REGION — Three men with local ties were part of Maine Health Care Association’s 21st Remember ME photography exhibition. The exhibit honors the accomplishments of 28 people living in the state’s long term care facilities. Honorees were recognized during a ceremony held Thursday, May 9, at the Augusta Civic Center.
Russell “Rusty” Christensen is one of 28 residents of assisted living facilities honored in the 21st Remember ME photo exhibition. He spent his early retirement years in Farmington. Submitted photo Russell “Rusty” Christensen is a resident at Maine Veterans’ Homes-Machias.
Born in Mt. Vernon, New York, his family moved to Richmond and he graduated from Gardiner High School, according to his Remember ME biography. “Rusty graduated from Middlebury College in 1958 with a degree in philosophy, with a memorable stint at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland,” the biography continued.
“Later, he pursued law, obtaining a Doctor of Jurisprudence from New York University School of Law in 1965. Retirement didn’t deter Rusty’s intellectual pursuits. Nestled in Farmington, he dedicated time to writing, reading, and documenting his experiences.
Now, with ten grandchildren, Rusty remains active in Maine Veterans’ Homes–Machias, engaging in activities, sharing his rich life story, and nurturing his thirst for knowledge at 93 years young.” The Franklin Journal spoke with Christensen on May 17. “I used the GI Bill to go to school because I couldn�.
