Metro_Dec Proof

CAPTURE the MAGIC START NEW HOLIDAY TRADITIONS & MAKE NEW MEMORIES GET OUT to the

MIDCOAST

& JOY MAKE A WINTER VISIT TO BELFAST

Wishing you

COMFORT $5.95

December 2019

CONTENTS

DECEMBER 2019

FEATURES 44

FA LA LA

Creating a festive holiday playlist

48

TAKE A BREAK

9 winter movies that aren’t about Christmas

52

MAKE IT A HAPPY HOLIDAY

Ideas for capturing the magic of the holiday season at home

56

GET OUT

Visit Belfast this December — a midcoast town with a big heart

44

YOUR HOLIDAY PLAYLIST

56

GET OUT: BELFAST

IN EVERY ISSUE 08

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Local news & sightings

16

OBSESSIONS

What we can’t get enough of this month

64

THE VIEW FROM HERE

ON THE COVER Wishing you comfort and joy this holiday.

2 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

PHOTOS: ©DEAGREEZ/ADOBE STOCK; STEVE BOWLER

The holidays are for holding on

ARTS & CULTURE

FOOD & DRINK

HEALTH & FITNESS

14

20

22

Q&A

Illustrator Eric Zelz talks about his new book and what’s coming up next

IN SEASON NOW

Give Brussels sprouts the respect they deserve with these tasty recipes

HIKE ME

Take a hike to historic and beautiful stone structures around Maine

28

SNIFFLES & SNEEZES

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) TKTK; SARAH WALKER CARON; AISLINN SARNACKI; COURTESY OF BOB DUCHESNE; ©BERNARDBODO/ADOBE STOCK; AMY ALLEN

What to know about winter allergies

HOW TO

HOME & FAMILY

OUTSIDE

32

36

62

CRAFTING WITH KIDS

Easy-to-make holiday ornaments

34

CREATE IT AT HOME

Design a fun holiday wreath

NAVIGATING THE HOLIDAYS

Tips for surviving the holidays after divorce

WOODS & WATERS

Life’s a hoot when you’re studying Maine’s owls

40 GRIEVING DURING THE HOLIDAYS How to cope with loss at Christmas www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3

Comfort & EDITOR’S NOTE

JOY

EACH YEAR on Christmas Eve, my kids and I sit together before bedtime and read “The Night Before Christmas,” by Clement C. Moore. I have a stack of versions, each illustrated by a different artist, to choose from. Even as they’ve grown into a teen and tween, that’s an enduring tradition we’ve continued.

But traditions — both those tied to holidays and those tied to other arbitrary times of year — can wax and wane. There was a time when the Fourth of July always included crashing the neighbor’s big party, trick or treating was followed by a late dinner of Chinese food and the end of summer meant an end of summer party. Those traditions were nice while they lasted, but it was also okay when they ended.

Other traditions have emerged though. A visit to the Bangor Humane Society with donations for the cats on the day after Thanksgiving, trips to Boston over President’s Week and seeing “The Nutcracker” at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono (and adding new Nutcrackers to our collection) every holiday season.

And that last one has become an extra special part of our tradition in recent years. My daughter Paige will be among the performers with Robinson Ballet bringing the show to life as the Bangor Symphony Orchestra plays and the Bangor Area Children’s Choir sings. It’s no secret that I am incredibly proud of her.

What are the traditions that matter most to you and your family? (Get some ideas in our story on page 52!)

As joyous as these traditions can be, the holidays can also be a difficult time of year. For those who’ve lost a loved one, it can bring up difficult emotions (see our story on page 40). For those recently separated or divorced, the holidays can be challenging to navigate (see our story on page 36). And for so many, there are annual anniversaries of traumas, sicknesses and deaths that bring a range of feelings to the surface.

So as you approach the holidays, remember to be kind to one another. Remember that not everyone celebrates — or wants to celebrate. Remember that you can have your joy and happiness without infringing on other people. “‘Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house …”

I HOPE YOU HAVE A WONDERFUL CONCLUSION TO 2019.

SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR

Connect With Us Online bangormetro.com facebook.com/BangorMetro @BangorMetro bangormetro talkback@bangormetro.com 4 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

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

PUBLISHER

Richard J. Warren

EDITOR

Sarah Walker Caron scaron@bangordailynews.com

ART DIRECTOR

Amy Allen

aallen@bangordailynews.com

SUBSCRIPTION & PROMOTIONS MANAGER

Fred Stewart

fstewart@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Julia Bayly jbayly@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Abigail Curtis acurtis@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Rosemary Lausier rlausier@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Aislinn Sarnacki asarnacki@bangordailynews.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Sarah Cottrell, Bob Duchesne, Natalie Feulner, Jen Hazard, Emily Morrison, Sam Schipani, Richard Shaw, Katie Smith www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 5

6 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

HOW DO YOU

Bangor Metro Magazine. December 2019, Vol. 15, No. 10.

Copyright © Bangor Publishing Company.

Bangor Metro is published 10 times annually by Bangor Publishing Company. 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 Sarah Walker Caron at scaron@bangordailynews.com.

Advertising: For advertising questions, please call the Sales Director Todd Johnston at 207-990-8129.

Subscriptions/Address Change: The one year subscription cost is $15.95. 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 207-990-8075.

Accounts Payable/Receivable: For information about your account please contact Todd Johnston at 207-990-8129.

COVER IMAGE: ©Aprilante/Adobe Stock

MARK THE

END of the YEAR? “

Although calendars are certainly arbitrary, I love the sense of closure that comes with the end of the year. Every December, I look back at the goals I set in January (I don’t do resolutions — only goals) and reflect on how I did with them. For 2019, I set five goals. As I write this, it’s too soon to review but I took a peek and it looks like I did reasonably well on most of the five goals I set. I’ll take it.”

— SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR

“On New Year’s Eve, I always seem to be watching some ball drop somewhere, either on TV, in person in NYC (which I do not recommend) or — my personal favorite — the Bangor beach ball drop. On New Year’s Day, I buy a new calendar — the goofier, the better.”

— SAM SCHIPANI, CONTRIBUTOR

“Here on Rusty Metal Farm there is not really any one end-of-the-year tradition. Marking the transition from one calender year to another can run the gamut of simply flipping the calender to the next page all the way to attending a swanky hour’s long, seven-course, wine pairing dinner at a Quebec inn. Some years I make a thermos of hot cocoa and snowshoe out to the pond to watch the stars as midnight approaches.

Other years I’m fast asleep long before the stroke of midnight. But no matter what I’m doing, who I’m with or where I am, I take time to reflect on the highs and lows of the previous year and look ahead to the amazing adventure the new year will hold.”

— JULIA BAYLY, STAFF WRITER www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7

WHAT’S HAPPENING

DECEMBER Bangor Ballet’s annual Nutcracker in a Nutshell performance returns for the holiday season. It will be performed on December 1 at the Center Theatre in DoverFoxcroft at 4 p.m. and in Bangor at the Gracie Theatre on December 7 at 7 p.m. and December 8 at 4 p.m.

This classic holiday production turns Tchaikovsky’s tale into a condensed version that is fun and beautiful. For more information or for tickets contact Bangor Ballet via phone (207-945-5911) or visit their website at www.bangorballet.org.

DEC. 5-29 MATILDA: THE MUSICAL AT THE PENOBSCOT THEATRE COMPANY This Tony Award-winning musical follows the struggles of Matilda against her neglectful parents and cruel headmistress.

8 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

An avid reader and brilliant young girl, Matilda dreams of a better life and a happy home. With the help of her kind teacher Miss Honey, the other students in her class, and a touch of magic, Matilda takes a stand against the evil forces in her life. The toe tapping score will have you dancing your way to the lobby after the curtain call and singing the songs long after you leave the theatre. Starring Ben Layman as the evil Miss Trunchbull and directed by the group production of Jeff Payton and Matt Shaffer.

The Penobscot Theatre Company stages this Maine premiere throughout December.

Show times vary. Contact box office for more information and tickets 942-3333.

DEC. 5-15 A CHRISTMAS CAROL Charles Dickens’ classic holiday tale A Christmas Carol will be performed by Ten Bucks Theatre at their performance space in the Bangor Mall (near the former Sears

site). The production is directed by Aimee Gerow and features Ken Stack as Ebenezer Scrooge. Dates and times vary. Check TenBucksTheatre.org for more information including how to purchase tickets.

DEC. 7 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE IN BANGOR Bring on the holiday cheer on the first Saturday in December when the Festival of Lights returns for a day of fun and merriment. The annual Festival of Lights Parade begins at 4:30 p.m. and culminates with the Lighting of the Tree in West Market Square at the conclusion of the parade. Bring your warmest mittens, toasty hats and thick socks for this day of holiday joy because brrr, it can get cold outside.

PHOTOS: (ABOVE) ADOBE STOCK; (RIGHT) BDN FILE

DEC. 1, 7, 8 NUTCRACKER IN A NUTSHELL

DEC. 1, 7, 8 Nutcracker in a Nutshell

DEC. 12 AUTHOR TALK: AMY BLACKSTONE Join author Dr. Amy Blackstone, a childfree woman, co-creator of the blog we’re {not} having a baby! and nationally recognized expert on the childfree choice, as she discusses her book “Childfree By Choice: The Movement Redefining Family and Creating a new Age of Independence.”

It’s a definitive investigation into the history and current growing movement of adults choosing to forgo parenthood: what it means for our society, economy, environment, perceived gender roles, and legacies, and how understanding and supporting all types of families can lead to positive outcomes for parents, non-parents, and children alike. The event will be 6-7:30 p.m. and books will be available for purchase from The Briar Patch.

DEC. 7 Festival of Lights Parade, Bangor

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9

10 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

WHAT’S HAPPENING DEC. 15 WINTER SOLSTICE CELLO FEST Arts eXchange Ensemble, a collective of amateur cellists in Central and Down East Maine directed by BSO Principal Cellist Noreen Silver will perform a community concert benefiting Partners for Peace and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra. Doors open at 3:30 p.m. and the event is free and open to all.

Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Robinson Ballet and the Bangor Area Children’s Choir bring the classic ballet to life at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono.

Join Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, and the Nutcracker on their whimsical journey.

Plus, arrive early to shop at the Nutcracker Store, offering a variety of holiday gifts, Nutcrackers, and treats. This is a holiday tradition perfect for audiences of all ages!

Tickets available via the Collins Center online or by phone.

DEC. 15 Winter Solstice Cello Fest

STILL STUMPED? Here are the answers to last month’s Pop Quiz.







  Answers to this month’s Pop Quiz on page 13: Question 1: B; Q2: A; Q3: B; Q4: A; Q5: C.

PHOTO: STANISLAV GROSOLOV/ADOBE STOCK

DEC. 21-22 THE NUTCRACKER

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING

HERE’S A LOOK AT JUST A FEW SPECIAL EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH...

2

1 1: Trick-or-treaters pose for a photo during the Pittsfield Community Trunk or Treat event. Organizers were thrilled with the turnout at the community’s bicentennial year event.

2: Sarah Pebworth speaks to the crowd gathered for the 2019 Word. Literary Festival in Blue Hill.

3: Shelley Latham, Laura Miller, Emily Nussbaum and Maria Russo at the 2019 Word. Literary Festival.

SHARE YOUR EVENT PHOTOS! 12 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

Email your photos and captions to

talkback@bangormetro.com

PHOTOS: (1) COURTESY OF JANE WOODRUFF; (2 & 3) JEFF KIRLIN / THE THING OF THE MOMENT

3

HO HO HO!

4

It’s a holly, jolly Pop Quiz!

How much do you know about festivus season?

4: Award recipients at Wings for Children and Families’ 25th birthday celebration.

5: Bangor Daily Brews event speakers (from right) Cindy Isenhour, Sean Birkel, Paul Mayewski and and BDN Editorial Page Editor Susan Young at the Sea Dog Restaurant.

6: Jen Therrien, education director with the Challenger Learning Center of Maine, tells children and their parents about the training and journey of Maine Astronaut Jessica Meir at the UMaine Emera Astronomy Center in Orono.

PHOTOS: (4) JEFF KIRLIN / THE THING OF THE MOMENT; (5 &6) GABOR DEGRE / BDN

5

6

FIND ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S POP QUIZ ON PAGE 11!

Find answers on Page 11! www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 13

ARTS & CULTURE

Q&A

Q A: &

ILLUSTRATOR

ERIC

ZELZ YOU MAY OR MAY NOT know Eric Zelz as a person. But you might just recognize his distinctive artistic style. The local illustrator worked for The Bangor Daily News for years, creating charts, diagrams and illustrations. He’s also a familiar face around town, attending events and volunteering.

These days, he’s using his illustration skills for children’s books. The first book he illustrated was “Pass the Pandowdy, Please,” a book written by his wife Abigail Zelz that explored the favorite foods of historical figures.

Zelz’s second picture book, “Read This Book If You Don’t Want a Story,” was recently released by Maine’s Tilbury House Publishers and is a fun, funny, whimsical tale written by Richard B. Phillips about a book that doesn’t have a story to tell. We caught up with Eric to ask him a few questions about his work and life in the community.

Q:

“Read This Book If You Don’t Want a Story,” is a hilarious, unruly tale where the illustrations tell the story as much as the words. How much of that comes from direction from the author and how much is from you being able to do your own thing?

14 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

IMAGES: COURTESY OF ERIC ZELZ

BY SARAH WALKER CARON

A:

When the manuscript of “Read This Book If You Don’t Want a Story,” initially came to me from Tilbury House Publishers I wasn’t quite sure how to handle it. I certainly wanted to illustrate another book, following “Pass The Pandowdy, Please” but this new project was so different. A book with no story. Would it be a lot of work, or none at all? I soon found the tug of war between the book and the characters within quite interesting and fun, however.

The publisher and my editor, Jonathan Eaton, gave me free rein to develop “Mr. Book” and the world in which the characters would move, that is, the pages within the book. Jon’s instructions were to have fun and let my imagination run wild. Not a bad deal!

Q: When working on illustrations, where do you start? Do you have a process or custom for the early concepts?

A: Tilbury

first wanted to see what “Mr. Book,” the narrator of the story, might look like. How would I envision a character determined to share nothing with readers, but whose pages have other ideas? I presented Mr. Book as a stubborn, old west, cowboytype figure: ornery and not at all interested in compromise. The author, Richard Phillips, had written a story that made it clear that the pages belonged to Mr. Book and nothing would clutter them. (Rick’s young daughter, in fact, had challenged her dad to write a story with no story!) I used bright primary colors (yellow has always been a favorite color) and Mr. Book’s ever-changing moustache was a dynamic way to emphasize his emotional state on each page.

Next, along with sketches of Mr. Book, I presented a sketch of all the characters that would otherwise be in the story. In the sketch, Mr. Book had packed them all up, ready to be returned to sender. No story, no need for characters. This set the stage for the story’s conflict. I was on a bus to Boston watching lots of traffic when I got this “return to sender” idea; hence, there are a lot of shipping boxes in the illustrations!

Finally, I had to establish how the text would be presented. As it’s a story with only narration and dialogue, with no places described, the story’s “geography” was mine to create, along with how the dialogue between book and pages would be displayed. I felt traditional page text would be appropriate for Mr. Book’s voice and voice balloons would be good for all the pages that spoke in opposition to Mr. Book’s no-story edict.

Each page had something to say, and each page had an opposing response by Mr. Book. This moved the story along.

The publisher and his team liked what I presented, so I then created sketches for each page and developed a storyboard or layout of the project. A storyboard is a page-by-page package of sketches, showing, in rough form, what the book will look like and where the text will go. It had to depict key elements of the story, including the reader’s interaction of hugging the book or gently shaking the book (to coax a story out), along with presenting the book’s final resolution — that everyone has a story to tell, although you may need a little encouragement from friends to tell it.

“A book full of stories is what I’ve become.

Imagine a story and let’s have some fun!

Imagine a poem.

Imagine a play.

But don’t ever imagine you have nothing to say.”

Hopefully, it’s a message for all of us!

Q: You worked with an out-of-state (I believe) author for this one, which must have been a little different from your first book. What was that like — and how was it different?

from them. Experiment. Sometimes I use watercolors, sometimes gouache. I might layer with wax pencils or colored pencils. Do random Google searches of illustrators. Some of my favorites are in France and Italy. If you have a question regarding their work, message them. I’ve found them quite approachable.

Q:

Any words of wisdom for those who would love to write and/or illustrate a picture book?

A:

Yes. Develop a portfolio of artwork or writing, create a website (the drag-anddrop site creators make it easy) and start researching what publishing houses are looking for new talent. Get your work out there and don’t hesitate to do some free projects for non-profits. It will help them out and give you more exposure. It’s a building process. Your style should be your own, and you develop that style by doing. But don’t be afraid to try new things. It’s OK to go in completely different directions. Your core style still peeks through! Finally, remember to have fun. It will show in your work.

Q: Along with illustrating, you also have a full

time job. As a John Bapst grad whose daughter is also an alumna, what was it like to return to Bapst as the Director of Communications and Alumni Relations a few years ago?

A: Working with my wife, Abby, who wrote A: Being back at John Bapst is a real treat “Pass The Pandowdy, Please,” was a real treat as we could continually bounce ideas off one another. Working with Richard was a lot of fun as well, although most of the initial exchanges went through our editor at Tilbury. I would send Jon sketches and copies of finished pieces and he would share them with Richard, who lives in Maryland.

Richard and I soon became Facebook friends, and he would often see roughs I would share online as well. We finally met at the book launch in September at Bangor’s The Briar Patch. He’s a great guy, with a delightful family. (I congratulated his daughter for the idea, and Rick for pulling it off so nicely!)

Q: For aspiring illustrators, how have you developed your own unique drawing style and perspective?

A: I would encourage anyone who would like

to illustrate a book to draw all the time and keep his or her eyes open for any inspiration.

Keep a sketchbook (paper or digital). I love seeing what other artists are doing. Learn

and I couldn’t think of a better place for inspiration. The students are amazing and the entire environment is so creative and dynamic! I believe I learn something new from our students, both those from Maine and those from overseas, every day.

I’m so proud that my daughter chose Bapst, and my mother and uncle before her.

John Bapst is a special place and my job is a lot of fun, designing and communicating and connecting with engaged, interesting people. Sounds kind of like my other job as an illustrator, doesn’t it?!

Q: What’s next for your illustration prowess? Do you have another book coming?

A: Yes, I’m thrilled to say I do. It’s another

one with Tilbury House. It’s a real charmer, and I’m already learning from it! It will be published in September 2020. Look for little peeks of it as time goes on.

“Read This Book If You Don’t Wait A Story,” is available where books are sold. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 15

ARTS & CULTURE

OBSESSIONS

OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.

READ Every month, many new books cross my desk. I purchase even more. These are a few that I particularly enjoyed and recommend.

“PRETTY GUILTY WOMEN,” BY GINA LAMANNA — I accidentally hit play on this audiobook one fall day, and ended up so enthralled that I fit in extra walks to enjoy it more. It’s the story of women at an elaborate week-long wedding. Successful Kate’s boyfriend breaks up with her as they are checking in — because she can’t have children.

Stretched-thin Ginger has her whole family in tow and feels the pressure of it all. Emily has so many secrets — and a past that estranged her from her friends. Lulu is sure her husband is about to leave her. And Sydney has much to hide. Told in an alternating timeline of before a man is murdered and after, this is a tale of secrets, friendship, and what it really means to do the right thing. It wasn’t a stressful read, and I think that made me like it even more. (FICTION) “YUMMY YOGA: PLAYFUL POSES AND TASTY TREATS” BY JOY BAUER — Cute, creative and whimsical. This nonfiction book shows kids demonstrating yoga poses and stylized food approximating the poses as well.

Open the flaps and there’s recipes utilizing the foods shown as well. This is a good, fun combination of fun, healthy activities and fun, healthy foods.

Totally geared towards kids, this encourages them to get moving (and eating well). Though my kids are a bit old for this book now, they would have happily devoured it a few years ago. (CHILDREN’S NONFICTION) “EVERGREENS” BY JOHN HOLYOKE — John Holyoke has been the outdoors editor for the Bangor Daily News for years. And in his weekly column, Out There, he explores the outdoors and what it means for people here. Though his coverage is often considered “hook and bullet,” meaning fishing and hunting, John’s strength as a writer is his ability to find the people and the culture behind the stories he tells. In “Evergreens,” a collection of some of his best columns over the last 17 years, you won’t find story after story about moose hunts or big fish. Instead, you’ll find a window into Maine life and the people who live it. It’s a lovely collection, and I am not just saying that because I am his editor. (ADULT NONFICTION) —SARAH WALKER CARON

16 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

GIFT BLIND DATE WITH A BOOK AT THE WILLIE WAGS

WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I love reading. There’s nothing better than discovering a fantastic book and getting pulled into the story and then ... it ends. They always do. And I’ll be honest, when I’m looking for something new to read, I judge books by their covers. It’s not fair, but I’m a graphic designer after all. That’s where Blind Date with a Book comes in. Wrapped in plain brown paper and topped with a simple summary offering hints about what might be inside, The Willie Wags in downtown Bangor offers a selection of books — but what’s inside is a mystery. It’s the ultimate grab bag for grown-ups. And the cute packaging makes them the perfect gift as well. Any friend or loved one who loves reading, will love to receive this gift — and it’s already wrapped and ready to go.

—AMY ALLEN

PHOTOS: ©YULIYA, ©ANUSH50, ©PIXEL-SHOT, ©ALEXANDER RATHS/ADOBE STOCK

RELAX MALICIOUS WOMEN CANDLE CO. WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I went to Willie Wags a couple months ago and found this excellent candle brand with the most wonderful scents. Malicious Women makes handcrafted soy candles which create a cleaner burn than regular candles.

The candles have a 45 hour burn time, but they encourage you to use the jar in a fun way. And why wouldn’t you? The names of the candles are part of what makes them so great such as “Bossy Lady Infused With: Hustle and Caffeine,” “Man Cold Infused With: Helplessness” and “Adulting Infused With: Insufficient Funds.” They are sassy and hilarious and I love using mine which — although a more inappropriate name — has a deep cedar scent. Wonderful for these cold months ahead.

—ROSEMARY LAUSIER

FOOD & DRINK

OBSESSIONS

OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.

BRUNCH WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Looking for a place to take a scenic drive? And have a fabulous brunch? The Somerset Abbey located in the heart of Madison checks off both those things. Located in a historic church building purchased

by Tom and Stacy O’Brien, it’s a fun getaway. The O’Brien’s plan was to open a music and events hall as a way to keep the building self-sustaining but to keep the historical building intact. Sunday brunch runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

On the day I visited, the brunch included prime rib, the usual breakfast offerings with a cooked-to-order egg bar, apple French toast, fruit and green salads, shrimp cocktail and an heirloom tomato tart. They also offer Bloody Mary’s (with a mini breakfast skewered in them) and mimosas. To finish there were homemade desserts like Creme Brulee and German Chocolate Cake. The O’Briens told me that day, “Life is too short to have bad food!” Somerset Abbey also hosts music events and dinners with groups like the Mallet Brothers, comedian Bob Marley, psychic dinners and tribute band shows. You can also rent out the church for your own event and catering is provided. Visit www.somersetabbey.net for more information and the event schedule.

—BARB MOWER

WINGS SMOKED CHICKEN WINGS FROM MOE’S ORIGINAL BBQ WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Feeling overwhelmed by the holidays and shopping and baking and visitors?

It’s time for take-out. Moe’s on Broadway in Bangor has become our go-to take-out spot (of course, you can eat in and they have a great on-tap local beer selection too). While everything is super delicious, the smoked wings cannot be beat. Fried and lightly coated in Moe’s house-made wing sauce with just the right amount of smokey-ness — and the best part, the dipping sauce. If it wasn’t for the fact that others might judge, I would drink Moe’s Alabama-style white BBQ sauce straight out of the container. It’s that good. There’s lots of tasty BBQ to try at Moe’s and fun specials everyday, but when you need a reprieve from holiday festivities this year, smoked chicken wings will be there for you.

—AMY ALLEN

PHOTOS: ©EDALIN, ©MARCIN JUCHA, ©LOSANGELA/ADOBE STOCK

THE SOMERSET ABBEY IN MADISON

LOCAL EATS

APPETIZER ROASTED BRUSSELS SPROUTS AT PORTLAND PIE COMPANY WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Whenever I spot Brussels sprouts on a menu, I order them. I love them so. Over the summer, I first tried the Roasted Brussels Sprouts at Portland Pie Company, which are drizzled with a delightful seasoned garlic butter and a creamy roasted red pepper dressing for dipping. I skip the dip and instead dig into the crispy, lovely sprouts eagerly every time. They are perfectly cooked and brimming with flavor. If you like Brussels sprouts, I highly recommend trying these.

—SARAH WALKER CARON

Your ad could be on this page.

Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Food & Drink section.

Call 990-8000.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 19

in season now

FOOD & DRINK

BRUSSELS

STORY & PHOTOS BY SARAH WALKER CARON

HOT OR COLD. Quartered, halved, shredded or thinly sliced. Perhaps whole. In salad, with vinaigrette, seasoned or tossed with ingredients.

There is no limit to my love of Brussels sprouts and the many, many ways that they can be served.

At this time of year, you can sometimes find Brussels sprouts still on the stalk. That’s how they grow — a thick stalk with little balls dotting the sides. A cut of the knife (or a twist and a pull) is all it takes to free them. I grew them several years ago, and was so happy to be able to harvest a stalk from my garden.

Of course, Brussels sprouts are also plentiful at the grocery store. I prefer to buy the loose ones so I can ensure that I get good ones every time. (You can never tell with the prepackaged ones — and I can select the size I like best. I prefer ones that are about ¾-inch big.)

These two recipes are reliable ways to enjoy Brussels sprouts this holiday season. Enjoy!

BRUSSELS SPROUTS SALAD WITH SHALLOT VINAIGRETTE Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS 3 cups shredded fresh Brussels sprouts 2 clementines, segmented and halved ¹⁄ ³ cup dried cranberries ¹⁄ ³ cup chopped pecans 1 shallot, finely chopped ¹⁄ ³ cup extra virgin olive oil 3 tbsp vinegar ½ tsp dijon mustard 1-2 dashes hot sauce salt and pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS In a large mixing bowl, add the Brussels sprouts, clementines, dried cranberries and pecans.

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the finely chopped shallot, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar and mustard. Whisk in the hot sauce, salt and pepper. Taste, and adjust seasonings as desired. Pour over the Brussels sprouts and toss to combine.

Enjoy immediately, or chill until ready to serve.

SARAH WALKER CARON is the editor of Bangor Metro magazine and the author of several cookbooks including “One-Pot Pasta,” “The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook,” and “Grains as Mains.”

Her latest cookbook, “The Easy Appetizer Cookbook,” is out now from Rockridge Press.

She is also the creator of the popular food blog Sarah’s Cucina Bella (www.sarahscucinabella.com).

SPROUTS SAUTEED BRUSSELS SPROUTS WITH LEMON VINAIGRETTE Serves: 6

INGREDIENTS cooking spray 1½ lbs Brussels sprouts, trimmed and sliced into ½ inch disks sea salt and pepper, to taste 1-2 cloves garlic, minced 3 tablespoons olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice

INSTRUCTIONS Warm a large skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking spray and add Brussels sprouts. Salt and pepper.

Cook, stirring frequently, for about 10 minutes, until the sprouts are softened and most are browned. Remove from heat, pour sprouts into a large bowl and set aside.

Heat a small skillet over medium heat. Spray with cooking oil and add minced garlic. Cook, stirring and tossing for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant and softened — don't let it brown, or the garlic will become bitter. Immediately remove from heat and spoon garlic into a small bowl. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Whisk together until emulsified.

Pour the vinaigrette over the Brussels sprouts and toss to coat. Taste and add more salt and pepper as necessary to achieve desired seasoning.

PHOTO: ©DINA_ASILEVA/ADOBE STOCK

Serve hot, warm or cold ... they're delicious no matter what the temperature is.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 21

HIKE ME

&

STICKS STONES WOODS WALKS TO HISTORIC ROCK STRUCTURES

STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI

COVERED WITH MOSS and lichen, a stone throne sits in the middle of the woods.

Surrounded by tall evergreens, this man-made structure seems out of place. It’s mysterious yet welcoming. Take a seat, it says. Stay a while.

Built in 1912 by Ernest Thompson Stetson, one of the founders of the Boy Scouts of America, the stone throne is one of the many monuments found in the woods of the Good Will Hinckley campus in Fairfield. It’s a prime example of the many historic stone structures that are visited by trails in Maine.

Stone walls, foundations, towers, bridges — even thrones — are littered throughout the forest. Each has their own story. Some are accompanied by plaques or literature that will tell you when and why they were built. But most are up for interpretation, their origins long forgotten as they slowly crumble.

These stone structures are highlights of many public trail networks throughout the state. Here are just a few.

22 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

GOOD WILL– HINCKLEY TRAILS IN FAIRFIELD EASY TO MODERATE The construction of the Good Will-Hinckley Trails were started in the early 1900s by George Walter Hinckley, founder of Good Will-Hinckley Homes for Boys and Girls. Weaving through the forest and fields of Fairfield, the trails were for the children living on the property, as well as visitors.

Today, the trails in the network total more than 3 miles and visit several historical stone monuments, which are marked on a trail map and described in a brochure. These monuments include Stetson’s stone throne, and a stone monument built in 1921 in honor of Theodore Roosevelt that includes a stone from the Roosevelt estate on Long Island, New York.

The trail network also features the “Granite House,” a stone and log cabin constructed by Charles D. Hubbard for the exhibition of Maine granites, and the Sunrise Fireplace, a stone fireplace built in 1933 in the middle of the forest.

The trails are open to walkers and leashed dogs. Access is free. For more information, visit gwh.org/lcbates or call 207-238-4350.

DIRECTIONS: The trail network is located on the Good Will-Hinckley campus, which is off Route 201 in Fairfield. Starting at the intersection of Route 23 and Route 201 near the Hinckley Boat Launch in Fairfield, drive south on Route 201 for about 1.6 miles, then turn right onto Easler Road, right after the big sign for the L.C. Bates Museum. Drive less than 0.1 mile and park in the small parking lot for the museum, which will be on your right. The trail network starts on the other side of Easler Road and is marked by a large trailhead kiosk displaying a map.

HEALTH & FITNESS

HIKE ME

MOUNT BATTIE IN CAMDEN EASY TO MODERATE Located in Camden Hills State Park, Mount Battie offers one of the most beautiful views of the Maine coast, and it stands just 800 feet above sea level. At its summit stands a round, stone tower that was dedicated in 1921 to the men and women of Camden who served in World War I. Visitors are welcome to sit on a stone bench inside the tower and climb a short staircase to its top, which is open to the sky and surrounded by parapet.

Also at the top of Mount Battie is a plaque displaying “Renascence,” a poem by Pulitzer Prize winner Edna St. Vincent Millay (1892-1950). Millay was born in Rockland and often wrote while sitting on the mountain’s summit.

Camden Hills State Park is one of Maine’s busiest parks in the winter, with many trails open to snowshoers and skiers. The park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset, unless otherwise signed at the gate. From Nov. 1 to May 1, the 0.9-mile Mount Battie Road, which leads to the top of Mount Battie, may be closed due to weather and staffing.

This is a great time to hike up the road rather than use the more challenging hiking trails to climb the mountain.

The 0.5-mile Mount Battie trail travels up the south side of the mountain and in steep and rocky in several areas. You can also hike Mount Battie from its north side using the more gradual Megunticook, Nature and Tablelands trails, which together total 2.7 miles.

Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times. Park admission is $4 for Maine residents and $6 for non-residents, with discounts for seniors (free for Maine residents who are 65 and older, and $2 for non-residents who are 65 and older) and children ($1 for children 5 to 11 years old, and free for children under 5). For more information, call 207-236-3109 (in season) or 207-236-0849 (off season) or visit maine.gov/camdenhills.

DIRECTIONS: To hike Mount Battie Road or the trails on the north side of the mountain, start at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 52 in Camden. Drive north on Route 1 for about 1.5 mile, then turn left at the entrance to Camden Hills State Park. Park in the day use parking area. To hike Mount Battie Trail on the south side of the mountain, start at the intersection of Route 1 and Route 52 in downtown Camden, then drive on Route 52 about 300 feet. Turn right and drive 0.3 mile to Spring Street. Cross the street to Megunticook Street Extension and drive about 0.1 mile to the trailhead parking area, which is at the end of the street.

24 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

THIS PHOTO: BDN FILE

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 25

HEALTH & FITNESS

HIKE ME

VAUGHAN WOODS IN HALLOWELL EASY TO MODERATE Covering 197 acres in the town of Hallowell, Vaughan Woods has long been known for its natural beauty and fascinating history. Owned and maintained by the Vaughan Woods & Historic Homestead, with an easement held by the Kennebec Land Trust, the property is home to a network of more than 2 miles of trails that visit small waterfalls and historic stone bridges.

On the National Register of Historic Places, the property was once owned by the Plymouth Colony, which patented the property to facilitate trade with local Abenaki Indians. As trade decreased, the land was sold in 1661 to Benjamin Hallowell, a prominent Boston investor, and the land was later settled by his grandson Charles Vaughan in 1791. Charles’ older brother, Benjamin Vaughan (who was acquainted with Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson) transformed the property into an agricultural showplace, drawing many famous visitors to the homestead, including John James Audubon and Daniel Webster.

The trails are open to the public from dawn until dusk, year round. Access is free. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed at all times. For more information, call 207-622-9831 or visit vaughanhomestead.org.

DIRECTIONS: The woods has two parking areas. The largest parking area is behind Hall-Dale High School at 97 Maple Street in Farmingdale, but this parking lot is only open to trail users when school is not in session. From the school parking lot, the trailhead is on the west side of the tennis courts. The other parking area is available at the corner of Litchfield Road and Middle Street. Park only in the designated parking area, not along the road. The trailhead is to the left of the informational kiosk.

AISLINN SARNACKI is a staff writer for Bangor Metro and the Outdoors and Homestead sections of the Bangor Daily News. An expert on the Maine outdoors, she is author of the guidebooks “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path,” “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine” and the newly released “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine.”

Follow her adventures on her blog, actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com.

26 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 27

HEALTH & FITNESS

Sniffles

&

SNEEZES WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT WINTER ALLERGIES

SNIFFLING AND SNEEZING? Seemingly suffering from back-to-back cold symptoms through winter?

Winter allergies may be the culprit. Perhaps less well known than spring allergens such as pollen and grass, winter allergies are just as disruptive and can be aggravated by everything from dust to mold brought in on a Christmas tree.

“There are different types of allergies, but if you’re talking about seasonal allergies, in the winter, we don’t have pollen, but we often see an increase in dust mites and mold allergies,” said Elias Akl of Northern Light Allergy and Immunology. Plus, he said, more time spent inside because of the cold and snow can result in more exposure to the allergens, increasing the risk of a reaction.

According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology, allergies are one of the most common chronic conditions inflicting patients young and old each year nationwide. In fact, the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology reports that more than 50 million Americans suffer from allergies each year and are the sixth leading cause of chronic illness nationwide. Symptoms range from a watery nose and itchy eyes, to a life-threatening condition called anaphylaxis.

A reaction to an allergen begins in the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from organisms that cause illness. But with allergies, the immune system mistakes a harmless substance for one it should attack and overreacts producing Immunoglobulin E antibodies, which cause the reaction.

Akl said in addition, patients who already struggle with asthma can have even more trouble breathing.

“Mold allergies, especially, can affect asthmatic patients … they’ll get a nighttime cough, have trouble breathing or need to increase their use of a rescue inhaler,” he said.

Other patients who may already struggle with skin conditions such as eczema may see their symptoms worsen as their skin dries out even more in the cold.

As for telling the difference this winter between allergies and the common cold? That can be difficult, Akl said. But watch for a fever, in particular, and keep an eye on timing.

“Allergies tend to be consistent, so you’ll experience them all winter, and people with allergies, [are] not having fevers or chills at night,” he said.

Worried about winter allergies and what you can do to minimize your exposure this year? Here are a few tips and tricks to try: KEEP HUMIDITY LOW Dust mites are microscopic pests that typically live in household dust feeding off dead skin and dander shed by people and pets. They tend to live in mattresses, curtains, furniture, carpet and bedding. And according to Akl, they thrive in humidity. So, for those who prefer running humidifiers during the winter, he recommends keeping humidity at or less than 50 percent. Or, consider a dehumidifier if your home typically retains moisture in the winter.

28 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

PHOTO: ©DRAGANA GORDIC/ADOBE STOCK

BY NATALIE FEULNER

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 29

HEALTH & FITNESS KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR MOLD If mold is regularly growing in moist places like a bathroom, consider cracking a window or increasing ventilation. Remove mold from hard surfaces using soap and water and allow the area to dry completely. And, Akl said as the holidays near, consider checking Christmas trees for mold if it seems someone’s allergy symptoms appear after the tree is decorated.

PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO THE BEDROOM Because so many hours of each day are spent in the bedroom, the AAAAI recommends paying extra attention to removing allergens typically found in that area of the house. That includes washing sheets and bedding in warm water on a weekly basis and covering pillows and mattresses with zippered dust mite covers.

The National Institute of Environmental Health Services also recommends replacing wool or feather-filled bedding with synthetic materials and for the little ones, replacing traditional stuffed animals with those that can be washed.

STAY MOISTURIZED For patients who struggle with eczema or dry skin in the winter, Akl recommends continuing to bathe daily. However, he said just as important, is patting dry and moisturizing immediately (within two to three minutes) of stepping out of a bath or shower. The more moisturizing, the better, he added. So continue reapplying creams multiple times a day.

TREAT SYMPTOMS AS THEY ARISE Minimizing exposure to allergens will help, but it probably won’t take away symptoms completely. So stock up on everything from nasal sprays and decongestants to plenty of tissues to treat the inevitable watery noses and itchy eyes.

FIND OUT MORE If you or your children are struggling with allergies this winter, consider a visit to an area allergist and immunologist who can help diagnose the condition and prescribe a treatment plan, if needed. Want to learn more?

Find the AAAAI on Facebook for additional information and resources.

30 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

PHOTO: ©HASSELBLAD H5D, T.TOMSICKOVA@SEZNAM.CZ/ADOBE STOCK

KEEP SURFACES DUST-FREE Akl says families should keep fans off in the winter as much as possible and surfaces clear of dust. And make sure to use a damp towel when dusting to avoid stirring up dust mites in the process or wear a face mask if the area is particularly dusty.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 31

HOW-TO

CRAFTING WITH KIDS

WOODEN

ORNAMENTS EASY-TO-MAKE ORNAMENTS AND GIFT TAGS

STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY ALLEN

HANDMADE ORNAMENTS created by little hands make for extra special gifts — and these adorable ornaments can also serve as fun gift tags on your presents. They’re simple and fun to create, and the decoration options are endless. Exercise your hand-lettering skills, go trendy with buffalo plaid or make a super cute reindeer. Kids and grown-ups alike can get in on the holiday decorating fun.

To make things super simple, inexpensive pre-cut wood slices are readily available at craft stores with holes already drilled for hanging.

Or you could cut your own from a downed limb, or better yet, use a slice of your Christmas tree trunk as a special way to mark the holiday.

Depending on the age and patience levels of your kids, you can pre-paint the background of the ornaments so they are ready for decorating. This is also helpful if you’re trying to keep a certain color palette for your tree decorations or gift wrapping. We love kids crafts that can displayed and used — mark the date on the ornaments and years from now you’ll remember that special time spent together.

32 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Unfinished wood slices — these are available at local craft stores or you can cut your own • Power drill to create hole • Twine or string for hanging • Paint • Permanent markers • Glitter and/or glitter washi tape

DIRECTIONS & TIPS 1. Gather your supplies. You’ll need to cut even slices of wood if you choose to make them yourself, and drill a small hole into each one for hanging. To make things simplier for younger children and to set a color palette, you can pre-paint the slices. Unfinished wood absorbs paint well and dries fairly quickly. We did just one coat so some of the wood grain was still visible through the paint.

2. Once your slices are prepped, it’s time to decorate. We painted some decorations and use Sharpies to create the finer details and lettering.

3. For the reindeer, we cut red glitter washi tape to create the nose. For the antlers, we covered heavy weight cardstock paper with gold glitter washi tape and cut out a simple antler shape. Leave enough room at the base of the antlers to tape them down on the back of the ornament. You can cover the rest of the back with a circle of cardstock or more washi tape to create a finished look.

4. Once the ornaments are dry, simply thread twine or string through the hole and knot. If you plan to use them as gift tags, write the recipient’s name on the opposite side. Adding the date and the artist’s name is a great way to remember who created what in years to come.

with KIDS

HOW-TO

CREATE IT AT HOME

How to Make a Non-Traditional

HOLIDAY WREATH CREATE A LONG-LASTING WREATH TO DECORATE FOR THE HOLIDAYS AND BEYOND STORY & PHOTOS BY KATIE SMITH

THERE’S NOTHING I love more than decorating for the holidays. However, I don’t love spending a lot of money on a wreath that is going to be tossed into the recycling bin in a month or so. There’s also something to be said for customizing some of your décor to last longer into the winter months.

I’ve fallen in love with fake, non-traditional wreaths for a few reasons: • They are easy to make and less expensive than buying a handmade wreath at your local florist or home goods store.

• They aren’t messy and won’t shed needles or branches in your home.

• You can use them year after year.

A non-traditional wreath goes great with your holiday décor, but won’t look out of place if you leave it up after everything else has been put away.

With a few supplies from your local craft store, you can create a one-of-a-kind wreath that you can put up and leave up as long as you want without worrying it’s going to dry out and turn brown.

34 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Scissors or wire cutters depending on thickness of flower stems • Gold hoop—I used a 14” round hoop.

These come in many sizes at a craft stores everywhere • Clip-on flowers • Fake leaves, pinecones, or greens of your choice • Gold wire • Ribbon for hanging

DIRECTIONS & TIPS 1. First, take a flower and center it on your hoop. This will be your starting point.

4. Now, all you need to do is add your ribbon and hang on a door, mirror, fireplace or prop on a shelf.

2. Next, clip your greens and build on each side of the flower by wrapping your greens with the gold wire so they hug your hoop.

You can also remove the leaf tips by plucking them off the fake stem and inserting a wire through the whole. This makes it easy to fill your wreath in and add volume a little at a time where needed.

The fun thing about a fake wreath is the flowers and berries can be changed out for different colors and the object is to make it unique to what you like and your color palette. With just a few greens, or berries you can make it look more winter-y and leave it up until after Valentine’s Day if you wish.

Tip: Remember fake leaves have wires in them which make them easy to bend and manipulate. This makes it easy to achieve the look you want.

3. Once you are happy with your greens, you can add in more flowers, berries, or pom-poms.

at

HOME www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 35

HOME & FAMILY

36 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

NAVIGATING the Holiday Season HOW TO COPE DURING THE HOLIDAYS POST-DIVORCE

BY KATIE SMITH

PHOTO: SEBASTIAN GELBKE/ ADOBE STOCK

AFTER BEING MARRIED for 16 years, and a mother for 15 of those years, my first holiday season post-divorce was something I was dreading. I wasn’t sure how to navigate some of the traditions we used to do as a family like going to cut down a Christmas tree.

Should I take the kids to do that even though it felt overwhelming to me?

I didn’t want my three kids to feel any more of a void than they already did. But, I thought that eliminating some of the things we used to do with their father and starting some of our own, new traditions (like ordering the fake, white Christmas tree I’d always wanted) might be good to help us all move on.

I ordered the tree and when it arrived, my kids couldn’t wait to put it together. We were able to leave it up longer than a real tree which made them happy. I also went out and purchased some new decorations. Having something fresh dangling from the tree was refreshing.

Instead of decorating the tree on a Saturday afternoon, we did it the Friday night it arrived in the mail. It sounds like something really small, but it set forth a new tradition.

Now, we order pizza and get the house ready for Christmas in the evening.

Experiencing different situations and places (no matter how small) did help all of us find comfort and joy in the newness.

Another piece of being newly separated over the holidays is you are left with more time on your hands (if your children spend time with your ex-spouse). This can feel empty and I wondered what I was going to do with myself.

I was pleasantly surprised to find out this time of year, while it has its challenges and I didn’t come out of it tear-free, wasn’t as hard for me as I thought it would be.

On Christmas Eve, my children were with their father all day and I gathered the rest of my family to meet for sushi, which was really relaxing and gave me something to look forward to.

I filled up the time when my kids were with their father with activities of my own — like shopping, wrapping gifts and baking in spurts. This left me more refreshed than when I’d do it in one big swoop after they were in bed so none of the surprise would be spoiled.

Are you facing a holiday season as a newly divorced person? Julie Quimby, a Maine-based licensed psychologist and owner/director of Psychologist Specialist of Maine, located in Brunswick specializes in working with couples. Quimby shared some proactive tips for those who are facing the holidays this year as a single parent for the first time: BE CHILD CENTERED. Whether you have one child or a few, ask them what feels best for the holiday season and “consider your children’s best interests in all of your planning decisions,” Quimby said.

This may mean alternating who they spend the holidays with each year so there isn’t a lot of travel, or shuffling back and forth, on the actual holiday. Remember — the holidays can be celebrated on any day of the year. If you don’t have your kids on Christmas day, you can celebrate it when they return and carry out all the same traditions.

“Whatever you decide, consider how your child will react to the plan and avoid direct conflict when possible,” Quimby said. The kids’ feelings should be front and center since they are the ones going back and forth. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 37

HOME & FAMILY TALK ABOUT THE SCHEDULE IN PRIVATE. Projecting negative feelings on your child is really easy to do, even when you aren’t aware you are doing it. Quimby suggests meeting or talk on the phone in private with your ex-partner while making plans about the new schedule.

Chances are, it’s going to be hard for one or both of you, so it’s best to keep the negativity away from your kids by “finding support for yourself so you can avoid expressing negative feelings to your children,” she said.

DON'T ASSUME YOU KNOW HOW YOUR KIDS ARE FEELING. The holidays are typically a very magical time for your kids. “You may be feeling sad, angry, or guilty about the changes in your family, but don’t assume your children feel the same,” Quimby said.

It’s also important to remember just because things will be different, it doesn’t mean things are going to be bad. “It may take some adjustment,” Quimby said, “but it can also be exciting for them in many ways.”

PRACTICE SELF-CARE. Quimby suggests surrounding yourself with supportive friends and family, getting enough rest, practicing healthy habits, and being compassionate with yourself. Divorce is hard enough on its own. When you throw the holidays on top of all your emotions, it’s really important that you are feeling your absolute best. Not just for your kids, but for yourself too.

You deserve to get some enjoyment out of this time of year as well.

CULTIVATE GRATITUDE. Being thankful for what is going well in your life and trying your best to keep a positive outlook during the season, “is one of the most important skills that helps divorced individuals let in joy and hope and focus on healing,” said Quimby.

“Psychologists understand the single most important predictor of happiness is gratitude,” said Quimby.

Keep in mind with each passing year, wading your way through the season will get easier and easier. Your new (and old) traditions will start feeling more comfortable. Having some space and distance from a difficult situation always helps, and getting to a happy place during the holidays is no different. Just be patient with yourself and know it’s normal and natural to struggle.

38 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

PHOTOS: ©GAUDILAB, ©GREGORY LEE, ©LEIKA PRODUCTION/ADOBE STOCK

DON'T SPEND THE HOLIDAYS ALONE. You don’t have to attend every party or get together, but getting out a little bit here and there can lift your spirits and get you out of self-pity mode. Quimby recommends to reach out to other people. “Don’t assume no one is contacting you because they don’t care,” she said. The holidays are a busy time for all of us, and people don’t know what you need unless you ask for it.

I found that whenever I asked someone to do something, they were more than happy to get together.

“It may seem easier to avoid gatherings, but don’t skip them all together,” Quimby said.

Striking Gold

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 39

HOME & FAMILY

40 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

Grieving during the holidays HOW TO COPE WITH THE LOSS OF A LOVED ONE OVER THE HOLIDAYS

PHOTO: LEV DOLGACHOV/ADOBE STOCK

BY JENNIFER HAZARD

ARIAN CLEMENTS, a 44-year-old mother of two from Brunswick, Maine, lost her beloved father, Phillip Giantris, in October 2017. Giantris, a civil engineer who owned a consulting business in Albania, was traveling in the capital city of Tirana for work when he died suddenly of a heart attack at age 77.

Clements spent time supporting her grieving mother, Sally Giantris, during this period of grief and transition. After 52 years of marriage, her mom had grown accustomed to longstanding traditions, most especially holiday celebrations at the home she shared with her husband in Southport, Maine. In the months that followed, Clements remembers everyone in the family feeling adrift.

“All the joy and excitement that centered around the holidays was gone,” Clements said.

Carol Schoneberg is a grief counselor at Gosnell House, a hospice facility in Scarborough, Maine. She said this feeling is not at all uncommon.

“I have not met a grieving person, especially in that first year of loss, that doesn’t feel anxious about the holidays. There’s no escaping it,” Schoneberg said. To manage the overwhelming feelings that accompany grief, Schoneberg recommends some advance planning. “It’s important to ask yourself how will you remember your loved one throughout the day,” she said. “When the central griever, who is often the surviving parent, is willing to lead the way, the rest of the family will intuitively follow along by sharing their thoughts and feelings.”

Schoneberg said that while planning ahead for the holidays is important, families should check in with the central griever first. “It’s good to ask, ‘How can we make the holidays right for you?’” Schoneberg said. “Some might outwardly say, ‘I can’t host at my home or I can’t celebrate at all this year,’ and others might prefer to be alone. These sentiments can scare the people that love us, but it’s okay to be authentic in our grief.”

In Clements’ case, she decided to buck tradition and celebrate a combined Thanksgiving with her husband’s extended family at their home in Brunswick. Since the holiday occurred only a month after her father’s death, she admits to feeling dazed throughout the day, but the change of scenery, along with telling stories about her father, helped.

Christmas, however, proved to be more difficult. “It was a sad day for myself, my mother and sister. His unexpected death put some financial stress on the family. We decided to forget giving presents to each other, and just focused on gifts for the kids instead,” Clements said.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 41

PHOTO: SINENKIY.COM.UA/ADOBE STOCK

HOME & FAMILY

Clements’ decision to keep up holiday traditions with her young children is not uncommon for families who are grieving. Joel Wiggin, a grief counselor at Northern Light Health, a hospital and healthcare center in Bangor, said that Christmas can be challenging.

“There is an expectation to be happy, especially when children are a part of the celebration,” Wiggin said.

He recommends doing something to honor the person who died, such as making a favorite dish the deceased enjoyed, passing around pictures or telling stories before gift-giving. “By not ignoring our grief, and acknowledging that someone we love has died, it clears the air in the room and allows us to enjoy the day,” Wiggin said.

Schoneberg agreed that creating simple, healing rituals can be powerful. She recommended placing a jar on the holiday table with paper and pen next to it, allowing for family to write what they’re missing most about the deceased. Before dinner, everyone can take turns reading the notes. “Some people know intuitively that sharing their memories can be soothing, but no one has to do this. It’s important to do whatever feels comfortable for you,” Schoneberg said.

Clements keeps her father’s memory alive by telling her 7- and 9-year-old daughters stories about their grandfather. She said her father often entertained the girls with silly jokes. “I’ll tell them, remember that one he told you about the boogers,” Clements said.

And the girls will giggle and say, ‘you know it!’”

42 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

GRIEF COUNSELING Many hospice and health care centers offer free grief counseling for both families of the deceased and members of the community who have lost a loved one.

To access one-on-one counseling or a grief support group locally, contact Joel Wiggin at Northern Light Health in Bangor at jwiggin@northernlight.org or (207) 974-6242.

Dedication shows

Congratulations to Kirsten L. Ismail, CFP®, now one of Working Mother magazine’s Top Wealth Advisor Moms for 2019 UBS is proud to share the news that Kirsten L. Ismail was named among the Top Wealth Advisor Moms this year by Working Mother magazine, in partnership with SHOOK Research. It’s an exceptional achievement and a testament to Kirsten’s ability to earn her clients’ trust.

Let’s talk about your goals.

Kirsten L. Ismail, CFP® Vice President–Wealth Management 207-947-4543

Bridge Financial Advisors UBS Financial Services Inc. One Merchants Plaza, Third Floor Bangor, ME 04401 ubs.com/team/bridge Working Mother and SHOOK Research Top Wealth Advisor Moms is comprised of 300 financial advisors. The criteria is based on quality of practice, industry experience, working mother status, compliance record, assets under management, revenue and algorithm results by SHOOK Research. Neither UBS Financial Services Inc. nor its employees pay a fee in exchange for these ratings. Past performance is not an indication of future results. In providing wealth management services to clients, we offer both investment advisory and brokerage services, which are separate and distinct and differ in material ways. For information, including the different laws and contracts that govern, visit ubs.com/workingwithus. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc. owns the certification marks CFP® and Certified finanCial PlannerTM in the US. UBS Financial Services Inc. is a subsidiary of UBS AG. Member FINRA/SIPC. © UBS 2019. All rights reserved. ACC_10222019-3_2 Exp.: 10/31/2020

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 43

PHOTO: ©DEAGREEZ/ADOBE STOCK

FEATURE

44 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

a l f La a

HERE’S WHAT TO LISTEN TO THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

BY ROSEMARY LAUSIER

I TAKE THE HOLIDAYS very seriously, especially my Christmas music. Because I believe Thanksgiving deserves its whole weekend, I won’t start listening to Christmas music until around Dec. 1.

When I was growing up, my only exception was when I performed in the Robinson Ballet’s production of “The Nutcracker” and had no choice but to listen to it starting mid-September.

But come December, watch out, because I fully get into the Christmas spirit. With Thanksgiving so late this year, and Christmas right around the corner, here’s a list of some (unfortunately not all) of my personal favorites to quickly get you in the mood for that holiday magic.

BEST ORIGINAL SONG

“LAST CHRISTMAS” BY WHAM! “Last Christmas” was on the British pop-duo’s 1984 album “Music from the Edge of Heaven.” Although it’s about a breakup around Christmas, I love turning it up when it comes on the radio. Plus, who doesn’t love George Michael serenading you? I’m curious to see how the song translates to the movie version of the same name coming out in early November.

HONORABLE MENTION: “Peace on Earth/The Little Drummer Boy” by David Bowie and Bing Crosby This song was performed for the taping of “Bing Crosby’s Merrie Olde Christmas” TV special in 1977. Apparently, Bowie hated “The Little Drummer Boy” (the feeling is mutual), so Crosby sings it simultaneously with Bowie’s original tune “Peace on Earth.” It’s a truly excellent twist to an old classic.

BEST INSTRUMENTAL

VINCE GUARALDI TRIO’S “CHARLIE BROWN’S CHRISTMAS” This whole album is absolutely delightful. Although it has some Christmas classics such as “Hark, The Herald Angels Sing” and “O Tanenbaum,” you can www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 45

FEATURE

listen to this album past the holiday up until New Years. The past couple years, the Heather Pierson Trio has come to the Bangor Arts Exchange to play the album in full live and this year they will again on Dec. 14. If you haven’t gone before, I highly recommend it. Last year, when I was struggling to get in the holiday mood, this pulled me right in.

HONORABLE MENTION: Trans Siberian Orchestra. This is on the complete opposite side of the Christmas music spectrum. But hearing “Carol of the Bells” with intense electric guitar puts a great spin on the usual choral piece.

BEST LITURGICAL

“IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER” My entire family can attest to the fact that “In the Bleak Midwinter” is one of my favorite songs. It is a song traditionally sung during Advent and I look forward to hearing it every year at my dad’s chamber choir’s annual Advent concert.

HONORABLE MENTION: “O Holy Night.” This was my grandmother’s favorite Christmas song and one of mine as well. It is covered frequently and Celine Dion’s version is quite spectacular and showcases her enormous range on her album “These are Special Times.”

46 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

BEST TEAR INDUCING

“RIVER” BY JONI MITCHELL I think a lot of people will agree that “The Christmas Shoes” has to be the most upsetting song to listen to during the Christmas season. I straight up refuse to listen to it. But I absolutely love “River”

by Joni Mitchell. This Christmas folk-tune from her 1971 album “Blue” is not the cheery song most like to listen to during the Christmas season. It is about the end of a romantic relationship around the holidays. Although the subject matter may not get you into the holiday spirit, it is a beautiful song that I still love to listen to.

HONORABLE MENTION: “The Little Boy That Santa Claus Forgot” by Nat King Cole. The name itself says it all. It has an excellent instrumental beginning though.

BEST CLASSIC

“HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS” BY FRANK SINATRA Next to “In the Bleak Midwinter,” Frank Sinatra’s version of “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas” is my absolute favorite Christmas song. It was featured on Sinatra’s 1957 album, “A Jolly Christmas from Frank Sinatra” and I definitely recommend giving the entire album a listen as well.

HONORABLE MENTION: “White Christmas” by Bing Crosby. I sing this song quite frequently around Christmas since Maine winters have been anything but white the past few years. Crosby sang the song in its first public performance in 1941 in “The Kraft Music Hall” and it has been a holiday classic ever since.

BEST COVER

REALTORS

“SANTA CLAUS IS COMING TO TOWN” BY JACKSON 5 This is my favorite cover of the 1930’s classic. This comes off of the group’s album “Jackson 5 Christmas Album” which was the best-selling Christmas album of 1970. There are other great songs off of this album such as “I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus.”

HONORABLE MENTION: “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” by Michael Bublé. “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” is a cover of the 1943 song originally sung by Bing Crosby.

Bublé’s version comes off of his 2011 album “Christmas” which has many bops as well. For my family, it isn’t Christmas without some Michael Bublé.

PERSONAL FAVORITE ALBUM

“THE BEACH BOYS’ CHRISTMAS ALBUM” My sisters and I grew up to my mom playing Beach Boys music on the tape cassette player in her old Plymouth Voyager. So when my sister discovered they had a Christmas album, of course we had to get it. The album was released in November 1964 and includes five originals and seven standards such as “We Three Kings of Orient Are” and “Auld Lang Syne.” This album brings the beach to the cold winters of Maine, and is great to listen to when we’re decorating our tree with our surfing Santa ornament.

Your listing could be on this page.

Sell it faster.

Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Home section.

Call 990-8000.

BEST LAUSIER FAMILY ALBUMS: These are the albums we have on rotation:

PHOTO: ©DEAGREEZ/ADOBE STOCK

• “CHRISTMAS” BY MICHAEL BUBLÉ • “WHITE CHRISTMAS” BY BING CROSBY • “A JOLLY CHRISTMAS FROM FRANK SINATRA” BY FRANK SINATRA • “A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS” BY VINCE GUARALDI TRIO • “THE BEACH BOYS’ CHRISTMAS ALBUM” BY THE BEACH BOYS • “CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE THE ENCORE!” BY CANADIAN BRASS

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 47

FEATURE

48 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

Take a BREAK 9 WINTER MOVIES THAT

AREN’T ABOUT CHRISTMAS

BY SAM SCHIPANI

ON A LAZY WINTER weekend afternoon, nothing is quite as nice as curling up under a warm blanket, sipping a cup of hot chocolate and watching a snowy movie to remind you how cozy you are indoors.

The challenge for chilly cinema connoisseurs is finding a flick that doesn’t mention the c-word: Christmas.

Christmas movies dominate the winter media market. A Nielsen study found that in 2015, holiday-themed programming reached more than 217 million viewers, which means that 85 percent of all television-owning U.S. households watched Christmas-themed programming between Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hallmark alone has produced a total of 136 Christmas movies since 2008 — and they plan to release a record 40 new movies for the 2019 holiday season.

Christmas-free wintery movies provide a different kind of salve for the soul. Whether you don’t celebrate, are generally a little Grinchy or just need a break from all the holly jolly, here are 14 winter movies that aren’t about Christmas.

PHOTO: ©ALEXMISHCHENKO/ADOBE STOCK

KID-FRIENDLY FLICKS “ICE AGE” Set during the throes of the Pleistocene Ice Age, this animated movie revolves around a gaggle of three mismatched prehistoric critters — Manny the wooly mammoth, Diego the saber-toothed tiger and Sid the lisping ground sloth — as they endeavor to return a human baby to its tribe, despite the threats they face from its weapon-wielding parents. The action is punctuated by scenes featuring a woebegone sabertooth squirrel trying to bury his acorn in the frozen landscape. RATED PG “EIGHT BELOW” After two Antarctic explorers are forced to evacuate the tundra, their team of sled dogs are left to fend for themselves throughout the winter. The guide — played by the late Paul Walker, in a brief departure from his “The Fast and the Furious” days — is determined to return to the dogs come summer. The movie switches back and forth between his story of guilt, grief and grit and the dogs’ fight for survival. RATED PG www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 49

FEATURE

“LONG WAY NORTH” Sacha, a young girl from the 19th-century Russian aristocracy, spurns her duty to marry well and sets off instead to find her grandfather, a scientist and Arctic explorer who has yet to return from his latest expedition to the North Pole. The animation is beautiful, almost resembling paper cutouts, and there are English-dubbed versions of the French film available online if you are subtitles-adverse. RATED PG

ADULTS-ONLY MOVIES “FARGO” A pregnant Minnesota police chief investigates roadside homicides after a desperate car salesman hires criminals to kidnap his wife to extort ransom from his wealthy father-in-law. Revealing any more about the plot of this absurd dark comedy would be a disservice, but know that this movie was preserved in the National Film Registry of the Library of Congress in 2006 — one of only six films to do so in the first year of its release. (Also, bonus movie: “Kumiko the Treasure Hunter,” the haunting story of a lonely Japanese woman who travels to North Dakota after mistaking “Fargo” for a documentary.) RATED R “THE DAY AFTER TOMORROW” After the United Nations ignores the catastrophic warnings of climatologist Jack Hall, an enormous superstorm develops that sets off a series of global natural disasters — including a blizzard that buries New York City. Hall spends the movie trying to rescue his son by traveling by foot through the postapocalyptic wasteland from Philadelphia to New York. (Try not to think about the fact that this prescient movie was released in 2004 and how, 15 years later, the research of Jack Hall may be received by international political leaders today.) RATED PG-13

“THE MOUNTAIN BETWEEN US” After two attractive strangers — played by Kate Winslet and Idris Elba — are stranded on a mountain after a tragic plane crash, they must work together to endure the extreme elements of the remote, snowcovered wilderness. The pair get to know each other (think of it like the most extreme first date ever), work together to survive and discover their inner fortitude — and the steamy chemistry between them, of course.

RATED PG-13 “MYSTERY, ALASKA” A remote, hockey-obsessed Alaskan town is thrown into the limelight when, as part of a publicity stunt, the New York Rangers hockey team selects their local amateur team for a face-off in a televised match. The townsfolk of Mystery set aside their gossip and rivalries to join forces and put up a respectable (and hilarious) defense against the pros. RATED R “FORCE MAJEURE” A Swedish family’s life is turned upside down during a vacation to a French Alpine resort where, with the seeming onslaught of an avalanche, the dad chooses to save himself (and his cellphone) before protecting his wife and children. Husband and wife disagree about how the event transpired, and darkly funny family tension ensues. Subtitles required, but it is worth it for this cringey comedy about what, exactly, is the truth and what are the lies we tell ourselves. RATED R

PHOTO: ©MONKEY BUSINESS/ADOBE STOCK

“FROZEN” If you can stand your kids singing “Let It Go” for another holiday season, this animated girl-power flick provides a slightly more empowering alternative to classic princess movies. Sister princesses Anna and Elsa live a hermit’s life because Elsa secretly possesses snowy, witchy powers that she cannot control. When she accidentally (then, ebulliently — see aforementioned power ballad) descends the kingdom into perpetual winter, Anna joins forces with mountaineer Kristoff, his reindeer sidekick Sven and a loud-mouthed snowman named Olaf to find her sister and break the spell.

(Plus, rewatching this fun flick will help you brush up on the characters and storylines before you see “Frozen 2,” which debuted in late November in cinemas.) RATED PG

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 51

FEATURE

Make it a

Happy HOLIDAY CAPTURE THE MAGIC OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON AT HOME

BY SARAH COTTRELL

THE HOLIDAY SEASON is the ultimate time for being cozy and slowing down to enjoy friends and family. With a few thoughtful touches and solid plan-making, you can quickly transform your home into a space that encourages everyone to slow down and enjoy each other. Not sure where to start?

BRING BACK STORY TIME Reading can be such a soothing activity — perfect for busting the overwhelm of the holiday season. Capture that feeling this holiday season by placing warm and cozy throw blankets, favorite holiday books and even scented candles around your living space. Just walking into your living room will be an invitation to get snug with a soft blanket and open a timeless classic like “The Polar Express.” Don’t forget the hot chocolate with marshmallows!

52 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

PHOTO: ©SOLOVIOVA LIUDMYLA/ ADOBE STOCK

Try these ideas:

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 53

FEATURE

THROW A PARTY LIKE NO OTHER Over the last several years, a fun new tradition has taken hold: the ugly sweater party. It’s like the holiday parties of yesteryear.

Invite your friends and family over to enjoy food and drinks but there’s a catch: Guests have to wear a hilariously ugly sweater.

This adds a new dimension to the classic party. If that’s not your thing, consider hosting a pot luck or a themed food night. Or, perhaps bring back the classic Yankee Swap gift giving game or host a Secret Santa. Bringing your friends and family into your home to help celebrate the holiday season is a wonderful way to spread some cheer.

54 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

PHOTOS: ©MONKEY BUSINESS, ©MARINA ANDREJCHENKO/ADOBE STOCK

GRAB AN APRON AND START BAKING For many families, the holidays include delicious treats that are only eaten during this special time of year. From snowball cookies to Grandma’s fudge, there’s a literal smorgasbord of foods. Pull out your family recipes and make some memories in the kitchen together this year. If baking isn’t your thing — and it’s not for everyone — that’s ok. You can still have your fill of holiday treats.

There are so many local bakeries in the greater Bangor area that would be happy to help.

Osborne - KT

BRING BACK CAROLING Even if you don’t have a piano in your living room, you can still enjoy a fun sing-along of holiday favorites. Put on “The Sound of Music” and sing your way through this annual movie favorite. Or go all-out and bundle up then head out with your friends and give your neighbors a show. It’s just like Buddy the Elf said, “The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear.”

START YOUR OWN TRADITION Why not start your very own tradition? Maybe your family loves watching black and white classics like “It’s A Wonderful Life” while wearing pajamas and eating Chinese take out.

Or maybe you gather your friends and wrap gifts for a local wish tree to help underprivileged kids. Whatever your tradition is, make sure it fills your heart with love and allows you to fully enjoy the magic of the holidays. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 55

GET OUT

BELFAST

GET OUT:

Belfast THIS MIDCOAST TOWN WITH A BIG HEART MAKES A LOVELY WINTER DESTINATION

BY ABIGAIL CURTIS

But times have changed. An influx of back-to-thelanders in the 1970s to Waldo County helped to usher in a new era for Belfast, one that was characterized by progressive values, liberal politics and a flourishing of local businesses such as the Belfast Co-op. When credit card giant MBNA came to town in the 1990s, it helped spruce up the waterfront, tearing down industrial buildings and leaving a legacy of green space in its wake.

The city’s path to progress has had twists and turns, of course. There have been economic dips here and there and some notable battles that have left, or may leave, scars. The early 2000s fight over whether the city should allow Big Box stores comes to mind. So does the current debate over a Norwegian company’s plan to build a large land-based salmon farm near the city’s southern edge.

That passion, though, is a big part of what makes the city so special. So is the quirkiness and eccentricity that seem as much a part of the community as its gracious brick downtown buildings and the picturesque footbridge PHOTOS: TKTK

IT’S EASY TO LOVE a Maine coastal town in the summertime. Warm days, fresh ocean breezes and the sun glinting on the water go a long way towards making everyone, local and visitor alike, feel good.

But winter, with its snow, and ice, and long, dark nights, when the trees lose their leaves and Mainers are bundled up to the nose, is somehow when a community’s true warmth shines through.

Nowhere is that more true than in Belfast, a small city with a big heart and personality to spare. And even though it has reinvented itself more than once in recent memory, its spirit hasn’t changed. A couple of generations ago, Belfast was a blue-collar factory town that processed chickens and made shoes.

Locals remember when tony Bayview Street was downat-the-heels housing for poultry workers, and when Belfast Bay was so full of processing byproducts that no one would swim in it, except, legend had it, for the sharks drawn here by the smell of chicken.

56 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

Sea smoke rises from Belfast Bay. PHOTO: BY JUDY BERK/INSTAGRAM @JUDY_BERK_MAINE

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 57

GET OUT

BELFAST

Belfast’s pedestrian footbridge all lit up for the holidays.

PHOTO: BY JUDY BERK/INSTAGRAM @JUDY_BERK_MAINE

(This photo) Hawthorne the elephant atop the Colonial Theatre.

(Below) Belfast’s Front Street Pub. PHOTOS: BDN FILE

58 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

over the Passagassawakeag River. Where else can a person grab a drum and join city leaders in the Drum & Rabble Corps, which assembles every New Year’s Eve to march down Main Street to the bonfire by the bay? Or spend time in a place that has embraced the nickname “Moonbat City?”

Only in Belfast, which is worth the trip in all seasons.

DO With two popular trails built in the last decade or so, Belfast is a walking city in any season. You can stroll from the Armistice Footbridge all the way to the Belfast Boat House on the Harbor Walk.

The path takes you right through the action at the Front Street Shipyard and will pass by French & Webb boatbuilders, where restorers this fall are launching a multi-year effort to bring the presidential yacht Sequoia back to its former glory.

Walkers with an eye toward nature can take the two-plus mile Belfast Rail Trail from the footbridge to the City Point Station, part of the Belfast & Moosehead Lake Railroad. Along the way, you might see an American bald eagle, osprey or just the scenic views of the Passagassawakeag River, locally known as “The Passy.”

If you think you have spotted an elephant on the downtown skyline, you’re not wrong. The city also boasts the Art Deco-style Colonial Theatre on High Street, complete with a life-size elephant, “Hawthorne,” trumpeting from its roof.

The eye-catching theater shows the best of Hollywood, independent and foreign films on three screens all year round. For information, visit www.colonialtheatre. com or call 207-338-1930.

Art lovers have a number of downtown galleries to peruse, including Parent Fine Art at 92 Main Street. That’s where photographer Neal Parent and his daughter, artist Joanne Parent, showcase her luminous sea and landscapes, his fine art photographs and the work of other artists, too. For information visit Parent Fine Art on Facebook. There’s also Waterfall Arts, the most comprehensive community art center in Waldo County, which offers art classes, exhibitions, events, performances, public art projects and more. From Dec. 6-22, the Clifford Gallery will host the center’s 8th annual Handmade show, featuring a curated collection of unique handmade goods and artwork.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

Belfast, in the heart of Waldo County, is a hot spot for the farm-to-table movement and boasts not one but two weekly farmer’s markets. There’s the Belfast Farmers’ Market, held in the winter months from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. on Fridays in the greenhouse at Aubuchon Hardware on 231 Northport Avenue, which features many small local growers, bakers and craftspeople. Then there is the United Farmers Market of Maine, open from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. on Saturdays at 18 Spring Street, which features producers, craftspeople, bakers and many types of ready-to-eat food.

EAT/DRINK Moonbat City Baking Company is a small, from-scratch bakery that might mix a little magic in with the butter, eggs and flour.

Chef Michelle Berry makes perhaps the best croissant this side of France, and has an equally strong game for her cookies, crostatas, pastries, tarts, muffins and more.

It’s open Thursday through Monday from 7 a.m.- 1 p.m. at 137 Main Street.

For almost 20 years, Belfast has been blessed by the presence of Chase’s Daily, a family-owned farm-to-table vegetarian restaurant, bakery, coffee shop, produce market, art gallery and more in the historic Oddfellows Hall on upper Main Street. Try the Friday night table-service dinners, Sunday brunches or anything the

kitchen whips up during the rest of the week. At 96 Main Street.

A visit to the city might not feel complete without a stop at Rollie’s Bar and Grill, an often-crowded, lively eatery with rib-sticking food, a full bar and friendly waitstaff. This is the place to come to watch a game on TV and relax with friends. Try the inventive burger specials and hand-cut fries. At 37 Main Street.

Another place where locals love to unwind is the Front Street Pub, which boasts a game room, pub food and, occasionally, fried fiddleheads — try them if you see them. At 37 Front Street.

DelVino’s Grill & Pasta House, with its brick walls, classic Italian menu and elegant lighting, is a great place for a date night or special celebration. Try the mushroom sacchetti pasta or any of the pizzettes. At 52 Main Street.

Darby’s Restaurant is another local favorite, with a full bar, a from-scratch kitchen and a welcoming environment. Try the beet salad, the pad Thai and the Scottish Toffee Pudding Cake. At 155 High Street.

Neighborhood has become the place to go for inventive, tasty dishes and drinks. Try the soup special, the herb-dusted fries, beef short ribs and any of the craft cocktails. At 132 High Street.

Like cider? You’ll love Perennial Cider Bar, likely the first dedicated cider bar in

New England. Try a flight to see what you like and augment with locally-sourced small plates, including deviled eggs and a meat and cheese board. At 84 Main Street.

SHOP The Belfast Co-op is the oldest co-op in the state, and a downtown fixture. Come here for local color as well as bulk foods, deli specials, local produce, house-made sausages, organic cleaning supplies, vegan cheeses, fresh spices, dietary supplements and much more. At 123 High Street.

For 30 years, Coyote Moon has been a downtown mainstay and where people come to add color and vibrancy to their wardrobe and musical chimes, bells and candles to their homes. It’s also a great resource for cards, gifts, inspirational books and more. At 54 Main Street.

The Green Store, which describes itself as a general store for the 21st century, is the place to buy composting toilets, toxicfree paints and sweatshop-free clothing.

And that’s just scratching the surface of the eclectic goods found within. At 71 Main Street.

For those who would like to feel continental, Eat More Cheese is the place.

Here, you can find cheeses, wines, cured meats, Spanish marcona almonds and other treats that seem to bring the world to Belfast. At 94 Main Street. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 59

GET OUT

BELFAST

Carl Karush of Hancock plays a song during the menorah lighting ceremony at Post Office Square.

PHOTO: BREANNA PINKHAM BEBB, COURTESY OUR TOWN BELFAST

(Left) Farmers at Dig Deep Farm in China offer produce and Christmas wreaths at the Belfast Farmers' Market last December. In the winter months, the market takes place from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Fridays at the greenhouse at Aubuchon Hardware at 231 Northport Avenue.

PHOTO: BELFAST FARMERS' MARKET

Cold temperatures create sea smoke over Belfast Bay. PHOTO: BY JUDY BERK/INSTAGRAM @JUDY_BERK_MAINE

60 / BANGOR METRO December 2019

STAY The Nightfall Inn on the east side of town takes its name and some of its inspiration from one of the house’s previous incarnations as an inn and boarding house that opened on the then-new U.S. Route 1 in the 1920s. The small bed-andbreakfast combines old-fashioned charm with modern comforts, including beds with hybrid memory foam and spring mattresses.

Homemade breakfasts include madeto-order eggs and such treats as stuffed pancakes served with real maple syrup. At 31 Searsport Avenue, 207-231-2317.

With bay views, recently-renovated rooms, breakfast included and an indoor pool and fitness center, the Belfast Harbor Inn offers many amenities to travelers. At 91 Searsport Avenue, 207-338-2740.

The Yankee Clipper Motel, a 1950s motel completely redesigned for the modern traveler, has newly remodeled rooms and is a great base for exploring Belfast and the midcoast. At 50 Searsport Avenue, 207-338-2353.

The pet-friendly Fireside Inn & Suites features Penobscot Bay views from every room, the Ocean’s Edge restaurant, indoor heated mineral pool and hot tub and includes hot breakfasts. At 159 Searsport Avenue, 207-338-2090.

DON'T MISS Belfast is a city that knows how to celebrate the seasons. If you’re in town, be sure to check out some of the holiday festivities, including the Early Bird Sale that starts long before dawn on Saturday, Dec. 7, and the Belfast Maskers’ production of Bah Humbug!, a musical retelling of A Christmas Carol, which runs from Dec. 6-8 and Dec. 13-15.

There’s also Belfast Area High School’s annual Festival of Trees, taking place from Dec. 7-8 at the United Farmers Market and the city’s Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony, which begins at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 7 at Post Office Square. Santa Claus generally makes a dramatic appearance in a fire truck. The Menorah Lighting ceremony will take place at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22 at the same location.

Finally, New Year’s By the Bay is a beloved local tradition, with music, dance, food and more at various downtown locations. It’s capped off with a late-night parade to the harbor, where a midnight bonfire will be lit, providing the perfect festive end to one year and start to another.

Wreaths decorate Belfast for the holidays.

PHOTO: ALLISON HARRELL, COURTESY OF OUR TOWN BELFAST

A giant Christmas tree is moved into place before the annual lighting ceremony.

PHOTO: BDN FILE/ ABIGAIL CURTIS

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 61

WOODS & WATERS

Studying Birds

OF THE NIGHT

LIFE’S A HOOT WHEN YOU’RE STUDYING OWLS

I HAD AN OWL on my shoulder.

Owls are sexy. They are the subject of myth and legend in nearly every culture. They are mysterious, perhaps wise.

Maine hosts many owls, though only three species are widespread breeders. The great

BY BOB DUCHESNE horned owl is awesome for its size and ferocity. The barred owl lurks in forests and wooded neighborhoods, and is the owl most often seen. The northern saw-whet owl is … well, just cute as the dickens.

Saw-whet owls are tiny, about the size of a robin. They are quite tame, content to sit still even when approached. They often perch at eye level, and many hunters can relate to the feeling of being watched, only to discover that they are indeed being watched. Compared to other birds of prey, scientists don’t know much about them.

WE LISTEN. SAW-WHET OWL Fortunately, they migrate. And migrating birds can be caught. Gotcha, little fella.

CALLS BLARE FROM ONE CORNER Dave Brinker is an ecologist with the Maryland Department of OF THE WOODS. THE OTHER Natural Resources. He’s been banding owls for over three decades.

In 1994, he joined others in founding Project Owlnet, a support CORNER ECHOES WITH THE CALLS group for saw-whet owl banders.

OF BOREAL OWL AND LONGCoincidentally, some years later, a few biologists were banding songbirds on Petit Manan in Steuben, part of the Maine Coastal EARED OWL, TWO OWLS THAT ARE Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Being young, and accustomed to subsisting on coffee and Doritos, they decided to spend a few RARE VISITORS TO THE STATE. sleepless nights trying for owls, too. They caught several. It soon I ALSO HEAR A GREAT HORNED became apparent that this site was a major travel corridor for northern saw-whet owls. Support from Project Owlnet naturally followed.

OWL CALLING.

And that’s how I came to have an owl on my shoulder. I arrived at dusk, following other biologists along an obscure road beyond a locked gate. Dave Brinker was there, helping to train Devin Strayley, this year’s lead bander for the project. Like all wildlife biologists, Devin possesses the two qualities most important for field researchers: a passion for wildlife, and a willingness to work for peanuts.

We donned headlamps, and erected the mist nets. One string of nets was prepared for saw-whet owls. A few hundred yards away, another string of nets was arranged to catch larger owls. At each net, owl calls were set up to play over loudspeakers.

When a passing owl hears these calls, it is apt to investigate, either due to a lingering sense of territorial aggression left over from breeding season, or because the presence of a calling owl suggests that this is a safe place for other owls. Either way, the owl gets caught in the net.

We wait.

Despite the light of a half-moon, the Milky Way is bright in this rural land-

scape. We listen. Saw-whet owl calls blare from one corner of the woods. The other corner echoes with the calls of boreal owl and long-eared owl, two owls that are rare visitors to the state. I also hear a great horned owl calling.

Wait, what? Is that on the tape? No, this one’s a real owl, calling from beyond the saw-whet nets. One biologist worries that this will scare off the small owls, but Brinker explains that great horned owls don’t eat saw-whets. It’s too much effort for too little meat. A barred owl is much more likely to attack a saw-whet owl, or to be attacked by a great horned. Owl life is complicated.

An hour elapses. We check the nets. Sure enough, a saw-whet owl is caught in the web, awaiting our rescue. Straley is meticulous about safety, even removing his watch so that nothing catches. He systematically untangles the owl, and places it lightly in

a sack. The owl seems unperturbed. Sawwhet owls snap their bills when annoyed, but this one is pretty calm.

We go to the trailer, where various measurements assess the owl’s weight, size, age, and gender. This kind of research is important. You can learn a lot about the health of the Maine forest by studying the creatures that must find nourishment in it. Owl populations are highly cyclical, dependent on the annual abundance of prey species in their nesting territories.

At last, after placing a bird band on the owl’s leg, we step outside to set it free. Owls need a moment to regain their night vision, after spending time in a lighted trailer. The normal technique is to place them on an arm or shoulder and wait for them to take off when they’re ready. I offered to be the launching pad.

And that is how I came to have an owl on my shoulder.

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 / 71

Z

THE VIEW FROM HERE

The holidays are for

u

z

j

HOLDING ON

BY EMILY DENBOW MORRISON

B

“Well, what do you know?” he’d say. “If it isn’t jolly old Saint Nicholas!” and off he’d go into another well-timed Christmas carol. “Jolly old Saint Nicholas, Lean your ear this way…”

It was all a frolicking, festivus miracle, and I loved every minute of it.

Back then, I never saw the work put into making the miracle: the lists our mothers made, the nights spent wrapping with a couple of wine coolers and rolls of scotch tape, the ornaments painstakingly unwrapped with care and rewrapped with haste.

Now that I’m a mother, making lists of my own, overspending on stocking stuffers and searching my house for the last blessed tape roll, I understand why December 26th was always my mom’s favorite day.

All of the work was done. All of the presents were given.

Everybody was happy. We kept our stuff or we kept the slip, but that was when Mom’s real holiday began, when she could finally relax and enjoy the rest of her vacation knowing she had given it her all and that everything but the cuddling was over and done with.

A while back, my mom went through a health scare and for a fair amount of time, we weren’t sure what her new normal would be like. The first Christmas she felt fully back to herself, I realized the greatest present I’ve ever received, or given, isn’t something I can unwrap. Whatever the time of the year, the gift of time is what I’m most grateful for.

The older I get, the more I understand that my happiness was, is and always will be the health and happiness of the people who mean the most to me. Spending time together, holiday or no holiday, having the ones we hold near and dear to us still present in our lives, this is a blessing beyond all others.

May you hold your loved ones close and enjoy the warmth of a crackling fire, a cold eggnog and a good Christmas movie this holiday season.

PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK

T HE HOLIDAYS CAN really bring out the best and the worst in us, can’t they? During the Christmas season, we spend copious amounts of time, money and energy reaffirming to the ones we love that we do, in fact, love them. It’s not that time, money and energy are bad things to spend on people — it’s always good to show others how much they mean to us — but man oh man, all of this generosity of spirit can really take a toll on our good cheer.

How so? Personally, I find myself struggling under an incessant pressure to prove my joy for the season and my appreciation for my loved ones through the pageantry of our home, the presents under the tree and the yule log crackling on the fire (or frosted on the table).

I never used to feel this way, like Christmas was going to be an “epic fail” if I didn’t get everything just right.

Like most people, the magic of Christmas springs from the magic of my childhood. Christmas meant hanging out at Meme’s house and spending time with my extended family. My cousins and I received homemade gloves, blankets and new underwear while my Uncle Tom unwrapped his yearly flannel shirt. My father and Uncle Wolf (I couldn’t pronounce Wilfred) would feign surprise over their wool socks while the ladies clucked their tongues and said, “Isn’t this nice? Isn’t everything so nice?”

The night would usually end with Pepe saying, “Thank you ever’body,” Meme doing the dishes and our fathers lifting Willie and I up from the couch and out to the cars where we’d sleep for the entirety of the four-minute ride back across town.

In addition to our sleepy ride home, there were other Christmas perks I could count on: the deli-platter, the potato chips and homemade clam dip, the tourtière pie, the eggnog, and the annual sing-along at the K of C Hall where my father would forget the words to Rudolph every single year.

As the master of ceremonies, Dad really enjoyed calling the crowd’s attention to the window to see who had “just arrived from the North Pole.”

EMILY MORRISON is a high school English teacher, freelance writer and editor from coastal Maine. She is living happily-ever-after with her handsome husband, three beautiful children and two beloved dogs. And a cat.

ROGER TORREY // BROOKS, ME

RESTING IS FOR THE BIRDS. JUST ASK ROGER.

When Roger suffered a stroke, he was rushed to Waldo County General Hospital. Once there, local ER doctors consulted with neurology experts at Maine Medical Center to save him. And save him they did. Thanks to the MaineHealth Telestroke Network, Roger made a quick recovery, and his neighborhood birds couldn’t be happier to have him back in the workshop. Compassionate care.

Coordinated care. Through MaineHealth, you are connected to better.

Imagine a network of hospitals, health care providers, and specialists, built with your needs at the very center. We did – that’s MaineHealth.