brand and later sold it for $95 million. But not before becoming a leading force in Freeport’s status as a shopping mecca, ideally situated in the Midcoast area on U.S. Route 1, with two Interstate 295 entrances. He also was passionate regarding the quality of his upscale brand of shoes, and it showed.

Denney has been driven to make the town in which he grew up as attractive to visitors as it can be, through the Freeport Community Improvement Association, which he created in 2001. And two years ago, George and Joyce Denney bequeathed a $1 million gift to the Freeport Historical Society for needed upgrades at its Harrington House on Main Street. A year later, the couple donated another $150,000. “I’ve been here for 41 years,” said Denney, who grew up in the seaside community of South Freeport.“I love this town.” Denney, born in Brooklyn, New York, moved to South Freeport at the age of 4, and was raised by his grandparents. He attended JUNE 2018 • 2 0

PRIME MOVER

Freeport schools, and by the time he was in the eighth grade, he already had become attracted by an “older woman.” Joyce Wyman of Pownal was a sophomore at Freeport High when she and Denney took an interest in each other. They’ve been together ever since.“We love each other,” he said as the Denneys quietly celebrated their 60th anniversary. “She’s a lovely, lovely woman, and she puts up with me.” Following his high school graduation in 1956, Denney took a job in retail at L.L. Bean.“I was only making a buck an hour,” he recalled. Soon, Denney made his beginnings in the shoe industry with a well-established local company, E.E. Taylor. He began as a hand-cutter, but worked his way up to supervisor of Taylor’s IBM Department in the late 1950s.“I just kept working my way up in the IBM Department,” he recalled. “Eventually, I became president of the company.”

PRIME MOVER • George Denney

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George Denney, third from left, posses for a photo in April of 2016, when he presented the Freeport Historical Society with a $1 million check. From left are Jim Cram, executive director of the Historical Society, Denney's wife Joyce, and Angela Martin, who at the time was president of the Historical Society board.

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PRIME MOVER • George Denney

footwear brands. Cole-Haan launched a retail division in 1982, which at the time comprised 40-plus stores worldwide. Meanwhile, stores such as Mikasa and Cole-Haan attracted other national brands to build outlet stores up and down Main Street. A catalog photo of Cole-Haan's high-end line of shoes. Photo from "If the Shoe Fits," by Joshua M. Sklare.

the cheaper labor and materials. “Eventually,” Denney said, “the industry as a whole kept going down and down, and I couldn’t keep it up anymore.”

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Denney went right back to shoes. He acquired all the labels and rights to Taylor’s Cole-Haan and began production in nearby Yarmouth. Freeport – aside from L.L. Bean – had yet to emerge as the shopping destination it is today. Then, tragedy led to a boom. Late on the night of Sept. 27, 1981, a fire gutted Leighton’s Apparel and the apartments above the store, on the north corner of Main

23 • MAINE SENIORS

Denney sold Cole-Haan to Nike for $95 million in 1988, but remained chief executive officer of the company until 2002. While Denney was building his shoe empire, he kept his eye on Freeport. In 2001, he created the Freeport Community Improvement Association. Denney headed up a volunteer organization that beautified the village, starting with the Interstate 295 exits. The Freeport Community Improvement maintains green spaces and pathways, has added visual aesthetics and amenities and preserved the natural character of Freeport as a historic coastal village. “I wanted Freeport to feel comfortable and look good,” Denney said.

and Bow Streets. Ed Bonney, the man credited with bringing the Amtrak“Downeaster” to town, said the town officials were quick

Denney moved to California, where he worked as a hand-cutter for a bow-and-arrow company. Lonely for Joyce, he asked her to come out to California, where they got married. It was a short love affair with the West Coast, however, and the Denneys returned to Maine in just a year.

Denney, who with a group of partners purchased Cole Haan in 1975, transformed the label into one of the leading U.S. footwear brands.

“Other people said, ‘well, what’s going on?’ and more retail came in,” Denney recalled.

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to respond. It didn’t hurt to have Mikasa, a national chain that sells dinnerware sets, flatware, linens and porcelain, open up a store at the northern corner of the intersection.“There had been a study done,” said Bonney, a charter member of the Greater Freeport Chamber of Commerce.“The plan was that L.L. Bean would be the anchor in a walking retail village.” Soon, Denny purchased what became known as the “Denney Block”—the buildings at the southern end of the Bow StreetMain Street Intersection. Cole-Haan, on the corner, was the first to open for business. “Denney’s building set the tone for a town facade review,” Bonney said. “He was a player. His big contribution was renovating his buildings, operating Cole-Haan, and setting the tone for what buildings should look like.” Joyce Denney raised the couple’s two children, Dawn and George, while her husband built what was to be a Cole-Haan empire. Denney, who with a group of partners purchased Cole Haan in 1975, transformed the label into one of the leading U.S.

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PRIME MOVER • George Denney

For a time, Denney was director of the Freeport Historical Society. He became familiar with the importance of the organization that hosts annual exhibits and also owns Pettengill Farm, a 140-acre saltwater farm built around 1800. The Historical Society hosts popular community events at the scenic property Denney already had seen the results of good works by Lawrence M.C. and Eleanor Houston Smith of Wolfe’s Neck, who bequeathed both the farm and Harrington House to the Historical Society. The colonial Harrington House looks fine to a passer-by, but Denney knew it was in dire need of renovations. There were tarps on the roof, plastic on some windows. The barn was sinking in the mud. A vault for the protection of documents alone would cost $800,000.“I wanted to see them sitting right on Main Street where they are,” Denney said, “because the Historical Society does a lot of things for Freeport. I didn’t want to see it turned into another retail outlet.” The Harrington House, a stately brick home in the center of Freeport at 45 Main St., remains at that location largely through Denney’s efforts.

George and Joyce pose for a photograph on April 18, the Freeport couple's 60th anniversary.

Jim Cram, executive director of the Freeport Historical Society, recalled “the moment’ when Denney strode to the microphone and stated, “I have something to say. I love Freeport. I love the Freeport Historical Society, and Joyce and I are going to give $1 million.” According to Cram,”It was a total surprise. First, I said, this is a gamechanger and my second reaction was… we need to do this right.” Cram said that the Historical Society is about to begin a capital campaign for the project, estimated to cost $2.5 million and include a $500,000 endowment. The Historical Society gifts, Cram noted, are emblematic of what Freeport means to George Denney. “He was devoted to making the village look and be as good as it possibly could,” Cram said.“He personally made that happen.” “We want to use this gift to raise more money,” Cram added.“Hopefully, we can use this to build our endowment and to build the future of this organization.” For George Denney and the town of Freeport, there is no business like “shoe” business. MSM

Call 207-781-4714 ext. 229 for more information and to schedule a tour 191 Foreside Road • Falmouth, Maine • www.falmouthsea.com • www.foresideharbor.com

JUNE 2018 • 2 6

There is no cost to enroll and you

can withdraw your participation in the registry at any time. Alzheimer’s and dementia studies, studies on health, volunteering, and testing exciting new products and services for older adults.

Want to Contribute to World Class Research? Join the Maine Older Adult Research Registry Today!

How does it work? Those interested in becoming a participant of the registry will need to fill out a brief questionnaire and provide contact information so that we may contact you regarding new projects and research studies to join. The information you give us on the questionnaire will help us match you to studies that may be of special interest. The information on the questionnaire includes questions about health and medical conditions, your interests, and your contact information.

Of course, joining the registry does not mean you have to participate in any study or project. If a study interests you, you will have the chance to ask questions and get all the details regarding the study before you decide to participate. There is no cost to enroll and you can withdraw your participation in the registry at any time. Why should you join? You might decide to join a research registry for one or more of the following reasons:  You want to help others  You enjoy volunteering  You want to contribute to research and help to discover new knowledge about aging As a registry participant, you may be asked to contribute to research and projects that aim to improve the quality of life and

BY DR. LEN KAYE Do you enjoy volunteering? Like to help others? Interested in contributing to cutting edge research being conducted in Maine? I have an exciting opportunity to tell you about.

he University of Maine Center on Aging is forming the Maine Older Adult Research Registry and wants you to join the roster of adults who are ready to contribute to the exciting research being conducted across the University of Maine System.

What is a research registry? It is a list of individuals who want to be citizen scientists by participating in research studies. The goal of the Maine Older Adult Research Registry is to create a way to quickly recruit adults 50 years of age and over for research projects being carried out at the University of Maine, other campuses of the university system, and our partnering organizations. The registry makes it easy for you to connect with and support research. The types of research projects can vary greatly but includes research on such topics as caregiving,

27 • MAINE SENIORS

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care of older adults in Maine and beyond. Joining can give you an opportunity to share your thoughts and experiences. In addition, many research studies offer compensation to participants in the form of stipends, gift cards, or other goods. Who is eligible? You must be at least 50 years of age, have an interest in taking part in research, and be willing to complete a questionnaire to join and again at least once a year to update your information. And that is all there is to it. It is fun, and you will be doing a great service to the state, the research community, and older adults in Maine who stand to benefit from the research you participate in. Interested? Great! Contact the Maine Older Adult Research Registry at the UMaine Center on Aging, Camden Hall, 25 Texas Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401-4324. 207.262.7925. info@ mainecenteronaging.org, or visit www.mainecenteronaging. umaine.edu/registry. MSM

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Knit

Picking

I wondered why he insisted on following these idiotic patterns. Dumbfounded, I thought of the real Scooter, former high school quarterback, shortstop in college, and currently back-country skier. Now this. Say it ain’t so, Joe. “Waldo, I’m hooked.” He threw me a sheepish look.“I know what you’re thinking, that it’s a woman’s thing.” He hesitated.“Nice try. You’ve got a perception of an elderly lady, sitting in a rocker with a basket of multi-colored yarn at her feet, a cat sleeping in her lap, needling away, shortbread and tea on the side table.” “That’s about right,” I responded. “Hey, remember Rosie Greer, the tough professional football player who knitted. And, actor Russell Crowe who knits too. Letmetellya, I knit with a rocket scientist, philosophy professor, Maine Guide, among others, all men. So there.” I felt a low-grade headache coming on. 31 • MAINE SENIORS

“Geeez, I can see you, surrounded by the wonderful world of wool, turning out sweaters with too long or short arms, baggy to boot. And worse, they’ll have those dastardly reindeer on them, brown fellows against a red and green background. Let alone the scarves, ski caps with tassels, yellow mittens, blue baby blankets, and those darn itchy striped socks that slip to your ankles.”

I grinned.“You mean, Be Fit, Knit. Say, I think you’re becoming a yarnaholic, Scooter.” I watched as he withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket. Oh no.

He had a point. I reached for the Excedrin and conjured up thoughts of ten men and women sitting in a half moon circle, Scooter in the middle, their hands feverishly knitting away like a chipmunk eating an acorn, legs crossed, heads bowed, the sound of click, click, click, exchanging marmalade recipes.

With the open palm of my right hand, I smacked my forehead. Then, I repeated the action. Utter disbelief made me do it.

knitting’s the new yoga.”

Shaking a finger at me, he said,“Put a sock in it, Waldo. You, the famous columnist “knit-picking” me and every other knitter in Maine. Be careful.”

BY WALDO CLARK

y buddy, “Scooter,” had just told me he’d taken up knitting. Say what? I remembered several years ago when he’d taken tap dancing classes. I’d admonished him with, “Tap dance yourself to social ridicule.”

Scooter stared back.“Is that it?

“Your head’s spinning, Waldo. Listen up. I like the conversation, the companionship, the color of the yarn. We’re a close-knit group. I like their passion. I like learning about the knitting terms such as tink, frog, and stash. I like being around happy folk. Ya know, Waldo, yarn’s a lot cheaper than therapy. Besides,

Scooter continued. “Listen to this tidbit from Stephanie PearlMcPhee, who has written eight books on knitting: ‘In reality, a knitter today is just as likely to be young, hip, male, and sitting in a local bar. Several of today’s best knitters are as likely to have body piercings as homemade cookies.’” My headache grew.“You’re funnin’ with me, right, giving me the old needle, pulling the wool over my face.” Scooter, always the quick study, said,“Knitting humor, huh? I’ll bet the old scribbling scribe has more sarcastic barbs.” He folded his arms.“Go ahead, pour it on.”

“A New York Times article,‘The health benefits of knitting,’ said …” I held up my hand. My head throbbed.“Now that’s enough.” Scooter stepped forward and stuck his nose close to mine. “Com’on, give it a try.” He looked around, cast a furtive glance, bent in again, and in a low voice said, “Here tell, there’s a group called the Naughty Knitters.” He winked. I’d heard enough and skedaddled some quick. Next morning, I found a package by the front door. It felt like a book. It was, “Knitting for Dummies.” The enclosed note read, “Gauntlet thrown. Untangle that knot in your head. Scooter.” Well, why not. I’d make new friends. And I thought about all those knitters in the state of Maine reading my column, by Waldo “Stitch” Clark. After all, behind every knitter is a pile of Waldo’s witty yarns. MSM

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Up to the challenge, I countered: “To knit or not to knit, that is the question. Help, I’m knitting and can’t get up. Don’t knit and drive. I’m at knit’s end. Behind every knitter is a pile of yarn. It keeps me from unraveling.”

Thanks to our media partners: Maine Seniors magazine FMI: MaineSeniorGuide.com

SunJournal

JUNE 2018 • 3 2

LEGACY

“Because our firm practices only within this discipline we are able to

Elder

Planning

What is Elder Planning? Elder Planning is a specialized discipline within the personal financial planning profession. This discipline concentrates in those areas that most affect retirees and those nearing retirement such as Social Security, retirement income, planning for long-term care, and estate planning.

Cliff Ryan

get to work. We’re all on the same team once we begin working together.” says Cliff. An average day for Cliff might mean reviewing investment portfolios, giving guidance on an estate plan or discussing how best to sell one's home (or boat or camper) and buy another.

Cliff Ryan, President of Elder Planning Advisors of Maine, Inc. was first “turned on”

to his current specialization back in 1989 when he attended an industry meeting in Toronto, Canada.

liff listened to Dr. Ken Dychtwald (author of The Age Wave) speak about the future retirement of the Baby Boomers and decided that this was going to be his career. Since then, Cliff has devoted his career and his practice to assisting retirees and those nearing retirement with personal financial and investment advice.

Back in the early 1990’s this specialization was taking off and was beginning to be known as “Elder Planning”. Since then, many financial practitioners have abandoned specialties in favor of providing more generalized practices while Cliff and his firm have continued to concentrate in this one area of advice. 33 • MAINE SENIORS

maintain a high level of competence and provide expertise in those areas that most matter to our clients.” Cliff’s clients, although mostly retired, are diverse in many ways. Some retirees are very mobile and are doing things like taking trips and buying second homes or boats. Others are caring for an aging spouse or parent and have entirely different concerns. Pre-retirees are concerned with what retirement might look like as they approach. Whatever the issue, Cliff’s position (which he considers a “calling”) is to analyze, understand, guide and advise clients through the twists and turns of retirement. Whatever it might mean to you, he wishes everyone a Successful Retirement. MSM

Hillcrest Retirement Community (55+)

“Because our firm practices only within this discipline we are able to maintain a high level of competence and provide expertise in those areas that most matter to our clients.” states Cliff. The changes in personal financial services have been profound since Cliff first entered the profession in 1983. Having worked with several firms prior to moving to Maine in 1990, Cliff has seen opportunities and pitfalls in various practice models. Ultimately, Cliff chose the “Registered Investment Adviser” model of practice. Under this model, clients are afforded a “Fiduciary” standard of care (meaning clients must come first) and a great deal of transparency. Clients must be fully informed on adviser compensation, any conflicts that the adviser might have along with any connections to parent companies or controlling firms. “When clients are informed and aware of the business aspect of our dealings, we can sign an agreement and

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THE MAINE POINT  We tried using a small pump that had belonged to my fatherin-law to get the tires to inflate, but they wouldn’t hold the air for more than a minute or two. I mentioned our predicament to my colleague, Amy, whose husband, Bryan, is a bicycle pro. He manages a bike shop in Scarborough and is a high-level competitor (he competes in Iron Man). My colleague said that Bryan would gladly take a look and tune them up for us. In April, we brought them into the Scarborough shop one by one. Seeing all the beautiful, shiny bikes for sale, I almost felt ashamed. “Yours don’t look that bad,” Bryan said. “We can take care of them for you.” I’m happy to report that for the cost of a $15 part, our onceforgotten bicycles are ready to hit the trails. We also purchased stylish new helmets knowing that our old ones would have degraded over such a long period of time. With our equipment now at the ready, we are delighted to discover the wealth of trails available to us in Maine. From where we live we have easy access to the Sebago to the Sea Trail which runs for 28 miles. The Bicycle Coalition of Maine (bikemaine.org) offers wonderful

Left: Jane on her first bike at age 7 Right: Jane rides again, 2018

Riding Again I remember my first bicycle. It seemed so unlikely that one could balance on the tiny seat and pedal with even tinier feet, but I was excited to try.

y father walked beside me the first time I rode it, his hand on my lower back gently propelling me forward. He whispered words of encouragement and promised me that I wouldn’t topple over. I almost didn’t notice when he removed his hand after giving me the gentlest shove, so I could pedal on my own. It was thrilling. I think I was about seven years old, living near my grandmother’s dairy farm in New York State. I spent whole days on that bicycle! 35 • MAINE SENIORS

information to interested riders of all levels. There are even tours for those who might wish to ride together. AARP Maine has several coming up in the Bangor area which you can find on our website at aarp.org/me. Looking at the photograph I have of my much younger self with my small first bike, I am not filled with nostalgia, but rather excitement as I stand now with my newly refurbished bicycle with its plump air-filled tires. I cannot wait to discover all the wonders of Maine from my two wheels. In setting my fitness goals, I’m keeping them at a reasonable level. I doubt I will ever compete in anything, but, hopefully, I won’t topple over. MSM

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Now I cannot recall why I ever stopped. My little bike was eventually given to a neighbor’s child when I outgrew it. I think I had a hand-me-down from one of my sisters for a time, but I outgrew that one, too. Oddly, my partner and I bought beautiful bicycles well over a decade ago, yet we’ve only ridden them a handful of times. They have so far lived most of their lives in an awkward space in a large closet with one of their wheels removed. Recently, we pondered “would they even be functional at this point?” When we took them out of the closet a few weeks ago, they were a sad sight. The wheels were as flat as pancakes, and the seats covered in dust. Yet, it seems we put them away with the idea of re-discovery. Curly locks, colorful water bottles and other accoutrements were all neatly attached to the rear metal racks.

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RESIDENTIAL REVIEW

appointed sitting areas, libraries, dining and activity rooms with access to lovely gardens. In these pleasant settings, our Life Enrichment Program offers a wide variety of stimulating options. Designed to increase each resident’s intellectual, physical, spiritual and social well-being, it includes: musical performances, lectures, art classes, local trips, shopping, games, exercise, and discussion groups. Three delicious, chef-prepared meals are provided each day, along with

Aging

Our Life Enrichment Program offers a wide variety of stimulating options designed to increase each resident’s intellectual, physical, spiritual and social well-being.

Vibrantly

We understand that as people age, their needs change. That is why OceanView at

Falmouth offers a vibrant community for seniors who value their independence knowing that assistance is always close at hand.

ceanView at Falmouth is a retirement community with a care continuum, offering two assisted living residences on a beautiful, 80-acre campus. Both settings provide priority access to independent cottage and apartment residents at OceanView, but also are options for seniors outside the retirement community.

Falmouth House at OceanView, with four levels of assisted

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In addition, OceanView at Falmouth offers a uniquely designed, secure community for individuals with memory loss and dementia called Legacy Memory Care. Committed to excellence, our team of compassionate caregivers is specifically Portland (207) 774-7000

37 • MAINE SENIORS

medication management and discreet personal assistance with activities of daily living, as needed. At Falmouth House, our staff is dedicated to enhancing each resident’s well-being with respect, encouragement and stimulation.

trained to provide assistance that enriches the quality of life of our residents. With active reassurance, personal engagement, comfortable surroundings, and thoughtful care management, residents in all stages of cognitive impairment experience security and peace of mind. At Legacy, we take the time to learn about each individual’s life story, along with their interests, abilities and regular routines. This person-centered focus ensures that every resident enjoys meaningful life experiences and the feeling of success every day. We focus on wellness of mind, body and

Lewiston (207) 777-5200 JUNE 2018 • 3 8

on an ori k y ng a ou ll for Veter a you r ser n s vice

RESIDENTIAL REVIEW

spirit using therapeutic recreation, educational activities and exercise as strategies to enhance cognitive abilities with family involvement, even at a distance, actively maintained through the use of technology. The Legacy environment is designed to provide implicit cues to guide our residents to areas of activity and engagement through the use of architecture and color. Our comfortable setting feels like home, with delicious and nutritious comfort food served family-style in a warm relaxed atmosphere. Large windows create a bright, welcoming sunporch-like setting all year long and offer an enticing view of the private Legacy Garden. Accessible and secure, this outdoor haven offers meandering paths, gardening opportunities and benches in the shade. The goal at OceanView at Falmouth, in both Falmouth House and Legacy Memory Care, is to provide peace of mind to residents (and their families) by helping them live life to the fullest, with daily dignified assistance at their fingertips. MSM 39 • MAINE SENIORS

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nonexistent in Maine, even in a moose haven like Greenville. I’m sitting in the bow, facing the stern, focused on my Gray Ghost fly out near the boat wake. On my left is a point of land covered with spruce trees, giving way to bushes and grass as we reach the end of the point. We clear the grassy point. I look down the cove now on my left. Dad starts a slow turn into the cove. Then like some Leviathan, not 50 feet from me, a hideous, dark MONSTER rises up from the depths! Huge waterfalls thunder down its sides! It has this big FACE and these enormous HORNS! The cascading water reveals weeds and lily pads draped all over it like some enormous swamp creature in the horror movies!

no fish

BY PAUL WEEKS

in That Cove June had arrived, bringing long, sunny days,

lush new leaves, and the smell of freshly mowed grass floating through windows finally opened after a long winter.

ike every other fifth grader, I was counting down the days until the last day of school. This year I was doubly excited because my dad was taking me on a week-long fishing trip the day after school ended. My duffel bag was packed a week in advance. Finally, the last day of school was over and the day for our fishing trip had arrived! We got up at six. I hurried through breakfast. Promptly at seven, the coolers were the last thing loaded in the car, and we said our good-bye’s and yes-we’ll-be-careful’s to my mother. Dad had hitched the boat trailer to the car the night before. We were off! Our destination was the Wilson Pond Camps in Greenville at the foot of Lower Wilson Pond. There are now several private 41 • MAINE SENIORS

I am scared to death! It’s the Loch Ness Monster! Only BIGGER!!! I am too stunned to do anything. Good thing, because the only thing I might have done was to start running across the lake. I’m pretty sure I’d have gotten six or eight steps before starting to sink in! It’s a moose, a big bull. He’s been breakfasting on underwater plants in that cove when our outboard putt-putts around the point. He’s pulled his head up to see who or what is trying to

bother him. I’ve never seen a moose in my life! The moose snorts. A wet, LOUD snort! Dad throws the outboard into reverse and revs it. He calmly but firmly says,“Reel in,” to me. I start cranking on my reel. Dad does likewise. The motor slows us and begins pulling us backward. I don’t look back to see what the moose is doing. We both reel in as fast as we can. Dad puts his rod on the boat floor and shifts the motor into forward. He turns us around without too much splash and pulls us away from that cove, waiting to crank up the motor until there’s a bit of distance between us and Mr. Moose. I swallow, attempting to lower my heart from my throat. I take the first breath I can remember since seeing the monster, I mean, moose. “Wow!!! That was a moose, right???!!” I ask my dad. My adrenaline level is still pretty high. “Yes, it was.” He could be a man of few words. We go straight over to the north shore and continue to troll around the pond. When we get back to that cove, Dad cuts straight across to the point on the other side. There aren’t any fish in that cove, none that we want to catch, anyway. MSM

camps on the Wilsons, but back in the mid-60’s the Camps were the end of the road. Lower Wilson was otherwise undeveloped. Fishing was good in Lower Wilson. We caught plenty of brook trout for breakfast each morning. Dad caught a nice salmon that he baked with some stuffing for supper one night. Dad arranged with the camp owner for us to make a special excursion on our fourth day. That morning, we took our boat across the lake and tied up on shore. Gathering our gear and a lunch bag, we followed a trail about a half mile to Rum Pond. A small boat, tied up on the shore with an outboard and an extra gas can, awaited us. We were soon loaded and underway, slowly trolling in this beautiful, wilderness pond. I’m sitting in the bow of the little two-seater boat with rod in hand. Dad is in the stern, his pole in its rod holder while he tends the little motor. We are putt-putting along the south shore of the lake, trailing a couple of flies. Now remember, this is the mid 1960’s. Moose were basically JUNE 2018 • 4 2

PRIME MOVER • Senator OlympiaTOO Snowe LEGACY

LEGACY TOO

Bert Languet, CFP®

Putting a plan together should involve the entire family, and you should have a conversation with each perspective future owner to see if they have an interest in retaining the camp.

Direct Ownership

Who Gets the

Family Camp? As the days warm and you return to your favorite place to relax, your thoughts may turn to “what happens when I am gone?”

hat place might be your cottage, summer home, cabin, or camp. If you want to pass the property onto family members there are several questions that you should ask. It is important to have a clear plan to help avoid chaos, hurt feelings, and family disputes.

Putting a plan together should involve the entire family, and you should have a conversation with each perspective future owner to see if they have an interest in retaining the camp. Some may not want to keep the property and would rather have the money 43 • MAINE SENIORS

BY BERT LANGUET, CFP®

from the sale of the asset. Some may not be able to afford their share of the costs to maintain the camp. Others want to keep the camp and pass it on to their own children. Take inventory of each potential beneficiary’s feelings and concerns about the camp and that will help guide you in your planning. If the camp is passed on, then how is it owned? Who decides when and how members get to use the property? Who takes care of maintenance and improvements? Does the camp stay in the family for a limited time or does it continue in perpetuity? How well do your children get along? A good plan requires answers to all these questions and more. There are several ways for a family to share ownership. For example:

trust and a trustee manages the property to the benefit of the beneficiaries. A trust can be revocable (being able to change) or irrevocable (not able to change). The trustee can be a family member or a professional trustee. The trust document spells out how the property is to be used and for how long the property stays with the family. In most states, trusts are limited to 90 years. Some drawbacks can be the inflexibility in making changes once

Tenants in Common: Two or more people have ownership interests in the property. The interests do not have to be equal, and the owner is free to dispose of their share to a new owner unless prohibited by a legal document. Their share can be passed onto their children or anyone they choose (even a non-family member). If an owner gets divorced or dies, the spouse could end up being the new owner of the camp along with your other children. Tenants can also force a partition of the property, which usually means the property is sold. Tenancy in Common is probably the most widely used ownership due to it being the default of having no plan other than leaving it through the will. Joint Tenancy with Rights of Survivorship: Two or more people have equal ownership in the property with the share of one going to the other(s) at death. The last one standing gets the property outright. Retained Life Estate: The owner of the life estate retains ownership during their lifetime and at death the property passes to the remaining interest holder or holders. Trusts

│

A trust is a vehicle that is established by a trust agreement. The grantor (the owner of the asset) transfers the property to the JUNE 2018 • 4 4

PRIME MOVER • Senator OlympiaTOO Snowe LEGACY

the trust is established. Funds can be placed in the trust to pay for future expenses such as property taxes and repairs.

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Business Entity

The ownership of a camp can be transferred to a partnership, limited liability company (LLC), or family limited liability company. The advantage of a limited liability company is that it has a perpetual existence and can be more flexible in altering the ownership structure as family dynamics change. Management of the property is controlled by an operating agreement that directs the payment of operating expenses, regular maintenance, use and scheduling, and dispute resolutions. An operating agreement can allow for rental of the property, if so desired, to help offset some of the costs. The LLC usually will have provisions for a buy-sell agreement as to how and to whom shares in the LLC can be sold. An LLC has creditor protections as well. If a property is to be retained in the family for an extended time, then many planners see the LLC as the best solution.

their goals of keeping the property in the family and insuring that it would be available to their children and grandchildren for a limited time and also have provided an inheritance of cash at the end of the 15-year term which may be valuable to their children at that point in their lives. If you don’t have a plan for your ‘special place,’ then now is the time to start thinking about it. Avoiding the discussion with your children does not make the potential future problem go away. Speaking with them and developing a clear plan with your advisors—attorney, accountant, insurance agent, and/or financial planner can ensure that your place is available for many generations to share and create their own memories. MSM Content in this material is for general information only and is not intended to be a substitute for individualized legal advice. Please consult your legal advisor regarding your specific situation. Golden Pond Wealth Management and LPL Financial do not provide legal advice or services. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC.

An example of a Trust

Bob and Sue own a piece of land on Great Pond that they want to stay in the family for fifteen years after they have both passed, at which time the property is to be sold and the proceeds distributed to their four children equally. They recognize that the funds from the sale will be beneficial to their children and want the property to be available for use to the family members beyond their lifetime for a period of fifteen years. In this case— with the help of their attorney—they chose to set up a Family Trust and appoint a trustee. The trustee’s duties were written into the trust document and clearly state how the property should be managed. The trust allows any family member to use the property if they are respectful and considerate. The trustee has the final say but cannot unfairly discriminate against any family members. The trust is irrevocable, and the property was removed from Bob and Sue’s estate. Bob and Sue no longer have control of the property. They decided that as part of the trust document, the property could be sold before the 15-year period if there were unanimous consent amongst the four beneficiaries. They contributed enough funds at death through their wills to cover the costs of taxes and maintenance for the 15-year period. At the end of the 15-year period, the property will be sold, and the proceeds divided amongst the beneficiaries. They achieved

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A TRAIL LESS TRAVELED

Surviving the

Black Fly Scourge STORY & ILLUSTRATION BY BRAD EDEN

The black fly is known as the unofficial Maine state bird for good reason.

A TRAIL LESS TRAVELED

Right now, and during other times of the year, we suffer mosquitoes, deer flies, and no-see-ums, but all those pale in comparison to the ferociousness and

overwhelming annoyance of the black fly.

Children take the greatest brunt of the misery. Back when I raised children, they spent a lot of time outside and not on smart phones and tablets. My daughters were simply ravaged. We would slather them in Avon Skin So Soft bath oil, the accepted child black fly deterrent, with dubious results. They would still come inside with puffy eyelids, bleeding ears, and black flies feasting on their little necks. The adult version of Operation Black Fly was to smear on any bug spray containing near-lethal amounts of the chemical DEET. Who cares if it melted your rubber boots, fly line, or anything else made of plastic. It was that or become certifiably insane.

Have you ever noticed how when relaxing inside after a day battling black flies outdoors you can still hear the buzzing of the winged tormentors that had plagued you all day long? Many friends I have fished with keep a big stinking cigar lit the whole time they are fishing. They puff and puff so there is a constant cloud of smoke circling around their heads that effectively keeps the flies at bay. Unfortunately, I can’t stomach cigars. Whenever I tried the cigar smoke technique I would end up retching over the side of the boat. I’ve tried most every black fly deterrent on the market, from eco-friendly natural concoctions to major brand sprays. Most of them stink like cheap perfume or roofing tar, last about two minutes, and generally make you want to run back into the house and take a shower. For prolonged outdoor activities the only thing I’ve found that reliably keeps black flies from eating me alive are still the products containing at least 90% DEET. I use it on my hands, wrists and ankles in combination with a head net. I have some particularly

elcome to “Bug Season” in Maine. Right now, and during other times of the year, we suffer mosquitoes, deer flies, and no-see-ums, but all those pale in comparison to the ferociousness and overwhelming annoyance of the black fly. You can argue that a buzzing mosquito trapped in a bedroom in the heat of a summer night can drive a person literally nuts. True! Yet, not nearly as overwhelmingly as a squadron of black flies crawling into your eyes and ears and burrowing into your scalp, while you are tending your garden or just mowing your lawn.

A mosquito will daintily siphon off a few micro liters while black flies travel in packs and savage you like a flying school of piranhas. I have noticed one chink in their otherwise truculent personality. They hate to be confined. When you go inside the house or get into your vehicle the inexorable mass of black flies extricate themselves from your head and fly madly against the windows trying to escape. I admit to enjoying the satisfaction of popping them against the glass even though I need to wash my blood off later.

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well-made head nets made of fine black mesh, with a stretch cord sewn into the bottom that can be pulled down under my armpits. With a ball cap underneath to keep the mesh away from my eyes I can see well enough to mow my lawn, pick weeds, and cast a fly, as long as I part the sea of black flies hovering in front of my face. There is now outdoor clothing available with bug deterrent infused right into the fabric. I have yet to try that since I’m too cheap to spend the money. These days you can also find complete bug netting outfits that cover a person from head to toe, in child sizes, too. They must work, because I see little bug net kids running around instead of little bug bit kids reeking of Avon Skin So Soft. MSM

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51 • MAINE SENIORS

BUCKET LIST

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When I first retired, I was obsessed with the possibility of through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I read at least a dozen books on the subject.

How deep is

your bucket? Most people, when they reach a certain age,

have a bucket list of things they’d like to do, places they’d like to see, achievements they’d like to accomplish, before they go into The Big Sleep.

have a bucket, too, though it’s not as deep as it might be, when I think of it. After all, I’ve done a lot, or it seems I have, for a guy who grew up in a family of very limited means and not much in the way of prospects. I’ve seen some of the cities in this country, spent a summer in Mexico when it was still safe to cross that border, been to Rome and Paris and the south of France. I followed my father’s footsteps in re-tracing his path through the boot of Italy when he, as a member of the 338th regiment of the 85th Infantry (Custer’s Division), chased the enemy from the Italian peninsula in World War II. I hoisted a beer in his memory in San Remo, the port from which he sailed on his return home after the war. I graduated from college, and actually held gainful employment for years at a time. 53 • MAINE SENIORS

BY CLYDE TARR

But sure, there are still things I’d like to do. When I first retired, I was obsessed with the possibility of through-hiking the Appalachian Trail. I read at least a dozen books on the subject, then, re-read a few of them. Then, when I tested myself by walking 25 miles in one day, I determined that urban hiking, traversing the sidewalks near my home (at the time) in Bangor, was more to my liking. Further, I couldn’t warm up to the idea of sleeping on rocks every night (these days, a night in a cheap motel counts as camping for me) or taking six months of my life to do one thing. Still, the thought of a long walk, a trek, a pilgrimage, appeals and holds a certain intrigue. So, when I watched the documentary The Home Road, about Israel Shevenell, who, in 1845, walked from his home town in Quebec to Biddeford (my home town) so he could find work in the mills that were starting up there, I began again to think I might do it. Or something like it. Now, I’m toying with the possibility of walking the back roads from Belfast, where I live these days, to Van Buren, where my mother was born and got her start in this world.

It’s around two hundred miles and would take me a couple of weeks if I averaged about fifteen miles a day. This would be a “supported” walk, meaning my wife (she doesn’t know this yet) would follow in a car with food and water, and make reservations for those cheap motels, so I could “camp out.” My path would take me to Bangor, and then north along the Penobscot River, and through the legendary Haynesville woods, to Houlton, then along Route One to the birthplace of Therese Marie Ouellette. There I would light a candle in the church in her memory. It’s not a very big splash in the bucket, but one that would somehow complete a circle. MSM

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RESIDENTIAL REVIEW TOO

Music

in your living room Many, if not most, of today’s senior citizens are part of a generation for whom music was a cultural necessity.

ur music helped shape our attitudes as we absorbed the seminal songs of Bob Dylan, the Beatles, The Rolling Stones and more. Those of us in the business of providing a meaningful lifestyle for today’s senior citizens recognize that music is as alluring to us today as it was forty years ago. Fortunately, there is a very social and creative way to satisfy this desire for a musical experience in a relaxed and intimate setting.

At Avalon Village in Hampden, we routinely schedule musical artists in a setting that is often described as a“house concert.” Our artists become our guests and we welcome them into our Manor House living room which comfortably seats about thirty-five to 55 • MAINE SENIORS

forty people with spillover room in the entry hall. Many listeners gather there to sit on the staircase that faces the living room or else to simply share a beer or glass of wine with fellow residents just outside of the concert room.

of the artist and usually we use a singing bowl as a gong to get everyone’s attention at the outset. Beverages and light snacks are available for all just outside of the living room and people are encouraged to help themselves. Part of our announcement is to let the audience know how long the music will last and what to expect for the evening and as a general rule, an hour’s worth of music is perfect.

We carefully select our musical artists with a sense of what our community enjoys best. We have a group of residents who help to

In this home environment our visiting artists can more easily socialize with their audience and absorb an atmosphere that is far less rigid than a formal concert. At the same time, the chair arrangement and room setup make it clear to those in attendance that this is a listening room and not a raucous bar or bistro type of venue. The artists are selected because of their talent and they truly relish the chance to actually interact with a listening audience.

Many of our listeners stay for dinner which is served after the concert and our performers are also routinely invited. The evening is actually billed as a “Pub Night” yet it is important to set the tone for a listening audience as opposed to a more rambunctious pub atmosphere.

this is because we have a firm standard for the level of talent our community expects. We have a group of residents who help to select our musicians.

For those contemplating this type of music concert, some forethought and preparation are essential to ensure that it is successful. Creating a relaxed but attentive environment is a deliberative process. At Avalon Village, in order to set the tone for the evening, each performance starts with an introduction

We carefully select our musical artists with a sense of what our community enjoys best. At one recent event one of our residents said,“I knew it was going to be a great evening when they started with Neil Young’s “Harvest Moon”. The majority of performers who call and ask to play are actually not selected to come and

If you are considering a concert of this nature it is important that you hold it as a private, rather than a public, event. This means that attendance is by invitation only and not by public announcements, radio ads, website notices or other public platforms. Also, support of the artist is through suggested

select our musicians.

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Call Us Today: 207-725-2334 donations rather than tickets. If the concert is public there may be difficulties with homeowner’s insurance coverage, licensing for performance rights organizations such as ASCAP or even zoning issues. In an active adult community such as Avalon Village, all of our concerts are private and residents of our community as well as their guests are specifically invited. With a relaxed atmosphere it is easy to make song requests of the musicians and if they have a more rigid approach to their material it is very easy for them to convey this to the group in a relaxed way. Many musicians generally prefer this type of musical performance to a bar or club setting where the background noise level is intense and the focus is more on social interaction than on music. Over the years, Pub Nights have become perhaps the most well attended event offered at Avalon Village. Good music, food and drink are an unbeatable combination. If you haven’t tried this form of entertainment and have a relaxed venue that might work, give it a try! MSM

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FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In the United States, mayonnaise has become the dressing of choice for potato salad, although sour cream, mustard, and spices also are added in many recipes. So, my friends, it’s time to make your potato salad. This familiar side-dish is always a crowd-pleaser. And . . . Summer is almost upon us! When selecting potatoes for your salad, the best choices are either Yukon Gold or new reds, as they are more firm and tend to hold up better when boiled. However, if you choose to use our delicious Maine russets, as many of us do, take care not to cook them too long or you will inadvertently create “mashed” potato salad.

Potato Gherkin Salad

Here’s one suggestion for a potato salad that’s delicious any time of the year! MSM

Tasty

Why, for so many of us, are our menu choices dictated by specific holidays or seasons?

old winter evenings conjure up images of hearty beef stew or chunky soups; hot summer days provide motivation to get out the grill and cook hamburgers, hot dogs, corn, and “s’mores.”

Refreshing ice tea with lemon, but only in the summer? What about hot chocolate? And, so it goes . . . Family favorites, many of them “comfort” foods. Enjoy them whenever you wish. Potato salad is a particular favorite in our home. It’s easy to make, can be done ahead of time, and has so many interesting and delicious variations that it doesn’t get boring. One amusing tale regarding the origin of potato salad claims that it was first created in 1899 by an Idaho potato 59 • MAINE SENIORS

BY ELLEN L. SPOONER

farmer, Ezra Bovine. It seems that Ezra, who was known to imbibe more than occasionally, was planning to attend the grand opening of the Twin Falls Bar and Grill which had advertised “free beer” for patrons who brought a dish for their pot-luck supper. So, Ezra cooked, actually overcooked, some potatoes and added mayonnaise and onion—which he “borrowed” from a neighbor’s garden. Thus, the first-ever potato salad! True story? Probably not, but creative just the same.

Featured Recipe TASTY POTATO GHERKIN SALAD SERVES 8-10

INGREDIENTS:  5 lbs. potatoes, peeled and chopped in 1 inch cubes  20 gherkin pickles cut in 1/4 inch slices  1/2 small onion finely chopped (more to taste)  Salt and pepper (to taste)  1 cup Miracle Whip  1/3 cup sour cream DIRECTIONS: 1. Boil potatoes in salted water for 4-6 minutes, monitoring carefully; remove from heat and drain immediately when they are just fork tender. 2. Cool potatoes slightly. Then, add pickles, onion, salt and pepper and toss gently. 3. Combine Miracle Whip and sour cream and stir into potato mixture. 4. Arrange potato salad on serving platter or in bowl and garnish as desired—using lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, radishes, hard boiled eggs (sliced) and/or parsley. 5. Chill several hours. 6. Serve, and 7. Enjoy!

Actually, recipes for both cold and warm potato salad date back to 16th century Europe.Warm potato salad, a vinegary mix made with potatoes, onion, and bacon originated in Germany. While the French and English preferred their potato salad cold, dressed with a light vinaigrette. Other ingredients, such as beans or green/red peppers, olives, celery, pickles or hard-boiled eggs were often included. Some countries even added chunks of meats or fish. JUNE 2018 • 6 0

FROM THE PORCH

The Japanese may have found the perfect prescription for escaping the constant chaos of life, a refuge called forest therapy or forest bathing.

THINK TANK

In my den, which I call “Hunter’s Hut,” I’m surrounded by seven stagecoach prints, books, mugs, binoculars, a lantern, colorful painted birds, a marble bag, German wood-cuttings, mantle clock, note pads for copious scribbles, and signs such as Got Wine, Gone Kayaking, and my favorite, Go Away. Go Away says it all: Here’s my thinking place, others welcome only when I grant welcome, a fence around my internal landscape. For over thirty years, I’ve kept a series of binders called “Here’s Howe,” full of quotations from philosophers, famous folk, and many other sources. I often turn to them for advice, meditation, direction, and grounding. I’m drawn to this particular one from actor Wally Shawn,“I would like to know what the lives of other people are like in their quietest moments … and what they feel

BY HUNTER HOWE

Like a sailor seeking a safe harbor from an impending storm, there’s a secure place within all of us, an inner sanctum, the sacred keeper of our private thoughts, the mind.

elen Keller said, “Only in quiet time do we possess our own minds and discover the resources of the Inner Life.”

This internal think tank allows us to engage in a silent conversation with our self. It’s the ultimate retreat. Here, in self-talk land, away from the freeway of life, threatening gray clouds, harried winds, and swelling seas, we contemplate, consider, review, mull, deliberate, and chew over thoughts that sift and whirl about. We ask WHY? Questions need answers. Mark Twain said, “Life does not consist mainly of or even largely of facts and happenings. It consists mainly of the storm of thoughts that is forever blowing through one’s head.” This safe harbor, to explore our internal landscapes, comes in 61 • MAINE SENIORS

many forms such as a den, beach, hollow in the forest, park bench, rock outcropping, among others. This individual private place, away from life’s busy hours, provides a hideaway where thoughts whisper, slipping in and out of the mind’s shadows. It’s our home base, command post, war room, anchor room. Like going on a vacation, it’s where we unclutter our minds, ditch the distractions, and rejuvenate our souls. We’re alone with our thoughts. The Japanese may have found the perfect prescription for escaping the constant chaos of life, a refuge called forest therapy or forest bathing. It entails basking in the forest’s atmosphere as you move slowly, calmly, and mindfully. Their research indicates the benefits include lower blood pressure and blood sugar, reduced stress, increased vitality, and an overall feeling of wellbeing.” This should come as no surprise to us Mainers. Henry David Thoreau said, “I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech tree, or a yellow birch, or even an old acquaintance among the pines.”

about when they’re sitting alone in a room.” It’s in these moments of self-introspection that we selfreflect, self-contemplate, and soul search. It’s a process of selfexploration, of mindfulness. Our internal voice screams out, listen to your thoughts. Plato said: “Thinking: the talking of the soul with itself.” I want to believe that we show our best side, our softer side, our forgiving side, our compassionate side in our own sanctuary. I want to believe that the positive thought team triumphs over the negative thought team, if we work hard enough, that is, having an honest dialogue with our self to discover and interpret the connection between seeing and feeling, observing how we might act in the outer world. After all, actions mirror thoughts. You see there’s a time to think and a time to act. French philosopher Rene Descartes wrote,“I think, therefore I am.” The owl sees, the owl hears, but the hawk acts. An article in Psychology Today, “The power of your internal dialogue,” said, “We all have an internal voice that observes and comments on the world and how we see ourselves performing in it. ... If you want to succeed in feeling better about yourself,

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Each person must find its own quiet place, a rest stop off life’s fast lane. JUNE 2018 • 6 2

FROM THE PORCH

Our internal landscape and the external world overlap. Finding a place to rest, to think, and then to act, we strive to

understand ourselves.

turn on an internal dialogue that tells you that you can do the task, manage the situation … I got this, I can handle this, I can feel better about myself.” This journey within is the foundation of our external lives. And therein lies the problem, our internal thoughts becoming errant words in the external world. The Thought Police, the guardian of our thoughts, put up No Trespassing signs around our mind’s boundaries. But, they can only do so much. The cautionary yellow flag flies in our face, warning us, Be Careful. Remember the old adage, think before you speak. How many times have you uttered

words, blurting them out in rapid fire, then cringed. Too late. You scramble for understanding,“Hey, that’s what I said but not what I meant.” No doubt, we must first listen to our thoughts, then protect our words. No, we can’t all be diplomats of the spoken word, each syllable laid out carefully, in its proper place, in the right tone. Author Maggie Stiefvater in Forever, wrote,“I was thinking lots of things, but most of them needed to stay thoughts, not words.” Our internal landscape and the external world overlap. Finding a place to rest, to think, and then to act, we strive to understand ourselves. Our soul cries out for a place to dwell with our thoughts, a special sanctuary, alone in solitude, secluded from others. To point, E.B. White found his ultimate retreat along the Maine coast. He wrote, “I like to sail alone. The sea was the same as a girl to me—I did not want anyone else along.” I hope you all find a place, where you put ashore in your safe harbor, repair your troubled thoughts, chart a confident course, and set out on the tide, to the open sea of life. MSM

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