Maine’s Own Juston McKinney July 17th @ The Maine Potato Blossom Festival For show times and ticket information visit www.potatoblossom.org
Appearing numerous times on “The Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno” and on several, Comedy Central shows including his own half-hour Comedy Central “Presents” special. He is also part of the Blue Collar Comedy Tour “The Next Generation” which aired on TBS. He has his own weekly show on Sirius radio called “Juston McKinney- Live From the Woods”. The New York Times calls him “Destined for stardom”. www.justonmckinney.com Also featuring: French Toast & Kirbside Prophet A portion of the proceeds benefit our troops in Iraq
Don’t Forget Your I.D. For The
BEER GARDEN
Fort FairfielD HONORING THE HEART AND VALUES OF FAMILY
Contents July, August and September 2009
F e at u r e s Staycations:
20 North Maine Woods
The first in our series of trips county residents can take close to home. We offer someb tips and ideas for visiting the North Maine Woods as a non-sportsman.
24 Bouchard Family Farms For generations the Bouchard Family has been milling a unique light buckwheat flour in order to prepare “Ployes,� a recipe based on the one created by the French Acadian exiles who settled in Northern Maine.
36 County Towns Turn 150
We check in with the communities of Presque Isle and Caribou to see what they have planned for their sesquicentennial year and Fort Fairfield gives us a review of the very busy 150th year they had in 2008.
44
Wind & Higher Education Wind power seems to be a hot topic lately, UMPI and NMCC let us know how this renewable energy source plays a role on their campuses.
Departments 8 46 50 52 54 56 60 65 66 78
County Events Health Matters County Critters The County Eats Focus on Business Our Communities Higher Education Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Local Artists Our Farm by Holly Hardwick
o
ur Thoughts letter from the magazine team
It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the first issue of Our Maine Street Magazine, a magazine focusing on the people and places of Aroostook County, Maine. Putting this first issue together has been an amazing journey for those of us here and we have enjoyed working with, and meeting people from around The County and we hope that you will be as pleased with the finished product as we are. While it won’t be perfect, and there are still many things we want to include it is a bright begining which (we hope) will be followed by many other issues. This magazine is a celebration of The County and it’s people whether they be in The Valley or in southern or central Aroostook and we hope to hear from you with comments, suggetions and your thoughts on what we can do to help represent this place we all call home. In this issue you will find a feature article on the Bouchard Family from Fort Kent as we learn about the history of their family farm and the ploye mix business that it is know for. We will also be checking in with the chamber directors from several county communities to see what is going on in their areas and we hope to see more communities participating in future issues. On your way to the articles take a moment to check out the events calendar to get a preview of the many exciting activities taking place throughout the area this summer. Who knows you may be able to work them into your own staycation. You will find a little bit of everything from restaurant and busines features to articles about your health and that of your four legged friends, and don’t forget to check out the beautiful images submitted by some local artists in their section near the end of the issue. Finally we are happy to introduce a new cartoon series by Holly Hardwick chronicalling a family as they move from ‘down east’ to ‘up north.’ I think we will all find we have something in common with their experiences. Enough talk from me, read on and I will see you again in October.
4
SUMMER & FALL 09
Craig Cormier Our Maine Street Magazine craig@ourmainestreet.com
Our Maine Street m agaz ine
Publisher Our Maine Street LLC Editor In Chief Craig Cormier Advertising Director Bernie Lagasse Circulation Director Charles Cormier Contributing Writers Karen Gonya, Robin Elsbeth Jenkins, Tammy Kilcollins, Kim Jones, Rachel Rice, Regis Trembly Contributing Photographers Christine Chabre, Gene Cyr, John Herold, Michelle Olsen, Proofreaders Cheryl Cormier, Liz Lagasse Editorial and subscription information: content@ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464 232 Main Street Suite 2 Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com 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. Copyright © 2009 Our Maine Street LCC. 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, in writing, from the publishers. Proudly printed in the State of Maine, United States of Amerca.
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.
Acadia Home Care Advantage Gasses & Tools Aroostook Centre Mall Aroostook Orthotics & Prosthetics, LLC Aroostook Technologies Boondock’s Grille Bouchard Family Farms Canterbury Royale Cary Medical Center Classic Appraisals Connect North America County Abatement, Inc County Bluegrass Festival Dean’s Motor Lodge Evergreen Geothermal & Wind Energy First Choice Real Estate First Choice Wireless Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Fort Kent Ski-Doo Frank Martin Sons, Inc Furniture & Floors North Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce Greater Van Buren Chamber of Commerce Hampton Inn Husson University Integrys Energy Services LobsterShirt.net Maine Potato Blossom Festival Maine Potato Growers, Inc Maine Solar and Wind LLC Maine Veteran’s Home Marden’s McGillan Inc Nadeau House of Furniture Norstate Federal Credit Union Northern Maine Commuity College Northern Maine Medical Center Paradis Shop & Save - Fort Kent PNM Construction Inc Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Professional Home Nursing Quigley’s Building Supply Robin’s Chocolate Sauce Roger’s Sport Center, Inc Stew’s Downtome Sight & Sound Town of Fort Fairfield University of Maine at Presque Isle York’s of Houlton Thank You! SUMMER & FALL 09
5
County Field in Summer Š 2007 - 2009 Our Maine Street
SUMMER & FALL 09
7
County Events
July-September 2009 a look at upcoming activities in aroostook
July 2nd
Ashland Summer Fest Contact Deborah Carney 435-2311
Houlton Agricultural Fair July 2nd-5th
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series Every Thursday until August 27th For More information contact the Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce at (207) 728-7000 or valleyvisit@pwless.net
July 3rd
Ashland Summer Fest continued July 2nd-5th
Houlton Midnight Madness For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
Houlton Agricultural Fair July 2nd-5th
Houlton Arts and Crafts Fair For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
Houlton First Fridays For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
8 County Events SUMMER & FALL 09
11th Annual Wesget Si Pu Pow Wow For more information contact the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce at (207) 834-5354 or info@fortkentchamber.com
July 4th
Ashland Summer Fest continued July 2nd-5th
11th Annual Wesget Si Pu Pow Wow continued July 3rd-5th
Limestone Parade & Festivities For more information contact the Town of Limestone at (207) 325-4704 or chamber@limestonemaine.org
Portage Lake Centennial Celebration July 8th July 4th-12th check connectmaine.com/ Easton Field Days portage for more information Contact Hilery Trainer 551-7737
July 5th
Ashland Summer Fest continued July 2nd-5th
11th Annual Wesget Si Pu Pow Wow continued July 3rd-5th
July 9th
Easton Field Days continued July 8th-12th
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
July 10th
Easton Field Days continued July 8th-12th
July 11th
6th Annual County Gospel Festival Location: F.A.R.M Park Contact the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce for details (207) 472-3802 or www.countygospel.com
Moose use water for more than just drinking, it helps keep the flys away.
SUMMER & FALL 09 County Events 9
July 11th continued
Fort Fairfield Town Wide Yard Sale
Easton Field Days continued July 8th-12th
July 12th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival Location: Various locations in Fort Fairfield Events include: Industry dinner, potato picking contest, parade, music, antique tractor pulls, pageants, fireworks, & more For more information contact the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at (207 472-3802
Easton Field Days continued July 8th-12th
July 13th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
July 14th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
July 15th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
July 16th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
July 17th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
10 County Events SUMMER & FALL 09
Rock the Valley Location: Madawaska For more information visit www.RockTheValley.org
July 18th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
Rock the Valley continued July 17th-18th
July 19th
62nd Annual Maine Potato Blossom Festival continued July 12th-19th
July 23rd
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
July 24th
7th Annual County Bluegrass Festival Location: F.A.R.M. Park For more information call Stev Rogeski at (207) 227-6242 or visit the website at www.countybluegrass.com
July 25th
7th Annual County Bluegrass Festival continued July 24th-26th
July 26th
7th Annual County Bluegrass Festival continued July 24th-26th
July 27th
Van Buren Summerfest For information call (207) 868-5803 SUMMER & FALL 09 County Events 11
July 28th
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
July 29th
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
July 30th
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
July 31st
155th Northern Maine Fair July 31st-August 8th
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
August 1st
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
August 2nd
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
August 3rd
Van Buren Summerfest continued July 27th-August 3rd
August 6th
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
12 County Events SUMMER & FALL 09
August 7th
Houlton First Fridays For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
Ploye Festival/Muskie Derby For more information contact the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce at (207) 834-5354 or info@fortkentchamber.com
Caribou Cares About Kids For more information contact the Caribou Chamber of Commerce at (207) 498-6156 or info@cariboumaine.net
August 8th
Ploye Festival/Muskie Derby continued August 7th-9th
Caribou Cares About Kids continued August 7th-9th
August 9th
Ploye Festival/Muskie Derby continued August 7th-9th
Caribou Cares About Kids continued August 7th-9th
August 13th
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
August 15th
Washburn August Fest
August 16th
Tour de la Vallee For more information contact the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce at (207) 834-5354 or info@fortkentchamber.com
August 20th
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
August 21st
Houlton Potato Feast Days For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
August 20th
Porcupines can’t shoot their quils, unless they have a bow.
Westfield Jubilee August 21st-22nd
August 22nd
Houlton Arts and Crafts Fair For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
Houlton Potato Feast Days continued August 21st-23rd
September 4th
1st Annual Labor Day County Bluegrass Festival Location: F.A.R.M. Park, Fort Fairfield For more information call Stev Rogeski at (207) 227-6242 or visit the website www.countybluegrass.com
September 5th
August 23rd
August 27th
September 6th
Houlton Potato Feast Days continued August 21st-23rd
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest For more information call the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce at 207-764-6561 or visit the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest website: crownofmaineballoonfest.org
Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series continued
August 28th
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest continued August 27th-30th
August 29th
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest continued August 27th-30th
August 30th
Crown of Maine Balloon Fest continued August 27th-30th
1st Annual Labor Day County Bluegrass Festival continued September 4th-6th
1st Annual Labor Day County Bluegrass Festival continued September 4th-6th
September 7th
Houlton First Fridays For more information contact the Houlton Chamber of Commerce at (207) 532-4216
October 8th
October Harvest Show Fall Arts & Crafts Show at the Aroostook Centre Mall Contact Info: Galen Doody 764-2616 or management@aroostookcentremall.com
October 9th
October Harvest Show continued October 8th-11th
October 10th
October Harvest Show continued October 8th-11th
October 11th 14 County Events SUMMER & FALL 09
October Harvest Show continued October 8th-11th
October 18th
Caribou Arts & Crafts Fair Location: Caribou High School For more information contact the Caribou Chamber of Commerce at (207) 498-6156 or info@cariboumaine.net
Discover an exciting career or an affordable start to a four year degree...
Early Childhood Education General Technology Liberal Studies
Business Technology Department Accounting Information Systems
October 19th
Trade & Technical Occupations Department
Arts and Sciences Department
Business Administration Medical Coding
Caribou Arts & Crafts Fair continued October 18th-19th
Want your event listed here? Let us know about it at content@ourmainestreet.com. We need your help to make this calendar as complete as possible. Thanks!
Medical Office Administration Office Assistant
Nursing & Allied Health Department
Emergency Medical Services EMT - Intermediate
Automotive Collision Repair Automotive Technology Computer-Aided Drafting Computer Electronics Diesel Hydraulics Technology Electrical Construction & Maintenance Machine Tool Technology Plumbing & Heating Precision Metals Manufacturing Residential Construction Trade & Technical Occupations Welding & Metal Fabrication Wind Power Technology
Nursing Medical Assisting Paramedicine
33 Edgemont Drive Presque Isle, ME 04769
(207) 768-2785 l www.nmcc.edu
SUMMER & FALL 09 County Events 15
General Contractors
Residental Commercial Industrial
You can take advantage of the same high quality papers and vibrant colors as we do. Introducing Our Maine Street Press a partnership with C3 Creative that provides graphic design services and high quality printing services for businesses, organizations and individuals at an affordable price point. - aluminum signs - back-lit panels - banners - booklets - bookmarks - brochures - business identities / logos - business cards - calendars - canvas prints - catalogues - greeting cards - hard and soft cover books - note cards ca - photo retouching / composites - post cards - posters - presentation folders - stationary -custom projects
SUMMER & FALL 09 County Events 17
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SUMMER & FALL 09
July 11, 2009
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18 Green Hill Drive Presque Isle, ME 04769 (20) 760-9120 k.dyer@connectna.com
20 Staycations SUMMER & FALL 09
The North Maine Woods:
More Than Just for Hunting by Janet Kelle
When thinking on the North Maine Woods most people would say that they are are just a place for hunters and fisherman.While the area is a great location for those activities it has much more to offer for a wider range of activities such as:
Wild life viewing. The Woods’ miles of undeveloped land and variety of roads provide excellent opportunities to see many species of animal whether you want to stay on the main thoroughfares or venture off onto the lesser traveled paths. Sightings of moose, deer, various birds and the occasional bear are commonplace and provided excellent photo opportunities.
Camping. The North Maine Woods contains many locations to stop and set up camp along its many rivers, lakes and streams. The North Maine Woods can accommodate practically any camping experience that you may be looking for. From tenting, to campers, to rustic cabins rentals, the avid camper has many options available.
Hiking. The North Maine Woods is a hikers’ playground. Our editors recommend a hike around DeBoulie lake over the rock slide, up the mountain, investigating the ice caves, getting an eagle’s eye view from the fire tower, take a refreshing swim at the sand beach, hike through the thoroughfare to Gardener Lake and before leaving stop by Red River Falls to experience sitting under the falls.
Fishing Tip: DeBoulie and Big Reed Lakes are two of only a handful of lakes which support blue-back trout in Maine. For information on fees, camp sites, cabin rentals or other questions you may have about the North Maine Woods visit www.northmainewoods.org or call 207-435-6213.
SUMMER & FALL 09 Staycations 21
Š 2008 John Herold, Fort Fairfield
Husson in Bangor offers a university experience in a collegiate setting.
founded in 1898
But you can also get a Husson degree in Presque Isle. Husson degree programs offered at the NMCC campus:
Call 760-1176 for more information!
Undergraduate: Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Information Systems, Business & Technology Graduate: Business, Criminal Justice Administration, Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Human Relations, Nursing, School Counseling
www.husson.edu/presqueisle
24 Bouchard Family SUMMER & FALL 09
Maine’s Own Buckwheat Treats:
Preserving Flavor & a Way of Life by Robin Elsbeth Jenkins
It’s an early spring day in March, 2007. Janice and Joe Bouchard, wearing identical blue chambray shirts sporting the name “Bouchard Family Farms”, stand behind the table draped in white at the New England Products Trade Show in Portland, Maine. The intoxicating smell of freshly made “ployes”, Acadian-style pancakes cooked on a hot griddle, emanates from the booth as the wholesale buyers gather to sample the specialty food product. Janice looks up and smiles as she spoons the batter onto the griddle, carefully using a circular motion with the back of her spoon to spread the batter thinly. In just a minute, many little “eyes” have appeared on the surface of the pancakes, and they are ready to be removed from the griddle. “You don’t need to flip them as you do with regular pancakes”, she says. Janice removes the pancakes from the electric griddle and passes them to Joe, who spreads them with butter or jam and serves them on a napkin to the intrigued onlookers. As they savor the delicious pancakes with obvious satisfaction, the buyers begin to pepper Joe and Janice with questions about the commercial Ployes mix and the Acadian Buckwheat Flour that is packaged by the Bouchards. Joe hands out product information and sell sheets to the buyers as he answers their questions. Bouchard Family Farms, as the name suggests, is a family affair. Twenty five years ago, Joe’s mother, Rita, and his sister, Jane Crawford, began selling their Ployes mix in local grocery stores. Today, the Ployes mix and Acadian Buckwheat Flour are sold in over 200 retail stores throughout Maine and New England. The Bouchards also have a website, ployes.com, where SUMMER & FALL 09 Bouchard Family 25
the products can be purchased online. Ployes are made from a mixture of Acadian buckwheat flour, wheat flour, aluminum-free baking powder, salt and water. They are considered by historians and others interested in the old foodways to be more of a flatbread than a pancake. Ployes are a multi-generational staple in the upper St. John Valley of Aroostook County and the Madawaska region of New Brunswick. They were served in 19th century logging camps with most meals. Ployes were also rolled and dunked in maple syrup and molasses for dessert. Today they are still served as part of a traditional Acadian breakfast with cretons, a spicy pork spread. The Acadians, descendants of 17th century French colonists who settled in the maritime provinces of New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Prince Edward Island, were forced to leave their lands in 1755-1763, during the Anglo-French struggle for control in North America known as “the great upheaval”. They became reestablished in several different locations, with some settlements in New Brunswick moving more than once. The Acadians who came to Maine and southern New Brunswick in the 1780’s brought the hardy buckwheat with them. “Silver-skinned” or common buckwheat, the same Top L to R : Jane Crawford her Rebeckha Bosse and Rita Middle L to R : Joseph, Janice, Rita and Alban Bouchard Far Right: Janice and Rita Bouchard 26 Bouchard Family SUMMER & FALL 09
Acadian variety grown by the Bouchards today, is planted in late May and matures quickly, in 10-12 weeks. It’s a very resilient plant, one that is able to grow in harsh conditions and is well adapted to northern Maine. According to Janice, buckwheat isn’t actually a grain at all, but a fruit and a member of the rhubarb family, which may help to explain the glorious reddish-brown appearance of the fields at harvest time. Joe Bouchard grows approximately 200 acres of buckwheat, a little more or less depending upon the seasonal rotation with other crops. Oats, potatoes, and canola are also grown on the 350-acre family farm, as well as on land leased by the Bouchards. Roughly 3,500 bushels of buckwheat are milled on the farm each year. In 1995, Joe and his father, Alban, found a dismantled mill in New Brunswick, which they brought home in pieces and restored, taking a year to put it back together. While reassembling the mill, they found a label inside stating that it had last been repaired in 1898. Most of the work on the farm and in the mill is done by members of the immediate family, including 13-year-old Philip, the youngest Bouchard. Janice manages the farm office in addition to handling most of the sales and marketing for the Ployes business. Bouchard Family Farms is actually two businesses – the farm and mill that produces the Ployes mix and the Acadian Buckwheat Flour; and the Joseph A. Bouchard Farm, which grows a variety of crops as well as raising cattle for Pineland Beef in Fort Fairfield and New Gloucester, Maine. The farm is a prime example of the not-so-new trend of sustainable agriculture, where value is found in all aspects of farm production and nothing is wasted. As explained by Janice, the buckwheat middlings, or “grue”, as it was known to the Acadians, are mixed SUMMER & FALL 09 Bouchard Family 27
Opening Our 6th Branch Office In PRESQUE ISLE - Fall 2009! Serving YOU in MADAWASKA - FORT KENT EAGLE LAKE - ASHLAND - VAN BUREN or Online at:
www.norstatefcu.org
28 Bouchard Family SUMMER & FALL 09
with silage and oats to make feed for the cattle. Buckwheat hulls are used as bedding for the animals, and after they have become mixed with manure, are spread on the fields in the spring.
Top L to R : Philip, Joseph, Janice, Kelsy and Julie Bouchard Bottom L to R : Odile Michaud (Rita Bouchard’s mother) and Jill Kelly Rita’s granddaughter, the photo that inspired the company logo
Joe and Janice’s eldest daughter, Kelsy, a graphic arts and design major at the Massachusetts College of Art, created a new logo and package for the Ployes mix as her Senior design project. Her mother is hoping that Kelsy will have a hand in developing the new cookbook, which she hopes will be available in time for the annual Ployes Festival in Fort Kent, August 7-8. The middle daughter, Julie, now a Junior in high school, is beginning to think about colleges and is looking toward the medical profession. Each of the Bouchard children has in one way or another helped out on the farm, whether it has been working in the fields with their father and grandfather, or helping to package the mixes SUMMER & FALL 09 Bouchard Family 29
30 Bouchard Family SUMMER & FALL 09
and assemble the orders for distribution. All three children are good students and have participated in school sports. Kelsy won many titles and awards as a cross-country skier in high school, and was chosen as one of the first in a group of young people in northern Maine to ski for the U.S. Junior Biathlon team and race on the international circuit. The Ployes business had its beginnings in the 1980’s, when Alban, who was a potato farmer, faced some tough times as potato farming in northern Maine began its steep decline. According to the Maine Potato Board in Presque Isle, potato farming covered approximately 200,000 acres at its peak and dominated the economy of Aroostook County. Hundreds of small family farms became consolidated into larger farms with more efficient operations as the smaller farms began to go out of business. The Bouchards credit the Ployes mix with saving the family farm. At the time, Alban and Rita’s daughter, Claire, had returned from a trip to Louisiana with a mix for beignets, a French doughnut. While the family sat around enjoying the beignets, Rita asked, “Why couldn’t we do the same for ployes?” The idea for Ployes mix was born, and the search for the perfect recipe was on. Alban converted many of his potato fields to buckwheat, and before long, a two-car garage was converted into a mixing and packaging facility. In 1997, an 8,000 square foot building was erected on the property to house the entire operation, including the mill.
Above: Buckwheat Left: Practically Perfect Ployes
Each year in early September, the Bouchards wait for the first frost to ripen the buckwheat, then harvest and dry it to remove excess moisture before storing it in grain silos. They try to wait for the buckwheat to become dry enough in the fields before harvesting to avoid overuse of the expensive mechanical drying process. Then they mill as needed, to ensure the freshness of the flour. Botanically speaking, since buckwheat is not a grain at all, it does not contain gluten, and it’s also a rich source of complex carbohydrates, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and high quality protein. The Acadian Buckwheat Flour is gluten-free, and the Bouchards are in the process of acquiring official certification for the product through the Celiac Sprue Association. The Bouchards are mirroring a current trend among specialty food producers to supply their customers with wholesome foods that are minimally processed and produced by artisans, rich in both flavor and heritage. SUMMER & FALL 09 Bouchard Family 31
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32 Bouchard Family SUMMER & FALL 09
In many ďŹ ne stores throughout the County! For a complete list, please visit: www.robinschocolate.com
Creating the World’s Largest Ploye during The Ploye Festival which is held each year in Fort Kent, Maine.
Janice’s and Rita’s new cookbook will be another means for preserving the Acadian cultural traditions. Still in the planning stages, the cookbook will have many of the simple and elegant recipes that have been served with ployes for generations. There will be a recipe for the small white baked beans that are often served at family meals, as well as chicken stew simmered with onions and dried summer savory. The cookbook will also have recipes for soupe au pois, or pea soup; tortiere, or pork pie; sauce au salmon, or salmon and white sauce; and pot en pot, a layered meat dish traditionally served at large family gatherings around the holidays. Dessert recipes will also be included, showcasing the versatility of ployes, which were eaten at three meals a day in Fort Kent until the 1950’s, when packaged breads and desserts started to become more common. Janice is also planning a section of gluten-free recipes. And as the Ployes mix helped to save the family farm twenty-five years ago, the cookbook will serve as a reminder of Maine’s creative economy, helping to preserve a way of life as well as the cultural folkways of Maine.
The annual Ployes Festival, held at the same time as the Muskie Fishing Derby, will take place in Fort Kent on August 7-8. As with the Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield and other summer festivals in Aroostook County, it’s a family time of homecoming, class reunions, and informal backyard get-togethers. On Friday night, the Bouchard family and friends will make the 12-foot ployes, which takes 10 people just to pull it off, typically with a crowd of 200 or more watching. Just before that, it’s the ployes-eating contest, and later on in the festival, the Street Dance on Saturday night. For further information about Aroostook County’s summer festivals and fairs, see the Fort Kent Chamber of Commerce [link] the Maine Potato Blossom Festival site [link] and Visit Aroostook.com, part of the region’s economic development efforts to bring tourism to the vast, unspoiled region of northern Maine. Images in the article courtesy the Bouchard family collection, Kelsy Bouchard and Fort Kent Video.
SUMMER & FALL 09 Bouchard Family 33
Portage Sunset Š 2007 - 2009 Our Maine Street
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Dealer
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Here’s to Our Maine Street continuing Fort Fair field’s tradition of creativity and innovation. Fort Fair field Chamber of Commerce www.fortcc.org
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SUMMER & FALL 09
35
Presque Isle Turns 150 by Kimberly Smith
36 Anniversary Events SUMMER & FALL 09
Presque Isle is celebrating its 150th anniversary of being incorporated as a town in 2009. The Sesquicentennial Celebration Committee is making this a year to be remembered with events in every month of the year. The actual anniversary date was April 4. Northern Maine Community College, also celebrating National Community College Month, hosted a huge Birthday celebration at their Presque Isle campus. The event featured live music by the Wednesday Evening Fiddlers, the Maine Event Singers, and the Presque Isle Middle School Jazz Band. In the library, numerous artisans demonstrated how their skills have remained unchanged for the last hundred years. The library also featured displays of historic photographs, antique cookbooks, antique clothing and accessories, and antique artifacts. One of the highlights of the day was the three-foot high star-shaped birthday cake. It was such a work of art, it was almost a shame to cut it. Proclamations were delivered from Governor Baldacci (as delivered by State Representative Mike Willette), the Maine State Legislature (delivered by State Representative Pat Sutherland), and Presque Isle’s City Council (delivered by Council Chairman Ed Nickerson with many other councilors present). Video greetings were offered by US Senators Snowe and Collins as well as US Congressman Mike Michaud. A secondary event commemorated the anniversary as well. The Post Office hand cancelled mail on April 4 with a special Sesquicentennial logo stamp. The stamp will now be officially retired and will become the property of the Historical Society for display purposes. The Presque Isle Historical Society is very active in this year-long celebration. The Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series is a series of presentations on topics of Presque Isle’s history. The Series is offered at no charge to the public on the first Tuesday of every month at noon at the Mark & Emily Turner Library. In addition, the first guided walking tour of historic downtown Presque Isle was given on Saturday, April 11 at 10 a.m. beginning at the Vera Estey House Museum
at 16 Third Street. This tour is available by appointment and at least on one Saturday per month for the summer and early fall, weather permitting. On May 9, in remembrance of Vera Estey’s birthday, the Vera Estey House Museum will feature an Open House from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information on these events, please contact the Presque Isle Historical Society at 762-1151, or by e-mail at pihistoricalsociety@hotmail. com. Summer months bring better weather and even more events. The Historic Music Concert was held at St. Mary’s Church on May 10 at 3 p.m. The event was free to the public with donations accepted by the Chorale Society. July will feature an Open House by the James School. August is a banner month for local events. In addition to the Northern Maine Fair and the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, the Historic Pavilion (held in the Forum on August 4 through 6 during the Northern Maine Fair) will feature historic exhibits and living history demonstrations from many local historical societies and organizations around the County. The Sesquicentennial Fireworks will be held at the Fairgrounds on August 14; and the Sesquicentennial 5K Run and Walk AND the Sesquicentennial Parade will be held on August 15. Special Sesquicentennial souvenirs are available to commemorate the occasion as well. Official souvenirs will feature the Sesquicentennial logo. Items available for purchase from the Sesquicentennial Committee include: mugs, 15 oz. tumblers, t-shirts, wooden nickels, ornaments, and glass paperweights. There are so many fun events being held during the year, it is impossible to talk about all of them in the space allotted. For more information on Presque Isle’s Sesquicentennial events, please refer to the Schedule of Events available on-line at http://www.pihistory.org/ sesquicent.htm. SUMMER & FALL 09 Anniversary Events 37
It’s Time…
To Report on Fort Fairfield’s 2008 Sesquicentennial Events by Rayle Ainsworth & Sarah Ulman Planning began in August of 2007, when the theme “It’s Time” was chosen to help us reflect upon the past, enjoy the present, and prepare for the future of our community. We determined that our goals would be: To involve as many people and organizations in the planning process as possible To include activities for all age groups To celebrate our 150th year throughout the whole year To build a Sesquicentennial theme into our many annual activities and To bring back some favorites from the past. Our resources were found within Fort Fairfield in an active Chamber of Commerce, Frontier Heritage, clubs, businesses, churches, The Recreation Department, Public Works Department, schools, and a supportive town council and town office staff. In December 2007, we presented plans and a tentative budget to The Town Council. It’s Time… To Celebrate Community. A kick off Open House Potluck Supper, attended by 200 at the Community Center, brought us together for an evening of story telling and shared memories directed by David Case, master of ceremonies. The new Town Office was open to the public before the supper. The High School computer class furnished placemats, beans were provided by Frontier Fish and Game Club and rolls by Students Baking A Living. Students served and video taped the evening. At that time a collage painting of Fort Fairfield was presented by artists Edwena Philbrick Gagnon and Roger Sprague; the clock logo and banner, created by Craig Cormier, was on display. It’s Time… To Remember Our Charter. Tony Levesque organized a Sesquicentennial Proclamation Signing Ceremony March 26th in the council chambers. Representatives for the State of Maine and Congressional delegations read messages of congratulations. The present town council and town manager, as well as descendants of original town fathers, signed the proclamation. It’s Time… To Reunite Alumni and Friends. This flyer, prepared by the High School computer class, highlighted Sesquicentennial activities centered around the Potato Blossom Festival. It was included in a mailing to all alumni. It’s Time… To Collect Pictures and Anecdotal 38 Anniversary Events SUMMER & FALL 09
Stories. Glenda Barnes and Mary Lou Thibeau did. The result was a promotional display used by the town and Chamber of Commerce. Pictures are now computerized and on file at C3 Creative. It’s Time… To Educate. Beta Sigma Phi Sorority (Laureate Gamma Chapter) began work on turning the McIntosh School into a living museum. Teaching supplies, books, and tin cups were ordered and aprons were sewn. Individual slates were made by the Middle School Industrial Arts Department and authentic reproductions of student desks and benches, as well as a teacher’s desk, were constructed by the Public Works Department. Retired teachers were recruited and the doors opened to classes from the Elementary and Middle Schools so that they might experience a day at school as it was in 1858. Fall classes were held, as well as those in the spring, and an invitation was extended to High School teachers and students. It’s Time… To Promote Fort Fairfield’s Heritage. We shared a booth with Frontier Heritage at the annual Trade Fair on March 28 - 30th where they sold mugs, quilt raffle tickets, note cards, and postcards. We gathered signatures for a Sesquicentennial Quilt, collected recipes and sold prints and placemats. It’s Time… For A Victorian Tea Party. Sue Levasseur, Anne Theriault, and Elaine Grant entertained twelve little girls and their dolls at a formal tea party held at the Public Library in May. They read stories and discussed the fashions of 1858. A tea service was provided at each table by Beta Sigma Phi Sorority. It’s Time… To Revive The CP Dining Experience. Boy Scouts renovated the Canadian Pacific Dining Car as an Eagle Scout Project. On June 20, forty-eight diners once again enjoyed a gourmet meal, “The Menu of Kings“, prepared by Canterbury Royale. High School students and Frontier Heritage members were the servers. It’s Time... To Celebrate The Arts at Fort Fairfield Elementary School. A concert featuring favorite songs from the past, under the direction of Mari-Jo Hedman, was performed by the elementary classes. Students interviewed their elderly family members to decide which songs would be included in the program. The audience was encouraged to sing along. Ms. Greiner’s art students displayed their work linked to Fort Fairfield’s history. In January, fourth grade students invited the community to enjoy their projects at their Annual Maine Fair. It’s Time… To Taste Fort Fairfield’s Favorite Foods. A collection of recipes, compiled by Nancy McLaughlin, Glennys Heath and their committee, was released to the public. All time favorites appeared at many of the Sesquicentennial gatherings during the rest of the year. It’s Time… To Celebrate The Sixty-first Potato Blossom Festival with a number of events. Cowboy Heritage Trail Riders hosted a “Western Weekend” at
Rocking S Ranch. The public was invited to meals, campfires featuring Kansas Cowboy Poet/Singer Del Schields, demonstrations of Dutch oven cooking, forging, Natural Horsemanship, Mounted Search and Rescue, taking equine vital signs, driving, a Parade of Flags and Breed Demonstration, and pony rides. Camping, Cowboy Church, and trail rides, rounded up the weekend. Guests gathered at the Friends Church to learn about its history and involvement in the Underground Railroad in a program presented by Art Mraz and Arthur Robles on July 16th. This church was again the setting for the Vintage Fashion Show as Fort Fairfield’s models shared fashions from Colonial times to the present. Guests gathered on the lawn to enjoy punch and cookies. Sharon Dorsey was responsible for this event and the Queens’ Tea the following afternoon at AVCC. A book and video of the fashion show are available at The Fort Fairfield Public Library. A farm equipment exhibit and demonstration at F.A.R.M. Park, The 20th Maine Civil War Encampment, a fiber arts show and demonstration, the beard growing contest, the Community Market, old fashioned games, mashed potato wrestling, and a dedication of The Town Clock and Rose Garden added to an already full week. The Arbor Committee sold trees to those wishing to plant them in their own yard or as a memorial on public property. It’s Time… For The All Faiths Community Progressive Dinner, which celebrated the role churches have played in Fort Fairfield. School buses carried 100 participants to The Friends Church to learn about the Quaker and Jewish faiths and to dedicate a pump organ, given by Isabelle Nehring. The Celebration Center, Wesleyan Church, United Parish Church, St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, and St. Denis Catholic Church also provided a variety of programs to honor our diverse communities of faith as we progressed through a five course dinner. It’s Time… To Celebrate Fort Fairfield Artists in the Reed Art Gallery at The University of Maine at Presque Isle. The work of over forty artists was displayed, beginning with a reception Friday December 5th through Saturday January 17, 2009. The Fort Fairfield Rotary Club helped sponsor this event. It’s Time… To Gather Our Pictures, Stories, and Oral Histories. As we look to the future, a book, to be published in 2009, will be made easier because of the work of Professor Kimberly Sebold and her students at The University of Maine at Presque Isle, who have researched a time line and taped and transposed the oral histories of Fort Fairfield citizens. Craig Cormier of C3 Creative will guide us through the publication. It has been “A Time To Remember” for us, as we’ve made new friends and renewed acquaintances. Thank you, Fort Fairfield (and Aroostook County), for making 2008 a year of celebration! SUMMER & FALL 09 Anniversary Events 39
Sesquicelebrate Caribou by John Swanberg
The City of Caribou is celebrating its Sesquicentennial all year long. There have been and will be over 64 events put on by over 36 different organizations as part of the 150th Celebration. We are asking everyone to come out during the year to enjoy the events. So far there have been a number of events in February, March, April, and May. A few of the events so far have been the Aroostook Celtic Celebration, the Ski Dash for Cash, and the Proclamation Day. There are events scheduled each month from now until the last day in the year with the New Year’s Party scheduled for December 31st. The bulk of the activity will occur from August 22nd to September 6th. The Celebration Ball is on August 22nd at the Caribou Inn and Convention Center. There will be dinner and a dance. Sentimental Journey, a 17 piece brass band from Bangor will be playing for everyone’s enjoyment. The 40 40 Anniversary AnniversaryEvents Events SUMMER SUMMER&&FALL FALL09 09
150th pageant will be on August 29th and 30th. A play written by Phil Turner will come alive at the Caribou Performing Arts Center depicting 150 years of Caribou’s history. On September 5th, the Parade will start at 1:00 pm. The parade committee is working to develop one of the largest parades in Caribou’s history. Currently signed up to perform are the University of Maine Marching Band and the Bangor Community Band. The parade will end at Caribou High School where the celebration continues with a community barbeque and many of the parade bands continuing to entertain. There will be speeches and presentations starting at 7:00 pm with more bands playing into the evening. Around 9:00 pm, the celebration will be topped off with a grand fireworks display. The Caribou 150th Celebration Committee has worked extremely hard to raise money for all these events.
They have sold Maine Baked Potatoes at the Arts and Craft Festival, held the Irish Dinner at the High School, and sold food at the Ski Dash. They are selling a limited edition John Holub watercolor which depicts Caribou in 1893. There will only be 150 prints sold and each print is signed and numbered by the artist. Another fundraiser has been the sale of the historical book put out by the committee. This 315+ page hardcover book is titled, “Caribou, Maine the first 150 years. The people, events, and food that have shaped the community�. The book covers some of the historical events over the past 150 years. There is a section in the middle of the book that provided an opportunity for citizens to sponsor various people who they felt made a difference in our community over the past 150 years. Finally, the last section is a cookbook with over 350 recipes from 100 years of recipe books. It is a wonderful
book for people to enjoy. The book is selling for $20 and is available at a number of outlets in the city. The committee is asking everyone to do their best to support the Celebration and buy a book or one of the other commemoratives. The 150th will only occur once in the life of the City. The Celebration Committee has worked hard to put on a number of great events. Come out and enjoy the events, celebrate our past, our present, and look forward to the future. Come help us SesquiCelebrate Caribou! For more information, go to the official website at: Www. celebratecaribou.com
SUMMER & FALL 09 Anniversary Events 41
www.mainesolarandwindllc.com mainesolarandwind@hotmail.com
Phone: 207-834-2651
Cell: 207-540-6669
County Greenhouse Š 2008 Our Maine Street
During July and August, enjoy an evening of entertainment with friends and family at Bi-Centennial Park with the 2nd Annual Madawaska Community Market and Music Series! The market opens at 4pm with music from 6pm - 8pm Mark your calendars July: 9th, 16th, 23rd, 30th August: 6th, 13th, 20th, 27th Need more information? in www.greatermadawaskachamber.com 207.728.7000
SUMMER & FALL 09
43
Wind Power Higher Education
&
with pieces by Rachel Rice & Karen Gonya
PRESQUE ISLE – There’s a new feature in the city skyline now that the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s wind turbine is up and running. Standing out against brick buildings and blue skies is a 65-meter tower topped with three slowly spinning blades – each 47 meters long – that are helping to transform the passing breeze into a power source that can be used by the entire campus. The 600 kW wind turbine, which was assembled in mid-April and began generating electricity in May, is the very first midsize wind turbine to be installed on a university campus in the State of Maine. Only a handful of them have been installed on university campuses throughout New England. This turbine is expected to produce about 1 million kilowatt-hours of electricity per year and save the institution more than $100,000 annually in electricity charges. It also is expected to save an estimated 572 tons of carbon dioxide from being released into the atmosphere each year, or the equivalent of removing 123 cars from the road. “This is the most significant renewable energy project we, as a campus, have ever undertaken, and we are both proud and humbled to be stepping forward as a statewide leader in the utilization of wind as a renewable energy resource,” UMPI President Don Zillman said. When the University began work on this $2 million project, it set out with the major goals of serving its educational and community roles as a public university, lowering its energy bill, and reducing its carbon footprint. The University first began exploring alternative energy options about five years ago when the Gentile Hall building project was underway. Geo-thermal energy generation was considered, but officials determined that the option was not feasible, so turned to wind generation. After talking with the U.S. Department of Energy about wind power, the University was directed to the University of Massachusetts at Amherst’s Renewable Energy Research Laboratory. RERL installed wind monitoring equipment in a field next to the tennis courts on Nov. 21, 2004. The data received indicated that a wind turbine would be a fiscally feasible venture for the University. Just a little more than two years ago, on May 3, 2007, the University announced its intentions to move forward on a wind turbine project. After securing the proper permits and completing contract negotiations, the University signed an agreement with Lumus Construction, Inc. to build the turbine. Construction work at the turbine site, located
near the athletic fields at the southern end of campus, began on Nov. 19, 2008. The turbine foundation – about 100 cubic yards of concrete was poured for it – was completed during the winter. In late February 2009, the tower parts, which were manufactured in North Dakota, began arriving. On April 15, the blades, hub and nacelle – manufactured in Chennai, India – were delivered. In just 4 days, the turbine was completely assembled. Crews then completed interior equipment installation, electrical hook-up work, and diagnostic tests so the turbine could begin spinning. Funding for the project came from campus reserves, which have been built up through more than 20 years of careful financial stewardship. The University
UMPI
44 Wind & Higher Education SUMMER & FALL 09
also received a $50,000 Voluntary Renewable Resources Fund grant from the Maine Public Utilities Commission and was provided with funding support from the Rebuild America grant program through Efficiency Maine as administered by the University of Maine System’s Systemwide Services. On May 14, just two days before its 100th Commencement Exercises, the University held a special ceremony to officially commission its 600 kW wind turbine. The commissioning event included remarks by local and state officials, a ceremonial ribbon cutting and the release of environmentally-friendly paper balloons. Since then, the wind turbine has been quietly and steadily doing its job. But the statement it makes speaks louder than words. From now on, when people want to know about the University’s commitment to the environment, the answer will be right there. All they have to do is look For more information up. about UMPI’s wind project, visit www.umpi.edu/wind
Background: UMPI’s new windmill in place on campus in Presque Isle.
Wind power – it’s a popular topic these days, from new wind farms to single residential units. As more people join the movement toward a greener energy source, there is an increasing need for the technicians that are responsible for operating, maintaining and repairing them. People from across the state are seeing this opportunity and making the most of it in surprising numbers with the help of a new wind power technology program at Northern Maine Community College. “We knew there was a need for this kind of training, and we hoped that folks from the local communities would take advantage of it, whether they be new to the work force or workers who want or need to be re-trained for a change in careers,” said Alan Punches, vice president and academic dean at the College. “That hope has been greatly surpassed by the level of interest we’ve experienced.” With the first commercial wind farm in Maine located just 14 miles from its campus in Mars Hill, NMCC
in neighboring states and provinces, this program will meet both an immediate and an emerging need throughout the region,” said NMCC President Timothy Crowley. “We believe the wind power technology program will provide a valuable and needed resource for entities that erect turbines, as well as excellent placement opportunities for future graduates of the College.” Estimates indicate Aroostook County has the potential to realize 50 to 80 new, long-term, highly skilled technical positions in operation and maintenance for wind farms between 2009 and 2012, with additional job opportunities anticipated in other parts of Maine and Canadian Maritime provinces. A two-year technical degree is the desired credential for entry into these positions. “Educating a skilled workforce to support regional wind projects is an integral part of developing wind power that holds much promise for the economy of northern Maine,” said Maine Public Service Company President and
NMCC
Above: Wayne Kilcollins, lead instructor for NMCC’s wind program.
in Presque Isle gained approval by the Maine Community College System Board of Trustees last fall to offer the first program in New England to train wind power technicians. The associate degree wind power technology program gets underway this August when the NMCC fall semester begins; however, to get things started, the College offered a wind power theories course this spring. The initial course offering had to be expanded to include two additional divisions because 42 students signed up for the class. Due to the high level of interest in the program, NMCC has opted to double the capacity from 18, which is typical of most trade programs, to 36 by running multiple sections of classes. To date, more than 50 students have applied to enter the wind power technology program this fall. “Given the activity in our region, and the discussion statewide about the tremendous potential for further development of wind power throughout Maine, as well as
CEO Brent M. Boyles. “We are looking at a whole new industry emerging in our area, which includes constructing a bulk transmission power line to electrically connect northern Maine to New England and creating ‘green’ jobs for wind operators and technicians in the renewable energy sector.” Wayne Kilcollins, who came to NMCC from General Electric Wind Energy – the firm responsible for the maintenance and engineering at the wind farm operated by First Wind on Mars Hill Mountain, has been hired as lead instructor for the program. “Wayne brings not only impressive academic credentials to the job, but of equal importance, practical experience doing exactly the work for which we are preparing the graduates of this program,” said Punches. SUMMER & FALL 09 Wind & Higher Education 45
healthy you:
Have Sun Sense! by Kim Jones, cary medical center
Ah, summer…
Swimming on a hot afternoon Lounging on the deck with a good book Watching a Little League game Hosting a BBQ for family and friends Working in the garden
There’s nearly an endless number of ways to have fun on a sunny afternoon; many of which offer excellent health benefits. But Cary Medical Center’s Healthy You team wants to remind you that safely enjoying outside activities includes a good dose of sun sense. Sun exposure is a significant risk factor in the development of skin cancer, the most common form of human cancer. In fact, it has been estimated that nearly half of all Americans who live to age 65 will develop skin cancer at least once. Fortunately, there are some simple steps you can take to minimize your risks:
Don’t be fooled by clouds. The sun can be damaging even on a cool or overcast day. Clouds do not filter out harmful UV rays, so it’s possible to get a sunburn even when you don’t feel the sun’s heat. (You can even get a sunburn in the winter!) Slather on the sunscreen. For optimum protection, choose products that have an SPF of 30 or more and that are labeled for broad-spectrum protection (blocks both ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays). Apply the lotion 30 minutes before going outside and then again every two to three hours spent in the sun. Avoid prolonged exposure when the sun is at its strongest. In the northern hemisphere, this generally means 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. If you need to be outside during this time take frequent breaks in the shade or inside.
Keep your kids safe. By the time your child is age 18, they will have likely racked-up between 50% and 80% of their lifetime sun exposure. This means that much of the sun’s damage that can lead to skin cancer and other health problems occurs during adolescence. It’s best to keep infants under the age of 6 months out of the direct sunlight. For those 6 months and older, apply sunscreen (there are several brands made especially for kids – be sure to read the labels). Don’t forget their ears, nose, lips, neck, and under bathing suit straps, which could slide around when the child moves. Cover up. A typical cotton t-shirt offers protection equivalent to only SPF 6. Wear cloth ing with a thicker weave or apply sunscreen under thin clothing. A wide-brim hat and sunglasses with UV protection will boost your defense against harmful rays. And remember, lighter colors may feel cooler, but darker colors actually absorb ultra violet light better and provide more protection for your skin.
Get out and have fun, but use sun sense!
46 County Health SUMMER & FALL 09
Healthy You is a free community health and wellness program from Cary Medical Center. 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.
Sodium: What is the Right Amount? by professional home nursing
Most Americans consume about 6000mg of salt (sodium) daily, but our bodies actually only need about 200mg each day. In general everyone needs a certain amount of sodium for good health. When you are healthy, your kidneys remove the extra sodium to keep the correct balance of sodium and water in your body. Most foods in their natural state contain sodium. Today, most sodium in our diets is added while food is being processed or prepared at home. Americans consume up to 75% of their sodium from processed foods like tomato sauce, soups, condiments, canned foods, prepared foods, mixes and fast foods. Beware, many high salt (sodium) products show relatively low sodium values on their labels based on very small serving portions (who can eat only 12 corn chips in one sitting?). There is even hidden salt in some over-the-counter drugs like antacids. Read labels carefully. Too much sodium can cause high blood pressure, which can lead to heart disease and stroke. These two diseases are the number one and number two killers in the United States today. Reducing your dietary intake of sodium can drop systolic blood pressure (top number) by 5-10 mm/hg and diastolic pressure (bottom number) by 3-5mm/hg. Americans should try to eat less than 2300mg of sodium daily. Although the cost of low sodium foods can be a burden for some, maintaining a low salt (sodium) diet will benefit your overall health. A high daily sodium intake is 4000 – 6000mg daily and a low sodium intake daily is 400-1000mg daily. There are many hidden ingredients that have salt or sodium in them like: -baking powder -baking soda -monosodium glutamate (MSG) -sodium benzoate Tips to maintain a low salt (sodium) intake are: 1. Do not use salt at the table. 2. Reduce the salt used in food preparation (try to half the amount called for in recipes). How much sodium really is in these measurements? ¼ teaspoon salt = 600mg sodium ½ teaspoon salt = 1200mg sodium ¾ teaspoon salt = 1800mg sodium 1 teaspoon salt = 2300 - 2400mg sodium
3. Use herbs, spices and lemon juice flavors instead of salt. 4. Avoid salty foods such as processed meats, fish, pickles, soy sauce, cheeses, most canned or frozen foods, puddings, prepackaged mixes of any kind and any salted snack foods. Snack on fresh fruits and vegetables instead. 5. Rinse off canned foods before cooking. 6. Check food labels before you buy. Pay close attention to sodium amount to portion size information. What do these words really mean: Sodium free = 5 mg or less of sodium per serving size Very low sodium = 35mg or less of sodium per serving size Low sodium = 140mg or less of sodium per serving size Reduce sodium = at least 25% less sodium than the regular version of that food Light sodium = 50% less sodium than the regular version of that food No added salt = no salt is added during processing of the food that usually has salt added. Here are some high sodium foods to limit: Healthy person’s daily sodium requirement is less than 2300mg . -Salt ( 1 teasp) = 2400mg -Pretzels, small twists ( 10 ) = 966mg -Nuts, salted ( ¼ cup) = 200 – 300mg -Macaroni and cheese ( 1 cup) = 940mg -Caesar salad ( 1 cup) = 617mg -Ramen noodles ( 1 cup) = 829mg -Bagel with cream cheese ( 1 small) = 930mg -Pizza with pepperoni ( 1 slice) = 1100 - 1500mg -Hamburger – double / quarterpound fast food ( 1 ) = 1600 – 2400mg -Beans, canned ( 1 cup) = 700 – 900mg -Soy sauce ( 1 Tbsp) = 1030mg -Bullion cube ( 1 ) = 2300mg -Catsup ( 1 Tbsp) = 150 – 230mg -Tomato sauce, canned ( 1 cup) = 1440mg -Ham, lean ( 3 oz) = 1100mg -Sausage or bologna ( 3 oz) = 530 – 600mg -Hot dog, plain ( 1 ) = 600mg -Pickle ( 1 ) = 1100 – 2000mg -Soup, canned ( 1 cup) = 600 – 1200mg -Cottage cheese ( ½ cup) = 450mg -American cheese ( 1 slice ) = 250 – 400 mg
SUMMER & FALL 09 County Health 47
Overcoming Varicose Vein-ity by Kim Jones, cary medical center
If you’re like many Mainers, by now you’ve unpacked the box marked “summer clothes” and stuffed your sweaters in to totes destined for the attic. It’s a seasonal ritual that even the most hardcore winter enthusiasts secretly look forward to. But for people coping with spider or varicose veins, bathing suit season may be bittersweet. Spider veins are known medically as telangiectasias. They are small clusters of red, blue, or purple-colored veins that are close to the skin’s surface and often resemble a spider’s web or sunburst pattern (although they can also appear as short, unconnected lines). Spider veins commonly develop on the legs. They may be almost invisible or they may cover a large area and be very noticeable. Similar to spider veins, but larger and deeper, are varicose veins. These dark purple or blue-colored bulging veins develop when valves in the vein that allows blood to flow toward the heart doesn’t work properly. The blood pools in the vein causing it to swell. Any vein can become varicose, but they most often occur in the legs and can result in pain that ranges from a dull ache to intense burning and throbbing. Spider and varicose veins are very common. In fact, 1 out of 2 American adults age 50 and over have some form of leg vein disorder. The cause, however, is not entirely known. The condition does seem to run in families, so it is thought to be at least partially genetic. Other risk factors include: Age – varicose and spider veins tend to develop after the age of 30 Gender – women are at a slightly higher risk because of estrogen (female hormone), pregnancy, and wearing tight girdles or hosiery Obesity – increased weight adds additional pressure on veins Lifestyle – sitting or standing in the same position for long periods of time can restrict blood flow and damage veins Trauma – particularly injuries that damage the vein and/or circulatory system While spider and varicose veins are generally not associated with any serious health risks, people often seek treatment for the condition. Christine Thomas, Pines Health Services certified physician assistant, explains, “It’s common that people with a leg vein disorder seek treatment for cosmetic reasons. They may be self48 County Health SUMMER & FALL 09
conscious about wearing shorts, skirts, or bathing suits because the affected veins can be quite noticeable. Additionally, the condition can be painful, prompting some people to get medical therapy.” In Aroostook County, there are two very effective options for the treatment of spider and varicose veins. Sclerotherapy is a technique of injecting a solution into the blood vessels using a fine needle. The solution irritates and destroys the inner lining of the vessel so it collapses and scars shut. This does not harm the circulation – it improves it by eliminating the abnormal, unnecessary vessel. The procedure, which is best suited for spider veins and smaller varicose veins, can produce a 75 - 90% improvement in both appearance and symptoms. For larger varicose veins, Endo Venous Laser Treatment (EVLT) is a minimally invasive laser procedure that, compared to traditional surgical vein stripping, is much less traumatic to the legs, has fewer side effects, no operative scarring, and does not require hospitalization. With EVLT, a local anesthetic is administered and a tiny laser fiber is inserted along the length of the faulty vein. The laser’s energy targets the vein walls, shrinking and closing them so that blood can no longer flow through. Blood from the faulty vein is diverted to normal veins, thereby increasing the leg circulation and improving the appearance and eliminating symptoms. According to Dr. Nonyelu Chukwuogo, a vascular and thoracic surgeon at Cary Medical Center, the EVLT procedure has a high success rate of 93 – 98%. “These outcomes, combined with the ease of the procedure, the minimal recovery period, and the quick relief of symptoms, makes this an excellent treatment option for people with varicose veins.” For more information about sclerotherapy, contact Pines Family Health Center in Presque Isle at 769-2025; for information about Endo Venous Laser Treatment, contact Dr. Chukwuogo’s office at 498-2595. Additional resources: www.sclerotherapyinformation.com www.aad.org (American Academy of Dermatology) www.evlt.com www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/varicoseveins.html (National Institute of Health) www.carymedicalcenter.org
Company MD by Tami Kilcollins, cary medical center
Dr. Karandikar The work ethic exhibited by people from Aroostook County has long been known throughout the rest of Maine and neighboring New England states. “The County” has a reputation for having hard working and conscientious people that take pride in caring about their work and their employer, and “giving 110%” to achieve a job well done. It’s a permanent part of the history and traditions of the residents of the largest county northeast of the Mississippi, and speaks volumes of the character and values of the local workforce. Local employers now have the opportunity to partner with a local and specialized occupational, rehabilitative and environmental healthcare team completely dedicated to the health, welfare and safety of their employees. Company MD, a new collaborative program of Pines Health Services and Cary Medical Center, provides customized occupational and environmental medicine services, physical and occupational therapy and safety services for local employers. Under the direction of Abhijay Karandikar, MD, MPH, Board Certified Occupational Medicine Physician and Medical Review Officer, Company MD is ready to provide comprehensive occupational medicine services to all local businesses and employers to meet their unique and distinctive needs. With convenient offices in Limestone and Presque Isle, Company MD will assist employers by helping to prevent and reduce workplace illnesses and injuries, decrease absenteeism and employee turnover, decrease costs associated with workers’ compensation claims, and assist with Occupational Safety and Health Administration, (OSHA) regulatory requirements.
Specifically, Company MD provides the following services: • Occupational Injury Management • Ergonomic Assessments • Post-Offer, Job Transfer and Return to Work Functional Capacity Evaluations • On-Site Physical and Occupational Therapy Services • Corporate Medical Testing Services, including Pulmonary Function Testing, Hearing and Vision Testing • Respiratory Medical Evaluations and Medical Surveillance for asbestos and lead • Hazmat Examinations • DOT Physical Exams • Drug and Alcohol Testing • Workers Compensation Medical Record Reviews • Disability Examinations and Chemical Exposure Evaluations • Employee Health and Wellness Promotion including Smoking Cessation Programs, Back Injury Prevention Education, Ergonomic Assessments, Exercise Education and Customized Health and Wellness Programs • Environmental Medicine Services including DOT Urine Collection and Breath Alcohol Testing with certified specialists; Independent Medical Evaluations, Immunization Programs, Infectious Disease Consultation and Workplace Environmental/ Toxicological Analysis.
SUMMER & FALL 09 County Health 49
Your Centre for Food Fashion & Fun “One Stop Shopping” at over 35 stores!
Monday - Saturday 9:30 am - 9pm & Sunday Noon - 5pm www.aroostookcentremall.com 830 Main St. (US Route 1) Presque Isle ME 04769 207-764-2616
County Critters with Dr. Hotham
It is finally summertime and some of you may need to board your dog in a boarding kennel while you are away from home. Dogs that are exposed to other dogs are at increased risk of contracting infectious tracheobronchitis, otherwise known as kennel cough. Kennel cough is the most common respiratory disease of dogs. Frequently, there is a history of being in contact with other dogs such as at a kennel, dog daycare, or obedience classes two to ten days prior to the onset of clinical signs. This respiratory disease is caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica, parainfluenza virus, Mycoplasma, canine adenovirus types 1 & 2, canine herpes virus and canine distemper virus alone or in combination. Bordetella infections can be picked up by rabbits, guinea pigs, pigs, young kittens and dogs. It is also closely related to Bordetella pertussis, the cause of whooping cough. Thus, immunocompromised individuals may potentially get infected. Dogs with kennel cough make a harsh, honking cough sound that many people describe as something is stuck in their dog’s throat. Also, the coughing is worse with exercise or excitement. Affected animals usually act normal and eat well with this condition and often recover uneventfully within 1-2 weeks, however; in some circumstances it can develop into pneumonia. Infections spread by infected dogs shedding the bacteria and/or viruses in respiratory secretions. These secretions become aerosolized and can be inhaled by a healthy dog. The normal respiratory tract has many safeguards against invading pathogens, the most important is the mucociliary escalator. This consists of tiny hair-like structures called cilia that protrude from the lining of the respiratory tract. These cilia have a rhythmic wave or beating motion that is covered in mucus which traps viruses and bacteria. The mucocilliary apparatus’
coordinated motion moves the mucus and debris up the windpipe near the throat where it can be coughed up and/ or swallowed. The aforementioned viruses damage the mucociliary apparatus as well as dust exposure, cigarette smoke, stress and poor ventilation. With the protective mechanism compromised, Bordetella bronchiseptica organisms attack the respiratory tract unimpeded. Although most cases go away on their own, many veterinarians feel they can hasten the recovery with antibiotics and reduce the symptoms with cough suppressants. If you have a young puppy with these symptoms take it seriously, especially if they have recently traveled, come from a shelter or from a pet store because they frequently end up with pneumonia. There are two kennel cough vaccinations options, injectable and intranasal. Vaccination can reduce the risk of acquiring the disease and/or decrease the severity of the symptoms. Injectable vaccines give good immunity as long as 2 doses are given 3 to 4 weeks apart. Puppies should receive kennel cough vaccines at approximated 4 months of age, if injectable vaccine is used. Puppies less than 4 months of age may have maternal antibodies that interfere with the injectable vaccine and make it ineffective. Puppies can receive the intranasal vaccine as early as 3 weeks of age and immunity will typically last 10 -12 months. One advantage of the intranasal vaccine is that it will give a good immune response by 4 days postvaccination. So, if you need to get your dog vaccinated in a hurry and it has never been vaccinated before, this vaccine is a good choice as long as you have 4 days before kenneling. As a general rule, intransal vaccines give your dog faster immunity than injectable vaccinations. In summary, kennel cough is usually self-limiting and will resolve in 1 -2 weeks. Veterinary examination and treatment hastens the recovery and better ables your pet to be diagnosed properly to ensure that a more serious condition is not present. Vaccination is an important part of preventing this disease. Dogs that are exposed to other dogs should receive either injectable or intranasal Bordetella bronchiseptica as well as modified live virus vaccines for parainfluenza and canine adenovirus type 2. As always, annual or biannual exams are critical to maintaining healthy pets. Dr. Hotham is an Aroostook county native and owner of Hotham’s Veterinary Services Inc., which offers a wide variety of small and large animal services.
County Critters 51
(Our Maine Street) Who are your chefs?
Aroostook Eats
Boondock’s Grille (Our Maine Street) Can you introduce yourselves to our readers? (Steve & Vicki) Vicki is from Brewer and Steve was born and raised in Fort Fairfield. We spent twenty four years in New Hampshire and moved back to Fort Fairfield last fall with son Stephen Jr. 15. We have a son Zack who is enrolled at UNH in his senior year and Jared who is working and living in Louisiana. (Our Maine Street) Can you fill us on in the history you have with the restaurant business? (Steve & Vicki) Steve grew up in the restaurant business working with his parents Willis and Pearl who had a local restaurant for over forty years. Vicki was working as a manager at a local Brewer tavern when we met. She had over fifteen years of experience at that time. Recently we owned and operated a successful drilling and blasting company while in New Hampshire and sold that business in 2004. (Our Maine Street) What is the theme of your establishment? (Steve & Vicki) Boondock’s Grille has a hunting lodge theme with many of Steve’s trophy animals he acquired through many years of hunting and fishing. They include white tail deer from NH, ME & Canada, turkey, fisher, partridge, a striped bass and the center piece, a full mount timber wolf. Vicki designed the rich colors and wood which ties the whole theme together into a warm and inviting combination of comfortable booths and tables in the main dining room. There is a separate room with a big screen tv and a stone fireplace to enjoy a foot ball game or just relax with one of your favorite beer or wines and an appetizer. We also have a private room you can reserve with seating for up to 35, this is decorated with local historical harvest tools and artifacts. Be sure to check it out when you visit. 52 Aroostook Eats SUMMER & FALL 09
(Steve & Vicki) Our chefs are both locals, Stacy Brooker who has many years of experience working in the kitchens of many fine local restaurants and Matt Jenkins, a young upstart who graduated from the New England Culinary School in Vermont, along with Fran and Brooke who are the prep cooks and Paul and Dustin who are both great line cooks. (Our Maine Street) What is your menu like? (Steve & Vicki) We have something for everybody but our specialty is a great selection of steaks, T-Bone, Rib Eye, a Steak Special and marinated steak tips and our fresh seafood. We also have a great pizza, and daily specials. (Our Maine Street) Any favorites? (Steve & Vicki) We all come with our specialties and favorites, Vicki makes all the cheese cakes and triple layer cakes, Fran makes the pies, Matt makes the seafood chowder to order which many say is the best they have ever had. (Ed. Note: Your editor would agree with that.) Stacy makes a great pounded chicken with lemon and capers over linguini. I can’t list it all, so your best to come in and try it out. ( Our Maine Street) What sets your restaurant apart from others? (Steve & Vicki) I’ve heard from new customers that our atmosphere and décor is great, our food is excellent and our staff is friendly. I don’t think this sets apart from others, but it is a combination of the key ingredients that it takes for a restaurant to be successful in such a competitive market. (Our Maine Street) Boondock’s is located on Main Street in Fort Fairfield and is open 11am - 8pm Tuesday through Thursday, 11am-9pm Friday through Saturday, 8am-1pm on Sunday and is closed on Mondays.
Focus on Business:
(Our Maine Street) How long have you been in business, and if you could do it again would you change anything?
travel the whole northern part of the county. We are very fortunate to live in an area that encompasses so many good people. There’s just no place like Aroostook County.
(Joe Fitzpatrick) We’ve been in business for 21 years now. Some of the business decisions that came my way, I’ve had second thoughts on but then I reached back deep and said ,no I did it right and I wouldn’t of changed that. So basically the decision that we made, we’d probably stick with them for the most part.
(Our Maine Street) Along with your furniture and Serta sales, you also sell flooring. What can you tell us about the flooring lines you carry?
(Joe Fitzpatrick) We are a member of the flooring network which is one of the largest buying groups of floor covering material & products in the north east. What it does is, it (Our Maine Street) Can you explain to us the different gives us a better edge on pricing and gives us a far fuller products and brands you carry? line to choose from. the big thing it gets us is quality products at a lower price and that a big thing. Truly it (Joe Fitzpatrick) Two of the major brands we carry are the enables us to buy flooring products whether it is insulation Serta mattress line of mattress’s that we’ve had for 21 of the material, carpet, vinyl, ceramic tile, or hardwood at a lower years we’ve been in business. We’ve never looked back on price. And you know you can be competitive. and that’s that one. A real quality product, the key here is the quality. what we are, we like it. The other one that we handle, that we started with these people on a very small scale back about 15 years ago is (Our Maine Street)What are your thoughts on your staff at Best Home Furnishing that makes motion furniture like FFN? recliners & recliner sofa rockers and more. They’ve also expanded into stationary furniture. So those are two lines. (Joe Fitzpatrick) Right from the get go my wife and I Probably one of the best lines of furniture we’ve started the store and there was just her & I .Then came ever handled, a line out of California. All this stuff I’m along my daughter and my sister-in-law. So truly it’s a talking about is made in the USA, ok, but this one family affair. But at the same time I say that, we do have particular line that we have showcased several times at the other people in there like Garth. He’s not a family member Home and Garden Show in Presque Isle called Furniture but a lot people think he is. We treat him like family you Traditions .We have nothing but praise for this company. know. But the bottom line when it comes right down to They are very service oriented, they stand behind their the business at hand, we are concentrating on business. product 100%.They make good quality products and it Our employees are dedicated and caring and I couldn’t be shows. When it gets right down to the furniture end of it, more pleased with our staff. Not because they are family I stick to furniture that is Quality. and they are, but when it comes to business, business is business and family is family. We all have a great work (Our Maine Street) How was the transition moving from ethic and it shows. your previous location to where you are now? (Our Maine Street) I understand you are a huge RED (Joe Fitzpatrick) Of course it wasn’t easy, but just by SOX fan. What is your favorite Red Sox Moment? virtue of the staff I have and my friends and family and their friends. You know the transition was phenomenal. (Joe Fitzpatrick) Any time I’m at Fenway Park. It went smooth. We were a tired bunch of puppies when we got all done. But truly if it hadn’t been for the staff and our family and friends, it would have been a more difficult transition. Not once did we close our doors. We would have customers come into the new store while we were right in the middle of the move and they’d just look around and say Oh your busy trying to move, we’ll be back later. And they were and it was great. (Our Maine Street) What’s the best part about running your business right here in Houlton? (Joe Fitzpatrick) Houlton is a great community. It truly is. We got a bunch of caring people here in Houlton .I think it’s not just Houlton either. I’m a Houlton grown boy anyway, but I see this all around Aroostook County, because we
SUMMER & FALL 09 Focus on Business 55
Fort Fairfield honoring the heart and values of family The Town of Fort Fairfield is proud to be hosting our 62nd Maine Potato Blossom Festival July 11 – 19, 2009. The festival is one of the oldest and most established festivals in Maine. This nine day gala is a celebration of our agricultural heritage with events to interest everyone. Throughout the week, various pageants are hosted crowning Little Miss, Jr. Miss and Miss Potato Blossom Queens. If you are more the athletic type, join the fun in the festival triathlon which includes a 5 miler road race, the 25 mile Spud Cycle Classic and wrap up by canoe/kayak in the Regatta on the Aroostook! If longing for the “good ole days” is more to your liking, then join the Northern Maine Antique Tractor Club for their equipment displays and demonstrations, then prepare to see these machines come to life in the Antique Tractor Pulls! Really wanting to get a taste of farm life? Then sign up and compete in the Farmer Olympics. Try your hand at picking potatoes, rolling barrels, gathering eggs, and yes - cleaning up after the animals! Better yet have the young un’s give it a try! Fido or Kitty Kat the most beautiful animal you ever saw? Then enter them in the Annual Household Pet Show! Tweedie, Hissy the Snake, Peter Cottontail, and Gonzo the Lizard are also welcome to join the fun! You never know what you will see at this annual family event. Don’t miss any of the favorite events like Family Movie Night Under the Stars, Arts & Crafts, Mashed Potato Wrestling, Family Fun Day, Huge Parade, Fireworks, Singing at the Bandstand and Street Dance with Motorbooty! Janet Kelle Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce
July 11 - 19, 2009 “HOMETOWN PROUD”
Town Wide Yard Sale – Saturday, July 11th Join your friends and family in finding yard sale treasures! County Gospel Festival – Saturday, July 11th www.countygospel.com Little Miss Potato Blossom Pageant – Monday, July 13th Fort Fairfield Middle/High School Gymnasium Jr. Miss Potato Blossom Pageant – Wednesday, July 15th Fort Fairfield Middle/High School Gymnasium Rotary Bike Rodeo – Friday, July 17th Free bike helmets and bicycle safety Industry Dinner – Friday, July 17th Sponsored by the Maine Potato Board Parade – Saturday, July 18th Largest parade in Northern Maine! Antique Tractor Pulls – Saturday, July 18th New location! F.A.R.M. Park, 119 West Limestone Rd, FF Street Dance – Saturday, July 18th Featuring Motorbooty Affair!! Miss Potato Blossom Pageant – Saturday, July 18th Fort Fairfield Middle/High School Gymnasium Spud Cycle Classic – Sunday, July 19th Race begins at the Blockhouse Fireworks over the Aroostook River – Sunday, July 19th For a complete list of events, dates and times go to www.potatoblossom.org County Bluegrass Festival July 24th – 26th & September 4th – 6th www.countybluegrass.com
56 Our Communities SUMMER & FALL 09
Houlton the shiretown
Ahhhh, summer in the County, there just isn’t any other place to be. As the memory of the long winter wanes, the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce has been planning summer events for our area. Every town hears the same old rhetoric, “there isn’t anything to do around here”. Well, we tend to differ with that statement! As graduations take place and futures are being planned, your local community is seeking ways to enhance and create new ideas that will bring business to the doorsteps of our local merchants and businesses. Certainly, planned annual events helps to make that happen. The Chamber’s goal is to constantly think about how to make the events bigger and better so that everyone prospers and finds a renewed enthusiasm for their community. The Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce works cooperatively with community entities to bring you “things to do” during the summer and fall months. June will bring the “First Friday” events to our community. What exactly is that? Local merchants will, on the First Friday of June, July, August and September offer great sales either inside or outside of their stores throughout the day and into the early evening hours. The idea is to have this event become a routine shopping experience for those who aren’t able to shop during regular business hours. We hope to incorporate a street fair experience during those Four First Fridays, making it an even grander experience. The 13th Annual Soap Box Derby will be held on Saturday, June 13th at 8:00 AM. Houlton is famous for it’s Midnight Madness event held on July 3rd. All day, until midnight, the sales progress to unbelievable prices for the conscientious shopper. McGill’s Band kicks off the evening, followed by street music, dancing and great food. It really is a “don’t miss” event. Midnight Madness also helps to promote the
Houlton Agricultural Fair, whose dates this year are July 2nd through the 5th. Enjoy an old fashioned Country Fair with 4-H exhibits, Grange exhibits, a Midway with great rides, Mud Run, a 4th of July Parade and the best 4th of July Fireworks in the County, a Craft Fair in Monument Park on the 3rd of July and so much more! Potato Feast Days hits Houlton on August 21st and 22nd. With a Craft Fair on the 22nd and the Friends and Needles Quilt Guild’s renowned annual quilt show that draws people from the entire country, Potato Feast Days is a fun-filled community event that has something for everyone. The First Friday in September will be our first ever September Fest! Pumpkin contests of all manner and form will fill the downtown as expert pumpkin carvers, local folks will show their prowess in creating the perfect pumpkin pie, cake, muffins, soup, well, anything pumpkin actually. It will be an end of the summer extravaganza for sure! So, before you find yourself saying “there’s nothing to do around here” check out your local Chambers of Commerce for events throughout the summer and remember, Shop Local and support your community.
SUMMER & FALL 09 Our Communities 57
Greater Madawaska Frenchville, Grand Isle, Madawaska, St. Agatha and Sinclair
The Greater Madawaska Area is well known for itsfriendly people and warm hospitality, while serving as the center of Acadian culture in Maine. During the months of July and August one can expect an abundance of unique events that are only available in our own special corner of America. During July & August, enjoy an evening of entertainment with friends and family at BiCentennial Park with the 2nd Annual Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series. This weekly event sponsored by the Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce in conjunction with the Acadian Festival will start at 4:00pm each Thursday with the opening of the Madawaska Community Market where one can find hidden treasures or farm fresh fruits and vegetables. At 6:00pm sit back and enjoy the Festival Music Series, with performances by local artists until 8:00pm. July 17th & 18th, Rock the Valley wants to welcome everyone to the counties finest Rock Festival. Started in 2005 by locals wanting to increase the interest of music in the valley, this 2 day event continues to be a crowd pleaser year after year. With this years bands ranging from local talent to well known headliner bands, one can look forward to performances by Rick Larrimore, “The Ultimate Tribute to Rod Stewart” and Back in Black, “North America’s Best ACDC TRIBUTE” The Four Seasons Trail Association invites everyone from everywhere to enjoy the free use of their trails. Through mountain biking and nature hikes they hope to encourage healthier lifestyles and a greater appreciation for the natural beauty of Aroostook County.
58 Our Communities SUMMER & FALL 09
The Four Corners Park Association welcomes everyone to the Four Corner Park, located prominently in downtown Madawaska, Maine, the park features an impressive 12-foot tall blue pearl granite monument and a lighted water fountain, surrounded by granite benches, tables and a fireplace. The park landscaping includes flowers and trees to create shade and beauty for visitors to enjoy. No matter what time of the year you visit us, you will find everything you need to enjoy a relaxing and memorable stay. If you enjoy the outdoors, festivals or colorful eye catching sceneries and no matter what your interests or leisure pursuits are, you will find something here, in the “Heart of the St John Valley.” Stephen Hughes Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce For more information on upcoming events call 207-728-7000
Presque Isle star thethe star citycity
As you wend your way up Route 1 to Presque Isle, assortment of food experiences offered in the Presque Isle keep an eye out for the Planets along the side of the road. area. There is also a good chance of a community dinner They begin at the Houlton Visitor Center where Pluto can being scheduled in the area during your visit. A little farther north is Portage Lake. Portage is be found. Be sure to pick up a map of the Solar System celebrating their Centennial this year and has a variety of to know where the other planets are located along the way. Some may require closer scrutiny. Upon your arrival events scheduled for your enjoyment there as well. For in Presque Isle, the Sun can be found in Folsom Hall on details you may visit www.connectmaine.com/portage or call the Portage Town Office at 207-435-4361 University of Maine campus. Confirmed summer celebrations in the Presque Isle The Solar System is just one of the many things to see and experience in the Presque Isle area. If you have Area include the following: July 2-5 Ashland Summerfest; July 8-12 Easton time for a few games of golf you can play either at the Field Days; July 11th Portage Summer Roundup Pig Mars Hill Golf course next to Mars Hill Mountain, or Roast and Motorcycle Rodeo; July 31- August 8 Northern head up to Presque Isle where the golf course is along Maine Fair; August 15 Sesquicentennial Parade; August 15 Route 163. Both are lovely courses with scenic views. For those interested in arts and crafts there are a number Washburn August Fest; August 21-22 Westfield Jubilee; Aug 27-30 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest. of suppliers in the area. Visit the Presque Isle Area The 155th Northern Maine Fair will be held Chamber of Commerce office to see a sample of some local artisan’s work available throughout Aroostook County for in Presque Isle from July 31 to August 8. This annual fair features agricultural, historical and cultural events. information and addresses for their studios. Join in the ongoing celebrations for Presque Isle’s Attractions include a Music Festival, demolition derby, tractor and truck pulls, carnival rides and various vendors. 150th Birthday. There are numerous events scheduled throughout the year. On August 15, Anah Shrine Temple This 10 day event offers something for the entire family. will be participating in the Sesquicentennial Parade taking The food vendors are always a popular spot offering food place downtown. In addition to the Shrine groups, there that is only available once a year! On August 15th there will be a host of activities in will be many more exciting participants. For a complete the Presque Isle area. In Washburn, the Washburn August up-to-date listing of Sesquicentennial events call the Presque Isle Area Chamber Commerce at 207-764-6561 Fest will start at 9:00 am with a parade. The celebrations or visit the Presque Isle Historical Society website at www. will continue through the day. If you are interested in parades, Presque Isle will be holding its Sesquicentennial pihistory.org. parade at noon that day. There will be other activities While in Presque Isle take a self-guided walking around town throughout the day. This would be a great tour and visit the historic buildings found within the weekend to spend in central Aroostook. There will be city center. A brochure for the walk is available at the fireworks displays Friday and Saturday as these two Chamber Office as well as on the Presque Isle Historical communities celebrate. Society website. Some of these buildings are still being The Summer season wraps up with the Crown of used for their original purpose. Maine Balloon Fest held annually in Presque Isle. Hot If you are interested in history, this is the place air balloons soar over the area in early morning and early to start! There are a number of museums open during the summer. To name a few: the Vera Estey House, The evening. Pilots take passengers in many of the balloons. Ashland Logging Museum, The Francis Malcolm Science If you are interested in scheduling a flight, go to www. Center in Easton and the Salmon Brook Historical Society crownofmaineballoonfest.org. There will be a variety of other activities taking place in town at the same time. Museums in Washburn. Presque Isle has a number of comfortable hotels Street fairs, dinners, musical entertainment, children’s and cabins for you to stay at while exploring this part activities, photography competitions and opportunities to of Aroostook County. You can stay right downtown or chat with the balloon pilots and the very popular evening choose a remote location that will allow you time to glows. This is an event you don’t want to miss. enjoy the fabulous black skies and star gazing. If you are As summer fades to fall, the beauty of the Presque interested in camping or traveling with your RV, there are Isle area is enhanced by the changing colors as crops ripen, a variety of locations that would be happy to have you leaves change colors and the blue of the sky deepens. The stay for a few days. Aroostook State Park, located within organized festivities may be over but there is still a lot to the city limits offers camping and hiking opportunities see and do in the area. You can hike, climb Haystack, fish, along with swimming and bird watching. There are several canoe, kayak, take scenic drives or bike rides or just enjoy private campgrounds that will arrange activities for you the hospitality of the area. while you are here. Whatever your choice, the proprietors The Tourist Center located in the Chamber Office will make sure you enjoy your stay. Make time to enjoy the contains information and many brochures to tempt your variety of restaurants in the area as well. There is a wide adventurous soul. SUMMER & FALL 09 Our Communities 59
by William H. Beardsley, Ph.D. with additions by Carolyn Dorsey-Durepo Husson is recognized as a premier institution of higher learning in northern New England. The willingness to be an active participant in encouraging growth and development in our region is characteristic of a university. Husson’s class size and community atmosphere however are typical of high-quality small colleges. As a university, we will continue to emphasize these traditional strengths. The Board of Trustees voted and approved the name change in recognition, not of what we aspire to be, but what we’ve already become. In voting to become a university the Board has focused on the importance of retaining the enduring values that have been with the institution since its founding in the 1890’s. Husson’s mission and academic core have endured with the times yet evolve to serve the everchanging needs of Maine’s economy and professional work force. Husson’s transition to university while remaining focused on undergraduates sets us apart. To understand why Husson is becoming a university it is helpful to understand its 110 years of growth and change. Husson has been rooted in Bangor since it’s founding in the 1890’s. It has evolved, bringing together a business school, nursing school and a school of broadcasting. It started by offering certificates and diplomas and has moved onto associates, bachelors, masters and now professional doctoral degrees. Its origins were a few rooms on the third floor of a downtown office building. Today it finds itself on a 200-acre full service collegiate campus, with a 700-acre forest nearby and satellite centers in Presque Isle, South Portland and Eastport. Enrollments have grown from about 20 in 1898 to about 3,000 today. At some moment in the past year we simply added all this together and found a university we had already become. We have a long history in Aroostook County. We first emerged more than thirty years ago on Loring Air Force Base offering college courses to the service men and women stationed there. Eventually we moved to Caribou, and for the past three years have been located on the Northern Maine Community College Campus in Presque Isle. The Aroostook County programs have grown from simply 60 Higher Education SUMMER & FALL 09
offering a few courses to allowing students to choose from more than fourteen undergraduate and graduate degree programs. Each year more than forty students graduate from Husson with degrees they obtained from the Presque Isle Site. Husson, like many of its peers, is faced with the realities of the economy and weakening demographics for college students. We have faced these challenges with an entrepreneurial spirit and worked with local community and business leaders to try and find areas of unmet need and offer programs to meet those demands. We remain primarily focused on excellence in teaching and preparing graduates for careers rather than on research and turning out Ph.D’s. So when you think of Husson in future years, you won’t think of massive institutes, liberal arts centric curricula, or foundations in research, just a teaching oriented professional university that serves the people of Maine.
For more information on Husson in Aroostook County feel free to contact Carolyn Dorsey-Durepo by email: dorseyc@husson.edu or by phone: 760-1176.
Technology, innovation, outreach and partnership cornerstones to Northern Maine Community College growth and service to local region
by Karen GOnya The recent addition and expansion of new degree were added to the College at the request of local healthcare programs in allied health and in the rapidly growing organizations, as examples of NMCC’s proactive work in the wind power technology field, as well as advances in new region. technology and outreach to communities and businesses Expansion of College programs and services throughout Aroostook County, have well-positioned throughout the County has also provided area residents Northern Maine Community College to meet the region’s increased access to higher education. NMCC, in current and future workforce and economic development partnership with Houlton Regional Hospital, has doubled needs. the number of students enrolled in its distant nursing On the heels of an academic year that saw a double- program in Southern Aroostook, and will this fall, in digit enrollment increase, and unprecedented activity, partnership with the St. John Valley Adult and Community Maine’s northernmost community college finds itself in Education Collaborative, offer both its nursing and early the midst of its busiest summer session in recent memory childhood education associate degree programs on-site in the and well-poised for this coming fall. The high number of Valley. An additional partnership with the Loring Job Corps students taking courses over the Center will open wider the doors to summer on campus is largely higher education for students in the attributed to the section of Job Corps program nationwide. classes for displaced workers NMCC has also taken that the College began offering significant steps toward enhancing in early March, shortly after student learning through unique a large number of layoffs in partnerships with, and support from, the region. Classes for the 45 the business community. In the past students enrolled in the special year, the College has opened the first program, for which NMCC Allied Health Simulation Center has been lauded statewide, north of Bangor with the support will continue through the of the Anthem Blue Cross Blue summer, and the students will Shield Foundation, a new Business matriculate into specific degree Technology Center through the programs at the start of the next generosity of MMG Insurance and semester. is preparing to celebrate the opening “The mission of of a newly renovated lecture hall, the College and the efforts complete with the latest in video of our faculty and staff are conferencing technology, funded first and foremost to meet through the U.S. Department of the educational, training Health and Human Services with the and economic development support of Senators Olympia Snowe needs of the region we serve,” and Susan Collins. said NMCC President Tim The efforts of the College Crowley. “Our commitment were recently recognized by the to the betterment of and to the Commission on Institutions of people of Aroostook County Higher Education of New England In a training session this spring utilizing the is unwavering and with strong Association of School and Colleges technology in the new Allied Health Simulation community support and feedback,Center, senior nursing students (foreground, from – the accrediting body for postwe have achieved a great deal in left) Julie Ellis and Amber Broome perform an secondary schools throughout the the past year toward that end.” assessment on a pediatric “patient.” In this particular northeast. The Commission, which simulation a Diabetic “child” who was brought to Aside from the special sent a visiting team to NMCC for the emergency room in distress. Nursing instructor semester, Crowley cites NMCC’s a review visit and has since granted Paula Flora (background, center) changes the work over the past year to continued accreditation to the College, dynamics in the computer to make changes in the introduce and develop New noted the institution for its work with “patient” in order to gauge how students respond to England’s first program in wind the situation. student development and community power technology and the outreach. graduation of the first-ever medical assisting students and SUMMER & FALL 09 Higher Education 61 the second class of medical coding students, programs that
Friends Church Š 2008 John Herold, Fort Fairfield
SUMMER & FALL 09 Higher Education 63
LeVasseur’s NAPA Auto & Truck Parts Vist our new location at 642 Main Street, Presque Isle
GET THE GOOD STUFF 207-764-2400 1-800-896-6272
MADAWASKA 81 Fox Street
There’s sure to be a Marden’s along you r way. be sure to PRESQUE ISLE 207-762-3417 803 Main Street sto p in and see why I95 North to Houlton � Rt 1 North to Presque Isle. Marden’s is on the left. we’re maine’s best HOULTON 207-532-9125 rai ny day activity! 120 North Street
I95 North to Houlton � Rt 1 North to Madawaska � Left onto 25th Ave. � Left onto Fox St. Marden’s is on the right.
if we have it, it will cost you less!
stretch your dollars across maine
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
our inventory comes from unlikely sources: closeouts, bankruptcies, salvage losses and more
come in and see for yourself why we’re the bargain hunter’s paradise!
We carry • shoes • clothing • hardware ELLSWORTH 207-669-6036 • furniture • flooring 225 High Street I-95 � exit 182A � 395E � Merge onto • fabric • housewares Rt1A to Ellsworth � Rt 1A becomes Rt 1 and Rt 3 North � Marden's is located on • general merchandise the right where Rt 1 and Rt 3 splits • seasonal items! (behind McDonalds). BREWER 207-989-1750 we also have stores in biddeford, sanford, Portland, 564 Wilson Street I95 � exit 182A � 395E � Parkway Gray, Lewiston, Rumford and waterville. Visit our exit � Right turn � Traffic light. Right turn onto Wilson Street. website at www.mardens.com for driving directions 64 SUMMER & FALL 09
Increase in Fees: Still a Wicked Good Deal by Regis Trembly
I’ve been thinking a lot about what I spend my money on these days. An economic crisis can make that happen. I think about and watch every penny I spend. So, when Governor Baldacci included a license fee increase in his budget, my first reaction was, “Oh my, this is going to upset a lot of people.” At the time of this writing, I have no idea whether a license increase will actually occur. But, I started to think about recreational and entertainment pursuits we spend money on. My first thoughts were on newspaper reports of how much the Yankees were going to pay free-agent Mark Teixeira. Teixeira toyed with the Red Sox before signing on with the Yankees for $22.5 million a year for eight years. The total Red Sox payroll for 2008 was $133.3 million. I thought, “In a time of world-wide recession, this doesn’t make sense.” By comparison, the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife needs approximately $37 Million a year to protect and preserve the natural resources, the lifeblood of our economy. The impact of hunting, fishing, wildlife watching, boating, snowmobiling, ATV riding, and whitewater rafting, all industries the Department has a major hand in, have a combined $2.4 Billion impact on the economy. That’s an incredible return on the investment that far exceeds the RTI of the Red Sox and Yankees combined! Compared to the Sox and Yankees, IF&W is a “wicked good deal for Maine.”
- a family of four for 2 days and 2 nights at Disneyworld $2,000 - dinner and drinks for a couple - $60 and $75 - dinner for a family of four at Applebee’s - $60 - a movie for a family of four - $50. - one day skiing - $135 per person with a lift ticket, food, and ski rental - one composite hockey stick $190 - a pair of hockey skates - $500 Here’s what a license fee increase of, say, $9 dollars would mean for people who hunt and fish. In 2009 a combination hunting and fishing license cost $38.00 plus a $2.00 agent fee. In other words, for a person to be in the outdoors to hunt and fish 365 days costs 11 cents per day! ($40/365). After a fee increase of $9.00, it would still cost less than 14 cents per day. The value of the opportunity and experience far exceeds this modest cost. A $9.00 fee increase is still less than a pack of cigarettes ($10), two six packs of the least expensive brew ($13), and a pound of coffee ($10). Since the last license fee increase in 2004, everything else from milk and eggs to clothes and cars has steadily gone up. Gas went from $1.25 to more than $4 a gallon in just one year.
If the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife does not get a sufficient fee increase or an alternative source of funding, as many as 22 positions will be lost, one hatchery will be closed, and there will be an erosion of the Department’s ability to function effectively. I’m a big sports fan and treasure my first memories Who are the losers? The natural resources, the critters, and each and every one of us who loves this one-of-a-kind of Fenway Park and the Green Monster when I was ten place. years old, and I treasure the memories I share with my own three children when I took them there for their first What’s at stake are the natural resources, the big league game in 1996. lifeblood of our economy, as well as our heritage, and the This past summer I returned with my two sons and legacy we will leave behind. shelled out $300 on tickets, parking, and food. I justified So, when you put the possible fee increase into the cost by the value I placed on the experience, memories, perspective, we’re all getting a “wicked good deal.” and the fun we shared, even though the Sox lost. We all decide what something is worth before we spend. This all got me to thinking about the relative value of things such as:
Regis Tremblay is the Director of Public Information and Education at the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries & Wildlife. He can be reached at: Regis.tremblay@maine.gov.
- a family of four Mainers to take in a game at Fenway - $400
Visit the IF&W website to view an important, brief video entitled “A Wicked Good Deal For Maine,” @ www.mefishwildlife.com SUMMER & FALL 09
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Our Local Artists crafters, painters, photographers, poets & writers
featuring aroostook talent
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Our Maine Street Magazine is pleased to set aside a portion of every issue to feature the work of our local artists whether they be crafters, painters, illustrators, photographers poets or writers. This issue we feature three local photographers and one illustrator: Gene Cyr of Washburn, Michelle Olsen of Caribou, Christine Chabre of Cyr Plantation and Holly Hardwick of Cross Lake.
Š 2007-2009 Gene Cyr, Washburn, www.northernmainepictures.com
Images these pages Š 2007-2009 68 Local Artists SUMMER & Gene FALL Cyr, 09 Washburn, www.northernmainepictures.com
Learn what all the
excitement is about! NASA Astronaut speaks at UMPI
UMPI Owls Baseball team featured in The New York Times
Q
University of Maine at
The University of Maine at Presque Isle is one of three universities in Maine to receive Andy Warhol photographs
PRESQUE ISLE North of Ordinary ďż˝
www.umpi.edu
Q
Hollywood cinematographer visits UMPI
UMPI becomes the first University in the state to build a midsize wind turbine
SUMMER & FALL 09 Local Artists 69
70 Local Artists SUMMER & FALL 09
SUMMERhttp://www.artwanted.com/ditzy & FALL 09 Local Artists 71 Š 2009 Michelle Olsen, Caribou,
72 Local Artists SUMMER & FALL 09
Images on these pages Š 2009 Michelle Olsen, Caribou, http://www.artwanted.com/ditzy
SUMMER & FALL 09 Local Artists 73
74 Local Artists SUMMER & FALL 09
Images on these pages Š 2009 Christine Chabre, Cyr Plantation, chrstchab@aol.com
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76 Local Artists SUMMER & FALL 09
Image this page Š 2009 Christine Chabre, Cyr Plantation, chrstchab@aol.com
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Our decision to move to Aroostook County was in the making years before we actually moved. My husband was ready for a new job, our area was increasingly becoming busier and busier, essentially becoming a tourist town year round. Our kids in grammar school were growing up too fast. In our heads we had the image of Aroostook County as a wholesome place to raise your children. The area seemed like it would be something from the Andy Griffeth show, that of dirt roads and people sitting on their back porches sipping iced tea and listening to the crickets. With this image in our minds, we packed up and decided to move within a month. The sale of our house had fallen through the week before and while it was still on the market we decided to rent it out. We had already purchased our farm, so we pushed on. Now you would have to understand how sheltered I was as a young mother. I was scared to leave my family, bring my children into a strange area where moose and bear run rampant and I was nervous about nature as it was. Packing day was Saturday. We had packed up our belongings and knew we would be making a couple trips. My husband was still finishing out his job as the town mechanic, so he intended on driving back on Sunday to finish out a few more weeks before moving north himself permanently. Once the u-haul was packed and
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truck overloaded, the jeep was the last to pack. We had thirty chickens that belonged to my daughter, which she loved, and I could not get rid of any. We packed what we could comfortably in big boxes; taking half the flock in three big boxes. We decided the jeep would be the only safe/warm way for them to travel. This would not have been a bad idea, if I hadn’t had to take one very pregnant dog and her mate, both being bird dogs. So the sound and the smell just about drove them nuts for the ride. Buster (mom to be) was due any moment, Jake (the dad) was always full of fun and energy. Once packed tight and cozy, we started out on our six hour journey north. (I myself had never driven more than two hours alone. Yes, I was sheltered.) So brave behind my wheel, I followed my husband and son. Just before we left, a snowflake fell. I asked my daughter if she had heard of any storms and she assured me no. Hmmm… About thirty miles into our drive the snow was really starting to come down. Our decision to drive north on this day was starting to be unsettling to me. I was already starting to get very nervous. We arrived in Bangor after four hours, up from the normal two, because of the road conditions. Before leaving home, our pit stop points had already been decided, so here we took the very pregnant dog and her mate for a much needed break. After getting them back into the car, we noticed Buster (the mom to be) was panting and had a look in her eyes of “it’s time for the babies to arrive.” I immediately jumped from my car and ran to notify my husband and my son that I believed Buster might be in labor which, of course, helped my nerves greatly. My husband told me that
we should keep going and we would stop if necessary. So onward we pushed. Once we got back onto the highway, I looked in my rear view mirror and there was one of my daughter’s hens roosted on the top of the box. Another one was on the wheel well, and another getting out. Horrified at the idea of Jake (the boy dog) getting ‘wind’ of the events about to unfold. I slowed down and tried to pull over on the already treacherous highway, with the speed limit reduced to 45 due to the road conditions and white outs. After Jake had a bit of fun, I managed to cram them back into their box and jumped back behind the wheel. My nerves at this point felt as though I had my 15th cup of coffee in the last hour. Swallowing heavily, I plugged on. My husband, ahead of me in the truck and u-haul, started to slide back and forth. The back and forth motion getting bigger each swoop until he was up on two tires and about to tip over right in front of me. The last
SUMMER & FALL 09
Our Farm 79
swoop just before they were about to go over the u-haul smashed into a guard rail, amazingly straightening them out. (Talk about guardian angels) At this point, I was headed quickly for a nervous breakdown. Never had I driven in a snowstorm like that, let alone with my cargo. At this point, a six hour drive had turned to nine and we weren’t even in Houlton yet. So the fifteen cups of coffee had turned to twenty immediately. I was visibly shaking. Of course the almost accident did scare my son and husband, but later they bragged at “How awesome that was and how cool it was that they almost tipped over.” At least the father and son had something to laugh at the rest of the way to our new home. Once we arrived at our farm house, the snowstorm that we hadn’t heard about had been an 18” snowstorm in which we had followed the whole thing north. We had no driveway, just mountains of snow. Already having my jeep into 4x4, I backed up a bit and floored it, crashing through the new snow just to get off the road. Fortunately, we were carrying the plow to the truck in the back. After bringing all our belongings in cardboard boxes, we were exhausted!! I had set the chickens up in their barn, come inside and unpacked my bedding, bed and pillows. Immediately put on my cozy jammies and cried the stress out of my
system. I went to bed at 6:30 and crashed, once my head hit the pillow, I was out like a light. After sleeping 12 hours I woke feeling refreshed and ready to start a new day…. and yes, Buster gave birth to 10 adorable little puppies.
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