Looking forward at age 70-plus

By Susan BushPrint Story | Email Story
Bennington County Sheriff's Department Deputy Sgt. George Babcock, 70, said he believes public service and maintaining social ties keeps the spring in his step. (Photo By Susan Bush)
BENNINGTON, Vt. — Age might catch up with 72-year-old Janice Farinon of Stamford or 70-year-old George Babcock of Bennington, if only the two would slow down. Babcock is a part-time Bennington County Sheriff's Department deputy and a full-time caregiver to his sister. His deputy duties frequently involve highway traffic control and being outdoors during bouts of unpleasant weather. He also oversees sheriff's department escorts for large commercial vehicles. "I feel good," Babcock said last week. "I love doing traffic control. I meet lots and lots of people. I do the best I can to do my job, and it all makes me feel that I'm worth something." Farinon is an elected member of the Stamford School Board of Directors, a Stamford Volunteer Fire Department trustee, a fire department ladies auxiliary member and a Bennington Kennel Club charter member. She opted to retire from the Atlantis Equipment Co. last year after 23 years as the Stephentown, N.Y., firm's office manager. "It was hard to give up," Farinon said. "I enjoy people, and I like to be part of the action. I'm long past caring whether people like me or not, but I do like to feel that I'm making a contribution." Farinon and Babcock represent a growing state demographic: active, independent folks working beyond retirement age and living in a region that can be economically challenging and seasonally harsh. An Internet search seeking statistics about Vermont's self-reliant seniors proved futile, but overall estimates targeting the over-65 age group statewide revealed an increasing senior population. The U.S. 2000 Census documented that the state has 608,827 residents, with 77,510 people between 65 and 85 years old. A 2003 estimate put the state's total population at 619,107, with the 65-to-85 age group estimated at 80,132 people. And an unspecified percentage of that group are people willing and able to serve their communities. Many hope to remain part of the workforce for reasons other than finances. Babcock and Farinon share similar histories. Both maintain private homes within their communities. Babcock's mother is in her late 90s, while Farinon's father lived to be 92. Farinon said she believes that heredity matters. "Genetically, I take after my dad," she noted, adding that genetics only go so far. "I think mental health has a lot to do with your overall health," she said. " I think a sense of humor is very important. And there's not a lot of sense to worrying about things. It will come out how it comes out." Farinon and Babcock haven't escaped all the struggles of aging; Babcock's sister is challenged by several serious health problems, and Farinon's husband requires professional assistance at a long-term health-care facility. Farinon said she contends with some arthritis, while Babcock said he controls mild diabetes with diet and medication. A strong, positive attitude provides motivation and inspiration, both said. Appreciating what he can give and what others provide in return offer perspective, Babcock said. "[Bennington County Sheriff] Gary Forrest has been a super, super sheriff to work for," he said. "He's the ultimate. I have thanked him so many times for keeping me on, because of my age and such. Actually, at the end of the day, I've thanked whoever I've worked for." Appreciation leads to being appreciated, he noted. Babcock is known to carry a cooler laden with soft drinks and bottled water — paid for by Babcock — to job sites as a no-cost courtesy to site workers. "It does make me feel good when they request me to come back for traffic control," he said. "Compassion, empathy, having a purpose, socializing — I would say all that contributes to vitality. I'm going to keep working until I can't work anymore. My overall health is excellent." Farinon said she finds sanctuary in books and community participation. "I love to read," she said. " And it's critical to stay involved and have a sense of humor. You have to have some acceptance. Realistically, you aren't getting any younger. There has to be some compensation. When I go to the cellar now, I hold the railing. "Nowhere is it written that life will be easy," she added. "So you have to mellow out a bit. Why worry about what the end result will be? It will get to you soon enough." Babcock and Farinon are dedicated to public service and a strong work ethic. Babcock became a deputy sheriff in 1962 and once patrolled on snowmobile for the Vermont State Police Auxiliary. At age 12, he was delivering newspapers, and a part-time high school job with the former A&P supermarket chain turned full-time after graduation. As a second job, Babcock worked at the Babcock Electric firm with his father, and in 1970, he took over the electric business with his sister Eleanor Danforth. They operated the Bennington-based business until it closed in 1995. During the 1970s, Farinon made history as the first woman ever elected to a Stamford selectman's term. For many years, the family operated a business breeding Otterhound dogs. Farinon was first elected to the school board in 1997. She lost a bid for reelection in 2000 but was later appointed to the board to fill a vacancy. Her current term expires in 2006. Farinon said she is a staunch supporter of education and hopes to remain active in the community. "I may not be as active as I once was, but I can't see myself doing nothing," she said. "There's satisfaction in accomplishing things over a period of time. It gives you a chance to look back at what you've done and realize that you have reasons to look forward."
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Friends of Great Barrington Libraries Holiday Book Sale

GREAT BARRINGTON, Mass. — The Friends of Great Barrington Libraries invite the community to shop their annual Holiday Good-as-New Book Sale, happening now through the end of the year at the Mason Library, 231 Main Street. 
 
With hundreds of curated gently used books to choose from—fiction, nonfiction, children's favorites, gift-quality selections, cookbooks, and more—it's the perfect local stop for holiday gifting.
 
This year's sale is an addition to the Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce's Holiday Stroll on this Saturday, Dec. 13, 3–8 PM. Visitors can swing by the Mason Library for early parking, browse the sale until 3:00 PM, then meet Pete the Cat on the front lawn before heading downtown for the Stroll's shopping, music, and festive eats.
 
Can't make the Holiday Stroll? The book sale is open during regular Mason Library hours throughout December.
 
Proceeds support free library programming and events for all ages.
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