It’s been said that there are only two things in life of which you can be sure: death and taxes. Now death is an “either-or” situation, black and white, if you will. Well, it’s a whole different story with taxes. They are not simply black… Read More
There’s a new kid on the block here at Eastern Agency on Aging – and we are delighted to have her. Val Sauda joined EAA about a month ago and has jumped right in with both feet. As the new director of outreach, she is… Read More
I bought new boots. Now ordinarily this would not be a newsworthy event. But after what happened the first time I wore them in the snow, I feel compelled to alert and warn you about boot treads and what to look for. I purchased hiking… Read More
Cold-and-flu season is here, and seemingly everywhere you turn, someone is coughing, sneezing or otherwise infirm. It’s a virus’ paradise out there, so protect yourself. Since knowledge is power, you may be able to beat the viruses at their own game. The Penobscot Valley Senior… Read More
There is a certain comfort that comes from being at home. Most of us feel it after a long day of work or an extended vacation. Imagine the comfort that one feels from living in the same home for decades. Every turn is a memory,… Read More
On occasion I hear people say, “I think Dad may need to be in a nursing home.” A few pertinent questions reveal that nothing could be further from the truth. All Dad really needs is a little help with some day-to-day things, such as preparing a meal, remembering… Read More
‘Tis the season for spreading cheer and good will toward men. And even through the stress and hustling bustle, there is a sense of joy in the air. But nothing can dampen your holiday spirit like losing your credit card or having the numbers stolen by unsavory types… Read More
“Ho, ho, ho and mistletoe and presents for pretty girls.” Sound familiar? It’s my favorite line from “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” a show that can’t help but jump-start your holiday spirit. And speaking of presents, everyone likes surprises in brightly colored wrapping or buried under… Read More
I’ve seen the look on others’ faces, as if to say, “How can you not remember the conversation we just had two days ago?” I have found personal items in strange places in my home, but surely one of my cats was the culprit. I… Read More
The holiday hubbub is soon to begin. It’s often a blur, albeit a festive one. But this year, as you rush to shop and decorate and plan menus for special meals with loved ones, take a moment on Dec. 1 to reflect on, and maybe say a little… Read More
The holidays are approaching, which can turn our thoughts to the joys of helping others. Eastern Agency on Aging has two such opportunities. First up, Meals for Me is delighted to be participating again this year in the Maine Ending Hunger Campaign organized by Partners… Read More
There are many things in this world surrounded by misconceptions. Take the food stamp program, for instance. Often thought of as a welfare program, in reality it is not at all. It’s a nutrition assistance program that was designed to help those with low incomes afford healthy foods. Read More
Eastern Agency on Aging needs you. We have a variety of programs that are a bit short of volunteers. Whatever your talents, I’ll bet we have a spot with your name on it. If time is a problem, we can work around that, too. For instance, volunteers can… Read More
Driving in the rain or even a light drizzle can be tough, especially if your windshield wipers are falling down on the job. Images just aren’t as sharp. Okay, so new wipers are an easy and quick fix, but some causes of visual impairment are beyond your control. Read More
It has often been said that “you don’t know what you’ve got ’til it’s gone.” Such is true for physical movement. We may take mobility for granted, but an injury, surgery or even a touch of arthritis-induced stiffness in the morning may take the wind out of the… Read More
Picture this: You’re off to visit someone for the very first time. But the initial excitement quickly turns to frustration as you drive around in vain searching for the right house. Now picture this: There is an emergency and seconds count. Firefighters, police or EMTs… Read More
Penobscot Community Health Center sits quietly and unassumingly on Union Street in Bangor near the fast food chains. But don’t be fooled by its peaceful exterior. Inside the building there is quality health care happening, and a lot of it. “We work with the whole… Read More
Well, summer was short-lived and now it’s fall. While we can revel in the brightly colored leaves and crisp apples, (OK, candy apples) autumn does have a downside – no, not winter lurking right around the corner – the beginning of flu season. Now I… Read More
Can you guess what a Girl Scout, a homeless person and a senior who reads to children have in common? They are all participants in programs partially funded by United Way of Eastern Maine. “For 68 years, we have been supporting agencies that are making… Read More
No one wants to think about Mom and Dad getting older. The strong, seemingly invincible parents of our childhoods may now be in need of a little help from us. And this need can come at a time when we are already trying to balance family and work. Read More
There is nothing like a good breakfast to start the day right. I actually hit the ground running when I wake up and head for the kitchen, two cats at my heels. Think about it. While you sleep, your body is basically fasting. Upon waking,… Read More
Teaching may be its own reward, but sometimes there are special perks when teaching a classroom full of seniors. “I am looking forward to saying, ‘When Rehnquist was appointed, and you all remember that,'” said Sol Goldman, 55, an attorney who is teaching “Constitutional Law:… Read More
As Cyndi Lauper croons in her mid-1960s hit song, “girls just wanna have fun.” But it is not just the younger generation that sees the benefit of having a good time for no other reason than, well, having a good time. Meet the Red Hat… Read More
Some folks think miracles are a rare thing nowadays. But Everett Cross knows otherwise. Hospitalized 10 years ago after his second stroke – the first was in 1983 – Cross, 79, lay barely conscious in his bed. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
Carol Mower never met a volunteer opportunity she didn’t like. And she has met plenty of them. “I always volunteered even when I was working. But the reason I wanted to retire is because I wanted to become a professional volunteer,” said Mower, 72. “I… Read More
The town of Bucksport, a picturesque village nestled on the banks of the Penobscot River, is a very nice place to visit. For some seniors, however, it is the only place to live. “In order for our older citizens to remain in this community, there… Read More
Every weekday between 7:30 and 10 a.m., they sit side by side in the Wing Park building in Bangor and telephone all the people on their call lists. No, they’re not telemarketers, but dedicated volunteers with Telecare, a program of Rosscare. For 25 years, this… Read More
“From minks to sinks,” reads the large, red sign outside Aunt Nellie’s Attic in Holden. It’s true, and although I didn’t notice any sinks, Aunt Nellie was draped in mink. Lest you think Aunt Nellie is a bit unhinged for wearing fur on a hot… Read More
The word disaster usually conjures up visions of the ice storm or terrorism. But there are other instances when a commonplace occurrence has the potential to leave us in a lurch or at least inconvenienced. Although maybe not disasters in the broad sense, they’re still things for which… Read More
I recently switched from my winter bag to a lighter, summer bag. While lamenting the lack of space in my new small, albeit stylish, purse, I thought of things I learned from Penobscot County Sheriff Glenn Ross. Carrying a lot of unnecessary stuff is just all the more… Read More
Phyllis Rose realized her dream and blossomed into a published novelist. “I always wanted to write and have written essays and poetry,” said Rose, 71. She was gazing out a window at Eastern Maine Medical Center while her mother was undergoing surgery in 1997, and… Read More
Julie Fish wants to help seniors “bone up” on exercise. The energetic 82-year-old is looking forward to teaching her first Bone Builders class at the Hammond Street Senior Center in July. “I had been in Louise’s [Bonawitz, Fitness Center manager at HSSC] exercise class for… Read More
The bone china teacups set on each table don’t match. Yet they epitomize and complement the uniqueness of the Kalico Kitchen restaurant in Milford. “There’s a story behind the dishes,” said Gloria Thornton, 77, owner of the restaurant. “We were mostly senior-oriented, and when they… Read More
Grace Smart’s bright pink jacket doesn’t hold a candle to the brightness of her eyes. And just try to catch her without a smile on her face. Grace has been a staple at the Newport Meals for Me site, volunteering for 19 years. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
Last time we talked about some of the important information concerning the Medicare-Approved Drug Discount Card. We will continue this week. There is confusion about these cards, but Eastern Agency is here to help sort it all out for you. If you are unsure what… Read More
If you are on Medicare, there is a good chance that you have received information in the mail regarding the new Medicare-approved Drug Discount Cards. You have probably seen television and newspaper advertisements encouraging you to sign up right away for a card. Do not… Read More
Think back. I’ll bet you can recall a favorite teacher who was especially inspiring, maybe even one who shaped your life. Jessie Boivin had just such a teacher. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes = [[300,250]]; var new_slot_sizes = []; var has_banner =… Read More
“And they lived happily ever after.” It’s the dreamy-eyed stuff of which fairy tales are made. But every once in awhile fairy tales really do come true. So goes the story of Lee and Audrey Higgins. They met in 1961 when Audrey worked for Travelers… Read More
I’m always on the prowl for inspiring and interesting seniors, and while there’s been no shortage the last couple of years, sometimes, as they say, what you’re looking for is right under your nose. So is the case with my mother, Margie Higgins. At 76,… Read More
The flip of a coin changed Chuck McKay’s life. As his sons grew up and lost interest in team sports, in which McKay was very involved, he and his wife decided it was time to pursue an activity they could do together. Sue McKay had… Read More
Talk, even briefly, with Bobbie Fowler and you’ll find yourself instinctively peeking over her shoulders in search of angel wings. While they’re not quite visible to the human eye, Prince knows they’re there. The stray dog, dumped by college students and forced to live six months on the… Read More
We’re taught at a very young age that it’s better to give than to receive. The Senior Sense program takes the sentiment to a new level. The program, which is funded by a three-year AmeriCorps VISTA grant from the Corporation from National and Community Service… Read More
The term “sharp as a tack” doesn’t quite cut it when describing Ida Schiro. Said tack has nothing on this 97-year-old matriarch. The native of Nashua, N.H., attended the New England Conservatory of Music, where she became an accomplished violinist, pianist and singer. googletag.cmd.push(function ()… Read More
“Got milk?” asks the National Dairy Council. And with good reason. Drinking milk can help prevent osteoporosis, the disease that leaves bones thin, weak and more prone to fracture. Consuming other calcium-rich foods also helps. Try adding low-fat cheese to sandwiches or grating some over… Read More
Lynn Gitlow has a dream. When closing her eyes, she envisions a place where everyone is able to do whatever their heart desires. And she is working to make that dream a reality. Hearing the term “assistive technology,” I always pictured a voice-activated computer that… Read More
“Let me show you the door,” is generally proper etiquette at the end of a visit. But if these words are spoken by Bert Johnson, it’s a whole different story. The co-owner of Johnson Florist and Gifts, in Bangor, is presenting “Doors That Say, ‘Welcome,'” at the Bangor… Read More
Being advised to “stop and smell the roses” started me thinking. Healthy, robust and fragrant rosebushes don’t just happen. There is usually a gardener who lovingly tends to the plant the way one would children – or in my case, cats. The Garden Club Federation… Read More
Judi Perkins has a garden-variety personality. But nothing could please her more. The skilled green thumb she cherishes is part of her heritage. Pumpkins, peas, corn, strawberries and tulips are but a few of the things sold at market by Perkins’ grandparents. This once-working farm,… Read More
There’s something very uplifting about getting your hair done. Aside from the rare bad cut or color mishap, what woman doesn’t walk away from the salon feeling like a million bucks? Being well-coifed is guaranteed to put a smile on your face and a spring in your step. Read More
The diagnoses of a terminal illness can send shock waves through not only the patient but the family as well. No one is spared. Bewilderment, fear and a sense of loss may wash over all involved. “Many of my patients face tremendous fear that their… Read More
Winter got you down? Forget driving – are you having “white-out conditions” of the brain? OK, maybe it’s just me. Nonetheless, according to my impeccable sources, spring is surely on its way. Traditionally a time for renewal and growth, it is also the perfect time to clean out… Read More
Blood is thicker than water, so they say. But you’d be hard pressed to find any four genuine sisters closer than this quartet. Craft classes, working, volunteering and painting are but a few of the activities these women do, either individually or collectively. But the… Read More
With Valentine’s Day drawing near and pretty red boxes of chocolates lying in wait to be bestowed on the objects of our affection, we turn our thoughts to matters of the heart. And that’s just fine with the American Heart Association, which has deemed February American Heart Month. Read More
Callie Ellis may be petite in stature but there is nothing small about her ability to bowl. The 76-year-old wields her 12-pound ball like a pro. Ellis has been a member of the Tuesday Mixed Senior League at the Family Fun Lanes in Bangor for… Read More
Festive centerpieces make holiday meals a little more special. For some people, colorful flowers or the soft glow of candles to do the trick, but Rebecca Hawkins, 16, had other ideas. And the Meals for Me home delivery recipients in the Bangor area couldn’t be… Read More
The ball has dropped in Times Square, Dick Clark has gone home and a new year has begun. Time to start keeping the resolutions so carefully planned last year. Well, except for the losing weight one because, in my opinion, dieting on a holiday is just wrong. Read More
I recently bought a new winter coat. While I really like this pristine – read: no cat hair yet – heavy, black jacket, I realized as I modeled it in front of my full-length mirror, I look just a little, well, boxy. No matter; it will keep me… Read More
Those who think Latin is dead have never met Bill Beck. Enchanting in his enthusiasm for the language, Beck, 61, regales his Bangor Adult Education students with many examples of English words that are derivatives of Latin. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes… Read More
If you’re in the position of providing care for an older person, you may occasionally be faced with terms that, until now, have had little meaning. The word “caregiver” itself can cause shudders in some family members, especially spouses who say, “I am just doing… Read More
Now that Thanksgiving is behind us, it is time to kick our holiday spirit into high gear. Colorful department store fliers abound, promising shoppers the lowest prices of the season on things they can’t possibly live without. The holidays are hectic for everyone, except those… Read More
A couple of months ago I fell in my home. While I am embarrassed to reveal how it happened – I tripped on my pajama bottoms – I realized, as I lay on the floor reassuring my cats that all was well, that emergency call systems are a… Read More
Thanksgiving is just around the corner. Traditionally, it is a time to indulge in food items that, for a variety of reasons, may be off limits any other day. As a career dieter, I have spent decades assigning food to “good” and “bad” categories. For… Read More
My grandfather was diabetic. I remember him needing insulin injections every day. Being a child and not fond of needles, I was quietly horrified at the very thought of this daily regimen. He managed well and endured the disease bravely, as he did everything else in his life. Read More
Recently, I was studying my mother’s Medicare Explanation of Benefits forms in what turned out to be a futile attempt to understand them. While admittedly, I may not be the brightest bulb in the chandelier, I figured, “How hard can these forms really be?” After… Read More
“Pose, and hold it,” are directions typically uttered by photographers. Following these instructions can help ensure a better picture. Yoga teachers, using similar language, can guide their students to better health. “Hatha yoga employs breathing techniques, gentle exercises and meditation to achieve physical health and… Read More
The holiday season is almost here. For me it starts on Halloween, which means with all the bite-sized chocolate bars and candy corn readily available, holiday pounds have packed their bags and are just waiting to move into my already crowded self. But there may… Read More
John started taking his wife, Jane, who is living with dementia, to a day service program once a week – just as a “try it and see” venture, not knowing how Jane would react. Their experience was positive and now Jane attends twice a week. Read More
There is a definite chill in the air, and some low-lying areas have had frost warnings. I need no such indicators of autumn’s arrival, however. I can always tell that fall is fast approaching when my older cat, Dixie, starts burrowing under the bedspread. This… Read More
October is National Breast Cancer Awareness month. But, the other 11 months should be regarded as breast cancer awareness months as well, considering the importance of monthly breast self-exams. And time is not on your side. googletag.cmd.push(function () { // Define Slot var slot_sizes =… Read More
Remember when you were a child and your mother kept after you to wash your hands? She was wise beyond her years. Along with cleanliness, a little soap and water can go a long way to keeping you healthy. “Frequent hand washing is very important,”… Read More
Is it just me, or is driving more frustrating than ever before? There seems to be a steady stream of traffic no matter which way I turn. Not to mention road construction. I’ve been known to “white-knuckle” my way home more than once. Spotting the… Read More
As summer dissolves into a fond memory, it is time to think about taxes. Lest you think I have lost my calendar (or worse) let me assure you I am not referring to income taxes, but to tax and rent refunds from the Maine Revenue Service. Read More
It wasn’t too many decades ago that the term massage conjured up visions of wealthy women at exclusive spas, or heavyweight champs getting a rubdown after a particularly tough match. Fast forward to today. What was once reserved for “someone else” is now available to… Read More
The course of Pam Stokes’ life changed one evening in 1977. A typical teenager, she flipped on the television. It was there, on the small screen, that she discovered what became her life’s passion. “I watched “Roots” [Alex Haley’s miniseries] and I wanted to find… Read More
Let’s talk about eagles. Not the bird nor the band, but the Fraternal Order of Eagles club. To be exact, the Penobscot Eagles Aerie 3177, commonly known as the Brewer Eagles. After attending their annual meeting to accept a generous donation to the Eastern Agency… Read More
Advertisements are firmly in place touting “back to school” sales. Most of them show children loading up on new clothes, pens and notebooks. But the back to school sentiment isn’t just for children anymore. The Penobscot Valley Senior College, an affiliate of the University of… Read More
What do the Louvre in Paris, the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Bangor Public Library have in common? They are all places where you can see breathtaking works of art. Students of the Hammond Street Senior Center art classes… Read More
For many people, radio is considered a source of entertainment. Others tune in for news and weather updates, for company while driving, or for background noise. For some visually impaired individuals, however, the simple act of listening goes beyond the normal reasons. googletag.cmd.push(function () {… Read More
Etta Porter knows a thing or two about wedded bliss. After all, she’s seen enough of it – well, at least its first few minutes. Porter, 92, has performed more than 300 marriage ceremonies since she became a justice of the peace in 1973, while… Read More
The “Secret Garden” is more than a book or movie to me. It is actually every garden I see. Not having a green thumb myself, I marvel at the wondrousness of it all. My attempts at gardening are limited to growing cat grass for my… Read More
Daily temperatures are rising and the air is often dripping with humidity. As Nat King Cole crooned in 1963, it’s time to “Roll out those lazy, hazy, crazy days of summer.” But as enjoyable as summer is, it does not come without some risks, especially… Read More
The fabric of Bonnie Spather’s life could best be described as a quilt square. The year was 1972 in Annandale, Va., she said, when a neighbor gave her a book picturing the quilt block design called Job’s Tears. It was so beautiful, said Spather, 77,… Read More
Summer is one of the most popular times of year to get together with family and friends. Warm temperatures, long days, fresh produce and hosting a cookout are things the season is made for. But if you’re not careful, you may have some uninvited guests at your next… Read More
A colorful, heart-shaped braided rug rests outside the front door welcoming visitors. It’s a hint to the nature of the woman inside. For Carolyn Kinnard Ziffer, 72, home is her sanctuary. And everything in it has a special meaning or story to tell – including… Read More
Visiting my mother, 75, is always an experience but sometimes it can be cause for concern. She never met a garage sale she didn’t like. Venturing into her home is not unlike an archaeologist beginning a dig. You’re never really sure what you’ll find. As… Read More
Down in the dumps, having the blues or being woebegone are terms seniors may use when describing feelings of sadness. But depression, by any other name, is still a serious illness. “Depression doesn’t get enough attention,” said Pam Taylor, geriatric mental health specialist for the… Read More
Recently, a friend was lamenting to me that her mother, after a doctor’s visit, was somewhat confused about his suggested course of action. I heard basically the same story from my hairstylist, whose mother also left her physician’s office with unasked questions and unclear directions. Read More
The cars themselves could be called seniors. But with some adjustments, they’re still going strong. “It’s all about more power,” said Lee Van Dyne, 62, long-standing member of the Central Maine Street Rods club, along with her husband, Tom. “It’s like that old TV show… Read More
When a group of women gets together with an idea, you never know what can happen. One thing’s for sure, however, the possibilities should not be underestimated. The year was 1913. A few representatives from the Bangor Federation of Women’s Clubs attended a seminar on… Read More
Lynn Leighton has always loved detective work. She thrives on ferreting out information and putting the pieces together to solve a problem. Even though Leighton is not a police officer, she has no shortage of sleuthing opportunities as a caregiver resource specialist at Eastern Agency on Aging for… Read More
May is upon us and that can only mean one thing: The May Festival is imminent. And why not? May is, after all, Older Americans Month. Sponsored by the University of Maine Center on Aging, with a healthy dose of good will and hard work… Read More
I think spring has finally sprung. I have spotted the first robin in my yard – and so have my cats, who live in hope that one day they will be on the other side of the window. I also have seen the first determined flower buds inch… Read More
A long time ago, a wise and older woman said to me, “The best way to help yourself is to help someone else. The joy that comes from focusing on the needs of others can make your own needs and troubles seem much less important.”… Read More
Fraud can strike anyone, but seniors are at particular risk. It’s not something you like to think about, but remember that knowledge is power – and despite what you may have heard, ignorance is not bliss. In order to educate seniors and their families on… Read More
Imagine being admitted to a hospital, lying in a strange bed in a strange room, waiting for a return call from your recently paged doctor. You are assured that the reply will come shortly, but every minute seems like an hour. Anxiety mounts as the nurses try to… Read More
Snow rests firmly atop the once lovingly tended vegetable garden. But that doesn’t matter to these gardeners. They’re busy doing other things. “It’s very active here,” said Debra Calderwood, registered nurse for the Senior Treatment and Respite Services program located at the Bangor Mental Health… Read More
The old saying, “Let the good times roll,” may not have been the inspiration for the name of the Glenburn Good Times Club, but the sentiment was certainly taken to heart. What began as a strictly social group in 1977 is still going strong today. Read More
Alan Shawn Feinstein, a millionaire from Cranston, R.I., is very interested in Eastern Agency on Aging’s nutrition program. Why would someone so far away be concerned with Meals for Me, you ask? The answer is simple. Feinstein has a goal of ending hunger in the… Read More
Recently, while watching a television show in which people have their possessions appraised, Roberta Macko, director of volunteer services at Eastern Agency on Aging, began glancing around her own home. “I have some things that I have had for decades,” Macko said. “And then there… Read More
We’ve heard everyone from physicians to health spa gurus tell us to take care of ourselves. Not bad advice. However, when busy lives get in the way, watching out for No. 1 – as the old saying goes – can be a little hard to… Read More