Non-Profit OrganizationU.S. Postage PAID

Brunswick, ME 04011Permit No. 52

People Plus35 Union StreetBrunswick, ME

04011-0766

“People Plus supports an engaged, healthy and independent life for older adults, while joining others to build community for all ages.”

The Center to get more out of life35 Union St., Brunswick, ME 04011 729-0757 www.peopleplusmaine.org December 2010 Volume 10, No. 12

Baked ham drenched in a richraisin sauce, potato casseroles, peas,fresh beets and carrots will create a“festive and tasty” plate to welcomethe holiday season to People Plus.

“This is a great dinner to open theholiday season,” suggested chefFrank Connors. “A good chance togather with friends and celebrate theseasons.” Of course, there is alwaysplenty of fresh, lightly dressed tossedgreen salad. Coffee, tea, fruit juicesand milk are served with each mealand the dessert for December will be achoice of holiday cake or cupcakes,gaily decorated for the holiday. Thevegetarian option will be a tastefulcasserole, and our whole grain breadalways comes from Wild Oats Bakery.

Focus of the monthly Lunch & Con-nections program, underwritten inpart by Spectrum Generations, isnutrition, information and variety.Each meal includes regular and vege-tarian options, a salad, fruit, andwhole-grained breads. Discussions ofmenus and nutrition are alwaysencouraged.

Several students from BrunswickHigh School will be on hand to opentheir “Linking All Ages” initiative,seeking to open new lines of commu-nication between generations, withemphasis on creating oral histories.

Come at 11:30 a.m. to get a good seatat 35 Union St., pick up your 50/50 raf-fle ticket, register for a door prize andget a free blood pressure check from aCHANS home health care profession-al. Reservations for seating areencouraged and obtained by callingthe People Plus information desk at729-0757. A limited number of rides todinner can be provided, on a first call,first served basis. Seating is limited to60 people and meals are open to thepublic. Suggested donation will be $5(notice the new price) for adults 60and older and children 12 and under,and $7.50 for all others. Doors open at11:15 a.m. and lunch is served at noon.

Lunch & Connections

Holiday dinnerwelcomingChristmas

People Plus hasall four of its Holi-day Heritage printimages in stockand ready to slideunder your holi-day tree. Eitherwrapped and card-ed (still only $75)or professionallymatted and framed($205), all of theseprints are artistsigned, numbered,and part of a 350count, limited-edition print-ing. The Her-itage series ofprints is aunique way tocelebrate theholidays, ourarea, and tohelp our cen-ter.

“Last Christmas at Gur-net,” by Jack Doepp wasissued in December 2002,and remains our best sell-er. Only a few “printer’sproofs,” of this image

remain available. “Chutingthe Androscoggin,” and “HighNoon, High Tide,” each com-missioned by the Center andpainted by Woolwich muralistJohn “Jack” Gable, remain

available, as arecopies of “Holiday atM e r r y m e e t i n gPark,” painted byBrunswick watercol-orist ‘Bev’ Bevilac-qua.

Framed samples ofeach print are avail-able for your inspec-tion at the Center’s

Union Street receptionarea. All four imagesare also available asfull-color, 5x7 greetingcards. Packaged with

an envelope, thecards cost $2.50each, or five for $10,or 20 or more foronly $1.50 each.

Call the Center,729-0757, for answersto your questions orto reserve yourprints.

‘December Lights’to light up Center“December Lights,” a presentation

filled with personal holiday memoriesand expected to “elevate” our collec-tive spirits, will be offered by the Cen-ter Stage Players at People Plus onDec. 14, beginning at 2 p.m.

December Lights will feature a read-ing of Eric A. Kimmel’s, “A HanukkahGuest,” read by Ann Berry; alsoGeorge P. McCallum’s essay “Eyes ofEl Christo,” read by Whitney Blair,Rodney Sarle, Everett Hanke, AnneCort and Vivian Kemp; and H.H. Mon-roe’s essay, “Reginald’s ChristmasRevels,” read by Ann Cort, Bill Conzal,Joan Brewer and Whitney Blair. ReeveLindberg’s Kwanzaa piece, “NobodyOwns the Sky,” will be presented byJean Conzal, and the entire cast willread A.A. Milne’s classic poem, “KingJohn’s Christmas.”

Other cast and support crew include

Second Tri-CityFitness

Challengecoming

The second annual Tri-City FitnessChallenge opens Jan 8, 2011, with aweigh-in and registration at Mid-Coast Hospital. Team Ida, the entrantsfrom People Plus of Brunswick, willagain face the Topsham New EnglandMedical Fitness team and this year ateam from the Bath YMCA.

“This is going to be so much fun,”Ida Messerman, People Plus fitnessdirector predicted. “The whole goal isto foster better fitness and have agood time doing it.”

Included in the challenge are weekly(private) weigh ins, several workshopswith nutritional counselors AllisonFernald and Kris Perry, three work-shops with certified massage thera-pist Kate Anagnostis, training tipswith Linda Gardner and severalgroup sessions with therapist AllisonBasile, and three months of weeklyfitness classes. The 12-week challengeends in April with a “weigh down”and rally. The challenge allows andsupports blood pressure check andincludes Zumba fitness class demon-strations. The class costs $99 for pre-registration from Dec. 6 to Dec 22 or$120 on the day of registration, Jan 8.Most fitness classes will be held at theLongfellow School gymnasium thisyear.

Last year, nearly 100 people enteredthe challenge and “most” of the par-ticipants finished, according toMesserman. “While the competition isfun and important,” she said, “letthere be no doubt we’re out to changeattitudes and processes (about weightloss and fitness.)

Wishing you a joyous holiday season

Moonlit forest trees,watercolor by Judy Krok

Special Christmaspull-outcentersection

Season’s Greetingsfrom “Write On”

The People Plus Writers

Dad! You missed him!BY CHARLOTTE HART

“Dad! You missed him!

He came while you were gone.

He stood right there in our back yard.

I was in the window with my new green housecoat

on.”

Baby Bill was in his crib.

Mom said, “Let him snooze.

Santa’s just checking our chimneys

To see which one he will use.”

Gram smiled and kept on knitting.

Mittens! Socks! Wooly hats — she has made three!

They will be wrapped in shiny paper

Under the Christmas tree.

“Dad, I’m glad you went to the grange

To the party for friends who are poor.

But, Dad, you did miss Santa Claus!

I was scared! I was happy for sure.

He stood by the well and waved at me.

His beard is long and white.

His pants and his coat are all bright red.

His reindeer were — out of sight.

The Dew of HeavenBY ADELAIDE GUERNELLI

The Dew of Heaven was beginning to fall on the trees

That were waiting for the doors of the magic ceiling,

To become the pleasant stage of living in Maine.

But, really the three seasons of the weather:

Autumn, Winter and Spring need equal attention

And respect, because they consacrate us to the

Eternal decisions, and their colors define

Life, Respect and Love … no matter what!

That triangle can’t be rejected because it contributes

To our health, both physical and moral, and with

Happiness it can define our time on the earth.

It is also very beautiful in its intrinsic ways, so

Let us all get ready to salute the days of joy and,

Family togetherness, now that the calendar shows

The dates of Halloween, Veterans Day, Thankgiving Day,

Ha’nukkah, Christmas Eve. Christmas Day and,

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with our food,

Ready to be shared not only with our relatives

But also with our perpetual friends!

A Christmas blessingBY GLADYS SZABO

It was Dec. 23rd. My husband, Bob, was having very bad chest pain. Our doctor

said he would meet us at the ER. Driving there my mind was projecting dreadful

images. My daughter, Dawn, was 6 and my son, Robbie, was 10. Our Christmas

could be disastrous. At the ER, Bob was rushed in, and after what seemed like for-

ever, Dr. Sullivan came out. As he approached me, I was gripped with fear antici-

pating his news. “It is not a heart attack. He has a collapsed lung and can go home

as long as he will rest. I want another X-ray in the morning to make sure it is not

still deflating.”

I should have been relieved with the good news, but memories flooded my mind,

back to the week before our wedding. Scenes of Bob collapsing in a restaurant on

our way to my cousin’s wedding. He was rushed to the hospital where I was told it

was a collapsed lung and he should be fine with a night in the hospital and rest.

The following day, I was notified to get to the hospital immediately, but he was in

surgery by the time I got there, being 5 minutes from dying. A week in intensive

care, indefinitely postponed wedding, left me with terrifying memories.

Christmas Eve morning we returned to the hospital to have a follow up X-ray.

When the nurse couldn’t reach the doctor for further instructions, she told us we

could go home but would most likely be back shortly. My legs turned to jelly, my

stomach was in knots as we returned home. I knew I should be doing all the prepa-

rations for our Christmas Eve dinner but was not able to think or function. Within

a few hours, the phone rang. “Hi this is Dr. Sullivan.” My heart was racing, my

hands sweating as I answered, “Hi, we have been waiting for your call. Do we have

to return to the hospital?”

There was a pause, “No. Why would you think that?”

“Well after the X-ray, the nurse told us we would most likely be returning!”

Angrily, the doctor replied, “Everything is fine and with bed rest for a few days,

Bob should be up and around. I will be speaking to that nurse as she should not

have told you anything. Have a very Merry Christmas!” I dropped the phone, cry-

ing happy tears while hugging my husband.

We had just received the greatest Christmas blessing ever!!

WinterBY JUDITH ZOTTOLI

The downy woodpecker

beckons to me,

black upon white,

a drop of blood

crowns his head.

I look out my window

at the newly fallen snow,

white, fluffy, virgin.

The black trees,

tall and straight,

a microcosm of emerald

green hidden inside.

I am so weary of winter,

adding layer upon layer

to an already

frozen spirit.

I cry for my father reincarnated

and the hope and comfort he

brings.

Gifts ready at People Plus

Please see LIGHTS, Page 5

’Tis the holiday season, what bettertime to initiate a monthly “Wish List”for the Center?

Each month we’ll offer detailedinformation on several items the Cen-ter needs, can use, or would benefitfrom. Center members, friends andlocal organizations are encouraged toconsider “granting” wishes either inwhole or in part.

We’ll also use this space to thankand acknowledge folks who have madedonations.

• EVERYONE should become annu-al, dues paying members at PeoplePlus. Cost is still only $25 a year. If ourmembership expanded from 1,000 to2,000 people, “many” of the Center’s

fiscal concerns would disappear. Cost:

Priceless!

• OUR PING PONG TEAMS wonawards at this year’s Maine SeniorOlympics. If we had a second (regula-tion) table more folks could play and awinter tournament could happen.Here are the specs selected by ouraging athletes. A STIGA STS 375 table,completely portable, five wheels, 3/4inch thick, professional net. Cost:$700.

• OUR MONTHLY DINNERS havebeen wildly acclaimed, and most ofour guests would like them even moreif the food was served “hot.” Given thelimited tools available in our kitchen,we do what we can do. If we had 2 or 3,18 quart roasters, our food prepara-tion would be served, and it would beeasier to guarantee food quality asguests are served. Cost per roaster:$30.

PAGE 2 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS DECEMBER 2010

Hello. Please allow me to introducemyself. My name is Jim Pierce and,effective Nov. 1, I was invited toassume the position of interim execu-tive director of People Plus. I amfamiliar with People Plus as I havebeen a member of the Board ofTrustees for the past year, serving onboth the Program and GovernanceCommittees.

Prior to retiring in December 2009, Iwas the president/CEO of Indepen-dence Association, based here inBrunswick, for 33 years. IndependenceAssociation, formerly known as theYouth Development Association, pro-vides supports and services to peoplewith mental retardation and theirfamilies in the greater Brunswickarea.

I moved to Brunswick in 1976 andhave stayed in the area since thattime. I grew up in South Portland,went away to college, and returned to

Maine in 1969. I, and my daughterSarah, live on Eider Lane in Topsham.I am involved as a board or committeemember with several organizationssuch as Coastal Trans, CHANS, theMidcoast Chapter of the Red Cross,the Maine Association of Non Profits,the Midcoast Collaborative for Accessto Transportation and the MaineTrust for People with Disabilities.

It is indeed an honor to follow in thefootsteps of Sig Knudsen and SusanCole, both of whom brought excite-ment, collaboration and boundlessenergy to this position. I am continu-ally amazed and appreciative of thefine work these two individualsaccomplished during their tenures. Iam also very appreciative of the workdone by the staff, the volunteers andparticularly the Board of Directorsover the past several years to enhanceand support the membership and theprograms offered by People Plus. This

is indeed a fine organization.My role will be to provide stability

and stewardship to this wonderfulorganization as the organization con-ducts an organizational assessmentand a strategic plan to move forwardinto these difficult financial times.The process of an organizationalassessment has begun and the Boardis looking to the first of the year as atime to assess the organization andrefine the strategic plan.

Please feel free to visit our newspace at 35 Union St. or check out ourclass/activity schedule in this wonder-ful newspaper. We are always open tosuggestions for new classes or activi-ties you might like to participate in,and please stop by and say hello!

Saying helloPeople Plus News

The official monthly newspaper ofPeople Plus, serving residents ofthe Brunswick area. Editorialsubmissions and advertisingqueries should be e-mailed to:

frank@peopleplusmaine.orgQuestions, comments and

written contributions should besent by the 15th of the month to:

The Editor, People PlusP.O. Box 76635 Union St.,

Brunswick, ME 04011-0766Office phone (207) 729-0757

Office fax (207) 729-0672

Board of Trustees

Edward Harris, Chairperson Harpswell

J. Gregory Shea, Vice Chair. Topsham

Gordon Brigham, Secretary Topsham

John McCurrach, Treasurer Brunswick

Thomas Farrell (Ex-Officio) Brunswick

Richard Brautigam Brunswick

Lennie Burke Brunswick

Darlene Chalmers Brunswick

Ann Frey Brunswick

Charles Frizzle Brunswick

Alison Harris Brunswick

Deane Lanphear Topsham

Joan Phillips Harpswell

Jim Pierce Topsham

Fraser Ruwet Brunswick

Julie Brown Brunswick High School student representative

People Plus Staff

Jim PierceInterim Executive directorjim@peopleplusmaine.org

Elizabeth WhiteOffice managerbetsy@peopleplusmaine.org

Libby HerrickDirector of outreach & volunteer serviceslibby@peopleplusmaine.org

Frank ConnorsProgram coordinatorfrank@peopleplusmaine.org

Michael CoughlinIT managernetadmin@peopleplusmaine.org

Jordan CardoneTeen Center coordinatorjordan@peopleplusmaine.org

GreaterBrunswick

PhysicalTherapy

A Letter of Thanks to our CommunityAs hectic as the holidays can be, they also serve as anopportunity to reflect on the past year through the lensof appreciation. At Greater Brunswick Physical Therapy,we feel it is important to recognize and give thanks forthe continued support of the communities we serve.We pledge to expand our efforts to give back to thecommunity.

We will continue with our “Heal-a-Thon” events toraise money for local and global causes. We willagain present interactive Posture and BodyMechanics in-services to 3rd and 5th graders withthe intent of reducing injury risk. Our “FreeHealing Clinics,” where free care is provided tothose without insurance, will be expanded upon.

And our “Future Physical Therapist Scholarship” willagain be awarded in support of a local student

pursuing a career in PT.Should you choose GBPT, we will work our hardest toensure it is a decision you will be happy to have made.

Exercise Your Power to Choose the Care You Want

Brunswick, 22 Lincoln Street, 729-1164 • Auburn, 2 Willow Run, 784-6462 • Bath, 30 Front Street, 443-1158Harpswell, 34 Doughty Pt. Road, 729-1164 • Aquatic Physical Therapy at: Bath YMCA and Lewiston YWCA

Massage Therapy at: Bath • Brunswick • Auburn

From theExecutive

DirectorJIM PIERCE

STORMPOLICY

When Brunswick schoolsare closed because ofweather, all People Plusprograms, classes andactivities are cancelled forthat day. The center shallremain open for business,unless conditions warrant acenter closure. Tune toWGAN-AM Radio (560 on thedial) for announcements.

Thanks,Portland Glass

Portland Glass of Brunswickrecently donated two more mirrorsto the array of mirrors on the wallof our Maine Hall fitness areas.They “salvaged” one large mirrorfor use from our old Noble StreetCenter, and in the past severalmonths, have matched it with fournew mirrors. We suspect the dona-tion saved the center over $2,000,and know the donation greatlyenhances our fitness classes.

Wish list added to People Plus News

It’s our timeby Gloria Smith

Issues and activities for older adults

Look for Gloria’s column every Monday

www.timesrecord.com

For subscription information call 729-3311your paper!local

DECEMBER 2010 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS PAGE 3

The Members Page

To all a good night. pen and ink, by Carol Oliver

Chistmas cards produced by near-ly a dozen art students at PeoplePlus are featured in the new Café atUnion Street.

Instructor Consuelo (Connie) Bai-ley explained, “30 years ago, I start-ed designing my own holiday cards,and this season, I encouraged mystudents to do the same. Theyfound, as I have, that people enjoyreceiving ‘homemade’ cards.”

Student artists featured in the

multi-media show at People Plusinclude: Paula Spector, Cindy Fisch-er, Ann Frey, Beth Aldenberg, JudyKrok, Georgette Duval, Sally Gib-son, Marilyn Otterstein, MercieDunfee, Carol Oliver, Joyce Gordonand Connie Bailey. The show isalways open to the public duringregular and special hours at PeoplePlus. The show will hang throughDecember.

Homemade Christmas cards featured

BY RUTH FOEHRING

One Christmas morning, long ago, Ijumped out of bed, and ran down thestairs to find tons of wrapped pre-sents. But, what really caught my eyewas a sled. It wasn’t wrapped. it didn’tneed even a ribbon or a bow. It wasbeautiful just the was and lay againstthe wall waiting for me. So beganmany fun winter memories.

That sled and I slid down so manyhills together. I remember the thrill ofquickly gliding along, the wind in myface, eyes wide open and watching mydestination come closer into view. Isteered it with skill, always excited tohave it go where I wanted it to go. Left,right or straight ahead, never bump-ing into another sled. I never felt cold.I looked forward to snowy days withdreams of doing this all over again.

The sled and I aged together. I mar-ried and that sled was stored forawhile, but when I had children itcame back and became friends with

my children. Grandchildren arrivedand the Flexible Flyer met a wholenew generation. Plastic runners wereattached to the bottoms of the steelones, and now we could go faster andwe didn’t even need packed downsnow.

Florida put an end to my sleddingand one of my children inherited mysled. I have seen it stored on a shelf intheir garage. It looks pretty good forall the years it has been around. Nowback in Maine when I see snow, I thinkof it. A few years ago I bought a deco-rated old sled at a craft fair. It is reallypretty with its firs and ribbon and sitsby the front door through the holi-days.

I have a yearning lately to get thatFlexible Flyer and slide down a hilland feel the wind in my face. It would-n’t be a long, steep hill. I would rathernot have to pull it back up the hill. Iwonder if that decorated sled with thefirs and red bow could slide?

A Flexible Flyer

BY CHARLOTTE HART

An old gray house with no one everhome

Stands silent by the road to ParsonsHill.

A family history here might fill atome.

I do not know who lived here. PerhapsI never will.

Lilacs scent the walk and yard in May.Pink rhododendron flank gray barns

in June.Day lilies burst in summer-long dis-

play.White throated sparrows sing a sooth-

ing tune.

October’s blaze paints the tall maplesred.

Leaves coat the place that once waslawn.

Neat stacks of firewood fill a barn-sideshed.

But — no concern for winter, no one tocarry on.

The roof, the fields are white. Decem-ber snow!

A cardinal perches on green hemlocktall.

Are candles in the window? Flicker!Glow!

Does a horse-drawn sleigh ring bellsby the great stone wall?

Year end reverie

BY VINCE MCDERMOTT

I recently had a minor medical pro-cedure performed on me. As a result, Ihad to remain inactive for 48 hours,then take it easy for a week. Since Icould not go anywhere, I decided tosleep in. I got up at the late hour of0830, ate a nice breakfast, read thepaper, watched TV news, had a thirdcup of coffee, and did my usual morn-ing routine. By the time I got backdownstairs, it was close to eleven.

Almost time for lunch.I wasn’t hungry, so I postponed eat-

ing until well after one. It was almostthree when I finished. Much too soonto think about dinner. So around 7:30PM I had supper. I had to eat some-thing, but I felt bloated. I couldn’t go tobed at the usual time, so I stayed up. Ihad a hard time going to sleep. I wokeup around 0830. I felt like I wastrapped in a time warp.

Sleeping in isn’t as nice as one mightthink.

Sleeping in

BY GLADYS SZABO

Summer’s vibrant flowers beddeddown for the winter.

Trees multihued leaves piled upon theground.

Murky snow clouds, sky is lightlessBig flakes, slowly falling, then heavier,

faster.Flowers sleep under deep covers of

whiteDowny soft snow blankets branches of

trees

Birds searching for food, not buried insnow

Squirrels, chipmunks burrowingthrough tunnels

Randomly appearing with snow cov-ered faces.

The world glistens with angel dust,Blinding us, with dazzling beautyThe quietness of the snow covered

groundA feeling of peace in the world it sur-

rounds.

The first snowfall

BY BONNIE WHEELER

What would your perfect Christmasgift be?

A luxurious cruise on the deep sea?Forgetting the unsinkable Titanic voy-

age Where the band played on as it sank

into eternity?

A powerful position in Washington orNew York City?

Inside a tall tower looking safe and sopretty?

Maybe not after the terrorist successof 9/11

Where Americans died before our hor-

rified eyes.

Would you wish for a million dollarsor more?

To pay high taxes and buy goods fromChina galore?

Knowing our businesses are beingdownsized,

For many men and women jobs aredenied.

Money, power jobs, luxury rides — notfor me.

I’m thinking my perfect gift would beSitting safe and warm by my Christ-

mas treeWith a grateful heart to be living free.

Christmas Wishes

DecemberBY BONNIE WHEELER

It’s time to listen to the storyWe repeat it every yearOf the baby in a mangerAnd a bright and shiny starAngels appearing with the messageA Christ child born — to save the

world

People Plus Centerwishes everyone a

Merry Christmas anda Happy New Year.

Medicare plans change every year— and so may your needs. That is whyit is important to do a check up onyour Medicare prescription drug cov-erage each year to make sure you aregetting the most value for you healthcare dollar.

The Annual Enrollment Period forMedicare Part D ends Dec. 31. Untilthen, Medicare beneficiaries caneither switch plans or join a Part Dplan for the first time. Now is the timeto make sure you understand youroptions and make the choice that isbest for you.

Gather the list of prescription drugsyou purchase regularly and call onSpectrum Generations. Medicare Pre-scription Drug Plan enrollment clin-ics and counseling for Medicare bene-ficiaries and their caregivers havebeen scheduled at each of SpectrumGenerations Community Centersthroughout central Maine.

For assistance and a convenientappointment, call our Helpline at 1-800-639-1553 (TTY 1-800-464-8703).

Read what one clinic attendee had tosay about the results of her appoint-ment: “I had the Information Special-ist compare prescription plans for mefor next year because my current planwas not covering some expensive eyedrops that I needed. She was able tofind me a plan which covered the eyedrops, plus my other drugs, and it willcost me even less than I am payingnow. I’m so thankful I had someone tohelp me look at the plans. It can beoverwhelming to try to make the rightchoice. Spectrum Generation wasthere to help me.”

Call Spectrum Generations at 729-0475.

Foot clinic talkYour feet are very important. They

help control your balance, your tem-perature and your mobility. Come inand learn from Jeanne Otis how totake care of them and how she canhelp. Wednesday, Dec 8, at 10 a.m. Free

SunriseGuide: Theperfect stocking stufferSupport Spectrum Generations and

the Coastal Community Center. TheSunriseGuide is Maine’s resourceguide and coupon book for healthy

and eco-friendly living. It’s packedwith helpful articles and tips that keepyou informed, plus nearly 300 valuablecoupons that save you money at yourfavorite (and soon-to-be favorite) localbusinesses. The brand new 2011 edi-tion of the SunriseGuide is only $20per copy (plus $1 tax), and offers anexpanded region reaching from Bidde-ford to Belfast. You’ll find restaurants,groceries, clothing, garden supplies,health and fitness, home improve-ments, museums and more. What youwon’t find in the guide is fast food orbig box stores — only Maine business-es that offer healthy and green optionsfor the products and services we use

every day. It’s the biggest and bestSunriseGuide ever, and you won’twant to miss it! Buy your copy of the2011 SunriseGuide from a member ofthe Coastal Team at the Topsham cen-ter. The more guides we are able to sellthe greater the Center’s profit will be.

Food the world over —India

Another month, another country.Southern Maine Spectrum Genera-tions is visiting India for its cookingclass. Come join us for an intimateearly evening, learning how to cookan authentic Indian meal, then shar-

ing it with your cookmates.Reservations are required for this

delightful and appetizing event.$15/$25 for two. 729-0475.

Carefree CaféSave Dec. 28 for this very special

event. Spectrum Generations will behosting another Carefree Café.

This is the place for those with Pro-gressive memory loss, their care-givers, families and friends. SpectrumGenerations, in collaboration withBrunswick Area Respite, are offeringa full dinner, restaurant style, in awarm, safe and fun environment.

Lunch is a four-course restaurantstyle meal and provides wonderfulambience for seniors to connect withtheir community. $8 per person,$15/couple.

Reservations are required. 729-0475

Spectrum Generationslooks toward the new year

Spectrum Generations has boldplans for 2011. They will be startingwith some games in January; crib-bage, bridge and Scrabble. If you havean interest in learning, playing orteaching any of these games pleasegive them a call.

In February they will be holding taxseminars to help with tax preparation.AARP will be providing people to help.Call now to show your interest and geton the list!

March will have Spectrum Genera-tions starting a book club. Stay tunedfor this — it will be exciting.

Spectrum Generations, 12 Main St.,Topsham, 729-0475.

Issues aboutosteoporosis

Dr. Scordino will be speaking aboutthe importance of managing your lifeto minimize the dangers of, or helplive with osteoporosis. Come have cof-fee and learn more about this issueand the importance that diet and exer-cise play in keeping it at bay. Dec. 14 at1 p.m., $2.

Stardust & Rosesconcert

Greater Freeport Community Cho-rus presents its winter concert, “Star-dust and Roses,” featuring jazz stan-dards, international music, gospel andholiday songs, at the First ParishChurch (UCC) in Freeport.

Concerts will be Saturday, Dec. 11, at7:30 p.m., and Sunday, Dec. 12, at 2:30p.m., at 40 Main St.

Tickets are $5 for seniors. For moreinformation, call 751-6301.

Daunte Cuares posing with a hand crafted ornament made for Spectrum Gener-ations Meals on Wheels Ornament Project.

Sprinkle some joy this holiday season by participating in Spectrum Gen-erations Meals on Wheels Christmas Ornament Project. In 1998 SpectrumGenerations initiated its first “Christmas Ornament Project,” and becauseof the generosity of our community, it continues to be a huge success. Theproject is simple. Local folks, businesses, and organizations purchase hand-made Christmas ornaments crafted and donated by local volunteers. Thismoney goes toward the cost of hot meals for homebound seniors and dis-abled adults, plus they also receive a beautiful, hand crafted ornament.

Spectrum Generations works with central Maine schools and organiza-tions to craft these special one-of-a-kind ornaments. This not only encour-ages giving in our youth, but is also an opportunity for youth to build rela-tionships with another generation. Each ornament is tagged with thedonor’s name and the crafter’s name, and delivered to Meals on Wheels con-sumers during the holiday season.

Imagine the smile and delightful surprise when our Meals on Wheels dri-vers deliver beautiful hand-crafted holiday ornaments along with hot deli-cious meals during the holidays! The cost is $4 per ornament — the cost ofpreparing one hot nutritious meal. Five ornaments ($20) would provide onesenior with meals for a whole week, and 20 ornaments ($80) would feed asenior for a month. This is an opportunity to support your neighbors andgive the spirit of Christmas to a senior in your community.

Approximately 1,500 homebound adults depended on Spectrum Genera-tions to deliver as many as 200,000 Meals on Wheels to 130 towns across cen-tral Maine last year! If you would like to support the Meals on Wheels 2010Holiday Ornament Project, mail in your ornament order/donation toLynda Johnson, P.O. Box 272, Hallowell, ME 04347. The deadline for theOrnament Project is Dec. 30, 2010. Please make checks payable to SpectrumGenerations. For more information, call Lynda at 1-800-639-1553 or by e-mailat ljohnson@spectrumgenerations.org.

PAGE 4 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS DECEMBER 2010

The Central Maine Area Agency On Aging

Proud to PartnerWith

People Plus1-800-639-1553 • 729-0475

The Spirit of Christmas is upon us!

Medicare Part D clinics at Spectrum Generations

Season’s Greetingsfrom “Write On”

The People Plus Writers

Dad! You missed him!BY CHARLOTTE HART

“Dad! You missed him!He came while you were gone.He stood right there in our back yard.I was in the window with my new green housecoat

on.”

Baby Bill was in his crib.Mom said, “Let him snooze.Santa’s just checking our chimneysTo see which one he will use.”

Gram smiled and kept on knitting.Mittens! Socks! Wooly hats — she has made three!They will be wrapped in shiny paperUnder the Christmas tree.

“Dad, I’m glad you went to the grangeTo the party for friends who are poor.But, Dad, you did miss Santa Claus!I was scared! I was happy for sure.

He stood by the well and waved at me.His beard is long and white.His pants and his coat are all bright red.His reindeer were — out of sight.

The Dew of HeavenBY ADELAIDE GUERNELLI

The Dew of Heaven was beginning to fall on the treesThat were waiting for the doors of the magic ceiling,To become the pleasant stage of living in Maine.But, really the three seasons of the weather:Autumn, Winter and Spring need equal attentionAnd respect, because they consacrate us to theEternal decisions, and their colors defineLife, Respect and Love … no matter what!That triangle can’t be rejected because it contributesTo our health, both physical and moral, and withHappiness it can define our time on the earth.It is also very beautiful in its intrinsic ways, soLet us all get ready to salute the days of joy and,Family togetherness, now that the calendar showsThe dates of Halloween, Veterans Day, Thankgiving Day,Ha’nukkah, Christmas Eve. Christmas Day and,New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day with our food,Ready to be shared not only with our relativesBut also with our perpetual friends!

A Christmas blessingBY GLADYS SZABO

It was Dec. 23rd. My husband, Bob, was having very bad chest pain. Our doctorsaid he would meet us at the ER. Driving there my mind was projecting dreadfulimages. My daughter, Dawn, was 6 and my son, Robbie, was 10. Our Christmascould be disastrous. At the ER, Bob was rushed in, and after what seemed like for-ever, Dr. Sullivan came out. As he approached me, I was gripped with fear antici-pating his news. “It is not a heart attack. He has a collapsed lung and can go homeas long as he will rest. I want another X-ray in the morning to make sure it is notstill deflating.”

I should have been relieved with the good news, but memories flooded my mind,back to the week before our wedding. Scenes of Bob collapsing in a restaurant onour way to my cousin’s wedding. He was rushed to the hospital where I was told itwas a collapsed lung and he should be fine with a night in the hospital and rest.The following day, I was notified to get to the hospital immediately, but he was insurgery by the time I got there, being 5 minutes from dying. A week in intensivecare, indefinitely postponed wedding, left me with terrifying memories.

Christmas Eve morning we returned to the hospital to have a follow up X-ray.When the nurse couldn’t reach the doctor for further instructions, she told us wecould go home but would most likely be back shortly. My legs turned to jelly, mystomach was in knots as we returned home. I knew I should be doing all the prepa-rations for our Christmas Eve dinner but was not able to think or function. Withina few hours, the phone rang. “Hi this is Dr. Sullivan.” My heart was racing, myhands sweating as I answered, “Hi, we have been waiting for your call. Do we haveto return to the hospital?”

There was a pause, “No. Why would you think that?”“Well after the X-ray, the nurse told us we would most likely be returning!”

Angrily, the doctor replied, “Everything is fine and with bed rest for a few days,Bob should be up and around. I will be speaking to that nurse as she should nothave told you anything. Have a very Merry Christmas!” I dropped the phone, cry-ing happy tears while hugging my husband.

We had just received the greatest Christmas blessing ever!!

WinterBY JUDITH ZOTTOLI

The downy woodpeckerbeckons to me,black upon white,a drop of bloodcrowns his head.I look out my windowat the newly fallen snow,white, fluffy, virgin.The black trees,tall and straight,a microcosm of emeraldgreen hidden inside.I am so weary of winter,adding layer upon layerto an alreadyfrozen spirit.I cry for my father reincarnatedand the hope and comfort he

brings.

RespectBY BONNIE WHEELER

A Season of JoySome try to destroyTake Jesus from Christmas?Not in my world.It is your right to worship your wayMy family fought for that right.Would I steal your joy?Never. So please respect mine.

Christmas lobster dinnerBY BONNIE WHEELER

A very dear friend of mine lives in a nursing facility. Sheis in her 90s and continues to be cheerful, helpful to othersand a delight to be with. Peggy loves lobster so I invited herout for early Christmas dinner so she could enjoy herfavorite food. I picked her up, put her walker in the trunk,and off we headed to Captain Mike’s. She ordered lobsterand black coffee and then asked me when I had been back toVermont. I thought, “Why would I be going to Vermont?”Oh dear. I realized she had no idea who I was. I said, “Notfor a long time. I have not been back to my home state ofOklahoma in a long time.” She asked, “How is Russell?”Who was Russell? I said, “I haven’t seen him in a while.Now my husband Garry is doing well, still driving a vanservice to Portland.” Now she looked at me, “Who isGarry?”

I said, “I have seen my kids, Brad, Kevin, and Lonna thisyear. Our friends Carolyn and Don always ask about you.”Finally we didn’t continue the game of confused conversa-tion. She enjoyed every bite of her lobster, and I enjoyed myhaddock.

I drove her back and walked her through the hallway toher room. We hugged and she thanked me, never once say-ing my name. Did she know who I was? I don’t think sheever did. Did it matter? No, not at all. When I got home, myhusband said, “How was Peggy?” I said, “Just fine. Sheloved her lobster dinner, Russell!” He gave me the verysame look I had given Peggy when she asked about Russell.The only Russell I knew was a handsome high schoolboyfriend. I do wonder, “How is Russell?”

The ‘HungryMoon’BY BETTY KING

Orange-round, thenbanana yellow

you rise and floatin the winter skythe very pictureof abundance.

Who is going hungrytonight?

AngelsBY GLADYS SZABO

Did you ever just meet someoneWith whom you connected like no other one?Angels come to us, I believe…In more ways than we conceive.Some see angels with flowing gownsFloating above and all around.Others enter our lives as a friend or a petWhom we will never forget.A bird in the skyOr a dainty butterfly.Some angels come, just for a whileOthers remain, for many a mile.Blessed with angels from earth and aboveReceiving their strength and endless love.Each angel holds a special placeIn my heart I will embrace.

Christmas DayBY BONNIE WHEELER

The winter wind howled through the night.Snow piled high in the morning light.Family arriving — hugs at the door — Gifts beautifully wrapped placed on the floorChristmas tree decorated, sparkling with lightSavory aromas from the kitchen, delightHappy children’s faces filled with gleeThis is the way Christmas Day should be.Cold wet clothing, boots dripping muddy clay,Children running amuck, toys all astrayInfants crying, mothers’ weary facesLeftover food, no refrigerator spacesMen asleep or watching TV.Women vacuuming the debrisDiscarded wrapping around a forlorn treeThis is my Christmas Day reality.

My most memorable ChristmasBY BETTY KING

…… was, for me, the archetypal Christmas — when my childrenwere very small. In those days we decorated the tree on ChristmasEve, after the children were all in bed — and then wrapped andarranged the presents (some of them always had to be assembledfirst, puzzling over totally inadequate instructions) and stuffed thestockings. Then I went to church (the Vigil Mass was at midnightthen, as it ought to be!)

When I got home I had every intention of going to bed, but thenight was so beautiful — the air was mild, the moon was full, blueshadows were striping the snow — and I was already well muffled upand wide awake. I would go for just a little walk. I soon found myselfdown at the river and sat on a stone to watch the moonlight on thewater. Before I knew it there was a pink glow on the eastern sky! Imade it back up to the house before the first sleepy child came downthe stairs.

We had breakfast all together of stollen, scrambled eggs, bacon andtangerines before attacking the Christmas stockings. Then theyoungest child selected a present from under the tree and delivered itto the recipient, who opened it and then chose the next present anddelivered it, and so on….. This took all morning. I meanwhile stuffedthe goose with fruit and set it to roast.

The afternoon was so warm, as I remember, that we went for a walkon a beach where the fog was so thick that we kept losing sight of oneanother. It took some doing to gather everybody for the trip home.

I am now about twice as old as I was that snowy Christmas eve.There must have been frustration, anxiety and fatigue, but all thathas long since faded from the picture leaving ……….. amazement!And gratitude.

Love at first sight BY CHARLOTTE HART

Pure joy! Anticipation! Sheer delight!I feel a breathless thrill when you appear.Will you come now and stay the long dark night?Lovely, magical first snow of the year!Tall skis, sleek sleds, strong snowshoes ready wait.Moon and candles kindle your diamonds’ gleam!Towering blue spruce guard the front yard gate.O deep-swirled snow, you frost a lovely scene.In March, we’ll end this torrid, iced affair.Your frozen grip sweet April will undo.Blue brilliant summer skies will banish care.October frosts will whisper thoughts of you.And then — come back, December blanket warm.Love at first sight again! Wild, swirling, lovely storm!

Company coming BY BONNIE WHEELER

“We are having company come, and we are cleaning house.You clean your room, Chris, and I want it to sparkle.”“Okay, Mommy”“You have had time to get your room clean. Are you done?”“Well, I still have some sparkle left. I put it on my floor,on my bed, on my dresser, and you are going to be so happy.My room really sparkles.”

“Oh, Christopher!”

Christmas1945

BY VINCE MCDERMOTT

The tree was upStraight and greenPresents galoreSanta wasn’t mean

The boy was eagerTo discover what was

thereBut no matter how goodThere was still a care

Five long yearsHad gone pastA rare visitNot long to last

Some short lettersSlow to arriveVery little newsBut he was alive

The door flew openCold air poured throughA snow covered figureCame into view

The best gift everWas standing tallHis dad was homeSafe after all

A pretty good old fashioned ChristmasBY RUTH FOEHRING

The Christmas of 1990 was almost upon us. I remembered a promise I made to myself afew years back that when we felt settled in our old farm house, I was going to have an oldfashioned Christmas party. We had moved there in 1973 so I figured we were as settled aswe ever would be. Moving out to the country in Vermont, and purchasing an old farmcomplete with barn, fields and meadows, and even a pond was a dream come true for me. Iloved it. I still do even though I no longer live there. But, oh what memories I have storedup!

Tried and true friends would be invited, people that if the day was a disaster they wouldstill love us. They would be the type of people that would not complain of the cold, lovenature, and would eat all that was put before them! My guest list was complete, the phonecalls were made. The instructions clearly stated that the Sunday before Christmas theparty would occur and to wear warm clothes, especially, warm boots, gloves and hats.Bring snowshoes but if they did not have any plenty would be here to use.

The day before the big event, we set up card tables in various rooms in the house. Eachtable was set with a red tablecloth, white dishes and napkins and sprigs of holly wereplaced in the center of each table. Sunday morning the cooking was well on its way, andby noon we were ready. I walked around the house admiring what I saw. Cozy! Christmas!Nice! Right on schedule the cars began showing up. Snow shoes lay on the back deck.Boots lay by the back door. The glass front on the wood stove showed orange and yellowflames. This was an inviting sight in this ten degree day and soon we were all toastywarm.

People relaxed, and then the fun began. We were going off into the woods and decorate apine tree. This tree would be our special gift to the birds for their Christmas. Bowls ofpopcorn and cranberries were handed out. Needles and thread and strong string camenext and we began making chains with them. They were tied together and began to growlonger. A few of us took pine cones, added string to hang them, smeared peanut butter onthem and rolled them in fine bird seed. Grapefruit halves were given hangers and suetballs place in their centers. Then we were ready.

Dressed warmly, snow shoes on, we trudged up the hill in the back and found the pretti-est tree. We all decorated it and the smiles on our faces were a delight to behold. Thehouse glowed with lights as we approached it and was a very inviting sight. Rosy cheekedand smiling faces entered the back door once again. Drinks and snacks were served. Themeal which had been cooking in the oven for a couple of hours was ready. Now came thenext part of the day. Numbers were drawn from a hat, people found their matching num-bers on the small tables and sat to eat their salads together.

The house was lighted now in every room. When the salads were finished, numberswere picked again, people changed to their new matching table where the main entréewas begun. Merry conversations and laughs were heard from every room. What fun!What joy! Then of course tables were changed again for dessert. Everyone met everyonethat day and friendships were cemented that last to this day. The day ended in front of thewood stove where we all laughed and hugged. Everyone left with a calico ornament and asprig of holly.

Tired but with a deep feeling of contentment we began the clean up. The people whospent this magic day with us are still our dearest friends. They have told us so may timeshow special this day was. Yes, the birds found their tree and enjoyed their treats for manyweeks. We then cleaned up all the strings and empty holders. Whenever we would crosscountry ski, or walk by it on greener days, memories stirred up of that very old fashionedChristmas.

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Snowflakes by God, Sara King and Grandma Betty

Winter stays a long time it seemsBY W. B. KINNEY

The winter stays a long time it seemsAs the snow falls and drifts on the windAnd spring waits on the wings of dreamsWhile we define our lives to find.

Each winter seems longer than the lastFor each year comes and goes While life for some did live the pastThese many a years have left us so.

How many more will this life give?The many more do we so wishFor they have been wondrous to liveFull of all that is this.

Walking the dog on a winter evening

BY BETTY KING

To the west, a stained glass skydivided by black branches. To the Easta warm glow where the moon will soon rise.Under our careful feet, dim opalescent reflectionsidentify puddles which we artfully avoid.In our faces a fresh night breeze, likea splash of cold water. In our noses,scents of lichen and resin. At the path’s end,warm fire, good food, and rest.

At the food bankBY BETTY KING

I see courageIn the eyes of the children

How do they know?Did you tell them?

My favorite holidaysBY ADELAIDE GUERNELLI)

My verses will remember three holidays:Thanksgiving, Christmas and Veterans Day,Since these are the days we feel closer to God,And, we can enjoy them with our families and friends.Christmas is the day my soul prefers ‘cause it meansJesus’ Birthday, and He is our Great BrotherAnd Savior who will never neglect us whileWe enjoy our lifes, or suffer and learn!Thanksgiving is a very special day ‘cause it isThe creation of a church in our souls, when weGather together with our families and friendsTo eat … but also to pray and we thank God and Jesus, again!Veterans’ Day makes my heart remember one brother andTwo uncles that died, and the list of the names that are in theNewspapers every week, honoring our Country andOther lands, and I cry, pray and remember all of them for the USA!

The last months of 2010BY ADELAIDE GUERNELLI}

I never celebrated Halloween when I was a child because my grandma neverbelieved in attracting dead people to earth. But we know that this day is respectedby many churches and is also devoted to good souls. So, I hope it will continue pro-tecting the children that disguise and have fun. This way, the day could also be ourfun to decorate our kitchens with all the delicious fruits and cookies. I respect thesaying “Death, like harvest, are part of Life” as Dr. Jack Santino said in Ohio Uni-versity.

On November 11 we dedicate our prayers to all our Veterans because they risktheir lives to protect other countries as well as the USA. I wish I can do in thefuture, what I saw a lady doing in an airport: she was kissing and hugging all themen and ladies that had just arrived and she also prayed for them! Thank you,CNN! To come back alive from the war is a miracle!

On December 25th we remember the day Jesus was born and we spend timewith our families praying and eating all those delicious pieces we bake with thefruits and vegetables of Maine’s rich production. We venerate those pumpkins!Unfortunately, the year 2011 has to wait to say hello and be consecrated by ourhumble poems and prayers. May I add some of the words that are used andrespected both in English and Spanish during all these days, to link all the coun-tries of the new world? Some of them are:

1. Halloween = Vispera de todos los Santos (vispera means the day before).2. Veterans Day = Dia de todos los Veteranos3. Thanksgiving Day = Dia de Accion de Gracias4. December 25 = Dia del Nacimiento de Jesus5. New Year’s Day = Dia del Ano Nuevo6. Hallow = Hola!7. Hallowed = Sagrado, o SantoAnd one advice to everyone in Maine, from this down to earth, lady: learn how

almost everything used or eaten in the olden days was home-made, pure, cleanand delicious, and the animals were treated like people. Winter days allowed fami-lies to gather, sing, dance and pray, in the evenings. And barns were used verywell!

83rd

Reiki treatments are given atthe Center.

Call 729-0757 for appointments.

PEOPLE PLUS

NEWS & VIEWSSPECIAL GUEST

STEVE WALLACE,executive director of the Southern Maine

MidCoast Chamber of Commerce

Viewed weekly on Cable Channel 3,Brunswick Community TV

MONDAY AFTERNOON ........................ 4 P.M.WEDNESDAY MORNING ...................... 7 A.M.SUNDAY EVENING ............................ 9 P.M.And on Harpswell Community Television

Viewed online, anytime:http://vimeo.com/harpswelltv

DECEMBER 2010 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS PAGE 5

DECEMBER 2010 at PEOPLE PLUSMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday/Sat.

LLuunncchh OOuutt!!Dec. 14 at 11:30 a.m.

O’SHEA’S EATERY94 Maine St., Brunswick

Pejepscot Genealogy Society’s holi-day gathering will be on Dec. 12 at 2p.m. in the second level seminar room(use the elevator if you don’t do stairs)of the Curtis Memorial Library,Brunswick.

The program will be a member-gen-erated sharing of stories about a trea-sured item from your past.

Please bring a dessert to share andthe recipe.

For more information, call 833-7371.

Genealogists plan holiday party

Art Club offers holidayshow and sale

Members and friends of the Ken-nebec Art Club are offering theirannual Holiday Show and Sale at theJust Framing gallery, 149 Front St.,Bath, through the month of December.

The juried presentation, featuringmost popular painting mediums, canbe viewed during regular businesshours.

The show will continue until Jan. 7,2011.

Lolly Brown, Eleanor Graffe, PatriciaJohnson and Susan White. Master ofCeremonies Millie Ackley said theelaborate program is designed to“reach everyone’s holiday spirit,” andshe pointed out this will be the firstpresentation of the Center Stage Play-ers at the new People Plus Center atUnion Street.

Requested donation is $5. “Decem-ber Lights” will also be presented atThe Theater Project on Dec. 2 and 3 at2 p.m. and at Thornton Oaks Retire-ment Center on Dec. 10, also a 2 p.m.

LIGHTSFrom Page 1

Seniors’ gift wish listfocuses on practical

When shopping for an older adultthis holiday season, your gift will be abig hit if you focus on the practical,advises a local senior-care company.

“Seniors, as a group, have alwaysbeen a frugal lot,” said Bill Jenks,owner of the Home Instead SeniorCare office serving Cumberland Coun-ty. “Out of necessity or, perhaps, dri-ven by fear, the economic downturnhas made older adults even more prac-tical. Social services budget cuts alsohave impacted the pockets of seniors,leaving some lacking the money fornecessities.”

According to a recent survey, the fol-lowing gifts would be popular:

10 popular and economicalgifts for older adults

1. Blankets or throws2. Slippers and socks3. Toiletries such as lotions, bath soaps,

cologne and perfume4. Pajamas and robes5. Food such as sausages, cheeses and

chocolates6. Kitchen and bath towels7. Clothes such as sweat pants, sweaters

and underwear8. Large-print books and puzzles9. Cards and stamps10. Gift certificates to grocery and discount

stores. Don’t forget companionship ser-vices.

BY LIBBY HERRICK

When I was a young mother, our twolittle boys would occasionally sneakup to me, one from each side, andpounce, kissing me with abandon andgrowling through grins, “the kissingmonsters are here!” It always sent thethree of us into torrents of laughter,and often sent my grinning husbandoff to find the camera.

Each time, I considered myself therichest woman in the world. I hadreceived the greatest gift there is.

When I was in my teens, I used tothink gift giving was solely in terms ofitems or monetary amounts or physi-cally helping someone. Years later Ilearned from my grandmother thatgift giving could be as simple as beingpresent with someone. Just listening

and being there. Later I learned giftswere sometimes opportunities noteven recognized. They could presentas a tough event, a loss, a catastrophe.But in there somewhere, there was agift. Even later, I finally realized therewere gifts all around us everywhere.Sometimes we don’t see them, or wemiss the moment, but they coat theground and surround us all the time.

Last month, my husband and Iintroduced our 6-year-old grandson tocheese fondue. Piercing pieces ofbread and swirling each piece in hot,melted cheese became a delightfulgame. He honestly thought this newcommunity eating approach was cre-ated just for him.

Part way through our meal, my hus-band lost a piece of bread in thecheese pot. He explained the rule ofhaving to be careful not to lose your

bread as it meant youhad to kiss the personto your right, and heleaned over andpromptly kissed hisgrandson. Sureenough, within aminute or two, thatsparkly-eyed kid lost apiece of bread in thepot and turned and planted a kiss onmy cheek. While still giggling, hepicked up an entire handful of breadpieces, gleefully threw them all in thepot, and turned and gave me dozens ofgiggling kisses. Thirty years disap-peared and I realized the laughing,kissing monster gene had been passeddown intact. It is alive and well. Andso is gift giving and receiving.

I wish everyone happy giving andreceiving.

PAGE 6 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS DECEMBER 2010

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WEEKLYSHOPPING

Join us for our weekly gro-cer y shopping trips. Alltrips are on Friday mornings and providean hour of relaxed shopping time.Please note, the food shopping daysjust before Christmas and News Yearswill be on Thursdays. All shoppers mustregister by 2 p.m. the Thursday beforeany given Friday shopping day.

Dec. 3 – Hannaford’sDec. 10 – Wal-MartDec. 17 – Shaw’sDec. 23 – (Thursday) Wal-MartDec. 30 – (Thursday) Hannaford’s

Call 729-0757 and either ask for the dri-ving line, or dial #105 and leave us amessage.

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Brunswick, Topsham and Harp-swell for medical appointments,grocery shopping and personal

needs.Call to register at 729-0757,

extension 105.

St. Joseph’s Col-lege of Nursingstudents JessicaOyster, DanielleHarmon, KatelynPascucci and LillyRodden offeredflu shots at theCenter this fall.Their instructor isDebra Riendeau,left. At right isnurse AvenylPayne fromCHANS.

Flu shot crew

There are some who suggest I lackthe temperament, if not the physique,to be a good Santa. To them I say Hum-bug!

HUMBUG! You want to super-sizeYOUR Christmas spirit, just dress uplike Santa and walk onto a trainloaded with kids. Padding will makeanyone appear roly-poly, and I swear, ifyou put on the suit, something magichappens.

I blame my mother for getting meinto the business. She used to volun-teer for Literacy Volunteers, and at ameeting one night, there was talk ofestablishing a local Christmas trainride for kids as a fundraiser. Shedropped my name and said I had a redsuit. The rest, as they say, is history.When the Literacy folks opened theirCandy Cane Train, I said, “sure, I’dtry it one time,” and I was hooked.This year, I think will be my fifth year.

All I have to do is show up, dress upand act up. What could be more natur-al? Hundreds of volunteers, from bar-ber-shoppers to readers, give these lit-tle kids a ride they will never forget.There are cookies and goodies galore.High school cheerleaders dress likeelves and offer exhibitions, sometimesin the snow of Wiscasset. The MaineEastern Railroad winds across theKennebec from Bath, over the Sheep-scot and through the woods to Wiscas-set and returns. Kids are treated likethe treasures they are, being read to,sang to, pampered and promised.Every kids should have this experi-ence once in their childhood. The two-hour round trip can be life changing.

“Santa” visits each of the four railcars at least once on the trip. He hearsevery wish and hugs every child. Heruns up and down the narrow, boot-filled aisles, he tucks notes under hisbelt, he pauses to be photographed. He“Ho-ho-ho’s,” until he is hoarse.

Several stories stand out over theyears. My favorite is the little kid who

used to live down the street from mein Bowdoinham. He was a commonvisitor to our house, and his visitsusually ended by Jane, or me, givinghim a Tootsie Roll for his trip home.Well, one year, this little kid and hisgrandma appeared on my train. I satin Grammy’s lap (she’s a good friend,too) and asked his name and where hewas from. His eyes filled with wonderas he said “Eli,” weakly, and added,“Bowdingham.” I touched his noseand said, “Bowdoinham, Bowdoin-ham, isn’t that in Maine?” He wasdelighted that Santa might knowwhere he lived. “Eli,” I added, “Eli,aren’t you the guy with the two meansisters who likes Tootsie Rolls?” Youcould have pushed that kid over with aCandy Cane, and before the trainclicked down the track another hun-dred yards, we had converted anotherchild to the magic of Christmas.

But I think I enjoy the day morethan the kids. Every 10th kid or solooks at me like he is looking into thevery eyes of old Saint Nick, himself.And when that happens, My day iscomplete. If it happens with 50 kids,or 100, you just know the kind of dayI’m having. Mothers and grandmoth-ers pat my hand and thank me andLiteracy Volunteers, for a job donegood. Everyone is off to a merryChristmas. When my shift is over, andI spin in on my heel and wish all avery merry Christmas, I always wishall my friends from People Plus couldjoin in the salute….

May you and yours have a very joy-ous and warm holiday season!

DECEMBER 2010 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS PAGE 7

SpeakingFrankly

FRANKCONNORS

Show up,dress up, act up

BRUNSWICKPamela GalvinPhyllis OuelletteRita NelsonRobert NelsonAnthony MonacoDiane Monaco

Joan GrangerLois HydeSachiyo PeavyBarbara Taylor

TOPSHAMPhyllis R. PonzianiMary Weinberg

HARPSWELL

Donna Nunnally

OTHER PLACES

Kim Dana, Bath

Morgan Moores,

Phippsburg

New or renewing members

Men’s breakfast aregular feature

Simply put, it’s an interestingmorning for the guys. Sometimeswe do scrambled eggs, sometimesit will be french toast, or a bakedstrata, even pancakes.

We always have sausage orbacon, home-fried potatoes, andusually with applesauce ormuffins.

The People Plus Center does onemen’s breakfast each month, thesecond Wednesday of the month,beginning at 8 a.m. Whatever is onthe menu, and it does change frommonth to month, there is always agenerous side order of good con-versation and hot coffee.

Suggested donation is still only$4. Just join us, gents.

Hectic family schedules and tightening budgets are prompting individualsto look at all sorts of alternative fitness programs, both organized and casu-al. Group exercise has long been accepted as useful and most successful formany reasons: more affordable, meeting people, being consistant and mak-ing yourself accountable for your own program. If you want a “top of theline” group exercise class, People Plus should be your choice! Pick up aschedule at the Center, or call Frank Connors, 729-0757, and ask for details

with Ida!

Marine Motifs such as this BrunswickHigh cheerleader will be exhibitedand sold at the Bowdoin College Far-ley Field House on Dec. 18, from 10a.m. till 5 p.m. For information, con-tact Claude Bonang at 725-5181.

A group of Brunswick High SchoolService Learning students is bringingstudents to People Plus in Decemberto “interview and interact with elderlyvolunteers. These groups of studentswill document their interviews for aproject that could be presented later atPeople Plus.

Two of the organizers, “Avery” and“Morgan,” guessed “basic contact,”would be the most valuable. They sug-gested the possibility of playing Ping

Pong as a method for opening discus-sions with People Plus members, andsaid they would “present” at the Dec.16 Lunch and Connections dinner atthe center.

“We’d like to develop a body ofinterviews that would benefit studentsas well as elders,” Avery said.

Any People Plus members whowould like to be interviewed by a BHSstudent should contact Frank Connorsat the Center, 729-0757.

Tis the season for making a list andchecking it twice …✔ School soccer season over ✔ School football season over✔ Halloween party held (great snacksand a classic movie-”Young Franken-stein,” and streamers and cobwebsand spiders …)✔ Halloween decorations down✔ Clocks turned back✔ Teens already planning for nextholiday

Time is flying by! “Don’t rush it” Iwant to tell them as the days get dark-er earlier and visions of snow and iceswirl through my head. I am not readyto give up on outside basketball anddodge ball yet, which we do wheneverpossible.

However, their young minds havealready leaped ahead to the future,specifically, into December and schoolvacation and the holidays. Being out-numbered in my desire to try to pre-serve time and enjoy the here andnow, I asked the teens to tell me a littleabout how they celebrate the holidays.The eight teens I spoke with all cele-brate Christmas and here is what theyhad to say:

Simone’s family goes out into thewoods to cut a tree, they never buy onealready cut. The family has a fewfriends and family members over toeat and a tradition each year is tomake “like 9 different kinds” of cook-ies (maple logs being the favorite) anddeliver them to friends and neighbors.The tradition with presents is to openone on Christmas Eve and the rest onChristmas morning.

Skyler also opens one tiny presentChristmas Eve and the rest in themorning. A tradition at his house isfighting with his little brother andthey usually cook a ham. His favoriteparts of Christmas time are not beingat school, being with family and pre-sents.

Gavin’s family doesn’t travel, theyusually stay home. They don’t cookanything special for Christmas.Gavin’s favorite part of the holiday issnow! Tradition is to open one presentChristmas Eve and the rest in themorning.

James’s family does something dif-ferent every Christmas. Last year heopened almost all his presents Christ-mas Eve but saved some for the morn-ing. His family usually has ham andhis favorite part of the holiday is pre-sents.

Ian’s family usually has companyover and they have a big dinner onChristmas day, “big, like a Thanksgiv-

ing meal.” One ortwo presents areopened ChristmasEve, the rest the nextmorning. Ian’sfavorite part is thepresents.

Catlyn’s familyusually stays homeand has a big dinner. Sometime theyhave ham and sometimes chicken andthis year they might have a turkey.Sometimes they are able to open a pre-sent on Christmas Eve and sometimesthey have to wait until morning.

Spike (who has like 10 siblings)stays home with his family. The tradi-tion is to open one present a day foreight days (yes I reaffirmed that thiswas a Christmas thing). The kids havestockings and open the rest of the pre-sents on Christmas morning. For food,the tradition every year is to have lob-ster stew the day before (yummy) andon Christmas day they eat a big break-fast because they are also allowed toeat candy from their stockings andthey don’t want to just have sugar inthem, thus the big breakfast. Spike’sfavorite part of the holidays is familytime.

Ashleigh’s family stays home, theyhave a tree and stockings and theyopen their presents in the afternoon (Ithink that may mean after breakfastChristmas morning?). Ashleigh’sfavorite parts of the holiday are fami-ly, gifts and being out of school.

In sharing a little of our holidayswith you, we also want to wish every-one else happy holidays and hope youget to enjoy all your favorite parts ofthe upcoming holidays!

P.S. Our friend Hank continues toleave gifts of bananas, apples andoranges for the teens and our friendCamilla is back and recently droppedoff her delicious banana bread andcookie bars! Thank you!

PAGE 8 PEOPLE PLUS NEWS DECEMBER 2010

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This classroom picture was taken in Brunswick about 1910, accordingto George LeMieux who says his dad, Victor J. LeMieux, is in the pic-ture. He is the last young scholar in the extreme left row. Victor LeMieuxwas born on Union Street in Brunswick, on Dec. 24, 1900, and, accord-ing to George, he “did some time at St. John’s School,” where this pic-ture may have been taken. It is a basement classroom; notice thesteam heat. Anyone with any information about classmates, teacheror this school, please let us know. If you have old area pictures toshare with readers of People Plus News, please contact Frank Con-nors at 729-0757.

Fondly recalled …

Teen Center news

Linking All Ages effort set

Jordan Cardone