REVIEW POTPOURRI: Gershwin & Ravel; Herbert Kegel; Leroy Vandyke

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Gershwin & Ravel

George Gershwin

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue – Adolph Drescher, pianist; C.A. Bunte conducting the Pro Musica Symphony Orchestra.

Ravel: Bolero – Samo Hubad conducting the Radio Symphony Orchestra.

Sony Music Special Products BT 22444, cassette, 1991.

The late 1980s tearing down of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the Soviet Union and its Iron Curtain precipitated, among other benefits, a flood of available classical recordings from very talented artists such as, to name a few examples, pianist Dubrovka Tomsic and conductors Anton Nanut, Marko Munih, Heinz Rogner etcs. Often the companies of inexpensive releases used pseudonyms but Google has proved useful for spotting them.

Maurice Ravel

The names on this cassette release however were real people. Pianist Adolph Drescher (1921-1967) collaborated with Maestro C.A. Bunte (1927-2016) in a very good Rhapsody in Blue, arguably the most frequently recorded piece of George Gershwin (1898-1937) while Samo Hubad (1917-2016) conducted Bolero, a piece that remains, for many the most popular; and for many others the most disliked piece that Maurice Ravel (1874-1937) ever composed. Hubad achieved a strikingly good performance.

I have read that Ravel himself was quite pleased with what he achieved with the piece as a tour de force.

The 1991 release date may be a reissue of 1960s tapings since pianist Drescher died in 1967.

Herbert Kegel

Mahler Symphony #3 – Herbert Kegel conducting the Dresden Philharmonic; Weitblick SSS0029, two CDs. Recorded March 25, 1984.

The late East German Maestro Herbert Kegel conducted a phenomenally exciting and eloquently shaped performance of Gustav Mahler’s longest, sprawling Symphony and one I also consider a masterpiece, having collected over 40 different recordings. Kegel was very gifted whether conducting Beethoven, Mahler, Carl Orff, Alban Berg or Dimitri Shostakovich.

He also struggled most of his life with depression and committed suicide during the early 1990s.

Leroy Vandyke

Leroy Vandyke – Auctioneer; and I Fell in Love with a Pony Tail; Dot 45-15503, seven inch vinyl 45, recorded 1956.

Still living at 95, country singer Leroy Vandyke recorded two very hokey and, despite hokey, quite enjoyable songs, Auctioneer being hugely popular.

All Star Trio

All Star Trio and their Orchestra – Hortense, Medley Fox Trot; and Never Mind, Fox Trot; Victor 18863, recorded 1922, ten inch acoustic shellac.

Three very gifted musician, including a xylophonist, and their backup orchestra played two very perky and enlivening dance tunes . An intriguing example of roaring ‘20s dance music from 103 years ago.

The 1920s and ’30s generated a rich recorded legacy of dance bands which, in turn, provided employment for numerous giants of the World War II big band era, such as Benny Goodman, the Dorsey Brothers, Glenn Miller, etc.

AARP Maine Vital Voices survey highlights needs and concerns of older Maine residents

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In an ongoing effort to better understand the needs and attitudes of older residents in the state, in 2024 AARP Maine conducted a Vital Voices survey with 708 Maine residents aged 45 and older. Conducted tri-annually, the survey data highlights older Mainers’ interests and concerns, assesses awareness on select topics, and signals advocacy and outreach priorities for the state office. The 2024 Vital Voices survey included issues such as health care, financial security, energy costs, caregiving, livable communities and housing.

“AARP Maine is dedicated to improving the lives of Mainers aged 50 and older, as well as their families,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “Through state-specific surveys such as Vital Voices, we gain valuable insights into the needs and desires of older adults in Maine. Our research bolsters our efforts to advocate for fair utility rates, seek support for Maine’s family caregivers and provide resources on health and retirement security.”

Results from the AARP Maine Vital Voices survey include the following:

Caregiving is a pressing issue for Maine adults 45-plus according to the survey:

Seventy percent are currently providing care to a loved one or have done so in the past.

Eighty-seven percent say it is extremely or very important to be able to stay in their own home as they get older.

Twenty-seven percent say that it is extremely or very likely that they will provide care on an unpaid basis to an adult loved one in the future.

Eighty-five percent of current or past caregivers said that they spend their own money on transportation, medical devices, direct care or home modifications, to help care for a loved one.

“Maine is home to 166,000 family caregivers, which is 12 percent of the state’s total population,” explains Bonam. “With the average caregiver spending over $7,000 out-of-pocket each year to care for a loved one, we know that this issue is of paramount importance in the state with the oldest population.”

Earlier this month, AARP Maine announced its 2025 Legislative Priorities, noting that Maine lawmakers have an opportunity to create a lasting, positive impact for Maine’s family caregivers by codifying Maine’s Respite for ME program. Launched in the fall of 2022 and funded by the Maine Jobs and Recovery Act, the Respite for ME pilot program provided eligible family caregivers with grants that enabled caregivers to access services such as respite care, assistive technology and other resources. AARP Maine calls on our lawmakers to work together to reinstate the Respite for ME program since the pilot program ended in the fall of 2024.

Utility costs are a concern for older Mainers:

Eighty-one percent say that an increase in electricity bills would be a problem.

Only 20 percent (one in five) Maine residents say their elected officials are doing enough to keep electricity affordable.

Sixty-seven percent have seen their electricity bill go up in the past 12 months.

“High utility rates, coupled with rising housing, food, and medicine expenses, force many vulnerable, older adults to make tough choices,” said Bonam. “Mainers need more consumer protections, and AARP Maine is committed to ensuring that all Mainers have access to fair and reasonable electric rates. Any discussion of rate changes must be transparent and allow for public engagement.”

AARP Maine will continue working to address current laws that cause undue burdens to electricity customers. Any costs, particularly those covering government subsidies which are transferred to ratepayers, should be re-evaluated and restructured in a fair and reasonable manner.

Financial security in retirement is on the minds of survey respondents:

Eighty-one percent believe having enough income or savings to retire is extremely or very important.

Eighty-nine percent say having adequate Social Security benefits is extremely or very important.

Ninety-one percent feel that having financial security throughout their lives is extremely or very important.

“We know that Mainers 50-plus continue to experience financial strain whether they are working or already retired,” said Bonam. “It is critical that both elected and appointed leaders work to address these important issues that affect Mainers 50-plus and their families.”

To read the complete results from the AARP Maine Vital Voices survey, click here for the chartbook and overview.

“AARP’s research highlights older Mainers’ voices at a moment when they need to be heard,” said Bonam. “AARP is listening, and we’ll use these findings to inform our work and help older Mainers and their families access important tools, resources and engagement opportunities as they age.”

To learn more about AARP and our work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on social media @aarpmaine.

To review complete results from the AARP Maine Vital Voices survey, click here.

Methodology

The Vital Voices survey of 708 Maine residents age 45 and older was conducted between July 17, 2024 and July 28, 2024. All data have been weighted by age, gender, and race/ethnicity according to 2022 American Community Survey (ACS) five-year estimates. Survey results have a 3.7 percent margin of error.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Hints To Help You Have A Better New Year

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If you struggle with mental health issues, a simple test can help your clinician if they are considering medication as a course of treatment.

(NAPSI)—The holidays have ended, and a new year has begun—a time when many embrace a fresh start by setting New Year’s resolutions.

This year, why not consider solutions rather than resolutions? The distinction is small but important—acting versus thinking. Mental health professionals think it’s a better way forward into 2025.

Expert Advice

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Elizabeth Johnson believes that the resolution mindset is an obstacle to action. “When we get stuck in our new year’s resolutions, part of it is just that we’ve gotten stuck in the process, stuck in the details, stuck in the weeds if you will,” Johnson said. “It’s struggling with ‘coulda, woulda, shoulda’ thinking patterns and reasons why maybe we haven’t been able to follow through and stick to those resolutions.”

Johnson recommends a new approach for her patients—and for us: simpler, concrete solutions with measurable results.

“Instead of setting a big resolution to try to lose 25 pounds, maybe setting a simple solution to reduce drinking soda to one can a day,” she offers. “For some, that’s quite a goal and quite a change, but it’s simple and it’s achievable and it’s measurable.”

Solutions can also mean an increased focus on your mental health. For those suffering from mental health conditions such as major depressive disorder, setting and attaining goals can seem even more overwhelming. One important step for 2025 could be to find a mental health professional. Or, if you’re already taking medication for depression, anxiety or ADHD and still struggling, it may be helpful to talk to your clinician about the GeneSight test.

The GeneSight Psychotropic test analyzes how your genes may affect your outcomes with medications commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other mental health conditions. The GeneSight Psychotropic test provides clinicians with information about which medications may require dose adjustments, may be less likely to work, or may have an increased risk of side effects based on a patient’s genetic makeup. Along with a complete assessment of clinical and patient specific factors, Johnson uses the GeneSight test to help inform her medication treatment decision making.

“The GeneSight test is imperative to me as a clinician,” says Johnson, “but also a game changer to my patients. When I’m working with a patient, often multiple medications have failed them, and they are sick of feeling like a guinea pig.”

Johnson concludes, “The GeneSight test offers me a little bit more of a roadway to making a medication choice. And when you are anxious or depressed, lost, any light bulb, any hope, is such a blessing in that moment.”

Prioritize your well-being – Physical and Mental

As we step into a new year, prioritize your well-being—both physical and mental. Explore solutions that help you thrive and achieve your goals, moving beyond the usual resolutions for lasting success.

Learn More

Visit GeneSight.com to learn more about how the GeneSight test can help inform your mental health medication treatment plans.

VETERANS CORNER: The difference between Neuropathic and Radiculopathic conditions

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Veterans Administration facility at Togus. (Internet photo)

by Gary Kennedy

As I mentioned last time, I would begin to show you some of the comparisons which seem similar in nature but are definitely not the same and it should never be assumed by anyone, especially non-medical employees that they are. I am also very much set in my way when it comes to discussing any and all changes to a veteran’s record with the veteran and the veteran’s medical team. Short of that I believe the veteran’s diagnosis/prognosis are being jeopardized.

There are reasons for having a medical side and an Administrative side when it comes to the evaluation of a veteran’s disabilities. I will use a case of my own here as it is a fairly common deal evaluation and one I have seen many times throughout the years. I recently issued a letter addressing V.B.A. as the recipient, as changes were made to my record which I only recently become aware of. It seemed that it was taken for granted that Neuropathic conditions were the same as Radiculopathic conditions. This is an understandable mistake, but in any case a mistake. It’s not too complicated so I will continue to try to explain. First, I should state that Radiculopathy is often mistaken for Neuropathy because both conditions cause similar symptoms, such as pain, weakness, numbness and tingling. At times it is explained as insects crawling around the surface of the skin. “Basically”, the difference between Radiculopathy and Neuropathy is caused by a pinched nerve in the spinal cord, while Neuropathy is caused by nerve damage to the peripheral nervous system. Radiculopathy can be caused by a herniated disc, thickening of the spinal ligaments, spinal infection, benign growth on the spine, and bone spurs in the spine. Your doctor’s involvement is very important here in order to reserve the correct diagnosis and treatment. Lay persons should not become involved with the doctors opinion. In this particular comparison there are several Neuropathies and the same can be said for Radiculopathy. It can be very complicated if you don’t know what you are talking about and a targeted approach to conclusion can become confusing.

Radiculopathy and Neuropathy area both complex and painful disorders. They both have possibility of numerous complications. To understand the difference between things, you need to compare at least two specific items or concepts. John Hopkins has spent much time on this subject and it can become very complicated if you embrace all the approaches they use in order to find exact, particular solutions. We lay persons need to stick with the basics and find general solutions. Our problem here is to determine if the two situations can exist together. The doctors will figure out the particulars.

The reason for this article is to establish that Neuropathy and Radiculopathy are separate and distinct unto themselves. According to Cleveland Clinic as well as Mayo Clinic, it is very possible to have both Radiculopathy and Neuropathy. (Ex. One case involved a patient with L-5 radiculopathy and peroneal nerve entrapment neuropathy). Radiculopathy deals with damage to the nerves associated with the spine, Peripheral Neuropathy is damage to the secondary nerves located at the peripheral of the body. Remember, Neuropathy occurs outside the brain and spinal cords. Also, abnormal sweating, heat intolerance, problems with blood pressure, swallowing, bowel & bladder problems as well as sexual dysfunction are neuropathic in nature. Radicular is inflammation of the root of a “spinal” nerve such as the sciatic nerve, to name one. The clue is, it comes from the spine, not outside. So, if you are exploring your medical records and you have applied for sciatic conditions and also bowel/bladder problems you can see that neurogenic and radicular can and will both be used regarding the nerve involvement.

You always need to be vigilant when it comes to how your records are being interpreted and handled. You could be in the losing end of the stick. If you don’t understand something placed or taken from your record, don’t let it go without an answer or you will always have doubt. Also, you don’t want to be on the losing end of a situation when it could cost you not only financially but medically. You are your own best advocate when it comes to your healthcare. So, in this particular example you are dealing with Neuropathic which are nerves that (Peripheral Neuropathy is shortened to Neuropathy) run from outside of the spine down and radiculapatic which is referred to as pinched nerves, damage to nerve roots in the area where they leave the spine. (Commonly referred to as Sciatica). Just remember there is an absolute difference between Neuropathy and Radiculopathy, two entirely different words.

I hope your holidays were great and you remembered those with less. God bless.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: The Maine “gentle giant”

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Maine Coon Cat

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Recently, my daughter and one of my granddaughters have expressed an interest in bringing home a Maine coon cat. I’ve heard a lot about coon cats, but what makes them so different, and their size.

The Maine Coon is a large domesticated cat breed. One of the oldest natural breeds in North America, the breed originated in the U.S. state of Maine, where it is the official state cat.

The Maine Coon is commonly referred to as “the gentle giant.” The Maine Coon is predominantly known for its size and dense coat of fur which helps it survive in the harsh climate of Maine. The Maine Coon is often cited as having the characteristics of a dog.

The Maine Coon has a distinctive physical appearance and valuable hunting skills. The breed was popular in cat shows in the late 19th century, but its existence became threatened when long-haired breeds from overseas were introduced in the early 20th century. The Maine Coon has since made a comeback, in 2023 the Maine Coon overtook the Exotic, becoming the second most popular pedigree cat breed in the world.

However, their lineage is surrounded by mystery, folk tales, and myths. One myth claims the Maine Coon cat is a hybrid with another animal species, such as the raccoon or bobcat. The second myth states the cats are descendants of Viking ship’s cats, known today as the Norwegian Forest cats. A third story involves Marie Antoinette, the Queen of France, who was executed in 1793. The story goes that before her death, Antoinette attempted to escape France with the help of Captain Samuel Clough. She loaded Clough’s ship with her most prized possessions, including six of her favorite Turkish Angora or possibly Siberian cats. Although she did not make it to the United States, all of her pets managed to reach the shore of Wiscasset, safely, where they bred with other short-haired breeds and developed into the modern breed.

These myths and theories have long speculated that the long-haired Maine Coon cat has to be related to other long-haired breeds, due to their similarities in the observable characteristics or traits in an individual based on the expression of their genes. For the Maine Coon in particular, that it is descended from the Norwegian or Siberian Forest cat, brought to New England by settlers or Vikings. Studies showed the Maine Coon belongs to the Western European cat branch, but forms the closest relationship with the random-bred cat population in the Northeastern U.S. (New York region). This Western European branch contains the Norwegian and Siberian Forest cat.

Maine Coons are descendants of cats brought to New England by Puritan settlers in the 1600-1700s.

The first mention of Maine Coon cats in a literary work was in 1861, in Frances Simpson’s The Book of the Cat (1903). F.R. Pierce, who owned several Maine Coons, wrote a chapter about the breed. During the late 1860s, farmers located in Maine told stories about their cats and held the “Maine State Champion Coon Cat” contest at the Skowhegan State Fair.

In the early 20th century, the Maine Coon’s popularity began to decline with the introduction of other long-haired breeds, such as the Persian, which originated in the Middle East. The last recorded win by a Maine Coon in a national cat show for over 40 years was in 1911 at a show in Portland, Oregon. The breed was rarely seen after that. The decline was so severe the breed was declared extinct in the 1950s, although this declaration was considered to be exaggerated and reported prematurely at the time.

Maine Coons have several physical adaptations for survival in harsh winter climates. Their dense water-resistant fur is longer and shaggier on their underside and rear for extra protection when they are walking or sitting on top of wet surfaces of snow or ice. Their long and bushy raccoon-like tail is resistant to sinking in snow, and can be curled around their face and shoulders for warmth and protection from wind and blowing snow. It can even be curled around their backside like an insulated seat cushion when sitting down on a frozen surface.

Large paws help with walking on snow and are often compared to snowshoes. Long tufts of fur growing between their toes help keep the toes warm and further aid walking on snow by giving the paws additional structure without significant extra weight. Heavily furred ears with extra long tufts of fur growing from inside can keep warm more easily.

Maine Coons can have any colors that other cats have. Colors indicating crossbreeding.

In 2010, the Guinness World Records accepted a male purebred Maine Coon named “Stewie” as the “Longest Cat”, measuring 48.5 inches from the tip of his nose to the tip of his tail. Stewie died on February 4, 2013, from cancer at his home in Reno, Nevada, at age 8.

The median life expectancy of a Maine Coon is 12.5 years.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What is the Philadelphia Eagles record in the Super Bowl?

Answer
1-3: Losses to Oakland, New England and Kansas City. Sole win was over New England.

THE BEST VIEW: Confessions of a Hockey Mom

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by Norma Best Boucher

I remember the day; I remember the hour; I even remember the skipped heartbeat when I first heard my six-year-old son Alan’s words: “I want to be a hockey player.”

Translation – You can be my hockey mom.

* * * * * *

“I have to teach him to skate?” I asked my husband. “You’re the athlete in the family—you teach him to skate.”

“You teach him to skate,” he said, “and I’ll teach him to play hockey.”

“Why me? Remember, I’m the one who took dancing lessons because I was so clumsy and at age five sat on my thumb and broke it and couldn’t be in the recital.”

“So?” he answered. “You were a cheerleader.”

“But I only did that to get into the games for free.”

“Skating is great exercise,” he added.

“This was my last rational plea. “But I’m Mrs. Couch Potato!”

Smiling, he answered, “I rest my case.”

* * * * * *

“My, God, he skates just like you.”

I had warned him, right? Hadn’t I warned him?

One year of intensive training, a frostbitten nose, frostbitten toes, a thousand miles on the car and another five thousand miles on my ice skates, not to mention the wear and tear on my body and all he could say was, “My, God, he skates just like you.”

What did I learn from this experience? I learned two things: one, once a couch potato always a couch potato and two, when you sit on your thumb at age five, it takes only six weeks to heal, but when you sit on our thumb at age 30, it takes six months to heal.

* * * * * *

“Hey, Mom, I’m on a hockey team. I’m number 6.”

Translation – He can now skate up and down the ice using a cutoff $20 hockey stick as a lethal weapon, and he can now legally crush against the boards any player who dares to touch that puck.

As the weeks went by, I learned hockey lingo.

Faceoff – This is when ten players line up with sticks to kill the puck to win or to kill each other – if they lose.

Off-sides – Technically this means a player went over his own blue line before the puck. The result is a face-off in front of his team’s goalie. Realistically this means if your son does this more than once or if a goal is scored, the mother of your team’s goalie will attack you because you are sitting closer to her than your son.

Checking – This is the legal crushing of bodies against the boards.

Charging – This is checking with the intent to kill but failing.

Major Penalty—This is checking with the intent to kill and succeeding.

“Get His Number!” – This is yelled by the mother of the player who was charged and still lives for revenge.

Burn – This is when a forward from one team skates past the defensemen of the other team and scores a goal. All the mothers then yell, “Get his number!” and the entire opposing team charges after the scorer.

(Note: If this player is your son, this is not a pretty picture.)

* * * * * *

“Hey, Mom, we’re going to play in a Squirt Tournament.”

Translation – I can now watch my seven-year-old kill or be killed in an arena with hundreds of frenzied mothers screaming, “Get his number!”

* * * * * *

Our team skated out. The nine-year-olds who could skate forward, backward and stop were line one, the Midgets. The eight-year-olds who could only skate forward and stop were line two, the Pipsqueaks. The seven-year-olds who could neither skate backward nor stop were line three, the Smurfs.

Not being able to skate backward was only a minor problem. The Smurfs just skated forward all the time. Not being able to stop was another story. Most hockey players do the snowplow where they stop sharply, turning their skates to the left or right and spraying a little loose, scraped ice to the side. Unable to do the snowplow, the Smurfs had developed a variety of methods for stopping. Some players dragged the toe of one skate; some skated into the boards; some skated into other players; and others did a pirouette-like whirl where they turned around on their toes in one spot.

The warmup started. Everyone was excited. Even I, who’d had nightmares about sending my lamb to the slaughter, was excited.

That was before I saw the opposing team’s players.

That’s our Rambo line,” volunteered the woman next to me. They’re our seven-year-olds.”

Just then five Rambo line players raced across the arena and snowplowed ice up onto the Plexiglas in front of us. At that precise moment I knew we were in trouble.

“Here comes our Commando line. They’re our eight-year-olds.”

Each of the Commando line players lined up on their blue line and took slap shots, one after another. Each puck sped past their goalie and into the net.

I wanted to stand up and yell “Help!” but all I could do was stare.

“And here are our nine-year-olds. We call them the Terminators.”

Dare I look?

In a gust of wind five giants skated past us. The top of my son’s helmet reached only to their shoulders.

Our goalie’s mother jumped up and screamed hysterically, “My, God, he shaves,” but all I could do was slouch in my seat, mumble incoherently, and pray, “Let Alan live, God, just let him live.”

“Which kid is yours?” the woman asked.

Alan’s over there, number 6. He plays center.”

“The one with the toothy grin and dimples?”

“Yes.”

“A shrimp, huh?”

“No, Smurf.”

“That’s my kid over there. Hey, Butch!” she yelled. “He’s the number one Terminator, the captain.”

As she said this, Attila the Hun with five o’clock shadow skated by and smiled.

“What happened to his front teeth?” I asked.

“Lost them in the last game.”

I stared in horror.

“You should have seen the other guy,” she boasted.

“Not my son, God, please, not mine.”

Throughout the game our coach played the Midget and Pipsqueak lines as much as possible. Everyone said he played them to keep the score at a respectable 15-0. Personally, I think he played them to keep the Smurfs alive, and I was grateful.

During the game Mrs. Terminator, as I had begun to call her, gave me a synopsis of her team’s successes.

“We’re undefeated, you know.”

Somehow that didn’t surprise me.

“In fact, no team has ever scored one goal against us.”

Somehow that fact didn’t surprise me either.

“Butch is the top scorer. If he scores one more goal in this game, he’ll have a triple hat trick, nine goals in the same game, and that will be a team record.”

She was praying for records, and I was praying for lives.

“You know, you get what you pay for,” she offered.

“I beg your pardon?”

“I mean, I paid $250 for my kid to play on this team. They practice Monday through Friday and play games on Saturday and Sunday.

“I only paid $75 for Alan to play.”

“Ha!” she laughed. You wasted your money. Looks as if you paid $75 for a seat on the bench.”

She was definitely beginning to annoy me.

Just then one of the Pipsqueaks changed up lines, but the door was closed. In an attempt to get off the ice, he tried to put his leg over the boards. Unsuccessfully, I might add. Butch skated by, and with a motion of his hand he flipped the Pipsqueak over the boards and onto his head.

The rest, as they say, is history. That Pipsqueak was followed by other Pipsqueaks, and they were followed by Midgets. Relentlessly, Butch skated our players into exhaustion, into fear, and just plain into the boards.

“I told you,” Mrs. Terminator repeated. “Two hundred fifty dollars makes a winner.”

Suddenly, my heart was in my throat. The Smurfs were going out. There were five little cherub-faced seven-year-olds carrying $20 hockey sticks cut in half to reach their chins. Some skated into the boards; some skated into each other, one dragged a toe; and all pirouetted from blue line to blue line.

“This is a three-ring circus,” Mrs. Terminator laughed. “It’s worth my $250 just to see this.”

Right then I was beginning to imagine what she’d look like without her front teeth.

Butch had two minutes left to score his triple hat trick goal, and he was determined to succeed. The Smurfs gave up chasing and lined up for the attack. The next 30 seconds, a scene from a Marx Brothers movie, were the longest 30 seconds of my life.

Butch skated around his cage with the puck and headed straight for our zone. The only obstacle blocking his way was Alan. I covered my face, and that’s when I heard the hit.

I peered through my fingers, and there was my Smurf literally plastered chest-to-chest with Butch. Alan lost his grip and slid to grab Butch’s waist – and Butch skated on. Holding on for dear life, Alan then slipped down to Butch’s legs – and Butch skated on. Suddenly, Alan lost his grip and with stick and body flat on the ice he hooked butch’s skate with the curve of his cutoff $20 hockey stick – and Butch still skated on, dragging Alan and his stick behind him.

Everyone just watched. This was going to be the record-breaking hat trick goal and another shut out for the Terminators.

Butch wound up, and the shot echoed in the silence. The puck headed straight for the left-hand bottom corner of the cage. But wait! The puck hit the pipe, and the ringing shook the crowd.

The puck then deflected off Alan’s stick and shot into open ice. Smurf defenseman number 14 was doing a pirouette on the blue line, and with pinball precision he accidently slapped the puck into the opposing team’s zone and toward their net. The goalie dropped to his knees – going, going and through his legs – Score!

No triple hat trick goal and a score against the shutout champs.

Our entire bench jumped on Smurf number 14 in ecstasy. Butch jumped on Alan in rage.

At that point everything went black for me. The next thing I remember was Butch in the home penalty box, a two-minute penalty for roughing. Through his face mask I saw his glaring eyes and clenched toothless jaw.

Alan was in the guest penalty box, a two-minute penalty for holding. Through his face mask I saw his dimples and toothy grin.

My Smurf was now a full-fledged hockey player. He had scored his first assist, gotten his first penalty, and was still alive to brag about it.

Mrs. Terminator was on her feet shaking a clenched fist, “Hey, Ref,” she screamed. “I didn’t pay $250 for my kid to sit the bench.”

I just smiled.

At this point, Mrs. Terminator saw me and yelled, “What are you grinning about, Lady? Your kid’s on the bench, too.”

I turned to face her, eye to eye, hockey mom to hockey mom.

“I know,” I quipped smartly, “but I only had to pay 75 bucks for my kid’s seat.”

(I had the privilege of watching these seven-year-old Smurf hockey players grow up and win the Maine 1991 Class A State Hockey Championship. Also, the editor of The Town Line, Roland Hallee, was the assistant coach of that team.)

AARP NEWS YOU CAN USE: AARP offers free tax assistance for seniors

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by Joyce Bucciantini

February is one of the most beautiful times in Maine. Gone are the super short days of early winter, leaving us with more daylight to enjoy the great outdoors in Maine. Many cities and towns have winter-themed celebrations which might include snow sports, ice fishing, or maybe an opportunity for hot cocoa. These are great ways to fight off cabin fever and reconnect with our neighbors and friends. For those who enjoy warmer activities, there is always excitement to be found at the state high school basketball tournaments during the February school vacation week.

In between enjoying the bright winter weather and fresh air, we must also keep in mind a yearly task that we all must do, but few enjoy: get our taxes done! Yes, as surely as the new year moves forward, it is important to start making a plan for gathering our financial information and completing our tax forms. However, there is good news! The AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation services in 47 locations in Maine. Last year, 240 Tax-Aide volunteers filed 13,671 Federal returns helping Maine taxpayers receive $10.4 million in Federal refunds. They also filed thousands of state tax returns, all at no cost!

This remarkable program offers free tax preparation services, focusing on taxpayers who are over 50 years old and have low to moderate incomes. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered by AARP Foundation in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service. All Tax-Aide volunteer counselors are IRS-trained and certified to prepare and file most types of federal and state tax returns for Maine taxpayers.

The online Tax-Aide Site Locator tool will help you find the Tax-Aide location nearest to you. This website provides the locations, the operating schedules and who to contact for making tax preparation appointments. Visit https://www.aarp.org/money/taxes/aarp_taxaide/locations/ or call 1-888-227-7669 for more information.

AARP Foundation Tax-Aide appointments fill up fast. It is a good idea to make your appointment early in the tax season. Then you can rest easy and enjoy all that the great Maine outdoors has to offer, or for indoors fun, check out an AARP Maine coffee social near you. Perhaps I’ll see you there!

Joyce Bucciantini is a retired middle school educator. She currently coordinates Delta Kappa Gamma’s Read to Me program, is a tutor with Literacy Volunteers-Androscoggin, and is an active AARP Maine volunteer. In her spare time, she enjoys her gardens, being outdoors and traveling.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Understanding Thyroid Health

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Once properly diagnosed, thyroid disease can be treated in many ways.

(NAPSI)—An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease.1 During January, recognized as Thyroid Awareness Month, YARAL Pharma is raising awareness of thyroid disease, particularly hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Despite its prevalence, thyroid disease remains widely misunderstood, with many people unaware of its signs and symptoms.

The Role of the Thyroid

The thyroid, a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormonal balance. Conditions such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid nodules can significantly impact health and quality of life. However, up to 60% of individuals with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, often due to a lack of awareness about the signs and symptoms, leading to delays in diagnosis and treatment.1

Signs and Symptoms

Thyroid disorders can manifest in various ways, including fatigue, weight changes, mood fluctuations, and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms often resemble common day-to-day ailments, making them easy to overlook. As a result, many patients live with thyroid conditions for years before seeking treatment.
What Can Be Done

Treatment for thyroid disease varies depending on the type and severity of the condition, as well as the patient’s age and overall health. Some common treatments include:2

• Antithyroid drugs: These medications stop the thyroid from producing hormones.
• Radioactive iodine therapy: A widely used and effective treatment involving the oral intake of radioactive iodine. Most patients who undergo this therapy eventually develop hypothyroidism.
• Beta-blockers: These medications don’t affect the thyroid but can help manage symptoms such as rapid heart rate, tremors, and nervousness.
• Surgery: In rare cases, a healthcare provider may recommend surgically removing the thyroid. Patients undergoing this procedure will need to take synthetic thyroid replacement hormones for the rest of their life.
• Thyroid hormone replacement: For hypothyroidism, patients typically take a daily dose of synthetic thyroxine (T4), a hormone that replaces what their thyroid can no longer produce.

Take Control of Your Thyroid Health

If you’re experiencing symptoms of thyroid disease or have concerns about your thyroid health, don’t wait—talk to your healthcare provider to learn more about diagnosis and treatment options.

References

1. American Thyroid Association. Press Room. https://www.thyroid.org/media-main/press-room/. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
2. Cleveland Clinic. Thyroid Disease. Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/8541-thyroid-disease. Accessed 20 Dec. 2024.
Sponsored by YARAL Pharma, Inc.

FARMGIRL AT HEART: Winter sowing in Maine

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by Virginia Jones

Maine is one of those states that seems to keep winter close at hand. We have a very long cold season with short warmer seasons following. It seems like winter could last forever. Even though we have longer seasons of frigid weather that doesn’t mean that we have to discontinue our gardening until the warmer temperatures come our way.

Last Winter I discovered a type of gardening called Winter Sowing. I happened to be scrolling through some YouTube videos and something came up about this type of gardening. I found it to be an interesting way to jump start my desire to get some seeds into the soil in the middle of the cold and frigid weather. You can do winter sowing from December thru January, and even possibly into February and March.

I have always enjoyed getting out in the garden, although this past year, my garden got away from me. That doesn’t mean that I won’t try again to conquer the weeds and have some healthy and amazing produce throughout the year.
I don’t really have the funds or the space to set up a greenhouse indoors so this was the perfect solution for getting some plants started to germination. It takes items that we all pretty use every day.

To get started, you need to collect a few items: one gallon water jug or clean one gallon milk jug, duct tape, box cutter, oointed tool for poking holes, waterproof magic marker, compost or seed starter, seeds (heirloom, self-sowing, hardy and frost tolerant varieties), spray bottle filled with water.

The first step, after having washed each jug, is to poke several holes in the bottom of each jug in order to have drainage. After having done that, you then need to take your box cutter and cut around the jug leaving a two-inch hinge for opening and closing. Fill each jug with an ample amount of soil mix, bringing it almost to the rim of the bottom of your jug. You then need to plant your seeds; there should be the number of seeds as stated on the package for the alloted space. It is important to choose seeds that need to be stagnated over the winter or ones that require a cooler temperature to bring them to germination. Taking your water bottle, spritz the soil several times until moist but not soaking wet.

You now can close your water jug and tape around the jug sealing it closed. This will allow the moisture to collect and keep your seeds moist for growth. Label each jug with the seed names that you have planted inside. It is a good idea to just have one variety of seed per jug. * Be sure to keep the cap on the jug until seeds have germinated and grown several inches, then remove cap in order to have some air flow.

You can now place your jugs in a place where they will receive ample sunlight, yet be free from wind and heavy snowfall. They should be on a level surface as well. All that is left is to observe the magic of germination.

If you have any questions or comments, you can email me at acupfullofcountry@gmail.com or find me on Instagram @farmgirl2heart.

CRITTER CHATTER: Reminiscing – Part 4

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by Jayne Winters

As noted in recent columns, I’ll be sharing some of Carleen Cote’s past articles because Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center isn’t accepting any wildlife or phone inquiries right now. What follows is a story entitled, Labor of Love, from August 3, 2002:

“This week’s Critter Chatter is not about the Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center and its current population, nor is it about the time and efforts my husband, Donald, and I invest in caring for the babies that arrive at the Center for a second chance at life. It is about the students at Windsor Elementary School who care enough about the wildlife to put their own time and effort into raising money to help buy food and other supplies for our young boarders.

Last fall, teacher Sheila Ready called to ask if her students could come for a tour of the Center. She told me that perhaps another fundraiser for the Center would be undertaken by the students and she thought seeing the animals would give the students a perspective of what we do and the animals we care for – and how the money they raised would be used. The class arrived and, to their credit, the students were well-behaved and appeared to enjoy their tour.

In June, I received a call from Sheila telling me she had a very special surprise – and did I want her to mail it to me or could I come to the school and accept the gift. I decided to go to the school (taking along some of the young critters to show) and talk about the animals and our work at the Center. I took a baby raccoon and a flying squirrel. The children listened attentively and asked many good questions. They then very proudly and excitedly presented me with a check for $374.

The students raised this in one week. Sheila’s students used computer technology to make posters and covers for the donation cans. They spoke to classes to tell students why the money was being collected and about their tour of our Center and the wildlife they saw. They also studied eco-systems, nature and safety with wildlife – stressing never to touch any wild animal they might encounter. In math class, real money is used to learn counting – and that was donated. The donations came from many sources – from students’ allowances or, perhaps, tooth fairy money and, of course, parents also donated.

The class that raised the most money was treated to ice cream floats. This year, Mrs. Stanley’s and Mrs. Beasley’s tied for first place.

Great job, students! Your thoughtfulness, generosity and hard work is very much appreciated. The money you raised will buy lots of food for all the little animals and birds here at the Center. We cannot thank you enough for remembering us and wanting to help support the wildlife.”

Wildlife rehab facilities are typically non-profits that primarily depend on personal resources and outside donations. For any students who would like to help riase funds for such an important cause, please be advised that Duck Pond has been working with Wilderness Miracles Rehab, in Bowdoin, (Kathi at 207-720-0074), Misfits Rehab, in Auburn (Jen at 207-212-1039), Bridget Green, in Wiscasset (207-631-0874), Critterville Wildlife, in Brooklin (845-549-2407), and Saco River Wildlife (207-702-1405). Pam Meier at Mid-coast Maine is a turtle rehabber and can be reached at The Turtle’s Back (203-903-2708). Please check these websites for a rehabber close to you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html In addition, you can contact your local Animal Control Officer through your town office. – PHONE MESSAGES & EMAILS ARE NOT BEING MONITORED AT THIS TIME.