VETERANS CORNER: Veterans who served protecting this country are very fragile as time leaves them behind

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by Gary Kennedy

This has proven to be a very hard time for active military as well as our veterans. I am a veteran myself as you know and I have family and friends both active military and veteran. I have worked with veterans for more than 40 years and have never seen anything as heart wrenching as the happenings of late. The world is placing our military in a very shameful state. Our men and women in uniform have always walked tall with pride representing the world’s elite enforcers of justice and freedom.

Many of you with veterans at home know the pain and anguish that our veterans are going through. Almost every visit to Togus VA has, as a part of its screening, the question, “do you have feeling of harming yourself”? Non-veterans don’t realize how sensitive Americas finest are. The pride and love that went into adorning one’s self with the American uniform is second only to God and family.

Everyone has been advised to be on potential suicide watch. Men and women who gave their all protecting this country are very fragile as time leaves them behind. Those who never served or who don’t have someone close who did don’t see what’s happening to our country through similar eyes. Now is a very conflicting time for our military and veteran populations. Now is your time to support these people from your heart. Thanking them for their service is a very respectful thing to do but sometimes it might require more. A gentle touch, an understanding ear can make a lot of difference in helping those who gave their youth for the sake of our country.

There are those who turn their back on our flag and take a knee in protest. Those people obviously don’t care how the peace keepers feel or see the price that was paid by hundreds of thousands who gave it all for them. Respect isn’t in their vocabulary. Most of us feel it is shameful the way things have been lately. Do we deserve our freedom or should Mandarin be considered in the school curriculum? If you ask a veteran, he or she will tell you that things are about to get really bad. How can you be convinced that you won’t like being under the rule of another country, especially Marxist or communist regimes? Look at other countries that are ruled under Socialistic, Communistic governments. Some of us have been in such countries where they can shoot you, your family, take your children and/or your women. I believe some of you haven’t thought this through. Do you want a government who counts your children?

I pray for America each night after watching the horrors on the news channels. It’s bad and it’s real my friends. You can see it for yourself. My heart goes out to those living it. I can hear their fear and despair as I try to fall asleep. I must watch to be informed but for you I recommend cartoons.

During this nightmare the VA hasn’t been much help as they try to pull a switch on the vets. Covid shutdown has allowed them to keep vets away; then came construction to elongate the distancing. At this time the vets noticed security being implemented to further distance them from a place they think of as a safe sanctuary for them. It was a clever way to place Togus on lockdown, the security stations became permanent. More and more veterans are being farmed out but that will only be for a short time, I believe, as the cost is far too great. We have new buildings, sidewalks, roads and a new Community Living Center being built. However, it has been several years since new operating theatres for orthopedics and general surgery and also the need for EMG equipment, which has been broken for years, goes without notice, yet a new neurologist was hired, as well as a nurse practitioner to work with diabetic patients. Eventually they all have to be referred out. These are things which are never addressed by D.C..

The best gym with a pool for both emotional and physical therapy remains shutdown mostly for “lack of a life guard”. However, we are starting to look good. Last but not least the records section has become difficult to access because of staffing, shortages. Perhaps that’s not important with all Veteran Services’ doors being shut. Be mindful of what’s happening and do your best to be part of the solution, not the cause.

God bless our troops and watch over our vulnerable veterans.

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

Gary Kennedy can be reached at 458-2832.

I’M JUST CURIOUS: Feeling unlucky? This may help

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photo credit: www.flickr.com/photos/sequoya/2431236121

by Debbie Walker

It is well known by now that I love the Farmer’s Almanac! I get newsletters from them, and they are just as good as the book somedays. This latest newsletter had 13 Ways to Improve Your Luck, written by Jaime McLeod, one of their journalists. Please do check their stuff and ours online. You never know what neat stuff you may find.

I will be using some of Jaime’s information and some I have found online; I will also be adding some of my own information. This has nothing to do with The Town Line staff, just me sharing with you.

13 or so….

1. Keep Your Fingers Crossed: Making the sign of the Christian faith with your fingers is believed to keep the evil spirits from ruining your good fortune.

2. Knock on Wood: It was believed good spirits lived in trees and by knocking on anything made of wood, we can call upon these spirits for protection against misfortune. (Sometimes it’s hard to find real wood these days, it might be a really good grade of plastic!)

3. Find a 4-leaf Clover: Ancient druids believed shamrocks helped them to see evil spirits providing the chance to avoid them. (Have you ever seen purple shamrocks. We have a few pots of them.)

4. Wear Your Clothes Inside Out: (I had never seen this one before. I bet more people would be doing this if they knew it would bring good luck. I read children will wear their pj’s inside out, hoping for a snow day from school. We would have too when we were teaching first and second grade!

5. Look at the New Moon Over Your Right Shoulder: If you have new projects being successful or not, it depends on if you see the New Moon over your right shoulder.

6. Sleep Facing South: (from Feng/chi ) good health and fortune: Connection with positive spiritual energy.

7. Break Clear, Uncolored Glass: Broken mirrors are said to bring bad luck. Broken clear glass is said to lose bad fortune.

8. Walk in the Rain: always seen as good luck because a rainy season meant the difference between lean years and prosperous years.

9. Sleep on Un-ironed Sheets: just an old superstition with lost origins. Not many iron sheets anymore, maybe that’s the answer to the mess the world is in. Iron those sheets people!

10. Avoid Cracks in the Sidewalk: Step on a crack, break your mother’s back. I suppose it could be a safety issue, you might trip in a crack, especially with some heels over the years!

11. Carry an Acorn in Your Pocket: An ancient symbol of fertility and long life. To get a long life here you would have to fight the chipmunks!

12. Sneeze three Times Before Breakfast: Three seen as a lucky number belief throughout history. Associated with Christian Trinity.

13. Pick up a Pencil, a Pin, a Penny or a Piece of Coal in the Street: Find a penny, pick it up, all the day, you’ll have good luck.

Wishing you the best of luck and health. I’m just curious what little poems you have. Can’t wait to hear from you. Contact me a DebbieWalker@townline.org.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Symphony Sounds from the Colby Campus

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Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Symphony Sounds from the Colby Campus

Century Custom Records, once based in Cape Elizabeth, released an LP, Symphony Sounds from the Colby Campus, an anthology of live performances of the Colby Community Symphony Orchestra conducted by its late Music Director Ermanno F. Comparetti during the 1970-1971 seasons.

The selections were as follows:

The opening Allegro of Bach’s 4th Brandenburg Concerto with flutists Jean Rosenblum and Marion Agnew, and violinist/concertmaster Mary Hallman.

Habanera from Bizet’s opera Carmen, as sung by mezzo-soprano Dorothy Spurling, who died in 2020 at the age of 88 and who frequently appeared in concerts on campus during those earlier years.

Another opening Allegro movement from Spring in Vivaldi’s 4 Seasons, again played by concertmaster Hallman.

Frescobaldi’s Toccata in D minor performed by the full orchestra.

Vio Che Sapete from Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, sung by Spurling.

Finally, the very famous 1st movement of Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky’s Piano Concerto #1 performed by Tibor Yusti who taught piano at the college and gave a successful recital at New York City’s Town Hall, in 1961, that was reviewed by the New York Times.

The orchestra consisting of performers at the professional, semi-professional and amateur level gave spirited renditions .

Since 1959, I have attended Colby Symphony concerts at the Waterville Opera House, Waterville High School Auditorium, Colby’s Lorimer Chapel and its now-demolished Wadsworth Field House.

Back during the 1960s, I remember the college’s former President, Dean Robert Strider, gave commentary at a few concerts and sang the baritone solos in a performance of the Brahms German Requiem.

Two other former concertmasters, Max Cimbolleck and Geza Fiedler, along with Fred Petra who was gifted at playing both the trumpet and double bass in the orchestra, were family friends and music teachers of myself and other family members.

Other acquaintances listed among the personnel were violist Church Blair, cellists Dorothy Reumann, Anthony Betts and Gratia Laws, John Wheeler on French horn, flutist Jean Rosenblum and harpsichordist Adel Heinrich.

* * * * * *

Robert PT Coffin’s Kennebec Crystals continued

Continuing with paragraphs from Robert PT Coffin’s essay Kennebec Crystals, on the harvesting of ice, Maine’s former major winter industry:

“The afternoon saw the first great checkers of ice lifted from the checkerboards. With heaving of cant dogs and picks, the square crystals came up into the splendid sunshine, sparkling like emeralds shading to azure in their deep hearts, with sections of whole rainbows where the edges were flawed. Layer on layer of brightness, layers of solid winter to go into the hot heart of summer in faraway cities and scorching lands. Long canals opened up into dark water, and men poled the cakes down to the ends where other men caught them with cant dogs as they came, hoisted them up on the ice, slued them to the runways. Chains clanked, the hooks bit into them, and up they flashed along the high lines of steel and plunged into the icehouses.”

Continued next week.

FINANCIAL FOCUS: Start thinking about your retirement income plan

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by Sasha Fitzpatrick

If you’re getting close to retirement, you’re probably thinking about the ways your life will soon be changing. And one key transition involves your income – instead of being able to count on a regular paycheck, as you’ve done for decades, you’ll now need to put together an income stream on your own. How can you get started?

It’s helpful that you begin thinking about retirement income well before you actually retire. Many people don’t – in fact, 61 percent of retirees wish they had done better at planning for the financial aspects of their retirement, according to an Edward Jones/Age Wave study titled Retirement in the Time of Coronavirus: What a Difference a Year Makes.

Fortunately, there’s much you can do to create and manage your retirement income. Here are a few suggestions:

Consider ways to boost income. As you approach retirement, you’ll want to explore ways of potentially boosting your income. Can you afford to delay taking Social Security so your monthly checks will be bigger? Can you increase your contributions to your 401(k) or similar employer-sponsored retirement plan, including taking advantage of catch-up contributions if you’re age 50 or older? Should you consider adding products that can provide you with an income stream that can potentially last your lifetime?

Calculate your expenses. How much money will you need each year during your retirement? The answer depends somewhat on your goals. For example, if you plan to travel extensively, you may need more income than someone who stays close to home. And no matter how you plan to spend your days in retirement, you’ll need to budget for health care expenses. Many people underestimate what they’ll need, but these costs can easily add up to several thousand dollars a year, even with Medicare.

Review your investment mix. It’s always a good idea to review your investment mix at least once a year to ensure it’s still appropriate for your needs. But it’s especially important to analyze your investments in the years immediately preceding your retirement. At this point, you may need to adjust the mix to lower the risk level. However, you probably won’t want to sell all your growth-oriented investments and replace them with more conservative ones – even during retirement, you’ll likely need some growth potential in your portfolio to help you stay ahead of inflation.

Create a sustainable withdrawal rate. Once you’re retired, you will likely need to start taking money from your IRA and 401(k) or similar plan. But it’s important not to take too much out in your early years as a retiree, since you don’t want to risk outliving your income. A financial professional can help you create a sustainable withdrawal rate based on your age, level of assets, family situation and other factors.

By planning ahead, and making the right moves, you can boost your confidence in your ability to maintain enough income to last throughout your retirement. And with a sense of financial security, you’ll be freer to enjoy an active lifestyle during your years as a retiree.

This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

Edward Jones, Member SIPC.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: Tips to help you stay active and become a healthier you

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Daily walks with your family can help you all look and feel healthier and happier.

(NAPSI)—Following a challenging year, it may be difficult to get back into a healthy routine. Summer is a great time to think about what you can do to improve your health. Wherever you are on your journey to active and healthy living, there are things you can do to help you get or stay on track.

Try these tips to help manage your weight and stay active.

• Try to be active every day. Make physical activity a part of your daily routine rather than something you do occasionally. Invite a friend or family member to make it more fun and to help you stick with your goals.

• Think small. Small changes can add up to big results if you stay consistent. You don’t have to run a marathon or go on a strict eating plan to lose weight. Taking just a 10-minute walk every day or replacing your bowl of ice cream with a piece of fruit are great choices that can improve your health over time.

• Look for creative ways to be healthier. There are many ways to form healthy habits. Walk around a school track or a local park, take the stairs instead of the elevator, or try a hobby that keeps you moving, like gardening or dancing. Look for snacks low in added sugar and salt, like frozen or fresh fruit, hummus, and crunchy veggies.

• Reduce your “screen time.” We may not realize how much time we spend sitting still watching television, playing online games, or being on social media. Try turning off devices and take a walk, try a new sport with your loved ones, or create a playlist of favorite songs and have a dance contest.

• Be mindful of your eating habits. Keeping a food and beverage diary will make you more aware of what you eat and drink, which can help you make healthier choices. Many apps and online tools are available to help you track your meals.

Health is a lifelong pursuit and is more achievable when you turn healthy behaviors into habits. To do that, remember to:

• Be patient. Most people at some point in their lives try to become more active or lose weight. It’s not easy, but it is doable! If you stick to your plan, you can reach your goals.

• Be prepared for setbacks. It’s normal to have slip-ups on your health journey. Don’t feel bad or punish yourself. Instead, remember that creating new habits takes time.

• Celebrate successes. Losing weight and becoming more physically active are big achievements. Be proud of yourself for wanting to become healthier and for doing what you can each day to make that happen.

If you are not sure where to start, visit the NIDDK’s Body Weight Planner tool at www.niddk.nih.gov/bwp to set some calorie and activity goals. Also talk with your health care professional about appropriate goals based on your unique health and lifestyle.

To learn more about weight management and healthy living, visit the NIDDK website at www.niddk.nih.gov.

SCORES & OUTDOORS: Those giant mosquitoes buzzing around at night

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Crane fly

Roland D. Halleeby Roland D. Hallee

Have you ever gone to bed on a warm summer night, and seen this thing flying around that resembles a large mosquito?

It happens to me all the time at camp.

Sitting up in bed, grabbing the book I’m reading, or possibly a magazine for some light and quick reading. And, there it is, buzzing around the light, and becoming extremely annoying. It looks like a giant mosquito.

One of my relatives recently posted a photo on Facebook of that exact same insect on her arm. In the posting, she notes, “it’s a good thing I’m not afraid of spiders.” Wait a minute, this insect has six legs. All arachnids have eight legs. That is not a spider.

Well, I quickly fired off an email to my biologist contact at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, along with the photo. It didn’t take long to receive a reply.

His response was, “this is a cranefly, a true fly in the order Diptera, and probably from the family Tipulidae. There are over 1,500 species of Craneflies in North America and possibly several hundred in Maine. The adults are harmless, some species not feeding at all, and some species feeding predominantly on nectar.”

In colloquial speech, the cranefly is sometimes called Daddy Longlegs, a term also used to describe opiliones, or harvestmen, both of which are arachnids. The larvae of the cranefly are known commonly as leatherjackets.

Craneflies are found worldwide, though individual species usually have limited ranges.

The adult crane fly, like mentioned earlier, resembles an oversized mosquito, and has stilt-like legs that are deciduous, easily coming off the body.

The adult female usually contains mature eggs as she emerges from her pupa, and often mates immediately if a male is available. Adult craneflies have a lifespan of 10 – 15 days. Cranefly larvae (leatherjackets) have been observed in many habitat types on dry land and in water. They are cylindrical in shape, but taper toward the front end, and the head capsule is often retracted into the thorax. Larvae may eat algae, microflora, and living or decomposing plant matter, including wood. Some are predatory.

The sole purpose of the adult crane fly is to mate and, for the females, to lay eggs for next spring’s crop of flies. Crane flies are harmless to handle, so the next time one makes its way indoors, simply cup it gently to release outdoors. Think of it as a romantic gesture.

Some lavae species consume some living aquatic insects and invertebrates, which could potentially include mosquito larvae. Many, however, because of their short lifespan, never eat at all.

Numerous other common names have been applied to the crane fly. Many of the names are more or less regional in the U.S., including mosquito hawk, mosquito eater, gallinipper, and gollywhopper.

There are other misconceptions about the crane fly.

There is an enduring urban legend that crane flies are the most venomous insects in the world, but have no ability to administer the venom; this is not true. The myth likely arose due to their being confused with the cellar spider as they are also informally called “daddy longlegs”, and although the arachnid does possess venom, it is not especially potent.

Despite widely held beliefs that adult crane flies prey on mosquito populations, the adult crane fly is anatomically incapable of killing or consuming other insects.

Crane flies are generally thought as agricultural pests. Since the late 1900s they have become invasive in the United States. The larvae have been observed on many crops, including vegetables, fruits, cereals, pasture, lawn grasses and ornamental plants.

Should you kill crane flies? Adult crane flies are harmless and do not feed on blood. However, crane fly larva, known as leatherjackets, can cause damage to your lawn. You can kill the flies immediately with an insecticide or you can take preventative measures by killing their larva.

First, you must use home remedies with essential oils to prevent adult crane flies. It will also prevent them from laying their eggs in your garden or lawn. There are many essential oils that you can use to make your treatment, the most common being lavender, and peppermint oil.

It is harmless to humans, can be a nuisance to agriculture, but I wish it would stop reading over my shoulder.

Roland’s trivia question of the week:

Which Red Sox relief pitcher appeared in a record 81 games during the 2005 season?

Answer can be found here.

SOLON & BEYOND: Painting Pals revisited in old article

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

I came across this March 25, 2010, issue of The Town Line newspaper with those who paint together, stay together article written by Lyn Rowden. “Welcome to Painting Pals club,” greeted Marilyn Rogers when my son, Aaron, and I turned up at MSAD #54 Adult Education to see what this unusual little club in Skowhegan is all about.

They have been getting together weekly for years to express themselves and share their talent and hobby with each other. We enjoy art so we came to take a peek. Expecting rudimentary student art in progress I was surprised to find high quality artwork in various stages of completion set up on personal easels all around a large science lab. The intensity of the artists was impressive, as well as the obvious camaraderie. Members worked amidst the delicate scents of oil paints and the brownies graciously provided by the Life Skills class next door. That may sound strange but to us artists it was delightful. Marilyn invited Aaron and me to take up a small canvas and some paints and join the Painting Pals for the evening while she told us about their group.

It all began about four years ago, when the adult education art teacher, Peggy Riley, was leaving. Her students had formed such a close community they wanted to stick together and keep on painting. But how could that be possible when they came from all over the district and had no art teacher.

One member, Marilyn Rogers, of Solon, was relaxing on a beach far away in Florida when she dreamed up an idea. Upon her return she asked the adult ed department if she could rent classroom space for the same cost as a class would, to use it as an art forum, for experienced painters. The school was so enthusiastic they offered them the room for free. They had to have a name so the group came up with “Painting Pals Club”. Today, for business purposes the school charges a small fee but all the members are willing to pay for this opportunity to paint, critique their art, and encourage each other.

Marilyn explained this group does not have a teacher and is not for beginners, but that was obvious from the beautiful paintings being worked on by each and every member. Landscapes, flowers, portraiture, still life, and animals in action – every subject matter was being depicted in oils, watercolor and acrylics. Most agreed that at their weekly meetings is when they get most of their artwork done. Suzanne Carrier, of Skowhegan, is working on a very large canvas depicting the Disney castle, inspired by a recent vacation. She explained how coming to this club each week helps her make time to do what she loves doing, to get out her art supplies and paint. “People don’t have time to paint, so this is ideal,” said Shirley Foxwell, of Norridgewock, who was working on a floral piece and also enjoys portrait painting. She like others took time to visit with their fellow artists to watch the progress, offer advice and become inspired in this self-directed “class.”

Many of the artists are prize winners, and not hard to see why. Exquisite detail marks the work of Don Albertine, of Lexington, in his flowers; likewise in the feathers of an eagle by Richard Greenstreet, of Madison, in the house by Gerda Pilz, of South Solon; and in the precise work of Lief Bull, of Solon. A softer palette was deftly applied by members Marilyn Giroux, Linwood Turcotte, of Norridgewock; John Alsop, of Cornville, Donald Berry, of Embden; Dr. Alex Paqulski, of Skowhegan; and Barry Dana, also of Skowhegan. By the way, Aaron finished a miniature landscape based on a modernistic set design he had done. I had time to get in just enough brush strokes to recall how wonderful oils are and to be inspired to do more. Thanks Marilyn and Painting Pals Club.

As far as I know, the school will be offering the Painting Pals Club again this year; Lief and I are looking forward to seeing all you former members, and new ones who love to paint!

The following is from Somerset County News, also back in the same paper: And it starts out with these words Good morning, dear friends. Don’t worry, be happy! I thank all of you who have commented on my column in the March 11 issue, or who attended the Solon Town Meeting, it is very much appreciated. I heard from people in other towns, by phone and e-mail and people in Solon. One person who is a member of the Solon Budget Committee, called and said they wondered how the machine was paid for, but didn’t have the nerve to ask.

All of this took place before Percy came into the picture, but as you all know he is honored each week by Roland with his memoir: Don’t wait with longing for the day When better times might come your way. Discard the fears that may depress; Live now and garner happiness. It’s such a waste to dwell on gloom. Though you have problems, find the room For loving when the path is rough; For laughter when the going’s tough. To fully live means you must face Whatever comes with humble grace. And if you mourn, turn it to praise. How much to do, how few the days! ­ by Amy C. Ellis.

FOR YOUR HEALTH: A Safe Way to Return to Play

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Applying PlayArmor keeps playground equipment safe and clean for kids to play on.

(NAPSI)—As life returns to normal following an impossibly difficult year, one aspect of the pandemic likely to remain is the understanding that clean, germ-free environments are important—especially when it comes to children.

It’s well documented that playtime is vital to kids’ social and emotional health; unstructured play helps them learn key developmental skills, such as patience, sharing, role play, risk taking and imagination. Other benefits of outdoor play for kids include an increase of vitamin D and a boosted immune system, guaranteed exercise, and fostering an appreciation of the world around them.

After a year of being cooped up with very little opportunity to socialize or be active outdoors, a return to play is top of mind for many families and caregivers. But questions remain about how to do it safely.

Now parents can have more peace of mind when giving their children the outdoor play they crave, thanks to an antimicrobial coating specifically targeted for use on commercial playgrounds.

Available throughout the U.S., PlayArmor™ creates an invisible layer of protection on the surfaces children might touch. Cleaning with a disinfectant lasts only until the next person touches the equipment. PlayArmor bonds to the equipment’s surface and will not come off with inclement weather or by touch.

Registered with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the technology is proven to be safe and is also used in hospitals, medical research labs and restaurants. PlayArmor withstands pressure washing and remains on playground surfaces to which it is applied, with no need to reapply for up to 90 days. PlayArmor is safe for humans, animals, and the environment.

What to Look For

How will you know if your local playground and site amenities such as benches and tables are protected by PlayArmor? The equipment will have a visible PlayArmor label, which is a sign that the playground and site amenities are protected. PlayPower®, the world’s largest commercial playground and recreational equipment manufacturer, introduced PlayArmor in partnership with Clearstream® Technologies, a specialized chemical company. For more information on PlayArmor, visit www.PlayArmor.com.

“It’s beneficial for kids to play outdoors, especially on equipment with an antimicrobial protective coating that keeps it germ-free for months. https://bit.ly/3AdlJtL“

I’M JUST CURIOIUS: Are you a lefty?

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by Debbie Walker

If you have answered the question, “Are you a lefty?” more than once or twice in your life you probably are left-handed. I imagine you have also heard some interesting comments. Well, here comes a few more. I just had to share them.

This info I found in a book titled The Natural Superiority of The Left-Hander, by James T. de Kay. The info follows:

“One person in ten is left-handed. And every last one of them thinks he’s sort of special.” The author’s words, not mine! It is said that left-handedness is something of a rarity. There are even some plants and sea critters that are said to be lefties. Lobsters are sometimes left-handed. (If you were very hungry you wouldn’t pick that one from the case in the restaurant or store!)

It is believed the very first members of the humans were left-handed. I am not sure who they found to ask about that item. Things were said to be fine for us lefties up through the Stone Age. With the Bronze Age of manufacturing, most work was done by right-handers, so the tools were designed for right-handers. Go figure! By the Middle Ages left-handers were left out in the cold, even suits of armors were made for the right-handers.

If we gave it much thought those of us who are left-handed could feel a little paranoid. Yes, paranoid when you consider many of us can tell the stories about the teachers who tried to change us over to be right- handed. Could have gotten the feeling of failure by first grade!

Today the only thing that actually favors us is the toll booths! AND even those are being put out of business by the Sun-Passes! But that is okay because Ben Franklin favored us with his writings about the left- handed with his left hand, I guess.

There have been five left-handed presidents; Garfield, Truman, Ford, Bush, and Clinton. Swimming also favors left-handers. Left-handers make fantastic tennis players, even though they are not clear why, forty percent of top pros are left-handed.

There are more left-handed boys than girls. Some experts claim you can tell about a baby being left-handed by the swirl of the hair on top of their head. It is said you can tell if your left-handed if the base of your thumb is wider and squarer than the right.

Right-handers adapt comfortably to abstractions. But left-handers tend to translate everything into visual imagery. Right-handers tend to think lineally. One out of every four Apollo astronauts turned out to be left-handed.

We now know why left-handers have always believed they were special. In their hearts, they know they are right!

So, are you a lefty? I am happy that my dad fought the “battle of the teacher” wanting to change my dominating hand. I have not felt my left handwriting holding me back much, if at all. They tell me I even hold my pen the right way.

I am just curious if you are a lefty. We are special, as are we all. We each bring something special to this old world. Contact me at Debbiewalker@townline.org. Have a great week and thanks for reading.

REVIEW POTPOURRI: Baritone Oscar Seagle, Soprano Marie Tiffany

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Oscar Seagle

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

Baritone Oscar Seagle, Soprano Marie Tiffany

Baritone Oscar Seagle (1877-1945) was one of the best selling recording stars for Columbia records during the post World War I years of the acoustic era. He recorded two hymns for the label on a 10-inch shellac in 1921 – I Love to Tell the Story and Nearer My God to Thee (the one being played by musicians on the Titanic as it was sinking).

Seagle was accompanied by four men described as the Columbia Quartette, with an accompanying orchestra. He sang both hymns beautifully and with conviction.

In later years, he started a music school in New York’s Adirondacks.

Columbia A3354.

Soprano Marie Tiffany (1881-1948) and contralto Elizabeth Lennox (1894-1992) recorded Barcarolle, translated as Oh, Night of Love, from the opera, Tales of Hoffmann, by French composer Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880), also on a ten inch acoustic shellac, in 1921; side two contained Miss Tiffany’s rendition of Jules Massenet’s (1842-1912) Elegie. Both have been commonly recorded staples since those years and I thought I could care less about ever hearing them again until I played this record. Both sides were sung with a vibrant beauty and freshness as though they had just been composed.

A number of recordings by both ladies can be heard on YouTube but not these, unfortunately.

Brunswick 5040.

Continuing with Robert PT Coffin’s Kennebec Crystals:

“Then the workers went to the shores and ate their cold ham and bread and broke the crystals in the top of their jugs and drank the sluggish milk. They built fires to toast their thick soles and sat on the leeward side chewing their quids of tobacco in the heat and haze of the smoke that made the tears run from their eyes. Fathers and sons broke into cakes and frosty doughnuts the wives and mothers had made. Apple pie with splinters of ice.”

More next week.