At Cary Medical Center our patients come first.
207.498.1301.
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. Š 2009 Mike McNally, Ashland
Contents
January, February and March 2010
F e at u r e s
18 USSA XC Junior Olympics
The snow is on the ground and it’s time for another great skiing event at the Nordic Heritage Center. Take a look at this event in March, efforts to make the Nordic Hertiage Center greener and the economic impact skiing events have on the area. We’ll introduce you to the atheletes representing the area and learn about UMPI’s Nordic Ski Program and their NCAA status.
26 85 Years of Cary Medical Center
Bill Flagg brings us along on a journey through eighty-five years of Cary Medical Center’s history from it’s humble beginnings with Dr. Jefferson Cary to the institution we all know today.
34 Bill Sheehan, Northern Maine Birder
Join Bill Sheehan as we take a look at his love of birding and the wonderful opportunities Aroostook County presents the bird enthusiast.
Departments 8 40 46 48 50 52 60 65 80
County Events County Health County Critters The County Eats Focus on Business Our Communities Higher Education Inland Fisheries & Wildlife Our Farm by Holly Hardwick
o
ur Thoughts Ah winter, nature’s waiting room between fall and mud season. Luckily, living in Aroostook County provides plenty of opportunity to enjoy this cold and snowy time of year, a couple of which we will focus on in this issue. Welcome to our third issue. Has it really been three already? We continue to be amazed and grateful for the support you have all given us this past year and we hope you will continue to take this publishing journey with us in 2010. With a new year comes change and we certainly have a few in store starting with this edition. We have changed our previous ‘Local Artists’ section from something that we contained in its own section, to including more of our contributors’ great work throughout the issue itself. On the subject of our contributors, we have decided to list them all together in the front of the magazine. The contributors really help make Our Maine Street what it is today, and we feel they should all have pride of place with our magazine staff. Our staff has gone through some changes as well over the recent months. Bernie has left the magazine to pursue other endeavors. We really believe in this publication showcasing The County, and plan on being here for years to come. Another slight change, an issue overdue, is the listing of Holly Hardwick as our Staff Illustrator. While she isn’t in the office with us, she is never far away and always willing to help out. She is an amazing asset to Our Maine Street, and we wanted to reflect that in our credits. With the official business out of the way, we turn to our features this issue. Our first feature highlights an exciting winter event, the USSA XC Junior Olympics being held at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. We hope everyone will support the athletes and volunteers that make an event such as this possible in The County. Our second feature takes us for a walk down memory lane as we look back at 85 years of Cary Medical Center and the changes it has undergone since its creation. Finally, our third feature serves as a wonderful introduction to the world of birding here in Aroostook County. I know I will never look at the crowds around my bird feeder in quite the same way again. We hope you will enjoy this issue and we will see you again when the ice and snow start to melt.
4
WINTER 2010
Craig Cormier Our Maine Street Magazine craig@ourmainestreet.com
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Editor In Chief Craig Cormier Circulation / Advertising Charles Cormier Office Manager Cheryl Cormier Staff Illustrator Holly Hardwick Contributers Robin Elsbeth Jenkins, Kim Jones, Bill Flagg, Regis Trembly, Rachel Rice, Andrew Soucier, Hilary McNamee, Erin Benson, Lloyd Archer, James and Stacie Hotham, Vickie St. Peter, Lisa Reed, Tim Doak, Eileen Carey, Mike McNally, Janet Kelle, Gene Cyr, Megan McHatten, Thom Coté, Christine Chabre and Kate Barnes Content and subscription information: content@ourmainestreet.com subscribe@ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464 232 Main Street Suite 2 Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com
207 Technology Group Inc. Aroostook Technologies Boondocks Grille Bouchard Family Farms Cary Medical Center Clifford L. Rhome CPA, P.A. Cormier Cabinetry County Abatement, Inc. County Federal Credit Union Dean’s Motor Lodge, Inc. Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce Fort Kent Ski-Doo Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce Hillside IGA Hotham’s Veterinary Services, Inc. Husson University I Care Pharmacy Irving Woodlands LLC John’s Shurfine Food Store Katahdin Trust Co. Kelly’s Gun Shop Maine Veterans Home Martin Ford McGillan Inc. Nadeau House of Flooring Nadeau House of Furniture Northern Maine Community College Northern Maine Medical Center Paradis Shop & Save Pelletier Florist PNM Construction Inc. Professional Home Nursing Quigley’s Building Supply Robin’s Chocolate Sauce SLK Security St. John Valley Pharmacy Sitel Corporation University of Maine at Fort Kent University of Maine at Presque Isle Thank You!
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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 © 2010 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. WINTER 2010 5
Š 2009 Mike McNally, Ashland
BOONDOCK’s BOONDOCK’S ~ ~ GRILLE est. 2009
Steak, Seafood, Pizza Phone: 207-472-6074 294 MAIN STREET, FORT FAIRFIELD T-TH 11am-8pm FR-SAT 11am-9pm SUN 8am-1pm CLOSED MONDAYS
County Events
January-March 2010 a look at upcoming activities in aroostook
January 16th - 17th
Irving 100 Mile Sled Dog Race - Eagle Lake. For more information visit: www.eaglelaketown.org
January 30th - 31st
February
UMFK Blake Library Gallery features Artist Lulu Pelletier For more information, contact Gallery Curator Sofia Birden at 207-834-7527 or 1-888-879-8635
Long Lake Ice Fishing Derby - St Agatha, contact: Paul Bernier 493-3318
February 5th - 7th
Moosestompers Weekend - Houlton, For more information call: 532-4216 International Snowmobilers Festival - Madawaska, visit www.ISFIM.net
February 6th
Andy Santerre NASCAR Snowmobile Run For more information call 498-6431
February 12th - 14th
Caribou Winter Carnival / Snowmobile Festival - Caribou www.cariboumaine.net
February 14th
8 County Events
WINTER 2010
Annual Fiddlers’ Jamboree 1 to 4 p.m. Fox Auditorium - UMFK, donations accepted. For more information, contact the UMFK University Relations Office at 207-834-7557 or 1-888-879-8635.
February 15th - 17th
State Ski Meet - Lonesome Pine Trails - Fort Kent
March
March 17th - 21st
USBA US Biathlon National Championships - 10th Mountain Lodge, Fort Kent For more information call 492-1444
UMFK Blake Library Gallery features Artist Michelle Richardson March 18th For more information, contact Annual Sucrerie & Acadian Meal Gallery Curator Sofia Birden at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. - UMFK Nowland Hall 207-834-7527 or 1-888-879-8635 For more information, contact UMFK University Relations Office at 207-834-7557 or 1-888-879-8635 March 5th - 9th
Can-Am International Dog Sled Races - Fort Kent, For more information contact: Rita Cannan 207-834-4517
March 6th - 13th
USSA Cross-Country Junior Olympics - Nordic Heritage Center, Presque Isle. For more information call 492-1444
March 13th
Musical On Ice - The Forum, Presque Isle. For more information contact: Kathy Scott 207-769-729
March 13th - 14th
Presque Isle Fish & Game Gun Show - Northeastland Hotel, Presque Isle , For more information contact: info@pifg.org
WINTER 2010 County Events 9
The closeness of a college;
March 19th
Performance by Pianist Nathanael May, 7 p.m. - UMFK Fox Auditorium Tickets Available at the door For more information, contact the UMFK Student Activities at 207-834-7850 or 1-888-879-8635
March 20th - 21st Husson University offers: • Graduate and undergraduate programs in Business, Education, Health, Legal Studies, Pharmacy, and Science & Humanities • Regionally and professionally accredited • NCAA Division III • Affordable tuition In addition to our main campus in Bangor, the School of Extended Learning offers Husson degree programs for adult learners at off-site centers in Presque Isle, Calais and South Portland.
the breadth of a university. For information on Aroostook County offerings, please call the Presque Isle site at 760-1177 or visit us on the web at www.husson.edu/presqueisle.
WINTER 2010
McCluskey’s RV & Trailer Show - The Forum, Presque Isle, contact: Gary McCluskey 762-1721
10th Mountain Division Biathlon Championships - 10th Mountain Lodge, Fort Kent. For more information call 492-1444
March 19th
USSA Cross-Country Marathon Championship - 10th Mountain Lodge, Fort Kent. For more information call 492-1444
March 26th - 28th
One College Circle • Bangor ME 04401 • www.husson.edu
10 County Events
Agri-Business Trade Fair - The Forum, Presque Isle For more information contact: Janet Kelle at 472-3802 or jkelle@fortfairfield.org
USSA Tour De Ski/Super Tour Finals - 4 Seasons, Madawaska & - 10th Mountain Lodge, Fort Kent. For more information call 492-1444
March 27th - 28th
Presque Isle Fish & Game Club Spring Sportsman’s Show - Gentile Hall, UMPI, Presque Isle. For more information contact: info@pifg.org _____________________
Would you like your events listed here? Give us a call at 207-472-3464 or email us at events@ourmainestreet.com and be sure to use County Events as the subject The magazine goes to press one month prior to its newsstand date. To assure your event makes it into the appropriate issue please use the following submission deadlines.
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WINTER 2010 County Events 11
12 County Events WINTER 09 Photos Š 2009 Kate Barnes, Fort Fairfield
Photo Š 2009 Mike McNally, Ashland
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16
FALL & WINTER 09
Photo Š 2009 Christine Chabre, Cyr Plantation chrstchab@aol.com
2010 USSA XC Junior Olympics Presque Isle, Maine
by Andrew Soucier with assistance from: Erin Benson, Tim Doak and Eileen Carey Fast-paced athletic competition. Some of the fittest athletes you will find anywhere. Freezing temperatures. For some, these things may conjure up images of people playing ice hockey. For the over 400 world-class athletes that will descend upon Presque Isle in March, these things describe Nordic skiing. The Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle will welcome some of the nation’s best 14 to 19 year-old Nordic skiers during the USSA Cross Country Junior Olympic Championships, scheduled to take place between March 5th and 13th. For the athletes, the event offers a chance to compete at the highest level. It will provide an economic boost at the end of the snowmobile season for local businesses. And for spectators and event volunteers, it’s a bunch of fun. Nordic skiing, also called cross country skiing, has strong roots right here in Aroostook County. Skiing began to take hold in The County in 1870, when several families from Sweden took residence in the area. 18 USSA XC Junior Olympics WINTER 2010
There are two different kinds of Nordic skiing: classical and freestyle (sometimes called skate). With classical skiing, the skis move parallel to each other over slots in the snow. Freestyle skiers push off with the edges of their skis, which resembles skating. The Junior Olympics will not be the first worldclass event to be held at the Nordic Heritage Center. In 2006, the Center played host to the Biathlon Junior World Championship. That event brought 250 athletes along with family members and support staff to the area for 10 days. The Junior Olympics will be even bigger. In addition to the athletes, over 300 visitors, parents, and team staff are expected to make the trip to Presque Isle for the event. Having hundreds of people in town has obvious economic benefits. During the 2006 Biathlon Junior World Championships, many local businesses reported a boost in sales. Olympia Sports in the Aroostook Centre Mall saw its sales triple. Hotels were filled to capacity. Naturally, local businesses are looking forward to this year’s event. “We see cycles in the community’s excitement in skiing, and our sales correlate,” said Melanie Stewart, Owner of Mojo, an outdoor sporting goods store in Presque Isle. “If there’s an event going on at the Nordic Heritage Center, it brings out people who want to try skiing or haven’t tried it
before. It gets people digging out their old skis or coming in for new ones.” Hotels, restaurants, and sporting goods stores stand to benefit the most from the Junior Olympics, but the economic impact is expected to be felt throughout the community. According to Theresa Fowler, Executive Director of the Presque Isle Chamber of Commerce, businesses benefit anytime a large number of people come to town. “It’s certainly an economic benefit for the whole area,” she said. “If people are staying in hotels, they’re eating in restaurants and shopping at the stores. It doesn’t matter where you go, you always have to buy something. You can’t put 700 people someplace for ten days and not benefit.” It takes support from volunteers, sponsors, and spectators to successfully put on an event like the Junior Olympics. Event organizers, who are volunteers, have already dedicated hundreds of hours to the cause. An outstanding group of event volunteers will work at the Junior Olympics to register athletes, coordinate the races, provide medical care, and keep everyone fed. It also takes money to host an event of this magnitude, and several businesses and organizations in the community have stepped up to support the Junior Olympics. At a press conference in September, The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC) and Key Bank were announced as the event’s
major sponsors. Both TAMC and Key Bank were major supporters of the Biathlon Junior World Championship in 2006. “We know that diabetes and cardiovascular disease rates are high in Aroostook County,” said Dave Peterson, President & CEO of TAMC. “It’s important that TAMC lead the way in trying to combat this, and our support of the Junior Olympics is one way we can make a difference. We believe a high-profile event like this can help get local children and families interesting in giving Nordic skiing a try.” One way the community can support the race is by coming out to cheer on the athletes. Nordic skiing can be about gliding quietly through the countryside, but if you think that’s all there is to it, the Junior Olympics will change your perception of the sport. The races are thrilling and full of action and speed. Spectators can watch the races from many different spots around the Nordic Heritage Center and step inside to warm up when it gets too cold. If you’re looking for something to do in March, why not check out the Junior Olympics? It’s a great way to get out and enjoy something new with the family, and you might even be convinced to give it a try. WINTER 2010 USSA XC Junior Olympics 19
Some Facts About: Hilary McNamee I am a 2008 graduate of Fort Fairfield High School.
Currently, I am attending Dartmouth College. I started skiing in the 6th grade with Dallas McCrea. During the summer, I work as a waitress at the Eureka Hall in Stockholm. I love shopping at Marden’s. I intend to come back to the County in the future. White water kayaking is something I want to learn. Protecting the planet, is a passion of mine. I have a pet house-rabbit. I love receiving mail. (One of the) best parts of skiing is playing sharks and minnows with the middle-schoolers. I am a four time member of the US Junior National Biathlon Team, a three time Class C Maine State Nordic Champion, and a bronze medalist in the sprint at the 2006 Junior Olympics in Houghton, MI. My goal for this season is tho ski faster than last year and to continue to improve through the season.
Nick Michaud I was born and raised in Fort Kent and am currently
attending my senior year at Fort Kent Community High School. I have enjoyed the sport since crust skiing with my dad in the first grade. Olympian John Farra was my inspiration to get serious. I work for John’s Shurfine grocery store. In my spare time, I enjoy any outside sport--golf, pass baseball etc. One day I want to go wing-suit cliff jumping in Norway. I think Mitch Hedburg is hilarious and that more people need to be active. My recent top results are US J1 Scando Cup Ski Team Qualification, US Biathlon World Junior Team Member, Bronze Junior National Skate Sprint, two time Maine State Champion, two time Silver Medal World Junior Biatholon Team Trials, and three time All-American Junior Olympic performances. Some goals are to qualify for the World Junior Ski Team, Top Six Scandinavian Championships, and the Gold Medal Classic Sprint at Junior Olympics.
20 USSA XC Junior Olympics WINTER 2010
Joey Bard I am a 2008 graduate
of Caribou High School. Currently, I am competing for the Maine Winter Sports Center as a regional team athlete. I began skiing at five, starting with chasing my older brother around. I am a bike mechanic and sales associate for MOJO’S in Presque Isle. When I ‘m not on skis, I enjoy all of what Maine has to offer--hunting, fishing, boating, etc. The best time spent on skis is heading out with my family for a little backcountry tour. I have a brother, two sisters and, of course, mom and dad. I am a two time Junior National Championship AllAmerican and two time Class B Maine State Champion. My goal for the season is to continue to love everyday of it.
The Event: The 2010 USSA Cross Country Skiing Junior Olympics, featuring some of the best teenage and young adult Nordic skiers in the nation, will be held March 5th – 13th, 2009 at the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle. Local Flavor: Three athletes likely to compete are from Maine and train locally: Hilary McNamee, Joey Bard, and Nick Michaud. Temporary Population Increase: The event is expected to bring at least 700 competitors, family members, and support staff to Aroostook County. The Junior Olympics and Maine: The Junior Olympics was last held in our state in 1996, when Black Mountain of Maine hosted the event. For more information: Visit www.juniorolympics2010.org.
Russell Currier Stockholm native Russell Currier is a 2006 Junior National Champion.
WINTER 2010 USSA XC Junior Olympics 21
Green Initiative 2010 USSA Cross-Country Junior Olmypics
by Hilary McNamee Last year the organizers of Cross-Country Junior Olympics in Truckee, CA did a bang-up job of hosting an environmentally friendly competition. We hope to carry on this trend. Nordic Heritage Sport Club and the Maine Winter Sports Center have embraced this event as an opportunity to affect change in our community and to show that we can host a world-class event using fewer and greener resources. As enthusiasts of a sport that is dependant on the existence of snow, we are obviously uneasy about global climate trends. We feel a deep obligation to work toward sustainability. Aroostook County’s economic vitality is linked to winter tourism and its history is rooted in a tradition of skiing! This competition really is “The Maine Event”— it illustrates our pride in our heritage, taps into our resourcefulness, and promotes what our spectacular state has to offer. The objective of our Green-Initiative is awareness: bring attention to the cause and effect of our daily decisions. The initiatives we are pursuing are simple, painless, and are actually saving us money. Here is a sample of some of these initiatives: •Recycling and composting at the venue and all banquets. •No bottled-water at the event. We will have water-bottle filling stations at several locations and will be selling recycled water bottles. •The banquet will include as many locally sourced foods as possible. This also aligns with our theme “The Maine Event.” •Recycled office paper will be used and we will limit the copies of results printed. Making them available online. •Bus shuttles from parking lots in down-town Presque Isle. •Simple facility modifications—blinds for large windows to save on heating. Turn off wax building heat when not in use. •No idling signs posted and enforced. Leaving a vehicle idling for more than 10 seconds wastes more gas than it would take to turn it off and restart. •Educational information will be available on the our website as well as at the Willie Neal Environmental Awareness Fund booth at the event. •Installing a 10kw wind turbine at the venue. (We had hoped to have this installed before the event, but ran into funding issues. However this idea is still very much alive and we will promote it through the event.) There is potential for a large impact: 500+ athletes and coaches, athlete’s families, and a large volunteer force. If we can bring even simple changes to the daily lives of these people, we’re looking at a significant impact. Hopefully next year’s host will carry on the tradition. Any individual, group or organization interested in joining forces or sharing suggestions can contact Hilary McNamee at hilarym@ mainewsc.org. More detailed information on our initiatives and their impact will be posted on the event website. 22 USSA XC Junior Olympics WINTER 2010
Area skiers (including members of UMPI’s Ski Team, pictured here) enjoy Aroostook County’s natural surroundings while training on roller skis.
Community at the heart of UMPI’s Nordic Ski Team submitted by the Univeristy of Maine at Presque Isle With a nationally-recognized coach at the helm and a community that is rallying around it with support, the University of Maine at Presque Isle’s Nordic Ski Team is poised for success as it begins its first season as a toptier athletic program with the National Collegiate Athletic Association. To say that community support for the athletic program is strong would be an incredible understatement. This fall, members of the local skiing community and the Maine Community Foundation showed just how much the UMPI Nordic Team meant to them by giving a combined total of more than $50,000 in support over the next two years. The Maine Community Foundation [MCF] awarded $6,000 to jump-start the Nordic Ski program as it begins to compete with top-ranked ski programs in the eastern region. The MCF grant was made from the Pinetree Fund for Aroostook County at the recommendation of its advisors. Since opening its doors in 1983, the MCF has been partnering with donors and community groups to strengthen Maine through grants and scholarships. “This grant is an ideal example of how the Maine Community Foundation seeks to partner with community members to help strengthen their communities,” Pam Scheppele, of the MCF, said. “We look to ‘kick-start’ programs and then watch those programs flourish under the direction of those who know what’s best for their community.” Local business owners and ski enthusiasts – including Soderberg Construction, S.W. Collins Co., Kieffer Insurance, Nordic Heritage Sports Club, ThompsonHamel, LLC, Smiths Farm, and other generous donors – provided donations to the University to ensure that the Nordic program continues to grow in the coming seasons. The combined funding will help the team to offset the costs of team equipment and maintenance expenses, entry fees and the many other expenses associated with preparing and competing at the Eastern Intercollegiate Athletic Association (Eastern regional NCAA program) carnival races. “We applaud the Maine Community Foundation and members of our community for the support they have
given to our Nordic Ski program and for their vision of what our student-athletes are going to be able to accomplish within the NCAA,” President Don Zillman said. “With a nationally recognized coach leading these outstanding athletes, and the support of our community behind them, our program is now poised for great things.” Coach Alexei Sotskov brings with him a wealth of international coaching experience. The athletes he has trained have garnered World Championship and Junior Olympics National titles as well as spots on prestigious national and international ski teams. Sotskov helped to develop the Gunstock Nordic Association in Gilford, New Hampshire, and Vermont Academy in Saxtons River, Vermont, into national powerhouses for the U.S. Nordic Ski Team. He also has served as a ski and athletic coach for the Russian National Nordic Combined Team, and as the head Nordic Combined coach at the School of Superior Athletic Performance in Russia. “It is an honor to receive this much support from the County for our Nordic Ski program,” Coach Sotskov said of the community support he and his team have experienced in the short time since he has come to northern Maine. “From the program’s perspective, I can provide this assurance: this group of dedicated and talented athletes have and will promote this University and the County throughout the New England region in a very positive way. I am very excited about the upcoming season and very proud to be a part of this team, the University and The County.” For more information about UMPI’s Nordic Ski program, contact Coach Sotskov at 768-9689. Above Photo: Supporters were recognized during an Oct. 29 reception. Members of UMPI’s Ski Team, UMPI officials, and members of the region’s skiing community who enjoyed the event were: from left, front row, Gordon Scannell, Justin Fereshetian, Lindsey Cote, Justine Cyr, Chandra Wisneski, Hannah Shepard and Aaron Schmersal; back row, President Don Zillman, Bradley Burlock, Coach Alexei Sotskov, Sam Collins, Carl Soderberg, Andy Shepard, Jane Towle, Rob Kieffer, and Art Thompson. WINTER 2010 USSA XC Junior Olympics 23
The Taste of Homemade Goodness!
In many ďŹ ne stores throughout the County! For a complete list, please visit: www.robinschocolate.com
Clockwise from right: Dr. Jefferson Cary, the ground breaking, and moving patients to the new hospital.
A History of Caring Celebrating 85 Years of Cary by Bill Flagg It is hard to imagine the struggles of medicine in new Cary Medical Center, a ‘state of the art’ showcase for Aroostook County in the 1800’s; a new frontier, intolerable modern health care. Clayton Harrington, the hospital Chief winters, impossible supply routes. It took people ‘with the Executive Officer, led the transition from Cary Memorial right stuff’ to brave the confines of Northern Maine and Hospital to the new Medical Center. The new hospital doctor to the needs of the pioneering people who settled saw expanded outpatient and ancillary departments in such here. Dr. Jefferson B. Cary was such areas as laboratory and radiology. But an individual and his legacy lives on more than the bricks and mortar, the today in what is now Cary Medical new hospital was able to recapture Center. Dr. Cary came to Caribou the family-centered philosophy that in 1877 to aid Dr. Thomas, the only was such a part of the original Cary graduate physician here, who had been Memorial Hospital. sadly overworked. Dr. Cary practiced a brand of medicine that included barter The New Hospital Expands and trade and continued to serve the needs of his patients until the time of The hospital has expanded several his death on August 25, 1912. At the times since its opening. In 1986, time of his death, Dr. Cary bequeathed the first expansion was dedicated to the town of Caribou a sum of money to the late Dr. Francis Chan, a long to build a hospital. A new hospital time Orthopedic Surgeon at Cary. was built on the exact spot of Dr. The new complex provided a large Cary’s home and bore his name, Cary community health education center Memorial Hospital. On March 24, and library. In 1990, the hospital 1924, the first board of directors was opened a new One-Day Surgery Unit, elected to manage the Cary Memorial Day Care Facility, and Laundry. The Hospital. The first superintendent, same project opened a new long-term Miss Agnes V. Henessey, RN, reported care facility for veterans, a 40-bed for duty on August 15, 1924. The first Maine Veterans Home, and beautiful Dr. & Mrs. Cary patient was admitted to the hospital on Veteran’s chapel. In 1994, the new September 5, 1924. Gaining the support of the community, Building for Oncology and Specialty Services was opened. the hospital was expanded in 1955 to 66 in-patient beds The facility would house a new and expanded Oncology suite and in 1967 the town again voted to expand the hospital by for chemotherapy and made space for more than a dozen increasing the number of beds and services. clinics provided by physicians traveling from throughout Maine and beyond bringing specialty services close to the A New Hospital homes of patients served by the hospital. In 1996, the hospital opened a new Center for Women and Children’s Early in 1973 the Caribou Hospital District, which Health. This center housed all Obstetrics and Gynecology had been formed by an act of the legislature in 1953 to services along with Pediatric Care. Finally, in 2005, the establish funding for hospital expansion, began to make plans hospital completed a major renovation of its Emergency for a new 90,000 square-foot facility on the Van Buren Road Department thereby improving patient flow and providing in Caribou. In one of the most one-sided referendums in the other service enhancements. history of the town, voters approved the construction of the During this period of expansion, Cary Medical new hospital by a vote of 1607 – 110. The estimated cost Center also took on the management of a nine bed of the new hospital was seven million dollars. On August Intermediate Care Facility for the Mentally Retarded in Van 27, 1978, a gala open house drew some 5,000 people to the Buren, Maine. The center provides extraordinary residential WINTER 2010 85 Years of Cary 27
Cary Memorial Hospital
care for patients living with multiple disabilities. Beyond the growth and expansion of the hospital quality, compassionate care, and advancing technology became its trademark. Cary became the first hospital in Northern Maine to establish fixed-based MRI services in September, 2001. The unit has just this year been replaced with the most advanced system available for community hospitals. Cary also installed a new 64-multi slice CT scan and has advanced its electronic medicine to such an extent that it is among the top 2% of hospitals in the nation in the utilization of digital technology. From point of care nursing documentation to physician order entry, from automated medication dispensing to patient bed-side medication bar coding, Cary has become a national leader in patient safety technology. Pines Health Services In the 1980’s the hospital saw the need to create a more effective physician practice management. Many physicians coming out of medical school were no longer interested in a private practice but rather preferred to become part of a group practice and to be in an employed relationship. To that end, Pines Health Services was created. Today Pines Health Services has five locations throughout central and north-central Aroostook County and boasts nearly 60 physicians and mid-level providers. Pines is now a Federally Qualified Health Center providing improved access to patients at all income levels. Pines is an independent organization and is managed by a voluntary Board of Directors. The images on pages 26 and 28 are available in the new book Caribou Through the Ages available at the Cary Medical Center Gift Shop.
Leadership Shows the Way Key to the longevity and advancement of Cary Medical Center has been the active engagement of a voluntary Board of Directors who serve diligently in the complex environment of healthcare. Individuals including, Don Collins, Jack Lancaster, John McElwee, Ted Tornquist, Phil St. Peter, David Wakem, Ward Silsbee, Phil Harmon, Paul Haines, Shirley Ayer, Betty Hamilton, Ted Pierson, Allen Hunter, Bob Solman, and others helped to transition the hospital to its new home. Today, leaders continue to emerge including our first physician Board Chairs, Dr. Carl Flynn, Scott Solman, and Peter Ashley. Among the key ingredients that have made Cary Medical Center one of the leading rural hospitals in the nation include a dedicated and high quality medical staff. From the founding of the hospital by Dr. Jefferson Cary has come a long line of outstanding physicians. In more recent times, deceased physicians including, Pediatrician Dr. Mead Hayward, Internist Dr. Douglas Collins, Orthopedic Surgeon Dr. Francis Chan, Ophthalmologist and General Practitioner Dr. Clement Donahue, Anesthesiologist Dr. David Chien, ENT Surgeon Dr. Naveed Farooki, General Surgeon Dr. Cesar Siruno, and Internist Dr. Vera Kennedy spent many years building the tradition of care that is so much a part of Cary Medical Center. Other physicians, some who have retired after long careers at Cary including General Surgeon Dr. Fredrick Gregory, Urologist Dr. C. T. Ho, Pathologist Dr. Minuro Wakana, Pediatricians Dr. Norm Seder and Dr. Mike Kellum, Internist Dr. Leland White, and Ophthalmologist Dr. Tilak Parhiraja, provided for the care of patients throughout Aroostook County.
Today, long-serving physicians including noted Vascular Surgeon Dr. Pedro Simon, Radiologists Dr. Madjid Yaghmai, and Dr. John Stewart, ER physician Dr. Dan Harrigan, ENT surgeon Dr. Naryanna Prasanna, and Neurologist Dr. Elizabeth Quayle continue to provide stewardship for a medical staff that now is approaching 60 physicians and mid-level providers. Executive leadership has also been and continues to be vital to our success including the efforts of Clayton Harrington, who led the hospital from 1960 through 1979 including several expansions of the old hospital and the move to the new Cary Medical Center, John McCormack, Chief Executive Officer from 1979 through 1996 as the hospital expanded local health services for Veterans, and our current CEO, Kris Doody, who has served since 1999 and has guided us through major expansions of our medical staff and our transition into the era of electronic medicine. A Salute to Veterans In the early 1980’s a small group of Aroostook County Veterans met at the Caribou VFW Hall to discuss the idea of creating a health clinic for veterans living in the County who traditionally traveled several hundred miles to Maine’s only VA Hospital at Togus, Maine. Then Cary Medical Center Executive Director John McCormack, instructed his Public Relations Director Bill Flagg to attend the meeting and offer whatever support the hospital could provide. Quoting John McCormack at the time, “… because you never know. Someday Caribou might be the hub of Veterans Health Services in Aroostook County…” Thanks to the work of a dedicated group of veterans who, like their battle-tested-comrades would never give up, the rest as they say, is history, a glorious history. For nearly two decades these veterans worked in cooperation with Cary Medical Center, the Veterans Administration, the State of Maine, and political leadership to achieve major victories.
Today the campus of Cary Medical Center, boasts a VA Outpatient Clinic that sees some 7,000 patient visits every year and a Maine Veterans Home featuring 40 long- term care beds and 30 residential care beds. It took courageous men and women to make all of this happen. Men associated with the Aroostook County Veterans Medical Facility and Research, Inc. Cary Medical Center has considered it a privilege and an honor to serve our veterans and we stand ready to continue advocacy for expanding healthcare services available locally for veterans. This is needed more than ever as brave men and women return home from courageous service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Volunteers Keep On Giving The Cary Medical Center Auxiliary has been the largest financial supporter of the hospital since its inception. Contributing several hundred thousand dollars over the past 30 years, the auxiliary not only is a major donor but a major public relations and community relations arm of the hospital. In 1954, a hospital Board Member, Harry Smith, remarked to his daughter, Celia Cameron, that it would be a good idea to organize women in the community to assist the local hospital. After an initial meeting of leading women in the community, a larger meeting was held on September 28th to form the Cary Memorial Ladies Auxiliary. Over the next 55 years the Auxiliary would provide a variety of valuable services to the hospital. The move to the new hospital saw a continued presence of the auxiliary. Among their many projects, the Auxiliary opened a new hospital gift shop. Today, the gift shop is a major fund-raiser for the Auxiliary and is managed completely by volunteers. The Auxiliary has also sponsored the annual ‘Walk for Care’ Breast Cancer Awareness Walk raising more than $100,000 for breast cancer services at Cary and has just recently completed a major hospital beautification project WINTER 2010 85 Years of Cary 29
displaying historical prints along hallways and waiting areas depicting the history of Caribou. The Cary Medical Center Auxiliary continues to provide great benefits to the hospital. Each year the Auxiliary volunteers decorate the hospital for special holidays. It would not be possible to count the hours that so many dedicated women have provided for the benefit of the hospital and the patients that we serve. Today the auxiliary is a powerful public relations force for Cary Medical Center. Its members represent a diverse group of women offering many talents and skills. The Auxiliary is a co-sponsor of the hospital’s health fair, and is actively involved in various community projects. While many hospitals have lost their ladies auxiliaries, Cary’s is still going strong. Our hospital would not be the same without them. Cary also has another strength in its Hospital Volunteer Program currently under the direction of Betty Walker. Each year nearly 80 volunteers donate some 8,000
in quality. In 1998, Cary Medical Center was awarded Joint Commission Accreditation with Commendation by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Health Care Organizations. Our level of quality is documented through independent and publicly reported statistics. Today the quality performance of hospitals is presented on the internet through hospitalcompare.gov. The most recent data suggests that Cary Medical Center exceeds both the National and State of Maine averages for quality and in numerous areas Cary meets the performance standards of the top ten percent of hospitals in the United States.
hours of services to the hospital. From delivering hundreds of pieces of mail every day to copying and distributing the Heartbeat Employee Newsletter, from supporting our cancer patients to working in the diabetes program from greeting and escorting patients to working at the hospitals special events, volunteers at Cary Medical Center are really making a difference.
exceeding patient expectations for the fifth year in a row. Cary’s Senior Management Team earned the distinction of being selected as the Top Leadership Team among the nation’s small hospitals by HealthLeaders Magazine. Cary was named a Tier 1 Hospital by the Maine Health Management Coalition for the fourth time in a row, the only hospital north of Bangor to earn such recognition. MEMIC, a leading workers compensation company named Cary Medical Center as one of 11 recipients out of 20,000 accounts to receive its award for Employee Safety. Cary was the only hospital in Maine to receive this award. Cary’s Rehabilitation Services Department was awarded ‘Honorable Mention’ for clinical care at Avatar’s Annual National Meeting. Cary’s Community Health Outreach Program, ‘Healthy You’ received a ‘Runner-Up’ Award from the Governors Community Wellness Challenge. Pines Health Services, a physician management
The Quality Beat Goes On When Dr. Jefferson Cary founded Cary Memorial Hospital with the gift from his estate, he recognized the great need that people in this area had for quality healthcare. It is nice to know that after 85 years that is still the hospital’s primary mission. “We are caring people committed to excellence in patient centered care and community well-being.” Cary is a national leader 30 85 Years of Cary WINTER 2010
Award Winning Healthcare In 2009 Cary Medical Center was recognized by Avatar International, an international survey organization that includes more than 300 hospitals nation-wide, for
organization closely aligned with Cary Medical Center, also earned significant recognition in 2009. Carl Flynn, MD., a Family Physician with Pines was named Maine’s Family Physician of the Year, and Pines Pediatric Care received an Award from the State of Maine Center’s for Disease Control and Prevention for achieving the highest immunization rate for children two years of age at 97% compared to a state average of 80%. A New Era of Philanthropy In 1993, a local Caribou businessman, Bearce Carter, who was a member of the hospital’s Board of Directors, presented the idea of creating a foundation to manage the philanthropic program at Cary Medical Center. Later that year the Jefferson Cary Foundation was formed. A private, non profit, 501-C3 organization the foundation has an Executive Director, Mary Harrigan, and a Board of Directors. Since 1993, the foundation has managed capital campaigns for the new Center for Oncology and Specialty Services, and the Center for Women and Children’s Health, raising more than $500,000 in the process. The foundation has also contributed many thousands of dollars for other capital projects and programs at the hospital. The foundation has established a permanent Endowment Fund from which only interest earned may be used in support of the hospital. The fund now exceeds $300,000. The foundation manages the Hospital’s Memorial Funds which are donations given in honor or in memory of individuals. The Tree of Life has been created as a uniquely beautiful donor recognition program and is located in the main lobby of the hospital. The foundation carries on a ‘Tradition of Giving’ established by the hospital’s founder Dr. Jefferson B. Cary and does so in his own name.
The Future of Healthcare is Here Now Looking over the past 85 years it is clear that Cary Medical Center has been blessed by the service and talents of some outstanding individuals. From Chief Executive Officers, to dedicated Board Members and outstanding physicians, from dedicated nurses to long serving laboratory technologists and those serving in support roles or as volunteers, it is the people who have made all the difference. Beyond all of those who have served the hospital it is the communities we serve and their confidence in making Cary Medical Center their ‘Provider of Choice’ that has made the hospital a national leader in rural healthcare. Over the years, local people and businesses have contributed millions of dollars in support of the hospital and the need for that generous philanthropy will continue to be great. It is with a sincere gratitude that we celebrated the 85th Anniversary of Cary Medical Center in partnership with the City of Caribou’s Sesquicentennial Celebration. In the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Cary Medical Center the following statement was read; “to be founded on faith and sustained by charity, to be a haven for the sick and hurt, to be a chapel – it’s works a constant prayer, and to be watched over by a merciful and indulgent God. It will be one of the few buildings where the lights must burn 24-hours a day…” Today, Cary Medical Center’s mission goes far beyond caring for the sick and injured, though that is at the center of what we do, and our vision is to simply create a healthier community. That is the way of the future of healthcare and the future of healthcare is here now.” Below: The Senior Management team at Cary Medical Center has been named the Top Leadership Team in the nation for the ‘Small Hospital Division’ by HealthLeaders. From left to right Paula Parent, David Silsbee, Kris Doody, Galen Dickinson, Shawn Anderson, Jim Davis, Lisa Caron, and Bill Flagg
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Bill Sheehan, Northern Maine Birder by Robin Elsbeth Jenkins
“Wife, two kids, drive a Ford”, is the unassuming Brigham Young University research team had been hired by way in which Bill Sheehan describes himself on his Northern a petrochemical company to study the effects of pesticides Maine Birding blog, a special place on the internet for local on birds of the region, to provide the documentation bird watchers and a portal to the network of birding sites needed to license their products in the state. His friend said that exist throughout the country and the world. For those that they were looking for a few more people to fill out who are fortunate enough to be acquainted with him, he is the team, and to come on down. In a couple of days, Bill best known as an avid birding guide who enjoys swapping had changed his immediate plans and was boarding a plane news of sightings and photos of for Texas. Before heading to birds. He can be seen hanging the airport, he visited the around his favorite “patches”, University of Maine bookstore Lake Josephine in Easton and and purchased a field guide that Collins Pond in Caribou. was specifically about the birds He often stops to do a little of Texas, in order to do some birding on his way to and brushing up before he arrived. from work, binoculars ready As he thumbed through it on on the console of his truck. the plane, he was dismayed He’ll pull over and jump out to learn that over 15 different if he happens to spot a hawk species of hummingbirds were or an eagle, or perhaps a flock native to the state of Texas. Bill of geese. At least eight times a began birding in earnest, right year, he leads groups of birders then and there. Bill Sheehan with Duck Box from all over the Northeast The Texas job was an on outings through Aroostook State Park in Presque Isle, immersion in field ornithology and recreational birding. the Aroostook National Wildlife Reserve in Limestone, Brownsville is in an agricultural area on the Rio Grande, the Glen Manuel Wildlife Management area on the south on the state’s southern border with Mexico, and is a pivotal branch of the Meduxnekeag, and Long Lake in Sinclair, to point for bird migration along the North American flyway. name a few. He’s also the organizer of central Aroostook’s In the fall of that year, Bill was utterly fascinated to watch Christmas Bird Count, held on January 2nd of this year. species after species of birds funneling their way down So how did Bill Sheehan become a “bird nerd”? through the Texas panhandle on their migratory route to As a young outdoorsman and the son of a high school Central and South America. He knew that the bug had Biology teacher, he remembers following his father around bitten him when he considered going bird watching on a day the woods and fields of his family’s farm in Patten, casually off, after putting in a week’s duty of bird watching for pay. watching and identifying birds. He majored in Zoology at He was surrounded by a team of dedicated ornithologists the University of Maine at Orono, and when he needed who kept “life lists” and had a competitive edge. After a day some additional credits, picked up an ornithology course of birding, whether recreational or on the job, they would taught by Norman Famous, the resident ornithologist. Bill get together informally to compare lists and claim their liked the ornithology class just fine, but was voted the “least bragging rights. likely to pick up a pair of binoculars” by members of his Bill thoroughly enjoyed the experience and went class. on to spend several more years as a “biological migrant The birding bug actually caught him unawares in his worker” for the research company, working in various other early twenties. Shortly after graduation, Bill put his Zoology locations, such as Vancouver Island, Kansas, Nebraska, Cape degree to work painting houses. A friend called him up Canaveral (another birding “hot spot”) and even the Disney from Brownsville, Texas, with news of a job where all you World golf course. He became affiliated with a number of had to do was “stand around and watch birds all day”. A birding clubs and organizations in America, all devoted to 34 Birding WINTER 2010
collecting data and keeping watch over our North American and provides a spectacular array of breeding birds that arrive birds. He spent some time as the manager of a salmon in the spring and stay throughout the summer. Aroostook farm in Eastport; and with his wife, Laurie, and their two is at the northernmost reach of the breeding range for many children, Sam and Mary Jo, moved to Woodland in 1992, species of migratory birds, and the mix of woodlands, open where he now works for the fields, farmland and wetlands DEP in Presque Isle. Laurie is provides an attractive habitat. a Special Education teacher in Because it is at the end of School Union 122. the line and the birds stay In Woodland, the to breed, they remain in family bought a home directly Aroostook for a longer period across the road from the of time. A bird watcher in Woodland Bog, a protected the Connecticut hills may area owned by The Nature thrill to see a Yellow-bellied Conservancy. Bill became the Flycatcher or a Bay-breasted director of the bird banding Warbler, but these birds won’t program, and with Rich be there for long; they are Hoppe of the Maine Dept. of just on a stopover on the way Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, to Aroostook! The region is monitored the breeding birds also at the southernmost tip Bohemian Waxwing of the area for five years. Each of a large connected tract of year of the study, migrant species northern boreal forest, home to such as warblers, vireos, and many birds that are never seen thrushes would fly into the bog anywhere else in the US, such and become caught in special nets as Boreal Chickadees, Northern made of a fine mesh. When the Hawk Owls and Gray Jays. The children were little, they helped plump little Arctic Snow Buntings Bill remove the captive birds from that flock along County roads in the nets, carefully holding them on the winter have come down from their backs with fingers wrapped the north to spend a few months gently around their upturned in a “warmer”, more hospitable breasts, while Bill banded the tiny climate. legs. He continues to be amazed In Northern Maine Birding, Ruby-throated Hummingbird by a Northern Waterthrush, a Bill chronicles the arrivals and species of warbler that returned to departures of the different the exact same one-acre spot year classifications of migratory after year. How the bird found birds in Aroostook County the spot in the thousands of “passerines”, the small perching acres of northern Maine woods, birds like flycatchers, warblers, after a journey of nearly 3,000 finches and sparrows; “raptors”, miles, was almost beyond belief. or birds of prey, such as hawks, Bill’s daughter, Mary Jo, shares eagles, and kestrels; and waterfowl his affinity for identifying bird and “waders” like herons and song. He remembers her at age bitterns. Aroostook is also a eight, declaring, “That’s a Hermit grand staging area for the subThrush!” Living on the edge of the species of Canada Goose that are bog provided many educational native to Ontario, Quebec and the Cedar Waxwing opportunities for the children, and maritime provinces of Canada. In now and then there would be an argument over who got to late October and early November, these geese can be seen take the audio recording of the spring “peeper” sounds to at mill ponds in nearly every downtown area, gathering in bed at night. huge flotillas as they prepare to embark on their long flight. According to Bill, Aroostook County, which hosts They bulk up on calories during their stopover, feasting on over 250 different species, is a goldmine for bird watching WINTER 2010 Birding 35
post-harvest grains in the fields and the mushy potatoes that are of particular delight to them. By mid-November, there may be 15,000 or more in the area at one time. Bill always follows up on the rarer sightings, including the Cackling Goose, the Greenland White-fronted Goose, and the Iceland Gull - birds whose course on their migratory passage bring them into the County. Many birds migrate at night, and according to Bill, it’s true that some of them are sacrificed to large structures. Large glass windows are also a threat to birds, and Bill recommends leaving screens on year round to lessen the impact. House cats account for a surprisingly large number of songbird deaths each year. By far, the greatest threat to migratory birds is the loss of habitat, caused by deforestation in the summer breeding ranges and the rainforests of Central and South America, where many birds spend the winter. Partners in Flight, a consortium the major birding organizations in the Americas, including the American Birding Association, the National Audubon Society, and the US Department of Fish and Wildlife, has attempted to meet these challenges head on and combat threats to migratory bird populations. Bill, a member of the ABA since the mid- 1990’s, feels that it has been advantageous for these groups to come together and focus on areas of special concern to birdlife. Many species of migratory birds continue to decline significantly, but others have stabilized as the result of their widespread conservation efforts. The Christmas Bird Count, held every year in central Aroostook and followed by a traditional pot luck supper at the home of Dave and Roberta Griffiths in Presque Isle, is part of this coordinated effort. The Christmas Bird Count provides the amateur “backyard” birder, as well as the more serious birder, an opportunity to contribute to the longest running study of bird populations in North America. It is conducted annually by local Audubon chapters and birding clubs all across the country. According to Bill, the Christmas Bird Count originated in the late 1800’s as a backlash to the Christmas Hunt, also called the “side hunt”, a Victorian tradition that was widely practiced throughout New England. On Christmas Day, the men would go out and shoot at any wildlife that ran, crept or flew, tallying up their totals at the end of the day. Several species of birds and animals were nearly wiped out as a result of this type of sport. Adding to the insult was the fashionable rage for ladies to wear all types of bird feathers in their hats. Early conservationists created civic awareness of the harm done to wildlife, by lobbying in state legislatures for protection and founding the organization that was to become the National Audubon Society. Data collected during the Christmas Bird Count has been gathered with unbroken reporting since 1900, providing valuable information about trends in bird 36 Birding WINTER 2010
populations and migration patterns. About two dozen Christmas Bird Counts are held in Maine. At the annual bird count in central Aroostook, the volunteer birders enjoy fine winter weather and the purity and stillness of walking around in the woods on a December or January day. Each birder counts the number of individuals and species they see in an area that has been assigned to them by Bill, usually a slice of a fifteen-mile diameter “count circle”. As the sun dips low in the sky, they bring their casserole dishes to Dave and Roberta’s house at the foot of Quoggy Joe Mountain. It is a delightful, convivial time spent in the company of fellow birders. Everyone warms themselves by the Franklin stove in Roberta’s country kitchen, swapping stories and enjoying Bill’s stew and other specialties of the day. Then they withdraw to the living room to tally and collate their sightings on Bill’s chart. The data is sent to Cornell University, to help assess bird populations and provide informed decisions about conservation plans. Bill and his family have had opportunities to travel to other fascinating birding locations both in and outside of the US, including Mexico and Canada. When asked what occasion stands out most in his mind, he tells of the time he was on Mount Desert Island Rock – seven acres of granite with 200 square feet of grass, a lighthouse, and a lighthouse keeper’s house - where he witnessed hundreds of migratory birds coming in for a rest after their passage over the open Atlantic. There was one little shrubby tree standing near the house, right next to the back door, and it was filled with birds who were so exhausted that they flopped right onto Bill’s finger. He recalls the Peregrine Falcons out and about, with their eye on the weaker birds.
White-throated (white)
� About Our Cover Artist: J udy S herman Aroostook County Artist, Judy Sherman, was raised and still lives in OxBow, Maine. OxBow is a little plantation with approximately 68 residents. The beauty of this little place is astounding, the wild animals, wildflowers, birds, and fantastic sunsets. It is more than any photographer/artist needs for a canvas. She was “always a doodler” but with the urging of her husband took art lessons from a local artist in 1988 and has been painting ever since. She is best known for her oil paintings of birds and animals, but also does acrylic paintings of houses, seascapes, landscapes, still life, florals, and wildlife. A lot of her work is done on a commission basis. Judy has received many awards for her work over the years. She has donated pieces of her artwork to the Ashland and Presque Isle Rotary Clubs for their auctions along with the MPBN Great TV Auction. She teaches acrylic medium adult education at the Ashland Community High School. Since 1999 Judy has owned and operated OxBow Wreaths & Deep In The Woods Gift Shop in OxBow with consignment items from over 75 artisans and craftsmen in the State of Maine. For more information, contact Judy at: OxBow Wreaths & Deep In The Woods Gift Shop, 685 OxBow Rd., OxBow, ME 04764. Ph: 207-435-6171 www.deepinthewoods.org / Email: shop@deepinthewoods.org
On an average day of birding, Bill observes the comings and goings of birds at Christina Reservoir and Lake Josephine – the Redhead Duck, Northern Shoveler and American Wigeon – with just as much enthusiasm, but this was admittedly a standout birding moment. Eighty or so people in Aroostook County currently subscribe to Bill Sheehan’s electronic newsletter, with a link to his Northern Maine Birding blog: http://northernmainebirds.blogspot.com/ He welcomes the contributions of photos and sightings from area birders, and is always looking for additional volunteers for the Christmas Bird Count. For more information about the 110th Christmas Bird Count, visit: http://www.audubon.org/Bird/cbc/
From the home, farm, forest, and fields... Made in Aroostook captures the character and craftsmanship of Maine’s great Aroostook County www.madeinaroostook.org
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Š 2009 Gene Cyr, Washburn, northernmainepictures.com
Cormier Cabinetry
Winter Chills & Spills by Professional Home Nursing
CHILLS
Vickie St. Peter RN, BSN Aroostook County offers crystal landscapes and exhilarating recreation in the winter months. However, there can be a dangerous side to winter in the form of subzero skin exposures and falls on the ice. Professional Home Nursing would like to share some prudent tips to help Aroostook County’s hardy population weather the winter. Frostbite: What is it anyway? - Frostbite is damage to the skin and underlying tissue caused by extreme cold. Remember, your body is made up of mostly water and if not insulated properly water freezes. The most common areas of the body to be affected by frostbite are the hands, feet, ears, nose and cheeks but all areas of unprotected skin are at risk for frostbite. What are the stages of frostbite? •Stage 1 – First-degree frostbite causes the skin to appear yellow or white. There may be a stinging/burning sensation to the affected area. This stage is considered mild and can easily be reversed by gradual warming. •Stage 2 – Second-degree frostbite appears after moderate exposure to cold. It is characterized by red, swollen skin that may or may not be painful. Blisters and skin peeling may develop as the frostbite resolves. •Stage 3 – Third-degree frostbite results after a prolong exposure to cold and is characterized by waxy looking, hard skin and tissue. It is at this stage there is skin and tissue death due to the lack of a blood supply to the effected area(s). If not treated properly there is a danger of permanent tissue death and a strong possibility of infection, gangrene and amputation of the affected area(s). Who is at risk for frostbite? – Everyone is at risk for frostbite but some populations can be more prone to frostbite. •Anyone with underlying circulation problems such as: diabetes, peripheral neuropathy, peripheral vascular disease, heart disease, respiratory disease and Raynaud’s phenomenon. •The very young and very old because of a small surface area and decreased circulation •Anyone exposed to severe or prolong windy, cold weather •Anyone not properly dressed for the cold or damp clothing How do I treat frostbite? – The key to treating frostbite is to slowly rewarm the tissue. Never rub, massage or shake the affected area, this only causes more tissue damage. Never try to use rapid methods to rewarm the frostbitten area such as direct forced dry heat for example:
radiators, campfires, blow dryers or heating pads. •Stage 1 – First-degree frostbite treatment: Passive warming, remove the person from the wind and cold environment to a warm area. Remove any wet articles and jewelry. Wrap the person and affected area in warm dry blankets and allow the body to rewarm itself. •Stage 2 – Second-degree frostbite, transport the person to the nearest emergency room. If unable to seek immediate medical attention use an active rewarming method. Remove all wet clothing and jewelry, wrap the person in warm blankets and immerse the frostbitten area(s) in a warm water bath of no more then 104 – 106 degrees Fahrenheit. Change the water as needed to maintain the warm temperature. During the warming process the person can experience severe burning pain, develop blisters and swelling. Never break the blisters and wrap the frostbitten area with sterile dressings to reduce the chance of infection. Seek medical attention as soon as possible. •Stage 3 - Third-degree frostbite is very serious. This person is at risk of developing an infection and gangrene from tissue death. There is a very strong possibility of amputation. Seek medical attention at once. Remove wet articles and jewelry, wrap the person in warm blankets and transport them to the nearest emergency room. Never allow the frostbitten area to be re-exposed to the cold – this will cause even more tissue death. How do I protect against frostbite? – Avoid prolong exposure to the cold when the chill factor is below zero degrees Fahrenheit, especially on windy days. Seek warm shelter if your clothing becomes damp from the weather or perspiration. Layer your clothing and add or remove layers as the temperature changes. Avoid constricting clothing by overstuffing your boots or gloves. Tight layers constricts blood flow, causing the area to be more prone to frostbite. Take frequent warming breaks in a sheltered area – avoid the wind if possible. Know the chill factor of your articles of clothing and dress for the weather. Always cover your face, ears and head with a dry hat and scarf. Avoid smoking and alcohol when out in cold weather. Bundle-up and have fun!!!!!
SPILLS Lisa Reed PT
If you are going to live in Northern Maine, then you are going to have to deal with slippery ice and snow covered surfaces. In this climate, falls are a real problem during the winter months. But, there are some things you can do to prepare for winter and to minimize your fall risk. Good balance is essential to prevent falls. Weakness in key muscle groups can make it much more difficult to recover your center of gravity if you do start to slip. A physical therapist can assess your balance, strength and range of motion and provide education on exercises to improve problem areas and recommend assistive devices to increase stability and base of support. In addition to understanding your physical limitations, there are other things you can do to help decrease falls. Proper footwear is important. Shoes that have good treads and soles made of rubber or neoprene offer better traction than leather or plastic. You can purchase inexpensive spikes for the bottom of shoes when you know you will be walking on icy surfaces, but they do need to be removed for indoor walking. Avoid rushing, take extra time, watch your step and avoid taking short cuts over snow piles or walking in areas where snow removal is incomplete. And, if you have no other choice, walk with a slightly bent forward posture and shorten your stride. Shuffling your feet will give you better stability. Keep your hands free and out of your pockets and avoid carrying loads you cannot see over. Another common area for falls in winter can occur while getting in and out of the car. Be sure to hold the door or seat while you check your footing. It is always best to enter and exit the car with both feet on the ground as balance is much less secure with one foot. Winter can be a fun season if you plan ahead and prepare.
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WINTER 2010 County Health 41
So You are Going for Surgery by Jill Daigle
Going for surgery can be scary, but it doesn’t have to be. There are many things that need to be done to get ready for surgery. First you must meet with your surgeon; this is often called a consult appointment. Bringing a list of questions you have with you is helpful. At this appointment, the surgeon will examine you and may run some tests. Once the surgical need is determined, you will be scheduled for your surgery and if your surgeon requests it, a pre-operative appointment is made to meet with a surgical nurse and an Anesthesia provider. If the surgeon does not make this request, this may be because you are relatively healthy, however, if you still wish to meet with a surgical nurse and anesthesia provider, you may request to do so. During the pre-operative appointment, you will be asked about your medical and surgical history and what medications you take. The anesthesia provider will explain your options for anesthesia. The anesthesia provider will look at your procedure, anesthetic options and your medical history and explain the risks and benefits of each. Together you will decide what option is best for you. You may require diagnostic tests or an appointment to see your primary care provider to ensure that you are healthy enough for your surgery. It is recommended to have all tests performed before the day of surgery so the results can be reviewed by your caregiver to avoid any delays or cancellation of your surgery. You will be asked to take nothing by mouth after midnight prior to your surgery. The reasons for these precautions are for your own safety and to help your anesthesia provider to protect your lungs. Discuss with anesthesia or your surgeon which medications you should take, make certain to take them with only a sip of water, and it must be water. Also, if you are diabetic you may receive special instructions on how to take your medication and/or insulin before your surgery. Body piercings are very common these days. As a patient, you will be required to remove all your piercings 42 County Health WINTER 2010
prior to your surgery. This is done to prevent bacteria from infecting your surgical site, prevent choking and to protect you from burns. The patient can be in control of their surgical experience. We recommend that you meet with the surgical staff and anesthesia not only for your medical benefit, but for your psychological benefit as well. The surgeon does a great job of explaining the surgical procedure and the rest of the team will explain the other aspects of your experience from the time you come to the hospital to the time you go home. This also gives you an opportunity to ask any questions and to express any anxieties you may have. Potential reasons for cancelling your surgery would be if you are not healthy enough for surgery, had something to eat or drink, refusing to remove piercings, and/or failure to identify a driver. These items are there for your safety.
Healthy You:
When Resolutions Fail, You Can Still Succeed by Kim Jones, Cary Medical Center
As the New Year gets underway, I bet you’ve probably made a resolution…or two…or three, right? It’s a ritual that dates back to 153 BC, when Janus, the mythical king of Rome from whom we derive the word January, was placed at the head of the calendar. Janus had two faces making it possible for him to look back and reflect on past events and to look forward to the future’s potential. From this, January became a time of celebrations and rituals; a time to get rid of bad habits, exorcise demons, and start the New Year off with a clean slate. In modern times, January 1 is the day when millions of Americans surge forth to work on goals that often revolve around achieving a healthier lifestyle. Most popular among New Year’s pledges are to lose weight, quit smoking, exercise more, and eat healthier. But while your intentions may be good and you’re genuinely motivated to succeed, you’ve got a better shot at winning cash in the lottery than sticking to your resolutions. Sad, but true considering that the latest survey results reveal that the success rate of actually achieving a New Year goal is only about 8% (with some reports having it as low as 5%). Ugh. With a statistic like that you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I possibly make a healthy lifestyle change with the odds so stacked against me?” Well, don’t despair. There are simple, effective ways to significantly improve your overall wellbeing and result in a healthier (and possibly even happier) you. Just a few small changes each day can lead to lifelong wellness.
if your idea of a well-balanced meal is a 16 ounce steak washed down with 16 ounces of soda try going vegetarian one night a week. That’s just 1 meal out of 21. Seems pretty achievable, right? And when that becomes a habit, try adding another vegetarian meal or a meal with one small serving of meat and two vegetable dishes. The key is making small changes that you can live with for the rest of your life.
You Are What You Eat The most common New Year’s resolution in the United States is to lose weight. So if millions of us are working toward slimming down, then why is the average American waistline expanding? One simple answer is that we are perpetual dieters. “Diets generally don’t work,” said Marthe Pelletier, RD, Cary Medical Center registered dietitian. “People often try diets that are so restrictive or nutritionally unbalanced that they are very likely to fail because they just can’t or shouldn’t stick with it long-term.” Dieting, especially extreme dieting where calories are severely reduced, can lead to weight loss, but it is only a short term solution. Numerous reputable studies have shown that this approach to losing weight can actually be more harmful than healthy and that people who lose weight this way often gain it back and sometimes more. “Repeated dieting puts your body into a defensive state – it tries to protect itself from starvation by altering and slowing down a number of body processes, including heart rate, Don’t Fail Again temperature, and mental functions,” said Pelletier. “When One of the major pitfalls of New Year’s resolutions you deprive yourself of food or don’t get the essential is that they are often just not very realistic. Let’s face it, nutrients your body needs to survive, you disrupt your you’re probably going to hate working out at the gym body’s ability to function properly.” on January 1 if you hated it on December 31. Yet every year, we gorge on chocolate cake, loaded nachos, chicken Most nutrition experts agree that the best way wings, and eggnog until 11:59 p.m. on New Year’s Eve to lose weight is by making simple changes that can be and then vow to never touch the stuff again. But it doesn’t sustained for a lifetime. If you’re battling the bulge, try usually work that way; your life will probably not change these tips: dramatically when you flip the calendar to January. And 1. Slow down. Avoid “mindless eating” like while what’s worse is that failing year after year can lead to watching television or talking on the phone. Learn to frustration, guilt, disappointment, and even depression. recognize when you get full and then stop eating. When it comes to setting lifestyle goals, be 2. Use smaller plates. This will keep you from piling reasonable. Strive for changes that can be measured in on more food than you need. days or weeks rather than months or years. For example, 3. Don’t drink your calories. Calories in drinks WINTER 2010 County Health 43
usually come from sugar, which can pack on the pounds. 4. Dip your salad in dressing. You’ll use a lot less than if you pour it on. 5. Stay away from the buffet. Going back for seconds can result in eating hundreds or even thousands of more calories. 6. Feature vegetables. Don’t make them an afterthought or side dish; make them the star of the meal! 7. Eat breakfast. Studies have consistently shown that people who eat a healthy breakfast are far less likely to overeat during the day. 8. Treat yourself. Feel free to indulge occasionally, but do so wisely – share one dessert with a friend, choose a healthier version of your favorite treat (like dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate), and balance out “junk food” meals like pizza with a large side salad. Park In The Last Spot Also topping the list of New Year’s resolution is exercising more. If you’re like many of your fellow Americans, you’ve probably tried (maybe even several times) to get fit by starting a regular exercise routine. But often, after a few weeks of faithfully walking three miles on the treadmill, doing 100 sit-ups every morning when you get up, or “feeling the burn” on your RoboGym 2000, you probably start losing interest and maybe even become down-right bored with exercising. “It can be challenging to sustain an exercise program, especially if it is very structured or routine,” said Cara Miller, Cary Medical Center health educator and certified fitness instructor. “The key is to find a variety of ways to be physically active. This doesn’t mean that you have to go running five times a week for the rest of your life. There are literally thousands of ways to move your body. Everything from yoga, piling wood, dancing, and even vacuuming will help you reap the many healthful benefits of being active.” Most fitness experts recommend incorporating exercise into your everyday life. “Something as simple as parking in the last spot of the lot and taking a few hundred extra steps to get to the store can help,” said Miller. “You don’t have to have expensive exercise equipment, gym memberships, or personal trainers to see results. And let’s face it, these things can lose their rank in daily priority over time.” Here are some other simple ways to boost your level of physical activity: 1. Exercise with a friend. Studies show that if you do, you’re much more likely to make exercising a priority. 2. Let your inner athlete out. Almost every community has some kind of recreational sports league. Consider joining a softball, basketball, bowling, skiing, volleyball or other organized sports team. 3. Take the stairs, not the elevator. 4. Walk or dance in place while talking on the phone or during television commercials. 5. Make extra trips. If you’re doing laundry, carrying
in the groceries, getting boxes out of the attic, or other household chores make several trips with smaller loads instead of trying to carry everything in one load. (This could save your back too!) 6. Play. Get your kids (or your neighbor’s kids if you don’t have any) and go outside to play tag, kickball, hide-and-go-seek, hoops, or any other game. 7. Have a variety of activity options so you’re not limited by the weather, time of day, location, or other people. 8. Find inspiration and gather wisdom from reading a good health and wellness book. 9. Reward yourself, but not with junk food! Splurge on a new pair of sneakers or an outfit after you’ve reached an exercise goal. Put That Lighter Down Rounding out the top three most popular New Year’s resolutions in the United States is quitting smoking. By now, everyone should know that smoking is bad for your health, but yet more than 1,200 people die every day as a direct result of tobacco use. “Quitting smoking is difficult because of the addictive nature of it,” said Cary Medical Center’s Rebecca Penney Bowmaster, Project Manager for the Power of Prevention, A Healthy Maine Partnership. “Very few people can just stop smoking on their own because of their physical dependency on the chemicals used in cigarettes. It is very much like having a drug addiction. Fortunately, we have programs and support services available to help people quit smoking that have proven to be very successful.” If you’re New Year’s resolution includes quitting smoking, hopefully you’ll be motivated to know that doing so has huge health benefits. Even if you’ve smoked for years, within days of quitting your blood vessels will regain much of the normal functions that would have been damaged by smoking, within weeks you’ll recover your sense of smell, within months lung functions become more normal, within two to five years you will have reduced your risk of heart attack and stroke, and within five to nine years you will have drastically reduced your risk of lung cancer. You get these benefits, plus a huge financial savings of over $2,000 per year if you’re a one-pack a day smoker. Ready to quit smoking? Try these helpful tips to improve your chances of succeeding: 1. Delay smoking. When you have the urge to smoke, put it off for one minute, then five minutes, ten minutes, etc. Gradually increase that time to the point where you are able to fully control your urges. 2. Make a list of the reasons why you should quit smoking and refer to it often. It may be for the health benefits, to save money, to be a role model for your child, or any other number of reasons. 3. Stay away from people and places where you will be exposed to smoking. 4. Buddy up with someone else who wants to quit. Support and encouragement from friends and family is
crucial. 5. Find a hobby. When you feel the urge to smoke, go for a bike ride, read a book, cook, take a walk, pick up woodworking, or any other activity that can divert your attention from smoking. 6. Consider nicotine-replacement therapy. Several products are available over the counter and without a prescription. Just be sure to read the instructions carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist about which products are best for you. 7. Reward yourself. Quitting smoking is a huge accomplishment. Set short goals for yourself (one week smoke-free, one month smoke-free, etc) and reward yourself, but not with junk food! 8. Get help. Free and confidential programs such as the Maine Tobacco Helpline (1-800-207-1230) and the Power of Prevention (207-492-1089) have been proven to significantly improve the success rate of smoking cessation. In the end, New Year’s resolutions are a fun tradition that will likely never go away despite their dismal success rate. Even if it takes you several attempts to succeed, every step you take toward leading a healthier lifestyle is worth the effort and can contribute to your overall well-being. So embrace each day with renewed hope and a positive attitude. You have the power to live full of life!
NOW HIRING!
207 Development Dr Limestone, ME 04750 207-328-4515
Please note: Always check with your healthcare provider before starting any diet, exercise program, smoking cessation plan, or other health or wellness-related activity. Healthy You is a free community program from Cary Medical Center that address your overall wellbeing including physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health. For program information or calendar of events, log on to www.carymedicalcenter.org or call Cary Medical Center’s Public Relations Department at 498-1361.
WINTER 2010 County Health 45
County Critters with Dr. Hotham
Winters in Aroostook County can present many challenges to livestock and horses. Some of these challenges include maintaining body weight and production. Remember that animals require more calories in cold weather, and forage quality here in the County is often high in fiber and low in protein and energy. This means that animals will require supplemental grain to meet their protein and energy requirements. I encourage people to submit forage samples for nutrient analysis, which is important in formulating diets. One should strive to have livestock and horses in good body condition prior to winter. A horse’s ribs should not be visible, but be able to be felt with a modest covering of flesh. Horses deprived of protein and energy may still have big abdomens from overeating poor quality forage, but lose muscle along the back. Cattle should carry fat over the hook and pin bones. Horses with dental problems may require a senior feed or a complete feed. All horses require annual dental care by a veterinarian and older horses should have their teeth floated every 6 months. Good dentition is crucial for proper digestion and maintaining body weight. Another tip for aiding digestion and reducing the risk of colon impactions is ensuring adequate water intake. Warming water to 45 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit can greatly increase water consumption. Also, make certain that mechanical waterers are cleaned daily. Horses and cattle should have access to free choice salt, and cattle should have a balanced vitamin and mineral pack in their grain or in a carrier such as soybean meal, which can be fed daily to ensure adequate intake. In addition, livestock and horses require scheduled deworming and treatment for external parasites, such as lice. Many of you deworm your horses three to four times per year, but probably never have had fecal samples tested for parasites. Fecal samples should be tested in late spring and fall to evaluate effectiveness and ensure proper treatment recommendations. Just because you don’t see worms in the stool, doesn’t mean your animals are parasite free. If you only have a few horses, have your veterinarian check fecal samples from each animal. If you have a herd, check 6 to 10 animals to evaluate the worm burden. You may be surprised at how inadequate your deworming program is. Furthermore, external parasites such as lice can cause weight loss, reduced gains and decreased profitability. In summary, large animals can tolerate cold weather if they have adequate shelter, proper nutrition and general health maintenance. A good relationship with a veterinarian can prove to be a valuable asset. In fact, research has shown a $4 return for each dollar spent on preventative veterinary medicine. WINTER 2010 County Critters 47
Aroostook Eats
Dean’s Motor Lodge Dean’s Motor Lodge is located on Route 11 in the lakeside community of Portage. Dean’s current owner, Angie Boutot, started working at Dean’s in 1980 and purchased it in 1994. The restaurant has a sporting lodge theme. Whether you choose to seat yourself at a private table or at the community long table, the atmosphere is warm and inviting. Dean’s specialty is steak and seafood with an emphasis on prime rib, which is served every weekend. For lighter fare Dean’s has a complete menu of homemade meals, desserts and breads. Dean’s also caters both on and off site functions. Since the early 50’s, Dean’s and Portage have been known as a recreation destination. Summer residents and golfers from Portage Hills Country Club find Dean’s the perfect place to end the day with a fine meal and a drink from their full service bar. In the fall, many a hunting trip starts with a hearty breakfast before venturing off into the northern Maine woods. Located on ITS85, Dean’s is a major destination for snowmobilers who enjoy traveling the regions numerous miles of well-groomed trails. In recent years both snowshoeing and cross-country skiing have become popular and again Dean’s is the place to warm your chilled bones with a meal, hot chocolate or hot toddy. Dean’s is also the place to view sporting events on their wide screen TV, while playing a friendly game of cribbage. In addition to the restaurant, Dean’s Motor Lodge has 17 clean and convenient rooms and a cabin available for lodging needs. All rooms are nonsmoking and include free wireless internet and cable TV. There are 9 rooms in the main lodge and in January of ’09 a new 8-unit motel building was opened that is handicap accessible and each has a 37” LCD TV. For more information or reservations visit Dean’s Motor Lodge at www.deansmotorlodge.com or call 207.435.3701
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WINTER 2010 Aroostook Eats 49
Focus on Business:
MOJO
How long have you been in business?
Mojo participates in many activities outside of the store. Can you tell us a bit about that and why you feel it’s important?
We’ve been open for three and a half years now! We opened in June of 2006, and have enjoyed providing Aroostook County with products and services to fuel the We run programs during every season- often multiple times fitness lifestyle ever since! a week. Fall is particularly busy for us... Sunday- 8am run for beginners at MOJO Can you explain a bit about the different products and Monday- 6am lap swim at Gentile Hall services you offer at Mojo? Tuesday- 5:45am Spin class at CPT, 6pm trail run with poles at Nordic Heritage Center We would need pages to answer this question thoroughly! Thursday- 5:45am Spin class at CPT. Everyone knows we sell bikes from Gary Fisher, Trek, Rocky Mountain, and Scott. We sell Alpine Skis from K2, Head, It’s important for us to be out there as a source of knowledge and Volkl, but we specialize in Cross Country skis! and motivation. Our goal is to build a community of fitnessWe happen to be the only Madshus dealer in the state! oriented people. We constantly hear “there’s nothing to do Naturally, we service everything we sell. Our bike shop is here”. We are out almost daily running fitness programs in top notch and our ski maintenance is fantastic! We also an effort to silence that. What we do is just the tip of the happen to have one of the few Hot Boxes in the state. A iceberg. There is so much to offer in Aroostook County. Hot Box will super-saturate your ski bases and make them Gear Up and Get Out!!! We are very active in the Trek much faster than regular waxing, not to mention increasing Across Maine and the Tour de la Vallee. Both are cycling the lifespan of your ski. events that raise money and awareness for lung disease and What is the best part of running your business in Presque cancer in the state of Maine. Our goal is to promote health and wellness through various activities. MOJO is the place Isle? to go to get inspired and try something new!! Without a doubt, the best part of doing business in Presque Isle is dealing with some of the most positive and fun people day in and day out.
WINTER 2010 Focus on Business 51
Looking to our past in order to celebrate our Sesquicentennial was a wonderful challenge. Sarah Ulman and I (Co-Chairs of the Fort Fairfield Sesquicentennial Committee) found lots of things to celebrate. Our theme, “It’s Time…” made all things possible, and gave us the potential to stretch in all directions. Getting our diverse community involved in a variety of activities seemed to just fall into place. We dreamed it – it happened. That’s because Fort Fairfield is truly a unique community. The final Sesquicentennial project: It’s Time…To Tell Our Stories, Fort Fairfield 18582008, is a snapshot of our town. We know the stories shared by so many people in our community will trigger others’ memories, and hope the readers will concur that the community of Fort Fairfield has offered a delightful mosaic of our town over time. We realize it is not a highly academic work – rather one would characterize it as a popular history – a peek into everyday experiences of everyday people. Those of us who worked on the many projects “in community” over the past two years, have discovered the joy that comes with success. Those successes came after recognizing and conquering challenges, and everyone is richer for it. Yes, collective success is the richest of all, for working in community adds a dimension not possible to obtain by any individual. It was that success, which Town Manager, Dan Foster, hoped to spring from, as he strove to continue to “build community” within Fort Fairfield. At the December 4th Community Pot Luck Dinner Celebration of: It’s Time… To Tell Our Stories, Dan invited those present to join him in dropping a longtime model of economic development, and to become part of creating a new model – one which emphasizes a community effort. He encouraged people to work “in community,” so that they might discover what people want collectively. He envisioned that Fort Fairfield citizens would work together to make dreams come to life. Dan assured the citizens, “By focusing on the commonalities which bring us together, and addressing differences which could separate us, we will become more aware and appreciative of the whole community.” He continued, “For those who have experienced collective success…you know that the product is always richer than you individually could have ever imagined. Collective 52 Our Communities WINTER 2010
success breeds a Passion for Community.” Many of us present that night, have witnessed a Passion for Community in Fort Fairfield over the years, and Dan banked on those present to come forward and join him in dreaming of a future for Fort Fairfield. He asked ALL citizens to help create a vision that is: “OF the community, FOR the community and BY the community.” Dan courageously admitted that the experience of using the present model of economic development, which focuses strictly on infrastructure and jobs, has not worked well. Any significant investment in Fort Fairfield today (under that model) demands the sheltering of valuation, and that limits tax revenue. Jobs created, don’t necessarily equate with citizens living in our community, nor actively participating in developing its richness. Many generous and talented people came forward after that December 4th dinner, and they are scheduled to gather at the Fort Fairfield High School on January 14, 2010 (6:00 – 8:00 p.m.), where they will begin to “Envision the Future of Fort Fairfield.” The next step will be to lay the groundwork so their vision can happen. The hope is that those people present really could see “Working in Community” as true economic development. They are a diverse group, and they are willing to participate in what could be an exciting adventure. The plan is to take stock of Fort Fairfield’s unique assets and attributes. The initial task will be to define Fort Fairfield’s identity, to promote the community as one which has a more diverse economic base and a more livable environment – a town which people will be proud to call home. The result of their effort is to become the basis of Fort Fairfield’s Economic Development Investment Strategy, and many believe this will result in meaningful economic development. It certainly will have citizens as partners in problem solving and engaged in meaningful dialogue addressing the work of local government. In Fort Fairfield, it’s never too late to join – in sharing scarce resources, in helping neighbors, or in coming together for the common good. The more diverse our citizens’ interests are, and the more willing they are to participate, the better OUR vision will be! Everyone is asked to please join in and help keep the Passion Alive in Fort Fairfield. For more information on the book please call the town office 472-3800.
Houlton The Holidays are over and the next few months often seem the hardest to get through. The weather deals us all it has and we can either sit home or watch it as it happens or get out and do something in spite of it. Aroostook County certainly has every winter activity covered. It’s an important time of year for those in our business community. Winter tourism plays a big part in our economy. While tourists who travel here become familiar with the trails, restaurants, hotels and motels, the question is, how familiar are you? Within the pages of this magazine you will find stories from communities throughout the county describing activities that are happening all winter long. From festivals to fun-filled weekend packages, there is a lot to do. Houlton’s Moosestompers Weekend will be held February 5th through the 7th. You are all invited to participate in the snowmobile parade, sliding, ice skating, outdoor contests, a huge bonfire, inside activities, a fishing derby and so much more! This is an annual event that has become a fun tradition for area families. Come and join us! The New Year’s resolutions that we all make always include getting out and becoming more active. There’s a winter activity with your name on it, visit around the county or close to home to find out what it is and have fun.
WINTER 2010 Our Communities 53
Greater Madawaska Frenchville, Grand Isle, Madawaska, St. Agatha and Sinclair
The International Snowmobilers Festival Madawaska, Maine & Edmundston, New Brunswick The 14th Annual International Snowmobilers Festival in Madawaska, Maine and Edmundston, New Brunswick is set for February 5th, 6th, & 7th. The International Snowmobilers Festival is the result of the joint efforts of volunteers from Madawaska, Maine & Edmundston, New Brunswick’s snowmobile clubs, municipalities and their business communities. The Festival continues to help promote our winter tourism infrastructure and showcases snowmobiling as a fun and safe family activity in the St John Valley. For the past 13 years the International Snowmobilers Festival continues to attract snowmobile enthusiasts from all across the Unites States and the providences of Canada. With only a nominal fee, their current State registration or Provincial trail permit and a valid passport, snowmobilers can experience Maine and New Brunswick’s top rated trail system without incurring any additional registration costs. This unique riding experience is made possible by a reciprocity agreement between snowmobile clubs in New Brunswick and the State of Maine. The Festival’s main attraction continues to be snowmobiling and its accessibility in connecting Maine and New Brunswick trail system. However, Festival participants will experience a program of snowmobiling activities and social gatherings that are filled with the Valley’s own unique hospitality. Events such as the free spaghetti dinner, live music and fireworks on Friday night in Madawaska, Drag races and music Saturday night in Edmundston and a free breakfast on Sunday morning at the KC Hall just to name a few.
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The International Snowmobilers Festival Inc. remains a stead fast supporter of all the local snowmobile clubs in Maine & New Brunswick. The Festival encompasses no less than eighteen snowmobile clubs during the Festival’s three days. That is why the International Snowmobilers Festival offers the snowmobile clubs financial support to help maintain the trail system and to achieve the Club’s long term goals. The resource given by the Festival to the snowmobile clubs ensure that our local trail systems remain a TOP TEN SNOWMOBILE DESTINATION! Visit these websites to find out more information about the Greater Madawaska Area & The International Snowmobilers Festival www.greatermadawaskachamber.com www.isfim.net Stephen Hughes Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce For more information on the International snowmobilers Festival or Upcoming events call 207-728-7000
Presque Isle the star city
A winter wonderland full of activities can be found in the Presque Isle area. There is definitely something for everyone from cozy knitting groups to skiing and snowmobiling. While here you will enjoy the hospitality of the area, the variety of accommodations and facilities that offer wonderful food. If you are in the area for several days you likely will be able to attend a presentation or play at one of the public schools, Northern Maine Community College or University of Maine at Presque Isle. Wintergreen Art Center will be opening in its new location in January and plans to have a variety of activities and art displays available for the public to enjoy. If you are interested in art, don’t forget to stop at Reed Fine Art Gallery on University of Maine campus. Aroostook State Park Cross-Country Skiing Trails Park boundaries are marked with bright orange paint and cross several trails. Care should be taken to stay on established crosscountry ski trails. Snowmobile trail I.T.S. 83 winds thru the park. Use caution when crossing snowmobile trails. The lodge at the park headquarters is open to the public on weekends during the skiing season. Portage Lake offers groomed trails. You can pick up a map at the Portage Lake Town office. You may want to take your skates and look for an outdoor rink. At press time Portage was hoping to flood an area near the Pavilion for outdoor skating. The Francis Malcolm Science Center in Easton offers cross-country ski and snowshoe trails. Snowshoes for the entire family are available to rent. A visit to the Planetarium is recommended. Big Rock and the Maine Winter Sports Center want to once again make skiing an activity for the whole family to enjoy by offering improved facilities and state of the art equipment at family-friendly prices. Big Rock has taken many steps to make our facility the ultimate place for individuals and families to learn how to ski. Extensive brush clearing, trail reconditioning and cutting, improved snowmaking capabilities, reconditioned and new lifts, as well as new grooming equipment have made the slopes more enjoyable for all skill levels. To add variety to everyone’s winter sports experience. Cross-country and snowshoe trails as well as a snow-tube park have been added. Big Rock’s lodge has been expanded to include a new cafe with hot food off the grill along with homemade soups, sandwiches, and snacks. All of these changes have helped Big Rock become a family-oriented facility that has a small town feel with big mountain skiing. Big Rock offers night skiing starting January 6th. What a great place to start your Aroostook County holiday! In addition
to Big Rock Ski Area, Maine Winter Sports operates Nordic Heritage Center, with lit trails for night skiing, and Quoggy Jo Ski Center. Rentals and instructions are available at all of these locations. For more information you may contact the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce. Nordic Heritage Center will be hosting the 2010 Junior Olympic Championships, March 7-14. This will provide you with an opportunity to see some of the best cross country skiers in the world in competition. Check at Gentile Hall at the University of Maine, MOJO and of course Big Rock Ski Area to rent the outdoor equipment you may need. If you are inclined toward motor sports, the area offers over 2,000 miles of highly rated, wide, well-groomed snowmobile trails. Various snowmobile clubs collaborate to offer continuous trails. Many clubs also provide meals on the weekend to enhance your experience. Once you have chosen your route, check to see what services are available along the way. The Sled Shop in Presque Isle has all of the equipment you need available for rental. Call them to make arrangements. After a full day outdoors, enjoy the hospitality of one of our variety of accommodations providers. Cozy cabins with friends and family or a luxurious hotel room await you from Blaine to Portage. Good meals can be enjoyed at the many restaurants in the area providing a variety of food from award winning lobster chowder to sushi. Save room for dessert! Desserts offered here in the county are scrumptious! You may want to spend the evening bowling or at the cinema. The restored Braden Theater has a choice of three movies in their theater. If you have enjoyed the facilities of central Aroostook County and are looking for a change, the traditional AshlandQuebec City Caravan will be leaving Ashland on February 12, 2010. This trek through the North Maine Woods offers a variety of experiences. If you have not participated before, this is an experience you certainly will enjoy. The caravan arrives in Quebec City for the final weekend of the Quebec Winter Carnival. In the 53rd year, this tradition is one we hope to continue forever. Registration for this trip must be made through the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce by February 1, 2010. As always, after a full day of activities, don’t forget to take time to enjoy the magnificent star filled sky visible throughout the Aroostook County. WINTER 2010 Our Communities 55
Greater Fort Kent Winterville Plantation to the town of Allagash and North East to St. Agatha
Why spend your time in the Greater Fort Kent Area during the winter months? Let’s face it: our winters are long, cold, and filled with lots of snow. To many people this is not their favorite time of year, to say the very least. To others, however, this is what they live for and rightfully so! Have you ever hooked on to a fish while ice fishing, that made you so excited that you held your breath as you reeled it in? Have you ever driven a snowmobile and rode through powder that came rolling over your windshield, as you were maneuvering through it you were gasping for air because of all the snow in your face? Have you ever experienced watching over 60 sled dog teams take off as thousands of people line the street in order to get a glimpse of each team? Have you ever snowshoed through a recently snowed upon forest and had deer running back and forth right next to you? Have you ever been the first person on a frosty morning to ski upon freshly groomed trails and felt the sting of the air bite the tip of your nose because of how crisp the air was? 56 Our Communities
WINTER 2010
These are just a few of the great winter experiences that the Greater Fort Kent Area specializes in during the winter months. We have large quantities of snow each and every year and this is the place to take advantage of such activities. As Northern Mainer’s we sometimes take for granted how lucky we actually are to have four seasons. This is a great place to live as long as you’re active and take the time to enjoy what we have to do. So, get outside this winter and start having some fun! There are many events being held this winter such as Cross Country Races, State Ski meets, Can Am International Sled Dog Races, Long Lake Fishing Derby, International Snowmobile Festival, and the State Wide Fishing Derby. So take a day or weekend and come participate in all that is going on in the Greater Fort Kent Area and enjoy winter and all it has to offer. You will be glad you did! If you need any help in finding places to rent gear, planning a day out or would like to have any more information about any of the events going on, give the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce a call at (207) 834-5354 and we will be happy to point you in the right direction.
education in Limestone Limestone Community School
Limestone Community School is a pre-kindergarten to twelfth grade public school that serves the educational needs of 275 students from the communities of Limestone and Caswell. Despite the financial constraints and adjustments made by LCS to meet these budgetary challenges during recent years, LCS has maintained a strong learning environment and continues to offer many extracurricular activities to the student body. The administration and faculty have been committed to professional development to improve the quality of classroom instruction offered at LCS. Recent work with internationally known literacy specialist and author, Dr. Janet Allen, and attending national teacher conferences in Rhode Island and Indiana are two highlights of these efforts. Limestone Community School was recognized by the U.S. News & World Report at the beginning of the 2008-09 school year as a bronze medal school in its annual list of America’s Best High Schools. Limestone Community School’s work with the least advantaged student was highlighted by this annual report. The Limestone Community School plant facilities offer additional opportunities to the community and our students. The junior Olympic size pool, three up-to-date computer labs, an auditorium that boasts a 600 plus capacity, and a well stocked library are a few examples that exist at LCS. Limestone Community School is committed to excellence and will continue to make improvements as we seek to effectively meet the needs of our students and prepare them to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics
The Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM) opened its doors in the fall of 1995 as one of a handful of innovative public residential magnet schools in the country. Since then, MSSM has met and exceeded the highest expectations of its founders. MSSM brings together academically oriented students in a specialized residential setting in order to focus and accelerate their learning. Already its graduates include Rhodes and Fulbright scholars, nuclear engineers, medical doctors, teachers, professors, and entrepreneurs. Its approximately 700 alumni are emerging as a new generation of Maine leaders in research, technology, business, medicine, philanthropy, and public service. Last year, U.S. News & World Report ranked MSSM as the 12th best
public high school in the nation, a remarkable achievement for this ambitious, young Maine institution. MSSM enrolls highly motivated, intellectually curious and emotionally mature high school students from across Maine, the US and Internationally. For more information please visit www.mssm.org.
Loring Job Corps Center
The Center is located in beautiful Northeastern Maine in the largest county East of the Mississippi and within six miles
of Canada. This is country living at its best as the Center is located within a short distance of several quiet agriculture communities on a 47 acre college like campus. With two college campus nearby, the Center provides students an opportunity to take advantage of a higher education opportunity in either technical or a liberal arts education. The Center provides not only a wide variety of Career Technical Training in the following five clusters for its 380 students, but provides many additional opportunities for students to have positive involvement in student leadership, local cultural events and community service. The Career Technical Training Clusters include: Automotive Cluster: Auto Technician with ASE/ NATEF certification & Commercial Drivers License (CDL) for both A and B levels; Computer Support Cluster: Networking, Cabling & CISCO’s Advanced Training; Construction Cluster: HBI Carpentry, Electrical & Painting as well the Cement Masons & Plasterers Union Cement Masonry Training Program; Culinary Arts Custer: provides experience in the Center’s cafeteria, commercial restaurant & banquet training; Health Occupations Cluster: Medical office preparation for record keeping, coding & billing, transcription as well as medical office management; Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) which has a Childcare component as well as a Medical Assistant Program. All technical training programs are third party certified and are supported by a strong academic staff and an excellent Career Employability Department team. Their purpose is to assist each completer to either find employment in the location of their choice, college placement or the option to join a branch of the military. WINTER 2010 Our Communities 57
Caribou
While we’re sad our 150th Birthday Year has ended, we have big plans for “add-ons” with our Annual Events for 2010! We attended four parades the last year, ending in Presque Isle celebrating our birthday’s end as we began it the year before at their Light Parade! Our Aroostook County friends who made this possible are the RSVP volunteers, who each year sell mittens at the Caribou Arts & Crafts Fair, as a fundraiser for their programs. Margaret Kimball, and the RSVP ladies made 2,000 mittens for us to give out to the children at the Light Parade! The mittens (which they generously donate to Santa’s Arrival for the children each year), were extra special for the Light Parade! The ladies really outdid themselves, spending countless hours knitting for us, many were complete with fringe, and exotic patterns! We are grateful for their help and generosity, and strongly encourage anyone who may have a need for volunteers to not only consider this worthy program in our county, but tell your family and friends! Beginning at the first of the year with Winter Carnival (February 12th to the 14th), we will be participating in the Caribou Children Discovery Museum’s wildly popular “Chocolate Festival,” which everyone is welcome to attend! If you haven’t gone the past few years, you will not want to miss it! Literally dozens and dozens of local individuals, businesses and civic groups contribute chocolate goodies to satisfy any whim or craving you can imagine having. There are games for the children, great door prizes, and all the proceeds go directly to the CCDM. Caribou’s Annual Citizen and Business of the Year Appreciation Dinner this year in March is a final celebration and 58 Our Communities WINTER 2010
Thank You to the participants who made the 150th Celebration possible. Alias the recipients are a secret at this point, but keep an ear to the ground as we near March 20th! Other plans for 2010 include an event at the Potato Blossom Festival for the children (potato racing, stay tuned for details), complete with categories including: Potato Puffs, Drag and Vintage potato categories! May includes the Annual City Wide Yard Sale the third weekend, and in June we’re going to have a Spring Arts/Crafts Farmers Market (a new event mirroring the October Craft Fair). The sign ups from crafters and artisans through out the state has been overwhelming, and there is indeed a waiting list, but if you know someone who needs to sell their wares, do get on the list! We plan to volunteer at The Big E this coming fall, and can’t wait to tout our potato farmers, and Aroostook County potatoes to all those Bostonians! Finally, beginning with the New Year, we have a few new ways you can communicate with us this year including a blog titled “Caribou Notes,” a twitter account, and an ever-expanding photo folder of the community on our facebook and myspace accounts! All accounts may be accessed as well through our regular website!
Take Care and Be Well!
Wendy Landes Executive Director Caribou Chamber of Commerce & Industry 24 Sweden Street Suite 101 Caribou, ME 04736
Vacationland. Maine has been known as this since the 1930s. Tourism has represented a critical component of the state’s economy for a very long time. Overnight visitors to Maine spent an estimated $5.8 billion on goods and services during their trip while day visitors spent a $1.65 billion in the state. There were an estimated 6.2 million overnight trips and 6.4 million day trips to Maine in 2008, resulting in 15.4 million overnight visitors and 16.5 million day visitors to the state. Bar Harbor. Ogunquit. Sugarloaf. Moosehead Lake. These are the places that most people identify with vacationing in Maine. The iconic images of Maine held by most visitors—lighthouses, crashing ocean surf, majestic mountains—are of these places. Aroostook County. It’s Only Natural. The Crown of Maine. The County. The Other Maine. Last Frontier of the East. Whatever one calls the region, it is clearly unlike the rest of Maine. Its vast wilderness areas, unique vistas, diverse and active cultural history and welcoming people set it apart
from the rest of Maine. But to the tourism world, Aroostook remains an undiscovered gem. As of 2008, Aroostook was the primary destination of just three percent of all Maine tourists. Perhaps more telling is that just five percent visited Aroostook at all. Other regions in the state see far more passthrough traffic: the Southern Coast was the main destination of 23 percent of visitors, but 40 percent of all visitors to Maine stopped there. Aroostook County’s lack of exposure presents a unique opportunity for the region to package itself as a special place to visit. This task will not be an easy one, however. With this in mind, Northern Maine Development Commission (NMDC) and Aroostook County Tourism (ACT) have committed to implementing a strategy for increasing tourism in the region. For more information on Aroostook County Tourism, contact Leslie Jackson at 207-498-8736 or visit our website at www.visitaroostook.com.
See the world from a different perspective
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www.umpi.edu
University of Maine at
PRESQUE I SLE North of Ordinary
Northern Maine Community College,
Looking back at a year of... Growth Culture larg-
The
to several factors:
NMCC welcomed the est incoming class in the institution’s 48-year history this fall, with nearly 600 students in the incoming class of 2009. NMCC’s overall enrollment for the academic year is 1,129, up more than 17.5 percent over last year. This growth is attributed
New program offerings. The College’s new Wind Power Technology program began this fall, and it was in such high demand that capacity was doubled to 36 students. Enrollment also more than doubled this fall in the still relatively new Medical Assisting and Medical Coding programs.
l
Expansion of the College’s nursing program into the St. John Valley. This fall, a full cohort of eight students began taking NMCC’s nursing program in the Valley.
l
Accomodation of Community Needs. The College launched an unprecedented new semester in March 2009 to accommodate laid off workers. More than 40 unemployed workers took advantage of the special session.
l
Service
The campus community continued to be involved in numerous activites to benefit the local community, such as: l Holding a Community Health Fair (nursing and medical assisting students). l Taking part in a local disaster drill (EMS students and others from the campus community). l Hosting Kinderfest, a fun family event to raise money for the Wintergreen Arts Center.
Distributing children’s books during the Holiday Light Parade. l
l Building an affordable, quality home for a local family (building trades students through Sinawik). l
Hosting events such as the Red Cross Heroes Breakfast.
60 Higher Education SUMMER & FALL 09
Several campus activities were also shared with members of the local community, such as:
l A celebration and viewing of President Obama’s Inauguaration.
Fun and educational events honoring Black History and Native American Heritage Months, as well as Constitution Day. l
l Seasonal presentations, such as Aroostook County’s most famous ghost stories and Victorian Christmas Customs. l Historial presentations, such as one on the Bloodless Aroostook War. l
Book signings with local authors in the NMCC libarary.
New Endeavors
It has been several years since NMCC has had an active group of alumni come together as an organization to promote and celebrate what it means to be a graduate of the institution, but after months spent laying the groundwork, the new NMCC Alumni Association is off and running. More than 30 alumni have volunteered to serve and get the association going. They met for the first time in November.
EXCITING NEW VENTURES AT
UMPI
TO BENEFIT STUDENTS, COMMUNITY
FROM COUNTYWIDE PARTNERSHIPS TO INTERNTIONAL COLLABORATIONS,
there have been several new efforts underway at the UNIVERSITY OF MAINE AT PRESQUE ISLE that are helping to spur community development and economic growth as well as offer the best educational, athletic and cultural opportunities to university students. The University is now home to the GEOSPATIAL INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CENTER, a state-ofthe-art GIS and GPS lab. The more than $, lab – funded in part by a grant from the Maine Technology Institute – is one of the best-equipped laboratories of its kind in Maine and will be used for teaching GIS and GPS classes, training local professionals in how to use advanced GIS and GPS technology, and for research and development. One of the center’s major undertakings is to develop a comprehensive GIS database that allows communities to do a wide range of activities, including inventorying and marketing their assets, attracting and retaining businesses, fostering job creation strategies, and managing infrastructure for municipal growth. Under Dr. Chunzeng Wang’s leadership, the center will continue the work done in the last three years to partner with communities in developing specialized GIS projects. On the international front, thanks to an agreement signed between the University and the LERTLAH SCHOOLS OF THAILAND, UMPI students will have the opportunity starting this spring to complete their teaching certification by traveling to Bangkok and working with students there. This will provide Education students with the opportunity to gain a global perspective on education while earning their de-
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gree. The students will become international teachers who can add to their list of job skills their experiences in teaching children of another language. Education students who remain at UMPI also will benefit indirectly – UMPI Education faculty members will engage with their Bangkok counterparts on best educational practices and the exchange of ideas, and bring those practices and ideas back to the classroom. Closer to home, the University’s NORDIC SKI TEAM is in the middle of its first year of competition under its new NCAA Division I status, thanks in large part to a grant from the Maine Community Foundation and generous gifts from local donors totaling more than $,. The funding is being used to jumpstart this top-tier athletic program during a critical phase in its existence, and to ensure that the program continues to grow. Under the direction of nationally recognized Coach Alexei Sotskov, the team has grown to more than a dozen members. All of these elements are coming together to ensure that these student-athletes are given the very best chance at success this Nordic Ski season. Whether they’re taking place around the world or in your neighborhood, there are many projects underway and there are many more on the horizon. If you are interested in learning more about community partnerships, educational opportunities, or would like to suggest a collaboration with the University, please call .. � FALL & WINTER 09 Higher Education 61
STARS EDUCATION PROGRAM TO DEBUT AT UMFK NEXT FALL Student Teachers Aspiring to meet the Real challenges of Schools, or STARS, an accelerated three-year bachelor’s degree program for education majors, will debut next fall at the University of Maine at Fort Kent. The STARS Education Program at UMFK was created for the academically-gifted and talented student who aspires to become an exemplary teacher in any school setting. The STARS program is designed for students who wish to complete their bachelor’s degree studies in less than four years. Under the STARS program’s accelerated schedule, students would take five classes each semester, carrying approximately 16-18 credit hours. Ideally, a student would enter the STARS program with early college or advanced placement credit. The selective, three-year program at UMFK creates an environment for optimal learning emphasizing knowledge, values and experiences by integrating teaching, service, and experiential learning. The STARS program prepares educators to become reflective scholars, instructional leaders, and global citizens. The STARS program will prepare students to play a key role in a profession that is both progressive and evolving. It also will qualify students as ambassadors for educational excellence. Among the many benefits of becoming a STARS student at UMFK are: competitive job market edge; accelerated admission to graduate school; eligibility for UMFK academic scholarships; admission into UMFK’s Honors
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program; teacher/scholar distinction on transcripts and diploma; small classes with individualized instruction; specialized field trips and on-going experiential learning; and membership in the 3-21 Presidential Club.
AM’S VETERINA TH
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Photo © 2009 Kate Barnes, Fort Fairfield
H S SERVICES, INC.
James E. Hotham, DVM 307 Centerline Road Presque Isle, ME 04769 Telephone: (207) 768-7387 Fax: (207) 433-1018 Office Hours By Appointment
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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
by Julie Green The Husson University Board of Trustees has announced the appointment of Dr. Robert A. Clark as president of Husson University. The appointment becomes effective January 1, 2010. “Dr. Clark is a demonstrated leader with an entrepreneurial spirit. He is a Fulbright Scholar, an effective grant writer, and a life-long academic with a Ph.D. in Finance. He has Maine roots and a track record in international business. As important, during his career he has been honored for excellence in teaching. He made an excellent impression on the Husson community and received the unanimous support of the Husson Board. We are honored and pleased,” said Husson Chair Arthur D. Fuller. Clark succeeds Dr. William Beardsley who has served as Husson University president since 1987. “President Beardsley’s long and distinguished service to the institution has strengthened it and prepared it for the future,” said Clark. “I know that Husson has changed dramatically since my sister’s graduation in 1987. Now, I look forward to working collaboratively with the Husson community to envision and write the next chapters in the University’s story.” Clark added, “I am humbled by my selection as Husson’s next leader. Its distinguished history of service provides a unique opportunity for me to return to my home state of Maine to work to prepare students as tomorrow’s leaders. I believe that its focus on experiential learning outside of the classroom leads to an outstanding record of student success.” Dr. Clark currently serves as the University of Evansville’s Vice President for Strategic Initiatives and as the Director for the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana. Also, he is currently the Schroeder Family Dean 64 Higher Education
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and Professor of Finance and International Business at the University of Evansville’s Schroeder Family School of Business Administration. “Bob Clark will be a great president for Husson. He weds a sound grasp of higher education in Maine with a global touch. His exceptional grantsmanship with the Lilly Foundation and others is exemplary. Besides, Bob is a natural leader and a great guy. I couldn’t be more pleased,” said Husson President Bill Beardsley. Dr. Clark has served as a Fulbright Scholar at the Norwegian School of Management and as a guest faculty member at the Business and Economics University in Vienna. He authored and was awarded a five-year grant from the Lilly Endowment in 2003 to establish the Institute for Global Enterprise in Indiana, which he presently directs. As well, he received a phase two grant proposal to continue that effort. Dr. Clark was the clear choice for president in an exceptional field of highly qualified candidates. He holds a Ph.D. in Finance with a minor in Econometrics from Purdue University. Dr. Clark also earned an MBA as well as undergraduate degrees in both Business and Spanish from the University of Maine. Clark is a native of Albion, Maine, and is married to Tricia McGarry Clark formerly of Bangor. She is currently the Music Director for a United Methodist Church in Indiana. They have two daughters, Sarah and Elizabeth.
A Billion Dollar Industry by Regis Trembly
In previous columns I have been highlighting the value of fish, wildlife, and our natural resources to the State’s economy. I have pointed out that birding is increasingly Maine’s number one “non-consumptive” wildlife pursuit and leads Maine’s $1.3 billion annual Watchable Wildlife economy. The US Fish and Wildlife Service released the report: Birding in the United States: A Demographic and Economic Analysis that identifies Maine as being the number 2 state in the nation in terms of participation in this pastime. But, where would Maine be without its current bird diversity, intact bird habitats, and public access to key birding locales? Aside from our Wildlife Management Areas making up many of the key stops along the Maine Birding Trail, did you know that bird species make up nearly ½ (103) of Maine’s list of 213 Species of Greatest Conservation Need as identified in the Maine State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP)? These include 21 species currently listed as threatened or endangered and 52 designated as special concern. The tracking and conservation of this number of species is a formidable task that largely rests in the hands of our 6-member bird group. Funding for this non-game species work has been a perpetual challenge and relies on federal State Wildlife Grant monies made available through the SWAP process. These however are only available if matched by state sources including loon license plate revenue, Maine Outdoor Heritage Fund grants, and the new Maine Birder Band. Haven’t heard of the Maine Birder Band? Bird banding of course has been an invaluable tool in American ornithology since the 1800’s. Birder Bands, however, are the brainchild of a couple MDIF&W biologists, both birders, who wanted to provide a mechanism for birders to contribute directly to the Department’s efforts in bird habitat conservation. Everyone knows that hunters and anglers pay license fees and taxes on gear which directly pay for Department game management efforts, but birders? The idea brought to me by our biologists goes something like this: birders (or any other willing wildlife conservation enthusiast) contributing to our non-game and endangered species fund through the Maine Birder Band program would be issued an actual goose-sized bird band stamped with the Department logo and a registration number that they could then attach to binoculars or other field gear of their choosing. The Public Information and Education Division of MDIFW funded an initial trial program this spring with the hope that birders and others would embrace the idea and maybe even a trend would start with birders proudly displaying on their neck strap their commitment to the Department’s bird conservation efforts. The Maine Birder Band has been a surprising success after just 6 months. Certainly this program was never intended as a moneymaker, but more of a way to demonstrate the willingness of non-game enthusiasts to contribute to Department efforts and as a way to build a constituency among resource users with whom
we have traditionally not interacted. Of course, the money the program has raised will help us to leverage even more funding for the Bird Groups efforts to inventory heron colonies, update grasshopper sparrow recovery plans, investigate rusty blackbird declines, support piping plover protection efforts, etc. To date, donations of $20 from all Maine counties and 19 states have raised more than $6,000 for the Endangered Species fund. All this without any active promotion or advertising beyond our own web page and word-of-mouth. Someday birders may be wearing bands from all the states they have visited and contributed to. Remember where it all started and if you haven’t yet received your Maine Birder Band please visit: http://www. maine.gov/ifw/wildlife/species/endangered_species/birder_ band.htm. 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.
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66 Local Artists WINTER 2010
Š 2009 Gene Cyr, Washburn nothernmainepictures.com
Š 2009 Gene Cyr, Washburn nothernmainepictures.com
A Co mmun ity
ctive e p s r Atmosphere • A Global Pe
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Š 2009 Gene Cyr, Washburn nothernmainepictures.com
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Wood Carving Thom L. Coté was born March 1948, in Caribou, Maine. He is now living and carving in Limestone, Maine. He has had over 30 years of instruction as an Art Teacher in the public school system as well as teaching adult painting and carving classes. Thom’s roots go very deep into the French and Acadian Heritage. He studied wood sculpting in Saint-Jean, Port Joli, Quebec-the wood sculpting capital of North America. Thom has won many awards for his carvings in competitions throughout New England and Eastern Canada. Currently, Thom has carvings in private collections all over the world. Thom has been resident artist for two years on the Presque Isle Rotary Auction. He was also the resident artist at the Fiber College on Penobscot Bay this year. In 2006, Thom received a traditional masters grant to work with 2 apprentices for one year to pass on the traditions and techniques used in traditional wood, carving in the Acadian style. His two apprentices were Jessica Stackhouse and Tracy Weatherhead. The two apprentices were to work with their own design to create traditional style utensils that were both useful and pleasing to the eye. They followed the wood from the tree through the mill and the drying process to the finished product. They both put in approximately 300 hours of work at the Artist Nook in Limestone. Jessica is still carving and has since received her art degree from the University of Maine in Presque Isle. In September, 2009, Thom received notice that he would be working with another apprentice for the next year. This time it was his granddaughter, Ellyzabeth Bencivenga, who will be the 5th generation of wood carvers in the Coté family. Ellyzabeth has already won a best-of-show award at the Top of Maine wood carving show in Presque Isle and the best of show award for youth at the Maine Wood Carver Show in Augusta. Elle is one of the youngest members of Maine Wood Carvers Association. She will turn 13 in March. Thom will also do workshops for clubs or small groups at your location, or you can come to his workshop for three to five day classes.
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Snowshoes Snowshoes were made to walk on the snow when winter holds the land in it’s grip They make it possible to walk on snow I would sink into up to my hip The frames were made from wood years ago and the webbing was made from a hide Now they’re made from all sorts of things I wonder how they’ll hold up outside The tracks of the animals show on snow much better than on bare ground With snowshoes on I can easily see where they go as they make their rounds This is a great way to travel in winter when the land is all covered in white I particularly like to be out on new snow on a crisp clear moonlit night The fields are bright and in the woods I can see almost like day The moonlight reflects off the snow and pushes the shadows away And everything is so peaceful I’ll hardly hear a sound unless it’s cold enough for the snow to squeak when you put my snowshoes down Sometimes I like to “boil a kettle” but often I’ll just sit and listen in a spot where I can see for a ways and watch the moon light glisten from Happenings Around home volume three in a collection of poetry by Lloyd Archer
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Photo Š 2009 Janet Kelle, West Chapman
Photos in this spread Š 2009 Megan McHatten, Presque Isle
www.46north.com
Images on these pages © 2009 Christine Chabre, Cyr Plantation, chrstchab@aol.com
© &2009 Kelle, West Chapman SUMMER FALLJanet 09 Local Artists 77
Š 2009 Gene Cyr, Washburn nothernmainepictures.com 78 Local Artists WINTER 2010
Our Farm
80 Our Farm
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