VETERANS CORNER: Addressing veterans’ concerns about facility abuses

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

Welcome back readers. I want to thank you all for the great response we received regarding our last couple of issues. I hope you continue to read and comment as that is the way we draw attention and also get things done. There is a right and a wrong way to do things and we hope that attention leads to doing things which lead to the right way.

I will address some of the negatives that were presented to me this week and then get on to things which hopefully will aid all our veterans in the path they would like to take. This path will lead to better care and hopefully much deserved financial gain.

The first thing I will mention is veterans and especially non-veterans taking advantage of the “Service Dog Allowance”. Service dogs began a few years ago when it was discovered that man’s best friend was truly that. Some veterans were all alone without any support to aid them through loneliness. It was noticed that animals could fill that role if properly trained to negotiate the hurdles involved with dealing with the public. Dogs were and are the number one pick. The old adage, ” Man’s Best Friend”, is truly the case. However, that being said, some dogs are not and never will be able to cope with the public. Also, some are very difficult to train. That is why some wear signs saying, ” Dog In Training”. You are not supposed to have any interplay with these dogs as they are in the learning phase and should not be confused or distracted. The time will come when they will greet you as will their masters. After all, both are being trained by each other.

The other issue is the abuse that some people take regarding the rules of the system. The first thing I heard was, the small areas of lawn were being used as bathrooms for all dogs riding with veterans to their appointments at the VA. This shows ignorance and lack of consideration for others who use these lawns for break time, lunch and just lounging around. I have seen this all myself, so this is not news to me. I just needed you readers to see, and object to it before I brought it up.

It used to be, and still is supposed to be, that the owner of the dog would carry a scoop and a bag for this event. It’s now being taken for granted. If it continues, only certified companion dogs will be allowed. Also, the abuse continues when civilians bring in show dogs on multiple leashes. We have allowed the initial intent to become abused through the allowance of these things. Several people I know are allergic to dogs and after all, it is supposed to be a hospital. You don’t see this at other hospitals. In years past you only saw a dog leading a blind person.

Now anyone can say, I have stress, x-military or civilian. I have actually seen dogs urinate in building 200. This is the entrance to the emergency and the main treatment rooms and hospital. It is popular opinion that this is an issue that needs to be addressed. Don’t get this writer wrong, I love all animals as you can tell by some of my previous articles. I have owned many pets in past years. I believe you have to agree with the veterans who brought this to me.

The veteran’s dog should be what is allowed and if you are a guest you shouldn’t be bringing your animals because you don’t want to leave them at home. This facility is about the care and well-being of our veterans, respect the rules and laws. Our police force needs to see this as a threat and danger to guests as well as patients. One dog bite will lead to a lawsuit, we don’t need that. We also don’t need a contaminated hospital facility. Check other hospitals and you will see what I mean. The Administration is not doing his job.

I mentioned last week that I would check on a couple of things. I have spoken with several regarding the Fisher Hospitality House and its supposed sinking/listing to one side. It seems to be true. If you approach the rear pond side of the building you can see it is listing to that side.

VA has initiated a cover up by keeping the area well groomed, with lights all on and allowing the Fisher House parking lot to fill with non-resident cars and trucks. This only makes things worse as it adds to congestion that I tried to warn them against three years ago. As our readers may recall I went to the State of Maine and filed a complaint regarding “Wetland Violations”, they took my report and said they would get back to me regarding any action taken. I never heard from them. I didn’t think I would, but occasionally you meet some honorable people who take these things seriously.

I didn’t want to see our pond disappearing, nor the ducks leaving. Many of us enjoy them coming every year and raising new families. It’s very nice for us to watch. Wildlife is very healthy within Togus’s 500 acre property; you can see most anything. I visit almost every night. I visit our graveyards also, just to see that all is well. I noticed a “No Dogs Allowed” sign has been placed outside the gate there. Lately, my wife and I have observed some rabbits. We haven’t seen those here for years.

Our charity event in Sidney went off very well. People had a great meal, met new and old friends, as well as donated to some of our ongoing projects for the least advantaged among us. Also, I had a couple of veterans approach me and ask for help with some issues. I never can say no to a veteran in need. I feel everyone with the ability to help should.

For some reason some veterans are very shy when it comes to asking for assistance with an issue. Veterans should never feel that way. There are many things that VA can do to help, but you must let them know. Togus VBA has some of the most knowledgeable Service Officers anywhere. I for one am very proud of the staff we have acquired. You will feel welcome from the very first minute you arrive. Also, you probably will leave with what you came for. You’ll even get a free pen to mark the first day of the rest of your life.

God bless. Until next time.

LAKE LIFE TODAY: part 9

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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.

Septic System
Get your septic tank pumped!

It’s that time of year when we start thinking of the change of seasons. Along with the change of seasons it’s also time to think about how your septic system is functioning, and specifically about maintaining your septic tank. It’s always a good idea to know where your septic tank and field are located, and to look for signs of any malfunctions. Foul odors, lush and tall green grass, and certainly outbreaks of black effluent (i.e., liquid waste or sewage) are some signs of a failed septic field.

Untreated effluent that escapes from a failing septic field is a potential source of additional and unwanted phosphorus into the lake. Also, other chemicals and other toxins that may be part of the untreated effluent may also contaminate nearby drinking water wells. That same untreated effluent may break out of the septic field and run over the ground and into the lake, or flow directly into groundwater which then carries unwanted nutrients, bacteria, and viruses along with it. This is not good for you, your family, your pets, your neighbors, and especially your lake.

Your treatment (septic) tank is an essential component of your septic system. There are baffles at the inlet and outlet of the tank, but it’s the outlet baffle that prevents “suspended solids” from exiting beyond that point. If the outlet baffle fails, this could be a major source of compromising your septic field’s capacity to distribute and treat effluent as the septic field clogs with suspended solids. Pumping your septic tank removes sludge and scum before it builds up and potentially flushes into your septic field due to a failed outlet baffle. While pumping your septic tank it’s extremely important to have your septic pumper check the septic tank’s baffles, particularly the outlet baffle.

The major factors affecting the frequency of pumping are the number of people using the septic system. This amounts to the total wastewater volume entering the septic field based upon your septic tank size.

It’s a good idea to check with your service provider at the time of pumping to see if they think you are on a schedule that fits your tank’s capacity and volume.

As a rule of thumb, you should pump your septic system’s tank every two to three years for year-round residents and every three to four years for seasonal residents.

Many owners of seasonal properties pump their septic tank far less often in the mistaken belief that their camp’s limited seasonal use justifies an extended pumping schedule. In fact, most seasonal properties have at least several weeks of intensive use due to large family occupancies or large numbers of visiting guests. This intensive use can put a huge demand on the septic system’s capacity. Regular pumping on a conservative schedule is the best way to assure your septic field isn’t compromised, which could result in shortening your septic system’s useful life. The prorated cost of regularly pumping your septic tank and checking your baffles is a minor cost compared to the substantial expense of having to completely replace your septic field.

For more tips on caring for your septic system see:
https://cdn.branchcms.com/DrynVOJolO-1457/ docs/ Lake%20 Library/ Septic-two-pager-11×17-FINAL-5.14.21.pdf.

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).

Read the complete series here.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, August 24, 2023

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To submit a photo for this section, please visit our contact page or email us at townline@townline.org!

MMM, MMM GOOD: Emily Poulin, of South China, captured this monarch butterfly enjoying the nectar.

STRANGER: Lindy Sklover, of Vassalboro, photographed this strange looking bug resting on a flower.

GARDENING IN VASSALBORO: Sharon Farrington shows off some of her gardening skills.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Lip Care is an Important Part of Your Oral Health Routine

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Don’t kiss off your lips. Protect them from damage and neglect.

(NAPSI)—Lips are one of the most sensitive organs in the body, composed of more than a million nerves, yet they are often neglected and not treated properly. Without healthy, fully functioning lips, your everyday life would look very different­—which is why it’s so important to take the necessary steps to protect them.  

Why protect your lips  

Lips are the body’s thinnest and most fragile layer of skin, and lack the sweat glands—or sebaceous oil glands—necessary to provide strong protection. This combination of thin skin and lack of natural moisturizing leads to dryness and susceptibility to becoming chapped, especially in drastic weather conditions. Over time, untreated chapped lips could lead to severe oral deterioration and susceptibility to wounds.  

As seasons and temperatures change, your lips can be greatly affected if not properly cared for. During the hot summer months, it’s important to protect your lips with lip balm and SPF lip care. Continuous and unprotected sun exposure can cause breakage to the skin barrier and lead them to look aged and discolored, and in some cases, even to oral cancer.  

No matter the weather—or your age—it’s important to pay close attention to your lips, and to develop a regular lip care routine to help keep your lips soft, smooth and healthy.  

“The lips are one of the most overlooked parts of the body, and ongoing neglect can lead to serious consequences including mouth cancer,” warns Kyle Dosch, DDS, who serves as Delta Dental of Washington’s dental director. “It is important to schedule your twice annual check-ups with your dentist where they perform oral inspections to detect any urgent mouth issues.”

How can I protect my lips?  

Many think that licking your lips provides them with sufficient moisture but, in reality, this actually dries them out even more. To keep your lips hydrated, use a moisturizing lip balm, which can be applied as often as you feel your lips need a hydration boost.  

When looking for a good lip balm, check the ingredients for shea butter, which is a great source of moisturization. Also, when choosing a lip balm, check for SPF 30 or SPF 40. Even if it’s not sunny out, there are still strong UVA and UVB rays that can cause more damage to your lips, according to Healthline experts.  

Another way to protect your lips is by exfoliating at least once a week using sugar or salt mixed with your preferred nourishing oil, then follow up with a lip balm. Make sure, when exfoliating, you’re not applying too much pressure because you don’t want to break the skin barrier any further.  

Your body works in wonderful ways to communicate what it needs, so make sure to listen and look at what it is saying. Following these simple and easy steps will let your lips be full and healthy, which contributes to your overall well-being.  

Learn More

For further information on lip care visit www.deltadentalwa.com.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Meet me for lunch

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by Debbie Walker

It was a wonderful idea to go to lunch with Ms. Gloria, and for a bigger treat her husband Russ came, too. The two of them are very entertaining. I worked with them both, well…. Maybe more years ago than I am willing to admit, but there was never a dull moment.

I arrived first and actually enjoyed my wait in the little tea shop. The name of the place is “SWEETIES”. The building begins to give off her age, you will be caught up in the outside and plants. There is also a rocker, at least the day I was there.

Inside, the tables were all full, except for me by myself. I was a bit embarrassed sitting there at a table for six as groups came in and left! I was there for a while and I decided to order a cup of soup, the best potato soup I have ever had in my life. I was more than glad to see Gloria and Russ come through that day.

Once they got in, picked out their orders (including that potato soup), and then turned their attention to me and what was I up to (they know I learned a lot of what I know from them).

Debbie Walker at lunch

I explained I needed some pictures of me, for my column. Just then Gloria laughed because she knew where my head was going. She began looking around the room for the right hats. Russ, having been left at the table alone, he started making the rounds with his many, many jokes and stories. He could have done this for a week and not repeated himself. So he was happy.

It may be possible to introduce you to some of Gloria’s photograph skills. It all depends on what Eric and Roland have to say about the subject.

Let’s see if we get some of the picture’s printed and you turn in a name for each one. It might just be fun!

Okay, so now I will share some tidbits that I found last night:

I found some information in one of my Farmer’s Almanac about fishing and folklore. *Never tell anyone how many fish you have caught. *When owls hoot during the day it’s a good day for catfishing.

What would you do if you went fishing or camping and you forgot to bring anything to protect yourself from those darn biting bugs, what would your answer be? Salt! Mix a ¼ tsp. of salt with two drops of water, rub the paste over bites.

Ice Cubes: I love rice but only that first meal, the rest is usually just too dry. Guess what. Add an ice cube to the plate or bowl and loosely cover with a lid before heating on high for 2 -3 minutes: Fluffy.

I’m just curious what names you came up with for the hat pictures. I have to tell you that was so much fun. Wish there were easy, inexpensive ways to come up with some of the older style, maybe there is, sounds like another lunch with Ms. Gloria.

Can’t wait to hear your comments, questions, etc. Have a great week. Contact me at DebbieWalker@townline.org.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

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Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

One of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow’s finest poems is My Lost Youth, originally published in his 1858 volume, The Courtship of Miles Standish. Having been raised in Portland, the poet wrote some verses that evoked what must have been for him the then unspoiled beauty of the Pine Tree State’s city by the sea.

“Often I think of the beautiful town/That is seated by the sea;/Often in thought go up and down/The pleasant streets of that dear old town, /And my youth comes back to me./And a verse of a Lapland song/Is haunting my memory still:/’A boy’s will is the wind’s will,/And the thoughts of youth are long, long thoughts’….

Longfellow powerfully poeticizes certain geographic details of the city – the harbor; “the black wharves and the slips…sea tides tossing free….Spanish sailors with bearded lips…the beauty and mystery of the ships…magic of the sea.”

The poet then evokes his boyhood memories of the city’s wonderful Deering Oaks:

“I can see the breezy dome of groves,/The shadows of Deering’s Woods;/And the friendships old and the early loves/Come back with a Sabbath sound, as of doves/In quiet neighborhoods.”

Being also a realist even when being a outpouring romanticist, his ability to balance these sides of himself is one of his greatest strengths as a thinker in poetic form and he writes here:

“There are things of which I may not speak;/There are dreams that cannot die;/There are thoughts that make the strong heart weak,/And bring a pallor into the cheek,/And a mist before the eye.”
But Longfellow grandly concludes in a bittersweet wistful manner:

“And Deering’s Woods are fresh and fair,/And with joy that is almost pain/My heart goes back to wander there, /And among the dreams of the days that were,/I find my lost youth again.”

The poem is included in the 1989 Maine Speaks anthology.

Two recent viewing experiences:

Christopher Walken

The 1997 Suicide Kings featured a cast in which the only actor familiar to me was Christopher Walken. He also gave the only decent performance as a Mafia kingpin who is kidnapped by a group of college age idiots and held for ransom.

The film was highly recommended by movie reviewers. I disagree, having found it, except for Walken, a bore.

Another viewing experience is the TV series Madmen, which ran for seven seasons on AMC from 2007 to 2014.

It is a skillfully produced period piece drama depicting the 1960s world of Madison Avenue advertising agencies and their constant high pressure work environments, complete with constantly fascinating period details and surroundings – the dialog, clothing, cars, city streets, constant cigarette smoking indoors and outdoors, suburban gossip, adulteries, very small screen TVs, department store interiors, etc.

The acting of the entire cast is superb; and yes, two performances stand out – those of one agency CEO and founder portrayed by the great Robert Morse (1931-2022) and January Jones who gives an eloquent nuanced characterization of the wife of one of the ad men. She conveys the harrowing emotions of a woman leading a life of quiet desperation.

VETERANS CORNER: Don’t think you qualify for VA benefits? Check again

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by Gary Kennedy

I become more and more surprised at how many Veterans in their 80’ and 90s who believe they aren’t qualified to use the V.A. system. I have hooked up with two such vets recently and many over time. The two veterans that I refer to were convinced by the system more than 50 years ago that they were not qualified for V.A. benefits. One I have worked with for a few months and not only was able to get him into the system but he is now in receipt of 90 percent disability. I am sure that will be a hundred soon. The other veteran I am just beginning with. However, I am sure he will do OK as well. When I am referred to veterans such as these I am heartbroken. Think of all the time they gave and when they gave it. They have gone all their lives struggling to get by and all the time this wasn’t necessary.

First contact with the V.A. system is where this life affecting belief has its origin. This is/has been mostly because of lack of training of the employees, “especially those of first contact”. This in my opinion is the first most important person a veteran will make contact with. This could be a front desk clerk to a Veteran Service Officer (VSO). They should not be addressing veteran issues they are not familiar with. This can and does affect the remainder of this veteran’s life. If he or she relies upon what they have been told at this point, then people like me will end up assisting a veteran in need 50 years later. That is sad as there is no way to get that time back, even if I am successful. The veteran may receive medical aid and even lots of money, but what is the quality of life at this point. It only takes a five minute conversation to effectively destroy one of America’s finest. I have seen, many heart breakers.

So, all that being said what do we do? A vet has a couple of choices. 1) He or she can visit a service officer; there are Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.), Disabled American Veterans (D.A.V.), American Legion (A.L.) and other state and federal government agencies dealing with specialty disabilities located at Togus. Also, you can visit my personal favorite, V.B.A. which has career trained specialists who can help with any situation. In my opinion they are the best of the best. I don’t say this to demean the other service organizations but they are career Veterans Service Officers (V.S.O’s) who are forever in training to keep up with all the current legislation which they impart to the other service agencies. They are infact the in-house advocates for all veterans and programs. For the first four that I mentioned you would dial 623-8411 and when you get the computer generated person, push “0” and you will get a live person. When you do, just ask to be connected to whichever agency you are interested in. For V.B.A.’s direct line, you will dial 207-621-6938, state your purpose here and you will be directed accordingly. If you are a walk-in the outside door continues to remain locked. You will need to take the long walk.

By following this instruction you will receive all the information and help you seek and someone like me will not be waiting to correct the path you have been mislead to follow. You were here for your country so your country should always be here for you.

In closing I should mention a couple of things. The first is it appears that construction may have begun in earnest as Williams Construction Co. seems to have some iron workers laying rerod for columns and footings for the Community Living Center. Perhaps they will be pouring concrete for the new building soon. We are all anxiously awaiting.

The other issue I get asked about a lot is; can any veteran gain access to dental care? The answer is no; you need to be a 100 percent disabled veteran for access to this benefit, or you need to have a service connected disability. Currently 92 percent of veterans are not eligible for dental care. However, like everything at V.A. there are exceptions to most rules. So, that being said, call and ask if you might be on exception. I wish I could say all vets are eligible as Dr. Jeff Walawender and crew are second to none when it comes to knowledge and care of our vets at V.A. It’s a friendly professional atmosphere staffed by the crafts finest. Dr. Walawender, DDS, graduated from University at Buffalo, New York, and completed his residency at the Togus VA. After years of experience he has become the Dental Chief of Staff. He also sits on several boards, community dental and also North East Delta Dental. We are/fortunate to have such talent at Togus.

See you next time. Stay safe, God bless and have a great summer.

OPINIONS: No more property tax stabilization program

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COMMUNITY COMMENTARY

by Katrina Smith
State Represenative
District #62
China, Palermo, Somerville & Windsor

What can our Seniors do now?

The popular state tax assistance for seniors entitled the “Property Tax Stabilization Program”, which allowed those over the age of 65 to freeze their property taxes, has been eliminated during this past legislative session. (A vote for the budget was a vote for this program to be eliminated. Personally, I voted against the budget for this and other reasons.) Many seniors are asking, “What now?” The good news is that several State of Maine programs have been expanded that will hopefully assist our Seniors with their finances.

The first program to be expanded is the Property Tax Fairness Credit. The property tax fairness credit provides that Eligible Maine taxpayers may receive a portion of the property tax or rent paid during the tax year on the Maine individual income tax return whether they owe Maine income tax or not. If the credit exceeds the amount of your individual income tax due for the tax year, the excess amount of credit will be refunded to you. The program increased the credit from $1,500 to $2,000 for individuals 65 or older. To take advantage of this program you need to file a ME1040 and a Property Tax Fairness tax form.

The second program is the Deferred Collection of Homestead Property Taxes. The State Property Tax Deferral Program is a loan program that can cover the annual property tax bills of Maine people who are ages 65 and older or are permanently disabled and who cannot afford to pay them on their own. The loan program allows Maine’s most vulnerable community members to age in place and ensures that property taxes are still delivered to municipalities, requiring repayment of the loan once the property is sold or becomes part of an estate. The program was updated to double the income threshold to $80,000 a year and also the liquid asset threshold limit to $100,000 for individuals and $200,000 for couples. There are a few other guidelines for this program, but to see if you qualify you must file an application with your local municipal assessor between January 1 and April 1.

I hope this information is useful to our Seniors and helps them to afford to live out their golden years by relieving some of the stress involved with property taxes. I am happy to help direct anyone to other resources and can be reached at katrina.smith@legislature.maine.gov.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Call in the night turns out to be red fox

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

One evening, earlier this summer, we heard something mysterious. It was after dark, and from a distance, we heard a wailing, lamenting siren-like shriek. Everyone around was wondering what was making that noise. At first we thought it was a small, yiping dog. But it continued almost uninterrupted.

Then, someone mentioned they had seen some red foxes around.

That was it. The sound we heard was that of a red fox. It is common to hear those kinds of cry during the foxes’ breeding season, and thought to be emitted by a vixen’s (female fox) summoning males. Foxes generally greet each other with high pitched whines, particularly submissive animals. During an aggressive encounter they will emit a throaty, rattling sound.

An adult red fox has been identified with 12 different sounds while kits may produce eight.

The red fox, Vulpes vulpes, is the largest of the true foxes and the most abundant wild member of the species. It is listed as least concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). Besides its large size, red foxes are different from other species because of their ability to adapt quickly to new environments. There are 45 different subspecies of foxes.

The red foxes have a long history of interacting with humans, having been extensively hunted as a pest and furbearer for many centuries. Because of its widespread range and large population, the red fox is one of the most important furbearing animals harvested for the fur trade. Too small to pose a threat to humans, it has successfully colonized many suburban areas.

Urban red foxes are most active at dusk and dawn, doing most of their hunting and scavenging at these times. Despite their search for usable food, foxes tend to eat anything humans eat.

These foxes can cause problems for local folks. Foxes have been known to steal chickens, invade rubbish cans and raise havoc in gardens. In our case, we heard that a nearby neighbor, who kept chickens, had many disappear in a relatively short period of time. They will also prey on domestic rabbits and guinea pigs if they are allowed to run in the open. Urban foxes have been known to encounter cats and may feed alongside of them. In confrontations, cats usually have the upper hand, although foxes have been known to attack cats, not so much for food but rather as a competitor for food.

Red foxes are not readily prone to be infested with fleas.

Red foxes live in family groups, sharing a common territory. They may leave their families once they reach adulthood if the chances of winning a territory of their own are high. Otherwise, they will stay with their parents, postponing their own reproduction.

Red foxes have binocular vision, but their sight reacts mainly to movement. Their hearing though, is their strength, being able to hear a squeaking mouse at about 330 feet. Their sense of smell is good, but weaker than that of a domestic dog.

Being the largest of the Vulpes genus, on average, an adult male will measure 14-20 inches high at the shoulders, 18-35 inches in body length, and the tails measuring 12-22 inches. Their weight range is 5 – 31 pounds, with vixens weighing 15 – 20 percent less.

Red foxes are often mentioned in folklore and mythology of human cultures. In Greek mythology, the Teumessian fox or Cadmean vixen, was a gigantic fox that was destined to never be caught. According to Celtic mythology, witches were thought to take the shape of foxes to steal butter from their neighbors. In later European folklore, the figure of Reynard the Fox symbolizes trickery and deceit.

The red fox originated from smaller-sized ancestors from Eurasia shortly after the Wisconsin glaciation, which took place approximately 85,000 to 11,000 years ago. It was the most recent major advance of the North American ice sheet complex.

At camp, the red foxes have been sighted many times, but they tend to keep their distance, and have not been seen in close proximity of our shelters. Perhaps it’s because there are so many dogs present.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Who was the last major league pitcher to win 30 or more games in one season?

Answer
Denny McLain, of the Detroit Tigers, in 1968, went 31-6, with a 1.96 ERA.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: An Rx Label That Speaks for Itself

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People who have trouble reading prescription bottle labels can get an app that will recite the information for them.

(NAPSI)—There is good news for many in the visually impaired community, and for anyone who has trouble reading standard print labels. 

Prescription management and medication adherence can be particularly difficult when it’s difficult to see the label. 

However, there’s CVS Pharmacy’s Spoken Rx®, a digital solution that makes managing prescriptions easier and more accessible by reading important prescription information aloud. It also serves as an important tool for people experiencing literacy or language difficulties, or dyslexia.

With Spoken Rx, patients can hear their prescription information read aloud by scanning an RFID (radio frequency identification) sticker on the bottom of their prescription bottle or package. It is available for free to all patients at CVS Pharmacy locations nationwide. As the first in-app prescription reader application developed by a national retail pharmacy, Spoken Rx is an extension of other helpful tools offered by CVS Pharmacy like large-print accessible prescription labels.

“I lost the majority of my vision at 14 due to Retinitis Pigmentosa and I can tell you, when you’re blind, every bit of independence matters. I know first-hand how much of a difference it makes being able to manage my prescriptions on my own without having to ask for help,” said Molly Burke, social media influencer and advocate. “Spoken Rx has been a game-changer for me and others in my community. It’s so easy to use and allows me to keep my own medical information private, which is so important. I appreciate that CVS Pharmacy is prioritizing innovations that help all its customers, including people like me, and I’m looking forward to seeing the ways in which CVS continues to grow its accessibility and digital offerings.” 

How Spoken Rx works

To use Spoken Rx, patients or companions must download the CVS Pharmacy app from the iOS App Store or Google Play, then:

• Open the CVS Pharmacy app using Siri or Google Assistant, select the “Pharmacy” tile on the homepage. 

• Navigate to the “tools & settings” section and select “Spoken Rx”. 

• The device prompts users to scan the bottle, bring the RFID tag on the bottom of the prescription vial near the device’s camera. 

• If the RFID tag is read correctly, the prescription information will display on the screen and the app will speak prescription information out loud. 

What prescription information can be read aloud? 

Information that can be read aloud by Spoken Rx in either English or Spanish includes: 

• Patient name 

• Medication name 

• Dosage and directions

• Pharmacy address

• Pharmacy phone number

• Prescription number

• Dispensed quantity

• Refills remaining

• Prescriber name

• Fill date

• Discard after date

 The development and continued enhancement of Spoken Rx illustrates CVS Pharmacy’s role in serving people’s unique needs by delivering them innovative solutions no matter where they are on their health journey. 

How to Sign up

You can enroll for free either over-the-phone or in-store, where a pharmacist can ensure the patient’s app is appropriately set up for the service. To find a CVS Pharmacy near you or to learn more about Spoken Rx, please visit www.CVS.com/SpokenRx.