Maine among highest COPD rates in the country

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American Lung Association releases new data and steps healthcare and public health professionals can take to help improve the lives of people living with COPD

The American Lung Association in Maine released the COPD State Briefs, which include data about prevention, diagnosis, health outcomes and treatment of the disease for all 50 states and Washington, D.C. The briefs also highlight the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) across the U.S., highlighting the states with the highest COPD rates and opportunities to improve the burden of the disease. Maine is one of 11 states with the highest COPD prevalence rate.

COPD, which includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema, is a long-term lung disease that makes it hard to breathe. There is currently no cure for COPD, but the disease is treatable. Nationally, approximately 5 percent of adults or 12.5 million Americans are living with COPD. In Maine, 99,861 of adults have been diagnosed with COPD, with a prevalence rate is 9 percent.

Annual cost of COPD treatment is $154 million, there are 92,66, and 888 people die each year from COPD.

“Unfortunately, here in Maine, our residents face a higher burden of COPD, but together we can work to help prevent the disease and support people living with the disease to live longer and more active lives,” said Lance Boucher, director of advocacy for the American Lung Association. “The new COPD state briefs also examine key indicators for COPD in Maine, such as air quality, tobacco use, education, income level and vaccination rate, which can help us determine where to focus our prevention efforts and help those most impacted by the disease.”

Maine is one of ten states that have the highest COPD rates and highest burden in the country – Alabama, Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee and West Virginia. State prevalence rates range from 3.7% in Hawaii to 13.6% in West Virginia.

The goal of the COPD State Briefs is to raise awareness for COPD and empower public health and healthcare professionals to take actionable steps to prevent the onset of illness, reduce health inequities, set goals for earlier diagnosis and ensure clinical guidelines are used to manage and treat COPD. For Maine, the Lung Association recommends the following actions to reduce the burden of COPD:

– Use a validated COPD screening tool for people who may be at risk of COPD or reporting symptoms.
– Confirm a COPD diagnosis using spirometry, especially in primary care.
– Use evidence-based tobacco prevention and cessation services.
– Promote recommended vaccinations.
– Recommend pulmonary rehabilitation, COPD education and a COPD Action Plan.

The COPD State Briefs were created with support by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Learn more and view the COPD State Briefs at Lung.org/COPD-briefs.

Make an impact, shop locally for the holidays

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by Luis Franco, senior loan specialist, Center for Rural Affairs

The holiday season is right around the corner and it comes with great news.

According to a Gallup survey, 74 percent of holiday shoppers said they expect to pay about the same amount or more on holiday gifts this year compared to last. Moreover, 23 percent of shoppers said they choose one retailer over another because they want to support small and local businesses in their community.

Small businesses are essential to rural America. When buying from local small businesses, you are supporting your community in more ways than one. The money you spend stays in the community, which supports other businesses, helps create jobs, drives economic growth, and contributes to the area’s overall well-being.

Also, consider the environmental impact of avoiding long-distance trips to purchase gifts, not to mention the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with local entrepreneurs.

Local businesses often prioritize providing a positive customer experience, as they rely on word-of-mouth referrals and repeat business to stay afloat. With greater attention to detail, a willingness to go above and beyond, and a focus on creating a welcoming and friendly environment, small businesses can make holiday shopping a breeze.

As you plan your gift-giving this holiday season, think about your community. Get out and explore the local shops, look for pop-up events such as craft shows and holiday markets, and read your local newspaper and scroll through social media as many entrepreneurs take to the platforms to advertise their goods.

The gifts you purchase this holiday season will not only make your friends and family feel loved, they will empower your community. Where you spend your money today could determine what your community looks like a year or even five years from now.

Small entrepreneurs and business owners have been working hard to prepare for the holiday season. Now, it’s time to do your part.

Established in 1973, the Center for Rural Affairs is a private, non-profit organization working to strengthen small businesses, family farms and ranches, and rural communities through action oriented programs addressing social, economic, and environmental issues.

Area food pantries: people helping people

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Text and photo by Roberta Barnes

It is that time of year when people need help shoveling their walkways and heating their homes, but something that everyone needs at all times is nutritious food. Illnesses and accidents do not care about age, occupation, or gender. Misfortune can hit individuals or families at any time. Businesses and companies can go out of business. At unexpected times, individuals or families can be in a situation where resources have been stretched beyond the point of trying to eat balanced meals.

Neighbors, relatives, and others in the community have been helping for decades, but sometimes people are struggling themselves or do not know that a person or family needs help. The nice thing is that there are nonprofit organizations formed and supported by the community, who can help in our community, and our State, those that do not have the nutritious foods needed to keep their body and mind functioning during this stressful season.

Last week, several local food pantries in China, Jefferson, Windsor, Vassalboro and Winslow took time to talk with me. These volunteer-driven initiatives are located in spaces where businesses have closed down, in renovated town garages, and in churches. Some even operate mobile trailers that can be moved to different locations.

Each of the volunteers who spoke with me expressed compassion and a willingness to give without judgement. They are able to operate thanks to generous donations by local businesses, farms, and individuals, plus countless hours by volunteers. Their work is filling a need by helping supply needed nutritional foods.

How and when you can receive needed food varies with location. Some pantries are open one or two days a week, others are open only once or twice a month. In some locations the space is too small for people to walk into the area where the food is safely stored. In those cases, once a person checks off the list of food needed, volunteers bring those foods to the person’s vehicle. Other organizations have a space large enough that clients can walk through in single file and do their own shopping.

I heard from Jefferson food pantry, located in St. Giles church (207-315-1134), and Windsor food bank in a section of the Windsor Town Hall garage (207-445-9030), that in the case of an emergency situation they have delivered the needed food to a home. All organizations distributing food in Maine are focused on helping people in their communities have the food they need to stay healthy.

In October 1929 when Wall Street crashed and 15 million people were unemployed by 1933, there were no safety nets in place.

Today we are lucky to have help in place. But getting nutritious foods to the pantry locations, correctly storing perishable foods, and safely handling all foods, requires numerous steps from many different people.

Donations and volunteer work are the most important aspect in providing these additional safety nets, and in continuing to keep them available for those people who at certain times cannot buy food, or are having trouble with other basic needs.

The Federal Emergency Food Assistance Program, or TEFAP, began with donation efforts of surplus foods, such as cheese, by the USDA in late 1981. Foods from this program are given to each State based on the number of unemployed persons and the number of people with incomes below the poverty level. It is then given to the organizations that directly serve the public and submit all the correct forms. The receiving and passing out of these foods requires detailed paperwork completed by volunteers. This is just part of the effort that goes on behind the scenes that many people do not see.

In 1981, the Maine nonprofit organization Good Shepherd Food Bank was formed in Auburn through donations of individuals, retailers, and large food companies in Maine. The small grassroots effort has grown, expanding to Hamden and delivering foods to organizations throughout Maine that are contracted with them.

Good Shepherd’s purchasing power and relationships with wholesalers allow these organizations to use the donations they receive to purchase food at a fraction of the cost they would pay through standard retailers. Five dollars can result in thirty pounds of food. Because safely handling and storing perishable foods is important, annually each organization is inspected to be sure all foods are handled safely. Everything is carefully monitored and that requires accurate paperwork.

Donations made to Good Shepherd Food Bank and other organizations come from many sources. One of the donating companies, Hannaford Bros. Co., established a reclamation center to facilitate the process of distributing products to Good Shepherd and other food banks. In certain stores you may find programs inviting customers at the register to donate money or buy boxes of food staples for local pantries.

Speaking with volunteers in Windsor, I heard about a food bake sale that resulted in major funding for Windsor Food Bank Inc. Farms in some communities also donate various veggie and protein foods that are properly packaged, from late July sometimes into November.

When China Food Pantry was established in 1992 (1320 Lakeview Drive), it started by connecting with local stores for over-stocked and other foods that could not be put on the grocery shelves even though they were still safe to eat. With stores being willing to donate some foods, similar pantries in Albion, Palermo, Windsor, Jefferson and Vassalboro quickly followed. The volunteers in these locations drove to pick up food in various locations, including farms and Good Shepherd in Auburn. Today Good Shepherd delivers to those contracted with them.

The joy that pets of all sizes can bring into a home is obvious. Pets also are great listeners, help with depression and loneliness, can relieve stress, increase your physical anxiety, help you see the beauty around you and much more. But pets need pet food to continue to help the people they live with. Some of the volunteers shared with me that they will personally go to retailers and purchase pet food that can be picked up with the other needed foods at the organization’s location.

While I was not able to connect with all local organizations providing food at no charge, The Town Line’s website has a list of pantries and phone numbers here. You can also find the location by calling or dropping into the town office in your community.

In Vassalboro, there is the Vassalboro Food Station on Rte. 32 open on Thursdays from 11 a.m. to noon. The Winslow Community Cupboard also distributes food at The Mill, in Vassalboro, Wednesdays 4 – 7 p.m. and Sundays 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Winslow Community Cupboard also serves people in communities other than Winslow, which you can see by visiting their website. They are at the Winslow Congregational Church, 12 Lithgow Street, the second and fourth Thursday each month from noon – 3 p.m., and from 5 – 7 p.m.

As you are reading, these organizations require many volunteers to make all of this happen. Being a volunteer or donating can be extremely rewarding as you see the thankful faces of those receiving. If you would like to donate or volunteer, either contact your local food bank, food pantry, community cupboard, or town office.

Roberta Barnes is a freelance contributor to The Town Line.

Enjoy a wonderful “Reverse Advent Calendar”… as you help food-insecure neighbors

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Throughout the centuries, families at Christmastime have delighted in their Advent Calendar. Now you can use your “Reverse Advent Calendar” to give back to your community – feed and love food-insecure children, seniors, and adults in Central Maine – and share the many blessings of the holiday season with others.

SIMPLE DIRECTIONS: As you go through the Christmas season, have your Reverse Advent Calendar by your side! For each day of the season, note the food item suggested for that day, and consider purchasing some or all of the items as a donation to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry. (If you have children, consider involving them!

Then, after you’ve gathered your items, box or bag them up, and deliver them to Winslow Community Cupboard food pantry, 12 Lithgow Street, Winslow, at one of these three times:

Friday, December 22, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Friday, December 29, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Saturday, December 30, from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

We hope you enjoy and are enriched by your Reverse Advent Calendar!

Albion scout earns Eagle rank

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Choate Information Kiosk for China Four Season Club (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

Nicholas Choate and Scoutmaster Hunter (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Nicholas Donald Choate, of Albion and China, member of China Troop #479, accomplished something less than four percent of all Scouts achieve. On Sunday, November 19, 2023, Nick received the Eagle Scout rank during a ceremony at the China Masonic Lodge and also the Bronze Palm for earning five additional merit badges beyond those required. The ceremony focused on how Eagle Scouts are encouraged to live with honor so as to reflect the very best of Scouting in their interactions with others.

Julie Bradstreet, Nick’s mom, pinned the Eagle Scout medal on her son’s uniform marking his attainment of the high honor. Afterwards she said, “Nicholas joined Scouts as a Tiger Cub in first grade. Today we celebrated him at his Eagle Court of Honor. To say we are proud of his accomplishments is a huge understatement. Thank you so much to everyone that helped and attended.” Parents and step-parents, Rick and Stephanie Bryant, of China, and Rick and Julie Bradstreet, of Albion, were instrumental in his success.

Lee Pettengill, who is a leader in Troop #479 and a member of the Masonic Lodge, served as Master of Ceremonies. “The pathway to Eagle can be described as a steep trail leading up to three peaks. Officially, the trail starts with the Tenderfoot rank and continues through Second and First Class ranks. Then, the mountain climbing begins. The path is marked with merit badges, leadership responsibilities, service projects, and the practice of Scouting skills and ideals. The first peak reached is that of Star Scout, the second is Life Scout, and, finally, Eagle Scout.”

Kaiden Sawyer Kelley, who received his Eagle badge in June 2022, took part in the ceremony and said, “The first responsibility of an Eagle Scout is to live with honor. Honor is the foundation of character: it is what a person really is, down inside, not what someone may think they are.” He encouraged Nick to always live with honor and later added, ” The final responsibility of an Eagle Scout is service. The motto of “Do a Good Turn Daily” must take on a new meaning. They uphold the rights of others while defending their own. Their code of honor is based upon the belief that leadership is founded upon real service.”

For his Eagle Scout service project, Nick led others last December in building and installing three new information kiosks around China for the China Four Seasons Club.

Troop #479 presented Nick with a copy of the book Running Toward Danger, by Michael Malone, and a check for $100 for remaining active in the Troop through his 18th birthday. Nick graduated from Erskine Academy, in South China, in the spring and is working in construction for Kirk Sherman Builders, in Palermo. He completed all requirements prior to turning 18 last March but remained active as a leader of the other Scouts.

Choate Troop 479 (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Local scout leaders attend training session

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Front row, from left to right, Chris Santiago, of Vassalboro, Ginger Fails, of New Sharon, Sara Anderson, of Pack #585, in Farmington, and Walter Fails, of New Sharon. Back, Shane Maroon, of Winslow, Nate Gray, of Vassalboro, Shaun Edwards, of Pack #585, Chris Reynolds, of Vassalboro, and Kevin McLaughlin, of Vassalboro. (photo courtesy of Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

On Sunday, November 19, Vassalboro Cub Scout Pack #410 hosted adult Scout leader training at Thomas College, in Waterville, for leaders from the local pack and from Farmington’s Pack #585.

The instructors were Walter and Ginger Fails, of New Sharon, and Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro. Walter Fails is the Kennebec Valley District of Scouting Training chairman.

“The training went really well,” Walter Fails said. “We had a good group of new leaders who listened, and participated. They asked many great questions and were really engaged. I think the BSA axiom, “every Scout deserves a trained leader,” is spot on in many respects. When a leader is well trained and believes in the Scouting program, they are more confident, prepared, and provide a more quality program for their Scouts. Most importantly, I think in-person training lets leaders know they are supported, by giving them valuable connections to peers and instructors they can rely on for advice and direction.” The training was the Cub Scout Leader Specific Training.

PALERMO: Community Garden gives back

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Group seeks donations for seed money

by Connie Bellet

Although 350 pounds of vegetables may not sound like a lot, the fact that most of these freshly-picked, organic veggies are greens that do not weigh a lot translates into loads of nutrition for people in our communities. Every growing season, the volunteers at the Palermo Community Garden carefully tend 30 raised beds, weeding, washing, and sorting the radishes, kales, tomatoes, lettuces, peas, summer squash, beans, herbs, and many more varieties that are donated to the Palermo Food Pantry. Last winter, the Garden lost three bearing trees in the severe cold snap, so they need to be replaced. And, of course, many of the seeds need to be purchased, above and beyond those that have been saved.

The Community Garden is sponsored by the Living Communities Foundation, but funding has been generously supplied by SeedMoney.org, a Maine nonprofit, who has offered us a Challenge Grant. We have requested $900, and have until December 15 to raise that much through their crowdfunding program. They are over a third of the way to their goal, and need your help to get over the top to be eligible for a grant. They believe in the good that can be done in a Community Garden, that not only provides food, but gives people a chance to work the soil together, socialize in the grape arbor, and connect with literal roots. Please donate now by going to: https://donate.seedmoney.org/8834/palermo-community-garden.

PHOTOS: Winter Wonderland

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Garth Bammer, of China, took this photo on the Little Andros­coggin River, in Auburn.

Left, Raya, 10, and Ivy Belisle, 7, of Waterville, built a snowman following the season’s first storm on December 4. Middle, Kara Brennan, 4, of Waterville, with her snowman, and brother, Jack, 8, right, with his masterpiece. (photos by Mark Huard)

Local scouts conduct drive to benefit area food pantries

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Scouts food drive Troop 631 (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Text and photos by Chuck Mahaleris

Callum Dorias, of Madison, is a member of Pack #428, in Pittsfield, and took part in the Scouting for Food Drive on November 11. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Lord Robert Baden Powell, the founder of Scouting worldwide, said, “The most worthwhile thing is to try to put happiness into the lives of others.” Scouting isn’t just about earning badges and recognitions. Scouting strives to prepare youth to become responsible, participating citizens and leaders who are guided by the values of Scout Oath and Law. Scout Leaders throughout Kennebec Valley District, try to foster in our Cubs and Scouts an attitude of service especially for those in their community who are struggling. That’s where the annual Scouting for Food Drive comes in.

According to Kennebec Valley District Scouting for Food chairman Shelley Connolly, of Pittsfield, the national food drive began in 1985. Connolly said, “On average, 1 in 4 children in Maine is at risk for hunger daily, and 37 percent of them do not qualify for public assistance. They are even more vulnerable when school is not in session (summers, vacation weeks and weekends). All Scouting Units (Packs, Troops and Crews) are charged with conducting at least one Scouting for Food collection annually.” She stressed this can be done either in the Fall or the Spring depending on when the greatest need exists in their particular community.

“It’s our National Good Turn for America. Fall and Spring collections are recommended.” Scout leaders, working with their local food bank or pantry, pick a date to conduct their food drive. Some choose to go door to door collecting food while in other towns the Scouts fill a tent or a canoe outside a grocery store. Any funds donated to the Scouts at these collection efforts is used to buy additional food for the needy. “Our Scout Oath calls on our young people to “help other people at all times,” and Scouting for Food demonstrates to the nation how our movement can make a difference in their communities,” Connolly said.

Scouts in Vassalboro held their “Scouting for Food” drive on November 19 and collected 142 pounds of food that was delivered to the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry.

“On behalf of all of the families in Troop #497, we would like to thank the Jackman community for your overwhelming support of our annual Scouting for Food Drive,” Scoutmaster Karla Talpey said after the Scouts from the Moose River Valley held their food drive on Saturday, November 18. “We continue to be amazed at the generosity of everyone. We delivered boxes- each filled with a Turkey (or ham), potatoes, stuffing, cranberry sauce, sugar, flour, butter, pasta and pasta sauce, peanut butter and jelly, juice, cereal, turnip, carrots, and yes, even a roll of paper towels- to 12 families. A special Thank you to Mountain Country Market for always allowing us to set up in their parking lot for the day. We would like to wish you all a very happy Thanksgiving.” The troop also received $709 in donations which bought additional food for the needy. “We have been doing this for more than 30 years. The community is so generous.”

Connolly is also the leader for Cubs and Scouts in the Pittsfield area. “Troop and Pack #428 held its annual Scouting for Food event at Danforth’s Downhome Supermarket, in Pittsfield, on November 11,” she said. “Scouts accepted food items from the very generous customers in the community. Additionally, the Scouts set up a Veterans Day display and gave veterans a small gift as they came through. Some customers gave the Scouts a monetary donation for the event. The older Scouts would then take a Cub Scout shopping. It’s always interesting to see what elementary school aged children think would be good in a pantry. They also were able to practice thrifty shopping skills to yield the most amount of items for the amount they had to spend. In the end the Scouts collected just over 900 pounds of food. This food was distributed to three area pantries: Hartland’s Food Cupboard, Somerset Elementary Food Pantry and Warsaw School’s Food Pantry.”

Augusta Troop #631 Scouts and leaders helped pack Thanksgiving food bags on November 19 with the American Legion Post #2. These bags are going to veterans and to the community.

Pack #410 Vassalboro Wolf Scout Declan McLaughlin and Lion Scout Boone McLaughlin, at the Vassalboro Food Station Pantry, show off the 142 items of food collected by local Scouts. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

The town of China has a new author!

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Lance Gilman

Lance Gilman, who was born in Waterville, raised in Bangor (graduated from Bangor High School) and currently a resident of China, is now an author who has just released his first book – Conquering Retirement! Lance is a 20-year veteran combat engineer, army officer and an independent Investment Adviser Representative (IAR). He is also President & CEO of Northern Alliance Financial, LLC (NAF). Headquartered in Auburn, (with nine other locations throughout the state and numerous Fiduciary advisers), Northern Alliance is an independent, comprehensive wealth management firm – focusing on all aspects of investments, retirement planning and wealth preservation.

Conquering Retirement, Strategies to Reduce Threats, Maximize Income & Live Worry-Free covers all aspects of retirement planning. This book is designed to walk you through the seven major areas of a comprehensive financial plan, including: goals, budgeting, long-term care/risk management, social security, tax considerations, Medicare options, and legal/estate planning.

There are a number of ways to get a copy of the book. The easiest way to get your copy would be to call the main office in Auburn: 207-241-7430. The cost of the book is $15.99 and shipping $2, or $17.99 total. Another option would be to go to the NAF website: www.nafinancialadvisors.com. A link will be available there, where you can order the book. As an alternative to paying for the book, you can also use the phone number above to call and schedule a no cost/no obligation appointment with one of the advisers on the NAF team and receive a complimentary/free copy. Lead the charge, get a plan, and conquer your retirement today!