Senior Living - Spring 2022

Senior

Living

All Aboard: Railroad Enthusiasts Rebuild History A Special Advertising Section by The Bangor Daily News | March 4, 2022

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

Railroad Enthusiasts Rebuild History

BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

I’m glad to be associated with the steam engine once more.

That’s what I was brought up on and used to.

I like the music of them better than the music, or somebody said the noise, of the diesel.

Archie Towle, Engineer on the 470, June 13, 1954 These words were shared at festivities marking the final run of Maine Central 470 locomotive (MEC 470), putting to rest the last steam locomotive to operate in Maine after three decades of service. Today this locomotive sits in pieces in a building at the Downeast Railroad yard in Hancock — yet it’s a well laid out puzzle that’s coming back together rivet by rivet.

The 470 was built in 1924 by the American Locomotive Company in Schenectady, New York. The locomotive traversed a thriving and elite passenger market serving stops between Boston, Bangor and Bar Harbor. The growth in diesel power led the 470 to its final run in 1954 during a nationally publicized event that attracted widespread spectators from Portland to Bangor. After its final departure, the 470 was put on display in Waterville where it fell victim to Maine’s winters and vandalism for close to 60 years.

“It’s a living, breathing machine,” said Richard Glueck, the former president of the New England Steam Corporation (NESCo), established for the restoration of the 470. The first mission in 2011 was to raise funds to purchase the locomotive from Waterville and then relocate it for the beginning of a long and what appears to be an arduous restoration of one of only three MEC steam locomotives in existence in the country.

“We are literally going to know every nut, bolt and rivet on this thing before we’re done,” added Leverett Fernald as he stood assessing the nearly 170 tons of the restoration project underway. The retired machinist from Cianbro is now President of NESCo. In addition, Fernald is the mechanical officer for both the Downeast Scenic Railroad in Hancock and NESCo, assuring all the equipment is in compliance

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

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Senior Planning Center Chosen as one of the

Best Places to Work in Maine

COURTESY OF THE SENIOR PLANNING CENTER

The Senior Planning Center was recently named as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine. Anthony (Tony) Arruda, states, “I am grateful for the people who make up our Senior Planning Center family. It is not easy to grow into a state-wide business and still have that small business-like feel. This past year (2021) was another year of significant growth for the Senior Planning Center with two additional locations and many new employees and agent partners. So, to receive the recognition as one of the Best Places to Work in Maine, is very meaningful and important for our future growth.”

The Best Places to Work in Maine awards program was created in 2006 and is a project of the Society for Human Resource Management — Maine State Council (MESHRM) and Best Companies Group. Partners endorsing the program include: Mainebiz, the Maine State Chamber of Commerce and Maine HR Convention.

This statewide survey and awards program was designed to identify, recognize, and honor the best places of employment in Maine, benefiting the state’s economy, its workforce, and businesses.

Companies from across the state entered the two-part process to determine the Best Places to Work in Maine. The first part consisted of evaluating each nominated

company’s workplace policies, practices, and demographics. This part of the process was worth approximately 25% of the total evaluation. The second part consisted of an employee survey to measure the employee experience. This part of the process was worth approximately 75% of the total evaluation.

The combined scores determined the top companies and the final rankings.

Best Companies Group managed the overall registration and survey process in Anthony Arruda Founder of Maine and analyzed the data and used Senior Planning Center their expertise to determine the final rankings. For more information on the Best Places to Work in Maine program, visit www.BestPlacestoWorkME.com or contact Jackie Miller at 717-323-5237.

The Senior Planning Center represents all the major Medicare health plans and has offices and agents all over Maine. For a FREE Medicare review or for more information call 207-707-6565.

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

Continued from page 2 with the Federal Railroad Administration. He is also an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to this engineering marvel.

“It’s a process,” he shared with a chuckle as he showed off the rebuilt tender designed to hold the coal and water, now reassembled on its trucks (base), the cab which is a mere shell, and the stripped down boiler which requires imagination to envision its original beauty.

Fernald and Glueck along with a handful of volunteers have been immersed in this weekend hobby for more than ten years. It’s actually a passion for not only restoring a legacy but preserving the trades. Glueck claimed there are three primary objectives in this project: preservation, education and heritage tourism.

“A lot of people have no idea this even exists, yet the steam locomotive is art; it’s literature, it’s music and it’s science all here in such an indescribable machine,” said Glueck. “I’d like to think that we are a bit [like] visionaries but also realists. This engine and this mission is going to need a great deal of support.” Glueck said the group is open to donations. “Any kind of artifacts that relate to Maine Central steam that can be donated is material that will bring in funding or be used on the loco or used in an established museum eventually.”

The volunteers range from retired folks with a love for the railroad industry, to women with varied career paths, to college students. Five University of Maine mechanical engineering students were introduced to the restoration project courtesy of Glueck.

“They took on the job of rebuilding the steam powered air pump for the air brakes. These are kids

who have only seen a steam locomotive in picture books or on YouTube.”

One of the UMaine student volunteers is Alden Burns, who claimed the project is an ambitious effort. “When I first started, I was working on stripping down the boiler and the firebox. I learned a lot in this process, and not just about steam locomotives.”

Another dedicated volunteer is Hanna Brooks, an UMaine doctoral student studying geology. “I work with fragile and expensive things in my work and studies, so here in the railroad yard, I can bang on stuff and not worry about destroying anything,” she offered with a smile.

Volunteer Kendra Glueck, daughter of Richard, added, “From an engineering standpoint, moving several tons of steel using coal and water to create

UMaine engineering students at work.

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New tender hovering over original.

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a special advertising section of the Bangor daily news To advertise in our next special section, please call 990-8036 or email jorcutt@bangordailynews.com.

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PO Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

To Learn More, Read “The Bar Harbor Express” Leverett Fernald discussing how each rivet will be replaced on the boiler.

“The Bar Harbor Express” may be a quick read in all of its 50 pages, but its historical content is a book about a special train and locomotive — The Maine Central 470. While the Baggage, Post Office, Dining, Parlor, Coach, Sleeping and Private cars comprised the mode

PHOTO BY ANNE

of transportation for travelers originating in our nation’s capital all the way to Hancock

GABBIANELLI

Point, Maine, it’s the engineering wonder of steam locomotion that hauled the massive convoy of steel along the east coast.

The spiral bound book written by Richard Glueck offers pictures going back to the 1920s and memorabilia, along with explanations of the industry and tasks of various train employees. You’ll also find detailed illustrations by Peter Zimmerman of each car’s layout and how the cars connected, the function of the locomotive and more.

Additionally, “The Bar Harbor Express” introduces the reader to four of Maine Central steam ferries that piloted vacationers once departed from the train in Hancock Point with a hop across Frenchman’s Bay to Sorrento and Sullivan and to Mount Desert Island coastal terminals.

“The Bar Harbor Express” is available at www.newenglandsteam.org or at psz9739@ gmail.com and at Sherman’s Bookstores, Elizabeth’s in Ellsworth, Blue Hill Books and Lupine Cottage in Belfast.

L to R: Al Jenkins, Paul Van Steenberghe, Ron Jenkins, and Richard Glueck.

PHOTO BY JESSIE DREZNER.

steam is logistically impressive. The mechanics behind the wheels and crankshaft are also aesthetically pleasing.”

Brothers Ron and Al Jenkins of the Bangor area joined the weekend warriors in the railroad yard. Their father was an engineer for the Maine Central and Portland Terminal Railroads and their grandfather was an engineer for the Boston and Maine and the Bangor and Aroostook Railroads.

Ron is a retired military mechanic who has his eyes to the future. “I keep seeing and hearing that first chuff out of the stack as 470 begins to move under its own power. I knew it would be a long, difficult process.”

The ultimate desire is to have this engineering wonder back on the tracks offering a taste of the amazing technology of its day with a scenic venue. While NESCo is responsible for raising the money and restoring the locomotive, the Downeast Scenic Railroad will be responsible for operating the locomotive when it is done. “As of now, there is about five miles of track out of Washington Junction, but the goal is to rebuild enough track to roll the 470 to Green Lake and back,” added Fernald.

Knowing the funds and time needed for this multi-faceted, precise restoration projection, Fernald noted between in-kind donations and volunteers’ support some $850,000 has been invested in the 470. Standing among the components of the locomotive he quipped, “If we had a million dollar donation and perhaps five years, that would put us in pretty good shape.”

To learn more about MEC 470’s restoration, visit www.newenglandsteam.org and www.facebook.com/MCSL470Restore.

1928 colorized Bar Har Express.

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

The Bangor Region YMCA:

Where Health Happens!

COURTESY OF THE BANGOR REGION YMCA

When you join The Bangor Region YMCA, you’re not just joining a gym to walk on a treadmill, swim laps in a pool, or pretend you’re the next Jane Fonda while working up a sweat in one of our many senior-friendly fitness classes. But before you learn about how our YMCA can help you, let’s address any concerns you may have about the elephant in the room—the pandemic. All through the pandemic, The Bangor Region YMCA has been as flexible as a yogi, adapting to the changing CDC guidelines in order to help keep everyone safe, including adding a virtual membership option.

Patti A., a longtime member of our Y, has been with us throughout the pandemic.

“The adaptability and resilience of Y staff to the ever-changing COVID environment is astounding. I see others everyday who are grateful for the pool programs, lap swims, swim lessons, day care, babysitting service during a fitness class, group exercise, yoga, and more. We know we are fortunate. Shout out to all Bangor Region YMCA Staff. You make us feel like we belong, and that’s why we do!”

When you sign up for a membership to The Bangor Region YMCA, you’re joining a community where you are not only improving your PHYSICAL WELLNESS, but also your EMOTIONAL, SOCIAL and MENTAL WELLNESS. Whether you’re wanting to stay active, living with a chronic disease and are looking for support, or just want to participate in social activities, the Y has something for everyone.

Take Robert and Deborah Harvey, for example. They joined our Y’s Alzheimer’s Disease Wellness Program for Patients and their Care Partners, and benefitted beyond their expectations—both physically and mentally—from this evidence-based chronic disease program. “The exercise program is very well run and fits the needs of both the patient and care partner, with individual assistance as needed by Justin and Jennifer. Deb enjoys doing the exercises and I also look forward to the exercises and know that it has improved my balance. The discussions in the support groups are also very helpful emotionally and socially. We greatly benefit from this entire program.”

The feeling of belonging to a community doesn’t just happen within a program. It happens the minute you step through our doors. Avid pool-goer Joe Pickering is a longtime member of our Y. “The Bangor Region YMCA has changed my life with the

smiles I get when entering the Y, seeing the Welcome Center staff in the lobby, and the life changing activities and exercises the Y provides in the pool, gym, and such programs such as aqua fitness classes, 50+ ‘N Fit and the other multiple programs.”

Even if you’re not interested in physical activities—however, as a Y, we do recommend staying physically active—you’ll find a variety of engaging activities in our Second Wind Social Club, created especially for our senior members. Getting your “Second Wind” means finding renewed strength and energy to embrace all that life has to offer.

During 2021, Second Wind Members engaged in virtual art classes, stress management groups, author talks, and conversations online. They might even have practiced the 4-count breathing technique with Vanessa Newman, our wonderful Community Health Advocate, and improved their lung capacity by taking a group exercise class designed for older adults! Social and emotional wellness comes from meaningful relationships, a sense of control over one’s world, and engaging in activities that you enjoy to keep connections, which is part of what the YMCA offers. Additional activities can be found on our Strong Connections at the Y Calendar which is more than a listing of events, support groups, and activities; it’s a philosophy about how social engagement is a part of the YMCA and an important aspect of living one’s best life as one ages.

Since so much has pivoted to a digital platform these last couple of years, our Y wanted to make sure that access was first and foremost for older adults. The Bangor Region YMCA established a partnership with the National Digital Equity Center so that our Y Members and Community Members without access to high-speed Internet or affordable devices could get support through this joint venture. The National Digital Equity Center’s mission is to improve digital literacy and support community members through organizations like the Y that serve the same population.

Our Senior-Friendly Fitness Classes, Social Activities and Events, and many of our Evidence-Based Chronic Disease Programs are included in our Senior Membership for $41 a month. Financial assistance is available for those in need. As a Y, we want to help all seniors in our community have the same opportunities regardless of their financial situation.

For more information, stop by The Bangor Region YMCA at 17 Second Street in Bangor or call us at 207-941-2808.

SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

Outdoor activities

that are perfect for seniors COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

The great outdoors beckons people of all ages. Fresh air can be hard to resist and the benefits of spending time outdoors are so numerous that it behooves anyone, including seniors, to answer the call of nature.

Seniors who are retired or even aging empty nesters who are still in the workforce can make great use of their free time by venturing into the great outdoors. The following are a handful of senior-friendly outdoor activities that provide a great reason to get off the couch and take in all that Mother Nature has to offer.

· Hiking: Hiking provides a great workout and an ideal opportunity to spend time in an idyllic setting. The U.S. National Park Service notes that hiking helps individuals build stronger muscles and bones, improves their sense of balance, has a positive effect on heart health, and can decrease the risk of certain respiratory problems. · Water-based exercises: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that water-based exercises can be especially helpful to individuals with chronic diseases, a category many seniors fall into. The CDC notes that one study published in the journal Arthritis & Rheumatology found that water-based exercise improves the use of joints affected by arthritis without worsening symptoms. Many swim clubs also offer discounted memberships to seniors, making these another great and affordable way to reap the benefits of swimming. · Fishing: Fishing provides a great reason to get outdoors, and many individuals devoted to fishing report feeling less stressed after a day spent casting for their favorite fish. Individuals who consume what they catch also can benefit by improving their diets, as the American Heart Association notes that consuming certain types of fish has been linked to a lower risk for heart disease and obesity. · Volunteering: Local environmental groups often sponsor cleanups at parks and waterfront attractions like beaches and lakes. Volunteering is a great way to get outside and give back, and working with like-minded individuals can be a great way for seniors to meet new people.

The opportunities for seniors to enjoy the great outdoors are endless. Taking advantage of such chances can benefit seniors in myriad ways.

SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

How to determine if it's COURTESY OF METRO CREATIVE

Individuals work hard to save enough money to purchase their homes. And the hard work doesn't end there. Once homeowners settle into a new home, they may set their sights on renovations that suit their individual needs. And even when buyers find a home that needs no such work, maintenance requires homeowners' utmost attention.

time to downsize

as cost. No one wants to outlive their money, and downsizing to a smaller home can help seniors reduce their monthly expenses by a significant margin. Even homeowners who have long since paid off their mortgages can save substantial amounts of money by downsizing to a smaller home or even an apartment or ADOBE STOCK PHOTO

All that hard work is perhaps one reason why seniors may be a little reluctant to downsize as they advance through their golden years. In addition to the sweat equity homeowners put into their homes, all the memories they've made within their walls can make it harder to put a home on the market.

Downsizing is a difficult decision that's unique to each homeowner. Seniors who aren't quite certain if downsizing is right for them can consider three key factors to make a decision that's in their best interests.

condominium. Lower property taxes, reduced insurance premiums and the need to pay for fewer repairs are just some of the ways downsizing can save seniors money.

· Cost: Perhaps no variable affects senior homeowners' decisions to downsize their homes as much

· Space: Many people love the extra space that single-family homes provide. But seniors can take a

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walk through their homes and see how many rooms they still use on a consistent basis. If much of the home is unused, seniors can probably downsize without adversely affecting their daily lives.

· Market: The real estate market is another factor to consider when deciding if the time is right to downsize. A seller's market can help seniors get the biggest return on their real estate investment, potentially helping them make up for meager retirement savings. For example, home prices skyrocketed across the country during the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a great time for sellers to put their homes on the market. Seniors selling to downsize may capitalize on such spikes since they won't be looking to turn around and buy larger, equally expensive homes once they sell their current place. If the market is down and seniors can withstand the work and cost a little longer, it may be best to wait until things bounce back in sellers' favor.

Downsizing requires careful consideration of a host of variables. No two situations are the same, so seniors should exercise due diligence to determine if downsizing is right for them.

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

Maine Seniors & Food Insecurity

No Senior Should Go to Bed Hungry Tonight As Many Resources Are Available A Good Shepherd Food Bank volunteer sorts donated goods to provide to those in need.

PHOTO COURTESY OF GOOD SHEPHERD FOOD BANK

BY WANDA CURTIS

Approximately 5.3 million people 60 years of age and older in the U.S. experience food insecurity, according to feedingamerica.org. The nonprofit reports that poor health can be both a cause and also a consequence of food insecurity, which is defined by the USDA as “access by all people at all times to enough food for an active, healthy life.”

Many seniors face medical and mobility challenges which can become an obstacle to accessing nutritious food. Some seniors struggle to pay their bills and stay in good health while leaving on a fixed income. Former Surgeon General Vivek H. Murphy MD reported in the online article “Food Insecurity: A Public Health Issue” that food insecurity is “a national health problem and an underrecognized social determinant of health.”

Murphy said that food insecurity places a heavy burden on society through health care and social costs. It may cause people to consume a nutrient-poor diet which can contribute to the development of obesity, heart disease, hypertension, diabetes and other chronic conditions. In addition, he said that some people may postpone medical care to buy food which can lead to expensive hospitalizations.

Helping Seniors in Maine Approximately 17,200 Mainers aged 65 years and older lived in food insecure households in 2019, according to Jessica Donahue, the director of marketing and communications for Good Shepherd Food Bank in Lewiston. Donahue referenced

Feeding America’s statistics which showed that Maine has one of the highest rates of senior hunger in the nation. Many factors contribute to this, including lack of adequate economic resources, social isolation, health issues and functional impairments, and feelings of stigma, embarrassment and shame.

“These factors are especially important for seniors because they compound food insecurity and other issues,” said Donahue. “Lack of transportation and access to public transportation options can also be a barrier to using the charitable food network.”

Many Resources Available Though thousands of Maine seniors were identified as food insecure in 2019, the good news is that many resources are available for those who need food. Organizations in all 16 counties are partnering with the Good Shepherd Food Bank to meet the nutritional needs of Maine seniors, said Donahue.

“The mission of Good Shepherd Food Bank is to eliminate hunger in Maine by improving access to nutritious food to people in need, building strong community partnerships, and mobilizing the public in the fight to end hunger,” said Donahue.

“The Food Bank distributes millions of pounds of food to local partner agencies that serve all 16 counties in Maine. These partners include food pantries, meal sites, shelters, senior centers, healthcare facilities and school programs. Together with this network, the Food Bank is finding new and effective ways to provide nourishing food and hope to our neighbors in need. Good Shepherd Food Bank is also working to find

SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

long-term solutions to hunger by engaging in advocacy, research and strategic initiatives to create a hunger-free Maine.”

Good Shepherd Food Bank opened a second distribution center in Hampden in 2019.

She said that strategically located facility allows them to distribute more food, more frequently and more efficiently to central, northern and Downeast Maine. Their goal is for everyone struggling with hunger to have access to the nutritious food they need to thrive, when and where they need it, by 2025.

“We are currently working with food donors, philanthropic supporters and local partners across the state to reduce the impact of hunger and make Maine a stronger, better place to work and live,” Donahue said.

Community Health and Hunger Program In addition to distributing food to local food pantries, Good Shepherd distributes food to healthcare facilities through the Community Health and Hunger Program.

Donahue explained that they provide training to healthcare partners who are interested in implementing Hunger Vital Signs Food Insecurity Screening questions during routine patient visits. She said Good Shepherd provides participating health care providers with pre-packed emergency food bags for immediate distribution to those patients identified as food insecure.

“We are currently working with food donors, philanthropic supporters and local partners across the state to reduce the impact of hunger and make Maine a stronger, better place to work and live," Donahue said.

Other encouraging news, said Donahue, is recent USDA data showing that food insecurity was not as bad as predicted during the 2020 pandemic due to expansions in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and school nutrition programming. She said that their network of over 500 partners increased meal distribution by 16 percent during the Food Bank’s last fiscal year.

“The expansions of these programs meant that some Mainers were able to access healthy foods through their local grocery stores or schools instead of visiting their local pantry,” Donahue said.

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“These bags provide two to three days of nutritious shelf-stable food to patients struggling to manage a chronic illness,” said Donahue. “Each healthcare partner is also provided with a list of local emergency food access points to offer to patients that screen positive for food insecurity. In addition, the Food Bank works closely with local partner agencies to make sure they have enough healthy food on hand to serve community members who are referred there from healthcare partners.”

Any senior who needs food should talk with their local primary care office to assist them in locating food in their area. They may refer them to a social worker who can assist them in locating programs for which they qualify.

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SENIOR LIVING • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • March 4, 2022

Continued from page 11 Where Seniors Can Locate Other Food Resources For seniors in need of nutritious food, some of the best places to access food are their local community food pantry, meal sites (often at senior centers), shelters or healthcare facilities, said Donahue. They can also locate resources by viewing Good Shepherd’s Food Map at www.gsfb.org/get-help/food-map. She said that seniors without access to the internet can call Maine’s 211 number for information regarding how to connect with local hunger-relief organizations in their area.

Maine’s Area Agency on Aging offices can also provide information regarding food distribution programs and resources for seniors. There are five offices in Maine. The Aroostook Agency on Aging (www.aroostookaging.org) is located in Presque Isle. The Eastern Agency on Aging (www. eaaa.org) is located in Brewer, for residents of Hancock, Penobscot, Piscataquis and Washington counties. Spectrum Generations (www.spectrumgenerations.org) is located in Augusta, serving Cumberland (Harpswell and Brunswick only), Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Sagadahoc, Somerset and Waldo county residents. Seniors Plus (www.seniorsplus.org) is located in Lewiston for residents of Androscoggin, Oxford and Franklin counties. Southern Maine Agency on Aging (www.smaaa.org) is located in Biddeford to serve all of Cumberland county (except Brunswick and Harpswell) and York.

One of the programs that’s managed through many of the Area Agency on Aging offices is the Supplemental Food Program for Seniors. Qualifying seniors can get two free boxes of nutritious food, such as baked beans, peanut butter, nonfat dry milk, salmon, rice and instant potatoes each month. Any senior interested in that program should contact their local Area Agency on Aging to find out more. For those who lack transportation, they may be able to designate a pickup person.

Another program that’s available for qualifying seniors is the Maine Senior Farm Share program, which enables eligible seniors 60 years or older to receive $50 worth of fresh, local produce from an authorized Maine farm during the growing season.

To apply for the program, call (207) 446-5550 or email SeniorFarmShare.AGR@maine.gov.

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Meals on Wheels is also a program that's available to homebound seniors and is managed by the local Agency on Aging. For more information contact the individual Agency on Aging in the area where the senior lives.

No Maine senior should go to bed hungry because there are a multitude of resources available throughout the state.