SMALL SPACE GARDENING: Get a jump start on managing plant pests this winter

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This lilac is infested with scale insects that form a grayish to dark brown protective covering called a test that resembles an oyster or mussel shell. It is an insect pest of more than 130 species of plants.
MelindaMyers.com photo

by Melinda Myers

Just like us, insects spend their winters in different locations. Unlike us, they spend their winters in different stages of development. Some may overwinter as adults, others in their immature stage as grubs, caterpillars, or nymphs, while others will be in the pupal stage like a chrysalis or cocoon. Understanding their lifecycle and location can help us support beneficial insects while managing problem insect pests.

Invite beneficial insects like lady beetles, parasitic wasps, and predatory mites to your landscape to help manage populations of plant-damaging pests. Add a birdbath to encourage insect-eating songbirds into your gardens. Most songbirds eat insects or feed them to their young while adding color, movement, and entertainment to your garden.

Keeping your plants healthy with proper care is the first and an important step in any pest management strategy. Healthy plants are better able to tolerate pest attacks and are more likely to recover from the damage.

Despite your best efforts, insect pests may attack and damage your plants. Birds and predaceous insects often manage small populations but there may be times you decide to intercede. Winter is a great time to monitor and, in many cases, manage plant-damaging insects.

Scale insects can be one of these and come in a variety of colors and shapes, but all grow and reproduce under a waxy covering. This covering protects them from predators, desiccation, and pesticides. Depending on the scale species they may overwinter as an immature scale, fertilized female, or eggs under the protective covering Treating plant damaging scale in late winter or early spring is one way to jump-start control of this pest while having minimal or no impact on beneficial insects that will help manage this pest. Take some time now to check plants for problem pests like the invasive oystershell scale.

This insect is not native to North America and is a pest of more than 130 species of plants including poplars, ash, beech, maple, willows, dogwood, cotoneaster, and lilacs. Adult scale insects form a grayish to dark brown protective covering called a test that resembles an oyster or mussel shell. In the fall the mated female lays 20 to 100 eggs inside the test, dies and the eggs remain there throughout the winter.

Removing heavily infected twigs and branches is an option when the scale population is contained in a small portion of the plant. You can also gently scrape the scale off branches and stems with a plastic dish scrubber. Be careful not to damage thin-barked plants.

Another option is to apply organic lightweight horticulture oil like Summit Year-Roundâ Spray Oil (summitresponsiblesolutions.com) when plants are dormant. The temperatures must be 40 degrees or higher when treating. As always, read and follow label directions for effective and safe control. Since the eggs are so well protected, a second application of the horticulture oil can increase success. Make a second application, if needed, when the eggs hatch and the immature insects known as crawlers emerge in spring after the buds have burst.

As you survey your landscape this winter, pay special attention to stressed plants and those susceptible to oystershell scale and other insect pests common in your area. Plants exposed to road dust and pesticides may also be more vulnerable as these conditions negatively impact predators and parasites that help manage plant pests.

Regularly monitoring plant health, working with nature, and strategically managing invasive pests like the oystershell scale can help improve the health, vigor, and longevity of your landscape plants.

Melinda Myers has written more than 20 gardening books, including the 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 was commissioned by Summit for her expertise to write this article. Myers’ website is www.MelindaMyers.com.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: It’s the time of year for Woody’s bold prediction for the remaining winter

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Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

It’s the first of February, and time for my annual trek into the woods to find my friend, the weather prognosticating groundhog named Woodrow Charles. So, for the umpteenth year, I bundle up and head out the door, not quite sure where I was going.

Last year Woodrow had relocated into a shamble of a tree stump, from which he has since moved. A strange message on Instagram gave me directions to the new place. It was still in center Vassalboro somewhere west of China Lake, and east of Webber Pond.

His instructions took me off the Crowell Hill Road, and down some tote road. I knew I was getting close when I could smell the aroma of a wood burning stove. Ah, there it is, a rather large stump that looks as though it could be from a fresh fallen tree during the storm of December 18. There were boxes strewn outside, evidence of a recent move. A light shown inside the hastily installed window, with smoke billowing from a new chimney.

I knock on the door.

After a few seconds, Woody appeared.

“Come on in, friend,” he said happily.

I didn’t know what to expect. He can be kind of surly at time.

“I’m glad you were able to find me,” he said.

“Well, it took a while, but luckily I’m a little familiar with the area,” I responded. “Is this a permanent move?”

“I intend it to be,” he replied. “I’m getting tired of all this moving around. It’s hard for my friends to keep track of me.”

“Speaking of your friends,” I said, “How are Butch, Slim and Frank?”

“Good, they helped me move in here. Now I’m trying to get settled before the Super Bowl.”

“So, what’s your prediction this year?”

“I think it’s going to be a boring Super Bowl. Both teams’ primary color is red. I can’t root for the Chiefs because before the Europeans arrived, the indigenous people ate some of my ancestral relatives. And the 49ers, well, a bunch of grown men and women killing each other for some glittering rocks. Doesn’t make sense to me. I may just skip the game all together.”

I cringed. I fall into that trap every year.

“No, not the game. For the rest of the winter,” I shoot back.

“It’s been a really mild winter so far, hasn’t it?” he asks.

“You’re not telling me anything I don’t already know,” I answer back.

“Well, you don’t have to get snippy about it,” he snapped back. “Do you want to hear what I have to say or are you going to go all arrogant on me, he retorted.

We sat there for a moment, staring at each other. I guess we were trying to figure out who would speak next.

Finally, I initiated by saying, “OK, I’m sorry, what is your forecast for the rest of winter?”

“Well, like I said, the winter so far has been relatively mild and quiet. Don’t look for that to continue. The rest of the winter weather will be unsettling. We are going to see a lot of mixed precipitation. Rain and snow, with some cold spells sprinkled in there. Also, don’t think the high winds we have experienced are a thing of the past. More of them to come. All in all, look for six more weeks of winter.”

“Well,” I sighed. “Not exactly what I was hoping to hear, what with the mild winter so far,” I said in disappointment. “My readers won’t be happy with this forecast.”

“What can I say,” queried Woody. “It is what it is! Which reminds me: what’s your take on Bill Belichick leaving New England?”

“With all due respect, Woody, I’d rather not get into that.”

That being said, I bid my farewell to Woody, wished him well, exited the abode, and made my way back to the office to write this column, and hope not to get any hate mail.

SUPER BOWL SNACKS

It’s official: Here are the 10 top snacks that Mainers will enjoy during the Super Bowl. It has to be official, the survey was conducted by a gambling company. Imagine that!

Here they are, in order of popularity: chicken wings, ice cream, subs and sandwiches, meatballs, corn dogs, chips ‘n dip, potato skins, cookies, nachos and BBQ ribs.

Enjoy!

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What five NFL teams have won only one Super Bowl?

Answer
New York Jets, Chicago Bears, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Six Heart-Healthy Foods for Seniors

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The National Institute on Aging reports that individuals who are 65 or older are more likely than younger people to have cardiovascular-related issues like heart disease, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, or heart failure.

The American Heart Association states that eating a heart-healthy diet is one of the best ways (along with exercise) to help reduce the risk of heart disease and promote heart health. However, although you may know the right foods to eat, it’s often hard to change long term eating habits.

Fortunately, there are many healthy and tasty foods that can be easily worked into your diet. We’ve singled out six healthy foods for older adults that can help reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, as well as highlighted a few ways you can easily incorporate them into your daily diet for a healthier heart.

 

Eat More of These

1. Leafy green vegetables

Leafy green vegetables like chard, kale, spinach, romaine lettuce, and bok choy are packed with vitamins and minerals and are low in calories. Get more high-fiber greens in your diet by tossing a handful into your morning smoothie, adding a side salad to a sandwich at lunch, sautéeing for a side dish, or adding into homemade soups.

Recipe to try: Garden-Fresh Rainbow Chard

2. Fat-free or low-fat dairy products

The vitamin D and calcium found in dairy products help improve mood, strengthen bones, and preserve muscle strength. An easy way to add more dairy is to use Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or cream in dishes.

Recipe to try: Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole

3. Fresh fruits (especially berries)

Many fresh fruits are filled with vitamins and fiber. Berries, in particular, are chock-full of heart-healthy antioxidants, calcium, potassium, magnesium and fiber. Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries and blackberries are all little bursts of superfood that are low in sugar and calories. Add a handful to salads, throw them in smoothies, or use them to create a heart-healthy dessert.

Recipe to try: Warm Berry Crisp

4. Whole grains

Three daily servings of whole grains like oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, and popcorn can keep your heart healthy and your cholesterol managed. It’s easy to replace refined grain options (like bread) with whole grain options without sacrificing taste. Whole grain side dishes are a great way to jazz up your mealtime routine.

Recipe to try: Cherry-Quinoa Salad

5. Healthy fats

Omega-3s are a type of good fat that can help keep arteries from hardening, lower triglycerides, and help regulate heartbeat. They’re also really good for your skin. Fish like salmon, tuna, and sardines are full of omega-3s, making them an excellent protein option. Healthy fats can also be found in nuts like almonds and walnuts and fruits like avocados. Swapping canola oil for olive oil whenever possible is a great way to get more healthy fat in your diet.

Recipe to try: Green Bean Salad With Roasted Almonds and Feta

6. Nuts and seeds

We already mentioned that almonds and walnuts have value for their healthy fats. They’re also loaded with protein and fiber, making them the perfect snack, salad topping, or ingredient for just about anything. They’ll help keep you fuller longer, which means you’ll eat less while remaining satisfied. Branch out and choose options like cashews, Macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, pistachios, hazelnuts, and even coconuts to tantalize your palate while getting a healthy-heart boost.

Recipe to try: Sweet and Spicy Heart-Healthy Walnuts

 

Other Heart-Healthy Tips

While eating the right types of food will help you age well, feel good and stay healthy, there are other easy ways to keep your heart in tip-top shape, including:

  • Stay physically active – shoot for approximately 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. Even a brisk walk around the neighborhood after dinner will improve cardiovascular health, reduce stress, and boost mood. Talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  • Limit foods such as saturated fats, high-fat foods, fried foods, refined sugars, and alcohol
  • If you smoke, quit smoking
  • Manage any medical conditions by regularly visiting your doctor and staying on top of prescribed medication

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Book: Big Trouble; Conductor: Leopold Stokowski; TV: Death and Other Details

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Big Trouble

Anthony Lukas

A 1998 history book, Big Trouble, by Anthony Lukas (1933-1998) is a massive 875 pages of compulsively fascinating reading centered on the 1905 assassination of Idaho Governor Frank Steu­nenberg (1861-1905) who was originally elected via support from organized labor but then declared martial law when one mine was destroyed by more radical union elements. Tensions already being high between mining corporations and workers, Steunenberg remained a controversial figure.

A bomb was rigged in the entrance gate of the governor’s house and exploded when he tried to open it, killing him instantly. The Pinkerton Detective Agency investigation centered on a dynamiter Harry Orchard who told of being hired by Wild Bill Haywood, founder of the Industrial Workers of the World and an instigator of numerous labor battles reaching from the Western states to New England.

The resulting arrests and trials were a major media circus across the country. Lukas also wrote about progressive groups around the country and the endless struggles between haves and have nots, resulting in even more fascinating reading, particularly in the vignettes on the individual personalities .

Even though Lukas’s agent felt the book was more than ready for publication by 1997, the author wanted to provide every possible detail, which would have resulted in an unmanageable length, and his frustration at not being able to do so resulted in depression and suicide by hanging in 1998 at the age of 65.
Despite these tragic circumstances, this book remains a major contribution to 20th century American history in its dealing with issues still pertinent.

lsewhere Lukas wrote of his mother committing suicide when he was eight years old, of his father contracting tuberculosis and being sent to a sanitorium , and of himself and his brother shipped off to boarding school and of feeling totally alone in the world . These traumas were alluded to in the following quote:

“All writers are, to one extent or another, damaged people. Writing is a way of repairing ourselves.”

Leopold Stokowski

Leopold Stokowski

Conductor Leopold Stokowski (1882-1977) left hundreds of recordings over a 60 year period from the World War One acoustic era to 1970s four channel stereo cassettes and covered a massive amount of repertoire .

One fine RCA lp from the early 50s features Stoky directing studio session musicians in a Symphony by the unknown Roger Goeb and Bela Bartok’s Sonata for 2 Pianos and Percussion. Both pieces have a very colorful combination of lyricism and slightly abrasive dissonance .

Death and Other Details

Mandy Patinkin

Violett Beane

A brand new 2024 Hulu series, Death and Other Details, stars the very good Mandy Patinkin and Violett Beane as two detectives investigating the brutal murder of a wealthy tourist on a luxury liner in the Mediterranean Sea. Everybody on the cruise is of course a suspect. What makes the series compelling so far in its first two available episodes is the quirky characterization of each individual and other details. The other cast members, all previously unfamiliar, do outstanding work.

 

 

 

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THE BEST VIEW: From the “Catbird Seat”

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by Norma Best Boucher

My cat Olivia loves to bird watch.

In her wild outside cat days, I suppose she hunted a few birds, but she was more content catching lizards and snakes that didn’t take off into the air in the middle of the chase. I found many heads of these dead reptiles at my back door…but never a bird.

Now, in her elder years, she sits for hours on the screened-in porch and watches the myriad of feathered friends as they flit and feed at the large hanging bird feeder.

Many of the same birds return daily. Some birds guard as a mate feeds. Other birds wait patiently for their turn, while others squeeze in to be the first to snatch the best seeds.

Olivia lies silently on the sill watching them, their colors and their lives.

The bird feeder is perched from a tree on a new three-foot metal holder that is meant to deter squirrels and raccoons. The previous holder was too short. Squirrels hung from the feeder and flicked seed from the feeding holes, and raccoons tried to lift the feeder off the bracket.

Now the weight of the full feeder is too much for the raccoons to lift, but the tenacious thieves never give up trying. While a squirrel or raccoon tries to outsmart the feeder, other squirrels and raccoons congregate under the feeder to grab the seeds as they fall to the ground.

There is usually a frenzy. Olivia loves watching these antics…so do I.

I remember Olivia as a feral kitten. Her innocent playfulness made me smile and laugh with enjoyment.

I’d yell, “Kitty, Kitty,” and wave a white paper towel letting her know that I had treats for her. She’d be sweet with me but was a fighter with feline trespassers and protected her territory with ruthless behavior.

Later, too old to win her fights and blind in one eye, she finally relented and became a house cat guarding her new territory from unseen marauders from her perch on the bed.

Today, Olivia, at age 18, sits on the sill in the screened in porch and watches safely the feral life she once enjoyed. We no longer play as we did, but she can be seen sometimes racing through the rooms chasing imaginary foes.

She is never very far from me, sitting with me, touching me lightly with her tail, or just nestling close to me as I sleep.

“A senior citizen,” the young vet calls her.

From my own catbird seat, I smile.

You see, we have grown older – together…Olivia and I.

CRITTER CHATTER – Squirrels: nuts to you!

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Squirrel with strawberry

by Jayne Winters

I love chatting with Don Cote at the Duck Pond Wildlife Rehab Center – he has over 50 years of critter stories to share! Not all have happily-ever-after endings, but I think every one of the animals Don and his late wife Carleen cared for over the decades touched his heart. It’s comforting to me to know that those who didn’t survive were tended to by folks who did their best to keep them safe and comfortable in their final days or hours.

When I dropped by Don’s house the other day, I had to first check in on the Little Red who was the victim of a glue trap a couple months ago. I’m happy to report that he’s doing well, very active and soon to be put into a larger cage for more space to get exercise. His tail still looks funky, like a poodle’s tuft on the end, but the fur is getting longer and even the hairless part is starting to show signs of new fuzz.

Don and I started talking about squirrel food preferences: unsalted peanuts in the shell, sunflower seeds, mixed bird seed, and fruits. He mentioned Little Red loves the peanuts I’ve brought, but the gray, not so much, which I found odd as the grays I feed at home make short work of peanuts, in the shell or out. One ‘tidbit’ of information Don shared is that a diet of just nuts or sunflower seeds is bad for squirrels. Even though we see them stealing seeds from our bird feeders, their diet in the wild is varied: bark, pine cones, fungi (like mushrooms), fruits, berries, nuts, flowers, buds, and even insects, eggs, and small birds (I remember years ago, I was shocked and disgusted to see a gray squirrel eating a dead chickadee that had hit a window on our deck). A proper calcium to phosphorous ratio is important, especially in mammals. Sun-flower seeds and other nuts have plenty of phosphorous, but little, if any, calcium. Calcium is important for all kinds of body functions, like blood circulation and respiration, as well as bone strength. Without a calcium-rich diet, squirrels can become weak or paralyzed and can suffer from seizures. Sunflower seeds and other nuts should make up only about five percent of a squirrel’s diet!

I found some interesting info on-line about what to include (or not) in a squirrel diet: almonds should be given sparingly (they contain a chemical also found in aspirin, which is stored in the body and takes up to three weeks to disappear); pumpkin seeds should only be given now and then (they’re high in phosphorous and make squirrels – and people! – nervous). Do NOT feed Portabello or white button mushrooms because they contain three carcinogens; do NOT put out a whole ear of corn as it sours and molds quickly; and do NOT feed apple slices with seeds in the core (they contain cyanide and are toxic).

Grapes should be cut in half and other fruit into small pieces; grape skins should be removed if feeding baby squirrels so they don’t choke. Grapes and other fruits are naturally sweet. While they provide energy, frequent consumption can lead to weight gain and dental problems, much like in humans. Tooth decay can be a serious problem in squirrels as healthy teeth are needed for foraging. Fruits should always be washed (avoid soaps or detergents) to clean them of pesticides and other chemicals. Fruits with pits or seeds can pose a choking hazard and may contain compounds that can be harmful if eaten in large quantities. Just as with our own diet, diversifying foods ensures a range of nutrients to provide overall good health. It’s always best to do thorough research or consult with wildlife experts before introducing any new food to squirrels.

Squirrel with pumpkin

Don and his volunteers greatly appreciate other rehabbers who continue to generously provide assistance to help keep critter care at Duck Pond manageable. Please check the following web sites to see if there is one near you: https://www.mainevetmed.org/wildlife-rehabilitation or https://www.maine.gov/ifw/fish-wildlife/wildlife/living-with-wildlife/orphaned-injured-wildlife/index.html –

Donald Cote operates Duck Pond Wildlife Care Center on Rte. 3 in Vassalboro. It is a non-profit state permitted rehab facility which is supported by his own resources and outside donations. Mailing address: 1787 North Belfast Ave., Vassalboro ME 04989 TEL: (207) 445-4326. Please note the previous e-mail address is no longer monitored.

SCORES & OUTDOORS – Dogs: breed or trainer?

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Wolf hybrid dog: Public enemy No. 1?

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Although I don’t usually write about domestic pets, here is something that came across my desk last week that I must share with my readers, especially where it deals with a very sensitive subject when it comes to the family canine.

Each week seems to bring a fresh headline featuring a dog attack, stirring public debate and concern. This trend has led authorities in recent years to implement breed-specific legislation, with measures that often include bans or severe restrictions on certain breeds, notably pit bulls, rottweilers, dobermans, and other large breeds. These laws have sparked a counter-argument among large breed enthusiasts who contend that it’s not the dogs that are inherently dangerous, but rather the training and treatment they receive from their owners. In response to this debate, movements advocating for responsible dog ownership have gained momentum across the country, presenting a humane alternative to breed-specific bans.

Personal injury law firm Bisnar Chase undertook a comprehensive study to examine this contentious issue. Their goal was to gauge whether public skepticism is directed more towards the so-called ‘dangerous’ breeds or the owners who may fail to provide proper training. They surveyed 3,000 people, asking them to reflect on their personal encounters and identify the dog breed owners in Maine they find least trustworthy.

Public Perception Rankings: The Breeds and Their Owners

#1 Wolf-Hybrids: In first place are owners of wolf-hybrids. Known for their close genetic ties to wild wolves, these canine owners face skepticism due to the unpredictable nature often associated with these animals. The debate continues on whether their wild instincts can be entirely domesticated.

#2 Pit Bulls: Next up are Pit Bull owners who are perceived as the second least trustworthy in Maine, a stigma fueled by media portrayals and controversial headlines. However, advocates argue that pit bulls can be among the most loyal and affectionate breeds when raised in a loving environment.

#3 Rottweilers: The third least trusted dog owners are those who own rottweilers. Owners of this German breed are often met with skepticism. Despite the breed’s capacity for loyalty and guardianship, the imposing nature of rottweilers can be intimidating if not paired with rigorous and consistent training.

Following these two breeds, I have to interject personal experience. My granddaughter has had both a pitbull and rottweiler. Both dogs, although loyal and highly protective, are two of the most gentle dogs I have ever encountered. The pitbull is no longer with us, but the “rottie”, at five years old, will lick you to death when greeting you. He will actually get up on his hind legs, put his front paws on your shoulders, and give you a “hug” before smothering you with affection.

#4 German Shepherds: German Shepherds are fourth on the list among Mainers, which may surprise some given their esteemed role in police and service work. Nevertheless, the breed’s strong protective instincts can be misinterpreted as aggression, highlighting the need for thorough training and socialization.

Again, personal experience tells me it’s the training. Although this was a state police canine, when not at work, he was as gentle as a family pet could be.

#5 Bullmastiffs: Known for their strength and protective nature, Bullmastiffs can be gentle giants under the guidance of a firm, caring owner.

#6 Alaskan Malamutes: Similar to Siberian huskies in their thick fur and robust build, Alaskan Malamute owners are challenged to meet their high exercise needs, often a point of contention for those unfamiliar with the breed.

#7 Siberian Huskies: Taking the seventh spot, Siberian Husky owners often face trust issues from the public, largely due to the breed’s independent nature and resemblance to wolves. Owners must actively work to channel the breed’s energy and intelligence in positive ways.

#8 Doberman Pinschers: In the eighth position, Doberman Pinschers and their owners are often viewed warily. Historically bred for protection, these dogs can exhibit a powerful presence that demands an owner who is committed to their disciplined training.

#9 Boxers: At ninth, boxer owners are often perceived as having their hands full managing the high energy and playful antics of their pets. While boxers are generally friendly, their boisterous behavior requires dedicated training to manage effectively in public spaces.

#10 Akitas: Akitas carry a noble stature and a reserved temperament, and while they can be fiercely loyal, they require an owner who understands the nuances of the breed to prevent aggressive tendencies.

I have had my share of large dogs in my life, and I have to attest, and go along with the position, it’s not the breed but the upbringing. When getting a dog, know the breed, and do your homework as to their nature and best training regiment.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

What was the lowest scoring Super Bowl?

Answer
New England Patriots’ 13-3 win over the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 53, following the 2018 season.

AARP Maine announces 2024 legislative priorities

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With the second regular session of the 131st legislative session now underway, AARP Maine announces its 2024 legislative agenda which includes expanding caregiver support resources in Maine, as well as a focus on fair and affordable utility rates.

“On behalf of our more than 200,000 members statewide, AARP Maine looks forward to working with Governor Mills and our legislative leaders in Augusta from both sides of the aisle,” said Noël Bonam, AARP Maine State Director. “We know that Mainers 50+ have a lot on their minds including the strain of providing care for loved ones, the state’s affordable housing crisis, and unaffordable electricity rates. It is critical that both elected and appointed leaders work to address these important issues that affect Mainers 50+ and their families.”

Maine’s 166,000 unpaid family caregivers hold up the state’s long-term care system, providing crucial support to help older parents, spouses and other loved ones remain in their homes—where they want to be. Family caregivers often become overwhelmed when balancing the physical, emotional, financial, and time-consuming demands required to care for their loved one.

“Caregiving is an unspoken sacrifice, a selfless act of love,” says Star Pelsue, a Portland resident. “When my younger brother needed help, I didn’t hesitate to leave my job and move in to care for my 2-year-old niece while they faced a challenging time with their infant’s treatment. There was no thought of personal impact, just a commitment to family. Let’s acknowledge and support caregivers, who fill a crucial gap in our societal fabric by providing care that benefits us all.”

Ensuring that the support needed to care both for their loved one and themselves in the place of their choosing is pivotal. In the most recent 2023 update of the “Valuing the Invaluable” report series, AARP estimates that Maine family caregivers provide $2.9 billion annually in unpaid care. Nationally, the average caregiver pays over $7,000 dollars in out-of-pocket expenses each year. AARP Maine recognizes the profound impact that family caregivers have on our communities. We urge the legislature to actively seek meaningful solutions that will save caregivers time and money, as well as provide more support.

Another issue that affects many Maine families is volatile utility costs. AARP Maine continues to fight to keep utility rates fair and reasonable in the state with the country’s oldest population. High rates coupled with rising housing, food, and medicine expenses force many vulnerable, older adults to make tough choices.

Starting this month, electricity costs will begin to come down from their sky-high 2023 levels but will remain considerably higher than in 2022. Electricity costs are a particular concern since rate increases are ultimately absorbed by the Maine consumer. For many older Mainers, even a seemingly small monthly increase can be problematic.

“Maine has electricity rates that are higher than the national average,” Gail Maynard from Perham states. “Many older Mainers struggle to afford rate increases on top of their household expenses including medications and food. There has never been a better time for our elected leaders to tackle the critical issue of affordable utilities in Maine.”

Mainers need more consumer protections and AARP Maine is fighting to make sure everyone has access to fair and reasonable electric rates. Any discussion of changes to rates must be transparent and allow for public engagement. AARP Maine will continue working to address the current laws that cause undue burdens to electricity customers.

“AARP Maine and all of our member advocates look forward to productively engaging with the 131st legislative session to ensure that Maine continues to be a place where people 50+ want to live, work, retire and thrive,” Bonam said. “In 2024, we are also thrilled to announce that we will be back in Augusta regularly with our AARP Maine Tuesdays at the State House program. We invite more volunteer advocates to join our efforts as we speak up for Mainers 50+ and their families on these critical issues.”

For more information about AARP Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and follow us on Facebook, Instagram and X @aarpmaine.

Give Us Your Best Shot! for Thursday, January 25, 2024

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

FLOCKING TOGETHER: Pat Clark, of Palermo, snapped this flock of blue jays feeding on the ground.

CRYSTAL CLEAR: Emily Poulin, of South China, photographed this ice crystal on the hood of her car.

OH, HONEY!: Tracy Chadbourne, captured this honey bee enjoying some nectar.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Smart Lighting Solutions to Combat Eye Strain from Screen Time

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The ScreenBar Halo offers tech-driven eye comfort for computer users by supplying real-time auto-dimming light to soothe digital eye strain.

(NAPSI)—Research shows that remote workers spend over half of their day—13 hours on average—looking at screens. This much time spent looking at a computer can produce digital eye strain, also known as Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS).

How To Help Your Eyes

It’s estimated that digital eye strain affects 60 million people worldwide, and over 70 percent of computer users. Resulting symptoms include headaches, blurry vision, neck and eye pain, double vision, delay in shifting focus, and more.

Sound familiar? If you’re experiencing digital eye strain from spending countless hours in front of a screen, you will be glad to know, BenQ’s tech-driven smart lights can offer a solution.
Digital eye strain is often caused by differences in light – screen glare, light reflection, screen brightness and contrast are all contributing factors. Renowned for its pioneering lighting solutions – including the world’s first monitor light bar, the ScreenBar—the company boasts a full line of smart lights that help reduce digital eye strain. Designed based on extensive research by a team of optical professionals and backed by EU IEC/IR 62778 and IEC/EN 62471 dual certifications for blue light hazards, these smart lights bring tech-driven eye comfort to computer users everywhere.

Reimagine Laptop Lighting

For someone needing a portable solution to mitigate insufficient computer light, BenQ’s new LaptopBar (https://bit.ly/4arLWb2) is ideal. This compact light bar attaches to your laptop via a non-damaging magnetic patch, and through an innovative process involving 20 million beam simulations, creates a CIRCUM-Light™ 3D-surrounding illumination that brings together central brightness and ambient light to alleviate eye strain.

The light bar also offers:

• A personalized auto-dimming feature, which remembers your specific lighting preferences and intelligently adapts to changes in environmental light.
• A foldable arm offering height adjustability for your smart light, letting you choose between a limited or wide field of light.

Weighing less than an iPhone 15 Pro, the LaptopBar is easy to transport and intuitive to use. A built-in battery can maintain 100 minutes of operation at 100% brightness and 160 minutes at 50% brightness, so you can use it anywhere.

Tech-Driven Lighting Solutions

An innovator of eye-comforting light for your monitor, BenQ’s ScreenBar Halo (https://bit.ly/3Rxgn6R) securely clamps onto most monitor models to distribute light around your workspace. It features:

• BenQ’s first immersive back lighting mode, which lets you switch among three lighting modes to balance any contrasting light between your computer screen and its surroundings.
• An ASYM-Light™ asymmetrical optical design that prevents reflected glare on the screen and reduces digital eye strain; and a real-time auto-dimming feature with a built-in light sensor detects ambient lighting and supplements illumination of the desktop as needed.

The wireless controller lets you switch lighting modes from your desktop and customize the lighting for a range of environments.

Taking Control of Your Eye Care

You can take care of your eyes by supplying the light relief they need. Your screen time likely won’t be decreasing any time soon, but with smart lighting solutions like BenQ’s LaptopBar and ScreenBar Halo, you can decrease eye strain and promote eye comfort no matter how much time you spend in front of a screen.

Learn More

For additional information and resources on improving eye health, visit: https://www.benq.com/en-us/lighting.html.