Our Maine Street : Issue 15 Winter 2013 by Our Maine Street LLC

Welcome to the digital copy! These digital issues are made possible by our advertisers.

Community People,Quality Healthcare 498-3111 • 1-800-858-2279 • FAX 496-2631 www.CaryMedicalCenter.org Cary is an equal opportunity provider

Photo ÂŠ 2013 Our Maine Street

Co n t e n t s January, February and March 2013

In This Issue

12 Veterans’ Contributions To Prosthetics by Brian Rammell 20 VA Clinic 25th Anniversary by Tamra Kilcollins 26 Keeping Jack Frost Out of Your House by MSSM 38 A New Warden’s Perspective by Ethan Buuck 44 Beating Diabetes by TAMC 51 The Reason by John Strid

56 The Lesson by Dena Hensler

64 Your Next Snowbound Adventure by Skyla Hamilton 68 Slip Sliding . . . No Way by Professional Home Nusing 72 A Healthy new Year at NMCC by NMCC 74 Learning Opportunities &

Strengthening Community Ties

by UMPI

76 Healthy You:

What Do You Really Want

by Kim Jones

Our Maine Street LLC 48 Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairﬁeld, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464

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Our Maine Street m agaz ine

Publisher Our Maine Street LLC Editor In Chief Craig Cormier Circulation / Advertising Charles Cormier Staff Illustrator Holly Hardwick

Many Thanks to: (in no particular order)

Kim Jones, Dena Hensler, John Strid, Ethan Buuck, Skyla Hamilton, Bryan Rammell, Tamra Kilcollins, PHN, MSSM, UMPI, NMCC, Pete Bowmaster, Lori Prosser, Jen Brophy Content and subscription Copyright © 2013 Our Maine Street LCC. Our Maine Street LLC is jointly owned by Charles, Cheryl and Craig Cormier. Proudly printed in New England, United States of Amerca.

information: content@ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464 48 Presque Isle Street Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com

This publication is made possible by the generous support of our advertising partners. Please let them know you saw them in Our Maine Street Magazine and that you appreciate their support of County projects. 2nd Hand Rose, Aroostook Chambers of Commerce, Aroostook Foam Insulation, Aroostook Milling & Stove Shop, Aroostook Real Estate, Aroostook Technologies, Audibert Polaris, Babin’s Grocery Outlet, Ben’s Trading Post, Boondock’s Grille, Bouchard Family Farms, Brambleberry, Bread of Life Bulk Food & Specialty Store, CRG Insurance, Caribou Inn & Convention Center, Cary Medical Center, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Clifford L Rhome CPA, P.A., County Abatement, Inc., Doris’ Café, Fort Kent Ski-Doo, Giberson - Dorsey Funeral Home, Gale Doody, Graves’ Shop n Save, Hand Me Down Antiques, Hometown Fuels, I Care Pharmacy, Jerry’s Shurfine, John’s Shurfine Food Store, M. Roy & Co. Mercantile, Marden’s, McGillan, Inc., Merchants On The Corner, Mockler Funeral Home, Morning Star Art & Framing, Nadeau’s House of Flooring, Northern Airwaves, Northern Maine Community College, Northern Prosthetics & Orthotics, Overhead Doors Company of Aroostook, Paterson Payroll, Pelletier Ford, Percy’s Auto Sales, Pines Health Services, Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center, Professional Home Nursing, Quigley’s Building Supply, Red River Camps, Russell’s Motel, St John Valley Pharmacy, Sherman Thriftway, Shiretown Pharmacy, Sitel Corporation, The County Federal Credit Union, The County Stove Shop, The County Quik Stop, The Swamp Buck, University of Maine at Fort Kent, University of Maine at Presque Isle, Valley Communications Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher, staff or advisory board. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information present in this issue is accurate, and neither Our Maine Street Magazine nor any of its staff are responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publishers. WINTER 2013

Photo Copyright ÂŠ 2013 Pete Bowmaster

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Photo Copyright ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton, Maine

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Veteransâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Contributions To Prosthetics By Bryan Rammell, CO

Corporal Garrett S. Jones, an amputee who was injured in 2007 during his deployment in Iraq, displays his Fillauer DuraShock. (Photo by Sgt. Ray Lewis) (Photo courtesy of Fillauer)

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America is the land of the free and the home of the brave. What does that mean? Each day we walk and work and play in comparative freedom. What do we think when we take a step on this land of the free? Do we ever fully realize the price that has and is being paid? The home of the brave, yes, the men and women who have given life and limb, this is their home, and ours. Let us remember to be thankful and to not give away our freedoms easily. Every one of those freedoms was hard-earned. We have a duty to remember our heritage, to even seek it out and study it, to shake off the shackles of thoughts of entitlement, to do our own thinking, and to be the American People who were known for their innovation, courage, and determination. This is a small glimpse into some of those sacrificing heroes’ stories, who they were, what they paid for us, and how they chose to continue living, not just existing, but overcoming and then contributing again to us. May this serve us as a reminder to a higher standard. The storied character of these veterans is discussed in the context of Prosthetics. (Prosthetics deals with artificially replacing a limb that has been removed either traumatically or surgically.) They have either worn a prosthetic limb due to service related injuries or served the active duty soldier or veteran in this area. A brief military background As weapons of war became more powerful and destructive the number of injured and maimed soldiers (and civilians) increased. As French military doctors learned more in the late 1500s and early 1600s lives were being saved but with the sacrifice of one or more of the patient’s limbs. The artificial limbs produced during this time were generally made by blacksmiths. The wood or metal leg looked like either a peg or a leg of armor to match what the soldier was wearing. The 1600s saw a hinged knee with a leather corset – again, French military doctors. In the 1800s a leg came about that allowed the foot to move up and down via cat gut cables. This came to America in the 1830s and with minor modifications became the “American leg”.i Ingenuity increases during war

The American Civil War soon began. A teenager from Churchville, VA was all too eager to join the Confederate ranks along with his brothers and cousins. James Edward Hanger walked from his home with an Ambulance Corp to his destination of WINTER 2013

Philippi, VA where the group spent the night in a barn. Upon hearing the first sounds of battle he ran to his horse in the stable but was hit with a 6 pound cannon ball which shattered his leg. He became the first of 50,000+ amputees just two days after enlisting. When he was returned home through a prisoner exchange he didn’t like the type of prosthetic leg he had which had changed little over the past three hundred years. He went upstairs to his room, rarely left, and worked for three months with barrel staves and other items to hand-carve his own leg. His family, believing that he was suffering depression, was shocked when he walked down the stairs on the leg that he made. The difference between his leg and the American leg was that he used rubber bumpers in the knee and ankle instead of cords. He was able to patent his invention with the Confederacy. Virginia commissioned him to make his limbs for the vets of the Civil War. ii

J. E. Hanger (Photo courtesy of Hanger, Inc.)

Carlton Fillauer was the son of a German immigrant, George Fillauer, Sr., who owned a drug store in Chattanooga, TN that provided orthopedic bracing and artificial limbs to those WWI vets that were referred by the neighboring hospital. A German “orthomeister” was hired to come to America to make the limbs for Mr. Fillauer. Carlton helped his father in these orthopedic endeavors. He later joined the U. S. Army and served during WWII as a prosthetist. It was Carlton who took over his father’s business, and with experience working under the National Research Council, he was able to expand his business to research and manufacturing. Today, Fillauer is an international orthotics and prosthetics company still based out of Chattanooga, TN. iii End of an old Era, Beginning of a New Era

Carlton Fillauer evaluates a patient with transfemoral amputation. (Photo courtesy of Fillauer) 16

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Over the past, the legs have been predominantly hand-carved from wood, perhaps with a simple knee and/or ankle. Starting with the World Wars, new lighter, stronger materials were being introduced. One of the orthopedic doctors to really research surgical techniques and materials for prosthetic legs was Dr. Ernest Burgess.

Dr. Burgess served in the Army during WWII

as Chief of Surgery in Honolulu, HI. It was there that he was first fully immersed in dealing with warcaused amputations and their aftermath. Dr. Burgess pioneered new amputation techniques and prosthetic technology. He started the Prosthetic Research Study (funded by the VA) that developed the “Immediate Post-Operative Prosthetic (IPOP) technique” that put a prosthetic limb on a patient immediately after surgery. In 1984 the Seattle Foot was developed that allowed amputees to return to more physical activities such as sports and hiking. iv During the 1980s amputees started shedding the “handicapped” label publically, but the military wasn’t quite convinced yet. Not till Dana Bowman, Sgt. First Class, did the Pentagon start taking notice. Bowman served as a Green Beret and later as a member of the Army’s Golden Knights parachute team. It was during an air show jump that he lost his legs instantly by colliding mid-air with his teammate and friend at 300 mph. The Army let him go, but he fought hard during rehab to walk again and helped develop his prosthetic devices. Within months he was parachuting again with his Marine buddies who filmed him. This film made its way to the Pentagon. They were convinced of his abilities. He became the first doubleamputee to re-enlist into the Army. He continued to jump with the Golden Knights until his retirement. He is now a motivational speaker and encourages vets with amputations to never give up. v Today the componentry that companies, such as Fillauer, have developed is being fit on active duty military. These amputees are now being deployed after injuries that would previously have meant a medical discharge from service.

Carlton Fillauer (far left) assists with gait training of a bilateral amputee. (Photo courtesy of Fillauer.)

Dr. Burgess with the Seattle Foot

Aroostook County also has such opportunities through Northern Prosthetics and Orthotics in Presque Isle. It was awarded

Dana Bowman, Sgt. First Class (Ret) (Photo courtesy of Mr. Bowman) WINTER 2013

In 2008, Corporal Garrett S. Jones returned with the Marines of 2nd Battalion, 7th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division in Afghanistan as the first Marine with an aboveknee amputation to deploy in Afghanistan. (Photo by Sgt. Ray Lewis) (Photo courtesy of Fillauer)

the VA’s five-year contract to provide prosthetic services to the veterans of Northern Maine which provides a relatively close location to those in the County. Caring service can be expected by Cory Laplante, CP, (a left amputee and cancer survivor), Wade Bonneson, CPO, and Jackie Dempsey, CP. All three are boardcertified in Prosthetics. What you will find with these two men is the determination to provide the most appropriately innovative device for the veteran and civilian, alike. These men helped vets and civilians to stand on the foundations of freedom… freedom from the bondage of depression and dependence. These foundations include sacrifices of blood and body. The character of diligence, boldness, and perseverance were required. Mr. J. E. Hanger said, “Today I am thankful for what seemed then to me nothing but a blunder of fate, but which was to prove instead a great opportunity”.vi Those who have lost their limbs now have the opportunity, as never before, to keep their personal vision of life alive, to develop new visions, and to reclaim their abilities so that they can better serve their Creator, their Country, their family, and their career. i

http://prosthetics.umwblogs.org/antecedents/

http://wesclark.com/jw/first_amputee.html ; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._E._Hanger ii

http://fillauer.com/News/supporting-ourtroops.html ; http://www.timesfreepress.com/ news/2011/apr/17/fillauer-family-buildsglobal-medical-supply-busin/

iii

http://pofsea.org/about-us/history/ourfounder/

v http://www.cbn.com/700club/features/ Dana_Bowman.aspx?option=print ; http:// danabowman.com/dana-biography.php

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vi http://www.hanger150.com/hanger-history/ the-j-e-hanger-story/

Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

Aroostook Milling Stove Shop SALES - SERVICE - INSTALLATION

HARMAN BUILT TO A STANDARD NOT A PRICE

P.O. Box Hillview Ave. Houlton, Me Tel: -----

Steve Bennett Cell: ----Mike Harris Cell: -----

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Our Maine Street

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First in Nation VA Clinic Celebrates 25th Anniversary by Tamra Kilcollins Community Relations Coordinator, Cary Medical Center Pictured left to right are: Bill Flagg, Director of Community Relations and Development, Cary Medical Center; Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith, VA New England Network Director; Dr. Robert Shaw, Physician at the VA Clinic in Caribou; Kris Doody, RN, Chief Executive Officer, Cary Medical Center; Ryan Lilly, Director of the Maine VA Healthcare System; Dr. Rodolphe Camy, VA Clinic Physician; Mildred (Millie) Forbes, Family Nurse Practitioner, formally at the VA Clinic in Caribou; Reginald Guerrette, original member of the Veterans Clinic formation group; and Gary Michaud, RN, CPHQ, Head Nurse, VA Clinic in Caribou.

The nation’s first Veterans Administration Community-Based Outpatient Clinic, (CBOC), on the Cary Medical Center Campus in Caribou, celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2012. With a special ceremony in June celebrating the clinic ribbon cutting a quarter-century ago, and a 25th Anniversary Luncheon held at the hospital in November, many veterans, VA and hospital officials, community leaders and legislative representatives came together to honor and acknowledge the determination and collaboration of the dedicated veterans who worked so hard to establish the clinic and to celebrate the growth in services over the past 25 years. “The Caribou clinic has served as the proving ground upon which the VA has built a nationwide health care system that delivers much improved access to care for America’s rural veterans,” said U.S. Senator Susan Collins in a statement at the June ceremony. 22

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To mark the milestone, Collins submitted an official statement into the Congressional Record, recalling the history and recognizing the work of the dedicated veterans who worked so hard to establish the Caribou VA clinic. “On June 13, 1987, at the Cary Medical Center in Caribou, Maine, Governor John McKernan was joined by Senators George Mitchell and William Cohen, and then Congresswoman Olympia Snowe to cut the ribbon on the new clinic. As the first Community Based Outpatient Clinic of its kind in the United States, the Caribou clinic served as the proving ground upon which the Department of Veterans Affairs has built a nationwide health care system that delivers much improved access to care for America’s rural veterans. Today, nearly 3.5 million veterans, approximately 41 percent of those enrolled in the VA Health Care System, live in rural areas, many of whom received care at more than 800 Community Based Outpatient Clinics.”

Clinic staff at the 25th Anniversary Luncheon

“The history of the CBOC in Caribou…..began long before the ribbon cutting, when seven Aroostook County veterans dedicated themselves to the mission of improving access to critical healthcare services to the veterans living in their communities. To accomplish this goal, they established the Aroostook County Veterans Medical Facility Research and Development, Inc. The initial members were: Richard Pratt, Leonard Woods Sr., Dewey Ouellette, Roy Doak, John Rowe, Meo Bosse, Walter Corey, Raphael Guerrette, Everett Roberts, Edward Dahlgren, Jack Stewart, Val Jandreau, George Morin, Percy Thibeault and Wesley Adams,” Senator Collins’ statement continued. “Over a span of eight years, they committed themselves to convincing the VA to establish a veterans’ health clinic in Caribou. They were joined along the way by other concerned veterans, community members and Cary Medical Center, and a number of Maine veterans service organizations. Their initiative paid off eight years later…Out veterans in rural areas throughout the United States benefit today from the dedication of this landmark work. CBOC’s are a vital part of veteran health services today.” Ryan Lilly, Director Maine VA Healthcare System spoke about the strong relationship that has been built between Cary Medical Center and the Veterans Hospital at Togus at the anniversary luncheon. He pointed to the growth in services that has occurred over the past 25 years and talked about plans to expand the current clinic to meet the demands of growing numbers of Ve t e r a n s

who are utilizing the facility and his commitment to keep the VA clinic on the Cary campus. Dr. Michael Mayo-Smith VA New England Network Director also attended the event and spoke about the need for continued support of healthcare for Veterans living in rural areas. He spoke about the quality of the staff at the VA clinic in Caribou and said that the model that has been established in Caribou has been key to the advancement of services including the latest development, Project ARCH, allowing eligible Veterans to receive specialty care, including in-patient care at Cary Medical Center. Cary Chief Executive Officer Kris Doody, RN, spoke about the history of the VA clinic at the hospital and how privileged the hospital has been to provide healthcare services to the men and women who have served the nation so proudly. “I know I speak for everyone associated with Cary Medical Center when I say that we have been truly honored to serve Veterans here in Northern Maine over the past 25 years”, said Doody who was a staff nurse at the hospital when the VA clinic opened in 1987. “We have built a relationship of trust with the VA healthcare system and our mutual goals are to expand quality healthcare services close to home for Veterans here in the County.” Doody went on to recall the history of the struggle to create the first Community Based Outpatient Clinic in the nation on the campus of a rural hospital. She said that the courage and dedication displayed by the men and women who advocated for the clinic for more than eight years was symbolic of their service to the nation. “Even when representatives in the VA system itself said that the chances for a VA outpatient clinic in Caribou were zero, the Aroostook County Veterans Medical Facility Research and Development, Inc. would not give up,” she said. “This remarkable group of Veterans representing multiple Veterans organizations took off their hats and came together as one and won the day. They did not stop with the VA clinic but went on to advocate for the Maine Veterans Home and the Residential Care facility which are on our campus today.”

Ryan Lilly, Director of the Maine VA Healthcare System speaking at the 25th Anniversary Luncheon WINTER 2013

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182 Market Street Fort Kent, Maine 04743 Tel: 207.834.2880 Fax: 207.834.2928 www.sjvrx.com (Located in John’s Shurfine Grocery)

101 Military St Ste B Houlton, ME 04730 Tel: 207.834.2880 Fax: 207.834.2882 (Located in County Yankee Grocer)

Left: Attendees at the 25th Anniversary Luncheon. Both Pages: Flag folding ceremony by the Loring Job Corps Color Guard WINTER 2013

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

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Jack Frost Keeping

OUT OF YOUR HOUSE branching out with STEM

Old Man Winter has come to Aroostook County in all of his freezing, blustery glory! Maine winters can wreak havoc on homeowners’ energy bills due to homes’ insufficient insulation and drafty windows and doors. Finding and stopping heat loss is one of the most cost-effective ways to reduce the cost of winter heating. Engineering students at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics are spending part of their year learning about building weatherization, energy efficiency, and solar photovoltaic power on a real Maine house. These studies are part of the Polaris Project, which received generous funding from the Office of Naval Research. As we’re finding out, recognizing areas with the most heat loss can be difficult without training. One of the most fun ways to find out where a building is losing heat is by using a thermal imaging camera; these devices can be rented from most major hardware stores for a reasonable rate per day. Thermal imaging cameras have a specialized lens that focuses on the infrared light emitted by all objects, rather than visible light. Infrared light differs from visible light because it has longer wavelengths (which 28

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can’t be seen) and lower energy. Thermal radiation, which can typically be felt in the form of heat, is simply infrared light with very long wavelengths. (In contrast, infrared light with short wavelengths is used in things like television remote controls; it can’t be seen or felt.) The infrared light hitting the lens of a thermal imaging camera is sent as electric impulses to a signal-processing unit within the camera. It then goes to a circuit board that assigns a color to each wavelength and translates the resulting data into an image called a thermogram. As is shown in the pictures below, recognizing heat loss using a thermogram is very simple. In these photos, heat is measured on a spectrum from blue to white, where blue is cold and white is hot. The window frame, for instance, is orange, whereas the outside of the house is a cooler, blue color. This means that heat is being lost from the edges of the window. Similarly, in the second picture, the brighter yellows signify heat loss through the windows, door, and attic of the house. The thermogram of a house with low heating bills would be mostly blue. Even without a thermal imaging camera, another

important step in lowering a house’s heating bills is detecting drafts (such as those shown by the orange window frames in the thermogram) due to improper air sealing. There are a number of simple ways to detect drafts in addition to looking at a thermogram. On the outside of the house, drafts can enter the house through cracks and gaps wherever two different building materials meet. On the interior, areas like electrical outlets, door and window frames, vents and fans, and attic hatches are often culprits. Keeping these areas in mind, a homeowner can conduct a simple building pressurization test by shutting all doors and windows, turning of all combustion appliances, and turning on all exhaust fans (such as those in the bathroom and over the stove). A dampened hand held near the suspected areas will feel noticeably cold if there is a draft. For more accurate testing, homeowners can hire a qualified technician to conduct an energy assessment such as a blower door test, in which energy auditors depressurize a house to determine its airtightness. Efficiency Maine, an independent trust dedicated to promoting energy efficiency, has several programs to assist Maine homeowners with the cost of building weatherization projects. Find them online at www.efficiencymaine.com. So, with a thermogram and building pressurization test, we know where heat loss is probably occurring. But how does that information translate to lower heating bills? We need to stop heat loss through surfaces (like the orange roof ) with insulation and air leakage through gaps (like the orange window frame) with caulk. Insulation is any substance that offers thermal resistance (in other words, any substance that slows down heat flow). The most common insulation materials are fiberglass, foam, and cellulose. A material’s unit thermal resistance (how well it slows down heat loss per inch of thickness) is referred to as its ‘R-value’. The higher the R-value, the better it is at insulating; the lower the R-value, the more heat the insulation allows through. Maine’s cold winters require hefty insulation; for instance, Energy Star recommends that most homeowners in Maine install attic insulation between R-49 and R-60. (This is between 22

and 27 inches of fiberglass batts or 8-10 inches of closedcell spray foam.) The most common “orange” surfaces on a thermogram are the foundation, attic, and walls. Foundations are most easily insulated from the inside by covering interior basement walls with a nonporous, moisture-resistant material, such as fiberglass or rigid foam. (Insulating the outside of a basement is usually prohibitively difficult for homeowners due to the excavation and materials required.) In the attic, insulation should not cover ventilation fans, but other noticeable leaks, heat-producing devices, and the attic hatch should be insulated thoroughly. (A specially-designed tent, installed over the attic hatch, acts as an air lock to stop heat loss.) Existing hollow walls are best insulated by a knowledgeable contractor, who will cut small holes in the walls, blow in cellulose insulation, and repair the walls to new condition. Caulk is a flexible seal that stops heat from leaking through gaps in window and door frames. Because caulk works best when it adheres to the surrounding materials, caulk chemistry is important; caulk compounds include a wide variety of flexible materials such as latex, urethane, silicone, foam, synthetic rubber, and silicone polymers, and each of these adheres best to a different building material. Caulk is very easily applied with a caulking gun which squeezes the caulk into the gap. As part of the Polaris Project, MSSM students are learning the science behind practical building solutions that can lower heating bills throughout Aroostook County and the state. This article was written by the students of Engineering Exploration 1, a class focused on design, building, and career exploration. Emily Stamey (Westbrook), Lucy Wilcox (New Gloucester), Bethany Hartley (Whitefield), Hayley Frank (Saco), Kineo Wallace (Milo), Will West (Ellsworth), and Gabe Fournier (Shapleigh)

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Pete Bowmaster

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Jen Brophy, redrivercamps.com

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Joseph Bouchard Janice Bouchard

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

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✩ climbing wall ✩ swimming pool ✩ exercise facilities Applied Art ★ Applied Science ★ Art ★ Athletic Training ✩ multipurpose gym ✩ elevated track ✩ art galleries ★ Biology ★ Business Administration ★ Criminal Justice ✩ conference facilities ✩ cultural programs ✩ ★ English ★ Environmental Studies & Sustainability ★ ✩ distinguished lecturers ✩ nature trails ✩ Fine Art ★ History & Political Science ★ Liberal Studies book signings ✩ business breakfasts ✩ Mathematics ★ Medical Laboratory Technology ★ outdoor adventure trips ✩ athletic events ✩ Physical Education ★ Physical Therapist science museum ✩ service learning opportunities ✩ 207 768.9452 Assistant ★ Professional Communication wind turbine ✩ Upward Bound ✩ GITeC Laboratory ✩ ★ Psychology ★ Recreation/Leisure Services ★ Music in the Park series ✩ Young Professionals Social Work ★ Special Education Paraprofessional Institute ✩ VITA tax assistance services ✩ ★ Teacher Education ★ AMA courses ✩ Prometric Testing Center

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Pete Bowmaster

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A by

Maine Ga me Warden Ethan Buuck

Some say it’s God’s country up here. If you were to ask me, it’s a game warden’s country. Clear your mind for a moment and imagine yourself in the Northern Maine woods. There you sit, on the shore of a remote trout pond. You spent fifteen minutes jumping over mud holes making sure not to get your shiny black boots muddy and wet. You’ve got a few scratches from the limbs of trees raking down your arm. Those clingy burs are stuck to your pant leg. The pond is small enough that you can see the entire shoreline. But there you are, overlooking one of the most pristine water bodies the State of Maine has to offer. Below the surface of the water are hundreds of native brook trout ready to forage on insects. A loon floats on the surface certain it’s being watched. Off on the far shore is a cow moose, belly deep in water, trying to keep the black flies away as it shoves its head underwater. Dressed in green you gaze through your binoculars like a hawk looking for its next meal. Clearly, you’re the only sign of human life within miles, obviously no one to exceed their limit of trout today. You lean against a tree just to watch. All game wardens have their own stories as to why they wanted to become a warden. I won’t tell you mine but ask a warden sometime what theirs is. Mine won’t be much further from that. Basically, a desk job won’t cut it for us. We all share a love for the outdoors and little heart-pumping adventure. You could say I started my adventure in 2006 when I enrolled at Unity College for a degree in Conservation Law 40

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NEW WARDEN’S PERSPECTIVE Enforcement. I spent the next four years studying law, species of fish and understanding wildlife. After a long and tedious hiring process, I finally got the call I was waiting for. A month after college graduation, I tied on my new Danner boots and started Advanced Warden School in June of 2010. All Maine Game Wardens must attend the 12-week Advanced Warden School which teaches new hires the ins and outs of being an effective game warden. The weeks went on and the twelve newest game wardens pushed through the endless nights learning patrol techniques ranging from big game hunting enforcement to smelt enforcement. No matter if it was 3:00 A.M.; each game warden had to demonstrate their ability to be one of Maine’s finest. Week twelve rolled around and graduation was just around the corner. We all knew that in a few short days we’d be enforcing laws, protecting Maine’s fish and wildlife and be held accountable for representing the patch on our arm. For me, I knew that day would come but not for another eighteen weeks. So, as my warden compadres ventured off in their fully outfitted warden truck, I ventured off to the Basic Law Enforcement Training Program at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy in

mid-August. Two weeks prior I was being taught how to apprehend a night hunter, now I was being instructed on how to fold a hospital corner. I had to keep in mind that all fulltime law enforcement officers in the State of Maine must complete the training program at the academy. During my weeks at the academy, I learned everything from high speed pursuit driving, field sobriety tests, to deadly force issues. I also found the best places for dust to hide in my room and the finest way to shine my boots. The weeks rolled on and the class got tougher, both mentally and physically. By week eighteen, we were the best- trained law enforcement officers in the state and we had pushed our bodies to the limit with CrossFit workouts. I was ready to hit the dusty road, literally. I was awarded the Masardis district during warden school and I was enthusiastic about my first assignment. I broke the news to my then fiancée and she seemed less than impressed. We loaded the trucks and headed north to Ashland where we’d be living. We moved in January so we became acclimated to the weather right off. The Masardis district included the small town of Masardis, Oxbow and fifteen other unorganized townships that stretch west to the Allagash Waterway. I started my WINTER 2013 41

eight-week Field Training Program which consisted of ice fishing enforcement, snowmobile enforcement and search and rescue. As the winter went on, we got more snow and Mother Nature grew increasingly cruel. One late afternoon phone call turned into a large search for a reported plane crash on the MaineCanadian border. Snowmobiles were loaded and freezing rain fell as wardens drove the two hours on frozen, snow covered roads to the border. We knew it would be a late night. The GPS coordinates were less than precise as six wardens and I fought deep snow, cold temperatures and dark woods. After a night of impossible snowshoeing and digging of snowmobiles from the snowpack, a Warden Service plane would find the downed aircraft in a bog the next morning. Two weeks later, my cell phone rang late one night. The dispatcher said “…We’ve lost contact with 2202.” It became a harsh reality that game wardens work in dangerous environments, as we lost the life of Game Warden Pilot Daryl Gordon after his plane crashed on Clear Lake. Spring finally brought melting ice and green grass. As a new warden, I found that as seasons change, so does a Maine Game Warden’s job. I brushed up on my laws pertaining to open water fishing and attempted to discover the popular fishing spots in district 82. I can’t tell you the exact number of lakes, ponds, and streams in my district because it would be like counting pins in a pin cushion. At times, mastering the laws was a challenge for me. Maine’s Fish and Game laws are numerous and somewhat puzzling to understand at times. I began learning my district and discovered that many sportsmen in the area were law abiding and had

42 FALL WINTER 2012 2013

no interest in violating. On the flip side, I’ve had my share of fishing violators ranging from unattended fishing lines to keeping short fish simply because “it was bleeding.” I realize one may feel bad for hooking the brook trout, but it will do no good to be the euthanizier if it is an inch or two short. Rolling that short trout in flour and throwing it on a hot fry pan, hoping to eat it for lunch won’t help your situation either. Leaves changing color only means one thing; hunters. My first hunting season as a new warden was the fall of 2011. Days were busy and nights were long. I quickly found out that hunting season was obviously the busiest season for Maine Game Wardens. During the hunting season, wardens put in countless hours working; looking for night hunters, firearms violations and wildlife poaching in general. It is a dangerous and grueling season for us and we can never predict what the next day will bring. It’s always a sigh of relief when the season finally ends. I’ve now completed my second hunting season as a Maine Game Warden. The lessons I’ve learned and experience I’ve gained are something I’ll embrace for my lifetime. At the end of the day, I unlace the boots on my feet. They are no longer as shiny and perhaps don’t smell quite like they did when new, but I can tell you why. They’ve been with me every step of my new career. They’re muddy from walking into that trout pond or maybe a bit bloody after dressing the moose that was illegally killed. They always have a story to tell.

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

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Beating Diabetes

One Step at a Time by The Aroostook Medical Center

In November, to mark National Diabetes Month, Donna Kinney celebrated the fact that she is no longer insulin dependent for the first time in over a decade. Kinney, who is 48 years old, has worked for The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC) as an environmental specialist for the past two and a half years. She was diagnosed with diabetes in her mid-thirties. Growing up, Kinney has always struggled with a weight problem which affected her diabetes in a negative manner. Kinney said even after being diagnosed she wouldn’t watch her food intake. “I ate what I wanted to, even though I knew it would affect my diabetes,” said Kinney, “I ate what I wanted and when I wanted to eat it.” Her diabetes was out of control and her typical blood sugar range was between 150 and 220. To control such high blood sugar levels she was prescribed a variety of medications. “At one point I was on the maximum amount of pills a diabetic is allowed to receive,” said Kinney. “My body couldn’t create enough insulin in order to use or store blood glucose so I was prescribed two high doses of insulin. I would take one before each meal and the other twice daily.” Throughout the day she would be consuming pills: three in the morning, one in the afternoon, and three before bed. This was the only way doctors could keep her diabetes in control since she wasn’t watching her diet. 46

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It wasn’t until this past year that Kinney realized how important it was to maintain a healthy weight to ensure that her diabetes wouldn’t spiral out of control. This wouldn’t be the only thing affecting her health since both heart and lung complications are prominent issues in her family history. “I wanted to take back control of my life. I can’t stop what genetics will do to my body, but I can take charge of my weight and diabetes,” said Kinney. “I didn’t want to die from something that I could prevent. It’s never too late to start making life changes; it doesn’t matter your age or your size.” To adapt to a new lifestyle Kinney visited a nutritionist, began attending regular meetings and appointments with her doctor, began exercising six times a week for 50 minutes, and portioned out her serving sizes. She said she never went on a diet, but it was about eating appropriately and to never overeat. Kinney said that it’s important to measure your portion sizes, look over every label, and to plan out eating habits. “Before, I would never even think to look at a label to see the amount of sodium, carbs, or sugar in a product. Now I take into consideration all of these factors to determine what is the better option for maintaining a healthy weight,” said Kinney. According to Kinney, you have to determine when is the best time to eat meals or snacks when trying to maintain a healthy weight. “If you were to place

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a plate of cookies in front of me I may take one, but I may not eat it right off. At that moment it may not be the best time for me to indulge in a snack,” said Kinney. “I no longer eat when I want, but I will still eat the cookie when it is appropriate to have food intake.” It is important to have a support group around you when deciding to make a life change. Kinney’s support group consists of family, friends, co-workers, and doctors. Kinney says she reaches out to this group for advice, encouraging words, and for information. With so much encouragement from her support group, Kinney is trying to encourage others to adapt a new life style. “In order for someone to stick with any weight loss program, you have to want to lose the weight for yourself,” said Kinney. “When you are ready to start a lifestyle change, do it for yourself, don’t do it for anyone else because losing and maintaining a healthy weight won’t last otherwise.” Kinney has yet to reach her weight loss goal, and she is determined to lose the extra weight and maintain a healthy lifestyle. “Over the past year, I have managed to lose between seven to ten pounds per month,” said Kinney. “This is impressive since I only began in January of this year, but I intend to lose thirty more pounds to reach my goal of an ideal weight.” “I deserve to be healthy,” said Kinney. Today she is completely off all insulin medications and is down to taking one pill a day. “When someone is ready to change their lifestyle, I hope my story will reach them and encourage them to accomplish their goals.”

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Pete Bowmaster

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Pete Bowmaster

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

The Reason by John Strid

Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bad enough when one is filled with tears or anguish is mixed in fears One is to carry so much emotion how hard can it be, have any notion Why must we suffer, why do we need though most is supplied by our deed but yet does this answer suffice does the whole picture seem nice Where is the emptiness brought to light when we realize itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not our fight We are made to be filled with His Spirit our life as a ship and He will steer it.

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Our Maine Street

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the

Lesson by Dena Hensler

Our journey began on a Friday night some forty- see captured in a snow globe. A Rexall drug store was our first stop, and as two years ago. After having completed our evening chores, two teenaged-girls dressed in warm coats, jeans, sweaters, soon as we opened the door we were greeted with what mittens (knitted by Mom), and boots, set out on foot could be described as a pleasantly medicinal smell. While for downtown Presque Isle. We were anxious to begin they specialized primarily in pharmacy-related products, our Christmas shopping and were excited that the stores they offered a line of unique gift items including a wide remained open until 9 P.M. on Fridays. The money Martha assortment of popular perfume/powder combinations all and I had earned from picking potatoes and babysitting was attractively gift boxed but too expensive for our meager virtually scorching a hole in our pockets. Our lists had been purses. Fancy pen sets were also out of our budget range. thoughtfully crafted, then redone several times making Just as we were ready to move on to another store, my eye certain in our minds that we had chosen the right gift for caught site of a small vial containing round, white bath beads that resembled perfect pearls. Carefully, I turned each member of our family. Snow was just beginning to fall on this windless the bottle upside down where the white, sticky price tag revealed that it was affordable! A feeling of night. The large flakes resembling white confetti as they landed on our eyelashes “Life-size replicas success accompanied me as we left the drug store, package in hand. and our face, tickling our noses and of Santa Claus, Continuing down Main Street, tasting cool when we stuck out our Martha and I seemed to be carried on a tongue to capture some of the semi-frozen reindeer, of magic as we took in the seasonal precipitation. Making our way down Dyer snowmen and wave sights. Many stores had holiday images Street, we observed homes where a lighted Christmas tree was displayed in front of wreaths were on their windows that were the result of a picture window, curtains open wide to displayed in the canned “snow” being sprayed on a stencil, leaving the likeness of a Christmas scene offer passersby a glimpse of holiday cheer. Walking across what was then store fronts...free behind once the paper was removed. Life-size replicas of Santa Claus, reindeer, known as the Gouldville Bridge, we for viewing!” snowmen and wreaths were displayed in the carefully navigated the foot-trampled path across the sidewalk that had not yet been cleared of snow. store fronts...free for viewing! While each retail merchant offered its own particular Water in the Presque Isle Stream rushed beneath the bridge, swirling rapidly within the confines of the banks that were style of gifts, the “five and dime” stores were the most fun covered with the accumulation of frozen precipitation and budget friendly for our purpose. At J. J. Newberry or resembling sculpted marshmallow. Turning right onto Main F. W. Woolworth’s we were able to purchase embroidered Street, we passed Eddie’s IGA and strolled south to the hankies for a grandmother or aunt, cologne for mothers, primary shopping district. Strings of colored lights crossed perhaps a tray of dried fruit or a can of mixed nuts for east to west from building to building, their blue, red and dads, peach blossoms for grandfathers. Across the street we green bulbs shimmering beneath their light frosting of fresh traveled to W. T. Grant’s, down the wide staircase to the toy snow. Plastic replicas in the shape of candles, choir singers, department bringing us face-to-face with an overwhelming wreaths and Christmas trees adorned the street lamps, the selection of gifts for our sisters. Who wouldn’t love a new entire scene imitating an intimate village scape one might deck of shiny “Old Maid” cards, a double book of Life 58

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Savers candies with flavors including wild cold as cherry, Cl-O-Ve, Butter Rum, Stik-Owe realized Pep, Crysto-Mint and many other that our good tastes from which to choose. fortune may have Paper dolls, Colorform been short lived. We tried stick-ons, a plastic maketo console ourselves over and up bag complete with over that we had done what we lipstick, rouge and a heartwere taught was proper behavior in shaped necklace would be a the situation. wonderful choice for one of the Day after day we drew diagonal lines on girls. To us, the possibilities were the December calendar, bringing us closer to the endless. time when we would revisit the Presque Isle Police As we chose the items that Department and discover whether or not we would be we wanted, our lists grew shorter, the recipients of the money we found that Friday night, or if bags we carried became heavier and o u r someone had reported the loss and come forward to claim wallet contents lighter. Now the snow was c o m i n g it as their own. Even as that possibility existed, we couldn’t down in earnest, and we knew we would have to allow resist sharing between us the plans that we had should the extra time to be home before the curfew horn sounded. We money be ours! would have to finish our Christmas list another evening. In Exactly one week later, we retraced our steps an effort to shield our faces from the wet, weighty snow that from home feeling excited and yet wary at the same time. was accumulating rapidly, our eyes were cast downward as Entering the Police Department building once again, we took one step after another. Noticing something out of sitting in the same chairs across the desk from the Chief, place on the nearly indiscernible sidewalk, I shifted all of his expression was unreadable while our hearts thumped my purchases to my left hand, crouched down to investigate loudly in our chest. Dutifully, the Chief gave us a speech and picked up a twenty-dollar bill! Martha and about the importance of always doing the I were so excited, our eyes wide in disbelief right thing, no matter what. He pointed “We did not at our good fortune. This would solve all out to us how much worth that money of our “money problems” for the yet-to- hesitate in what actually carried, what it would mean to a be-bought gifts with some left over for us especially at this particular time of we needed to family to have fun with. Immediately however, year. From his tone and serious expression, our expressions turned serious as we both do, knowing that we were fairly certain the rightful owner realized and verbalized that someone had our parents had had claimed their money and whether or lost this money, and it was Christmas not they needed it for bill paying, buying time. Incidentally, today that $20 would instilled in us a groceries or to purchase Christmas gifts, we be worth approximately $135. We did not sense of always mentally prepared ourselves to know that hesitate in what we needed to do, knowing “doing the right indeed, we did the right thing. that our parents had instilled in us a sense Just as we stood up and prepared to thing.” of always “doing the right thing.” leave, the Chief asked us to remain for a few In mutual agreement, we took a right moments. I can still see him reaching into a safe turn off of Main Street, walked the short distance to Second next to his desk and the faintest of smiles appeared on his Street and straight through the imposing front doors of face as he retrieved that twenty-dollar bill. Turning to face the Presque Isle Police Department. An official-looking us, he held the bill in his hand, turning it over once or twice dispatcher sat behind a desk and after we explained to him and looked from Martha and to me. why we were there, he asked us to sit and wait. Several Once again he explained to us that he was impressed minutes passed before a tall, uniformed gentleman came knowing that while we could have just pocketed the money out to greet us, and we were asked to follow him back to his with no trace as to who it belonged, we chose to set aside office. He was, as it turned out, the Chief of Police. Sitting at our inclination to do that and give the rightful owner an his desk, he faced us and asked how the money came into our opportunity to claim the lost money. He gave us high marks possession. We repeated to him what had happened and he for following what values must have been instilled by our took the twenty-dollar bill from us, although our eyes never parents and handed the money across the desk. left it. After some discussion, he offered that he would keep I’m not sure in whose hands it was in first, but we it for a week and if no one claimed it, we could return to left the police station feeling rich not only in money, but in collect it. He took our names and we left the building and the knowledge that we remained true to the values that we made our way home. While we knew that we did the right had been taught and while we felt good about the money thing, our steps had seemingly had lost some peppiness and we received, most importantly we felt good about ourselves our expressions and mood less animated. The cool evening and what we had done. that had appeared so beautiful earlier now felt downright WINTER 2013

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Our Maine Street

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Our Maine Street

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

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Your “LOCAL” choice for payroll processing Curt Paterson President curtp@maine.rr.com

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Fort Kent: Your Next Snowbound Adventure by Skyla Hamilton

Fort Kent is the gateway to your next adventure that can take you anywhere. Leave it all behind and get deep in the surrounding area in and around the St. John Valley. Take in the aweinspiring scenery when you are snowmobiling through the endless trail network or off trail, from here you can go anywhere. In the St. John Valley the snow is accumulating at a rapid rate and all of the snowbirds have already flown south. Now it is time for all of the hearty snow-loving people to come up north to play. Naturally being located less than halfway to the North Pole, we in Fort Kent are blessed with guaranteed snow even when other surrounding areas are bare. We have been eagerly awaiting the arrival of all of the skiers, snowshoers, ice fishermen and women and snowmobilers. Many of our volunteer trail crews have been hard at work getting all of the trails prepared for the grooming of the season. Bush hogging has been completed and downed limbs and logs have been removed so that safe enjoyable riding can be enjoyed by all through the pristine forests, fields, 66

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and lakes of the Saint John Valley. There are over 2,300 miles of clearly marked groomed trails just waiting for the novice to the extreme snowmobiler to make their mark across the untouched tracks of northern Maine. We will not deny the fact that for our southern Maine and New England riders it is a drive; however, once in Fort Kent it will be the destination of a lifetime. There are many advantages to snowmobiling up and around the northern most portion of Maine. The season lasts longer than most due to the amount of snow and the location lattitudinally. Many years our season has extended past April 1. Fort Kent grooms its trails which extend into towns such as St. Francis, Ashland, Eagle Lake, and Canada to mention a few. There are many extensive trail networks which receive less traffic in comparison to other locations â&#x20AC;&#x153;downstateâ&#x20AC;?, as we say up here. There are fewer accidents and the trails remain in better shape because of the moderate use and impeccable volunteer run grooming. There are two twentyfour hour gas stations located within the town

borders to accommodate riding at any hour. All of the top snowmobile brands are serviced here in town, and the mechanics will cooperate to find needed parts to get people back out on the trail as fast as possible. They have also been known to travel out on the trail to repair a sled so that the rider loses the least amount of time of their adventure. The dealerships also offer year-round sled storage for people from out of town. The warehouses safely store snowmobiles away from the elements until the next season commences. Trail riding within Aroostook County can entertain the novice rider up to the advanced extreme off-trail rider. There are many trail systems that lead to local points of interest, whether it is to ride to a lake to ice fish or to ride to the next town to enjoy riding through forests, lakes and fields with friends to a local warm-up spot or for a relaxing dinner. Refer to Fort Kentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s trail map for destinations for your groups next adventure. For the more advanced to expert riders the Fort Kent area will not let you down. Riders have been known to travel throughout the frozen worldrenowned river system of the Allagash. This is the adventure of a lifetime, which few other people have ever been able to see. However, this particular escape is not for the beginner rider or one faint of heart. Most of the riding is done off trail, whether on logging roads or boondocking through thickets

of trees and timber cuts. Some of these adventures are located a long dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ride from Fort Kent, so it is suggested to have a guide to direct your group to the following places such as Churchill Dam located near Big Eagle Lake, Chesuncook Lake Village, or shorter trips such as Round Pond and Ross Stream where groups can eat lunch at local stores and sporting camps, while observing historical lumber camps along the way. Many of the amazing sites generally only accessible in the summer along the Allagash are now up for grabs for the experienced rider. Come and see the remote historical trains and logging museum, and sporting camps mostly only heard about by word of mouth. In the winter season with power of a sled between your legs you can access the inaccessible while having an epic adventure with friends and family. When the snow falls, let the adventure begin! Fort Kent Maine has the longest annual snowfall within northeast; thereby, securing our reputation as New Englandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s premier snowmobiling area, which only the hearty can survive. We will provide everything you need for your winter adventure from booking your lodging to places to eat, refuel and repairs. Check out the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce website for links for your next adventure in the St. John Valley.

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

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Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce 3 Houlton Road, Presque Isle, Maine 04769 Phone: 207-764-6561, Fax: 207-764-1583 E-mail: Info@centralaroostookchamber.com

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Slip Sliding . . . No Way! by Professional Home Nursing With cold weather upon us, it is time to prepare for all that winter has to throw at us (ice, cold, and of course, snow). With everything you do, think “safety first.” Whether working at heating your home, shoveling snow, or just enjoying the great outdoors, we should all be conscious of keeping our bodies healthy. If you heat your home with wood, coal, or pellets, you can reduce the strain on your body by decreasing your work load. Use both hands and good body mechanics when lifting. Bend using your legs, not your back. Consider using a scoop or small bucket to load the pellet or coal stoves and carry fewer logs at a time when filling your wood stove. When shoveling, do not overload the shovel, especially when the snow is wet and heavy. Empty the shovel frequently or push the snow when you can. By doing frequent heavy lifting, it places a strain on muscles and joints that can cause fatigue increasing your risk for injury. Consider stretching your back before, during and after physical or strenuous activity. Protect your skin from the cold, especially if you have any medical condition that may compromise circulation. The most vulnerable areas are your hands, feet, ears and nose. Dress appropriately for the weather conditions. If you have breathing difficulties, cover your face with a scarf or mask. Unfortunately, with winter weather comes icy driveways, roads and walkways. A variety of ice grippers for your footwear are available. One can also improve traction by using non-clumping kitty litter. Sprinkle the litter onto the icy ground for walking or keep a container of litter in your car. This has kept our employees from being stranded on ice and just a sprinkle of litter behind car tires allows for good traction. Despite the potential hazards of winter, remember to enjoy the beauty of the season. When the sun is shining, the trees may glisten like a magical wonderland. Whether it’s a blanket of new fallen snow covering the open fields or icicles on the forest trees, Northern Maine is scenic in winter. Be safe and enjoy this beautiful season.

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Lori Prosser, Houlton

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WINTER 2013

A Healthy New Year at NMCC With the start of a new year, many people are making resolutions to eat healthier, to get more exercise or to make other lifestyle changes to improve their health. This attention to health is nothing new on the campus of Northern Maine Community College. Concerned for the overall health and wellbeing of its student body, and in turn the future workforce of the region, the College has launched a number of initiatives in the past year focusing on wellness and fitness. Recognizing that knowledge is power and that people need to be informed to make good decisions, helping students and employees access that knowledge was a key first step. Two campus websites have been developed to help bring health resources together in a convenient way. One site offers campus resources, including a walking path map for the Christie Complex and tips on everything from spiritual and emotional to physical wellbeing. The second website includes a listing of books and magazines available in the library on the topic of health and wellness, as well as links to the campus wellness page and a number of national sources. The site includes links to healthy recipes and to relevant blogs and videos.

SUMMER 2012

Both sites link to Aramark’s “Campus Dish” which provides nutritional and caloric information on menu items. That same nutritional information can be found on a bulletin board in the dining commons, and Aramark has an exciting new mobile app that allows people to access menus and nutritional information on their cell phones. Another online resource is Student Health 101, a monthly e-magazine that the College subscribes to on behalf of the campus community. It presents helpful information on not just health and wellness, but a number of helpful areas for students in a fun, easily accessible format. The library is also expanding its inventory of books in this area and has established a dedicated “wellness” section that houses books on exercise, stress reduction, nutrition, cookbooks, workout DVDs, and more. In addition to electronic and library resources, NMCC students are putting their skills to work to help their peers and others on campus keep informed of their health. Students in the medical assisting program have conducted free, comprehensive risk-assessments, while nursing students provide free blood pressure clinics each fall as they practice their skills.

While knowledge is a great starting point, putting in place ways to help people follow through with change is also a key component. Healthy food options and exercise are prime examples. Aramark has added several new features at mealtime, including a vegetarian or vegan entrée, a stir-fry station and a zero-calorie hydration station. They are using more locally grown food and are focusing on the message of sustainable foods. Shelf space in the bookstore once dominated by potato chips and candy bars, which can still be found—just in smaller quantity, now includes healthier options and cooler space now includes cheese, yogurt, fruit cups, vegetables, and healthy sandwiches. Gluten-free snack options are also available. The College created a “pedometer pals” group of employees who each received a pedometer and were encouraged to increase their level of activity. The intent was to promote walking and to encourage support among co-workers to reach their goals. “We walk everyday,” said Norma Smith from the financial aid office of her and her walking partner, Heidi Graham. “I wanted to do it for both health and weight reasons, and as an added benefit I’ve found it really gets my energy level up. By walking inside, we’re going up and down stairs, opening doors, and getting a little more of a workout.” Smith and a number of other college employees also take part in Zumba, a dance fitness class. With the high level of interest and to help keep workers healthy and well, the College sponsors a Zumba class on campus in the NMCC gym. The class is offered at no charge to employees. There are many other small ways that NMCC tries to promote a healthy exercise routine as well. For instance, the library offers students and employ-

ees the opportunity to check out snow shoes, much as you would a book, so that they can “walk” around the snowier parts of campus in the winter months. Open gym is also being made available. On the horizon is even more excitement regarding health and wellness at NMCC. Renovation and new construction will be underway this spring for the Rodney Smith Wellness Center and the Akely Student Center. The wellness center will be housed in a 10,000 square foot addition to the Christie Complex that will be built in front of the area housing the gymnasium. The center will include a large open area with cardio and weightlifting equipment, a room for group exercises, a classroom for courses related to wellness and ergonomics, locker rooms, and office space. The Akeley Student Center will be located in a renovated area of the A.K. Christie and John L. Martin Buildings. NMCC’s Health Center will be moved into this new center, so that this service is more easily accessible to students. Several seating areas will be positioned throughout the center, and there will be designated points that will offer wellness information. These information points will help frame a walking path throughout the center for those who want to walk recreationally, as well as for easy access from the center to other areas of the building. The $6 million project will play a large role in years to come on the health and wellness of the campus and the region’s workforce.

NIVERSITY EMBRACES NEW LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES, STRENGTHENS COMMUNITY TIES

he University of Maine at Presque Isle has worked to create new learning opportunities and develop deeper community connections with many projects during the - academic year, from new six-week terms to an event focused on polio eradication to exciting new faculty research. This past autumn, the University offered its first-ever Fall Short Term, providing students and others looking to complete their four-year degrees with a concise, -week session as an alternative – or an addition – to the regular -week semester. The short term allowed students progressing well in their regular -week coursework with the opportunity to pick up an extra course, helping to speed their time to completion. For those who needed an alternative, the short terms allowed students to pick up a new course mid-semester and avoid getting behind. The short term was developed to provide students with greater scheduling flexibility, encourage more people to pursue their degrees, and provide even more support in helping them stay on track and complete their degrees in a shorter period of time. The Fall Short Term served as the first in a year-round schedule of short term offerings, which now includes sessions in the fall, during winter break in late December and January, in the spring, and during the summer. On Oct. , the University partnered with the Presque Isle Rotary Club to host World Polio Day, an event meant to raise awareness of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide and to raise money, $ at a time, to go toward that

global effort. Polio has not been a problem in the U.S. for many years, but this is not the case in several developing countries. The day’s activities included a Purple Pinkie Project event throughout the day at UMPI, and also at three sponsoring organizations: the Aroostook Centre Mall, Northern Maine Community College, and The Aroostook Medical Center. UMPI and NMCC students and other volunteers were on hand to paint people’s pinkies purple—with the same purple dye used when Rotary International conducts polio immunizations—for $. In the evening, TAMC presented its TH Storer Boone Memorial Presentation, also honoring Dr. Arthur Pendleton of Fort Fairfield, in the Campus Center. The event, titled End Polio Now, featured talks by local polio survivor and Caribou Rotarian Steve Mazzerole; TAMC Physician Dr. Vatsala Kirtani, who spoke about the disease in her home country, India; and past Rotary District Governor Leigh Cummings, who shared details about Rotary’s journey to eradicate polio. The event raised more than $, and officials estimated that about , community members participated. Funds raised will go toward Rotary International’s End Polio Now efforts. Also in October, the University celebrated the Campus Center’s TH anniversary with an event full of food and live music that culminated with a special ribbon-tying ceremony meant to symbolize the way the Campus Center brings together the campus and the community. The Campus Center has served as a major hub for student activities, community events, and cul-

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tural programs in the region since its doors opened in . The building was originally conceived as a student center with a variety of spaces to host many different types of activities, from meetings and workshops to banquets and other social gatherings. Over the years, thousands of people have utilized the facility; it has become a central location for student events, cultural activities, and state and regional meetings and conferences, and it is home to the Owl’s Nest, the Reed Fine Art Gallery, the Student Senate office, a University Credit Union branch, the Campus Communications Center, the UMPI Bookstore, a local day care center, and the campus’ dining facilities. In the world of learning, UMPI faculty members are creating excellent and widely diverse educational opportunities every day through their individual research. UMPI faculty member David Putnam was able to participate in an international research expedition to Bhutan organized by Columbia University to study PHOTOS • THIS PAGE top left: Members of UMPI’s BioMedical Club set up a Purple Pinkie Project table at TAMC’s Pinkham Entrance. • THIS PAGE top right: After their expedition, research team members returned to Bhutan’s capitol, Thimphu, and experienced the culture, including wearing these gho, traditional dress for men. Standing with UMPI faculty member David Putnam (center) are, from left, his son Dr. Aaron Putnam and Dr. Edward Cook, both of Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory at Columbia University. • THIS PAGE at right: This World War II Army dog tag was found earlier this year at Guadalcanal by Bill Coulson, one of the people who participated in a trip to the Solomon Islands led by UMPI Professor Anderson Giles. Coulson returned the dog tag to the soldier’s family in North Carolina in October. • OPPOSITE PAGE: Officials celebrated the Campus Center’s TH anniversary on Oct. . Taking part in a ribbon-tying ceremony to symbolize the way the Campus Center brings together the campus and the community are, from left, Steve Richard, Chair of the UMPI Board of Visitors; Charles Bonin, UMPI Vice President for Administration & Finance; Dr. Michael Sonntag, UMPI Provost and Academic Vice President; Jessica Stepp, UMPI Student Senate President; Jim Stepp, UMPI Dean of Students and Interim Vice President of Student Affairs; Samuel Collins, Vice Chair of the University of Maine System Board of Trustees; UMPI President Linda Schott; Theresa Fowler, Director of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce; Connie Sandstrom, Aroostook County Action Program Executive Director; Michael Young, MMG Insurance Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer; Stacy Shaw, MMG Insurance Vice President/Information Systems Manager and member of the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors; Robbie Krul, Dutch Soccer Academy Director and Northern Maine Community College Assistant Director of Admissions; and Joy Barresi Saucier, TAMC Vice President, Knowledge Services/Chief Information Officer.

climate change and the future of water resources in southern Asia. He joined his son, Dr. Aaron Putnam, a glacial geologist and post-doctoral research associate at Columbia’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory. The trip was the very first significant scientific expedition into the high Himalayas of Bhutan and included studying glaciers there, conducting snowline reconstruction work, and collecting tree-ring data to measure past climate. Putnam was able to share details of his trip with his classes (which he continued to teach online while in Bhutan) and during a community talk on Nov. , and he’s already planning his next climate change research trip—to Mongolia in . Also on the other side of the world, but in a completely different field of study, UMPI Art Professor Anderson Giles has worked for more than  years to preserve the history of World War II in the Pacific. During his most recent trip to the Solomon Islands, an Army dog tag was discovered and, after Giles confirmed its authenticity, a member of the group was able to return it to the family of the soldier. From this gesture to his wider preservation work, Giles said it all helps to keep alive the memory of those who served for future generations. To learn more about these and other exciting things happening at UMPI, visit www.umpi.edu. ★

WINTER 2013

Healthy You:

What do you really want? by Kim Jones, Cary Medical Center

I want more in my life.

of screenwriting. Since then, I’ve spent hundreds of hours studying this genre, applying my newfound knowledge to I say this with a full understanding of and my sleep-induced story. I’ve even started a couple of other appreciation for all the blessings I have. But even with much feature-length scripts…which leads me back to my point. to be thankful for - an amazing family, many true friends, I have thoroughly enjoyed rewriting my original a job, a home, an education, health, freedom – I’m still not script at least twenty times and I’m pleased with the results, completely fulfilled. You see, there is this intriguing whisper albeit an amateur’s attempt. But despite this, or perhaps I occasionally hear. I’m not sure if it’s my inner voice, an because of it, I have this innate feeling that this experience angel on my shoulder, or messages from some unknown isn’t over. Where did the flash of inspiration that jumpstarted power, but it coaxes me. Driving me to be more, see more, my foray into screenwriting come from? Why did I feel try more, and have so strongly about that more. It reminds me particular dream? I that I have potential acted on the impulse, beyond what I could but what was the even imagine – as all point? This and other humans do. similarly profound It isn’t about events continue to feed greed. Nor is it about my desires. I want to being dissatisfied meet Simon Pegg, with the life I have. finish the two partial (I’m honored to be scripts languishing on living this life!) I can my laptop, and learn only describe it as an to play the guitar. I enduring feeling that I want to live near the am meant to be more ocean, study marine than I’ve allowed biology, and attend myself to be. The a Patriots game at challenge, however, Gillette. I want to has been figuring out spend more time with what to do about it. family and friends, open my own business, and grow old Here’s a personal example. Early one Saturday morning, I bolted upright in bed with my soul mate. I want to explore Great Britain and tingling from a dream that was so vivid and so entertaining drive to California in a convertible. I felt immediately compelled to write about it. The dream I want more in my life. had played out like a cinematic dramady (comedy/drama) starring my favorite real-life actor, Simon Pegg. There For me, this search for fulfillment isn’t depressing was also an old woman in a mammoth vintage car, hot air balloons, and a marching band. Pretty obscure, yes? or discouraging. And it’s certainly not a chore or a burden. Anyway, for whatever reason, I started jotting this down on Actually, I find it quite the opposite. Life is a magnificent scrap paper I found crammed into the nightstand drawer. trip and these wants are the fuel that power my journey But then one sentence lead to another, then to a paragraph, toward being a better version of me. I take pleasure in then to several paragraphs. Luckily it was the weekend simple things and I am content with many parts of my life, because over the course of the next few days I wrote almost but I simply cannot fathom a meaningful existence without this drive for something more. non-stop. Before I knew it, I had a 128 pages. With that said, I realize that seeking fulfillment isn’t It’s worth mentioning that this wasn’t something I had ever done before. I’m not a struggling screenwriter or easy. Getting what you really want, even those things you aspiring author with boxes of manuscripts gathering dust in seem destined to attain, rarely happens by accident. Success the attic. This was a completely unexpected experience that requires a concerted effort. Unfortunately, this can be an triggered a slightly manic fascination with the art and process overwhelming, almost paralyzing notion. Case in point, it’s WINTER 2013

been more than three years since I wrote about my old lady, hot air balloons, marching band dream. During that time, I’ve fantasized about watching this story in a theater or on television. I can see this so clearly that it’s almost as if it’s already happened. Nevertheless, no matter how strong my desire is, all I have is ink on paper as long as my script is held hostage in the dark recesses of my file cabinet. But I wasn’t prepared to be a dweller in the world of screenwriting. I wasn’t even awake when the idea unfolded in front of me. So where do I begin making this dream a reality? This question of “Where do I begin?” has repeatedly gotten in the way of progress…until recently. About a year ago, my dear friend and colleague, Alli, introduced me to vision boards while we were exploring new ideas for Cary Medical Center’s Ladies Land Cruise and Healthy You program. A vision board, she explained, is a tool people can use to assess what they really want and help them focus on achieving it. Jackpot! I plunged into learning all I could about vision boards. What I discovered was both highly inspirational and somewhat mysterious. A visions board, also known as a dream board, vision map, or treasure board, is a collage of images, pictures, and words that represent your dreams and desires. The theory is that by focusing on the things you want to accomplish or acquire you start to attract those exact things into your life. It’s a tool stemming from the “law of attraction”. 80

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Essentially, this ancient law states that you become what you think about most. (It is my opinion that applying lessons based on the law of attraction does not replace any religious or cultural beliefs. The Healthy You mission is to promote physical, mental, social, and spiritual wellbeing. A vision board is just one tool to help people focus on any or all of these four levels of health; in harmony with one’s own principles.) In my quest for knowledge on this subject, I stumbled across a movie called “The Secret” and a book of the same name by Rhonda Byrne. Both are based on the law of attraction and claim that positive thinking leads to positive results. While this claim is considered controversial largely due to its lack of scientific evidence and critics are quick to point out that there are sometimes unavoidable and uncontrollable factors that determine a person’s circumstance, I found that “The Secret” presented some fascinating ideas, including: ~ what you are thinking and feeling today is creating your future; ~ when your instincts tell you an opportunity has presented itself, it is your job to seize the moment; ~ visualize the future you want and take time to feel excited about what you see; ~ have unwavering confidence that your dreams are achievable;

~ energy flows where attention goes; ~ treat yourself the way you want others to treat you; and ~ you were born to add value to this world. With a vision board, you can activate the law of attraction. The board is a physical manifestation of your dreams, thereby serving as a focal point to help nourish your passion and attract the feelings and thoughts that contribute to success. Creating a vision board is easy. To begin, I recommend taking time to sit quietly and reflect on what you really want. Free your mind of negative thoughts and picture the future of your dreams. When you’re ready, go through magazines or search the internet for images, photos, and words that represent what you want. You may end up creating one all-inclusive board or multiple themed boards, such as a board about a particular area of your life (work, home, relationships, etc.), one for self-improvement (knowledge, faith, skills, balance, etc.), or one that is relevant for a certain time of year (New Year’s, birthday, season, holiday, etc). Stretch your imagination! After you’ve printed or cutout your images, paste them anyway you want onto a piece of foam board or cardboard. Then display your board in a place that allows you to see it often. How it all works from there is somewhat of a mystery. Philosophers, spiritualist, artists, et al describe the process as aligning your energy with the natural laws of the universe. It’s an abstract concept with roots in some very complex theories like quantum physics and the reticular activating system. Supposedly, some of the most brilliant people, including Plato, Beethoven, Shakespeare, Newton, and Einstein subscribed to the law of attraction. While most of us will probably never fully understand it, we can still tap into it. If you want more in your life, consider making a vision board and learning about the law of attraction. (Cary Medical Center’s Healthy You program will host more vision

board workshops throughout 2013.) I do not make any promises about how this will impact you. It’s a very personal process that affects every person differently. I created a vision board a few months ago and hung it beside my desk. All of my dreams didn’t instantly come true as a result, but I will tell you that nearly every day the board gives me thoughtful focus, clarity, and enthusiasm about the future that before only came in spurts. I’ve opened myself up to possibilities that use to seem unattainable. I pay closer attention to that whisper in my ear. I take deliberate steps to achieve my goals. I look for ways to nurture positive thoughts and feelings. I don’t know if my screenplay will ever be a feature film, but since creating my vision board I’ve taken it out of the file cabinet and registered it with the Writers Guild of America. As Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “You don’t have to see the whole staircase to take the first step.” Regardless of the outcome, I am contributing to my future…and that is incredibly fulfilling! Sources: “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, film produced by Prime Time Productions (2006)

Healthy You is a free community program from Cary Medical Center that addresses your overall wellbeing including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. For program information or calendar of events, go to www.carymedicalcenter. org or call Cary Medical Center’s Public Relations Department at 207.498.1361.

Disclaimer: The information presented in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your healthcare provider for your health questions and recommendations.

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Photo ÂŠ 2013 Our Maine Street

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