Covers towns roughly within 50 miles of Augusta.

University of Maine at Augusta honors (Fall 2024)

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University of Maine at Augusta (UMA) Provost Joseph Szakas announces the Fall 2024 full-time president’s list and the Fall 2024 full-time dean’s list.

Fall 2024 Full Time President’s List

Kennebec County:

Yasmeen Al-Hoshan, Waterville; Aysha Al-Qudah, Litchfield; Ruqayah Alzirej, Augusta; Kaleb Ames, Hallowell; Tristan Anderson, South China; Fatima Babar, Farmingdale; Emma Berto, Augusta; Alana Braley, Winthrop; Nicole Brann, Manchester; Gabriel Brents, West Gardiner; Morgan Britto, Augusta; Abigail Bucknam, Augusta; Veronica Burgett, Winslow; Tylor Cannon, Augusta; Jason Carlson, Hallowell; Addison Carter, Pittston; Nolan Cartwright, Augusta; Trinity Chrissman, Chelsea; Sarah Cook-Wheeler, Augusta; Emmylee Crocker, Augusta; Elizabeth Crommett, Hallowell; Hannah Daigneault, Winslow; Jantsa Dansranbavuu, Augusta; Gabe Denbow, Oakland; Caitlyn Denico, Vassalboro; Bri Dowling, Chelsea; Bella Dunn, Winthrop; John Ellis, Hallowell; Erika Engstrom, Augusta; Abbie Fielding, Augusta; Sage Fortin, Augusta; Morgan Fortin, Vassalboro; Jemima George, Hallowell; Spencer Gibson, Oakland; Zoe Gottlieb, Mount Vernon; Destiney Graham, Hallowell; Megan Grenier, Sidney; Selina Grivois, Clinton; Luna Grosborne, Hallowell; Faustine Hakizimana, Hallowell; Jacob Hanscom, South China; Nikita Hart, Waterville; Natasha Heath, Winthrop; Noah Hickman, Hallowell; Landen Huff, Hallowell; Christopher Jamison, Randolph; Bobby Johnson, Manchester; Caleb Kalel, Hallowell; Osra Kharoti, Augusta; Sydney King, Belgrade; Geoffrey King, Gardiner; Luke Kramer, Belgrade; Lexi Kramer, Sidney; Meadow Laflamme, Vassalboro; Emma Le Teuff, Hallowell; Devyn Lee, Hallowell; Jason Linneken, Augusta; Jordan Linscott, Windsor; Marie Lough, Wayne; Eamon MacDonald, Hallowell; Maleah Manson, Gardiner; Emma McCutcheon, Augusta; Collin McGuire, Manchester; Michael McLaughlin, Belgrade; Grace Meikle, Waterville; Izabella Milbury, Augusta; Isaac Misner-Elias, Benton; Isabella Moody, Augusta; Alejandra Moya, Augusta; Lynsey Nava, Oakland; John Nawfel, Hallowell; Ben Ouellette, Winthrop; Ezra Padgett, Windsor; Madison Paradis, Winthrop; Annaliese Patterson, Hallowell; Jade Philip, Farmingdale; Sara Qamar, Augusta; Jed Rampulla, Gardiner; Joe Reithofer, Randolph; Sara Rice, Hallowell; Mackenzie Roberts, Clinton; Zach Rollins, Hallowell; Lindsay Romanica, Augusta; Sierra Samowitz-Bellows, Augusta; Kassidy Sienko, Gardiner; Brittany St Amand, Pittston; Josh Stover, Augusta; Jaqui Swanson, Benton; Colby Taylor, Oakland; Sammy Thornton, Hallowell; Tyson Tibbetts, Augusta; Melissa Weymouth, Augusta; Vanessa Wharton, Augusta; Allen White, Winslow; Jess Wiggin, Benton; Kat Wood, Oakland; David Young, Augusta; Pelle Ziervogel, Hallowell.

Lincoln County:

Kat Aitken, Whitefield; Kayden Ames, Southport; Aleesha Boyer, Dresden; Fantaysha Gross, Wiscasset; Kayla Guenard, Whitefield; Mya Hall, Waldoboro; Anna Harrigan, Waldoboro; Kayla Hodgkins, Whitefield; Samantha Lewis, Dresden; Maggie Marseglia, Dresden; Joanna Montgomery, Waldoboro; Blake Morrison, Somerville; Lexi Stephens, Waldoboro; Daniel Vannah, Waldoboro.

Somerset County:

Sharyn Atwater, Skowhegan; Alonna Battis, Fairfield; Austin Bois, Fairfield; Rita Collins, Skowhegan; Skyla Dean, Pittsfield; Jasminne Drouin, Fairfield; Kirsty Green, Hartland; Alison Griffeth, Madison; Alaina Hall, Fairfield; Makayla Hayden, Madison; Alicen Higgins, Fairfield; Kassandra Lewis, Fairfield; Victoria Lewis, Fairfield; Haleigh Mclain, Fairfield; Lexi Moran, Fairfield; Breanna Sherburne, Fairfield; Abbie Stevens, Detroit; Payson Washburn, Skowhegan; Amanda Welch, Cornville; Mara Wilbur, Cambridge.

Waldo County:

Gabby Allen, Palermo; Brenna Audet, Palermo; Laura Seaton, Searsport.

Fall 2024 Full-Time Dean’s List

Kennebec County:

Ihsan Abdalnabi, Hallowell; Camille Arkas, Randolph; Lacey Arp, Windsor; Elsbeth Bates, Litchfield; Alivia Bennett, Augusta; Tristan Bieling, Augusta; Cash Bizier, Oakland; Holly Blackwood, Augusta; Lia Brann, Oakland; Aiden Breau, Winthrop; Benjamin Brown, Hallowell; Savannah Brown, West Gardiner; Jade Brusoe, Augusta; Joseph Burk, Windsor; Brandon Carter, Randolph; Michael Chalmers, Fayette; Miranda Charest, Manchester; Drew Cherkis, Winslow; Alex Clark, Readfield; Eric Collins, Gardiner; Nathan Corey, Waterville; Lillian Cox, Hallowell; Lynn Danforth, Gardiner; Jevon Daniels, Chelsea; Julia Davidson, Oakland; Haley Dehahn, North Monmouth; Ben DeMerchant, Waterville; Owen Henry Dickey, Augusta; Gail Dietz-Sola, Augusta; Haley Dionne, Winthrop; Ian Dowling, Chelsea; Paige Dudley, Sidney; Victoria Evans, Winslow; Alec Flotten, Hallowell; Jasmine Fox, Winslow; Gabriel Froude, Hallowell; Matthew Gallant, Augusta; Phoenix Gatlin, Waterville; Jacob Genest, Winslow; Kevin Glazier, Augusta; Kara Greene, Waterville; Karissa Heath, Pittston; Levi Hooper, Augusta; Dalton Hughey, Winslow; Janeille Isaacs, Hallowell; Kaylee Jones, Manchester; Sequora Kelley, Augusta; Bashar Khalaf, Augusta; Abbigail Kolreg, Oakland; Lauren L’Heureux, Augusta; Laney Ladner, South Gardiner; Travis Letourneau, Winslow; Tyler Lewandowski, North Monmouth; Blair MacDonald, Hallowell; Rachelle Marable, Windsor; Jessie Mayberry, Chelsea; Sarah Melden, Readfield; Samantha Merrill, Augusta; Amy Michaud, Manchester; Peyton Morris, Augusta; Branden Murray, Oakland; Amber Nethers, Waterville; Karysta Nickless, Belgrade; Anna Norris, South China; Aidan Norton, Hallowell; Melissa Norwood, Manchester; Sullivan O’Keeffe, Waterville; Andrea Patrick, Hallowell; Emily Pellerin, Oakland; Sabrina Poulin, Augusta; CortneyLeah Real, Pittston; Mikayla Rioux, Winslow; Liam Robson, Gardiner; Patrick Rodgers, Randolph; Taylor Rodriguez, Winslow; Katelyn Rollins, Pittston; Dayton Schlosberg, Augusta; Kaite Sechrist, Manchester; Olivia Servidio, Hallowell; Raphael Seveleder, Hallowell; Kevon Sharples, Sidney; Raquel Shaw, Hallowell; Gabrielle Sienko, Sidney; Jovan Sisovic, Augusta; Atticus Sookma, Augusta; Cameron Souther, Gardiner; Kiana Spaulding, Hallowell; Alyssa Steiner, Sidney; Tarah Strother, Manchester; Kaitlyn Theberge, Farmingdale; Amelia Theriault, Manchester; Liz Thibeault, Hallowell; Anthony Tompkins, Waterville; Terri-Jean Wilkinson, Waterville; Chloe Wilson, Winthrop; Gabe Withee, Augusta; Erica Wright, Benton; Dylan Yakimchick, Waterville.

Lincoln County:

Ammie Aitken, Whitefield; Stacey Carr, Jefferson; Rohan Glendinning, South Bristol; Krystal Hisler, Whitefield; Arthur Krenzel, Wiscasset; Jessica Lando, Jefferson; Allison Mank, Nobleboro; Madalyn Mercer, Nobleboro; Dylan Orr, Wiscasset; Brady Parsons, Bristol; Nathalie Paulino, Edgecomb; Draco Peaslee, Boothbay Harbor; Jasmine Rego, Alna; Jade Rego, Newcastle; Kristin Rivas, Wiscasset; Hannah Roberts, Boothbay; Jessica Severson, Waldoboro; Brooke Thayer, Whitefield.

Somerset County:

Katelynn Babine, Ripley; Jessika Bateman, Ripley; Rosadee Bouley, Fairfield; Meaddoe Brown, Fairfield; Ashley Getchell, Norridgewock; Cade Goodell, Canaan; Alysha Hassele, Canaan; Olivia Hatch, Cornville; Molly Hay, Athens; Katelyn Holt, New Portland; Jade Hurley, Mercer; Tasha Jencks-Ayres, Madison; Angela Jenson, Hartland; Emma Junkins, New Portland; Mya Kelsea, Skowhegan; Abigail Linkletter, Athens; Arabel Linkletter, Athens; Kloe McEachirn, Palmyra; Savanna Michaud, Cornville; Megan Muller, Saint Albans; Isabelle Picard, Pittsfield; Maize Post, Madison; Brianna Poulin, Norridgewock; Josh Smith, Cornville; Doug Souza, Pittsfield; Ethan Staples, Skowhegan; Alivia Ward, Pittsfield; Parker White, Norridgewock.

Winter greetings from SymmeTree Arborist

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Gosh it feels nice to have a protective and insulative layer of snow on the ground. We hope you have been staying safe and warm during these winter months.

This time of year, cozied up by our woodstoves or taking long walks through the woods, we begin to remember the cold season of trees and the transformations they, too, experience. Soon the Maples will run their sap. It’s this coming time of winter: cold nights and warming days, we’ll begin to prune our orchard trees. It’s nice to have some sun and warmth for this annual task, which takes place before winter ceases.

If you have any fruit trees that need tending, Galen & Ashton will begin serving our Central Maine community starting at the end of this month (February) – early April.

Please reach out to schedule a free estimate, or be in touch if Galen has pruned your trees before and they are in need of another haircut this winter. We’ll put you on the schedule!

Benefits of Fruit Tree Pruning According to FEDCO:

If you have any fruit trees that need tending, Galen & Ashton will begin serving the Central Maine community starting at the end of this month (February) – early April.

Once your fruit tree begins to bear you will want to prune annually.

Most pruning should be done in late winter or early spring.

Good pruning brings sunlight to all parts of your tree. Maximum sunlight encourages more and higher-quality fruit. Sunlight also encourages fruit buds to form for next year’s crop.

A well-pruned tree will produce larger fruit and will tend toward more annual bearing.

Good pruning discourages fungal diseases and promotes greater spray penetration.

There’s an old saying that a bird should be able to fly through your fruit tree.

You can call or text us at: 207-458-7283 or respond to this email: office@symmetreearborists.me.

EVENTS: Shakespearean Homeschoolers to present “The Merry Wives of Windsor” this weekend

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Micah Wolf left, and Mary Herman. (photo by Aurie Maxwell)

by Abigail Maxwell

This year the Southern Maine Association of Shakespearean Homeschoolers (S.M.A.S.H.) is performing The Merry Wives of Windsor. This uproarious comedy revolves around Sir John Falstaff (played by Isla Granholm) in his hopes to woo, and win the money of, Mistress Ford (played by Micah Wolf) and Mistress Page (played by Mary Herman), the aforementioned wives of Windsor. Disgusted with his advances and completely aware that he is trying the same trick on them both, the two wives resolve to make him pay by Mistress Ford leading him on only to humiliate him.

Woven in the midst of that, Mistress Page’s daughter Anne Page (played by Rachel Maxwell) is being courted by three men, one of whom her father approves, one of whom her mother approves, and the one she truly loves. Each party involved has their own scheme and all plan around each other, trying to get the outcome they want. While a theme of revenge drives the plot, it is all harmless in the end.

The larger than life characters will have you laughing the entire play, from the smallest servant boy to the background characters who never speak.

This is something you will only get here. Theatre is about shared experience. When you go to the movies you are watching a film in a space with others but you are watching in isolation. When the actors are living the story right in front of you there is a connection that you can feel, between the actors on stage, between the individual and collective audience members, and between the actors and the audience. However, when watching this play there is more shared experience for me that makes my review a biased one. I was part of S.M.A.S.H. for six years, up until I left for college. I have younger siblings still in the program. Cumston Hall is a precious space for me, which holds memories that shaped who I’ve become. When you go and watch this play, you are not only in for a hilarious and wonderful experience but you’re supporting and witnessing the moments that are crafting the next generation.

There is much I could tell you about the power of theatre to train and educate people of all ages the invaluable skills of clear communication (yes, even in Shakespeare. Believe it or not), how to operate in a high stress environment, the importance and awareness of how you carry yourself, and how to work well with others. But I won’t bore you with the intricacies of my B.A. in Theatre Arts.

Instead, I will ask you to come see what 36 young kids between the ages of 6 – 18 are capable of and you can judge for yourself the skills which they have learned.

There are two performances left 6:30 p.m., on February 14, and 2 p.m., on February 15, at Cumston Hall: 796 Main Street, in Monmouth. Tickets can be bought online (smashmaine.jimdofree.com) or at the door.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Utility costs are a concern for older Mainers:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Methodology

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

SNHU announces Fall 2024 president’s list

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Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU), in Manchester, New Hampshire, congratulates the following students on being named to the Fall 2024 President’s List. The fall terms run from September to December.

Ascher ter Kuile, of Vassalboro, Rebecca Cherish, Blake Laweryson, of North Anson, River Garling, of Madison, Zachary Eggen, of LIBERTY, Allison Nickerson, of Fairfield, Jacob Colson, of Albion, Sierra Winson, of Winslow, Andre Coachman, of Waterville, Joseph Slater of Winslow, Duncan Sawyer, of Waterville, Oase Erkamp, of Waterville, Trevor Lovely, of Winslow, Andrew Cronk, of China, Jennifer Anastasio, of Jefferson, Jaimie Thomas, of Sidney, Krista Neal, of Augusta, Ivette Hernandez Cortez, of Augusta, Krista Knight, of Augusta, Kristopher Mank, of Augusta, and Jamison Bragdon, of Augusta.

Northern Light Health recognizes National Blood Donor Month

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National Blood Donor Month is a time to recognize and celebrate blood donors, and to remind people of the importance of donating blood. During National Blood Donor Month Northern Light Health would like to extend gratitude to those who have generously donated in the past, saving countless lives, and making a profound difference in our community.

Throughout this special month, we reflect on the significance of blood donation and its vital role in ensuring a stable and sufficient blood supply for patients in need. Every pint donated has the potential to save up to three lives, making each donor a true hero.

Our trauma surgeons care for patients who’ve had accidents every day. When you give blood, you help our surgeons deliver the care our patients deserve. “As a trauma surgeon, I witness firsthand the critical importance of blood donations on our patients’
lives,” says Amy Fenwick, MD, Trauma Medical Director, Northern Light Surgery and Trauma. “During National Blood Donor Month, I urge everyone to consider donating blood; it truly is a lifesaving resource that can mean the difference between life and death for those in need, especially during emergencies and crucial medical procedures.”

Camp Pondicherry and Camp Natarswi open registration for summer 2025 campers

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Ready for limitless fun, friends, and new experiences? Girl Scouts of Maine (GSME) is excited to announce the official opening of online registration for Summer 2025 overnight camp sessions, which began Wednesday, January 15. Prospective campers of all ages can register by visiting the camp page on our website ­– no Girl Scout experience necessary!

The upcoming season ushers in a wave of first-time and returnee campers ready to explore outdoor programs and new hands-on activities this summer. Beginning sessions in July, a wide variety of single and multi-week camp opportunities are offered at both Camp Pondicherry in Bridgton, and Camp Natarswi in Baxter State Park. Each camp provides unique, unforgettable experiences amongst some of Maine’s most scenic natural settings.

Nestled on over 600 acres in the foothills of the White Mountains, Camp Pondicherry has a private waterfront on Adams Pond and miles of untouched woodlands, fields, hills, and trails to explore. In addition to classic GSME summer camp offerings such as archery, hatchet-throwing, swimming, arts and crafts, kayaking, hiking, and fire safety, other Pondicherry-specific activities include horseback riding, theater, and more!

All of camp programs are designed to build lifelong skills and foster independence. The two-week Ultimate Camp Experience gives girls an opportunity to enjoy both of GSME summer camps.

Check out the 2025 GSME Summer Camp Guide for more information on pricing, specific camp sessions, themed weeks, programs, activities, and important dates. Whether you’re interested in classic camp adventures or specialized programs, there’s something for every camper with GSME.

U.S. Attorney’s Office, AARP Maine, and Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention Launch Elder Fraud Program

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The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Maine has announced an innovative new elder fraud awareness program that will utilize the inherent relationships of pharmacists and their customers to reach older Mainers. The Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program is a collaborative effort between the U.S. Attorney’s Office, AARP Maine, and the Maine Council for Elder Abuse Prevention.

“Pharmacists are consistently ranked among the most trusted health care providers, and with approximately nine out of 10 people over age 65 having at least one regular prescription, pharmacists will be a key partner in our efforts to inform this population,” said U.S. Attorney Darcie N. McElwee. “That trust and regular contact makes pharmacies an ideal conduit to reach older Mainers, as well as their family members or caregivers.”

The program, which is designed to educate Mainers on common signs of scams and how to report elder fraud, will begin at Hannaford Supermarkets’ 60 in-store pharmacies across Maine. Informational brochures will be attached to prescription bags for distribution to Hannaford pharmacy customers.

“We recognize older individuals, as well as their caretakers, make up a large portion of our customer base, and that we are uniquely positioned to help reach this audience directly through our pharmacy services as a trusted source for health and safety information,” said Sara Lane, Manager of Pharmacy Clinical Services, Hannaford Supermarkets. “We are always looking for opportunities to make a positive impact in the communities we serve and by making this information available to our pharmacy customers in all corners of our state, our goal is to help reduce the number of elder fraud incidents in Maine.”

Elder fraud is a growing problem across the nation. Last year, more than 101,000 Americans aged 60-plus were defrauded out of $3.4 billion through an ever-growing variety of scams. According to the FBI, that number included 397 Mainers who filed fraud complaints last year for losses totaling more than $7.1 million, and many others go unreported. While some scams can have negligible losses, recent sophisticated scams have robbed victims of their life savings.

“There are so many different types of scams in circulation, it can be difficult to recognize them all. Add in technology, and it becomes even more difficult,” said Jane Margesson, Communications Director for AARP Maine. “Increasingly, the scams are more sophisticated and with multiple layers, even multiple scammers playing different roles. As the schemes have become more complex, the potential losses have increased as well. Those losses can be especially devastating for victims nearing or in retirement. Some of the stories we hear are absolutely heartbreaking.”

“The actual losses are likely considerably higher than reported,” said Andrew McCormack, Assistant U.S. Attorney and Elder Justice Coordinator for the District of Maine. “For a variety of reasons, older individuals are often hesitant to report when they’ve been scammed. While it is normal to feel embarrassed when you’ve been tricked, it is important to remember that the criminals who take advantage of people are absolute pros at what they do. Older Americans are not the only victims – people of all ages and backgrounds fall prey to scams every day – but after a lifetime of saving and perhaps not being online as often and therefore as current on recent scams, they are a common, and frankly favorite, target for some of the most insidious types of fraud.”

“We are grateful to all the organizations that have worked together to make this program possible. Our collective aim is to reduce the number of people in Maine who are victimized by these cruel schemes,” said U.S. Attorney McElwee. “Sadly, there are always going to be criminals who try to take advantage and steal your hard-earned money. Recognizing red flags can help prevent you, or someone you love, from becoming a victim.”

For information about the Maine Rx Elder Fraud Program, email usame.outreach@usdoj.gov or call the U.S. Attorney’s Office at 207-780-3257.

LETTERS: Rebuttal to dad’s letter

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To the editor:

This was my dad’s letter…advice to seniors. Readers deserve to know the truth. Please publish this as it is not fair to allow my dad to slander me and not let me tell my side:

I opened my home up to my dad..he sold his place in Maine (his own decision). I did not take his money or open a joint account. He offered to open the joint account and told the BofA banker “we only have each other…we are all we have”. He offered to purchase the Mercedes car for me (a 2009) which I traded my car in to help with the cost. I was NOT taking his money or using him in anyway. I was not looking for a horse farm…my dad mentioned that he wanted to live in the country and we drove by a 5-acre place that was for sale…he wanted to see it!

I was not upset at my dad…in fact, he told me he wanted to move back to Maine and I asked him to really consider it first and to give things time. I have a 3/2 home in Dunnellon, Florida, and I gave him my master bedroom and bath and I did not put any restrictions on him. I paid for all the utilities, he only had to pay for his groceries and gas.

He agreed to stay but after a few weeks decided he was leaving. He told me on a Monday morning (while I am getting ready for work) that he is driving back to Maine on Friday, He failed to tell me that a neighbor (that lives down the street named Gary) would be accompanying him on the trip. (which my dad had to pay him for and ended up costing over $1,000 between eating out, hotel and paying him $250 to ride with him, as well as paying for Gary’s flight back to Florida).

Here I am worried that my dad is on the road alone. Friday morning when my dad left (at 8 a.m.) I hugged him good bye and told him “this is your decision, you don’t have to go”, but he told me he was leaving. I asked him how far he was driving and he said “to Jacksonville” which I thought was odd as that is not far away. All this time my dad knew that I did not know Gary was going to be with him. This was hurtful. I thought for my dad to hide this fact.

As far as my cats…they eat and sleep and did not bother my dad in anyway. In fact, he would talk to them and petted them and seemed to enjoy their company.

I tried calling my dad only for him to hang up on me and then he wrote me and asked to only contact him by mail. So let me advise those children that have aging parents and they want to move in…have a long conversation first. My dad had a choice but his choice was to leave without providing any closure for me (as to why).

It is not right to let my dad write lies and lead people to believe his story…please publish this so that (maybe my dad) will be able to know how I feel…since he will not even speak to me.

Holly Slason
Dunnellon, Florida

LETTERS: Mainers at higher risk of social isolation

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To the editor:

In Maine, approximately 135,000 people 50 and older live alone and are at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness. If there is one thing the pandemic made clear, it is that personal connections are vital to our mental and physical well-being.

With the holidays upon us, feelings of loneliness and isolation can be heightened, particularly if we have lost a loved one in the past year. A survey conducted by AARP found that three-in-ten respondents (31%) say they have felt lonely during past holiday seasons. In addition, four-in-ten (41%) respondents say they have worried about a friend or family member feeling lonely during the holidays. Fortunately, the holidays give us a reason to connect.

AARP Maine has posted a guide with resources for Mainers who may be experiencing loneliness. Some of the resources include a tool to measure your risk for isolation, an invitation to receive a friendly phone call from an AARP volunteer, opportunities to volunteer, and information on local services. The guide includes additional support for family caregivers. You can find the guide here: https://states.aarp.org/maine/isolation.

We often experience more kindness from strangers during the holidays. Perhaps if each one of us can commit to being that “kind stranger” we can all have a meaningful impact in another person’s life. A simple act of kindness – a friendly call, an offer to help with shopping, sharing a laugh over a cup of tea – can make all the difference to someone who is lonely.

André Chassé
AARP Maine
Volunteer State President