ROTARY CLUB NEWS: Head lice (Scabies), a world problem to fight

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Lice in the hair of an infected child in the Philippines. (Photo by Gary Kennedy)

Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

Hello to my previous readers. I left last August 28, 2017, for Southeast Asia for a literacy mission and ended up returning August 14, 2018. My project there evolved from one of educational supplies to a medical mission. I decided to write this article after reading the September 6, 2018, issue of The Town Line, For Your Health. The article was a good article which made people aware that this situation involving lice is real and everywhere.

My project in the mountains of the Cagayan Valley, Philippines, turned out to be a Scabies epidemic of massive proportions. I am not an epidemiologist but after reading the article in The Town Line, on lice, I decided to expand on it so the impact might be more significant and visualized. It is an extremely important subject and I applaud the person who wrote the article, especially at the beginning of the school year.

Scabies is an infestation of the skin with the mite Sorcoptes Scabiei Hominis, human parasites that burrow in tunnels just under the skin and is easily transmitted. This vicious parasite loves crowded places such as schools and barracks. There is no clear association with poor hygiene but that could be a factor in the parasite’s rapid proliferation, increase in number. There are some persons more prone than others. The Australian Aborigines are a good example of a race of people very prone to this critter.

The primary symptom is the intense itching, classically worse at night. “Lice” by itself, Pediculosis, infests the scalp, body, pubis and eyelashes. Lice are transmitted by close contact; (sharing combs and such) treatments can differ by location. (Some ethnic strains are more resistant to common treatments.) Lice are blood sucking insects that generally infect the head and can cause serious infections if left untreated. We have had cases where antibiotics were essential to administer.

There are basically three kinds of lice, head, pubic and body lice. There are some differences in configuration, but for the most part they are identical with different preferences. Body lice live in clothing and the two others live on/in the body, burrowing under the skin. Although most are quite small some are big enough to be seen with the naked eye. Hygiene has nothing to do with the acquisition of lice nor does socioeconomic status. So that being said, the stigma of lice in relationship with poor hygiene or social order shouldn’t be a factor to the educated family. Lice are found in every country of the world; on every level of social status. Shame should never be a factor here.

Eventually, with fine tooth combs, magnifying glasses, good cameras, consent forms from the parents we were able to examine and catalog our findings. We proved our case with the examination of 400 individuals, especially children under eight years of age. I and my team of volunteers were able to successfully treat all of the children and had a better than 90 percent cure rate, after a one-week re-examination. The other 10 percent required a second treatment. All was documented and sent to the Department of Health.

Permethrin and Lindane were the treatments of choice mostly because they are fast and effective on most all louse infestations. From start to finish it takes only one half hour, where leave-on creams and ointments take 12 or more hours. Our studies made these treatment choices the best for us. We had many patients and very little time to accomplish our mission. Our medical source material suggested these as first line of defense as well.

Ivermectin is used in the case of tough strains of lice. It has been found that lice are becoming more resistant to most natural forms of treatment. Doctor’s instruction and instructional inserts are a must when dealing with these situations. In some countries the products needed can be purchased over the counter, but not in the USA. Pyrethri are natural by products of chrysanthemum flowers. Piperonyl butoxide is used in some to enhance efficacy. Last, but not least, when those evil critters are discovered everything possible should be washed, especially all bed garments, covers and clothing. Recommended chemicals should be used to wash the entire areas. Bleach is always good along with washing and drying at high temperatures. So, in conclusion, don’t be ashamed, be aware.

Obituaries, Week of October 25, 2018

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ROLAND J. MICHAUD

WINSLOW – Roland Joseph Michaud, 92, passed away Saturday, October 13, 2018, at Lakewood Continuing Care, in Waterville. He was born March 23, 1926, in Waterville, the son of Rosaire and Florida (Coro) Mich­aud.

He graduated from Waterville High School, class of 1944. He was a veteran who proudly served his country in the United States Navy as a Machinist Third Class, stationed on the U.S.S. Corson during World War II, until his honorable discharge.

On April 29, 1950, he married Marilyn Denis at St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow. He worked for 40 years at Scott Paper Company/Kimberly Clark mill in Winslow. Roland was a member of St. John the Baptist Church, in Winslow, a member of the VFW Post #8835, in Winslow. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, vegetable gardening, snowshoe making, mounting deer and moose antlers, and camping. During his stay at Lakewood, he enjoyed listening to accordion music performed by Mr. Raven.

Roland is survived by his wife of 68 years, Marilyn Michaud; two sons, Steven J. Michaud and wife Doris, of Oakland, Thomas R. Michaud, of Winslow; two daughters, Sandra M. Michaud, of Dania Beach, Florida, Cheryl A. Cote and husband John, of Vassalboro; two brothers, Harold Michaud and wife Theresa, of Winslow, Joe Michaud and wife Sondra, of Hudson Falls, New York; three sisters, Gloria Lewis and husband Ted, of Winslow, Lorette Clair, of Winslow, Jackie Morin and husband Don, of Lewiston; granddaughter, Alison Genness and husband Matt of Clinton; four grandsons, Jonathan and Jeremy Cote, of Vassalboro, Quentin Damasio, of Dania Beach Florida, Brandon Michaud, of Portland; sister-in law, Madeline Holmes, of Paspebiac; several nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sister, Violet Meader; four brothers-in-law, Reggie Meader, Gary Clair, Hazen Holmes, and Laurien Denis; sister-in-law Geraldine Fontaine and husband George.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Friday, October 26, 2018, at 11 a.m., at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, 26 Monument St., in Winslow, with a reception to follow at Notre Dame Parish Hall, 116 Silver St., in Waterville.

In lieu of flowers, friends wishing, may make donations in Roland’s memory to VFW Post #8835, 175 Veteran Drive, Winslow, ME 04901.

Arrangements under the direction and care of Dan & Scott’s Cremation & Funeral Service, 445 Waterville Road, Skowhegan, ME 04976.

NORMAN WARREN

WINSLOW – Norman Warren, 68, of Winslow, died at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 8, 1950, in Waterville, the son of Eugene and Jeannette Warren.

He graduated from Waterville High School and enlisted in the National Guards.

Norman was a carpenter by trade and worked for several construction companies and home builders. He was a member of the Elks Lodge. Norman enjoyed crafts, fishing, snowmobiling and will be remembered for his strong opinion on any subject.

He was predeceased by his infant son, Brian Norman Warrren; his parents; and his sister, Barbara Mathieu.

Norman is survived by his daughter Kelly Warren; his brother Gary Warren; his granddaughter Crystal Harris; and his companion Sharon Jellison.

Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to view a video collage of Norman’s life and to share condolences, memories and tributes with his family.

REBECCA C. PELOTTE

ALBION – Rebecca C. Pelotte, 67, passed away on Monday, September 24, 2018. Rebecca was born June 30, 1951, at Broadview General Hospital, Newport, Vermont, daughter of Margie (Helm) Chatto and Reverend Philip Chatto.

Rebecca went back to school in 2006 and earned her GED at Mid-Maine Regional Adult Community Education Center.

Her accomplishments include owning her own catering business, Tarragon Thyme Catering, and ministering to and mentoring many women in the community and her home church. She also served her clients at Woodlands Senior Living and Sunset Homes, both of Waterville. As church secretary at the Augusta First “Church of the Nazarene, her style of serving others was highlighted by her one-on-one personal evangelism in the office. Listening to others was one of her many strengths.

Rebecca;s love of music included listening to jazz with her husband, at attending jazz concerts with him, singing in a trio and traveling the New England church circuit to perform, and singing in ladies ensembles and many cantatas at her home church. She enjoyed many motorcycle trips with her husband, Roger, especiallly to Prince Edward Island and Virginia Beach.

She was known to read an entire book while traveling on the back of the motorcycle. She also loved swimming, especially with her granddaughters at East Grand Lake. Boating around the lake with a good book, while her husband fished, was one of her most cherished and relaxing pastimes in the summer. Her cats were a source of joy to her throughout the years.

To Roger, she was a loving, supportive wife of 42 years. In the later stages of her illness, the highlight of her day would be her daily lunch dates with Roger. Even when memories faded, she did not forget him, often managing to speak “I love you” when all other words would fail her.

She was predeceased by her mother, Margie Chatto, and her father, Rev. Phillip Chatto.

She is survived by her husband, Roger A. Pelotte; daughter Jana (Pelotte) Atwood and husband, John; stepsons Jody Pelotte, Robby Pelotte and wife Kathy, Chad Pelotte, and a step-daughter-in-law, Sherry Pelotte; seven grandchildren, Stephanie Marcoux, Brandi Pelletier, Annalisa Pelotte, Tanner Pelotte, Payton Atwood, Regan Atwood, and Reid Atwood.. She was the big sister of two younger siblings, Lynnette McCabe and her husband Dan, of Massachusetts, and Martha Chatto, of Connecticut; three nephews and many cousins.

An online guestbook may be signed, memories and condolences shared at www.gallantfh.com.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in the name of Rebecca C. Pelotte to the Augusta Church of the Nazarene.

MARGARET PEGGY S. CROSBY

BENTON – Peggy Margaret C. (Campbell) Crosby, 79, passed away Sunday, October 14, 2018, at her home. Peggy was born in Waterville on December 20, 1938, the daughter of Murdoch and Avice Campbell.

Peggy graduated from Waterville High School in 1956.

Peggy married James Crosby, they had two soons and moved from Bath to Clinton. Peggy loved her summers at Abnaki Campground, with her two boys, Steven and Jeffery, while they grew up0.

Peggy liked building puzzles, reading books and scratching lottery tickets. Peggy looked forward to her chats with her sister, Josy, scrabble online, and staying in touch with each other often.

The bulldogs were her ‘team’ she followed as well as the Red Sox.

Peggy was employed by New England Telephone company, and MSAD#49 prior to retirement, as well as she belonged to the Kennebelles, and the Eastern Star, of Clinton.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, Murdoch and Avice Campbell; William ‘Sandy’ Sanderson; a son, Steven Crosby; a brother, Merton Campbell; and her sister-in-law, Lois.

Peggy is survived by her son, Jeffrey Crosby (Angel Monfort), of Winslow; grandchildren, Jason Crosby, Adam Crosby (Katie Moreau), Rachel Crosby (Austin), Kelsey Crosby-Clark (Derek Clark), and Marc Monfort; her great-grandchildren, Layla, Finn and Kaden Crosby; her sister, ‘Josy’ Joscelyn Moody, of Macedon, New York; many nephews and nieces.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.familyfirstfh.com.

Arrangements were by Lawry Brothers Funeral & Cremation Care, 107 Main Street, Fairfield.

WAYNE HIGGINS

VASSALBORO – On Wednesday, October 17, 2018, Wayne B. Higgins, (nee Wayne B. Cotta), 79, passed away in the home which he created over the past 60 years. He was born October 20, 1938, to Barbara (Thompson) Cotta and Harvey Cotta.

In his teens Wayne took the last name of his stepfather Alden Higgins. From a young age, Wayne had been taught by his grandfather, Charles Thompson, to always be honorable.

Known as a skilled craftsman, Wayne had graduated from Lawrence High School, in Fairfield, entered the Marines and participated in the reserves as a Master Competition Marksman. At this time he joined US Geological Services in Washington, D.C., as a hydrologist. He received an award for 32 years of service (1964-1995). At 56 he retired and began Water Monitoring Services which is ongoing to this day in Vassalboro.

Wayne loved being in the outdoors. He always had a fishing pole in the back of his truck when he traveled the state taking water measurements for USGS, of Augusta. In his youth, he was an avid baseball player, continuing into young adulthood participating in area softball teams.

In his 20s, he bought West View Farm, an 1811 house in dire need of his craftsmanship skills. Over the next 60 years he developed the property into what it is today. He shared this home with his wife of 30 some years, Faye Higgins. After her passing in 2008, he married Susan Higgins in 2010. They enjoyed taking trips together, being in the outdoors and swatting at flies as they aged together. Wayne was supported in his recent illness by his son-In-law, Dan Hodgkins and nephew, John Nelson.

Wayne was predeceased by his parents, Barbara Higgins, Harvey Cotta and Alden Higgins; also by a number of sisters and brothers. A great loss to him was the passing of his wife, Faye Higgins.

He is survived by his present wife, Sue Higgins; step-daughter, Robyn Hunter; grandson, Charles and great-granddaughter, Alysha Opacki; brother, David Cotta; sisters, Sharon Cotta and Ann Mansfield and her son, Brandon; sister-in-law, Collie, her sons, Jared, Erik, Shawn Higgins; members of Sue’s family who grew to love Wayne over the years. They include Dan, Brandy, Kayla and David Hodgkins; John and Logan Nelson and families; Brianna Huot and Lily Koster.

The only reception for family and friends will be held on Saturday, October 27, 2018, from noon-1p.m. at the funeral home. Please visit www.veilleuxfuneralhome.com to share condolences, memories and tributes with Wayne’s family.

For those who wish, donations may be made to “Vassalboro Wildlife Habitat”, c/o Kennebec Land Trust, 331 Main Street, Winthrop ME 04364, in memoriam of Wayne Higgins.

PATRICIA L. GRAF

WINSLOW – Patricia Louise Graf (Lewis), 67, of Winslow, formerly a longtime resident of Benton, passed away at her home on Wednesday, October 17, 2018. Pat was born on January 7, 1951, in Waterville.

Pat attended Lawrence High School, in Fairfield., along with attending Kennebec Valley Community College for business.

Pat was a dedicated and hard worker. She worked at Sappi Fine Paper, in Hinckley, for many years before transitioning to spending her days enjoying time with her family. She loved to be outdoors camping, hunting and fishing.

She had the ability to make everyone feel loved and important, regardless of circumstance.

Pat was known for her good sense of humor and always extending love, understanding, and encouragement to her family and friends.

She was predeceased by her mother, Nadine Orr; her father, Carleton Lewis; and her siblings, Johnny Vigue, Wayne Lewis and Dale Lewis.

She is survived by her children, Kathleen Lewis and Justin Berube, of Albion, Jennifer and Scott Bouchard, of Clinton, Juanita and Dean Paine, of Madison; grandchildren, Kelsey Loveliy, Kasey Fish, Chelsey Fortin Trimble, Josh Paine, Brittney Fortin, Ashley Guptill, Bryant Higgins, Alyssa Bennett, Megan Bouchard, Jaiden Berube, Jia Li Kao, Jacolby Paine, Peyton Berube; siblings Jane and Steve Poulin, of Canaan, Barry Lewis, of Winslow, Tammy and Ward Burkhart, of Albion; long time companion, Joseph Fournier.

Interment was at Maplewood Cemetery, in Fairfield.

An online guestbook may be signed and memories shared at www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.

Arrangements were by Lawry Brothers Funeral Home, 107 Main Street, Fairfield.

JEAN HANSON

ALBION – Jean Hanson, 77, of Albion, passed away at Mount Saint Joseph Residence and Rehabilitation, in Waterville, while under hospice care. Jean was born in North Yarmouth, on October 30, 1940, to Arthur and Madeline (Williams) Cluff.

Jean graduated from local schools and worked before settling into her life as a homemaker. Jean married Hilton Hanson in 2009 and enjoyed travelling across the country with him and Hazel and Clyde Rumney. Jean enjoyed living a quiet life at her home, in Albion, where she loved animals, gardening and feeding the birds.

In addition to her parents, Jean was predeceased by siblings Dorothy Bundy, Nancy Lestage, Joan Cluff and Gerald Cluff, and her first husband, David Edgerly.

Jean is survived by her husband, Hilton Hanson, of Albion; his children and their families; siblings Donald Cluff, of North Yarmouth, and Eva Hayes, of Cumberland.

Memories and condolences may be shared with the family online at www.directcremationofmaine.com

Arrangements were under the care of Direct Cremation of Maine, in Belfast.

OTHERS DEPARTED

ALVIN C. WAGNER, 92, of Readfield, passed away on Thursday, October 4, 2018, at the Alfond Center For Health, in Augusta. Locally, he is survived by a granddaughter, Katie Scott and husband Jay, of Windsor, and great-grandson Hayden Scott, of Windsor.

MARGARET A. GOU­LETTE, 62, of Waterville, passed away on Monday, October 8, 2018, at the Alfond Center for Health, in Augusta, following a brief period of declining health. Locally, she is survived by her mother, Elisabath D. Goulette, of Waterville, and a brother, Gregg Goulette, of Oakland.

Kudos to those who clean up our roadsides

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Tom Lefferts (left) and Richard Dillenbeck (right) cleaning up trash along Lakeview Drive this Fall.

by Irene Belanger

So nice to read about the good spirit and efforts Mr. and Mrs Bob Bennett, Richard Dillenbeck and others on the Lakeview Drive, China, roadside autumn cleanup. Thanks to all! An inspiration for all residents to work with our neighbors on our roadsides before cold weather and snow set in.

Also thank you to all for continuing to supply the transfer station with lots of clean recyclables. Keep organics coming in for cooking in the compost bin. Don’t forget the compost is there for all of us to use.

I can assure you that despite news articles (that are pretty accurate) that there are people working hard to find other uses and places for all of our recyclables to have a second chance. One is the old mill in Rumford to take paper goods. Check out Heloise’s articles (in the local papers) for reuse ideas.

Go to the transfer station and get info for the Saturday, October 27, drug drop under the care of Kennebec Sheriff’s Office. Get rid of those items no longer needed in a safe manner.

The shredder will also be there on that day at the public works building next to the transfer station campus, on Alder Park Road. We look forward to providing this service so old, unneeded, but personal items and business records, can be taken care of safely.

Once again: we need more volunteers to care for the “Free for Taking” building. Please help us to keep this as neat and clean as possible for all who use it to enjoy. You never can tell what you might find of value or that article you’ve been looking for to help you fix something that is precious and has meaning to you. The box is there for good clean clothes, shoes and pocketbooks.

Law enforcement tops selectmen’s agenda

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro selectmen continued discussion of local law enforcement at their Oct. 18 meeting.

The topic was first raised several meetings earlier by board member John Melrose. Melrose thinks calling the town’s policeman, currently Mark Brown, the police chief is misleading, because he is in charge of no other officers and works part-time, in Brown’s case 15 hours a week.

“Police chief” is the title selectmen have used for Brown and at least one of his predecessors, Richard Phippen. The job description, last revised in 2016, is titled “Police Officer Job Description.”

Town Manager Mary Sabins and Melrose collaborated on a re-revised draft discussed Oct. 18 but not approved. Language has been amended to make it clear that the local policeman is not always on duty. Selectmen considered additional changes, with suggestions from Brown, firefighter and former Town Manager Michael Vashon and other audience members.

Melrose suggested the local police officer needs neither a police vehicle nor a weapon. His ideas were not supported.

There was consensus that Brown should be primarily what people called a community policeman or a resource officer, making himself visible at public events, Vassalboro Community School and elsewhere in town. More serious and/or time-consuming problems should be left or transferred to the state police or the Kennebec County sheriff’s office, whichever is covering Vassalboro that week.

State and county officers take two-week turns covering municipalities, Brown said. Melrose commented that communication among state, county and local officers sometimes seems inadequate.

The discussion touched briefly on the proposed reorganization of Augusta-based regional dispatching services, due to be completed in the summer of 2019, with so-far-unknown effects on local emergency services.

In other business at the lengthy Oct. 18 meeting:

  • After a very short public hearing that brought no comments, selectmen approved annual renewal permits for five automobile graveyards and three auto hobbyists.
  • Vashon, speaking for the volunteer fire department, got approval to use $25,000 from surplus to help reduce the price of a new fire truck, if the department gets a grant for most of the cost. Vashon said the department is looking at a $350,000 truck, hopes for gifts to help reduce the price and expects to hear next spring whether the grant application is approved.
  • Board Chairman Lauchlin Titus reported on a meeting he attended with representatives of other Central Maine towns to get updated information on energy-efficient street lights. “I left very encouraged,” he said, but he is not ready to recommend a commitment without still more information.
  • Selectmen approved revised rules for Vassalboro cemeteries, pending one clarification that Cemetery Committee Chairman Jane Aiudi thought would not be a problem. The next Vassalboro selectmen’s meeting is scheduled for Thursday evening, Nov. 1.

School board members continue information sharing

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro School Board members continued information-sharing between town and school officials at their Oct. 16 meeting, inviting the board of selectmen – represented by John Melrose – to talk about mutually relevant issues.

Now that the school is part of the town instead of in a regional school unit, selectmen think more sharing of information, plans and resources will be useful. Melrose’s suggestions included:

  • Negotiating with Erskine Academy, the South China private high school attended by the majority of Vassalboro students, about ways to reduce town costs for tuition or transportation or both;
  • Cooperating on energy upgrades to save money;
  • Continuing efforts to have Vassalboro Community School (VCS) designated as an emergency shelter;
  • Reviewing services currently contracted with the former AOS (Alternative Organizational Structure) 92 to consider what could be brought in-house when the three-year contract with the former AOS ends; and
  • Involving students and school personnel in the 250th anniversary of Vassalboro’s incorporation, which will be in 2021.

Another major discussion item was school board member Jolene Clark Gamage’s report on babies born addicted to drugs. The gist of her message was that resulting developmental delays or behavioral problems, or both, follow the child into school, creating an increasing need for special education services.

In 2016, the last year for which Gamage had what she thought were complete figures, Kennebec County reported 109 drug-affected babies. The figure was the third highest for Maine’s 16 counties (plus a very small number of non-resident babies), topped only by Penobscot and Androscoggin counties.

In the country, Gamage said, the most recent statistics show Maine has the fourth highest number of babies born addicted. In 2016 the state was in second place, according to materials she shared with other board members.

The cost of special education services varies with the severity of the student’s need.

Board Chairman Kevin Levasseur warned of another potential budget increase: special state funding for the pre-kindergarten program ends this year. If the program is to continue, the school will pick up the cost, with a major impact on the 2018-19 budget. In future years, the state will reimburse the town for pre-kindergarten students on the same per-pupil basis as for older VCS students.

Levasseur said Eric Haley, former AOS superintendent, has ideas for alternative funding that he plans to discuss with Vassalboro Superintendent Alan Pfeiffer and VCS Principal Megan Allen.

The next Vassalboro School Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Nov. 20.

VETERANS CORNER: Need help? Don’t go it alone

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Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy
Veterans advocate

Good day my fellow veterans. I am so pleased we have taken this first step in personally solving our own problems with the government and the VA systems. Hopefully we have initiated change. I am in hopes that our interplay with Senator Susan Collins and Rep. Chellie Pingree will bear fruit. When Sen. Olympia Snow was in office, it was an office of action. I miss her very much; there was no bull when you talked to her or John Cummings. I entered her office on many occasions because I needed to or because she needed me to; there was action in any case.

The article I wrote two weeks ago has received a tremendous response, such that I have hired Kismet Computer Service, of Route 17, to set up a private website so that veterans can vent their problems and feel safe in doing so.

Just recently I was approached by a veteran who wanted to speak to me at VA but insisted upon speaking in a private place. I have known this 100 percent disabled American veteran for some time now. He expressed to me his need to approach VA for additional help regarding a matter not in his records. I told him he had the right to ask for the help even if he wasn’t 100 percent disabled. He replied, “I have been told that if I asked for that they could re-evaluate my pension and I might lose some.” I replied, “that is absolutely ridiculous, you served your country and you shouldn’t feel fearful of what you have because you are asking for additional help. That is absolutely absurd.” Long story short, I offered to meet with him and go to VA services with him so that he would feel safe. It breaks my heart that some vets feel that way and that someone of the VA would instill that thought in his mind. What are service organizations and the VA thinking when they cause this kind of stress to our veterans? In my opinion those kind of intellects don’t belong at the VA and we need to dig them out and get rid of them. Together we can do that.

The initiation of fear, false statements and prejudice that existed with the Lilly administration will only come back to bite you. There are people from many different social habits working in the VA system. If some of you don’t realize it, some of your testing and x-ray opinions are farmed out to California. Look at the signature and you will see Japanese, Chinese and even Middle Eastern names. Prejudice is the #1 conflict between veterans and the VA system. Smiling should be one of the lessons taught at training sessions. Yes, some vets are trying hard to deal with but some departments like 3 North know exactly how to defuse negativity in vets. I don’t know who trained them but they stand out in a crowd and in my eyes are very special. I will speak more on that later.

Veterans are in pain and harbor many memories of lost opportunity and life. I would suggest those of you who harbor such feelings should read the books and letters written by Dr. Jose Rizal a Southeast Asia optometrist, who was brilliant, speaking many languages, doing eye surgery and fighting an inner conflict where his countrymen were considered totally primitive and nowhere equal to the mother country of the time, Spain, who held possession of the islands for 300 years. His correspondence with Mr. Blumentritt, an Austrian, helped in the creation of the only government validated service to mankind organization in the world. If you like to research great people and events then this is one of the greatest ever. He died at the age of 35 by a Spanish firing squad. He gave his life willingly and even let the Spanish shoot him in the back; bad mistake for Spain! He became a martyr and national hero of the Philippines. He just wanted all to be solved with literacy in a peaceful way, without prejudice. They have organizations in many countries of the world today, even the U.S.A. He just wanted freedom acceptance and equality in the world. I myself was knighted 16 years ago and this year was promoted to Commander of KOR.

My heart is always for the poor, sick, elderly, and children and, of course, our veterans. Doing these demeaning things to our veterans is like, if not worse, to elder abuse. If you haven’t served, maybe you should visit the thousands of graves here in Maine and read the epitaphs on the stones. We have a great site at Togus you might not be aware of where Buffalo Soldiers are buried, very historical. The Winthrop Library has a good deal of information on Togus.

I myself was a patient at the VA a week or so ago and was so pleased with the core, respect and service that was given to me by the doctors, nurses, aids and even the janitorial staff of 3 North. I was very sick and they brought me back to my feet. There are a lot of good people at VA, but unfortunately, the bad ones as always are on top making bad, self-serving decisions. It has to stop. I shared all of this with the VA’s Patient Advocate Angela McKenny, LCSW. She has heard most of this before and does what she can do when veterans ask for her help. Thank you Angela.

I would be remiss in my reporting if I didn’t mention my experience with the Emergency Department. They ran every test imaginable to find my problem. I went to Urology but it was after 3 p.m., and there was only one doctor. Although I was in agony there was no help for me. The Emergency room was the only pathway. I was dehydrating so they hooked me up to an IV with antibiotics and did so many labs, my arms still ache. I went home that night with my wife and suffered through the night. The next day I received a call from emergency telling me I had to come back into VA. I was admitted and sent to 3 North and I.V’d with powerful antibiotics. So let’s be fair, there are some wonderful people working there with nerves of steel as some vets can be testy. “ Thank you 3 North from Julie and I.”

Last but not least, by far, I want to thank Glenn McDonald for his article of support of the October 18 issue of The Town Line. He was on the money and as adamant in regards to helping and safeguarding veterans as I am. Now we would like to hear from more of you. Perhaps we can be of help. If you can’t write your own response, just give Glenn or me a call. We would be more than happy to assist with your writing and/or your problem, no matter what.

The website should be up and running in a week. It will be a place where we can discuss any issue regarding VA and/or your needs for service. It will be personal and private if you wish or we can share with other readers, if you so choose. Glenn and I are both seasoned writers and researchers. Don’t go it alone. We will keep you informed.

China resident named to financial stability oversight council

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Eric A. Cioppa

Eric A. Cioppa, a resident of the Neck Road, in China, has been appointed to a two-year term as the Financial Stability Oversight Council’s state insurance commissioner representative.

Officials said Cioppa, who serves as superintendent of the Maine Bureau of Insurance and also president-elect of the National Association of Insurance Commis­sioners, will represent the interests of the nation’s state insurance regulators on the council.

“State insurance regulators will be well-served by Eric, whose expertise makes him an excellent selection to continue the NAIC’s tradition of providing thoughtful insight to FSOC’s proceedings,” Julie Mix McPeak, NAIC president and Tennessee commissioner of Commerce and Insurance, said.

“Given the importance of FSOC’s work in protecting the financial sector from systemic risk we are fortunate to have someone of Eric’s caliber willing to take on this responsibility,” said McPeak.

Cioppa, whose selection was ratified by and NAIC Plenary earlier this month, replaces Peter L. Hartt, director of New Jersey’s Insurance Division.

China resident recognized at final school board meeting

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China resident Charlie Clark, seated, was presented with sentiments upon attending his final school board meeting, after serving for approximately 20 years, on the China School Board, School Union #52 and RSU #18 boards. Presenting Charlie with a sentiment is current RSU #18 superintendent Carl Gartley, as Gary Smith, right, immediate past superintendent looks on. (Contributed photo)

Malcolm Glidden post presented with DC flag

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Hagen Wallace, left, presents a flag to Malcolm Glidden American Legion Post #163 Post Commander Clayton York that has flown over the U.S. Capitol, in Washington, DC. Wallace obtained the flag while attending Boys National. (Photo by Gail Pottle)

On September 18, the Malcolm Glidden American Legion and Auxiliary Post #163 held a special meeting honoring a few long time members and presenting certificates to the Boys/Girls State delegates sponsored by the Legion.

George McKenney was presented with a 50-year membership certificate and pin for his long time involvement with Post #163. Stephen McPherson received a 30-year membership certificate for being involved with a legion!

Beverly McKenney was presented with a 50-year membership certificate and pin. Beverly has been very much involved with the Legion and Auxiliary and is well known for her mince meat pies and all the cooking she has done over the years.

Janet Potter also received a 50-year membership certificate and pin. Janet has been an active member with the Legion and Auxiliary over the years and is well known for her lemon meringue pies and crock pot Mac N Cheese.

Sharon McPherson received a 30-year membership certificate for being involved with an auxiliary for 30 years!

The Legion sponsored Hagen (Joki) Wallace and Cam King, from Erskine Academy, in South China, to attend Boys State 2018. Joki did amazing things while attending Boys State, at Thomas College, in Waterville. He was a party chairman and also Speaker of the House of Representative. At the graduation he was awarded the Gavel Award as Speaker, the Directors Award as well as best leader and delegate. He was also chosen as one of two delegates from Maine to attend Boys National, in Washington D.C.

Joki attended the September 18 meeting to thank the Legion for sponsoring him and presented Post #163 Commander In Chief Clayton York with an American Flag that has flown over the White House.

The Ladies Auxiliary sponsored Elizabeth Sugg and Willow Throckmorton, from Erskine Academy, for Girls State. Girls State is held at Husson University, in Bangor. Elizabeth attended the meeting also thanking the Ladies Auxiliary for sponsoring her. She really enjoyed Girls State and learned a lot about how our political system works. She received the Dirigo Award for her involvement and participation with everything happening. Elizabeth hopes to attend Girls State in 2019 as a counselor.

Submitted by Mary Haskell.

Getting ready for Super Sunday

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Brett Lawler, standing, and Colby Kramer, pose during Super Sunday at the PAL Field, in Fairfield. (Photo by Missy Brown, Central Maine Photography staff)