Letters to the Editor:

Many people are under the impression that swelling means they are retaining water, and although in some cases this is true, there are many different types of edema and even more causes.     As many as 25 percent of women who undergo surgery and treatment for breast cancer will develop a type of swelling known as lymphedema in their arm. Lymphedema is a high protein swelling that is typically brought on by some disruption to the lymph system, which happens during treatment for breast cancer. Removal of breast tissue, lymph nodes, and radiation are all factors which can cause lymphedema to occur. The more invasive the treatment is, the greater the risk.
All women who have had any treatment for breast cancer, however, are at risk, and this risk is for a lifetime. Therefore, it is important for women to know how they can decrease their risk for developing lymphedema and to recognize the signs of lymphedema or infection.
All women should be aware of ways in which they can decrease their risk for developing lymphedema. Some of those steps include:
• never taking blood pressure readings or blood draws on the surgical side;
• protecting skin against cuts, burns, mosquito bites; and
• preventing overuse of the arm.
Women may report heaviness and swelling that comes and goes in the arm or hand, tightness in clothing, indentations with jewelry, or the onset of a cellulitis infection. A functioning lymph system is responsible for fighting infections throughout the body as well as transporting bacteria and protein from the limbs. When the system malfunctions, this bacteria and protein become stagnant and cause infection and hardening/swelling of the arm.
Lymphedema is not curable but very treatable with a specific program known as the Complete Decongestive Program. This program incorporates lymphatic massage, skin care, exercise, and compression which help to improve the function of the sluggish lymphatic system.
County Physical Therapy will be offering a presentation on lymphedema on Thursday, Oct. 15th at 11 a.m. at their Presque Isle location on North Street.
If you have any questions regarding this program or the upcoming presentation, please feel free to contact me at 769-2160 or by e-mail at jennifer.waddell@countypt.com.

To the editor:
We would like to express our deepest appreciation for the countless acts of generosity from literally hundreds of people in Aroostook County who contributed to the CAUSE (Central Aroostook United for Student Emergencies) at the fund-raiser held September 12th at UMPI.
What started as mere suggestion and conversation about how to incorporate a charity event into a visit with syndicated radio show hosts Bob and Sheri (and Lamar!) culminated into an idea that will make true and lasting differences in children’s lives throughout the central Aroostook school systems. Students at Easton, Fort Fairfield, Mars Hill, Ashland, Washburn, Limestone, Caribou and Presque Isle who may be in need of appropriate clothing, hygiene products, medical needs, school supplies just to name a few will now be able to reach out to a trusted teacher/nurse/or social worker in their school and have an opportunity to be well equipped for learning and growing academically with a little help from their communities.
And the CAUSE committee would like all those who so quickly rose to the occasion and responded to calls that any donation, regardless of size, could make a difference in a child’s life. There are so many businesses, civic groups, and individuals to thank that we simply don’t know where to start. Donors gave selflessly in the form of cash, auction items, ticket purchases, sponsorships, in-kind and time and each and everyone of you who gave have made this ‘CAUSE” a great success. With your sense of community and compassion this event was able to raise over $22,000 to be distributed among the schools in time for colder weather because of the warmth in your hearts.
We hope to continue and grow this event with plans under way already for next year. We are humbled by what little we can do to thank you but we hope you know how much you are appreciated and how much your kindness matters.

To the editor:
Dean Rauch has called my home in answer to my inquiry as to where the 1980s Time Capsule is; telling me that this particular capsule was buried in 1984 — and that it, and the recent one that was buried a few months ago, are the two “Keepers of Memories” resting in the soil between the Fire Department and the Kiwanis building.
Thank you, Dean, for clearing up this mystery for me.

To the editor:
Veterans are coming back to our homes and hearts everywhere. Hopefully greeted by a hug and a kiss, but I am reminded by an older veteran brother that this has not always be the case for veterans of war.
The Vietnam War was a harsh war on veterans when they were called they went like any soldier and we have a wall to in the memory of the dead. For those who lived, the soldiers of this time were not greeted when they got home with love and hugs, but for most they were called names and pushed aside. The grief and sadness was buried in their hearts like any soldier that serves, they don’t want to admit they’re suffering and put the burden on others.
Since America saw the past of veterans of the Vietnam War we have treated soldiers better now. Because of the Vietnam Veterans suffering with ridicule, veterans today are able to benefit with a heroe’s welcome when they get home.
I was told by a veteran of the Vietnam War that he was hurt by seeing the soldiers being greeted with hugs and kiss when he was not. Well after telling this brother veteran I love him and respected his service, I told him that the greeting the soldiers are getting today is because of the disrespect he got in his day and that all the greeting of love today are for all veterans that have served.
Please everyone turn to all veterans and greet them home because some of them have not been greeted yet and are still waiting!
Dedicated to Mo, Joe and all veterans! Welcome home and I love you.

 Editor’s note: This article is an excerpt from the Maine Coalition to End Domestic Violence’s Web site. (www.mcedv.org) For more information call 1-800-439-2323, visit www.batteredwomensproject.org, or e-mail the batteredwomensproject@hotmail.com
Listen to women … learn from women. Ask a woman who trusts you how violence has affected her life and if she wants to share, sit back and listen. Read women’s literature. Read Ms. Magazine. Read articles and books about the masculinity and the root causes of sexual violence. Educate yourself and others about the connection between larger social forces and the problems and conflicts of individual women and men. If you suspect that a woman close to you is being abused or has been sexually assaulted, gently ask if you can help.
Learn about the nature and extent of the problem. 1 in 3 women who have been married or lived in a common-law relationship have experienced criminal violence at the hands of their male partners. Local domestic violence programs can provide you with more information on the nature and extent of violence against women.
Reflect on, and work toward changing any abusive and controlling behaviors of your own. If you have been violent toward your spouse or girlfriend in the past and have any chance of continuing in the future, then you urgently need to get help. The majority of men are not physically violent. But let’s all examine ways we might control women. Do you dominate conversations? Do you crowd women’s space? Do you put women down? Not all men are responsible for committing acts of violence. But all men must take responsibility for ending all forms of violence.
Use inclusive, non-sexist language. Sexist language helps create a climate where forms of violence and abuse have too long been accepted. Language that degrades women reflects the reality of a society that has historically placed women in a second-class position. By reflecting this reality they once again put women “in their place” even if that isn’t the intention.
Confront sexist, racist, homophobic, and other oppressive remarks or jokes. Sexist jokes encourage and support a climate where forms of violence and abuse have too long been accepted. Boycott comedians who verbally assault women in their acts. Boo in comedy clubs when male comedians tell sexist jokes. Recognize and speak out against homophobia and gay bashing. This abuse also has direct links to sexism. Don’t remain silent.
Challenge other men. One of the most difficult things for men who oppose violence against women is to learn to challenge other men. Challenge men to drop sexist language from their vocabulary. Challenge men who talk lightly of violence against women. Challenge men who engage in violence. Approach gender violence as a men’s issue involving men of all ages and socioeconomic, racial and ethnic backgrounds.
Don’t finance sexism. Don’t purchase magazines, rent videos, or buy tapes and CDs that portray women in sexually degrading or violent ways. Respond to sexism in newspapers and magazines by writing to publishers and editors. Write to TV and movie executives to protest the gratuitous use of violence against women in U.S. television and cinema.
Make your vote count. Support candidates for political office at every level, from student government leaders to the President of the Unites States, who are committed to the full social, economic and political equality of women. Oppose those who are not committed.
Support your local domestic violence project. These and other women’s organizations deserve men’s support and men’s financial backing. Support and advocate for increased state and federal funding for battered women’s shelters and rape crisis centers. Support feminists. Campaign to raise money for local women’s programs. Volunteer. Men are needed in public education, youth outreach, and political lobbying.
Ask women what they’d like to see men doing, and then follow up on it.
Encourage education. Support or propose curriculum changes, at every level of the educational system, that mandate courses and programs dealing with sexism and sexual violence. Urge coaches of boys and men’s athletic teams to their players to attend workshops and seminars on sexism and male violence against women. Pressure school administrators to require these activities.
Organize a group of men, in school, at your workplace, or among a circle of friends, to work against sexism and violence against women. Contact local or national anti-sexist men’s groups for support and resources. The group can sponsor feminist speakers; produce and distribute literature; protest sexism in the media; organize forums on pornography, sexual harassment, and female-male relationships; and hold fundraising events for women’s shelters, rape crisis centers, and other women’s organizations. Lead by example.

Our society is bombarded with messages that encourage our young children to use alcohol. The myth that “it’s a rite of passage” fuels the perception that underage alcohol use is normal. Underage drinking is dangerous and a serious health issue.
By allowing young children to drink, it causes them to believe that it’s safe and acceptable behavior. Studies also show that parents’ favorable attitudes about drinking have been positively associated with underage drinking. As adults, we have to recognize our strong influence over our children’s decision to use or not use alcohol. Parents are the number one reason children choose to not use alcohol.
Research shows that if parents communicate with their children, set clear expectations for behavior and pay attention to how their children are using their free time, their children are not as likely to get into trouble with alcohol. Young people who begin drinking before the age of 15 are four times more likely to develop alcohol addiction problems than those who do not drink until age 21
When it comes to being a positive role model for our children, it’s important to remember that actions speak louder than words, and the holidays are a perfect time for parents to model responsible alcohol use and talk to their children about the risks associated with drinking alcohol. If you do drink, drink in moderation, appoint a designated driver, and keep track of the alcohol you have on hand in your home.
In addition to positive parenting, adults can take many steps in their community to protect children from alcohol-related harm. Most children get their alcohol at home or at a friend’s home but they also know which store clerks will sell it to them. Parents can have a lot of influence with the minority of retailers who need to take steps to keep alcohol out of the hands of our children.
As we leave for a holiday break from school, work, or other daily activities this season, it does not mean that the negative consequences of underage drinking will take a leave of absence. The dangers of underage drinking do not distinguish between a New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, or another holiday celebration. It is important that as we celebrate this holiday season, we continue to give a consistent message that underage drinking is not acceptable and will not be tolerated at any time.
Community Voices urges you to send a consistent message. While the holidays are present, take advantage of this great opportunity to start and maintain conversation about drinking. Protecting your child from the negative familial, societal, physical, and emotional ramifications of alcohol use is a great gift.
For more information or tips on talking with your children about alcohol, please call 834-5540 ext. 2019.
Michelle Plourde Chasse is project manager for Community Voices.

To the editor:
We would like to thank the following family, friends and businesses for making the float “All Gave Some; Some Gave All” in Caribou’s 150th Birthday Parade possible. Because of you the float’s meaning and message was a complete success. Many spectators, adults and children, stood in respect, removed their hats, placed their hand over their heart, or cheered and applauded as the float passed them, a clear indication of the float’s message reaching them.
Thank you to our son, A1C Brandon McBreairty, who drove his truck in his ABUs; IET Instructor, Intel. Sgt. Josh Doroen; Sgt. Andrew Bugbee, Sgt. Jay Jackson, and Sgt. Nate Beaver. Thank you to the Patriotic Guard Riders and the Loring Military Heritage Center and Dave Ahlquist. Thank you to Tiffany Dodd, Dylan Dodd, Lori Michaud, Steve Leighton, Lisa Melbourne, Lexi Doroen, Diana Gandee, Cindy Parent, Brandon Parent, Lee Parent, and Paula and Jeff Jameson. To the businesses that donated, which allowed us to represent what our country is based upon, our soldiers, active and fallen, thank you.
Beaulieu’s Garage and Body Shop, S.W. Collins, Phil’s Florist, Sullivan’s Floor Covering, P and D Carpet, and the V.F.W. Ladies Aux. 9389. Thank you Tim Buhro, of Graphic Utilities for your expertise in putting together our banner and wall and to Andrea Swanberg, for guiding us every step of the way. Andrea’s organization skills are exceptional and her enthusiasm is contagious. Thank you all for the opportunity to remember all of our soldiers!
Never forget, “All Gave Some; Some Gave All”!

To the editor:
Bailouts, layoffs, foreclosures, social decay, family destruction and endless wars. Most don’t know it but virtually every problem that America now suffers is the direct result of violations of the Constitution by our (servant) government.
Finally, there is hope. This November, publicly elected citizen-delegates representing the People of each state will convene at a national assembly known as “Continental Congress 2009”. The purpose of this historic event is to formally document the violations and develop strategies the People can employ to peacefully resist tyranny and restore Constitutional Order.
It’s time to hold our servant government accountable and reclaim the Light of Liberty. Learn more about CC2009 and the true power of Popular Sovereignty at www.GiveMeLiberty.org.
I am one of the three delegates from Maine state.

I know we’ve said it before, but Citizens for Responsible City Management (CFRCM) feels that it bears repeating: thanks to all of you who participated in our successful petition drive. This was our first endeavor to make the Caribou city government, namely the city council, whom you elected, more responsible to you, the taxpayer. We say successful because CFRCM obtained about 50 more signatures than were required, and had there been more time, we could have gathered many more.
The overriding comment we heard was that you, the taxpayer, were not pleased with the way the city is being managed. You do not feel that councilors are doing the job you elected them to do. Many of you expressed thoughts that the council was a “rubber stamp” for the city manager.
The city manager has the responsibility of running the city on a day-to-day basis, but the council has the responsibility of making sure that the manager does this job with due diligence. That is why you elected the councilors as your representatives. These councilors must be knowledgeable in all matters concerning the city.
Many of you also expressed concern that workshops are not televised. The idea of televising the workshops was presented to the council, but it was voted down. Therefore, the only way to know what ideas are presented during the workshops is to attend them. Sometimes that is not convenient, but until there are changes in the administration, that is the way it will be.
While obtaining signatures, a lady was inquiring as to how the new school consolidation plan would save us money. The school department actually did have a reduction of approximately 1 mil, which was meant to be passed on to the taxpayers of Caribou, however, the city council voted 5–2 in favor of keeping this money and putting it into their “rainy day” fund. You, the taxpayer, know that it will rain! Councilors Goughan and Martin voted in favor of giving the tax relief this 1 mil reduction would have provided back to the taxpayers.
In 2011, Caribou will undergo a citywide property re-appraisal. In 2012, we will be taxed on this new appraisal of our property. You have heard horror stories of re-appraisals and its effect on the taxpayer. Many properties have not been appraised since 1997. Is your property worth more now than it was in 1997? As values go up, the mil rate should be lowered, but will it be enough of a reduction to compensate for your new appraised value? What about in 2013 or 2014 when the “rainy day” funds are depleted?
In June of 2010, you will have the opportunity to vote for a charter commission. This is a group of people who will study Caribou’s city charter, which has been in effect since 1967, and make suggested changes on which you can then vote. These changes will be the road map of how you want the city to be run. Originally, our petition was to put the question of a zero-based budget and the chance to vote on that budget onto this November’s ballot. However, on Aug 10, 2009 the city’s attorneys reviewed our signed petition to determine whether it was an amendment or a revision. They determined that it was, in fact, a revision.
Here is a simple definition of the difference. Amendment: a minor adjustment to charter verbiage with no major change to the form and or responsibility of governing the city. Revision: a major adjustment or change to the charter verbiage with major changes to the form and or responsibility of governing the city.
The major change in our petition is that it strips the council of its responsibility and authority of approving the city’s budget, and places that authority in the hands of the voters of the city of Caribou instead, which, in turn, would constitute a substantial change in the governing of the city. Therefore, because this was a revision, a question of establishing a charter commission must go to the voters in June of 2010. Hopefully, the charter commission will be approved, and the zero-based budget changes will be included for your approval.
All of this, however, will only be as effective as the people you elect to enforce a revised charter and reduce spending in the years to come. This is where you, the voter, come in.
Election Day is quickly approaching and your vote is crucial. There are several new individuals seeking your support. Study their merits, their backgrounds, and their vision for the city. Let’s start now to control spending, to be responsible to the citizens, to create a new charter and change the complexion of the administration. Please vote.
Don’t forget to check out our Web site, www.caribouwatch.com. The next meeting of CFRCM will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 14 at 6:30 p.m. at the Van Buren Road Lodge. All are welcome to attend.