I’M JUST CURIOUS: Hearing loss can cause people to isolate themselves

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by Debbie Walker

I saw the best ad for hearing aids recently. It started out with “My husband left me, but he’s come back.” It reminded me of how, long ago, we really lost my Dad. He was disabled for about 36 years. He died in June 2005, just before his 79th birthday, but truthfully we lost him long before that. It all started years ago, and progressed very gradually.

In 1989, dad and mom made a trip from Maine to visit us in Florida. My daughter was graduating from high school and they wanted to be there. I watched dad at the party we had to honor her accomplishment. Dad had always been a very sociable person – he had owned a mom and pop store and enjoyed the interaction with all his customers. However, I was watching him sit back at this party, with all these new people, and not communicating with anyone. I watched his face; I could tell he wasn’t hearing what was going on and he wasn’t very comfortable.

The process of losing your hearing, I imagine, is gradual, unless, of course, it is caused by an accident or infection. It seems that slowly the person affected withdraws from family and friends. One thing we noticed after a while was that dad talked only when he could control the conversation. He would talk about history, and antiques, and family history. He talked. There were very few people that he could have these conversations with comfortably. It all makes for a very small world I would think.

Dad and mom’s conversations became almost non-existent, just answers to some very loud questions. If dad had been willing to get a hearing aid, they and we could have had so much more. He was very interested in a lot of different subjects, some that the rest of us would like to have shared with him in our adult years. We would like to have been able to share our interests with him too. Some of these things don’t really become important to you until you are an adult. We lost those years with dad.

It seems that getting glasses because our eyesight fails is much easier to accept than losing our hearing. I am more than curious; I don’t understand why. You need the glasses or contacts otherwise you are just not going to be able to see, and I believe headaches drive some people to tend to their eyesight. But not their hearing; I can’t imagine that it isn’t every bit as important and uncomfortable. Yet people don’t want the hearing aids.

I know several people who have hearing aids and just won’t wear them. I understand with some it is vanity. I have heard some say they can’t get used to the changes in crowds as opposed to TV or one on one conversation, ”background noise” I think is the description. (I also understand that for some a hearing aid will not help. It’s more of a physical problem, I guess, and there isn’t always an answer for that.)

I am thankful that my mom got a hearing aid. It seems her driving force was that she wanted to be able to hear my nieces and nephews: they are very soft spoken. Mom had watched dad slowly slip away from us over the years and I am thankful that she understood how important her hearing was for her and to us as a family.

Dad was lucky. He had mom as a buffer zone to the world, but mom wouldn’t have had that same luxury.

I know of some very disturbing situations that have happened because of something said being misunderstood due to a hearing problem. People like dad will sit there, appearing to be listening, but not hearing much of what is said at all – but they won’t tell you. Imagine that same scene with a discussion with a doctor: they are telling you how to care for yourself and you don’t get all the information. That type of situation could actually turn out to have tragic results.

I wonder how many people we have that are misunderstood as being a loner simply because they isolate themselves from situations they can’t control due to the hearing problem. I wonder how many people get depressed because of the loneliness and don’t seek help.

In the ad the woman says, “My husband once left me, but now he has come back!” Do you realize it is not just the loneliness suffered by the person who has lost their hearing, but also that of their partner, family and friends?

REVIEW POTPOURRI – E.B. White: The Elements of Style

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

E.B. White

The Elements of Style
(with William Strunk, Jr.), 4th edition – Longman Publishers; 1935, 1959, 1979, 1999; 95 pages.

Although Elwyn Brooks White (1899-1985), better known as E.B. White, was born in Mount Vernon, New York, the family vacations during his childhood in Maine’s Belgrade Lakes, the routines of farm life and the workings of nature, enriched his own writings. In addition, he spent many years of his adulthood living on, and working, his farm in Brooklin, Maine, near Deer Isle and Stonington. These years, with the many New Yorker contributions, added much.

I hope to devote another column or more in the weeks ahead to White. This week I am focusing on The Elements of Style, a 1935 book on writing by his English professor at Cornell, William Strunk Jr. (1869-1946). White edited and revised extensively, in 1959 and 1979, editions before his own death in 1985. Some extras were tacked on the above 1999 fourth edition by his stepson, Roger Angell, himself a noted writer on baseball and still living in his 99th year.

The 95 pages of content mirror Strunk and White’s commitment to saving teacher and student hard labor yet keeping the book concise and most helpful to anyone who writes lots of words in a week. I offer choice quotations from both men:

“‘Omit needless words’ cries the author on page 23, and into that imperative Will Strunk really put his heart and soul. In the days when I was sitting in his class, he omitted so many needless words, and omitted them so forcibly and with such eagerness and obvious relish, that he often seemed in the position of having shortchanged himself – a man left with nothing more to say yet with time to fill, a radio prophet who had out-distanced the clock. Will Strunk got out of this predicament by a simple trick: he uttered every sentence three times. When he delivered his oration on brevity to the class, he leaned forward over his desk, grasped his coat lapels in his hands, and, in a husky, conspiratorial voice, said, ‘Rule Seventeen. Omit needless words! Omit needless words! Omit needless words!’ ”

Actually, I have found this book in one or two earlier copies, very edifying for more than 40 years.

VETERANS CORNER: More political appointments not the answer

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Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

I will apologize to the followers of the veteran’s corner as I have been unable to follow-up on your many responses. I have personally undergone a couple of spinal surgeries which have left me laid up for the past two months. I promise, however, to whittle your comments and opinions down over the upcoming issues. I need to mention, however, if you are sending in articles for print, they must be proper/respectful and limited in length. Those of you who have called, I will handle as needed. Many of you have asked for support on issues which I will give special attention and/or refer to the proper people for appropriate answers/actions.

On January 24 Bayard Bergmann wrote a lengthy article which was difficult to understand in part. He wrote, “Only political appointees can stop the VA scandals.” Well, our column is not out to stop the VA scandals, although we believe there are many. All you have to do is pick up a paper or turn on the news to see that the world is looking at our country as one big soap opera; it’s sad and disgraceful. A country such as ours which has been respected throughout the world is now airing its dirty laundry for all to see. The Putins of the world just sit back and smile, while we drag ourselves through the mud. Although this column is dedicated to helping veterans and their problems, what we are trying to achieve is being lost along the way.

I personally don’t believe that more “Presidential Appointees” is the answer to an already teaming, listing structure which will cave in on the veteran if it is allowed to continue. Already I have heard all over the world, “take a look at yourself.” How can you defend against the implications here? These are hard times in and of themselves without our political appointees making things worse. It should be a given that a new president will in fact make all his strategic appointments: the pre-existing should be eliminated. That is just good common sense.

I don’t see the difference between 38 VA political appointees and 138 political appointees. My opinion on this is, if one person is appointing them it goes right back to a party issue. The president needs to set the tone here; it’s his direction. Most politicians are on the side of our veterans; those that have hidden agendas would be soon found out and eliminated. Veterans’ needs and rights are being given the best attention ever at this time. I happen to be one who is 100 percent permanent and total, and have been so for many years. I have been watching a very good structure appear after many stagnant years. Most of the problems most of us see are at the VA level and need to be brought out into the light of day.

The most urgent needs are of a medical nature, ie: doctors, operating rooms and a better defined B.V.A. (Bureau of Veterans Affairs). I personally believe that President Trump has done a fine job cleaning things up considering the information he has been given to work with. Those who are self-serving have kept things from him and I believe it is up to we veterans to bring the concealed problems to his attention.

Of course, the president needs people who agree with his vision for veterans and their welfare. However, inflated government doesn’t solve the problem. It just turns beef stock into beef stew. It tastes better but isn’t what you were trying to do. Veterans need to find a more direct venue for their problems so the issues are clear and the money can go where it is really needed to be. Tell what you know and make sure it gets to the president’s desk. If you try venting the problems at the local VA level, your information will fall on deaf ears. There are incompetent persons out there getting promoted beyond their capabilities; so, of course, your information will hit a break wall.

The president can’t see everything. He is fighting on many fronts to keep us free and safe; we need to help. I personally agree that the best way to populate the government with meaningful, productive help is by the president’s hand. The hangers on from previous administrations just muddy up the water and nothing gets done. Replacing the old with new is very necessary in order to move forward with the president’s vision. I don’t believe in over populating with presidential appointees. The delegation of authority is very important here, so the president must make his appointments wisely and oversee what he designs.

It’s a difficult task if one watches what is happening today, but it is the way it must be done. Partisan games do not help veterans who come from both sides of the aisle. I think we forget that our men and women in uniform come from all sides of the political spectrum. Color, gender or political affiliation really never comes into the picture when we consider our freedom. Those that serve allow us the right to move about freely and believe in what we wish. We encourage all opinions to be voiced here. God Bless.

Gary Kennedy is a disabled veteran, and accomplished veterans’ advocate. He can be reached at garyek55@gmail.com.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Cold, painful fingers can mean a serious disease

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(NAPSI) — “Zombie Hands.” That’s what can happen to an estimated 5 to 10 percent of the population when temperatures start to fall.

In a typical case of Raynaud’s phenomenon, also known as Raynaud’s disease or syndrome, sufferers experience numbness and pain in their fingers, toes and other extremities. Fingers turn white, blue or red as the small blood vessels go into spasm within minutes of exposure to cold or stress, and they appear to be “dead” as blood flow is constricted.

Named for the French physician Maurice Raynaud, who first recognized the condition in 1862, it causes an interruption of blood flow to the fingers, toes, nose or ears. There may be associated tingling, swelling or painful throbbing. The attacks may last from minutes to hours. In severe cases, the area may develop ulcerations and infections, which can lead to gangrene.

Raynaud’s can occur as a “primary” disease—that is, with no associated disorder—or as a “secondary” condition related to other diseases, such as scleroderma, lupus, and rheumatoid arthritis.

“Ninety percent of Raynaud’s sufferers don’t seek treatment and too many physicians pay short shrift to those who do,” says Lynn Wunderman, founder and chair of the Raynaud’s Association. “Treatment is important because some sufferers may have an underlying condition such as systemic scleroderma or lupus. Awareness of such a problem may allow for earlier medical intervention.” Simple blood tests can rule out the presence of antibodies associated with diseases that have Raynaud’s as a component.

What’s Being Done

To help, the Raynaud’s Association, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit health organization, launched a new and assertive campaign,”Don’t Turn a Cold Shoulder to Painful Fingers,” to urge those with the disorder—and their doctors—not to dismiss the pain that Raynaud’s sufferers endure, or the lifestyle adjustments they make to minimize exposure to cold or stress.

Although there is no known cure as yet, treatment options such as calcium channel blocker drugs have been clinically proven to alleviate symptoms by opening up the blood vessels so blood circulates more freely.

How To Lend A Warm Helping Hand

You can support the Raynaud’s Association with a tax-deductible donation. Contributions help fund member mailings, the website, awareness-building efforts, and thousands of educational materials distributed each year to sufferers.

Learn More

For more facts, visit www.raynauds.org.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The mystery of why the great black hawk found its way to Maine

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The great black hawk

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

I was saddened to hear of the unfortunate outcome in the saga of the great black hawk that found its way to Maine, only to discover this place, especially December to April, is not friendly to tropical birds.

In case you haven’t heard, a great black hawk appeared in Maine in August 2018. A resident of tropical Mexico through Central America to Peru, and northern Argentina, it had been spotted in South Padre Island, in Texas, in April 2018, a little north of its normal range. Last August, this individual surfaced in Biddeford. It was determined to be the same bird based on the similarities in what is highly variable immature plumage, from photographs that were compared.

It again disappeared until reappearing in Deering Oaks Park, in Portland.

The great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga, is a bird of prey which also includes eagles, hawks, and vultures. They feed mainly on reptiles, other small vertebrates and large insects, mainly chasing them on foot. This particular one had adjusted its diet, and was doing all right dining on gray squirrels in the park. They are about the size of an osprey, but larger than our red-tailed hawk.

The adult bird is 22 – 25 inches long and weighs about 2-1/2 pounds. It has very broad wings, and is mainly black. The short tail is white with a broad black tip. The bill is black and the legs are yellow. The sexes are similar.

During a snowstorm on January 20, the bird was discovered laying on the ground in Deering Oaks Park. It was transported to Avian Haven, in Freedom, a reputable bird rehabilitation facility. Initially, it was feared the bird would probably lose a toe on one of its feet due to frostbite.

Diagnostic testing that included infrared thermology and doppler ultrasound indicated no blood circulation to the feet and lower legs. Additional examination revealed that both feet were discolored and showing signs of severe decomposition.

The folks at Avian Haven explored various alternatives to save the bird. They discussed the possibility of fitting the bird with prosthetics, and keeping it in a controlled setting. It was decided the bird probably would not adapt to two artificial legs that would need occasional adjustments, and that the bird probably would not do well in captivity. In the wild, they are used to perching, grasping food with its talons, or landing successfully following flight.

Despite having remained somewhat active with a good appetite, the bird was observed laying on its side, and not eating as it had. It was then decided the bird could not be saved, and was euthanized on January 31. That, it must be noted, was not an easy decision for the staff at Avian Haven, nor the professionals that were consulted during the process.

Of course, the question on everyone’s mind was why this bird had found its way to Maine. Only one other great black hawk had ever been sighted in the United States. Many species wander about. That is nature’s way to encourage species to expand their range. Animals with too small a territory are prone to extinction, especially in the event of a catastrophe like a major storm, epidemic or even an oil spill. But the great black hawk is not known to wander. Wanderers are called vagrants. It has always been said the great black hawk never, ever, leaves its tropical home. Unfortunately for it, this one did.

However, some individual birds seem to have a cerebral malfunction that causes their navigational system to go a wry. Could the unseasonable extreme warm weather we had last summer give a tropical bird the sense that the rest of the world is like the tropics?

Who knows what drew that bird to our area, only to meet with an unfortunate ending.

BOLD PREDICTION

Following the Boston Red Sox defeating the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2018 World Series, and the New England Patriots defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the 2019 Super Bowl, I am predicting the Boston Bruins will defeat the Los Angeles Kings in the 2018-19 Stanley Cup final. While we’re at it, let’s go out on a limb and say the Boston Celtics will defeat the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA final. No, I wouldn’t bet the farm on it.

Also, do you remember what Woodrow Charles’ prediction was for the Super Bowl? “Pats by 10,” was his forecast. Final score, New England 13, Los Angeles 3.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

New England Patriots Julian Edelman was named MVP in Super Bowl LIII. Who was the last wide receiver to win that award?

Answer can be found here.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Because I said so

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by Debbie Walker

Since I grew up right over the hill from Winnecook Lake/Unity Pond it seemed like I was attracted to it in all seasons. I grew up with a bit of a cocky, self-assured attitude when it came to that lake. It seemed like I was born knowing how to swim. I was always in a debate with mom and dad about the lake and it would usually end with “Because I Said So.”

I also grew up over hearing stories of Dad’s escapades at the lake. I heard these stories late at night when Dad and his sister were talking and they thought I was asleep. I heard about how they used to dive off the railroad trestle and how he and his brothers used to swim before the ice was out of the lake.

Beware of talking about your past escapades when a child is anywhere in earshot of your conversation, asleep or awake, because you just never know for sure. I am reasonably sure those were not stories they intended me to hear.

It was always known that I was going to be the first one in the family to get in that lake each year. It was always a big joke, even into my married life. What I didn’t realize was by now I had nephews and a niece who had listened to my late night stories.

My love for the water had not changed over the years, so I had added to my skill and education by taking all the Red Cross and the YMCA courses; I was a registered instructor with both. Although we had done swimming lessons with my niece and nephews as they came along, and had some water safety talks, we had missed the “black ice” talk.

One day, one of my nephews decided he was going out onto the ice, ‘black ice,” this is “late in the year ice” and is not safe. (Called black because it really looks somewhat black by this time.) Again, long story short, my nephew fell in and had it not been for his little brother and sister quickly getting help, our story might have turned out different.

First comment on being retrieved from the water was, “ I beat Aunt Deb into the water this year.” I was devastated. I realized we had used the old “Because I said so” with the kids instead of teaching them how the lake and the ice works. So please, before another child wants to be the first or thinks, ice is ice, please have a serious talk with them and explain what the fall/winter/spring dangers are, not just the summer ones. If you don’t truly understand, find an instructor who does, and in a language to which the kids will listen. Spring, summer, fall or winter, your children do not belong anywhere near the water (ice) unless you are close by. Please don’t use the old “Because I said so.” It doesn’t work, education does. Take it from someone who knows.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Observing 60th anniversary of the “Day the Music Died”

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The debris field of Buddy Holly’s chartered Beech Bonanza aircraft on February 3, 1959. Internet photo

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

This past Sunday, February 3, was the 60th anniversary of the plane crash that claimed the lives of all four passengers on board shortly after takeoff near Clear Lake, Iowa – singers Buddy Holly, 22; Ritchie Valens,17; and Big Bopper, 28; and pilot Roger Peterson, 21. The details can be found via many sources, conveniently including Google, Wiki etc., of what Don McLean’s 1971 song American Pie aptly referred to as “The Day the Music Died”!

Buddy Holly

I would like to call attention to two fine records of each of the singers – one well-known and one not so well-known:

Buddy Holly recorded the riveting That’ll Be the Day and the much lesser-known love song Every Day and conveyed the most vivid immediacy in his singing. During the mid 1960s, Skeeter Davis did an RCA Victor LP of Holly’s material with his parents attending the studio sessions in Nashville.

Ritchie Valens

The Ritchie Valens La Bamba is justly classic because of its several reappearances in the public eyes and ears while the unknown Little Girl has a romantic tenderness all its own. Interestingly, although his parents were from Mexico, he learned very little Spanish because they spoke English at home.

J.P. Richardson

Big Bopper’s (editor’s note: actual name is J.P Richard­son) Chantilly Lace is one roaring example of his baritone/bass vocalism. His very first documented 45 record Beggar to a King with a higher, softer voice was a later hit for the Cana­dian country singer, Hank Snow.

Waylon Jennings

Editor’s note: Country/­western singer Waylon Jennings was also reportedly scheduled to be on that flight, but gave up his seat to the Big Bopper. The story is told that Jennings gave up his seat on the ill-fated flight in 1959 that crashed, killing Buddy Holly, J. P. Richard­son, Ritchie Valens, and pilot Roger Peterson. They were on their way to Moorhead, Minnesota, for their next concert. Band member Tommy Allsup lost his seat to Valens on a coin toss. Both Jen­nings and Allsup continued on the bus.

THE MONEY MINUTE: The truth about annuities

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by Jac M. Arbour CFP®, ChFC®, President
J.M. Arbour Wealth Management

There is much confusion in people’s minds today about annuities and whether or not to purchase one. If you read the financial section of certain newspapers, you might have seen articles titled things like “Why I Hate Annuities and You Should Too.” If you pick up other papers, though, you might have seen “Why I Love Annuities and You Should Too.” So which perspective is correct? Which article should guide you in making financial decisions? The answer depends on your circumstances.

In the case of annuities—and, for that matter, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, index funds, exchange traded funds, money markets, certificates of deposit, or any other interest-bearing account—it isn’t accurate to say that they are generally “good” or “bad.” Like other types of accounts, annuities have their pros and cons, and you have to answer the question of which is which—a pro or a con—for you and your family.

So, how about this: Instead of loving or hating annuities, let’s take a peek at what annuities can and can’t do for you and why you may or may not want to consider one for purchase.

  • Risk. Do you have the need or the desire to position some of your money where there is absolutely no stock market risk? If the answer is yes, a fixed annuity or a fixed index annuity might be worth considering. (In this case, a CD could be a valuable consideration as well.) If the answer is no, although a variable annuity would give you access to market performance, it typically comes at a much higher cost (this is the major reason why some literary contributors “hate annuities”); you would likely be better off investing in something other than an annuity.
  • Guaranteed Income. Do you have the need or desire to have a percentage of your retirement income contractually guaranteed? If the answer is yes, be sure the annuity you consider offers an income rider, and that the rider comes at a fair cost. If the answer is no, do not buy an income rider: you do not need to pay for something you will likely never use.
  • Costs and Fees. With the wrong annuity, you can quickly spend a bundle: some variable annuities cost up to 4% per year, once you consider all the bells and whistles. (In my opinion, this is way too much, no matter what.) On the other hand, fixed index annuities typically do not have an annual fee—unless you add an income rider, which typically costs around 1% per year. Fixed annuities are usually straightforward and offer a guaranteed rate of return—again, with no annual fee. Regardless, make sure you run the numbers, and make sure that what you buy has the highest probability of future applicability.
  • Liquidity. Annuities come with what is called a surrender charge schedule. When you open an annuity contract, you are usually limited to free withdrawals of up to 10% per year. This means that not all of your money is available to you without a penalty. Be sure to know how, when, and how much of your money you will be able access without penalties, including how circumstances such as chronic, critical, and terminal illnesses might affect the liquidity of your money.
  • Interest. Be clear about how your contract will earn interest. Annuity contracts earn either a guaranteed rate of interest (in the case of a fixed annuity) or a variable rate of interest that is linked directly to the upward and downward movements in the market (as a variable annuity), or the annuity can participate in a portion of market upside with no downside market risk (this is a fixed index annuity).

These five points do not cover all the bases, but I hope each promotes further clarity during your decision making process. For everything you need to know to make fully informed financial decisions, always consult with a financial professional who has a fiduciary responsibility to you.

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.

INside the OUTside: Bonjour, Québec

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Skis and poles spread out all over the snow while the owners take a hot chocolate break. (Photo by Dan Cassidy)

Dan Cassidyby Dan Cassidy

It’s that time of year to start planning a vacation trip to ski country. If you haven’t ever been to Quebec, or maybe you’ve been in the summer for a visit but to make Ski Quebec City, Charlevoix, you’ll be amazed at what you’re in for.

Winter Carnaval de Québec …

If you chose to find lodging in the Old City of Quebec, you’ll be amazed at all the snow sculptures, ice castles, eateries close by, and don’t forget that if you’re there during the annual Winter Carnival, it is scheduled for February 8 through mid-February this year. The winter celebration has been going on for over 50 years and draws over 8,000 people from all over the world. Be sure to check out the boat racing that crosses the Saint Lawrence River.

Four ski resorts, including Mont-Sainte Anne, Le Massif De Charlevoix, Stoneham Mountain resort and Le Relis Centre are all close by historic Quebec City. Each has snowmaking, equipment rentals restaurants and ski shops.

Mont-Sainte Anne has three mountain faces, with one overlooking the St. Lawrence River and is the highest vertical drop for night skiing.

Next is Le Massif de Charlevoix, about one hour east of the city. You’ll be amazed with beautiful views of the St. Lawrence River and has the highest vertical drop east of the Candian Rockies.

Stoneham Mountain Resort offers Canada’s largest night skiing area. There are three terrain parks for freestylers with an Olympic caliber half pipe. Stoneham also offers the best après ski ambience.

Le Relais is a close drive of 15 minutes from Old Québec that has the most lighted runs in the Québec City area. There are also three terrain parks for all levels of skiing and riding.

Leave the car behind and catch a ride on Ski Bus that serves Québec City, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif.

With the old city charm and magic that comes alive during the annual winter carnival, you and your family will find out that being outdoors during the winter can be really ‘cool!’

If it’s a ski trip your thinking about, let Ski Québec City and Charlevoix get you on some of the most beautiful terrain in all that ski country has to offer. Also, don’t forget your passport!

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don’t forget to wear a helmet.

SOLON & BEYOND: Articles discussed at selectmen’s meeting

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Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percyby Marilyn Rogers-Bull & Percy
grams29@tds.net
Solon, Maine 04979

Good morning, my friends, don’t worry, be happy!

Received a card for another budget committee meeting on January 30, at 7 p.m., at the Solon Town Office, to discuss more articles needed for town meeting regarding the McQuilken Road Issue.

The agenda consisted of the following:

1. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to use the funds raised in Article 5-20 to purchase from James Farley, who claims to own property over which a portion of the McQuilken Road currently is located, a triangle of that property with a 10′ leg west of the pin set on the southeast corner of James Farley’s land (Map R2 Lot 14 on the 2018 Solon Town Maps) by Boynton & Pickett Surveyors and extending to the sideline of said Road at the location of the stop sign where it was located on October 17, 2018, and back to said pin for a sum of money, to pay for the associated survey costs, to prepare and execute deeds and related documents therefor, and to pay the costs to record the survey of the new Road right-of-way and the deed(s) for the land at the Registry of Deeds.

Selectmen recommend Yes and paying Mr. Farley $500 for this portion of his land.

2. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to use the funds raised in Article 5-20 to purchase from James Farley, who claims to own property over which a portion of the McQuilken Road currently is located, all of said portion of the property for a sum of money, to pay for the associated survey costs, to prepay and execute deeds and related documents therefor, and to pay the costs to record the survey of the Road right-of-way and the deed(s) for the land at the Registry of Deeds.

Selectmen recommend Yes and paying Mr. Farley $!,000 for this portion of his land.

3. To see if the Town will authorize the Selectmen to use the funds raised in Article 5-20 to relocate and rebuild the section of the McQuilken Road where it meets the Drury Road with the right of way to extend three (3) rods to the east of the pin set on the southeast corner of James Farley’s land (Map R2 Lot 14 on the 2018 Solon Town maps) by Boynton & Pickett Surveyores;, to pay to purchase property on the east side of the McQuilken Road, if needed, for the right of way; to pay for the associated survey costs to prepare and execute deeds and related documents therefor, and to pay the costs to record the survey of the new Road right-of-way and the deed (s) for the land at the Registry of Deeds. Selectmen recommend Yes.

Discuss Salaries of Town Employees: Discuss Library Funding, Librarian salary of $14.50 per hour is &11.687 for the year. 2018 Library funds raised by the town was $11,810. For 2019 we recommend $12,5000. We would like to increase that amount to $13,000. Librarian salary at $16.00 per hour would be $$12,896 for the year.

Lief and I attended the above meeting, and on our way there the car’s weather stated it was only 2 degrees, and when we walked to the building, a cold wind was blowing, making it quite frigid! The three selectmen were present and budget committee members, Barbara Johnson, George Williams, Eleanor Pooler, Mike Golden, Frank Ridley, Alan Foss and Jeff Pomelow were there, but that wasn’t a quorum, so the meeting wasn’t held.

The Solon Food Cupboard has to be moved out of its present site by the end of February. The new location will be 120 Pleasant Street. For more information you may call 207-431-0388. (This was all very sudden, and I will be getting more information that I will share with you in another column.)

And so now for Percy’s memoir, entitled, The Blessing of Sharing: Only what we give away enriches us from day to day,For not in getting but in giving is found the lasting joy of living, For no one ever had a part in sharing treasures of the heart who did not feel the impact of the magic mystery of God’s love. Love alone can make us kind and give us joy and peace of mind, So live with joy unselfishly and you’ll be blessed abundantly.