September 2020 Vol. 24 Issue 11 Turner Publishing Inc., PO Box 214, Turner, ME 04282 • 207-225-2076 • Fax: 207-225-5333 • E-Mail: articles@turnerpublishing.net • Web: www.turnerpublishing.net

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AUGUSTA — Adjutant general for Maine, Maj. Gen. Douglas A. Farn-ham recently announced the promotion of Diane L. Dunn, of Newburgh, to the rank of brigadier general.

Dunn, the assistant ad-jutant general of the Maine Army National Guard, was promoted from colo-nel to brigadier general in a 3 p.m. ceremony on July 30 at Camp Chamberlain.

The event was both a socially distanced in-per-son ceremony and a streamed broadcast for family, friends and Na-tional Guard members. Dunn becomes the first female general officer in the 200-year history of the Maine Army National Guard.

During the ceremony, former Army Lt. Col. Dr. Robert F. Danner joined virtually from Hough-ton, N.Y., to adminis-ter the oath of office to Dunn. The tradition held a special meaning to both Dunn and Danner, as Dan-

ner originally adminis-tered the oath to Dunn at Houghton College when she first commissioned 32 years ago.

Dunn, 54, started her career in 1988 as a sec-ond lieutenant and ini-tially served as a freight movement officer with the 3620th Transportation De-tachment, in Augusta.

Throughout her career that has spanned over three decades, Dunn has held many leadership po-sitions. She has served as company commander of the Headquarters and Headquarters Detach-ment, 286th Supply Ser-vices Battalion in Ban-gor, battalion commander of the 240th Regional Training Institute while it was in Augusta, battalion commander of the 286th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion in both Bangor and Afghanistan, and brigade command-er of the 120th Regional Support Group in Bangor. She was the first female to command a brigade in the Maine Army National Guard.

Dunn has also complet-ed several key staff and special staff positions to

include joint regional ex-ercise branch chief for the U.S. Northern Com-mand in Colorado Springs, Colo., the multi-state plan-ner for a regional emergen-cy management exercise; and Maine National Guard Army Chief of Staff for the past four years.

During her remarks, Dunn thanked family, friends, fellow soldiers and retirees for the sup-port and mentorship pro-vided to her during her career.

“It has been an in-credible honor to have such outstanding support throughout every facet of my career,” said Dunn. “I am proud to be a member of Maine Army National Guard and I am truly hum-bled to continue to work with, and lead, so many dedicated Soldiers.”

Dunn highlighted les-sons she learned for each decade she’s served in the Army, and reflected on the people and events that helped shape her life and career leading to her cur-rent position.

After her remarks, she received her first salute as a general officer from her son, Pvt. Marcus Dunn, a

newly-enlisted infantry-man in the Maine Army National Guard.

Dunn holds master’s de-grees from both the Uni-versity of Maine and the U.S. Army War College.

Her awards and decora-tions include the Bronze Star, the Defense Merito-rious Service Medal, and the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak-leaf-clusters.

Maine Army National Guard’s Dunn promoted to brigadier general

Maine National Guard Army Staff Sgt. Alyson J. Pelletier photosBrig. Gen. Diane L. Dunn receives her first salute as a general officer from her son, Pvt. Marcus Dunn.

INDEX Letter from the Publisher........2Funny things kids say ..............2V. Paul Reynolds .....................5Movie Review .........................5Classifieds ............................11Reader Recipe .......................15Student News .......................16

FEATURE ARTICLESLeaf-peeping might not always involve a vehicle .....................9

Prepare your deck for winter ...13

Ask the trainer - pre-workout meals ...................................14

Quitting smoking during the pandemic can bechallenging and life saving at the same time...................... 14

Page 2 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

Hello, Readers,I am following up with an update on Turner Publishing’s family of 20 “Good News” community publications. The great news is we are still here providing good

local news to more than 200,000 Maine homes representing 607,000 readers. Thank you all for your support, kind words and letters and, most importantly, the good news you send to us.

Also, big thanks go out to our advertisers who have stood by us during the turbulence of the pandemic. Our advertisers make it possible for us to mail our pubs to over 50 percent of the state of Maine and provide you with good community news! We need you both and “It’s Still All Good” news!

With that being said, many business have not weathered the storm. One such business was our mail company that had to close their Maine operation in June due to repercussions from the COVID-19 pandemic. This mail service not only supported TPI by mailing our pubs but also helped larger companies get their holiday and sales events yers to all of you. Because of this tragedy, Turner Publishing joined forces with other printing and mailing companies to provide the direct mail service that was lost in the state of Maine. We are happy to say we think we gured out a program that will work for most but, as always, we want your feedback.

What does this mean for our readers? You will still be getting your regular good news publication monthly in your mailbox; that has not changed. The day you receive your publication may have changed.

Depending on the publication, you may receive it in your mailbox a week earlier or a week later than typically expected. This move was made to be able to provide businesses with a vehicle to deliver their holiday and sales event yers in a timely manner. Our readers will not only be getting the good news but also grocery store specials, seasonal specials from places like Tire Warehouse, auto sales and shopper holiday sales specials. We think that is positive news, and we hope you agree.

If receiving your publication a week later than expected doesn’t work for you, please remember you can also get your good news publication a week earlier on-line and FREE at https://www.turnerpublishing.net/publications.htm

One other important change is in the “Lake Region Reader.” In order to cover more ground, people and towns, we divided this pub into north and south. The Lake Region Reader released at the beginning of the month (now south) serves the towns of Sidney, Read eld, Wayne, Winthrop, and E. Winthrop. The Lake Re-gion Reader arriving in the middle of the month (north) serves Belgrade, Belgrade Lakes, Kents Hill, Fayette, Manchester, Mt Vernon, Oakland and Rome.

Dear Advertiser/Businesses, We have had to reinvent our business, as I am sure many of you have had to implement some changes as well. Marketing your busi-ness, your plan and your reinvention is paramount. Our readers and our community want to know what’s going on in your business. How else can we all support you? When you need to get your message out we can assist with ads and advertorials that reach your clients directly through our daily digital services or direct mail and now even direct mail yers. Contact us at www.advertising@turnerpublishing.net, or 207-225-2076.

Maine residents, who are limiting social gathering and staying home receive our publications, and are looking for the media to present what is happening around them in the local community and business environment. Please lean on us to assist you with informing the public on current events surrounding your business.

Communication is key. The underlying macro-economic fundamentals are strong and that, combined with low interest rates and the governmental support for small businesses, has helped us all through these tough times. We are happy to say we are seeing business growth all around us. Let’s all keep supporting one another, stay positive, stay safe and keep read-ing because “Its All Good News!”

Thank you all for Reading! Jodi Cornelio and the Turner Publishing family

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

Funny things kids say!

Share the funniest thing your kid or grandkid said this week! You could win a

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My 8 yr old grandson’s reply when I spotted the missing Lego necessary to complete his work: “Wow! You’re pretty smart for an old person.”

– Lenan Crisci, Augusta

Many moons ago when I would bring my daughter to daycare everyday we would pass a farm with corn fields. Well, one day, out of the blue, she started crying like crazy to the point I pulled over and asked her, “April, what’s wrong?” She replied, “The corn is taller than I am!” So now every year when I see the corn growing it makes me smile.

- Theresa Cyr, Sabattus

Our grandson, a very talkative 4 year old, was on our porch playing with me. He looked up and said, “Jamma, look! The wind is making the trees dance. Let’s dance too!” So we danced with the wind and the trees. – Jan Downing, Skowhegan

When our son was three years old his father took him to Santa’s Village up in NH along with his baby daughter’s mother and his baby sister, her mother holding their baby. When our son sat on Santa’s knee, Santa asked, (looking at the baby) “Ho, Ho, Ho and who do we have here?” My son spoke up, “She’s my half-sister!” Santa replied, “I don’t know – but she looks pretty whole to me!”

– Vivian Rudd, Norway

On Sundays I would take my children for a car ride. On the road we saw a street sign that said “Thickly Settled”, my 5 yr old saw it and said, “Ma, that sign said ‘Sticky Salad!’”

– Dorothy Fortin, Norway

Son: Mom, can we go to the comic book store please?

Mom: Call and see if they are open today.

(After phone call)Son: The recording

said they was open 10 to 1 today….those are good odds, right Mom?

– Christy Dorrington, Augusta

September 2020 The Country Connection Page 3www.centralmainetoday.com

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Congratulations to Thomas Ryan for being chosen as July’s employee of the month! Tom is a FF/AEMT.Thank you Tom for your hard work and dedication to the department.

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Join us September 27th at Thompson’s Orchard for a chicken barbecue. 11-2p.m

New Gloucester Fire RescueChicken BBQ

Saturday, September 12, 2020 at 3:30 PM – 7 PMHosted by Gray Blueberry Festival and Town of Gray.

Live acoustic music & a local fundraiser for: Gray Food Pantry, G-NG Little League, and G-NG High School Class of 2023. Suggested donation of $5 accepted at the "door". Outside seating, bring folding chairs & picnic blanket. 6-foot social distancing measures in place; wear a mask in common areas/restroom inside Town Hall. Some activities for the kids. Dottie's Ice Cream truck.

Town of Gray - Music in the park

Page 4 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

A Proven Bi-Par� san LeaderSponsored a bipar� san bill to protect pa� ents from abusive billing prac� ces

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Authorized by the candidate and paid for by Colleen Quint, Treasurer

On November 3, vote Ned Claxton for State Senate.www.claxtonforsenate.me

The work aheadIt has been an honor to

serve as your State Sen-ator since 2018. During that time, I have focused on reducing some of the barriers that make life harder for people in our communities and state— such as lowering the cost of prescription drugs and

making quality health in-surance available for as many people as possible.

The pandemic has been hard on all of us. In the midst of these uncertain times, I grieve with you that I can’t see family and friends in the ways that I would like. Young fam-

ilies have lost a sense of stability for their children. Some people feel isolated; many have lost jobs and financial security.

During my years as a family physician, I worked with people fac-ing health challenges of all kinds and helped them

with challenging deci-sions. I always started with listening, and then helped them make the best choices. That is how I will continue to work with other legislators to ap-proach the challenges we will face in the upcoming term. Working together

will help us deal with the formidable challenges that COVID-19 presents.

We are Mainers, and if a neighbor needs some-thing, we’re there to as-sist. So with your help, I look forward to continu-ing to do all that I can to best represent the people

in our communities, in-cluding working on job creation, supporting our veterans, and promoting a healthy environment. I am ready for the work ahead and know that together we are up to the task.

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LEWISTON — Ex-pressing gratitude and appreciation for those on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic will be the first task undertak-en by the incoming 2020-21 Lewiston Youth Advi-sory Council.

Planning is underway for a virtual celebration, “That’s Right; You’re Es-sential.” The date of the broadcast is yet to be de-termined.

The council is seeking

recognition input from the Lewiston community as to individuals/groups who deserve a word of praise. The date to submit names is Tuesday, Sept. 15.

A suggestion online submission form can be found at www.lewiston-maine.gov/heroeswithout-capes. Individuals may also submit handwritten cards c/o LYAC, Admin-istrator’s Office, Lewis-ton City Hall, 27 Pine St., Lewiston, ME 04240.

In either format, LYAC asks that comments be re-spectful. Not all submis-sions will be included in the broadcast, but LYAC hopes to use as many as possible, broadcast time permitting. The virtual recognition will include many aspects of grati-tude, to include LYAC’s own comments and LYAC member Ryleigh Emmert, Lewiston’s youth poet laureate, who will share an original piece of work.

“I believe that it is im-portant for the LYAC to bring attention to front-line workers during this time as they are, quite literally, life-savers in the community of Lewiston and Maine as a whole, and I’ve got to experience that first-hand,” said Emmert. “These workers have had increased pressure placed on them during this time with new restrictions and protocols in place to promote the safety of

our community in vari-ous ways and should be acknowledged for their outstanding work and consideration through the turbulence and uncertain-ty that we have all been challenged by through this pandemic.”

Referring to frontline workers as “superheroes,” LYAC member Keira Pot-vin said, “Our essential workers have done so much for us during this pandemic, now it’s time to

give them the recognition they deserve!”

LYAC member Brea Mathieu said, “Thanking the heroes without capes,” is important. “There are so many people who go above and beyond to help. We appreciate all of them, and we want to say thank you!”

Hope Rubito, LYAC past chair, said, “Thank-ing them is the least we can do to show our sup-port.”

Lewiston Youth Advisory Council plans “That’s Right, You’re Essential” virtual recognition

September 2020 The Country Connection Page 5www.centralmainetoday.com

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For many years the pol-icymakers at the Maine Department of Inland Fish-eries and Wildlife resisted bringing the crossbow into the mix of legal hunting de-vices. All the while, other states were adopting fairly liberal allowances for the crossbow.

The Maine Bowhunters Association long opposed the crossbows, arguing that

they did not fit the bow crite-ria like traditional bows, re-curves and compound bows. The non-purists, on the other hand, argued that the crossbow was just another hunting device, ethically no better or no worse than com-pound bows when it came to the ethical dimensions of fair chase. The same group insisted that not all hunters are physically capable of handling the draw weights of compound bows, and that crossbows opened up new hunt opportunities for older folks, the disabled and oth-ers less capable physically.

All of this is relatively moot now. The department is finally on board with the crossbows, albeit with some minor restrictions and sea-sonal parameters for hunt-

ers. The crossbows regula-tions are changing rapidly. This fall’s crossbow rules are quite different from last year’s.

Here are the highlights:

1. You don’t need to take both the archery safe-ty course and the crossbow safety course, if you already hold a firearms big game li-cense; the crossbow safety course is now offered on-line.

2. If you are 64 years old or younger, and hold a crossbow license, you may hunt with a crossbow during the October archery season and the November firearms season, but unlike conven-tional bow hunters, you can

not take a doe unless you have a doe permit for the zone in which you are hunt-ing. Neither can you hunt with a crossbow during the muzzleloader season or the expanded archery season in September.

3. If you are 65 or older, the world is your oyster! You may, with a crossbow, hunt any wild bird or ani-mal during any open season. You may also hunt deer with a crossbow during the muz-zleloader season and the ex-panded archery season. You may also take a deer of ei-ther sex during the October archery season without a special doe permit as long as you are hunting in a wildlife management district that is-sues doe permits.

There are particular reg-ulations about crossbow equipment. Draw weight must be at least 100 pounds. Crossbows must have a trig-ger safety. Pistol grip cross-bows are prohibited, but scopes or sights are allowed.

Regulations regarding disability permits and youth hunting with crossbows are a bit complicated, so you need to check for the details on the department’s website.

Be advised, too, that there are some specific areas of the state — Marsh Island in Old Town, for example — where crossbows are not permitted. Ditto some of the offshore islands and state sanctuaries. Check the law book.

I have had limited expe-rience hunting deer with

crossbows in Maryland. Al-though somewhat awkward to carry through the woods when still hunting, they are extremely accurate and ef-fective as a deer hunting de-vice. The crossbows I used required cocking and some physical effort.

The author is editor of the “Northwoods Sport-ing Journal.” He is also a Maine guide and host of a weekly radio program — “Maine Outdoors” — heard Sundays at 7 p.m. on “The Voice of Maine News - Talk Network.” He has authored three books; on-line purchase information is available at www.maineout-doorpublications.com. or at www.sportingjournal.com. Contact email is: vpaulr@tds.net

Crossbow regs initially opposed, now embracedFEATURE COLUMN

V. Paul Reynolds

MOVIE REVIEW

(Solstice Studios/Inge-nious Media)

By Lucas AllenRoad rage can be a com-

mon occurrence on the road, when a simple case of bad driving can turn dead-ly. The new thriller “Un-hinged” shows what hap-pens when deadly road rage gets deadlier in the hands of an ordinary psychopath. When you watch this mov-ie, think about the next time you come across a problem on the road, especially from any random driver.

Down on her luck after

losing her salon job, new-ly divorced Rachel (Caren Pistorius) is running late to drop off her teenage son, Kyle (Gabriel Bateman) at school before meeting with her best friend/lawyer Andy (Jimmi Simpson). When she enters the free-way, she runs into traffic. Stressed, she tries to break through before driving past a big gray truck. Unfortu-nately, that truck is driven by a man (Russell Crowe) who the night before com-mitted murder and arson on his ex-wife.

When the man confronts Rachel and her son, de-manding an apology, she tells the guy off and goes on with her day. But that’s not the end of it — she is stalked by the man and chased through the streets of New Orleans. He also steals her phone and uses her contact list to threaten the lives of her family and friends as part of his deadly game.

Though she did try to get the police’s help, she still has to protect her son and survive the wrath of the murderous man.

If you’re hoping a run-ning commentary on the recent pandemic of rag-ing Karens and gun-toting men, then this movie is not going to give you the same entertainment as the videos on social media. It’s sim-ply a B-movie made from a C-script with an A-actor going above and beyond such quality.

This film mainly depends on the actions of the evil man and how his presence affects the main character. How you feel about Ra-

chel’s stock family drama can determine your emo-tional connection to her situation as the movie goes on. All in all, it’s an R-rat-ed serial killer film slam banged into an episode of “A Million Little Things,” and it works pretty fine for what it is.

Another thing that makes it a fine thriller is the healthy amount of chase scenes on the road, with some frightening crashes. The stunt driving team re-ally put out all the stops for a modestly budgeted film to create chaos on the scale of “Mad Max.” However, some of the action scenes suffer from shaky cam and

it becomes disorienting for any average viewer. Some-times it helps to see every-

‘Unhinged’

Lucas AllenLucas Allen

UnhingedgPage 6

Page 6 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

Community Services resource center for Androscoggin,

Franklin, and Oxford counties

8 Falcon RoadLewiston, ME 04240

1-800-427-1241 • 795-4010www.seniorsplus.orgLike us on Facebook!

Hello from Holly

Medicare Open Enrollment runs October 15–December 7

October 15 through December 7 is the official Medicare Open Enrollment Season and your chance to make any changes you’d like to your policies.

If you live in Androscoggin, Franklin, or Oxford counties, SeniorsPlus is ready with trained and experienced staff to assist you every step of the way. The pandemic this year will pose unique challenges with the usual face-to-face appointments we schedule with our clients. But we are ready with alternative options to provide everything you need! Contact us for more information at 1-800-427-1241. This service is free of charge. If you live in a different county you can call 1-877-353-3771 to find the Area Agency on Aging for your location.

Now is the time to think about your options and make decisions to leave everything the same or make some changes. You can:

• Change from traditional Medicare to one of the Medicare Advantage programs, or vice versa

• Change your prescription drug policy

• Determine if you’re eligible for a Medicare Savings Plan

All of these are important pieces to analyze. Prescription drug plans are particularly important. Each year every insurance company can change the drugs they’ll cover, change the price they charge, and change drugs from one “tier” to another. So the policy that worked well for you last year, might not work as well this year, and could end up costing you more. You may also have added new prescriptions this year, and another plan may cover more of your new drugs or at a lower cost.

You can go to www.medicare.gov and do this all yourself. This website has lots of useful information. You can also call Medicare and ask a representative to help you through the process. SeniorsPlus can help you in this analysis as well, with our certified Medicare Specialists.

Mark your calendars now for this very important review of your health insurance. Let us know if we can be of help to you. Call us at 1-800-427-1241.

Holly Zielinski is the Chief Operating Officer for SeniorsPlus.

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thing that’s going on, and this story is simple enough for some steady camera-work.

But the real reason to see this movie, especially on the big screen with the-aters re-opening, is Crowe giving the most terrifying performance of his career.

The Oscar-winning actor unveils his darker side, giving his character an evil charm and some vicious charisma whenever he ap-pears on screen. This no-name villain helps make a big impact on everybody’s deepest fears about being on the road and being stuck in traffic. When you look at it, this guy is like Jason Voorhees, only without the hockey mask but with a

voice and the same impos-ing figure.

Both Pistorius and Bateman are merely ser-viceable to the film and deliver good enough act-ing while being outshined by Crowe. Crowe helps make “Unhinged” a watch-able thriller, with the star devouring the material through and through. It’s not a great film by any stretch of the imagination,

but you could do worse, like anything you’ve come across in streaming. At least the re-opening of the-aters across the state will get us prepared for more anticipated titles coming out the rest of the year.

THE MOVIE’S RAT-ING: R (for strong vio-lent content, and language throughout)

THE CRITIC’S RAT-ING: 3 Stars (Out of Four)

UnhingedPage 5

LEWISTON — Senior-sPlus has announced its Online Education Center classes for September. All classes are held virtually or telephonically at this time.

Classes are free, unless noted. Register for class-es by emailing edcenter@seniorsplus.org or calling 207-795-4010 or 1-800-427-1241. For more infor-mation, visit seniorsplus.org/education-center or the SeniorsPlus Facebook page.

Some of the classes being

offered include:

Zoom 101: Using Vid-eo Technology to Stay

Connected, 10-11 a.m., Tuesday, Sept. 8 or Sept. 22. Become more famil-iar on how to use Zoom to participate in Senior-sPlus online classes, or to simply stay connected with friends and family near and far. You do not need a Zoom account or to download any apps to participate in this class. You do not need a video camera for your computer, although it is helpful. You can participate with com-puters or handheld devic-es. Educational material and resources will be pro-vided for continued.

Medicare Made Sim-ple, at your convenience, bu SeniorsPlus staft, On-line video. Learn how to

navigate Medicare with this introductory course. Learn about your insur-ance options with Medi-care, when to enroll or change plans and how state law may affect your choices. This presentation is perfect for people who are new to Medicare or anyone who currently has Medicare and would like to learn more.

Infection Control for COVID-19 & Flu Season, 1:30-3 p.m., Wednesday, Sept. 14, by Beacon Hos-pice Staff. Review ways to boost your immune system and avoid illness during the winter months! In this presentation, we will review how we get sick and identify healthy

habits to decrease your risk for COVID-19, Pneu-monia, Influenza, and the Common Cold. We will also discuss how to com-municate your with your physician and caregivers to help diagnosis your ill-ness.

Crafting with Corinne, Wednesday, Sept. 30, by Corinne Saindon, pre-re-corded video/instructions. Join Corinne through her pre-recorded class to cre-ate a Halloween card and cute Halloween lollipop. We will use a Tootsie pop and turn it into a broom. All materials provided ex-cept adhesive. Limited to 10 to 15 participants. $5 for two project kits, due at material pick-up.

SeniorsPlus September online class schedule announced

September 2020 The Country Connection Page 7www.centralmainetoday.com

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Volunteers about town - GrayGray, Maine– Newsletter Special

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR: KAREN TAYLOR Karen Taylor is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Volunteer of the year award given by the Town of Gray!

A Gray Historical Society member for nearly 30 years Karen goes about her work preserving and protecting the history of Gray. A lifelong resident of Gray growing up on Colley Hill and attending Pennell Institute Karen is very knowledgeable of Gray’s past. Climbing the stairs to the historical museum each week Karen goes about her tasks along with the others who gather there. Because of her knowledge of Gray and the workings of the society, members depend on Karen to advise and direct them.

When members have a problem or have an inquiry from the public that is a mystery the phrase “ask Karen” can usually be heard!

Karen was the driving force behind the relocation of the soldier’s monument in 1997 and the inscribing of the names of over 200 veterans of the monument. A member of the Pennell Alumni, Crystal Lake Association as well as other civic organizations and committees over the years, Karen exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism.

As a valued member of the Crystal Lake Association Board of Directors for her tenure of 15 years, Karen has held the offices of vice president, secretary, treasurer and area representative.

GHS is proud of her and her accomplishments, and for holding our society together over the years.

Karen’s volunteer and “can do” attitude is the “glue” that holds us together.

Thank you Karen for all you do to make the town of the Gray the great place to live that it is.

VOLUNTEER OF THE YEARKaren Taylor

Karen Taylor is the 2019-2020 recipient of the Volunteer of the year award given by the Town of Gray.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARDCharlena Walker

Congratulations to Charlena Walker for the 2019-2020 Lifetime Achievement Award!

Lifetime Achievement Award: Charlena Walker Congratulations to Charlena Walker for the 2019-2020 Lifetime Achievement Award! Charlena is a long-time resident of Gray and has made a major impact on the Community. Curt Johnson, Superintendent of the Maine Wildlife Park had this to say about Charlena: Charlena is one of our most dedicated, dependable, and loyal volunteers at the park. For at least 17 years, she has been faithfully tending the Friends Snack Shack on her assigned days and shifts, which now average about 60 shifts a year. At 4 hours each, Charlena volunteers a minimum of 240 hours/year at the park. But that’s not all! Charlena is one of the few “go to” volunteers who is often called upon whenever another Snack Shack volunteer calls in sick or is otherwise absent. Charlena always makes every effort to fill in and cover these empty shifts to ensure that the Shack stays open for our visitors and the Friends. Work in the Shack is no picnic for Charlena or any SS volunteer; summer months bring massive crowds, unruly children, and scorching temps that all must be dealt with. Spring and Fall fill the Shack with school kids and often frigid temps since the SS doors stay wide open regardless of the weather. The SS attendant is usually always alone - handling all sales, restocking, answering visitor questions, and helping troubleshoot all kinds of problems that may arise in the Shack and beyond. Charlena has interacted with nearly 250,000 visitors over her volunteer career at the park; making kids happy in receiving their special park treat, answering questions, and playing a major role in shaping a positive park experience for our guests. In addition to volunteering at the Shack, Charlena has been thoroughly involved with the Friends group. She faithfully attends monthly meetings and is involved with Friends activities, voting, and often weighing in on SS issues and happenings in group discussion. She has been a part of all the major decisions and projects that the Friends have tackled over the years, and I’m having a hard time remembering any Friends meeting over the past 15 years where Charlena wasn’t there Charlena has been provided critical help in keeping the Snack Shack open and functioning. The Shack’s operation has been the primary fundraising mechanism for the Friends for many years, making Charlena’s volunteer contributions all the more significant for the Friends, the Park, and its wildlife inhabitants. She is cherished by all of us, and is certainly a worthy recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Volunteer Award!

In addition, long time volunteer and President of the Friends of the Maine Wildlife Park, Ray Clark added “I’d like to second Curt Johnson’s enthusiastic endorsement of Charlena! She’s one of the best volunteers I know—she’s the first person the coordinator of the Snack Shack calls when the scheduled person doesn’t show up (my wife is the second). She’s always patient and friendly with the patrons. And she consistently pays attention in Friends’ meetings, offering cogent comments. You can’t do better than Charlena!” Charlena’s efforts at the Maine Wildlife Park may be her primary focus, but certainly not her only volunteer work in her over 40 years as a Gray resident. She began volunteering for the Dry Mills Schoolhouse Committee back in October 2008 sharing her many years of experience (in education in the GNG system) in the area of curriculum and programming. She was responsible for updating the brochure, was the volunteer coordinator, worked on grant proposals, worked on plans for building repairs and served was acting Chair and as Treasurer. Charlena would run over to the Schoolhouse on her break from volunteering at the Wildlife Park to open the building or close it on her way home. Charlena retired from the DMS Committee in 2018 after a decade of service. She is still the eyes of the Schoolhouse - checking on the building as she reports for her volunteer shift at the Park and reporting back to the Town Office if there are any issues. Charlena’s love for history was not just focused on the Dry Mills Schoolhouse, but shared as a volunteer for the Gray Historical Society where she began volunteering in the early 2000’s and continued until her duties on the Dry Mills Schoolhouse Committee and at the Wildlife Park took precedence. Charlena has been a true asset to the Town of Gray, but she was also an early and ardent volunteer at the Narrow Gauge Railroad Museum in Portland. From 1996 through 2008, she volunteered weekly at the NGRR to assist with various volunteer efforts including work in their gift shop, selling tickets and giving guided tours of the museum. Charlena did all of this while raising her family and participating in activities at the Schools and remains an active participant in the Town’s activities. — Sandy Carder, Town Council Chair

EVELYN MORRILL DURGIN AWARDJennifer Dupuis

Congratulations to Jennifer Dupuis for receiving the 2019-2020 Evelyn Morrill Durgin Award!

Evelyn Morr i l l Durgin Award: Jennifer Dupuis

Congratulations to Jennifer Dupuis for receiving the 2019 -2020 Evelyn Morrill Durgin Award!

Jenn has quietly been serving the people of Gray for 15 years. Starting with the Lions Club in Yarmouth in 2000, she transferred to the Gray-New Gloucester Club in 2005. Even though she was running her own daycare and raising two active boys, she was active in fundraising and community efforts. She was instrumental in adding 6 new members to the Club in her first 2 years of service. After serving as the formal questioner for the annual Lions Club HS Speaking Contest, she is now the Program Coordinator, organizing and conducting the event. She is also the Peace Poster Contest coordinator which involves Middle School students who create a poster based on a set theme about peace. Both Contests lead to Regional and/or International opportunities for participants. This is one of the many ways Jenn engages with the School Dept and Community. She is always ready to help with raffles, car shows, bake sales and walks in the Annual White Cane Awareness event before engaging residents at the Gray Shop N’ Save – educating and advocating for those with visual impairments.

This alone is quite an achievement, but Jenn also joined the Dry Mills Schoolhouse Committee in the Fall of 2008 as the Secretary/Treasurer before taking over as the Committee Chair. She was instrumental in ensuring the Schoolhouse was open to the public, coordinating volunteers and helping to prepare curriculum for the many visitors. She is a strong advocate of Historical accuracy and guards the integrity of the Schoolhouse as if it were a priceless treasure, because it is to her and the Community. When the Schoolhouse was closed, the Committee went dormant. My first call upon reactivating the Committee in the summer of 2017 was to Jenn. Her response “what can I do to help”. She has been a leading force behind reinvigorating the Committee, the Mission and the Goal. She never runs out of ideas and always has an action plan to go along with them. She is willing to participate in the many activities set up to engage residents and fully supports the coordination with the ExCel Students at GHG HS.

In addition to these more formal volunteer efforts, Jenn is very active at the Gray First Congregational Church, helping with Sunday School, Meet & Greet outreach and with the Music Program. She is a gifted vocalist and shares that gift by performing hour long musical programs with her Sister and Father at local Nursing Homes. Memory Care Facilities specifically request them.

But, the most amazing thing about Jenn is her ability to inspire everyone she volunteers with or entertains or helps. When speaking with Joe Murray with The Lions Club, he summed it up perfectly. “The Club is a group founded on service to the blind and visually impaired. It is pretty special to see how Jenn has accepted her diminishing eyesight and not let it stand in the way of anything that she wants to accomplish. She makes it easy for others to be comfortable around her and neither asks nor expects to be treated any differently than anyone else. It says a lot about her strength of character.”

— Sandy Carder, Town Council Chair

More information can be found about these amazing vol-unteers at: https://www.graymaine.org/home/home/news/volunteers-about-town-newsletter-special

MAINE SPIRIT OF AMERICA FOUNDATION TRIBUTE

Ray Clark

The 2019-2020 Gray, Maine Spirit of Ameri-ca Foundation Tribute honors Ray Clark for his long, disinguished, and commendable community service to the town

Maine Spirit of America Foundat ion Tr ibute: Ray Clark

The 2019–2020 Gray, Maine Spirit of America Foundation Tribute honors Ray Clark for his long, distinguished, and commendable community service to the town. A Resolution by the Gray Town Council is as follows: Whereas, Ray served as editor of the Gray News for many years, sharing folksy wisdom and political commentary; and Whereas, Ray served for many years on the Gray Library Board of Trustees, ably piloting the library through a $1.5 million renovation and the search for a new Library Director; and Whereas, Ray has always been willing to get his

hands dirty, as evidenced by this story from Josh Tiffany, Gray Library Director, who began work just before the Gray Library renovations were set to begin. “About a week before the ground was officially broken by our contractors, I was told I had to get the basement of the library cleaned out. At that point, the basement had been the longtime home of the GPLA book sale, plus the “storage” for years of items that weren’t thrown away yet no one had any idea why they were retained in the first place… After putting out calls for help to anyone whose email I had, I and a few staff members entered the dark basement and started the process of unclogging generations of stuff to make way for our new library. Within a matter of hours Ray arrived on site and put in more work than me and my staff combined. He put in more hours than any other volunteer and worked until we were all drenched and sweaty and exhaustion. And through his tireless help, we were able to achieve our goal. But seeing him breathing hard, dripping with sweat, yet smiling the entire time let me know the character of this man…;” and Whereas, For many years Ray gave a dramatic reading of “The Night Before Christmas” at the annual tree lighting ceremony at town hall, delighting both children and adults; and Whereas, Ray helped found the Friends of the Gray Wildlife Park and has served as Chair of the Friends for many years, successfully raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to transform the Park from the old Game Farm to the wildly popular tourist destination over 100,000 visitors enjoy each year. As Ray once said, ““Kids need animals. They need to see these wild animals and understand that animals deserve respect, because I think that helps them understand that everybody deserves respect, and they do too.” Now, therefore, be it resolved by the Gray Town Council, in sincere gratitude and appreciation, that Ray Clark is hereby recognized for his exemplary citizenship and outstanding achievements with the 2019 Gray Spirit of America Foundation award.

COMMITTEE OF THE YEARC.E.D.C.

Congratulations Community Development Committee on the Committee of the Year award!

Committee of the Year: C.E.D.C It is with great honor that I present the Community Economic Development Committee with the “Committee of the Year” award.

As I sat reading through the first draft of the 2020 Comprehensive Plan I couldn’t help but think how very much aligned the CEDC visions and goals are with that which the Comprehensive Planning Steering Committee has discovered to be the predominant views of our townspeople.

The Comp Plan identified three priority subject areas for which there is broad community support.

1. Moving people safely through Gray and getting around town via walking, biking, or car.

2. Protecting Gray’s rural character and natural resources.

3. Invest in the Village and community programs.

The CEDC has established five principal “Goals”.

1. Cultivate community cultural connections, 2. Revitalize and Preserve the charm of the Village 3. Support improvement, responsible expansion, and retention of established business 4. Stimulate the establishment of new business 5. Promote opportunities for local citizens to open small businesses.

CEDC goals has addressed at least one CPSC objective related to each of their priority goals.

Foremost to CEDC, of course has been beautification of our Village center. The Comp Plan draft mentions “create a sense of place in the center of town where community can gather…”. CEDC visioning and action plans over this past year has focused on Village Beautification. Through the committee visioning of a pop-up park, it soon became evident that the project needed Town action and Grant funding to create the welcoming green space envisioned at 5 Yarmouth Road. The Park has now become a Town - taking a vacant lot and creating a space where community residents and visitors can gather for coffee, lunches, or just plain relaxation. This project would not have happened but for thoughtful visioning and planning at the committee level.

The CEDC Village revitalization goal also extended to daffodil planting in several visible sites in town, which was done last fall. Banners were designed over the winter months and are soon to be displayed in the Village corridor to welcome visitors and to create a cohesive street scape in the major traffic artery. Visually appealing planter boxes throughout this gateway is also in the visions of CEDC and in its planning process. Also, in the works are visually appealing murals to be painted on specific target structures at the Pennell Complex.

As to moving people around, CEDC, in conjunction with Bike Ped, has investigated traffic calming measures within the Village and made recommendation for testing temporary street closures to demonstrate how those closures could work. This project had been in its infancy planning stages when the pandemic hit putting much of everything but essential services on hold. Then CEDC became aware of other communities addressing helping their local business community by closing street to automobile traffic in order to allow business to expand their service area unto to street and allow more square footage of space for customers to safely distance in. Thus, this temporary street closure, originally designed for traffic calming now may become a potential economic boast for local eateries and retail small business. Stay tuned for further developments.

The third priority noted in the draft of the Comp Plan addressed the importance of Gray’s rural character. CEDC has also demonstrated a focus on agriculture and farming. Several CEDC members stood alongside spokespeople encouraging passage of Gray’s Food Sovereignty Ordinance. Members recognized the importance of the ordinance to small business in Gray. The Food Sovereignty Ordinance will allow local small agricultural and farming businesses to offer product for profit and add to the economic vitality of the town. CEDC members are also actively engaged in bringing a farmer’s market to the Village to promote both a community gathering place and an economic outlet for the farming community.

CEDC is an actively engaged committee where incredible Ideas flow and are vetted. Although, they only meet once monthly, much individual time and energy is contributed by all in between meetings. What has already been accomplished or spilled over to Town projects has and will make an impact that can be enjoyed and appreciated by the whole town. CEDC members have formulated so many wonderful forward thinking plans they have had to ask for some additional financial support from the town so that more of these goals can come to fruition over the next year. Great job by a great group!

Congratulations to the Committee of the Year – Community Economic Development Committee. — Sharon Young, Town Council Liaison

Organization of the Year: Gray New Gloucester Little League (GNGLL) The Gray New Gloucester Little League (GNGLL) is our 2019-2020 Organization of the Year! Originally formed as separate leagues in the 1970’s, the Gray and New Gloucester Little Leagues came together and merged in 2014. Each year dozens of volunteers from both communities come together to provide our children and young adults with a tremendous opportunity. in the last couple years GNGLL has realized the benefits of all the hard work under-taken to merge. GNGLL also helps build a sense of regional community which carries over to the Middle School and High School teams too. Starting as young as 4, as many as 350 of our kids start a journey that can last for years. GNGLL not only gives them a chance to have loads of fun, it gives them a chance to play a sport and learn skills they will need and use for the rest of their lives. Organized into 35 teams GNGLL is supported through the generosity of more than 24 local busi-nesses and groups. Adult volunteers serve on the Board of Directors, as Coaches and Umpires. They manage concessions, help maintain the equipment, fields and more. GNGLL has earned a reputation as a great place to hold All Star Tournaments and is asked to host these tournaments on a regularly basis. It creates an sense of Community pride to see the older players help umpire the younger players games while residents regularly come out to cheer on the kids. Without the dedication, hard work and long hours of this revolving roster of parents and volun-teers, GNGLL wouldn’t be the success it has become today. For these many other reasons GNGLL is the Town of Gray’s “Organization of the Year” for 2020. Congratulations and thank you!

ORGANIZATION OF THE YEARGray New Gloucester

Little League

The Gray New Gloucester Little League is the 2019-2020 Organiza-tion of the Year!

September 2020 The Country Connection Page 9www.centralmainetoday.com

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Sure, “Travel & Leisure” magazine called Maine “a great go-to” for viewing fall foliage, and “Earthworks” placed the state first in its list of 10 best places for leaf-peeping, but don’t tell that to Roger Cross.

He chose to view the tap-estry of color from above, riding in a vintage biplane that climbs, dips and turns above magnificent areas of the Allegheny National For-est in Pennsylvania. He’s among those who seek and find new ways — and places — to enjoy Mother Nature’s annual fall foliage extrava-ganza.

Whether you happen to be away from the Pine Tree State when the fall color peaks or simply seek some-thing different, the choice is there for the looking.

The Kinzua Sky Walk, located in a state park of the same name in Pennsylvania, was included on a list of the most beautiful structures of its kind in the world. It ex-tends 624 feet over a deep gorge, and a vertigo-induc-ing section of glass floor offers panoramic views of the surroundings. (For more information log on to visitpa.com.)

Taking flight in a hot air balloon is another way to enjoy the spectacular transi-tion of seasons, and there’s a number of opportunities to do so. A typical experience is available on flights above Virginia’s Shenandoah Val-ley. Trips usually depart within the first hour after sunrise and the last hour of

daylight, adding to the beau-ty of sweeping views of the Blue Ridge and Appalachian Mountains. (valleyballoon-ing.com)

An even more adventur-ous way to view fall foli-age is to paraglide above it, riding thermals to soar over Colorado’s high mountain peaks and deep valleys. Af-ter a briefing, installation of a comfortable harness and a few running steps, pilot and passenger — who sits in front to enjoy the best views — soar off a hillside like a bird taking flight. (aspen-paragliding.com)

Equally adrenalin-boost-ing is a ride on the Runaway Mountain Coaster at the Mountain Adventure Park in Branson, Mo. The track dips, turns and corkscrews through the Ozark woods, and riders may choose to pass by the fall foliage at speeds over 30 miles an hour, or to use the brake to slow the descent. (branson-alpinemountaincoaster.com)

There’s also something to be said for enjoying the leaves at a more casual pace, and those who opt for life in the slower lane also have an array of innovative choic-es. The forest-surrounded Mountain Bike Park is but one recreational alternative available at the Massanutten Resort in Virginia. It offers paths that wind through fo-liage and challenge veteran riders, as well as a begin-ner-friendly introduction to downhill biking for neo-phytes. (massresort.com)

Those who would rather let someone else do the work may enjoy the view from the back of a horse in a state that people don’t usually associ-ate with colorful fall foliage. Visitors to the family-owned

Bitterroot Ranch in Wyo-ming have a choice of be-ginner lessons, trail rides, cattle round-ups and other horse-related activities.

In fall, leaves of aspen trees provide a stunning or-ange and gold backdrop, while early summer brings a carpet of pink bitterroot flowers accentuated by vivid splashes of yellow arrow-leaf balsamroot. (bitterroot-ranch.com)

If you think dog sledding takes places only when the ground is covered by snow, think again. The Muddy Paw Sled Dog Kennel operates rides from spring to winter, including when the New Hampshire countryside is at its most spectacular. After meeting and greeting their new furry friends, guests help the musher prepare the dogs for their sojourn, then clamber into a wheeled cart to enjoy the ride. (dogsled-nh.com)

Even this list of new and different ways to view fall foliage doesn’t come close

to including all of the pos-sibilities. Among other al-ternatives are river trips in the Pacific Northwest by the American Queen Steamboat Company (aqsc.com), cruises in a paddle wheeler through a remote area of Kentucky (shakervil-lageky.org) and lake sailings through pristine South Caro-lina wilderness that’s home to a diversity of wildlife and

rushing waterfalls (jocas-seelaketours.com).

Then there’s riding the rails behind a vintage steam locomotive through country-side surrounding Wilming-ton, Del. (wwrr.com), a jaunt through vineyard-covered terrain in California (napa-

valleywinetrolley.com) and holing up in a comfortable tree house perched right in the colorful foliage (glamp-inghub.com).

Whatever your preference for enjoying fall colors, there may well be opportunities to do it your way.

Leaf-peeping might not always involve a vehicle

Submitted photos

Victor Block

FEATURE COLUMN

Page 10 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

I cannot remember the location, but one hot day this summer I was walking on a sidewalk somewhere when rising waves of a distinct odor filled my nose. Initially, I could not determine exactly what the aroma was, but soon it occurred to me. That smells like I am walking through a Midway/Concession area at a Maine Fair.

Though not terribly unpleasant, it is a unique aroma found only at Agricultural Fairs. I’m guessing it is generat-ed from thousands of dusty steps on a fusion of spilled lemonade and soda, melted ice cream, splattered mustard and catsup, dropped plates of fries, fried onions, doughboys, and likely a touch of cow or horse manure from the bottom of someone’s New Bal-ance. There may even be a few drops of engine grease or oil in the mix.

I have attended many Maine Fairs over the years; the state has 26 of them. The locations ex-tend from the southwest border (Ossipee Valley Fair) to the northeast in Presque Isle (The North-ern Maine Fair). They are normally held from mid-June (Monmouth Fair) to the first week of October when Maine’s Blue-Rib-bon event, the Fryeburg Fair takes place.

Though traditional-ly the Agri-Fairs were started to give farmers a chance to show their livestock, learn about breeding and improve-ments in farming meth-ods, today they serve many other purposes ar-eas of entertainment. If you want a smaller event you can pick the Water-ford World’s Fair that started in 1850. (Interest-ing fact: The only year it was cancelled was 1918 due to the Flu Pandem-ic.) If you like a larger event you may choose the Fryeburg, Skow-hegan, or Oxford County Fair.

Over the 200 years since the Skowhegan Fair got started, a few attractions have been added to the agricultur-al aspects: the Midway Rides and Refreshments, the Woodsman Competi-

tions, Music and Magic shows, tractor and truck pulls, craft shows, demo-lition derbies, ladies and children’s events such as skillet throwing and pig scrambles. One of the first events added in some locations was har-ness racing. Of course, the 4-H exhibitions and youth competitions have become an important ad-dition.

The most recent ad-dition to the list of fairs is the Common Ground Fair started in 1977 by the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Its first lo-cation was the Litchfield Fairgrounds at a different time than its namesake. Growth found it moving to Windsor Fairgrounds. Then in 1998 it opened on its own property in Unity.

Many fairs become known for certain fea-tures. It may be the en-tertainment attractions; Country Western stars like Tricia Yearwood or Blake Shelton; their family orientation; the educational aspects, es-pecially for youth; their size, small or large; the harness racing; etc.

I attended my first fair in 1975 with my new wife. I believe it was the Litchfield Fair. I had moved to Maine in 1973 from a city along the Delaware River in New Jersey. I’m not sure I had ever seen an Ox, espe-cially one pulling heavy stone. And though I had experienced the unique odors of living along the polluted (at that time) Delaware River, the Agri-Fair aroma I not-ed in the first paragraph was something new – “though not terribly un-pleasant”.

Everyone reading this knows that, currently, all Maine Agricultural Fairs were cancelled this year of 2020 and Covid19 Pandemic, with Oxford Hills, Springfield and Fryeburg the last to go. I’m sure many Mainers miss the summer fairs. Is it possible that they also miss the distinc-tive atmosphere arising from those well-trodden grounds between the Livestock and the Mid-way areas? Bill Van Tassel photos

Cancelled but not forgotten

September 2020 The Country Connection Page 11www.centralmainetoday.com

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Turner Publishing Inc is looking for a:

• Do you love selling advertising?• Do you feel unappreciated in your present situation?• Are you stuck in a dead end advertising sales job?• Are you an experienced road warrior that can uncover every rock and ind owners and decision makers to get in front of?

If so, Turner Publishing is looking for an experienced advertising sales

account representative to be our Territory Sales Manager.

While other medias are shrinking distribution because of lack of advertisers and readers we are adding distribution because of increasing advertisers and readers. We are adding more pub-lications and more towns. Come join a growing company and be appreciated for your talents! We saturate 50% of the state of Maine and we are looking for driven, self -motivated Sales ex-perts. If you know how to sell and service clients you can make upwards of $70,000 in the irst year and grow substantially from there. “Let’s Talk”Primary responsibilities:• Sell ads for publications.• Visit businesses to inquire about advertising sales.• Build relationships with clients.• Understand the needs of each client.• Perform extensive research on clients and competitors.• Focus on growing existing accounts and acquiring new clients.• Make sales presentations.• Cold Call• Work from home Experienced only should apply. Must have a great attitude and be a team player.Compensation is competitive with full bene its and company perks. Call 207-225-2076 for more information. Please apply by sending resume to jobs@turnerpublishing.net or mailing resume to: HR Manager

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AdministrationGinna CaldwellReporter/WriterBill Van Tassel

Advertising/MarketingGeorge McGregorRandy BellJodi Cornelio

ProductionMichelle PushardGarret CarverKevin Lowell

Published by Turner Publishing Inc., P.O. Box 214, Turner, ME 04282-0214 Turner Publishing Inc. founded in 1992. Advertisers and those wishing to submit articles of interest can call 1-207-225-2076, email advertising@turnerpublishng.net or you can also send e-mail to us at: articles@turner-publishing.net. Turner Publishing produces, monthly, bi-monthly quarterly and weekly publications. Any views expressed within these papers does not necessarily re ect those of these papers. These papers assume no responsibility for typographical errors that may occur, but we will reprint, at no additional cost, that part of any advertisement in which the error occurs before the next issue’s deadline. This paper also reserves the right to edit stories and articles submitted for publication. All content within our publication and on our website is for educational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered personal, legal, or medical advice. In the state of Maine, cannabis is intended for use by those 21 and older, or 18 and older with a medical prescription. Both the printed publication and website are intended for those over the age of 21. If consuming, please keep out of the reach of children. The Publisher assumes no responsibility for the advertisements within this publication. We strive to ensure the accuracy of the information published. The Publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences which arise due to error or omissions.

Page 12 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

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Dear Reader:

As you may know, both in-person and absentee voting are available for the No-vember 3rd election, and we urge you to cast your vote!

You may be aware that AARP Maine recently launched “Protect Voters 50+,” a non-partisan voter engagement campaign to support and protect Mainers 50+ as they vote in the November election. Providing information about safe voting options in Maine is a centerpiece of the campaign.

To this end, AARP Maine, the Maine Secretary of State, and election officials are reminding voters that while your local

polling place will be open, you can also vote in the November election by absentee ballot.

To make this as easy as possible for you, AARP Maine collaborated with the Maine Secretary of State’s Office to provide you with an official absentee ballot request form which you will find inserted into this newspaper. The enclosed ballot request is two-sided: One side is the official ballot re-quest, and the other side contains instruc-tions on how and when to send it in to your town clerk’s office.

If you, or others in your household would like to vote absentee, please refer to the insert for additional information.

Please note: Absentee ballots may be re-quested by Maine registered voters in writ-ing, by phone, online, or in person up to and including the day of the election, with-out specifying a reason.

If you have any questions, please check with your local municipal clerk or call the Office of the Maine Secretary of State at (207) 624-7650.

I also encourage you to visit www.aarp.org/mainevotes. In addition to providing safe voting information, AARP Maine is tracking key races and candidates’ posi-tions on issues that matter to voters 50+ such as protecting Social Security and Medicare, bringing down healthcare costs

and strengthening the economy. I hope you, too, will ask the candidates where they stand on issues of concern to you and your family.

Thank you for completing and sending in the enclosed absentee ballot. The state of Maine needs every voter to participate in this election! Let’s vote safely, whether at the polls or from home.

Warmest wishes to you and your family,

Lori ParhamAARP Maine State Directorwww.aarp.org/ainevotes

Vote safely at the polls or from home. Your official absentee ballot request form is in this newspaper!

Notice is hereby given that the Town of Gray’s Comprehensive Plan Steering Committee will be holding a Pub-lic Hearing on Monday, September 14th, 2020 to receive comments on the proposed updated Com-prehensive Plan.

The format and possi-ble location of the Pub-lic Hearing has not yet been finalized due to the pandemic. The proposed Plan is available for

public inspection here and a printed copy can be viewed in the Com-munity Development Dept. at Gray Town Hall (Pennell) or at the Gray Public Library (5 Han-cock St.) during normal business hours

If a second Public Hearing is necessary, it will be held on Tues-day, September 22nd. Further updates regard-ing the Plan and Pub-lic Hearing(s) will be posted on the Town’s website. The Town en-courages all parties to submit any comments or input in advance of the Public Hearing(s) to compplan@graymaine.org. Questions or clarifi-cations should be direct-ed to the Town’s Comm. Dev. Dept. (207-657-3112).

AUBURN — In con-junction with Constitu-tion Day, Sept. 17, local Optimist Clubs are mak-ing free pocket-sized Constitutions available to schools and students.

The Optimist Club of Lewiston/Auburn and Tri Town Optimist Club of Minot, Poland and Mechanic Falls are of-

fering the free Consti-tutions on a first-come, first-served basis.

Federal law requires that all schools that re-ceive federal funding provide a course to all students on the Constitu-tion of the United States on Constitution Day, which is the anniversary of when Congress rat-

ified the Constitution, Sept. 17, 1787.

Some schools have a special assembly, but most just incorporate a Constitutional lesson plan into their normal class day. “We need to refocus on the once rad-ical idea that the powers are given by the people to the government and

not from the government to the people, and that these powers must be limited or tyranny will follow,” the Optimist Clubs said in a news re-lease.

To order a Constitu-tion, schools should con-tact any Optimist Club member, or call 207-783-5269.

Free pocket Constitutions available to schools in celebration of Constitution Day

Gray public notice

September 2020 The Country Connection Page 13www.centralmainetoday.com

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Prepare your deck for winterHomeowners often take

steps to winterize the inte-rior of their homes in the weeks before winter's arriv-al, but such efforts should extend to the outside of a home as well.

Decks make for great gathering places when the weather permits. Decks are where many people spend their free time and eat their meals come spring and summer, when the tem-peratures climb and the sun sets well into the eve-ning. But as summer turns to fall, homeowners must take measures to protect their decks from potentially harsh winter weather.

• Inspect the deck for problems. Decks tend to be used more often in sum-mer than any other time of year. That makes fall and early winter an ideal time to inspect for wear and tear and any additional issues that may have cropped up throughout the summer.

Damaged boards and loose handrails should be fixed before winter arrives, es-

pecially for homeowners who plan to use their decks in winter. Fixing such is-

sues in winter and even into spring may be difficult thanks to harsh conditions, so make good use of the relatively calm autumn weather to fix any issues on the deck.

• Clear the deck of pot-ted plants. Even homeown-ers who intend to use their decks in winter should re-move potted plants from the deck in the fall. The home improvement ex-perts at HGTV note that moisture can get trapped between deck boards and plastic, wood or ceramic containers in cold weath-er, and that can contribute to mildew, discoloration or decay.

• Store unnecessary fur-niture. Homeowners who like to sit on their decks in winter will no doubt want to leave some furniture out over the winter. But those with lots of furniture for en-tertaining guests can likely move the majority of that

furniture into a garage or shed for the winter. HGTV notes that doing so will pre-vent the potential formation of blemishes on the deck that can result from incon-sistent weathering.

• Remove snow, but do so carefully. Prolonged contact with snow and ice can damage a deck. As a result, homeowners should clear snow from their decks when accumu-

lation is significant. HGTV recommends using a snow blower on the deck to avoid scarring. If a shovel must be used, push snow with the planks to reduce the risk of damaging the deck.

Homeowners who take steps to protect their decks throughout the winter months can ensure these popular areas are ready once entertaining season returns in the spring.

LEWISTON – USM LAC Senior College will present its first Zoom con-cert – singer-songwriter Joel Mabus at 4 p.m., Sun-day, Sept. 20.

A mainstay on the folk circuit for the past 40 years, Mabus has 24 albums to his credit. Mabus is de-

scribed by the the Cornell Folk Song Society as a “free-ranging fretboard genius and funny, deep songwriter, whose warm voice, sly humor, and musi-cianship sweeps audiences along for the ride.”

Whether accompanying an ancient ballad on the

banjo, playing an Irish mel-ody on guitar or reaching deep for a soulful expres-sion in a troubled world, Mabus is a maverick.

To attend, email lase-niorcollege@gmail.com for a link, then log on, find a comfy chair, and sit back and enjoy the ride.

USM LAC Zoom concert features Joel Mabus

Submitted photo

LEWISTON — Se-niorsPlus has distributed $67,000 in CARES Act mini-grant awards. These grants monies were dis-tributed by SeniorsPlus to fifteen businesses, or-ganizations, and agencies that serve older people and adults with disabilities in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties.

The federal CARES Act provides additional fund-ing to states, territories, and tribes for the various programs authorized by the Older Americans Act of 1965. The money will help strengthen services that support the health, safety and independence of older adults and adults with dis-

abilities challenged by the coronavirus public health emergency. Each of the five designated Area Agencies on Aging in Maine were assigned to seek grant ap-plications in their individ-ual territories in the state. SeniorsPlus is the western Maine Area Agency on Ag-ing.

SeniorsPlus disseminated CARES Act funds by giving one-time mini-grants to or-ganizations delivering vital support services to vulnera-ble residents of its tri-coun-ty area — Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford.

The grant awards were for up to

$5,000 each and were made to:

Auburn Recreation Dept., Bedard Pharmacy of Lew-iston and Auburn, Catholic Charities, Fairbanks Union and New Portland Com-munity churches,Green Ladle-Lewiston Regional Technical Center, Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County, High Street Food Pantry – High Street Congregational Church, Auburn, LA Hear-ing Center, Rangeley Health and Wellness, Rural Com-munity Action Ministry, Safe Voices, Trinity Jubilee Center, Lewiston, Universi-ty of Southern Maine Senior College - Lewiston, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, Western Maine Transporta-tion Services.

SeniorsPlus awards CARES Act mini-grants across tri-county area

Page 14 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

Health &

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Try a new healthy recipe

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FEATURE COLUMN

Jodi Cornelio

Live Long, Live WellJodi R. Cornelio, AS, BA, MBANutritionist, Personal Trainer and Motivational Speakerjcornelio@turnerpublishing.net

Ask the trainer - pre-workout meals

Many of us feel that just because we work out every day or every other day we can eat whatever we want. Sorry, not true if you are interested in weight con-trol. It's still all based on input and output. If you

eat an ice cream sundae worth 800 calories, going for a 30-minute walk is not going to burn off that ice cream. You’re better off to bank on a 9-mile run. Do you really want to be eating ice cream before a tough workout? Many of us are concerned on what to or what not to eat before exercising.

It mostly depends on your food comfort level. If you have a sensitive di-gestive system, you need to eat light or not at all. It's best to have an empty stomach or at least have food emptied out of your

gut prior to a long run or tough aerobic workout. Eating at least one hour before your training allows for the gut to empty enough to perform most aerobic activities provided you eat a small amount. Easily di-gestible foods for sensitive digestive systems consist of foods low in fat and fi-ber. Foods such as ½ ba-nana, wheat toast or some low-fat yogurt are some of the best choices. High fat and high fiber foods hold food in the stomach longer and are counterproductive if you want to empty the gut. Always remember the

amount of food is most im-portant for digestive com-fort. You need just enough to give you energy without bloating or slowing you down.

So are you trying to burn fat? Most of us are. If that is the case, you’ll need to be in the carbohydrate –burning zone. So what does that mean? Although it's true that exercising on an empty stomach or at a low carbohydrate storage level will burn fat, it does not cause a reduction in body fat. Burning fat while exercising means working out at a lower intensity,

therefore a lower meta-bolic burn (in other words, burning fewer calories at a slower rate, i.e. fewer cal-ories per minute). Whereas if you fuel your body with carbohydrate sources and put your body in a car-bohydrate burning zone, you will blast through fat stores at a higher rate, therefore burning more calories per minute. With the addition of good food sources after a workout you will also continue the carbohydrate and fat stor-age burn. The secret is not to provide a high level of calories but a high level

of carbohydrates. This can be achieved with small amounts of dry unsweet-ened cereal, wheat breads or grains, low-fat yogurts, fruits, vegetables, oatmeal. These are all good carbo-hydrate sources. If you are a long distance runner, you will need to add some good quality fats to your pre-training in order to sustain your energy level for the long haul.

This article previously ran in September 2010.

Live long, live well.

CATCHING HEALTH WITH DIANE ATWOOD

David, who turns 50 this year, has been a smoker most of his adult life — about three packs a week until last May, when he de-cided to quit. Again. He’s tried four or five times before, but each of those failed attempts has taught him some lessons. This time, hopefully, he won’t repeat his past mistakes.

The longest stretch he went without a cigarette

was about seven months. The most important lesson he has learned is this:

“I made the mistake of thinking I could have just one,” he recalled.

Now he knows better, but it’s not always easy. Being in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic helps, but it also presents new challenges.

The biggest challenge is that his job takes him out

on the road quite a bit now, whereas before, he spent a good part of it indoors in a smoke-free environment. These days, he says he’s often just one step away from wide-open spaces, where it would be easy to light up. So far, he has re-sisted. Maybe the smoking patch he wears is helping. He also tried chewing gum, but didn’t like how it was “messing” with his teeth.

Except for work, he pret-ty much stays at home. He and his girlfriend used to enjoy going out for din-ner and drinks, which of-ten led to having a smoke.

Now they eat at home and smoking is not allowed. His girlfriend is a nurse and had been urging him to quit. She’s his strongest supporter.

Most of his friends are non-smokers, but there are a few he’d meet for drinks and a smoke. There’s no place for them to gather right now, so that’s one trigger he doesn’t have to worry about. There are oth-ers, though, in addition to his working environment.

“When I’m home and have downtime, I have to find something to keep my-self busy,” he said. “Doing

something — playing mu-sic or doing a home im-provement project — keeps me from wanting to take that cigarette break. I also try to avoid television pro-grams or movies that show people smoking. If I see someone smoking, it makes me want one.”

He says it wasn’t the pan-demic that made him quit. He just got sick of not feel-ing great when he woke up, of having a bad taste in his mouth.

A good time to quit?Elizabeth Deprey is a

tobacco prevention coordi-nator at Healthy Commu-nities of the Capital Area (HCCA), serving Maine’s Kennebec County. She says now might just be a good

time for some people to quit smoking because their routines have already been disrupted. When I asked

Submitted photoElizabeth Deprey, program coor-dinator of Tobacco Prevention, Healthy Communities of the Capital Area.

Quitting smoking during the pandemic can be challenging and life saving at the same time

SmokinggPage 15Center for Health & Rehabilitation

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September 2020 The Country Connection Page 15www.centralmainetoday.com

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ReaderReader Recipes Recipes

If you send us a recipe to share with our readers and we print it you could win a Gift Certificate to an area

merchant from one of our papers!

Either fill out the entry form below and include with recipe (one entry per month please) and mail to: Reader Recipes, P.O. Box 214 Turner, ME 04282 or email to: recipe@turnerpublishing.net. (one entry per household please)

Note: Turner Publishing will not lend or sell your email address to a third party.

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her about smoking being a possible stress reliever, this was her response:

“I know that some peo-ple do feel that they get a little bit of stress relief when they smoke or vape, but unfortunately, that is a momentary feeling, and then you actually feel more stressed as your body starts to feel that nicotine with-drawal.”

Deprey’s job entails working with companies, healthcare entities and towns to create environ-ments that help support people trying to quit and help prevent others from using tobacco products in the first place.

“We help create tobac-co-free policies in busi-nesses, in schools, in hospi-tals so that people who are trying to quit have places to go. If you want to walk off a craving, for instance, you can go to a smoke-free park, or if you’re trying to make a positive change, you have a smoke-free workplace,” Deprey said. “Imagine trying to diet and somebody has a box of Krispy Kremes in the office every day. That’s not really a place where you can eas-ily make a positive change. We’re trying to create these supportive environments

through policy changes and other prevention work.”

Establishing smoke-free policies hasn’t been top of mind for a lot of peo-ple and businesses during the pandemic, but Deprey thinks smokers would be wise to consider how their habit might interfere with their body’s ability to fight infections, including COVID-19.

“Something to consider is that smoking affects your immune system, and this is not a time when you want to be impacting your immune system. We’re all scared about getting COVID-19. If you do get it, you want your immune system to be in top fighting shape.”

Her concerns are backed up by the CDC, which urges people not to smoke, listing it as a COVID risk factor on its website, which states “Being a current or former cigarette smoker may in-crease your risk of severe illness from COVID-19. If you currently smoke, quit. If you used to smoke, don’t start again. If you’ve never smoked, don’t start.”

Help is available.If you agree it would be

a good time to quit, De-prey recommends turning to the Center for Tobacco Independence for support. It has a helpline called Maine QuitLink, which provides phone and online

coaching and individual services. You can visit the QuitLink website (https://mainequitlink.com/) or call 1-800-QUIT-NOW. The resources are free, and the counseling is individual-ized.

Quitting is not easy, she stressed. You are dealing with a nicotine addiction as well as a strong habit. Da-vid certainly understands the challenges. He recom-mends finding things to keep busy and trying to get some exercise.

“Start out with easy workouts, because you’ll feel the effects of smoking at first. I have a Wii game, and I can make it as easy or difficult as I want, but even on easy, at the end of the workout, you can feel short of breath. Just stick with it.”

In general, try not to get discouraged. These are challenging times.

“Now when I wake up I feel pretty good, but the pandemic has interfered with my mood. Every day I wake up and it’s the same. The things I used to enjoy doing aren’t avail-able right now. There is a feeling of depression, not related to smoking, but to the pandemic,” David noted. “As for quitting, you’ve got to keep with it. Even if you slip, don’t give up.”

SmokingPage 14

Page 16 The Country Connection September 2020www.centralmainetoday.com

Maine faces a $1.41 Billion revenue reduction!Serious times call for experienced leadership and compassion.

Amy Arata’s Government Experience:• Appropriations and Financial Affairs Committee• Joint Standing Committee on Taxation• Bipartisan Government Oversight Committee• Commission to Study the Mental Health of Children in Maine• Maine State Board of Education• New Gloucester Budget Committee Chairman• MSAD 15 School Board Budget Committee

Personal Experience:• Master of Science Degree in Genetics• Scientist at the Naval Blood Research Laboratory• Published research while working at the University of California,

Davis, Dept. of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology.• Runs a successful commercial real estate business.

Amy Arata is a Republican who will oppose tax increases and work with Democrats to get us through this crisis.

Amy wants to hear from you! AmyStateRep@gmail.com or personal cell phone 207-333-1817

This advertisement is paid for and authorized by the candidate.

Re-Elect Representative Amy ArataHouse District 65, New Gloucester and part of Poland

With limited funds to pay for bills that legisla-tors vote for, there is one trick that politicians use over and over again to gain final passage. This involves changing the bill to a study of the issue. When this happens, the bill is paid for with “exist-ing resources”. Legisla-tors and community mem-bers volunteer to attend

meetings of these study committees, and govern-ment employees create presentations and facili-tate the “study”.

Politically, studies are popular. They allow the politician to take credit for “doing something” about complex issues. Studies are hard to vote against, because who could argue against “studying” pover-

ty, mental health, bully-ing, health care costs, vi-olence, etc., at no cost to taxpayers?

Most people consider a study to be the unbiased gathering and analysis of data on one variable com-pared to a control group, just as I did as a scien-tist. When politics is in-volved, there is bias based on who is appointed to the

committee by the party in power. When studying complex human behavior, there are many variables that confound any conclu-sions. To properly study complex issues would cost millions of dollars.

Milton Berle said, “A committee is a group that keeps minutes and loses hours.” Dozens of study committees were ordered

by the legislature, at sup-posedly no cost to tax-payers. By the end of the term, at least one commis-sioner reported that staff were overwhelmed by the amount of work required and that additional fund-ing was needed!

I decided that I could not in good conscience vote for more “studies”. After I voted against one,

an opposition party lead-er was overheard saying, “We’ve got Representa-tive Arata now!”

Superficial politics should not drive our de-cisions or waste your tax dollars. If re-elected, I will continue to serve with integrity and rational common sense.

Amy Arata – House Dis-trict 65

Inside the committee room

CASTINE – Students from the area are among those named to the Maine Maritime Academy dean’s list for out-standing academic achievement in the second semester of the 2019-20 academic year.

Students named to the dean’s list earn a grade point av-erage of 3.3 or above on a 4.0 scale.

Recognized for academic achievement are:GRAY: Andrew Topham, International Business & Lo-

gistics.NEW GLOUCESTER: Emily Stone, Marine Biology

Small Vessel Operations.POLAND: Ethan Cailler, Marine Systems Engineering.WEST POLAND: Katelyn Smith, Marine Science.

Area students named to Maine Maritime dean’s list

LEWISTON — A New Gloucester resident is among those to graduate from Bates College on May 31.

Bates College graduated 463 students from 37 states and 52 countries. Cumulatively, the class of 2020 performed 80,000 hours of community service, exemplifying Bates’ commitment to community learning and civic action.

Among those earning degrees is Kaelyn Woods, who majored in environmental studies and minored in anthro-pology, is the child of Tucker Woods and Rebecca Flynn Woods, of New Gloucester, and a 2016 graduate of Gray-New Gloucester High School.

New Gloucester student graduates from Bates

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. — Adam Peterlein, of New Gloucester, Maine, was named to the 2020 dean’s list at Union College.

Peterlein is a member of the class of 2020 majoring in mechanical engineering and physics.

Compiled annually, the Union College dean’s list hon-ors students who have a grade point average of 3.5 for the entire academic year and meet certain other requirements.

New Gloucester student named to

Union College dean’s list

STUDENT NEWS