FOR YOUR HEALTH: Four Ideas For Health Care Planning In Retirement

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(NAPSI) — The Employee Benefit Research Institute estimates that a typical 65-year-old couple will spend a total of $265,000 in health care costs over the remainder of their lives. This staggering amount of money has the potential to derail even the best-laid retirement plans.

Vanguard and Mercer recently developed a new framework, “Planning for Health Care Costs in Retirement,” that identifies practical tips for forecasting your health care expenses. Here are four top ideas:

  1. Personalize health care costs. Start by understanding how your health history and current health status will influence expenses. Even your geographic location, marital status and age at retirement will impact your forecasts.
  2. Plan for long-term care. This is a tough one to assess because half of retirees won’t even incur these costs, but on the other end of the spectrum, 15 percent of retirees will spend more than $250,000. Consider potential long-term care options, such as unpaid care from family and less-expensive available facilities.
  3. Create a hedge in your budget for other expenses. Research shows that retirement spending in virtually all categories other than health care tends to decline with age. By forecasting steady spending in other expense areas, you may create a buffer in your budget to deal with rising health care expenses.
  4. Forecast costs in annual spending. There are so many variables involved in estimating health care costs in retirement that trying to plan around a total lifetime budget can be overwhelming. Experts recommend that you focus on annual spending plans instead, provided that you understand costs will rise as you age.

For seniors who are struggling to find cash in their retirement budgets to offset unexpected health care expenses, it may be a good idea to take stock right now of all your assets. Many seniors are surprised to learn that one potential asset for generating immediate cash is a life insurance policy.

You should review your life insurance policy from time to time and determine whether or not it’s still needed. A life insurance policy is considered your personal property, so you have the right to sell it anytime you like. When a consumer sells a policy—something called a “life settlement” transaction—the policy owner receives a cash payment and the purchaser of the policy assumes all future premium payments, then receives the death benefit upon the death of the insured. Candidates for life settlements are typically aged 70 years or older, with a life insurance policy that has a death benefit of at least $100,000.

If you own a life insurance policy you no longer need or can afford, you may be able to generate immediate cash to pay your health care expenses by selling that policy for immediate cash.

To learn more about life settlements, visit www.LISA.org or call the LISA office today at 888-921-3793.

COMMUNITY COMMENTARY: Where are all the employees? – “No one wants to work”

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Gary Kennedyby Gary Kennedy

If you drive around the state of Maine you will notice everywhere, “Now Hiring.” Even on the back door of most tractor trailers you see the words, “Drivers Wanted.” Yet there are those who state there is no work to be found. Well, it is true most of these offers are for non professional, low paying jobs. However, that has changed somewhat because of the laws of supply and demand. Many of the jobs that didn’t pay much yesterday are very attractive today. Companies need employees so direly they are opting to offer a very nice wage compared to yesterday’s standards. Teachers should be researching this area for the future of their students.

This article and research was prompted by my recent visit to Sears at Cook’s Corner, in Brunswick. I brought my vehicle there for a tire check and rotation. I noticed there was only one person working in the garage. I spoke with the manager, Jeff Perkins, and asked him what was going on with his labor force. He replied, “No one wants to work and those who do want more than we can pay. They know that they can work out of their garage and make more money and at the same time, be their own boss.” There is some freedom in that persuasion; you can work your own hours and at your own speed, and at the same time you get to keep all the money and pay no taxes. There are a couple of things wrong here; one, you aren’t paying your share of taxes and, two, you are interfering with the balance of things.

Maine has a depleted work force as it is. My two sons are Master Masons, living in Florida, as they can live in a nice weather situation and they can make far more money there than they can here. My daughter was head chef at a restaurant in the resort area of the mountains of Idaho. Now she owns a gourmet restaurant with her husband. My boys and daughter have employees and pay taxes somewhere else. I miss them, but I understand why they left Maine. In my opinion, in Maine we should have learned some good lessons by now with the advent of a forest rich state with paper and lumber mills closing. Also, look at textiles, we had so many factories producing leather products, cloth and clothing as well as shoes, etc.; where have they gone?

They are only memories now with Maine becoming a medical service state with computer overtones. Everyone seems to want to be a geek and not a mechanic, carpenter, electrician, plumber or machinist. What’s happening and how do we change it? I interviewed Rick Larrabee, a part owner in Mid Coast Calibration Company, which is a machine shop. He stated he travels all over the country and everyone is in dire need of machinists, and they pay a professional wage, with benefits.

One of the lowest paying jobs is companies such as Dunkin’ Donuts at $10 per hour to start. There are some construction flaggers being paid $12 to $15 per hour. The benefits aren’t there but the wage is and growing because of the lack and quality of applicants. We must teach that benefits and the future are very important to those of the future work force.

Retail stores are starting at $10 to $11 per hour. These wages are much higher than a couple of years ago. Good for a second job but no benefits. We also need to think about our time with family.

I had the pleasure of meeting a very innovative administrator at Capital Technical School, Jim Holland. He graciously agreed to speak with me. Although they are having great success with their students it remains to have limited enrollment in proportion to state needs. There are 26 tech schools in this area. But in my opinion the numbers are far too small for our needs. Classes are only 10 to 15 students at a time. Enrollment is down slightly from the norm to 388 students. Everything is based on populations; which is another area for review. Maine has tittered around a population of a million and a half people for decades now. We are losing our children/grandchildren to another state that pays more; we need to learn to be more competitive.

We also need to vote and know who we are voting for, and what they really stand for. That can only be done by searching their history. We have so many kids running for office when we need to be looking for maturity and experience as well as their previous track record.

Well, I’ll leave that part of it up to my readers and the parents who influence the children’s direction. Just remember there is a very large market out there in the trades and we need that badly. Those kinds of jobs now pay more than many jobs we consider professional and offer benefits. It takes a pretty smart person to plumb a house or wire one. Think about it!

Now is really the time to think about your vote. When I think of Harvard, for example, I think of billionaire Bill Gates who dropped out to become the founder of Microsoft; also Steve Jobs, loved by millions, known for Xerox applications and the IPods, phone industry, a billionaire, who also dropped out of Reed College his first year.

You can be who and what you want without the Ivy League touch. That charisma is dying. I never regretted my educational path and I wasn’t rich, so no Harvard, just the university system and military schools. This election year, please vote and choose wisely. You can find the answers in your computers or at your local library. Be part of it all; your children’s futures and our state of Maine are at stake. God bless.

Community Commentary is a forum The Town Line makes available for citizens to express their opinions on subjects of interest to our readers. The Town Line welcomes, and encourages, supportive comments, differing opinions, counterpoints or opposing views. Keep the rebuttals positive, and informative. Submissions containing personal attacks will be rejected.

GARDEN WORKS – Distracted gardening: How to cope when you can’t tend to the garden

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Emily Catesby Emily Cates

Dear readers and garden friends, I’m sure you’re wondering where I’ve been the past few months. Well, I’ve been caring for a family member with a prolonged illness. Truth be told, I haven’t had a chance to write until now. Anyone with their hands full understands it’s not always easy to garden (or write about gardening) when you’re busy!

However, I’ve had plenty of time to think about what to write, and this article is just about that – gardening on the go, when there’s not a lot of time and energy to do so. Let’s take a look at some helpful hints that can get us through the season when we’re unable to be there in the garden as much as we’d like to be. Among a few ideas we’ll explore are mulching, delegating, and preparing for next year.

First of all, always remember that Nature will go on regardless of what we are able to do ourselves. Many noteworthy gardens of times past have been abandoned and rediscovered. Most importantly, it helps to think of ourselves as part of a bigger picture. It’s the bigger picture that can help put things into perspective and not get discouraged.

Even if we don’t get a chance to do anything and the garden goes completely wild, what’s the worst that can happen? Look on the bright side: the land gets to rest. The soil will likely retain a measure of richness. Yes, weeds will grow and form offspring, but can always be removed at a later time. In many cases, the area could simply be mowed over, the soil underneath waiting patiently for future activities.

Countless times this season I’ve found it necessary to take deep breaths and to tell myself, “Begin again.” Remember you are in good company with others throughout all times and realms who could use encouragement. Don’t hesitate to accept assistance if someone offers to help! Oftentimes I’ve found the best memories I’ve had gardening were helping others with their gardens, or when they’ve helped me with mine. The fellowship in such a space outdoors can bring joy to all involved and make each day easier to deal with.

From a practical viewpoint, mulching is one of the best options to keep the soil workable when garden work is on pause. It’s what Nature does on its own, after all. This can be accomplished by living mulches – such as ground-covers and cover crops – or by adding layers of materials such as straw, plain newspaper, untreated cardboard, and the like. Tin roofing, old rugs, and garden fabrics do the job as well (albeit on the unsightly side). Either way, weeds are suppressed and the soil ready to be turned next time it is convenient.

Also, remember that a garden need not be exclusive. If we are unable to work in the garden, then perhaps we could share it with someone else who would also benefit from taking care of it, happy to maintain it and grow some veggies for us and themselves. And if it looks like our garden is a good candidate for becoming a legacy, then what better way than to pass this legacy along to a new generation? What better way to show gratitude to the land that sustains us than to keep it sustained?

Well, thanks for reading. I hope your season is as productive as possible, your harvest happy and abundant. Your feedback is certainly appreciated, so if you have any helpful ideas, hints, and even recipes, feel free to comment on our website or Facebook page – or send us a good old-fashioned letter!

FINANCIAL MATTER$ – 401(k): When should you start?

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

Which would you rather have … a million dollars today or the result of one penny doubling every day for the next 30 days? If you chose the penny, good for you! It would be worth about $1.3M on the 28th day and $5,368.709.12 on the 30th day.

In my opinion, there is no factor that has a more profound effect on the value of money than time. Compound interest was once said to be the eighth wonder of the world, and when considering the previous example, you might agree.

As an advisor in the retirement industry, I hear many different reasons about why people choose to participate or not participate in their employer’s 401(k) plan. When speaking with investors, it has always been a goal of mine to effectively explain the power of time and compound interest. Yes, choosing the right stocks or funds is important, but equally important is having time on your side. It doesn’t take a lot of money from one’s paycheck (even $10/week can make a difference) to build something significant for down the road, as long as you start young.

Whether you end up with $100,000 or $5,000,000 at retirement, you’ll be glad you put some money away for yourself and you’ll likely be even happier if you started at a young age.

If you are a parent, grandparent, uncle, aunt, or a friend to a younger person, I hope you share this impactful concept with them and urge them to learn more.

Investment advisory services are offered through Foundations Investment Advisors, LLC, an SEC registered investment adviser.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The bug and the tree

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The boxelder bug

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

There they were! Marching along the railing of my porch as my wife and I were enjoying the day’s end of sunshine on a Saturday afternoon. They formed a column like a trucking convoy, one behind the other, all heading in the same direction. Blackish-colored bugs with red stripes, about a half inch long. I had seen them before, but not this many.

Then, it happened! The next morning, one had found its way into the house, clinging to the outside door, trying to make its best impression of an opossum. Playing dead, not moving.

It was time to find what these things were and why were they trying to enter our domain.

It really didn’t come clear to me until a little later, when evidence started to fall into place. First was a call out to my contact, Allison Kanoti, acting state entomologist, with the Maine Forest Service. But, it was the weekend, and I would have to wait until mid-week for an answer.

Second, I met with an arborist with the plan to cut down some dead trees on my property. The arborist informed me the trees were boxelders, and would have not much heating value. (That was OK, I just wanted to get rid of them.)

Then came the news from my state contact: the bugs were most likely boxelder bugs. Ta-dah! There is the connection.

leaves of a box elder

Boxelder trees and boxelder bugs

The boxelder bugs feed almost entirely on boxelder, maple and ash trees. Another clue. I have a maple tree directly in front of my porch.

These bugs also like to winter indoors, if possible. Should they enter your home, they will hibernate there, mostly in cracks in window frames, gaps and crevices, and tears in screen doors. But, once they get in your home, they will lay dormant while the weather is cool. Once your heating system becomes active, they falsely perceive that it is spring time and they will head out in search of food. Their extracts may stain upholstery, carpets, drapes, and they may feed on certain types of house plants.

The next question: do they bite?

They are not typically known as biters, but they have the ability to pierce into skin, which makes the skin a bit irritated and results in a red spot that resembles a mosquito bite. Medical attention should be sought in the case of a bite. They are, in general, harmless to humans and pets.

These bugs are not classified as agricultural pests and generally are no danger to ornamental plantings. They are, however, known to do damage to some fruits in the fall as they leave their summer homes in trees to seek areas to overwinter.

The boxelder bug, Boisea trivittata, emits a strong scent, similar to stink bugs, should they be disturbed or threatened. Spiders are their minor predators, but because of their defense mechanism, only a few birds or other animals will eat them.

Eggs are laid by females in the cracks of tree bark during spring. They prefer female boxelder trees, which produce seeds, as opposed to male trees that do not.

Boxelder bugs prefer seeds but will also suck leaves. They are frequently seen on maple trees as these trees provide them with seeds as well.

So, the arborist is coming in a week or so to take down those boxelder trees, and that should help reduce the population. However, my maple tree stays.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Have the Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers ever met in a World Series?

Answer can be found here.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Collecting, or hoarding

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by Debbie Walker

It seems an interest is what begins a collection. Collections move onto the best of intentions. It’s a process of getting things from different places and bringing them together. That may be when the term hobby comes into play. You may find the time spent on a hobby outside your occupation brings relaxation to you.

When we moved back to Maine I began with an interest in fairies. There is an apple tree and a boulder out front that I was drawn to. The tree has a portion of the root system above ground. I kept thinking about what a neat place for fairies to live and I could picture my fairies playing around the boulder. It has been a process but that little interest turned into a collection of fairy items and into a hobby of writing my own fairy stories and, yes, I find writing and setting up a fairy village each summer very relaxing.

(My created fairies and their critter friends are outside and inside (taking over) the house. This place became known as Apple Tree Notch, home of the Bailey family of fairies.)

This example in no way represents the amount of collections in this house. There are decorative bird houses, costume jewelry (I take it apart and make other things), books both for the kids at school and ones for resource information of my many interests, etc. Right about now it is okay to start feeling bad for Ken, my significant other. Poor man, it’s not always easy to live with a person of many interests. One day I may try to make a list of all of them. Mr. Neat Freak has done well to adapt.

There are as many reasons, unlimited and changeable, for collecting things as there are collectors.

A woman I knew in Florida collected dolls. No, not the pretty collectible dolls one would normally picture. She would go to thrift stores and find a naked, nasty haired, neglected doll. She would take it home, clean it, repair it when necessary, dress it and fix the hair. Then she would be onto the next one. Other than giving to a few children that had a need, she would keep (collect) them. Her brother explained they were a large migrant working family (with an abusive, alcoholic father). Their father wouldn’t allow toys; there was no room to carry such around the country as they traveled from state to state for each crop season. She is fulfilling her childhood dream of pretty dolls.

I suppose I have to include something about hoarding. I told you of my having many interests and Ken thinks I have entered into hoarding. Hoarding is to collect and hide large amounts (something valuable). I am not hoarding, I’m not hiding a thing! However I am definitely collecting!

People gather all kinds of things for their collections or hobbies. It all starts with their interests. So rather you are a knitter (yarn), seamstress (material), hobbyist for trains and tracks or whatever your interest, I hope your collection brings you relaxation.

I’m just curious what your collections are. I will be waiting at dwdaffy@yahoo.com to hear about your collections and how they started. Thanks for reading.

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Novelist: John MacDonald; Music: Mozart

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

John D. MacDonald

A Deadly Shade of Gold.
Fawcett paperback, 1965, 287 pages.

John D, MacDonald

Novelist John MacDonald (1916-1986) produced over 70 pulsating examples of the suspense genre. They included the classic thriller Cape Fear which was transformed into the 1962 film starring Robert Mitchum as the villain Max Cady and the 1991 remake with Robert DeNiro portraying the same psychotic fiend. Both actors outdid themselves in one of the most persuasive depictions of evil on the big screen, maybe at the same level as Lee Marvin, Clu Gulager and Ronald Reagan in 1961’s The Killers.

Deadly Shade is one of the 22 novels in MacDonald’s Travis McGee series; McGee is the riveting combination of beachcomber/salvage expert whose particular salvaging involves too many up close and personal encounters with the most dangerous people. Its plot centers on an old friend of McGee’s dropping in one day with a problem and very quickly later found cold-bloodedly murdered. The story is off and running in MacDonald’s unique manner, the only consistent annoyance being his insipid handling of love scenes. A very recommended reading experience!

Mozart

Duo for solo violin and viola, K423; Sinfonia Concertante K364- David Oistrakh, violist and son Igor, violinist, with Kyril Kondrashin conducting the Moscow Philharmonic in K364, London stereo LP, CS 6377, recorded during the 1960s.

David Oistrakh

Igor Oistrakh

Two of Mozart’s beautiful compositions involving viola and violin are performed by father and son Oistrakh in a very fine collaboration with Kyril Kondrashin and the Moscow Philharm­onic with interesting liner notes by the late record producer Erik Smith. Also available on a CD.

 

 

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Saying Boo to cavities this Halloween

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(NAPSI)—Halloween can be a scary holiday for families. Not because of the haunted houses, ghosts and goblins, but because of tooth decay.

On average, between parties and trick-or-treating, kids consume three cups of sugar on October 31 alone, but even before that, the battle has already begun. Parents trick themselves into thinking that this sweet holiday is just one day, but the treats begin early in the month and continue long after the costumes are put away, and the sugar-laden Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays loom ahead.

That’s one reason October is National Dental Hygiene Month. Another is that while people generally have a brushing “routine,” most don’t really know how to take optimal care of their teeth. Now, that is frightening.

It’s time to correct some myths about mouths:

Myth #1—Brush After Every Meal

Brushing right after meals, or after consuming sugar-sweetened drinks, can do more harm than good. Surprised? After you eat or drink sugars and starches, acids may be present on your teeth, attacking the enamel and causing them to soften. If you brush them before the enamel has time to reharden, the polishing compounds in your toothpaste can act as abrasives and actually damage your teeth. Tiny amounts of precious enamel are being sanded away forever if you brush too soon.

To make things worse, the primary function of toothpaste is to deliver minerals to repair your enamel, and this remineralization is inhibited if your mouth is still acidic right after a meal or sweet beverage.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends waiting an hour before brushing to lower the risk of harming your enamel. Experts also recommend brushing with fluoride toothpaste 30 minutes before eating. This ensures that your enamel is strong and ready for the acid challenge of typical foods and sweetened drinks.

Myth #2—Fillings Are the Only Way to Treat Tooth Decay

The traditional approach is to “drill it and fill it.” You’re born with a limited amount of enamel and when it’s lost, it’s gone forever. Thankfully, new science-based research says preventive dental care can avoid painful fillings, crowns and root canals. Weakened enamel can repair itself with the right products and protocols, such as those found at NewEnamel.com, a new, prescription-based dental care system that helps remineralize teeth to reverse early decay and lower the risk of future decay, when used correctly.

Myth #3—Sensitive Teeth Cannot Be Cured

Tooth sensitivity can be a sign of early tooth decay. Millions of Americans suffer from sensitive, painful teeth, purchasing various over-the-counter toothpastes seeking relief. These products often lack sufficient levels of necessary active ingredients and only mask the sensitivity. Prescription-strength dental care products, containing the optimal amounts of key minerals (calcium, phosphate and fluoride), can more effectively remineralize teeth, greatly reducing sensitivity.

“It’s important to follow validated best practices to prevent tooth decay, and keep your enamel strong and healthy,” advises Dr. Anthony T. Fernandez, DDS. NewEnamel is designed to reduce the risk factors that promote decay, and increase the protective factors that enhance repair to the surface of the tooth. The newly repaired enamel surface is often stronger than it was before treatment.

With some simple precautions and changes to your dental routine, you can help your teeth last a lifetime—and save yourself a lot of money and unnecessary visits to the dentist.

Learn More

For further facts about preventing, reducing and even reversing tooth decay, visit www.newenamel.com.

SOLON & BEYOND: Ronald Brown returns home following another reunion with fellow veterans

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

Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy!

Ronald Brown recently returned home after attending a reunion of those he served in the Navy with. He served his country from 1962 until 1966. He went to Boot Camp in Great Lakes, Illinois. His first duty station was in Maryland. His second duty station was PRG.com school in San Diago, California. His third duty station was in Bremerton, Washington; UUS Reeves D L G -24. He went to Long Beach, California, which was also his home port for awhile. While he was in the service he earned his GED.

In 1965, he was sent to Vietnam where he served until he came home to Maine in 1966.

Ronnie has attended four of the Navy reunions at this time, but says he intends to try and go to them every time in the future. I asked if he meets any of those that he knew before, and he said he has met some.

Ronnie attended the first one in 2012. His brother Roger Brown went with him to Charleston, South Carolina, for that one. In 2014 Ronnie attended the ship reunion in Portland, Oregon. He went to the 2016 ship reunion in San Antonio, Texas. In 2018 Ronnie’s friend, Lester Chick, from Glouchester, Massachusetts. attended the ship reunion at Warwick, Rhode Island, with him this year.

The Selectmen have hired Linda Holloway, from Bingham, to be the new Town Deputy Treasurer. Linda started on October 19. Christie will remain Tax Collector/Clerk/Treasurer until January 1, 2019. Linda will take over as Treasurer on January 1, 2019, and Christie will be the Tax Collector/Clerk starting on January 1, 2019.

Also the Town Office will not be open on Tuesdays until the week of December 3. Between now and December 3, Christie and Linda will use the Tuesdays to better learn their jobs and how to use the various computer programs. The above e-mail was sent by Elaine Aloes, Solon selectman.

The Solon Pine Tree 4 – H Club reorganized for the new year on Saturday, October 13, with Cooper Dellarma presiding. Seventeen members signed up for the coming year.

Several members are planning to attend Somerset County Achievement night on Friday, October 26, at the Madison Grange Hall.

The Somerset County Leaders Association is planning a Holiday Swag work shop at the Extension office on Saturday, November 10, in the afternoon. Several members are planning to attend.

A 4-H family luncheon is being planned for Sunday, November 4 at the Solon Masonic Hall. This is potluck for the members and their families.

For a fun activity the members enjoyed painting white pumpkins which were donated by the Seavy Farm in North Anson.

Fresh cider and donuts were enjoyed by all.

The next meeting will be on Saturday, November 10, at 9:30 a.m., at the Solon Fire Station with election of officers.

The Solon Congregational Church will be having its Annual Holiday Craft Fair on Saturday, November 10, at the Solon Elementary School, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. There will be a bake sale, basket raffles, crafts, and the kitchen will be open with breakfast and lunch items. The gym will be full of vendors, holiday goodies and much more! There will be a kids room where only kids are allowed. Children can buy gently used items as Christmas presents for parents and family. Wrapping and name tags included.

This event is hosted by the Solon Congregational Church. For anyone whishing to rent a space you may call 643-2180.

And now for Percy’s memoir:

Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can. (words by Wesley.)

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.