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LTON • PATTEN • SEARSPORT • BREWER • ST. AGATHA • BAR HARBOR • LEVANT • ELLSWORTH • CARIBOU • LINCOLN • NEWPORT • BLUE HILL • CASTI

Food Finds

6 Great Eats in Unexpected Places

Adventures in Yoga Combining Exercise & Nature

Maine Granges Old Roots, New Growth

Stick To It Maine Styx Grows Interest in Field Hockey

Inside:

Then & Now: Lubec Food File: A Rustic Recipe from Tiller & Rye Denmark Arts Center

$5.95

September 2015

Back to

School!

2015 College Guide Included Inside!

Kids & Technology: 5 Golden Rules Pop Quiz! How Well Do You Know Maine?

Meet the Unity College Woodsmen Team A Visit to The Game Loft in Belfast

Your people, your region, your magazine.

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SEPTEMBER 2015

contents

features FINDING HIS VOICE / 12 Waldo County teen overcomes bullying and speaks out for others SCHOOL SPIRIT / 14 Portland mom supports local schools by promoting Maine businesses ROOFTOP TREASURES / 16 Wearable art from old Bangor Public Library roof ADVENTURES IN YOGA / 20 Orono company combines exercise and nature FOOD FINDS / 24 Discover 6 restaurant gems in unusual places OLD ROOTS, NEW GROWTH / 32 Maine granges making a comeback

STICKING TO IT / 46 Maine field hockey is growing thanks to Maine Styx KINGS CAKE GALETTE / 52 Tiller & Rye owners share a classic recipe CENTRAL GATHERING / 56 Ann Marie Orr shares the story of how 11 Central came to be ART IN PLACE / 60 Denmark Arts Center is making a name

24 2 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF MAINE YOGA ADVENTURES; (BOTTOM) BDN FILE

20

THEN & NEW: LUBEC / 40 The eastern most town in the United States has lots to offer visitors

Eagle Lake Sporting Camps, page 68

16

PHOTOS: (LURES) SMILTENA/THINKSTOCK.COM; (LIBRARY) BDN FILE; (GALETTE) SARAH MORNEAULT; (PAINTING) COURTESY OF ANGELA WARREN

62

Kings Cake Galette, page 52

in every issue

columns

TALK OF THE TOWNS / 8 News from your communities

METRO WELLNESS / 19 Changing the way we read

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

MAINE WOODS & WATERS / 68 Relaxing at Eagle Lake Sporting Camps

WHAT’S HAPPENING / 48 September events and festivals

LAST WORD / 100 Tips on looking smart in the digital age

PERSPECTIVES / 62 The paintings of Angela Warren SAVVY SENIORS / 64 AARP and Red Cross team up REAL ESTATE / 66 The Love Barn in Orland CROWN OF MAINE / 71 News from Aroostook County

BONUS FEATURE! 2015 COLLEGE GUIDE / 77 It’s back to school time! Tips, advice and our 2015 College Listings.

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 Lubec (featured on page 40) More photos from events around our region.

Email your own event photos: sightings@bangormetro.com

2 015

COLL

EGE FINA unique tax credit NCES available A NON-TRAD ITIONAL STOR Y

going back to

school later in life

KIDS & TECH

NOLOGY avoid unexpected expenses

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3

editor’s note

Occasionally, if the wind is just right and the crisp fall air has just enough chill to hold onto a smell, I will get that giddy feeling I did as a child when I catch a whiff of school bus exhaust.

Yes, I know it’s not healthy and is slightly odd, but I can’t help myself. There’s something special about the faint smell of diesel – but only those coming from a big yellow bus on a foggy fall morning – that brings back the feeling of butterflies and excitement associated with the first day of school.

In the weeks before school would start, I remember packing and repacking my backpack. Organizing binders over and over again. Changing my mind a million times about which outfit I would wear. Worrying about who I would sit with at lunch. Would I have friends in my class? Would I like my teacher?

At the start of this school year, there are mixed emotions as my daughter starts prekindergarten. As I edited this issue’s college guide, I got ahead of myself with panic that once she starts school, it will all go by too quickly and before we know it we’ll be worrying about financial aid, student housing, cars and scholarships. Then I took a step back. Enjoy the moment. The moments. The small milestones. That’s what it’s about.

As you send your little (and not so little) ones off to school this year, share a picture with us on Facebook – just search for Bangor Metro. Who knows, you might see your family in the Sightings section of the October issue.

4 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

PHOTO: RAEANNAFRAME/THINKSTOCK.COM

AIMEE THIBODEAU, MANAGING EDITOR

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

Katie, Zach and Ben Beaulieu

“Flying from Bangor makes life easier.”

Between work and parenting, Katie and Zach are always on the go. And with Ben growing so fast, flying to visit family members is an important part of their lives. For them, Bangor International Airport is a close-by, family-friendly solution. Best of all, when they touch down in Bangor, tucking Ben into his own bed is a short ride home. Learn more at FlyBangor.com.

DELTA

•

ALLEGIANT

•

AMERICAN/U.S. AIRWAYS

•

UNITED

Bgr_Metro_Sept15_v2.indd 1

8/5/15 10:52 AM

tition e p m o r Bite C e t s b o L Chef ’s

September 17, 2015 • 6-9p.m.

Ocean Point Marina East Boothbay, Maine

Cast your vote for your favorite lobster bite from 19 chefs as they vie for the title of: Best Lobster Bite — Industry and People’s Choice Awards Limited to 400 tickets only! $60/per person Must be 21+with ID

PRESENTING SPONSORS: www.boothbayharbor.com 207-633-2353 seamaine@boothbayharbor.com Shuttle available from Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences, 5-10p.m.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Bob Duchesne

Jane Margesson

Natalie Feulner

Deb Neuman

Richard Shaw

Chris Quimby

Emilie Brand Throckmorton

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS & ARTISTS

Angela Warren Bangor Metro Magazine. September 2015, Vol. 11, No. 7.

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.

COVER PHOTO: Stockbyte/Thinkstock.com

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7

talk of the towns

Open Lighthouse Opportunity to tour Maine lighthouses Sept. 12

STATEWIDE: Lighthouses along Maine’s extensive coast will be open to the public Saturday, Sept. 12, as part of the annual Maine Open Lighthouse Day. The United States Coast Guard, the State of Maine, and the American Lighthouse Foundation host the event each September and allow

8 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

the visitors a chance to explore a piece of Maine’s maritime heritage.

One of those opening its doors is the Owls Head Lighthouse, which has a special draw this year as it was recently featured on the Travel Channel’s “Mysteries at the Monument” series. Host

and history explorer Don Wildman investigates the world's most impressive – and sometimes obscure – structures, statues and national parks to uncover incredible tales hidden within them.

For a full list of participating lighthouses, visit lighthousefoundation.org.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

Maine residents and tourists alike visit and tour the inside lighthouses including Marshall Point Lighthouse and Museum in St. George. The light station dates back to 1831 and was last operated by a lightkeeper in 1971 when it was automated.

Scout’s

Honor

SEARSMONT: It’s been nearly 20 years since they’ve had an Eagle Scout in Searsmont, but that recently changed when Boy Scout Troop 35 and the Katahdin Area Council honored its newest Eagle Scout, 17-year-old William Hyland.

“Support is essential. Hard work is essential,” Hyland said during the ceremony at the Searsmont Community Building. “I believe that what I’ve accomplished is a byproduct of these things. When individuals roll up their sleeves, listen to advice, and act according to their principles, they’re all able to achieve great things. But our work is never finished; there’s always people to be helped, projects to be led, and lives to change.”

For his project, Hyland arranged for five welcome signs to be put up in five different locations in Searsmont. The signs were

William Hyland is the first Eagle Scout in Searsmont in nearly 20 years.

(Below) For his project, Hyland arranged for five welcome signs to be put up around Searsmont.

CONTRIBUTED BY MEGAN PINETTE

designed by Hyland with the help of DaVinci Signs and Design in Hermon and the town selectmen.

“I am very much honored to be able to give back to my hometown and I am extremely happy to have achieved the rank of Eagle Scout,” Hyland said. “It is humbling to be part of a tremendous community and organization.”

After graduating from Belfast Area High School in June, he plans to attend Colby-Sawyer College in New London, New Hampshire this fall and study Business and Sport Management.

Driving Up

Darling’s employees prepare to deliver nine checks to Maine cancer charities thanks to a summer fundraising program.

Donations

BANGOR: Nine Maine cancer charity organizations recently received donations to their programs from Darling’s Auto Group, a dealer group with locations in Bangor, Brewer, Ellsworth, and Augusta. In a series of presentations held at Darling’s Honda Nissan Volvo in Bangor, Darling’s Auto Mall in Ellsworth, and Darling’s Augusta, representatives from each organization accepted the donation on behalf of their cause.

The funds were raised during a promotion held in June at all Darling’s locations, where any customer purchasing a vehicle had the opportunity to select a Maine cancer-related charity of their choice to receive a $100 donation from Darling’s. The promotion raised over $28,100 for Maine cancer-related charities.

“Darling’s is focused on helping members of our community. We think this is a great way to support those who need it the most, and we were so happy to have the support of our customers during this promotion,” said Darling’s marketing manager Matt Smith.

Donations were presented to the following organizations: • Aroostook Cancer Care in Presque Isle ($2,100) • Champion the Cure Challenge in Brewer ($10,800) • Sarah’s House in Holden ($2,000) • Harold Alfond Center for Cancer Care in Augusta ($2,800) • Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center in Farmington ($1,000) • Patrick Dempsey Cancer Center for Hope & Healing in Lewiston ($1,600) • Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center in Ellsworth ($2,400) • Cancer Support of Maine in Bucksport ($1,400) • Mary Dow Center for Cancer Care at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital in Ellsworth ($4,000)

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9

biz buzz & sightings On the Move ALAN RICHARDSON was

recently appointed president and chief operating officer for Emera Maine. Former President and COO GERRY CHASSE will lead efforts for Emera affiliates in Maine, Eastern Canada and the Caribbean to implement Smart Grid strategies to enable greater reliability, resiliency, and customer choice. Chasse’s new role also will include the advancement of electrification in transportation and heating to help customers save money and reduce emissions. KIM WADLEIGH will join Chasse as vice president of Smart Grid Strategy. emeramaine.com SUE DEVOE has been

named one of the newest members of the University of Maine at Fort Kent’s Board of Visitors. She joins a nearly 20-member board for a three year appointment. Devoe, an alumnus of UMFK, graduated magna cum laude with a baccalaureate degree in nursing and a minor in behavioral science in 1993. Since 2003, Devoe has been the director of quality at Northern Maine Medical Center. umfk.edu The Maine law firms of Eaton Peabody P.A. and Wakelin, Hallock and O'Donovan, LLP announced that on Sept. 1, 2015, DAVID WAKELIN, ESQ., LESLIE HALLOCK, ESQ., AND ANNE O'DONOVAN, ESQ. will join

their practice with Eaton Peabody based in the firm's Portland office. This expansion of Eaton Peabody's Portland office creates a premier Employee Benefits and Executive Compensation practice group that includes Eaton Peabody attorney Edward F. Feibel, who is an experienced employee benefits attorney. eatonpeabody.com

10 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

DR. AHMAD ALHARIRI has

joined the medical staff at Northern Maine Medical Center. Dr. Alhariri is the latest addition to the hospitalist team. A hospitalist doesn’t maintain a private outside practice, their time is devoted solely to caring for hospitalized patients.

Hospitalists specialize in all aspects of a patient’s care – from admission until discharge. nmmc.org The American Heart Association announced that PAT LEMIEUX has joined the Maine team as director of corporate events for Central Maine. This position includes the management of the Bangor Heart Ball, Central Maine Heart Walk in Lewiston-Auburn, and additional fundraisers planned for those regions, as well as Mid-Coast Maine. heart.org

Awards CCB INC. recently celebrated the receipt

of a Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) for their office, shop and yard at 65 Bradley Drive in Westbrook. Bureau of Labor Standards Director Pam Megathlin and Maine Workplace Safety & Health Division Director Steve Greely presented the company with a plaque and flag. By achieving SHARP status, CCB, Inc. has placed themselves in an elite group of small businesses that maintain exemplary injury and illness prevention programs. In addition, CCB, Inc. has been granted an exemption from OSHA programmed inspections for up to two years at this site. ccb-inc.com BERRYDUNN, a certified public

accounting and management consulting firm with offices in Portland and Bangor; Manchester, New Hampshire; and Charleston, West Virginia; as well as on-site locations throughout the country, has been selected as a Gold Award winner in the twelfth annual Service Industry Advertising Awards. berrydunn.com

Two national organizations have issued endorsements of UNITY COLLEGE: one for its innovative learning opportunities, the other as one of the nation’s 32 “greenest” campuses. Unity College earned a national Colleges of Distinction designation in 2014-15 by “expanding innovative opportunities to earn college credit by participating in service learning, learning communities, internships, and other new educational paradigms,” according to the group Colleges of Distinction. The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education recognized Unity College for achieving “the greatest level of success with green initiatives on-campus and within in its surrounding community.” unity.edu

Grants The BANGOR LAND TRUST recently received a $5,000 grant from Emera Maine to improve the land trust’s public outreach and create digital and print trail maps for all Bangor Land Trust preserves. This increased public outreach included the land trust’s first ever “Take to the Woods” trail challenge July 1-Aug. 28. bangorlandtrust.org BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF MID-MAINE received a $10,000 grant

from the Penobscot Valley Health Association Fund of the Maine Community Foundation to positively impact the lives of Bangor’s neediest children by bringing Big Brothers Big Sisters mentoring to the Boys & Girls Club of Bangor. The program is in partnership with Bangor Housing Authority and BGCB, and will match third and fourth grade students (Littles) with caring, responsible Bangor High School and Husson University students. bbbsmidmaine.org THE GOOD SAMARITAN AGENCY

announced a $9,000 grant from the TJX Foundation to support their Teen Parent Education program. The Bangor-based program is an individualized, high school diploma program for pregnant and parenting teenagers. Good Samaritan Agency was founded in 1902 by volunteers in the Bangor area to serve single pregnant women in need. goodsamaritanbangor.org

Special events

1

are happening all over our great state, from amazing fundraisers to once-in-a-lifetime moments.

2

1: Y Member Steve Pelligrino finishing the Tri for the Y at Brewer Lake in Orrington to benefit programs and services at the YMCA. 2: Ron Blair from Old Town made his first-ever hole-in-one on #4 at Hidden Meadows Golf Course in Hermon. Blair, who is 81-years-old, used a driver on the 151-yard par 3.

3: Ashley Johnson of Downeast Horizons accepts a check for $6,700 from Cathy Planchart and Brandy Marchetti of Bar Harbor Bank & Trust, from the bank’s 22nd annual David R. Harding Memorial Charity Golf Tournament Kebo Valley Golf Club.

3

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 11

unsung hero

Waldo County Game Loft helps teen overcome, speak out about bullying.

BY EMILY BURNHAM

Zach Barbosa receives a volunteer award from The Game Loft, a youth center in Belfast that helped Zach overcome bullying and harassing during his elementary and middle school years.

12 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

F

or most of

elementary and middle school, Waldo County native Zach Barbosa was too afraid to speak up. Even when he knew the answer to the question the teacher was asking in class. Even when other students were harassing him or hurting his feelings. Barbosa, now a sophomore at Mt. View High School, had been bullied so much that he decided it was better to not say anything at all.

“I was that extremely quiet, shy kid that always sits in the back and never raises his hand, even though I knew the answer,” said Barbosa. “I was very quick to anger and I would lash out and cry because I was so frustrated.”

Fortunately, Barbosa, 15, found a place that helped him break out of his shell and overcome the fear of bullying. The Game Loft, a youth center for Waldo County kids and teens in downtown Belfast, welcomed Barbosa with open arms and gave him the confidence to speak out against

Voice bullying — as well as giving him and many others a place to play games, socialize and build important life skills.

Since 2014, Barbosa has been giving speeches at schools and community organizations about bullying and how the Loft helped him overcome it. In 2014, he won the Waldo County Speaker’s Tournament for his eloquent testimonial about his journey.

“The Loft gave me a safe space to go and be myself, without being scared of being picked on,” said Barbosa.

“Now I have a big group of friends, and I’ve even befriended some of my bullies. Now, I speak up, because I think, ‘What if there’s someone like me in this crowd, looking for a way out?’”

The Game Loft, founded in 1999 by Pat and Ray Estabrook, who also own Belfast shop All About Games, offers a place for youth to play non-electronic tabletop and roleplaying games like Magic: The Gathering, Risk, Ascension, Pathfinder, Dungeons & Dragons and many others. More importantly, it helps middle school and high school students in Waldo County who, like Barbosa, might otherwise not find a safe place to be themselves.

“The Loft is a big family,” said Barbosa. “I want to help it expand even more and make it so even more kids are able to go. It’s one of the best things that ever happened to me.”

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF THE GAME LOFT; LAKS-ART/THINKSTOCK.COM

Finding his

eye on industry

School W

ith a young

Spirit

Portland woman starts catalog featuring Maine products for school fundraisers. BY DEB NEUMAN

son in school, Masey Kaplan of Portland did what many parents do – she ordered wrapping paper from a fundraising catalog her son brought home from school one day in 2009.

When he brought the catalog home the next year, Kaplan still had wrapping paper left over. She didn’t need to order any more but she still wanted to support the school fundraiser.

Then she came up with an idea.

“I knew so many small businesses in my community making products that I would gladly buy to support my son’s school. I thought it would be great if the school had a fundraising catalog selling those products. Not only would the school benefit, but so would local small businesses,” she explained.

That idea was the beginning of what would become the Close Buy catalog. The first catalog was published in 2010 after Kaplan spent a year pulling it together.

team after searching for items that would be the best fit, from vendors who have the capacity to fill the orders.

Catalogs are distributed to schools on the first day of school in the fall for students to take home. Orders are placed until early October to allow time for Christmas delivery.

“Our vendors are small businesses that don’t carry a lot of inventory. They need time to fill the orders,” says Kaplan.

One of the vendors from Maine who made handmade fabric sandwich and snack bags received 6,000 orders when that product was featured in the Close Buy catalog.

“Our Maine products sell the best,” said Kaplan.

The products are shipped from the vendors to a warehouse in Nashua, New Hampshire where they are picked and packed to fill orders. Shaw’s supermarkets and Star Markets donate trucking to have the orders transferred to the

“I knew so many small businesses in my community making products that I would gladly buy to support my son’s school.”

— Masey Kaplan “I didn’t have any business experience but I felt strongly that this needed to be done, so I spent a year on the phone talking to everyone I could and getting advice from whomever and wherever I could,” she said.

That first catalog featured items made in Maine and was distributed to three Maine schools. By year two, the Close Buy catalog was in 45 schools.

Kaplan is now in her sixth year of publishing the Close Buy catalog and expects to be in 120 schools from Maine to New York this year.

“In order for the business to be sustainable we had to expand our product line and schools beyond Maine. We are now a New England operation based in Maine, and more than half of the products featured in our catalog are from Maine,” Kaplan said.

The more than 450 products featured in the catalog include candles, candy, calendars and crafts. Textiles, toys and jewelry are part of the mix, too.

The products are selected by a review

14 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

schools for customer pick up.

“They have been great partners, they love supporting schools,” said Kaplan.

The schools keep 30 percent of every sale.

“Schools use the funds raised to support special programs and provide grants for teachers,” according to Kaplan.

She said the business has grown primarily via word-of-mouth and hopes to be able to offer the catalog to 200 schools in the next few years.

“Our margins are very slim so we’re growing slowly. Eventually we would love to expand to other regions across the United States. We’re always looking for new schools to partner with and new vendors to be featured in the catalog,” she said. “Thanks to a great team effort, Close Buy has grown into a great program that is making a difference for so many. Parents love buying these items to benefit their schools and we’re bringing new business to small businesses.”

For more information, visit closebuycatalog.com.

As a patron of the arts, Maine Savings sponsored the Penobscot Theatre’s production of August: Osage County.

Investing in the

Community Maine Savings is focused on giving back.

M

aine Savings

, one of Maine’s largest credit unions, is a growing modern financial institution with state-of-the-art technology and a strong commitment to providing a range of in-person financial services to members. With more than 27,000 members, 10 branches and nearly 100 employees, Maine Savings is highly invested in its members and the communities it serves.

John Reed, president and CEO of Maine Savings, explains the organization’s commitment to investing in its communities.

“It’s one thing to say you are community oriented. It’s another thing to actually invest time and money in those communities. We believe in the communities we serve and we live in those communities ourselves. From medical research to the arts to ending hunger, we strive to make an impact.”

This month, Maine Savings was the presenting sponsor of Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Champion the Cure Challenge Motorcycle Ride. With Maine Savings’ own Karen Rudge, a recent breast cancer survivor, leading the 50mile motorcycle ride, a sea of riders followed from Brewer up to Greenbush and back to Bangor. This event was part of the larger Sixth Annual Champion the Cure Challenge event, which aims to raise $600,000 for Eastern Maine Medical Center patients and local cancer research.

As a patron of the arts, Maine Sav-

ings sponsored the Penobscot Theatre’s production of “August: Osage County” in the spring, in addition to the theatre’s production of the “Rocky Horror Show“ last year. Maine Savings also supports the Collins Center for the Arts, Waterfront Concerts and many other arts events and programs.

Other events Maine Savings has supported include Vassalboro Days, Old Town Riverfest, the Insane Inflatables 5K at the University of Maine, the Komen Maine Race for the Cure, and The American Heart Association in Maine’s 16th annual Go Red Gala.

Union League’s Campaign for Ending Hunger. The campaign aims to assist the large population of Maine residents dealing with food insecurity. This year, credit union staff members are continuing these efforts by supporting local food pantries.

Maine Savings is also dedicated to ensuring the success of Maine’s youth and helping them to afford higher education. Last fall, Maine Savings announced a five-year partnership with Black Bear Sports Properties and University of Maine Athletics to provide members with the Black Bear Debit Card. For every purchase made with the Black Bear Debit

“It’s one thing to say you are community oriented. It’s another thing to actually invest time and money in those communities.”

In addition to support from Maine Savings as a whole, many community efforts see support from the individual staff and members of Maine Savings. The annual Ending Hunger campaign is an example.

“Hunger is a real problem in Maine,” added Reed. “Our staff and members have gone above and beyond with their efforts to help eliminate hunger.”

Last year alone, Maine Savings members and staff contributed more than $20,000 to nearly 20 hunger organizations and food pantries serving its communities as part of the Maine Credit

Paid Advertisement for Maine Savings.

— John Reed

Card, Maine Savings contributes $0.05 to the Black Bear Fund, with a minimum donation of $10,000 each year, regardless of the number of transactions.

Maine Savings also honors and supports local high school students from branch communities in their pursuit of higher education with annual scholarships. This year, the credit union granted nine Maine students with a $500 scholarship each.

Maine Savings does more than just talk about community. Maine Savings invests in community.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 15

S Treasures Rooftop

Bangor artist makes wearable art from library construction project. BY DEB NEUMAN

A copper necklace (above) adorned with dichroic glass made from the old Bangor Public Library roof.

16 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

omewhere out

there, someone is wearing part of a roof. Not just any roof – the former copper roof from the Bangor Public Library. Pieces from the roof have been transformed into jewelry and other keepsake items, including bookmarks and cuff links.

The old copper roof had been protecting visitors to and contents of the library for more than a century. When the time came to replace the covering that was installed in 1912, the plan was to dispose of the old copper.

That plan changed when a local artisan and library management came together with an idea to “do something” with the copper.

“We decided to hold an auction to see if we could raise some money by selling some of the pieces of the old copper roof,” said Lisa Frazell, library director of marketing and development.

Artist Roxanne Munksgaard, who co-owns the Maine Jewelry & Art gallery located across the street from the library, was watching the workers removing the copper roof one day.

“I was intrigued by it. It was almost like they were tossing a pizza. The copper looked so soft and light. I have been working with copper for many years and I thought we could make jewelry out of it,” she recalled.

Munksgaard reached out to the Library Director Barbara McDade with her idea.

“McDade and Frazell thought it was a great idea so we started making jewelry – just in time for the auction,” she said.

That auction, which raised more than $10,000, was held in January 2013.

“We had no expectations when it came to how much money the auction would raise. We were overjoyed

with the outcome,” said Frazell. “The rarity and limited quantity of the copper combined with the history of the library meant a lot to people and reminded us how important the library is to this community.”

The Bangor Public Library is so important to the community that voters approved a bond to help pay for the replacement of the old copper roof.

In addition, the library has been undergoing a major renovation project to provide updated space and services to continue to meet the needs of the community into the future.

The dollars raised from the sales of the copper roof jewelry and other keepsakes are being put toward those renovations, which are expected to be complete in 2016.

More than $25,000 has been raised so far from buyers who attended the auction and who purchased pieces from the Maine Jewelry & Art gallery and also from their Etsy site at etsy.com/shop/ MaineJewelryandArt. “Growing up, my Dad and I would walk around downtown Bangor and always stop in at the library. I can still remember the smell of the books,” one buyer commented. “That place was magical to me as a child. Thank you for turning that old roof into beautiful art.”

“People really appreciate what we’re doing and love the pieces. It provides them with a historical and sentimental connection to the library,” Munksgaard said. “Many of the pieces created have ‘BPL 1912’ stamped or etched into them as a reminder that it came from the Bangor Public Library 1912 roof.”

She and the other artisans at Maine Jewelry & Art, Amanda Coburn and Anne Reigstad, plan to continue to craft jewelry and other keepsakes from the copper that remains.

“We have enough left to last us a while longer so we can continue to make pieces to support the library,” Munksgaard said.

Frazell and the Bangor Public Library staff are delighted with the outcome.

“This has been an amazing project that has been mutually beneficial for the library, a downtown business and the community,” she said. “It’s really cool to see people wearing a piece of jewelry made from the old library roof.”

BDN FILE PHOTOS

movers & shakers

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 17

10 Reasons to Practice Yoga September is National Yoga Month. For free yoga classes and events visit yogamonth.org. TEXT COURTESY OF YOGA ALLIANCE

1. Stress Relief

Yoga reduces the physical effects of stress on the body. By encouraging relaxation, yoga helps to lower the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. Related benefits include lowering blood pressure and heart rate, improving digestion and boosting the immune system as well as easing symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, asthma and insomnia.

2. Pain Relief

Yoga can ease pain. Studies have demonstrated that practicing yoga asanas (postures), meditation or a combination of the two, reduced pain for people with conditions such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, autoimmune diseases and hypertension as well as arthritis, back and neck pain, and other chronic conditions. Some practitioners report that even emotional pain can be eased through the practice of yoga.

3. Better Breathing

Yoga teaches people to take slower, deeper breaths.

This helps to improve lung function, trigger the body’s relaxation response and increase the amount of oxygen available to the body.

5. Increased Strength

Yoga asanas (postures) use every muscle in the body, helping to increase strength literally from head to toe. And, while these postures strengthen the body, they also provide an additional benefit of helping to relieve muscular tension. of Stetson.

Danielle and Teresa Barriault

4. Flexibility

Yoga helps to improve flexibility and mobility, increasing range of movement and reducing aches and pains. Many people can’t touch their toes during their first yoga class. Gradually they begin to use the correct muscles. Over time, the ligaments, tendons and muscles lengthen, increasing elasticity, making more poses possible. Yoga also helps to improve body alignment resulting in better posture and helping to relieve back, neck, joint and muscle problems.

6. Weight Management

Yoga (even less vigorous styles) can aid weight control efforts by reducing the cortisol levels as well as by burning excess calories and reducing stress. Yoga also encourages healthy eating habits and provides a heightened sense of well-being and self-esteem.

7. Improved Circulation

8. Cardiovascular Conditioning

Even gentle yoga practice can provide cardiovascular benefits by lowering resting heart rate, increasing endurance and improving oxygen uptake during exercise.

9. Focus On The Present

Yoga helps us to focus on the present, to become more aware and to help create mind body health.

It opens the way to improved concentration, coordination, reaction time and memory.

18 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

10. Inner Peace

The meditative aspects of yoga help many to reach a deeper, more spiritual and more satisfying place in their lives. Many who begin to practice for other reasons have reported this to be a key reason that yoga has become an essential part of their daily lives.

PHOTO: FATCHOI/THINKSTOCK.COM

Yoga helps to improve circulation and, as a result of various poses, more efficiently moves oxygenated blood to the body’s cells.

metro

wellness

Back to Basics

I

PHOTO: WAVEBREAKMEDIA LTD/THINKSTOCK.COM

t would not

surprise you to know that today’s young people read differently than adults. My current high school students have been raised in an Internet world and have been reading words on a screen since their earliest days. It is more surprising, I think, that pretty much every adult I know also admits that his or her reading habits have changed. I am in my 40s, was raised surrounded by books, make my living reading books and asking other people to read books, and yet, my reading habits have suffered due to use of the Internet.

I used to read 20 plus books a year, not counting the books I re-read every year for teaching. The fact that my children are now 8 and 10 years old helps to explain why I haven’t been reading quite as many books lately. My time and attention have been focused on them, and when you take young kids to the park, the pool, or the beach, let’s be honest, your book never comes out of your bag. I just don’t have the same amount of time that I did in pre-kid days to spend half a day lost in a novel.

But more alarming than my lack of leisure time to read is that my attention span is admittedly much shorter. While I still read books, a lot of my reading has been replaced with short high-interest articles, and I don’t always even read the whole thing. I often read on my laptop or phone, while I’m sitting in the car waiting for a child, or leaning on the kitchen counter between bites of a sandwich.

Those who create content for the Internet know about our short-fused brains, and cater to our impulsive and distracted ways. You’ll notice that articles posted online have catchier titles to lure you in, trying to trick you into clicking on the bait, as if they are saying: “Over here! Skim this article for 30 seconds!” Worse is the proliferation of “articles” that are actually just lists. “15 ways to declutter your home” and “Top 10 secrets of a happy marriage.” So we aren’t even reading full paragraphs any-

The Internet is making us stupid: Let’s go back to books. BY EMILIE BRAND THROCKMORTON

more? Now we are just reading lists? Are we not smarter than this?

We are far too likely to skim rather than really read when we browse on a screen, click around on links, and often get distracted by the other open tabs on our computers, emails popping in or text messages interrupting a thought. The Internet has trained our brains to only see catchphrases, or bold type, and to just barely get the gist of what an author is trying to say. The Internet has taught us to be impatient and fickle.

What is the cost to all of this hurried, fragmented reading? Think of how much we are missing. Just as any muscle atrophies without use, our ability to concentrate and focus on long, compli-

over again. It turns out the book lover in me was not buried very deeply, and I very quickly reestablished the habits of sustained attention. I know this is stating the obvious here, but it is so lovely that no advertisements pop up on the page when I’m reading my book on the porch.

“You know you’ve read a good book when you turn the last page and feel a little as if you have lost a friend.”

–Paul Sweeney We should be wary of the cheap easiness of Internet reading. I don’t want to think in sound bytes, or spend too much of my precious time scrolling through lists. I’m taking books back. I’m getting fully engaged in stories, fully invested in characters, so much that I feel a part of a

Just as any muscle atrophies without use, our ability to concentrate and focus on long, complicated sentences is compromised when we do most of our reading on a screen. cated sentences is compromised when we do most of our reading on a screen.

I hate that when I sit in front of a longer, more complex text, I find myself getting antsy. Reading longer texts requires an endurance that I notice myself lacking.

This past summer, I read a big, fat pile of books, some beautiful novels and some fascinating memoirs. My kids are old enough now that they are more self sufficient and I found pockets of time throughout the day to sit and read, not a page or two, but several chapters at a time. Yes, it helps that I am a teacher and have the summers off. I was determined to settle back into books, hold them, write in them, and fall in love with reading all

far away world with each book I read. And while I do appreciate the convenience of e-readers for traveling, even that kind of screen lessens the experience for me.

I like the feel of books, and the smell of books. I make notes in the margins, or circle favorite passages, and often flip back through earlier pages of the book to refresh my memory or clarify a detail.

Even though the Internet is right in front of our faces all day, I want to be more deliberate about what I read. If you want to think about something for a minute and then lose it, read it on a screen. If you want to really know about something, and feel it, read a book.

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 / 19

metro health

Adventures in

Yoga

Orono company combines exercise, nature and recreation into one experience.

BY JODI HERSEY

oga is one

of the most relaxing forms of exercise. It's all about breathing, stretching, meditating and listening to your body. But who knew it could also be considered adventurous?

Holly Twining of Orono is turning people's perception of this low impact workout on its head by combining yoga, nature and seasonal activities into one experience with her new company, Maine Yoga Adventures or MYA. Twining, a yoga instructor and tennis teacher is also a former Fields Pond Audubon naturalist. She started MYA as a way to combine her many passions in life.

"It's going beyond your terrestrial or ordinary yoga practice and freshening it up a little bit by connecting with the water, connecting with the outdoors and connecting with each other," said 20 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Twining. "Some folks spend too much time on their computers, phones or in front of the TV, so the connection to nature is a huge piece of it, and a nice way to mix things up."

Twining believes MYA will attract longtime yoga lovers as well as first-time participants and adventure seekers.

"I have a paddleboarding and tennis adventure in southern Maine [this September] and some of my tennis crew, who I know do not practice yoga but could really use it, will come to this adventure to take on the tennis piece but get the additional benefit of practicing yoga," she said.

Laurie Osher has been participating in Twining's classes for years and already

has signed up for three adventures.

"I want her business to be a success.

I love yoga, I love Holly and I very much enjoy paddling, so it's a win-win-win," said Osher. "We live in a state where people can do it on their own but the joy is going with someone who is so knowledgeable about the outdoors, and you can't beat that."

Twining, who teaches basic, gentle, chair, aerial and Vinyasa flow yoga, as well as Mantis yoga (for kids) at Om Land Yoga in Orono and Brewer, said this form of exercise is something all ages and fitness abilities can enjoy.

"Yoga spans all ages. You only go where your body wants to go. It's not about doing

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF MAINE YOGA ADVENTURES

Y

Above: A Maine Yoga Adventu res class practices the tree pose while enjoying the sunset. This photo: Classes combine Mai ne adventures like kayaking and paddleboarding with yoga.

every detail that your instructor is doing.

You've got to feel it out for yourself and see what feels good and works well for your body," explained Twining. "A lot of time it's about taking a moment, a breath, to go inside and clear the busy mind of constant thoughts that are going on. Yoga helps clear the mind and while you're clearing your mind, you're nourishing your body with the breath. From there you can move into stretches and relieving your body of stress through the movement."

Over the years, Twining has seen yoga's popularity shift.

"When I lived in New York City, yoga seemed popular in the dance community. But I've certainly seen yoga shift and change from meditation, gentle and Vinyasa to fitness yoga, paddleboard yoga, aerial yoga and beyond, which seems fine as long as the instructor doesn't let go of the fact that this is still a yoga practice full of breath and mindful movement," she explained.

Having an instructor who is in tune and mindful of the body's movements or lack thereof, was a big priority for Osher, especially after a back injury.

Maine Yoga Adventures offers kayaking and yoga trips, among other adventures, for people of all abilities.

"I've been doing yoga for 20 years and before I moved here, the teacher really mattered and the same is true here. I do yoga on my own and with Holly because I have to make sure the teacher is guiding me and I feel physically safe so I will not

re-injure my back," said Osher.

Twining has already organized several adventures including Paddling & Wine Tasting ($55 plus cost of kayak rental if you don’t have one) and Hiking & Paddleboarding ($75), and during each

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 21

metro health Adventures include Paddling & Wine Tasting and Hiking & Paddleboarding.

excursion, yoga is either incorporated into the actual activity or practiced in between the outdoor experiences.

"You can do terrestrial poses on a paddleboard. My favorites are wheel, down dog, headstand and crow," said Twining. "But during our first adventure we started with a little yoga warm up, then got into our boats and had two hours devoted to kayaking, followed by some light food, an hour-long yoga practice and a wine tasting."

"No matter how you are doing it, you can always find a way to practice yoga.� — Holly Twining The cost for each adventure varies depending on the actual activity, rental space, food and professional fees needed for other instructors. Twining can also create custom adventures.

"If there is a group that wants to come together to create their own adventure, I'm really happy to do it because I have professionals in every arena and can bring people together to create an adventure for anybody," she said.

Twining is already looking to expand her business by creating a Maine to Mexico adventure in 2017.

"I'm going to Costa Rica in January to set up an adventure for next February.

Maine Yoga Adventures came from a workshop I was leading called Yoga & Nature. In those workshops we'd have some different yoga practices, the outside element and the healthy food element. So I'm just expanding on that and taking it out of state."

There is a limit to the amount of participants Twining can take on each adventure, so people are encouraged to sign up in advance.

"No matter how you are doing it, you can always find a way to practice yoga," said Twining. "So if people come out to an adventure and have never practiced yoga, great. If people have never been on a paddleboard, great. It doesn't matter, we have professional instruction for everything."

For more on Maine Yoga Adventures, visit maineyogaadventures.com.

22 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

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feature story

Eureka Hall Restaurant Stockholm

Food

Finds

Vasquez Mexican Food Milbridge

Standard Gastropub Bridgton

Dudley’s Refresher Castine

Morse’s Sauerkraut Waldoboro Edna and Lucy’s Pownal

24 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

In the quest for good eats, here’s a look at 6 hidden restaurant gems tucked away around our state. BY EMILY BURNHAM

Fish tacos are also on the menu at Dudley’s Refresher in Castine.

Dudley’s Refresher

Castine Town Dock, Castine What is it? It just opened this year, but this new eatery has already established itself as a go-to dining destination in Castine. Owners Michael Rossney and Michelle Levesque, who opened Mexican taqueria El El Frijoles in Sargentville in 2007, expanded their culinary reach with Dudley’s, located right on the Castine Town Dock.

What’s good to eat? Dudley’s offers some of the best traditional English-style fish and chips (a proper ‘chippy’) in Maine, made with beer-battered haddock, fries and mushy peas. There’s a locally-sourced burger (or hot dog, or vegan chickpea burger) with a wide array of toppings, from cheese or grilled onions to Nervous Nellie’s tomato chutney or a fried egg from nearby Misty Morning Farm. Lobster rolls, crab rolls and a tuna melt also are available, along with tasty sides like poutine and house-made jalapeno poppers, and for dessert, Morton’s Moo ice cream.

PHOTO: KARA VAN EMMERICK

Why’s it special? Chef Kara van Emmerick, an Eastern Maine Community college culinary program graduate who cooked at El El Frijoles for several seasons, is the woman behind the delightfully quirky food at Dudley’s, a “refreshing” twist on classic Maine dishes – though since they started out with

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 25

feature story Mexican food, it’s not surprising fish tacos are also on the menu.

When can I go? Dudley’s Refresher is open from 11 a.m. to sunset seven days a week through late September; then 11 a.m.-sunset Thursdays-Saturdays through Columbus Day weekend. For information, visit dudleysrefresher.com.

Vasquez Mexican Food

38 High St., Milbridge What is it? From humble beginnings in the early 2000s as a trailer to its now permanent location in Milbridge, Vasquez Mexican Food is among the best Mexican food in Maine. Yes, that’s right: the best Mexican food in Maine just might be in Washington County.

What’s good to eat? Whether you stick with tacos and burritos, or opt for guaraches (an open-faced tortilla filled with meat, veggies and cheese) or gorditas (corn pockets stuffed with meat, veggies and cheese), the most important thing to remember is that Romana Vasquez – matriarch of the Vasquez family – makes hundreds of tortillas by hand each day. She and her family also make the salsas, the fillings, the beans, and just about everything else that can be made from scratch, like pozole, a traditional pork stew, or mole, the dark, delicious, chocolatebased sauce. There’s also ice cream and Mexican popsicles.

has been serving up delicious pizza, barbecue, ethnic dishes and microbrews since the mid-1990s, as well as being a haven for live music.

What’s good to eat? Hearty, flavorful food, from coconut shrimp and stuffed clams to Korean-style barbecue chicken and Salade Nicoise. There’s a little bit of everything available at Eureka, whether you’re feeling adventurous or you just want a tasty wood-fired pizza or grilled steak. There’s also the largest selection of craft, imported and microbrewed beer in Aroostook County, and an array of house-made desserts, many of which feature locally-sourced maple syrup.

And don’t forget Sunday brunch – crepes, breakfast burritos and freshly made pastries.

Why’s it special? Aside from the food, the camaraderie and company is the biggest draw for this roomy-yet-cozy restaurant. Sit-down dinner or postsnowmobiling drinks, you’ll meet interesting people and hear great music at Eureka. The County hospitality and

Why’s it special? The Vasquez family originally opened their restaurant in order to feed the many Mexican migrant workers who work the blueberry fields in Washington County. More people caught on, and now, with the permanent location open since 2014, this deliciously authentic eatery is no longer a secret.

When can I go? Open MondaysSaturdays, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., through October. Visit facebook.com/ vazquezmex for information.

Eureka Hall Restaurant

5 School St., Stockholm What is it? Stockholm, a County town with a population of 270, isn’t a likely place to have such a fun, quirky eatery as Eureka Hall, but lucky for everyone in northern Aroostook County, the place 26 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Eureka Hall is a fun, quirky eatery up north in Stockholm.

friendliness from owners George and Danielle Mazerolle is truly memorable.

When can I go? Open 4:30-11 p.m Thursdays-Saturdays, 10 am.-2 p.m. Sundays. For information, visit facebook.com/eurekahallrestaurant.

Standard Gastropub

233 Main St., Bridgton What is it? It’s a gas station that’s also a gastropub, i.e. a pub with fancy gourmet food. Appearances, in this case, can truly be deceiving: you can get gas outside, but inside, it’s all teal picnic tables, craft beers and a hip, tattooed staff.

What’s good to eat? The burgers are grilled to order and are light-years from regular old gas station food, as one might expect from a place with “gastropub” in its name. Chicken tacos, pulled pork sandwiches, BLTs with thick Maine bacon, Belgian fries, delicious gourmet salads and house-made doughnuts.

Make sure you order something with their pickled onions on it – tangy and savory and delicious.

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

Standard Gastropub burgers are grilled to order and not something you’d expect to find in a gas station/ gastropub in Bridgton.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 27

feature story Why it’s special: It’s a little slice of Portland foodie hipster-dom in rural Western Maine, but once you get over the novelty of casual fine dining in a gas station, you’ll find that it’s actually a really great place to eat. Plus, owners Alvah Johnson and William Holmes are Bridgton natives, dedicated to bringing great food to their hometown.

When can I go? Hours 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Monday-Thursday and Sunday, and 11

Morse’s Sauerkraut is more than just sauerkraut – though this Waldoboro establishment has been making it since the early 20th century.

a.m.-11 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. For information, visit facebook.com/ standardgastropub.

and American foods for decades, as well as offering a deli and gourmet foods shop. And, yes, plenty of sauerkraut.

Morse’s Sauerkraut

What’s good to eat? Aside from bratwurst, Swedish pancakes and reuben sandwiches, new owners Cody Lamontagne and James Gammon (who also own Forage Market in Lewiston) offer the sauerkraut and pickles Morse’s has been making for generations, along

3856 Washington Road, Waldoboro What is it? First off, there’s more on the menu than just sauerkraut. Much more, in fact – Morse’s has served up a blend of traditional German, Scandinavian

with some new twists on the traditional kraut, including Korean and Mexicanstyle. There’s also a hearty weekend brunch, and plenty of delicious cheese, meat, chocolate and gourmet treats in the store to take home with you.

Why’s it special: Morse’s has been making sauerkraut since the early 20th century, based on recipes brought over from the old country by German immigrants to Midcoast Maine. The

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When can I go? Open 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Mondays -Tuesdays and Thursday-Fridays, and 8 a.m.-6 p.m. Saturdays-Sundays; closed Wednesdays. For information, visit morsessauerkraut.com.

Edna and Lucy’s

407 Hallowell Road, Pownal What is it? Just outside Bradbury Mountain State Park in Cumberland County is this charming little breakfast and lunch spot run by business partners Sabrina Warner and Steph Dexter, serving up sandwiches, soups, salads and desserts for day hikers, road warriors and locals.

What’s good to eat? People from far and wide rave about Edna and Lucy’s doughnuts, traditional circles of love

30 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

made fresh every morning. In fact, they make just about everything inhouse, from the to-die-for pickled onions that top sandwiches to treats like hearty soups, panna cotta and spicy beef chili. There’s not much that isn’t good, frankly.

Why’s it special? There’s something so utterly comforting, easygoing and satisfying about the food here. It’s comfort food, yes, but it’s neither heavy nor greasy – it’s often quite healthy, unless all you get are doughnuts (which we

PHOTO: BDN FILE

restaurant was added in 2002, and has since become an off-the-beaten-path destination for foodies from all over.

Just try eating only one of their amazing pickles. We dare you.

Sabrina Warner and Steph Dexter run Edna and Lucy’s, a charming breakfast and lunch spot in Pownal.

would not blame you for). In the warmer months, the adorable red building is surrounded by loads of wildflowers.

In the winter, it’s cozy and inviting indoors. What’s not to love?

When can I go? Open 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Wednesday-Friday and 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays; they are closed for a brief period in December.

feature story

PHOTO: BDN FILE

Maine boasts 120 active Granges, which are taking strides to ensure this important legacy continues well into the future.

32 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Old Roots,

New Growth

Maine granges take strides into the 21st century. BY EMILY BURNHAM

A

t one point,

nearly every town in Maine had a Grange hall. Before smart phones, TVs and the automobile, it was one of the focal points of small town living. The Grange — the National Grange of the Order of Patrons of Husbandry, a nearly 150-year-old community organization centered around agriculture and rural living — has long been a gathering place and community resource for rural regions nationwide.

“I think you’ll find the same outlook as far as the Grange goes anywhere in the country,” said Vicki Huff, master of the Maine State Grange since 2013 and a member of the Hollis Grange No. 132. “It’s about improving our environment and our moral conduct. Our tagline now is ‘American Values, Hometown Roots,’ and I think that’s been true since the beginning.”

Today, 36 states have active Granges, with California, Oregon and Washington boasting the highest number — though not far behind them, at No. 7 in the country is Maine, with 120 active Granges, compared to around 150 in California and 185 in Washington.

“Because of our population, it’s easier to find a Granger here than anywhere else in the country, even more than New York or California,” said Huff. “It’s still very much a part of life here.”

But with an aging membership, many Granges in Maine have struggled to stay open. Nearly half of the Granges in the state have either fallen inactive or closed altogether in the past few decades. In the past five years, however, a number of Maine Granges have begun reinventing themselves, recruiting www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 33

feature story

Rolf Staples, master of the Bangor Grange No. 372, has been a member of the Grange since 1953.

Deep roots

Since its start in the 1860s, as an organization founded during the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era, the Grange’s mission has combined community service and support for those living in rural communities with social causes.

Among the earliest causes the Grange fought for was rural mail delivery, which allowed mail to be delivered directly to rural households, rather than forcing people to travel sometimes great distances to retrieve deliveries. It also was instrumental in the development of the Cooperative Extension service and the Farm Credit System.

34 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Today, the Grange has taken on the cause of advocating for broadband Internet access in rural areas, and for increased cell phone service. It also continues its support of local farmers, be it through education, support services or

New Hampshire, working on a farm.

Though he hasn’t farmed for years, he still loves the Grange.

“It’s just always agreed with me. I liked the background of the Grange, the history and what it stands for,” said

“It’s just always agreed with me.

I liked the background of the Grange, the history and what it stands for.”

— Rolf Staples simply as a place for farmers to gather.

The Grange has always welcomed people of all stripes — not just farmers — within its ranks. Rolf Staples, master of the Bangor Grange No. 372, has been a member of the Grange since 1953.

His Grange membership began when he was still in high school in northern

Staples. “And it’s social. That’s a big thing.

The brotherhood is very important.”

By brotherhood, Staples doesn’t mean just men — from the beginning, the Grange has been an egalitarian organization, with as many women involved as men. Whether it’s a supper, a contra dance or a regular meeting,

PHOTO: BDN FILE

new members and bringing their organizations into the 21st century — while retaining those core values that in 1867 the Grange was founded upon.

socialization is one of the key aspects of the Grange. For folks who live in often isolated rural areas, it’s often a lifeline.

Walter Boomsma, lecturer at the Valley Grange in Guilford and communications director for the State Grange, moved from Massachusetts to the Piscataquis County town of Abbott 12 years ago with his wife, Janice. It was the Valley Grange that brought the couple into the community.

“What kept us was the warmth we felt, and the way we were welcomed into the community,” said Boomsma. “So much of what the Grange is about nowadays is rural life, not just specific agricultural concerns. It was really wonderful to feel like we were a part of that.”

Boomsma says each Grange is a little different, even within the Pomona, or regional level. His Piscataquis Pomona has Granges that vary wildly from town to town.

“Each individual Grange has its own kind of mission,” said Boomsma. “The difference between the East Sangerville Grange and the South Sangerville Grange is night and day — East Sangerville is kind of artsy, they do a lot of suppers, while the South Sangerville Grange is very specifically about agriculture. It’s always different.”

The Maine State Gra nge welcomed a new Grange recently, with the West Bath Seaside Grange No . 592 restarting after be ing closed for two years.

PHOTOS: BDN FILE; (MIDDLE) WALTER BOOMSMA

A dry season

Though the Grange as a whole has experienced various ups and downs, by the 1990s, the organization was suddenly in a bit of a crisis. In most cases, members had done little to no recruiting of new members, and found themselves with a rapidly aging membership base.

“In the 50s and 60s we were fat and happy. We had lots of members. I think what happened is that they lost sight of the fact that they had to keep bringing in new people,” said Staples. “Suddenly, it was the 1990s and there’d be only 10 people left in a Grange, and they were all elderly and didn’t have the strength to carry on.”

For younger people who might otherwise be interested in joining, the mystique and insularity that had become prevalent was often a turnoff. Heather and Phil Retberg, now members and officers in the Halcyon Grange No. 345 in Blue Hill, initially were hesitant to join.

Volunteers prepare a meal at the Valley Grange in Guilford.

Phil Retberg, the steward of Halcyon Grange, works on the grange’s kitchen expansion and renovation project.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 35

feature story “There’s still some mystique around Granges, what with the traditional, ceremonial aspect of the meetings,” said Heather Retberg, who with her husband owns and operates Quill’s End Farm in Penobscot, where they raise cattle, pigs, poultry, sheep and goats. “I also think some people just don’t even know what the Grange does. They just see this big building and have no clue what it is or what goes on inside.”

Some granges folded altogether, like the Machias Grange in Washington County and the West Paris Grange in Oxford County. Those buildings now serve as an arts and community center and as an American Legion Hall,

respectively. Some Granges simply fell into disrepair. Some struggle to stay active, like the Enterprise Grange No. 173 in Orrington, which recently voted on whether or not to close — but ultimately is giving it a try for one more season.

New growth

The Retbergs, now in their early 40s, are among the new wave of Grangers in Maine, a small but growing contingent of new blood that are breathing life into stagnant chapters. Their passion for local food and rural living coincides perfectly with the Grange’s time-honored mission — as well as with the current national

trend towards all things local. Especially in Maine, where the number of farmers age 34 and younger grew by about 40 percent from 2007 to 2012, from 396 to 551.

Nationally, the number of farmers in that age group increased about 1.5 percent.

“I think this is a natural, circular motion back towards being connected to a community and to the land,” said Phil Retberg. “The Grange was always a part of that rural lifestyle, and it can be again… there are other organizations that have sprung up, but the Grange has been set up to do that from day one. Why reinvent the wheel?”

For the Blue Hill Grange, one of their primary missions is local food

PHOTO: BDN FILE

Charlie Sullivan, left, walks with his father, Bob Sullivan, into Halcyon Grange No. 345 in Blue Hill. The duo were taking part in a grange cleanup project earlier this year.

36 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

and increasing access throughout the region between consumers and farmers, growers and local food producers. To that end, the Halcyon Grange now has a certified commercial kitchen in its hall, where locals can preserve the harvest or make value-added food products to sell.

“At its heart, the Grange is a populist organization, operating under the idea that if we all work together and share our resources, we are stronger,” said Heather Retberg. “In the past [Granges] also worked within communities to buy grain and other things in bulk, which is something we’ve done in Blue Hill — we now have three grain bins that can hold organic livestock grain, which homesteaders and farmers can buy at a much less expensive rate.”

Since being installed as Maine State Grange Master in 2013, Vicki Huff has made it her mission to help Granges do things like start and maintain websites and social media profiles.

“We have to tell people what we’re doing. If we think people will keep coming to us, well, that’s not how society

works anymore,” said Huff. ”We also have to make our halls appealing places to be.

We have to keep them in good shape.

How people perceive the building is how people perceive the Grange itself... We can’t stay in a rut. We can’t keep doing the same old thing.”

Bath Seaside Grange No. 592 restarting after being closed for two years.

In Bangor, Rolf Staples has instituted a number of new activities, including the Ohio Street Farmer’s Market, now in its fifth season, held at the Grange from 2 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays from May to October.

“At its heart, the Grange is a populist organization, operating under the idea that if we all work together and share our

resources, we are stronger.”

So far, this new outlook appears to be working. In July, the Blue Hill, Bangor, Carmel and Enfield granges welcomed in a combined 12 new members, including several under the age of 30. In southern Maine, granges in Wiscasset, Appleton and Harpswell brought in 10 new members. The Maine State Grange even welcomed a new Grange, with the West

— Heather Retberg The market’s primary goal is to connect lower income residents in Bangor and adjacent communities with fresh, local food that’s affordable.

“Here in Bangor we’ve become very family-oriented, almost more of a community service group,” said Staples.

“We could see there were a lot of families that didn’t have any fresh produce or

In Bangor, the Ohio Street Farmer’s Market is a popular attraction held at the Grange to help connect residents in Bangor and adjacent communities with fresh, local food that’s affordable.

38 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

PHOTO: BDN FILE

feature story

local food, so we started the market.

Things like that are important to us.”

Elsewhere, things like the Dictionary Project, a nationwide program that gives dictionaries to third-graders, has been a long time focus of the Grange.

Walter Boomsma of the Valley Grange has had such a good response from the youth programming his grange and other Piscataquis Pomona Granges have offered that now they offer many other events, including fishing trips, workshops in schools and other educational opportunities. There’s also lots of things for folks to do as a family, from suppers to dances to musical performances.

Though details change from town to town, state to state, decade to decade, the core values of the Grange remain essentially unchanged from the 1860s.

“One of the things that is really cool about granges is that it’s extremely family friendly,” said Boomsma. “The whole family can go to a meeting and be involved, and that’s something we need to market better.”

Huff’s grange, in the York County town of Hollis, also participates in the Dictionary Project. Additionally, her grange each year adopts a few families during the holiday season, and in the warmer months helps maintain some of the more than 60 tiny, private cemeteries throughout the town, some of which have graves dating back to the early 1800s. They also help put American flags on veteran’s graves each Memorial Day. “It’s all about giving back,” said Huff.

“It’s always been about that.”

Though details change from town to town, state to state, decade to decade, the core values of the Grange remain essentially unchanged from the 1860s.

Staples, who has witnessed more than 60 years of Grange life, confirms that.

“We all have the same beliefs. We are all brothers and sisters,” he said. “Things can be a little different, grange to grange, but we’re all Grangers at the end of the day.”

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lubec then & now

(Left) West Quoddy Head Light today. (This photo) An aerial view from 1990.

40 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Points East

Lubec holds the distinction as the easternmost town in the United States, but that’s just a small part of what makes this town so special.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD SHAW HISTORIC PHOTOS COURTESY OF ST. CROIX HISTORICAL SOCIETY, AND BANGOR PUBLIC LIBRARY’S JAMES B. VICKERY POSTCARD COLLECTION AND BANGOR DAILY NEWS PHOTO ARCHIVE

B

rimming with

history and promise for the future, Lubec is the real Down East deal. The easternmost U.S. town boasts 20-foot tides, lighthouses, galleries, and museums. Pubs and eateries have colorful names like Uncle Kippy’s, Annabell’s, and Frank’s Dockside Restaurant. Love at First Light gifts and apparel, which opened Memorial Day, pays tribute to Lubec’s reputation as the place where the sun rises first.

Absent from the town are McDonald’s and Walmart, bumper-

to-bumper traffic, and stoplights. Residents tend to paint their homes white (the biting salt air is tough on other colors) and plant geraniums in tidy window boxes. Last winter saw a record snowfall here, so locals welcome late summer’s moderate weather.

Like its Washington County neighbors – Machias, Eastport, and Calais – Lubec has seen change. Longtime residents John and Suzanne McCurdy recall a pre-World War II town of 4,000 (today’s population dips below 1,400), with no unemployment. It even had its own weekly paper, The Lubec Herald.

“There were jobs for everyone,” said www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 41

lubec then & now

Quoddy Head State Park offers rock-bound trails, West Quoddy Head Light and a short walk to downtown Lubec.

42 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Suzanne McCurdy. “Whether in the fishing industry, the American Can Company, or Quaker Oats, which manufactured cat food. These opportunities left a long time ago and basically service jobs, seasonal jobs, or restaurants and gift shops for the tourists are our mainstay. In addition, Lubec no longer has a high school, closed because of low enrollment.”

As summer segues into September, Lubec and Campobello Island, New Brunswick, across the Franklin D. Roosevelt Memorial Bridge, make for an enjoyable daytrip for those arriving via routes 1, 189, and 191. Many visitors are expected for the Sept. 5 family-friendly Pirate Invasion of Lubec. The annual Summerkeys chamber concerts, directed by Bruce Potterton, wrapped up its season in August.

Overnight travelers can check out the Eastland Motel and Betsy Ross Lodging, Cohill’s Inn, Peacock House Bed and Breakfast, The Home Port Inn, among others. Lodging also is offered at West Quoddy Station, a former U.S. Coast Guard facility.

Many travelers begin their visit at Quoddy Head State Park, home to rockbound trails and the red and whitestriped West Quoddy Head Light, opened

Town Stats First Incorporated: June 21, 1811

Notable people:

Named for: Lübeck, Germany, a tribute to

• Jacqueline and Robert Norton, passengers on American Airlines Flight 11, crashed on Sept. 11, 2001

early German settlers Motto: Easternmost town in the United States

• Hopley Yeaton, Father of U.S. Coast Guard • Myron Avery, lawyer and explorer

Population: 1,336 (2012 estimate)

• Doug Brown, supermarket magnate

Elevation: 62 feet Area: 78.38 square miles total

• Sumner Pike, member of Atomic Energy Commission, U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission

Land: 33.25 square miles

Landmarks:

Water: 45.13 square miles

• West Quoddy Head Light • Lubec Channel Light • FDR Memorial Bridge

The FDR Memorial Bridge, then (this photo) and now (above) connects Lubec and Campobello Island, New Brunswick.

lubec then & now

The summertime view down Water Street.

in 1808 and named “Best Lighthouse” by Yankee magazine. Ten minutes away are Water Street’s myriad businesses and a public dock with sightseeing excursions.

There’s a planned Lost Fishermen’s Memorial Park, a public library, and up the hill is Congregational Christian Church’s gleaming white steeple.

At McCurdy’s Herring Smokehouse, a museum sponsored by Lubec Landmarks, host Marjie Krull explains a bygone industry. Local history also is displayed at the Lubec Historical Society’s museum, located at 135 Main St. A picture shows Lübeck, Germany, the Maine community’s namesake, and an exhibit explains a 19th century hoax that promised handsome returns when gold was extracted from seawater.

Dress for September sweater weather and pack your passport for a Campobello visit.

And don’t forget to breathe the region’s pure Down East air.

Fun pubs and eateries like Becky’s Seafood dot the town.

Local history is on display at the Lubec Historical Society Museum on Main Street.

44 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Settled around 1775, Lubec separated from Eastport in 1811. After the War of 1812, smugglers traded in gypsum while the main industries remained fisheries and agriculture. By century’s end, the town boomed with a tannery, gristmills, sawmills, and shipyards. Sardines were packed here in the 20th century, peaking during WWII and tapering off in the 50s and 60s because of labor shortages and changing culinary tastes.

The 1930s Quoddy Project, which promised to harness Fundy Bay’s enormous tides, also is a distant memory. But tidal energy is back on the table in 2015, thanks to modern underwater turbine technology developed by Ocean Renewable Power Co. (ORPC) of Portland.

Today, the aroma of sardines and sawdust is gone in Lubec. Many businesses are seasonal, so be sure to check websites and the town office after Labor Day. Dress for September sweater weather and pack your passport for a Campobello visit. And don’t forget to breathe the region’s pure Down East air.

A look at Water Street, now (this photo) and then (below).

Check out our interactive map of Lubec at bangormetro.com www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 45

metro sports

Sticking to It Danielle Bishop started Maine Styx in 2012.

46 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

A

s Mainers

know, winters are typically long and harsh. Snow can start to fall in November, sometimes even October, and storms continue to arrive until about April. In turn, winter weather often puts limitations on fall sports here in the state, meaning indoor sports like hockey and basketball are among the most popular in the state.

Danielle Bishop knew these limitations, and was determined to create a program for a sport that is often overlooked in the state of Maine – field hockey.

Bishop grew up in Brunswick and started playing field hockey in sixth grade. She quickly developed a passion for the sport. After playing in high school, she went on to attend Keene State College in New Hampshire, which is where she started her coaching career at a local middle school. She later coached at the high school level for another nine years in Connecticut.

Her high school coaching career was successful, bringing teams from the losers bracket to entering state tournaments during her tenure.

In 2012, Bishop moved back to Brunswick where she started Maine Styx – the culmination of years of playing and coaching field hockey. The program offers a variety of field hockey leagues and clinics, including an indoor high school league, indoor middle school league, youth clinics, team clinics, summer clinics, practice programs, training programs and an elite travel program.

“When I first started an indoor league in March 2012, we had about 12 kids,” Bishop said. “For the following six months, I spent countless hours gathering high school and middle school coaches’ and athletic directors’ contact information to start promoting.”

Eight months later, the league reached 76 kids. The following November, the program had reached 140 kids.

“When I was in Connecticut I loved being a high school coach, but I wanted to do it more months of the year,” Bishop said. “Maine and Connecticut have many similar rules that dictate how much hands-off time the coach has with the team. They are not allowed to coach their athletes nine month of the year.

I wanted to do it more than just three months of the year.”

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF DANIELLE BISHOP

Mainer starts field hockey program for players of all ages. BY KATE BERRY

The Maine Styx U-19 Black team bonding and mentally preparing for their tournament.

The Maine Styx program sprouted from the fact that the athletes in Maine were being limited because of the hands-off time rules. The program offers these athletes opportunities that they normally did not have. They are now able to practice field hockey skills in the off season.

“My goal for the program is to give these kids a safe environment and opportunity to fuel their passion,” Bishop said. “I’ve had some athletes come to me and say that they never really wanted to play before Maine Styx, but through my coaching I somewhat rejuvenated a lot of that passion for the sport.”

Not only is Bishop’s goal for the program to restore field hockey passion, but it is to get the number of field hockey players to increase in the state of Maine.

“Whether they go on to play at the national level or college, whatever it is, to be able to get the numbers up would be a huge feat for the sport itself in this state,” Bishop said.

University of Maine Field Hockey coach Josette Babineau supports the Maine Styx program and believes that it

is so important in the state of Maine.

“It’s a much needed program for the athletes to develop more skills and gain more experience because playing for just two months in high school isn’t enough time,” Babineau said. “It’s great to have these types of clubs and it’s great that they are getting such high numbers.”

Bishop has traveled all over the state speaking with players, parents and coaches, offering anything she could do to make the coaches’ lives easier. In return, she has some players that travel as far as two hours away to attend the program.

“We have some awesome coaches on board who have dedicated a lot of time and effort to the program,” Bishop said.

“Dede Frost, Katelyn Lewia, Julie Petrie and especially Whitney Burns. They have made this year a very successful one.”

Maine Styx primarily operates out of the Riverside Athletic Center in Portland. The Portland Sports Complex is also utilized along with Coastal Ortho in Brunswick.

“We want to grow the sport in the state, recharge every player’s passion, continue to be a gateway to the next

The Maine Styx program has grown significantly every year, and now offers a variety of leagues, clinics, travel programs and more.

level and we want to get players the skills and opportunities that they need to reach that level,” Bishop said. “We want to continue building, creating and offering opportunities to make all of that possible.”

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 47

what’s happening

September 3 The J. Geils Band and the Ian Hunter Rant Band, Portland One of the greatest live acts of all time, the J. Geils Band, will take over the Maine State Pier as part of the Machias Savings Bank concert series. They’ll perform with guest Ian Hunter and his Rant Band, former frontman for Mott the Hoople.

Tickets are available via Ticketmaster. waterfrontconcerts.com September 4-6 Camden Windjammer Festival The majestic fleet of windjammers sails into Camden Harbor on Friday, Sept. 4 and it stays there all weekend – along with three days of wonderful late summer events, like a talent show, fireworks, a chowder contest, a pancake breakfast, a crate race, lots of music and a boat parade, among many others. camdenwindjammerfestival.org September 5-6 Great State of Maine Air Show, Brunswick Whether you’re an airplane enthusiast or the parent or grandparents to a little 48 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

one that is, the Great State of Maine Air Show allows you the chance to see all the amazing airpower out there, from the U.S. Navy’s Blue Angels, to comedic or acrobatic pilots like Anna Serbinenko and Kent Pietsch. Tickets are available online. greatstateofmaineairshow.us September 10-27 Penobscot Theatre: “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash” Bangor’s professional theater company presents a musical revue of the songs and life of country icon Johnny Cash, featuring a cast including local musicians and regional talent.

Performances are WednesdaysSundays; tickets available by calling 942-3333 or online. penobscottheatre.org September 10-13 International Seaplane Fly-In, Greenville Take in the beauty of Moosehead Lake, and see hundreds of seaplanes fly into Maine’s largest body of water with the annual International Seaplane Fly-In.

There’s lots to do here, beyond watching planes take off and land – like enjoying lovely Greenville. For information, call 695-2928.

September 11-13 Eastport Pirate Festival One of the wildest festivals to be found in the state of Maine has got to be the Eastport Pirate Festival, three days of booty, plundering, parrrrrrties and parrrrrrrades. Pirates, cannons, treasure, games, costumes, musical performances, parades, vendors, a real pirate ship and much more – bring your own peg legs and parrots. eastportpiratefestival.com September 12 Mt. Desert Island Garlic Festival The “stinking rose” is celebrated with this afternoon-long party, set for Smuggler’s Den Campground in Southwest Harbor. Local restaurants and chefs including Nostrano, Flour Shop Bakery, Eat at Joe’s Farm Fresh, Blaze Restaurant and more will offer garlicky food, there’s music from the Crown Vics

and Frogpipe, and there’s dog agility trials. The fun is set for 11 a.m.-4 p.m. and admission is $5 at the gate; bring money for food.

Sept. 4-6 Camden Windjammer Festival

September 18 Acadia Hospital Battle of the Bands, Bangor Each year Acadia Hospital hosts a big party to benefit their services, and this year, there’ll be three great cover bands duking it out to see which band’s tribute reigns supreme. At this year’s event at the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor, you can dance the night away to Motor Booty Affair, Juicebox and the Stone Doctors. Tickets are $30 and the show is from 7 to 11 p.m.

September 18 Performances by Stand-Up Comics: Tom Clark & Matt Barry Spectacular Event Center presents two funny men Sept. 18; doors open at 7:30 p.m., show starts at 8:30 p.m. Enjoy a gut wrenching night of laughter with friends! Tickets are $15 per person. spectaculareventcenter.com

Sept. 11-13 Eastport Pirate Festival

September 20 Komen Maine Race for the Cure Join Komen Maine on Sunday, September 20 on the Bangor Waterfront to Race for the Cure. Komen Maine has been committed to the promise to save lives and end breast cancer forever by empowering people, ensuring quality care for all and energizing science to find cures. Registration is set for 7:30 a.m., with the race kicking off at 10 a.m. komenmaine.org

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

September 24-28 Autumn Gold Celebration, Ellsworth The Ellsworth Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual celebration, including the 18th annual Chowderfest, Jumbo Jackpot Drawing, classic auto show, golf outing at Lucerne Golf Course, The Great Rubber Ducky Race, scenic boat rides on the Union River, masquerade ball, family day and much more! Downtown businesses will hold side walk sales and specials all weekend. ellsworthchamber.org September 24 BDN Maine Senior Expo, Ellsworth BDN Maine once again hosts an exposition offering networking, vendor

Sept. 20 Komen Maine Race for the Cure

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 49

50 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

Sept. 25-27 The Common Ground Country Fair

what’s happening services, informational and educational sessions, health screenings and practical solutions for Maine seniors, will be held 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 24 at the Moore Community Center in Ellsworth. Admission is free.

September 25 Maine Chef Challenge, Bangor Bangor Metro and the Bangor Daily News are sponsoring this culinary event, featuring three well-known local chefs from Maine restaurants.

They’ll compete in this “Chopped”style live event to see who’s dishes are named the best by a panel of judges.

Audience members will enjoy hot and cold appetizers and a cash bar in the hour before the competition begins.

Ticket information for this event, set for 5:30 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25 at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University, will be available via bangormetro.com. bangormetro.com September 25-27 The Common Ground Country Fair This beloved early fall event, set as always at the headquarters of the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association in Unity, brings together farmers, gardeners, artisans, artists, activists, chefs, thinkers, dreamers and lovers of the land. Amazing food, great people watching and tons of sweet nature farm animals for the kids to visit with. Admission is $10 in advance or $15 at the gate, $8/$10 for seniors and free for kids 12 and under.

September 27 Bangor Symphony Orchestra: The New World The first concert in the Bangor Symphony’s 2015-2016 season features a performance of Dvorak’s New World Symphony, conducted by BSO music director Lucas Richman, who will also conduct a performance of one of his own pieces. The concert is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 27 at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono; tickets are available online. collinscenterforthearts.com

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food file

‘Kings Cake’ Galette

BY SARAH MORNEAULT

T

here is

something so perfectly nostalgic about fall. The days are getting shorter, the nights a bit cooler and you can actually smell the crispness in the air. And though those first few crimson leaves may insight a pang of sadness that summer is over, we easily embrace the comfortable routine that seems to accompany this time of year.

So much of this season revolves around the kitchen. Just-picked apples make their way into pies and jams.

cal harvest and the celebration of it is at the heart of why Lindsey Levesque and I wanted to open Tiller & Rye. Lindsey has been living a farm-totable lifestyle for years. This, for her, has been primarily about health. Raising chickens and pigs, growing her own vegetables and buying from trusted local farmers has eliminated toxins from her diet. It’s also a lifestyle that she truly loves.

I, on the other hand, am simply about the food. In the last years I’ve

Once known as the “king’s cake,” this recipe can be dated back to the early 1300s, but we love that

there’s just something so honest about it.

Steaming bowls of squash, turnip and buttery mashed potatoes overtake our dinner tables, all to be enjoyed amongst family and friends. This focus on the lo52 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

been lucky enough to take a few trips to Europe and, cliché as it is, Paris is definitely my favorite city. I’m in love with everything from the old men with

PHOTO: SARAH MORNEAULT

Sarah Morneault of Tiller & Rye shares a classic recipe for an Old World rustic tart.

their little dogs to how everyone sits, for hours it seems, in outdoor cafes.

Most especially, I love the markets and how you can shop for cheeses while still tearing into a warm croissant just purchased from the Patisserie. And, as long you smile and at least try to ask questions in French, the artisans will happily tell you all about their goodies in English.

This very idea is why we love the farmers markets so much. There’s so much to be said about sitting down to a meal and knowing wholeheartedly where everything comes from. And even as our lives get ever more hectic, we seem to be turning back to a time when this was the norm.

Lindsey and I are both enthralled with old world recipes. Words like figgy pudding and mince meat pie incite a magic all their own. But, time and again, we find ourselves turning to a galette. Once known as the “king’s cake,” this recipe can be dated back to the early 1300s, but we love that there’s just something so honest about it.

At its core, a galette is simply a rustic tart. So versatile is it that it can be served for just about anything and filled with whatever your appetite wishes. The extra bonus? Imperfection is a must, as its torn and uneven edges only add to its charm.

PHOTOS: OCKRA, MARTIAPUNTS, SAMOHIN, FORSTERFOREST, JOE GOUGH, HUE/AMANAIMAGESRF/THINKSTOCK.COM

This beautiful dish is surprisingly easy to prepare.

For the Dough Step 1

Prep the Dough

Step 2

Roll It Out

Add flour, salt and butter to a food processor and process for about 5 seconds. Add ice water and process for another 5 seconds. Take the dough out of the processor and shape into a ball.

Roll out dough until it’s a little thicker than 1/16 inch.

This is where you can also decide what shape you’d like it to be. Refrigerator for a half hour to set.

For the Filling Step 3

Prepare the Filling

Heat oil on low to medium low and add onions and a pinch of salt. Sweat stirring often, occasionally adding a bit of water to deglaze until onions are caramelized, approx 30 minutes.

Step 4

Assemble the Galette

Step 5

Finishing Touches

Shred the cheddar and spread onto center of dough leaving 2 inches around the border. Top with onions. Layer on apples by fanning them out, starting in the center and working your to the edge.

Fold the edges up and over the filling, forming loose pleats. Beat egg and brush lightly over the top of dough.

Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown. Transfer galette to cool and cut into wedges for serving.

food file After nearly two years of dreaming, planning and hard work, in April 2015 Tiller & Rye, a new natural and organic grocery store, opened at 20 South Main St. in Brewer.

Tiller & Rye offers humanely raised, often locally-sourced meat, eggs and dairy, organic produce, a variety of local breads, cheeses, wines, ciders and beers, and other staples of natural foods store, such as bulk spices, nuts, beans and grains, many gluten and dairy-free offerings, natural beverages, eco-friendly home and body care products, and a deli, juice and coffee bar.

Owners Sarah Marble Morneault and Lindsey Levesque, both natives of the Bangor area, have been working on their plan for the store since 2013. The pair have been friends for 15 years.

Food File ‘Kings Cake’ Galette

1 egg 1-2 apples (we opted for Golden Delicious) 1 yellow onion julienned or sliced thin 3/ cup shredded cheddar (we used 4 Sonnental Dairy’s Extra Sharp) 1/ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 2 Salt & pepper to taste ROLL OUT THE DOUGH Add flour, salt and butter to a food processor and process for about 5 seconds. Add ice water and process for another 5 seconds. Take the dough out of the processor and shape into a ball.

Roll out dough onto lightly floured parchment paper until it’s a little thicker than 1/16 inch. This is where you can also decide what shape you’d like it to be. Transfer the parchment paper and dough onto a baking sheet. Put the baking sheet into the refrigerator for a half hour to set.

54 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

PREPARE THE FILLING 1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Heat oil on low to medium low and add onions and a pinch of salt. Sweat stirring often, occasionally adding a bit of water to deglaze until onions are caramelized, approx 30 minutes. This can also be done ahead of time.

2. Shred the cheddar and spread onto center of dough leaving 2 inches around the border. Top with onions. Layer on apples by fanning them out, starting in the center and working your to the edge.

3. Fold the edges up and over the filling, forming loose pleats.

Beat egg and brush lightly over the top of dough. Bake for 25-30 minutes until crust is golden brown. Transfer galette to cool and cut into wedges for serving.

PHOTOS: SARAH MORNEAULT; BDN FILE

FOR THE DOUGH: 11/2 cups all purpose flour (unbleached) 1/ teaspoon sugar 2 1/ teaspoon salt 4 1 stick cold unsalted butter cut into small pieces 1/ cup ice water 3

kitchen confidential

B

orn in Boston

and raised on Long Island, Ann Marie Orr was set on heading West for college.

After attending Arizona State, Humboldt State and San Francisco State, the 11 Central owner boasted varied degrees such as marketing and speech pathology.

Throughout the course of many different careers, food and entertaining have always been a constant. Orr ended up in Manhattan in the early 1990s, where she ran four different restaurants in the downtown financial district.

Traversing across the country, She eventually moved to Maine in 2000.

Ann Marie Orr

Owner of 11 Central in Bangor.

What brought you to Maine?

A man. My husband Mark Sampson.

I met him in New Orleans while on a vacation. When I first moved here in 2000, I used my speech pathology degree. As far as the food scene, there were not many restaurants here.

Downtown Bangor was basically a ghost town.

ing

Central Gather

Ann Marie Orr’s 11 Central brings great local dining to downtown Bangor.

BY KATE BERRY

56 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

What part does your husband play in the makeup of the restaurant?

Mark designed 11 Central. He took my concepts and combined them with his own. He is magnificent, talented and creative.

Where does the art on the walls come from?

I get it from local artists. I let them have an entire showcase. They get the whole room. It is a wonderful way to expose the fabulous art that we have in Bangor.

What makes 11 Central stand out in Downtown Bangor?

Our philosophy and goal is to give the diner – I don’t like using the word ‘customer’ – an extraordinary experience. I want them to feel better

PHOTOS: (ANN MARIE ORR) JEFF KIRLIN; (FOOD PHOTOS) BRIAN MONAHAN

When did 11 Central come about?

Almost three years ago. My husband wanted a restaurant ever since we met. I kept telling him, that will never happen, just like I said I would never live in Maine.

Now, here I am… never say never.

about themselves when they leave than when they came in the door. Aside from the fabulous food, it’s a complete sensory experience.

It’s the music, the flowers, the candles and the art. It’s truly designed for people to have a unique experience.

The N.Y. strip is a customer favorite at 11 Central in Bangor.

What is the key to a successful restaurant?

Uncompromising dedication. It’s also the key to insanity as well.

What’s rewarding about owning 11 Central?

The staff I get to work with is the [most rewarding] thing for me. The second would be the guest experience and what they share with me about it. I have met extraordinary people at my restaurant whom I now call friends. My intention for the restaurant was for people to gather and meet, but I had no idea how much that would mean to me.

Are you planning on opening up another restaurant in the area?

No. I have to stay true to this one here [11 Central]. I am uncompromising. That’s why I had to close my catering company, Ann Marie’s Kitchen. I don’t have time for it anymore.

What does the future look like?

Striving for excellence is a daily process, especially in the hospitality industry.

For now, I will enjoy the experience 11 Central brings to Bangor, and enjoy the wonderful growth of our exciting city.

Now that 11 Central is well established, I will continue to strive. It’s pretty small, but I’m not expanding. I think I’ll just sit tight and have fun right here with Bangor. I’d like to enjoy the fruits of my labor and have fun with everyone.

You know what has been remarkable? The response to my efforts by the community. It has been fabulous.

When I started this endeavor, I didn’t realize the magnitude and the impact it would have on this community. The gratitude and appreciation has been overwhelming.

On the Menu

A look at some of Ann Marie Orr’s favorite offerings from 11 Central in Bangor.

Ann Marie’s Favorites

11 CENTRAL HOUSE SALAD Mixed greens with bourbon glazed walnut, dried cranberry, feta cheese, cucumber, red onion & roma tomato PIZZAS Options: Lobster Artichoke, Mediterranean Chicken, Thai Chicken, Meaty Menage a Trois, BBQ, Hawaiian, Tomato & Feta, Dirty Hippie, Roasted Garlic, Cheese or Make-Your-Own.

Customer Favorites

N.Y. STRIP Locally sourced choice angus, topped with portobello mushrooms & Ann Marie’s Secret Sauce or sea scallops in an alfredo sauce or lobster in a creamy spinach sauce CARROT CAKE Double layered carrot cake made with cream cheese frosting and hint of lemon.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 57

kitchen confidential

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STEUBEN

Tips: We do not take reservations, however feel free to call ahead to see what our wait time is.

Website: 11centralbangor.com

BANGOR/BREWER

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Double layered carrot cak e made with cream cheese frosting and hin t of lemon.

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58 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

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www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 59

arts & culture The Dam Jam is a growing outdoor music festival held annually to benefit the Denmark Arts Center.

Art in Place Jamie Hook from the Denmark Arts Center talks creative placemaking. BY EMILY BURNHAM

B

efore he began

coming to Maine more permanently, Jamie Hook did a little bit of everything. He co-founded the non-profit film arts center the Northwest Film Forum in Seattle in 1995. He produced, directed and edited a number of movies, including the 2012 Bangor-set independent film “Vacationland.” He

an outdoor music festival called The Dam Jam. This past July, the Denmark Arts Center was awarded a $25,000 National Endowment for the Arts Our Town grant, to facilitate an interesting new art project in the town. Hook spoke with Bangor Metro about creative placemaking, art in small towns and how the town dump is the central hub for a rural communities.

The idea is to show that art can be made anywhere, and out of anything. It’s not just this bourgeois thing that’s in a museum.

It’s for everyone. booked shows at a performance venue, Pete’s Candy Store, in Brooklyn. And since 2010, he has been the artistic director of the Denmark Arts Center, located in the Oxford County town of the same name, where has spent summers for more than two decades.

In the past few years, the DAC has hosted a wide variety of events, from plays and art camps to ragtime bands, experimental puppet shows and, each August, 60 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

First off, tell us about how you became involved in the Denmark Arts Center in the first place, and what your vision for it is.

Well, it’s been around for a long time, and as with many things in Maine, it was run by a group of people that had begun to age, and had this amazing facility and didn’t quite know what to do with it. I’d been coming up from New York, saying ‘This is nuts. This place could be a mag-

Jamie Hook from the Denmark Arts Center

net, if you can get the word out to the right people.’ I think Maine in general has been waiting for its chance to have a chapter in the creative placemaking book. And with the DAC, it’s been a conscious effort on my part to transform it into a magnet for art and artists.

When you say ‘creative placemaking,’ what do you mean, and what does that mean for Denmark, or other small Maine towns?

This is a beautiful corner of Maine. It’s not the coast. It’s a bit more humble… and it’s a bit economically depressed.

In this post-agricultural, post-logging world that we’re in, there has to be a

way to grow something for the future.

The idea of creative placemaking is saying that we can take a community and make it a place that artists can come to, and that in turn will revitalize the community. It takes a lot of convincing of some people, who don’t see the value in art. But art and creativity can transform places. It’s happened in places like Minnesota. It can happen here… We’re in the process of securing funding for the purchase of a residency facility, so we can house artists for longer periods of time on a more regular basis, so they can be more involved in the community while they’re here. That’s been a big piece of the puzzle that we’re finally fitting in now, because let me tell you, as an artist, taking a month to go on a residency really refreshes you and wakes you up, creatively. And artists are exceptionally capable at building community.

What will this NEA grant go toward funding?

It’s a project that’s been in the works for a few years. Basically, the plan is to do a national search for eight artists, bring them to Denmark, and put them in residence at the town dump. They’ll use materials they find there and create art with it. After a year, they can either take their work, or leave it there for the town. We already had a residency in 2013 at the dump with an art collective [from Amsterdam, Holland], and we did a pilot program last year with an artist named Toni Jo Coppa that was successful and was funded by the Maine Community Foundation. So now we’re onto the next, larger phase. It’s been a very interesting process.

Why the dump?

The dump is literally the most democratic place in a town. Everybody has to go to the dump. Rich, poor, young, old, Republican, Democrat. You all have to go to the dump. It’s the one place you have to go put up a poster if you want anybody to show up to your event. I learned that quickly, so it was a natural choice for something like this. I will say, though, it wasn’t easy to get the town on board.

Some people loved it, some didn’t. But the idea is to show that art can be made anywhere, and out of anything. It’s not just this bourgeois thing that’s in a museum. It’s for everyone.

Have

Plans For This

Find Ideas on our online

calendar of events

Weekend? bangormetro.com

bangormetro.com www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 61

per spectives Sonarita, Spanish musical term meaning “full vibrating tone,” oil on canvas, 48’‘x48’’

Brioso, Italian musical term meaning “with brilliancy and spirit", oil on canvas, 60’‘x48’’

Victory Monument, Bangkok Thailand, oil on panel, 36’‘x30’’ 62 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Angela Warren

New Year, oil on canvas, 54’‘x54’’

A

ngela Warren,

Inside Golden Mountain, oil on canvas, 36’‘x30’’

31, is a working artist in Portland. She grew up in Bangor, surrounded by woods, music, and art, and graduated from Bangor High School in 2003. Drawing and singing at a young age influenced her to make abstract paintings and sound installations that embody tonalities of color and pitch.

“Singing adds another layer to my paintings; it's the unrecognizable subject matter that creates the color, shape and brushstrokes in the work,” said Warren.

Traveling also influences Angela’s work, as do her daily neighborhood walks around Portland with Bootsie, her dog – her perfect studio companion.

“I am particularly drawn to spring blossoms, ocean water and the sky. Traveling excites me because of the sheer abundance of color and inspiration. It's such magnificent eye candy,” she said.

Warren has had solo and group exhibitions nationally in New York, Connecticut, Iowa and Maine. Angela is faculty at Maine College of Art in Portland, where she received a master's degree in fine arts, following a bachelor’s of fine arts at Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. More information about her can be found at angelawarrenart.com www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 63

savvy seniors

Teaming Up

for Seniors

A

ARP Maine

is collaborating with the Red Cross in Maine to raise awareness about two important initiatives: fire safety and scam/fraud prevention. By working together, the two non-profits will reach a broader audience across the state.

The Red Cross has embarked on a statewide fire prevention and awareness campaign. The goal of the campaign is to reduce fire-related deaths and injuries by 25 percent over the next five years. In Maine, the top three areas where fires tend to start are the kitchen (62 percent),

curs increases if they have hearing loss or mobility concerns. AARP and the Red Cross recommend that every home have working smoke alarms, and that families practice emergency escape plans.

Simply put, smoke alarms can save lives. The odds of surviving a fire increase by 50 percent when proper steps are taken to make sure that the alarms are functioning correctly. As part of their Home Fire Preparedness Campaign, Red Cross volunteers are working in communities across Maine to test residents’ smoke alarms, replace batteries and even install

By working together, we can more effectively help Mainers protect their families, property and financial security. living room (8 percent) and furnace room (7 percent). According to the U.S. Fire Administration, people 85 and older have the highest fire death rate. In most cases, fire casualties could have been avoided with the proper knowledge and correct fire safety standards.

Unfortunately for older Mainers, their risk of injury or death when a fire oc64 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

new smoke alarms when needed. alarms when needed. To learn more, call 8741192 ext. 113 or visit MaineRedCross.org.

For Mainers who are hearing impaired, a traditional smoke alarm may not be helpful in an emergency situation.

A special smoke alarm and alert device is available which sets off a high intensity strobe light throughout the home

PHOTO: DECISIVEIMAGES/THINKSTOCK.COM

AARP Maine and the Red Cross team up on fire safety and scam prevention. BY JANE MARGESSON

when it detects smoke or flames. This equipment sends out a loud, mixed lowpitched sound which can be beneficial as one’s ability to hear high-pitched sounds decreases with age. In addition to these strobe lights, a pillow or bed shaker is also available to alert people as they sleep. The Maine Red Cross can also provide information about these types of alarms.

Another preventive tactic is the development of an emergency escape plan, which can be a crucial way to save valuable time if a fire breaks out. The Red Cross strongly suggests developing a plan with two routes of escape from each room. If you or someone living with you has a disability, it’s important to discuss what assistance they may need in case of an emergency. If a fire breaks out, each individual has on average only two minutes to escape a burning house. The early warning of a smoke alarm, combined with a practiced escape route, can save lives.

As part of its fire safety campaign, the Red Cross volunteers will also distribute AARP Fraud Watch Network scam/ fraud prevention handbooks to Maine residents. AARP Maine is working with many collaborators to raise awareness about common scams and what all Maine residents can do to avoid them.

Scammers have been known to target victims of natural disasters, home fires and deaths in the family by posing as fake charity agents or home repair sales people. The AARP Fraud Watch Network handbooks provide useful scam prevention information for the whole family.

For more information about the AARP Maine’s work on scam/fraud prevention, go to aarp.org/me or call 1-866-554-380.

With September being Disaster Preparedness Month, this is the perfect time to launch the AARP Maine and Red Cross collaboration. By working together, we can more effectively help Mainers protect their families, property and financial security.

JANE MARGESSON is the AARP Maine communications director.

For more information about the Red Cross in Maine, call 874-1192 ext. 113 or visit MaineRedCross.org. For more information about the AARP Maine’s work on scam/fraud prevention, go to aarp.org/me or call 1-866-554-380.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 65

real estate

Love

Barn

A

s log trucks

and cars carrying tourists headed for the coast barrel by, a blue shingled barn with a reddish-brown roof stands sturdy, transformed from the days when its walls sagged and its windows were broken or missing.

Covered in tin signs and painted animals, The Love Barn is a time capsule of sorts — both a utilitarian building and roadside attraction.

Built in 1835 as a stable for animals, the barn is owned by Mark MacLeod, a grizzled man with a gruff voice who uses it as a showroom for the antique wood stoves he refurbishes.

“I almost tore it down, but I just couldn’t bear doing that,” MacLeod said of the mid-sized barn.

These days, the barn is plastered with signs that offer visitors a glimpse 66 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

through Maine’s history. One harkens back to the days when a six-pack of Ramblin’ Root Beer only cost 59 cents; others feature ads for sandwich bread or gasoline.

When he bought the barn 30 years ago, MacLeod said the structure was almost a total loss. It hadn’t been used in decades, other than to store trash and old hay.

The 30-by-30-foot building soon became a labor of love and inspired an official name for the structure and business: The Love Barn.

He made many changes, including electrical outlets, new siding, a new roof and a set of stairs, but plenty of historical features still can be spotted throughout.

Bent iron rungs formerly used to tie up animals are clustered in one corner, and two curved beams forming “L” shapes made from the roots of a tree stabilize the roof.

MacLeod also kept most of the hand-hewn structural beams and wooden pegs intact. He added a new roof, windows he purchased from various auctions and a heart-shaped cutout that lights up at night. The sliding barn door, which still is used to close off the front entrance, came from a nearby outbuilding turned garage and completes the “historic barn” look.

In recent years, the barn has been a stop for tourists and Mainers alike who are intrigued by the signs. Some don’t even bother coming inside, MacLeod said.

Those who do come in often ask whether they can buy one of the signs, but they’re not for sale. MacLeod knows the history of each; and while he may not admit it, it’s clear each holds a place in his heart.

“I don’t go looking for signs — they just come to me,” he said.

BDN FILE PHOTOS

Orland landmark a labor of love. BY NATALIE FEULNER

Below: More signs decorate the inside of The Love Barn.

Bottom: The sight of Mark MacLeod’s renovated 1835 barn along Rt. 1 in Orland, catches the eye of many people driving by.

LANDSCAPERS

BANKS

MADE IN MAINE

PENOBSCOT COUNTY

INSURANCE COMPANIES

1/22/2015

Protect Your Dream Novilla Rollins.jpg

Home

Levant • MLS#1207937 Charming, restored 3 bdrm, 1.5 bath farmhouse on 16.3 acres. The 33’x40’ barn has lots of possibilities.

Separate storage building. $188,900 Lisa Caron Realty of Maine Office: 207-745-5568 lisacaronrealtor@gmail.com

HANCOCK COUNTY

WALDO COUNTY

Call 385-2077 to ask NOVILLA ROLLINS about homeowners insurance

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1/1

Winterport • MLS#1214220 MOTIVATED SELLERS, PRICE REDUCED! Desirable school district, 4 BR/2.5 bath cape, attached 2 car garage, 2.33 wooded acres. $190,000 Jessie Daniels Realty of Maine Office: 207-991-8980 jdanielsbangor@gmail.com

Real People. Real Solutions.

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This story originally appeared as a Homestead feature in the Bangor Daily News. The Homestead section appears in the BDN every Monday and highlights Maine people leading more meaningful lives by being connected to nature and to the land, living more independently and deliberately. For more Homestead features, visit bangordailynews.com/homestead.

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

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

Searsmont • MLS#1151446 Like having your own waterfront without the waterfront taxes!

This 2 to 3 bedrm, 1.5 bath farmhouse abuts Ruffingham Meadow, and includes an historic schoolhouse in the backyard!

LuAnne Adams 107 Main Street, Belfast Cell: 207-322-5930

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 67

maine

woods & waters

Remote

Maine sporting camps the perfect tradition for getting away from it all. BY BOB DUCHESNE

et me be

clear: I expect to be spoiled. I’ve discovered that I can visit any traditional Maine sporting camp, and I will be pampered. I’m working on several theories for why this is so.

To test my theories, I visited Eagle Lake Sporting Camps. The camps were erected in 1889, catering at that time

ing camps are old. Often, they were the first buildings on a lake. Naturally, they chose the best spots. From virtually any sporting camp, the views are awesome. In this case, not only is the view outstanding, but the location spurs adventure. A scenic river known as The Thoroughfare runs behind the camp, connecting Eagle Lake and Square

Most Maine camps were established a century ago, before the age of luxury accommodations.

Buildings are rustic. Facilities are basic.

But extraordinary food is something that a remote camp can manage. And they do. to salmon fishermen. As the name implies, this sporting camp is on Eagle Lake in Aroostook County. It’s on the far side of the lake, distant from the village, distant even from other habitation. It’s remote. Most guests arrive by pontoon boat. Some brave the logging roads to drive in. I did.

I’ve noticed a pattern. Most sport68 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Lake. Furthermore, all of the land surrounding the camp is state-owned Public Reserved Land. You’ll see a lot of wildlife around here, and not many people. On my drive in, I surprised a young bear, who seemed more curious than alarmed.

Sporting camps preserve Maine’s outdoor sporting traditions, so most are

busiest in the fall during hunting season.

Outstanding fishing opportunities keep many camps busy in the spring as well.

Amazingly, the middle of summer can be the quietest time. More than 85 percent of business at Eagle Lake Sporting Camps happens after Labor Day, primarily during moose and bear seasons.

Alan and Gloria Theriault bought Eagle Lake Sporting Camps about eight years ago, chiefly to support their son’s guiding service. Nathan Theriault is a wizard at finding big game up in the County. Gloria supervises the kitchen.

Alan supplies much of the hospitality.

They love the place. Like most sporting camp owners, they love the place so much that they want everyone else to love it as much as they do. So I theorize that sporting camp owners spoil their guests for that very reason.

The No. 1 way to spoil guests is with food. During my previous visit to Eagle Lake Sporting Camps, Alan grilled up some steaks so big that they would intimidate a linebacker. I was up to the task, of course. On this latest visit, the seafood scampi over linguini was ac-

PHOTO: BDN FILE

L

Relaxation

Eagle Lake Sporting Camps in Aroostook County is a great place to get away from it all – and enjoy some top-notch food.

companied by a delightful bottle of Shiraz. Between bites, I thought about all the meals I have eaten at sporting camps over the years. Without exception, the meals have been fabulous.

I theorize that food, often accompanied by good wine and beer, is a source of pride for sporting camps.

Most Maine camps were established a century ago, before the age of luxury accommodations. Buildings are rustic.

Facilities are basic. But extraordinary food is something that a remote camp can manage. And they do. Furthermore, it’s likely that guests have been active in the outdoors all day. They build up quite an appetite.

Another theory: a good sporting camp excels at supporting my illusion that I am roughing it. Old log cabins, small showers, minimal plumbing, sporadic electricity, and ancient wood stoves serve to make me believe that I am made of sterner stuff. I am lying to myself, of course. Virtually all camps have generators, though they may only run in the morning and evening. Mean-

while, propane stands by to heat the cabin, warm the water, and light the room. I lack for nothing.

Even modern amenities are available at most sporting camps. Satellite delivers television and Wi-Fi to many, although TV should only be viewed during emergencies, like a Patriots game.

You’ll find Wi-Fi, but you won’t find television or cell phone service at Eagle Lake Sporting Camps. Trust me, it only enhances the experience.

Unplug everything electronic. Pick up a paddle. Invariably, sporting camps have canoes and kayaks at the ready.

Fish. Explore. Drift. Relax. Congratulate yourself. You’ve succeeded. You’ve gotten away from it all. The rats can have their rat race, they’ll never find you here. You’re being pampered at a traditional Maine sporting camp.

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 / 69

Special Section Featuring Northern Maine

by Bangor Metro

BrewFest Coming to Beer and wine tasting event coming to Bigrock Mountain this month.

PHOTOS: JOANNA REDESIUK, JEKA1984, DAWIDKASZA/THINKSTOCK.COM

T

he Aroostook

The County

County Brewfest at Bigrock Mountain is set for 1-5 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 17, with a VIP session from noon-1 p.m.

The festival is a collaboration between Bigrock Mountain, the Central Aroostook Chamber of Commerce, Aroostook Hops, and the Maine Malt House LLC. These four entities got together to establish a one-of-a-kind beer and wine tasting festival in Aroostook County to promote our locally-grown products that are used in the beer making process.

Come and enjoy a festive afternoon and evening of beer and wine tasting from some of Maine and New England's most popular brewers. The brewers include, SOME Brewing, Geaghan Bros. Brewing, Belfast Bay Brewing, Black Bear Brewery, Gritty McDuff's, Newport Storm, Tumbledown Brewing, Winterport Winery, and many more.

After the Brewfest stick around for Bigrock Mountain's annual steak and chicken BBQ supper. There will be live music from Between Dead Stations, the winners of the 2014 Maine Blues Competition, and a silent auction with all proceeds going toward the Bigrock Mountain Groomer Fund.

For more information about the Aroostook County Brew Festival, a full schedule of events and ticket details, visit aroostookcountybrewfestival.com. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 71

A

Delivery

n unknown

delivery man quietly comes into the Emergency Department at The Aroostook Medical Center and hands the registration specialist a box of hardwood toys. In total there are about 50 handcrafted pieces of approximately 20 unique wooden shapes, all with tiny wheels and a ToyMakers logo on the bottom. As quickly as he comes, he turns and is off on another mission to take more boxes of toy cars and trucks to other hospitals, rehab clinics, terminal care facilities, and homeless shelters all over Maine.

“The ToyMakers have been doing this for several years and it’s a wonderful gift for our littlest patients,” said nurse practitioner Dale Gordon. “Their generous donation is greatly appreciated.”

The ToyMakers is an outreach of the First United Methodist Church in Bangor, where individuals make toys for children and provide them to hospitals and agencies who distribute them at no cost to the 72 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

children. The toys are made from hardwood, which is sanded smooth and left unpainted. Wheels, axles, and non-toxic glue are paid for by donations and the ToyMakers donate their time and use of their tools and shop facilities.

The ToyMakers now provide more than 10,000 cars and trucks per year to 38 hospitals from York to Fort Kent, and to many other agencies.

In 2007, an article appeared in Workbench magazine about a group in Florida making toys for kids in tough situations.

The goal was to start chapters of The ToyMakers across the United States, supporting Ronald McDonald Houses and nearby agencies that care for children.

As a result of interest from the article, over 80 groups formed in North America in an attempt to meet the need for toys for kids. The website www.theToyMakers.org describes the activities.

After discussions with the Florida ToyMakers group, Bangor started making wooden cars and trucks, giving

ToyMakers brighten the days of children at hospitals across the state. BY VIRGINIA JOLES them away to local hospitals and agencies. Their mission has grown as they have added more hospitals and service agencies. Officials of the The ToyMakers, Bangor, monitor Federal regulations regarding safety of toys for children and craft them accordingly. The little vehicles are unpainted and non-toxic cyanoacrylate glue is used to attach the wheels.

In partial support of their ministry, The ToyMakers of Bangor are provided raw materials from the following wood products manufacturers: JSI Store Fixtures, Milo, and Shaw & Tenney, Orono. Casey’s Wood Products, Wiscasset, provides wheels and dowels at a significant discount.

The ToyMakers strive to bring quality toys, a simple toy car or toy truck, to children in need.

For more information, contact The ToyMakers, First United Methodist Church, 703 Essex Street in Bangor.

PHOTO: VIRGINIA JOLES

Special

Emergency Department personnel at The Aroostook Medical Center recently received 50 handcrafted wooden toys from The ToyMakers of Bangor.

Showing some the toys recently delivered are, left to right: emergency department registrars Susan Cook and Angela Gallagher, and nurse practitioner Dale Gordon.

Coming Soon September County Events County Bluegrass Labor Day Weekend, Sept. 3-6 Fort Fairfield at FARM Park The 2015 bluegrass music line-up features: Dailey & Vincent, Junior Sisk & Ramblers Choice, Goldwing Express, Flatt Lonesome, The Spinney Brothers, and much more. Visit centralaroostookchamber.com for more information.

Take It Outside: Explore Trains, Churchill Dam & Canoe Chase Rapids on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway, Sept. 11- 13 Located in the heart of the Allagash Wilderness Waterway is an outdoor museum commemorating the history of the North Maine Woods era. Join us for this two-night trip at Spider Lake’s Maccanamac Camps then travel to the waterway, canoe Cahse Rapids, tour Churchill Dam Natural History museum, hike into the trains, and explore the artifacts of the logging era that once occurred in the area around Chamberlain and Eagle Lakes. Fee: $150.00 Program is restricted to individuals in excellent shape. Contact: Caribou Rec at 493-4224.

Molly the Trolley’s 30th Birthday Party Sept. 12 Join Molly the Trolley at the Historic Fire Station and enjoy birthday cake and punch, hear the original children’s story “Molly the Trolley Bus,” children will also receive a Molly Coloring page and take a short ride aboard Molly. For ALL ages. Seats limited. Contact: 762-1151 or pihistoricalsociety@hotmail.com.

Movie in the Park: Paranorman (PG) Sept. 18, 8 p.m.

Join the Presque Isle Public Safety Department for a movie in the park.

The screen will be set up by the Riverside Public Market. Movies begin at dusk. For more information, visit the PIPD Facebook page.

Need a

Gift Idea?

Send some love with

a subscription to

Bangor Metro!

For subscriptions,

call 990-8219 www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 73

74 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

2 015

COLLEGE FINANCES

unique tax credit available

A NON-TRADITIONAL STORY going back to school later in life

KIDS & TECHNOLOGY

avoid unexpected expenses

2 015 MAKING COLLEGE AFFORDABLE ... 81 Opportunity Maine offers unique tax credit

AN EDUCATION IN GOOD EATS ... 82 EMCC Culinary Arts grad makes the grade

A LESS TRADITIONAL STORY... 84 From homemaker to NMCC Student of the Year

SAVVY STORAGE ADVICE ... 87 Keeping things tidy in small spaces

WELCOME BACK TO SCHOOL ... 88 Preparing kids for school-year success

5 GOLDEN RULES FOR KIDS & TECH ... 91 Saving your wallet from tech-savvy tots

MAKING THE CUT ... 92 Unity College student pursues unusual sport

MAINE COLLEGE LISTINGS ... 95 Your guide to Maine higher education www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 79

Making College

Affordable

T

here are

PHOTOS: GOODLUZ & JAYSONPHOTOGRAPHY/THINKSTOCK.COM

a lot of advantages to living in Maine – the people, the beautiful landscape, the way of life, etc. Yet, many Mainers are still not aware of another great benefit that is also unique to our state, the Educational Opportunity Tax Credit (EOTC).

Signed into legislation in 2007, the EOTC is one of the boldest college affordability initiatives in the nation. It offers significant tax credits to Maine residents

Another advantage to living in Maine – a unique college tax credit from Opportunity Maine. the program can provide nearly $800 in yearly state income tax credits.

This generous initiative funnels the benefits of the program, increased investments in higher education, directly to Maine workers. Savings of that magnitude can remove a major financial barrier for those who thought going to college was out of their reach and can assist Maine residents in better preparing themselves for jobs of the future.

If you put in the hard work of getting a college degree and commit to living and working in Maine, the program will help reduce your student loan debt burden. who have earned a college degree in Maine and continue to live and work in the state. The potential savings are substantial as the benefit can add up to thousands in tax credits. Individuals who earned a bachelor’s degree from a Maine college or university can be eligible for a maximum annual tax credit of over $4,000. And for those who earned an associate’s degree,

The EOTC’s goal is simple, but powerful: If you put in the hard work of getting a college degree and commit to living and working in Maine, the program will help reduce your student loan debt burden. This bolsters stronger personal finance, greater economic development potential, and a more educated and skilled workforce.

Paid Advertisement for Opportunity Maine.

A business level component is also included, allowing companies that pay their employee’s student loans as an employee benefit to claim credit for those payments on their business taxes. This provides an attractive employee and business benefit, which may spur more organizations to support their employees in pursuing higher education.

For more information on the Educational Opportunity Tax Credit, visit www.opportunitymaine.org. The website provides complete program details, answers to frequently asked questions, and helpful resource links.

It is also equipped with a handy online tax credit calculator that provides an estimate of the amount of tax credit individuals may qualify for based on their year of graduation, type of degree and the amount of student loan payments made. The calculator can even be used to pre-populate and print the Educational Opportunity Tax Credit Worksheet, the form residents must submit with their State tax returns to apply for the credit.

2 015

An Education in

G ood Eats

astine, a small

yet historical seaside community, is quintessential Maine. Thousands of tourists flock to the town each summer to take in the stunning scenery of sailboats, lighthouses and the rocky

Eastern Maine Community College’s culinary arts program.

Kara’s culinary journey is remarkably full for someone so young. First inspired by her mother, whom she describes as an incredible cook, Kara began working

It was her passion for food and desire for a personalized program that led her to Eastern Maine Community College. coast, and to of course dine on Maine’s famous seafood. This season, tourists and locals alike have a new eatery to indulge in: Dudley’s Refresher, a takeout shack opened by Michael Rossney and Michele Levesque, owners of Mexican restaurant El El Frijoles in Sargentville.

At the helm of Dudley’s Refresher, located on the Castine Town Dock, is Kara van Emmerik, longtime Sous Chef of El El Frijoles and a 2014 graduate of

in restaurants as a young teenager, and secured her first sous chef position at the age of 16.

It was her passion for food and desire for a personalized program that led her to Eastern Maine Community College.

“I was accepted to Johnson & Wales, but chose EMCC because of the instructors’ commitment to being oneon-one with students and sharing their knowledge,” she says. “The instructors

Paid Advertisement for Eastern Maine Community College.

really want their students to succeed, and that personal touch was important to me. I feel like I would have gotten lost somewhere else.”

Kara continues that personal touch in her role as Executive Chef at Dudley’s.

Serving traditional, Downeast Maine dockside takeout, the menu consists of locally-sourced food, most of which is made entirely from scratch – something she takes great pride in.

“I wake up at 5:30 a.m., drive here, open up shop, and prep nearly everything on the menu from scratch. It is important to make sure everything is fresh and rotated out.”

Her culinary philosophy was, and continues to be, impacted by her instructors at Eastern Maine Community College. She credits department chair, Chef Jay Demers, with being one of the biggest influences on her culinary career.

“I still talk to Chef Demers and ask him for advice – like just the other day,

PHOTO: BDN FILE

C

EMCC Culinary Arts grad Kara van Emmerik at the helm of popular Castine takeout joint.

about what he uses for oyster sauce,” she remarks. “The faculty really do care. After your first year in the program, one of the instructors comes down to visit you during your summer externship and makes sure everything is going okay.”

Kara, a Sedgwick, Maine native, commuted two hours to attend classes at Eastern Maine Community College every day.

“It was worth it,” she says. “This peninsula is so important to me, and I wanted to work while going to school. I can’t imagine spending that much time and effort on anything other than expanding my culinary career. I want to bring good food to Maine.”

But Kara is doing even more than bringing good food to Maine. She has helped start up and is running a small business. From the very beginning when she was planning what the building would look like, creating the menu and going to food shows, to present day where she manages employees, communicates regularly with customers and orders and tracks inventory, Kara uses skills that expand beyond culinary to ensure Dudley’s runs smoothly.

“Being able to communicate my knowledge to people clearly – staff and customers – is very important,” Kara says. “My favorite general education class at EMCC was oral communications. What I learned from that class helped me with management and communication.”

Dudley’s Refresher opened over Memorial Day weekend, and Kara and the rest of the staff are excited and ready for the busy tourist season.

But, what about owning her own restaurant some day?

She answers with a laugh, saying, “For me, this is as close to opening my own restaurant as I want to get right now.”

Eastern Maine Community College is a two-year college offering over 30 certificate and degree programs.

In addition to its Bangor campus, the college has three off-campus higher education centers in Dover-Foxcroft, Ellsworth and East Millinocket. Find out more at www.emcc.edu. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 83

A Less

Duska Kingsbury shares her journey from homemaker to NMCC Student of the Year.

fter 16 years

as a homemaker and mother to six children, Duska Kingsbury of Mars Hill decided it was time to do something for herself and began looking into going back to college. At the suggestion of a friend, she found Northern Maine Community College in Presque

applying for college after being away from school,” Kingsbury said. “But I made a decision: I wanted more for myself and my family.”

Non-traditional students make up about 32 percent of NMCC’s student population. The school provides specific job skills that help students enter the

“I’ll be honest, I had doubts about applying for college after being away from school.

But I made a decision: I wanted more

for myself and my family.”

– Duska Kingsbury Isle, which offers associate degree and certificate level programs.

“I’ll be honest, I had doubts about

workforce, as well as preparing students to transfer to a four-year college or university to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Paid Advertisement for Northern Maine Community College.

“Their affordable classes are close to home,” Kingsbury said. “I saved money and my credits transferred, so I can go on to earn a 4-year degree.”

Which is just what she plans to do.

Kingsbury’s liberal arts degree from NMCC has helped prep her as she plans to attend the University of Maine at Presque Isle this fall to study social work. “I’ve been accepted at UMPI and that’s very exciting, it’s another step in the process.”

Kingsbury was named NMCC’s 2015 Student of the Year and spoke at the school’s commencement this spring about her experience.

“We have made sacrifices and altered our lifestyles to make learning a priority, and we have devoted time and energy to our goals,” Kingsbury said to her fellow classmates. “It is because of this that we needn’t fear our future. We have proven our resilience, our commitment to hard

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF NORTHERN MAINE COMMUNITY COLLEGE

A

Traditional Story

work and perseverance, and developed our ability to adapt to life’s obligations.”

Her advice to others considering going back to school is to just take that first step. Starting at a smaller, more intimate campus like NMCC is a great way to get your feet wet and get started.

“What was a dream is now a plan – thanks to NMCC,” said Kingsbury.

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Northern Maine Community College is an accredited, two-year college which offers 40 degree and certificate programs. NMCC is one of seven colleges in the Maine Community College System, and has off-campus centers in Houlton and the St. John Valley. Take the first step – apply online today at nmcc.edu.

Bangor Metro!

For subscriptions,

call 990-8219 www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 85

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Savvy Storage Advice Tips for keeping things tidy in small spaces.

FAMILY FEATURES

J

ust because you

PHOTO: FUSE/THINKSTOCK.COM

don’t own your home or have a permanent abode, does not mean you can’t be neat and organized in the place you currently hang your hat.

“Even if you are not able to drill holes in the walls, even if you are always on the move and prefer not to invest in costly storage solutions, there are still plenty of portable and attractive options for you,” said professional organizer Lorie Marrero. “Find those that work best for your needs and can be as portable as you are.”

Creative closet space Some of the most frustrating things about renting can be the lack of storage space and the inability to install permanent fixtures in closets. Typically equipped with one rod and a top shelf, rental closets and dorm rooms don’t provide the best configurations for maximizing the available area.

You can make the most of those limited resources with a system such as ClosetMaid’s brand-new Closet Maximizer.

This tool-free system securely clips to an

for Renters

existing wire or wood hang rod, but easily detaches if the need arises. The functional modern design features laminate shelves with a double-hang rod, and storage accessories like fabric bins and hanging organizers. The system is affordable and available in three finishes (white, dark cherry and chocolate), and the adjustable, double-hang rod can be positioned on either side to customize the space.

Hidden in plain view Attractive, colorful storage pieces can enhance existing decor and brighten up the lackluster neutral walls found in most rentals. Anyone living in an apartment or smaller quarters knows that storage needs to not only look good, but also be completely functional.

Add style to spruce up your living space while containing clutter with Decorative Storage products from ClosetMaid. Available in three, six and nine cube designs, they are available in three finishes to blend with any interior and help take organization to the next level. Coordinating fabric bins in

various shades ensure pops of color will complement any existing palate.

Ready access for everyday items Create a system to keep your place tidy.

A drop zone, whether in your entryway, kitchen or living area, is a good designated place to keep your mail, keys, shoes, bags or whatever you always need, readily available.

A small bench by the door for a briefcase or a colorful coat tree for hanging outerwear are good options to keep belongings off the floor. Once you’ve gotten your system down, be vigilant about sticking to the plan.

With the right products and a little creative thinking, adding moveable, functional, attractive and affordable storage can be quite simple for any renter. Take charge of your space and get organized so you can feel better about where you call home.

For more renter-friendly tips for getting organized, visit ClosetMaid.com or StorganizationBlog.com. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 87

Welcome

Back to School!

Steps and tips to help ensure your children are prepared for a happy, healthy school year. ARTICLE COURTESY OF STATEPOINT

B

ack-to-school

prep means more than a trip to the office supply store. Help kids stay strong, healthy and safe this school year by putting wellness front and center.

“Thinking about back-to-school now can help parents keep kids on track for a healthy summer and start to school,” says Dr. Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

With that in mind, Hassink recommends taking the following steps.

More back-to-school tips can be found at healthychildren.org.

Ease into the School Schedule

Ease the back-to-school transition by keeping bedtime and meals scheduled during the summer and adjusting timing as school approaches. Depending on age, children and teens need between 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep nightly.

For young children, arranging to see their new classroom and meet their new teacher before school starts can calm first day jitters. Go over the school schedule with your child, including how she will get to school and after school plans.

Schedule a Pediatric Visit

The back-to-school season is a good time for scheduling a pediatric exam.

Create a list of items you want to discuss with your child’s pediatrician.

This list should include ensuring your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, a crucial part of preventive care.

Beyond medical testing, pediatricians are well-equipped to counsel patients and parents on emotional and social issues, as well as issues that often crop up during adolescence, such as smoking, drugs, drinking, sexual activity and depression.

Consider Sports

Sports can foster confidence, cooperation and healthy habits, and the start of the school year brings many opportunities to join various programs.

Hydration, nutrition and proper conditioning are important for any sport, especially those training in

PHOTO: SPAXIAX/THINKSTOCK.COM

warm weather. Schedule a sports physical with your pediatrician to discuss your child’s overall health and how to prevent injuries.

Talk Safety

If your child will be walking to school, travel the route with him to assess its safety. Find out about traffic patterns and crossing guards.

Teach your child safety rules like looking both ways. If possible, have your child commute with an older sibling or neighbor. If your child will be riding a bike or skateboard, be sure he wears a helmet. Bus riders should also be mindful of safety rules, like remaining in one’s seat and listening to the driver.

Looking for

Something To Do?

Find Ideas on our online

calendar of events

bangormetro.com

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www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 91

Making the

B

lake Wilder

grew up in Lamoine. With only basic tree cutting experience, he never would have guessed that he would join the Unity College Woodsmen team. Or make it to U.S. National Championship.

“I didn’t even know the sport existed until I went to Unity College,” Wilder said.

“When I first applied, I looked at what the school offered for clubs and that’s when I saw the Woodsmen team.”

College student finds comradery in unique competitive sport. BY KATE BERRY petition. He took fourth overall, but took first place for the Stock Saw event.

“A lot of young guys will get up in front of hundreds of people and they’ll get nervous,” Wilder said. “I’ve been through it all. I know that no matter what you do, the crowd will think it’s amazing.”

With only 600 undergraduate students, Unity is one of the smaller schools compared to its larger competitors in the region like Dartmouth College, Univer-

Not only is the sport interesting in itself, but there is also a strong sense of comradery

on the team and with competitors.

Wilder decided to attend the first meeting of the school year and it turned out he liked it. And he was good at it.

After completing his fourth year at Unity, Wilder qualified to compete in the U.S. Championship for STIHL Timbersports. On June 20, he traveled to Central Park in New York City to compete against five others in the national com92 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Cut

sity of Maine Orono, Colby College and University of New Hampshire. Though the school’s attendance is small, the Woodsmen team is fairly large. Averaging about 25 members on the team, half male and half female, the team is actually larger than UMaine’s.

At Unity College, the Woodsmen team is considered a club sport, therefore it is

not funded by the school. The team does get about half of its funding from student government, while the other half is funded through team fundraisers. They have to buy their own practice wood and then sell the remains for extra cash.

“A lot of students are pushing for [school funding] here, but I don’t want that,” Wilder said. “Yes, we would get more money, but then we wouldn’t be forced to go out and work with each other.”

Countless hours are spent together practicing for competition. Practices generally run three hours long, but many times the members have been there past midnight.

“Anyone can join the team,” Wilder said. “The more time you put in, the more likely you are to be put on the ‘A’ team.”

A good deal of money is put into the sport for wood, axes and other essential equipment.

“Practice axes you can get for $100; for competitions you are looking at $250,” Wilder said. “If you want to get the best it will be around $600. The crosscut saws, or two man saws, can be

PHOTOS: COURTESY OF BLAKE WILDER

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Blake Wilder is seen competing in the STIHL Timbersports National Competition in June where he placed fourth overall.

$600-$900. The single buck saw, or one man, can go up to $1200.”

For many sports, at national competitions, there is usually a cash prize awarded to the winner. That is not the case in timbersports.

If there is no monetary incentive, why do it in the first place and spend all this money?

“It’s different and cool, challenging and fascinating,” Wilder said. “I’ve met a few actual lumberjacks who did these events for their career. They see us do it as a sport and it is entertaining. Who would have thought that in 2015 people would still be using axes and crosscut saws?”

Not only is the sport interesting in itself, but there is also a strong sense of comradery on the team and with competitors.

“I like how you can compete against someone that day, then you’re best buddies with them by night,” Wilder said.

Wilder has two people in particular who he wants to thank for his successful collegiate career as a woodsman. Travis Corrsier, the previous president of the club, taught Wilder everything he needed to know. Matt Galombos, a University of Maine graduate, is now in the pro circuit and is an inspiration to Wilder.

Could you hack it?

Here’s a look at the typical Woodsmen events...

Singles Events Single Buck Disk Stack Axe Throw Minute Pulp Obstacle Course Stock Saw Doubles Events Standing Block Log Roll Fire Build Triples Events Underhand Chop Wood Split Team Events Bow Saw Cross-Cut Pulp Toss Scoot Load Relay/Mystery Event www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 93

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MAINE COLLEGE LISTINGS university of maine at machias

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Machias, Maine | machias.edu

hat does a ukulele have in common with the skeleton of a pilot whale? Or an old Vandercook printing press with bacterial DNA from coastal Maine soil? At the University of Maine at Machias (UMM), students merge traditional academics with direct, hands-on learning to explore the relationship between people, systems, and nature. That’s where the ukulele, pilot whale, Vandercook printing press, and bacterial DNA come into play.

Sitting on Maine's pristine coast is New England's only public Environmental Liberal Arts college. The breathtaking forests, rivers, wetlands, beaches, and coastlines that surround our 243-acre campus play an integral role in shaping our academics.

Our education is hands-on, field based, and service oriented to instill students with

the knowledge and skills needed to enter a changing, globalized world. UMM students are encouraged to look at the world through a different lens by applying the traditional liberal arts to issues of environmental and community sustainability. Each year, UMM becomes home to students who find its intimacy, personalized attention, strong academic programs, and diverse natural setting an extraordinary chance to pursue their interests and prepare for fulfilling careers.

With an average class size of 16 students, a 12:1 student-to-faculty ratio, over $600,000 in scholarship aid, and a coastal location, UMM provides a high-quality, personalized education at an affordable price. To experience the UMM community, sign up for an individualized tour at machias.edu/visit or check out our virtual tour at machias.edu/virtual-tour. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 95

husson university

1 College Circle, Bangor, Maine | www.husson.edu 1.800.4HUSSON | 207.941.7100 Come prepared. Leave transformed.

W

ith an emphasis on quality and affordability, Husson University consistently delivers superior educational value to students interested in achieving lifelong career success.

At Husson, you’ll learn from faculty members who are leading experts in their fields and passionate about teaching. In addition, our programs feature experiential learning opportunities that provide you with valuable real-world experience that focuses on making you “workplace ready” and more attractive to potential employers once you’ve graduated.

Your education should be as individual and unique as you are. That’s why we partner with you to create a unique college experience tailored to your individual needs. It is a philosophy we call “U and Husson.”

Prepare for your future career through a variety of program offerings including business, communications, criminal justice, education, counseling, health, pharmacy, science and the humanities – over 54 degrees and 10 graduate/ professional programs in all.

Visit our campus today and learn more about how Husson University can help you reach your goals.

96 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

MAINE COLLEGE LISTINGS 2 015

Name: Bates College Contact: 207-786-6255 www.bates.edu

Name: Beal College Incorporated: 1891 Location: Bangor Population: 500 Designation: Private Degrees Offered: Certificate, Diploma, Associate Application Deadlines: Open admission Acceptance Rates: Open admission Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 17:1 Full-Time Students: 70% Part-Time Students: 30% Tuition & Fees: $7,040 Room & Board: No housing available Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:4 Highlighted Programs: Criminal Justice, Medical Assisting, Substance Abuse Counseling, Business Management, Early Childhood Development Contact: 207-947-4591 www.bealcollege.edu

Name: College of the Atlantic Incorporated: 1969 Location: Bar Harbor Population: 362 Designation: Private Degrees Offered: B.A., M.Phil.

Application Deadlines: ED I, December 1. ED II, January 15.

Regular decision, February 15.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 10:1 Full-Time Students: 95% Part-Time Students: 5% Tuition and Fees: $42,084 Room and Board: $9,432 In-State Students: 17% International Students: 19% Highlighted Programs: Human ecology, environmental science, marine biology, sustainable business, arts and design, educational studies, and human studies.

Academic Philosophy: We believe in interdisciplinary, experiential, and self-directed learning.

Contact: (800) 528-0025; coa.edu; inquiry@coa.edu

Name: Central Maine Community College (CMCC) Contact: 207-755-5100 www.cmcc.edu Name: Bowdoin College Contact: 207-725-3100 www.bowdoin.edu

Name: Colby College Contact: 207-859-4800 www.colby.edu

Name: Eastern Maine Community College About: Two-year college specializing in technical, career and transfer education Number of students: 2,550 Highlighted Programs: Focus is associate degrees which prepare students for professional employment in highly technical fields. The associate degree in Liberal

Studies and most other EMCC programs may be transferred to many of Maine’s four-year colleges and universities.

Academic Philosophy: We offer a complete college experience that considers the needs of all of our students: campus housing, intercollegiate athletics and a variety of clubs, organizations and activities. Also, convenient multi-location access and a range of alternate scheduling options are available so students can attend classes where they live and work.

Contact: 207-974-4600 www.emcc.edu

Name: Grace Evangelical College and Seminary Contact: 207-947-1665 • www.gecs.us

Name: Heartwood College of Art Contact: 207-985-0985 www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org

Name: Husson University (including the New England School of Communications) Incorporated: 1898 Location: Bangor Population: 3,509 Designation: Private Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate, Bachelor’s, Post Bachelor’s Certificate, Master’s, Post Master Certificate, Professional Doctorate Application Deadlines: August 15 for regular application Acceptance Rates: 78% Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 14:1 Commuters: 65% Full-Time Students: 81% Part-Time Students: 19% Tuition & Fees: $15,590 Room & Board: $8,604

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 97

Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:1.2 In-State Students: 83% Out-of-State Students: 17% Highlighted Programs: Business; Education; Health: Nursing, Occupational, Physical Therapy; Humanities; Pharmacy; Science; Legal Studies; Counseling; Communications: Entertainment Production, Audio Engineering, Video Production Contact: 207-941-7000 www.husson.edu

Name: Maine College of Art Contact: 207-775-3052 www.meca.edu

Name: Maine Maritime Academy Contact: 1-800-464-6565 www.mainemaritime.edu Name: Kaplan University Incorporated: 1977 Location: South Portland, Lewiston, Augusta Population: 1,000 Designation: Private Degrees Offered: Associate, Bachelor’s & Master’s Application Deadlines: New classes begin every 10 weeks Acceptance Rates: High school diploma & GED recipients accepted Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 12:1 Full-Time Students: 70% Part-Time Students: 30% Tuition & Fees: $280/Credit Hour & $210 Technology Fee Room & Board: No housing available Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:4 In-State Students: 98% Out-of-State Students: 2% Highlighted Programs: Medical Assisting, Business Administration, Accounting, Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, Fire Science, Human Services, Psychology Contact: 855-KUMAINE www.kumaine.com

Name: Kennebec Valley Community College Contact: 207-453-5000 www.kvcc.me.edu

98 / BANGOR METRO September 2015

Name: Maine Media College Contact: 207-236-8581 www.mainemedia.edu

Name: Northern Maine Community College Incorporated: 1961 Location: Presque Isle Population: 1,086 Designation: Public Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate Application Deadlines: Rolling enrollment. No application deadline. Applicants are advised to apply early because of competition for programs and limited enrollment capacities.

Acceptance Rates: NMCC processes each applicant and will accept all applicants who meet our qualifying requirements as space allows.

Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1 Commuters: 90% Full-Time Students: 52% Part-Time Students: 48% Tuition & Fees: $3,390 for in-state; $6,030 for out-of-state Room & Board: $6,460 Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:1 In-State Students: 84% Out-of-State Students: 16% Highlighted Programs: Technical, Career, Transfer Education Contact: 207-768-2700 www.nmcc.edu

Name: Saint Joseph’s College Contact: 207-893-7746 www.sjcme.edu

Name: Southern Maine Community College Contact: 207-741-5500 www.smccme.edu

Name: Southern New Hampshire University – Maine Center for Continuing Education Contact: 800-427-9238 www.snhu.edu/Maine

Name: The University of Maine Incorporated: 1865 Location: Orono Population: 10,901 Designation: Public Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s, Post-Bachelor’s Certificates, Master’s, Doctoral Application Deadlines: Rolling admissions begin February 1; December 15 for early action Acceptance Rates: 81% Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 15:1 Commuters: 61% Full-Time Students: 91% Part-Time Students: 9% Tuition & Fees: $10,600 for in-state; $27,970 for out-of-state Room & Board: $9,112 for in-state; $9,112 for out-of-state Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:1 In-State Students: 80% Out-of-State Students: 20% Highlighted Programs: Engineering, Forestry, Marine Sciences, Innovation Engineering, Honors College Contact: 207-581-1110 www.umaine.edu

2 015

Name: Thomas College Contact: 207-859-1101 www.thomas.edu

Name: Unity College Location: On 225 acres in Unity, Maine Population: 589 students (Fall 2014) Designation: Private, liberal arts, sustainability science-based with an environmental focus Degrees Offered: Bachelor’s and Associate’s degrees Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 11:1 Average Class Size: 18 Average GPA (2013): 3.30 Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:1 Academic Philosophy: Committed to the principle that all of its students, faculty and staff have a right to be free from discrimination on the basis of race, age, gender, religion, national origin, socioeconomic class, disability, or previous military experience Contact: 800-624-1024 www.unity.edu

Name: University of Maine at Augusta Contact: 877-UMA-1234 www.uma.edu

Name: University of Maine at Fort Kent Contact: 207-834-7500 www.umfk.edu

Name: University of Southern Maine Contact: 800-800-4USM www.usm.maine.edu

Name: University of Maine at Machias Contact: 207-255-1200 www.machias.edu Name: University of New England Contact: 800-477-4863 www.une.edu

Name: University of Maine at Presque Isle Incorporated: 1903 Location: Presque Isle Population: 1,463 Designation: Public Degrees Offered: Certificate, Associate, Bachelor’s Application Deadlines: Rolling Admissions Acceptance Rates: 85% Student-to-Faculty Ratio: 13:1 Commuters: 79.4% Full-Time Students: 55% Part-Time Students: 44% Tuition & Fees: $7,300 for in-state; $17,260 for out-of-state Room & Board: $7,422 Male-to-Female Ratio: 1:2 In-State Students: 96% Out-of-State Students: 4% Highlighted Programs: Environmental Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Education Contact: 207-768-9400 www.umpi.edu

Name: Washington County Community College Contact: 207-454-1000 www.wccc.me.edu

Name: York County Community College Contact: 207-646-9282 • www.yccc.edu

Name: University of Maine at Farmington Contact: 207-778-7050 www.umf.maine.edu

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 99

word

M

akeup can be

Keeping Up Appearances Making yourself look smart in the age of social networking.

BY CHRIS QUIMBY

used to accent one’s best features. Or, like a layer of primer and two coats of paint, it can effectively hide any trace of what lies beneath.

Such use of superficial means to project an image devoid of any authentic substance is no new practice. Facebook and other means of social networking can allow us to craft our own stories. Through employing our own editing by highlighting the attractive and omitting the yucky we can appear as something closer to what we wish were were, both for our own satisfaction and that of others.

With that in mind, I have great news for the strapped-for-cash and/or unsmart citizens of America.

Not enough cash for higher education? Too uninspired to learn on your own? Or look for a pen?

No worries, for in just one short humor column I will give you my secret to Seeming Marginally Knowledgeable Around Others.

This is a foolproof method I have used successfully and that has helped me remain employed, and sometimes overemployed, for years, allowing me the reasonably-priced fruits of middle class life and a degree of baseless self-satisfaction that one normally has to throw darts at balloons at a fair to achieve.

Being a fan of words, I find them of great use as verbal makeup to cover otherwise offensive outbreaks of stupidity. With that in mind, I present my first suggestion among others: • Learn up to eight intelligent-sounding replacement words and use them liberally in conversation. Many people already do this without even planning to. A favorite one is using cognizant instead of aware. But the unfortunate consequence of its overuse is the slow loss of its distinction as a unique word. With that in mind, keep your ear to the ground to personally assess word use frequency in your own culture.

Don’t actually keep your ear to the ground. This is dangerous and is only a figure of speech. As part of seeming brighter than you might be, learn about figures of speech. Simply put, these are things that don’t mean what they say, like your wife.

So to sum up, if your ear is not near the ground, keep it that way. If it is near or touching the Earth, consider standing up or at least lifting your head. If you are already standing, yet your ear is on the ground, please see a doctor.

• Get many books and display them around your home. People usually associate books with intelligence. But not just any book will do. Try to find ones that do not contain cartoon drawings or rolls of Life Savers candy.

Keep in mind that you need not have read this literature. Also keep in mind that literature is another really good replacement word for books.

The important thing is that your guests think you read them. And if you have no guests, you should post a photo of said literature on your Facebook page with a pretentious hashtag such as #culturevulture.

Also, please note that pretentious is a really good word with an interesting story. You see, once I developed my Seeming Marginally Knowledgeable Around Others plan and used it myself, people would volunteer their satisfaction by describing me as such. Not knowing the meaning, but assuming it was a compliment, I developed a great sense of self-satisfaction upon each use.

In fact, I’m currently working on writing my first literature book completely absent of cartoon drawings or Life Savers.

So far I’ve only created the title, which is “Pride and Pretentious.”

Unfortunately, I do not know its release date. My suggestion to those with interest would be to please keep your ear to the ground.

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.

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IMAGE: DOPPELGANGER4/THINKSTOCK.COM

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