Opinion

It’s Homecoming time again!

Senior Matters
By Lesley Fernow

ED-Fernow-dcx-po-12    In Dover-Foxcroft this is as big event as there is:  dances, class parties, a parade, street booths set up by local vendors, capped by a beach party and fireworks at Sebec Lake. 
   I sometimes marvel at how many former locals make the trip back for this event and at how much “buzz” the weekend generates.

  People  leave busy or even hectic lives, travel hundreds or even thousands of miles to return to our small town to reminisce, party but most importantly, to reconnect.
   As it turns out, connections (and reconnections) are what most people find give life the most meaning.  This is especially evident as people age and other activities that keep people busy such as jobs, community projects and raising children are no longer the focus of their lives.
   Research shows that people who remain connected to others as they age remain mentally and physically healthier longer, and actually live longer.
    As we become more isolated by distances and  our busy lives, and as our methods of connecting become increasingly electronic, it is wise to remember that a good hug or handshake, a look into someone’s eyes directly, a smile while sharing a story have more lasting effect than a batch email about your last trip to Alaska. 
    On Saturday, Aug. 2, downtown Dover-Foxcroft will be abuzz with people re-connecting. The energy will be contagious. 
    I urge everyone to get out, walk up and down Main Street, talk to the vendors and to each other.  Stop in at the booths and shops along the way, not just to see what they have but to connect with the people behind the table. 
    And please stop by Central Hall and see what is going on on the inside.
    There will be members of the  Maine Highlands Senior Center and the Dover-Foxcroft Historical Society there to give you an inside tour, show you the work that is being done and discuss the vision for The Commons at Central Hall. 
    We would love to connect with you, hear your stories about the building’s past, and share our hopes for this project.
    We invite readers to offer feedback about this column and to suggest topics for future articles. You may do so by contacting Meg Callaway of the Charlotte White Center at (207) 947-1410 or meg.callaway@charlottewhite.org or Lesley Fernow at (207) 992-6822 and lmfernow@rcn.com.

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