FOR YOUR HEALTH: Finding Health Insurance Coverage For Your New College Graduate

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Many families may be surprised at how much young adults need health insurance—and how easy it can be for them to get it.

(NAPSI)—As you and your child look to the future, many questions may arise. One often lost in these planning discussions is what are the graduate’s health insurance needs.

While it might be the last thing you ask yourself, it can be one of the most significant. Adults ages 19 to 34 have the highest uninsured rates of any age group in the United States—and that may put them at risk. One unexpected accident or illness could have long-lasting health and financial impacts.

“Choosing the right health coverage may seem difficult to young people, as many have never shopped for their own health insurance,” said Dan Garrison, president of HealthMarkets Insurance Agency. “Fortunately, there is a wide range of coverage options available to a family working to meet a graduate’s unique care needs and financial situation.”

And now is the time to start. While some graduates may have secured jobs that offer health benefits, some may not have access to these benefits immediately, while others may need to look at other options.

Here are some tips for getting started:

Know where to go for support. You and your graduate can find helpful information through healthcare marketplaces, insurance carriers, insurance brokers and other licensed agents. For example, GetCovered, powered by HealthMarkets, is a free service that provides guidance for graduates in need of healthcare coverage—by phone at 877-270-0029 or online at getcovered.com/graduate.

Have answers to these kick-off questions.

•When does the graduate’s current coverage end, if it is through the university or college?
•Is coverage possible under the family’s plan? Under the “Age 26 Rule,” parents or guardians may maintain or add children to their health plans until the young person’s 26th birthday or later, depending on the state.
•What benefits does the graduate need or want?
•What portion of the graduate’s monthly budget can go to health insurance?

Understand your options

If coverage under the “Age 26” rule is not an option, consider:

•Medicaid/Medicare—While Medicare coverage is primarily available to individuals over age 65, Medicaid eligibility is based on income, disability, and other circumstances.

•Individual exchange/marketplace plans—These ACA plans are available through federal or state enrollment sites. Based on income, your graduate may be eligible for plan subsidies—making one of these plans more affordable. Graduation would be a “qualifying life event” to enroll in an ACA plan outside of the annual Open Enrollment Period.

•Short-term plans—Short-term limited duration insurance plans offer different levels of coverage than ACA plans. These plans provide temporary coverage to bridge the gap between longer-term insurance coverage, such as health benefits offered by an employer.

“Health coverage decisions can be made simpler—and there are resources to help,” Garrison said. “Whether your family chooses to do its own research and enrollment, or engage outside services, determining what your graduate may need and can afford will help you find health coverage that ensures your child has access to care now.”

THE BEST VIEW: Crocs, bandanas & “Ranch Dressing”

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by Norma Best Boucher

Listen up! You are the first to know. I am “officially” eccentric. I can see the raised eyebrows of the people who do not know me and the rolling of the eyes of the people who do know me. For the new people, just how eccentric am I? For my friends, I have crossed the line from oddity to eccentricity—there is no stopping me now.

The oddity stage started when I was a little girl living on a street with all boys. I thought I was a pretty normal tomboy, but in later years I met an older woman whose family had lived on my street who told me that her husband used to refer to me as “the character.” At first, I was insulted, but then I took the name as being my own person, which is evidently still true to this day.

Most of my family members were eventually involved in the business world, actually owning various businesses. I was the English major with a vivid imagination always writing or telling stories. We were all encouraged to be what we wanted to be, not what anyone else expected us to be. What freedom —to be accepted for what we were. I remember doing something that a non-family member thought odd, but my cousins stood up for me and responded with understanding, “Oh, that’s just Norma.”
Acceptance felt good.

Let’s see, now, eccentricity. I have discovered Crocs, the shoes not the reptile. Although there are many new stylish choices, I enjoy the original round-toed, holey clogs. I was at an appointment the other day with a young lady taking my blood pressure. She saw my Crocs (I was wearing my bright pink Crocs at the time.) and mentioned that there were many new styles.

“I know,” I said, “but I like the ugly ones.”

From the expression on her face, I could tell that she didn’t appreciate eccentricity.

I own many colorful pairs of Crocs, purchased at sale prices at a local discount clothing store. I like to choose shockingly bright colors that might ordinarily clash with my outfit, but by being eccentric, the colors merely stand out in total eccentricity.

About 20 years ago I discovered elasticized waist bands. Although my weight didn’t seem to change, my actual figure did, hence the elasticized waist bands. I discovered well-known national brand-named jeans with elasticized waist bands and was happy for many years. As the years progressed, I did have to hunt for those jeans. I went from one national department store to a different national department store until finally the last national department store closed all of its stores near me. I was forced to search online but to no avail.

I never gave up searching, though, and finally I found my jeans in not only dark blue denim but also in my beloved light blue denim and on sale. I just kept clicking on the links until I was into a company that only had stores in the northwest of the US of A. Then I noticed the name of the store. Let’s just say that the word “farm” was in the store name. I have nothing against farming. I have had my share of gardens and enjoyed them, but to buy my well-known national brand-named jeans from a farm supply store? That did it. Either I could be insulted, or I could be eccentric. I chose to be eccentric. I was nearly there anyway, so why not?

I was sulking about the “farm” thing and finally shared with my friends my dilemma.

“Go for it,” they all said. “Wear your wildest colored Crocs and add a bandana as an accessory.”

That sounded reasonable, maybe even stylish. No one had to know the store had the word “farm” in its name. I began to rationalize the situation. Farm stores sell animal feed. Horses eat feed, and horses live on ranches. I’ll just substitute the word “ranch” for “farm.” I went right online and ordered two pairs of “ranch” jeans, one in each color.

I am in my 70s now, but as I walk out my front door dressed in my bright red Crocs, my paisley-designed red bandana in my right pants pocket with just a hint of color showing from the corner of the bandana, and my new dark navy “ranch” jeans, I am the 10-year-old “character” of my youth going out to play with my cousins.

“Oh, that’s just Norma,” I hear them say.

Yes.

Acceptance feels good.

MY POINT OF VIEW: A humanitarian journey

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by Gary Kennedy

Well, Julie and I have arrived back home from our humanitarian mission in the South Pacific. Our plane trip both going and coming was a literal nightmare which took two days each way. Lay overs were the worst of it, sleeping in airport chairs, etc., is murder on your body.

All my misery being said, the mission was very successful and very satisfying for my wife and I. We left many very happy people where ever we would go. Since we are not paid humanitarians we received our reward from the people we serve. We get to share beautiful children and receive lots of hugs and kisses. That’s worth it all to us. A lollipop can bring about the most beautiful smile you ever would want to see. However, we gave much more than that, thanks to the generosity of folks like you. What was supposed to be a children only event turned out to include entire families.

Our mission this time included three orphanages, a medical clinic, a prison, two libraries, multiple small feeding events and the establishment of a small school at the Knights of Rizal headquarters in Manila, Philippines.

I have many photos and videos which I would be glad to share upon request. We will be doing it all again in December if we raise enough supplies for the events. We already have a couple of people who would like to volunteer. We love the help. I must warn you once you begin doing these humanitarian missions you become addicted. It’s the most wonderful feeling for those of good heart. I have often wished I was rich so I could do more. I also wonder why those with greater than average means are not involved. Perhaps they don’t realize the natural high that giving to those in need will bring. Oh well, those who do open their hearts receive great rewards. There is so much love out there just waiting to be shared. It’s not what you take with you it’s what you leave behind.

I mentioned in my second paragraph that what we were doing was supposed to be for the children only; well my wife changed all that. We both have soft hearts but hers is perhaps a little more sensitive to situations. She sees things that I sometimes over look. The one example I will share with you is our visit to the indigenous people known as the Aetas Tribe. They are a tribe of people which predate the Spanish occupation of the Philippine Island, before the 1500s. They are a slight, dark skinned race with dark curly/wavy hair. They are supposedly protected by Philippine government but that protection is very shoddy. Food is not adequate, clothing is bare necessity; very little foot wear, limited school supplies and many were running around naked. It took awhile to have them accept us but with time and lollipops we prevailed.

We prepared massive amounts of food for this visit which was a good thing as there were many people coming out of hiding during our visit. As I stated, this was suppose to be a children’s event. Julie along with other volunteers, that we had with us, began passing out Styrofoam plates loaded with food to all the children. We had an interpreter giving instruction to the children about sitting and using the plastic fork and spoons we supplied. Julie noticed dozens of adults hanging around the outside fence just watching the great food the children were eating. Finally, she came to me and said, “honey, I think they are all hungry”. I replied, “Do you think we have enough to feed them all”? Julie replied that we had more than enough so we invited them in.

They were very hungry and very happy. After all were full of food and pineapple juice we gave out the gifts we had with us. We gave all the school supplies for the coming school year and the children all received footwear and some clothing. Before it all ended it was as if we were part of the community. Their translator taught them a little English which they imparted as we said goodbye and went out the gate. The words, “please come back, we love you”, rang out for all to hear. It brought tears to my eyes. What a wonderful parting gift; we will return.

In closing I would like to give a special thanks to all that gave, especially Old Navy and Loots, of Augusta. I would also like to give a very special thanks to Chris Lemieux, at Staples Office Supply, of Augusta, for giving schools supplies to 300 children for the year. They will never forget.

God bless to all.

SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Plan and plant a hummingbird garden

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A hummingbird dining on the nectar of phlox. (photo courtesy of MelindaMyers.com)

by Melinda Myers

Whether you are making some late additions to your gardens or planning for the future include some hummingbird-favorite plants. Select plants and create combinations to attract and support them with a season-long supply of nectar.

Hummingbirds consume an average of two to three times their weight in nectar each day. Providing feeders and an abundance of flowers throughout the season will support the hummingbirds and help attract them to your gardens. Keep this in mind as you add plants to your landscape.

Shrubs like azalea, lilac, weigela, buttonbush, and Rose-of-Sharon provide shelter for birds and nectar-filled flowers for hummingbirds and other pollinators to enjoy. The North American native honeysuckle vine adds vertical interest and hummingbird appeal even in small spaces. Major Wheeler is a cultivar of the native honeysuckle vine that blooms all summer and is more resistant to powdery mildew. Watch as the hummingbirds munch on any aphids that attack this plant. They are great pest managers to have in the garden.

Another native vine, the trumpet vine, is a vigorous grower that can be trained into a small tree or onto a trellis. This plant will send out suckers requiring some regular maintenance. Be patient as it can take several years for this vine to begin flowering. Avoid overfertilization which results in an even bigger plant and no flowers.

Shorter vines, like the hummingbird’s favorite cardinal vine, make excellent thrillers in containers. Train them onto a decorative support and grow them in their own pot or combine them with other annuals.

Include perennials for added seasonal beauty and nectar. Early blooming lungwort is shade tolerant and provides some of the earliest nectar for these winged beauties. Leave the white or lavender flowers on your hostas for the hummingbirds. This popular shade-tolerant plant is often overlooked for its hummingbird appeal.

Garden phlox and bee balm are both hummingbird favorites that add color and nectar to the summer garden. Look for powdery mildew-resistant varieties or plant them among other tall plants to hide any discolored foliage that may occur. North American native anise hyssop and liatris are two more favorites you may want to include.

Fill vacant spots in the garden, containers, or hanging baskets with annuals known to attract hummingbirds. Fuchsias, begonias, and impatiens are perfect for shady locations. Cupheas are often sold under the common names, tiny mice and cigar plant, and prefer a sunnier location. The taller blue horizon ageratum, geranium, bidens, tall verbena, and petunias grow well in gardens and containers.

Both perennial and annual salvias attract hummingbirds. Place a pot or two of Black and Blue, Black and Bloom, and Wendy’s Wish near your windows, so you can enjoy the frequent visits of your resident hummingbirds.

Add one or more feeders to your landscape. Provide space between the feeders as hummingbirds are territorial. Make sure there is cover within 10 to 15 feet. Fill the container with a 1-part sugar to 4-part water solution. Replace the mixture and clean the feeders every few days. This provides additional food for the hummingbirds and viewing opportunities for you.

It may take a couple of years for the hummingbirds to find your nectar-filled garden. In the meantime, you will enjoy the flowers and other pollinators that stop by to dine.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the recently released Midwest Gardener’s Handbook, 2nd Edition, and Small Space Gardening. She hosts The Great Courses “How to Grow Anything” instant video and DVD series and the nationally syndicated Melinda’s Garden Moment TV & radio program. Myers is a columnist and contributing editor for Birds & Blooms magazine and her website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Shortnosed sturgeons lurk in the Kennebec River

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Shortnosed sturgeon

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

If you’ve ever fished the Kennebec River, you will know that many species of fish inhabit its waters. From striped bass, large and smallmouth bass, and blue fish, to Atlantic salmon, and bait fish such as alewives and American shad. But did you know that there is another denizen of the deep lurking in those waters? It is the shortnosed sturgeon. And they are endangered.

The term sturgeon includes over 20 species commonly referred to as sturgeon and several closely related species that have distinct common names.

One of the oldest families of bony fish in existence, sturgeon are native to subtropical, temperate and sub-Arctic rivers, lakes and coastlines of Eurasia and North America. Sturgeons ranging from 7 to 12 feet in length are common, and some species grow up to 18 feet. Most sturgeons are anadromous bottom-feeders, spawning upstream and feeding in river deltas and estuaries. While some are entirely freshwater, very few venture into the open ocean beyond near coastal areas.

Several species of sturgeons are harvested for their roe, which is made into caviar, a luxury good which makes some sturgeons pound for pound the most valuable of all harvested fish. Because they are slow-growing and mature very late in life, they are particularly vulnerable to exploitation and to other threats, including pollution and habitat fragmentation. Most species of sturgeons are currently listed as endangered, or critically endangered.

Sturgeons and related paddlefish appeared in the fossil record approximately 200 million years ago, making them among the most ancient of fishes. In that time, they have undergone remarkably little change, indicating that their evolution has been exceptionally slow and earning them informal status as living fossils. This is explained in part by the long inter-generation time, tolerance for wide ranges of temperature and salinity, lack of predators due to size, and the abundance of prey items in the benthic (on the bottom) environment.

They are primarily bottom feeders. With their projecting wedge-shaped snout they stir up the soft bottom, and use the barbels to detect shells, crustaceans and small fish, on which they feed. Having no teeth, they are unable to seize prey, though larger specimens can swallow very large prey items, including whole salmon.

I remember one time when I was salt smelting with a friend in Dresden on the Kennebec River. The night was cold and many of the smelt shacks had their doors closed. But the silence was broken when someone in another shack came running out the door, yelling “shark!” He had hooked into a sturgeon, and upon seeing the snout and vertical tail, thought he had landed a shark. We had a good laugh about that one, and continue to talk about it to this day.

In June 2004, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission gave the go ahead for a project on the Penobscot River to restore 11 species of migratory fish to the watershed. One of those specimens was the shortnosed sturgeon. The plan was to purchase and decommission three dams on the river – removing two of them and building a bypass around the third. Shortnose and Atlantic sturgeon are among the oldest creatures living in the Penobscot River.

If you ever want to get a look at sturgeons, a good place to start is at the public boat landing off Water Street in Waterville. Sometimes, when trolling under the Carter Memorial Bridge for bass or striped bass, you might see a sturgeon, between the Taconnet Dam and the rapids to the south. Some rather large sturgeons have been sighted in that area. Remember, though, they are endangered, and it is unlawful to take, catch, possess, or destroy any shortnose or Atlantic sturgeon from the waters of Maine.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

The Boston Red Sox have won nine World Series, tied with the A’s. Only two other teams have more. Who are they?

Answer
New York Yankees (27), St. Louis Cardinals (10); Philadelphia/Kansas City/Oakland Athletics (9).

LAKE LIFE TODAY: part 5: While planning for the Future

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by Elaine Philbrook

Lake Life Today is a series of articles that are hoped will inspire you to see how, by taking just a few steps, you can make a difference and help preserve the quality of water in our lakes for future generations.

These articles have been collected and organized by LakeSmart Director Elaine Philbrook, a member of China Region Lake Alliance (aka “the Alliance”) serving China Lake, Webber Pond, Three Mile Pond, and Three-Cornered Pond. The Alliance would like to thank our partners at Maine Lakes and Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) for information to support this article.

Rain Gardens

Last week’s article covered what a “beneficial buffer” along the water’s edge could look like. This week’s submission is how to “slow the flow’ of water using a rain garden before it reaches the buffer zone.

Rain gardens are attractive and functional landscaped areas that are designed to capture and filter storm water from roofs, driveways, downspouts, and other hard (impervious) surfaces. Rain gardens collect storm water in a depression in the ground, with water-loving native perennials and shrubs planted atop so that rainwater slowly soaks into the ground. This reduces the potential for erosion and minimizes the impact of pollutants flowing from your lawn into nearby streams and the lake. Rain gardens benefit our lakes, add beauty to our properties, as well as provide a food source and habitat for wildlife.

Installation

Rain gardens can vary in size but are most effective when built to 20-30 percent of the drainage area. Rain gardens for single-family homes will typically range from 150 to 300 square feet, but even a smaller one will help reduce storm water pollution problems.

• The garden should be bowl-shaped, with the lowest point of the garden no more than 6 inches below the surrounding land.
• The sides should be gently sloping towards the center to prevent sudden drop-offs that could lead to erosion problems or walking hazards.
• Rain gardens are often placed in a preexisting or created depressions within a lawn, or in a location that receives roof runoff from a downspout.
• To avoid flooding improperly sealed foundations, build your rain garden 10 feet away from existing structures and direct stormwater into the garden with a grassy swale, French drain, or gutter extension.

Rain gardens can be placed in sunny or shady regions of your lawn, but plants should be chosen accordingly with the lowest point planted with wet tolerant species, the sides closest to the center planted with moist tolerant species, and the edges of the rain garden planted with moist to dry tolerant species. It is also important to check the permeability of your soil. Sandy soils only need compost added, but clay soils should be replaced with a mix (50- 60 percent sand, 20-30 percent topsoil, 20-30 percent compost). After construction of the garden is complete, the entire area should be covered with a thick layer of mulch, preferably Erosion Control Mix (ECM).

Maintenance

Watch during rainstorms and see how it works! Monitor infiltration capacity and make sure your rain garden does not get clogged by periodically removing accumulated debris and sediment from the inlet and bottom. Inspect the rain garden after large rain events and in the spring each year.

• Plants will likely need regular watering during the first growing season and in very dry periods thereafter.
• Remove weeds and invasive plants.
• Replace plants that die.
• Leave plants in the fall and remove dead plant material in late spring to allow for wildlife habitat.
• Embrace messiness! It is a living system and does not need to be manicured.

For more information on how to install a rain garden you can view this helpful video on building a Rain Garden: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pUdi5HYn5Q

If you have any questions about what you can do to ensure the integrity of your valued lake or if you would like a free LakeSmart evaluation you can reach Elaine Philbrook by email at chinalakesmart@gmail.com and follow-up to read the next Townline Newspaper.

Live lightly on the land for the sake of the lake (LakeSmart).

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Make the Most of Summer with Tips for a Healthy Season

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(NAPSI)—The summer months are here, signaling that it’s time to soak up the warm weather, enjoy time outside, and make the most of the longer days. The hotter months can also bring additional risk for outdoor activities, so follow these safety tips to prepare for a fun and healthy summer.

Use sun protection. Always take protective steps when enjoying time in the sun. Make use of the shade on a sunny day to keep cool and reduce the risk of sunburn. A wide-brimmed hat can provide additional protection from damaging UV rays. Best of all is broad-spectrum sunscreen, which should be applied 20 minutes before going outdoors. Choose sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.

Prepare for bugs. When planning a day outside, be sure to pack insect repellent. Warmer weather means more insects, which can be more than noisy nuisances. Insects like mosquitoes and ticks can also carry disease. If the day calls for spending time in tall grass or heavily wooded areas, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants to prevent bites. Remember to check your clothing, body, and pets for ticks upon returning indoors.

Stay active. Staying active is also important to good health, and summer is a great time to jumpstart an active lifestyle. Try to get at least 150 minutes of physical activity each week, whether that’s swimming, playing catch, or just going for a walk around the neighborhood. Many people break up the 150 minutes a week into 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week. But do whatever works for your schedule and lifestyle. Physical activity doesn’t just help you stay in shape: moving more can also improve stress and anxiety and lead to better sleep.

Drink enough water. Staying on top of fluid intake is key to staying healthy and hydrated in the heat, and it can be easy to become dehydrated without noticing. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends drinking at least 64 ounces of water a day. Sports drinks can help replenish vital electrolytes after time in the hot sun but should be consumed in moderation due to their high sugar content.

Update your COVID protection. Winter may be known as the cold and flu season, but COVID remains a threat year-round. If you are already vaccinated but don’t yet have an updated vaccine, consider getting one—especially if you are planning to travel, attend crowded events, or spend time with older adults. Updated COVID vaccines offer protection against two strains of the COVID virus. And if you’re 65 or older, or you are immunocompromised, you can get a second dose of an updated vaccine because you’re at high risk for COVID complications.

“With the official public health emergency ending, people may be tempted to dismiss COVID as something they don’t need to worry about when they make plans for the summer,” said Sima Ladjevardian, Regional Director for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. “The truth is, COVID is still part of our lives, and staying up to date on vaccines will help keep COVID from disrupting the things you want to do.”

For more information and to find a free vaccine, visit www.vaccines.gov.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Do you mind if I complain?

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by Debbie Walker

This column is a little different from my usual. If I knew all the answers, I would call this my Public Service Announcement. Truth is I only have questions at this point. I am sure it will sound like a high school “Gripe Paper”.

The story reads something like this: About six weeks ago I started having trouble with what I thought was possibly ‘Sciatica’, I had it before, but it only lasted a few days. Since the pain doctor treated it before I went to him again. He did a shot right where it hurt. Unfortunately, the shot only helped a little for the next couple of days.

I called the pain doc again and he did a prescription of steroids (I think), to be taken for six or seven days, again, no change. One more call to him and he said to just give it a couple of days to see if the medicine kicks in. Four days later I called and left the message that I was in no less pain. His office called me with the message to go to the ER at the hospital. I was more comfortable with going to my primary care doctor.

Last August there were pictures taken of my spine and lower back. She looked at them and said it wasn’t the sciatic, I have severe arthritis and she was sending me home to take arthritis formula Tylenol and referring me to physical therapy.

Tylenol does nothing for me on a good day and what is not understood about the amount of pain I have and what I am limited in doing? I waited another day and gave up and had Dave take me to the hospital. I spent the afternoon having a CT scan and a few X-rays and then the wait. I won’t complain about the time because I really think it was reasonable. And what did they come up with? They said they could give me three days of hydro…whatever. And I should see my pain doctor. First of all I wouldn’t even get to see him in three days. And second, he had already passed me on. So, I wound up with 10 days of a muscle relaxer, they think it is a muscle deal. Oh, and let’s not forget the physical therapy. I can hardly get the nine feet from my car door to house door.

Fortunately, my primary care doctor gave me a referral to get into a spine specialist office, I am desperate at this point. It has been so long with this, and do you think I will walk out of that office that afternoon with no pain anymore? There will be more tests, more time, more pain.

I am not sure, but I think there was a point in time when you went to the family doctor, and they took care of you or at least oversaw your medical treatments. Your doctor would show up in the hospital, mornings, and evenings. Your doctor knew what medication you would be using when you left the hospital.

So, I am just curious if you will let me forget people used to bite down on a stick for pain! I’ll let you know what I have learned when this is over.

Contact me with any questions or comments to DebbieWalker@townline.org. Have a great holiday.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Conductor: Charles Adams Prince; Violinist: Oscar Shumsky

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Charles Prince

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Charles Adams Prince

From August 1915, a ten-inch acoustically recorded shellac (Columbia A1882) presents Prince’s Band under the direction of Charles Adams Prince (1868-1937), Columbia’s highly-accomplished musical jack of all trades and a relative of former Presidents John and John Quincy Adams.

The two marches are Under a Peaceful Sky and R.B. Hall’s New Colonial March.

R. B. Hall

R.B. Hall (1858-1907) was a Maine native, having been born in Bowdoin­ham, and resided in the Pine Tree State most of his life. But his marches achieved renown in this country and, even more, in England, bandleaders and listeners there frequently believing that Hall was an English composer despite efforts to inform otherwise.

The marches are not that musically captivating but they do pass the six to seven minute duration nicely; the performances are perky, precise and imbued with conviction; and the 1915 acoustic sound is quite vivid. Interestingly, Hall’s March was used in later years by Palo Alto, California’s Stamford University as the melody for its school fighting song, whatever that means.

Both sides can be heard via Internet Archive.

Oscar Shumsky

Oscar Shumsky

Violinist Oscar Shumsky (1917-2000) was born in Philadelphia to Russian Jewish parents and started playing at 3 years old, giving his first public performance at seven with Leopold Stokowski and the Philadelphia Orchestra.

He was invited personally by ArturoToscanini, when he was 21, to join the NBC Symphony in 1939.

Shumsky also had a phenomenal memory. Once, after hearing violinist Fritz Kreisler (1875-1963) play a cadenza that the latter composed for Beethoven’s Violin Concerto, the younger man played it by heart shortly after that concert .

During the 1960s, Shumsky collaborated with pianist Artur Balsam (1906-1994) in the complete Mozart Violin Sonatas for the mail order record label Musical Heritage Society, of which I have one LP of Sonatas K 454 and 481. The music is among this composer’s finest.

Some of these recordings can be heard via YouTube.

Shumsky also had an avid interest in photography and became a close friend of Ansel Adams.

Artur Balsam taught several summers at Blue Hill Maine’s Kneisel Hall during the 1970s.

MY POINT OF VIEW: Continental Congress unanimously adopted Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776

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by Gary Kennedy

The usage of Independence Day would be, and is known to all as the 4th of July. When we speak of it in this way it becomes clear as to its real meaning as each of us know and understand it. I state this as we recently have had an influx of immigrations which most likely are unfamiliar with this date in time and to its meaning. When those new comers become fully acclimated to the life and history of this, their new home/country, its importance will become clear to them. It will become to them, as it is to us, who have grown up with the knowledge of this event, and how and why it occurred. For now, as we do every year, we will share a definition as to the meaning and its importance in our lives. Independence Day (4th of July) is revered by Americans as it is indicative of ultimate and unconditional freedom from tyranny and religious persecution; as well as prejudice and slavery.

Some say the growth of the most powerful nation on God’s green Earth, made not only immigration necessary but also slavery. All of that may be in fact true but we now admit, that didn’t make it right. Although most of this happened generations ago we still find need to say, “I’m sorry, but thank you for your sacrifice”. Unfortunately, we are still trying to get it right. We try to right the wrongs of the past but it seems the present creates new ones. However, being a democracy has the benefit of allowing us to make corrections and adjustments as we travel through time. Each generation seems to seek a better tomorrow and yet we see millions of immigrants reaching our shores in search of a better life. So that speaks volumes for the why of it all. America is the land of the free and home of the brave.

On July 4, 1776, the 2nd Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, which announced the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. We officially became the United States of America. The significance of this date in time gave us George Washington, lovingly known as the father of this country and our first president. It was truly a time to celebrate as we were free from Great Britain and also the Revolutionary War was rolled into history. On August 2, 1776, 56 Lovers of Freedom signed the Declaration of Independence. This for the time being severed all political ties with Great Britain. I state political ties as it would not have been wise to sever economic ties with the most economic country in the world at the time. We crossed this path several times in history, China being the most recent. Some doors need to remain open, if at all possible, while slowly disenfranchising those that give unfair advantage to the overall situation.

In 1787 the United States Constitution was written, ratified in 1788 and in full operation in 1789. The U.S. Constitution is the world’s longest serving written charter of government. “We The People”, affirms that the government of the U.S.A. exists to serve its citizens.

The framing of the Constitution was completed at the Constitutional Convention which assembled at Independence Hall, in Philadelphia, between May 25 and September 17, 1787.

The founding fathers signed the Declaration of Independence as well as helped draft the Constitution. They also became the political leaders of the time. Obviously, they were brilliant men and collectively they forged an amazing document which has stood the test of time. This is the umbrella under which we live and guide our actions towards one another. It is without a doubt one of the most genius documents ever written and has stood the test of time.

I would be remiss in this narration if I didn’t explain our structure which consists of the three branches of government, the Legislative; the Executive and the Judicial. This is the structure that affirms the indisputable strength of our government.

These branches are given certain powers which complement each other and allow us to be known as a Democracy. They give each of us fair representation in our government. Briefly stated the Legislative branch makes the laws of the United States, controls all of the money and has the power to declare war. The Executive is the President of the United States who oversees and directs, guides and tempers our government. He/she enforces the laws of the United States, spends money as allowed by Congress, can declare states of emergency, appoints judges to the Supreme Court and can grant pardons for crimes. The Judicial branch is the Supreme Court which interprets laws, judges when a law is unconstitutional.

So that all is fair and in order we have a system called checks and balances. The president has the power to veto a bill; Congress has the power to impeach Supreme Court judges or even the president. The Supreme Court has the power to veto a law that they deem unconstitutional.

Over 100 countries around the world have used our constitution as a model of their own. Our supreme court continually interprets the constitution as the world evolves. However, its basic tenets have remained virtually unchanged. There is sometimes a quarrel over its interpretation but they never question its wisdom. The leaders and formers of our country created a pathway document the could and would stand the test of time, all time. They were brilliant, the documents were/are brilliant and I am sure they will remain that way through time. Our beloved George Washington said, “The Constitution is the guide, which I never will abandon.”

The records which create 4th of July are only second to the records of the Bible. I recommend everyone should go to their favorite book store and look up the documents mentioned here but most importantly research the founding fathers. There is wonderful reading regarding the lives of each. In doing so you will understand this country and what and who it took to create it.

Have a wonderful 4th of July. Enjoy the food, fireworks and family. Be forever thankful for the wonders of this country and the why, of why so many seek to come here. Thank God for the freedoms we have and the reasons for them. Last but certainly not least thank the veterans who give so much in the preservation of democracy and freedom. Keep America strong. Happy 4th of July and God bless.

The views of the author of this column are not necessarily those of The Town Line newspaper, its staff and board of directors.