R. L. Mercantile & Trading Post gets board approval, with conditions

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Planning board members have approved a site review permit for R. L. Mercantile & Trading Post, with conditions.

Brea Willette, speaking for the business at 134 Brann Road, described it as an expanded farm market, selling products from the family farm and other local farms. Retail sales contribute needed income to help small farmers keep farming, she said.

The 10-by-24-foot building housing the market is already in place, and Willette said there is ample off-road parking. No water is planned.

Lighting will consist of two lights “like porch lights” by the door and one more over the deer hanger, where hunters can weigh deer during hunting season. Neighbors are not close, and trees screen them from the business.

Information attached to the application explains that the farm has been in the family for four generations. The store sells dairy products, meat, bread and local grains, soap and other products.

The “Trading Post” in the name means “if you don’t have money, bring us something you do have,” the document explains. Some people provided labor in return for food: “They learned something new and we got some stuff done.”

The farm sponsors occasional farming-related events, without music, Willette told planning board members.

Several neighbors attended the Jan. 7 meeting. When board chairman Virginia Brackett said to Willette, “Sounds like you’re good neighbors,” some nodded.

Willette replied, “We try to be.”

The unanimous board approval came with three conditions:

— R & L Mercantile must designate a handicapped parking space (Willette said a handicapped ramp is already being planned);
— Public works director Brian Lajoie must be asked to make sure there is adequate sight distance for vehicles turning out of the parking lot; and
— When events are held, no vehicles will be parked on Brann Road.

A side issue mentioned briefly was the farm’s ducks and geese that wander onto Brann Road. The descriptive document with the application says, “Don’t worry, their coops are going up as we speak.”

The second Jan. 7 agenda item, continued review of the proposed Hidden Acres subdivision on Seaward Mills Road, took up most of the meeting, as board members wrestled with the town’s revised planning board ordinance.

They had reviewed a sketch plan at their Dec. 3, 2024, meeting (see the Dec. 12, 2024, issue of The Town Line, p. 2), and found one step omitted. They invited a final sketch plan and a preliminary plan for Jan. 7, to be followed by a final plan in February. Surveyor Adam Ellis and landowner Jeremy Allen presented the preliminary plan, with supporting documents.

The 50-page town subdivision ordinance has a long list of requirements. One says if the subdivision has more than five lots (Allen requests seven) and is in the watershed of a great pond (the land is in the Webber Pond watershed), the application needs to include a stormwater management plan that meets state phosphorus control standards, and a maintenance plan for the phosphorus control measures.

Allen protested that the land to be subdivided is nearly enough level so water will soak in, not run off. He and Ellis pointed out that all run-off will be onto neighboring properties or into the ditch along Seaward Mills Road.

Nonetheless, board members said, the requirement’s in the ordinance. They and Ellis proposed various ways to meet it; they suggested Ellis consult an expert; and they considered whether they had authority to waive the requirement.

The hour and a half discussion ended with Ellis agreeing to send a proposed solution in advance of the February meeting.

Board members then unanimously approved the preliminary application, subject to the additional information that will go into the final application.

The next Vassalboro Planning Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday evening, Feb. 4, in the town office meeting room. Board members agreed by consensus to change the meeting time to 5:30 p.m., an hour earlier than in past months.

VASSALBORO: Action postponed on rate increase for large items at transfer station

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro select board members disposed of three issues on their lengthy Jan. 9 meeting agenda.

By unanimous votes, board members:

— Agreed that the state-required wage deduction to support the new paid family medical leave program will be split 50:50 between employees and the town; and
— Agreed to buy new propane tanks for the town office and the Riverside Fire Station from M. A. Haskell, of China, the only bidder.

Board members also finished reviewing the town’s personnel policy, half of an agenda item that also calls for updating Vassalboro Recreation Committee bylaws. Town Manager Aaron Miller will have a revised personnel policy draft ready for their Jan. 23 meeting.

Select board members and transfer station manager Adam Daoust again considered whether to increase fees charged for some of the large items, like mattresses, that residents can dispose of at the transfer station. Board members postponed action.

From the audience, Douglas Phillips said the Vassalboro Historical Society has traditionally had transfer station fees waived. A year ago, he said, the select board renewed the waiver for one year.

The current board promptly and unanimously repeated the action.

The request for a handicapped parking spot at Hair Builders, a business on Oak Grove Road, first came up at the board’s Nov. 13, 2024, meeting, when Miller said he needed time for research:

After receiving guidance from the New England Americans with Disabilities Act Center, as well as legal advice, Miller recommends a “pretty simple” ordinance amendment.

The manager plans to have legally approved language ready for review at the board’s Jan. 23 meeting. Assuming acceptance, the mandatory public hearing could be held at the Feb. 6 board meeting.

Another previously-discussed issue is combining elections for the Vassalboro Sanitary District (VSD) board of trustees with municipal elections. At previous meetings, board members believed only voters living in the area VSD serves could vote for trustees.

On Jan. 9, however, Miller said VSD’s attorney said all town voters could vote for the trustees, just as they vote for select board members.

Board chairman Frederick “Rick” Denico, Jr., thought the limitation on voters was state law. If it is, he said, a town cannot broaden a state mandate.

Board members asked Miller to get another legal opinion.

Board member Chris French recommended increased funding for Vassalboro First Responders in the 2025-26 budget and future years, looking ahead to the time when the group would need a rescue vehicle.

Currently, members use their private vehicles; if transport is needed, Waterville-based Delta Ambulance responds. French is concerned about Delta’s long-term financial stability.

Board member Michael Poulin proposed amending Vassalboro’s Tax Increment Financing (TIF) policy to allow additional uses of TIF money. The TIF account is fed annually by taxes paid on the gas pipeline that runs through Vassalboro from Augusta to Winslow.

Vassalboro’s current TIF ordinance (found online under Documents) establishes a 9.5-acre TIF District along Route 201, where the natural gas pipeline runs, and along VSD lines, including a connection to Winslow. It limits major projects to the expansion of Vassalboro’s sewer system to connect with Winslow, which has been done, and “eventually” contributing to a phosphorus removal plan for China Lake, in collaboration with other groups.

Poulin recommended adding more projects with which TIF funds could assist, including work on the Webber Pond dam and the Mill Hill Road bridge replacement. Discussion will continue.

Miller reported he met with representatives of Maine Rivers and other groups working on the Webber Pond dam. They have funding for a major rebuilding planned for the summer of 2025, he said.

The current plan, being discussed with residents, requires closing the north end of Dam Road, near Webber Pond Road, from mid-July through September, rerouting traffic from Hannaford Hill Road over McQuarrie Road, Miller said. That way, large equipment, like an excavator and a crane, can work at the dam site.

The next regular Vassalboro select board meeting is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 23.

VASSALBORO: Erosion control cost estimate higher than expected

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by Mary Grow

Vassalboro Conservation Commission members re-discussed a main topic from their Dec. 18 meeting on Jan. 8, after they got a higher than expected cost estimate for their December plan.

They agreed in December to improve buffering along the China Lake shoreline in East Vassalboro’s Monument Park, with the goals of increasing erosion control and providing an educational example of a buffer.

At the Jan. 8 meeting, commission member Steve Jones, owner of Vassalboro’s Fieldstone Gardens, presented a $3,084 cost estimate for about four dozen perennial plants. Commission Chairman Holly Weidner and member Matthew Pitcher pointed out other costs, like special mulch and ongoing maintenance.

Commission member Paul Mitnik urged planting trees instead, spaced far enough apart so they wouldn’t block views of the lake. They’d be less expensive and, he said, as effective.

Mitnik’s idea got more objections than support during a debate that ended with Weidner suggesting he talk with Jen Jesperson, the Ecological Instincts consultant who is advising on China Lake water quality issues.

In other business Jan. 8, commission members agreed they will not apply for a 2025 grant from the state program called Project Canopy to plant trees. The program paid for trees in the town’s new Eagle Park on Route 32 and Outlet Stream.

Pitcher said he does not have time to write a grant application this spring. Peggy Horner said the commission hasn’t chosen places to plant trees. Jones is still angry about some Project Canopy trees that were cut down last spring; he opposes asking for any more “till the town ‘fesses up.”

Project Canopy is a good program, they said, and if the town wants to apply, that’s fine.

Commission members agreed by consensus to partner with the Webber Pond Association as it seeks a grant to deal with blue-green algae, also known as cyanobacteria, in the lake water.

Wiedner said she had a request to support the grant application from Mary Schwanke, whom she later identified as lead biologist on the water monitoring and sampling team for the tri-watershed based management plan project that includes Webber Pond.

Commission members again expressed appreciation for the Vassalboro public works department’s help with Eagle Park landscaping. They need to discuss with Public Works Director Brian Lajoie and Town Manager Aaron Miller how much more work is planned – parts of the ground are still very rough, they said

Pitcher had talked with Rob Lemire, owner of Maine Adirondack Chairs, on Holman Day Road, about picnic tables. He reported Lemire is offering six-foot white cedar tables unfinished for $269, or with a natural finish for an additional $150.

Weidner thinks the to-be-constructed Eagle Park pavilion should have room for up to three tables. Commission members agreed they need to consult with Lajoie, for example about winter storage, and to see how their budget looks.

They had intended to discuss the commission’s 2025-26 budget request at the Jan. 8 meeting, but needed detailed updates on 2024 funding and expenditures first. Weidner intends to have more information at the next meeting, scheduled for 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the town office meeting room.

China select board begins preparing for annual town meeting

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by Mary Grow

China select board members have started preparing for the June 10 annual town business meeting, and it will not be a return to the pre-Covid open meeting that some residents would like to see.

China’s official town meeting, by state definition, is in November, when voters elect town officers by written ballot. The annual June meeting is usually referred to as the town business meeting.

Until Covid, voters assembled to discuss and vote on multiple articles, mostly dealing with expenditures, policies and procedures. Since Covid, the June meeting, too, has been by written ballot.

Town Manager Rebecca Hapgood shared a pre-meeting schedule at the board’s Jan. 13 meeting. It assumes a June 10 written-ballot vote, and select board members supported the assumption.

Their main reason is that more people vote when written ballots are used. Board chairman Wayne Chadwick and other members want lots of residents’ opinions.

Resident Sheldon Goodine spoke in favor of an open meeting. His view is that if most people don’t come, “those who do can run the town.”

Hapgood recommended that one June 10 article asks voters to repeal China’s quorum ordinance. She has received legal opinions that state law does not allow China to have such an ordinance. The ordinance, adopted before 1990, currently requires at least 100 registered voters be present to start an open meeting.

According to Hapgood’s schedule for this spring, the select board and budget committee will meet jointly Monday, Feb. 3, for an initial presentation on the proposed 2025-26 town budget. Select board members need to approve a final set of ballot questions at their April 7 meeting.

At the Jan. 13 meeting, board members appropriated funds and approved a committee to keep the proposed community garden project moving forward. At the request of James Hsiang and his wife, Judith Chute Hsiang, they allocated $200 from their contingency fund to pay for lumber for the raised beds, and transferred $1,033 left in the China for a Lifetime Committee account to garden funding.

They also revitalized the committee, appointing as its members both Hsiangs, Eric Austin, Saige Bird, Sandra Isaac, Marie Michaud, Karen Stankis and, as an advisory member, select board member Jeanne Marquis.

In other appointments, select board members made Bird a member of China’s recreation committee and Milton Dudley a planning board member.

Another expenditure approved Jan. 13 was $11,220 for Bryan Moore, of Pro Tree Service, Inc., of Vassalboro, to take down most of the Reading Tree in the China School Forest behind China Primary School, leaving a 30-foot stub. Storm damage has made the tree a potential liability for the town, Hapgood said.

Hsiang considered the price high and asked board members to seek another estimate. Chadwick explained the complexity of the project requires a crane. Moore’s estimate includes $4,350 for 10 hours work with a crane, at $435 an hour.

Hapgood said the $11,220 will come from the community forest reserve fund, which currently has about $34,000.

Broadband Committee chairman Robert O’Connor reported on an arrangement with Direct Communications, formerly Unitel, in Unity, and the Waldo Broadband Group that will result in a new fiber line running for 17 miles through China and offering a fiber broadband connection to 584 “locations.”

In return, China will contribute the already-approved $370,000 in TIF (Tax Increment Financing) money.

The bulk of the TIF money was to be spread over 10 years. Hapgood assured select board member Edwin Bailey that the fund can afford to spend it immediately.

O’Connor said this project is scheduled for the spring of 2025. It might be followed by a second phase that would improve broadband service throughout China, if a Direct Communications application for a state grant is successful.

As the Jan. 13 meeting ended, Hapgood reminded everyone that China municipal services will be closed Monday, Jan. 20, for the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday.

Select board member Thomas Rumpf summarized town-wide events planned for China Ice Days, beginning Friday, Feb. 14, and running through Sunday, Feb. 16. The schedule will soon be publicized widely.

The next regular China select board meeting is scheduled for Monday evening, Jan. 27.

Emmett Appel elected for United States Senate Youth Program

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Emmett Appel

The United States Senate Youth Program (USSYP) is pleased to announce that high school student Emmett Cook Appel will join Senator Susan M. Collins and Senator Angus S. King in representing Maine during the 63rd annual USSYP Washington Week, to be held March1-8, 2025. Emmett Appel, of Windsor, was selected from among the state’s top student leaders to be part of the 104 national student delegation that will attend meetings and briefings with senators, the president, a justice of the Supreme Court, leaders of cabinet agencies, and other officials throughout the week. Each delegate will also receive a $10,000 college scholarship for undergraduate study.

The USSYP was founded in 1962 by sons of William Randolph Hearst and the senate leadership of the day in response to the deep disiveness and national anxiety following the McCarthy era. They outlined a plan to encourage America’s most talented young people to consider public service as an important, life-long, and noble pursuit, sponsoring Senate Resolution 324, which passed unanimously. As stated in founding testimony, the program strives “to increase young Americans’ understanding of the interrelationships of the three branches of government, learn the caliber and responsibilities of federally elected and appointed officials, and emphasize the vital importance of democratic decision making not only for America but for people around the world.”

Eric Handley elected district scouting chairman

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Eric Handley with his Eagle Scout sons Devon, left, and Jared. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

by Chuck Mahaleris

The Kennebec Valley District of Scouting has elected Eric Handley, of Sidney, to serve as District Scouting Chairman and Christopher Santiago, of Vassalboro, was tapped to serve as District Scouting Commissioner. This took place during the annual meeting of the district on Wednesday, January 8, at the Pleasant Street United Methodist Church, in Waterville.

The Kennebec Valley District delivers the programs of Scouting to communities and youth in Kennebec, Lincoln, Knox, Somerset and Franklin counties. The district is one of four in Pine Tree Council which covers the southern and western half of Maine. At the end of 2024, Kennebec Valley District had 22 Scout Troops and 12 Cub Scout Packs made up of 194 Scouts and 232 Cub Scouts. Twelve youth in Kennebec Valley earned Scouting’s highest rank, the Eagle Scout award, in 2024 and 564 Merit Badges were earned by the Scouts.

“I’m happy to serve Kennebec Valley Scouting,” Handley said. “My approach will always be to place the Scouts first.” Handley, in his role as District chairman, will preside at district committee meetings and represent the district on the council executive board. He will oversee all subcommittees that help deliver and grow Scouting including membership, program (events/ training/ advancement/ camping), and fund development functions (including popcorn sales and Friends of Scouting). Handley, who is the Point of Sale IT manager for Aubuchon Company, had been serving as the District Commissioner prior to the annual meeting.

He began his Scouting career in 1972 when he joined Cub Scouts, in Gorham, New Hampshire, and followed that as a Scout, in Windsor, Vermont Troop #218. “My son Jared asked to join Cub Scouts as a Tiger the Spring of 2006. I became the Cub Master of Pack #401 in Spring of 2007, in Sidney, and stayed with the Pack until May 2018 when I became Scoutmaster of Troop #401,” Handley said. Handley has also served as a Unit Commissioner, on the Advancement Committee, Roundtable Commissioner, Camp Bomazeen Staff, and on the Kennebec Valley District Band. Handley said that his goals are to increase the visibility of Scouting in the local community and to increase membership by providing excellent programs to the youth in the district.

Santiago, who is the Director of Safety and Security, at Thomas College, in Waterville, said, ” I am truly honored and blessed to be nominated by my peers to this position of leadership within Scouting America. I will continue to develop scouts and their leadership skills, with a focus on living the Scout Oath and Scout Law; and I will work diligently to provide leadership and mentorship to my peers so that they may do the same.” He has been involved in Scouting since his son joined Cub Scouts, in Vassalboro Pack #410, serving as Den Leader and then Cubmaster. This was followed by Assistant Scoutmaster in Troop #410 when his son crossed over to the Scouts. He is still serving as Scoutmaster of Troop #410. At the same time, he has also served on and is still currently serving Scouting on the District Committee, as the District Duty to God Coordinator, as a Unit Commissioner and as the District Training co-chairman. The district commissioner leads the commissioner staff of the district, guiding and measuring the district’s unit service program. The Roundtable Commissioner also is part of the District Commissioner’s team. Santiago said his goals as District Commissioner are to provide quality support to Scouters, while ensuring that all units (Packs and Troops) within the district are delivering an excellent scouting program and experience.

The District Committee also selected Jamie Santiago, of Vassalboro, to serve as District Vice Chairman of Finance and Joseph Poulin, of Oakland, to serve as District vice chairman of Program. The position of District Vice Chair for Membership is currently vacant.

These elections took effect immediately following the close of the annual meeting.

From left to right, Jamie Santiago, Life Scout Arianna Allen, Tenderfoot Scout Christopher Santiago, Eagle Scout Eric Allen, and Christopher Santiago. The Allens are niece and nephew of Jamie and Christopher Santiago. (photo by Chuck Mahaleris)

Husson University Online celebrates Term 4 academic award recipients

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Husson University Online has announced the academic achievements of students recently named to the president’s list, dean’s list and honors list for Term 4 of the 2023-2024 academic year. Courses for full-time online undergraduate students are offered over the course of seven weeks. This accelerated timeframe provides adult learners with an opportunity to balance existing personal and professional commitments as they complete their studies.

Full-time online students must be enrolled as an undergraduate, carry a full-time load of 12 credit hours over the course of 21 weeks, complete all attempted courses in the time allotted, and achieve a designated semester grade-point average. Credits from pass/fail classes do not qualify toward meeting the minimum credit hour requirement.

President’s List: 3.80 to 4.0 semester grade-point average

Dean’s List: 3.60 to 3.79 semester grade-point average

Honor’s List: 3.40 to 3.59 semester grade-point average

Ashley Castagnetto, of Winslow, – President’s List – BS Healthcare Administration & Public Health;

Sarah Rodrigue, of Cornville, – President’s List – BS Accounting;

Vivian Tschamler, of Whitefield, – Dean’s List – BS Psychology.

REVIEW POTPOURRI – Author: Judith Thurman

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Judith Thurman

Peter Catesby Peter Cates

I Became Alone

I Became Alone is a 1975 book by Judith Thurman on five major woman poets. They are Sappho from ancient Greece; Louise Labe of the 16th century French Renaissance; Anne Bradstreet, who wrote out of her own experience living among fellow Puritans in 17th century Boston; Juana Ines de la Cruz dwelling in 17th century Mexico; and finally the 19th century Amherst, Massachusetts, recluse Emily Dickinson whose poems were posthumously published after being found by the hundreds in her bureau drawers.

The common thread among them, whatever their unique gifts, is their identities, their need to achieve focus and fuse their life and work as one.

To quote Thurman:

“If we read their work because they are women, we also read it because it is good poetry – good in the absolute, not good ‘for women.’ Quality has no gender: there are no ‘poetesses.’ These five poets wrote, and are, for everyone.”

A few words from each of the poets:

Sappho – “What my heart most hopes will happen, make happen; you yourself join forces on my side!”

Louise Labe – “Observing, then he loved me fatally,/I pitied his sad, amorous mischance,/and urged my nature on relentlessly,/till I loved with the same extravagance.”

Anne Bradstreet – “All things within this fading world hath end,/Adversity doth still our joyes attend;/No types so strong, no friends so dear and sweet,/But with deaths parting blow is sure to meet.”

Juana Ines de la Cruz – “I can’t hold you and I can’t leave you,/and sorting the reasons to leave you or hold you,/I find an intangible one to love you,/and many tangible ones to forgo you.”

Emily Dickinson – “I’m Nobody! Who are you?/Are you-Nobody-Too?/Then there’s a pair of us?/Don’t tell! they’d advertise-you know!”

All five women were literary artists in a patriarchal society in which women literary artists were considered weird and against what that society considered normal. Hence, a good adjective for them would be subversive.

The Agency

Recently I saw the first two episodes of a new series, The Agency, starring Richard Gere and a fine supporting cast. It casts a different, non-clichéd perspective on the CIA. The two episodes stream for free on Paramount until January 24. Additional ones mean 12 extra dollars monthly for the upgrade. Highly recommended, however.

Skowhegan man named to ABMA federal legislative committee

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The American Building Materials Alliance (ABMA) is proud to announce the appointment of Rod Wiles, Vice President of Human Resources at Hammond Lumber Company, as the chairman of the Federal Legislative Committee. With 38 years of experience at Hammond Lumber Company, Wiles brings exceptional industry expertise and a proven track record of leadership to this vital role.

Since stepping into the role, Wiles has swiftly led the adoption of a comprehensive legislative agenda for 2025 that focuses on critical issues impacting the lumber and building materials (LBM) industry. Under his leadership, ABMA has also set the dates for its annual Advocacy Day in Washington, D.C., on April 7-8, 2025, ensuring timely and effective representation of the industry’s interests on Capitol Hill.

Wiles has held numerous leadership positions in the LBM industry, including serving on the Board of the Retail Lumber Dealers Association of Maine (RLDAM), chairing its Legislative and Safety Committees, and serving as its President. He has also contributed to the Northeastern Retail Lumber Association (NRLA) as a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee as Chairperson, and various other committees.

ABMA 2025 Legislative Agenda

Under Wiles’ leadership, ABMA’s 2025 legislative priorities are focused on strengthening the LBM industry and addressing key challenges:

Legislative Priorities

Main Street Tax Package: Advocating for policies that support businesses in the LBM industry, including provisions such as bonus depreciation, immediate expensing, and estate tax reform.

Credit Card Fees: Addressing the impact of rising transaction costs on businesses.

Workforce Development: Expanding training opportunities to build a skilled workforce.

Regulatory Priorities

CDL Licensing: Supporting industry-specific training to address driver shortages.
Crane Certification: Advocating for certifications tailored to building materials operations.
Salaried Overtime: Promoting manageable overtime regulations for businesses in the LBM industry.

Monitoring Key Issues

OSHA Heat Illness and Injury Prevention: Tracking changes and their impact on operations.

Corporate Transparency Act: Monitoring compliance requirements for businesses in the LBM industry.

Tariffs: Observing developments that may impact material costs.

Said Rod Wiles, “ABMA is a powerful voice for the lumber and building materials industry. By adopting a comprehensive 2025 agenda and securing dates for Advocacy Day, we’re ensuring that our industry’s priorities remain front and center in the federal policy conversation.”

VETERANS CORNER: There will always be a sense which is maintained by the veteran

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by Gary Kennedy

Good day to my fellow veterans and all of you who read and contribute to these articles of importance which support and clarify issues of relevance in the veteran’s life and well being. It can be a long and testy road from active military force overseeing all that we know and love to veteran. The uniform comes off but that which has been instilled in the minds of all those who served will remain always. There will always be a sense which is maintained by the veteran which will never be known by those who never served their country through the military. Veterans just seem to have a special sense when it comes to the stressors facing our country. They have a keen sense of danger when it comes to their homeland and all things that they love that reside within its borders. How many countries in the world have the second amendment? For veterans there is a feeling of security knowing we are able to protect that which we love. Unfortunately, not all in our system feels as most of us do.

I have worked beside veterans for most of my life and become very upset when I see veterans being abused in any way, shape or form. Not all veterans are in line for sainthood but all deserve the truth and a fair shake. Veterans depend on the VA system to protect them and express their problems to said entity to carry the ball for them. When the ball is dropped it needs to be picked back up and carried to the finish line in the most honorable fashion possible. Honor is one of the most elaborated on subjects carried into the battle field.

It is also insisted upon in all we say and do. If you aren’t sure of something then you should handle it as something of an unknown or I need more clarity. Here is where procedure comes into play. You’ve heard the expression “by the book”, this is a point in time when this rule must be adhered to. To exaggerate a situation, to hurt someone or to demean someone is a serious attack on humanity. Gossip, hearsay, insinuation are just a few words under the umbrella of baring false witness, which is an offense in my opinion beyond most. These things can be brought about in different ways.

Lately, I have been addressing this sort of issue with other veterans. As most of us are aware time is the precursor of change and this can be an event of rapidity or a slow change in world events and attitudes. Along with this comes language changes and social changes. This evolution is not necessarily good or bad. However, the impact can be great on certain communities and societies. Veterans are a very large group of individuals who think largely in the past and sometimes take a little more time to catch up with today’s requirements.

Even the brightest most progressive of us can find we aren’t or haven’t caught up with the changes being mandated by current society so in our panic we search out the aid and advice of those trained in the manner in which societal change can be coped with.

On the other hand those mandating these changes should realize that problems can arise because of habits established over time. So, if the societal push is on a vulnerable group in society, patients and real understanding becomes very necessary. Situations can become confused and serious negatives can be drawn from events not deserving of such. Without proper training serious harm can be extrapolated from another wise innocent situation. This can be the case with face to face communication or even in the handling of documentation. Unfortunately, there is also the possibility of the intentional infliction of harm on another.

Next time I will show you a problem I and others have run into recently involving the handling of veteran’s records. Veterans should always be vigilant when it comes to their records. Veterans should always read them carefully, more than once and make sure you understand what has been placed before you. Your future well being may indeed depend on it. If you don’t understand any part of your record take it to your Veteran’s Service Officer and ask for clarity. I will explain more next time.