« August 2025

Welcome to the AREA Newsletter for August 2025.  The newsletter has lots of information so consider bookmarking it to return easily.

Next Meeting - September 10, 2025

Montello Heights

Lewiston

September Registration Form

Download Folder - ALL the stuff!

President's Message - I hope this newsletter finds everybody enjoying their summer. I’ve had an interesting time over the last eight weeks using a walker to get around, not my idea of a good time! We have included the programming for this year and I’m really excited about how well-rounded offerings are going to be and I want to personally thank the Board of Directors for their hard work in coming up with people to speak or present and then contacting them to make sure that everything works fine. I look forward to seeing you all in September at Montello Heights. Please enjoy the rest of your summer.

Please consider bringing donations of canned or packaged food. We will transfer it to Good Shepard Foodbank for those less fortunate than we.

Downloads -All the. information for this newsletter is available here - Downloads

Committees and Officers

AREA Programs for 2025-2026

Treasurer's Reports

Gina has lots to share... 

Treasurer's Report

End of Year Report 2024-2025

2025-2026 Budget

Day of Caring Project

from Crystal Ward

AREA.. the Store Next Door is no longer in Lewiston BUT The Lewiston Student Resource Center is in the same place doing the same things .  I have also contact Edward Little High Schools food pantry to assess that program.  

At the Sept Meeting we will need to decide what we want to do for our Day of Caring Project for 2025  

 From the Lewiston Student Resource Center:

“Thank you so much for reaching out and for your continued support of our students through the Androscoggin Retired Educators Association’s Day of Caring Project. We truly appreciate the work you've done in the past with the Store Next Door and understand your concerns regarding its transition.

While the Store Next Door is no longer operating under that name at Longley, we want to assure you that Lewiston Public Schools remains deeply committed to supporting students experiencing homelessness. We are currently offering services through our Lewiston Student Resource Center, located in the basement of the Lewiston Multi-Purpose Center.

The center is open Monday through Friday, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM. It includes:

·         A clothing closet with gently used clothing and shoes

·         A food pantry (gift cards for food )

·         A hygiene closet

·         Access to washers, dryers, and showers for student use

We would love to invite you or members of the Executive Committee for a tour of the space so you can see the work firsthand. Additionally, we are currently accepting donations of school supplies, backpacks, hygiene products, snacks, and gently used clothing/shoes.

You can also find more about us and stay updated by visiting our Facebook page.

Thank you again for reaching out, and we truly look forward to partnering with you for your September project.”

Seniors Plus - New Senior Center

Seniors Plus in Lewiston is building a new senior center with construction already underway and a ground breaking ceremony later in August. We are all beneficiaries of the programs offered there and will benefit from this new building.

You can help with construction costs by purching a memorial paver.  It's a good way to be a part of something that impacts us all.

Click this link for more information and the form to complete - Seniors Plus Paver Program.

Lewiston Senior Citizens Advisory Council

The Lewiston Senior Citizens Advisory Council has been busy over the last few months. In addition to working in order to have Lewiston become registered as an age-friendly city, the group has recently published its first newsletter.

Read the newsletter here - LSAC Newsletter

From the State House

from Crystal Ward

There are  two statewide ballot measures  certified for the ballot in Maine for the election on November 4, 2025.

There are  two statewide ballot measures  certified for the ballot in Maine for the election on November 4, 2025.

1. Require Voter Photo ID and Change Absentee Ballot and Dropbox Rules Initiative 
2.  Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Restrict Firearms and Weapons Access Initiative Red Flag Law .
MEA’S Positions and reasoning:.

VOTER ID
1.MEA opposes this initiative
1.  Require Voter Photo ID and Change Absentee Ballot and Dropbox Rules Initiative
The ballot initiative would establish a voter identification requirement. Voters would need to present a valid photographic ID to vote in person. Voters submitting absentee ballots would need to include their driver’s license number, non-driver identification number, or another acceptable photographic identification. The secretary of state would be required to issue free non-driver identification cards to individuals who are at least 18 years old and do not have a valid state driver’s license. The initiative is 28 pages long.
The initiative would also make other changes to election administration policy, including: 

• limiting municipalities to one secured drop box for returning absentee ballots;
• repealing the law that allows voters to request absentee ballots by telephone;
• repealing the provision that allows voters to apply for ongoing absentee voter status;
• repealing the law that allows absentee ballots to be returned via a drop box by a voter’s immediate family member;
• prohibiting public offices from prepaying return postage for absentee ballots; and
• requiring a bipartisan team of election officials, rather than the municipal clerk or designees, to collect ballots from drop boxes.

The changes proposed to the absentee process would be harmful to many retirees who vote by absentee ballot. Makes the absentee process much more difficult.

RED FLAG LAW
2. MEA supports this initiative 

2.  Extreme Risk Protection Orders to Restrict Firearms and Weapons Access Initiative ( ERPO’s) Red Flag Law .

• The political action committee Safe Schools, Safe Communities is leading the campaign behind the extreme risk protection order (ERPO) initiative.
• The ballot initiative would establish a process for obtaining an ERPO. Sometimes referred to as red-flag laws, ERPOs prohibit an individual from purchasing or possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon. The proposal would allow a family member, household member, or law enforcement official to file an ERPO for an individual.  
• If voters approve the initiative, Maine would become the 22nd state to authorize the issue of ERPOs, and the second, after Washington, to do so with the approval of a ballot measure. 
• Nacole Palmer, the executive director of the Maine Gun Safety Coalition, stated, “We know that Mainers reject a false choice between gun rights and gun responsibility. That we can respect the freedom to own guns, but also respect that communities have the right to feel safe.”
• Jerry Reid, chief counsel for Gov. Janet Mills (D), stated, “It is the responsibility of law enforcement, not that of a private citizen, to protect the public. Further, we do not believe a private citizen should be expected to navigate what can be a complex and confusing court procedure by themselves, especially in the middle of already difficult circumstances.”

Get Ready

from Mona Ervin

• Replace your window screens with storm windows if you have them. If you do not have storm windows, it’s still a good idea to remove the screens.
• Get your chimney cleaned if you rely on a fireplace or a woodstove for heat.
• Plowing your own driveway? Make sure your snow blower or plow truck is ready to go. Otherwise, hire plow services and don’t forget to mark your driveway!  If you have someone plow or shovel for you be sure to ask about the rates this coming winter - everything is going up and you do not want to be caught unaware of any price hike.
• Clean your gutters and downspouts to facilitate water runoff in the spring.
• Store patio furniture in the garage or garden shed.
• Drain your garden hoses and store them in the garage or a covered area.
• Identify tree hazards that could pose a risk to your home or safety from a heavy snow load or strong wind. If there is a hazard have the limbs or branches removed.
• Place a screen over intake vents to prevent rodents from discovering a warm place to call home.
• Clean debris from flat roofs or roof valleys where leaves can collect and hold moisture.
• Reverse the direction of ceiling fans to force warm air down into the room.
• Install or increase attic insulation or have a professional inspection if you’re concerned about heat loss through the roof. Insufficient insulation can lead to water dams that back up and leak into the house I KNOW!!
• Have your furnace or heating system professionally inspected. This includes the heat pump.
• Turn off water valves that supply water to hose spigots if you have them.
• Remove and store any window mounted AC units.
• Prevent drafts by inspecting windows and doors for cracks or leaks. Replace weather stripping if needed.
• Inspect pipes that run on exterior walls for proper insulation or any vulnerabilities to freezing.
• Check batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Pour a few gallons of water in your sump pit to make sure the sump pump works correct.
• If your HVAC system has a humidifier, get it inspected and calibrated. Make sure the drain line is clear.
• Have sand or gravel or ice melt on hand for snow fall.
• As always, regularly change the filters in the furnace and heat pump for maximum efficiency.

Monthly Puzzle 

1.  Here is an easy one to start.  This breed is spotted and is famous for hanging around fire stations. What breed is this dog?
2. This very large, fluffy dog is famous for its role in Alpine rescues.  It is often shown in pictures with a small barrel attached to its collar.  What breed is this dog?
3. The smallest dog ever is Miracle Milly who weighed in at 1 pound fully grown.  Milly was a Japanese version of this dog, which shares a name with a Mexican state. Which breed is this dog?
4. This breed was developed in 1922 to protect against predators in Africa, particularly lions.  What is this unique breed?
5.  The longest and heaviest dog in the world was Aicama Zorba, who weighed 343 pounds (156 kilograms) and stood 37 inches (94 centimeters) at the shoulder.  What breed was this very large dog? 
6. These gentle, very friendly, dogs are known for their speed.   When these dogs retire from the racing life they make wonderful pets. What breed is this fast dog?
7. Originally bred in Canada as working dogs for fisher men, these dogs are known for their strength, gentle nature and excellent swimming abilities.  Their name derives from The Maritime province they haled from.  What breed is this dog?
8. This breed is a crossbreed dog created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. This breed is intended to be a good choice for people allergic to canine dander. 
9. This muscular pooch may look ferocious, but as a breed they are really just about the laziest pooch you will find.  What breed is this dog that is the national symbol across the pond?
10.  Queen Elizabeth II owned over 30 dogs of this breed during her life.  What is this popular royal breed?
11.  This breed is a British breed of retriever. It was developed in the United Kingdom from St. John's water dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland, and its name comes from a region of that province. This dog is a favorite family friendly pet.  For 31 years this breed was the most popular breed in America. What is this breed?
12. This breed has become the most popular breed since 2021.  It surged to the top, quickly amassing popularity for its size and adaptability. It’s hard to miss their signature bat ears on city streets and rural roads alike. This breed originated in France, what is this breed?
13. &14.  These two breeds are considered the most underappreciated breeds of dog by American kennel clubs.  They have violent reputations, and are often misrepresented and mislabeled.  In actuality these two breeds make amazing companions – just like any other dog! 

1. The Dalmation is easily recognizable due to its white coat marked with dark-colored spots. Originally bred as a hunting dog, it was also used as a carriage dog and also known as fire dogs in its early days while firefighters were still using horse-drawn carriages. This led to them being known as fire dogs. The origins of this breed can be traced back to Croatia and its historical region of Dalmatia. It is thought that early ancestors of the breed were certain breeds of pointers and a spotted Great Dane.
2. The Saint Bernard is a breed of very large working dog from the Western Alps in Italy and Switzerland. They were originally bred for rescue work by the hospice of the Great St Bernard Pass on the Italian-Swiss border. The hospice, built by and named after the Alpine monk SaintBernard of Menthon, acquired its first dogs between 1660 and 1670. The breed has become famous through tales of Alpine rescues, as well as for its large size and gentle temperament.
3.  The Chihuahua is most likely a native of Mexico, though some experts in the breed have theorized that the Chihuahua may have been brought from the island of Malta by the Spanish conquistadors. Others speculate that the breed may have originated in China. Things get even stranger when we learn that early writing made wild claims, such as that the Chihuahua wasn’t fully canine, or that they were even related to chipmunks. The Aztecs believed that when an Aztec noble would die, it was necessary to slay a Chihuahua and bury or cremate it with the body of the human. They believed that the spirit of the dead Chihuahua would act as a guide through the afterlife for the soul of the dead noble.  Chihuahuas were also used as a form of money for trading purposes as they were considered so valuable. 
4. The Rhodesian Ridgeback is an all-purpose 'Renaissance hound' whose hallmark is the ridge, or stripe of backward-growing hair, on his back. Though the breed was made famous in its native Africa for its skill at tracking and baying, but never, ever killing lions. Ridgebacks reach 70–85 pounds and stand 24–27 inches high at the shoulder. They are muscular, powerful, and athletic. Also known as African Lion Hounds. Today Ridgebacks are cherished family dogs whose owners must be prepared to deal with their independence and strong prey drive. Having had a neighbor with a Ridgeback, I can attest to their power and "independence" - they can be frightening. 
5. The English Mastiff is a colossal dog. It belongs to a canine clan as ancient as civilization itself. A massive, heavy-boned dog of courage and prodigious strength, the Mastiff is docile and dignified but also a formidable protector of those they hold dear. For the uninitiated, a face-to-face encounter with these black-masked giants can be startling. A males stand at least 30 inches at the shoulder and can outweigh many a full-grown man. The rectangular body is deep and thickly muscled, covered by a short double coat of fawn, apricot, or brindle stripes. The head is broad and massive, and a wrinkled forehead accentuates an alert, kindly expression. Mastiffs are patient, lovable companions and guardians who take best to gentle training.
6. Greyhounds are champion sprinter of dogdom.  The Greyhound is a gentle, noble, and sweet-tempered companion with an independent spirit. For thousands of years these graceful hounds have been an object of fascination for artists, poets, and kings. Greyhounds are the essence of the dog breeder's credo 'Form follows function.' From the narrow, aerodynamic skull to the shock-absorbing pads of the feet, Greyhounds are perfectly constructed for high-speed pursuit. The lean beauty of the Greyhound 'inverted S' shape, created by the deep chest curving gently into a tightly tucked waist, has been an object of fascination for artists, poets, and kings for as long as human beings have called themselves civilized.
7. The Newfoundland is a large breed of working dog. They can be black, grey, brown, or black and white. However, in the Dominion of Newfoundland, before it became part of Canada, only black and Landseer (white-and-black) colored dogs were considered to be proper members of the breed. They were originally bred and used as working dogs for fishermen inNewfoundland. They excel at water rescue/lifesaving because of their muscular build, thick double coat, webbed paws, and swimming abilities.
8. Labradoodles are a crossbreed dog created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Standard or Miniature Poodle. Labradoodles were intended to be a good choice for people allergic to canine dander.  Hip and elbow dysplasia are common problems affecting labradoodles. Other ailments include eye diseases and Addison's disease. Wally Conron of Australia, who is credited with inventing the breed, has commented that healthy labradoodles are "few and far between" and most are "crazy or have a hereditary problem.
9. The Bulldog is a British breed of dog of the mastiff type. It may also be known as the English Bulldog or British Bulldog. It is a stocky, muscular dog of medium size, with a large head, thick folds of skin around the face and shoulders and a relatively flat face with a protruding lower jaw. Selective breeding for appearance has led to increased susceptibility to health problems including brachycephaly, hip dysplasia, heat sensitivity and skin infections. The dogs may not be bred in Norway or the Netherlands, because of concerns about their quality of life.  This breed has the shortest life span of any breed at just over seven years of age.  The breed was developed for bull baiting - a sport in medieval England.  This was outlawed in as late as 1878 by the Cruelty to Animals Act.
10. The Pembroke Welsh Corgi, Welsh for "dwarf dog" is a cattle herding dog breed that originated in Pembrokeshire, Wales. The name Corgi is of Welsh origin, and is a compound of the words cor and ci (mutated to gi), meaning "dwarf" and "dog", respectively. It is one of two breeds known as a Welsh Corgi, the other being the Cardigan Welsh Corgi. 
11. The Labrador Retriever, also known simply as the Labrador or Lab, is a British breed of retriever gun dog. It was developed in the United Kingdom from St. John's water dogs imported from the colony of Newfoundland (now a province of Canada), and was named after the Labrador region of that colony. It is among the most commonly kept dogs in several countries, particularly in the Western world. It was the number one most popular dog, according to the American Kennel Club for 31 years.
12. The French Bulldog is the most popular dog for three years in a row, replacing the Labrador. It began its first place run in 2022, according to the American Kennel Club.
13. / 14. Pit bulls and rottweilers get a bad rap.  These two breeds are often misunderstood because they tend to be bigger and more energetic than most dogs. “Both the rottweiler and pit bull breeds can be large, muscly, powerful and may appear to be intimidating through their body language,” says Erin Askeland an Animal Health and Behavioral Consultant. “Often these dogs are depicted as villainous dogs in entertainment and in the media, which furthers their poor reputation and misconceptions.”

Getting to Know You -

from Mona Ervin

Mona has invented this wicked cool thing - Getting to Know You.  We can answer the survey questions and then share them out at various points in the year. Please download the questionnaire and bring it to our September meeting.  Copies of the survey will also be present at the meeting, but bringing it along would be best.  I could have made it into an on-line data base, but.... 

Getting to Know You

EZEEE KWEEZEEN

Zucchini Relief Salad

This is wicked easy.

After six years of futile attempts to grow yellow zucchini, I have finally had a good year. The gods have smiled and the gopher has stayed away.

Chop the zucchini into bite sized pieces.  Chop up an onion.

Heat a fry pan with melted butter. Avoid overheating

Fry up the zucchini and the onion - but don't overcook it - just brown it nicely. Add the spices you like - salt, pepper, celery salt.

Spoon the hot zucchini onto a bed of iceberg lettuce.

Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers.

Add Feta cheese crumbles

What could be easier?

Newsletter Cleaning.

We have been at this newsletter thing for a few years.   Ordinarily I save everything, but the time has come to delete old files and archived materials.  If there is anything special you want, drop me a line so that I can send it to you before housekeeping.