Our Maine Street : Issue 09 Summer 2011 by Our Maine Street LLC

stretch your dollars across maine MADAWASKA 207-728-7234 81 Fox Street

I95 North to Houlton Rt 1 North to Madawaska Left onto 25th Ave. Left onto Fox St. Marden’s is on the right.

Be on the l kout for a marden’s near you! marden’s

surplus & salvage

PRESQUE ISLE 207-762-3417 803 Main Street

come in and see for yourself why we’re the bargain hunter’s pardise!

I95 North to Houlton Rt 1 North to Presque Isle. Marden’s is on the left.

HOULTON 207-532-9125 120 North Street

I95 exit 302. Marden’s is on your right.

LINCOLN 207-794-2013 28-32 Main Street I95 exit 227. Right turn off exit At intersection, turn left onto Rt 2 1-1/2 mile stop light Left turn onto Main Street.

CALAIS 207-454-1421 189 Main Street

I95 exit 182A 395E Rt 9E Rt 1S Follow to Canada. Marden’s is on the left just before the border. Furniture/Flooring store is on right across from McDonalds. Ph. 207454-1459

ELLSWORTH 207-669-6036 461 High Street

I95 exit 182A 395E Parkway exit Right turn Traffic light. Right turn onto Wilson Street.

Maine:

the way life should be

I-95 exit 182A 395E Merge onto Rt1A to Ellsworth Rt 1A becomes Rt 1 and Rt 3 North Follow High St./Rt. 3E Marden’s is 1.3 miles on the right.

BREWER 207-989-1750 564 Wilson Street

We carry • shoes • clothing • hardware • furniture • flooring • fabric • houswares • general merchandise • seasonal items!

Marden’s:

the way bargains should be

we also have stores in biddeford, sanford, scarborough, Gray, Lewiston, Rumford and waterville. Visit our website at www.mardens.com for driving directions

Photo ÂŠ 2011 James K. Ogden Photography

Contents July, August, and September 2011

F e at u r e s

14 Presque Isle Library by Sandy Gauvin 20 Acadian Festival by Luc Devost 24 50 Years of Learning: Northern Maine Community College by Karen Gonya 30 Patten Lumberman’s Museum by Rhonda Brophy

& Charles Cormier

36 What Matters: 40 Developmental Assets by Allison Heidorn 46 Picnics by Dena Hensler 52 To Serve a Community by Karim Slifka

Departments 8

Holly’s Crayons

by Holly Hardwick

Our Maine Street M a g a z i n e

48 Presque Isle Street, Fort Fairﬁeld, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464

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Our Maine Street m agaz ine

Publisher Our Maine Street LLC Editor In Chief Craig Cormier Circulation / Advertising Charles Cormier Staff Illustrator Holly Hardwick

Many Thanks to: (in no particular order)

Sandy Gauvin, Ken Lamb James K. Ogden, Kim Jones, Karen Gonya Karim Slifka, Darlene Foster, Richard Hoppe Pete Bowmaster, Beth Alden, Allison Heidorn, Luc Devost, Dena Hensler, Rhonda Brophy, Rebecca Bowmaster, Billie Brodsky Content and subscription information: content@ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464 48 Presque Isle Street Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com Copyright © 2011 Our Maine Street LCC. Our Maine Street LLC is jointly owned by Charles, Cheryl and Craig Cormier. Proudly printed in the State of Maine, United States of Amerca.

OUR PRINTING IS 100% WIND POWERED

This publication is made possible by the generous support of our advertising partners. Please let them know you saw them in Our Maine Street Magazine and that you appreciate their support of County projects.

Aroostook Technologies Ben’s Trading Post Boondock’s Grille Bouchard Family Farms Caribou Chamber of Commerce Caribou Inn & Convention Center Cary Medical Center Clifford L. Rhome CPA, P.A. County Abatement, Inc. Cyr Real Estate Dolly’s Restaurant Evergreen Geothermal & Wind Energy Fort Kent Ski-Doo Gallagher’s Auto & Truck Parts Graves’ Shop ‘n Save Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce Greater Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Hanger Pizza I Care Pharmacy Jerry’s Shurfine John’s Shurfine Food Store Katahdin Valley Health Center Marden’s McGillan Inc. Mike’s Family Market LLC Monica’s Scandinavian Imports Morin Variety Mountain Heights Health Care Facility Nadeau’s House of Flooring Nadeau’s House of Furniture NorState Federal Credit Union Northern Maine Community College Northern Prosthetics Paterson Payroll Patten Water Well Co Pines Health Services Power of Prevention Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center Professional Home Nursing Quigley’s Building Supply Red Moose Gift Thank You!

Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher, staff or advisory board. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information present in this issue is accurate, and neither Our Maine Street Magazine nor any of its staff are responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission from the publishers. SUMMER 2011

Clifford L Rhome CPA, P.A. 34 North Street, Suite 3 Presque Isle, ME 04769 Tel: 207 764-5800 Fax; 207 764-1083 crhome@myfairpoint.net

“A Name you can trust”

Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Presque Islewww.pichamber.com Area Chamber of Commerce Proudly Serving the communities of Ashland, Blaine, Castle Hill, Chapman, Easton, Mapleton, Mars Hill, Masardis, OxBow, Portage, Presque Isle, Washburn and Westfield. 3 Houlton Road P.O. Box 672 Presque Isle, Me 04742 Tel: 207 764-6561

SUMMER 2011

Fax: 207 764-6571

Photo ÂŠ 2011 James K. Ogden Photography

SUMMER 2011

BOONDOCK’s BOONDOCK’S ~ ~ GRILLE est. 2009

Steak, Seafood, Pizza Cocktails, Beer, Wine

294 MAIN STREET, FORT FAIRFIELD OPEN TUESDAY  SATURDAY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER DINE IN OR TAKE OUT FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK AND GET OUR DAILY SPECIALS AND EVENTS WWW.BOONDOCKSGRILLE.COM

207-472-6074

SUMMER 2011

Caribou Chamber of Commerce 657 Main Street Suite 1 Caribou, Maine 04736 1.800.722.7648 207.498.6156 Fax: 207.492.1362 ccci@cariboumaine.net www.cariboumaine.net ww

Photo ÂŠ 2011 Ragina Kakos

Presque Isle Library The Living Room of a Community by Sandy Gauvin

Here’s a riddle for you: What organization could be and the library circulation was 6,831 from July 1, 1908 to considered the living room of any community? Feb., 1909. Today, the circulation is closer to 20,000. In 1929, Mrs. Beulah Akeley was appointed librarian. This The answer is, of course, the public library. And the Mark would have a significant impact on the library in the future. and Emily Turner Memorial Library on Second St. in The 1950’s saw the finishing of two rooms in the basement, Presque Isle is no exception. and in 1953 the large center room in the basement was renovated and new basement stairs were built. Floors were A Brief History tiled on the first floor and in the basement. By the 1960’s, it was apparent that the library needed more space. Federal Since 1874, Presque Isle has had a library in some funding was obtained and Mark and Emily Turner matched form or other, but the first library rotated between different those monies. In 1967, the newly expanded library that businesses in town. Then, in 1906, the Carnegie Fund was named after them was dedicated. generously donated a sum of $10,000 in order to create a “stationary” public library. March of 1908 saw many Current Activity things happening in order to realize this dream. A public library committee was appointed, consisting of M.L.T. Recently, the library received a generous donation White, Della H. Stevens, Annie B. Allen, A.E. Irving, and from the granddaughter of Mrs. Beulah Akeley, the first A.H.Jenks. Miss Lou Marston was selected as the first librarian. This money has been used to expand the library librarian. In addition, the library was moved from Holmes’s yet again. According to Sonja Plummer Morgan, “This store to its new (and current) location on the corner of State project has been in the works for at least 10 years. The and Second Street, and 2,500 volumes were presented by the difference this year was the benefactor - especially in this Presque Isle Library Association. The new Carnegie Library, economy. Originally, it was planned as a much larger which was christened The Presque Isle Free Library, officially project of 12,000 sq. ft. We did, however, scale it down to opened on July 1,1908. To put things in perspective, the 7,000 sq. ft. and we were able to add an elevator. Mrs. Mary salary for the librarian at that time was $9.00 per week SUMMER 2011 P.I. Library 15

Smith was our benefactor. She felt it was important because a library is the only place people can go if they don’t have the resources at home to improve their lives.” Mrs. Smith wanted her monies to make the difference between a person “making it” or not. She also hoped her donation would encourage others to give back to their community. The passing of time has seen a subtle transformation of library services. In 1908, the purpose of the library was to lend books. That goal has been expanded to providing not only written materials but online access to help students and adults with research. Today, the “living room of the community” extends its embrace to many different activities. The library now provides location and opportunity for both child and adult books clubs, as well as group card and board games for elderly people. For those who love art, 27 art shows have been presented at the library during the past 8 years. Foundation grant data through a Maine-based grants source is also available there, thanks to a donation by the family of the late Carol Stewart. Due to the strict guidelines set by the National Foundation Center, in order to provide this service, the library must also provide grantwriting workshops and a dedicated computer. According to Kevin Sipe, Chair of the Library Committee for the City of Presque Isle, “Here, everyone has access to the ultimate democratic institution. The library has become much busier because of computers. People used to come to the library because they couldn’t afford encyclopedias, now they come because they can’t afford computers.” Patrons can also get IRS forms and apply for passports here. They can also do job searches online. Some families home school their children here, using the library as a classroom. And many people just come in to ask questions. The library has become an “answering place.” View of the Future The future of the Mark and Emily Turner Memorial Library is very bright, especially with the new addition and more quiet reading room. Sipe’s view is that, “It should be the den of the community, with its books, newspapers, magazines, and computers. It will be a social gathering place for people, where they can sit and read, meet and relax. Now that an elevator has been installed, more is available to every individual.” 16 P.I. Library SUMMER 2011

And with the new art gallery, more children and adults will be exposed to art. There will be rotating exhibits as well as stationary art works. What a busy living room!!!!!!

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P.I. Library 17

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The 34th Acadian Festival by Luc Devost, 2011 president

Nestled in the tip of a picturesque Aroostook county, lays the small town called Madawaska, also known as the most northeastern town in the USA. With a population of over 4,000, in which 83 percent speaks French at home, Madawaska is also home to Maine’s largest cultural festival, the “Acadian Festival.” What is an Acadian? For that answer we need to back track over 400 years to a simpler time, when France had the rights to explore the newly discovered land of New France today’s Nova Scotia, Canada. At the time it was known as Arcadia, a name given by the Italian explorer Giovanni da Verrazzano in the 1500’s. It was taken from the Greek, meaning Paradise. Since then the “r” has been omitted and thus Acadia was born. The land was home to French immigrants who have established their families alongside the Mi’kmak Indians, whom have taught the French how to work the land. They flourished for over 80 years until the Conquest of Acadia of 1710 bestowing the land to Britain. Under the British rule for 45 years, the Acadians refused to sign an oath to Britain, claiming 20 Acadian Festival SUMMER 2011

it was against their Catholic beliefs and also refusing to bare arms against the French & Mi’kmak Indians. On July 28, 1755 the order was signed by Charles Lawrence & the Halifax Council to expel all Acadians from their beloved land of Acadia. The following months, the Acadians were put in boats and dispersed to British colonies on the American East coast, England and then France. This was the Great Upheaval. Later on groups of Acadians returned to Acadia, which also was part of lower New Brunswick and the Eastern Seaboard of New Brunswick. After the American Revolution, the British Empire Loyalists returned to settle where the French Acadians resided around today’s Fredericton, NB. So in the early summer of 1785, several families took to their small boats and went up the St. John River with land grants in hand they received for land north of Grand Falls, NB., to which the Acadian Cross Landing Memorial stands today behind the St. David church, marking the spot the Acadian ancestors disembarked in Madawaska.

Madawaska has seen its share of controversy, such as the battle between the US & British Canada over the border, which finally determined the St. John River as the dividing line in the famous Ashburn / Webster Treaty of 1842. It is in 1978 when the Maine State legislature declared June 28, “Maine Acadian Day” in the State of Maine, since June 28 was believed to have been the date the first Acadian settlers stepped foot in Madawaska. At that moment, the Acadian Festival was born. The festival has been celebrated surrounding the June 28th anniversary for the last 33 years and has been the quintessential host of numerous family reunions such as the Daigle, Cyr, Hebert, Dufour, Thibodeau, Ayotte, Fournier, Mercure, Portier, Duperre, Sanfacon, Pelletier, Plourde, Ouellette, Paradis, Bouchard, Sirois, Cote, Theriault, Roy, Chasse, Levesque, Dube, Nadeau, Dumond, Deschaine, Picard, Martin, Michaud, Gendreau, Dionne, Caron, Lagasse, Guerrette, Marquis and Gagnon, celebrating the founding families. In 2008, a special committee of town residents and other local communities, merged with their Canadian counterparts across the border in Edmundston, NB and Témiscouata Québec, to apply as host for the 5th World Acadian Congress of 2014. They were in the running against strong contenders such as Louisiana, and Quebec City. During the 2009 World Acadian Congress in Caraquet, NB., Northern Aroostook along with North Western New Brunswick & Bas St-Laurent, Quebec also known as “L’Acadie des Terres et Forets” “Acadia of the Lands & Forests” were declared the

next host of the 2014 World Acadian Congress. For this reason, the 2011 Acadian Festival Committee has relocated the festival to its new home surrounding the International Acadian Day of August 15th. This year marks the 34th Acadian Festival and for the second revision, the Cyr Family Reunion is honored. The 2011 theme chosen by the committee signifies the Acadian bond they share with their Canadian neighbors, “À travers les frontières / Beyond Borders”, speaks volumes as for the aspirations this small community has, which bares witness to its proud heritage. The 34th Acadian Festival takes place from August 11 to the 15th, 2011.

Acadian Festival August 11th - 15th, 2011 Madawaska, Maine www.acadianfestival.com Tel: (207) 728-7000 Tang Palace Restaurant Morinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Variety 405 Main Street 756 Main Street Madawaska, Me 04756 Madawaska, Me 04756 207 728-4181 207 728-4658 207 728-4182 Cyr Real Estate 383 Main St, Ste 107 Madawaska, Me 04756 www.cyrrealestate.com 207 728-7739

Dolly's Restaurant 17 Us Route 1 Frenchville, ME 04745 (207) 728-7050

Photo ÂŠ 2011 Ragina Kakos SPRING 22 Acadian Festival FALL 2010 2011

Fifty Years of Learning Northern Maine Community College by Karen Gonya Fifty years ago saw the ending of one era with the closing of the Presque Isle Air Force Base and the beginning of another with the creation of what is now Northern Maine Community College. Thanks to the diligence of several local community members and state lawmakers, what started as an economic blow to The County turned into a golden opportunity.

base closure. It was through their efforts that the federal government transferred the airport runways and the missile sheds to the City of Presque Isle for its airport use and for industrial development purposes.

“In addition, there were buildings used to do carpentry, electrical repairs, automotive repairs and other things related to hand skills and manual labor,” explained Today, with growing enrollment leading to filled Harding, credited as being one of the “founders” of the programs, one of its largest graduating classes this May, College. “The academic schools of northern Maine were and national, and even international, recognition of its without vocational education opportunities and our new wind power program—the first of its kind in New committee recognized that many of our young people England—NMCC certainly has a lot to celebrate during its skilled with their hands and interested in pursuing higher education related to the trades did not have the opportunity golden anniversary. to do so in our region.” More than a story of brick and mortar, the history They worked with Senator Augusta K. Christie of of NMCC is one rich in people and community. Presque Isle, Senator E. Perrin Edmunds of Fort Fairfield, It was a committee comprised of 10 community and Representative Harold “Bud” Stewart of Presque members that was the driving force behind making NMCC Isle to get legislation passed to meet this goal. What was a reality. The group, which included attorney Floyd then Northeastern Maine Vocational Institute (NMVI) Harding, worked on salvaging what they could from the was created when Governor John H. Reed signed a bill 24 NMCC Turns Fifty SUMMER 2011

(L.D. 1542) establishing the institution in the deactivated over the years. The name of the institution has changed—to buildings of the missile base in Presque Isle on June 17, Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute (NMVTI) in 1964, Northern Maine 1961. The U.S. government Technical College (NMTC) turned over 87 acres of land and in 1989 and Northern Maine over 36 buildings to the State of Community College in 2003. Maine for this purpose. Nearly all of the old base buildings have been razed over Befitting of their roles, the years, to be replaced by more buildings on the NMCC campus modern facilities. Programs have are already named after Augusta been added and discontinued in K. Christie, E. Perrin Edmunds, response to community needs. and John H. Reed. During a Through it all, the College has 50th anniversary luncheon on never lost focus on its mission to June 17 honoring local and its students and its community. past legislators from the region, plaques were unveiled honoring “I really enjoyed the actual both Harding and Stewart shop work. It offered me real which will hang alongside E. Perrin Edmunds’ plaque in the hands-on experience, and I think that’s what I enjoyed most. Edmunds Building. They provided me with the skills I needed to be successful The hands-on education that these individuals brought to throughout my career,” said Gary Cleaves, a 1965 graduate The County made a difference in the lives of the students from the automotive technology program. Cleaves went on and graduates of the institution, as attested to by alumni spend 37 years full service with the Maine National Guard SUMMER 2011 NMCC Turns Fifty 25

and worked to establish Maine Military Authority, which refurbishes vehicles, equipment and component parts. Even in its early days, the College worked to not only provide hands-on technical experience, but to broaden the horizons of young people entering its doors. “Not knowing what I wanted to do with my life at the age of 18, I wanted to experience college life in a smaller, more intimate environment,” said Robert Grant, who came from Houlton for the tv/radio repair program, graduating in 1969. “In its relative infancy, the school and its teachers were exploring virgin territories with an enthusiasm and wonder that paralleled my own as a recent high school graduate. That feeling of discovery, problem solving, and implementation of solutions was a magical time for all of us who attended the original NMVTI in the first decade of its existence.” Grant is now the general manager for three showrooms for Youngs Furniture in South Portland. The College evolved over the years as it strived to meet the region’s needs. In 1970, NMVTI was granted authority to award the associate degree to business students, and in 1975 it was authorized to confer associate degrees to trade students. The College also became a member of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. in 1975. Through the efforts of College faculty and staff over the years, NMCC has gained various accreditations and certifications for departments 26 NMCC Turns Fifty SUMMER 2011

and programs. The overlaying goal has always been to make graduates more employable and to allow them easier access to furthering their education. While technical, handson education will always be a cornerstone of the institution, its transition to a comprehensive community college has proved a turning point in allowing NMCC to better accomplish its goal of not only preparing students for careers, but preparing them to transfer on to a four-year degree. “NMCC really got things moving for me with my college career,” said Kristina Kennison Braley, a 2008 graduate from NMCC’s accounting information systems and business administration programs. “NMCC gave me the general accounting and business knowledge needed to get started in my career at DFAS. It also prepared me and made me able to go on and get my BA from Husson University.” Since the 1970s, when the College established an adult education division and its first “satellite” or off-campus location, making college more accessible to folks from across The County has been a major goal. “NMCC allowed me to work at my own pace both academically and financially. The courses were affordable and available at times that worked best for me and my situation. I was a stay-at-home dad at the time and thanks to the open class schedule I was able to take classes in the evening and stay home during the day with my family,”

said 2005 liberal studies graduate Brian Mosher, who is now the program director and an on-air talent for Citadel Broadcasting.

in March 2009. The College now has more than 8,500 alumni, with thousands more having taken classes or being trained through its continuing education division.

When NMVI opened its doors in the fall of 1963, 78 students were enrolled in four programs. For the academic year that drew to a close in May, NMCC had 681 fulltime and 435 part-time students enrolled in 25 different academic programs. In addition to the traditional students just out of high school, the College has a growing number of non-traditional students looking to train for a new career or upgrade their skills in their current one. In fact, nearly half of all NMCC students are over the age of 24.

“As we look forward to our next 50 years, we will continue to grow and evolve to meet the ever changing needs of the region and the state,” said NMCC President Timothy Crowley. “Just this year, we established a new alternative energy center and are making curriculum adjustments to existing programs, particularly in the construction trades, to encompass renewable energy and energy efficiencies.”

In May, 274 students graduated from NMCC, including the first students to graduate from NMCC’s new wind power technology program and a group of displaced workers who began their studies in a specially offered term beginning

SUMMER 2011 NMCC Turns Fifty 27

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Patten Lumberman’s Museum Edited by Rhonda Brophy & Charles Cormier To get a real appreciation of The Patten Lumbermen’s of choice for making ship mask for British and American Museum, one must first get a feel for the history of Patten sailing vessels. In 1829 these individuals received permission from Patten to return and settle the area. Originally, this and its roll in Maine’s logging history. settlement was known as Fish’s Mill but was later renamed History of Patten Patten. In 1827, two men from Lincoln Maine, Ira Fish and Elijah Kellogg along with Samuel Wiggin paddled and poled their bateaux up the Mattawamkeag River to the head of navigation on Fish Stream (Mattawamkeag West Branch) to scout for lumber in the area of T4R6 for businessman and landowner Amos Patten. They found the township to have vast stands of tall white pines. These pines were the wood 30 Lumberman's Museum SUMMER 2011

Several factors contributed to Patten becoming the center for logging operations in Northern Maine. Patten is the first town beyond the Katahdin range, giving it access to the upper East Branch of the Penobscot River basin and the lower Allagash River basin. These areas were heavily wooded with much sought-after pine and spruce. The abundance of water allowed for the annual spring log drives that floated

timber cut during the winter months to mills downstream at Old Town and Bangor. In those days, Bangor was one of the largest lumber shipping ports in the world. Pattenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fertile, agricultural lands were also key in supplying hay for the oxen and horses used to yard logs in those lumber operations.

camps for crews of 20-30 men.

During the period of The Aroostook War (1838-1839), Maine militia and supplies traveled through Patten en route to the disputed boarder areas of the St. John River, Fish River and Aroostook River watersheds, where timber was being harvested illegally on disputed land claimed by both Almost everyone in Patten and the neighboring towns was Maine and New Brunswick. connected more or less with lumbering. Country stores carried needed supplies for the lumber camps. Men, young Patten continued to develop as mills, churches and schools and old, worked in the woods during the winter, on the were built. It was officially incorporated in 1841. Other river drives in spring and farmed in the summer. Blacksmith milestones include the printing of its first newspaper â&#x20AC;&#x153;The shops sprung up, as did farms. Women in the community Voiceâ&#x20AC;? in 1860, the first stagecoach service in 1869 and the worked the farms when the men were away, tended the arrival of the first steam locomotive in 1896. animals, reared children and often cooked in the lumber SUMMER 2011 Lumberman's Museum 31

History of The Patten Lumbermen’s Museum Dr Lore Rogers started the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum after his retirement, when he returned to his boyhood home in Patten. Working in the back of the town’s library, he began the task of documenting his memories of working with his father, a local lumberman, and others involved with the logging industry. In the late 1950’s he and his longtime friend, Game Warden Caleb Scribner, secured a parcel of land on the Shin Pond Road. Together, they moved a cabin, log by log, from the base of Mt. Chase to its present location and officially created The Patten Lumberman’s Museum.

sizes and purposes. Operated only as a seasonal venture, the original building and others built over the next 20 years were not equipped with heat or running water. The vast range of seasonal temperature caused continual deterioration of aging photographs and printed records. Through sheer determination, not unlike that of past lumbermen, a modern day Reception Center has been constructed over the past five years. This climate controlled, well-lit, handicapped accessible facility now protects the museums artwork, historic writings and photographs. It also contains a small library, conference room with a video station and a gift shop.

Over the years, the museum has developed a number of unique logging exhibits including some of Maine’s most notable contributions to the early mechanization of logging--the Lombard Steam Log Hauler, the Lombard Gas Log Hauler, and the Peavey Cant Dog. Other exhibits Today, the museum has grown to nine buildings of various include vintage chainsaws, logging sleds, bateaux, canoes, Dr. Rogers and Mr. Scribner knew the importance of Maine logging history and the value of preserving the logging heritage and accomplishments of the early inhabitants of the state, so that they would not be forgotten.

32 Lumberman's Museum SUMMER 2011

boats, Holt tractors, logging tools, a blacksmith shop and many antique photographs documenting the visual history of Maine logging. The museum also hosts temporary exhibits. Notably, the 2010 exhibit, “Maine’s Woods: Observations by Bert Lincoln Call & Henry David Thoreau”. This collection of photographs by Bert Call captures the travels of Henry Thoreau’s journey through the North Maine Woods in the 1800’s. In 2011 the museum will feature the “Spruce Gum Box/Book Exhibit”. The spruce gum box is a wonderful example of folk art created by lumbermen in the evenings to stave off boredom at remote logging camps. Spruce gum was pried off the bark of spruce trees for chewing and stored in boxes. Many of these boxes are intricately carved and decorated to present as gifts to wives or girlfriends left at home. To enhance this exhibit, the book “The Spruce Gum Box” written by Elizabeth Wilder will be available.

Currently the museum has approximately 400 financial contributors ranging from private individuals, small businesses, corporations and area towns. The museum also derives income from its woodlot harvesting and investment interest. This funding has allowed the board of directors to hire staff for guided tours and pay for day-to-day operations. The museum has also received grants from both the Maine Community Foundation and the Quimby Family Foundation. These grants have allowed for major renovations and the creation of a media center and art display system. The Bean Hole Bean Day Celebration has become the museum’s focal point of the summer. Started in the 1960’s, as a means of thanking the volunteers who searched far and wide for parts to their Lombard Log Hauler, it now plays a major role as a fundraiser in support of the Museum. The Board of Directors and their families prepare 18 pots of beans to be baked overnight, make and bake biscuits in SUMMER 2011 Lumberman's Museum 33

reflector ovens by the fire. Maine’s own Red Hot Dogs are boiled over an open fire. The local ladies of the community bake gingerbreads and cookies and serve coffee, which is brewed the old fashioned way. The day includes book signings by authors such as Randall Probert, Lloyd Archer and Tim Caverely. Music is provided by the RFD Band. A blacksmith demonstration and crafters are on hand as well as other displays. Children can participate in a scavenger hunt while adults tour the exhibit buildings. All for the regular admission fee: Adults $8.00, Seniors (65+) $7.00 and $3.00 for children (12-).

Hours of operation for 2011: May 27th – June 26th: Friday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. July 1st – October 10th: Tuesday – Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Closed Mondays except Holidays For more information, including how to become a member and driving directions, please contact:

The Patten Lumbermen’s Museum 25 Waters Road This year’s Bean Hole Bean Day Celebration will be held Patten, ME 04765 August 13th. Starting with the Main Street Parade at 10:00 (207) 528-2650 a.m. The celebration continues at the museum at 11:00 a.m. www.lumbermensmuseum.org Other fundraising efforts include the Annual Father’s Day Sale, Lumbermen’s Calendar, Gift Shop Sales and Raffles

34 Lumberman's Museum SUMMER 2011

Annual Bean Hole Bean Day Celebration August 13, 2011 Gallagherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Auto & Truck Parts 123 South Patten Rd Patten, ME 04765 207 528-2111

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SUMMER 2011 Lumberman's Museum 35

36 What Matters SUMMER 2011

What Matters: 40 Developmental Assets by Allison Heidorn

Fair is Fair

Photos by Beth Alden, Craig Cormier, Kim Jones & Rebecca Bowmaster When you look back at your life whatby willDan you remember? Will it be the money you made, the cars you drove or will it be the times you skipped rocks with your children, laughed with a friend so hard it hurt, or comforted a neighbor in need? The reality is that life is defined by solitary moments that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put into words, the relationships we build with those who walk in our hearts.

Search Institute, a global leader in what youth need Ladner to become caring, healthy, and responsible adults, identified the importance of relationships. According to their research, there are 40 specific skills that contribute to thriving young people including Support, Empowerment, Positive Identity, and Positive Values. Search Institute termed the 40 skills, 40 Developmental Assets. Developmental Assets are about the little things that come from our hearts such as supporting a friend, volunteering and accepting differences in others. According to Search Institute, the more assets young people have the more likely they are to make positive decisions and avoid risky behaviors.

There was a time when Sunday dinners were spent with family, and neighbors spent hours talking on backyard swings. Many families still work hard to hold true to past traditions, but it is far less common. The world has changed and youth are feeling the effects of the times in which they live. Television shows are rich with adult content and violent Caribou, Maine: The Creation of an Asset Rich themes; families must work long hours to pay their bills, Community and technology has contributed to the loss of heart-to-heart For those of us who have grown up in Caribou, there connections. is an unspoken understanding of the beauty that surrounds SUMMER FALL 2010 2011 What Matters 37

us, the strong sense of community and the values/work ethic we are so well known for. There is a sense of pride when we hear stories of picking potatoes or surviving the long, cold winter. We share a common experience that is built on the strength of relationships, traditions, and values.

community drug and alcohol abuse among young people. As part of their comprehensive approach, CADET began building a Developmental Asset model for the community. With so many negative messages in the world, it is not surprising that the hopeful message of Developmental Assets has been warmly received. Caribou is focusing on Developmental Assets can be built by anyone, what matters in the end, what you will really rememberâ&#x20AC;Ś anywhere, at any time, but they flourish most in communities skipping rocks, laughing with a friend, and comforting a like Caribou that continue to have backyard swings, Sunday neighbor. dinners and committed individuals who work to instill the idea of community. Caribou has such a committed group, Caribou Middle School Builds Developmental Assets the Community Alcohol and Drug Enforcement Team Caribou Middle School was quick to contribute (CADET). CADET, a local coalition, has been working to the community Development Assets model. In the since 1991 on the establishment of school-based drug and alcohol policies, the promotion of prevention programs in fall of 2009, they formed a group of 7th and 8th grade schools, and town hall meetings to address the concerns of students called the Developmental Asset Team. The team 38 What Matters SUMMER 2011

SUMMER 2011 What Matters 39

40 What Matters SUMMER 2011

was trained in the 40 Developmental Assets, and educated their peers and the community about the value of assets. The DA Team immediately resonated with the Asset message and successfully accomplished their goals thru commercials, theme days at school, youth trainings and school campaigns. The team far exceeded their expectations, and it became clear that young people were hungry for the message Developmental Assets had to deliver. In the fall of 2011, with a second year Developmental Asset Team in place, the team focus targeted bullying, and the need for acceptance. Out of their concerns came the idea for a School Pride Day. To the DA Team “School Pride” meant creating a school atmosphere where all students were treated with respect and acceptance. On the morning of March 11, 2011, after months of planning, School Pride Day became a reality. The DA Team raised enough money to purchase a t-shirt for everyone in their school. The shirts read, “Everyone has a story, get to know it”. The purpose of the shirts was to stop the taunting students face for the clothing they wear, for one day, School Pride Day, having the “right” clothes did not matter. There was a powerful feeling of unity as students, staff and volunteers fashioned maroon and gold colored t-shirts at the opening ceremony. The Developmental Asset Team was filled with anxious excitement as they saw several months of brainstorming break-out sessions, lining up guest speakers, raising money, and rehearsing skits, all came to fruition. School Pride Day focused on recognizing the uniqueness of people, breaking down social barriers including judging and labeling others without knowing their story and the harmful effect words can have on people. Throughout the day students commented how nice it was to have the opportunity to discuss some of the issues that concern them. School Pride Day at Caribou Middle School was the epitome of what Developmental Assets is all about, building relationships and connecting!

42 What Matters SUMMER 2011

For those of us who have grown up in Caribou, there is an unspoken understanding that community matters! The building of Developmental Assets has reminded Caribou of what it already knowsâ&#x20AC;Śwhat really matters in the end are the solitary moments that canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be put into words, the relationships we build with those who walk in our hearts. With a solid foundation set in what matters and an intentional Asset building initiative, there is no doubt Caribou youth will have what it takes to prepare them for their future, a future filled with Sunday dinners with family, backyard swings and talks of surviving long, cold winters and of all the adults in their community who helped them spread their wings and fly.

SUMMER 2011 What Matters 43

44 What Matters SUMMER 2011

SUMMER SUMMER 2011 2011 What WhatMatters Matters 45 45

Photo ÂŠ 2011 Ken Lamb, www.kenlamb.com

SUMMER 2011

Picnics by Dena Hensler

There are vast differences in the types of outings people refer to as “picnics”. From the simple fare to the more dramatic theme-based variety, we are limited only by our imagination. My memory of picnics dates back to the 60’s when my parents gathered up my three sisters and myself into the family station wagon and drove to the “Feeder Farm” site in Mapleton. The news of a picnic on a summer Saturday or Sunday afternoon generated a fair amount of excitement for us. An opportunity to see cousins, aunts, uncles, grandparents and indulge in lots of good food. The Feeder Farm was a favorite spot for many family gatherings. Located in a partially-cleared field, there was a large wooden table that would accommodate several families at one time and this table was covered with a roof offering protection from any inclement weather. It is interesting to note that while no one in the family was designated to actually plan the event, everything jelled in a way that would cause wonder in the minds of some today. There was no cell phone communication or text messaging back and forth to one another to insure all details were taken care of – it just happened. I recall the span of ages from babies to elders and the generations in between. Being a pre-teen (tween by today’s lingo), I believed myself to be the sophisticated female of the group especially with my horn-rimmed sunglasses and satiny kerchief tied beneath my chin. Gas grills were not readily available, if at all, during this era however there were cooking devices provided on site. These were three-sided units, looking like ovens, the raised grates made from metal that looked like lag bolts so the charcoal briquettes or hardwood could be placed underneath. While the grilling mediums heated, other activities were taking place. A large merry-go-round was nestled in one corner of the site and with as many aunts, uncles and cousins as it would hold, we would all jump on and run along the circular track inside the round bench picking up speed as we ran then quickly hop on and enjoy the dizzying ride until the disc lost momentum. Nearby in a more wooded area there were swings, the seats of which were either made from wooden planks or the heavy plastic material which was in a U-shape. These

were suspended by heavy rope and the higher we soared, the broader the grins on our faces. When the adults signaled us that lunch was ready, there was no hesitation to abandon whatever activity was in progress. While all the adults in attendance were hard working, certainly not wealthy, food was abundant and delicious. The meal consisted of steaks, hamburgers and red hot dogs with accompaniments that were colossal. Giant bowls of potato salad headed the line followed by moist, colorful macaroni salad and a Jell-o salad could always be found. Continuing down the line would be baked beans possibly cooked and served in Grampy’s authentic ceramic brown bean pot. Grammy or one of the aunts was sure to have provided home-made Parker house rolls with “real” butter. Corn-on-the-cob was our vegetable of choice (having been husked by the youngsters). Usually there would be lemonade for the children and hot tea or coffee for the adults. Grampy made the coffee simply by boiling water in a kettle or a cleaned-out lard pail, adding some coffee grounds and then some egg shells which apparently allowed the grounds to settle to the bottom of the container. Once the main course was devoured, we were offered dessert. Watermelon was a treat to us in that time and being outdoors where we could spit the seeds was something akin to a sporting competition. When I accidentally swallowed a seed, one of my cousins told me, quite convincingly, that a watermelon was going to take root and grow in my stomach! The grand finale to this smorgasbord of caloric indulgence was strawberry shortcake. Wild berries, laboriously picked from the fields behind Grammy and Grampy’s house, were mixed with sugar and formed a deliciously sweet, natural syrup. Home-made, flaky sweet biscuits were the base for the berries. The biscuits were separated in half, the bottom receiving a generous spoonful of berries, then the top of the biscuit replaced with more berries and a dollop of real, sweet whipped ream. Those memories are as fresh in my mind today as they were over forty years ago. Fortunately, this basic picnic tradition settled in the deepest part of me and while the basic premise of the gathering remains the same, we have become somewhat more modernized – in some ways – to our present day approach. A telephone call to my sister will start things moving SUMMER 2011

as we check each of our schedules and decide whether or not to pack sandwiches or to grill outdoors. Often this decision is dictated by the weather and if it is black fly season or not! As we both live in different towns, we select a time and place to meet at which time both families will settle in one SUV. We transfer the items that I brought to my sister’s vehicle, folding camp chairs, hardwood and paper for a fire, blankets, cooler, camera, cell phone, thermos and a canvas goodie bag. Everything except this goodie bag finds its way to the rear of the vehicle. Their two youngsters are in the third-row seats accompanied by their iPods and electronic games. My sister and I occupy the second row seats while our husbands are in the driver’s seat and passenger’s seat in front. Ready? Not quite. Before we leave town, we visit a drive-through cafe for hot and cold drinks to sustain us on the ride to our picnic site. Now we can proceed. The journey through town goes quickly and gradually the countryside comes into view. Fields of green are mixed with an abundance of brightly colored wildflowers and this gets everyone’s attention. Conversation covering many subjects seems to be taking place with everyone talking at once. Driving further into the wooded areas, excitement is expressed audibly as we begin to visualize wildlife. The spotting of an owl high up in a birch tree garners as much enthusiasm as the sighting of a rabbit crossing the road or the appearance of a moose, its gangly body trotting down the middle of the dirt path, hooves kicking up dust and its oversized ears positioned to keep track of our approach. Being extremely fortunate this day, we round a corner and capture a glimpse of a beautiful white-tailed deer. At first she looks in our direction, head extended proudly, her sleek tan body blending in nicely with her surroundings. She momentarily looks over her shoulder, standing completely still. Realizing that her posturing most likely indicates she has a fawn nearby and not wanting our intrusion to cause her any stress, we stop the vehicle and allow her time to decide which direction she wishes to proceed. A quick release of the camera shutter insures us that we can reflect upon this view later, long after the actual naked eye image is gone. As we make our way down the narrow tote roads, grass and bushes rub noisily against the vehicle’s exterior. We are all amicably chatting all the while munching on red licorice, peanut butter cups, caramel popcorn, potato chips and candy bars that we retrieved from the goodie bag. At last, our site comes into view. The area is a small clearing perched atop a hillside surrounded by raspberry bushes, saplings, a blend of mature spruce and fir trees along with two giant maple trees that have been allowed to grow for countless decades. The sky above is the color blue 48

SUMMER 2011

of a robin’s egg with white, marshmallowy clouds dotting the otherwise clear firmament. Without specific assignments or instructions, each person attends to certain tasks necessary to begin our lunch preparation. My sister and I retrieve an old, discarded wooden spool that once held coiled electrical wire, we turn it upright and put a tablecloth on the flat, round surface. As we unload coolers from the SUV, the rest of the crew prepares the campsite. Today, because of the gorgeous weather, we have chosen to grill our lunch. A gentle breeze keeps the airborne pests away and the smells from the forest impact our senses in the most delightful way. Our grill site is rustic, a circular fire pit edged with several tiers of rocks. Paper is crumpled in the center, topped with small cedar kindling followed by a pyramid of split hardwood. A match is struck and instantly the flames come to life along with the sound of crackling. Immediately our senses are overcome with the heady essence of sweet wood smoke. Green alders are cut and one end pared to a sharp point. This will serve as the tool for cooking hot dogs. While the fire takes hold and coals begin to form, we bring out folding canvas camp chairs which are arranged in a circle around the fire. We have set out our pasta salad, fresh fruit, potato chips and home-made clam dip, sodas, condiments for the meat, paper plates and plastic utensils. Hot dogs are skewered onto the alders to be roasted over the coals and flames but wait, where is the grill to cook the burgers? Oops, guess that was one detail overlooked. My nephew comes up with a questionable alternative to the situation and the majority vote is to try his suggestion. A very thin piece of shale is anchored between two rocks and begins to heat from the flames beneath. After several minutes, a burger is placed atop the shale and immediately the meat begins to sizzle. A simple yet effective improvisation which brings laughter to all. Conversation waxes and wanes as we fill our plates and devour the fare while experiencing the uncomplicated, uncluttered moments. Birds of many species share their songs and flit about maintaining a reasonable distance from us – although we pose no threat. As the flames die down and reveal red and white hot coals, cookies are offered and one or two are eaten while preparations are underway for the real treat. Graham crackers and chocolate bars are removed from their paper wrapping in preparation for their filling. The children are squatted around the fire pit with large, white marshmallows speared on the end of the alder sticks. The rotation of the sugary puff is key to even toasting – although some of us don’t mind a charred exterior with a warm, molten center. The marshmallows join the cracker base followed by a generous square of chocolate and topped with another cracker – a

genuine fire-toasted sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;more! When we have eaten our fill, it is time to clean the campsite. This is a team effort which involves packing the gear back into the SUV, pouring copious amounts of water into the fire pit and stirring the coals until all heat has diminished. We make sure there is no evidence of us having been there as we leave the site in the same pristine condition that we found it. As we drive away, appetites are sated, minds are more relaxed and the two youngsters are nodding off in the back seat. In our own, individual way, we each give thanks for this spectacular day. Not only were we gifted with the beauty of the landscape and wildlife, we participated faceto-face with family members in the most precious form of social networking. All the while keeping our picnic tradition alive. P.O. Box 430 291 West Main Street Fort Kent, Maine 04743 Tel: 207.834.5354 info@fortkentchamber.com www.fortkentchamber.com

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SUMMER 2011 51

Lisa Caron, Chief Operating Officer of Pines Health Services

To Serve a Community it Takes a Team by Karim Slifka

What’s the sign of a good relationship? Is it in their community safe and healthy. Though they when you can call someone at a moment’s notice provide very different services, knowing they have for help, and that help is the same purpose makes their collaboration secondthere? Is it when you listen to each other and respect nature. How and when did this relationship become so each other’s unique skills? Is it when you share ideas and seamless? make things happen? The collaboration started when Pines and the Caribou PD These qualities could joined other members of the Community Alcohol and Drug describe two best friends since childhood, or they could Lisa Caron, COO of Pines Education Team (CADET). CADET describe the relationship was established in Caribou to promote “community change” between Pines Health Services and the Caribou Police Department (PD). Both with the goal of decreasing “alcohol, tobacco, and organizations share a mission to keep the people other drug abuse and dependency.” To protect the

“The Chief and his team never let us down.”

52 To Serve a Community SUMMER 2011

community and create a safe environment for its residents, CADET pulls together diverse members from different disciplines. Local schools provide the education component, while the Caribou PD covers enforcement. Pines Health Services, Cary Medical Center, AMHC, and other organizations bring the prevention and treatment perspective. Operating since 1996, CADET is the longest running program of its kind in the area. The collaboration reached a telling milestone in 2003 when team discussions turned to the prescription drug problem that began to permeate the internet and infiltrate rural neighborhoods. Caribou took a proactive approach to the epidemic that was already destroying other communities. Rather than thinking it couldn’t happen here, CADET members prepared to meet its inevitable arrival head-on. In 2005 the group took the issue to the City Council and developed a proclamation to fight prescription drug abuse. Wanting the cause to be community-driven, CADET held a town meeting to inform the public and to send the message, “Be prepared.” Krista Burchill, MD, Medical Director of Pines, detailed the harmful physical effects of addiction. More than 1,600 people filled the Caribou Performing Arts Center, making it the biggest event the venue had ever seen. The overwhelming turnout signaled the concern community members felt, and their determination to preserve their town. Geography helps, but relationships are key. Caribou looks to other counties as bellwethers of the coming trends in prescription drug abuse. Given its relative isolation, Aroostook County often experiences a delay in those trends, giving Caribou time to anticipate and prepare. But time alone doesn’t work; it takes a real partnership between people to obtain and share key information. Michael W. Gahagan, Chief of Police for the Caribou Police Department, characterized the exchange of information among community members as “freeflowing.” When he receives intelligence bulletins from other police departments, he immediately shares that information with local schools and providers. When a medical provider discovers a

safety issue, that information makes its way right to Chief Gahagan. The Chief also acknowledges the CADET partners’ knack for solving problems. Caribou is a resourceful, close-knit community. When they see a problem, they fix it instead of waiting for someone else to step in. For example, in addition to prevention, the team made a commitment to offer comprehensive treatment and recovery services to the community. AMHC has long provided medication assisted treatment (MAT), but community need outgrew AMHC’s capacity to do it alone. Thanks to the partnership between AMHC and Pines and Cary, these organizations established a Caribou Suboxone clinic in 2006, offering local treatment to individuals so that they don’t have to travel downstate. The clinic marks the first in the state that was founded on a partnership of multiple organizations to provide this service. With that problem addressed, another one emerged. The Caribou PD discovered the trend of “renting pills” from others to maintain the correct pill count during Suboxone treatments. The PD shared this information with area behavioral health and primary care providers, who immediately took action. They worked with locally owned pharmacies to package pills in bubble packs, preventing the pills from being swapped and then replaced. The change has proven so effective that it has been replicated throughout Maine. In fact, the Maine Office of Substance Abuse has sent providers to the Caribou clinic to learn from this success. The revolutionary step toward bubble packs happened within a matter of weeks, but could have easily taken six months in a larger community. How is Caribou so light on its feet? According to Chief Gahagan, it’s all in the comfort level. “The key is getting everyone feeling comfortable and safe. Leave the door open. Be receptive to new ideas,” he said. “The different participants—schools, law enforcement, health care providers—are not in different camps. We’ve opened the doors that separate our roles and have become friend-onfriend.” Another reason the collaboration works is its division of labor. No one organization can do it alone and no one person can know everything. The SUMMER 2011 To Serve a Community 53

Michael W. Gahagan, Chief of Police for the Caribou Police Department

CADET members count on each other’s expertise. Pines will not keep onsite for everyone’s safety For example, Chief Gahagan said his department and security. In all of these scenarios, we give relies heavily on Pines to be on the cutting edge of Chief Gahagan a call and an officer picks up the pain management and to educate the community medications.” The take-back program has resulted in tons of medications disposed of safely rather than about the options. The comfort level fostered through CADET entering the natural environment or contributing to substance abuse and related crimes. has extended to the general Thanks to communities like community with the “takeCaribou, Maine is one of the back” program. People have largest “take-back” states in come to know Caribou as a the country. safe place to properly dispose Chief Gahagan sees of their expired or unused real results from the medications. Citizens bring collaborative efforts of them to the police station, CADET’s members. Drug or the police pick them up in Chief Gahagan, Caribou PD the home. Lisa Caron, Chief arrests and burglary rates have both decreased. Operating Officer of Pines, Elderly citizens are less likely to become victims of added, “There are different scenarios we encounter every day in which we obtain old or unused prescription medication theft. In short, Caribou is medications from patients. Sometimes they bring one of the safest communities in Maine, owing in them when they have an office visit. Sometimes their large part to its spirit of collaboration. Just as the provider changes their medication regime, rendering Suboxone clinic, the bubble packs, and the take-back their existing medications obsolete. Sometimes program have been influential beyond Caribou’s these medications are controlled substances, which borders, other counties within Maine have adopted

“Leave the door open. Be receptive to new ideas.”

54 To Serve a Community SUMMER 2011

the CADET collaborative model. It truly is a “Citizen’s Initiative,” as Chief Gahagan put it. “The more the people get involved, the lower the crime, the safer and healthier the community.” The work of this team continues, and no matter how safe the community becomes its members maintain constant vigilance for the next signal on the horizon. Meanwhile, the principles of communication, comfort, and collaboration govern the day-to-day relationship. At any time Pines might call Chief Gahagan for a little assistance. The police might ask Pines for some medical expertise. And it will be taken care of, at a moment’s notice. Lisa Caron reflected, “Every time I call the Chief, he supports our needs without fail. His collaboration is critical to Pines’s mission and is invaluable to our ability to serve our patients. The Chief and his team never let us down.”

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Giardiasis: Beavers Not Entirely to Blame

by Richard Hoppe, Regional Wildlife Biologist, MDIFW While duck hunting, I paddled up through Portage Lake to a section of the Floating Islands offering great opportunity for pass shooting. Two days later after a very successful hunt, I experienced extreme intestinal discomfort with abdominal cramps, diarrhea, and nausea and at one point noises from my abdomen were so loud that my dog barked at them. When I told others of my discomfort, they offered their own story about Giardiasis (Gee-are-DI-a-sis), a medical name for this parasitic intestinal infection often referred to as “beaver fever”. The actual “bug” or parasite is Giardia lamblia, and often referred to as just Giardia. During the past 2 decades, Giardia has become recognized as one of the most common causes of waterborne disease (drinking and recreational) in humans in the United States and throughout the world. The incubation period in humans is 1 to 25 days; with most infections become clinically apparent after 7 to 10 days. Giardia is rarely fatal, but can be debilitating if symptoms persist. The organism in human feces is the most frequently found pathogen by public health labs across the country, but these cysts exit in many other infected animal bodies along with the feces. The most common animal carriers of Giardia include dogs, cats, beavers, muskrats, and bear. Although beaver often get the blame for spreading Giardia, muskrat have been shown to carry even more cysts than beaver, and raw sewage from non-functioning septic systems can often deposit more parasites into waterways than any living beaver or muskrat. Giardia lives in the intestine of the infected human or animal where millions of cysts can be released from the passing of fecal materials where infection to humans may result after accidentally swallowing the parasite. Giardia may be found in soil, food, water, or surfaces that have been contaminated with the feces from infected animals or humans. Giardia is not spread by contact with blood. Some of the ways that Giardia may spread are:

stool of a person or animal infected with Giardia. 3. Swallowing recreational water contaminated with Giardia. Recreational water is water in swimming pools, hot tubs, Jacuzzis, fountains, lakes, rivers, springs, ponds, or streams that can be contaminated with sewage or feces from humans or animals. 4. By eating uncooked food contaminated with Giardia. Thoroughly wash with uncontaminated water all vegetables and fruits you plan to eat raw. 5. Accidently swallowing Giardia picked up from surfaces (toys, bathroom fixtures, changing tables, diaper pails) contaminated with fecal material from an infected person. In 1983 the Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded a contract to study the vectors and transmission of the illness. Dr. Stanley Erlandsen and Dr. William Bemrick from the University of Minnesota developed the study that included field examination of beaver and muskrat intestinal tracts in the northeast. Maine and four other neighboring states were included in this study that lasted over a five-year period. The results in this study found that approximately 17% of the live trapped beaver and 95% of the muskrats in the five states were infected with Giardia. It was also known that all the sites from which infected beaver or muskrats were taken possessed a high potential for human waste contamination. It was further concluded that contamination of waterways, and of the beaver in them, by human1. As in the case described above, having water sprayed originating fecal material containing Giardia, poses on my face and licking my lips where ingestion of the cysts the principal Giardia health problem. Dr. Erlandsen and may have occurred. Bemrick concluded that Giardia contracted even in remote 2. By putting something in your mouth or accidentally areas is probably derived from human sources and the role swallowing something that has come in contact with the beaver or other aquatic wildlife play is secondary. 58 SUMMER 2011

Prevention measures may include but are not inclusive: 1. Practice good hygiene by washing hands with soap and clean water. 2. Avoid swallowing recreational water.

3. Avoid drinking untreated water. 4. If you are unable to avoid drinking or using water that might be contaminated, then treat the water by: heating water to rolling boil for at least 1 minute, or using a filter that has an absolute pore size of a least 1 micron or one that is rated for â&#x20AC;&#x153;cyst removalâ&#x20AC;?. Hopefully with a better understanding of Giardia and some simple preventative steps, everyone can enjoy their time in the outdoors and their return to the conveniences of home in a healthy manner.

Healthy You:

What’s Bugging You? by Kim Jones, Cary Medical Center

In Maine, there’s a crazy little dance most everyone knows and it goes something like this: wave one hand over your head, wave the other hand in front of your face, squint your eyes, exhale through puckered lips (trying not to let out any bad words), and spin around a time or two. I call it the Black Fly Boogie or the Mosquito Mash…depending on the dance partner. From early spring through late-summer, spending time outside inevitably means you’ll be dealing with a variety of swarming, buzzing, and biting bugs. The little pests can make working in the garden, hiking through the woods, or having a barbecue in the backyard frustrating, rather than fun, activities. But before you give up on enjoying the great outdoors there are a few things you should know. Bugs Are Our Friends There’s a reason why that mosquito you swatted has ancestors that can be traced back over 200 million years. It is part of our ecosystem – that delicate balance of organisms that interact with each other to create our biological environment. There are all sorts of creatures that rely heavily on “pesky” insects as their primary source of chow, such as bats, birds, fish, frogs, and other insects. A break in this food chain would impact other plants and animals, including humans. And this system isn’t just about eating or being eaten. For instance, carpenter ants, which are common in Maine, play an important role in keeping soil healthy for vegetation by building tunnels that allow air and water to circulate and by breaking down dead wood. So before you smack, squish, or poison every insect that gets in your way remember, they are part of a cycle that helps sustain all life…including yours! Stop Bugging Me! OK, I understand that even though bugs are our friends they 60 County Health SUMMER 2011

can be really annoying. Fortunately, there are a number of ways you can reduce your insect irritation. • Chemical warfare. For many people, their first line of defense against outdoor pests is to slather on a commercial bug spray. These types of products usually contain N-Diethyl3-Methylbenzamide, commonly known as DEET, and picaridin, both of which have been proven to be effective and long-lasting insect repellents. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) have approved these chemicals as safe for humans when used as directed. That means lightly spraying exposed skin and clothing, avoiding over-application. When choosing this kind of product, pick one that best suits your needs. You don’t need a 98 percent DEET spray for 12-hour protection if you’re just going for a short stroll through the woods. A 10 percent concentration should protect you for about two hours according to EPA research. It’s also a good idea to wash the chemical off your skin when you come inside. • Get smelly. If the thought of putting a chemical 24-letters long on your skin concerns you, try a little aromatherapy. Some odors that are a real turn-off to bugs actually smell good to most people. Lemongrass, mint, citronella, and citrus fruits, for example, have all been shown to repel a wide variety of insects. You can purchase these scented oils to wear, burn, or spray in buggy areas in most home fragrance and aromatherapy stores, as well as a number of online sites. Also, watch for a new natural insect repellent developed at the CDC that will likely be readily available in the near future. It is made from a substance called nootkatone, which is found in cedar trees and grapefruit, and has been proven to be extremely effective in repelling mosquitoes, ticks, and other insects. • Speaking of smelly... There is strong evidence that some plants also act as a natural insect repellent. Marigolds, nasturtiums, rosemary, onions, garlic, and chive ward off a

variety of worms and insects largely because of the aroma they produce. A few strategically placed plants can help create an insect free zone. • Choose your clothing wisely. Your best protection comes from wearing a long sleeve shirt, pants, gloves, boots, and a hat. When it’s too hot outside to cover up from head to toe choose light-colored clothing. Insects such as black flies and mosquitoes are more attracted to dark colors so wear white, yellow, baby blue, or other bright colors when going outside. A shoulder-length headnet (available at many popular department stores) will also provide excellent protection. When Bugs Bite If you spend any amount of time outside, chances are you’ll get a bug bite at some point. Generally, this is nothing more than an itchy reminder that the great outdoors is a bug’s world. Mild reactions to bites and stings often include slight swelling, itching, and redness. In these cases, home treatment is usually all that is required: wash the bite area, apply an ice pack to reduce swelling, and/or use an over-the-counter medicine like calamine lotion or hydrocortisone cream to relieve itching. For people who have a sensitivity or allergy to the toxins released by biting or stinging insects, the reaction can be more severe. This may include difficulty breathing, nausea, hives, stomach cramps, and significant swelling. Sometimes serious reactions are delayed. For example, the fever, rash, and joint pain often associated with Lyme disease, a disease transmitted by ticks, can take several days or weeks to appear. Remember, some insects are disease carriers transmitting everything from malaria to West Nile Virus. It’s important that you seek medical advice if a bug bite or sting causes you significant pain, appears infected, does not heal, or leads to any other severe reaction.

Your “LOCAL” choice for payroll processing Curt Paterson President curtp@maine.rr.com

Hopefully, this information will help you enjoy nature despite the bugs that bug you. And don’t forget to share these tips the next time you see someone doing the Black Fly Boogie or Mosquito Mash! Sources: Maine Forestry Service; www.maine.gov/doc/mfs/ FactSheets_new.htm Minnesota Department of Natural Resources; www.dnr.state. mn.us/young_naturalists/ants/index.html National Public Radio; www.npr.org/2011/04/18/135468567/ repelling-bugs-with-the-essence-of-grapefruit WebMD; www.webmd.com

P.O. Box 189 Presque Isle, Me 04769-0189 Tel: (207) 764-6945 Fax: (207) 433-1099

www.patersonpayroll.com

Maine’s Platinum Trollbeads Dealer Clogs, Jewelry, Table Linens, Swedish Specialty Foods Scandinavian Sweaters, Crystal, Dinnerware, Bridal Registry www.monicasimports.com 176 Sweden Street, Caribou, Me 04736 Tel / Fax: (207) 493-4600

Healthy You is a free community program from Cary Medical Center that addresses your overall well-being including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. For program information or calendar of events, log on to www. carymedicalcenter.org or call Cary Medical Center’s Public Relations Department at 498-1361. SUMMER 2011 County Health 61

ADVANCED ALZHEIMER’S and OTHER DEMENTIA GUIDE FOR CAREGIVERS Presented by Professional Home Nursing Darlene Foster, RN

Alzheimer’s is a form of Dementia. Dementia is not a disease itself, but rather a group of symptoms that are caused by various diseases or conditions. Dementia is the loss of mental functions such as thinking, memory and reasoning. Alzheimer’s Dementia symptoms include changes in personality, mood, and behavior. Alzheimer’s when more advanced interferes with a person’s daily functioning. Alzheimer’s can be treated but not cured. Diseases that can lead to dementia are: Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, diseases of the blood vessels such as stroke, excessive drug or alcohol use, nutritional deficiencies such as B12 and folate deficiency, AIDS dementia, head injuries, brain tumors, kidney, liver and lung diseases. WHAT BEHAVIORS SHOULD I EXPECT AND WHAT CAUSES THEM? Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias can cause a person to act in different and unpredictable ways.

Some individuals with Alzheimer’s become anxious or aggressive. Others repeat certain questions or gestures. Many misinterpret what they hear. These types of reactions can lead to misunderstandings, frustration and tensions, particularly between the person with dementia and the caregiver. It is important to understand that the person is not acting that way on purpose. The behavior may be related to physical discomfort (illness or medications), overstimulation (loud noises or a busy environment), unfamiliar surroundings (new places or the inability to recognize the home), complicated tasks (difficulty with activities or chores), or frustrating interactions (inability to communicate effectively). HOW TO HANDLE AGGRESSION: Aggressive behaviors may be verbal (shouting, name-calling) or physical (hitting, pushing). These behaviors can occur suddenly, with no apparent reason, or can result from a frustrating situation. Whatever the case, it is important to try to understand what is causing the person to become angry or upset. Try to identify the immediate cause: Think about what happened right before the reaction that may have triggered the behavior. Focus on feelings, not facts: Try not to concentrate on specific details; rather, consider the person’s emotions. Look for the feelings behind the words. Don’t get angry or upset: Be positive and reassuring. Speak slowly in a soft tone. Limit distractions: Examine the person’s surroundings, and adapt to them to avoid other similar situations. Try relaxing activity: Use music, massage or exercise to help soothe the person.

SUMMER 2011

Shift the focus to another activity: The immediate situa- Offer corrections as suggestions: Avoid explanations that tion or activity may have unintentionally caused the aggres- sound like scolding. Try “I thought it was a fork” or “I sive response. Try something different. think he is your grandson John”. HOW TO HANDLE ANXIETY OR AGITATION:

Try not to take it personally: Remember, Alzheimer’s causes your loved one to forget, but your support and understanding will continue to be appreciated.

A person with Alzheimer’s may feel anxious or agitated. They may become restless and need to move around or pace. Or they may become upset in certain places or foHOW TO HANDLE REPETITION: cused on specific details. He or she may also become overreliant on a certain caregiver for attention and direction. A person with Alzheimer’s may do or say something over and over again – like repeating a word, question or acListen to frustration: Find out what may be causing the tivity. In most cases, they probably are looking for comfort, anxiety, and try to understand. security and familiarity. The person may also pace or undo what has just been finished. These actions are rarely harmProvide reassurance: Use calming phrases. Let the indi- ful to the person with Alzheimer’s but can be stressful for vidual know you’re there for him or her. the caregiver. Involve the person in activities: Try using art, music, simple hobbies or other activities to help the person relax.

Look for a reason behind the repetition: Try to find out if there is a specific cause for the behavior.

Modify the environment: Decrease noise and distractions, or move to another location.

Focus on the emotion, not the behavior: Rather than reacting to what the person is doing, think about how he or she is feeling.

Find outlets for the person’s energy: He or she may be looking for something to do. Take a walk, or go for a car Turn the action or behavior into an activity: If the perride. son is rubbing their hand across the table, provide a cloth and ask for help with dusting. HOW TO HANDLE CONFUSION: Stay calm, and be patient: Reassure the person with a The person with Alzheimer’s may not recognize fa- calm voice and gentle touch. miliar people, places or things. He or she may forget relationships, call family members by other names or become Provide an answer: Give the person the answer that they confused about where home is. The person may also forget are looking for, even if you have to repeat it several times. the purpose of common items, such as a pen or fork. These situations are extremely difficult for caregivers and require Engage the person in an activity: They may simply be much patience and understanding. bored and need something to do. Provide structure and engage them in a pleasant activity. Stay calm: Although being called by a different name or not being recognized can be painful; try not to make your Use memory aids: If the person asks the same questions hurt apparent. over and over again, offer reminders by using notes, clocks, calendars or photographs, if these items are still meaningful Respond with a brief explanation: Don’t overwhelm the to them. person with lengthy statements and reasons. Instead clarify with a simple explanation. Accept the behavior, and work with it: If it isn’t harmful, let it be. Find ways to work with it. Show photos and other reminders: Use photographs and other thought-provoking items to remind the person of imHOW TO HANDLE SUSPICION: portant relationships and places. Memory loss and confusion may cause the person SUMMER 2011 County Health 63

with Alzheimer’s to perceive things in new, unusual ways. Individuals may become suspicious of those around them, even accusing others of theft, infidelity or other improper behavior. Sometimes the person may also misinterpret what he or she sees and hears. Don’t take offense: Listen to what is troubling the person, and try to understand that reality. Then be reassuring, and let the person know you care. Don’t argue or try to convince: Allow the individual to express ideas. Acknowledge their opinions. Offer a simple answer: Share your thoughts with them, but keep it simple. Don’t overwhelm them with lengthy explanations or reasons. Switch the focus to another activity: Engage the individual in an activity, or ask for help with a chore. Duplicate any lost items: If they are often searching for a specific item, have several available. Such as having two of the same wallet. Consider that caring for a person with advanced dementia can be emotionally and physically exhausting. Arrange for extra help to have time away from the care needs of your loved one. Consider unpaid help such as church members, other family as well as paid help such as personal care attendants from in home care agencies and adult day care programs. Discuss with their physician if a cognitive evaluation from a speech therapist would help identify their current level of functioning and methods you may use to care for them at home. Resources: Area Agency on Aging: 207-764-3396 or 1-800-439-1789 Memory Clinic: Dr. Meleth 207-498-1394

SUMMER 2011

Greater Van Buren Chamber of Commerce

We are a 4-season vacation destination oﬀering snowmobiling, snowshoeing, x-country skiing, hiking, ATVing & other outdoor activities

207-868-5059 51 Main Street Ste 101 Van Buren, ME 04875 vbchamber@pwless.net www.vanburenmaine.com

Take a short drive to a different world where you can enjoy a leisurely paddle on the numerous lakes and rivers, ride your bike on quiet roads offering picturesque views at every turn or float over the rolling hills and fields in a hot air balloon.

July 29 – August 6 Northern Maine Fair August 25 – 28 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest For more information contact: Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce www.piacc.com 207-764-6561

Various communities hold celebrations throughout the summer.

Central aroostook County, Maine

The Way Life Should Be!

SUMMER 2011 County Health 65

your opportunity Discover an exciting career or an affordable start to a four year degree...

33 Edgemont Drive l Presque Isle, ME 04769 (207) 768-2785 l www.nmcc.edu

Photo ÂŠ 2011 Ken Lamb, www.kenlamb.com

SUMMER 2011

Aroostook Eats:

Long Lake Sporting Club Please introduce yourself to our readers. The Long Lake Sporting Club is family owned by Ken & Debbie Martin and Neal & Denise Martin. Can you give us a brief history of the restaurant? Pierrette & Mark Peterson purchased the Sporting Club in 1971, when it functioned as a hotel. Five years later the downstairs rooms were converted into a lounge and bar, changing the status of hotel to restaurant. In 1971 the Sporting Club was purchased by their daughter and son-in-law Debbie & Ken Martin. Currently the Martin’s son and daughter-in-law Neal and Denise Martin are involved in the restaurant, making this the third generation. Neal grew up in the business, since the age of five. What is the theme of your establishment? Our theme is casual fine dining. Who is your chef? Our head chief is Neal Martin, the third generation son. He is known for pleasing his customers with his excellent cooking. Please tell us about your menu. All items are cooked to order. Our specialties include Jumbo Hard Shell Lobster (3.5 – 4 lb), Steaks, BBQ Ribs, Fresh Seafood and Pressure Fried Chicken. During the winter, snowmobilers can enjoy the lighter far of chicken stew and ploys. A children’s menu is also available.

of snowmobilers but has a marina for boaters as well. If French is your preferred language, we are bi-lingual. All our sauces and desserts are homemade. We pride ourselves in using fresh products with no preservatives. Orders are taken in our lounge area where you can relax while your meal is prepared, at which time you will be seated in our dining room. What is your establishment’s address, contact info, hours of operation? The Long Lake Sporting Club 48 Sinclair Rd Sinclair, ME 04779 www.longlakesportingclub.com (207) 543-7584 The lounge opens daily at 11:00 A.M. (summer & winter), 2:00 P.M. (spring & fall). Appetizers begin at 4:30 P.M. Dining – Monday thru Friday 5:00 – 9:00 P.M., Saturday 4:30 – 9:00 P.M. and Sunday 12:00 – 8:00 P.M. Do you take reservations, cater or have takeout? We accept reservations, takeout orders and all major credit cards. ATM and gift certificates are available.

Is there anything else that we haven’t covered that you would like our readers to know? We offer a full service marina for use while dining or to dock your boat for the season. We offer fuel for boats and seaplanes. During the winter months, fuel What sets your restaurant apart from others? and oil are available for snowmobilers. We also rent ice The Sporting Club not only caters to the needs fishing cabins within 300 ft. from shore.

SUMMER 2011 Aroostook Eats 69

Caribou Caribou Cares About Kids & Healthy Living, Just the Beginning in Caribou Continue your summer celebration in Caribou. August 11 – 14!!! From Collins Pond Park to Bennett Drive, Caribou will be filled with parade onlookers, tie-dyed t-shirts, healthy treats, rock ‘n’ roll and community spirit!! As always, there is much to do in Caribou. 2011 will not be a disappointment for kids young and old. Healthy living is just the beginning in Caribou with the next fun-filled three days of discovery, fresh air and learning throughout the parks and streets of our city. With the help of so many hard working community members, Caribou will be full of interactive, entertaining and educational activities for children. These events are geared to encourage parents and their children to live healthier, more active lives together and promote positive family interaction. Thursday the 11th Movin’ & Groovin’ Day Join the Caribou Area Chamber of Commerce at Collins Pond Park for the 3rd Annual Tie-Dye Extravaganza. We will have you movin’ & groovin’ as you are given the opportunity to get your creativity flowing. You can tie-dye your own official Caribou Cares About Kids t-shirt, make a matching friendship bracelet, and enjoy the other groovy activities available for all the fun-loving family members. Caribou Parks and Recreation Department will be hosting a black-light dance for Grades 7-12 at night!! Friday the 12th Healthy Day!!! Family Fitness Fair!! Join the energetic celebration at the Caribou Parks and Recreation Department. Games, learning activities, music and demonstrations will get your body moving and your heart pumping in the right direction. The Farmers’ Market on Bennett Drive will be open, inviting families to purchase and enjoy wonderful foods fresh from local gardens and farms as well as demonstrations! A well-deserved treat with Kieffer’s Annual Ice Cream Social is a must. Parade Day along Bennett Drive is waiting for

your enthusiastic cheers the early evening of Friday, August 12th. Floats and participants line up at 5 p.m. and the parade begins at 6 p.m. If you are finding it’s time to rest and slow down a bit after a day of excitement and entertainment, now is the time for Movie Night at Dusk in the Park, sponsorship by Cary/Pines and the Caribou Rec Center. Saturday August 13th Fun Day at Teague Park!!! Begin your morning with a community breakfast, sponsored by the VFW, to get a healthy start to a very busy afternoon. Children can enjoy carnival games and activities, sponsored by ATLC (Aroostook Teen Leadership Camp). Food booths are available for parents and children in need of a mid-afternoon energy refill. Bright colorful inflatables, families, balloons, good food, local vendors and music will fill the park, thanks in part by Caribou Parks and Recreation Department, Cary Medical Center & Pines Health Services. The Farmer’s Market will again be open to purchase locally grown foods and handmade local crafts at the Bennett location. To bring this energetic day to an eventful close, the Rolling Stone Tribute Band will perform at 7 p.m. at the Caribou Performing Arts Center. Sunday August 14th Kids Free Family Day!!! Bring in the final day of our Caribou Cares About Kids weekend on Sunday, August 14 with Kids Free Family Day with Free Disc Golf All Day for Kids, sponsored by Enman Riverside Disc Golf on the Presque Isle Rd in Caribou!!! The 2011 Caribou Cares About Kids, August 11th - 14th, is a great opportunity to celebrate Healthy living just the beginning in Caribou. Enjoy fun activities designed to promote healthy habits and inspire a lifetime love of physical activity for parents and children! For more information, keep your eyes open for event flyers with all the info or go to www.cariboumaine.net!!! Hope to see you at the 2011 Caribou Cares About Kids Weekend!!!

SUMMER 2011 Our Communities 71

Presque Isle: Balloon Fest By Billie Brodsky

The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest was born as part of the 2004 Isle Fest when local pilot Dena Winslow and Canadian pilot “Wild” Bill Whelan convinced the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce to host a hot air balloon event. In addition to Dena and Bill, Doug Shippee from New Brunswick flew that first year. Isle Fest 2005 saw the expansion to five balloons and in 2006 the number of balloons rose to nine and Isle Fest was renamed The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest. In the ensuing years the festival has continued to grow adding more balloons and pilots from many states and Canada. Pilots Wendell Purvis from Florida and Joel Jones from Alabama, claim that The County is one of their favorite places to fly due to the beautiful landscapes and friendly folks. Hot air balloons have been around since the days of Louis XVI. The first manned balloon was built by the Montgolfier brothers in France and made its first successful flight in 1783. It was initially thought that smoke provided the balloon’s lift; a logical explanation in those days because when observed, smoke appeared to be rising. It was learned later that the heated air, which rises because it is lighter than the air around it, was the agent of flight. Over the long history of ballooning several traditions have developed. A common tradition among balloonists all over the world is a champagne toast upon landing. Legend has it that early French aeronauts carried champagne to appease angry or frightened spectators at the landing site. The toast is now often included with the following blessing: 72 Our Communities SUMMER 2011

“The winds have welcomed you with softness The sun has blessed you with warm hands You have flown so high and so well That God had joined you in your laughter And set you gently back into the loving arms of Mother Earth.” [author unknown] To take full advantage of the hot air balloon experience, dozens of volunteers crew for the different balloons. They help in laying out and inflating the envelope, launching the balloon and then the real fun begins: The Chase! The crew follows the balloon and must reach the landing site before the balloon touches down. Of course helping to make this a successful flight and landing, the ground crew and balloon pilot are radio-equipped. There is nothing more beautiful, relaxing, exhilarating or as peaceful as a hot air balloon flight. We extend an invitation to you to join us at this year’s event as the hot air balloons put vibrant color in the Aroostook County sky August 25-28, 2011, held at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds, Presque Isle, Maine. In addition to the two flights each day in the morning and evening, Balloon Glows after dark (weather permitting), The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest offers many other family-oriented activities throughout the weekend. There is a Street Fair on Main Street to kick off the festivities; a complement of music; children’s activities; a variety of food vendors and local area crafters, as well as an area-wide yard sale; all giving the visitor a well-rounded

and fun experience in the Presque Isle area. A few are listed here. More information can be found on For further information and to make reservations the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce website. for a balloon flight, please contact the Presque Isle Area Mars Hill Summer Festival Days – August 6 & 7. Easton Field Days – July 8 & 9 Chamber of Commerce at 207-764-6561 or websites: Northern Maine Fair – July 29 – August 6 www.pichamber.com and www.crownofmaineballoonfest. org. Washburn Summerfest – Aug 19-21 Aroostook County also holds a place in ballooning history Westfield Jubilee - August 26-27 as the home to two famous Transatlantic Balloon Flights. Ashland Summerfest - July 2-4 In 1978, the Double Eagle II launched from Presque Isle and made the first successful crossing of the Atlantic. In 1984 Joe Kittinger became the first person to make the solo Transatlantic balloon journey at a launch site in Caribou. The Presque Isle area is also host to many summer festivals and fairs which are family-oriented, full of fun and interest to everyone. In addition to all the fairs and festivals, this area also is great for enthusiasts of biking, hiking, fishing and bird watching in a beautiful and natural environment.

SPRING 2011

Jerry’s Shurfine 63 Houlton St. Island Falls, ME 04747 207 463-2828 www.jerrysfoodstore.com John's Shurfine 182 Market St Fort Kent, ME 04743 207 834-5181 www.johnsshurfine.com Mikes Family Market 5 Main Street Limestone, Me 04750 207 325-4767 Washburn Foodmart 1284 Main Street Washburn, ME 04786 207 455-8057 www.washburnfoodmart.com

74 Higher Education SUMMER 2011

UMPI celebrates learning, sustainability as 2010-2011 academic year ends Academic excellence, leadership development, and sustainability are just a few of the things the University of Maine at Presque Isle is focused on as the 2010-2011 school year draws to a close. This spring, the University’s Maine Policy Scholar delivered a policy recommendation to state government officials, the University held its 10th annual University Day and 4th annual Young Professionals Institute, and officials welcomed the establishment of a new chapter of the Criminal Justice honor society Alpha Phi Sigma. Keren Morin, who graduated this spring, served as UMPI’s Maine Policy Scholar. Morin conducted research on how negative portrayals of females in the media impact a female adolescent’s concept of her body image. Morin produced a final report in the form of a briefing to appropriate policymakers and recommended that a media literacy component be added to the health curriculum for students in grades 6-8 in Maine schools. For the fourth year in a row, UMPI partnered with Momentum Aroostook and MMG Insurance to offer the Young Professionals Institute. The professional development short course is designed specifically for emerging leaders looking to hone their professional skills. Participants learned innovation engineering techniques, took part in role-playing scenarios that refined their abilities to “pitch” proposals and deliver presentations, conducted mock press conferences that helped them gain

media experience, and networked with local officials and statewide leaders. A new component of YPI was the Maine Young Professional Exchange, a trip to Orono organized by Momentum Aroostook, Fusion Bangor and the Realize Maine Network that brought together YPI participants and other young business people from around the state to talk about issues important to Maine’s future. In April, UMPI celebrated its 10th annual University Day. The theme was A Decade of Learning: Showcasing 10 Years of University Day, 2001-2011. As part of the day’s events, several alumni who participated in previous University Day presentations spoke about their experience and its impact on their careers. University Day is an event that heightens students’ awareness of the work being done by peers in all of the disciplines represented on campus. During University Day, Michael P. Johnston was presented with the Young Alumni Award and Dr. Anthony D. Cortese, founder and President of Second Nature, served as the evening’s Distinguished Lecturer. Also this spring, the UMPI chapter of the Criminal Justice honor society was officially chartered as Chapter Mu Nu. There are fewer than 400 Alpha Phi Sigma chapters in the United States. Founded in 1942 at Washington State University, Alpha Phi Sigma is the only national honor society for criminal justice students. To cap things off, UMPI is heading into the summer with a major renovation project underway. Work has

begun at Pullen Hall, which will soon have solar panels on the roof, a biomass boiler system in the basement and many energy efficiencies in between. Crews under general contractor A&L Construction are installing energy efficient windows, updating the aging heating and ventilation system, and adding temperature control in Pullen, one of the University’s two major classroom buildings. A similar renovation project was done in 2008 to the adjoining classroom building, Folsom Hall. The project will help Pullen Hall to have a much smaller carbon footprint. Work will be completed by the end of August. To learn more about these and other exciting things happening at UMPI, visit www.umpi.edu.

SUMMER 2011 Higher Education 75

Ask Alli: with Allison Heidorn

Each issue Allison answers questions from Aroostook County parents and youth. You can submit your questions to content@ourmainestreet.com attn: Ask Alli. Allison is the Asset Coordinator for Aroostook Substance Abuse Prevention My 14-year-old daughter is hanging around a new crowd. Her “new friends” have poor home lives, no curfews or other rules, and do not seem to respect authority. My daughter is a good student, and does not get in trouble. Whenever I talk to her about whom she is spending her time with, she becomes defensive and it turns into an argument. How can I keep my daughter safe from the negative influences of her new crowd yet maintain a healthy relationship? The first question I would ask is how you determined these young people are not the crowd you would like to see your daughter socializing with? Have you taken the time to get to know them and their family or invite them into your home? One of the best ways to have a positive influence on your child’s friendships is to stay involved in their lives by getting to know the names of their friends and welcoming them into your home. Create a space where youth can feel relaxed and comfortable to open up in conversation. Get to know the parents of your child’s friends as it may help determine if you share similar values, rules and priorities. If after all that you have concluded the peer group is still not who you would like to see your daughter socializing with, communicate your concerns to your child. To have the most effective conversation remember a few ground rules. Keep the conversation focused on specific concerns you have witnessed about their friends such as disrespectful language, or a lack of family rules and how that could affect your daughter. Avoid superficial discussion about disliking their hairstyles or clothing, as it will surely lead to an argument. Open communication is the key! Talking about friendship choices is important when concerns arise, but it is even more important that we begin talking to our kids early about the qualities in a friend that matter. We must build in them the skills to recognize when relationships put them at risk and foster a sense of confidence in them to remove themselves from risky situations. As parents we spend a lot of time trying to “fix” our kids problems for them, when in reality we need to help them develop the necessary skills to navigate the ups and downs of all kinds of relationships. It is no surprise that research shows that young people have significant influence over their peers. We most often think of negative peer pressure, but researchers at 76 SUMMER 2011

the University of Michigan Institute for Social Research are finding that peer pressure among teens is usually more positive than negative. In fact, according to the Search Institute, 60% of youth surveyed nationally report having best friends who model responsible behavior are a good influence, do well in school, and do not do risky things such as drink alcohol. Perhaps your child will be a positive influence in the lives of the young people you mentioned who are not as fortunate to have the home life and support she does. Stay involved and continue to build skills in your daughter to allow her to make positive choices on her own. She may continue to hang around the peer group, but you can have the confidence of knowing she has the skills she needs to stand up to risky behavior. I am a 13-year-old boy who is on the honor roll, is involved in sports and activities and does not get in trouble. I work hard at everything I do but I feel like my parents are not proud of me, like nothing I do is ever good enough. How can I get my parents to see what I do and be proud of that? At times it almost seems as though teens and adults speak different languages. What your parents are saying may be very different from what you are actually hearing. For this reason, it is important to sit down with your parents and calmly tell them how you are feeling and allow them the opportunity to respond. Ask them what makes them proud of you and in turn tell your parents what makes you proud to call them Mom and Dad. Very often parents do not realize they have made their child feel inadequate. The very thought for most parents would be devastating! Parent’s good intentions to push their children to their maximum potential and pull out the best in them can lead to feelings of failure and never measuring up. Therein lies the language barrier, parents saying I know you can do better because I believe in you, and young people only hearing that what they did was just not good enough! Communicate by learning to speak in a language you both can understand. It sounds to me like you are doing great things in your life and that being the best you can be is important to you. Keep up the great job! If after communicating with your parents you still feel what you are doing is not good enough for them, keep talking! In the meantime set personal goals for yourself. As they say “Shoot for the moon and you might just reach the stars”! Aim high, do your very best at everything you do and never give up…..do this for yourself! Those who love you will recognize your efforts, but even more important you will gain confidence in the incredible person you are becoming. Learn to be proud of who you are, always do your best and you will hear the stars calling your name!

NMCC Celebrates 50 years; Homecoming Events Slated

Last Year’s Homecoming Events Open House with BBQ lunch and music

NMCC Falcons vs. Alumni Soccer Game Float in Firemen’s Muster Parade

Alumni Reception & Dinner

CC’s 50 stars were The first four of NM ’s dinner. Join us ar ye t honored at las rate all 50 stars! this year as we celeb

It’s a celebration five decades in the making and for Northern Maine Community College, the Golden Anniversary reaches its peak with activities planned on the weekend of September 9 and 10. Complete with an open house and 50th Anniversary Gala evening, NMCC is marking the anniversary of its founding in 1961 by paying tribute to the Aroostook County community and people it has served through the years. To reflect this, the College’s recently formed Alumni and Friends Organization has named a constellation of individuals who collectively represent the breadth and depth of people who have been touched by, or have otherwise impacted, the campus community. The 50 Shining Stars are comprised of alumni, each associated with one of the 47 graduating classes, as well as three community members. All 50 individuals will be honored at the gala event on September 10. “We decided that it would be most appropriate to honor alumni and some of NMCC’s community friends who have helped advance the College in meaningful ways over the past five decades,” said Scott Carlin, president of the NMCC Alumni and Friends Organization. “It is reflective of the critical and much appreciated support NMCC has received from throughout the region since the days when the institution was just a dream to the very real success it is today. It also goes well with our group’s inclusive mission to engage all alumni and friends of the College.” In the coming months, the Shining Star stories will be shared with the community through a marketing campaign and in a number of publications. Posters featuring each star will be unveiled Want to get updates on plans? Become our friend on Facebook:

www.facebook.com/NMCC.Alumni

at the September 10 gala event and later hung through the halls of buildings on the NMCC campus. Alumni and other friends of the College are invited to attend the numerous activities taking place during Homecoming Weekend on September 9-10. Events for the two days are listed below. To request more information or to register for the 50th Anniversary Gala, contact info@nmcc.edu or (207) 768-2809.

Homecoming Weekend 2011 Friday - September 9 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Open House

11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Free BBQ Lunch

1:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m.

Various Activities & Entertainment

(Music by PI Middle School Jazz Band)

(More details to come!)

SatUrday - September 10 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Brunch & Pep Rally

1:00 p.m.

Falcons vs. Alumni Soccer Game

5:30 - 6:30 p.m.

TAMC Reception

6:30 p.m.

50th Anniversary Gala Dinner ($25/person) with music by

Common Crossing

Join us as we celebrate our 50 “stars” at the 50th Anniversary Gala on September 10.

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75 Years of Graves’ Shop ‘n Save A Focus on Business

The Graves family has been a prominent central Aroostook grocer for 75 years. The business dates back to 1935 when Bill Graves and his sons Vincent, Donald, Phillip and Robert opened a grocery store in Mars Hill. In 1945 the Graves became a trusted partner with Hannaford Brothers. This relationship has grown over the years, and today they have become Hannaford’s longest running wholesale customer. In the mid 50’s they expanded to Caribou with a store on Sweden Street. In 1959 they moved into a new store on State Street in Presque Isle. This new store was the first in the area to offer fresh-baked bread and home-style baked beans. In the late 60’s Hannaford Brothers approached Bob Graves Sr. about moving to a new location on north Main Street next to Mammoth Mart. In 1970 they moved to this new 18,000 sq ft location and closed their State Street store. With the increased space came new trends in the grocery business, a deli department and an in-store bakery were added. Other changes that occurred in the 70’s include the closure of their Caribou store and the buyout of brothers Vincent and Donald by Bob Graves Sr. In 1985 they acquired Sampson’s Supermarket on south Main Street, and in 1987 the north Main Street location was expanded to 24,000 sq ft. Both stores were run simultaneously. 78 Focus on Business SUMMER 2011

In 1991 a second expansion was made to the north Main Street store to its present size of 39,000 sq ft. With that expansion it became more economical and efficient to run one large store than two smaller stores, and the decision was made to close their south Main Street store. In 2002 the Graves did a complete facelift to their remaining north Main Street store, which was by far their most extensive remodel ever. All new floors, new ceiling, new lighting were installed, 75% of their equipment was replaced, and a complete new décor was given to the store. At the same time several new departments were added: a pharmacy, a butcher shop, a fresh seafood dept. and a health food section called Nature’s Place. There are several reasons that the Graves attribute to their success. Foremost is the loyalty and trust their customers have shown over the years. The Graves family emphasizes the importance of customer service. It’s a part of every employee’s training. Poor customer service is simply not tolerated, as it is the one thing that people remember. The quality and caliber of their employees have also contributed to their success. On average, Graves employs between 75 and 85 employees. Some of these employees have been with them for 20 plus years. Customer Source surveys say that customers continue to shop Graves because of their superior perishables, cleanliness, customer service and a variety of good quality products at competitive prices.

For the convenience of their shoppers, they offer a wide variety of grocery items including ethnic foods, natural and organic foods. Their service center offers postage stamps, local bill paying, movies, lottery tickets and money orders. Their deli offers party platters. Their bakery offers specialized birthday cakes. Graves’ Shop ‘n Save is currently owned by brothers Bob Graves Jr. and Greg Graves. Bob and Greg are now the third generation to be involved in the business. Both attribute their success to the work ethic taught to them by their father, Bob Graves Sr. As teenagers both started working in the store sweeping the floor, cleaning meat cases and learning the trade. Today Greg’s son Ryan is the fourth generation to become involved with the family business.

Over the years the Graves have owned five other supermarkets throughout the state. Giving up the Presque Isle store has never been an option as this is home for both Bob and Greg. This is where they started and plan to continue the Graves legacy, right here in Aroostook County. Graves is open Monday thru Saturday 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday and holidays 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. Graves’ Shop ‘n Save 797 Main St. Presque Isle, Maine 04769 207-769-2181