Support group listings are run as space permits. Items are due one week before publication. E-mail weekly@bangordailynews.net, or mail notices to The Weekly, P.O. Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402; or drop them off at the front desk of the Buck Street entrance at the Bangor Daily News, 491… Read More
AUGUSTA – State health officials have announced that Maine has achieved another milestone in improving the health of parents and children in the state. According to results released by the Office of Data, Research and Vital Statistics, the proportion of mothers who drank alcohol during… Read More
Imaging taking a day trip with some good friends, but not knowing the destination until you arrive. Ever thought of making May Baskets for shut-ins? How about entering an Easter bonnet contest? These are just a few of the activities the ladies of the Carmel-Etna… Read More
BANGOR – Community Health and Counseling Services will hold a daylong workshop, “Filial Therapy,” from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesday, June 19, at the Bangor Motor Inn and Conference Center, 713 Hogan Road. This training program is designed to provide clinicians with previous experience… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the 11th in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people, of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service. You have been Moving & Improving now… Read More
“Take me out to the ballgame, take me out for some fun. Buy me some peanuts and cracker jacks, I don’t care if I ever get back …” rang through the large room as the residents of Ross Manor in Bangor drummed fingers, tapped toes and sang along… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the 10th of a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service that promotes healthful lifestyles for Maine people. As parents, one of our most… Read More
“Due to the aging of our population and the increasing demands on law enforcement and social service agencies, it’s important that these agencies and law enforcement work together to address the growing needs of senior citizens,” said Charlie Sias, chairman of the Penobscot County Area TRIAD. “I don’t… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the ninth in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people. Whether you are new to exercise or… Read More
At the age of 56 most people are thinking about retirement. Not Eileen Cox – she was just entering the work force. It was July 1978 when Cox began her career at Eastern Agency on Aging. “I saw the ad in the paper and on… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the eighth in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people, of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service. Your body is 55 to 75 percent… Read More
There is nothing quite like curling up next to a purring cat. The day’s stresses can melt away with the monotone sound and soft vibration. (I have personal experience on this matter.) I’m sure anyone with a pet can relate to the joys of having… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the seventh in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people, of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service. Tired of walking alone? Want to… Read More
May is Older Americans Month. It is a time to honor and celebrate the lives and contributions of our older citizens. “The May Festival: A Celebration of Generations,” running May 1-4, is being put on by the University of Maine Center on Aging as a… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the sixth in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move and Improve is an outreach program of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service that promotes healthful lifestyles for Maine people. As we “Move and Improve” our… Read More
For Norman Powell, 78, it started with a short train ride from Hermon Junction to Searsport. One day in October 2000, he climbed aboard the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad, dubbed the “Read for Success Express.” The special trip was a kickoff fund raiser for United… Read More
Editor’s Note: Following is the fifth in a 12-part series from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people. Have you ever wondered how to get healthy and productive… Read More
There has never been a better time to be a senior citizen. Well, at least not in the Bangor area. Nestled in the heart of downtown Bangor, in the old Merrill Trust bank, is the Hammond Street Senior Center. While the building was completely renovated… Read More
Editor’s Note: Following is the fourth in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service, promoting healthy lifestyles for Maine people. In addition to Moving and Improving, maintaining good… Read More
ORONO – The University of Maine Center on Aging is introducing the Professional Excellence in Geriatrics Series, an annual program of interdisciplinary continuing education in state-of-the-art geriatric practice. The series of eight, two-hour sessions will be held Wednesdays in April at the Hutchinson Center in… Read More
There are more cars on the road than ever before. Couple that with the fact that senior citizens are a rapidly growing demographic group, and it is easy to see why AARP’s 55 ALIVE Driver Safety Program is so popular. “As people age – actually… Read More
Editor’s Note: Following is the third in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people, of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service. By the age of 70, most Americans will… Read More
“Thank you for making my day so much better,” said one elderly Telecare participant to the volunteer who called to check on her. “Sometimes we are the only contact an elderly person will have all day,” said Jeem Trowbridge, 88, who has been a volunteer… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the second in a 12-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program, promoting healtful lifestyles for Maine people, of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service. Food provides energy for growth, maintenance and… Read More
It’s like having the world at your fingertips. Well, almost. Rosscare Lifeline, a program of Eastern Maine Healthcare, provides medical emergency response, friendly support, and a sense of security, literally at the touch of a button. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
When a person loses vision, one of the biggest losses is the ability to get around independently. Orientation and mobility specialists work with people to teach them the skills needed to regain independence in this area. In order to be able to explore the environment… Read More
Editor’s Note: The following is the first in a six-part series of columns from Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor. Move & Improve is an outreach program, promoting healthful lifestyles for Maine people, of EMMC’s Community Wellness Service. Elanna Farnham coordinates the Move & Improve program. Read More
Everyone should have a basic knowledge of first aid, but it is especially important for the elderly and their caregivers. “Older people – simply because their bodies have slowed down, and their eyesight may be failing or their agility is lessened – have unique issues… Read More
As a second-grade teacher, Mary Higgins has a busy schedule. As a home health nurse with Community Health and Counseling Services, Debbie Kranich has a busy schedule. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner = false;… Read More
Jim was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about three years ago. At first, his memory problems were not severe, but frustrating to both him and his wife – and sole caregiver – Mary. As his memory worsened to the point that he was unable to maintain focus on his… Read More
Imagine these scenarios: Your elderly parent is being released from the hospital. Living alone is no longer an option, or more care is required than the spouse or you can provide. What do you do? Maybe your parent is having trouble living alone. Nutritious meals… Read More
Editor’s Note: Health and other services to low-income people in Maine are threatened by Gov. Angus King’s proposed Medicaid cuts to balance the state’s budget. This three-part series focuses on individuals who benefit from one or more of the threatened programs. Last of three stories googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Some older people volunteer because they want to remain useful or keep busy, while others say they like how volunteering makes them feel. And then are those who simply want to make changes in the world around them while doing some good for someone else. Read More
Editor’s Note: Health and other services to low-income people in Maine are threatened by Gov. Angus King’s proposed Medicaid cuts to balance the state’s budget. This three-part series focuses on individuals who benefit from one or more of the threatened programs. Second of three stories googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
Editor’s Note: Health care and other services to low-income people in Maine are threatened by Gov. Angus King’s proposed Medicaid cuts to balance the state’s budget. This three-part series focuses on individuals who benefit from one or more of the threatened programs. Pool balls… Read More
They have been called points of light, the backbone of our country, and heroes. They are volunteers. Eastern Agency on Aging is very proud of and grateful to the more than 700 individuals across four counties who give up their time to help someone in… Read More
Last week we talked about the best ways to be prepared for a snowstorm. It occurred to me that winter is more than the random nor’easter. We still must contend with cold temperatures, less sunlight, and icy roads and walkways. Meteorologists are probably more popular… Read More
Winters in Maine are not for the faint of heart. The wind howls, the snow flies and suddenly, with only a couple of flickers as a warning, you find yourself sitting in the dark. While this can tax the steadiest of nerves, it can be particularly hard on… Read More
“It takes just one person to make a difference … Two to make friends,” reads the cover of the Phone Friends volunteer handbook. Phone Friends is a program of Eastern Agency on Aging that links a volunteer, who is willing to make a regular phone… Read More
Snow mixed with sleet fell softly on Sue Everett’s windshield and a winter storm advisory was in effect. This did not deter her, however, from completing her appointed rounds. No, Sue is not a mail carrier. She is a dedicated volunteer driver for the Meals for Me program. Read More
It’s 8 a.m. and Chuck and Marilyn, coffee in hand, head to their shared office at Eastern Agency on Aging in Bangor. Soon the phones start ringing and the pair jump into action, doing what they do best – answering your questions. Chuck and Marilyn… Read More
If the idea of an assisted living facility conjures up visions of the elderly napping in rocking chairs carefully placed by sunny windows to warm their bones, think again. Exercise classes, game night, concerts, bingo, outings such as leaf peeping excursions to see the fall… Read More
Last week we talked about the Tax and Rent Refund program and the Low-Cost Drug Card. This week we’ll get into the Medicare Savings Programs that can save you money. While most of you may know the services that are allowed by Medicare, Eastern Agency… Read More
Many older people are not getting all the government benefits they may be entitled to receive. Often, the elderly are trying to make ends meet with Social Security alone. If their monthly check is insufficient to cover living expenses, items once deemed necessities become optional. Things such as… Read More
As the population ages, more people are finding themselves in the role of “caregiver” for their parents, spouses, loved ones or elderly friends. What does that mean exactly? If you answer yes to one or more of the following questions, you can be classified as… Read More
Buddy Nickerson is one of those kids that just brings a smile to your face. Buddy’s polite. He’s funny. Respectful. And honest. “He’s just special,” his football coach Mark Hackett says earnestly. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes =… Read More
For veteran bowlers Rob and Ron Carter the perfect game is just around the corner. So the twin brothers had no trouble convincing each other to head over to the Bangor-Brewer Bowling Lanes one day this summer even though they had vowed earlier to stay… Read More
Terri Badger couldn’t do a thing with her hair. Try as she might, the 54-year-old Orono woman never was able to coax her baby-fine, strawberry-blond locks into the tousled, gamin style she coveted. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes… Read More
BANGOR – Mainers who are unable to receive medical treatment because of travel expenses now have an easier way to ease their pain. AirLifeLine, a national nonprofit organization founded in 1978, offers a free flying service to patients and their families nationwide. It carries burn… Read More
NEWPORT – Jane Sawyer and Judy McKenzie aren’t going to work on Tuesday – or any day soon after. That’s when retirement starts for the lifelong friends. For the past 30 years, they have shared duties in the day-to-day operation of Newport District Court. googletag.cmd.push(function… Read More
ELLSWORTH – A state veterinarian has placed an Ellsworth riding stable under a 45-day quarantine after one of its horses tested positive for rabies. The Crossroads Equestrian Center, a riding, training and boarding facility, along with eight horses, were quarantined Wednesday afternoon. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
BANGOR – Frustrated in its attempt to provide cardiac catheterization services to the Greater Bangor community, a local hospital has asked the court to intervene. St. Joseph Hospital filed a petition Monday with the Kennebec County Superior Court in Augusta trying to force Department of… Read More
It’s all about freedom, they say. The Mainers who are paying more than $2,000 for laser surgery to correct nearsightedness believe the procedure frees them from a kind of bondage. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var… Read More
Editor’s Note: This is the first in an intermittent series of stories that will examine how the Family Practice Center of Eastern Maine Medical Center trains doctors for rural practice. The series will follow a resident through three years of training. BANGOR – On a… Read More