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August 2015

Your people, your region, your magazine.

When cancer enters your life, or the life of someone you care about, everything changes. The big things seem small, the small things seem big. The focus is on next steps. And a long-term plan. Being at home helps.

We know it to be true.

The Oncology departments at Waldo County Healthcare and Pen Bay Healthcare have been forming complete circles of care around cancer patients for 66 years combined.

We’re right there with you the entire way—in the room, on the phone, minutes not hours away. For surgery, treatment, recovery, education and support, you can count on a team around you. Which is what you deserve.

Comprehensive care. Close to home. penbayhealthcare.org 207-921-8969 | wcgh.org 207-930-2555

Healthcare Pen Bay Medical Center is accredited by the American College of Surgeons’ Commission on Cancer and is a member of the Association of Community Cancer Centers.

Better. Together.

An Alliance for a Healthy Maine

AUGUST 2015

contents

features BLOOM WHERE YOU’RE PLANTED / 12 Messalonskee students build community garden CHANGE OF PACE / 14 Follow one County native’s journey from logging to automobiles A SPIRITED SUCCESS STORY / 16 Maine distillery is quickly becoming the country’s most awarded vodka LYME DISEASE LESSONS / 18 First-hand stories of how lyme disease has affected the lives of Mainers FRESH AIR FEASTING / 22 Check out 20 alfresco dining options all around our great state BACK TO MAINE / 30 Local chef brings big city experience to Bangor BEST RESTAURANTS 2015 / 33 The votes have been counted – here are your top restaurant picks

33

SUMMER SQUASH WITH HALIBUT AND PESTO / 52 Three Lily Farm’s chef shares a summertime dish with fresh ingredients THEN & NOW: PATTEN / 54 Get to know this small town GOAL ORIENTED / 63 UNE soccer player does good work both on and off the field

SEEING BEAUTY IN THE ABSTRACT / 70 Anna Hepler talks about Eastport, art and big ideas 2 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

22

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

EYE OF THE TIGER / 64 Maine reality show winner hosts his own version of “Survivor” for charity

Visit Patten, page 54

P lan a family hike, page 92

74

PHOTOS: (BACKPACK) NIKITABUIDA/THINKSTOCK.COM; (PATTEN) RICHARD SHAW; (ARTWORK) JEFFERY BECTON; (FOOD) SARAH WALKER CARON

91

in every issue

columns

TALK OF THE TOWNS / 8 News from your communities

METRO WELLNESS / 21 The unseen parenting challenges

BIZ BUZZ & SIGHTINGS / 10 People and places on the move

MAINE WOODS & WATERS / 82 The meaning behind Maine place names

PERSPECTIVES / 74 Digital montages from Jeffery Becton SAVVY SENIORS / 76 Fighting scams and fraud REAL ESTATE / 78 Room to move in Hampden CROWN OF MAINE / 85 News from Aroostook County

LAST WORD / 112 Teachable toilet moments

BONUS FEATURE! FAMILY GUIDE / 91 Family hikes, meals, retirement planning and more!

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES • Scan the code to visit us at bangormetro.com Visit us out on Facebook to enter fun giveaways!

Check out our interactive map of Southwest Harbor (featured on page 38) More photos from events around our region.

Email your own event photos: sightings@bangormetro.com

ON THE COVER

Pompeii Pizza, winner of Best Food Truck in Bangor (see story on page 33).

Pizza Photo: Brian Feulner www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3

editor’s note

Aimee Thibodeau’s little ones, Chloe and Gunner share a sweet moment

Warning! Since this issue is so jam-packed with fun and informative features, I’m not sure where to start.

Emily Burnham’s husband Zach and “dog child” Iggy enjoying summer at camp

We’ve got results from the Best Restaurant Contest. We’ve got the Family Guide. And we’ve got all your regulars wrapped up in 116 pages.

First, I would like to thank the 100-plus businesses who received a total of more than 4,600 votes as part of this year’s Best Restaurant Contest.

Congratulations to the winners and be sure to stay tuned for the September issue when we announce the details of our Sept. 18 event in which the contest winners will compete live for top bragging rights. Even better news – you’ll get to taste some of their delicious treats.

Once you’ve taken a look at the winners from around the state, keep turning the page to our Family Guide. This is one of my favorite sections, and I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the families that make up our Bangor Metro team.

Families come in all shapes and sizes. Some are blood relatives, some not.

Some are a simple family nucleus, others are extended. No matter what your family looks like, our Family Guide has something for you – from having difficult discussions with aging parents to finding the perfect hike to try with the kids.

On a personal note, never miss an opportunity to take a family photo. While trying to find a picture that included my husband and our children, I realized we haven’t taken one of just the four of us since Gunner was born in April. Oops!

As always, we’d love to hear what you think of this issue and I can be reached at athibodeau@bangordailynews.com. Also feel free to send along photos of your family trying some of the activities in the Family Guide. Who knows...you might see yourself in the “Sightings” section of our next issue.

AIMEE THIBODEAU, MANAGING EDITOR

Laurie Cates wit h her husband Scott

Amy Allen roughing it wit h husband Derrick and kids Maggie and Finnegan

4 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Fred Stewart wit h his beautiful family, wife Emily and children Freddy Jr. and Laura

www.bangormetro.com P.O. Box 1329 Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 Phone: 207.990.8000

MANAGING EDITOR

Aimee Thibodeau athibodeau@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Emily Burnham eburnham@bangordailynews.com

SALES MANAGER

Laurie Cates lcates@bangordailynews.com

ART DIRECTOR

Amy Allen aallen@bangordailynews.com

SUBSCRIPTION & PROMOTIONS MANAGER

Fred Stewart fstewart@bangordailynews.com

Connect with Bangor Metro Online! bangormetro.com facebook.com/BangorMetro @BangorMetro editor@bangormetro.com

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 5

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sarah Walker Caron

Bob Duchesne

Joy Hollowell

Jane Margesson

Deb Neuman

Aislinn Sarnacki

Chris Quimby

Richard Shaw

Emilie Brand Throckmorton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS

Brian Feulner

Jeffery Becton

Bangor Metro Magazine. August 2015, Vol. 11, No. 6.

Copyright Š Metro Publishing LLC. Bangor Metro is published ten times annually by Metro Publishing LLC. All rights reserved.

This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form without the written permission of the Publisher.

Bangor Metro is mailed at standard rates from Portland, Maine.

Opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements do not represent the opinions of the staff or publisher of Bangor Metro magazine. Advertisers and event sponsors or their agents are responsible for copyrights and accuracy of all material they submit. Bangor Metro magazine to the best of its ability ensures the acuracy of information printed in the publication.

Inquiries and suggestions are welcome and encouraged.

Letters to the editor, story suggestions, and other reader input will be subject to Bangor Metro’s unrestricted right to edit and publish in the magazine both in print and online.

Editorial: Queries should be sent to Aimee Thibodeau at athibodeau@bangordailynews.com.

Advertising: For advertising questions, please call the Sales Manager, Laurie Cates at 207-990-8149.

Subscriptions/Address Change: A one year subscription cost is $19.95. Address changes: to ensure delivery, subscribers must notify the magazine of address changes one month in advance of the cover date.

Please contact Fred Stewart at 207-990-8219.

Accounts Payable/Receivable: For information about your account please contact Laurie Cates at 207-990-8149.

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COVER PHOTO: (Pizza) Brian Feulner

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7

talk of the towns

Artist Jamie Wyeth with Chares and Julie Cawley at an event in their honor.

ROCKLAND: The Farnsworth Art Museum’s Andrew Wyeth Memorial Endowment recently received a $3 million gift in honor of Julie and Charlie Cawley. The donation is the single largest gift to the museum in its history.

Income from the endowment, which was launched in September 2009, will support the maintenance and operation of four of the Farnsworth Art Museum’s properties: the Wyeth Center, Wyeth Study 8 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Center and Wyeth Research Center all in Rockland, and the Olson House in Cushing.

Charlie Cawley, co-founder of MBNA, has been a major philanthropist to not only the Farnsworth Art Museum, but to the entire midcoast of Maine. In the late 1990s, his generosity allowed the museum to transform a former Methodist Church on Union Street in Rockland into the Farnsworth’s Wyeth Center, and also to greatly expand its gallery space by transforming the former J.J.

Newberry’s department store into what is now the Morehouse Wing of the Farnsworth.

The Farnsworth Art Museum celebrates Maine’s ongoing role in American art. It offers a nationally recognized collection of works from many of America’s greatest artists, including one of the largest public collections of works by sculptor Louise Nevelson, while its Wyeth Center features works of N.C., Andrew and Jamie Wyeth.

PHOTO: MICHAEL O’NEIL

An Artistic Donation

A Garden

of Hope

BANGOR: Guests, staff, and volunteers at the Hope House Health and Living Center in Bangor have, for the fifth year, cultivated a community garden. The produce is used for meals at the Hope House Shelter, with extra produce distributed to guests of transitional housing and those in need at the Hope House Health Center and Unlimited Solutions Clubhouse.

The Hope House Health and Living Center, located at 179-181 Corporate Drive in Bangor, includes three distinct services for homeless and peri-homeless individuals in the community, all under one roof: the Hope House Health Center, the Hope House Shelter, and Hope House Transitional Housing.

Seeds and seedlings for the garden were donated by community members, and the Hope House utilizes community volunteers, shelter guests, and transitional housing tenants to

plant, care for, and harvest the vegetables. The project is made possible with the help of numerous volunteers and donors, including Pat, Doug and Kris Bears, Olivia Bean, Byron Hale, PCHC Board member Monique Gautreau, the Orono/Veazie Gardening and Cooking Class, UMaine Cooperative Extension, Master Gardeners, a local 4-H club, and others.

PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF THE HOPE HOUSE HEALTH AND LIVING CENTER; (BOTTOM) ANDREA HERSON LITTLEFIELD

‘Dracula’ at Fort Knox PROSPECT: Ten Bucks Theatre has decided to take a summer off from its traditional open air performances of Shakespeare at Indian Trail Park, and are moving their act to Fort Knox in Prospect. Shakespeare fans, don’t fear – theater directors intend to return to the Brewer park next year. But this year’s summer performance requires something special.

Local performer Ben Layman will direct the run of “Dracula,” as adapted by Steven Dietz from Bram Stroker’s classic novel, with shows Thursday-Sunday, Aug. 6-9 and Aug. 13-16. All performances are at 7 p.m. and admission is $10.

“Dracula” is a tale of seduction and horror taking place in 1897, between London and Transylvania. The story follows the heroes as they attempt to save society, and themselves, from the damned Count Dracula. Witness as the pure are taken over by vampiric urges, in a fight for the very souls of the citizens of London.

Actor Jordan Madeleine Lablond as Lucy in “Dracula.”

By performing at Fort Knox, Ten Bucks doesn’t have to build a full set.

“We get that atmospheric creep,” Ten Bucks co-founder and director Julie Arnold Lisnet said.

The show coincides with the fort’s Paranormal and Psychic Faire Aug. 15-16.

Attendees can meet people who believe in things unusual, including psychics, East Coast Ghost Trackers, author Patricia Hughes (“Ghostly Lost Treasure Tales of Maine”), and Loren Coleman, one of the world’s leading cryptozoologists. Regular Fort admission and a $2 event donation requested. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9

biz buzz & sightings On the Move The Board of Trustees of Haystack Mountain School of Crafts appointed PAUL SACARIDIZ as its new director beginning Sept. 1. An artist, educator and administrator, Sacaridiz most recently served as professor and chair of the Department of Art at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He brings more than 16 years experience in higher education and administration, as well as leadership in not-for-profit arts organizations.

Sacaridiz has been named a fellow with the National Council of Arts Administrators and is a recent inductee to the International Academy of Ceramics in Geneva, Switzerland. He has served on the board of the Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, Montana and was named president-elect of the National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts. Sacaridiz will be moving to Deer Isle with his partner, Jennifer A. Lapham, and their two children, Ezekiel and Oona.

A Bangor native and 2013 John Baptist Memorial High School graduate is building bridges and roads around the world as a member of the U.S. Navy’s Naval Mobile Construction Battalion 11, based in Gulfport, Mississippi. Seaman GEORGE ALLEN is an intelligence specialist with NMCB 11, a unit specializing in building structures in areas of conflict. Sailors attached to NMCB 11 and other similar units, nicknamed “Seabees,” are a unique group in the Navy whose motto is “We build, we fight.” Seabees are trained as builders and fighters. They not only build bridges, roads, runways and other structures in war zones; they also defend those structures after they’ve built them.

Penobscot Community Health Care recently announced the addition of three new residents to its accredited Postgraduate Year One Community Pharmacy Residency Program. PCHC welcomes JESSICA BATES, PharmD, MICHELA FIORI, 10 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

PharmD, and CHARLES-GREGOR FLORES DERUPE, PharmD. PCHC recently graduated John Scolaro, PharmD, Karilynn Dowling, PharmD, and Chelsea Magee, PharmD from the PGY1 program. Karilynn Dowling, PharmD and Chelsea Magee, PharmD will be progressing to PCHC’s Postgraduate Year Two Residency Program in Health-System Pharmacy Administration.

MICHELE LAURIA , MD, MS will join

EMHS as the system’s first chief medical informatics officer. Dr. Lauria will strategically lead the design, implementation, and support for healthcare and clinical informatics across EMHS. She will work closely with clinical and business disciplines across EMHS to embed informatics and analytics into care processes and clinical service planning. Dr. Lauria is board certified in maternal fetal medicine, obstetrics and gynecology, and clinical informatics.

Todd’s Original Salsa, a Bangor-based company co-owned by local meteorologist TODD SIMCOX, that produces a line of traditional all natural and gluten-free salsas has expanded their retail grocery business by adding additional Hannaford Supermarket locations in the central, southern and coastal areas within the state. Todd’s Original Salsa is currently a strong seller in all the Hannaford locations in and around Bangor; the recently added stores include locations in Bucksport, Belfast, Bridgton, Jay, Farmington, Gardiner, Madison, Oxford, Rumford, Skowhegan, Turner and Winthrop.

Awards Rudman Winchell, Counselors at Law in Bangor and several of the firm’s attorneys have received high rankings from Chambers and Partners, a worldwide legal rankings firm. DAVID C. KING, FRANK T. MCGUIRE, WILLIAM H. HANSON and CURTIS E. KIMBALL are all

recognized as “Notable Practitioners” for excellence in their respective practice areas. Chambers and Partners assigns the rankings on a state by state basis, based on extensive research of all firms and attorneys in Maine. This research

includes in-depth interviews with peers, colleagues and clients. As a firm, RUDMAN WINCHELL achieved recognition in the following practice areas: Corporate/Mergers & Acquisitions including Bankruptcy; Labor and Employment including Employee Benefits & Compensation and Immigration; Litigation including General Commercial, Medical Malpractice and Insurance and Plaintiff; and Real Estate including Timberland/ Conservation.

PENBAY MEDIA, a technology company

with corporate offices in Rockland and Alexandria, Virginia, received the General Services Administration Mentor-Protégé of the Year Award during the 2015 GSA Mentor Protégé Awards Ceremony earlier this year in Washington, D.C. The company provides web-based software development, multimedia, GIS and IT support services to the government and commercial sectors. The award recognizes outstanding mentor-protege teams formed under the GSA’s MentorProtege program.

Grants PENOBSCOT COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE received a $38,500 grant from the

Maine Cancer Foundation to support efforts to reduce gaps in cancer screening for its patients. The goal of the project is to increase the percentage of patients who obtain appropriate cancer screenings and to improve patient outcomes by identifying cancers early enough to decrease morbidity and mortality rates. Through the grant, PCHC plans to hire an Outreach Medical Assistant to lead its Gaps-in-Care Program and ensure patients receive the cancer screenings they need.

The Maine Charity Foundation Fund of the Maine Community Foundation approved the PALERMO COMMUNITY LIBRARY’S grant request in the amount of $1,164 to purchase Kindles and ebooks. Six Paperwhite Kindles were purchased and preloaded with 20 New York Times Best E-book Sellers for the purpose of loaning them out to patrons.

The Kindles and e-books are cataloged and are ready to borrow by patrons aged 14 years and older.

Summer is off

1

to a great start with fun festivals, events and plenty of great music.

PHOTOS BY JEFF KIRLIN PHOTO 3 COURTESY OF THE FARNSWORTH ART MUSEUM

2

3

4

1: Sarah Nichols, Matthew McLaughlin and Casey Deanne enjoy Bangor’s Beer Festival, Tap Into Summer 2015, on the waterfront.

2: Ryan Waning, Bryan Stackpole and Rich Kimball at Bangor’s Beer Festival.

5

3: The Farnsworth Art Museum has received a $5,000 grant from the Emily and William Muir Fund and the Knox Fund for Youth Arts of the Maine Community Foundation to engage Knox County youth in the conception and execution of a mural on a prominent outdoor wall in downtown Rockland this summer. The project is being guided by local community mural artist Alexis Iammarino, joined by two professional Baltimore-based mural artists, who go by the name “Jessie and Katey” (pictured). Business owner Richard Aroneau will be the “wall partner” for the outdoor mural that will cover the Oak Street façade of his building at 318 Main St. 4: The Bangor Historical Society began a new tradition, gathering on the grounds of the historic Thomas A. Hill House for Summer Wine at Hill House.

5: The Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series and Fresh Air Market kicked off with a big crowd in downtown Bangor.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 11

unsung hero

Bloom

(Left to right) Junior Kirsten Pelletier, senior Kristy Prelgovisk and 5th grader Landen White check on plants in the greenhouse.

Where You’re Planted Central Maine students build community garden that offers a hands-on educational experience for all. BY EMILY BURNHAM

L

This photo: Messalonskee’s M-shaped raised beds.Below: Original founders of the garden project (left to right) Chelsea Robbins, Amber Southerland, Marisa Schallar, Savannah Hartford, Hailey Redlevske, Bri Hopkins and Kristy Prelgovisk. Absent from photo are Allison Leighton and Emily Pellerine.

12 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

students at Messalonskee High School in Oakland decided they wanted to start working on their green thumbs – and then-senior Kristy Prelgovisk had just the idea to help facilitate that. She and her classmates would build a new greenhouse for the school, to grow food and offer a hands-on educational experience in botany, agriculture and local food.

A year later, not only is the greenhouse built, but Prelgovisk, who recently graduated from high school, and a number of other students in the Garden Club, including incoming seniors Kaelie and Kyndric Stewart and Liz Larsen have raised more than $20,000 in grants for the greenhouse and related activities.

With the help of advisor Beth Prelgovisk, Kristy’s mother, the greenhouse is now a year-round resource for students of all stripes. This summer, students in the Garden Club will grow fruits and vegetables that will end up on the Messalonskee lunch menu when classes begin again in September, with any leftover produce going to food pantries in Oakland and Sydney.

“It’s not one particular group of students that wants to get involved,” said Kyndric Stewart. “We had the soccer team help out. [Special education teacher Kate McLaughlin’s] Life

PHOTOS: BETH PRELGOVISK

ast fall,

Skills class come in once a week and learn about gardening. There’s something for everyone.”

The greenhouse, which measures 18-by-28 feet, was initially built in late 2014, with the help of grants from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Maine Commission for Community Service and Disney for Change, among others. Over the winter and spring of 2015, students and volunteers completed the rest of construction, including adding plumbing and electricity, lights and fans and other necessary interior work needed to make the greenhouse fully functional.

For its first full season, the Garden Club is growing tomatoes, cucum-

“It’s taught me how to organize my ideas and be a part of a community and work with other people. I feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

– Kaelie Stewart bers, lettuce, blueberries, watermelons, pumpkins and other fruits and vegetables, in both the greenhouse and in the raised bed outside, constructed in the shape of an ‘M’ for the school. Starting in the fall, a weekly class will be structured around the greenhouse, in which students will learn about plants and agriculture. There are also teachers interested in using the greenhouse as part of their classes, from statistics to biology.

“It’s not just the students that are in the Garden Club. It seems like everybody is blooming around it,” said Beth Prelgovisk.

Aside from the educational and community service aspects of the greenhouse project, the students have found that gardening together has also brought them closer together as friends.

“It’s taught me how to organize my ideas and be a part of a community and work with other people,” said Kaelie Stewart. “I feel like I’m part of something bigger.”

H Change of

e went down

Pace

A career change leads to the largest automobile dealership in The County. BY DEB NEUMAN

(Top) Steven Pelletier, owner of Valley Motors and Pelletier Ford, shows off some of the historical photos at the re-opened GM dealership on the site of the fire which burned the business to the ground in 2013.

(Below) Left to right, parents James and Rena Pelletier, Steve Pelletier and brother Keith Pelletier pose in front of Pelletier Ford in Fort Kent.

14 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

to his local Ford dealer to buy a new truck, and ended up buying the dealership, too.

That’s how Steven Pelletier of Fort Kent ended up in the car business after a long career in the logging industry.

Since 2011, Pelletier has owned and operated Valley Motors and Pelletier Motors on Main Street in Fort Kent. Today, they are the largest automobile dealership in Aroostook County.

Pelletier grew up in the logging industry. In 1955, his father, James Pelletier, founded the Pelletier and Pelletier company and did logging work for Great Northern Paper for 45 years. Steve and his brother Keith grew up working in the business and eventually took the business over from their Dad. In 1999, GNP sold their land, so the Pelletier brothers purchased more than 246,000 acres of forest land from International Paper in Clayton Lake Township to harvest and market the logs. Nine years later they got a call from a company who wanted to purchase the land.

“The land wasn’t for sale but the timing felt right,” said Steven Pelletier.

Keith went to work for the new owners. Steven decided that after a lifetime in the logging business, it was time to try something new.

Pelletier had no idea what that “something new” would turn out to be.

He just knew he needed a new truck.

While shopping for that truck he had a conversation with the owner of the Fort Kent Ford dealership, who knew Pelletier and asked him what his plans were for the future. During that conversation the owner of the dealership revealed that his future plans were to retire as soon as he found a buyer for the dealership.

Pelletier decided that his “something new” would be to buy that Ford dealership. With no experience in the auto industry, the transition was not an easy one. The previous owner stayed on for a year to help Pelletier make the transition.

“It was so different from working in

the logging industry. I had to learn an entirely new language,” said Pelletier.

“But today, I really enjoy it.”

Little did Pelletier know he would be acquiring a second dealership just a few years later in 2012 when a devastating fire destroyed the General Motors dealership on Main Street in Fort Kent. Pelletier explained that the owner was near retirement and didn’t want to re-build.

“He contacted me and asked me if I would buy what was left of the business and re-open the dealership,” said Pelletier.

Pelletier consulted with his employees and they made the decision to rebuild and re-open the dealership as Valley Motors in 2013.

“That was a bad year for fires in our town. We lost three key businesses on our Main Street. The loss of the GM dealership left a big hole in our community.

We wanted to bring it back and we had the capability to do so,” he said.

Pelletier now sells Ford, Chrysler, Buick, GMC, Jeep, Ram and Dodge vehicles in two locations. He estimates they sell well over 450 cars annually.

“Our biggest competition today is the internet, but when people buy cars that way they lose out on the service after the sale,” said Pelletier.

Customer service is a priority for Pelletier and his team.

“Our relationship with the customer starts when they buy a car from us. We are here to support them,” he said. “I tell my employees that we work for our customers and they can fire us. They can choose to spend their money here or not.

If they don’t, we’re all out of a job.”

Pelletier praises his 55 employees for the continued growth and success of his business.

“We operate in a small town so that makes it challenging, but we’ve been growing since day one,” he said. “Mostly due to positive word-of-mouth and the great service my employees deliver to our customers.”

From working in the forest to working with cars, Pelletier has had a diverse career.

“After 30 years in the logging business, I never would have believed I would end up in the car business, but here I am. You never know where you will end up and I am happy where I did.” he said. “Our Dad taught us how to work so I owe a lot to him.”

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF VALLEY MOTORS AND PELLETIER FORD

eye on industry

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movers & shakers

A Spirited Following a Maine distilling company’s journey to becoming America’s most awarded vodka. BY DEB NEUMAN

Below: Twenty2 Vodka co-owners Scott Galbiati and Jessica Jewell.

16 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

S

ome people

consider us as an overnight success. Our overnight success was a decade in the making,” said Scott Galbiati, co-owner and co-founder with his wife, Jessica Jewell, of Twenty2 Vodka, the Brewer-based distillery.

Twenty2 Vodka has won some of the most coveted awards in its industry, and this year they celebrate their fifth official year in business.

The start of the business goes back to when Galbiati and Jewell met in college at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate New York, where they were both Engineering majors.

A class they were taking required that they come up with an idea for a business and develop a plan.

Scott grew up in New Jersey. Jessica grew up on a potato farm in the Aroostook

County town of Monticello. Their idea was to produce vodka using Maine potatoes.

What began as a class project turned into a business idea they decided to pursue after they were married in 2006 and moved to Jessica’s hometown.

They built a distillery in Houlton and their first batch of vodka came out of the stills in 2008. There was still a lot of work to do.

“We were in potato country but potatoes weren’t giving us the final product we were looking for so we started using corn instead,” said Galbiati. “The key to making good vodka is making it really clean – no odor, no taste, no color, no flavor.”

After a lot of trial and error they were able to create the product they were looking for. The name Twenty2 was inspired by their manufacturing process.

“We filter our vodka at 22 degrees Fahrenheit for about 20 hours before bottling,” said Galbiati.

Today they produce 80, 150 and 160 proof vodkas.

“What sets us apart from our competitors is that we distill in small batches using 50 gallon drums. No one else is

PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF TWENTY2 VODKA; (BOTTOM) EMILY BURNHAM

Success Story

distilling that way. What comes out is really clean,” said Jewell. ”Competition is fierce in the world of vodka.”

“Making it is simple, selling it is the challenge. We are competing with old school vodka makers with deep pockets,” Galbiati said. “The key to competing successfully is to get the product into people’s hands so they can try it.”

Twenty2 has taken home many industry awards, including top honors in the San Francisco World Spirits competition.

“That is the Olympics of our industry.

We have taken home 15 awards since 2009, more than any other vodka maker,” Galbiati said.

“Having brand recognition has helped our business grow when there is a lot of competition and we are a relatively new product,“ said Jewell. “It’s tough to expand to other states because we have to sell to a distributor. We can’t sell direct to consumer.”

Twenty2 Vodka is presently sold in Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, Maryland and Washington D.C. Growth and change has been a constant for Galbiati and Jewell these last few years.

They relocated their business from Houlton to Brewer in 2013 to be closer to their distributors. They hired an employee to help with production and they welcomed a new addition to their family – their daughter Raleigh Jewell Galbiati was born in October 2014.

As if that wasn’t enough, they recently introduced a new line of bottleinfused vodkas. Infusing is a process where other ingredients are added to the bottle to change the appearance and flavor of the vodka.

“Consumers are always looking for something new and different and our vodkas are made for infusing,” said Galbiati. “We use all real ingredients including whole bean coffee from Somerset Coffee and Tea in Skowhegan, Maine.”

Other bottle infused flavors include whole black peppercorns, whole vanilla bean and an orange peel and lemon combination. Their future plans are to continue to expand and innovate while remaining true to what has set Twenty2 apart from the other vodkas on the shelves.

“We started with the idea to get a good grade in a college class, and today we are proud to be making a world class vodka right here in Maine,” said Galbiati.

Looking for

Something To Do?

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metro health

Lessons

Lyme Disease Those affected by Lyme disease speak out about their experience and share tips for combatting the disease. BY JOY HOLLOWELL

of Stetson.

Danielle and Teresa Barriault

14-year-old Danielle Barriault started experiencing severe fatigue and headaches. The Stetson teenager went to her primary doctor for help.

“They suggested that she was depressed and she was just making it up in her head,” said Danielle’s mother, Teresa.

Teresa and Danielle thought it might be Lyme disease. The symptoms matched, and as an avid horseback rider, Danielle was outside a lot and around animals. When they asked her doctor, they got a dismissive response “My doctor told me Lyme disease isn’t a problem in Maine,” said Danielle.

Nonetheless, the Barriaults insisted Danielle get tested. It came back negative. They did a second test.

“We had all kinds of blood work run, different tests done,” said Teresa Barriault. “Her inflammation levels were really high so they sent us off to have her checked for rheumatoid arthritis.”

The problem with current Lyme disease diagnoses is that the early symptoms – fatigue, headaches, fever, joint pain – can often be confused with other ailments.

But the Barriaults still had a gut feeling it was Lyme disease. They tried making appointments with Lyme disease specialists in Maine, but the wait 18 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY FOTOLIA/TNS; (BELOW) COURTESY OF TERESA BARRIAULT

T

wo years ago,

times were months long. With Danielle’s health declining rapidly, they sought out a doctor in New Hampshire. She immediately recognized the symptoms and began treating Danielle with antibiotics.

“We did end up having a highly specialized blood test done out of a California lab,” said Teresa Barriault, “and it showed a positive result.”

More than 1,000 cases of Lyme disease were reported annually in Maine, during the last few years. It comes from tiny, infected deer ticks that transmit a type of bacteria known as Borrelia Burgdorferi to humans when they bite.

In most cases, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours for the bacteria to spread to the body.

Like any illness, the sooner patients receive treatment, the better their odds are at recovery. The problem with current Lyme disease diagnoses is that the early symptoms – fatigue, headaches, fever, joint pain – can often be confused with other ailments.

Additionally, doctors may not order a blood test if the so-called “bullseye rash” isn’t seen, even though not everyone with Lyme disease gets a rash.

Current federal and Maine Centers for Disease Control guidelines call for a two-step blood testing process. The first and most commonly used screening is enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA. If that comes back negative, no further testing is deemed necessary.

However, the blood test doesn’t actually look for the bacteria, just antigens. And typically those don’t start developing fully until four to six weeks after infection.

The Tick ID Lab at the University of Maine Cooperative Extension offers a free identification service as to what kind of tick has bitten a person. However, there are no labs in our state that can actually test a tick for Lyme disease.

“That’s one of the big controversies,” said Teresa Barriault. “There is no reliable testing for people locally.”

The Maine CDC acknowledges that the federal government is looking at potential new diagnostics.

“As of right now, they haven’t identified any new tests that provide the same level of confidence as the existing approved tests,” said Sara Robinson, an epidemiologist with the Maine CDC and their expert in vector-borne diseases. “We adhere to the [Council of

State and Territorial Epidemiologists] surveillance case definition, which defines which tests are useful.”

Robinson does point out that Lyme disease is a clinical illness, so there may be clinical cases of the disease that do not meet their surveillance case definition.

Brownville resident John Behuniak’s symptoms began with chronic fatigue and joint pain in his arms.

“About three or four months in, my eye dilated,” said Behuniak. “I had brain fog all the time, ended up driving down the wrong side of the road in Bangor.”

Doctors tested Behuniak for numerous ailments, including multiple sclerosis and lupus, and referred to for CAT scans and an MRI, none of which offered any conclusive answers. He was also prescribed antidepressants.

“My daughter called and said, ‘Dad, are you sure you don’t have Lyme disease?’” said Behuniak.

He went back to the doctor for testing.

Like Barriault, it came back negative for Lyme – and Behuniak’s symptoms were growing worse.

“I felt like I had the flu for a year straight,” he said. “Each morning I’d wake up and it was like I’d just lost a boxing match with the biggest, meaning guy that you could find. Just talking exhausted me.”

Behuniak started researching Lyme disease, and became more and more convinced that’s what he had. He was able to persuade a doctor to prescribe antibiotics.

“After the first month, I wanted to come back and dance with his nurse,” said Behuniak. “I felt so much better.”

But when the prescription ran out, so did the relief.

“I was hanging on by a thread and not getting any concrete answers as to why,” said Behuniak.

He ended up contacting a Lyme disease specialist in Connecticut after not being able to get an appointment with recommended doctors in Maine. Behuniak had to wait four months to get in to see him – but he said it was worth it. After three years of antibiotic treatments as well as visits to a naturopath in Southern Maine, Behuniak is nearly back to normal.

Doctors have differing opinions when it comes to treating chronic Lyme disease with long term antibiotics. In particular, whether the risks outweigh the benefits. Maine is the only state that

Signs & Symptoms The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide tips on preventing Lyme disease, removing ticks and the following signs and symptoms of Lyme on their site at cdc.gov.

Early Signs – 3-30 days post tick bite

• Red, expanding rash – occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected people. Begins at the site of a tick bite after a delay of 3 to 30 days (average is about 7 days). Rash gradually expands over a period of several days, and can reach up to 12 inches across. Parts of the rash may clear as it enlarges, resulting in a “bull’s-eye” appearance.

• Fatigue, chills, fever, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes

Early Stage – days to weeks post bite

Untreated, the infection may spread from the site of the bite to other parts of the body, producing an array of specific symptoms that may come and go, including: • Additional rashes on other areas of the body • Facial or Bell’s palsy (loss of muscle tone on one or both sides of the face) • Severe headaches and neck stiffness due to meningitis (inflammation of the spinal cord) • Pain and swelling in the large joints (such as knees) • Shooting pains that may interfere with sleep • Heart palpitations and dizziness due to changes in heartbeat Many of these symptoms will resolve over a period of weeks to months, even without treatment. However, lack of treatment can result in additional complications. Please see your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 19

does not have protection for physicians when it comes to prescribing such treatment. A bill making its way through the state legislature would allow them to do so without fear of discipline by the Board of Licensure in Medicine.

Two years ago, Gov. LePage signed a law requiring the Maine CDC to include alternative treatments for Lyme disease on its public website, as well as point out that a negative result doesn’t necessarily rule out the disease in the system. That information can be found in the legislation section of the site.

Danielle and her mom, who also ended up contracting Lyme Disease, aren’t convinced antibiotics alone will cure acute cases like theirs.

“There have been so many different things that we’ve tried, just to figure out what works. It’s not a one size fits all.”

– Teresa Barriault “There have been so many different things that we’ve tried, just to figure out what works,” said Teresa Barriault. “It’s not a one size fits all.”

She and Danielle are now using alternative therapies, including vitamin supplements.

“It seems to be working. It’s a very slow process but we feel that it’s actually killing off the Lyme rather than just suppressing it,” said Barriault.

Neither the Barriaults nor Behuniak remember being bitten. Behuniak keeps up with the latest advances in Lyme disease research, attending seminars around the northeast. He’s also part of Lyme disease support groups in Ellsworth and Brewer.

“I’ll talk to everyone and anyone about Lyme disease,” said Behuniak. “It stole my life. I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to find a Lyme literate doctor.”

20 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

metro

wellness

Parenting is Hard..

wait, what?

PHOTO: WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD/THINKSTOCK.COM

W

The unseen challenges of parenting. BY EMILIE BRAND THROCKMORTON

hen I was

in high school, my health class included a unit on Parenting and Childhood Development. One of the assignments was to interview our parents about their experience raising kids and write a paper about it. The night before it was due, both of my parents were out at a meeting, so I made up the answers. I am not proud of this.

The next week, I was in the car with my mom, and I confessed about the parental interview. “But...” I added, “I know you both so well that I think I did a pretty good job answering for you.” I told her that one of the questions had been, “What were the biggest challenges that you faced in raising kids?”

She raised her eyebrows in curiosity, so I went on. “I said that you love being parents, and that there haven’t been any challenges.” I said this confidently and without irony. No challenges. None. I was certain this was the case. I don’t know if my mom laughed, cried, or drove the car into a ditch, but she made it immediately clear that my answer was wrong.

“Wait, what?” I was aghast. “There are challenges? What is so challenging? Am I challenging?” I was actually shocked. I was genuinely surprised at her reaction.

One of the great ironies of life is that you have no clue about parenting until you become a parent yourself. Growing up, I thought my mom and dad parented from a place of total expertise. As far as I could tell, they had clear rules and expectations and never argued. I didn’t see them worried or stressed. I just knew there was always a hot meal on the table and a healthy packed lunch on the counter in the mornings. Elaborate holiday meals appeared like magic. Family camping vacations and trips to the beach with packed picnics, it all seemed so effortless from my seat in the back of the VW bus, where I happily snacked on grapes that my mom had packed into individual portions.

I did inherit my parents’ organization and efficiency; I pack a mean picnic and am totally reliable about signing forms in school folders and planning fun outings; I bake muffins and organize end-of-theyear teacher gifts like a boss, and I learned from the best how to make the Christmas morning spread without breaking too much of a sweat. The kids’ sports uniforms are washed and ready on game day. When they are thirsty, I’ve got a water bottle.

But these details are a thin veneer over the other stuff. It’s the emotional turmoil that we are unprepared for, and that our kids are oblivious to. Parenting is so much trial and error; it’s “having your heart walk outside of your body.” I didn’t know that I

pretty details and the turmoil, between “everything is awesome” and “everything is hard.” When my kids see me upset or angry, I use it as a chance to talk them through my feelings. I don’t try to be the perfect parent, but I do try to be the parent who admits “I screwed up,” or “I don’t know” or “yes, this is hard.” I make sure that after a disagreement, I pull them close before bed and read extra pages of Harry Potter. Being a great parent doesn’t mean hiding the hard parts from kids, it means raising kids with a solid enough foundation that they stand on steady feet even when things get tricky. Great parenting leads to confident kids, happy in their own skin, who see the world as a safe place.

Being a great parent doesn’t mean hiding the hard parts from kids, it means raising kids with a solid enough foundation that they stand on steady feet even when things get tricky. would, just as my parents surely did, watch my kids sleep to make sure they are breathing. I didn’t know I’d second guess every punishment, or lose sleep about mean kids at school, or cry when I accidentally yelled over something minor. Nothing prepares us for the aggravation of sibling rivalry, or the tug we feel when the kids get older and would rather be alone in their room. We don’t know that we will never get a break from thinking about what we should or could have done better.

I have come to believe that the really good work of parenting falls in that grey zone, somewhere in between all the

I’m happy for my high school self, that I answered the parenting survey the way I did, that I firmly believed it was just a walk in the park to be my parent. Even though I said my parents had faced “no challenges,” I was just picking up on how comfortable I felt, how much my parents let me be who I am. I can’t think of a higher compliment to pay any parent.

If your kids think that parenting is a snap, then carry on. That means your kids feel grounded and safe, and while they are in for a surprise when they become parents themselves, for now, they are simply enjoying the fruits of your labor and love.

EMILIE BRAND THROCKMORTON is a mom and runner who co-chairs the English Department at Bangor High School and writes the blog One Mom in Maine.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 21

feature story

Fresh Air

PHOTO: CEBAS/THINKSTOCK.COM

Feasting

22 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & COURTESY OF THE BAR HARBOR INN

Clockwise from top left: Local foods are the focus of the menu at Salt Water Farm Cafe in Rockport. The Bar Harbor Inn’s Terrace Grille overlooks Frenchman Bay. Fresh popovers are the food of choice at the Jordan Pond House in Acadia National Park. Three Tides on the Belfast Waterfront boasts craft beer from Marshall Wharf Brewing next door, as well as a huge fire pit and a bocce court.

B

rief though it

may be, there’s a reason why people from all over the world flock to Maine in the summer: it’s perfect. And what better way to combine two of the best things about Maine – the food and the scenery – than to pick a dining spot that offers outdoor seating.

We’ve compiled a list of 20 places to sit outside and drink it in, from Winter Harbor to Portland. The food’s pretty excellent too, whether you want a lobster roll, a locally-sourced prix fixe meal, a burger and a beer or a fancy cocktail.

Salt water Farm at Union Hall

Central Street, Rockport Phone & hours: 236-0554, lunch/dinner Wednesday-Monday, brunch/dinner Sundays; closed January-March.

Why it’s nice: Owner Annemarie Ahearn moved to Maine to explore and celebrate the thriving local foods movement and traditional foods – while putting her own spin on it. Their beautiful building and second-story deck overlooks glittering Rockport Harbor, full of boats and life.

What to order: Roasted whole fish, house-made bread, local cheese and lemon meringue pie.

The Terrace Grill at the Bar Harbor Inn Newport Drive, Bar Harbor Phone & hours: 1-800-248-3351, lunch and dinner, May-October.

Why it’s nice: For a taste of old Bar Harbor elegance and hospitality, and what’s likely the best view of the harbor, the Terrace Grill at the Bar Harbor Inn can’t be beat. Their large, cheerful veranda is the place to see and be seen. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 23

feature story

River Drivers Restaurant

30 Twin Pines Road, Millinocket Phone & hours: 723-8475, open for dinner Monday-Friday, lunch and dinner Saturday-Sunday, year-round.

Why it’s nice: In the rustic elegance that is the Katahdin region, this Millinocket eatery offers up down home food and a stunning mountain view on their lovely stone patio.

What to order: Check out Fish Fry Fridays, or their legendary Ooey Gooey Chocolate Cake.

McLaughlin’s at the Marina

100 Marina Road, Hampden Phone & hours: 990-1111, open for lunch and dinner daily 11:30 a.m. to close.

Why it’s nice: Sit outside and watch the boats go by, going to and from the

The patio at the River Drivers Restaurant offers a stunning view of the mountain.

24 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

marina, at this charming local seafood restaurant tucked away on a side street in Hampden.

What to order: Lobster mac and cheese, steamers and lightly seared tuna.

The Boomhouse Restaurant

170 Main St., Old Town Phone & hours: 817-8018, open for lunch and dinner daily, year-round Why it’s nice: Overlooking the mighty Penobscot River, this restaurant is located in the heart of historic Old Town, with a sunny patio soundtracked by the rushing river waters and a lively nighttime bar scene.

What to order: A big, tasty burger and a craft beer.

4Points BBQ & Blues

145 Main St., Winterport Phone & hours: 223-9929, open for lunch and dinner

Why it’s nice: Order your barbecue – among the best in the state – from a sassy waitress, dig into your meat, and, on weekends, enjoy blues and rock bands on the big outdoor patio.

What to order: There’s nothing bad on the menu, though the brisket is out of this world. Get there early – they can run out!

Three Tides & Marshall Wharf Brewing

2 Pinchy Lane, Belfast Phone & hours: 338-1707, open from 4 p.m. to close, Tuesdays-Sundays Why it’s nice: Hip yet low key, this bar has transformed the Belfast Waterfront, boasting world-class craft beer from Marshall Wharf Brewing next door, funky decor, a huge fire pit, a bocce court, delicious fresh ocean air and tourists from all over the world. It’s magical on a warm summer night.

PHOTOS: (THIS PAGE) COURTESY OF THE RIVER DRIVERS RESTAURANT; (OPPOSITE) BDN FILE

What to order: Lobster bisque and blueberry pie.

Left: 4Points BBQ & Blues in Winterport offers up great music on the outdoor patio, not to mention some very tasty brisket and an awesome array of sauces.

Above: Three Tides eclectic patio decor adds to the restaurant’s outdoor fun on the Belfast Waterfront.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 25

PHOTO: AMY ALLEN

High Tide in Brewer offers beautiful views of the Penobscot River – and the outdoor bar is a great spot to listen to Waterfront Concerts just across the river in Bangor.

feature story What to order: 12 Maine oysters and a pint of Cant Dog.

High Tide

5 South Main St, Brewer Phone & hours: 949-3300, open for lunch and dinner daily and brunch on the weekends.

Why it’s nice: With a big outdoor deck overlooking the Penobscot River and views of the Bangor Waterfront from the Brewer side, it’s arguably the nicest dining in Brewer. Great drink and appetizer deals, too.

What to order: Garlic butter mussels, potato skins and a martini.

Young’s Lobster Pound

2 Fairview St., Belfast Phone & hours: 338-1160, open for lunch year-round; lunch and dinner April 15-Oct. 31.

Why it’s nice: With an enormous outdoor patio directly overlooking Belfast Bay, this no-frills restaurant offers up lobsters, clams, chowder, rolls

and pie, and that’s about it. Sometimes the water sparkles in the sunshine so much it feels like you’re floating in the middle of the ocean.

What to order: It’s BYOB, so bring a bottle of white wine and tuck in for a lobster boil.

Sea Dog Brewing Company

26 Front St., Bangor Phone & hours: 947-8009, open for lunch and dinner daily Why it’s nice: The only outdoor dining option on the Bangor side of the Penobscot River, this mainstay of the downtown dining scene offers an expansive deck, house-made craft beers, enjoyable people watching and regular musical entertainment.

What to order: A crispy fresh salad, some apps to share and a tasty brew.

Dennett’s Wharf

15 Sea St., Castine Phone & hours: 326-9045, open for lunch and dinner daily except Dec.-Feb., open Thursdays-Sundays.

Why it’s nice: This longtime waterfront eatery attracts boaters, tourists, Maine Maritime Academy students and alumni and more, with good Maine food, a laid-back attitude, live music on the weekends and views of the bustling Castine Waterfront.

What to order: Fried seafood and craft beer.

Novare Res

4 Canal Plaza, Portland Phone & hours: 761-2437, open daily 4 p.m.-1 a.m. year-round.

Why it’s nice: If you want to mingle with the hippest of the hip in Portland, check out the big, relaxed patio at beer bar Novare Res, tucked down an alleyway in between Exchange Street and Union Street in the Old Port. Play some cornhole, chat with locals, and try some amazing beer from all over Maine, and all over the world.

What to order: A cheese and meat plate and any of the superb selection of brews.

Schooner Landing

47 Main St., Damariscotta Phone & hours: 563-7447, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. seven days a week, May-October.

Why it’s nice: First off, the best oysters in Maine come from the Damariscotta region, so you’d be crazy not to get some while you’re there. Secondly, their huge open waterfront deck is festive and fun. And third, there’s great live music all summer long. What’s not to love?

What to order: Oysters, of course! Great steaks and burgers, too.

Long Lake Sporting Club

48 Route 162, Sinclair Phone & hours: 543-7584, open yearround for dinner, lunch on Sundays; lounge open late.

Why it’s nice: Located on the shores of Long Lake in the St. John Valley, the Long Lake Sporting Club has long been a favorite spot for diners, boaters, snowmobilers and anyone looking for some County hospitality. The expansive deck offers stunning views of the lake.

What to order: Ployes, lobster, steak… it’s all good.

2 Cats

130 Cottage St., Bar Harbor Phone & hours: 288-2808, breakfast and lunch, closed in the winter.

Why it’s nice: This cozy old Bar Harbor building with its beautiful, flowerstrewn outdoor seating area is one of the nicest, sunshiny-est places to eat breakfast and brunch in Maine. The friendly, youthful staff makes the experience even more pleasant.

What to order: Biscuits with strawberry butter – a 2 Cats classic.

Jordan Pond House

2928 Park Loop Road, Seal Harbor Phone & hours: 276-3316, open only for lunch in the warmer months.

Why it’s nice: It might be the only restaurant in the country located inside a national park, and it’s also an exceedingly civilized way to spend an afternoon, having tea and treats and enjoying the spectacular views.

What to order: Popovers, followed by a caesar salad.

28 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

feature story

Bagaduce Lunch

145 Franks Flat, Penobscot Phone & hours: 326-4197, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. daily, late April through late September.

What to order: Finigan’s signature lobster ravioli.

Why it’s nice: Not only has the Bagaduce Lunch been named an American Classic by the James Beard Awards, but you can also sit on picnic tables overlooking the water. You’d be hard-pressed to find a nicer, more genuine family-run spot anywhere else in America.

351 Lily Bay Road, Greenville Phone & hours: 695-0224, open for five-course prix fixe reservation only, Thursdays-Saturdays.

What to order: A sweet, fresh, unbelievably delicious crab roll.

Aragosta

27 Main St., Stonington Phone & hours: 367-5500, open for lunch and dinner June-October.

Why it’s nice: Stonington’s working waterfront is a sight to behold, at once picturesque and rough and tumble. This restaurant manages to offer high end Maine cuisine, courtesy of chef-owner Devin Finigan, without any pretense – and a really nice view of the harbor.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

The Blair Hill Inn in Greenville’s five -course prix fixe (fixed price) meals are reservation only – and totally worth it. Start off with a cocktail on the veranda overlooking stunning Moosehead Lake.

Blair Hill Inn

Why it’s nice: Not only does the Blair Hill Inn offer a truly high-end dining experience, but it’s well worth the $60 – creative, locally-sourced food, and if you can eat it on the Inn’s stunning veranda, overlooking Moosehead Lake at sunset, well, it doesn’t get better than that.

What to order: A prix-fixe meal includes everything from seared pork belly to grilled salmon.

Portland Lobster Company

180 Commercial St., Portland Phone & hours: 775-2112, open daily year-round 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Why it’s nice: When there’s a nice warm breeze coming off Portland’s Harbor, some good music and a cold beer and a lobster in front you, life doesn’t often get much better.

What to order: Lobster, obviously. With a side of fried clams.

Eve’s at the Garden

468 Fore St., Portland Phone & hours: 775-9090, serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.

Why it’s nice: Located at the Portland Harbor Hotel, Eve’s at the Garden has the rare distinction of being a lovely place to eat outside in both the summer (a gorgeous garden patio) and in the winter (a temporary, fancy ice bar in January to toast to the cold).

What to order: A cocktail and some tangy, super fresh fish tacos.

kitchen confidential

T

revor Lizotte

grew up in tiny St. Agatha in the St. John Valley in Aroostook County. Surrounded by generations of female cooks, he was bound to end up choosing a career as a chef. After studying culinary arts at Southern Maine Community College, he went to work at several different restaurants in Portland and Boston. The 32-year-old is now executive chef at Seasons Restaurant in Bangor.

Trevor Lizotte

Executive Chef at Seasons on Main Street in Bangor.

What makes you stay in Maine? What do you like about cooking in Maine?

I wanted to be closer to my family. I’ve always loved Maine. It’s a great lifestyle, a little more laid back and less stressful.

It was nice to bring what I learned in other places to here.

What do you think is the most rewarding aspect of this job?

Feedback from the customers. It’s nice to hear when they’ve had something here and they come back to have it again.

When the food evokes a memory and takes you back to the past. Food makes you travel. For example, I made some rhubarb tarts and someone mentioned that it brought them back to their childhood of going to their neighbor’s yard and dipping rhubarb in sugar and just eating it right from the garden.

Back to Maine Trevor Lizotte brings big-city experience and small town pride to Seasons in Bangor.

STORY & PHOTOS BY KATE BERRY

What is your favorite ingredient to work with and why?

Wild mushrooms. I like to pick them myself. I head out to the forests around town. They have a unique flavor, texture, they just look fantastic on a plate.

Where do you find the mushrooms?

That’s a secret!

Does Seasons use local food?

We try to whenever it’s available.

Sometimes it is hard to get or the prices are a little through the roof. For the most part I love being able to say it’s from the area. Some of my co-workers have gardens so they’ll bring in extra stuff.

How is that different from other places you’ve worked such as Boston?

In Boston, we had everything at our

30 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

fingertips. Here in Maine, we have to really look for unique things. We have to get them ourselves. We have to look around and ask farmers, family and friends where to get particular things.

Do you like that better?

Yes, because I like to tell the story of where it came from.

What is your favorite dish here?

The Hanger Steak. It’s a cut of beef you don’t see very much from restaurants or at the supermarket in general. There’s only one on the whole cow. It’s down near the kidneys so it has a strong, iron flavor – a really good beef flavor. It’s very tender and flavorful. We like to put it with sweet potato mash, spinach, mushrooms and red onions. It’s a nice, balanced dish.

A lot of colors and flavors going on.

What makes Seasons stand out from all the other bar and grills in the area?

I think we have a fresh take on food. We’re doing as much as we can in house. We put a lot of pride behind what we do and that includes using quality ingredients.

We use good techniques with how we produce our food – no shortcuts. Doing it on a large scale like this, it’s pretty impressive what we are able to do.

more info SEASONS RESTAURANT 427 MAIN STREET, BANGOR 992-2250 Bar Hours: Open Monday-Saturday 11:30 a.m. to midnight; Sunday 10:30 to midnight.

Restaurant Hours: 11:30 a.m. to midnight daily.

DownUnder Club Hours: Live bands on Fridays and Saturdays from 8:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

Watch Downtown with Rich Kimball: Watch Downtown live at Season’s restaurant each weekday from 4-6 p.m. and hear it over the airwaves on The Pulse, AM 620 WZON. Smart sports talk and Maine’s best guest each day, coupled with daily segments like the “Downtown Calendar”, “Tweets of the Day”, “The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly,” and “Ask Downtown”!

Website: seasonsbangor.com

On the Menu Drinks

BLUEBERRY LEMONADE RASPBERRY COSMOPOLITAN

Appetizers

TWICE BAKED POTATO SKINS Red bliss potatoes, crispy smoked bacon, Season's cheese sauce, scallions, sour cream BBQ PULLED PORK NACHOS House prepared pulled pork smothered in Season’s BBQ sauce, melted cheese blend and jalapeños atop tortilla chips

Some delicious and favorite offerings from Seasons restaurant in Bangor.

Entrees

HANGER STEAK Garlic and herb marinated, topped with smoked onions, served with mashed sweet potatoes, baby spinach and mushroom jus PAN-SEARED CHICKEN Corn & Mushroom Risotto, Fresh Green Beans, Parmesan Jus

Desserts

MOLTEN LAVA CAKE CRÈME BRÛLÉE

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 31

kitchen confidential BANGOR/BREWER

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32 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Best

TAURANTS

RES

2015

YOUR VOTES ARE IN...

4,642 votes + 6 regions + 5 ties + 16 close calls = 140 Best Restaurant Winners!

O

ur Best Restaurants survey

has always been popular (we recently spotted a Best Restaurant winner poster from 2008 in a local establishment) but when we had more than 1,000 votes in the first week of this year’s contest, we knew we were going to break records.

Restaurants took to social media and we watched the polls shift – sometimes dramatically – with each new Facebook share.

We’ll be honest – our staff got a little obsessed with watching the survey results. We were pretty excited about the contest from the very beginning, meeting often to discuss the addition of new categories (food trucks! best place to take out-of-towners! best bartender!) and plans for a fun foodie event following the release of the survey results.

Save the Date!

Watch winners of Bangor Metro’s Best Restaurants contest compete for top bragging rights – and get the opportunity to taste-test some delicious food!

Mark your calendar for Sept. 18 and stay tuned for event details coming in our September issue!

We are also sharing some of our white-knuckle close calls this year. We kept a close eye on some very tight races – some were within just a vote or two of each other the entire time. A few ended in actual ties, while others were so close we wanted to give credit where it’s due and share those near misses.

In the end, more than 4,600 of you voted – including thousands of write-in votes. We’re thrilled that you share our enthusiasm for this annual contest and hope you find among the winners some new spots you want to try – which gave us an idea...

Join us Sept. 18 for a battle royale of Best Restaurant winners.

Watch for details coming soon (follow us on Facebook for updates!) and check out our ad on page 51 for more info!

OPEN

WINNERS FROM 6 REGIONS: Bangor, Greater Bangor, Midcoast, Downeast/Hancock, Northern Maine, & Central Maine www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 33

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

BEST WINGS Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery

Best Cocktail

The Fiddlehead Restaurant

CLOSE CALLS

Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant 26%

Paddy Murphy’s

Las Palapas

Hero’s Sports Grill

26%

29%

Nocturnem Draft Haus

18%

26%

BEST NEW RESTAURANT Las Palapas

29%

23% Umami Noodle Bar 23% The Juice Cellar 20% Chipotle Mexican Grill

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS BANGOR

BEST OVERALL The Fiddlehead Restaurant

BEST COFFEE SHOP Bagel Central

BEST BAR Paddy Murphy’s

BEST COCKTAIL The Fiddlehead Restaurant

BEST BBQ Moe’s Original BBQ

BEST DOUGHNUTS Frank’s Bake Shop

BEST PIE Dysart’s

BEST ETHNIC Taste of India

BEST BREAKFAST Dysart’s

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery

BEST BURGER Five Guys Burger and Fries BEST CHOWDER Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery

34 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

BEST FRENCH FRIES Five Guys Burger and Fries

BEST LOBSTER ROLL McLaughlin’s Seafood and Takeout BEST MICROBREW Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery NEW RESTAURANT Las Palapas BEST PIZZA Tri City Pizza BEST SANDWICH Harvest Moon Deli BEST SUSHI Ichiban BEST VEGETARIAN/ GLUTEN FREE The Juice Cellar

BEST WHOOPIE PIE Friars’ Bakehouse BEST WINGS Geaghan’s Pub & Craft Brewery BEST CHEF Melissa Chaiken, The Fiddlehead Restaurant BEST BARTENDER Matt Libby, Paddy Murphy’s BEST SPORTS BAR Hero’s Sports Grill BEST CHINESE Oriental Jade BEST FOOD TRUCK Pompeii Pizza

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS Sea Dog Brewing Company BEST MEXICAN TIE! Las Palapas Mexican Restaurant Miguel’s Mexican Restaurant BEST VIEW/OUTDOOR SEATING Sea Dog Brewing Company BEST STEAK Texas Roadhouse BEST TAKE OUT Moe’s Original BBQ

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & MAGONE/THINKSTOCK.COM

PICKS

BEST BAR

Pepino’s Mexican Restaurant 24%

The Fiddlehead Restaurant’s pisco sour is worth a taste.

READERS’

BEST MEXICAN

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

PADDY MURPHY’S VOTED BEST BARTENDER, BANGOR Matt Libby, Paddy Murphy’s What’s the weirdest drink order you’ve ever received?

About a year ago. Guy orders a shot of Jameson’s whiskey, “weak”.

I gave him half a shot and a water back.

PHOTO: EMILY BURNHAM

What makes a good bartender?

Awareness. You can read people, adjust to the mood and be able to look ahead a half an hour and think about what might happen.

And hard work, that’s always a good thing.

What’s the best part about working in downtown Bangor?

Downtown has made an amazing amount of progress in the last ten years. The best thing about it is the different kinds of people that frequent it. From the tourists you see once a year to the service industry co-workers I see more often, it’s always something new or interesting.

36 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

4Points BBQ offers a delicious array of sauces including Kansas City, Memphis, Carolina, Texas and Maine XXX – you really can’t go wrong.

BEST FRENCH FRIES The Family Dog, Orono

CLOSE CALLS

BEST NEW RESTAURANT

BEST BURGER

Orono Brewing Company, Orono

The Family Dog, Orono 31%

49%

Humble Comfort Food and Spirits, Brewer 46%

Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Orono 30%

Best BBQ

4Points BBQ & Blues House, Winterport

READERS’

PICKS

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS GREATER BANGOR

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & INGRAM PUBLISHING/THINKSTOCK.COM

BEST OVERALL Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Orono BEST BAR Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Orono BEST BBQ 4Points BBQ & Blues House, Winterport BEST PIE Dysart’s, Hermon BEST BREAKFAST Dysart’s, Hermon

BEST BURGER The Family Dog, Orono BEST CHOWDER Anglers Restaurant, Hampden BEST COFFEE SHOP Verve, Orono BEST COCKTAIL Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Orono FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Pat’s Pizza, Orono BEST FRENCH FRIES The Family Dog, Orono

BEST LOBSTER ROLL Eagle’s Nest Restaurant, Brewer

BEST SANDWICH Harvest Moon Deli, Orono

BEST MICROBREW Black Bear Microbrew, Orono

BEST SUSHI Yoshi Japanese Restaurant, Brewer

NEW RESTAURANT Orono Brewing Company, Orono

BEST VEGETARIAN/ GLUTEN FREE The Family Dog, Orono

BEST PIZZA Pat’s Pizza, Orono

BEST WHOOPIE PIE Governor’s Restaurant & Bakery, Orono

MOST ROMANTIC Lucerne Inn, Dedham

BEST CHINESE Fresh Ginger Restaurant, Hampden

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Orono BEST MEXICAN Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Orono BEST VIEW/ OUTDOOR SEATING The Boomhouse Restaurant, Brewer BEST STEAK Woodman’s Bar & Grill, Orono

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 37

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

ORONO BREWING COMPANY VOTED BEST NEW RESTAURANT, GREATER BANGOR Asa Marsh-Sachs, Brewmaster, Orono Brewing Company What’s the biggest thing you’ve learned since opening over the winter?

There is truly always more to learn. At every step of the way, from the actual brewing side, to the business side, to quality control and lab work, there is always a next step to take.

What’s the best part about being in downtown Orono?

It’s happening here. I loved being in downtown Bangor at Central Street Farmhouse and seeing Bangor growing and bustling. I feel very fortunate to see the same thing happening here. I look forward to seeing what Orono looks like in another 6 months!

PHOTO: BDN FILE

What brews have your customers responded to the most?

What’s the favorite?

The White Nitro Cream Ale took off, which was a very pleasant surprise to me – it’s a beer I love to drink. We also see a great response to our lineup of IPAs, especially the Ozone IPA.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 39

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

BEST LOBSTER ROLL Young’s Lobster Pound, Belfast 36% Graffam Bros. Seafood Market, Rockport 31%

CLOSE CALLS

BEST SANDWICH Ralph’s Cafe, Brooks

32%

The Brown Bag, Rockland 31%

BEST BREAKFAST

BEST PIZZA

Ralph’s Cafe, Brooks

Thorndike Creamery, Rockland 41% Alexia’s Pizza, Belfast 38%

PICKS

A cold cucumber and buttermilk soup from The Lost Kitchen. The restaurant is open for its second season in Freedom.

The Lost Kitchen, Freedom

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS MIDCOAST

BEST OVERALL Primo, Rockland BEST BAR Three Tides, Belfast BEST PIE Ralph’s Cafe, Brooks

BEST COFFEE SHOP Rock City Café, Rockland

BEST LOBSTER ROLL Young’s Lobster Pound, Belfast

BEST COCKTAIL Three Tides, Belfast

BEST MICROBREW Marshall Wharf Brewing Company, Belfast

BEST BREAKFAST Ralph’s Cafe, Brooks

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT The Brick House, Searsport

BEST BURGER The Brick House, Searsport

BEST FRENCH FRIES The Brick House, Searsport

BEST CHOWDER Cappy’s Chowder House, Camden

BEST ICE CREAM Stone Fox Farm Creamery, Monroe

40 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

NEW RESTAURANT The Lost Kitchen, Freedom BEST PIZZA Thorndike Creamery, Rockland MOST ROMANTIC Primo, Rockland

BEST SANDWICH Ralph’s Cafe, Brooks BEST SUSHI Suzuki’s Sushi Bar, Rockland BEST VEGETARIAN/ GLUTEN FREE Chase’s Daily, Belfast BEST FARM-TOTABLE RESTAURANT Primo, Rockland BEST CHEF Melissa Kelly, Primo, Rockland

BEST SPORTS BAR Rollie’s Bar and Grill, Belfast BEST FOOD TRUCK The Moody Dog, Belfast BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OF-TOWNERS Young’s Lobster Pound, Belfast BEST VIEW/ OUTDOOR SEATING Young’s Lobster Pound, Belfast

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & IVANMIKHAYLOV/THINKSTOCK.COM

READERS’

Best New Restaurant

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

THE BRICK HOUSE RESTAURANT Voted Best Burger, French Fries and Best Family Friendly Restaurant Joe Perry Jr., owner, The Brick House Restaurant, Searsport What’s your most popular menu item?

I would have to go with Perry's clams. It’s our secret recipe.

On the weekends, I probably go through 20 orders – a gallon of clams.

Aside from the clams, what else do you recommend?

I always say we do American pub fare, so I really like our burgers and our flatbread pizzas that we make from scratch.

But we do a lot of specials too – we do great salmon cakes.

What's the best part about owning a restaurant in Searsport?

The best part is the fact that it's a tight-knit community. We all keep an eye out for each other. It's the locals that keep us going through the whole year, not just through tourist season. And the history in this town is really cool.

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS Bar Harbor Brewing brews the awardwinning Thunder Hole Ale, Cadillac Mountain Stout, and True Blue, a blueberry wheat ale.

Best Microbrew Bar Harbor Brewing Co., Bar Harbor

BEST LOBSTER ROLL Jordan’s Snack Bar, Ellsworth

CLOSE CALLS

BEST OVERALL

BEST BREAKFAST

BEST COFFEE SHOP

Blaze, Bar Harbor

Riverside Cafe, Ellsworth 35%

Choco-Latte, Bar Harbor

Martha’s Diner, Ellsworth 31%

Matsumoto Joe Cafe, Bar Harbor 29%

28%

Mainely Meat BBQ, Bar Harbor 21% Riverside Cafe, Ellsworth 20%

2Cats Restaurant, Bar Harbor 23%

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS DOWNEAST/HANCOCK BEST BURGER Jordan’s Snack Bar, Ellsworth

BEST ETHNIC The Bangkok Restaurant, Ellsworth

BEST MICROBREW Bar Harbor Brewing Co., Bar Harbor

BEST BAR Finn’s Irish Pub, Ellsworth

BEST CHOWDER Chipper’s, Hancock

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Pat’s Pizza, Ellsworth

NEW RESTAURANT Bar Harbor Beerworks, Bar Harbor

BEST BBQ Mainely Meat BBQ, Bar Harbor

BEST COFFEE SHOP Choco-latte, TIE! Bar Harbor

BEST FRENCH FRIES Jordan’s Snack Bar, Ellsworth

BEST PIZZA Pat’s Pizza, Ellsworth

BEST OVERALL Blaze, Bar Harbor

BEST PIE Helen’s Restaurant, Machias BEST BREAKFAST Riverside Cafe, Ellsworth

42 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

The Trailhead Cafe, Bar Harbor BEST COCKTAIL Chipper’s, Hancock BEST DOUGHNUTS Helen’s Restaurant, Machias

BEST ICE CREAM Mortons Moo, Ellsworth BEST LOBSTER ROLL Jordan’s Snack Bar, Ellsworth

TIE!

Finelli New York Pizzeria, Ellsworth MOST ROMANTIC Havana, Bar Harbor

BEST SANDWICH Pat’s Pizza, Ellsworth BEST SUSHI Shinbashi, Ellsworth BEST VEGETARIAN/ GLUTEN FREE Riverside Cafe, Ellsworth BEST WHOOPIE PIE Friends & Family Market, Ellsworth BEST MEXICAN The Mex, Ellsworth

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & PANDA3800/THINKSTOCK.COM

READERS’

PICKS

31% Trailhead Cafe, Bar Harbor 31%

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 43

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS VOTED BEST BANGOR BAR Paddy Murphy’s

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Kirsten Henry, owner, Mortons Moo (not pictured) Nam eumqui corro etum nation nat.

Oluptat emodio dolecae catur? Lorum What's the best part about owning an ice cream shop? illo totatur ab il et dis est eos saecti sedit, Watching the kids in the community grow up, literally con plab ium fuga. Et ea soluptam alibus right before your eyes. We've been open for five summers dissi aut reius sum vollessimod quis volecnow, and I've watched kids go from being carried in for taturi berspe officia veniste eaquas etur their first taste of ice cream, to watching their first steps, senis am aborum vit am eume es sin eium to being "belly up" to the ice cream bar! quidere henimusci quis molecep taepell uptaquo dolorem quia sanihita voluptam What are the most unusual flavors you've made? iundelesti rem quam recepro magnim Cherry Almond Bomb, Guava Cheesecake and Baklava et aut veliquis apeliquod maionesto qui Ice Cream. dunt, occab ipsam et quae simod quam cum anda venienis exererum unt atem What's the most popular ice cream treat you offer? lacerum evelis etur? Acepero delesto.

I'd say it has to be our Mad Cow Coffee Ice Cream Specialty Shake. Sorry – it’s a secret recipe.

Blah Blah Bar blahblahbar.com 44 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

PHOTO: JOSH O’DONNELL

Itassit qui quam dem. Nam, veliqui sequid 2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

Thank You Bangor Metro readers for Naming The Family Dog the Best!

Voted Best Burger • Best French Fries • Best Vegetarian

serving the area’s best burgers, grilled chicken, all-beef hot dogs & vegetarian options. gourmet hamburgers, chicken sandwiches, and hot dogs

6 Mill Street, Orono • 207-866-2808 • Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Open 7 days a week • 7 am–10 pm

Mention this Ad and Receive 20% Off Your Next Bill of $10 or More at The Family Dog Expires 8/31/15

*Does not include beer, wine or spirits

Love The Family Dog?

Check out our latest ventures...

The Stray Dog Food Truck & Grammie’s Grilled Cheeses & Melts

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 45

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

Best Family Friendly Restaurant BEST ICE CREAM

Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

Houlton Dairy Farms, Houlton

CLOSE CALLS

BEST BURGER Burger Boy, Caribou

42%

Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus 38%

MOST ROMANTIC The cream puffs at Grammy’s Country Inn are a crowd pleaser for the whole family.

Cafe Sorpreso, Presque Isle 44% Lakeview Restaurant, Saint Agatha 40%

PICKS

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS NORTHERN MAINE

BEST OVERALL Long Lake Sporting Club, Sinclair BEST BAR Irish Setter Pub, Presque Isle

BEST BURGER Burger Boy, Caribou BEST CHOWDER Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

BEST PIE Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

BEST BREAKFAST Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

BEST FRENCH FRIES Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

46 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

BEST ICE CREAM Houlton Farms Dairy, Houlton

BEST SANDWICH Grammy’s Country Inn, Linneus

BEST PIZZA Pat’s Pizza, Presque Isle

BEST CHINESE Wing Wah, Lincoln

TIE!

Pizza Box, Presque Isle MOST ROMANTIC Cafe Sorpreso, Presque Isle

BEST PLACE TO TAKE OUT-OFTOWNERS Long Lake Sporting Club, Sinclair

VIEW/OUTDOOR TIE! SEATING Lakeview Restaurant, Saint Agatha Long Lake Sporting Club, Sinclair BEST STEAK Long Lake Sporting Club, Sinclair

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & MAYA KOVACHEVA PHOTOGRAPHY & KARANDAEV/THINKSTOCK.COM

READERS’

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

IRISH SETTER PUB VOTED BEST BAR Deborah Gustin, Owner, Irish Setter Pub, Presque Isle Favorite dishes on the menu: Beer battered pickles, bangers and mash and the Irish BLT. You bought the pub from the previous owners and have since built the business up even further. What have you learned?

I went to work for the Irish Setter Pub as a manager and when I heard they were selling the place, I had people say you should try buying it so I tried and I got it. I can't actually say I planned on going into business like that but I've learned so much more being an owner rather than a server or manager in a restaurant.

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

CLOSE CALLS BEST ETHNIC Cervesas Southwest Grill, Newport 37% Pad Thai Too, Waterville Ming Lee Chinese Restaurant, Waterville

33%

23%

BEST MICROBREW

BEST BAR

Kennebec River Brewery, The Forks

The Liberal Cup, Hallowell 37% Mainely Brews Restaurant & Brewhouse, Waterville 34%

Best Whoopie Pie

Big G’s Deli, Winslow

BEST OVERALL

25% 23%

Vittles Restaurant, Pittsfield Elevation Burger, Augusta 18 Below, Waterville

20%

Amici’s Cucina, Waterville

PICKS

17%

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS CENTRAL MAINE

BEST OVERALL Vittles Restaurant, Pittsfield

BEST BREAKFAST Purple Cow House of Pancakes, Fairfield

FAMILY FRIENDLY RESTAURANT Big G's Deli, Winslow

BEST LOBSTER ROLL Angler's Restaurant, Newport

BEST BAR The Liberal Cup, Hallowell

BEST BURGER Elevation Burger, Augusta

BEST FRENCH FRIES Vittles Restaurant, Pittsfield

BEST MICROBREW Kennebec River Brewery, The Forks

BEST BBQ Riverfront Barbeque & Grille, Augusta

BEST COCKTAIL The Liberal Cup, Hallowell

BEST ICE CREAM Butterfields Ice Cream, Dover-Foxcroft

BEST PIZZA Al’s Pizza, Skowhegan

BEST PIE Governor's Restaurant, Waterville

BEST ETHNIC Cervesas Southwest Grill, Newport

48 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

BEST SANDWICH Big G's Deli, Winslow

BEST WHOOPIE PIE Big G's Deli, Winslow BEST MEXICAN Margaritas Mexican Restaurant, Augusta

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & FOTOFERMER & BWFOLSOM/THINKSTOCK.COM

READERS’

Big G’s Deli in Winslow bakes all of its own pastries daily, including several varieties of whoopie pies. And they certainly don’t skimp on size.

Have

Plans For This

Weekend?

Visit Us Online!

Find Ideas on our online

calendar of events

burritos

bangormetro.com

OPEN 8 A.M. TO 8 P.M. EVERY DAY

2 MILL STREET • ORONO 91 MAIN STREET • BANGOR bangormetro.com www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 49

2015 BEST RESTAURANTS

VITTLES VOTED BEST OVERALL AND BEST FRENCH FRIES Richard LeRose, Chef and Owner, Vittles, Pittsfield

You’ve become known for serving both traditional comfort food and more adventurous fare. How do your customers respond?

You just have to strike a balance between food that everybody knows and loves, and satisfying your own creativity.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

Before you opened Vittles in 2011, you cooked in kitchens all over New England. What do you bring from that to Pittsfield?

Patience. If there's one thing I learned from all my years working in kitchens, it's that it's worth it to take the time. I'm just bringing what I've learned in my time here to Pittsfield.

food file

Summer Squash wit h

Halibut and Pesto Frank Giglio, chef at Three Lily Farm in Freedom, shares a summertime dish using local ingredients.

STORY & PHOTOS BY FRANK GIGLIO

T

his summery dish

utilizes fresh Maine seafood along with a host of summery ingredients that are readily available at farmer’s markets throughout the state. Halibut is the largest flatfish in the sea and has a firm, flakey texture that is best slightly undercooked to help prevent drying out.

Because of its firm texture, it can handle

peak freshness and season. A touch of oil and salt soften the zucchini enough to give it a “cooked” taste and texture.

I’m a big fan of pesto and love to incorporate an assortment of greens and herbs throughout the summer.

Wild greens like lamb’s quarter, as well as young spinach, baby kale and mustard greens add a little pop to the

Because of its firm texture, halibut can handle a grill well, so it’s perfect for summer outdoor cooking. a grill well, so it’s perfect for summer outdoor cooking.

Prepared raw, the tomato and zucchini take simple measures to enjoy food at their 52 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

standard basil recipe most of us are used to. Try an array of greens from the garden – you may be surprised just how tasty it is!

Food File

Any fresh greens you have on hand can be used to create the pesto.

Summer Squash with Halibut and Pesto

INSTRUCTIONS Preheat the oven to 350°F.

INGREDIENTS Two each 6-8 ounce halibut fillets 2 tablespoons butter 1 large ripe tomato 1 zucchini or summer squash

Place the almonds in a skillet and roast until golden brown, about 8-10 minutes. Remove from the oven and let cool.

FOR THE PESTO: 1/2 cup almonds 1 garlic scape or large clove 4 heaping cups of greens (kale, chard, beet, mint, parsley, cilantro, basil, etc.)

1/4 cup olive oil, plus more Splash of apple cider vinegar Sea salt Freshly cracked black pepper Balsamic vinegar and chives or edible flowers for garnish

Place the toasted almonds in a food processor along with the garlic and pulse to break up. Once roughly ground, add the greens and process. Season with salt and pepper then slowly add the vinegar and olive oil until the mixture blends up and becomes smooth. Remove from the processor, set aside.

Use a peeler or mandolin to slice the zucchini in thin lengthwise strips. Place in a bowl and drizzle with olive oil and sea salt.

Carefully use your hands to toss the zucchini then let stand for a few minutes. Slice the tomato into thin rounds and lightly salt and pepper.

To cook the fish, heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and a few tablespoons of olive oil. Season the fillet well with salt and pepper. Carefully place the fish into a hot pan and cook flesh side down for 2-3 minutes until golden brown crust is formed then flip and place in the oven to cook another 4-5 minutes depending on the thickness of the fillet.

Remove from the oven and let rest while you plate the meal.

To plate, spread a 1/4 cup of the pesto on the bottom of the plate then arrange the zucchini and tomato. Top with the fish then drizzle some balsamic vinegar and sprinkle with edible flowers or chives.

FRANK GIGLIO exudes a passion for nature-based living in all that he does, from his culinary pursuits to the simplest of day-to-day projects. Along with his family, the classically trained chef runs Three Lily Farm in Freedom in Waldo County – an off-the-grid homestead where he mentors and educates others on the importance of preparing and eating a real-food diet, growing their own fruits and vegetables, and connecting with nature through wild foraging, harvesting spring water, and simply spending time in the healthpromoting glory of the outdoors. His goal is to create a solar powered culinary school that will also serve as a kitchen to produce value-added products and cater farm-to-table dinners throughout the state.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 53

patten then & now

The Best Known

Small Town Everyone’s heard of Patten, despite its off-the-beaten path location. With access to Baxter State Park, beautiful lakes and a rich history, Patten is worth a visit.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD SHAW HISTORIC PHOTOS COURTESY OF PATTEN LUMBERMEN’S MUSEUM’S LEROY GILES COLLECTION, BANGOR PUBLIC LIBRARY, BANGOR DAILY NEWS AND MAINE HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

(Above) The view down Main Street, including the Patten Drug Store, today and many years ago courtesy of the Maine Historic Preservation.

54 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

T

ucked away

in Penobscot County’s northern panhandle, Patten might seem like a long way from anywhere. But the town of roughly 1,000 souls is close to the things that really matter: crystalclear lakes, a stunning view of Baxter State Park, and neighbors who seldom lock their doors.

“I think Patten is the smallest town in the world that everyone knows,” said Wayne Harvey, a former resident and WABI-TV morning news co-anchor. “No matter where I've gone, people know the town.

They say, ‘I used to bear hunt there,’

or ‘I went moose hunting there,’ or ‘I climbed Mount Katahdin,’ or ‘My college roommate was from Patten.’”

The second weekend in August, Pioneer Days rolls out a parade along with a bean-hole bean dinner and tours of the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum. The historic Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church also hosts a pie sale.

Incorporated in 1841 and named for Amos Patten, a Bangor lumberman, the town is easily accessible. Arriving from the north, I-95 exit 59 in Island Falls connects with Route 159 into town.

From the south, take exit 58 in Sherman, then Route 11 up Finch Hill, past www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 55

patten then & now The Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church today and, below, in a photo from the past.

The church will host a pie sale during the town’s Pioneer Days.

56 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

stunning views of Mount Katahdin.

There’s also scenic Route 11 south from Ashland, and for the adventurous, a jaunt through Baxter State Park from Millinocket to Mattagamon Lake, past Shin Pond Village. Gas up your vehicle before leaving home as fueling stations in Patten are almost as rare as Chipotle Mexican Grills. Share the road with moose and Amish buggies. Grab a bite at Ellis Family Market, Debbie’s Deli & Pizza, and, in season, Craig’s Clam Shop or The Hangar.

Area history is never far away in Patten, the first town built beyond Mount Katahdin, affording it 19th century access to lumbering along the Allagash and East

Branch rivers. It once boomed as farming and commerce grew as a result of its location. All the towns west of Houlton and north of Lincoln looked to Patten for their commercial and cultural needs.

The Historical Society’s museum on Main Street has fine exhibits, and at the lumbermen’s museum, curator Rhonda Brophy has cataloged the Leroy Giles photo collection of old boarding houses, blacksmith shops and a bandstand. Veterans Memorial Library, based in a former church, has a book by Lynn Brown, “Alice, Frankenstein, and Saturday Night Beans: A Young Girl's Memories of Bradford Farm,” that evokes yesterday’s Patten.

Town Stats First Incorporated: April 16, 1841 Named for: Amos Patten, Bangor lumber man who bought the township ca. 1828 Motto: Gateway to Aroostook and Baxter State Park Population: 1,005 (2012 estimate) Median resident age: 47.6

Landmarks: • Patten Lumbermen’s Museum • Finch Hill • Craig’s Clam Shop • Municipal airport • Patten Historical Society • Stetson Memorial United Methodist Church • Veterans Memorial Library

Elevation: 666 feet Notable people: • Gladys George, stage and movie actress • Lore Alford Rogers, dairy scientist and bacteriologist • Lou Rogers, writer and cartoonist • Chub Foster, Registered Maine Guide • John R. Hammond, 19th century civic leader • Caleb Scribner, co-founder, Patten Lumbermen’s Museum

The wooden walkway down to the harbor.

The view of Moun t Katahdin from Fin ch Hill.

(Above) Exterior view of an old postcard from the Lumberman’s Museum, courtesy Bangor Public Library. The second weekend in August, Patten’s Pioneer Days will include tours of the Patten Lumbermen’s Museum (left).

patten then & now The old Patten Academy, a school of around 100 students. (Right) The site is now a park, established by the Patten Woman’s Club.

Townsend Farm, then and now (below), in Patten.

Bradford Farm, located near the library, is now a bed and breakfast.

The six buildings on the B&B property are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

A town of sparkling memories and hopes for an abundant future is worth visiting any time of year.

Check out our interactive map of Patten at bangormetro.com 58 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Brown notes the demise of Great Northern Paper and the local plywood mill as hurting the economy, along with the advantages of sporting lodges, campgrounds and snowmobiling. Others tout the promise of a north woods national park.

Regardless of what the future holds, there is always the allure of Patten’s past, when events such as the 1947 New England basketball championship kept townspeople spellbound. Steve Richardson, chairman of the board of Katahdin Trust, recalled when the old Patten Academy, a school of around 100 students, upset Boston Latin High School – a school of more than 3,000 students, to clinch the championship.

Memories of that David and Goliath story are what make Patten special. A town of sparkling memories and hopes for an abundant future is worth visiting any time of year.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 59

60 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 61

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metro sports

Goal Oriented

Kaitlyn Hall volunteering in the Everglades with the Student Conservation Association (SCA).

University of New England soccer player a dedicated community volunteer. BY KATE BERRY

U

PHOTOS: LISA HALL & COURTESY OF KAITLYN HALL

niversity of

New England student Kaitlyn Hall has a resume that would have any employer or college admissions officer crying tears of joy. She was on the Dean’s List every semester of college, a member of a National Honor Society, an All-Commonwealth Coast Conference Honorable Mention – the list goes on.

Out of the lengthy list of awards and the sky-high GPA, there is something that makes this all even more captivating: Kait Hall’s community service record. She has a three-page attachment that explains and describes all of her collegiate volunteer and service activities over her college career. How does a student-athlete have the time for all of this?

Even so, why would a college student want to do all of this extra, unpaid work?

Hall, 22, grew up in the York County town of Dayton. Since she was little, she loved the game of soccer. Playing with the same group of girls from pee-wee level all the way through high school made the team seem more like a family to her. Her leadership roles started in high school at Thornton Academy where in her senior year she was a captain of the soccer team.

After a successful high school soccer career, Hall was not planning on continuing the sport at the collegiate level.

When she was looking at colleges, she did an overnight stay at the University of New England in Biddeford. The friend she stayed with was on the UNE Women’s Soccer team. After an introduction with the head coach, Heather Davis, Hall decided she would be a walkon for the Fall 2011 season.

“I’m really happy I decided to do it because, looking back, there is no way I could have gone through college without playing a sport,” Hall said. “It’s just part of my life.”

As co-captain of the 2014 University of New England Women’s Soccer team, she knew she had to be a leader. Hall thought that as a leader, she had to become more aggressive so that her teammates would respect her role as Captain.

This did not last long.

“Being friendly and approachable was a lot more helpful,” Hall said. “If there was something going on that [my teammates] didn’t want to bring up to the coach, then they would have me as that go-between.”

Leading by example both on and off the field was her biggest key to success as co-Captain.

“That’s what my coach put a huge focus on; giving back to the community,” Hall said. “It was really nice being part of a team that shared the same values.”

From 10k races to soup kitchens, from the soccer field to the dental office, Kait Hall has volunteered for a variety of causes. The most astounding detail is that little to none of the activities were mandatory. These hours, days and weeks spent volunteering were Hall’s choice.

Hall has her family to thank for her generosity and kindness.

“I’m so appreciative of having their support,” Hall said. “It’s definitely shaped me to be the person I am today.”

She also abides by the golden rule: treat others the way you want to be treated.

“I really take that to heart. I believe everyone deserves a chance. Everyone has

a story and I love hearing those stories. I honestly just like helping people.”

Between her practices and school work, it might seem impossible for Hall to have all that time for volunteering. That’s where her team sports experience paid off.

“Playing a sport was actually helpful [regarding] time management,” Hall explained. “You knew you had classes from this time to this time, some time off, then practice at this time. You had to do your homework or studying in between.”

It was no easy feat, but Hall got in a routine that allowed her to get it all done.

“Soccer definitely helped me shape my schedule and figure out when I would study. Often times I was that girl on the bus reading or studying,” said Hall.

Now a graduate of UNE, Hall will continue on to graduate school to fulfill her dream of becoming a dentist.

Looking ahead to the future, she wants to work in public health.

“It combines my career and my passion,” Hall said. “I’m able to make more of a difference by helping people that are really in need of it.”

Hall encourages other student-athletes to follow her lead and volunteer, not just for the resume-builder, but to make others genuinely happy.

“Doing [volunteering] for a resumebuilder is helpful, don’t get me wrong, but along the way the volunteer will realize that they are getting just as much from these people as they are giving. Seeing that smile on their face at the end of the day is such a great experience. Don’t be afraid to get out of your comfort zone and show people who you truly are.” www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 63

metro sports

Eye of the Tiger B ob Crowley,

a retired Gorham physics teacher and the 2008 winner of the CBS reality show “Survivor: Gabon” has survivor in his blood. For the past two years he's been giving ordinary Americans the opportunity to experience just a taste of what he went through, with his own real life survivor competition on his property called the Durham Warriors Survival Challenge.

It's a four-day event that pits 17 strangers against one another in 20 different challenges with all the proceeds benefitting the Durham Warriors Project, a 501(c)3 corporation that covers the cost for

the daughter was ejected from the plane.

“When the plane crashed it broke in two, and their little boy fell through the plane and then it fell on top of him.

About two months ago, my daughter brought that family into the yurt and then refunded them their money [courtesy of the Durham Warriors Project],” said Crowley. “That was the most meaningful one for me, to offer them a really fun day out after three years of rehab.”

Fans of the show along with friends, community members and local girls and boys scout troops help the Crowleys pull off the Durham Warriors Survival Challenge each August.

It’s a four-day event that pits 17 strangers

against one another in 20 different challenges with all the proceeds benefitting the Durham Warriors Project. disabled veterans, active duty military and their families as well as other nonprofits to stay at the Crowley's Maine Forest Yurts campground in Durham free of charge.

“We've actually had some really interesting situations, like where an Iraqi veteran living in Alaska got in a horrendous plane crash with his entire family.

They all should have been killed. None of them were, but they were severely injured,” said Crowley, explaining that the mother broke both legs and feet, the father broke both legs and his back, and 64 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

“We have people who are either ‘Survivor’ fans or who just like what we are doing help us build props, park cars or cook hamburgers [at the event],” said Crowley.

“We've got an engineer from Bath Iron Works, who's a big ‘Survivor’ fan and she designs our ropes course. I've been joking with her that she's donated 80 hours of her life building this maze and the challenge is only going to take 45 minutes.”

The Crowleys even have a small group of volunteer casting directors that select which participants will be

playing in the Durham Warriors Survival Challenge from a stack of applications.

“We had 64 apply from 25 states,” said Crowley. “Seventeen were chosen and just like on TV, half of them are men, half of them women, and all are various ages from around the country.”

Several “Survivor” alums will also be on hand including season 1 winner Richard Hatch along with two-time “Survivor” winner Sandra Diaz. Participants and spectators will also get to meet, take pictures and hang out with Jimmy Tarantino from “Survivor: Nicaragua,” Terry Deitz from “Survivor: Panama” and fellow Maine contestant Dan Foley from the 30th and most recent season of the show, “Survivor: Worlds Apart.” A few former “Survivor” players will even be competing in the actual challenge.

“The winner gets bragging rights and a lobsterman statue my cousin makes out of lobster shells,” chuckled Crowley.

“That's it.”

The Durham Warriors Survival Challenge will take place August 27-30 at the Maine Forest Yurts. Spectators are welcome to attend Friday through Sunday beginning at 8 a.m. Entry is by donation and parking for the event is located at 491 Auburn Pownal Road in Durham.

“It's really fun having the whole family involved in the yurt business. I'm working longer hours and harder [since I retired] but enjoying my work just as much as I was when I was teaching,” said Crowley.

For more information, log onto durhamwarriorschallenge.com.

PHOTO: COURTESY OF DURHAM WARRIORS SURVIVAL CHALLENGE

Reality show winner hosts Maine version of “Survivor.” BY JODI HERSEY

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 65

what’s happening

July 31-August 9 Bangor State Fair For 167 years the Bangor State Fair has delighted fun-lovers of all ages, with rides, games, music, exhibitions, farm animals, agricultural displays, competitions, food and much more. The fair, as always at Bass Park in Bangor, will offer $12 admission and an array of other fun things to do. bangorstatefair.com.

August 2 Livingston Taylor in concert Livingston Taylor, well-known songwriter who spends his summers in Washington County, will give a concert at the Community of Christ Church on Main Street on Sunday, Aug. 2 in Jonesport, to raise funds for the Peabody Memorial Library in Jonesport to benefit the library’s Music in the Library program. Tickets for the concert, priced between $30 and $50, are available online or by phone. peabody.lib.me.us • 497-3003

66 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

August 5 Garrison Keillor’s A Prairie Home Companion The beloved public radio program returns to Maine, with the summertime America the Beautiful tour set for 8 p.m.

Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium. This retrospective live show will feature classic bits from the radio program, with host Garrison Keillor leading the show. Tickets are $58-$93 and are available via Ticketmaster. ticketmaster.com

August 13-15 Ellsworth Antiques Show The Ellsworth Antiques Show at Woodlawn Museum, staged under a tent on the museum grounds, is America's longest running summer antiques show.

With a reputation as one of the finest summer antiques show in the country, the show will feature twenty-eight dealers of national as well as regional renown. Hours are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Sunday. Admission is $10.

August 7-9 Fort Kent International Muskie Derby Muskie fishing is considered one of the greatest freshwater sports fish challenges in all of North America. The scenic St. John River has over 225 miles of prime habitat for muskie fishing. For three days, anglers aim to catch the biggest muskie they can – all competing for the big cash prize. Register online. fortkent-muskie.com.

August 14-16 Belfast Harbor Fest For three days in August the Belfast Rotary Club hosts a celebration of boating and oceanside living, including a kickoff party sponsored by Marshall Wharf Brewing, a Saturday morning 5k run and blueberry pancake breakfast, the National Boat Building Challenge, the classic small boat show, the Come Boating! Regatta, the Saturday night barbecue and movie, and Sunday’s Cardboard Boat Challenge. belfastharborfest.com

August 12 Joe Bonnamassa This acclaimed electric blues guitarist will play a show as part of his “Three Kings” tour – referring to Albert, Freddie and the recently, dearly departed B.B. – at the Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion in Bangor. Tickets are available online. waterfrontconcerts.com August 13-23 Shakespeare in Stonington’s “The Merry Wives of Windsor” This summer’s Shakespeare production at the Stonington Opera House, directed

by Jeffrey Frace, is “The Merry Wives of Windsor.” Falstaff, the “Fat Knight,” rides into the town of Windsor, England with one thing on his mind – the ladies.

When two rich married women find themselves the object of his affections, they take the opportunity to show both him and their husbands the power of beauty and brains. Performances are Thursdays-Sundays. For tickets, visit: operahousearts.org

July 31-Aug. 9 Bangor State Fair at Bass Park

August 7-9 Fort Kent International Muskie Derby

August 13 Kenny Chesney and guests Country megastar Kenny Chesney performs at the Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion this summer, with guest opening artist Chase Rice, in his second appearance in Bangor. waterfrontconcerts.com.

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

August 14-16 Machias Wild Blueberry Festival It’s a landmark year for the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, which celebrates 40 years in Washington County with this year’s festival in mid-August. Entertainment, contests, craft fairs, an original musical, a parade round out this year’s schedule, though the star of the show is, of course, the wild blueberry – pie, cobbler, cake, ice cream, muffins, pancakes, shortcake, you name it. Admission, as always, is free; go online for a full schedule. machiasblueberry.com

August 14-16 Machias Wild Blueberry Festival

August 19-23 Bay Chamber Summer Music Festival This year’s Bay Chamber Summer Music Festival features five days of beautiful music in scenic Rockport.

Performances include Bach for Breakfast at 10 a.m. each day of the festival in Rockport’s Pascal Hall; an www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 67

EVENTS

THEATER

what’s happening

MUSIC

opening night gala featuring American composers performed by ensembles including Decoda and the Aeolus Quartet, set for 6 p.m. Aug. 19 at the Rockport Opera House; and a closing night Candlelit Baroque Concert at 6 p.m. Aug. 23 at the Brewster Point Barn. baychamberconcerts.org

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calendar of events

bangormetro.com 68 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

!

August 20 Reba McIntire She’s known as the queen of country, and with good reason -- Reba is a legend. She’ll return to the Bangor Waterfront with an August 20 concert at the Darling’s Waterfront Pavilion -- the last of the season. waterfrontconcerts.com August 20 Final 2015 Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series & Fresh Air Market The 10th annual Cool Sounds Summer Concert Series and Fresh Air Market wraps up August 20. Join us in West Market Square for a concert from 6-8 p.m. with Tomato Tomato with Goldenoak. The Fresh Air Market will be set up along Merchants Plaza and in Pickering Square, opening at 5 p.m.

Available items include artwork, specialty foods, jewelry, clothing and much more.

Food vendors will also be on site.

August 28-30 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront This beloved Bangor event, set for the next to last weekend in August, brings all your favorite things – food, friends, fun and lots of fantastic musicians from all over the world. Suggested donation per person is $10; for a full list of performing artists, visit: americanfolkfestival.com August 22 Internet Cat Video Festival and Fair, Rockland Harbor Park This summer’s cat-extravaganza is set for 5-9 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 22, featuring food vendors, live music and catthemed activities. Starting at sunset, this Farnsworth Museum-sponsored event will show a reel of 85 internet cat videos, on a 40 foot screen overlooking Rockland Harbor for a running time of 70 minutes. You’ll laugh, you’ll howl, you’ll cry, you’ll meow. The Farnsworth

is one of the venues for this worldwide cat festival phenomenon on tour from the Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.

For infor-meow-tion, visit: farnsworthmuseum.org August 23 The Color Run, Bangor The Shine Tour is here! Join the happiest 5K on earth. with new surprises in store thi s year. Grab your besties and spread the word because tickets will go fast. thecolorrun.com

August 28-30 American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront

August 27-30 Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Aroostook County shares a place in ballooning history as the home to two famous Transatlantic Balloon Flights. Because of space and available volunteer crew members, the COMBF plans to fly from 12 to 15 balloons each fest. There are also some small oneperson balloons called “cloud hoppers� that can now be seen each year. Go online for more details, including how to schedule a ride and details on the balloon glows, youth day and more! crownofmaineballoonfest.org www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 69

arts & culture

Seeing Beauty in the

Abstract

pler Artist Anna He

The abstract sculptures by artist Anna Hepler are on display now at the University of Maine Museum of Art.

BY EMILY BURNHAM

Anna Hepler may work largely in abstracts, but her approach to her work is practical and methodical. Hepler, whose newest exhibit, “Anna Hepler: Blind Spot” is on display at the University of Maine Museum of Art in Bangor through Sept. 19, has made a name for herself over the past two decades working in both two and three dimensions.

They could be monumental soft sculptures like the floating orb she installed at the Portland Museum of Art last year, or small ceramics and metal sculptures like the ones at the UMMA exhibit. Regardless of size, her work turns everyday materials – plastic, wire, rubber – into meditations on big concepts. Hepler, who will also be featured at the Portland Museum of Art Biennial this fall, spoke about her approach to art, and about living and working in Washington County.

Tell us about your current exhibit at the University of Maine Museum of Art. It’s mostly work from this year, though there are a few things from last year. I do a lot of both printmaking and sculpture, and go back and forth between the two constantly. I would say that the work is

70 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

divided into two general, conceptual categories. One is much more minimalist, 3D and 2D stuff… a more reductive kind of thing, that’s looking for essential forms.

Like an alphabet, or like molecules. Basic elements, from which you’d build other ideas off of. That’s the slightly older stuff.

And then the more current body of work is much more complicated, using patterns and forms. The forms are often two elements in conflict, in a kind of tension.

It’s all quite abstract, but using forms and patterns in different ways.

What is it about large pieces that you’re drawn to? What is it about size that you’re interested in?

Most of the work that happens on its own, naturally in the studio, is never that big. The big comes from an opportunity from a specific architectural place. And a lot of contemporary art spaces have cavernous spaces. Just huge. So in response to that, I tend to escalate the scale, and the pieces end up gigantic.

It’s not really my disposition, I think, to work that way! But whenever I’m in one of those spaces and circumstances, that becomes part of the challenge. So I think the challenge is a big appeal, for

PHOTOS: (ANNA HEPLER) FRANK VANRIPPER; (TOP) BDN FILE; (RIGHT) EMILY BURNHAM

E

astport-based artist

Anna Hepler’s exhibit “Blind Spot” is on display through Sept. 19 at the University of Maine Museum of Art in Bangor. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 71

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arts & culture me. And I think unfolding yourself on a scale like that, on a scale that is almost maddening, that just stretches you creatively in a particular way.

You’ve lived in Maine for some time, but what brought you specifically to Eastport?

I moved to Maine right after Sept. 11. I lived in the Portland area for about 10 years. Near the end of those 10 years, my husband and I were chasing a few different fellowships that took us out of Maine a few times. When you have the chance to step away from where you are, it’s an opportunity to land on different footing. So at that time, we were both feeling ready for some kind of a shift. We loved Portland, but we wanted something different, and a smaller town seemed like the right fit. It was my husband’s work that took us to Eastport in particular – he works in affordable energy for low-income people. Eastport seemed like a perfect petri dish for what he does, and for what I do.

What does living in a far-flung rural community afford you, as an artist and as an individual?

It’s always so hard to figure out the exact cause and effect of things, but I do think that every environment has its impact on your work. What [Eastport] affords is a lot of quiet, a very simple day-to-day life. It tones down the static that I think we otherwise are always contending with in our lives. And it’s affordable. It’s not a place where my whole life can take place. But it’s an amazing place to work, and to concentrate.

In the 15 years that you’ve lived and worked in Maine, has anything changed for the lives of visual artists here?

Certainly, the Portland community has undergone a lot of changes. But the circumstances in Portland are also very different from the rest of the state.

There’s a concentration of artists there that isn’t present, so much, in the rest of Maine. I think in terms of governmental support of the arts it’s become slightly more conservative. But in terms of the community of artists I know, the biggest thing is that there’s a shortage of galleries. The more important thing, however, is that the community of artists in Maine is incredibly strong and supportive and vibrant. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 73

per spectives

Jeffery Becton

Soft Chine

Depth in Feet 3

74 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

The Baths 10

Scallop Season

Home and Away

J

effery Becton

was born in Englewood, New Jersey. After studying history as an undergrad at Yale, he received an Masters of Fine Arts in graphic design from the Yale School of Art (now Yale School of Art and Architecture). He has exhibited in group shows throughout New England and New York State, and has been juried into 11 annual and biennial shows at the Center for Maine Contemporary Art and three Portland Museum of Art Biennials. He now lives and works in Deer Isle.

Since 1990 he has worked in a medium he calls “digital montage” — a seamless union of diverse visual elements in a composition which was originally a digital file. Primarily combining elements of photography, as well as painting, drawing, and scanned materials, the techniques Becton uses fosters and gives form to visual ambiguities, reexamining the boundaries of mixed media and creating altered realities that merge into images rich in symbolism both personal and archetypal.

Photographs by Becton are in five museum collections, including the Portland Museum of Art and the New Orleans Museum of Art. He regularly shows his work at The Turtle Gallery in Deer Isle, Elizabeth Moss Galleries in Falmouth, Courthouse Gallery Fine Art in Ellsworth, and VoxPhotographs in Portland. Becton will have a solo show on display at Bates College in Lewiston, beginning in November. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 75

savvy seniors

AARP Maine’s first ‘Scam Jam’ helps audience learn about scams and fraud.

BY JANE MARGESSON

76 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

I

n June,

AARP Maine held the state’s first “Scam Jam,” an event designed to raise awareness about common scams and fraud in Maine with speeches and workshops conducted by experts from state agencies leading the fight against these crimes. A capacity crowd of 300 Maine residents, members of law enforcement, state agency representatives and community leaders were in attendance at the Augusta Civic Center.

AARP was privileged to have Maine Attorney General Janet Mills as the keynote speaker. Mills discussed the top 10 scams in Maine including home repair, identity theft and lottery scams.

“The first step in fighting consumer fraud is prevention,” said Mills. “An informed consumer is a secure consumer.

I thank AARP for their work in educating their members and all older Mainers about what to look for and how they can protect their nest egg from scammers.”

Every year, millions of Americans lose billions of dollars to scams and fraud. As is the case in many states, identity theft tops of the list of such crimes in Maine.

Legislation designed to safeguard a person’s credit report through the placement of a security freeze will be enacted on Oct. 1. Once enacted, the current fees to place or remove a security freeze on credit reports will be eliminated. Because a security freeze safeguards a person’s credit report, it is one of the most effective ways to protect consumers from identity theft. The bill was introduced by AARP Maine and sponsored by Senator Rod Whittemore.

AARP’s history of safeguarding American financial security began more than 50 years ago and fighting identity theft and fraud is part of that core mission. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network (FWN), a national initiative, arms people with the tools they need to spot

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Fighting Senior Fraud

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and avoid fraud and scams so they can protect themselves and their families.

Throughout the day, the Scam Jam audience was encouraged to sign up for FWN’s action alerts to stay up to date on the latest scams. Anyone, of any age,

Volunteers at the AARP Maine Staff and d in June 2015 at first-ever Scam Jam, hel ter.

Cen c Civi a the August

can access FWN resources at no cost.

In Maine, AARP staff and volunteers regularly deliver scam awareness presentations and work in collaboration with the Maine Council on Aging, law enforcement, community leaders and other organizations to combat fraud and scams in the state.

In 2014, AARP Maine released a survey of Maine registered voters age 50 and older which included statistics concerning residents’ experiences with scams. According to the survey, four out of 10 registered voters in Maine age 50 and older have encountered a fraud or scam

(25%) or know someone else who has (16%) in the past five years.

If you would like to join our team of Fraud Fighters, please contact me by calling 1-866-554-5380. You can follow us on Facebook and Twitter @aarpmaine or find out more about our work in the state at www.aarp.org/me. By working together, we can empower our neighbors and their families, so they can become fraud fighters instead of fraud victims.

JANE MARGESSON is the AARP Maine communications director.

For More Information: Interested in joining the Fraud Fighters team?

Phone: 1-866-554-5380 Facebook: facebook.com/AARP Twitter: @aarpmaine On the Web: aarp.org/me

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 77

real estate

Room to Move Beautifully updated Hampden home with plenty of space both inside and out.

CALLING HAMPDEN HOME...

PROPERTY DETAILS:

MLS# 1225902 606 Western Avenue, Hampden $398,000 Details: Features 5 bedrooms, 2 full & 2 half baths, spacious great room with custom stone fireplace, kitchen with granite counters, large master bedroom with bath and walk-in closets. Step outside and enjoy the screened room beside the in-ground pool, concrete patio, hot tub, farm pond and farmer’s porch. New standing seam metal roof, newly paved drive with three-car garage.

Lisa Caron, RealtorÂŽ Realty of Maine 207-745-5568

Pick of the Month: 606 Western Ave., Hampden What do you love about this home?

I love this house because it is the best blend of the past and present. It feels like home.

78 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

COMMUNITY DETAILS: Population: 7,257

Attractions: Edythe L. Dyer Community Library, Lura Hoit Memorial Pool, Skehan Recreation Center, Hampden Academy, Creative Playground, numerous walking trails

(Clockwise from top left) The home features a spacious open kitchen with granite countertops. A custom-built stone fireplace welcomes guests in the large great room. A scenic pond and split-rail fence adorns the 9.7 acre yard. The home offers five bedrooms, 2 full bathrooms and 2 half baths. Outdoor features include multiple porches. The spacious master bedroom has its own bath and walk-in closet. The screened room overlooks the in-ground pool.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 79

real estate BANKS

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Winterport • MLS#1214220 MOTIVATED SELLERS, PRICE REDUCED! Desirable school district, 4 BR/2.5 bath cape, attached 2 car garage, 2.33 wooded acres. $194,900 Jessie Daniels Realty of Maine Office: 207-991-8980 jdanielsbangor@gmail.com

Your listing could be on this page Sell it faster. Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Real Estate Guide. Call 941-1300.

Winterport • MLS#1139054 In-town restored farmhouse with new windows, re-shingled, lots of antique features include lighting, crown moldings, wide pine floors, built-ins.

Seasonal water views. $118,000 LuAnne Adams 107 Main Street, Belfast Cell: 207-322-5930

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Glenburn • MLS#1210742 Completely updated 3 bedrm, 2.5 bath multi-level home in quiet Glenburn subdivision. Open kitchen with granite; deck & private backyard. $247,500 Lisa Caron Realty of Maine Office: 207-745-5568 lisacaronrealtor@gmail.com

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call 990-8219 80 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Verona Island • MLS#1219627 Oversized, contemporary raised ranch on beautiful private park-like setting. Open floor plan, 4-season sunroom, 3 bedrooms. $262,900 Linda Gardiner Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group Office: 207-478-5841 lindagardiner@masiello.com

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Edinburg • MLS#1154137 Amazing modern home overlooking Penobscot River. 4 br, 2.5 ba, 2 car garage, 17 acres. 25 min to Bangor. $369,999 Jessie Daniels Realty of Maine Office: 207-991-8980 jdanielsbangor@gmail.com

Edinburg • MLS#1158106 Endless possibilities for this 37,000 sq ft, 3 story commercial building with 4 garage bays. 25 mins to Bangor and incredibly low taxes! $124,900 Jessie Daniels Realty of Maine Office: 207-991-8980 jdanielsbangor@gmail.com

Orono • MLS#1206018 Charming eco-friendly classic cape with greenhouse, near UMaine!

3 bedroom, 1.5 baths, 1 car garage & finished basement. NEW PRICE: $219,900 Jessie Daniels Realty of Maine Office: 207-991-8980 jdanielsbangor@gmail.com

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 81

maine

woods & waters

What’s in a

Exploring the meaning behind the Native American names of Maine’s towns and rivers.

ong before

the first European colony was established on St. Croix Island in 1604, most of the locations in Maine were already named.

Those who trod the land before the newlyarrived settlers left a legacy of place names that dominates the landscape today.

It didn’t have to be that way, either.

Virginia was first colonized at Roanoke Island in 1607, just three years after Maine’s first colony. Some of the native place names remain there, but very

BY BOB DUCHESNE

hearing. Indian nations had no written language at the time, though one exists now and helps to preserve the language.

Thus, there are different English spellings for the same Wabanaki roots.

Indian place names were, above all, practical. Most described a geographic feature of the location, especially along rivers, which were the highways of their time. Such features were often named from the perspective of the downstream paddler looking upstream. A gravel bar,

Indian place names were, above all, practical.

Most described a geographic feature of the location, especially along rivers,

which were the highways of their time. few. The Potomac, Rappahannock, and Monongahela Rivers are of native derivation. But Virginia succumbed almost entirely to the English tradition of naming settlements after European people and places. Maine is different.

James Francis is Penobscot Tribal Historian. Last summer, he took the time to educate me about the Wabanaki place names in Maine. I had been curious about the meaning of these names for a long time. It bugged me that I was visiting towns, lakes and rivers with names of obvious historical significance that were a complete mystery to me.

As I suspected, the current written form of Indian place names is an Anglicization of what colonists thought they were 82 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

ledge or confluence were notable landmarks. Some names reflected resources to be found at the location, such as places to catch fish and eels, harvest edible plants or collect raw materials for crafts and tools. Some names described cultural activities, such as a place for tanning hides or drying fish.

Naturally, many place names refer to the actual location. These are called “locatives.” Names that end with “keag” mean “place of.” So Kenduskeag is the place of water parsnips. Passadumkeag is the place above the gravel bar. Mattawamkeag is an elevated gravel bar on the river.

Likewise, “scot” probably comes from the same “kek” root in the spoken language, and was Anglicized with a different

spelling. The Penobscot River is named for the place where the river tumbles down the ledges between Old Town and Bangor.

James Francis tells me that the suffix “unk” refers to streams that were impassable by canoe. The Nesowadnehunk runs through Baxter State Park, and it means literally “the stream between the mountains.” Other paddle-defying rivers include names like Sedgeunkedunk and Caratunk.

On the other hand, rivers that ended in “ook,” such as the Alamoosook River, were paddle-friendly. Another local stream in Hampden, the Souadabscook, was a canoe-able river with a name that meant “at the sloping ledge.” It was paddled in conjunction with the Sebasticook, eventually emptying into the Kennebec and on to the sea. This was a significant water highway.

The origin of many ancient names remains uncertain. The town of Norridgewock seems to be one of those. Clearly this was a significant Wabanaki name, because there is a Nauwigewauk not far over the border in New Brunswick. Often, the geographic feature for which a location has been named is now obliterated. Dams have submerged landmarks.

Roads and bridges have altered terrain.

The Maine names of Skowhegan, Tomhegan, Baskahegan, and Monhegan suggest that “hegan” was a significant root. However, the meaning is somewhat obscure. Skowhegan has been variously described to me as a “place to watch for fish” and “place to wait,” likely for a rendezvous.

BDN FILE PHOTOS

L

Name?

Root Words

The Native American root of many Maine towns, rivers and locations describe certain geological features. Here’s a look at a few of the most common suffixes...

Birch Island in the Penobscot River got its name from the Penobscot language as well as nearby Hemlock Island.

Right: Monhegan, Skowhegan and similarly named towns have Native American roots.

Some English names are direct translations from the original language.

The Indian name for the Stillwater River meant “still water.” Birch Island in the Penobscot River in Greenbush provided birch bark for canoes, and was called that name in antiquity. Blue Hill overlooking Penobscot Bay was known by that label before the colonists arrived.

Keag

• Meaning: “Place of” • Towns: Kenduskeag (place of water parsnips), Passadumkeag (place above the gravel bar), Mattawamkeag (elevated gravel bar on the river)

Unk

Then there are some names that have quite colorful meanings. Henry John Bear is the Maliseet Representative to the Maine Legislature. He told me that the county now known as Sagadahoc was an understood border area. The name comes from the word “siktahah,” which directed: “kill anyone who comes north of here with a stick.”

• Meaning: Impassable by canoe • Towns: Nesowadnehunk, Sedgeunkedunk, Caratunk

BOB DUCHESNE is a local radio personality, Maine guide, and columnist. He lives on Pushaw Lake with his wife, Sandi.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 83

Special Section Featuring Northern Maine

by Bangor Metro

Flying

PHOTOS: BDN FILE & LAURIE CATES

T

High

12th annual Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, including street fair, tractor pulls and more, coming to Presque Isle.

he 12th annual

Crown of Maine Balloon Fest kicks off at 5 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 27, with a street fair at the Presque Isle Elks Lodge on Main Street.

The festival was born as part of the 2004 Isle Fest, when local pilot Dena Winslow and Canadian pilot Wild Bill Whelan convinced the Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce to give it a try. In addition to Winslow and Whelan, Doug Shippee from New Brunswick flew that first year.

Isle Fest 2005 saw the expansion to five balloons and in 2006 the number

BY AIMEE THIBODEAU

of balloons rose to nine and Isle Fest was renamed the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest. Since then, the festival has continued to grow and has seen some of the best flying around.

Aroostook County also holds a place in ballooning history as the home to two famous Transatlantic Balloon Flights. In 1978, the Double Eagle II launched from Presque Isle and made the first successful crossing of the Atlantic. In 1984, Joe Kittinger became the first person to make the solo Transatlantic balloon journey, he launched from Caribou.

See page 86 for a full schedule of events. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 85

Crown of Maine Balloon Fest Schedule The schedule for this year’s festival is:

Thursday, Aug. 27 5-9 p.m. - Street Fair, Presque Isle Elks Lodge, Main Street 5:30 p.m. - Mass Ascension

86 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Friday, Aug. 28

5:30 a.m. - Mass Ascension 4-9 p.m. - Craft Fair and Vendors 5 p.m. - Tethered Balloon Rides, $10 for ages 12 and over; $5 for children under 12. Sponsored by Irving Woodlands LLC, weather permitting, Tickets will be limited to 150, on a first come, first serve basis.

5:30 p.m. - Ribbon Burning Ceremony and Mass Ascension 6:30 p.m. - Open Mic Night, Sponsored

by Presque Isle and Caribou Inn Convention Centers Dusk - Balloon Glow

Saturday, Aug. 29 5:30 a.m. - Mass Ascension 7-10 a.m. - Pilot and Crew Breakfast 8 a.m. - City Wide Yard Sale 9 a.m. - Color Presque Isle 5K, Riverside Park 11 a.m.-9 p.m. - Craft Fair and Vendors Open

High Quality Low Cost

10 a.m.-1 p.m. - Youth Day at the Forum, Sponsored by Presque Isle Kiwanis Club and Cary Medical Center 5 p.m. - Tethered Balloon Rides, $10 for ages 12 and over; $5 for children under 12. Sponsored by Irving Woodlands LLC, weather permitting, Tickets will be limited to 150, on a first come, first serve basis.

5:30 p.m. - Mass Ascension Dusk – Balloon Glow

Sunday, Aug. 30 PHOTOS: BDN FILE & LAURIE CATES

5:30 a.m. - Mass Ascension 8:30 a.m. - Sponsor and Landowner Breakfast, Presque Isle Inn and Convention Center, $10 per person 10 a.m. - COMBF 5K Road Race For information, visit crownofmaineballoonfest.org.

Get BOTH at the University of Maine at Presque Isle UMPI is one of the 15 TOP PUBLIC SCHOOLS in the North* and THE MAINE REGIONAL COLLEGE in the North

for graduates with the LEAST DEBT*

umpi.edu 207 768.9532

*U.S. News and World Report 2015 BEST COLLEGES list

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 87

Riding for a Cause

B

icyclists from

around New England pedaled their way around northern Maine for two days in July taking in the sights, smells and tastes of Aroostook County during Ride Aroostook.

In its fifth year, the annual ride raises funds for Camp Adventure, a Maine-based summer camp based out of Cary Medical Center for children with Type 1 Diabetes.

More than 50 riders rode up to 145 miles over Saturday and Sunday taking them from the University of Maine Presque to Easton, Fort Fairfield, Caribou, Stockholm, New Sweden and Mapleton.

“This has been the best two days of riding in my life,” Danny Watson, of East Millinocket, said. “The scenery [and] the people are the best up here.”

Back for her third year was U.S. Navy veteran Sandy Buckles, who is with the Ride 2 Recovery group.

“I love this ride,” Buckles said. “You have two days of beauty of The County and all the fresh air.”

Buckles routinely rides with Ride 2 Recovery on the challenge rides that use five-day bicycle rides to help servicemembers and veterans overcome physical, mental or emotional wounds.

“I’d love to get a Wounded Warrior ride up here,” Buckles said.”It’s so well organized and a good mix of hills and open country.”

Ride Aroostook organizers were unsure Sunday how much money the event raised for Camp Adventure this year, but Bill Flagg, event chairman and Cary Medical Center public relations director, said it would be significant.

“Camp Adventure is such a great cause,” said Bill Flagg, event chairman and Cary Medical Center public relations director. “I would recommend anyone

K t e n or FInternational t Fort Kent, Maine

88 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Pedaling through The County for Ride Aroostook. BY JULIA BAYLY

who would be interested to learn more about it and visit it.”

In addition to the standard camping activities like hiking, swimming and boating, participants at Camp Adventure learn how to manage their diabetes under the supervision of volunteer medical staff.

Volunteers are a big part of Ride Aroostook and Penny McHatten, volunteer coordinator, worked with a crew of 30 who staffed checkpoints, monitored road crossings and drove trucks along the route to offer help to any cyclist in need.

“It went perfectly this year,” McHatten said Sunday. “The volunteers are a big part of keeping everyone safe and everyone did their job this year to do just that.”

Flagg is already looking ahead to next year.

“We want to shoot for 100 riders next year,” he said. “That is going to be the theme of our campaign.”

Arctic Monkeys

Playing The Soundtrack For Your Summer!

90 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

FamilGuide y

CHILDCARE OPTIONS \ CHEESY TRADITIONS \ RETIREMENT PLANNING

2015

LOOKING AHEAD

talking to aging parents

MEDITERRANEAN AT HOME tasty recipe with local ingredients

9 FAMILY HIKES perfect for all ages

Family Guide

9 Family-Friendly

Check out our interactive map of familyfriendly hikes at bangormetro.com

L

ooking at online

trail descriptions and photos, it’s often difficult to judge what trails are best for kids. The following are nine trails (or trail networks) that are easy, lead through beautiful habitats and offer opportunities to learn about nature, making them ideal for children, families and others interested in the flora and fauna of Maine. This is by no means a complete list, as there are many nature trails in the state that are great for kids, but it’s a little something to get you started.

Hikes Finding a great hike for little ones is no picnic. Aislinn Sarnacki shares her top 9 nature hikes perfect for the whole family.

STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI

1. Wolfe’s Neck Woods State Park

With educational signs scattered along 4.5 miles of intersecting trails, Wolfe’s Neck is an excellent spot for kids of all ages to learn about nature. The signs include diagrams, photos and written information about various habitats and wildlife seen throughout the property. And if you have very young children with you, a good portion of the trail network is stroller accessible. The park also features private picnic areas and a beach, where you can search for horseshoe crabs.

How to get there: The park is easy to find. From Route 1 in Freeport, turn onto Bow Street, which is across the road from L.L.Bean. Drive about 2.4 miles, then turn right onto Wolfe’s Neck Road. Drive about 1.5 miles and the park entrance will be on the left. Pay the park admission fee at the entrance gate before parking in one of the two large parking areas. rk oods State Pa Wolfe’s Neck W

92 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

2. Trenton Communit y Trail

The trail starts out as a single trail and splits into a loop. At the far end of the loop is a wide boardwalk that travels out into a peat bog, which is home to a variety of interesting plants, including carnivorous ones such as the pitcher plant. Educational signs on the boardwalk platform help you understand what you’re seeing. The entire hike, out and back, is 2.4 miles. There are multiple benches and interpretive signs along the trail, where you can stop and learn about area wildlife and habitats. While the trail is relatively flat, the footing can be tricky in some areas, making it difficult for young children.

There are many narrow bog bridges that span over soggy sections of trail.

How to get there: A large paved parking area for the trail is located at the end of Gateway Center Drive, which is on the west side of Route 3 in Trenton. To get there from Ellsworth, start where Route 1-Route 3 split and take Route 3 south toward Mount Desert Island. Drive for about 4.9 miles to Gateway Center Drive, a wide paved road that will be on your right. Drive to the parking area at the end of the drive, at the turnaround. The trail kiosk and trailhead are visible from the parking area.

3. Hirundo Wildlife Refuge in Alt on

This 2,404-acre refuge spans Pushaw and Dead Streams, a man-made pond, wetlands and forestland. Open to the public year round, the refuge features an extensive trail system that is clearly marked and signed, and three of the trails in the network are interpretive trails with self-guided tour brochures. And if you’d rather learn about nature with a group, the refuge naturalist works with other wildlife experts to organize a wide variety of programs, including guided nature walks and paddles, on a regular basis.

Hirundo Wildlife Refuge

How to get there: Several entrances to Hirundo Wildlife Refuge are located on Route 43 (or Hudson Road) in Alton. Gate 1, the main entrance, is located just east of where Route 43 intersects with Kirkland Road. Gate 1 leads to Pine Tree parking lot, Wabanaki and Pushaw Stream interpretive nature trails, and the Parker Reed Shelter at Lac D’Or. Ga te 2 leads to parking and multiple walking trails. Gate 3 has parking for the canoe trails and Pushaw Stream Trail. And Gate 6, located across from Gate 1, offers 5 additional trails.its present size of 2,402 acres.

4. Fields Pond Audubon Center in Holden

Fields Pond Audubon Center is a 192-acre wildlife sanctuary with trails winding through field, wetland and forest, and along the shore of the 85-acre Fields Pond, where people often see large snapping turtles. Bird boxes and feeders placed throughout the fields, attracting a wide variety of birds. To learn about the wildlife you’ll undoubtably spot as you walk the trails, visit the sanctuary nature center, where there are taxidermy displays, wildlife artwork and a store. The center offers dozens of year-round public programs and day camps for children.

How to get there: From Route 1A in Holden, turn onto Copeland Hill Road. Drive until you reach a stop sign.

Turn right on Wiswell Road. You’ll pass Copeland Hill Cemetery. In a little less than a mile, turn left onto Fields Pond Road. Drive about 1 mile. Fields Pond Audubon Center will be on your left. Pick up a map of the trails in the center or from the wooden cubby on the right side of the nature trails kiosk.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 93

Family Guide 5. McPhetres Farm Forest in Veazie

The trails in McPhetres Farm Forest add up to a little less than 1.5 miles. The forest is fairly hilly, so expect a few short uphill climbs, as well as bog bridges and exposed tree roots. The forest is a certified tree farm in the national American Tree Farm System and is a great place to learn about tree identification and forestry practices. The trails lead visitors through a wide variety of trees, including white ash, sugar maple, beech, red pine, white oak and a stand of towering white pines that’s more than 100 years old. Educational signs are located throughout the trail network so people can learn about forest management and natural features, such as cavity trees and ant mounds. This hike may be more interesting to older kids.

How to get there: From the intersection of Route 2 (State Street) and Mount Hope Avenue in Veazie, drive about 0.3 mile north (toward Orono) on Route 2 and turn left onto the dirt road at the north end of Fairview Cemetery. Drive to the end of the short road, following signs to the parking area for McPhetres Farm Forest.

6. Hidden Valley Nature Center in Jefferson

Home to nearly 30 miles of multi-use forest trails, Hidden Valley Nature Center is a nonprofit education center that gives visitors access to 1,000 acres of contiguous forest in Lincoln County, including more an one mile of shoreline on Little Dyer Pond. For kids, there’s a great group of easy trails right near the main trailhead and parking area. At the gatehouse near the trailhead, you can pick up trail maps and a pamphlet for a scavenger hunt game that involves “Trail Guys,” large wooden green men created by Aaron Weissblum, a local game designer and artist. The Trail Guys are posted on trees along the kid-friendly Warbler Trail as well HVNC’s community clearing, where picnic tables are located. Each Trail Guy has a different symbol on its chest, as well as a corresponding letter. The goal is to find each Trail Guy and record their letters to decode directions to “the scroll,” where you can write your name and email to be put into a drawing for prizes. Also not far from the parking lot is the Kettle Hole Bog Boardwalk, where there are several educational signs explaining about the various flora and fauna that can only be found in a sphagnum moss bog.

How to get there: Hidden Valley Nature Center is located at 131 Egypt Road in Jefferson. To get there, start at the intersection of Route 194 (Jones Woods Road) and Route 215 (S Clary Road) in Newcastle; drive on Route 215 for 4.4 miles and turn left onto Egypt Road. Drive 0.5 miles and the gate parking area will be on your left, just before the gate, which bars visitors from the center’s service road. Hike up the service road and you will come to a kiosk on the right, which includes a donation box, trail maps and plenty of information about the center.

94 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Hidden Valley Nature Center

7. Birch Point Trail in Steuben

Birch Point Trail is one of two interpretive trails in the Petit Manan Point Division of the Maine Coastal Islands National Wildlife Refuge Complex.

Birch Point Trail The hike is a little more than 4 miles, round trip, and travels over fairly even terrain. Most of the trail is wide and smooth. At the far end of the hike, the short trail to Lobster Point and the small loop trail to Birch Point are both narrow and require more attention to footing. The Birch Point Trail starts in a blueberry field, then passes through a mixed forest and leads to the salt marshes of Dyer Bay. Chairs and benches are located along the trail, as well as several colorful interpretive signs. The trail exploring Birch Point is a small loop that leads to several views of the water and crosses a cobble beach, which hikers can learn more about from an interpretive sign by the shore.

How to get there: Take Pigeon Hill Road off Route 1 in Steuben and follow it to the end. The parking area for the Birch Point Trail is 5.8 miles from Route 1, and the parking area for the Hollingsworth Trail is 6.2 miles from Route 1.

8. Beech Hill Preserve in Rockport Beech Hill Preserve

9. Orono Bog Boardwalk in Bangor and Orono

Beech Hill Preserve, 295 acres of blueberry fields and forest in Rockport, is one of the official stops on the Maine Birding Trail, with more than 125 species on its checklist. The preserve’s Summit Road Trail is just 0.75 mile and leads to Beech Nut, a historic stone building at the top of Beech Hill, making for a 1.5-mile round trip. The trail is wide and smooth much of the way, making it a great walk for children. A few educational displays along the trail tell visitors about the grassland habitat and blueberry operation, as well as the history of Beech Nut. How to get there: There are two trailheads to the trail network of Beech Hill Preserve. To start on the Summit Road Trail, the first and original trail of the preserve, drive to Rockport on Route 1 and turn onto Beech Hill Road. Drive about a mile on Beech Hill Road and the parking area is on the left, just past the old gate to Beech Hill and a stone wall. To start on the Woods Loop Trail, drive to Rockport on Route 1, turn onto Rockville Street, and drive about 0.7 miles. The parking area is on the right.

This particular walk is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Starting on wide gravel trails of the Rolland F. Perry City Forest in Bangor, the Orono Bog Boardwalk is a 1-mile long boardwalk traveling through a forest filled with ferns and out into a large peat bog.

Along the way are many benches and detailed displays about the various plants and birds. Keep an eye out for the carnivorous pitcher plants in the bog. Volunteer naturalists offer guided walks on the boardwalk, usually to groups, on a regular basis.

How to get there: From Bangor, drive toward Orono on Stillwater Avenue and turn left onto Tripp Drive.

Continue to the end of Tripp Drive. At the cul-de-sac, drive straight onto a dirt road, which will lead you to one of the Bangor City Forest parking lots. At the right end of the parking lot, a 0.25-mile, wide forest trail leads to a small building, picnic tables and kiosk. The boardwalk starts from there.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 95

Family Guide Celebrating Family Milestones

with Jewelry

Families Celebrating Families through Jewelry:

I

An Interview with Day’s Jewelers and Chamilia.

n honor of

Bangor Metro’s Family Issue, Troy Hines, Designer for Swarovski Group’s Chamilia brand, and Julie Collins, Buyer for Day’s Jewelers, interviewed each other about the legacy of creating jewelry that strengthens family bonds…

Day’s Jewelers is honored to have served families in Maine communities for more than 100 years. Working with brands like Chamilia helps us to maintain that reputation, because your standards for craftsmanship are very high.

Day’s Jewelers: Chamilia is my go-to brand when I’m searching for something that will celebrate family milestones. Why is your brand so amazing at knowing what my customer wants?

Chamilia: Yes, Chamilia is a Swarovski Group brand, which means it is subject to strict Swarovski Group guidelines for quality and aesthetic standards. What some people don’t realize is that Swarovski is also a family run business, so they know a thing or two about what matters in heritage workmanship.

Isn’t Day’s Jewelers a family-run company, too?

Chamilia: “Milestones” is one of the pillar qualities that the Chamilia brand is based on. Fine jewelry is not just an aesthetic purchase; it’s also an emotional purchase for most people.

When a woman puts on her sterling silver Chamilia bracelet each day, she’s celebrating her family and her relationships.

And we always have that in mind when we are designing Chamilia’s collections.

Why do you think families are so important to Day’s Jewelers?

Day’s Jewelers: Families are the bedrock of our business. Day’s has been a Maine family owned for over 100 years. I agree; fine jewelry is a special purchase. Customers are usually celebrating something memorable when they are making that purchase. And at Day’s, that occasion almost always involves their loved ones. We really share in the experience with them when we help them choose the perfect item. It’s fantastic that the Chamilia brand allows for us to customize the product to fit the unique personality and occasion involved in each situation.

Chamilia: Personalization is important to the Chamilia brand, which is why we offer more than 400 exclusive charms. We have gotten feedback that the Chamilia brand actually leads to an engagement ring sale, because as the local jeweler celebrates each small milestone in the couple’s relationship by offering special pieces from Chamilia’s collections, they get to know the couple so well that they already know which rings they would want to celebrate their wedding.

Day’s Jewelers: It sure is. I think one of the driving factors behind the success of Day’s Jewelers is that they know what’s important to other families because their own family is committed to this business. In 2014, as part of our 100th anniversary we raised $100,000 to support children in need. We are a family brand and we hold ourselves accountable by giving back to the community. I always appreciate that same level of accountability and support from your brand!

Chamilia: It’s a delight to know you feel that way. What do you think is next in jewelry for the families of Bangor?

Day’s Jewelers: As we continue to serve the generations of families that have been coming to us for years, I’m always interested in finding out what the younger families are looking for.

There’s always a new group of amazing people ready to celebrate their milestones. So I might be looking to you for the answer to that question!

Would you say that is how your retail process works?

Day’s Jewelers: Absolutely. Day’s Bangor is a lovely place where people really get to know about each other and what’s good in their community. Word spreads fast. Building and maintaining a reputation for excellence is also no easy task.

96 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Paid Advertisement for Day’s Jewelers.

About Day’s Jewelers Day’s Jewelers has six physical store locations in Maine and New Hampshire as well as a full e-commerce website, www.days jewelers.com with over 10,000 items on display. All of the Day’s locations feature a full service department, custom jewelry designers, and offer the largest selection of diamonds and fine jewelry in New England. Day’s, a Maine based company, was founded in Portland in 1914 and employs 140 people in Maine and New Hampshire and was named one of the Best Places to Work in Maine. Day’s is owned by Kathy, Jim and Jeff Corey and operates out of the headquarters in Waterville, Maine.

To learn more about Day’s Jewelers visit www.daysjewelers.com.

About Chamilia Based in Cranston, RI, Chamilia is an American company that was established in 2002. Since its purchase in 2013, it has been a member of the Swarovski Group, a world leader in quality and innovation.

Each of the more than 400 exclusive charms available from the brand are made from .925 sterling silver or 14 karat gold and feature genuine Swarovski Crystals or Zirconia, or Italian Murano Glass.

The brand follows strict Swarovski Group guidelines for quality and aesthetic excellence. For more information, please go to www.chamilia.com.

About Swarovski Swarovski delivers a diverse product portfolio of unmatched quality, craftsmanship and creativity. Founded in 1895 in Austria, Swarovski Crystal Business designs, manufactures and markets crystals, natural and created gemstones, finished products such as jewelry, accessories and lighting.

The company’s film division, Swarovski Entertainment, produces artistically accomplished feature films with global box-office appeal. The Swarovski Foundation was set up to honor the philanthropic spirit of the company by supporting creativity and culture, promoting wellbeing and conserving natural resources.

Now run by the fifth generation of family members, Swarovski Crystal Business has a global reach, with over 2,350 stores in about 170 countries and more than 25,000 employees, www.swarovskigroup.com. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 97

Family Guide

Starting a

Cheesy Tradition

How Cheesy Mondays opened our minds about food.

I

t all started

with the desire to check out Bangor Wine & Cheese on Hammond Street not long after my kids and I moved to Bangor. The store, with its display of cheeses and cured meats, selection of olives, olive oils and vinegars and rack of breads, was just so inviting.

That first trip – the one in which I invited my two kids to each choose a cheese to try – quickly blossomed into something much more. It became our weekly Monday ritual, which we dubbed “Cheesy Mondays.”

Over the course of several months, we tried nearly every cheese in the display case, finding both favorites and ones

98 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

STORY & PHOTOS BY SARAH WALKER CARON

we’ll never have again. We’ve discovered that while my 7-year-old daughter loves goat cheese (in small quantities, of course), my 9-year-old son and I are less fond of it. Pungent aged cheeses like a three-year aged gouda in a rich orangeyellow hue from Bangor Wine & Cheese quickly became a favorite. And there’s a triple cream brie that my daughter and I cannot get enough of.

But Cheesy Mondays is about more than just cheese. It’s about trying new things, and being open-minded about the foods we eat. My kids are already voracious eaters who will try just about anything once (yes, I know how lucky that makes me as a mom). But this has pushed their limits, especially as we delved into cheeses we really weren’t sure we’d like. There were some weeks when we really didn’t love any of the cheeses we choose – and that was okay.

Since starting Cheesy Mondays, we’ve expanded our efforts to include cured meats, different breads and even cheeses from other stores like Tiller & Rye in Brewer, which occasionally sells a fresh mozzarella we all love.

Want to try it yourself?

Here are a few tips: • Be flexible: When we started Cheesy Mondays, the rule was that we couldn’t repeat any cheeses. But after several weeks of not liking any cheeses, we relaxed this rule, allowing for favorites to intermingle with new cheeses. This made for a more enjoyable experience.

• Keep some constants: We’ve tried a few breads, but ultimately, there’s a baguette at Bangor Wine & Cheese we love most. So we often stick to that. The constant of it means we can focus on the flavors of the cheeses more.

• Mix it up: Adding cured meats, fruits, veggies and olives to the menu rounds out our Cheesy Mondays as a meal. It’s fun, but it also means that we can enjoy this as dinner. It just didn’t work for us to have both Cheesy Mondays and dinner.

• Keep it fun: There have been weeks where we just didn’t want cheese. On those weeks, we skipped our ritual – and it was OK. It’s meant to be fun, not a chore.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 99

Family Guide

Unexpected

Planning for the

When is enough insurance coverage, enough?

BY SANDRA J. PHINNEY, CPIW, VICE PRESIDENT – PERSONAL LINES FOR CROSS INSURANCE

of accidents, incidents and allegations, it’s hard to know how much insurance coverage you might need, but here are some tips you might find helpful.

Home Insurance With home insurance there are basically two parts to consider a) Property insurance to cover your property b) Liability insurance to protect you if someone else is injured on your property.

Property insurance: As for your home, consider what it would cost to reconstruct your home at today’s labor and material prices. As a general rule, if you want replacement-cost coverage on your home, you need to insure to estimated replacement cost. Most losses are partial losses, such as a kitchen fire. Even in that instance, it’s very important for you to be insured-to-value so that you do not get into a situation where you have to take a significant amount of money out of your pocket to pay for repairs. To over-simplify it, if you only have half the amount of coverage you should have, then you may receive only half of the amount of your damages. If it costs $20,000 to replace the damaged areas in your kitchen with like kind and quality material at today’s labor and material prices, this could mean a $10,000 out-of-pocket expense for you.

Saving a few dollars on your insurance won’t be worth it at a time when you need this important coverage the most. You’re much better off to insure to full reconstruction cost and have a higher deductible in which case, you’ll save some money on your insurance premium, and it will be much easier for you to pay the first

Liability insurance: As for liability coverage on your homeowners policy, coverage generally starts at $100,000. However, it is fairly inexpensive to increase this to a higher limit. For example, going from $100,000 to $300,000 Personal Liability coverage, may cost around $15 a year. Higher limits are also available, and are encouraged. If someone slips and falls on your property and is injured, or your dog bites them, it will be well worth the extra protection. Although the standard homeowners policy includes Medical Payments to Others, this is for their incurred medical bills and is a much lower limit. Increased medical payments coverage is encouraged, and in some instances this may help keep the victim from bringing suit.

Automobile Insurance Although car insurance is mandatory in Maine, did you know that many people still may be driving without insurance?

That’s important to consider when you are deciding if you want to purchase collision, comprehensive, or rental reimbursement coverage if your car is damaged in Paid Advertisement for Cross Insurance.

an accident. Even if they do have liability insurance, the limit required by the state is low, and may not be sufficient to cover the bodily injuries you would be legally entitled to collect from them if they are at fault in an accident and injure you. In this case, it’s important for you to have higher medical payments coverage under your own policy for your incurred medical bills, as well as higher Uninsured/Underinsured Motorists Bodily Injury Liability for your own protection on your policy.

When considering what liability limit(s) you should purchase in the event you are at-fault in an accident and cause injury to someone else or their property, keep in mind that medical costs have risen. A few nights in the hospital can be quite expensive. Add to that any longterm injuries, disability and the cost of cars or semi-trucks these days, it won’t take long for your liability limits to be exhausted. Speak with your agent about the cost for increased coverage, so that you can make educated decisions about what’s right for you.

Personal Umbrella Insurance Personal Umbrella insurance is available to provide an additional layer of liability over and above your homeowners and automobile liability coverages. Coverage typically starts with a minimum of $1,000,000 liability. If you have a home and a couple of cars, the premium may be as low as $150-$200. Higher limits are available and encouraged.

As insurance coverages can vary, we suggest you contact your agent to review your coverage. For more tips on how to keep your insurance affordable yet have adequate coverage, please feel free to contact Cross Insurance at 947-7345 or visit crossagency.com.

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I

n our world

$1,000 or $2,500 of your damage, your deductible, than pay at much larger amount due to being under-insured.

When considering coverage on your contents, keep in mind things like motorized vehicles, ATVs, snowmobiles, tractors, boats, trailers – these typically require special coverage for both loss or damage to them as well as liability coverage. If you have valuables such as jewelry, watches, silverware, gold, fine arts, antiques, etc., you’ll also want to review them with your agent, as your policy will have limited coverage on these items and in some instances no coverage at all without some special treatment.

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Family Guide

at Home

Mediterranean

W

Sarah Morneault of Tiller & Rye offers up an easy and delicious recipe using local ingredients the whole family will love. STORY & PHOTOS BY SARAH MORNEAULT

e’ve finally

made it to that special time of year. That time when bright sunny days give way to softer evenings.

The excitement of firing up the grill for the first time has settled lazily into an easy routine. Hints of nostalgia float by on the smells and laughter of nearby cookouts and we push our bedtimes back just a little more to hang onto summer as long as we can.

As Mainers, we don’t take these days for granted. Spring repairs have been 104 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

done, gardens planted and at last, we are able to sit back, perhaps with a glass of wine, and just relax. It’s also the time of year ripe for adding seasonal greens, picked fresh, into our favorite dishes.

With this in mind, we wanted to share a recipe that could easily incorporate whatever you may have grown yourself or picked up from a local farmer. We envisioned a one-plate recipe that could rest on the arm of an Adirondack chair.

Incorporating the Mediterranean diet into this seemed only fitting.

The benefits of a Mediterranean diet have been proven time and again.

Though mostly recognized for its tremendous effects on cardiovascular health, this style of eating has also been shown to aid in weight loss, slow the aging process, lower the incidence of Type 2 diabetes and reduce the risks of both Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. Studies have also proven strong correlations between consuming a Mediterranean diet and having a better quality of life.

Maine Meets Mediterranean So what makes this diet so special?

It’s rooted (no surprise here) around lots of plant based foods, adding in nuts and beans with limited amounts of fish and poultry for protein. Dairy is incorporated in the forms of cheese and yogurt while olive oil becomes the pick over butter, replacing trans fats with the much healthier polyunsaturated fats. Finish your meal off with some heart healthy wine and you have yourself a food plan so delicious you’d never call it a “diet.”

HOW LOCAL CAN YOU GET?

Mix it up and try shallots and mushrooms in place of olives and artichoke hearts for variety!

Ingredients 1 lb chicken breast tenderloins 4-5 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 4-5 (or more) cloves chopped garlic 1 lb cherry tomatoes or sun dried tomatoes soaked in olive oil 3 Tablespoons butter 2 cups chicken stock (preferably home made) 4-5 oz crumbled feta 1 (or more) cups dry white wine 1 lb of your choice of noodles 1/ cup toasted pine nuts 2 2-4 cups of your favorite greens Salt and pepper to taste

Here are a few suggestions on where to find these recipe ingredients locally...

We added in Kalamata olives and artichoke hearts but this yummy recipe would also be delicious with shallots and mushrooms. And then we simply topped it with fresh basil and added a hunk of crusty Italian bread to sop up the scrumptious sauce.

Olive Oil & Kalamata Olives – Lakonia Greek Products, Saco

This dish is easiest to throw together in a jiffy as long as you’re organized. Cut your veggies ahead of time and grill up the chicken while cooking your pasta. Add it all into the sauté pan and Voila!

Pasta – Blue Ribbon Farm, Mercer Feta – Balfour Farm, Pittsfield Butter – Casco Bay Butter, Scarborough Salt and Pepper – Maine Sea Salt Co., Marshfield Chicken – Mainely Poultry, Warren Greens, Tomatoes, Garlic – garden picked Bread – Massimo’s, Bangor

Instructions 1. Cook the pasta to al dente while grilling or sautéing the chicken. Set aside.

2. In a sauté pan over medium to medium-high heat, melt butter with olive oil and add in chopped garlic, stirring frequently until golden brown. Add the white wine and turn the heat up a bit, allowing the wine to come to a boil and then lower heat and let the wine reduce by half. Don’t forget to keep stirring.

3. Add the chicken stock. For a thicker sauce, whisk in a pinch of corn starch to the chicken stock before adding to the wine mixture. Let simmer for 10 minutes.

Add in the tomatoes, chicken and half of the feta. Fold in the greens and any other ingredients you may fancy and let wilt a bit before stirring in the pasta.

4. To finish, add in the pine nuts and top with the remaining feta. Pour yourself a glass of wine and enjoy this simply perfect late summer night dish.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 105

106 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

Choosing

Family Guide

Childcare

Make the Bangor YMCA your child’s home away from home!

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W

e here at

the Bangor YMCA know that choosing childcare is a big decision. As a parent, you want to make sure that your child is safe, challenged and cared for, and the Y wants that, too! Our Discovery Friends Early Childhood Education Program is the perfect place for your 2.5 to 5 year old to thrive, with our accredited and award-winning Creative Curriculum Program.

This curriculum offers day-to-day guidance and individualized learning, and we believe children learn by doing.

Days are divided into both group activities and self-directed learning. Teachers work with each parent to ensure that their child is receiving the fundamentals needed to be ready for Pre-K and to help children develop socially, emotionally, cognitively and physically through center play, art, music, outdoor play, and more.

We also provide each child with instructional swim lessons within the program at no extra cost because safety is our number one priority. Our commitment to safety is adhered to by all staff – each member is CPR Certified and Safety and First-Aid Trained. We’ve had parents express that they don’t like leaving their child with many people but found comfort in their experience with the Y, with their child in the hands of our experienced, caring professionals.

We love to continue partnering with parents when a child gets older. The Bangor YMCA Y-Works Before & After School Program for kindergarteners through 6th graders is designed to help children continue to flourish, build leadership skills, participate in team-building activities, improve self-confidence, and have a blast while doing it! Childrens continued development is encouraged through a variety of activities, games, and guest speakers.

Activities offered include swimming, nutrition and science learning, homework help, dance programs, and more.

The older kids are also able to use the gym and indoor climbing wall at the Columbia Street Project. Beginning this fall, a new program will be implemented — we will be teaming up with The Gifts of Music to introduce a Y Music Program that will expand music education and performance opportunities for youth, giving children the opportunity to play different instruments. This is just a glimpse of what we offer at the Y! We strive to help children and parents alike, and since we know how busy your lives can be, we offer a schedule of 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday for both the Discovery Friends Early Childhood Education and Y-Works Before & After School Programs.

We are open on snow, in-service and school vacation days and also have offsite After School locations Glenburn and Winterport. Transportation is also provided for before school drop-offs and after school pick-ups to and from many local schools at no additional cost!

Parents, you don’t want your child to miss out on the fun! Register him or her for our Discovery Friends Early Childhood Education or Y-Works Before & After School Programs today!

This testimonial from parent Sarah Williams attests to the benefits of our program:

“[The staff] does an awesome job. My daughter is finishing Kindergarten this year and I think the interactions and activities she’s had at the Y have helped her come out of her shell.”

For more information, visit BangorYMCA.org, call 207-941-2808, or stop by the Y at 17 Second Street in Bangor.

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Family Guide

Cutting Costs at Home

Tips for reducing home energy costs and getting a “raise” in retirement.

am one

of the 76.4 million baby boomers in the U.S. who is nearing retirement age. Many people have a financial plan in place, but what about those unexpected costs you can have from owning a home? My wife and I realized that the best time to tackle our big ‘to do lists’ on our home was while we were still working and earning salaries.

So last year we replaced the roof.

While it still had several years of serviceable use left, we figured if we did it now it would be the last roof we would ever need. We also replaced a few windows and our kitchen appliances. But what about those next 25 years of utility bills? I wrote an article a while ago about the importance of lowering the energy costs in our parents homes. Well, it’s the same for us. If we can save several thousand dollars a year in utility bills; that’s like getting a raise in retirement. And it’s tax free!

Here are 3 most important areas I will touch on that can help you save substantial money for as long as you own your home. The attic is your first priority.

It should have an R value of 60. That is the new federal recommendation. The best way to achieve that is by blowing in cellulose insulation. Usually 12 to 16 inches will do the trick depending upon your attic. However make sure whoever does it ‘air seals’ the attic floor before installing the insulation.

It is malpractice to

install insulation without proper air sealing first. A proper insulated and vented attic can save you 10% to 20% off of your heat bill. It also will help your home be cooler in the summer, and cellulose helps gets rid of those critters you often hear up there in the winter.

The second area to look at is your basement. Simply insulating your box sill with spray foam can make another 10% difference in your heating bill. Fiberglass does not cut it. Air moves through fiberglass. Remove it and install spray foam. You can purchase those low pressure spray foam kits at most box stores. A nice side effect is that your floors will be much warmer next winter!

So those 2 items alone can be 25% to 30% off your heating bill. In my home I figured about $2,000 off my heating bill this winter alone! Can you imagine that multiplied by 25 years! It’s like the secret of compounding interest!

Lastly, according to the Department of Energy, the water heater is the second biggest energy draw in the home; accounting for 20% of the homes electricity bill. So if your water heater is outdated, it’s a no brainer to update it to a new high efficiency one. And new federal standards are due out in 2016.

There are a lot more things that can be done, LED lights and bulbs, programmable thermostats, heat pumps, etc., but too much for this article. But research the internet and ask questions.

I have figured that we will save approximately $100,000 in 25 years from our insulation upgrades, water heater upgrade and the new heat pump we installed. Full disclosure is that we do have a large older home that had very high heating costs. For us lowering our home energy costs in retirement means more money for traveling!

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I

BY KEITH TREMBLEY OF KEITH TREMBLEY HOME SOLUTIONS AND DR. ENERGY SAVER

LEGAL SOLUTIONS FOR THE CHALLENGES ASSOCIATED WITH AGING AND DISABILITY. • Asset Protection Planning • Estate Planning • • Guardianships and Conservatorships • MaineCare Planning and Applications • • Powers of Attorney and Health Directives • Probate and Trust Administration • • Special Needs Trusts • Veterans Benefits Planning •

33 Mildred Avenue • Bangor, Maine 04401 • TEL: 207-947-6500

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 109

Planning for the Future Talking to aging parents about the future is not easy.

Here are a few tips from Eastside Center for Health & Rehabilitation to help start the conversation.

W

e all know

planning ahead is important – particularly for big decisions and changes like going to college, buying a house, retirement. But when it comes to growing older, leaving our homes and needing assistance, many of us want to avoid that conversation as long as possible. Which can leave families without a plan when caring for an aging loved ones.

Here are some tips from Eastside Center for Health & Rehabilitation on talking to your parents or loved ones about these difficult decisions. And remember to use your experience to start talking to your own children about your wishes early and often.

Tip 1: Plan Ahead

No one likes to admit they need help – and it’s no fun to suggest that someone, particularly your aging parent, needs help. Prepare yourself by considering what part of the conservation will be most difficult, how your loved one may react, and what your major priorities are in having the conversation. Start by choosing the best person to start the conversation, and plant the seed.

Approach the conversation with the mindset of sharing and discussing options, not telling them a decision has already been made. The idea is that assistance can help make their lives easier and safer. Ask what’s important to your loved ones – they may already have some ideas about what they want to have happen if they become sick and need more help. Ask questions and listen.

Tip 3: Be Honest and Talk Often

It’s okay to admit that this is not an easy conversation for anyone – no one wants to think about needing to rely on others for help. Address the awkwardness: “I know this is hard, but it’s important for us to discuss together.” It’s also okay to make it a multi-part discussion – you don’t have to figure everything out in one afternoon. Be sure to give everyone time to digest the information and options you’ve discussed. Regular conversations about the future are important and help open those lines of communication about moving, assisted living needs and other potentially difficult topics.

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Tip 2: Don’t Decide For Them

Family Guide Where Can I Find More Information?

Looking for more tips and information about future planning for your loved ones?

Visit Eastside Center for Health & Rehabilitation’s website at eastsidecenterrehab.com for education, news and links to helpful and informative sites.

Visit Eastside Center for Health & Rehabilitation’s website is a great resource for health news and tips. You’ll also find details on Eastside’s many services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy.

Eastside Center for Health & Rehabilitation also provides a myriad of medical services including pulmonary rehabilitation, heart failure services and CHF, stroke rehabilitation, wound care management and more.

Meet Our New

Team Members We’re Proud to Announce...

Kristen Simas is the new Administrator of Eastside

Center for Health & Rehabilitation. Kristen graduated from the Kaplan University with a Master’s Degree in Health Care Administration and is a licensed Multi-Level Nursing Home Administrator. Kristen has worked in health care for over 14 years.

Paula Hamlin-Levasseur is the new Director of

Admissions & Marketing. Paula graduated from Saint Joseph’s College with a Bachelor’s in Health Care Administration, and is currently working on her Master’s degree. Paula has worked in healthcare for over 20 years and has experience in primary and specialty care.

Diane Estes, LSW is the Director of Social Services.

Diane graduated from the University of Maine at Augusta with a Bachelor’s in Mental Health and Human Services, Cum Laude. Her work experiences encompass the entire life span, including work with both children and adults.

Eastside Center for Health & Rehabilitation 516 Mount Hope Street • Bangor, Maine • 207-947-6131 • eastsidecenterrehab.com

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 111

word

I

believe in

Teachable

Moments

Toilet training takes on a whole new meaning when educating teens on home repairs.

BY CHRIS QUIMBY

the great importance of the sacrificial leading of fathers within the home in raising young men who can also occasionally repair the toilet.

Does this mean that I think that women are incapable of repairing the toilet? Not at all. In fact, I'm pretty sure a world populated strictly with women might not even have broken commodes.

For the sake of keeping the home in good shape the forward t­hinking ladies might instead decide to simply hover or 'hold it in'.

But toilets do break in the World of Men, as mine did about one week ago. It happened during a visit to my Kids' Bathroom, a room which is legally owned by my wife and I, but which we allow to be called as such to give our offspring the utopic feeling ofbathroom ownership.

My bathroom was occupied, so theirs was fair game.

Before arising from seated position, I moved in such a way as to snap the hinge on the back of the seat, reminding me both of my occasional clumsiness and the fact that I was overweight.

I conveniently forgot this episode until about one week later during a conversation with my 17-year-old son.

“Hey, Dad”, he asked. “Have you been in our bathroom lately?”

Seemed like a curious question, perhaps an invitation to stop by sometime, although to an unappealing destination. Searching my shallow memory banks, I responded that I had not, fully trusting in my unreliable memory that I hadn't.

“Hmm”, he replied. “The toilet seat is broken and I don't know who did it.”

Suddenly it came back to me.

“Oh!” I said. “That was me. About a week ago. I broke it!”

Producing a small laugh of amusement and confusion, he asked for the story. I apologized and said I realized it at the time but, being that I rarely think about 'his bathroom,' I had quickly forgotten.

A few days later, I lovingly purchased a toilet seat and placed it in his bathroom, assuming he would swap it out. Days later I found the new toilet seat on the kitchen table. My wife asked me if I could install it soon.

What followed was a brief lecture on how I would not – how I expected that the person who seemed most bothered by the disrepair of the seat would be most motivated to take care of it. After all, I had bought the seat. I had done my part.

Now installing the seat would be a one-minute job for me to do, but in doing so I would miss the opportunity to communicate to the young man in my house that there is no reason to expect someone else to do something that he is fully able to do.

In purchasing the new seat, I had basically underwritten this educational opportunity, but its importance was lost on all but me.

But that is the life of being a father. We are often misunderstood. Where most people might only see a damaged throne, fathers sometimes see an opportunity to help a boy grow into a responsible man. And if he is successful, one day that man might have the opportunity to break his own child's toilet.

That is the life of being a father. Where most people might only see a damaged throne, fathers sometimes see an opportunity to help a boy grow into a responsible man.

And men, if we do not teach our sons how to address such household issues, what will become of their own families? Will the relationships slowly disintegrate due to the difficult condition within? Or will everyone instead choose to cope by hovering or 'holding it in'?

CHRIS QUIMBY is a husband, father, Christian comedian, writer, and graphic designer from Brooks. Visit him on the web at chrisquimby.com or nachotree.com.

112 / BANGOR METRO August 2015

IMAGE: CMAPUK_KPYNCKUU & ALEXANDERYERSHOV/THINKSTOCK.COM

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