Page D, The Bridgton News,November 14, 2013
Opinions
Transportation: Challenge to independence
We Americans love our cars and trucks. From the time most of us were old enough to drive, we have been behind the wheel. Automobiles mean freedom — not in some grand philosophical sense — but in a real and practical sense that matters to us in our everyday lives. Having a vehicle, and being able to drive it, means the freedom to go where we want, when we want. But as we age, we find it harder and harder to use the freedom given to us by automobiles. As our abilities decline, driving becomes more complicated. Finally the day comes when we wonder whether we should keep driving at all, and yet, if we don’t, how we will go about our daily lives. And many of us struggle with how to tell our parents or grandparents that it is no longer safe for them to drive. That day has already come for millions of senior citizens around the country. According to the U.S. Census Bureau,
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roughly 19% of our population, or 13.9 million people, will need alternative transportation options to continue living independently. As ranking member of the Senate Special Committee on Aging, I recently held a hearing to examine the transportation challenges faced by our nation’s seniors, particularly those living in rural areas, who do not have access to public transportation. One of our witnesses was Katherine Freund from Portland. In 1988, Katherine’s three-yearold son was run over by an 84-year-old man, who did not realize that he had hit a child. The accident left the young boy critically injured and in a coma. Remarkably, he survived. But in that moment, Katherine learned that what happened to her son is the result of a growing crisis in our nation: As Americans are living longer and their ability to drive safely diminishes in their older years, they often have no choice but to drive
PROFESSIONAL SERVICE? THE BRIDGTON NEWS
Views from Senate by Susan Collins United States Senator to reach destinations that are necessary for their everyday living — such as the grocery store, the post office, the doctor’s office, or even just to visit family and friends. The last White House Conference on Aging identified transportation as the third most important issue for seniors out of hundreds of options for priorities. This issue is particularly a concern in rural states, such as in Maine. Not being able to drive takes a particular toll on seniors living in rural, low-density areas. In 2004, a study from the Government Accountability Office found that 60% of nondrivers in rural areas reported that they stayed home on a
BUSINESS DIRECTORY
CONSULT OUR LISTING OF BUSINESS SERVICES AND LET AN EXPERT DO THE JOB! ACCOUNTANTS
CHIMNEY LINING
Chandel Associates Accounting, Taxes Audits, Full Service Payroll 3 Elm St., Bridgton Office 647-5711
The Clean Sweep LLC Chimney Cleaning Service Supaflu and Stainless Steel Chimney lining and relining Dana Richardson 935-2501
Jones & Matthews, PA Certified Public Accountants Accounting and taxes Roosevelt Trail Prof. Bldg. Route 302, Bridgton 647-3668 cpas@maine.com
Evergreen Cleaning Lake Region’s eco-friendly cleaning serv. Jennie McLeod, Owner 207-253-9044
ALARMS WAM-ALARM Systems Installation, Service, Monitoring Burglar-Fire-Temperature Sensors Free Security Survey 647-2323
APPLIANCE REPAIR
CLEANING SERVICES
First Impressions Cleaning Inc. Residential & Commercial Seasonal 647-5096 Lake & Mtn. View Cleaning and Caretaking Exceptional references, 25+ yrs. exp. Julie 207-650-1101
Jones Appliance Service/Repair LLC McHatton’s Cleaning Service Quality service you deserve Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning All major brands Fire, Smoke, Soot, Water jonesappliances@aol.com 595-4020 Certified Technicians Bridgton 647-2822, 1-800-850-2822
DENTAL SERVICES Mountain View Dentistry Dr. Leslie A. Elston Cosmetic/restorative & Family Dentistry 207-647-3628 MountainViewDentistryMaine.com
DOCKS Great Northern Docks, Inc. Sales & Service Route 302, Naples 693-3770 1-800-423-4042 www.greatnortherndocks.com Scott Docks Inc. Sales and Service Floating and stationary docks Jason Kelman Kevin Whitney 207-647-3824
ELECTRICIANS A to Z Electric “The Boss Does The Work” David S. Gerrish, Master Electrician Residential/Commercial/Industrial 30+ yrs. exp., Naples 693-6854
ATTORNEYS
D. M. Electric Inc. & Sons Servicemaster Dennis McIver, Electrical Contractor Shelley P. Carter, Attorney Prof. Carpet Cleaning – Home/Office Residential/Commercial/Industrial Law Office of Shelley P. Carter, PA Licensed in Maine & New Hampshire Fire/Smoke Damage Restoration 110 Portland St., Fryeburg, ME 04037 Bridgton 207-647-5012 1-800-244-7630 207-539-4452 935-1950 www.spcarterlaw.com J.P. Gallinari Electric Co. TLC Home Maintenance Co. Michael G. Friedman, Esq., PA Residential - Commercial - Industrial Professional Cleaning and 132 Main St. Aerial - Auger - Lifting Service Property Management P.O. Box 10, Bridgton, ME 04009 Bridgton 647-9435 Housekeeping and much more 647-8360 583-4314 McIver Electric Hastings Law Office, PA “Your on time every time electricians” COMPUTERS 376 Main Street – PO Box 290 221 Portland Rd, Bridgton Fryeburg, ME 04037 647-3664 EEcomputer Services www.mciverelectric.net 935-2061 www.hastings-law.com Small business specialists Robert M. Neault & Associates Attorneys & Counselors at Law Corner of Rte. 302 & Songo School Rd. P.O. Box 1575, Naples 693-3030 Miklos M. Pongratz, Esq. 1250 Roosevelt Trail (Rte. 302) Raymond, ME 04071 655-8760 mik@pongratzlaw.com
BOOKKEEPING NE Professional Services Exceptional bookkeeping services 207-583-4364 http://neprofserv.com
CARETAKERS Caretake America Managing and Patrolling Kevin Rogers, Owner/Manager Rte. 35, Naples 693-6000 North Country Home Watch “We’ll be there when you can’t” www.nchw.us 207-713-0675
CARPENTRY Robert E. Guy General Carpentry – Additions Repairs – Remodeling www.bobguy@myfairpoint.net Harrison 743-5120 239-4804 (cell) Jerry’s Carpentry & Painting Carpenter & General Contractor Log homes – decks – remodeling Fully insured – Free estimates 207-527-2552
CARPET CLEANING McHatton’s Cleaning Service Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Fire, Smoke, Soot, Water Certified Technicians Bridgton 647-2822, 1-800-850-2822
CARPETING Thurlow’s Carpet & Home Center Sales & Service Meadow Rd. (Sandy Creek Junction) Bridgton 647-5562, 800-310-5563 www.thurlowscarpet.com
eecomputerservices.com 603-733-6451
Ms. C’s Computer Repair Virus and spyware removal PC repairs 207-228-5279 27 Zion Hill Road, Bridgton Naples Computer Services PC repair/upgrades – on-site service Virus and spy-ware removal Home and business networking Video security systems 71 Harrison Rd., Naples 207-693-3746
CONTRACTORS Douglass Construction Inc. Custom Homes/Remodeling/Drawings 30 years exp. in Lakes Region Phil Douglass, 647-3732 Jeff Douglass, 595-8968 Sweden Rd. Bridgton Quality Custom Carpentry Specializing in remodeling & additions Jeff Juneau Naples 207-655-5903
COUNSELING
R.W. Merrill Electrical Contractor 24 hour Emergency Service Residential & Commercial Harrison 583-2986 Fax 583-4882 David K. Moynihan Master Electrician Licensed ME & NH Bridgton 647-8016 Tuomi Electric Chip Tuomi, Electrical Contractor Residential & Commercial Harrison 583-4728
EXCAVATION K.S. Whitney Excavation Sitework – Septic Systems Materials delivered Kevin 207-647-3824 Snow’s Excavation Complete site work Foundations-Septic-Lots cleared 207-647-2697
EXERCISE/FITNESS Dee’s BodyCraft Personal Training, Aerobics, Pilates Certified – Experienced Bridgton 647-9599
Ellia Manners, LCPC In Her Own Image/Counseling for Women Call for brochure/Insurance accepted FOUNDATIONS www.elliamanners.com Henry’s Concrete Construction 207-647-3015 Bridgton Foundations, Slabs, Floors DANCE INSTRUCTION Harrison Tel. 583-4896 The Ballroom Dance - Exercise - Yoga - Aikido Main St., Harrison, Maine 207-583-6964
DENTAL SERVICES
GARAGE DOORS Naples Garage Door Co. Installation & repair services Free estimates Naples 207-693-3480
Bridgton Dental Hygiene Care, PA Complete oral hygiene care – infant to senior Most dental insurances, MaineCare 207-647-4125 www.BDHC.me
Roberts Overhead Doors Commercial/residential – free estimates Now offering Master Card & Visa 207-595-2311
Jetport Denture Center Full dentures – partial dentures Relines – repairs Austin Carbone, LD & Kelly Richardson, LD 171 Portland Rd, Bridgton 207-274-1887
The Hairitage One Beavercreek Farm Rd. (top of Packard’s Hill – Rte 302) Vicki Crosby Owner/Stylist Tami Prescott, Nail Specialist 647-8355
HAIRDRESSERS
given day because they lacked transportation. In addition, non-drivers over the age of 75 and living in the suburbs reported significant dissatisfaction with how their transportation needs are being met compared to those living in cities. Since three out of four older people live in low-density areas, these concerns raise significant policy questions. Public transportation, which is often hailed as a primary solution, simply does not meet the needs of many seniors, particularly those in rural areas. More than a third of those over the age of 69 have no public transportation in their communities. Those HARDWARE L. M. Longley & Son Hardware/Plumbing/Heating/Metal Shops Electrical/Welding supplies/Housewares Main St., Norway, ME 743-8924
HEATING
who do live near mass transit options must plan around route restrictions, uneven trip frequencies, hours of operation, or advance-notice reservations. In most rural areas, public transportation simply does not exist. According to the Maine Office of Aging and Disability Services, of people using state-funded home care services, just 65% of those over age 65 reported that they could “always” get to the doctor when needed, and only 36% could “always” get to the grocery store. For those dependent on others to meet their transportation needs, 90% relied on friends or family members. That’s not surprising since one in five Americans age 65 and older does not drive. Without driving, seniors must find some other way to get to the places they need to go. Seniors say that the automobile remains their desired mode of transportation. In survey responses gathered by AARP, seniors expressed an OIL DEALERS
Downeast Energy/Denmark Delivery and Service Denmark, Maine Tel. 207-452- 2151
aversion to alternative modes such as public transit, specialized transportation and walking. The very same functional changes that make it difficult to drive — such as mobility loss and vision changes — also make it difficult to use traditional mass transportation. The challenge of providing transportation alternatives to our senior citizens is literally growing by the day. To meet this challenge, we must find reasonable, practical transportation models that allow seniors to stay active and mobile even after they stop driving. One such model is ITNAmerica, which was founded in Maine by Katherine Freund shortly after that horrible accident that badly injured her son, and has since branched out to communities nationwide. ITNAmerica uses private automobiles to provide rides to senior citizens whenever they want, almost like a CHALLENGE, Page D RUBBISH SERVICE
Bridgton Trash & Rubbish Service Bridgton/Naples/Harrison/Fryeburg Weekly & 1-time pickups – Cleanouts Tel. 207-595-4606
PAINTING CONTRACTORS The Dump Guy
Insured – Junk removal Basement and attic cleanouts George Jones Quality Painters 207-450-5858 www.thedumpguy.com Interior/Exterior – Fully Insured Free Estimates Excellent References SELF STORAGE 207-318-3245 www.georgejonespainters.com Bridgton Storage Jerry’s Painting Service 409 Portland Rd Bass Heating Quality Painting – Interior/Exterior 28 units & 4000’ open barn Oil Burner Service Fully Insured – Free Estimates Bridgton 647-3206 Sales and Installations 207-527-2552 Waterford (207) 595-8829 JB Self Storage Webber Painting & Restoration Rt. 5 Lovell, Maine Thurlow’s Carpet & Home Center Exterior & Interior painting Monthly/yearly secure storage Monitor Heaters Sales & Service Repairs/Installations/Modifications 207-925-3045 Meadow Rd. (Sandy Creek Junction) Fully insured – Estimates – References Bridgton 647-5562, 800-310-5563 Craig, 207-831-8354 SEPTIC TANK PUMPING www.thurlowscarpet.com A –1 Thompson’s Services LLC Cleanings and repairs, Boilers Furnaces, Monitors, Oil tanks New installations, 24 hr burner service Licensed and insured 207-693-7011
INSULATION Western Me. Insulation Inc Batts, blown or foamed Over 30 yrs experience Free estimates – fully insured 7 days a week – 693-3585
INSURANCE Ace Insurance Agency Inc. Home and Auto 43 East Main Street Denmark 1-800-452-0745 Chalmers Ins. Agency 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311 Oberg Insurance Auto, Home, Business, Life 132 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858
PEST CONTROL Protect Pest Services Service designed to need & budget Free inspections and estimates 40 yrs. experience 207-321-9733
PET GROOMING Wag On Wheels Mobile Pet Grooming 627-4896 We Come To You
PET SUPPLIES Paw Prints Health Food Store For your pet 647-9907
PLUMBING & HEATING
A Plus Plumbing & Heating Inc. Southern Maine Retirement Services Plumbing Supplies – LP Gas Medicare Supplements & Prescription Plans BBQ Gas Grill Parts & Access. 647-2029 Life and Long-Term Care Insurance Portland St., Bridgton 150 Main St., Bridgton 1-866-886-4340 Collins Plumbing & Heating Inc. Specializing in repair service in KENNELS The Lake Region 647-4436 Bridgton Veterinary Kennels Ken Karpowich Plumbing Boarding Repairs/Installation/Remodeling Route 117, Bridgton, Me. Master Plumber in ME & NH Tel. 647-8804 Over 20 years experience 207-925-1423 Wiley Road Kennels PROPERTY MANAGEMENT Groom & Board Wiley Rd, Naples Clement Bros. Lawn and Landscape 207-693-3394 Organic lawn & garden maintenance Shoreline restoration LANDSCAPING Creative stonework, property watch Snowplowing & sanding Cabins to Castles, Inc. 207-693-6646 www.clementbros.com Design/Build/Landscapes Shoreline Restoration Handy Hands Property Maintenance www.cabinstocastlesmaine.com Comprehensive custom service 207-452-2997 ctoc@fairpoint.net Caretaking – long or short term A-Z/lot clearing to structure & LP GAS grounds care 647-8291 Bridgton Bottled Gas J Team Property Services LP Gas Cylinders/Service Property security checks-Handyman repairs Route 302 Bridgton Fully insured – Painting/carpentry 207-647-2029 Fall/Spring cleanups – Lawn care Downeast Energy/Denmark Home/rental home cleaning LP Gas Bulk/Cylinders John England 207-650-9057 Box 300, Denmark Tel. 452-2151 REAL ESTATE
MASONRY D & D Masonry Chimneys/fireplaces/walks/etc. Fully insured Free estimates Darryl & Doug Hunt 693-5060
MOVING Bridgton Moving Residential & light commercial bridgtonmoving@verizon.net Glynn Ross 240 N. High St. – 647-8255 671-2556 (cell)
MUSIC LESSONS Up Scale Music Studio Piano Lessons – All Levels Composition-Theory-Transcription Evan 647-9599
OIL DEALERS Dead River Co. Range & Fuel Oil Oil Burner Service Tel. 647-2882, Bridgton
Chalmers Real Estate 100 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-3311 Lakes Region Properties “At the Lights in Naples” Waterfront, Residential Commercial & Land 207-693-7000 Oberg Agency Residential, Business, Lake Shore Property 132 Main St., Bridgton Tel. 647-5551, 888-400-9858
REFRIGERATION/A/C Tech Air HVAC/R Residential/Commercial/Industrial 207-890-3836/techair-1@hotmail.com
RUBBISH SERVICE ABC Rubbish Weekly Pick-up Container Service Tel. 743-5417
Dyer Septic Septic systems installed & repaired Site work-emergency service-ecofriendly 1-877-250-4546 207-583-4546
SNOW REMOVAL Aquila Snowplowing - residential & commercial Bridgton – Naples – Sebago Rob 207-310-3370 Webber Snowplowing Service Residential & private roads Naples/Sebago/Bridgton/Casco/Harrison Craig (207) 831-8354
SURVEYORS Maine Survey Consultants, Inc. Land Information Services P.O. Box 485, Harrison, Maine Off: 583-6159 D. A. Maxfield Jr., P.L.S. Over 10,000 surveys on file
TAXIDERMIST Trapper’s Taxidermy Jason Pingree 112 Bush Row Rd Denmark 207-452-2091
TOWING Stuart Automotive Free Junk Car Removal 838-9569
TREE SERVICE Q-Team & Cook’s Tree Service Removal-pruning-cabling-chipping Stump grinding-bucket work-bobcat Crane-licensed & fully insured Q Team 693-3831 or Cook’s 647-4051 Toll free 207-693-3831 www.Q-Team.com Rice Tree Service – Sheldon Rice Complete tree service – free estimates Removal-prune-chipping-stump grinding Licensed and insured Utility and Landscape Arborist Waterford ME – 583-2474
VETERINARY N. D. Beury, DVM Spay/Neuter – Well-pet care North Bridgton For Appointment 583-2121 Bridgton Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Rt. 117, Bridgton, ME 647-8804 Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital Small Animal Medicine & Surgery Route 302, Fryeburg 207-935-2244 Norway Veterinary Hospital Naples Clinic Corner Rte. 302 & Lambs Mill Rd. By Appointment 693-3135 Rozzie May Animal Alliance Low-cost spay/neuter www.rozziemay.org - Conway, NH By appointment 603-447-1373
WELDING Iron Man Welding/Metal Sales Fabrication and repairs No job too small Construction – homeowners or business Lge. inventory steel/metal in stock/spec. order 647-8291