Roland’s Trivia Question for Thursday, March 7, 2019
Which Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer once said, “All I want out of life is when I walk down the street people say, ‘There goes the greatest hitter that ever lived?’”
Answer:
Ted Williams.
SOLON & BEYOND: Solon Elementary School honor roll released
by Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979
Good Morning my friends, don’t worry, be happy!
Received the much welcomed Solon School News letter for February and will start this column with the Second Quarter Honor Roll.
All A’s: Karen Baker, Katelyn DeLeonardis, Kaitlin Dellarma, Cody James, Macie Plourde and Jillian Robinson.
All A’s & B’s: Isabella Atwood, Amellia Cooper, David Dixon, Lane Frost, Jayden McKenney, Madyson McKenney, Ella Mckinnon, Aiden McLaughlin, Riley Pelkey, Peyton Plourd, Mylee Roderick, William Rogers, Aaron Soosman, Kaitlyn Soucie and Fisher Tewksbury. Congratulations!
Fifth Graders Chosen For Chorus Festival: Two Solon students have been selected to represent RSU #74 at the District IV Chorus Festival to be held at Spruce Mountain School in Jay on April 3. Fifth graders Cody James and Elenoar McKinnon were nominated by their music teacher Mr. Gilbert to perform in the festival, and they were selected along with six other district students in fifth and sixth grade. This festival will include students from schools in Western and Central Maine.
Solon Elementary School is very proud of Cody and Ella!
Civil Rights Team at Solon Elementary School teaches about the Statue of Liberty. At an assembly on February 6, the Solon Civil Rights Team performed a skit on the book Her Right Foot about the Statue of Liberty. We learned a lot!
Preschool Applications Available At Solon School: If you have a child who will be four years old by October 15, stop by to pick up an application for our preschool program for the 2019-20 school year. Please call the school at 643-2491 for more information about our program.
Valentine Activities: Again this year Solon Elementary School scheduled some fun activities to celebrate Valentine’s Day. They held their annual Secret Cupid activity in which each of them decorated a heart with some kind words for another person in the school. The hearts are displayed on the bulletin board in the lobby.
As you faithful readers know, lately for lack of recent news, I’ve been using some old news in clippings that I collected over these many years. Was very surprised and grateful when I received an e-mail from Jeffrey M. Soper who lives in Windham. (I didn’t realize The Town Line goes that far!) Anyway, I don’t know how long Roland will let me stretch the BEYOND in this column, but I found Mr. Soper’s e-mail to be very interesting. He is trying to gather information about his ancestors for his grandchildren, who are interested. He wrote….”With information gained by my father years ago, I can trace my roots back to my great-grandfather William H. Soper.” He also wrote that he plans to come to Solon: “when the weather is better. Any information that you might be able to provide would be great.”
I wondered at first why he was interested in Solon and then I remembered about the old news I had been putting in The Town Line. …guess what? In the November 28, 2018, here was the answer…Mr. Will Soper owned the first automobile in Solon about 1905. It was a two cylinder Cadillac.” I think that is amazing and unusual and I won’t feel as guilty when I print old news now!
Afraid it’s going to take awhile before the weather improves, as I look out the window this morning the soft white snowflakes are silently drifting down!
The Solon Pine Tree 4-H Club held their annual town meeting dinner on Saturday with less people than usual supporting them. They did take in $141.00 from the food sale they always have also, which they donate to the Solon Food Cupboard. Thank you to Eleanor Pooler and all your helpers for what you do every year.
I will be writing about what happened at the annual town meeting last Saturday in next week’s column when I get the facts straight.
Jeffery Soper’s e-mail was addressed to Percy also. For all of you who knew Percy when he helped me write this column, you know what an unusual animal he was…..and since you still appear to like his memoirs, this is the one for this week: Heavenly angels, protect my cat so dear, whose loyalty and love are always sincere. Help me keep my friend from harm, purr-fectly happy, well-fed and warm. Bless this darling kitty forever at my side to kiss, to nuzzle and hold with pride.
I’M JUST CURIOUS: Soda jerks and diners
by Debbie Walker
Recently I received the latest issue of the Reminisce magazine. I do enjoy that magazine because it encourages people to write their stories of memories of years ago; the ‘40s and ‘50s are what I am attracted to. I am sure many of you have experienced some of these memories that are shared.
I tell you this to go along with this article about Short-Order Shorthand. These slang words were developed for short order cooks and servers in diners so they could let the cooks know what “to burn,” what to “wreck” and what to “put a hat on.” I hope this brings back happy memories for some of you and a new slang for others to learn. (have fun)
SHORT-ORDER SHORTHAND:
Breakfast: Adam and Eve on a roll = Poached eggs on toast, Burn the British = English muffin, toasted. Sinkers and soda = Doughnuts and coffee. Wreck’em = Scrambled eggs.
Lunch: Bloodhound in the hay = Hot dog with sauerkraut. Bossy in a bowl = Beef stew. Burn one, clean up the kitchen = hamburgers. First lady = Spare ribs. Radio = Tuna. Two cows, make’em cry = Two burgers with onions. Whiskey = Rye bread.
Condiments: Axle grease = butter. Paint it red = with ketchup. Sand = Sugar. Sea Dust = Salt. Twins = Salt and pepper. Warts = Olives. Yellow paint = Mustard.
Special Orders: High and dry = Served plain. In the alley = Served on the side. Keep off the grass = Hold the lettuce. On the hoof = Meat cooked rare. On wheels = To go. Put a hat on it = Add ice cream.
Libations: Adam’s ale = Water. Baby juice = Milk. Blond and sweet = Coffee with milk and sugar. Shake one in the hay = Strawberry milkshake. Squeeze one = Orange juice.
I’d love to know how you did with recognizing these slangs. Some just don’t make sense to me. But some I really like.
I am following all this with information about the Soda Jerk part of this column:
The conversation my friend, Dee, and I had following the Diner information led to the Soda Jerk. This is what I gathered up: According to Wikipedia a “soda jerk” is a person, typically a youth, who operates the soda fountain in a drug store, often for the purpose of preparing and serving soda drinks and ice cream sodas.”
It seems that these folks also had a slang much like the diner staff:
A glass of milk was called Baby, and a strawberry milkshake was “in the hay.” Coffee ordered, and the slang was “draw one” and when served strong it was referred to as “draw one from the south.” Concrete is another term used and is a super thick milkshake or custard.
I enjoy mentally traveling back in time, to a time frame that I am only going to be able to experience through someone else’s stories. So many people don’t see the value of their own stories; they think no one would be interested. I invite you to share your memories with me anytime. I am just curious who will take me up on it! I’ll be waiting.
As usual please contact me at dwdaffy@yahoo.com with any questions or comments (or sharing). If you would like me to phone, you can leave a message at The Town Line at 445-2234 and I will call you back. Thanks for reading!
REVIEW POTPOURRI: Strauss Waltzes
Josef Krips
by Peter Cates
Strauss Waltzes
conducting the Vienna Symphony; Madacy, MKC 1825, cassette.
Conductor Josef Krips (1902-1974) was distinguished by his work in helping to rebuild the Vienna State Opera during the post-World War II years; he also made many recordings of the Central European repertoire-Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert etc. – that were released in this country, mostly on London and a few other labels. And they were consistently good.
Johann Strauss
The above cassette has a program of 13 Waltzes by the great Johann Strauss, Jr. (1825-1899), excluding the justly classic Blue Danube, Tales from the Vienna Woods and Emperor Waltz, but containing the charming Million Embraces, Lagoon Waltz, Where the Lemons Bloom, Thousand and One Nights, AND the intriguing title You Only Live Once, no relation to 007. The Vienna Symphony sounds smaller-scaled in number of players but handles the tricky rhythms of this music with ease.
Krips had quite the appetite for tasty food and was seen devouring a large bucket of fried chicken for lunch during a recording session. Google photos of his corpulent figure testify to this.
The records of his that stick out in my mind are the two different Brahms First Symphonies and the 4th, Schubert’s 6th, and all Beethoven nine Symphonies and five Piano Concertos, with Artur Rubinstein.
Jim Thompson quote: “What smells good in the store may stink in the stewpot.”
THE MONEY MINUTE – Your 401(k): How should you be invested?
by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®
President, J.M. Arbour Wealth Management
The markets are volatile, interest rates are rising, both stocks and bonds were down in 2018, and an unprecedented 93% of asset classes experienced a loss. There was seemingly nowhere to turn to make a few bucks in 2018, and it’s no wonder that people want to be especially thoughtful about how they allocate money in 2019, specifically within their retirement accounts.
The most important thing to remember when allocating money in a retirement plan is exactly that: it’s a retirement plan, which means that the money is for later. Keeping this in mind, here are a few things to consider when allocating your funds.
Key Considerations
Time Horizon: There are two primary timelines to consider. The first is how many years until you will begin using the money in your retirement account. The second timeline is the income period. How many years do you expect to draw on this account? Also, in what fashion will you draw on it, meaning will you take random disbursements, or will you take a set amount each month to supplement other forms of income such as Social Security and/or pensions? The closer you are to retirement and the more you rely on these funds, typically the more conservative you should be when it comes to taking on market risk.
Investment Objective: Are you aiming for aggressive growth, slow and steady growth, an income portfolio, or will this be a legacy account designed for loved ones? Getting clear on the purpose of this account is important because it will dictate how the funds should be best invested.
Risk Tolerance: Any allocation you select is accompanied by numerical measurements of risk, including beta and standard deviation. If you are unaware of these measurements, ask your plan advisor to explain how each relates to portfolio expectations. Once you know, ask yourself if such expectations align with your needs and goals.
Target Rate of Return: The allocation you choose will dictate the returns you receive, and it is these returns, along with your contribution rate (see below), that will determine the value of your account when you arrive at retirement age. This means the rate of return affects the number of dollars you will be able to withdraw each month for the rest of your life. Be sure to speak with your advisor to make sure every decision you make will help to keep you within this target. The longer the time period you have until retirement, the more likely you will be able to hit your goals with small tweaks to the plan.
Contribution Rate: I can’t say it enough. Too many people choose an arbitrary percentage or dollar amount when contributing to their retirement plan. It is important to remember that, one day, you will stop receiving paychecks but will still need money, which means the important question to ask is, How much money will I need? When you are deciding on an amount to invest from your paycheck each pay period, be sure to learn what the account value is estimated to be at the time you retire, based on that contribution rate. Do your best to ensure it is enough to truly meet your retirement income needs.
There are many things to consider when investing in a retirement account, but these points are a great way to start the conversation. If you ever have questions, please reach out to one of the pros at JMA or discuss with your plan advisor.
See you all next month.
Jac Arbour is the President of J.M. Arbour Wealth Management. He can be reached at 207-248-6767. Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.
VETERANS CORNER: Service groups can help
All gave some…some gave all: Flags line all the graves at the Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery, in Augusta. Photo by Kevin Giguere, Central Maine
by Gary Kennedy
It seems some of you are very angry with the VA and how you are received when you try to apply for benefits as well as medical care. Normally, your first step is to approach a service organization for assistance. The service organizations that are readily available are, Disabled American Veterans (DAV), American Legion¸ Maine Veterans Services, Americans with Disabilities, Veterans of Foreign Wars, etc. One of these organizations should be able to talk you through the process.
All of these organizations require that you develop your own case. They will not search for your record. You must be the one to own your situation. You would need to request your military medical records, which you can do or request the Bureau of Veterans Affairs to help you. If you are already connected to the V.A. system and have a primary care provider (PCP), then you will probably have accumulated some medical records at the VA level. If you are already invested with a percentage then BVA has some of your records.
You would go to release of information in Building 200 and ask for a copy of all relevant medical records, labs, and X-rays. By relevant I mean any and all records that would support/benefit your application. These along with any outside records will aid your claim. Then your claim will be processed and any entitlement will be decided. You might be asked to undergo an examination relevant to your request for benefits. If your records are compelling you might not be asked to do that. In any case it is imperative to develop your case initially. Once the ball is rolling your advocate will advise you as to what you will need to do next. Your needs must be proven real and not frivolous.
There are some disabled veterans such as myself who volunteer to guide veterans through the process. We are not paid staff; we just try to offer a hand. I have recently heard many complaints about the process that I have just described beginning with some service organizations, as well as B.V.A.. It seems individuals tend to make it difficult for veterans by using a degrading/condescending attitude; that is how some vets describe it. Also a lot of vets take issue with Veteran’s Affairs (BVA) .
It seems some veterans speak with a veteran’s rep at BVA at length about an issue and when he or she returns to continue their subject matter they aren’t allowed to speak with the person they had originally spoken with. This is not logical. For me, that only seems logical. If a veteran prefers, feels more comfortable with a previous B.V.A representative and is willing to accommodate time constraints for any reason, why shouldn’t it be allowed? Take as they come, in my opinion, is condescending in itself. The veteran wants to feel that everyone is out to help him/her not feel the pressure of numbers or outdated procedures.
Perhaps the new center director will take a serious look at this situation. Even if the veteran isn’t successful in his/her first attempt, there is a kind way to settle that. Our vets have been through a lot; show them they are special, win, lose or draw. The closing with a veteran is very important. I think some training may be in order. God bless.
Henry Sainio celebrates 90th birthday
Henry Sainio (contributed photo)
Henry Sainio, of Washington, was honored at a party for his 90th birthday on March 2. At his place large digits were displayed along with his cake. In an example of his good-natured wit, Henry turned the 9 into a 6 before taking the first bite of his cake. Neighbors, relatives and friends crowded the room to bring birthday greetings and share memories.
Braden Soule receives principals award
Braden Soule
Braden Soule, of Fairfield, a senior at Erskine Academy, in South China, has been selected to receive the 2019 Principals Award, Headmaster Michael McQuarrie announced recently. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic excellence, outstanding school citizenship, and leadership.
Soule is a consistent high-honors student in a highly-competitive program that includes all classes taken at the honors or accelerated level and numerous Advanced Placement courses and Concurrent Enrollment classes with nearby colleges. He has received recognition and accolades for his standout accomplishments in the classroom, athletics, and several hundred hours of community service.
“Braden has earned and enjoys universal acceptance in the school community. He is an exemplary student and fine representative of Erskine Academy and young people in general, and personifies the school’s core values of scholarship, leadership, stewardship and relationships,” noted Headmaster McQuarrie when making the award.
Soule, McQuarrie, and other award winners and their principals will attend an Honors Luncheon at Jeff’s Catering, in Brewer, on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at 12:30 p.m.
The Honors Luncheon recognizes these outstanding students with the presentation of an individual plaque and the awarding of five $1,000 scholarships in the names of Horace O. McGowan and Richard W. Tyler; both were former Maine principals and executive directors of the association. In addition, five $1,000 scholarships will be presented through the efforts of the MPA Scholarship Golf Tournament.
The Principals Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association that represents Maine’s school administrators.
VCS JMG members pages for a day 2019
Members of the Vassalboro Community School Jobs for Maine Graduates served as pages for the day on February 19, in the Maine State Legislature. They later visited with Gov. Janet Mills, center. (Photo courtesy Victor Esposito)
Showing enthusiasm and spirit
Cooper Jarvais, a junior at Skowhegan Area High School, shows some enthusiasm at a recent basketball game. A beloved member of the community, Cooper loves music and is a member of the Skowhegan Unified Basketball team. He also enjoys softball. (Photo by Mark Huard, owner Central Maine Photography)