Over the past two weeks, my alter ego (Santa Claus) has taken over and has been bringing Christmas cheer to Aroostook County residents in nursing, assistive living and residential care facilities.
Christmas is the time of the year when family dinners, parties and visits are important to everyone. The holidays are often a time of joy, laughter and togetherness. Whether it is a large gathering or a small intimate one-on-one visit, people’s spirits are uplifted by the spending of time together, where stories are told and memories shared. These activities renew the feeling of self-worth for everyone present.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
As a volunteer ombudsman for the Maine Office of the Ombudsman, I see all too often residents in these facilities longing to have a meaningful Christmas as they used to have in their younger days. Listening to stories of personal histories, Christmas traditions and calling up memories past good times are most uplifting to both the resident and the visitor. Unfortunately, several of these residents do not have living family members who could come and visit. Some have family but their closest family members live downstate or even out of state and are not able to visit.
Last week, I had breakfast with two residents, one with family in Texas and the other with family in California. They were sad about the impossibility of receiving visits from the family. Despite this disappointment, we had an enjoyable time as we shared stories about Christmases past – our favorite toys, foods, treats and family activities. This time together was priceless.
Readers may consider being involved with the local nursing homes by visiting and making new friends or by renewing past friendships with residents in the homes. These friendships could grow into ongoing visits and meaningful relationships. Big parties are fun, but small conversations can be way more meaningful. So if you can, please consider visiting family members and friends in facilities near you and spread the Christmas cheer.
(Courtesy of Terry Sandusky)
Governor recognizes Lions
Maine Lions District 41 Governor Kitty Doyle visited the Mapleton Lions Club on Dec. 16. She shared information on the district’s project she adopted, which has a goal of raising $50,000 for Life Flight of Maine.
This service reaches all parts of the state to provide transportation during medical emergencies. The agency’s helicopters can airlift people airlift people in places where needed medical care isn’t available to a hospital where they can receive critical care.
The service saves lives, especially when traditional ambulance service cannot reach the patient or when the transport time would be too long, Doyle said.
Mapleton Lions Club President Rick Fowler presented Doyle with a $1,000 donation for LifeFlight.
Doyle also talked about increasing membership across the state, and about a project that involves recycling plastics for the construction of park benches. Weather resistant plastic benches can be created from 1,000 pounds of plastic. The District has started collecting the plastic and now has approximately 500 pounds toward the its first bench. This bench will be set in Lewiston near the sight of the mass shooting and will have all of the names of the victims embossed on it.
Past District Governor Michelle Crocker and Bunny Parks, District Lions Club International Foundation Chair, also spoke. Crocker, who is serving as District Global Membership Chair, spoke on recruiting new members. Parks emphasized the importance of donating to the foundation, which has provided assistance to areas of the country hard-hit by hurricanes, hunger or disease.
Doyle presented longevity chevrons to local lions, including: Jake Graham, 10 years, who followed his father into the club; Bob McBay, 15 years; Frank Richards, 20 years; and Ron Leonard, 50 years. Leonard is the longest-serving member. He served as president four times and worked on countless projects.
Terry Sandusky is the Star-Herald correspondent for Mapleton, Chapman and Castle Hill and can be reached at 764-4916 or at starherald.Tsandusky@gmail.com.
