AARP and local municipalities advocate for broadband internet in rural communities

By Lorraine Glowczak

More than 20 years ago, the popular use of dial-up internet hit the mainstream, changing the way the world communicates and completes business. Fast forward to the 21^st century where high-speed internet has changed life further, affording many the freedom to create home-based businesses, provide financial savings via online learning as well as the ability to “cut the cord” from cable television.

But much like a well-traveled road that requires expansion to continue the swift pace desired, the speed and availability of the internet is quickly changing. For those in rural areas like Windham and Raymond, the internet is unable to keep up with the traffic and demands of its residents, students, and business owners. This has been a challenging issue in rural communities for a long time, but the current pandemic as put a serious spin on its present need for success on all levels.

“Now more than ever, we are seeing what the lack of internet access means for people in underserved communities like Windham and Raymond,” said Lori Parham, Executive Director for AARP Maine. “As a result of COVID-19, people are feeling more isolated and alone as the need for communication and connection has transitioned to online platforms.”

Although most of AARP’s focus and mission is to assist and support individuals who are 50 and older, it is also recognized that broadband internet is critical for diverse economic growth across all ages. As a result, they are advocating for Maine Ballot Question 1 this election cycle.

At the July 14, 2020 election, voters will get the opportunity to vote on this issue with Question 1 - High-Speed Internet Infrastructure Bond Issue. A "yes" vote supports this measure to authorize $15 million in general obligation bonds for the ConnectME Authority to provide funding for high-speed internet infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas. A "no" vote opposes this measure to authorize $15 million in general obligation bonds for the ConnectME Authority to provide funding for high-speed internet infrastructure in unserved and underserved areas.

The bond will be matched with 30 million in private, local, or federal support and the 15 million investment would bring a total of 45 million or more to buildout the infrastructure needed and is essential to individuals in rural communities.

“High-speed internet is essential for young and old alike – from school children, business owners to caregivers as well as retirees,” said Jane Margesson, AARP Maine Communications Director. “The lack of broadband internet impacts services that are much needed – whether is it a teacher trying to instruct their student online, an occupational therapist providing service to the young learner or older adult trying to access telemedicine because the pandemic prevents a one to one office visit - whatever the case may be, Mainers deserve to have access to high speed internet and it is simply not available to everyone in rural communities.”

Both Raymond and Windham municipalities know the importance of the role Broadband plays in economic and social success. They have worked tirelessly together to support individuals, schools and businesses in the Sebago Lakes communities.

Don Willard, Raymond’s Town Manager, stated in a 2018 interview on this subject that it was time for Maine to be a leader instead of a follower.

“It is imperative to invest in our future,” Willard said. “We must change and adapt if we are to remain economically viable, for not only businesses in the area, but for the community at large.”

In a recent phone conversation, Willard backed his statement from that previous interview.

“What I said two years ago is truer now more than ever as a result of the pandemic,” he said. “Our future economic viability depends upon this critical infrastructure to meet the needs of not only our business community, but also to have success in all manner of future communication endeavors and most importantly provision of education at all levels.”

The Windham Economic Development Corporation (WEDC) has long been a supporter of broadband internet and has advocated legislation to help rural communities in Maine increase broadband infrastructure and reliability.

“The legislature has enabled towns and cities to form Municipal Broadband Utilities and has provided a funding mechanism allowing these utilities to raise capital through Revenue Bonds,” explained WEDC Director, Tom Bartell. “We are also working with Cumberland County government, which has received grant funding to research which form of the Municipal Broadband Utility would be best for the region.”

AARP-Maine is a member of the Maine Broadband Coalition and has worked closely with this group on this effort. For a full list of supporters to date: www.betterinternetformaine.org/allies/ 

To learn more about high-speed internet and/or Maine Ballot Question 1, contact AARP at Parham at lparham@aarp.org , Raymond Town Manager Willard at don.willard@raymondmaine.org or Bartell at the WEDC at thbartell@windhammaine.us. <

Monthly Speak Out by Patrick Corey highlights Windham Age Friendly Community Survey

By Lorraine Glowczak

On Thursday, August 15, Rep. Patrick Corey’s Speak Out topic for the evening consisted of age

friendly awareness. He interviewed both Jane Margesson, the Communications Director for AARP-Maine and Deb McAfee, Chair of the Human Advisory Committee for the Windham Town Council.

The first half of the hour, Corey spoke to Margesson about the many scams that inundate us, and ways one can prevent from being taken advantage of. (To learn more and keep aware, go to www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/ or contact Margesson at JMargesson@aarp.org with any questions or concerns. Also, be sure to read the AARP Scam Alerts that are printed weekly in The Windham Eagle.)

The second half of Speak Out focused on the work that McAfee, the advisory committee and other interested Windham residents who are addressing the topic of an Age Friendly Community initiative.

“The Human Advisory Committee is appointed by the Town Council,” McAfee explained. “The purpose of this committee is to determine the level and type of human service needs experienced by
the residents of the town and then, once determined, provide recommendations to the Council of appropriate actions to meet identified needs.”

McAfee explained that a survey was completed in 2015 to help establish what needs were important to the community. “On that survey, the fourth important subject was senior community gathering space and assistance.”

Following the success of Raymond’s Age Friendly Community initiative, which is now officially in place, the committee decided to begin the process to officially make Windham a part of the AARP network of age friendly communities.

Briefly and according to AARP, becoming age friendly “advances efforts to help people live easily and comfortably in their homes and communities as they age. AARP’s presence encourages older adults to take a more active role in their communities and have their voices heard. Initiatives focus on areas such as housing, caregiving, community engagement, volunteering, social inclusion and
combating isolation among older citizens.”

Windham’s aging population is increasing. “In the 2010 census, the number of people who were 50 and older was at 32.5 percent,” McAfee said. “In 2015, the percentage increased to 34 percent. It is expected that by 2020, Windham’s population of individuals, 50 and older will increase to 39 percent.”

To gain information about the current needs and wishes of the community, a survey will be distributed in a number of ways to Windham residents. The survey can be found in the center of in today’s print edition of The Windham Eagle, can be found online at: www.surveymonkey.com/r/Age-FriendlyWindham and will also be distributed (with drop off boxes) at the following locations:

Town Hall of Windham   

Windham Public Library            

Windham/Raymond Adult Education   

Hannaford          

Shaws             

United State Post Office (north and south locations)

Corsetti's           

Mercy at the rotary     

Avesta Housing- Unity Gardens, Lower Falls and New Marblehead

Deadline for the survey will be September 13, 2019. Once the results are in and tabulated, there will be a public forum to discuss the outcome and to receive further feedback on October 21 at  Windham High School at 7 p.m. 

McAfee expressed the many benefits for becoming an official AARP Age Friendly Community and some of those benefits include:

Access to a global network of participating communities, as well as aging and civic society experts.

Access to key information about the program, such as the latest news and information about best
practices, events, results, challenges and new initiatives.

Opportunities for partnerships with other cities, both domestic and international.

Mentoring and peer-review evaluation by member cities.

Public recognition of the community’s commitment to become more age-friendly.

Speaking engagements at conferences and events hosted by AARP and promotion through AARP’s media channels.

At the present time, there are approximately 11 people on the taskforce working to make this become a reality. If you wish to participate and actively work toward making Windham a livable place for windhamiris@outlook.com
people of all ages, or you would like further information, contact McAfee at

But more importantly, let you voice be heard and fill out the survey today.

Raymond’s Age Friendly Community receives Community Challenge Grant by Lorraine Glowczak

Members of the Raymond community participate in the intergenerational community garden project

The Raymond Community Garden, located on the grounds of the Raymond Village Library, was the host to area individuals on Monday, July 30 as they came out to celebrate the competitive grant awarded to Raymond’s Age Friendly Community (RAFC). RAFC is one of 169 organizations, nationwide, that received the AARP Community Challenge Grant. This grant is part of AARP’s Livable Communities initiative that helps towns and cities across the United States like Raymond become great places to live for residents of all ages. The goal is to encourage and support individuals to become engaged in all areas of life.

The monetary award received by RAFC will go toward an intergenerational community garden project, allowing people of all ages and abilities to garden together and provide food for the Raymond Food Pantry.

“The intention of this project is to foster friendly and safe places for older residents to partner with our children while providing opportunities for each group to learn from each other and to provide fresh vegetables to the food pantry,” stated Sheila Bourque, Age Friendly community member, Raymond Village Library Board Director and author of the grant.

This collaborative effort, inspired by the Raymond Age Friendly Community, includes other organizations who also wish to be involved in creating a healthy and livable community. The other organizations involved include: the Raymond Village Library, Raymond Community Garden, Raymond Lions Club, the Town of Raymond, the Raymond Beautification Committee and Raymond Garden Club. A donation of lumber to build the elevated garden beds was provided by Hancock Lumber. The Raymond Lions Club are donating their time and carpentry skills to build those elevated beds and benches.

The innovative endeavors between these organizations are something to celebrate and the receipt of this grant should be applauded. “There were 1600 grant applicants nationwide,” stated Lori Parham, AARP Maine State Director. “Only 169 grants were awarded, and Raymond was among the recipients for their innovative project – a project that not only creates a better place for residents of all ages to live but inspires positive change.”

Parham also stated that Maine leads the country in age-friendly communities. “There is something special about Maine – especially in the rural areas. Rural locations face more challenges, and the people in these locations are up to facing those challenges by collaborating to make the community more sustainable. The Town of Raymond is a prime example.”

It was only 14 months ago when the Raymond Age Friendly Community was just an idea. Inspired by a meeting hosted by Rep. Jessica Fay, over 35 individuals came out on a nice May 2017 afternoon to learn about creating an age friendly and sustainable town.

Briefly, the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities is an affiliate of the World Health Organization and is a part of an international effort launched in 2006 to help cities prepare for rapid population aging along with the popularity of urbanization.

The gathering that occurred 14 months ago was held to inform the Raymond residents and other surrounding and interested communities how to prepare for their aging population. “I’m so excited about how that one step we took back in May of 2017 is now a reality,” Fay said. “I’m proud of how the community came together to create something this big out of nothing. When that first meeting occurred, this collaborative effort is exactly what I had envisioned.”

Town Manager, Don Willard, also sees a benefit in this intergenerational project. “Given the demographic of Raymond, anything we do that puts older individuals along with younger citizens as a way to engage and connect is beneficial to building a strong and sustainable community.”

The demographic in Raymond is unique – as are all other communities in Maine. AARP Maine is there to help assess and to support those needs of individual towns. “Our role is to provide resources and tools to help the communities decide what is best for their town. We are here to support the communities in accessing those needs - whatever the individual community deems that may be” explained Parham.

What are the needs of Raymond? That is still being decided. Approximately three months ago, RAFC members sent out and delivered a community assessment questionnaire that ends in September. The survey asks questions related to transportation, social activities, home health care, home repair and many others. Once the results are in, the stated needs of those who live in and visit Raymond will be analyzed by St. Joseph’s College faculty and students. RACF will factor the needs requested and stated by the community from the report to prioritize new projects moving forward.

“The opinions of the people of Raymond are important,” Bourque said. “It matters! Whether you live here full time, seasonally or are just visiting, the RAFC wants to know what you think on these important issues. Our group wants to work on what matters to you. We ask everyone to take the survey. Feel free to drop in on our monthly meetings. Together we can make a difference.”

RACF survey can be taken on-line at www.raymondvillagelibrary.org. The next monthly meeting is Monday, August 13 at 2 p.m. at the Raymond Public Safety Building, 1443 Roosevelt Trail in Raymond.

Windham Public Safety Day deemed a success - By Stephen Signor

Last Saturday safety conscious residents flocked to the Windham Public Safety building to celebrate National Safety Day. With a combined effort from AARP, Windham Police Department, Windham Fire and Rescue Department, activities that promoted safety and education were set up around the property.
 

Among the activities was a K9 demonstration in which Windham Police Dog Vader was on hand to show off his prowess in locating unseen items for retrieval. Vader is a 3-year-old black shepherd that has been trained for numerous police responsibilities. Handler and Officer Steve Stubbs gave an entertaining and informative demonstration. Vader’s actions provided spectators a glimpse of how voice commands play an important role in catching law breakers and finding illegal items that may have been tossed out a vehicle for example. With the assistance of DARE Officer Matt Cyr, Vader also demonstrated the art of attacking and subduing criminals.

Appropriately, the Dalmatian Fire Mascot appeared as did Daren-the-Lion, the mascot for DARE.

The DARE program is taught in the fifth and seventh grades at RSU14. The program is run by Officer Matt Cyr. “Measuring prevention is one of the most difficult things that we do in law enforcement. If someone were to ask me if as a stand-alone [DARE] was the answer, I would look them straight in the eye and say absolutely not,” Cyr said. Has it been successful? “I’ve talked to law enforcement outside our state and they say wow! I can’t believe what you guys are doing. You are the model to follow.” He also expressed, “Windham is fortunate to have what we have. It is a great community. Support for programs such as this comes from all levels within the community. This is not just Windham, it includes Raymond.” 

The take-back prescription drug booth was available for accepting old or unused prescription drugs. A collection area was also in the lobby of the public safety building with high hopes to match last year’s success. 

“The drug take-back has been a very popular program. That collection yielded 12 to 15 boxes or roughly two tons,” explained Windham Detective Eugene Gallant. Collection is not limited to just these types of events. There is a box in the lobby of the public safety building available for drop off every day during business hours. 

“In such a gathering as this where large amounts are involved, it is moved into the evidence cage for security,” stated Gallant. Disposal is usually done by the DEA, however that can change. “The last time there was so much; Officer Cyr and I took the drugs to EcoMaine. They have a secure facility and we had to be present to witness the actual destruction after which we signed off on an official certificate,” said Gallant.

Safety has many faces and The Yellow Dot Program recognizes those of senior citizens. While this program is not specific to them, it is the largest group of users. Originating from Alabama it was developed to aid citizens and first responders in the event of an automobile accident or other medical emergency involving a participant’s vehicle. It was initiated by the Gorham-Windham-Westbrook Triad and with the help of sponsorships the word has gotten out. “It has been here locally for five years and is made up of local law enforcement agencies, businesses and seniors,” said Buffy Houp, who is involved with the program. “Yellow Dot is currently in 30 states and our goal is to get it state-wide here. Our mission is to minimize victimization of seniors in our community,” she continued.

Thanks to the donation by AARP, a Records Management Center truck was offering free document shredding adjacent to the public safety building. The driveway of the Family Resource Center/Food Pantry served as the dropping off point where boxes upon boxes were reduced to shreds protecting the citizens from identity theft. 

Further information on the participating programs, visit www.dare.com, www.rmcmaine.com, www.yellowdotme.org, and local.aarp.org/Portland-me.