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Barbara Bush: A Gift to Maine
Also Inside: • Maine Country Music Hall of Fame inductee, Doc Morrill • Apples Make Me Smile and Apple Pumpkin Soup • Raking Leaves and Nostalgia ...and so much more!
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On the cover of this issue is a great example of a Prime Mover: First Lady Barbara Pierce Bush.
M
ost of us know that President and Mrs. Bush enjoy their summers at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport and yet, I must admit that I didn't realize the extent of Mrs. Bush's passion for Maine and its people.
Mrs. Bush was the inspiration behind the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital in Portland. She also founded a literacy foundation. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy has provided nearly $6.2 million in support of literacy programs here in Maine. We are pleased to share a story about Barbara Bush, Maine’s National Treasure. Yes, we are fortunate to have the Bushes summer in Maine and thankful for all of their good work.
As autumn sets in, we find it easy to reminisce. Leaves change color, and temperatures go down at night, and then leaves fall off the trees. Enjoy “Raking Leaves”, an article by Paul Weeks in this issue’s A Look Back. It is true that autumn has its own sounds and smells that add to the nostalgic hypnosis. We think of days gone by that were, or at least seemed to have been, simpler. Those were days of a greater sense of serenity. Be that as it may, in my little world, each autumn I am refreshed anew by the magical and vibrant fall colors, especially those displayed by copious arrangements of apples and pumpkins. In our Food for Thought column consider the recipe for Apple Pumpkin Soup.
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To all of our Senior Partners; sit back, relax, and enjoy this autumn with the October Issue of Maine Seniors Magazine.
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1 • MAINE SENIORS
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Maine Seniors Spreads the Word About
Nearly 40% of Mainers are 50+ and they control 70% of the disposable income and 80% of the financial assets. Seniors are the volunteers and Maine has the highest volunteer rate in the Nation. Senior Power is Maine's greatest natural resource!
This Page: Members of the Bar Harbor Rotary hear Publisher David Nealley speak about Senior Power All photos courtesy of Carrie Jones, Public Image Coordinator, Zone 24, Rotary International
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Contributors
FEATURED
Contributor
The Featured Contributor for this issue is Paul Weeks. Page 8
P
aul Weeks is a lifelong Mainer. He grew up in South Paris, where he attended Oxford Hills High School. He then went to Bowdoin College, and finally to the University of Maine School of Law in Portland. Paul started practicing law in Bath in 1980 and moved to Bangor in 1986. He opened his own office in Bangor in 2003, and retired at the end of 2016. As a lawyer, Paul maintained a general practice. All this gave him a wealth of background on the human condition, and as Paul says, “You learn the darnedest things about the darnedest things by being a lawyer.”
OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE 1 Publisher's Note
BY DAVID S. NEALLEY
5 Contributors 8 Prime Mover: Barbara Bush
BY PAULETTE OBOYSKI
19 Prime Mover: William "Doc" Morrill
BY JOE SAWYER
Page 19
31 Sage Lens: The Impromptu Musings of Three
Guys Growing Older • BY DR. LEN KAYE
35 Health Treasures: Foster Grandparents
Paul is an avid skier and a ski-history buff. He also enjoys kayaking, hiking, and just being out in the woods. Paul enjoys story-telling and all of us at Maine Seniors Magazine are glad that he is willing to share his stories with us. Enjoy his article in this issue, “Raking Leaves”. MSM
GUEST ARTICLE
39 Just Pondering: Wacky World
BY WALDO CLARK
41 The MAINE Point: Making Maine More
Age Friendly • BY JANE MARGESSON
43 Legacy: A Passion for People
GUEST ARTICLE
49 A Trail Less Traveled: For the Love of the
Page 57
Outdoors • BY BRAD EDEN
Page 73
53 Legacy Too: Investing Cognitive Biases
GUEST ARTICLE
57 Here, There & Everywhere: Nashville Brad Eden
Paulette Oboyski
Ellen L. Spooner
Dr. Lenard W. Kaye
BY DAVID S. NEALLEY
69 Residential Review: DLTC Healthcare
GUEST ARTICLE
73 A Look Back: Raking Leaves
BY PAUL WEEKS
75 Food for Thought: Apples Make Me Smile
BY ELLEN L. SPOONER
77 From the Porch: Books for the Soul
Jane Margesson
5 • MAINE SENIORS
Hunter Howe
Sheila Grant
BY HUNTER HOWE
Page 75 OCTOBER 2017 • 6
PRIME MOVER • Barbara Bush
They believe in our mission and what we do. Varney Agency invested time to learn our home-care and behavioral health industries and our potential exposure to better serve our needs. We attribute much of our cost savings to their direct involvement. They not only scratched the surface, they dug until they reached the root issue! They believe in our mission and what we do, and we believe in them.
Barbara Pierce Bush has the ability to touch and inspire everyone she meets.
LEE JELLISON, Chief Operating Officer, Home, Hope & Healing / Aspire BHC
Barbara Bush at Barbara Bush Children's Hospital
Photo Courtesy of Maine Medical Center
BarbaraBUSH Maine's National Treasure
www.varneyagency.com | 1-877-947-8637
BY PAULETTE OBOYSKI
OCTOBER 2017 • 8
PRIME MOVER • Barbara Bush
PRIME MOVER Wedding Day with Parents
Liz, Noel, Betty, Anna and Kate Wedding Day in Rye, NY
“Both of the Bushes are
Photo Courtesy of George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum
the kind of people who make you feel totally at ease.”
Mrs. Ellis shares,“Their relationship is very special." garden at Walker’s Point. It is her pride and joy and she knows where every flower is. It is almost overwhelming it is so big.” Photo Courtesy of George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum
S
he is 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 is the matriarch and muse for her large family of altruistic high-achievers. Every summer, she and her family live on their compound on Walker’s Point, Kennebunkport, Maine.
Kennebunkport
Mrs. Bush is now 92 years old. She was born June 8, 1925 and raised in New York. Her parents were Pauline Robinson Pierce and Marvin Pierce, who was the president of McCall Corporation and publisher of McCall’s and Redbook magazines.
Mrs. Bush told Maine Seniors magazine that what she likes about Kennebunkport are the people. Betsy Heminway has been her close friend for over 45 years. She met Mrs. Bush through her husband, Spike, who grew up in Rye, New York near Mrs. Bush and in Connecticut where the Bush family lived. Mrs. Heminway, who spends her summers in Kennebunkport, relates,“Barbara has an extraordinary sense of humor. She is very self-deprecating and is just fun to be with. She is extremely sensible and down to earth and remained that way through the White House years.”
She met her husband at a Christmas dance when she was 16 and they married in 1945. The First Lady and President George Herbert Walker Bush had six children: former President George Walker Bush, Pauline Robinson Bush (died of leukemia at age three), former Governor John Ellis “Jeb” Bush, Neil Mallon Bush, Marvin Pierce Bush, and Dorothy “Doro” Bush Koch. They have 17 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.
The former First Lady loves dogs and flowers. “Whenever we would take our dogs for a walk on the beach in Kennebunkport, she would greet everyone and she knows the names of all the dogs.” Mrs. Heminway continued,“She wrote a letter of support in order to get people in town to allow dogs on the beach. Presently, the dogs can be on the beach all day until June 15th and then during the summer before 9 AM and after 5 PM. Barbara has a beautiful
9 • MAINE SENIORS
Robin Ellis is the wife of Mrs. Bush’s nephew, Alexander “Hap” Ellis III. She met Mr. & Mrs. Bush in Washington, D.C. in 1973, when President George H. W. Bush was the Chairman of the Republican National Committee and Robin was on her second date with Hap. At that time, the young couple lived in D.C. and was invited to lunch at the Bush’s house every Sunday. Presently, Robin is on the fundraising committee for the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy here in Maine. “Both of the Bushes are the kind of people who make you feel totally at ease.” Mrs. Ellis shares,“Their relationship is very Mrs. Bush and Friend Betsy Heminway
OCTOBER 2017 • 1 0
PRIME MOVER • Barbara Bush
PRIME MOVER Noel and Betty at "One Light, Many Candles,” photo by Sally Farr.
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Mrs. Bush & Robin Ellis, Kennebunkport Memorial Day Parade Mrs Bush in her Walker's Point Garden
special. They have spent almost every summer of their married life at Walker’s Point in Kennebunkport. It is quite remarkable how they open up Walker’s Point as a gathering for family. Because of this, it is amazing how many cousins know each other in this very large family.”
Walker’s Point more beautiful than when she found it. She plants things for the future. Like Miss Rumphius in the children’s story, she has an appreciation for floral beauty. There is a garden in town that is dedicated to her called,‘Ganny’s Garden’, and it is surrounded by stone walls engraved with all the initials of her grandchildren.”
Mrs. Ellis continued, “At 92 and 93 years old they [President and Mrs. Bush] are here in Kennebunkport and they do as many activities as they can. They were present at many of Kennebunkport’s Memorial Day parades along with close friend and former National Security Advisor, Brent Scowcroft. They are always gracious about greeting and welcoming people. Aunt Barbara speaks her mind and is warm, loving, loyal, strong, and savvy. I admire and love them both very much.”
Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital
Mrs. Bush’s daughter, Dorothy “Doro” Walker Bush Koch says, “My mother is a great example of a‘doer’. She is talented and creative and she loves her garden in Kennebunkport. Her mission is to leave
Officially named in 1995, Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is a hospital within Portland’s Maine Medical Center. During the start of the Children’s Hospital, 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 personifies the grandmother OCTOBER 2017 • 1 2
PRIME MOVER • Barbara Bush
PRIME MOVER
Mrs. Bush’s daughter-in-law, Margaret Molster Bush, is married to Marvin Pierce Bush. She is a Trustee of the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. She acknowledged, “About six years ago, when my mother-in-law was beginning to pass on some of the things that were most important to her, she very kindly asked if I would be willing to be an ambassador for the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital. I said I would absolutely love that. I actually had childhood cancer when I was five years old and spent a lot of time in a hospital in Richmond, Virginia; so she thought it was a fit. I have been very privileged to serve on the board and to get to know that fine hospital and spend time visiting the children. I am so impressed with the institution, which celebrated its 20th birthday last year.”
Peter, Paul, and Mary with President Clinton
Doro and Her Mom
Mrs. Margaret Bush continued, “If you looked up volunteerism in the dictionary there would be a picture of my mother-in-law; she is truly the definition of volunteerism. She has been extremely inspiring her entire adult life, and to me, for almost forty years of being part of the family. I have observed so many selfless efforts on her part to give her support to the local community. She spent all Bush Family Portrait, 1986
Photo Courtesy of George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum
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. Mrs. Bush has come every year to read to the children who are hospitalized. It is a big thrill for them and for their families.” Richard Petersen is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Maine Medical Center and has known Mrs. Bush for almost 19 years. He offered, “I always refer to her as a national treasure. She has given so much of herself. She and her husband, President Bush have been incredibly generous with their time and resources as well. It has not been uncommon for her to visit at least a couple of times a year. There is something magical when she comes here; she has this genuine way of presenting herself and this calming effect with individuals. Everyone thinks that she only comes in and reads to the children, but she lifts their spirits and the spirits of the families as well. I’ve seen a number of times where the Secret Service tells her that they are on a time schedule; she says ‘thank you very much’ and she walks into a room with a family and a sick child and spends the extra time with them. Just seeing the smiles of the children and the parents is pretty remarkable.” 13 • MAINE SENIORS
"If you looked up volunteerism in the dictionary there would be a picture of [Barbara Bush]." —MARGARET BUSH
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Our home became too much for us to manage full-time so it was the right move for us. The view of the river is amazing and we enjoy having a private deck that’s large enough to entertain friends or relatives on. Everyone knows everyone else and we’re always willing to help one another, but we also have private time when we want it. We very much enjoy the lectures and concerts they offer, and we shouldn’t forget to mention the gardensWe love the gardens! ~Schooner Cove Residents Gerry & Gail Clark
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PRIME MOVER • Barbara Bush
PRIME MOVER Margaret Bush, Richard Petersen, Mrs. Bush at MMC Photo Courtesy of Maine Medical Center
Raising Readers in Maine Due to Mrs. Bush’s inspiration, the Barbara Bush Children’s Hospital is the cornerstone of the Raising Readers program. Owen Wells of the Libra Foundation 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.” “When the mother goes home from the hospital she takes home a little bag of books for her newborn child. Then every time the child comes back either to the well-baby clinic or the pediatrician, they give the child another age appropriate book. By time the child reaches kindergarten age, they have a little library of ten to a dozen books, which are of the highest quality hardbound books for their library.” Mr. Wells affirms,“Maine has the highest percentage of parents reading to children of any state in the United States. Barbara Bush is in many ways the impetus for this program because of her interest in family literacy and she is very enthusiastic about it.”
Owen Wells and Barbara Bush
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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.” “I have great respect for her work ethic and her discipline. She is very much a multi-tasker. She’s not one who sits around; she has always been very active. She shows great interest in each of her family members, particularly in their own volunteer efforts, and always speaks about it with great pride. She is our role model, always, for our interest in volunteering and giving back. She is our cheerleader.” Photo Courtesy of Maine Medical Center
15 • MAINE SENIORS
Mrs. Bush, Margaret Bush at BB Children's Hospital
Photo Courtesy of George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum
Other services include:
• Short-term respite care • Coordination of hospice care • Home health care with partnership President & Mrs. Bush at Camp David
The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy
The mission of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy is to advocate and establish literacy as a value in every home. Mrs. Bush’s daughter, Doro Bush Koch is presently the Honorary Chair
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OCTOBER 2017 • 1 6
PRIME MOVER
PRIME MOVER • Barbara Bush
of this foundation, which was founded by Mrs. Bush in 1989 during her time as First Lady. This past September, the Foundation hosted a ‘Celebration of Reading’ fundraiser at the Vinegar Hill Music Theater in Arundel, Maine. It brought together members of the Bush family, community leaders and best-selling guest authors such as Daniel Silva, Teri Hatcher, Chris Gardner and Travis Mills. Many of Mrs. Bush’s friends and family have helped organize this fundraiser. Over the past 21 years, the Foundation has provided nearly $6.2 million in support of more than 370 family literacy programs throughout the state of Maine.
President & Mrs. Bush with Dog Millie
Walker's Point, Kennebunkport
Literacy is especially very active in the states where they and their children and grandchildren live: Maine, Maryland, Texas, and Florida. Mrs. Bush’s family and friends confirm that the former First Lady practices what she preaches. For a lifetime, she has read to her own children, then to her grandchildren and now to her great-grandchildren. Welcome Home Mrs. Barbara Bush says that what makes her proudest of her family is that they all come home. Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for helping to enrich our State of Maine by choosing to live here 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 are a very lovable, thoughtful and inspiring woman. We are all proud that you choose to always come home to Maine. MSM
When Mrs. Bush and her husband, President George H. W. Bush could no longer take part in non-profit activity, they asked their children and their spouses to take over many of their duties in these organizations. The Barbara Bush Foundation for Family
Thank you, Mrs. Bush, for helping to enrich our State of Maine by
choosing to live here along with your husband, President George H. W. Bush and your very lovely family.
This Spread: All Photos Courtesy of George Bush 41 Presidential Library and Museum
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PRIME MOVER • William "Doc" Morrill
PRIME MOVER
The “Morrill” to this story is hard work and
passion ... in this case for traditional Country music.
B
orn in Bangor in 1931, William “Doc” Morrill started playing and singing country music at age 16. He was invited to join the Dougie Rich Show on WABI Radio where young William sang Cold, Cold Heart, by Hank Williams. Married at age 17 and divorced within two years, he took his feelings of heartbreak and his guitar and learned many more country songs. At first, Doc would play for a few drinks, but he soon secured a paying gig at the Silver Dollar on Exchange Street in Bangor. He recalls ,“the Silver Dollar paid $5 per night, that was pretty good money for back then.” It was around 1951, when Doc started working with the Al Feurstock Show and the “Shorty Thomas” TV Show. Soon after he became a regular on the “Curly O’Brien” TV Show. He played
WILLIAM “DOC” MORRILL King of the (Country) Road
19 • MAINE SENIORS
Doc Morrill with his wife Mary and Johnny Cash
• BY JOE SAWYER
OCTOBER 2017 • 2 0
PRIME MOVER
PRIME MOVER • William "Doc" Morrill
Doc shared the stage with Nashville notables like Faron
Young, Carl Smith, Bill Monroe, Johnny Russell, and Lefty Frizzle.
Maine’s
BIG
“Yodelin’ Slim Clark” had the RFD Dinnerbell Show, on WABI radio and he told Doc “listen to the songs of good Country music stars like George Jones. and even tape them, and then learn them. ” Dover Audiology Client: Please Review Even though Doc wouldiMMeDiATeLY! take the advice of Slim, he never didIssue: sing September 2017 any George Jones songsEmail because he claims “George had a changes or that approval Ad Rep: Christine Parker special sound that only George could to yourJones ad rep bydeliver. 5 pm” Date: August 17, 2017 tomorrow. Curless and Slim were always a great source of encouragement for Take us on the Turnpike from Doc…“both Dick and Slim kept me moving in the right direction.” Kennebunkport to Newport!
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Doc also had some guest appearances on WABI’s the Hal Lone Pine TV Show. The exposure on these programs led to good crowds at live performances playing with Shorty in the earlier years and then with Curly O’Brien in the later years.
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with Curly O'Brien's band often. He also joined up with Shorty Thomas and his band. During this time, Doc had the chance to perform with some of the best of Maine’s Country musicians of the day; well-known musicians like, Dick Curless, ‘Yodelin’ Slim Clark, Gene Hooper, Hal Lone Pine, just to name a few. Doc also shared the stage with Nashville notables like Faron Young, Carl Smith, Bill Monroe, Johnny Russell, and Lefty Frizzle.
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Doc and Dick Curless became good friends. In fact, around 1954 when Doc was finished at his day job, working on the Chamberlain Bridge (Bangor Brewer Bridge), he would wander over to the Silver Dollar on Exchange Street in Bangor, to watch Dick Curless perform on stage. When Doc entered through the side door, Curless would invite him up on stage to sing.
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PRIME MOVER • William "Doc" Morrill
Doc reflected on playing in a bottle club, Ike’s Hall in Bradford. He said, “I played there for eight years, in three different bands, and never missed a Saturday night.” At the old Bangor Auditorium, he played with Faron Young and Carl Smith. Bill Monroe had Doc join him on stage to sing some bluegrass songs, but Doc only knew two bluegrass songs well enough to sing. One of the songs was “Blue Moon Kentucky”, which was Bill’s song… and no one really sang that song except Bill. So, Doc sang “Take This Hammer” and afterwards Bill said, “good job, good job, let’s do another”, but Doc had to decline. Although, he did appreciate
What does Doc think about country music today? He thinks
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the chance to share the stage with another one of the great talented musicians. Doc played at a fund raiser for the March of Dimes at the South Portland Mall, with Johnny Russell. Then, when in Reeds Ferry, New Hampshire he played with Lefty Frizzell who was his idol when he was a youth. Another favorite of Doc’s was Marty Robbins, whom he had the chance to meet in Reeds Ferry While at a concert at the Bangor Auditorium, a little girl asked Doc if he could get her an autograph from George Jones. Doc saw Dave Mallet by the stage and asked him if it was alright if he were to go in the locker room and secure the autograph from George Jones. Dave brought him back to the locker room and Jones was in the corner talking with June Carter. While he was waiting, June asked if he wanted a drink. Then, right over his shoulder, Johnny Cash started practicing with some of his band members. Doc got the autograph from George Jones for the little girl and then he signed it as well, and George gave Doc a funny look. Doc also took advantage of the opportunity to get a picture with both George Jones and Johnny Cash.
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PRIME MOVER • William "Doc" Morrill
PRIME MOVER
“I had the pleasure of reading his bio and placing the medallion around his neck, a day I shall never forget, as I got to see one of my childhood idols receive the recognition he so rightfully deserved. Doc, has dedicated his entire career to the furtherance of traditional COUNTRY MUSIC, through TV, radio and personal appearances. On a personal level I can honestly attest that he is the real deal! A very humble down to earth man of great character and conviction, unyielding in his dedication to the preservation of our heritage of Maine Country Music artists!“ Doc at WERU
A big fan of traditional country music, Doc likes too many stars to mention, but he did say that
he believes that Eddy Arnold was one of the best vocalists in Country Music.
What does Doc think about country music today? He thinks the singers are getting bad rap, “there is plenty of talent out there, although many of the songs are really more like pop songs… particularly when songs are written for them”. Doc explains, “Seems that some of the best country music is written by the artists themselves.”
—DANNY HARPER, FRIEND OF DOC AND FELLOW COUNTRY MUSIC ENTERTAINER.
Comfortable seats. More room. First-class service. In 1987, Doc graduated from the New England School of Broadcasting, now known as the New England School of Communications at Husson University. Shortly after that, he started doing radio at Colby College. After a stint of weather announcements and station breaks, Doc created a radio program called “Down Home Country. Years later, Doc met Tommy Salisbury at a Johnny Paycheck concert at a Kenduskeag Canoe race in Bangor. They struck up a friendship and Doc took Tommy to Colby to show him the ropes of his radio program. Soon after Doc found himself doing both a radio program at Colby and for WERU but quickly realized he had to commit to just the one show at WERU. A big fan of traditional country music, Doc likes too many stars to mention, but he did say that he believes that Eddy Arnold was one of the best vocalists in Country music due to the quality of his voice. 25 • MAINE SENIORS
All before take-off.
The newly renovated Bangor International Airport is really something to see. From automated, self check-in kiosks to relaxing, comfortable places to wait. It’s a brighter, more spacious passenger services area. All designed to make the first part of your trip easy and enjoyable. Visit flybangor.com or come see the real thing! Take advantage of new Delta nonstops to JFK. Plus new American nonstops to Charlotte starting June 3 and to NYC - LaGuardia July 1.
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PRIME MOVER
PRIME MOVER • William "Doc" Morrill
William “Doc” Morrill is an inspiration to all of us…to follow our passion.Thank you, Doc.
The“Morrill” to the story is that Doc’s hard work and passion were finally recognized. After singing and playing country music all over New England and Canada for over 70 years. . . from the side door of the Silver Dollar, to his many decades on radio and TV, William “Doc” Morrill was inducted to the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame in June of this year. . . a well-deserved honor. Now, at 86 years old, Doc still has his radio program Down Home Country, on WERU. Jokingly Doc is referred to as“one of the oldest discjockies in captivity”. William “Doc” Morrill is an inspiration to all of us… to follow our passion. Thank you, Doc. MSM
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Have you heard about
Question 1? By saying YES, we can allow a first-class gaming and entertainment venue to be built in York County.
Paid for and authorized by Progress for Maine, Mark G. Filler, Treasurer, 477 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Portland, ME 04101.
This entertainment venue and event center is projected to generate millions of dollars in revenue for Maine each year without raising taxes.1 The Office of Aging and Disability will receive $1,009,606+ in additional funding every year. That means more funding for assisted living facilities, family care-giver programs, nutrition services, outreach, and senior employment. Senior citizens will also have their property taxes reduced — it’s written right into the legislation. Local municipalities will receive $3,028,817+ in additional funding every year specifically for property tax relief. That means lower property taxes and more money back into the pockets of senior citizens.
More funding for senior programs. More jobs, better schools, and property tax relief.
On November 7,
Vote YES Question 1! ProgressForMaine.com YesOnQues1
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1. Projections based on “Economic Impact of Constructing and Operating a Gaming & Entertainment Venue in York County, Maine” Prepared by Evans, Carroll & Associates, Inc. Principal: Michael K. Evans.
Men do not, in my opinion, often
The Impromptu Musings
OF THREE GUYS GROWING OLDER
BY DR. LEN KAYE
have the opportunity and the inclination to share their thoughts and feelings with each other.
this past winter/spring and will learn within the month if the treatments were successful. As if that was not enough to grapple with, he just underwent hernia surgery this past August. The result of all this?—the motivation over the past few months to lose 52 pounds and get fit in order to fight the cancer with healthfulness before the treatments even began. He reports the entire experience has been an awakening and offered him a sense of renewal. Jonathan describes the waiting to hear about the results of his cancer treatment akin to“living in purgatory.” Jonathan thinks it took more than a village for him to lose the excess weight, it took a “crisis.” Joshua Sherwin is confronting the implications of preparing
It was a gorgeous late summer afternoon in the Pine Tree State.
T
he UMaine custom designed cornhole boards were perfectly positioned in the backyard grass and ready for a hearty game and accompanying requisite “smack” talk. The women were off on a 20-mile plus bicycle trek through the uncharted roads and drives that comprise Hampden.
Left to our own devices, Joshua, Cliff, Jonathan, and I were enjoying cold beers while standing around the kitchen island in Jonathan and Sara Henry’s 1800’s farmhouse. Perhaps not surprisingly, given we are all either in our fifties or sixties, the topic of growing older quite naturally arose. Men do not, in my opinion, often have the opportunity and the inclination to share their thoughts and feelings with each other. And so, this moment in time seemed like a terrific chance to do just that and share the musings of these rather thoughtful guys 31 • MAINE SENIORS
with the readers of Maine Seniors Magazine. You hear more than enough about me in these MSM monthly columns, so I will focus on what Joshua, Cliff, and Jonathan had to say – some of it is rather personal and I thank these guys for giving me permission to share their thoughts with our readers.
for retirement and the existential sense of responsibility he is grappling with in terms of how he will spend the rest of his life. He and his wife Ann recently made a point of timing a trip to South Carolina to check in on their future home in Charleston, so they could experience the solar eclipse up close and personal. It was an “extraordinary” and “shocking” experience in Josh’s words. The clouds apparently parted just in time and they had the special opportunity to watch it from the deck of the S.S. Yorktown aircraft carrier. Joshua made it clear that he wants to be sure to take greater advantage of special moments like this in his life. Cliff Singer has lost both his parents in the last seven years which has had a significant impact on him. He finds himself talking with and visiting relatives more frequently. He spoke of feeling compelled to reconnect with cousins, nieces, and nephews now that his parents are gone. It is a powerful “need” that he is driven to fulfill. Joshua fully agreed suggesting that when parents die you feel as if you are “on deck” and increasingly obliged to stop procrastinating and tend to missed opportunities and unsettled personal relationships.
Cruise...
First, a touch of context. Joshua Sherwin, 56, is a diagnostic radiologist in Bangor and practices at a number of hospitals in the area including Eastern Maine Medical Center and St. Joseph Hospital. Cliff Singer, 63, is a geriatric neuropsychiatrist who is affiliated with Acadia Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center. Jonathan Henry, 54, recently assumed the position of Vice President for Enrollment Management and Marketing at the University of Maine at Augusta. Of the three, Jonathan Henry has, no doubt, the most compelling history in terms of health challenges. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer at 44 years of age and had a brain aneurysm at age 45. Jonathan discovered his prostate cancer had returned very recently. He completed his latest round of radiation treatments
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Of course, Cliff Singer deals with the realities and angst of death and dying every day—it comes with the job and the challenges faced by his older patients. For him, the dying part is less a worry than the potential of finding himself disabled, the suffering he would be confronted with, and the burden it would place on others. He worries also about the loss of dignity. Cliff does not want to leave “a mess” and have to have others clean it up. He has begun to think about such matters and has recently even purchased long-term care insurance “just in case.” Jonathan identified with Cliff’s sentiments indicating he has an increasingly strong drive to cultivate friends and “clean out” the parts of his life that cause displeasure. None of these men want to be remembered as being mentally incapacitated at the time of their deaths. All three are understandably concerned about the possibility of having to grapple with Alzheimer’s disease. They all think the perfect death is fast and sudden. Dying in your sleep is much preferred. Joshua pointed out that a sudden death such as that experienced by his grandfather would be ideal. Do these men have any regrets at this point in their lives? Jonathan wishes he had listened more and talked less. He thinks he has tended to overshare at times in the past. For him, not being a better communicator and active listener came to mind. He also wishes he had taken better care of his body. He says it took 30 years for him to wake up and smell the coffee in this regard. Nevertheless, he feels considerable gratitude for having survived in the face of a life-threatening condition. For Cliff, has come the realization that some loss of energy over time is normal and he no longer denies that it is inevitable. He also regrets that there are relationships from his past that ended badly simply because he did not have the skills needed to navigate them more effectively as a young person. All three of these men agreed that their decision-making capacity is better now than it was earlier in life. So, what remains on these men’s bucket lists? For Jonathan, it is a trip to Europe and cruising the Rhine and the Danube. In fact, he and Sara are already planning such an excursion for next summer to honor their 30th wedding anniversary. For Joshua, ticking off items on the bucket list won’t happen before “stuff” associated with his kids is resolved. He likened such issues to“primordial ooze.” He also needs to tie up matters with his job before he can“exhale.” However,
when the time arrives, he intends to take a job that amuses him—it could be working in a winery or a brewery—“that would be cool and not cause an ulcer a day!” Cliff is intent on learning French and seeing things in the world before it is too late to truly enjoy the experience. He might also pursue a Ph.D. and learn a musical instrument (as yet unnamed). I reminded Joshua, Cliff, and Jonathan that research indicates that optimism increases with age and all three recognized that they have survived numerous challenges over the course of their lives and feel they have increasingly come to accept themselves for who they are and that they are ready to “pay it forward.” For each of these men and for all of us reading this article, let’s appreciate the fact that there is indeed considerable wisdom that comes with age including greater candor, honesty, confidence, and appreciation for the wonder that is the human condition. MSM
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33 • MAINE SENIORS
HEALTH TREASURES
HEALTH TREASURES
Foster Grandparents BY JUANITA DAVIS
At age 81, I frequently look back to the many things I’ve accomplished during those years.
M
y many God-given talents and raising six children, with the help of my husband, had kept me quite busy. I always somehow find myself in a position where there are children. From the Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts to school activities, Sunday school, home care, teaching children how to cook, to name a few.
After all my children became school age, I started working in hospitals, nursing homes and some home care. Of course, there’s a time when your age affects holding down a job. The younger generation takes over, and we move on. I knew I had to find something to do, so I started searching. I came across a notice in the local paper saying “Wanted—male or female, age 55 or older, who wants to make a difference in a child’s life.” That’s me! No doubt about it! I called the number listed and, in no time, a nice gentleman came to talk to me. As we were talking, I was silently praying, “Lord, please let me do this.” Another few weeks passed, and I found myself doing what I love to do. 35 • MAINE SENIORS
I have been a foster grandparent for 17 years. What a joy to see the progress children make because I cared enough to get involved. I found satisfaction, laughter, memories, better health and financial reward. To be met at the door each morning and greeted by children with a hug is a perfect way to start the day. Our school is what I call a family-oriented school. The staff is so pleasant and grateful that the foster grandparents are there. There is always a “thank you for helping,” or “we appreciate you so much.” Children look forward to Grammie. If you miss a day of school, they always say,“I missed you. Can you help me?” Gives me a special feeling and, at the end of the year, you can look back at the progress the children made, smile and say to yourself,“I was a part of this.” I don’t think you could find a more perfect place to be than in a school making a difference in the future of our children. I urge you to give the Penquis Foster Grandparent Program a call at 973-3611 and talk with Maria who will explain what a wonderful program this is. The hours are flexible, and the rewards are unending. Just think of what you can do in the lives of these children. They need me, and they need you, and we need them. Pick your phone up, call today and make a difference in the future of our country. Foster Grandparent Each day when I awake I know the road I’m taking To fulfill my needs and others And the difference I am making. I rush off to see the children And start an interesting day. I’ll listen with my heart and mind To all they have to say. They show appreciation With a hug and so much more. This fills my life with happiness What else could I ask for? I know I make a difference And it makes my life worthwhile To be a Foster Grandparent To a very special child. The Foster Grandparent Program (FGP), which began in 1965, provides tutors and mentors to children and youth who
are disadvantaged or have disabilities. Working one-on-one or in groups and serving between 15 and 40 hours a week, Foster Grandparents provide support in schools, Head Start centers, child care centers and other public and non-profit locations. Serving at one of thousands of local organizations Foster Grandparents help children learn to read, review school work, reinforce values, provide one-on-one tutoring and guide children at a critical time in their lives. Foster Grandparents share their love, time and experience; they are role models, mentors and friends. Put simply, they give the kind of comfort and love that sets a child on the path toward a successful future. With assistance provided by Foster Grandparents:
•
Elementary school children demonstrate improvement in a number of areas, including academic performance, self-esteem and self-confidence;
•
Preschool and day care children demonstrate improvement in such areas as school readiness, cognitive skills, self-confidence, social skills and classroom behavior;
•
English as a second language (ESL) students achieve language goals and increase their self-esteem, classroom participation and self-confidence in English skills; and
•
Youth who are disabled or developmentally delayed increase their communication/ language skills, interpersonal/social skills, self-help skills, attention span, overall self-esteem and sense of well-being.
The following is a list of some of the qualities a Foster Grandparent will need to possess. •
A sincere interest in children and a desire to help those with special needs
•
The ability and desire to relate to children.
•
The ability to accept differences of race, culture, and religion
•
A willingness to accept supervision and guidance
•
Dependability.
•
Cheerful disposition
•
Willingness to ask questions and seek advice rather than act independently OCTOBER 2017 • 3 6
Thoughtful ThoughtfulCARE IN A CARE IN A Spectacular Spectacular SETTING SETTING
HEALTH TREASURES
Volunteers must be 55 years of age or older and meet income guidelines. Foster Grandparents receive a tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement to and from the volunteer site, pre-service orientation, and training, and supplemental accident and liability insurance while on duty. A background check is completed for all volunteers. Volunteering leads to new discoveries and new friends. Studies show that volunteering helps you live longer and promotes a positive outlook on life. This inter-generational program utilizes our only increasing natural resource—seniors—who are assisting our future resource—our children. For more information on the Penquis Foster Grandparent Program please call 973-3611 or 1-800-215-4942 MSM
Funding for the Penquis Foster Grandparent Program is provided through the Corporation for National and Community Service, the State of Maine Bureau of Elder and Adult Services, United Way, donations, fundraising efforts and Penquis. Penquis assists individuals and families in preventing, reducing or eliminating poverty in their lives, and, through partnerships, engages the community in addressing economic and social needs. Juanita Davis: Foster Grandparent from Elm Street School, East Machias. Maria Staples: Program Manager, Penquis Foster Grandparent Program. Give MSM a call at 207-299-5358 to find out how you can tell your story to our readers in your very own Guest Article.
Southern Maine Senior Expo Thursday, October 5, 2017 9 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Hilton Garden Inn, 5 Park Street, Freeport
Freeport Silver Sponsor:
Expo or booth info, directions & schedule: www.MaineSeniorGuide.com
• • • • • •
Physician/Medical Provider Visits • Physician/Medical Provider Visits Physical Therapy • Physical Therapy Occupational Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Speech Therapy Skilled Nursing Care • Skilled Nursing Care Discharge Planning and Education • Discharge Planning and Education
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Our Our highly highly qualified qualified Skilled/Rehab Skilled/Rehab Team Team will will work work together together to to getget you you back back home, home, doing doing thethe things things you you enjoy enjoy as as soon soon as as possible. possible.
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Free flu shots exhibitors a speakers antique appraisals a music Zumba Gold demos free coffee plenty of free parking no registration needed dmclean@maineseniorguide.com
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37 • MAINE SENIORS
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Hunter S. Thompson wrote, “The world is a weird place, despite my efforts to make clear and perfect sense of it.”
Wacky
World
Then I realized that faithful readers of my column no doubt proclaim, “Boy, that Waldo is weird.” Hey, that’s a good thing—I’ll take it. Weird beats boring any day. Donna Lynn Hope wrote, “Conformity bores but is inescapable for the most part. We all follow something, even if it is following the goal of standing apart. We are all a sea of ordinary people; it is always the quirk, the flaw or the ingenuity that stands out.”
BY WALDO CLARK
Every day, we open the newspaper, turn on the TV, or surf the net exposed to an alarming array of downright unusual weird news. Certified nonsense.
Being weird doesn’t mean you’re the village idiot. It means that you’re unique. So, celebrate your individuality. After all, we are Maine Seniors. MSM
S
ome of it’s real; some of it’s fake. Nonetheless, it feels like we’re living in one big looney bin of a wacky world. Hunter S. Thompson wrote, “The world is a weird place, despite my efforts to make clear and perfect sense of it.”
Here’s a small sample of numbing, humdinger news I culled from the Huffington Post, AP, and Washington Post: “Mexican village celebrates mushroom with image of Jesus on it.” “Determined dad won’t let a tornado stop him from mowing the lawn.” “Watch this spider crawl out of a woman’s ear.” “Police say a pigeon made this nest out of used syringes.” “Water skier smacked in crotch by flying fish.” “Poop-shaped pudding gets mixed reactions for Thailand bakery.” “In India, a 10-12-year-old girl was found living with monkeys.” “An Indonesian man disappeared. Then his body was found— inside a python. Villagers gathered around a misshapen python and began to slice it open.” Bizarro. Theater of the absurd. Head-snapping. Mind melt. 39 • MAINE SENIORS
Am I hallucinating? I thought about going into the garage to grab my weirdo weed whacker to wipe out all weirdos. While writing this, I received a robocall: “Hi, I’m Jennifer—Be safe at home …” I wondered if this was fate. I’m not kidding. Perhaps I’d be safe staying at home, away from the weirdos. But the downside, I’d be boring. I pondered this for a while, seized by the sinking feeling that perhaps I was too boring. Maybe normal is over-rated. Hey, what’s that new phrase, “the new normal”? Maybe a bit weird is OK? Journalist Rebecca McKinsey wrote, “I’d rather be a little weird than all boring.” Besides, aren’t most Mainers a bit “touched”? To point, I’ve found that many interesting folks carry a bucket of weird around with them.
Entertaining, enjoyable, informative, and effective. Take a look at why Maine Seniors Magazine has become the premiere print media opportunity for your message.
Call 299-5358 today to learn more! OCTOBER 2017 • 4 0
THE MAINE POINT
Age Friendly BY JANE MARGESSON
Several years ago when I lived in another state, my partner and I were taking my mother-inlaw to a new hair salon which was located in a small, but busy town near where we lived.
W
e parked the car across the street and made our way to the crosswalk. At the time, my mother-in-law used a walker, so it was rather slow going. When the light turned green for us to cross, we shuffled along onto the street. Before we were anywhere near the mid-point, the red hand signal started blinking, warning us to get out of the crosswalk. We had no choice but to turn around and head back to the sidewalk to get out of harm’s way.
In the end, it took us seven tries before we finally made it to the other side. By this time, my mother-in-law was rattled and exhausted. All of us were frustrated. A safe crosswalk is just one feature of a town that can make all the difference to pedestrian safety whether you are an older person using a walker or a young parent with a baby in a stroller and two kids in tow. In the example of my mother-in-law, it would have been easy to adjust the cross signal timer to allow a person an extra thirty seconds to safely cross the street.
41 • MAINE SENIORS
In Maine, forty towns large and small are taking a close look at
ways to improve the “age-friendly” quality of their infrastructure.
For a $2200 monthly fee, we include: • 3 meals/day • 24 hour staff • Suite with private bath • Housekeeping • Laundry service
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Country Villa • 207-942-0617
509 Kenduskeag Ave, Bangor carmen.daigle@voanne.org • www.thecountryvilla.com NortHerN NeW eNgLANd
An age-friendly community encourages residents to remain active and socially engaged throughout their lives. One of the wonderful features of the NAFC is that success comes through the collaborative efforts of local residents, the township, local businesses, non-profits, and community leaders. Communities are encouraged to conduct needs assessments or host focus groups to effectively develop their action plan. Some initiatives may take years to develop, but smaller changes can also boost a town’s agefriendly complexion. For example, I recently heard about a new bench installed at a bus stop in Augusta which is particularly helpful to older or disabled riders. Bangor’s police department raises awareness about serious issues through positive, and often humorous, law enforcement alerts on Facebook. The Eastport Telecommuter Recruitment website inspires employees and entrepreneurs to consider settling in this charming small town on the Canadian border. Maine already boasts more communities in the NAFC than any other state in the nation, but there is always room for more! If you would like to learn more, email me@aarp.org. It is exciting to see the enthusiasm behind these effective efforts and the stories of success keep pouring in. I can’t wait to hear yours! MSM
COMPLICATIONS FROM A FALL Jamie Hogan
Making Maine More
In Maine, forty towns large and small are taking a close look at ways to improve the “age-friendly” quality of their infrastructure. Having joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities (NAFC), these towns have exciting, innovative initiatives underway that are already making a difference. Some, like Bucksport, focus on safe streets. Each year a local business owner is awarded a “golden shovel” for consistently keeping the sidewalk in front of their business snow and ice free. Other towns are addressing additional concerns such as transportation options or better housing for older residents. Several towns in 2017 hosted free shredding events to help local residents stay safe from scams and identity theft.
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25A Forest Ave, Portland ME OCTOBER 2017 • 4 2
LEGACY
LEGACY Arruda, who takes business calls no matter where he is, says he takes "trips, not vacations."
in the world.” The half-scale model schooner Rose Dorothea is on display at the Provincetown Public Library. “My great-grandfather, his grandfather, sailed on that boat, and that boat was in the Lipton Cup Races—and won! My greatgrandfather was a whaler/harpooner. They were all men of the sea, so I’ve always had a passion for things nautical and the sea,” Arruda said.
A Passion for People BY SHEILA D. GRANT
Chart the Course for Tony Arruda
How does a man with a lifelong love of the sea and all things nautical end up landlocked in the mountains of western Maine during his golden years? By loving something else more.
F
ive years ago, at age 70, Anthony Arruda launched his Farmington-based Senior Planning Center, which assists older people with insurance and financial services. The endeavor combines Arruda’s two other passions—business and helping people. Over the past five years, Senior Planning Center services have expanded, satellite offices have opened, and the staff has grown to include a team of licensed agents providing services statewide, even if that requires a house call. From the receptionist at the front desk to a young woman providing financial assistance out of one of the Senior Planning Center offices, ask what the best thing about working here is, and the answer is always,“Helping people.” 43 • MAINE SENIORS
“It’s not just me. It’s the people behind me,” said Arruda.“A passion for helping people is one of the criteria I have [for hiring].” Hard work and a love of sea spray run in the family Arruda comes by his work ethic by way of his hearty, hardworking ancestors. “Of the many men in my life, I admire my father very much for having accomplished the things that he did,” says Arruda. “He came over from Portugal at 11 years old, only had four years of education, went to work, and ended up owning a very large taxi cab fleet south of Boston. He was a self-made man.” “My mother’s people were also Portuguese, and lived in Provincetown, Massachusetts,” he says.“My uncle, who just passed away last year at age 100 plus three or four months, was a renowned boat builder. He owned a boatyard in Provincetown, and has the distinction of building the largest [indoor] scale model of a boat
From the receptionist at the front desk to a young woman providing financial assistance out of one of the Senior Planning Center offices, ask what the best thing about working here is, and the answer is always, “Helping people.”
A fan of all things nautical, Arruda quips, "We will never steer you wrong."
A portrait of the U.S. Coast Guard’s three-mast square rigger, Eagle, hangs across from Arruda’s desk. “I went on that one,” he said, pointing. “I was in the Coast Guard Reserves for years, and I was fortunate enough to attend the America’s Cup Races back in the 70s. The Eagle was a marker ship, a border ship for people watching the races.” Arruda has relatives that teach sailing and racing in Provincetown. His son, who lives in Freeport, is a graduate of the Maine Maritime Academy and shipped out as a chief engineer for years before coming ashore as an engineering consultant for a large firm. One granddaughter is away at college in North Carolina; the other is attends high school in Yarmouth—and teaches sailing, Arruda notes with obvious pride.
Arruda, on another of his "trips, not vacations," marvels at a bicycle parking lot in Amsterdam.
“I have a house in Stratton,” he said,“but when I want to go out on the ocean, I visit my son and go out on his boat. It’s the best of both worlds!” One business leads to another, and another Arruda attended business college in Boston, and worked for the family business until illness forced his father to give it up. Arruda then went into retail, handling distribution, store openings, and OCTOBER 2017 • 4 4
LEGACY
other management needs for a variety of large department stores. The work moved him to Florida, back to Massachusetts, Maine, and Tennessee before bringing him back to Maine for good. He also got into the video distribution business when VHS tapes were popular. “I ended up giving that up,” Arruda said. “I had to do something because of all the changes [in the retail industry] going on, so I started working in the insurance business. Business has just always been my thought process.” Becoming a licensed insurance agent and working with products devoted to senior citizens, “I found out there was such a need in working with seniors in the fields of medical insurance, Medicare,
LEGACY
and understanding the things that they have to make decisions on, whether it was Social Security or the prescription drug plans the government was coming out with,” said Arruda. “I was constantly getting calls from people asking me for assistance.” Insurance salesmen make commissions, notes Arruda, “but what I was finding was that there were people turning 65 every day of the week and they needed questions answered about what was available and what they could do. I found out my philosophy was that it was better to help them to make decisions than it was to try to sell them anything.” Five years ago, with 20 years of experience in the insurance industry, Arruda found that his list of senior clients had grown, “and it was getting difficult to service all of my people properly,” he said.“I started the Senior Planning Center as an insurance agency representing all of the products beneficial to seniors.” Arruda said it was his business background and understanding of marketing and
The Senior Planning Center in the Mount Blue Shopping Center, Farmington, assists older citizens with Social Security questions, insurance, taxes, and more.
business development that helped him take the plunge. “We are seeing constant growth, and that we have expanded in all the services that we provide,” said Arruda, now a Certified Senior Advisor. “We have 24 outside licensed agents servicing the entire state of Maine. We’ve opened an office in Rumford, we’ve had a satellite office in Presque Isle, and we are in the process of opening an office in Skowhegan. Everything is to help service and facilitate and make things easier for the senior,” he said.
Tony Arruda, founder of the Senior Planning Center, likes to remind potential clients to "get their ducks in a row."
“If people want help in understanding Social Security, we’re able to do that for them,” said Arruda. “We have many people who are confused about what to do with the Affordable Care Act (ACA), so we are licensed agents in order to service the ACA, also. We’ve developed a tax practitioner so that if people need their taxes done, we can also do that.” The retirement planning offered isn’t about investments, but rather helping seniors preserve their current income. Seniors worry about how to handle finances if a family member needs to go into a nursing home, for example. “We work with seniors in those areas, too,” said Arruda, noting that a legacy planning book is currently in development.
are uneducated. They are uninformed. They are confused. I’m a firm believer in a lot of planning—getting your ducks in a row. When people have to start planning for their future at 62 or 65, we are there to help them.”
One example of the savings that can occur is a couple that came to Arruda with concerns when rates for their prescription gap coverage increased. In going over what programs the couple did and did not have, Arruda discovered that out of their combined monthly income of less than $2,000, they were paying about $500 a month for unnecessary insurance that duplicated coverage they already had.“That woman left here crying, thanking us,” he said. “We run into this all the time,” Arruda continued.“It isn’t that people
Arruda and the Senior Planning Center staff were recognized as the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce 2016 Small Business of the Year.
45 • MAINE SENIORS
OCTOBER 2017 • 4 6
LEGACY
LEGACY
what we’re doing and have fun at it. People ask me how come I’m still working at 75 and still building a business. Because I love it!” Arruda’s philosophy extends to community involvement, as well. He is the recipient of a Melvin Jones Fellow Award for Humanitarian Service from the Lions Club International Foundation. “I’ve been involved with the Lions for 20 years,” he said. “I was president of the local Stratton Lions Club for many years, and also held offices as a director, and four years ago, I was the District Governor for the state of Maine. I’m still very passionate about the Lions and their services.” Arruda was also one of the founders and original directors of the Flagstaff Area Business Association, now known as Maine High Peaks. “I’m still a director,” he said. “It’s an organization similar to the chamber, but working for that area up there. They have over 200 members now!” Tony Arruda with Susan Collins
Going above and beyond In addition to assisting seniors with insurance needs, staff at the Senior Planning Center take on projects that will pay nothing but the currency of good karma. “If they want to know about state assistance programs, etc., we assist them in doing that, knowing that many of the state agencies have problems handling all of the business and are restricted with their budgets and more,” Arruda said.“We don’t hold boundaries of how we might be able to help people. Our agents get questions on‘How do I go about getting food stamps?’ We will help them.‘How can I get housing?’ We may not be able to do it here, but we will develop a resource guide to do that. In a sense, we are taking whatever a senior person may need, and trying to assist or direct them, whether we are able to be compensated by it or not.” The Senior Planning Center fills a gap in services left by overwhelmed state agencies and programs that rely on technology 47 • MAINE SENIORS
not easily accessed by many seniors, Arruda said. “If I think somebody can qualify, I do not send them down to the Department of Human Services. We’ll do the application for them; submit it to the state, and follow up every single week.” The Senior Planning Center is a business, but, “I don’t care how I open the door,” Arruda said. “It may lead to a lead. It may lead to a product I can sell. All the people who work here feel the same way. What goes around comes around, and if there is a need, we are going to help them, because that will come back to us tenfold.” Staff also services potential clients at a pace manageable for every senior. Not every senior has an Internet-savvy grandchild willing to help do everything on the computer, notes Arruda.“We use the Internet, the telephone, help them in our office, and if they need somebody to go to their house, we can that, too. We are here to serve those people.
The lobby of the Senior Planning Center offers a venue for brochures from many local businesses and nonprofits, as well as the most recent edition of the region’s visitor’s guide. The walls are hung with works by local artists (many with a nautical theme).
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It’s little wonder that in 2016, the Senior Planning Center was recognized as the Small Business of the Year by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. That award, as well as a congratulatory letter from U. S. Senator Susan Collins, is proudly displayed in the lobby. Collins commends the Senior Planning Center’s compassion in guiding “seniors in need to the appropriate services,” as well as providing free assistance navigating Medicare and Medicaid, and exceptional support of several local civic organizations. “We, along with our entire staff, are so proud that we’re able to do something in life that we can make a living out of and also be fortunate enough to help people,” Arruda said. “It’s almost like a dream come true. We’re helping people, and as far as a career, who could want anything better?” MSM Give MSM a call at 207-299-5358 to find out how you can tell your story to our readers in your very own Guest Article.
“It’s really enjoyable to see that we can help people and still enjoy OCTOBER 2017 • 4 8
A Trail Less Traveled
A Trail Less Traveled
The weather is cooling off, foliage is about to burst, and the conditions are perfect for hiking and biking as well as tuning up a bird dog or climbing into a hunting stand.
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So what are aging and unfit outdoor enthusiasts to do? First, before heading onto the trails and into the woods they should have a physical exam to determine their overall health. Known risk factors for a heart attack need to be checked such as blood pressure and cholesterol and diabetes. Follow your doctor’s advice concerning strenuous activities you are planning such as hiking, biking and hunting.
FOR THE LOVE
STORY AND ART BY BRAD EDEN
of the Outdoors When we think of Summer in Maine, we think of our natural beauty which of course includes our mountains, forests, ponds, lakes, rivers, and our magnificent coastline. Most of us will also think of lobsters.
T
he month of September ushers in a busy time for outdoor recreation in Maine regardless of someone’s age. The weather is cooling off, foliage is about to burst, and the conditions are perfect for hiking and biking as well as tuning up a bird dog or climbing into a hunting stand.
With so many people enjoying the start of fall in the Maine outdoors, you might think twisting an ankle or falling out of a tree stand would be the biggest dangers. Not so. Heart attacks are the #1 cause of death among active outdoors people, particularly
hunters. Crashing through thick cover, hiking steep and rugged terrain in frigid weather puts a lot of strain on the heart, especially for someone with heart disease or risk factors for it. Even the sedentary nature of stand hunting followed by bursts of adrenalin can get a heart pumping to a potentially harmful degree, if a person is older and isn’t in shape. Let’s be honest, a lot of us are not in the best of physical condition. Some people still smoke, don’t exercise regularly, and are overweight. On the precipice of 60 years old I am no specimen myself. I have usually added some girth throughout the spring and summer and approach the fall with a strain on my belt. Luckily I run bird dogs and bow hunt so by the time October is winding down I have typically dropped as much as ten pounds. But every year I shed less and less of that weight.
How do you know if you may be having heart problems? Cardiac issues do not usually cause sharp pain, but pressure over the chest. It can radiate to shoulders, neck and arms and may be accompanied by nausea, sweating and/or shortness of breath. Don’t overreact since many other ailments and circumstances can mimic a heart attack but it’s better to be safe than sorry and take precautions. Here are some common sense steps that can be taken to avoid potential disasters. Recreate outdoors with others rather than trekking out alone. Make sure you tell family and friends exactly where you will be. I always leave a detailed map of my itinerary on my kitchen counter for my wife. My cell phone is a necessity for everyday life but I find it intrusive while in the woods, so I keep it on low vibrate but always bring it. Learn how to use a map and compass. Get comfortable with a GPS but always keep a conventional compass attached to it. The panic associated with being lost or“turned around’ is not good for the heart, trust me, I’ve been there. Hydrate yourself and bring a candy bar or two. I used to be able to go all day with hardly a sip of water, but after feeling faint and disorientated a long way from my truck, I learned to always haul water and snacks for me and the dogs. Probably the best thing a person can do to increase their longevity in the field is to stop smoking. I smoked from my mid teens until my
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49 • MAINE SENIORS
OCTOBER 2017 • 5 0
A Trail Less Traveled
late thirties. Why and how did I stop? I’d like to say it was because my wife is a respiratory therapist and shared horror stories about her patients who were now housebound and on oxygen. Or that my kids would go on “stop smoking campaigns” and place notes all over the house, in medicine cabinets, sock drawers and in my truck pleading for daddy to stop smoking. Nope, what finally got me to quit was my fear that if I kept smoking I wouldn’t be able to follow my dogs after upland birds nor be able to climb a mountain in search of a Maine buck. Selfish to be certain but there it is. My love of the outdoors and the sporting life got me to quit smoking, cold turkey.
The Twelfth Annual University of Maine Clinical Geriatrics Colloquium
Friday, October 20, 2017 8:00 am - 4:00 pm Wells Conference Center University of Maine Orono, ME
So, take a good look at yourself. It’s tough getting old and with age comes increased health issues and concerns. Are you a candidate for a heart attack? If so, go get checked out by your doc and take some common sense precautions this fall season. Your heart and your family will thank you. MSM
To register on-line with a credit card or electronic check (ACH) go to: https://mainecenteronaging.umaine.edu/geriatricscolloquium/ A Special Day of Learning and Gaining Insight! This year’s colloquium explores the many challenges, perspectives and strategies for addressing the dying experience and its aftermath in honest and positive fashion with the intent of maximizing the well-being of all individuals that it impacts.
This Year’s Attendees Will:
Understand the ethical concerns that arise from decisions made at the end of life Develop an understanding of the most effective communication techniques in working with older adults at the end of life and those grieving the loss of others
51 • MAINE SENIORS
Understand the grieving process and how to cope with death
Review the decisions that need to be made when someone is dying
LEGACY TOO
LEGACY TOO
6 Cognitive Biases
with $500 in their pocket to gamble. Their decisions on whether to hold’em or fold’em in any given hand can be greatly influenced throughout the night based on whether they have more or less than the initial $500 in their pocket. If they “win” $300, they may be more likely to make aggressive bets with the $300, which is the “house’s money” than they would if they had less than the initial $500 in their pocket.
BY BRIAN BERNATCHEZ, CFP
That Can Be Deadly for Your Long-Term Wealth
“The worst enemy of the investor is most likely himself.” —BENJAMIN GRAHAM
W
ith the United States stock markets reaching alltime highs and many analysts warning that many companies are being overvalued by investors, it seems like a good time to discuss some of the psychological biases which can negatively influence investor behavior:
Confirmation Bias We all have a tendency to actively seek out information that supports opinions we have already formed and to digest facts which suit our own world view. Investors have a tendency to avoid critical opinions and reports published about investments in which they already have large positions and seek and look for confirmation from analysts and the media that the decisions they have made to 53 • MAINE SENIORS
buy the stock initially and to keep it, are still good ones. Just as great leaders will listen intently to those with whom they disagree, great investors should listen to the growling bears going in the opposite direction from the thundering herd of bulls.
Investors often react the same way… an investor who purchased $10,000 worth of stock at $30 per share 2 years ago may be less likely to sell, than an investor who invested $10,000 today when the price is at $50 when the price drops back to $30 over the next few months.
Anchoring Bias
Overconfidence Bias
The price an investor initially pays for a stock can act as an unfortunate psychological “anchor” that can lead to irrational decisions about the future value of the company. A confident investor buys what he or she thinks is a great company at a perceived bargain price of $100 per share; only to see bad news about the company and economy causing the price to drop to $50 during the next two months. The fact that the investor paid $100 initially can cause an irrational assessment of the potential of the company at its new price “Great!! I will double my position at this new price.” In reality, the initial price of $100 paid by the investor has nothing to do with the company’s growth potential if purchased at its new price of $50—but it is perceived as a cheap price based on the much higher price paid initially. Myopic Loss Aversion Bias Investors must manage the battle between fear and greed in their heads and stomachs to be successful in accumulating wealth in the long term. Unfortunately, the fear of loss is generally a more
Brian Bernatchez, CFP
The price an investor initially pays for a stock can act as an
This is the “Lake Wobegon” effect—even though study after study has shown that it is virtually impossible to time the markets and be in only when prices are going up, many investors overestimate their own abilities. In an effort to feel in control and “in the know”, many investors subject themselves to unnecessary transaction costs and income taxes and miss out on much of the appreciation in the markets by attempting to be out during falling prices. The
unfortunate psychological “anchor” that can lead to irrational decisions about the future value of the company.
powerful force that overwhelms many investors during periods of steep losses in stock prices. Even though the investment might not be planned to be liquidated for decades, many investors panic during corrections and bear markets; causing them to miss out on the recovery in prices that follows. Warren Buffett has described his legendary approach to value investing in this simple way,“When the herd is greedy I am fearful, when the herd is fearful, I am greedy.” Playing with the house’s money Casino operators and professional poker players are very familiar with this behavior. Novice gamblers make a trip to Oxford Casino OCTOBER 2017 • 5 4
LEGACY TOO
sad reality is that many investors in any given stock or mutual fund earn significantly less over time than what the investment provides for in long term returns, due to trading in and out and chasing last year’s winners. Framing bias Decisions to invest in a company can be greatly influenced by the way the statistics are framed. If I told you that I once combined with a teammate to score 55 points in a single college basketball game you would assume me to be a much better player than if I “framed” the statistics with the rest of the story, that he scored 49 and I scored just 6! A company’s presentation of itself is never random. “Our profits surged 150% and our revenue grew by 50% over last year” sounds good until you find out that last year was the worst year financially in company history. “Our stock price reached an all-time high recently at $100 per share” sounds awesome until you learn that the price hit $99 a decade ago.
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I am often asked what “secret sauce” do we use at Golden Pond which has given us the ability to grow and protect our client’s wealth over the long term. Well, there is no secret sauce or magic formula. Quite simply, successful long-term investing requires both our clients and us to leave our emotions, egos and the “6 Cognitive Biases” I have discussed in this article at the door and embrace a boring, yet disciplined; plain vanilla, yet time tested process, which has stood the test of time over many decades. MSM
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The opinions voiced in this material are for general information only and are not intended to provide specific advice or recommendations for any individual. Investing involves risk including loss of principal. No strategy assures success or protects against loss. Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Give MSM a call at 207-299-5358 to find out how you can tell your story to our readers in your very own Guest Article.
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HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
The Forevermark Tribute™ Collection
Sounds
OF THE
Season
BY DAVID NEALLEY
Last year around this time I booked a trip to Nashville. It is so important to book early and not just for cheaper airfares and hotel rooms, but also to secure tickets to special events which can sell out quickly.
L
ike so many Mainers, we like to stay home for the holidays, so we took our trip in mid-December. Nashville and its “Sounds of the Season” provided us a great jumpstart for our holiday.
The first couple of nights we stayed downtown at the Hilton Garden Vanderbuilt, so that we could visit Music Row, Printer’s Alley and Honky Tonk Row. Music Row is known as the heart of country and gospel music and was actually highlight-
ed by Dolly Parton’s “Down on Music Row”. Printer’s Alley has the jazz clubs and is where Chet Atkins, as well as many other greats, used to play and where the band Rascal Flatts was discovered. Honky Tonk Row has plenty of nightclubs where many stars got their start… like, Legends Corner, The Stage, and Tootsie’s Orchard Lounge.
FOR ALL T H AT YO U ARE A diamond for each of your qualities
We were very impressed with the friendly and professional hospitality the moment we arrived in Nashville. After we checked into the hotel, we went to Jimmy Buffett’s Margaritaville, which is located right on Honky Tonk Row, for a “Cheeseburger in Paradise”. Then we visited a few of the clubs and enjoyed a variety of music. That evening we attended a “Gaither Christmas Homecom-
www . days j e w e le r s . co m ™
57 • MAINE SENIORS
© Forevermark 2017. Forevermark ®, ® , and Forevermark Tribute™ are Trade Marks used under license from The De Beers Group of Companies.
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE Peace of mind is knowing you have a plan for the future. Let us help develop the best Estate Plan for you and your family.
A Cheeseburger in Paradise in Nashville
The next day, we walked around town and visited the Ryman Auditorium. Yes, this was the home of the Grand Ole Opry from 1943-1974. After this “must stop”, we were determined to learn more about the history of this music city and went to the Country Music Hall of Fame. Wow! You name the artist of yesteryear and at some point they were in Nashville. “Will the Circle Be Unbroken?” I certainly hope so. We became more aware of both the history of country music and its importance to our country and how Nashville became Music
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City. In addition, we learned about all of the “greats” who were inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame (please see a partial list in the sidebar) while we enjoyed both the memorabilia and the music.
ing” at Lipscomb University. Bill and Gloria Gaither, and their group of fantastic musicians, including some of the best vocalists in country-gospel music, gave a real spirited performance of both their own music as well as the Christmas classics. In addition to a truly beautiful performance by Mark Lowry of "Mary Did You Know", we also were treated to the most spectacular voice of David Phelps with an extremely moving rendition of “O Holy Night”. If our vacation had ended then, it still would have been worth the trip.
59 • MAINE SENIORS
After our visit of the Country Music Hall of Fame, we took a tour bus from there to Studio B. RCA’s Studio B was responsible for one of the most impressive libraries of music to ever hit the airwaves in America! Greats like Jim Reeves, Don Gibson, Eddy Arnold, Porter Wagoner, Dottie West, Everly Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Roy Orbison, Connie Smith, Charley Pride, Waylon Jennings, and Elvis Presley all used Studio B to record hits. Over 35,000 songs, 1,000 hits, 40 million selling singles, and over 200 Elvis Presley hits came out of Studio B. Rumors have it that Elvis would show up around midnight and have pizza with his fellow musicians, sing some gospel songs, and jam with the band. After an extensive warm up, and late in the wee hours of the night/morning, many nights not until 3 to 4 in the morning, he would then work
The Honky Tonks in Nashville have great live music!
OCTOBER 2017 • 6 0
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
The next day we left our great downtown accommodations and moved into our next hotel, the Gaylord Opryland Resort. This hotel is one of the largest hotels in the world with around 3,000 guest rooms and 15 restaurants and yet, its friendly and professional hospitality makes you feel like you are in a smaller more intimate place. In addition to significant amenities, they have 9 acres of biosphere within the building. One section, aptly named the Cascades, has a 3.5 story waterfall and thousands of tropical plants making for an enjoyable and relaxing space to walk or just sit and wine and dine. The other large terrarium-like space is the Conservatory, which is equally beautiful and has little riverboat rides to enjoy. We heard some classic Christmas Carols and songs being sung by a choir in this beautifully decorated biosphere. The Gaylord Opryland Resort goes “all out” with the holidays. They had over 2 million Christmas lights and many other decorations all over the property. One of the Christmas treats was an ice
Two popular clubs: Tootsies and The Stage
Many hits were recorded at the famous Studio B, including Elvis Music Row Nightclubs
Bill Gaither (left) and Mark Lowry (right)
David Phelps (left)
lis and special guest Catherine Russell. This provided us with a top-shelf performance in a world class venue. Wow!
on recording songs. As we looked at the very piano that he played, our tour guide shared many stories about the many musicians that made studio B one of the most significant music studios in the history of American music. Our next stop was to Schermerhorn Center, the home of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra. Here we enjoyed a special holiday concert, Jazz at Lincoln Center with Wynton Marsa61 • MAINE SENIORS
Over 35,000 songs, 1,000 hits, 40 million selling singles, and over 200 Elvis Presley hits
came out of Studio B.
OCTOBER 2017 • 6 2
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
Waterfalls in the Cascades at the Gaylord Orpyland Resort Schermerhorn Center, the home of the Nashville Symphony Orchestra Gaylord Opryland resort was decorated with over 3 million lights
What are you waiting for? Maine Seniors Magazine is chockfull of the stories, photos, moments and memories that you love— and it's only $29.95 for 10 issues! To start getting your favorite magazine right at your front door, mail your check (payable to Maine Seniors Magazine) to 87 Hillside Ave, Bangor, ME 04401.
Gaylord Opryland resort decorated for the season
Don't delay—subscribe today!
63 • MAINE SENIORS
OCTOBER 2017 • 6 4
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
A partial list of Country Music Hall of Fame Inductees include:
Giant Poinsettea Christmas Tree
Roy Acuff
George Jones
Gene Autrey
Reba McEntire
Eddy Arnold
Kris Kristofferson
Patsy Cline
Roger Miller
Jimmy Dean
Bill Munroe
Johnny Cash
Dolly Parton
Loretta Lynn
Kenney Rogers
Everly Brothers
Willie Nelson
Emmy Lou Harris
Alabama
Merle Haggard
Vince Gill
Mini Pearl
The Gaylord Opryland Resort goes “all out” with the holidays.
They had over 2 million Christmas lights.
...and so many more!
Beautiful Nativity Scene ice sculpture.
theme park of the animated Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer by sculptors of Harbin, China. Life sized and also larger than life sized-sculptures of Rudolph and his friends were extremely accurate to the animation figures and on the way out of the exhibit was a life sized glass-ice Nativity scene. After that exhibit we went to the Tennessee Ballroom for Larry Gatlin and the Gatlin Brothers Christmas Dinner Show. They were fantastic! The next day, we walked over to the Grand Ole Opry House for the musical version of Dr. Suess’ timeless "How the Grinch Stole Christmas"! If you want to get a jump on your Sounds of the Season, I highly recommend booking a trip to Nashville today for a mid-December get-away. MSM
The ice sculptures were crafted by artist from Harbin, China, known for its world class ice sculptures
65 • MAINE SENIORS
OCTOBER 2017 • 6 6
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
HERE, THERE & EVERYWHERE
Beauty at the Gaylord Opryland Resort
Coat of Many Colors Fund raiser Christmas Tree by Dolly Parton
Big guitar in front of the Grand Ole Opry A Cadillac owned by Elvis
Massive wreath at Gaylord Opryland Resort
Notice the Peter Paul and Mary album cover among the many stars on the wall at Legends in Nashville 67 • MAINE SENIORS
OCTOBER 2017 • 6 8
RESIDENTIAL REVIEW
RESIDENTIAL REVIEW
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ou want to be treated like an individual but cared for like family. At DLTC Healthcare promoting independence and encouraging people to do what they love is their mission. Spending your aging years where you are comfortable and doing the things you love, with some assistance, is essential.
The company motto, “Dedicated to Living Through Compassionate Care” is enacted in their 11 locations across the state of Maine. Programs that include residents’ families and the community are a major focus. Each of the DLTC facilities is unique, characteristic of their residents, and offers different
69 • MAINE SENIORS
experiences. Selecting a facility that best matches your needs and interests is their goal. Moving is stressful, especially when you are transitioning to a place that is unfamiliar. You may feel as if you don’t have choices and a voice. This change in your living situation may impact your mood, behavior and health. DLTC focuses on open communication with residents and their families to ensure a comfortable supportive transition. It is difficult when you have memory issues to not feel agitated or angry. DLTC offers resources, such as music therapy and calming spaces that promote peace, with comfortable furnishings and specially trained staff to help assist you through these difficult periods. Continuing to build on their success with these programs, they continue to incorporate innovative ideas and therapies at all their facilities.
Research shows that being involved in the community is important; to have a vested interest in what and who is around you is critical. Continuing the traditions of public suppers, town celebrations, connecting with youth and bridging the generation gap solidifies relationships and promotes learning and a sense of belonging. DLTC’s programs bring residents into the surrounding community and also invites the community to be involved with their residents’ in-house activities. Many local citizens visit and volunteer, leading craft activities and game nights, and helping to entertain. These community interactions are a highlight for residents. DLTC also offers transportation for participation in community activities, dining out, or just taking residents to the bank or shopping, enabling them to continue to live an active life. Gaining a whole new family is important as well. Finding people who have similar interests, and sharing these experiences helps keep the body and mind active. Gardening, movies, games, sports, and exercise are just a few areas that are part of DLTC’s activity programs. One small example is their gardening program. Each facility has tall raised beds to make it easier for residents to reach the gardens and participate in planting and maintaining them. Residents then can share their bounty by contributing to daily meals, or, in some instances, canning for future use. Keeping active and healthy improves our quality of life. DLTC offers a variety of exercise programs tailored to residents’ abilities. Open to all residents who want to participate, these include exercise games, daily stretching programs, and for the adventurous . . . Wii sports. Keeping our minds active is equally important. Social involvement as well as tactile and memory games are just a few of the programs DLTC offers. OCTOBER 2017 • 7 0
RESIDENTIAL REVIEW
Life changes and so must we. Change can be good. If you are considering helping a relative move or are looking at a residential care facility for yourself, DLTC can help. Knowing where to start can be overwhelming. Identifying the need for specific living conditions and the type of assistance that is needed for making the transition are just some of the considerations. DLTC Healthcare can help you answer your questions to ensure you make the best choice. Visit their website at dltchealthcare.com, see what is happening on their Facebook page or call 1-800-239-0954. Dedicated to Living Through Compassionate Care is who we are and what we do. MSM
Memorable Entertainment Television WBGR, serving Bangor for the past 20 years.
Give MSM a call at 207-299-5358 to find out how you can tell your story to our readers in your very own Guest Article.
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A LOOK BACK
A LOOK BACK
I do miss the graceful elms that used to shade Maine. Waterville was the Elm City. Many towns have an Elm Street.
Raking
water and sliding readily, letting the leaf-leaper’s bottom land hard on the ground.
Leaves
Elm leaves are perfect for a jumping pile. They are curled, so they hold lots of contact-absorbing air as they await the jumper. The sides of those curled leaves are like miniature springs, giving elm leaves an extra ability to absorb the weight of a leaping child’s bottom. After 3 or 4 leaps, Dad would tell me it was time to get back to business. We had lots of leaves to haul back to the leaf pile on the steep embankment at the back of our lot. I got to haul leaves in my cart. Dad took care of the garbage cans.
BY PAUL WEEKS
Sundays in the fall, after we got home from church, Dad and I would change our clothes and go get rakes, trash cans, and my wagon.
T
hen we would go outside to attack the thick layer of leaves in the yard. The biggest pile was on the back side of the house that faced our neighbors, the Flints. There were five large, graceful elm trees there next to the Flints’ driveway. The trees extended from the front corner of the house to the end of the barn. They were magnificent European elms, tall and arching, with thick, beautiful green crowns that shaded the house all summer. Baltimore Orioles nested every year in the high branches of the last elm. Their nest was a big pocket; it looked like a first baseman’s mitt. In autumn, however, the elm leaves would turn golden brown and then fall. Which left a deluge of leaves on our backside yard, a foot deep or more. The leaves that fell on the house roof rolled off into
By then it would usually be time to go in for the Sunday dinner that my mother prepared. Dad and I would have to wash and put on clean clothes before sitting at my mother’s Sunday table. Then it was time for Sunday football. This was even before the great merger of the NFL and the AFL. Dad and I would watch the New York Giants, with Charlie Conerly and Andy Robustelli, play the Pittsburgh Steelers. Then the upstart AFL would be on. But during halftime of the Giants game, Dad and I would go outside and he would throw me passes. He said that his passes were so terrible that I would be a good receiver if I could catch half of them. And so father-son bonds are made. MSM
the yard. Dad and I would rake up this pile of leaves at least twice every autumn. I do miss the graceful elms that used to shade Maine. Waterville was the Elm City. Many towns have an Elm Street. Wiscasset got its nickname as “the prettiest village in Maine” in no small part due to the graceful elms that lined its Main Street. Every village had its elms that provided shade on hot summer days while letting any breezes whisk under their arching canopies. The elms were alive and well when Dad and I raked the back yard. We would rake the leaves into a huge pile, taller than me, and then I would get to jump into the leaf pile! There is no better pile of leaves to jump into than elm leaves. Maple leaves are good because they are prolific, but they tend to hold moisture, which can leave your bottom wet at the end of a jump. Beech leaves are springy and dry but not numerous enough. Oak leaves don’t arrive until November. By then, they’re all that’s left. But they are waxy and flat, retaining
1.800.239.0954 73 • MAINE SENIORS
The embankment, newly refreshed with elm leaves, was also an excellent place for a leaf-jump. The vertical drop from the leaping point to the landing made it a lot of fun, but there always seemed to be a lot of leaves down the back of my shirt when it was over. It was definitely one-time affair.
|
www.dltchealthcare.com OCTOBER 2017 • 7 4
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Featured Recipes EASY APPLE PUMPKIN SOUP (Serves 6-8 People)
Apples Make Me Smile BY ELLEN L. SPOONER
Each fall in Maine, hundreds of preschoolers and kindergarteners experience their very first field trip as they are treated to the wonders of a local apple orchard.
F
or many, it is the very first time they have been able to actually select and pick their own apple or bags of apples, as the case may be. Many classes take orders from teachers and parents and return to their respective schools with bags full of these delicious, juicy fruits. I witnessed this fall ritual each year during my thirty-one years in the public schools, but always managed to show surprise and appreciation on that special morning each fall when a highly-polished apple mysteriously appeared in each teacher’s mailbox. The memory of those days conjures up many happy occasions that make me smile. But one in particular, that happened years ago—almost thirty years ago—will always be most precious to me. And it is always triggered by apples. In the fall of 1983, twelve of us—ten adults and two children, ages 10 and 4—were gathered for a small family dinner party at a local restaurant. (In our family twelve is a small group!) After ordering, normal adult table conversation began. My ten-year 75 • MAINE SENIORS
old son managed to keep up with the adults, however, my fouryear old grandson, who was seated between my sister and me was visibly bored. Being very perceptive, she quickly asked him how his day at preschool had been. With great enthusiasm, he told us that it was really fun. The class had gone to an apple orchard and picked lots of apples and when they got back to school, they had cut the apples in small pieces and made applesauce, he responded...all in one breath. My sister and I both allowed as how it must have been a very exciting day. Encouraged by our interest, he continued.“First, you cut up the apples and put them in a pan on the stove and when they start to bubble, you count very slowly to sixty. One...two... three...four.. five...six” and so on until,“thirty-seven, thirty-nine”... Oops! An expression of horror came over his face as he realized his error but, undeterred, he took a deep breath and began the count again, “One...two...three...four...five...six”... We waited patiently, holding our laughter in check, as he completed the count, successfully this time. So, when I think of apples and, especially, applesauce, I smile as I recall this wonderful moment in time. Smiles to apples to bobbing for apples to Halloween logically led me to pumpkins to jack-o’-lanterns and back to smiles. Nice segue, don’t you think? If you would like to really please your family and friends during the upcoming holidays,serve them a bowl of this Easy Apple Pumpkin Soup as a first course or a light lunch or supper. Its smooth, but bold pumpkin richness brimming with apple and spices may just become a favorite. MSM
INGREDIENTS: 3 cups finely chopped Granny Smith apples 1/2 cup finely chopped sweet onion 2 tablespoons butter 2 tablespoons olive oil 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth 3 cups fresh (or canned) pumpkin 1/3 cup brown sugar (packed) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg 1 cup apple cider or juice (unsweetened) 1 cup cream 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon pepper DIRECTIONS: 1. Saute apples and onions in butter and oil until tender. 2. Stir in broth, pumpkin, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 30 minutes. 3. Remove from stove and cool. 4. Blend in small batches until smooth. Then, add apple cider/juice and cream. 5. Store in refrigerator. 6. Reheat to just below boiling point. Garnish with sour cream, chopped chives, and/or roasted pumpkin seeds or chopped apples. 7. Serve..and enjoy!
Just ask for Stillwater
2015
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Stillwater Health Care is a recipient of the 2015 AHCA Silver Quality Award.
Q we…when want to thechange care the way you think you need can We want to change waymake you think about abouttheskilled all the difference. rehabilitation. skilled rehabilitation. Q We areDelivering an environment that strives We are anpersonalized, environment thatto offer strivesrehabilitation to offer structured, skilled structured, skilled opportunities professional service for in a rehabilitation opportunities in a positive and enjoyable setting. positive and enjoyable setting.
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334 Stillwater Avenue, Bangor | www.stillwater-healthcare.com 334 Stillwater Avenue Bangor, Maine 04401 www.stillwater-healthcare.com
207. 947.1111
Stillwater Healthcare is an affiAvenue liate of 335 Stillwater
Bangor, Maine 04401 DGPLQVWLOOZDWHU#À UVWDWODQWLF FRP 207·947·1111
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CHECK THE DATE ON YOUR LABELS! If your magazine mailing label says "EXP" with a bygone date in smaller print, you are at risk of missing an issue of MAINE SENIORS Magazine.
DON'T DELAY, SUBSCRIBE TODAY! Mail your check for $29.95 for 10 issues to MAINE SENIORS Magazine, 87 Hillside Avenue, Bangor, ME 04401
OCTOBER 2017 • 7 6
FROM THE PORCH
Books Soul for the
BY HUNTER HOWE
® One can travel far, in the mind; one can travel far, in a book.
P
aul Theroux, the well-respected travel writer, penned, “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they are going.”
In short order, George showed me why she was an able navigator. I found her gem engaging, warm-hearted, poignant, and chock full of insightful contemplative phrases and sentences. Upon completing the book, my own journey over, I wrote out a stunning seven pages of those that caught my attention, a travel log of sorts, that revealed the sheer emotional power of this book. “Everybody has an inner room where demons lurk.”
Last month, I slipped on my wayfarer cloak and booked passage to Paris, to join Monsieur Perdu who owned a barge on the Seine; anxious about the unknown, uncertain about the final destination, he pulled anchor and we rode the current away.
“Listening in silence was essential to making a comprehensive scan of a person’s soul.”
My tour guide, author Nina George, allowed me to accompany Perdu from the comfort of my home, where I indulged myself in her delightful international bestseller, The Little Paris Bookshop.
“Incidentally, you can really scream with your heart; but it’s incredibly painful.”
The back-cover synopsis relates, “Monsieur Perdu is a literary apothecary. From his floating bookstore in a barge on the Seine, he prescribes novels for the hardships of life. Using his intuitive feel for the exact book a reader needs, Perdu mends broken hearts and souls. The only person he can’t seem to heal is himself.” Drawn in by a unique story of a bookseller on a barge on the Seine, I sat back and watched him embark on a voyage of self-discovery, along France’s many canals to the lavender-scented hills of Provence. Although I prefer suspense novels of a historical nature, I enjoy taking side trips to the refreshing waters of literary fiction as well, a splash of “intellectual skinny dipping.” 77 • MAINE SENIORS
“The world’s leaders should be forced to take a reader’s license.”
Throughout our lives, we drift for periods of time. Lost in our soul’s wilderness, we seek a safe harbor to regroup and reenergize. Often, a good book points us in the right direction. These books grow around us and we grow with them. They speak to us and we have a conversation with them. More important, when you feel that the book is speaking only to you, you’re now one with the book. To point, Perdu said, “There are books that are suitable for a million people, others for only a hundred. There are even remedies –I mean books—that were written for one person only … A book is both medic and medicine at once. It makes a diagnosis as well as offering therapy … Some
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FROM THE PORCH
novels are loving, lifelong companions; others are friends who wrap you in warm towels when you get the autumn blues. And some … well, some are pink candy floss that tingles in your brain for those seconds and leaves a blissful void.” In my travels with Perdu, I experienced a finely tuned sensory stew of tastes, sounds, and aromas; a rocky spectrum of emotionally wounded people striving to deal with their individual scar tissue, their hurting time; and cozy villages, wind-swept vineyards, and scenic rivers with willows bending their branches, touching the waters. I read. I travel. I feel. I imagine. I think. I think because books are a university of thought. John Locke said,“Reading furnishes the mind with only materials of knowledge; it is thinking that makes what we read ours.” After leaving Perdu in the seaside town of Sanary-sur-Mer, I retreated to my library and scanned the tidy, dusty rows of lonely books, begging for a reread. My memory book-keeping recognized many titles and recalled snippets of themes. But what surprised me, only a few books really caught my attention, those that had enveloped me in an emotional blanket of feeling and thinking.
I read. I travel. I feel. I imagine. I think. I think because books are a university of thought. I’ve traveled here and there, but desire to return to only a few places; such is the same with my books. I suppose that a measure of joyful anticipation is needed to make a reservation or to reread a book. Books possess the power to mind travel and then bring us back home, our internal batteries recharged, stirring the porridge of new beginnings. Some negative reviews be damned, The Little Paris Bookshop struck a chord within me. George managed to rejuvenate my soul, if only for a moment in time, those precious moments, that we find solace in.
I love my
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Maine’s own Stephen King said,“Books are a uniquely portable magic.” May you find books that sing out to you, written only for you, as you struggle to find your own way, between hope and reality. Reading, like life, is an unending journey. MSM
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This is an advertisement. Martin’s Point Generations Advantage is a health plan with a Medicare contract offering HMO-POS, PPO, HMO, and HMO SNP products. Enrollment in a Martin’s Point Generations Advantage plan depends on contract renewal. You must continue to pay your Medicare Part B premium. Premiums and plans vary by county, see MartinsPoint.org/GAplans for details. The benefit information provided is a brief summary, not a complete description of benefits. For more information, contact the plan. Limitations, copayments, and restrictions may apply. Benefits, formulary, pharmacy network, provider network, premium and/or copayments/coinsurance may change on January 1 of each year. $0 generics are only available at preferred-cost-share pharmacies. 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_2018_111 Accepted: 9/10/17
Vote YES Question 1 this November. On Election Day, November 7, 2017, Maine residents will have an opportunity to vote Yes on Question 1, a measure that will allow for a new gaming and entertainment venue in York County. A YES vote will create 2,100 year-round jobs and is projected to generate at least $45 million in new revenue each year without raising taxes. Best of all this money goes specifically for programs that benefit seniors, veterans, students and more. See for yourself:
Department of Education Grades K-12
$11,071,982+
College Scholarships
$3,028,817+
Reduction in Property Taxes (Statewide)
$3,028,817+
Office of Aging and Disability
$1,009,606+
Local Municipality
$1,226,478+
Agricultural Fair Support Fund
$3,028,817+
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@ YesOnQues1
YesOnQues1
Source: “Economic Impact of Constructing and Operating a Gaming & Entertainment Venue in York County, Maine� Prepared by Evans, Carroll & Associates, Inc. Principal: Michael K. Evans. Paid for and authorized by Progress for Maine, Mark G. Filler, Treasurer, 477 Congress Street, 5th Floor, Portland, ME 04101.
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