Rockin’ Seniors

by Kay Larson

Jim Mann identifies Andrew Peacock's (of Newry) specimen.  photo Kay Larson

A recent Senior College rock event involved neither music nor rocking chairs. Jim Mann, local artist, jeweler and owner of Mt. Mann Jewelers in Bethel, gave a Down Home Maine presentation on “Rock Hounding in Maine” to around 35 participants. He shared how he was drawn to study rocks as a pre-teen, fostered this interest in high school, and had a fairly “lucrative” business going before he graduated from Gould Academy.

Through show-and-tell sharing, he displayed the tools of rock hounds, spoke about the minerals of western Maine, passed around beautiful samples of gems and minerals, and welcomed the challenge of identifying a specimen brought in by an audience member. In western Maine, Jim said, a mineral collector with moderate skill can find 30-40 different species.

Western Maine has 60-100 mines, now mostly privatized. Generally, Jim shared, rock collectors work long and hard for their finds, and mining history doesn’t show a lot of reward for landowners. A lot can be learned from field collectors who are willing to share, and connecting with one of Maine’s seven mineral clubs can also be advantageous as one learns the skills.

Three days later, Jim took nine students on a field trip to Mt. Apatite near Auburn to demonstrate his techniques and encourage both newbies and experienced rock hounds at a “dig.” By his former experience at the site and knowing what minerals are found together, Jim was able to reveal “treasure” where an untrained hiker would only see boulders or piles of discarded rocks. 

Mt. Apatite field trip  photo Lee Smith

Intrepid rock hounds   photo Lee Smith

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Congratulations, Bonnie Pooley!

Bonnie Pooley at Step Falls.

Hearty congratulations to Bonnie Pooley, who will be honored this week by the Natural Resources Council of Maine; their People’s Choice Award notes “her outstanding success in engaging young people in the work of protecting Maine’s environment.” Bonnie is grateful for all who supported her in this selection and says that the award “means a lot to me. It validates all the work I have been doing over fifty years to make our community (and the world) a better, healthier place to live. I also see myself as a representative of the many, many others who are tirelessly contributing in our small, positive ways.”

Bonnie’s environmental experience began on the very first Earth Day (April, 1970), when she organized her young environmentalist students at Mount Pleasant High School in Delaware for a day of learning about environmental issues.

In 1973 she came to Gould Academy, partly because of Maine residents Scott and Helen Nearing, gurus of the Back to the Land movement, whom she later visited with a group of students. In her 35 years at Gould she organized Earth Day celebrations and started Gould Goes Green. Since her retirement, her passion has been directed toward protecting treasured lands from development through the Mahoosuc Land Trust and growing local food to encourage healthy eating in western Maine communities.

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Farewell to Jeanie Waite

You may have heard by now that Jeanie Waite, long time director of SAD 44 Adult and Continuing Education, resigned at the end of June. Jeanie has been WMSC's official support person for most of the time we have existed as a Senior College, the ex officio member of our Board, and a much appreciated facilitator of many WMSC courses, most recently Maine Women Authors and World War I. Jeanie says that now she hopes to have time to be a more active WMSC member. She plans to stay on the Board and to continue to facilitate classes – good news indeed! Lois Ruff will continue to hold down the fort in Adult Ed until a new director is hired.

Last Thursday we sent flowers to Jeanie to thank her for all she's done for us over the years. We're planning a reception for her as soon as we can work out the details, so stay tuned!

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Soap Making Class Photos

Earlier in June several WMSC members attended a one-day soap making class taught by Pat Stewart. Here are a few photos depicting the melt and pour method they used.

Pouring melted soap into the mold.

Ellen Crocker adding blue color to the mix.

Almost done.

Cutting the hardened soap.

Blue stars with lavender base, lavender scented ovals, dragonfly goat's milk soap, and green pine translucent bars. Photos by Norman Milliard

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

"Aging in Place" Draws Large Audience

by Lorrie Hoeh

Peter Morelli, AARP

On Thursday, May 21, a large and enthusiastic group attended the To Your Health program, “Aging in Place.” Speakers were Peter Morelli, representing AARP and its work on age-friendly communities; Julie Allaire, representing Kennebunk, Kennebunkport, and Arundel and their age-friendly network; and Joe Perkins, representing At Home Downeast in Washington and Hancock Counties.

Morelli noted that our median age is rising, as 18,250 people per year turn 65 in Maine. Some issues to be addressed include transportation, housing of continuing long-term care, family and caregiver support, and elder abuse. AARP is trying to address these issues without government support, by encouraging volunteer programs in communities. Morelli mentioned Bowdoinham, a member of AARP’s age-friendly communities, noting that their plan can be found on the town’s website.
 

Julie Allaire, Kennebunk's age-friendly network

Julie Allaire advised that a community start “where you are.” This involves identifying and assessing assets. People need to know what services are available and how to access them locally. She recommends organizing a working group to coordinate a health care network which might include a gerontologist, an attorney, and other health care providers. Assessing local needs is also key.
 
The last presenter was Joe Perkins from At Home Downeast. He noted that each community is unique, and what works for one may not work for all. To quote Perkins, “If you’ve seen one village, you’ve seen one village.” Joe stressed the importance of volunteers. He pointed out that the Blue Hill Peninsula consists of nine towns comprising 14,000 residents year-round. Perkins said that the Washington Hancock Community Agency, of which At Home Downeast is a subset, does have a paid staff consisting of a program manager, social worker, and volunteer coordinator.

Joe Perkins, At Home Downeast

At Home Downeast has a sliding-scale membership fee of $130 to $1,300 annually. Paying a fee helps to fight the reluctance of some to ask for help. The membership fee entitles one to four rides per month within a 50-mile radius; contract with Eastern Maine Home Care for twice a month visits; help with grocery shopping; prescription delivery; phone check-in or home visit; home safety assessment; all available with a single phone number.



Reaction to this presentation was that the Bethel area has many assets, and with some organization and volunteer work, this could be a truly age-friendly community.

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Remembering Larry Engdahl

We are saddened to announce the death of WMSC member Lawrence "Larry" Engdahl on May 16. A life-long New Englander, Larry loved the mountains, ocean, fishing ponds, gardens and birds, and he loved to chronicle the landscape around him with his sketch book, paints, and camera. He was an active member of the Congo Craftsmen, served on the Bethel Planning Board, and was a member of the Bethel Rotary Club. WMSC's Great Decisions class benefited from Larry's extensive knowledge of business, politics, history, engineering, technology – you name it. He was often a facilitator and always a contributor to our discussions. He will be greatly missed. A memorial service is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th at 3:00 pm at the West Parish Congregational Church.

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Photos from the Step Falls Wildflower Hike

Lynne Zimmerman introduces the hike to our intrepid group.  photo J. Bebko

Harriet Gilpatrick and Jim Bebko check out a patch of red trillium.  photo K. DeVore

Red trillium....  photo J. Bebko

..... and the showier painted trillium  photo L. Zimmerman

Mayflower.  It's scent is exquisite!   photo L. Zinnerman

Step Falls.  photo L. Zimmerman

Bonnie Pooley sitting on Ken Bohr's bench.  After this we went back down and on to the potluck supper.  photo K. DeVore

Potluck supper at Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge.  photo L. Zimmerman

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Spotlight on Hardcover Bookbinding and Introduction to Auto Detailing

Here are some photos from two of WMSC's recently completed hands-on classes.  Enjoy!

Hardcover Bookbinding

Internet-based instruction presented by Hardcover Bookbinding class facilitator Jim Bebko.   photo A. Chapman

Ruth Barrett and Jim Bebko trimming a text block.  photo A. Chapman

Michele Gagnon attaching book board to outer cover.  photo J. Bebko

Michele Gagnon gluing the text block to the cover while Bonnie Pooley and Ruth Barrett look on.  photo J. Bebko

Bonnie, Michele and Ruth loading the book press with the finished book.  photo J. Bebko

Introduction to Auto Detailing

Shampooing the interior of Carlie Casey's car - Carlie was the lucky participant whose car was chosen for detailing!  photo D. McMahon

Kay Larson vacuuming.  photo D. McMahon

Carlie and Kay look on as instructor Tim McMahon and Tim Roberts clean floor mats.  photo D. McMahon

Tim Roberts cleaning rims.  photo D. McMahon

Roberta Taylor buffing on the wax.  photo D. McMahon

A very pleased Carlie!  photo D. McMahon

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

"Local Food Initiatives" Discussion Sparks Opportunities for Community Involvement

by Nancy Davis
 
The final Brown Bag Lunch program of the year was held on May 5.  Facilitators were Amanda Moran, coordinator of the Edible Bethel project, and Meryl Kelly, Executive Director of the Local Food Connection.
 
The audience of experienced, passionate vegetable gardeners responded enthusiastically to the energy and creativity demonstrated by the facilitators.  Already generally knowledgeable about local food initiatives, participants learned new opportunities for contributing to the cause.  Amanda and Meryl were delighted with the fresh ideas that were suggested and hope they will have volunteers for the Edible Bethel project and Meryl’s culinary project. You may remember WMSC’s "Bridging the Generations" program two years ago in honor of our 10th anniversary.  From her lively involvement on that day, Ms. Kelly has developed an adult/student cooking program that would welcome the involvement of WMSC members.

The Edible Bethel project, featured in a recent Living Bethel magazine, has announced its first workday for Wednesday, May 13, meeting at 1:00 at Nabos parking lot. They are eager for volunteers to prepare beds at several Main Street sites and also suggest that “If you have your own tools or would like to donate hay, soil, seedlings, or garden fabric in lieu of gardening, all of these things would be very much appreciated!” For more information, you may contact Meryl Kelly at localfoodconnectionmaine@gmail.com.

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college

Large Group Attends "End of Life Care"

by Lorrie Hoeh

On Thursday, April 29, an enthusiastic crowd of 55 people attended the latest To Your Health program, "End of Life Care: Having the Conversation," at the Congregational Church in Bethel.  A panel of five professionals, moderated by Al Cressy, shared their expertise on the subject of death and dying and how to prepare oneself and his or her loved ones.

Cressy began with the question: "Why have this conversation about death, and what should be talked about?"  The Rev. Dick Bennett's response was that in our culture we are programmed to fear both death and life. Jane Chandler, a hospice nurse, offered that it is important to listen and hear what a dying person's wishes are. Dr. Roger Austin, medical director of Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice, posited that many are reluctant to have this important conversation, fearing it might induce the person to give up. Emily Ecker, a nursing home social worker, told of the kinds of problems that arise from not having had the talk, not the least of which is the expense involved, as well as quality of life issues. Home Health Aide Michelle Lowell told of her personal experience with a mother whose Alzheimer's disease prevented her from having the talk, resulting in many problems. Her father, however, when diagnosed with cancer, did have the conversation, and the outcome was good for all.

Other questions asked by the moderator were: "How do you start the talk before a crisis situation occurs?" "What do you do if an end-of-life crisis occurs before the conversation takes place?" "What are the things to consider in regard to the conversation?"

In answer to the last question, Ms. Ecker stressed starting early, appointing a health care proxy, determining the type of care in an irreversible condition, and, especially, being sure to complete an advanced directive.  Ms. Chandler advised considering everything, including such things as a "bucket list," letters to grandchildren, etc.   She also emphasized that a patient's wish to stop treatment is not suicide.

 Dr. Kevin Finley of the Bethel Family Health Center stepped up and advised us that one should talk to people of all ages about death and dying and make sure an advanced directive is in place, pointing out that the BFHC has living will forms.  He, too, emphasized the importance of starting the talk EARLY.

After a ten-minute break, the panel addressed audience questions that had been written on cards.  The buzz at the end of the program seemed universally positive.  Most people seemed to feel that they had learned a good deal and were glad they came. 

Moderator Al Cressy, Rev. Dick Bennett, Jane Chandler, Dr. Roger Austin, Emily Ecker, Michelle Lowell    

Rev. Dick Bennett

Dr. Roger Austin     photos L. Hoeh

For more information about Western Mountains Senior College visit our website at http://sad44.maineadulted.org/western_mountains_senior_college