Our Maine Street: Issue 19 Winter

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Photo Š 2014 Our Maine Street

Co n t e n t s January, February and March 2014

In This Issue 8 Old Farmer’s Almanac,

Wooly Worms & Ted

by Catherine Shaw Bowker 18 The Winter Months Can

Be Tough For Caregivers

by Jane Margesson 22 Lonely Home

by Catherine Shaw Bowker 26 Are You Ready For A Winter Adventure

by Central Aroostook Chamber 30 Winter At The Top Of Maine

by Skyla Hamilton 38 Saving Our Aroostook Part 2

by Sandra Gauvin

44 World Acadian Congress

by Don Levesque 48 Aroostook County To Host

2014 Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships

by Karen Gonya 70 Providing Excellence 72 Fred’s Friendly Flowers

by Karen Gonya 74 University Garners National Recognition

by UMPI 76 Healthy You: A Life Well-Balanced

by Kim Jones 80 A Poem By John Strid

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

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Publisher Our Maine Street LLC Editor In Chief Craig Cormier Circulation / Advertising Charles Cormier information: content@ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464 48 Presque Isle Street Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com

Many Thanks to: (in no particular order)

Kim Jones, Skyla Hamilton, Sandra Gauvin, Catherine Shaw Bowker, UMPI, Karen Gonya, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Don Levesque, John Strid, Gene Cyr, Janet McLaughlin, Lyndsey Maynard, Mike Gudreau, Carly Rodgers, Christopher M. Georgia, Jane Margesson, TAMC Copyright © 2014 Our Maine Street LCC. Our Maine Street LLC is jointly owned by Charles, Cheryl and Craig Cormier.

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Please let them know you saw them in Our Maine Street Magazine and that you appreciate their support of County projects.

Aroostook County Chambers of Commerce, Aroostook Milling & Stove Shop, Aroostook Real Estate, Aroostook Technologies, Babin’s Grocery Outlet, Boondock’s Grille, Bouchard Family Farms, Cary Medical Center, Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Clifford L Rhome CPA, P.A., Clukey’s Auto Supply, County Abatement, Inc, County Denture Center, Country North Gifts, Fort Kent Power Sports, Giberson - Dorsey Funeral Home, Graves’ Shop n Save, Hand Me Down Antiques, Hometown Fuels, I Care Pharmacy, Jerry’s Shurfine, John’s Shurfine Food Store, M.A.C.S Trading Post, Marden’s, Martin’s Point Health Care, McGillan, Inc., Mountain Heights Health Care Facility, Nadeau’s House of Flooring, NorState Federal Credit Union, Northern Airwaves, Northern Maine Community College, Overhead Door Company of Aroostook, Paterson Payroll, Pelletier Ford, Pines Health Services, Professional Home Nursing, Quigley’s Building Supply, Russell’s Motel, Shiretown Pharmacy, St John Valley Pharmacy, The Aroostook Medical Center, The County Federal Credit Union, University of Maine at Fort Kent, University of Maine at Presque Isle, Valley Communications, Valley Motors

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.

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Our Maine Street 8

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Old Farmer’s Almanac, Wooly Worms & Ted

By Catherine Shaw Bowker

The holidays are nearly over for this year and, if it is not already, winter will be upon us in full. Like the animals, we now settle in and wait for Mother Nature to deliver her gift. While some like a good surprise and are willing to wait, most of us want to tear at the paper of that gift for an inkling of what we are in for this winter. We may have consulted the Old Farmer’s Almanac, observed nature before she was covered in snow, or were fortunate enough to hear Ted Shapiro’s winter weather prediction. All of these methods have their merits and their flaws. After all, does anyone really know what nature has planned for us?

The Old Farmer’s Almanac uses a secret formula to predict the season’s weather. In fact, it is so secret that the formula is locked in a black box in the magazine’s headquarters in Dublin, New Hampshire. According to this year’s Almanac, “a large area of belownormal temperatures will predominate… north and east through New England… the stage will be set for the Midwest, Great Lakes, and Central and Northern New England to receive lots of snow.” In other words, cold and snowy. (farmersalamanc. com/weather/2013/08/25/2014-us-winterforecast).

Now, the wooly worm offers us a slightly

different forecast. According to folklore, the wooly worm, the larvae of the Isabella tiger moth, can give us a fairly accurate prediction of the upcoming winter’s weather. The wooly worm has three stripes, two black with a rusty brown stripe in the middle. It is said that the larger the brown stripe, the milder the winter.

Some wooly worm aficionados go so far as to count the stripes to see how many weeks of bad weather there will be as opposed to good weather. Although the wooly worm doesn’t tell us how much snow we will have, he does give us a bit more detail than the Almanac. Starting with his head, our fuzzy little guy here predicts the following (based on interpretations of my husband, Ted, and me):

We will start with some cold and snow, (about three weeks, if you count the black stripes), followed by milder, less snowy weather (about four weeks according to the rusty brown stripes), and will end with more snow and colder temperatures (six weeks, the remaining black stripes). Pretty scientific, wouldn’t you say?

Ted Shapiro, our local WAGM weatherman says we have to consider the character of the winter. He predicts that this winter will be one with cold that “holds,’ meaning we won’t have many thaws or warm WINTER 2014

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spells. Unlike the Almanac, Ted forecasts a winter The County winter a bit of a challenge. For us, colder than last year’s, but with about the same winter means bundling up, shoveling, wiping the dog’s paws when she comes in covered with snow, amount of snow. and never knowing if we’re going to be able to make

Whatever type of winter is predicted, that trip downstate to see family; it depends on the Aroostook County natives know we have to be weather. ready for anything. We start our preparations at This winter I am going to accept the challenge the end of autumn, October for us, by storing our summer toys and furniture, buying our winter fuel, offered by a coffee mug given to me by a cousin: and winterizing our houses and cars. We prepare our snow removal tools, whether it be hiring “Growing up in a place that has winter, you learn to someone to plow our driveways, readying the snow avoid self-pity. Winter is not a personal experience; blower, or finding the shovel. Whatever we plan on everybody else is as cold as you, so you shouldn’t complain about it too much.” using, we are armed!

Many County natives comment that our winters have changed. They come later, we don’t seem to have as much snow, and we are rarely completely “snowed in.” My mother and her sister talk about the time there was so much snow in the yard of their childhood home that they had to slide out of the upstairs bedroom window in order to get out of the house. I, too, recall the day my husband and I had to climb over an eight foot high snow bank in order to get to the road where my mother waited with her car to take us to work.

That’s right, the roads were plowed, the busses could travel safely; school was in session. Snow days come to Aroostook County less frequently than they do in Southern Maine. Last year while taking care of my nephews in Standish, it snowed overnight. I got up early to see how bad it was, in case school was cancelled. There was a dusting of snow on the car, so I started making breakfast for the boys and was ready to start the day. Then the call came, “All Standish area schools are closed for the day.” I could not believe it. There’s no way school would have been cancelled at home with this kind of weather. Oh well, life in The County is different.

So, what does winter mean to Aroostook County? Naturally, our open wilderness is inviting to those who love the outdoors – snowmobilers, skiers, fishermen, and of course, young children.

Last year I met a couple in Scarborough, Maine who travel the six hours to Aroostook each winter to take advantage of the wonderful snowmobile trails. I know they are just one of many who enjoy The County’s coldest season.

Some of us, myself included, don’t particularly like outdoor winter activities and find 12

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Our Maine Street WINTER 2014

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Our Maine Street WINTER 2014

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Enjoy fun for the whole family this winter in Aroostook County.

Alpine Skiing Nordic Skiing Snowmobiling Snow Shoeing Ice Skating & More

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392 Main Street Madawaska, ME 04756 207.728.3707

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Photo Copyright © 2014 Janet McLaughlin

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The Winter Months Can Be Tough For Caregivers Together, We Can Help

When you are a caregiver, taking time to care for yourself can be a huge challenge. Finding an hour or two for quiet, personal time is important for everyone, but for caregivers, setting aside this private time can become even harder. In the winter months, many caregivers feel especially isolated and even depressed, making the situation seem even more difficult. If you know someone who is a caregiver in your community, this might be just the moment when you can make a difference.

Long-term care – an issue that affects people of all ages – is America’s next great challenge, one that will have far-reaching implications for every generation and every corner of society. It is estimated that seven of ten people turning age 65 will need help to live independently at some point in their lives.

We know that across the country, and right here in Maine, the vast majority of our residents want to live independently, and at home, as they age. In most cases, they will count on family caregivers to make that possible.

Family caregivers are the backbone of longterm care in the United States. They provide unpaid care valued at an estimated $450 billion annually.

However, the number of family caregivers available to support older Americans will drop in the coming years as boomers age. In Maine, 50 people are turning 65 every day. This massive demographic shift has implications for every generation and will profoundly affect current and future caregivers in our state.

Simply put, over time more people will be dependent on fewer family caregivers.

With the holidays and winter months now in full swing, perhaps we should all take a look outside of our own hectic holiday traditions and busy schedules and see if someone we know needs one of the best gifts of all: the gift of time and support.

There are many ways to offer others some relief from the stresses of caregiving. For example, if you know someone who has not been able to leave their house because of caregiving duties, perhaps you could offer to lend a hand one afternoon so they can get out and do their holiday or grocery shopping or have lunch with a friend. Caregivers cannot do a good job of caring for someone else if they aren’t taking care of themselves.

Another way to help is to gather some other neighbors or friends together to provide an ongoing cycle of support that is not too difficult for any one person to incorporate into their busy lives. Many caregivers find it hard to ask for help even when they truly need it. If you can pitch in without their having made that request, the gift you give will be all the more appreciated.

Calendars and a journal can help caregivers prioritize their responsibilities and this is another way you might be able to lend a hand. For example, some people find that carrying a list of their loved one’s medications can make things easier, but they could use assistance in creating the list and maintaining it.

For an easy-to-use toolkit, take a look at www.aarp. org/medicationrecord.

Most communities have services to help coordinate care and provide assistance with meals,

Interestingly, despite the fact that there are 42 housekeeping, grooming or transportation. You million caregivers in the U.S. (most of them women can check your community’s services at the U.S. caring for parents while juggling work and family), Department of Health and Human Resources’ caregivers often don’t recognize that they are doing Eldercare Locator by calling 1-800-677-1116. You anything more than being good daughters, sons, might be able to offer a new way to help just by neighbors or friends. Meanwhile, the average 20 doing a little research on behalf of your friend, hours a week they devote to caregiving takes its toll family member or neighbor. The AARP Caregiving on their emotions and their health, even though they Resource Center www.aarp.org/caregivers is just one are proud of how they are caring for their loved one. site that offers an incredible array of resources for the All too frequently, caregiving leaves them feeling caregivers themselves in addition to information for alone with nowhere to turn for help. those who wish to help. Among many other resources, 20

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there is a caregiver support line, information about available services and supports, and advice on legal and financial matters.

Finally, find a way to help any caregiver you know stay connected. Especially during the winter months, it is easy for caregivers to feel isolated and overwhelmed.

Getting together in person—or even virtually—with these friends and relatives can help improve their morale and give them the emotional boost they need. Whether you reach out by telephone, email or even through social networking sites, keeping friends and community close can make a world of difference.

Making even a small effort to help a caregiver take time for themselves can alleviate the challenges that they face every day and will help them get through the cold months ahead.

Jane Margesson AARP Maine Communications Director

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Gene Cyr, Washburn northernmainepictures.com

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Your Town, Our Team, Your Choice www.aroostookrealestate.com Fort Kent, Maine Tel: 207.834.4545 Presque Isle, Maine Tel: 207.762.4001

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Lonely Home

by Catherine Shaw Bowker

My walls once embraced you my windows opened to the world Together we celebrated birthdays graduations and weddings mourned losses But my walls are tired now my surface faded and wrinkled windows dark Though abandoned years ago my door is still open, hoping you’ll return

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Mountain Heights Health Care Facility Long Term Care Skilled Rehab PT/OT/ST 83 Houlton Rd Patten, ME 04765 207 528-2200

Photo Copyright Š 2014 Gene Cyr, Washburn northernmainepictures.com

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Are you Ready for a

Participants line their vehicles up for the 2012 Maine-Quebec Caravan.

Picture yourself driving along a snow covered road in the warmth of your own vehicle, surrounded by old and new friends on a trip to the World’s largest winter carnival!

Along the way you are apt to see a variety of wildlife as well as huge trucks transporting product from deep in the North Maine Woods.

The Maine-Quebec Caravan’s history goes back to 1957 when a group of Aroostook County people departed in early February to “blaze a road” through the North Maine Woods to Quebec. The date coincided with the Quebec Carnival which had started just three years earlier.

Twenty or so travelers were in the first group that undertook the trek which followed the American Realty Road to Clayton Lake. From there the roads were nothing more than skidder trails. The caravan was outfitted with emergency gear and some support vehicles, including a Sno-cat snowmobile. Part of the route was over newly bulldozed roads. Over the next few years the caravan became an annual event that at one point saw close to 200 participants.

Caravans in the 1950s and 60s were met with police escorts, and participants were traditionally guests of the City of Quebec and the Quebec Winter Carnival.

This trip has made many headlines over the years, particularly during the early years when blizzards struck during both the 1959 and 1960 caravans.

The weather even prompted this cartoon in the Bangor Daily News in 1960.

Past accounts indicate that these caravan trips have provided many adventures. The 1959 caravan had 92 people and 32 vehicles.

Due to storms and impassable roads, only 2 cars initially made it to Quebec City. Other vehicles arrived the next day. Along the way caravan members came upon a family from Quebec whose car had been marooned in the fierce storm. The driver was found unconscious, draped over a guard rail in minus 26 degree weather. From all accounts that can be found, it appears the driver survived.

Winter Adventure?

In 1960 the first bag of mail delivered to Clayton Lake via the Realty Road was taken by the caravan. Prior to this delivery all mail had been delivered through Canada.

The caravan was originally organized by the Ashland Area Chamber of Commerce. In 2002 the Ashland Rotary Club undertook the re-establishment of the trip. Northern Maine Community College helped with the 50th anniversary trip in 2007. In recent years, the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, which serves Ashland, Portage, Masardis and OxBow along with 9 other communities, has coordinated the event.

Plans for the 57th annual Maine – Quebec Winter Carnival Caravan are under way. The caravan will begin with a breakfast at Dean’s Motor Lodge in Portage at 6:00 a.m. on February 14, 2014. The group will depart Portage at 7:00 a.m. and proceed to the first stop at Maibec for the traditional coffee, doughnut and restroom break. They will proceed to St. Pamphile to cross the border into Canada.

From there the caravan will proceed to Quebec City via the Levi ferry.

The trail master will be outfitted with a special radio system to communicate with other traffic using the logging roads. Each vehicle in the caravan will carry a two-way radio provided by Aroostook Technologies, Inc. In addition to the need from a safety point, the radios have proved to be of great entertainment value.

This traditional caravan will coincide with the final weekend of the 60th Quebec Winter Carnival held in Quebec City, Canada. The Quebec Winter Carnival is the largest in the world with approximately 1 million people attending during the two-week long carnival.

Participants in the caravan have already received an invitation to attend a reception at the Quebec City Mayor’s office and have an opportunity to tour Quebec Legislature

Sculptors from all around the world make blocks of snow come to life during the International Snow Sculpture Competition that takes place during the Quebec Winter Carnival.

in addition to all of the Quebec Winter Carnival activities that will be going on.

There will be dances, sleigh races, dogsled races, snow slides, snow rafting, sleigh rides, a night parade plus other entertainment and shows throughout the city. If you have never experienced Quebec Carnival this is a great opportunity to have two unique experiences at once. More information about the Quebec Winter Carnival may be found on their website: https://carnaval.qc.ca/en.

Room reservations in Quebec are the responsibility of the participant. The return trip is on your own re-entering the United States at a port of your own choice. It is not recommended to travel the working woods roads for the return trip.

The registration fee to join the caravan is $35 per person. Individuals are responsible for their own expenses during the trip.

For more information please contact the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce at 207-764-6561 or tfowler@centralaroostookchamber.com.

Above: The Maine delegation are invited annually to a reception by the mayor of Quebec City, where among the various dignitaries, they have the chance to see Bonhomme Carnaval, the ambassador of the winter carnival to foreigners and the symbol of the festivities during this joyous period of the year.

Left: Participants in the 2012 Maine-Quebec Caravan stop in Maibec for a break during the trip.

Photo Copyright Š 2014 Gene Cyr, Washburn northernmainepictures.com 30

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Winter At The Top of

Maine

by Skyla Hamilton

also hold the Annual Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby, 10th Mountain Outdoor Club Annual 5K Citizens Race, Frostbite 20K and 40K Races. Whether you are determine to race or just spectate, these are two opportunities to join in the fun that fills the air of winter in the northernmost town of Maine. It takes a strong hearted and spirited person to

Whether you are here for business or pleasure make brave the cold during the heartiest part of the season either sure to take the time to experience all that the St. John Valley fishing or skiing throughout it. has to hold. We have a reputation as one of the world’s Come one and come all to celebrate the winter renowned destinations for winter vacations. Activities range from superb snowmobiling, alpine skiing, cross-country season at the top of Maine. Up here we are experts on skiing and ice fishing during the winter months, just to how to enjoy the winter season. Feel free to check out our mention a few. Whether you are a weekend warrior or up website on local events, places to stay and things to do all on a vacation, Fort Kent has the most guaranteed snow throughout the winter season at www.fortkentchamber. within The County. Generally we far exceed our southern com. neighbors in regards to snow and check with a local before altering a planned trip, because only the locals know how much snow is actually in the woods and on the trails.

Now that the holiday festivities have been completed and the hunting gear has been put away we can focus on the winter activities that we all love. There is no better place to go for all the best that winter has to offer other than The County.

Upon arrival act like a local, make sure to participate in annual events such as, the Can Am and Eagle Lake dog sled races, Fiddlers’ Jamboree, and the UMFK Annual Sucrerie. These are events that the community holds throughout the winter to get together and celebrate with all of the people and festivities within the valley.

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Whether you are professional or amateur, we WINTER 2014

Photo Copyright Š 2014 Gene Cyr, Washburn northernmainepictures.com WINTER 2014

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Gene Cyr, Washburn northernmainepictures.com

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Saving Our

Aroostook Part2

By Sandra Gauvin

In the last edition of the Our Maine Street Aroostook Magazine, you listened to the little author residing in my head as she talked about the royal beauty of the Crown of Maine. I shared her mental wanderings as well as my reality of what has slowly happened to The Crown over time.

I would like to review the sobering facts: Aroostook County’s population decreased by 4% in the last decade, most of which is due to the outmigration of our young people.

Annual household income is more than $10,000 below the state average.

Only 16.4% of Aroostook residents have a Bachelor’s Degree or higher educational attainment, compared with 27.1% across Maine.

workforce will thrive, and the vibrancy of Northern Maine will no longer be an echo.

The greatest portion of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is dedicated to helping high school students go on to college and complete their post-secondary education successfully.

This project will help first generation college and economically disadvantaged students realize that they can indeed go on to college, graduate without being burdened with debt, and remain in Aroostook County.

It all begins with a scholarship, which will be detailed shortly.

In the spring, there will be an aspirational weekend whereby the scholars will take part in seminars dealing with topics such as how to deal with college issues and financial Our population ages 18-44 is at 29%, down from 42% literacy. There will be speakers who have created and/or run in 1990 – a level that is unsustainable from a business successful businesses in Aroostook County. And there will standpoint, as economists predict we currently do not have be information for the scholars about current and future jobs that will be available and what the scholars have to do enough young people to fill future jobs. to prepare for them. The University of Maine at Fort Kent Fortunately, people from Aroostook County are resilient. has generously agreed to host this weekend.

As a result, there is an exciting new movement afoot to brighten our economic future. And all facets of the business, Another event will involve entrepreneurial training for those who are interested in starting their own business in private, and educational sectors are involved.

From the private sector, a creative new enterprise called the Northern Maine. This event will touch on topics such as Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) has been created the entrepreneurial mind-set, what it takes to start your own

by Ray and Sandy Gauvin and Jason Parent--designed to business, and skills it takes to make it thrive. Again, people help the youth of Aroostook County stay here, work here, who have been successful in starting their own businesses and raise their families here. Many of these kids want to in The County will be featured guests. Northern Maine remain in the area where they were raised, near relatives and Community College will host this event. friends. They are just not aware of the educational, career and financial opportunities available to them in Northern One of the best ways to help a young person understand what is involved in his or her chosen career and to create Maine. networking opportunities is to participate in an internship.

AAI was also created to boost the economy of Aroostook Therefore, the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative has created County and to return vibrancy and viability to The County. a place on its Web site (www.gauvinfund.org) whereby If we can stem the outmigration of our young people, help employers and potential interns can connect to create this them find gainful employment, and even help them start valuable learning experience. their own businesses here, not only will the social fabric of The next element of the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative The County become stronger, the economy will grow, our is The Gauvin County Scholarship Fund, which will give 40

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a $1,000 scholarship to a graduating senior in each of the high schools in Aroostook County who plans to attend one of the four colleges in The County (Husson University, Northern Maine Community College, University of Maine at Ft. Kent, or the University of Maine at Presque Isle). The “target audience” is first generation college and economically disadvantaged students, an untapped and underutilized resource that needs to be cultivated and nurtured. As time passes, the goal is to expand both the depth and breadth of the scholarship to include more students for more years.

In addition, and equally important, in the fall, there will be a special evening to showcase and celebrate the Gauvin Scholars. It will be an auspicious event, inviting not only the Gauvin Scholars and their families, but respected leaders from around the county and the state. The University of Maine at Presque Isle will be the host of this special event.

Scholarships are not a new endeavor for the Gauvins.

From 2000 until 2011, they headed the Gauvin Family Scholarship and helped many Presque Isle High School students continue on to receive a college education.

The Aroostook Aspirations Initiative is a restructuring and expanding of that program to include high schools throughout The County.

For further information about what else is being done to help improve the economy of Aroostook County, please see the third installment of this article in the next Our Maine Street Aroostook. You can also visit Aroostook Aspirations Initiative on our Web site at www.gauvinfund.org or on Facebook and Twitter.

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Michael Gudreau, michaelgudreauphotography.smugmug.com

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Joie de vivre marks 2014 Congrès Mondial Acadien (World Acadian Congress)

By DON LEVESQUE That joie de vivre you feel in the air comes from The area is being marketed as a tourist and trade the St. John Valley. Here’s what’s causing all those region known as l’Acadie des terres et des forêts (Acadia of Lands and Forests) in much the same positive vibes. way that Rangley, the White Mountains, and An incredible level of enthusiasm and pride in the Gaspésie are marketed as one large region. being Acadian and Franco-American is driving the L’Acadie des terres et des forêts has a population 2014 Congrès Mondial Acadien (World Acadian of approximately 100,000 residents in 50 Congress 2014) organizing committees throughout communities. If l’Acadie des terres et des forêts was the region and creating a ‘joie de vivre’ all in Maine, it would be almost twice as big as Portland. in the St. John Valley that is slowly spreading There will be more than 120 family reunions throughout Maine, (http://www.cma2014.com/en/reunions-deNew England, and familles/familles-inscrites) in the area during the beyond.

Congrès Mondial Acadien 2014; more than 80 community activities A Congres Mondial just in Maine; Acadien (World Acadian conferences; theme Congress) offers a splendid days; sporting events; celebration of Acadian small venue concerts; Culture. Its objective is to rally mega concerts broadcast the Acadian diaspora branched out live across Canada; a in the four corners of the world for terrific and humongous reunions and celebration. t i n t a m a r r e in Madawaska on August This event is held every five years in a region where 15, 2014, where we expect about 20,000 happy Acadians have settled. The first CMA was held in Acadians and Franco-Americans to participate. southeastern New Brunswick, the second was held in Louisiana, the third in Nova Scotia, the fourth A tintamarre is best described as a noise parade with in northeastern New Brunswick, and the fifth, participants dressed in the colors of Acadia (red, August 8 to 24, 2014, will be held in our backyards white, and blue, with a gold star) and everyone making a tremendous amount of noise using to celebrate Acadians around the world. traditional noisemakers, pots and pans, hubcaps, The 2014 Congrès Mondial Acadien will bring bells, whistles and practically anything else you approximately 50,000 visitors to northern Maine, can imagine. (Here’s a short video of the 2009 northwest New Brunswick and southeast Québec tintamarre in Caraquet, NB: https://www.youtube. com/watch?v=aPm-FW7kJhs.) A tintamarre is an between August 8 and 24, 2014. opportunity to show everyone that, even though 46

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our ancestors were persecuted and forcibly deported The World Acadian Congress is encouraging from homes they had occupied for generations, we greater collaboration between the three regions by proposing that municipalities establish in groups are still here and we’re still strong. of three (triplets). Each triplet would include one CMA 2014 official opening ceremonies take place municipality form each region; NB, Tèmiscouata on Friday, August 8, 2014, in Turgeon Stadium in and Maine. They would be called upon to organize Edmundston, NB. It will feature a concert with two preliminary gatherings in the period leading more than 500 performers. Activities have been to the congress, (2013- 2014), one in NB and one scheduled in key municipalities all day so that all in Maine. At these meetings delegations from the three would work together to identify and plan roads lead to Edmundston. a collaborative project which will be announced August 15 events will be held in Madawaska. It or unveiled at a joint activity to be held in the is the single most important event of the entire Tèmiscouata municipality on the last day of the CMA 2014 celebrations. August 15 is considered a congress, August 24, 2014. national holiday for Acadians.

There are several important things that you need The day begins with a very special outdoor Mass in to know: the sports field on Seventh Avenue. Approximately 5,000 faithful are expected to attend. All priests 1. Apply now for your passport, passport card, throughout the region have been invited to or NEXUS card. There are events throughout participate as well as the bishops of Maine, l’Acadie des terres et des forêts on both sides of the Témiscouata, QC, and Edmundston, NB. A unique international border and you will want to attend as choir will perform, led by the Neil Michaud Choir many as possible. and comprised of local choir members from Maine, Québec and New Brunswick, will mesmerize the 2. Reserve rooms now. Many hotels and motels are faithful. By then they will have been rehearsing for already booked solid. Go to www.cma2014.com for a list the accommodations available in the region. more than a year.

The biggest tintamarre most of us have ever seen will begin at 6 p.m. on Main Street, Madawaska.

A transportation plan is in the advanced planning stage to ensure that as many happy people as possible can participate in this once in a lifetime event.

The crowning event of the day will be a Acadian National Holiday mega concert featuring artists from Maine, Louisiana as well as from Canada.

This concert will be broadcast live across Canada

by CBC-TV.

3. Register now for any and all family reunions you plan to attend. Visit www.cma2014.com and click on the word Families on the left and then click on the name of every family reunion you want to attend. There you will find the dates of the reunion, where it is being held as well as contact information about that particular family.

4. This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for most of us and, if you have any Acadians or FrancoAmericans in your genealogy or if you’re not Acadian or French, come see how we celebrate and see what all the excitement is about, come on up to Closing ceremonies, called New Beginning, will L’Acadie des terres et des forêts between August 8 take place in the Cabano sector of Témiscouata- and 24, 2014. sur-Lac, QC. Plans are to place the huge stage on Lac Témiscouata with boat owners invited to gather 5. Laissez les bon temps rouler! around the stage. Jumbotrons will allow those on the shore to watch what is happening.

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Our Maine Street

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Aroostook County to Host 2014 Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships Upwards of 350 of the world’s top biathletes, under the age of 21, from more than 30 countries are expected to be in Aroostook County for the 2014 IBU Youth/Junior Biathlon World Championships that will run between February 28 and March 7, 2014. The venue is the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle.

Biathlon, the premiere winter sport in Europe, combines cross country skiing with rifle marksmanship. The Youth and Junior World Championships are the most important event of the year for young biathletes.

Last held at the Nordic Heritage Center in 2006, the world championships have tested young athletes overseas in the past few years in Sweden, Finland, Austria and other countries, and seven years after the Nordic Heritage Center hosted their first championship, the event is returning to Maine/U.S. soil.

Whether traveling from within The County or from much further distances, it is an event that is worth coming to see, according to Jane Towle, event director for the 2014 Presque Isle Youth and Junior World Biathlon Championships.

“It’s a tremendously exciting sport to watch! Nordic skiers push themselves to their physical limit on the ski trail and then enter the shooting range, slow their heart rate down within seconds and shoot a target the size of a silver dollar with exacting skills,” said Towle.

Towle had the opportunity to travel to Obertilliach, Austria in February 2013, along with a few other members of the organizing committee, to not only observe the world championships but to be presented the ceremonial flag from the International Biathlon Union (IBU), signifying the passing of the event from Obertilliach to Presque Isle.

“The IBU is very comfortable with us hosting a world championship, because they’ve seen the kind of events we’re able to produce with an unpaid volunteer workgroup.

We got to see what went right with their event, what could have gone better, and hopefully we can learn from any mistakes that were made to host the best ever Junior World Championships,” said Towle.

The Presque Isle delegation enjoyed watching the competitions in Obertilliach, and they were treated to an impressive and surprising performance by the U.S. team.

The U.S. team came home with a gold medal and two silver medals, which is one of the greatest achievements in U.S. biathlon history.

Left: Sean Doherty of Center Conway, NH was named the 2013 IBU Youth Pursuit World Champion in the last year’s championships held in Obertlliach, Austria. The 17-year-old also won silver in the sprint competition.

Sean Doherty photos courtsey of NordicFocus.

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Below: Jane Towle addresses the crowd during the championships in Obertilliach, Austria.

Towle and Presque Isle event consultant Max Saenger accepted the ceremonial flag from the International Biathlon Union.

Members of the Organizing Committee

“The U.S. is becoming a significant player in biathlon, and moving forward, I believe that biathlon will enjoy significant growth in our country because of it,” said Towle.

“Aroostook County is very well positioned to take advantage of this growth.”

Back on home soil, Towle and other members of the organizing committee are hard at work preparing to host a world-class event.

First came some visual reminders to help promote local enthusiasm. A logo and a countdown calendar were unveiled last February. The logo prominently features the word biathlon in a lighter blue with a more deep blue image of a cluster of pine trees appearing in the letters. A silhouette figure of a biathlete in motion, using similar blue and gold colors found in the Maine Winter Sports Center logo, appears as though skiing out of the word biathlon.

The countdown calendar, that has been counting down the days until the 2014 event, was originally located in a window of the Key Bank building, but was later moved to outside the Kathadin Trust Company building once Key Bank moved to their new location.

An important step in the process was a visit by three representatives from the IBU in July to conduct a progress inspection. They reviewed the various competition areas that will be used at Nordic Heritage Center, such as the biathlon shooting range, timing mechanics, the course, venue, and overall event logistics, including safety and security, volunteers, hospitality accommodations and the athlete accreditation process.

Volunteers have played a key role in what has been accomplished to date, and that role will continue to expand leading into the event. Over 500 volunteers are needed to successfully host an event of this scale.

According to Mary Lawrence, volunteer coordinator, the primary requirements for registering as a volunteer are a genuine interest in helping, availability during the times of the event, and the completion of the online registration form. The online registration form is available at www. biathlon-presqueisle.org – look for the “volunteering” link on the bottom left corner of the website.

“The volunteers play a front-line role in this event. The volunteers and event sponsors are the two most critical pieces of the World Championships,” said Towle. “We could not accomplish an international event such as this without the volunteers who work so efficiently to help us create this world class competition. The volunteer force we have is second to none, and is one of the largest volunteer organizing committees in the State of Maine.”

Katahdin Trust Company and TAMC have stepped forward as major sponsors for the 2014 IBU Youth/Junior World Championships. Other businesses that are key supportors are: Daigle Oil Company, Dead River Company, Key Bank and MMG Insurance.

According to Towle, hosting events of this caliber continues to ensure the presence of facilities such as the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle and the 10th Mountain Ski Lodge in Fort Kent. Both facilities were constructed in 2000 and have been host to many events since that time.

After this 2014 event, organizers will begin work on the Biathlon World Cup event slated to take place at Nordic Heritage Center in 2016.

“The Nordic Heritage Center and the Organizing Committee’s leaders and volunteers have earned the respect of the International Biathlon Union,” said Max Cobb, President and CEO of US Biathlon. “Not only is this a great compliment to current and past event organizing committees in central Aroostook, and the local volunteers and business communities; these events are a unique opportunity for American athletes to compete in front of an American audience.”

Those interested in traveling to the region for the 2014 event are urged to make their plans as soon as possible, as accommodations are filling quickly. For more information and updates, visit at www.biathlon-presqueisle.org.

cOMpetitiOn Schedule Friday, February 28 10:00 AM Youth Women Sprint 12:30 PM Youth Men Sprint Saturday, March 1 10:00 AM Junior Women Sprint 12:30 PM Junior Men Sprint

10:00 AM 11:00 AM 1:30 PM 2:30 PM

Sunday, March 2 Youth Women Pursuit Junior Women Pursuit Youth Men Pursuit Junior Men Pursuit

tueSday, March 4 10:00 AM Youth Women Individual 1:00 PM Youth Men Individual

WedneSday, March 5 10:00 AM Junior Women Individual 1:00 PM Junior Men Individual thurSday, March 6 10:00 AM Youth Women Relay 12:30 PM Youth Men Relay 10:00 AM 12:30 PM

Friday, March 7 Junior Women Relay Junior Men Relay

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Michael Gudreau, michaelgudreauphotography.smugmug.com

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Photo Copyright © 2014 Our Maine Street 56

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“These images were photographed on July 14th, 2012 from Lake Mattawamkeag in Island Falls, Maine during a solar storm with a Kp Index of 6.

This was my first time photographing the Aurora Borealis and is initially what got me hooked on Astrophotography. I have been going out and photographing the night skies around New England ever since.”

Photo Copyright © Christopher M Georgia Photography Email: info@CMGFoto.com Facebook: facebook.com/CMGFoto Web: CMGFoto.com

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Photo Copyright Š Christopher M Georgia Photography Email: info@CMGFoto.com Facebook: facebook.com/CMGFoto Web: CMGFoto.com

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Lyndsey Maynard WINTER 2014

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Providing Excellence Recently, the Maine Primary Care Association issued a statewide call for nominations for those health care providers that exemplify excellence within their fields.

Aroostook County was fortunate to have two of its practitioners selected on the basis of their work, dedication and character. Mary Allen, FNP-C was selected as the recipient of the Nurse Practitioner Excellence Award and Cecilia Pinter PA-C was selected to receive the Physician Assistant Excellence Award.

Mary Allen, FNP-C of Pines Health Services, has demonstrated a commitment to our rural communities from day one. From working locally as a CNA from 2002 to 2004, a Registered Nurse from 2004 to 2008 and now as a Family Nurse Practitioner from 2008 to present, Mary has

Mary Allen, FNP-C 72 SUMMER 2013 Pines Health Services

continuously shown a desire to help the people of our local rural communities. Mary provides high quality care and attention to all patients and treats each patient as if they were a member of her own family. Mary recently took on the challenge of helping Pines Health Services start a new practice in Washburn, ME. Washburn lost their local health center several years ago. Mary’s schedule is now split between two health centers so that Washburn, her home town, can have more convenient access to primary care.

Cecilia Pinter, PA of Fish River Rural Health has been an integral part of the Fish River team since joining the practice as their very first Physician Assistant in 1996. Cecilia is actively engaged in our local communities. In honor of her husband Jacques’ memory, an avid skier, she took over his seat on the Board of Directors at Lonesome Pines Trails in Fort Kent, a non-profit organization that could not operate without the help of community volunteers. Cecilia also actively serves on the Board of Directors of the Puppy Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization which has rescued over 500 animals in war torn countries for our men and women in uniform. Cecilia’s employee wellness program helped the Fish River team lose over 120 pounds and also improved comradery amongst departments that sometimes otherwise do not have frequent opportunity to connect.

With award recipients from Fort Kent, Augusta, Calais, Caribou and Bangor, this year’s Clinical Excellence Awards truly represented the incredible work being done throughout Maine’s 20 community health centers. Covering services from oral and behavioral health to recognizing the work of doctors, nurses and physicians assistants, the MPCA was happy to present the full slate of this year’s award recipients: ·Physician Excellence Award

Cheryl Seymour, MD

Maine Migrant Health Program ·Nurse Practitioner Excellence Award

Mary Allen, FNP-C

Pines Health Services ·Physician Assistant Excellence Award

Cecilia Pinter, PA-C

Fish River Rural Health ·Excellence on Oral Health Award

Sue Drew, RDH

Eastport Health Care

all, particularly the medically underserved,” says Vanessa Santarelli, CEO of Maine Primary Care Association, the statewide organization representing Maine’s health centers, “these awards highlight their tireless commitment and innovative approach to caring for their patients as well as their communities.”

These five women were formally recognized for the service and work they contribute to their community at the 2013 Maine Primary Care Association Annual Conference Reception at the Bar Harbor Club in Bar Harbor. We would also like to take this time to formally thank these providers for the tireless work that they do to make Maine a healthier place.

For more than 25 years, Maine Primary Care Association and its members have worked to strengthen and sustain Maine’s Federally Qualified Health Centers and its primary care system, particularly in rural, underserved and economically challenged communities.

·Behavioral Health Excellence Award

Angela Fileccia, LCSW

Penobscot Community Health Care “Day in and day out, the clinicians at Maine’s community health centers go above and beyond the call of duty to provide the highest quality, integrated primary care to Cecilia Pinter, PA-C, MPAS Fish River Rural Health

TAMC now welcomes inpatients with Fred’s Friendly Flowers Staying at TAMC has become a brighter experience thanks to a new patient welcome program, Fred’s Friendly Flowers.

Every new inpatient at TAMC’s A. R. Gould Memorial Hospital now receives a special gift - a sprig of flowers - from the hospital to add some color to their stay and to remind them that TAMC is more than a hospital.

The idea came from a longtime volunteer and a very familiar face at TAMC, Fred Lyford.

“He’s a true example of volunteerism.

He has a lot of passion,” said TAMC’s volunteer, guest relations and gift shop manager, Sherry Beaulieu, about Fred.

Lyford was a medic in the U.S. Army, so it makes sense that he was drawn to hospitals when he began looking for something to keep him occupied when his wife passed away. He began volunteering at a hospital in Millinocket before he started to offer his

“If you can get a patient to smile, they’re on their way to healing, and boy I found that to be true.”

Fred Lyford

TAMC Volunteer

time at TAMC more than 21 years ago. Since then, he has become something of a fixture at the Presque Isle hospital and his bedside manner is infamous. He has an infectious smile and truly finds joy in making other people feel happy.

“If you can get a patient to smile, they’re on their way to healing, and boy I found that to be true,” said Lyford. “I have to have something to do, and it has to be active. Where else can you have so much fun?”

It was during a conversation between Lyford and Beaulieu about his time volunteering in Millinocket that he mentioned a similar program the hospital had in place for its patients. In addition to her full-time job at TAMC, Beaulieu also volunteers as a co-chair of one of the service excellence teams for patient satisfaction and recovery. She took the idea to her team, and everyone was instantly on board. In fact, every step of the way, as the team presented the idea to nurses and to administration, TAMC staff embraced the idea.

“This has been a year in planning, making sure we have all the ducks in a row. It’s a TAMCwide effort when it comes to patient care and services, and we have to work in unison,” said Beaulieu. “This idea is for improving patient satisfaction and creating an overall ‘wow’ for our patients - something meaningful, tangible that they can take home. We felt it was worth it. It’s not about the price; it’s about the gesture.”

The premise of the idea is simple. Each morning, Monday through Friday, Lyford personally delivers the sprigs of flowers to new admissions that the patient can enjoy in his or her room for the duration of the stay and then take home upon discharge. Beaulieu said she expects approximately 50 deliveries per week, or 2,600 deliveries for the year.

Fred’s Friendly Flowers

Due to infection control and allergies, the flowers will either be paper or silk, according to Beaulieu. The types of flowers will be determined by the season and will be gathered at the stem, wildflower style. Patients can hang them on a hook on the whiteboard across from their bed. A card will accompany each sprig of flowers with a message from the hospital to the patient.

“We wanted every patient to know that TAMC has thought of them and we wish them well. We want to make every patient feel important,” said Beaulieu.

Choosing Lyford as the person to deliver the flowers seemed an obvious decision.

“Not just because this is Fred’s idea, Fred’s personality is perfect for greeting the patients,” said Beaulieu. “Fred has an innate ability to be able to talk to people.

He has a humor that’s contagious.

It just comes natural.”

“I said yes because it would be fun,” said Lyford. “There’s just something about it, it’s hard to explain. I never used to be much for talking, but that’s changed a little bit. It gives you something to start with when you have something like that, and then you go from there. The main thing is that it is something that is given to them.”

Lyford arrived in the first patient’s room carrying a basket of flower sprigs to deliver on Wednesday, October 16, and already the Fred’s Friendly Flowers program is off to a bright start.

Shannon Nichols of Fort Fairfield was one of Lyford’s first deliveries in the program’s pilot week, and he said Fred and his flowers were some of the best medicine he received during his stay.

“The time Fred came and spent with me made me feel better than anything else,” he said. “Even just spending five minutes with me made me feel so welcome.”

Lyford enjoys his visits with people, and the conversations he has with patients are as fulfilling to him as they are important to those he speaks with.

“You never know what’s going to happen,” he said. “I’ve never gone in with something special to say, it just comes out. They love someone to listen to them. I think that’s the main thing anyway. If you do that, they feel better.”

In the future, Lyford says he hopes that maybe the Fred’s Friendly Flowers initiative at TAMC will inspire other hospitals to do the same. For now, however, he says he’s just happy to brighten the life of TAMC’s patients in this simple, yet meaningful way.

“The time Fred came and spent with me made me feel better than anything else.”

Shannon Nichols TAMC Patient

UNIVERSITY GARNERS

NATIONAL RECOGNITION,

T

UMPI’s rium A u di t o t i o n Re novaProject

he University of Maine at Presque Isle has enjoyed a full and vibrant Fall  semester, receiving top rankings from U.S. News and World Report, undertaking a major fundraising campaign to restore its auditorium, working with the Presque Isle Rotary Club to raise awareness and funds for worldwide polio eradication efforts, and announcing the establishment of its first-ever faculty professorship.

In September, the University received THREE top rankings on U.S. News and World Report’s  Best Colleges list. UMPI was named among the  Best Regional Colleges in the North, among the  Top Public Schools in the North, and among the top  Regional Colleges in the North for graduates with least debt. In that last category, UMPI was the only Maine institution and the only public college among the  states in the North region to make the list.

“We are delighted to have U.S. News and World Report recognize us in this year’s Best Colleges List, not only for the quality education we provide to our students, but also for the ways we work—through financial aid and low tuition and fees—to ensure our students leave here with the least amount of debt possible,” UMPI President Linda Schott said. “And while appearing on just one list is an honor, earning high

benefiting UMPI’s auditorium project.

The evenings of live music, which featured some of the area’s most talented singers and musicians, included many Country favorites, from Johnny Cash and Patsy Cline to Big and Rich and the Dixie Chicks. The University’s auditorium, located in Wieden Hall, is more than 50 years old and in serious need of renovations. Estimated at about $ ,, renovations are slated to include new seating, stage floor, ceiling, stage curtains, and dressing room; the addition of a remote, in-house control station; LED theatrical lighting; state-of-the-art sound system; heating system; new wiring; ADA accessibility improvements; and an electronic security system. To make a donation to the project, please visit www.umpi.edu/theater.

On Oct.  and , the University partnered with the Presque Isle Rotary Club to host their nd annual World Polio

marks in three categories is a major distinction that we are proud and humbled to receive.”

Also this fall, the University partnered with the Presque Isle Community Players on the fundraising kick-off for its Auditorium Renovation Project. The Players performed their Fall Dinner Theater Presentation, Country in The County, in mid-October, with proceeds

Day and the Purple Pinkie Project, meant to raise awareness of Rotary International’s efforts to eradicate polio worldwide and to raise money, $ t a time, to go toward that global effort. Activities included a community kick-off event on Oct.  that featured presentations by Rotarians talking about polio eradication efforts and local couple Rodney and Barbara Leach sharing their personal experience with polio.

UNDERTAKES NEW AND IMPORTANT INITIATIVES The next day, volunteers were on hand at a dozen sites throughout the community for the Purple Pinkie Project. For a $  donation, Rotarians and UMPI and NMCC students colored people’s pinkies purple. The dollars helped to raise money for Rotary International’s End Polio Now efforts and each purple pinkie served as a symbol of one child’s life saved from polio.

The event raised approximately $,. Participating Purple Pinkie sites, sponsors and supporters included UMPI, UMPI’s Houlton Higher Education Center, TAMC, TAMC’s North Street Healthcare, Northern Maine Community College, MMG Insurance, the Aroostook Centre Mall, Graves Shop ’n Save, Bradley’s Citgo, Maine Public Service Company, Star City Coffee, Presque Isle High School, and University Credit Union.

An important first happened for the University on Nov.  when officials announced the establishment of the first rotating professorship created especially for UMPI faculty members. The Donald and Linda G. Zillman Family Professorship,

ABOVE: Dr. Chunzeng Wang, far right, UMPI Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, is the first recipient of the Donald and Linda G. Zillman Family Professorship. Taking part in the announcement were, from left, Don Zillman, former UMPI President and Edward S. Godfrey Professor of Law at the University of Maine School of Law, and UMPI Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Michael Sonntag.

RIGHT: Members of the Presque Isle Fire Department proudly display their purple pinkies. From left are Chief Darrell White, Firefighter Kyle Bartley, Code Officer George Howe, Captain Vince Baldwin, Firefighters Dale Morrison and Dave Lovley, and Administrative Assistant Penny Anderson.

Photo: Presque Isle Fire Department

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established with annual proceeds from a designated fund at the Maine Community Foundation, will be awarded every two years beginning this year to an UMPI faculty member to assist in research and faculty development. Dr. Chunzeng Wang, UMPI Associate Professor of Earth and Environmental Science, is the first recipient of the Zillman Professorship.

The Zillmans endowed the professorship for several reasons, including their admiration of the best of the UMPI faculty, the gratitude they and many of their family members owe to public higher education over the last century, and the great fondness they have for UMPI. “The selection of Professor Chunzeng Wang as the first Zillman Family Professor delights us and honors the Professorship,” Don Zillman said. “Chunzeng truly does it all. He is a fine teacher and mentor. His scholarly work and service to the community range from funded research in geology in his native China to publications in international journals to projects all around Aroostook County.

And, Chunzeng would be the first to tell us that many of his UMPI colleagues do just as much. We look forward to seeing them honored in subsequent Zillman Professorship appointments.”

To learn more about these and other exciting things happening at UMPI, visit www.umpi.edu. ★

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Healthy You:

A Life Well-Balanced

by Kim Jones, Cary Medical Center

We are, in many ways, a society out of balance. And not just in trivial ways. I’m talking about behaviors that can significantly affect our quality of life and the lives of those around us. Allow me to dazzle you with some statistics to support this claim:

These statistics paint a bleak picture of our current culture.

From this data, one could assume that people in the United States are overworked, stressed out, unable to maintain meaningful relationships, overeating, under exercising, and just plain unhappy. Now this, of course, doesn’t apply to everyone all the time. I’ve worked many 60-hour weeks Americans log the most on-the-job hours of any other without having my life fall apart. And I’m pretty sure I’m industrialized nation with 86 percent of males and 67 not the only one who socializes with family and friends percent of females working more than 40 hours per week. while watching TV before nodding off for a restful eight (20somethingfinance.com, 2010) hours of sleep.

Among industrialized countries, United States workers have However, what these findings do seem to reveal is that, the fewest number of paid vacation days and holiday time collectively, we are a society teetering on the edge of off. (The Washington Post, 2010) harmony. Whether you are in complete turmoil or just slightly askew, research indicates that the majority of 70 percent of working Americans are not happy with their Americans have unbalanced lives. Fortunately, this is not jobs, including feeling unfulfilled, uninspired, and not a permanent condition. The following are some simple reaching their full potential. (2013 Gallup study) techniques you can use to help achieve physical, mental, social, spiritual, and emotional equilibrium. Experts agree 90 percent of American mothers and 95 percent of American that doing so usually leads to being healthier, happier, and fathers report the pressures of work negatively impact their more effective. family. (Center for American Progress, 2013) 1. Slow down. In today’s hustle and bustle world, many When it comes to leisure, Americans spend nearly f of us don’t slow down long enough to give any thought to our times more minutes watching television than socializing what we really want. Days turn into weeks and weeks turn with family and friends. (U.S. Bureau of Labor and into years at a seemingly frantic pace as we try to squeeze Statistics, 2012) in everything we have to do as a parent, student, friend, employee, homeowner, etc. Balance isn’t about getting it Approximately half of American marriages end in divorce. all done. It’s an ongoing, ever-evolving process in which Year after year, the U.S. consistently lands among the top we strive to even out what we have to do with what we five countries in the world with the highest divorce rates. want to do. Make it a habit to carve out time to assess your (The Huffington Post, 2012) life, define what success looks like to you, and think about what would truly make you happy based on personal goals, Americans are among the world’s most sleep deprived, values, and priorities. Just knowing this is half the battle. with more than half of U.S. citizens getting less than the recommended minimum seven hours of sleep per night. 2. You can’t do it (or have it) all. On your road to balance (National Sleep Foundation, 2013) nirvana, be prepared to say that simple sentence repeatedly... and repeatedly…and repeatedly. Uttering these words On any given day, only about five percent of Americans doesn’t mean you’re a failure. Quite the contrary. This report doing any vigorous physical activity. (American statement gives you control and focus – key ingredients for Journal of Preventive Medicine, 2010) living a balanced life. Resist getting caught up in today’s I want it all and I want it now mentality. Take charge of Two out of every three Americans are considered overweight your life so that others aren’t constantly pulling you in a or obese. (CNN Health 2010) thousand directions. You can still be an exceptional family WINTER 2014

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member, friend, and citizen even if you say “no” sometimes.

Focus on quality not quantity to minimize the chaos that often accompanies trying to do or have it all.

3. Organize and plan. As much as we’d like to think we can ‘wing it’, the reality is that balance requires organization and planning. Write down your priorities, including personal goals, professional commitments, and home/community obligations. Having a visual list to reference will help you identify lopsidedness. Are you spending way more time on housework than on exploring your faith? Is your career list twice as long as your personal goals list? Have you designated time to reflect and recharge your batteries? These types of questions can be more easily answered, thereby making your strategy clearer, when you have a plan.

4. Clear the clutter. This doesn’t mean putting all your knick-knacks in a yard sale. Clutter comes in all shapes and sizes. Our mind can be cluttered with too many thoughts, our space with too much stuff, our time with too many responsibilities, our attention with too many distractions, and so on – all of which can lead to feeling overwhelmed and unbalanced. Identify your clutter and get rid of it, even if only temporarily. This may include unplugging from social media for a while, not picking up an optional extra shift at work, or swapping a night out for a quiet night in.

Whatever is junking up your life, free yourself of it to make room for what matters to you most.

5. Live full of life. Having an unbalanced life isn’t only about overworking or having too many responsibilities.

Being unengaged or too idle can also throw off your equilibrium. We are particularly prone to this as we get older. For instance, having grown children who need us less, retiring, or downsizing our home can result in us being less busy. This doesn’t have to be a bad thing. But be aware studies have shown boredom and inactivity are as hazardous to your quality of life as stress and overexertion.

Too much either way puts you off-kilter. No matter your age, continually seek ways to live full of life by learning new skills, moving your body, staying connected to others, and embracing challenges…just be sure to keep this in proportion with your necessary commitments and time for rest and rejuvenation.

7. Make the effort. If you want to reap the rewards of balanced living you have to put in some effort. This includes taking care of your body, giving and receiving love, making positive contributions to society, managing your resources well, maintaining a positive outlook, and nourishing your spirit. It’s not always easy and there will undoubtedly be times when being unbalanced is inevitable, but don’t let that stop you! Even the smallest steps toward living a more harmonious life can reduce your risk of becoming an overworked, stressed out, unable to maintain meaningful relationships, overeating, under exercising, and just plain unhappy statistic.

Additional Sources: www.webMD.com www.Mercola.com www.essentiallifeskills.net www.redsageonline.com www.oprah.com 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 health questions and 6. Maintain perspective. What seems like an unbalanced r e c o m m e n d a t i o n s life to others may be perfect for you, and vice versa. Finding specific to you. the right mix of resources to spend on physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual wellbeing is a very personal journey. Don’t constantly compare your life to others and don’t assume that you’ve got it all figured out. We are all a work in progress. Foster a realistic perspective about where you are and where you want to be while savoring your triumphs and learning from your struggles along the way.

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The joyous sound of a child’s laughter Spreading joy even long after The depth of joy a child can display Out reaches the words anyone can say If one were to reason where joy is found Realms of wisdom and knowledge is sound One would assume that love is a guide Nothing to disclose and nothing to high . . .

A child knows what is right as high as the sky But must be shown reason to catch their eye When we grow up and balance the seasons We loose our sight and sometimes our reasons We build our life like a house has a rafter Carefully braced walls to last ever after?

A child with their meaning needs love to be shown To train a child is easy . . .hard to fix when grown.

John Strid

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Photo Copyright Š 2014 Lyndsey Maynard