Proceeds benefit Cary Memory Clinic
By Barbara Scott
Staff Writer
Noted Maine Humorist Tim Sample will once again bring his ‘one of a kind’ Down East comedy show to the Caribou Performing Arts Center on Friday, Nov. 12 at 7:30 pm.
Called “Maine’s Humorist Laureate” by famed Maine writer, Steven King, Sample has sold more than one million books, albums and videos, including four albums and a video for the Bert and I Company. In addition to his success as a humorist he was featured on CBS News Sunday Morning hosted by veteran newsman, Charles Osgood for 11 years. Sample was born in Fort Fairfield and has never wanted to live anywhere else but Maine. He has become a student of humor and has studied the impact of humor on various levels.
On Friday, Nov. 12 Sample will be performing for Cary Medical Center’s Memory Clinic. This clinic, which is unique to Aroostook County, brings a physician specialist Dr. Ravendreen Meleth from the University of Alabama Medical Center in Birmingham, to Cary every other month. Patients suffering with memory loss, other forms of dementia or Parkinson’s disease are seen at the clinic on referral from their primary care provider.
The clinic has been operating for the past 15 years and has seen hundreds of patients, families and caregivers. Bill Flagg, director of Community Relations and Development at Cary Medical Center said that the clinic is a great refuge not only for patients but for caregivers as well.
“Alzheimer’s disease is a tragic and incurable illness which robs an individual of their memory and even their very self,”said Flagg, who established the original clinic on a federal grant. “Beyond the challenges this disease presents to patients it is also very hard on families as caregivers. Our clinic provides a unique opportunity for the patient, family and caregivers to meet with a specialist to assess where the patient is at, learn about medication management and sort through the many issues, often emotional issues, regarding the patient’s care.”
The Memory Clinic also provides a social worker, Dottie Sines from the Area Agency on Aging who meets with patients and family members. According to Flagg this is a vital part of the program.
“Dottie Sines is an outstanding individual,” said Flagg. “She has been working with the aged for years and understands the unique needs of these patients and can identify various community resources that can come to the support of families.”
Tim Sample has been back to the County to help raise funds for the Memory Clinic a number of times over the years. He said that it is great coming home to the County and at the same time being able to help a program that is of such great benefit to County residents.
“I love coming to the Caribou Performing Arts Center,” said Sample, who has just finished the third edition of a book entitled “Maine Curiosities,” co-authored by Steve Bither with the Wicked Good Band, published by the Globe/Pequot Press. “To perform in this beautiful facility and to benefit patients with Alzheimer’s or dementia is very gratifying to me and I look for a good crowd of old friends and to make new friends in the County.”
Sample also pointed out that he has a unique niche in the humor industry.
“I have a truly family-oriented show,” said Sample, who has perfuormed from Maine to California over the years, “no one has to worry about bringing children or of being offended by my jokes. Most of my stories are based on real life experiences, I mean I can’t make these things up.”
The major corporate sponsor for the Tim Sample Performance is County Qwik Print, PC Office Solutions and Toshiba. Flagg said that he was very pleased with the sponsorships that have come to the show.
“I know these are difficult times,” said Flagg, “but I have been so impressed with the sponsors who have contributed to various aspects of this performance. Our sponsors include Key Bank, Highway Tire, The County Federal Credit Union, F.A. Peabody the Dead River Company and TD Bank. “
“Area media including WAGM Television, Citadel Broadcasting, Channel X Radio, WEGP Radio, Time Warner Cable, WHOU Radio and the Fort Fairfield Journal have all chipped in to help us promote the event. I am very grateful for this impressive community business support.”
Tickets to the Tim Sample performance are $12 in advance and $15 at the door and are available at Caribou and Presque Isle Food Trend, One Stop in Caribou, Ezzy’s Music Shop in Van Buren, R&J Market in Fort Fairfield and York’s Book Store in Houlton,
