Bangor Metro - April 2020 - Proof

M

AK E MARBLE D

E

Holistic

Living

A

ST

ER

EGGS

FINDING

MASSAGE

BLISS

Practice

SELF-CARE WITH A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT

IN A MIX OF OILS AND HERBS

JUST

Breathe $5.95

April 2020

AROMATHERAPY 101

THE POWER OF GEMS

15 WAYS TO

CONTENTS

APRIL 2020

FEATURES 40

JUST BREATHE

A beginner’s guide to essential oils and aromatherapy

44

SPARKLE & SHINE

Can Maine crystals improve your day?

50 LOVE YOURSELF...

NATURALLY 15 ways to practice self-care with a lower carbon footprint

54

FINDING MASSAGE BLISS

Oil-based Ayurveda massages are winning new fans

56

GET OUT

44

MAINE CRYSTALS

18

IN SEASON NOW

Plan the perfect staycation in greater Bangor

IN EVERY ISSUE 08

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Local news & sightings

OBSESSIONS

What we can’t get enough of this month

62

WOODS & WATERS

Embracing mud season

64

THE VIEW FROM HERE

Friends fly together

ON THE COVER Your guide to living a more holistic life.

Design by Amy Allen

2 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

PHOTOS: (TOP) MARK MAUTHNER; (BOTTOM) SARAH WALKER CARON

16

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT 14

WHERE DO WE FIT?

Too American to be FrenchCanadian, and too French-Canadian to be American

FOOD & DRINK 18

IN SEASON NOW

Garlic is always in season

20

TOASTY & WARM

Ode to a wood-fired cookstove

HEALTH & FITNESS 28

HIKE ME

Discover signs of spring on these Maine hiking trails

34

ON THE FARM

How cancer became the catalyst to make one woman’s dream come true

HOME & FAMILY 38

MARBLED EGGS

A fun and funky new way to dye Easter eggs

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3

EDITOR’S NOTE

Holistic

Living I AM HOPING that by the time you read this, we will have had at least one day above 60 degrees. I am also hoping that April weather proves to be the excited combination of cold and warm, ice and sunlight, snow and rain.

It is, after all, mud season. Why not revel in it?

It is, also, time to start readying ourselves for a productive summer in the garden. My seeds have been ordered. My garden beds await. And I am chomping at the bit to get plants in the ground.

Growing your own food is just one way to live a little more holistically.

The April issue of Bangor Metro is the Holistic Living issue.

But we’re taking it a step further than alternative methods of caring for our health. In this issue, alongside stories about essential oils (page 40) and the power of crystals (page 44), you’ll find advice on how to practice self-care with a lower carbon footprint (page 50) and where to get outside and hike on muddy spring days (page 28).

And throughout, you’ll find a sense of appreciation for the natural environment and how we can treat it better.

At home, that’s something I have been working on over the last year.

Last year, writer Sam Schipani wrote a series of stories on fast fashion and sustainability for HelloHomestead.com, a national website my team at the Bangor Publishing Company produces. In the stories, she explained both how fast fashion — clothes that are produced cheaply and only intended to be used for a season — both add to trash in landfills and can add to pollution in other ways (such as toxic chemicals in dyes leaching into water systems).

All together, it got me thinking. And, perhaps even more importantly, it got me changing.

I can’t say that I stopped buying new clothes altogether, but it did make me rethink how I shop.

Over the past year, I’ve started scouring thrift stores for quality clothing items to add to my wardrobe. When I needed boots, I spent more on a pair that would last me years. When I’ve bought new, I’ve opted for better quality items that would give me long term value.

All of it is a nod to the interconnectedness of everything we do with our lives. How we spend money, what we eat, what we clothe ourselves in … it’s all elements of holistic living.

I HOPE THIS ISSUE INSPIRES YOU TO CONSIDER SOME NEW WAYS TO LIVE MORE GENTLY.

SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR

Connect With Us Online bangormetro.com facebook.com/BangorMetro @BangorMetro bangormetro talkback@bangormetro.com

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

Power outages can occur anywhere and at any time. With intense weather and acts of cyberterrorism constantly threatening a deteriorating and overloaded infrastructure, our nation’s power grid is more susceptible to frequent and prolonged power outages than ever before. Generac works hard every day to design and manufacture affordable home standby generators that provide power to your home until utility service is restored.

SALES MANAGER

Laurie Cates

lcates@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

Rosemary Lausier rlausier@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Aislinn Sarnacki asarnacki@bangordailynews.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Poornima Apte, Caroline Castonguay, Bob Duchesne, Jodi Hersey, Emily Morrison, Sandy Oliver, Sam Schipani, Katie Smith www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 5

6 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS

IF YOU COULD BE ANY

Bangor Metro Magazine. April 2020, Vol. 16, No. 3.

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 DESIGN: Amy Allen

MAINE CREATURE WHAT WOULD YOU BE?

“

I’d like to be a loon, living on the lake in the summer, swimming and eating simultaneously. Plus, who doesn’t love to yodel?”

— EMILY MORRISON, COLUMNIST

“A Great Horned Owl. They’re birds. They live in Maine year-round. They have no enemies, and nothing dares to mess with them. And, like me, they are sometimes mistaken for being wise.”

— BOB DUCHESNE, COLUMNIST

“I would be a Great Horned Owl. Not only can they fend for themselves as far as food and defense go, they are also called the ‘cat owl’ because of their large ear-tufts, or ‘horns.’ And if there’s something I love almost as much as owls, it’s cats. Owls are nocturnal (like me), cute and have excellent vision. I would also be able to swoop down and ward off unwanted visitors.”

— ROSEMARY LAUSIER, STAFF WRITER

“Are you kidding, the obvious choice is a black bear (Ursus americanus). I’m pro any critter which feasts on fresh wild Maine strawberries, raspberries and blueberries all summer, in addition to the occasional fish and wild honey discovery. Then encouraged to put on extra pounds in the fall before curling up for a months’ long nap in a cozy den. Just point me to the nearest berry patch and don’t forget my ‘do not disturb’ sign for my den.”

— JULIA BAYLY, STAFF WRITER

“I would be a pine marten because their cuteness belies their viciousness, they have great hair (er, fur) and while they are ferocious predators, studies also show that they are very effective seed dispersers, which feels like something that would be important to me if I were a forest critter.”

— SAM SCHIPANI, STAFF WRITER

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7

WHAT’S HAPPENING

APRIL

APRIL 11 Hike for the Homeless

SATURDAY, APRIL 4 2ND ANNUAL MUD STRUM UKULELE FEST

Join Robinson Ballet as dancers, with the help of actors from Ten Bucks Theatre, tell the story of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Four young lovers venture into an enchanted forest where sprites lurk and fairies rule. While a feuding Fairy King and Queen are at war, their paths are crossed by Bottom, Quince and their friends presenting a play within a play. Chief mischief-maker Puck is on-hand to ensure that the course of true love is anything but smooth, and games of fantasy, love and dreams ensue in this Shakespearean ballet. This will be performed at the Brewer Performing Arts Center on April 4 at 7pm and April 5 at 3pm.

Love ukuleles? Then you won’t want to miss this: Fairmont Ukes of Bangor invites the public to join with local ukulele groups to share the enjoyment of ukulele music.

Last year, 53 players attended with groups from Bangor, Orono, Belfast, Lincoln, Old Town, and Hampden. Sheet music will be available for those that want to play along — or just stop in and listen. The event is being held at the Bangor Public Library from 12pm to 2pm.

8 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

THURSDAY, APRIL 9 LLAMA LLAMA ON STAGE Llama Llama lovers won’t want to miss a production in Orono this month. Bedtime has never been so exciting! It’s the end of the day for the Llama family. After a long day of adventures at the school and the store, Baby

Llama can’t wait to put on his red pajamas.

He and his friends the toys are ready to sing and dance their way to sleep…except…they need a bedtime story and a kiss goodnight and a drink of water. But, where’s Mama?

This hilarious new musical based on the bestselling books by Anna Dewdney will warm every Llama and Llama Mama’s heart.

Llama Llama Live! will be staged at the Collins Center for the Arts in Orono at 6pm.

SATURDAY, APRIL 11 HIKE FOR THE HOMELESS Take a walk for a good cause this month.

The 25th Annual Hike for the Homeless is a walk that supports the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter’s (BAHS) fight to eradicate homelessness. On April 11, hikers will gather at the waterfront in Bangor to raise awareness of the homeless in the greater Bangor community. To register go to www.bangorareashelter.org/hike-for-thehomeless/registration.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

APRIL 4-5 A MIDSUMMER’S NIGHT DREAM

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9

10 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

WHAT’S HAPPENING

APRIL 18 Kenduskeag Stream Canoe Race

SATURDAY, APRIL 18 54RD ANNUAL KENDUSKEAG STREAM CANOE RACE One of the most iconic events in Maine — and the springtime sporting event of the year in Bangor — kicks off bright and early Saturday morning, and finishes up in the late morning in downtown Bangor. If you’re not participating yourself, get there early and line up along the banks of the stream to watch the canoeists come in! For lots more information, visit www.kenduskeagstreamcanoerace.com.

Bangor Comic and Toy Con returns for its 5th year with a packed event planned for the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor from Friday, April 24-26. This year includes a Clerks Reunion featuring Jay Mewes, Brian O’Halloran, and Jeff Anderson. As well as WWE Hall of Famer Mick Foley, Star Trek’s Jonathan Frakes and many more! Join us as we welcome home TMNT creator Kevin Eastman! We will have over 30 artists and 100 vendors. As well as cosplay contents, tabletop gaming, video gaming, and Limitless wrestling doing shows Friday and Saturday!

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: C; Q3: A; Q4: A; Q5: C.

PHOTO: BDN FILE

APRIL 24-26 BANGOR COMIC AND TOY CON

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 11

WHAT’S HAPPENING

1

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

2

1: Hampden Academy team members celebrate with the gold ball after beating York in the Class A state championship basketball game at the Cross Insurance Arena in Portland.

3: Dr. Iain Drummond, of the MDI Biological Laboratory, and Scott Worcester, owner of Sawyer’s Specialties Wine and Cheese, gave a brief history of wine and an explanation of how genetics affect your palette as part of the MDI Science Café series. The events are held on the second Monday of the month through May, when the bimonthly summer series will begin.

3

SHARE YOUR EVENT PHOTOS! 12 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

Email your photos and captions to

talkback@bangormetro.com

PHOTOS: (1) TROY R. BENNETT | BDN; (2) COURTESY OF THE TOWN OF PITTSFIELD: (3) JEFF KIRLIN / THE THING OF THE MOMENT

2: Pittsfield residents and some friends from “Frozen” gathered to celebrate the grand opening of The Skating Rink at Pinnacle Park.

NO JOKE! IT’S APRIL! Prove you’re no fool by acing our April Pop Quiz!

FIND ANSWERS & LAST MONTH’S QUIZ ANSWERS ON PAGE 11! www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 13

ARTS & CULTURE

Where Do We FIT? TOO AMERICAN TO BE FRENCH-CANADIAN, AND TOO FRENCH-CANADIAN TO BE AMERICAN

BY CAROLINE CASTONGUAY

LAST YEAR, when I studied abroad in France, I expected a home-coming of sorts.

French-Canadians are quite proud of their culture. However, there tends to be a subliminal message ushered from generation to generation that France is still the old country. France is still adorned in luxury, Versailles its crowning jewel; it is the aloof pinnacle of sophistication.

For all my ancestors, France was home, if only for a time.

Yet when I arrived and began speaking with people there, I felt alienated. I had no special connection and there was no familiarity to be found. People were not taken with my last name. There were no signs of recognition, no sentiment of reunion.

My Quebecois expressions were shunned, and any detection of a non-native Parisian accent led to being ignored — or worse, laughed at. For so many years I studied French to connect with that lost part of me.

I told my host mom when I initially arrived that I was considering living there someday.

She turned to look at me incredulously and told me “I don’t think you should do that.”

Why? In her words, “You’re FrenchCanadian.”

Clearly, too much time had been spent in the New World and so any familial bonds, in their eyes, had dissolved. I was just another stranger.

14 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

At this point, I decided to lean more into my true heritage. But, even now I wonder: what is a French-Canadian? I want to ask my ancestors that question, and I want to know if it’s already too late for me since I am writing this in English. I want them to hear me, to hear my case, and to decide for me who I am. Have too many winters passed?

My family is completely FrenchCanadian, with no exceptions on either side. It is filled with names like Roche and Louis and Jacques, with men and women with dark hair and fair skin like fresh snow. Their eyelids tend to droop tenderly at the edges, and their noses tend to be more proud and prominent.

My grandparents were all from Canada. They came from simple farms and overcomplicated, large families (my father had 54 first cousins). When my grandparents moved to the United States, they moved to a factory town for work and became part of the diaspora.

At home, my grandparents used French for different purposes. For my father, French was a secret language only his parents shared. It was spoken in short quips and hushed tones. For my mother, it was used more often, although she and her sister tended to respond in English. It became clear during their adolescence that

speaking any French at public school was somehow wrong, and that perpetrators would be punished accordingly. My aunt was forced to repeat kindergarten and during middle school, my mother was back-handed in the face with a thick, hardcovered dictionary, courtesy of an Englishspeaking nun. On multiple occasions, their knuckles were rapped, the wood cracking so loud that the classroom was disconcerted into a timid silence. They were forced to assimilate.

When I was born, I was not taught a lick of French.

I formally learned French in high school and college. I attended classes, poured over toppling mountains of books, diligently listened to French music for hours, practiced and honed my speaking at every opportunity.

However, nothing could ever teach me my grandparents’ accent. My grandparents don’t speak with a modern Quebecois accent; they speak with an older Acadian accent.

While similar, there are distinct linguistic and auditory differences that are difficult to replicate. When they die, their antiquated language will die with them.

My mother is still subconsciously ashamed of her heritage. Rural FrenchCanadians have a reputation, or at least they used to, of being rough — alcoholics and drug-users.

My own family lineage is full of poor potato farmers who placed zero value on education. By middle school, many had left to work full time in the potato and tobacco fields or to fell lumber in the dense sylvans of the glacial north.

What my mother doesn’t acknowledge or perhaps doesn’t understand is the oppression French-Canadians have faced.

Where she sees weakness, I see resilience.

Our ancestors survived the perilous journey over the Atlantic, they survived a war that should have stayed back in Europe, and they suffered through the Great Upheaval where families and friends were ripped apart violently. They endured forced sterilizations in Vermont and even harassment from the KKK. Yet, we are a stocky breed and we persist against all odds.

I want to know if my ancestors feel indignant at being seen by my mother only in half-shadow and then cast aside. But I also want them to know that I’m carrying the ceinture fléchée; I’ve tied it firmly around my waist as I continue to move forward, with them, for them, because of them.

I still make pâté chinois, my grandmother makes tourtière. Our holiday house is filled with the sweet aroma of ployes, tarte au sucre, and bûche de noël. I still tap my feet and link arms with my younger sister when I play a quadrille on Spotify. My heart still

I WANT TO KNOW IF MY ANCESTORS FEEL INDIGNANT AT BEING SEEN BY MY MOTHER ONLY IN HALF-SHADOW AND THEN CAST ASIDE. BUT I ALSO WANT THEM TO KNOW THAT I’M CARRYING THE CEINTURE FLÉCHÉE; I’VE TIED IT FIRMLY AROUND MY WAIST AS I CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, WITH THEM, FOR THEM, BECAUSE OF THEM.

aches upon hearing C’est la belle Francoise. I still tell and translate our stories of oral tradition, from the “Chasse-Galerie” to the “LoupGarou.” I have even picked up Quebecois vocabulary and phrases, which I try to use as often as I can. I am the raconteur of my family.

But I also want mes aieux to know I’m angry. I feel I am too American to be FrenchCanadian, and too French-Canadian to be American. I’m angry because I am the sole individual in my family, outside of those in Canada, who still speaks even a little French.

Hundreds of years of tradition and wisdom, lost in a few strokes of the tongue — yet, it means a lifetime of searching for me.

Why didn’t my school teach me about the Great Upheaval? Why did I have to dig through Google to find historical figures like Léo Major? Why do we in America rejoice at posters that declare sentiments such as those along the lines of: “If you’re reading this in English, thank a soldier”? I wonder what my 11th great grandmother, the first French child born in New France in 1620, would think upon hearing demands of “speak English, you’re in America.” I wonder if their children would have been kept in cages too.

Whenever I have the time during the winter season, I go walking in the woods. There, the world is shrouded by a white veil. I like to believe that I’m piercing it, that I’m walking through a portal made of maple and pine to the past. I lose myself in thought as I meander, my boots sinking in the deep snow. I try to imagine a shack is just up ahead, in a snowbank, with lumberjacks making tire d’erable. Gossamery smoke is twirling and rising from the chimney, enticingly dissipating into the arctic breeze.

It briefly coils and curls a faint wispy finger, beckoning me forward, only to dematerialize with the rest of the apparition. At other times, I dream there’s a cabin with a fire gently roaring inside, filled with all of my forebearers. I walk in, not even needing to knock, and they know me. They even smile.

But the vision always melts away as soon as we try to speak; I don’t let the fantasy go beyond that. Alone in the quiet, I atone by pausing and listening. I listen for a whisper, an affirmation riding the wind which blows southward towards me. Je me souviens. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 15

OBSESSIONS

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

ROCKET FUEL BY ADAGIO TEAS WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I was a little skeptical of a caffeine-free tea’s ability to provide the solution to my mid-afternoon slump. But despite my skepticism, Rocket Fuel by Adagio Teas has been a wonderful, refreshing addition to my afternoon tea drinking habit.

It’s a combination of green rooibos, apples, orange peels, raspberry leaves, blueberries, blueberry and orange flavors, cornflowers and marigold — and it is gooooood. I love the light fruity flavor, the pyramid tea bags and how it does, in fact, give me that needed pick-me-up. I bought my tin of it at Tea & Tarts in Downtown Bangor.

— SARAH WALKER CARON

LISTEN THE HAPPINESS LAB PODCAST WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Some days, it feels like happiness is impossible to hack. What if we’re just looking for it in the wrong places? The Happiness Lab is a podcast by Yale psychology professor Laurie Santos delves deep into the science of what makes us happy. Santos, whose January 2018 class titled “Psychology and the Good Life” was one of the most popular in Yale’s history, doesn’t just speculate about self-care and self-help, but taps into the latest in psychological research for findings that are sometimes surprising. Unlike many lifestyle gurus, Santos is both relatable and respectable; she never delivers advice from on-high but is serious about not only practicing, but fully understanding, what she preaches. The episodes are short, digestible and enlightening, with research-backed tips that you can implement right away to be more proactive about your own happiness.

— SAM SCHIPANI

16 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

WATCH "HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL: THE MUSICAL: THE SERIES" ON DISNEY+ WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I binged watched this show over a weekend and it was absolutely delightful. The show takes place at the school where the original movies were filmed, so the students decide to put on a production “High School Musical: The Musical.”

Students auditioned for the roles of Troy, Gabriella and Sharpay with all the drama and awkwardness of an actual high school life. And it features the songs from the first movie with some original songs added in. It brings the Disney classic to a new generation and lets those former middle schoolers who were obsessed with shaggy haired Zac Efron (yes, me) relive the magic from the original. If you don’t have a Disney+ subscription, I suggest you get one.

— ROSEMARY LAUSIER

PHOTO: ©ALMAJE, ©OLHA KOZACHENKO, ©ROMAN MOTIZOV/ADOBE STOCK

DRINK

LOCAL EATS

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

“AMERICAN CUISINE” BY PAUL FREEDMAN — We’ve all heard it.

One of my earliest recollections of hearing people say that the United States had no cuisine of its own was in middle school. But that isn’t true — and Yale University professor Paul Freedman helps us all see that with a thorough, in-depth, fascinating journey through the food of America, broken down by region. He also takes it a step further, showing us how our cuisine has changed and homogenized over the years. If you like food, this book will make you think. (NONFICTION) “TRAILBLAZER” BY DOROTHY BUTLER GILLIAM — When Dorothy Butler Gilliam joined The Washington Post, she broke ground as the first woman of color to work as a reporter in the newsroom. And she did so at a time when segregation was still rampant — making the job she did a constant challenge. Now, 50 years later, she looks back on her impressive career with clear eyes to reveal the struggles, friendships, courage and savvy it took to be a pioneer in an industry dominated by white men. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the journalism industry, civil rights or the breaking down of barriers. (MEMOIR) “HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MAINE!” BY LYNN PLOURDE AND ILLUSTRATED BY MARK SCOTT RICKETTS — Just in time for the bicentennial, this new picture book from a Maine author and Maine illustrator shares a fun story of a surprise birthday party for the state while working in tidbits about the state and its history. The bright, fun illustrations include depictions of Paul Bunyan, Stephen King, chickadees, moose and more. The best part? It’s a good story that teaches kids things at the same time. (PICTURE BOOK)

Your ad could be on this page.

Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Food & Drink section.

Call 990-8000.

— SARAH WALKER CARON

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 17

in season now

FOOD & DRINK

GARLIC

STORY & PHOTOS BY SARAH WALKER CARON

AS I SAT DOWN to write this column, a thought crossed my mind: Is garlic ever not in season? And it would seem, dear reader, that the answer is no. It’s always available in some form.

Garlic is a hearty storage crop that can be used throughout the winter and spring. It’s also a crop that will bear green garlic in the spring, garlic scapes in early summer and young garlic later in the summer. The familiar, papery coated cloves, will be available in the autumn, winter and spring.

Not only is it always available, but it complements so many dishes. It adds nuanced flavor to marinaras and soup. It emboldens pastas, dressings and stir fries too. And what would a garlic knot be without garlic?

So while we’re looking forward to the greens, eggplants and other delicacies of summer, let’s dig into what’s available now: storage crops like garlic.

Of course, it’s not the only storage crop available now. At farmers markets, you’ll find potatoes, sweet potatoes, carrots, some winter squash, apples and garlic, among other hearty fruits and vegetables.

So really, this could almost be a column for any month. But as we skip through April, dealing with the mud and looking forward to May, it’s a good time to enjoy the bright, fresh flavor of garlic in recipes.

GARLIC PARSLEY CARROTS Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 lb carrots, peeled 1 tbsp olive oil salt and pepper 2 cloves garlic, minced 1-2 tbsp fresh minced parsley

INSTRUCTIONS Cut the carrots into sticks — ½-inch thick and about 2-inches long. Set aside.

In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat.

Add the carrots and season with salt and pepper. Cook for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and softened.

Add the garlic to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant — about 1 minute.

Remove from heat and toss the carrots with the parsley.

Enjoy.

18 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

CREAMY GARLIC FETTUCCINE WITH BACON AND ROASTED RED PEPPERS Serves 6

INGREDIENTS 1 lb fettuccine 4 oz bacon, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup heavy cream pinch ground nutmeg ¾ cup freshly grated Romano cheese salt and pepper, to taste thinly sliced roasted red peppers finely chopped fresh parsley

INSTRUCTIONS Cook the fettuccine according to package directions.

While the fettuccine is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bacon and brown. Once it's just about done, add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Use a slotted spoon or a wire mesh skimmer to remove the bacon and the garlic from the pan.

Whisk the heavy cream and nutmeg into the pan. Add the Romano cheese and whisk until combined. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Remove from heat and stir the bacon, garlic and roasted red peppers into the sauce until thoroughly combined.

Add the cooked, drained fettuccine to the sauce and toss well to combine. Sprinkle with parsley and 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).

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 19

FOOD & DRINK

20 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

&

Toasty WARM A WARM FRIEND CAN BE FOUND IN A WOOD-FIRED COOKSTOVE STORY & PHOTO BY SANDY OLIVER

IF YOU NEED a warm relationship, nothing beats a wood cookstove. The old Dual Atlantic, made in Portland, Maine, that I have cooked on and kept warm with for over 30 years, has been as good an appliance as any I’ve had. Four burners, propane fueled, perfect for summer and hotin-a hurry moments are combined with a wood burning firebox that heats a generous cooking surface in cold seasons.

When Maine became a state 200 years ago, most Mainers cooked in fireplaces, but within another 20 to 30 years woodfired cookstoves would be the usual in home kitchens. Early stoves, like much new technology, weren’t always that terrific, burning unevenly, poorly drafted, and for cooks who grew up in the fireplace era, frustrating to use. After all, they were accustomed to seeing the fire, feeling its heat, to know when to replenish or manage the blaze; in a stove the fire was hidden, and required new ways of handling it. Ovens,

particularly cranky, irritated cooks, and when some installed cookstoves in fireplace openings they kept their brick ovens accessible to continue using them.

Gradually stoves were perfected, with some designed to use coal.

From cool days in October through deep cold of winter and cool damp of May, the stove here warms the kitchen and takes the chill off the adjoining living room which has its own woodstove. So for about seven months of the year I have the luxury of cogeneration: heating plus cooking. A constantly hot surface, keeps hot water for tea or coffee, and preheats water for pasta.

Instead of a slow cooker, I use a Dutch oven or heavy cook pot for soups, chili, tomato sauces, and any other dish that benefits from long, slow cookery like pulled pork, slowly braised chicken, or New England corned beef boiled dinner.

Winter is when I cook ahead for warmer weather, making more chili, soup or sauce than needed in order to freeze meal-sized portions for fast suppers later. I can make old Maine favorites like brown bread and Indian pudding which need an hour or two cooking time more economically in cold weather AND THE on my cookstove than with NON-CULINARY BENEFITS gas or electricity.

The stove top has round OF A WOODSTOVE? I USE lids. When removed, they reveal the fire right below, IT AS A POT AND PAN and make a perfect opening for the rounded DRYER... HOW ABOUT bottom of a wok in case DRYING OUT GLOVES AND stir fries are on the menu.

There is a shelf above BOOTS, AND WARMING A the cooking surface, too, perfect for raising bread CHAINSAW, TOO? and thawing a container of frozen anything.

WHAT A GOOD HELPER. The stove has been a blessing especially in ice or wind storms when the electricity goes out. There is no generator here,

but instead of heading to the warming shelter, I sit by the stove, and make dinner. A few Christmases ago when the power was out, I cooked dinner on it. We had venison steaks instead of the intended prime rib, and all the vegetables like mashed potatoes, butternut squash and the leeks and Brussels sprouts were produced stove-top. In the oven, swaddled in aluminum foil, I warmed up for dessert a plum pudding made earlier in the year.

Parts of the surface generally get hotter than others, and so I move food around to find the best spot, but there is always a place to cook quickly and another for simmer.

A trivet raises a pan and lowers the heat.

Unlike a stove burner, the surface generates more even heat, great for pancakes, for example, which brown nicely all over.

This old stove is probably 90 years old or so, bought refurbished from Bryants Stove Works in Unity, Maine. For the life of itself, the oven can’t get to a baking temperature of 350, but will bake beans or Indian pudding at 200 to 225 on a cold day when I keep the stove really cranked. Again, more economical than conventional stoves.

If you choose a wood cookstove remember that unlike a lot of modern kitchen technology which can be set and then ignored, cooking on a wood cookstove needs attention.

Fire temperature changes constantly: add wood and a few moments later it can be scorching hot, and then the temperature drops. Hardwood makes for steady heat; soft for quick blazes.

No matter what, you have to pay attention. Plus you have to commit to acquiring firewood and kindling.

And the non-culinary benefits of a woodstove? I use it as a pot and pan dryer.

Wash a pan and stick it back on the stove for a minute, hissing and popping till it is dry enough to put away. How about drying out gloves and boots, and warming a chainsaw, too? What a good helper. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 21

12

great things IN AND AROUND

SKOWHEGAN

ORIGINAL STORY

BY JASMINE HAINES

WITH A GREAT FOOD and drink scene and opportunities for outdoor recreation, there’s a lot to love about Skowhegan. Here are some of our picks for great things to do in an around Skowhegan. The list is by no means exhaustive—so get out there, explore, and find more of your own!

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LAKEWOOD 201

1. LAKEWOOD GOLF COURSE SKI AND SNOWSHOE TRAILS

 3. THE BANKERY Love a sweet treat? The Bankery is a from-scratch bakery that focuses on using local products whenever they can. They source grains and flours from Maine Grains and they get their dairy products from local producers like Balfour Farms and Crooked Face Creamery. The name comes from their gorgeous historic building which was a bank built in the 1800s. While you are getting your sugar fix in the shop or simply picking up a cake for this weekend’s birthday party, don’t forget to swing in next door to the flower shop.

The Skowhegan Fleuriste is also run by the Bankery owners and sources local flowers whenever they can.

It’s hard sometimes to get moving in the winter months, but the Lakewood Golf Course makes it easy to get some fresh air and enjoy nature. Located on Lakewood Road in Madison, the trailhead is right off of Route 201 with a convenient parking lot across the street. The trails are groomed regularly making them great for snowshoeing or cross country skiing. Four-legged companions are welcome too!

 2. LAKEWOOD THEATER AND

RESTAURANT

Dinner and a show always make a great date night. Add historic charm and a romantic lakeside view, and you’ll be upgraded to the perfect date night. The Lakewood Theater is located just six miles north of Skowhegan on Lake Wesserunsett and has a rich history. One of America’s oldest (and some would say most famous) theaters, the Lakewood Theater has been operating since 1901 and has earned its entertainment bragging rights.

Mama Cass and Humphrey Bogart both have graced the stage as well as many others. Shows start in late May and run through September.

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4. SKOWHEGAN FARMERS MARKET This year-round farmers market is located at the Somerset Grist Mill lot during May through October and then switches to Boynton's Greenhouse November through April. You can expect to find some of the freshest seasonal vegetables, meats, cheeses, maple products, baked goods and more. There are tons of vendors and lots of samples to try. For more information, check out their Facebook page for the most updated schedule and vendors.

 5. INDIAN MONUMENT You can’t miss the iconic wooden statue of a Native American in Skowhegan, which was erected and dedicated in 1969. The 62-foot tall sculpture is the work of the late Maine artist Bernard Langlais and was commissioned to both commemorate Maine’s 150th anniversary and honor the heritage of Native peoples in Skowhegan.

When it was restored and rededicated in 2014, the efforts were careful to reproduce the original colors Langlais had painted the statue with to maintain the artist’s intent.

6. RIVERWALK TRAIL The Riverwalk, an all-purpose ADAaccessible walkway, runs from Skowhegan’s Mt. Pleasant Street near the walking bridge to a connection with the canoe portage site, the Philbrick Trails, and the River’s Edge Bike Park. The 5.6-acre George Overlook parcel (part of the Run of River project, see #12) provides scenic views with 800 feet of river frontage. Access to the river is available for recreational activities such as biking, hiking, and picnicking. It’s a great afternoon walk after eating in one of Skowhegan’s many outstanding restaurants and pubs.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 23

12 GREAT THINGS IN & AROUND SKOWHEGAN

 7. OLD MILL PUB High atop the bank of the Kennebec River sits the Old Mill Pub. Housed in a historic brick building built in 1908, Old Mill Pub offers grand views of the mighty Kennebec River as it roars over the Skowhegan falls and through the hydroelectric dam. The Old Mill Pub is a full-service, family-friendly restaurant and bar. Enjoy the delicious upscale pub food, thoughtfully crafted from locally sourced seafood, meats, bread, cheese, veggies and desserts. Their award-winning Maple Chipotle wings are a must try! While dining in, or outside on the deck overlooking the river, refresh yourself with a Maine crafted beer or wine and enjoy the weekly live music.

8. LANGLAIS ART TRAIL Throughout Skowhegan, there is a cast of characters just waiting for your family to visit. The Riverfront parking lot is home to a dreamy mermaid, the community center has a ragtag group of footballers, and the Free Public Library even has a panther (don’t worry, it won’t bite). Made from scrap wood and other salvaged materials, these larger-than-life sculptures are located all around downtown thanks to Maine artist Bernard “Blackie” Langlais (1921-1977). Langlais attended and later taught at the Skowhegan School of Painting and Sculpture and always held the town close to his heart. In 2013, 24 of his sculptures were presented to Skowhegan from Langlais’s estate. These whimsical pieces can turn an afternoon stroll into a wonderland your kids will love exploring.

24 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

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12 GREAT THINGS IN & AROUND SKOWHEGAN

9. SKOWHEGAN DRIVE-IN There are only 330 drive-in theaters left in the United States, and Skowhegan has one of the coolest ones in Maine. Since 1954, the Skowhegan Drive-In has been the perfect spot to grab a double feature on a weekend night rain or shine. The drive-in is cash only so it might feel like going to the movies in the “good old days,” but the concession stand has plenty of modern snacks as well as some of the classics.

 10. LC BATES MUSEUM Looking for an educational and fun activity for your family that won’t break the bank? LC Bates Museum at Good Will-Hinckley is the affordable adventure you have been looking for. There are natural history exhibits including fossil and Maine archeology, local history displays full of fun stories you may have never heard before, wildlife displays, outdoor nature trails, and an arboretum.

The best part? Kids under 18 get in for only a dollar!

 11. LAKE GEORGE REGIONAL PARK There is something to do at Lake George Regional Park every season. It features tons of hiking and walking trails for all levels.

It’s the perfect place for family boating and swimming in the summer. Winter months provide well-maintained cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails as well as ice fishing.

AND COMING SOON...

12. RUN OF RIVER WHITEWATER RECREATION AREA Main Street Skowhegan is leading the charge to create a whitewater recreation area in the downtown river gorge, featuring three enhanced waves for paddling, surfing, tubing, and other activities. The recreation area will also include terraced seating along the southside of the riverbank and foot trails for easy access in and out of the river from Debe River Walk. In addition to the in-river paddling and surfing park, the recreation area will include 50+ miles of trails—accessible via downtown—and a two-mile riverfront promenade connecting the heart of town to the Kennebec Banks Boat Landing on Route 2.

Original stories by Jasmine Haines appeared in the Bangor Daily News on Feb. 2, 2019.

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Feel like Family at THE TOWNE MOTEL COURTESY OF THE TOWNE MOTEL

THE TOWNE MOTEL is a local familyowned and operated business that is close to everything Skowhegan has to offer. However, we are more than just “a place to stay”—a stay at The Towne Motel is an experience.

We want you to feel like family.

As The Towne Motel plans for the future, we envision your stay getting better and better. We believe that as times and technologies change, we must ourselves adapt and change to keep our rooms modern and your stay pleasant.

Recent upgrades include high speed Wi-Fi, parking lot improvements and new water heaters, washers, and dryers.

Inside, upgrades include lighting, bedding, mattresses, curtains, and towels (to name a few). We believe in delivering a clean, quality stay at a fair price with modern amenities.

Haven’t stayed with us before? The motel is located near the heart of town between downtown business, shopping areas, the Skowhegan Fairgrounds, and several dining options within a very short walking distance.

We are located in the Upper Kennebec Valley region. It is well known for its outdoor

recreation. Biking, canoeing, fishing, hiking, whitewater rafting, and mountain climbing are all just a short drive from The Towne Motel. Local “must-see” attractions include Skowhegan’s swinging foot bridge and the giant wooden Native American statue.

We believe there is an abundance of reasons to visit our region whatever the season. Summer provides a great opportunity for all to get outside and enjoy nature. In August, the Skowhegan State Fair comes to town for 10 days. Fall brings bright foliage, and winter brings skiing and snow tubing at a local family-owned mountain. Local trails are open for snowshoeing. And The Towne Motel is connected to the ITS snowmobile trail system. You can snowmobile from your room, leaving your trailer and vehicle in our ample back parking lot.

The Towne Motel has long been known for its exceptionally clean rooms and friendly, helpful, and accommodating staff.

When you check in, you will be warmly welcomed. We will be glad to answer any questions you might have about our town or region throughout your stay. We take pride in the cleanliness and appearance of our motel and strive to continually make

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it better. Modern televisions, microwaves, refrigerators, coffee makers, air conditioners and heat, phones, cable, HBO, irons and ironing boards are some of the amenities found in each of our 34 rooms. Some of our rooms also have kitchenettes and closets or are connected for larger groups or families.

You are invited to enjoy our complimentary continental breakfast each morning. We offer tea, coffee, hot chocolate, cereal, oatmeal, muffins, toast, bagels, eggs, yogurt, orange juice, and fresh fruit in our cozy lobby breakfast area. You can share travel adventures with other guests or chat with our staff.

Outside, our grounds are graced with well-kept lawns and flower beds that provide color throughout spring, summer and fall. We have an extra-large pool with a large patio area around it to swim or relax in a patio chair or under the shade of an umbrella. The pool has both a deep and shallow end for everyone’s enjoyment.

The things that are “old fashioned” (but will never change) are service with a smile, comfort, and cleanliness. We welcome you to visit The Towne Motel at 172 Madison Avenue in Skowhegan, your home away from home.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 27

HIKE ME

Signs of

SPRING SEARCH FOR SIGNS OF SPRING ON THESE MAINE TRAILS STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI

SKIRTING MUD PUDDLES, two walkers followed a gravel trail deeper into the forest. At first, the early spring landscape appeared drab. The last of the snow cover had disappeared, revealing soggy piles of dead leaves and pine needles. A cloud scuttled overhead, threatening rain.

Yet on closer inspection, the forest was filled with signs of spring, bright bits of life bursting through.

Tiny leaf buds adorned the trees, and colorful warblers flitted from branch to branch. Popping up through the matted grass, yellow dandelions and purple violets dotted the edges of the trail. Ants marched among the flowers, carrying tiny bits of gravel to add to a nearby hill.

On dark wings, a mourning cloak butterfly fluttered in front of the hikers, then disappeared into the brush. A species that overwinters as an adult, it’s one of the first butterflies seen in Maine each spring.

Traveling slowly, the two walkers delighted in each new sight. With mud squelching under their boots, they felt the weight of winter melt away.

HOTHOLE POND TRAIL

IN ORLAND MODERATE

Hothole Pond Trail is one of the many public trails located in the Great Pond Mountain Wildlands, 4,500 acres of conserved forestland in Orland. Offering a quiet nature walk, the trail leads to the scenic Hothole Pond, passing through a mixed forest and wetlands areas along the way.

While Hothole Pond Trail is just 1.2 miles long, the closest parking area is at the Wildland’s North Gate. From there, you must hike 1 mile on a section of the gravel Valley Road (which is closed to vehicles) before reaching the trail.

Therefore, out and back, hike is about 4.5 miles. Much of the hike is on a wide, gravel multi-use trail, but the far end of Hothole Pond Trail narrows into a more traditional hiking trail, filled with plenty of exposed tree roots and rocks.

Signs of spring you may see along the trail are wild strawberry blossoms, bluets and violets growing along the gravel road and trail. Fern fiddleheads can also be found along the edge of this hiking route. A variety of songbirds return to the forest in early spring. And don’t

be surprised if you spot one or two porcupines as they search for fresh greens.

In the Wildlands, all of the gravel roads are open year round to horses, bicycles and foot traffic, and the narrower trails are for hiking or mountain biking. Trail use is free year round. Dogs are permitted on leash on all but a couple trails — the Hothole Brook Trail and the Great Meadow Trail, which are especially abundant in porcupines.

For more information, call 207-469-6929 or visit greatpondtrust.org.

DIRECTIONS: From Route 1 in Orland, turn onto Upper Falls Road and drive 1.7 miles and turn right onto Mast Hill Road. Drive 2.2 miles and turn right onto Bald Mountain Road.

Drive 2.9 miles and the North Gate to Great Pond Mountain Wildlands Hothole Valley Parcel will be on your right, with a small gravel parking area just beyond it. The hike starts at the gate, which remains closed to vehicle traffic year round. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 29

HEALTH & FITNESS

HIKE ME

TIDE MILL CREEK

IN JONESBORO EASY TO MODERATE

Located on a 200-acre peninsula in the eastern Maine town of Jonesboro, Tide Mill Creek Preserve features more than 2 miles of trails that travel through a dense evergreen forest to the banks of Tide Mill Creek. Not far from the coast, this body of water is salty and tidal.

The land was acquired and conserved in 2000 by Great Auk Heritage Trust, which has since merged with Quoddy Regional Land Trust to become Downeast Coastal Conservancy.

When looking for signs of spring, check for beavers in the wetlands beside the old road leading into the preserve. Where the hiking trails travel along the grassy shore of Tide Mill Creek, keep an eye out for waterfowl and wading birds courting each other in the water. Also, if you spy any of the area’s bald eagles, know that April is a time when eaglets are hatching. The adult eagles may be hunting for fish to bring back to the nest.

Another sign of spring on this preserve is mud and puddles. You’ll want to wear waterproof boots.

The preserve is open from dawn to dusk. Trail use is free. Dogs are permitted if they are on leash or under voice control at all times. For more information, visit downeastcoastalconservancy.org or call 207-255-4500.

DIRECTIONS: From Old Route 1 in Jonesboro, turn onto Roque Bluffs Road (also known as Great Cove Road).

Drive 1.5 mile and the gravel parking lot to Tide Mill Creek Preserve will be on your right, marked with a wooden sign. Park and start your hike on the old road that travels into the conserved land. In about 0.4 mile, the old road comes to the start of a 2-mile loop hike created by the blue-blazed Bear Creek Trail and the green-blazed Honey Pot Trail. At the trail intersection is a kiosk displaying a trail map.

30 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

Lyme disease risk likely higher than you think

Lyme disease is the most common tickborne disease and is one of the fastest growing infectious diseases.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention admits to over 300,000 new cases per year. In reality, as we have seen in our office percentage wise, we believe it’s much greater than that and the prevalence is rising.

Since national surveillance began in 1982, the number of annual Lyme cases reported has increased nearly 25 fold. The disease is also spreading geographically.

Between 1993 and 1997, 43 counties across the U.S. had a high incidence of Lyme disease. By 2012, the number had skyrocketed to 182 as reported by TIME Magazine. According to the CDC, Lyme is not only rampant in the hotspots, but is rapidly spreading across the country. In the northeast alone, Lyme has increased 320 percent since 2016.

Lyme disease is caused by the infectious spirochetal germ Borrelia burgdorferi. Its cousin germs, Bartonella henselae,

Babesia microti, and the bacteria of the Ehrlichia species cause related diseases.

There are over 100 species of Borrelia and 100 species of Babesia.

These germs are corkscrew shaped which enables them to burrow deep into the connective tissue.In addition, these bugs are pleomorphic, meaning they can change shape at will, go flat, and burrow deeper into the tissue, then go round. They can also live intracellularly, which is why they invade antibiotics. They also bind to the heavy metals in your system and create an armored protective shell that antibiotics cannot penetrate.

One of the reasons blood tests are so unreliable is that the spirochete is capable of infecting white blood cells. Since lab tests rely on the normal function of these cells to produce the antibodies they measure and are infected, they will not respond to an infection appropriately. The worse the infection, the less likely it will show up on a blood test. The standard Elisa test is no better than 50/50, according to Richard Horowitz, M.D. Johns Hopkins says it misses 55 percent of Lyme positive patients. The CDC and the New York State Department of Health says it missed 81 percent of the people that did not have a bullseye rash.

One of the most important aspects of developing a Lyme disease treatment protocol is to strengthen and restore the immune system.

Lyme disease bacteria and associated neurotoxins are immunosuppressive. Since home-

opathy stimulates the body’s response to the disease, it is basically able to “jumpstart” the immune system to engage in the fight against the infection. It gets to the root of the issue not by generically boosting the whole immune system, but by targeting immune functions that relate to the disease at hand.

A combination of homeopathy, Chinese herbs and glandulars has proven successful for patients.

Homeopathy's basic premise is called the “principle of similars,” and it refers to recurrent observation and experience that a medicinal substance will elicit a healing response for the specific syndrome of symptoms (or suffering) that it has been proven to cause when given in overdose to a healthy person.

It not only initiates a healing response, but encourages a respect for the body's wisdom. Because symptoms represent the best efforts of our body in its defenses against infection or stress, it makes sense to utilize a medicine that helps and mimics this defense rather than that inhibits or suppresses it.

Homeopathic medicine is so widely practiced by physicians in Europe that it is no longer considered “alternative medicine.” Approximately 30 percent of French doctors and 20 percent of German doctors use homeopathic medicines regularly, according to Dana Ullman, MPH, British Homeopathy Institute. Over 40 percent of British physicians refer patients to homeopathic doctors, and almost half of Dutch physicians consider homeopathic medicines to

be effective (Fisher and Ward, 1994).

Homeopathic medicine also once had a major presence in American medical care and society. In 1900, there were 22 homeopathic Medical schools in the U.S. The principle is to regulate antibody production, upregulate immune response, re-pattern the body’s energy pathways, minimize clearing reaction, get better effects with multiple potencies and reverse dilutions, enforced by ultra-high potency follow-up support. One can expect positive outcomes for both chronic and acute infections. This is one of the most powerful homeopathic approaches to infection available.

The first step to determining individualized protocol is determining what co-infections are also present.

Borrelia never seems to come alone.

Tick bites can transmit numerous other bacteria and viruses. Initial testing via acupuncture points takes about an hour, until satisfactory balance is achieved with Chinese herbs and homeopathic remedies.

Depending on the length of the illness and number of co-infections, treatment generally takes seven to nine months to complete and achieve a passive immunity.

For more information, please visit our website: MyerowitzChiroAcu.com.

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HEALTH & FITNESS

HIKE ME

RANGE POND STATE PARK

IN POLAND EASY

With wide sandy beaches on the scenic Lower Range Pond, this 740-acre state park has long been a popular place for people to enjoy watersports, picnicking, sunbathing and fishing. Established in the mid 1960s, the park features several miles of trails, including a 1-mile nature trail with interpretive displays about the area’s natural features, history and resident wildlife.

When looking for signs of spring, check the water of Lower Range Pond for seagulls and waterfowl.

Along the nature trail, search for beavers and muskrats hard at work in the wetlands, eastern painted turtles sunbathing on logs and wood ducks using the nesting boxes. And in the grassy picnic areas, bright yellow dandelions are among the first wildflowers to emerge.

Park hours are 9 a.m. to sunset daily unless otherwise signed at the gate. Dogs are permitted on the trails if kept on a leash no longer than 4 feet at all times, but they are not permitted on the beaches between April 1 and Sept. 30.

Park admission is collected at the gate year round. If an attendant isn’t present, leave admission in the metal canister at the gate. For Maine residents, admission is $6 for adults; $1 for children ages 5-11; free for adults ages 65 and older; and free for children under 5. For non-residents, admission is $8 for adults; $1 for children 5-11; $2 for adults ages 65 and older; and free for children under 5.

For more information, call 207-998-4104 or visit maine.gov/rangepond.

DIRECTIONS: The park is located off Empire Road in Poland. From Interstate 95, take Exit 75 and drive south on Route 202 for 1 mile, then turn right onto Poland Spring Road (Route 122). Drive 0.8 mile to a stop sign and turn left onto Hotel Road (Route 122). Drive 3 miles and turn right onto Empire Road. Drive 0.7 mile and turn left onto State Park Road, which is marked with a large sign for Range Pond State Park. Drive about half a mile to the main parking area for the park, stopping at an entrance booth on the way to pay admission.

AISLINN SARNACKI is a staff writer for Bangor Metro and the editor of Act Out, a section of the Bangor Daily News.

An expert on the Maine outdoors, she is author of the guidebooks “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine,” “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path” and “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine.” Follow her adventures at bangordailynews.com/act-out.

32 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

Turtles sun on logs at Range Pond State Park.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 33

HEALTH & FITNESS

On the FARM

HOW CANCER BECAME THE CATALYST TO MAKE ONE WOMAN’S DREAM COME TRUE

STORY & PHOTOS BY JODI HERSEY

34 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

TRISHA MARTIN, a seventh grade English Language Arts teacher, is not used to being idle at work or at her home in Hermon.

So in 2016 when Martin was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a form of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, her wheels started turning.

“I was told I had to take a year off from school and I said to my doctor, ‘I’ve only taken one sick day in 19 years, this is not going to work for me.’ So it gave me a lot of time to think,” Martin said. “It readjusts the lens on what’s important.”

During recovery, Martin became keenly aware that her health and her life needed to be her top priorities. And in order to live her best life, Martin began envisioning her days surrounded by animals.

“I was coming out of my radiation and chemo treatment, and I off handily said to my husband Garry, who is a physician, ‘I want a donkey.’ He took me pretty seriously, and we went to a rescue in New Hampshire,” Martin said.

However, the Martins soon learned from the rescue’s owner that donkeys are herd animals that don’t like to be alone. They always need a buddy and that’s just what Martin needed too as a cancer survivor.

“There was one [named Baby] that was shaved. Baby’s hair was coming back and my hair was coming back so there was no question that was the one I wanted right there,” Martin said. “We had to pick another one and Violet was her companion, so we picked Violet.”

In all, the couple selected four donkeys and a mule. And like new parents preparing to bring a newborn home from the hospital, the Martins wasted no time in preparing their 35 acre property on Union Street in Hermon for their new animals’ arrival in 2016.

“We always had bees, birds, chickens and poultry, but we didn’t have any fencing or any shelter at the time and they were going to transport them up here. So we had a weekend to get temporary fencing and a shelter in place, which we did,” she said.

Fortunately Garry and Trisha both have farming in their genes, so the couple knew exactly what they were in for.

“Garry’s grandfather had a relatively large scale farm in the Standish area. My grandfather was a self sufficient farmer in Lincoln. That’s what he did. He cut wood in the winter and would farm in the summer and that’s how he raised his family. And we’d visit them every Sunday. My mom

Garry and Trisha Martin enjoy their Maple Crest Farm and all the animals that call it home.

owns the farm now, so farming is not too far off from my bloodline,” Martin said.

In what seemed like a blink of an eye, the Martin homestead began to grow rapidly and as it did, Martin’s health continued to improve.

“We adopted two alpacas from Topsham who became pregnant and they had babies, so we had four alpacas. Then we got three more because a lady had rheumatoid arthritis and she wanted to get rid of them and we thought ‘we can take on those three,’” Martin said. “Then we had ours bred in Morrill, Maine. One of them took and had a baby and we stayed close with that family. The husband in that family was diagnosed with glioblastoma [an aggressive cancer that begins in the brain], so we ended up adopting their alpacas.”

The farm is also home to several horses, sheep, peacocks, and swans. There is an array of fruit trees as well used to make different kinds of jam. The couple also sells farm fresh eggs, honey and products made from alpaca fiber.

“We have the alpacas sheared once a year and package it up and send it to the New England Alpaca Fiber Co-Op and they make items that we can buy back at a

reduced price so we can help feed all these babies,” she said.

The Martins have one full time employee to tend to all their animals. When Trisha isn’t teaching, she’s working on the farm too. She loves giving individuals tours of her farm and sharing with guests how she made her real life dream come true.

“I like to go out and take pictures of them. It gives me a reason to spend time with the animals and watch other people enjoy the experience of the animals because they bring me a lot of joy,” Martin said. “If I can give someone else, especially kids, the opportunity to feed the animals and see the smiles it always brings to someone’s face, it makes me smile.”

Nancy Gerow of Holden visited Maple Crest Farm last year and was amazed at its beauty.

“Trisha’s love of her animals is contagious,” Gerow said. “All the animals and birds are so friendly and holding the baby chicks was special.”

Martin believes Maple Crest Farm would not be what it is today had she not been diagnosed with cancer.

“I don’t think we’d have all these animals if I hadn’t gone through cancer,

Donnie Veneziano, 6, of Hermon enjoys getting to pet one of the baby ducks at Maple Crest Farm.

chemo, and radiation. Taking that year off was rough, but it forced me to think about life differently,” she said.

Martin appreciates each and every day she’s given and spends her time surrounded by the things she loves and giving back to causes that are near and dear to her heart.

“I try to focus on what’s important in life and not stress about the unimportant things,” Martin said. “In May, we’re going to do a back-to-back sheep shearing and international wool challenge [at the farm].

They are going to shear the sheep, spin it and make a sweater all in one day and it’s all going to benefit Cancer Care of Maine, that’s who I went through [for treatment].”

It’s been four years since Martin was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma and she is doing great. She hopes to use this next chapter of her life to teach her students and others to dream big because one day that dream just might come true.

“I do have yearly checks and everything is good as of right now and that’s good,” she said. “It’s hard to have a bad day when you go out and look at those animals smiles.”

To learn more about Maple Crest Farm, log onto www.maplecrestfarm.me. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 35

two schools

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ONLY $94 per credit hour for in-state students!

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354 Hogan Road, Bangor • 207.974.4600 • emcc.edu

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United Technologies Center 200 Hogan Road, Bangor • 207.942.5296 • utc.mainecte.org

HOW-TO

CREATE IT AT HOME

How to make

MARBLED EGGS

A FUN & SOPHICATED WAY TO DYE EASTER EGGS STORY & PHOTOS BY KATIE SMITH

MARBLE IS A TIMELESS, classic pattern for your home.

From countertops to floors, it goes with anything and is clean and refreshing. It can even decorate eggs.

With Easter just around the corner, I decided to trade our usual egg-coloring session in for something a little different that my kids could really get into. Marbled Easter eggs are a fun, family activity for egg decorators of all ages.

With a few ingredients you may already have around your house, you can take your egg-decorating skills to the next level.

Not to mention marbling your eggs is less work than coloring them with a kit, or painting them.

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WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • White eggs • 1 baking sheet • Shaving cream • Food coloring • Toothpicks • Gloves

LET'S MAKE THE EGGS: 1. First, you want to hard boil your eggs. There are a few different methods for this but I like to place them in a saucepan, cover with about an inch of water and place lid on pan until water boils over high heat. When the water boils, turn down burner to medium-high and set a timer for seven minutes. Perfect boiled eggs every time.

2. If you'd like to have your eggs in a decorative bowl on display, you can also hollow them out. To do this, wash your egg with soap and water, poke a whole in each end of the egg with a needle making sure to puncture the yoke, then blow on one end until the yolk and whites are out of the shell, then rinse.

3. Once you have the eggs prepared the way you'd like, fill a baking sheet with shaving cream and spread with a knife or the back of a spoon.

4. Next, add food coloring drops to the shaving cream then swirl them together using a toothpick or knife. This is the fun part and your kids are going to want to get involved. Swirling around and watching the colors mix is extremely satisfying.

5. After you are happy with the mixture of colors, put on a glove and roll the egg around with your hand. For a more marbleized look, roll it around several times. If you want something simpler, a few rolls will do.

6. Remove your eggs and place them on a cooling rack letting them dry for about 15 minutes.

7. Last, wipe off excess shaving cream with a dry paper towel and you'll have the prettiest Easter eggs ever.

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FEATURE

JUST

Breathe PHOTOS: ©DUSK, ©DENISE ERICKSON/ADOBE STOCK

AROMATHERAPY 101

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A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO ESSENTIAL OILS & AROMATHERAPY

BY ROSEMARY LAUSIER

IT WAS HIPPOCRATES, the father of modern medicine, who said “the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage.”

Doesn’t that sound lovely? But it’s not as simple as that.

Viewpoints on supposed benefits of aromatherapy and essential oil use are mixed.

Joe Schwarcz, director of McGill University’s Office for Science & Society, wrote in the Montreal Gazette in August 2019, “There’s no question that a massage with an essential oil or soaking in a scented bath may have a pleasant, relaxing effect, but it is not going to ‘align your DNA,’ ‘repair your energy field’ or ‘keep your nerves in balance.’”

Meanwhile, devoted aromatherapy practitioners credit it for a number of experiential benefits and leading them to more holistic lives.

If you’re interested in aromatherapy, here’s what you should know before getting started with it.

WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? According to the Alliance of International Aromatherapists, “aromatherapy refers to the inhalation and topical use of true, authentic essential oils from aromatic plants to restore or enhance health, beauty and wellbeing.” Aromatherapists also use hydrosols, another byproduct of distillation, but aromatherapists generally use essential oils in practice.

Aromatherapy dates back as early as ancient Egypt as balms, resins and oils were used by priests and doctors for religious ceremonies and embalming. Oils were also being used in China and India during the same period.

Essential oils are made from distilled plant materials such as roots, leaves, resins and flowers. The oils are volatile and will evaporate and dissipate in the air making it easy for users to smell almost immediately.

Essential oils users turn to oils to seek relief from muscle aches and pains, to improve circulation, ease sinus congestion and more.

They also use them to help alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression and poor sleep.

Nancy Lubin — an aromatherapist at Camden Whole Health and the state’s first Certified Professional Life Coach — works with clients to create a blend of essential oils to help with comfort and relief in their life.

As part of Lubin’s practice, she will go through a client’s medical and personal history, such as their desired outcome and their preferences in terms of aroma, when making a blend for a client. She will also make sure they are at least doing the baseline of healthy living such as staying hydrated, eating, sleeping and exercising well. Then she will make a blend based on what the client is looking for and their scent preferences. “[Essential oils] are wonderful adjuncts to a healthy life,” Lubin said.

But that doesn’t mean using essential oils is an end-all be-all for healthy living and one can just jump in and easily become an expert.

“The idea that essential oils will cure everything is a myth,” Lubin said. “Nothing cures everything and nothing is good for everything.”

That is why using essential oils is more than picking a bottle off the shelf and popping it into a diffuser at home. There is a science to it and requires a lot of education and care.

HOW TO USE THEM Two common ways to use essential oils are topically and through inhalation. For inhalation, there are several ways to use the oils including by diffuser, inhaler or spray.

Diffusers — ultrasonic and nebulizing (using water and air pressure respectively) — basically change the oil into a mist that will carry the scent throughout a room.

With sprays, on the other hand, a few drops of essential oil are put into a waterbased solution. Then it can be sprayed around the room.

Essential oil users can also use the oils through massage, compression or in a bath to help the skin absorb it. With compression, users can add the oil, along with a carrier liquid to dilute the oil, and apply it directly to the area. Peppermint, for example, can be applied to those who have a burn.

Baths can allow essential oil users to use the oil both through inhalation and topically.

But since oils are not soluble in water, the oil will float to the top and the full, undiluted oil

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FEATURE will go through the skin. The University of Minnesota recommends that bath salts can work to disperse essential oils or use baking soda, epsom salts and sea salts to help.

However, the inhalation methods can cause a risk for oversaturation and practitioners can use too much, which is mostly a waste in resources than anything and creates more ecological and conservation problems.

“Here we are, we are using these natural things because we think that they’re better for us,” said Lubin. “If we are using them improperly, that is not helping Mother Nature or the planet in any way.”

To prevent oversaturation with the sprays and diffusers, use a spray for perhaps 15 minutes before bed if you’re using it for sleep or put a diffuser on an intermittent setting so that you are not constantly using the oils. If users use the scent too much, they can become desentized to it and it may become less effective.

One key point when applying oils to the skin, even though it is okay to use, is to dilute the oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil to avoid skin irritation.

Application of the oil undiluted may cause irritation such as itching, burning or a rash.

WHAT TO WATCH OUT FOR Because of the chemical makeup of the oils, it is important to get adequate information about essential oil us from a source such as an online class, trained aromatherapist or book.

Users should also keep in mind that they should order their oils from a reputable source as it is difficult to know whether an oil is contaminated or synthetic.

Because essential oils are highly concentrated, it is crucial to dilute the oils before using them. Oils are generally diluted for all uses except inhalers or an ultrasonic diffusers. Lubin suggests using olive oil or almond oil — two regular household items — for dilution due to the fat content. Lubin said water won’t work as the oil particles will just rise to the surface and keep its concentration and is a common error.

The National Association of Holistic Therapy and Lubin’s website, intention. com, offers resources such as dilution charts so users can see the proper methods and amounts to help with dilution.

It is also highly recommended that essential oils are not ingested due to the high concentration.

WHAT OILS TO GET Some of the most commonly used essential oils and their perceived effects, according to the National Association of Holistic Therapy, are: EUCALYPTUS: Helps with decongestion and acts as an expectorant.

GINGER: Helps with digestion, nausea and works as an antiinflammatory agent.

“The bottom line is you shouldn’t be putting essential oils in your water. You shouldn’t be putting them in your mouth, you shouldn’t be swallowing them,” said Lubin. “They’re too concentrated.”

However, ingestion of essential oils is a highly debated topic. Others, like pharmacist Lindsey Elmore, author of “Essentials: 75 Answers to Common Questions About Essential Oils and Supplements,” insist that they are safe when properly used. She wrote on her blog that ingesting oils is safe if they’re high quality, properly used and not taken in more than the suggested amount.

Essential oils can also be cold-pressed from citrus. Because of this, the oil can photosynthesize and interact with the sun increasing the potential for burns on the skin if not taken properly.

In 2017, a woman’s Facebook post went viral because she used doTERRA essential oils as part of a yoga class, not realizing the warning on the label saying to stay out of UV rays for 12 hours afterwards. Instead, she went to a tanning bed and suffered from second and third degree burns.

But, “distilled" citrus oils are also available and often chosen for blends that might be used where sun exposure is an issue.

It is always recommended to look at labels and to talk to a trained aromatherapist if you are on any medication or just in general. Some common warnings for essential oils use are keeping them out of reach of children (caution with ages 12 and under; none for ages 2 and under) and pets, avoid photosensitizing oils, avoid prolonged use, avoid using undiluted oils, avoid the eyes and avoid flames or fire hazards.

LAVENDER: Can induce calming affects and helps reduce anxiety.

LEMON: Works as an antioxidant and is immune enhancing.

PEPPERMINT: Relieves nausea and relieves and reduces migraines.

ROSEMARY: Acts as an expectorant, helps with sinus congestion and helps clear the mind.

ROSE: Helps relieve stress and anxiety and aids with symptoms of premenstrual syndrome.

RESOURCES There are plenty of resources for more information online and in print.

Some include: NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR HOLISTIC THERAPY: naha.org ALLIANCE OF INTERNATIONAL AROMATHERAPISTS: alliancearomatherapists.org AMERICAN BOTANICAL COUNCIL: cms.herbalgram.org AROMAWEB: aromaweb.com

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www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 43

FEATURE

& Shine CAN MAINE CRYSTALS IMPROVE YOUR DAY?

BY JULIA BAYLY

AMONG THE OLDEST formations on Earth, some believe crystals have power to heal ailments and improve moods. But mainstream medical practitioners are not completely sold on the healing powers of what are little more than organic geologic formations.

Still, even medical professionals admit that a so-called placebo effect, the phenomenon in which someone experiences a benefit after the administration of an inactive substance, may exist.

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In 2001, University of London psychologist Christopher French conducted a study in which he gave 80 volunteers booklets that explained the feelings they might experience while holding certain crystals. He then gave 40 of the volunteers genuine crystals and the other 40 cheap plastic imitation crystals.

The result? French found that the volunteers holding the fake crystals were just as likely to respond to perceived physical sensations as the ones holding the real thing.

French concluded it was the power of suggestion, not flowing energy, that created the effect.

But others aren’t so quick to dismiss the powers of crystals.

Practitioners of crystal healing, like Heather Nichols of Stones and Stuff in Portland, are accustomed to the doubts of medical doctors and other health professions. She maintains the energy of the crystals works with the energy in the body to soothe, heal, improve, treat or adjust whatever the person needs.

“Our bodies are made of chemical compounds and [our bodies] need the different compounds within the crystals,” Nichols said. “For me, it’s both science and emotion and I use both.”

WHAT ARE CRYSTALS? Crystals are a solid material made up of compounds organized into a highly ordered structure. A solid crystal’s components can include atoms, molecules or ions. In nature, crystals often form when superheated liquid rock, like magma, cools and then begins to harden.

In Maine, the most recognizable and important crystal is the tourmaline, a compound of boron silicate with elements of iron, magnesium, sodium and potassium.

It is considered a semi-precious gemstone that comes in a variety of colors including black, green, blue, pink, yellow, purple, orange and grey.

Tourmaline was first discovered in Maine in 1820 in Paris. In 1971, it was designated the Maine State Gemstone.

“Tourmaline is good for so many things,” Nichols said. “It has a high content of lithium which is good for the brain [and] it has this electromagnetic energy so you can actually feel it pulsate in your hands — it is definitely Maine’s treasure.”

There are active tourmaline mines in Maine today in Oxford and Androscoggin counties, according to Dr. Al Falster, mineralogist and research technologist at the newly opened Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel.

Beryl, a variety of aquamarine, found in Topsham. All examples shown here are housed in the collections of the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum.

PHOTO BY MARK MAUTHNER www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 45

FEATURE

Tourmaline, elbaite species from Newry, Maine.

PHOTO BY JEFF SCOVIL

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...WHEN IT COMES TO CRYSTAL HEALING, THE PLACEBO EFFECT IS OFTEN AUGMENTED BY THE MERE ACT OF A PERSON DOING Topaz from Stoneham, Maine.

PHOTO BY MARK MAUTHNER

SOMETHING TO TAKE CONTROL OF THEIR DESTINY WHICH CAN BOOST HOPE, BRIGHTEN MOODS

Tourmalines are associated with metamorphic rock and granite pegmatites — underground formations that hold interlocking crystals. These formations are easily spotted and identified, Falster said, as natural outcroppings scoured clean by glacial activity or more recently exposed by commercial blasting.

Quartz is another crystal used in healing and is one that is found abundantly in Maine, according to Falster. In 2017, a large cavity containing quartz was discovered in Oxford County. Measuring 80-feet across, it took three years to completely mine it out. According to Falster, western Maine is a bit of a hotspot when it comes to crystals and gemstones.

THE PLACEBO EFFECT Ted Kaptchuk is the director of Harvard Medical School’s program in placebo studies and he sees real value in their use.

According to Kaptchuk, the placebo effect is often wrongly assumed to be “all in your head” and a fake response to an inert substance. But he points out brain imaging studies have shown when

patients are treated with AND IMPROVE THE ABILITY TO placebo it can activate COPE WITH A CHRONIC very specific regions in the brain and trigger the CONDITION. release of feel-good hormones like endorphins, dopamine and natural painkillers.

According to Dr. Stuart Vyse, an American psychologist specializing in belief in superstitions and critical thinking, when it comes to crystal healing, the placebo “I really don’t have enough data to say effect is often augmented by the mere act definitively what they can or can’t do,” she of a person doing something to take control said. “But [there are] a lot of people who of their destiny which can boost hope, say crystals help them.” brighten moods and improve the ability to There are also a lot of people she cope with a chronic condition. says who when they first walk into her “There is no scientific evidence to shop comment on the positive energy and support the medical effectiveness of any of warmth they feel right away. [crystal] remedies,” according to Vyse. “But “Is that because of the crystals or there is the possibility that they might have because we have done a good job in placing an indirect psychological benefit.” items so they make people happy to look Amanda Sohns, co-owner of the Rock at?” Sohns said. “I really don’t know.” and Art Shop in downtown Bangor, said that while she is not an expert on the HOW IT WORKS healing powers of crystals, she hears from At its simplest level, those who subscribe many people who come into her store how to crystal healing say that placing crystals crystals have helped them. or gemstones of various types on the body www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 47

FEATURE will draw out negative energy and promote physical, emotional or spiritual wellness.

But there’s a lot more to it than that, according to Nichols, who over the years has developed her own method of healing that combines crystals and chakras.

“When I see a client I feel out where the person is depleted and what they need,” Nichols said. “Then I place the appropriate crystal on the body to repair or replace those needs.”

For example, if a person is showing signs of being anemic or having an iron deficiency, Nichols will use crystals with high percentages of iron compounds like tourmaline, hematite or rhodonite.

Just like pharmaceutical medicines, the same crystal can produce two different responses in two different people.

“A lot of it does depend on how open you are to the process,” Nichols said. “For example, some crystals with a high content of lead will bring relief to some people while it brings feelings of disgust to others.”

According to Nichols, the energy of the crystals is absorbed into the body via the chakras and those connecting channels much like a topical ointment is absorbed through the skin.

Tourmaline, elbaite species from Newry, Maine.

PHOTO BY JEFF SCOVIL

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OBTAINING YOUR OWN MAINE CRYSTALS There are two ways to get your hands on crystals in Maine. You can go prospecting among likely rock formations, or you can walk into shops like Sohns’.

“There are many, many more crystals besides tourmaline that grow in Maine,” Falster said. “Some are very beautiful and common like aquamarine [and] anytime you see exposed granite pegmatites, you should go look for the open spaces where [crystals] can form.”

As for their healing properties?

“I don’t have enough experience or knowledge to say if it works or not,” Falster said.

The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum also has hundreds of crystals on display.

At The Rock and Art Shop, Sohns said they have something for just about every crystal customer, from those looking for healing crystals to those who just want something pretty to look at or that want something that feels good when held in the hands.

“Individuals make friends with certain crystals,” Nichols said. “People will sometimes burst into tears when they walk up to the crystals and they don’t know why [but] it’s just a specific crystal amplifying their energy.”

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FEATURE

Love yourself...

Naturally 15 WAYS TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE WITH A LOWER CARBON FOOTPRINT

BY SAM SCHIPANI

BETWEEN THE sheet masks, weighted blankets and adult coloring books, self-care has evolved into a booming industry. With so many companies trying to profit on self-care, though, caring for the planet can often fall to the wayside as trendy products are shipped, used and tossed.

Some of the most important elements of self-care have no carbon footprint at all, like practicing meditation or simply taking a deep breath. Beyond that, though, there are many ways to practice self-care while caring for the planet. Here are 15 that you can try.

1. WALK TO WORK. If you have the option, walking to work is a great way to elevate your endorphins while reducing the carbon footprint of your commute.

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2. GREEN YOUR DENTAL ROUTINE. Dental care is self-care. Make your oral hygiene routine a more eco-friendly by turning the water off while brushing your teeth and opting for biodegradable silk floss and bamboo toothbrushes.

3. FIND VEGAN ALTERNATIVES TO YOUR FAVORITE COMFORT FOODS. Animal products usually have a larger carbon footprint than their plant-based counterparts. Find a vegan alternative for your go-to comfort food, like jackfruit tacos, frozen banana “ice cream” or macaroni and cashew cheese.

4. START GARDENING. Gardening gets you outside and active, and soil microbes stimulate serotonin production.

Plus, you can reduce the carbon footprint of shipping your favorite produce by growing it yourself.

5. DECORATE WITH HOUSEPLANTS. Greenery is psychologically soothing, and studies show that caring for ornamental plants makes us more compassionate. Plants also absorb carbon dioxide and purify the air of your indoor environment.

PHOTOS: ©PIXEL-SHOT, ©DIANA TALIUN, ©RAMIL GIBADULLIN, ©SVEHLIK/ ADOBE STOCK

6. MAKE YOUR OWN SOOTHING FACE MASK INSTEAD OF BUYING ONE FROM THE STORE. Single-use sheet masks are all the rage, but those packaged pads end up in landfills after they soothe your skin. Make your own face mask with natural materials, from avocado and egg whites to turmeric and honey.

7. OPT FOR LOW-WASTE BEAUTY PRODUCTS — OR MAKE YOUR OWN. Good hygiene doesn’t have to hurt the planet. Opt for reusable beauty products when possible, or buy in bulk with reusable containers.

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FEATURE

8. GO FOR A HIKE (AND PRACTICE GOOD STEWARDSHIP).

Spending time in nature has been proven to reduce stress. Practice mindfulness while you’re walking, or even pick up trash along the trail.

9. VOLUNTEER LOCALLY. Helping others may not seem like self-care, but volunteering helps give us a sense of purpose and feel more connected to our community.

10. PUT YOUR PHONE DOWN AND TURN OFF THE TV. Lazy days can be good, but sometimes we overindulge at the expense of our mental health. Plus, electronics expend energy. Try reading instead.

11. LIGHT A SUSTAINABLY-SOURCED CANDLE. Buy a cozy paraffin-free candle made from soy wax, coconut wax or beeswax — or, make your own. Also, opt for a cotton or wood wick.

12. PLAN A STAYCATION. Plane travel has an enormous carbon footprint, and it can be stressful and expensive to plan a big vacation. Take a few days off and plan a “staycation” to try new restaurants, see local shows and relax at an area spa.

14. HYDRATE WITH A REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE. Help reduce plastic waste while staying hydrated. You can even choose a water bottle that shows you how much water you drink throughout the day.

15. PARTAKE IN MINDFUL RETAIL THERAPY AT YOUR THRIFT STORE. Search your local thrift store for something that makes you feel beautiful while reducing the carbon footprint of your closet.

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PHOTOS: ©ZAKALINKA, ©KATARZYNA BIALASIEWICZ PHOTOGRAPHEE.EU, ©MOSTOVYE/ADOBE STOCK

13. CLEAN YOUR HOUSE NATURALLY. Cleaning your living space helps clear your mind. Use homemade natural cleaners instead of harsh chemicals to keep the planet clean, too. Vinegar and baking soda can go a long way.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 53

FEATURE

54 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

Bliss

Finding Massage

OIL-BASED AYURVEDA MASSAGES ARE WINNING NEW FANS

PHOTO: ©9DREAMSTUDIO/ADOBE STOCK

BY POORNIMA APTE

THERE’S A REASON that Sophia Maamouri’s clients call the Ayurvedic Abhyanga, as the “Bliss Massage.”

The rhythmic strokes and oil-based massages are customized for every client with the final intention of bringing balance, said Maamouri, the owner of Blue Heron Synergy in Portland, Maine. “So much so that the customers are so blissful, it’s a deep state.”

Originating in India more than 3,000 years ago, Ayurveda (Ayur = life; Veda = science) is an ancient practice of medicine that is considered alternative and classified under the wellness umbrella in the West.

Ayurveda emphasizes mind-body connection and uses a variety of treatments to fine-tune the body’s five elements. Ayurvedic principles suggest that every person has a unique mix of “doshas” borrowed from these five elements. If these “doshas” are misaligned, the body does not function as smoothly as it should.

Using a mix of oils and herbs, Ayurvedic massage therapists work to correct imbalances. The most noticeable difference for those who are used to other kinds of massage is the medium: warm oil. Ayurvedic massage uses liberal amounts of it.

While many other kinds of massages might use oils or lotions, they’re usually used to decrease friction and facilitate smoother motion. In Ayurvedic massage, the oils serve an additional purpose: they also act as a vehicle for healing herbs.

“The oils penetrate the skin into the lymphatic tissue and binds with toxins that are oil-soluble,” Maamouri said. Essentially Ayurvedic massage uses oil as a detoxifying agent. The exact kind and combination of oils depends on the individual’s constitution and immediate needs, which is why a consult precedes each massage session.

The Abhyanga (which means oil massage) and often, steam therapy, usually set the stage for panchakarma, a five-pronged detoxification process. In addition to the Abhyanga, Maamouri offers the garshana, which is a dry exfoliation massage using a silk glove. Ayurvedic massages themselves run a wider gamut of offerings, including the dramatic shirodhara, which involves pouring a steady stream of oil on the forehead. Shirodhara is believed to have an incredibly calming effect on the central nervous system, its effects similar to that derived from meditation.

Clients typically need a few weekly sessions to begin seeing the benefits of regular Ayurvedic massage, Maamouri says. “Massage therapy is cumulative. If you do it one time, it feels good. But you won’t really feel the full benefit if you don’t do it for a while,” she adds.

Poornima Apte is an award-winning freelance writer based in New England. Find her at wordcumulus.com.

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GET OUT

GREATER BANGOR

GREATER BANGOR

Staycation TAKE TIME TO BE A TOURIST IN YOUR OWN BACKYARD

LIVING IN THE SAME place for a while, it’s easy to fall into a routine and forget all the great things that make your area special. But if you have a day, weekend or even all of spring break, take the opportunity to get reacquainted with the Bangor area.

This is your guide to a Greater Bangor staycation in April. Ready to have some fun?

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DO: There’s literally something for everyone in the Greater Bangor Area.

Among our favorite things to do is to get outside. The nearby Bangor City Forest has an array of trails perfect for walking, running or biking. There’s also the network of trails in the Bangor Land Trust properties throughout Bangor. But one of our first favorites was the Kenduskeag Stream Trail, which winds through Bangor past viewpoints and places to skip rocks.

Beyond the city limits, there are even more places to explore.

Nearby in Old Town, Hirundo Wildlife Refuge is open daily to visitors seeking to get outside and explore.

There are hiking trails as well as a Trail of the Senses, an accessible trail that makes experiencing nature possible for more people. Canoes are available for borrowing as well. Hirundo also hosts various recreational programs, Wellness in Nature programs and more.

And don’t miss the stunning views

PHOTO: BDN FILE

BY SARAH WALKER CARON

from Chick Hill in nearby Clifton. It’s a steep walk up, but oh-so-worth it.

In addition to the natural world, there are plenty of other ways to get up close and personal with nature and science.

Astronomy buffs and those fascinated by space and science should head to Orono to the Emera Astronomy Center and M.F. Jordan Planetarium located on the campus of the University of Maine. There are shows every Friday evening and Sunday afternoon including Dynamic Earth and The Secrets of Gravity. Plus, on school vacation weeks,

extra shows are held Monday through Thursday as well. But don’t discount the planetarium as just for kids. In April, at 9pm on Fridays, the planetarium is hosting a special U2 show using the full screen, featuring their timeless hit songs.

For younger kids, science, nature and art come alive at the Maine Discovery Museum in Downtown Bangor. Interactive exhibits invite children to explore and discover animals, arts, anatomy, geography and more. The museum is open Tuesday through Sunday.

Plus, don’t miss any of the cultural offerings around Greater Bangor including theatre productions by the Penobscot Theatre Company, Ten Bucks Theatre, Some Theatre Company and others as well as dance performances by the Robinson Ballet Company and the Bangor Ballet.

If fine arts are your thing, Downtown Bangor has the perfect spot for you. With rotating shows and a variety of art, the University of Maine Museum of Art is a gateway to contemporary and modern art located in the heart of Downtown Bangor. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 57

GET OUT

GREATER BANGOR

(This photo) The entrance to the UMaine Museum of Art. (Below, from left to right) The Bangor Public Library, Penobscot Theatre Company, and a specialty dog from The Family Dog in Orono.

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With several galleries and free admission, this is a great place to stroll through and enjoy.

Plus, don’t miss the art shows, author talks and other offerings at the Bangor Public Library.

If puzzles intrigue, then Bangor Escape Rooms might just be the perfect excursion for you. Groups are locked in a room and must answer riddles and find clues in order to escape in time.

And what about catching a movie? There’s several cinemas in the area playing first-run films. But for a unique evening, try Queen City Cinema Club in Downtown Bangor where you can watch older movies on the big screen in cozy chairs or play games — or both!

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

EAT/DRINK: But what will you eat? The great thing about a staycation is that you can experiment with foods and outings you might otherwise not. And here in Greater Bangor, there are many, many places to eat well.

In Downtown Orono, for instance, Tacorita is a relatively new addition to the food scene offering an array of tacos and other foods along with a selection of margaritas. I always order the shrimp tacos when I go.

Nearby are two longtime favorites. The Family Dog serves up creative hot dogs, burgers and more. My personal favorite is the Blue Lacey, which has chili, crispy onions, crumbled bacon and cheddar on top. My daughter swears by the Mac and Cheese Dog, topped with (you guessed it!) mac and cheese along with some crumbled bacon.

Pat’s Pizza in Downtown Orono has been serving hungry crowds for decades. Their speciality is, of course, pizza, but the restaurant also serves salads, sandwiches and some excellent pasta dishes too.

Back in Bangor, one local favorite is part show, part meal. Kobe Ninja House’s hibachi grill is a dazzlingly good time as chefs play with fire and joke with diners.

The restaurant is also great for sushi, though that doesn’t come with the showmanship.

If you’re craving tacos and other Mexican fare, Miguel’s is a local favorite and has a delightful brunch on Sundays as well. Plus, their children’s menu includes some good options that aren’t chicken fingers and fries — always a plus.

Downtown Bangor is home to so many good options, it would be impossible to name them all. For lunch though, Harvest Moon (which also has several other locations in the area) has a great menu of sandwiches along with a few soups and salads. Fork & Spoon’s sandwiches are good, but their croissants are excellent. Also try their salted chocolate chip cookies — one of the best cookies around. Portland Pie Company’s pizzas, sandwiches and salads always delight as well. Plus there’s the old stalwart Bagel Central, with a big menu and plenty of room to sit down and eat. Plus, Paddy Murphy’s is great for a burger — or their exquisite open-face reuben.

If you’re looking to dine out, there are many options including The Fiddlehead in Bangor, Humble in Brewer and Woodman’s in Orono. But two of my favorites are www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 59

GET OUT

GREATER BANGOR

(This photo) Sweet chili-sesame glaze scallops at Novio’s Bistro in Bangor. (Below top) Shoppers check out the goods at The Vinyl Canteen in Downtown Bangor.

(Below lower) Food trucks line up along the Bangor Waterfront.

Novio’s in Bangor, where the lobster bisque is divine and the menu is always fresh, and Mason’s in Brewer which is equally good for date night as it is for a family dinner out.

Plus, there are breweries galore in the area too.

SHOP: In today’s internet culture, it can be easy to forget the fantastic local network of local shops that exist. But what better time to rediscover shopping local than on your next staycation?

First, head to Downtown Bangor where you can find everything from shoes (Valentine Footwear) to housewares (Accents Home Furnishings & Decor) to gifts (The Willie Wags). But don’t stop there. Browse the antiques and books at Antique Marketplace, listen to records at The Vinyl Canteen, pick up cheese, beer and wine making supplies at Central Street Farmhouse and grab a book at The Briar Patch. Then head up to Bangor Wine & Cheese for provisions.

But Bangor isn’t the only thriving downtown locally. Orono also has a great downtown area with local shops, coffee houses and more.

While you’re out and about, why not do a little thrifting as well? The Bangor Goodwill is recently renovated and filled with opportunities to find just the right thing. The Brewer location of Goodwill is a hidden gem as well. But also don’t miss Polish on Broadway, a giant thrift store just waiting to be shopped. Then head down the plaza to Not So Empty Nest, a cute home furnishings and decor shop where you can also learn how to refinish things.

DON'T MISS:

PHOTOS: BDN FILE

The Bangor Waterfront. As soon as the temperatures begin to warm, this is a great spot for walks, picnics and events.

60 / BANGOR METRO April 2020

Paid Advertisement for AARP Maine.

THRIVING TOGETHER JOIN AARP MAINE FOR THIS SPECIAL SERIES EXPRESSLY DESIGNED FOR WOMEN IN BANGOR COURTESY OF AARP MAINE

IT’S NO SECRET that money can be an emotional topic. For some individuals, and even whole families, broaching the issue of money can be daunting. Debt, long-term plans, sharing assets, the highs and lows of investing, can all lead to stress and unease.

On the other hand, it is essential to bypass emotional “hot button” issues in order to manage money effectively.

Now in its second year, the AARP Maine Thriving Together™ series offers a comfortable atmosphere for women to connect across generations, find shared experiences and discover new ways to navigate their personal relationships with money.

The next event in our Thriving Together series features local behavioral economist, Sarah Newcomb, PhD, author of Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind. Newcomb’s research will provide an informative and positive experience for attendees. Our local Thriving Together volunteer organizer, Lori Lommler, notes, “I really enjoy bringing groups of women together. When we do

that, magical things happen. The number of women interested in coming together to enhance their skills is inspiring!”

In addition to learning from Newcomb’s research and guided discussion, Thriving Together participants will learn about AARP Maine’s initiative to pass retirement security legislation for working Mainers. We will also review useful retirement security tools and resources available to Mainers 50+.

Please join us for this informative discussion on April 16, 2020 from 5:307:30 p.m. at the Hilton Garden Inn, 250 Haskell Road in Bangor. We will be serving light refreshments and all are welcome. We do ask that you RSVP, and please register early as space is limited. RSVP here: aarp. cvent.com/ThriveApril16.

AARP Maine is delighted to host this volunteer-run Thriving Together series in Bangor. The series includes signature events and book club meetings focused on the themes of home, health and money.

To learn more about upcoming events in the series, please visit the AARP Maine

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Another way you can learn more about our work in Maine is by joining us at our free, monthly events where we focus on various educational topics. AARP Maine’s monthly On-Tap happy hour event is held in Brewer on the second Thursday of each month from 4-6 p.m. at Geaghan Brothers Brewing Company, 34 Abbott Street. The first brew is free for registered attendees. We also host a monthly coffee Klatsch in Bangor the second Friday of each month from 8-10 a.m. at Bagel Central Community Room, 33 Central Street. We offer free coffee and bagels for all registered attendees. All are welcome, and please bring a friend!

If you have any questions, or if there is anything you need, please call AARP Maine at 207-776-6302. Do you have an idea for a topic in our series? Please let us know, and remember to RSVP right away for the April 16 Thriving Together event at aarp.cvent. com/ThriveApril16. We look forward to meeting you!

JOIN AARP MAINE FOR THRIVING TOGETHER, A SERIES EXPRESSLY DESIGNED FOR WOMEN. The Thriving Together series offers a positive outlet for women of all ages to connect, find shared experiences & discover resources to help them thrive.

Our next event features local behavioral economist, Sarah Newcomb, PhD, author of Loaded: Money, Psychology, and How to Get Ahead without Leaving Your Values Behind.

Join us! April 16, 2020 from 5:30-7:30PM, Bangor Hilton Garden Inn, 250 Haskell Road.

Light refreshments will be served. Bring a friend! RSVP at aarp.cvent.com/ThriveApril16

Photos courtesy of Story Silo Media

WOODS & WATERS

Stroll through

APRIL

Quoddy Head State Park.

(Right) A view of Cliff House in York.

EMBRACE MUD SEASON WITHOUT GETTING MUDDY STORY & PHOTOS BY BOB DUCHESNE

MUD SEASON. Embrace it. Get a jump on rejuvenation after a long winter. Shake off the doldrums before everybody else does.

April in Maine has a lot going for it. Days are longer. Bugs are banished. Beaches are vacant. Vacationland is, as yet, uncrowded.

Mainers are divided into two camps: those who hate winter, and those who love it.

Many of those who disdain the cold flee the state entirely. Those who remain, huddle around Netflix. April is too early to garden, too late to knit. For those who love winter, April is the slow seasonal death of snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and ice-fishing. It’s 30 days of waiting for May. The irony is that winter lovers and haters all have no use for April, leaving it to the rest of us.

Mud season does not have to be muddy. Walk a beach. Maine’s beaches exist because they face the sun, that is, southeasterly. They are pockets of sand sheltered from the prevailing northwesterly winds. They soak up the solar energy and, on a calm morning, feel warmer than average.

Certainly the beaches of York County are attractive, but for a more secluded walk, try Reid State Park in Georgetown or Popham Beach State Park in Phippsburg. Downeast in Washington County, Roque Bluffs State Park is popular, though we try to keep that secret away from tourists.

Walk a path. The Acadian coastline along Mount Desert Island is 110 percent granite, with little mud even in the muddiest of seasons. The walk from Sand Beach to Thunder Hole to Otter Cliff is a classic, best done before a million people arrive. Marginal Way in Ogunquit is outstanding. It’s not only paved, it is lined with park benches along its scenic mile. On the other end of the coast, Quoddy

APRIL IN MAINE HAS A LOT GOING FOR IT. DAYS ARE LONGER. BUGS ARE BANISHED. BEACHES ARE VACANT. VACATIONLAND IS, AS YET, UNCROWDED.

Head State Park in Lubec melts early and dries quickly.

Away from the coast, other walks are April-friendly. Most of the early season walking in Bangor City Forest is along firm roads, with few puddles. In Augusta, the Kennebec River Rail Trail offers 6.5 miles of easy strolling. Watch the river.

Early-arriving waterfowl teem in midstream, and the sturgeon often astonish walkers with big leaps and wild splashes.

Bald eagles are a common sight.

Of course, there’s nothing that says you can’t rejuvenate indoors and out. Most of the Maine coast is slow to shake off the winter, and many top hotels and resorts are closed in mud season. However, the ones that remain open year round are some of the very best, able to attract visitors throughout the off-season. A few offer high-end spa experiences. Coincidentally, they tend to be in some of the most spectacular places.

With a little research, you’ll see the same names pop up over and over. The

Cliff House abuts the ocean from atop Bald Head in York. The view is spectacular, and all rooms face the seascape. Yet the luxury amenities are so appealing that you may not have time for the view. You’ll pay more, but you’ll get more.

Inn-by-the-Sea also makes everybody’s top-ten list of spa resorts in the state. It lies just behind Crescent Beach State Park in Cape Elizabeth. Patrons can enjoy the indoor pampering, and still find an appealing walk to the beach right out the door.

Bar Harbor Inn gets high marks for pampering. Rooms look out upon the harbor, and hallways lead to massages, body treatments, and various beauty services. Step out the door, and stroll the walking path along the waterfront, or amble through the downtown. Get all the fresh air you need to dust off the winter cobwebs of the soul.

One final suggestion is not for the

faint of heart. Head up into the woods for a little “forest bathing.” Forest bathing is a Japanese health trend, now readily embraced by Americans. It’s a chance to immerse in nature, and unwind quietly, almost mystically, in a landscape that calms the soul.

You’ll have the woods to yourself.

Most logging activity shuts down in mud season to avoid damaging the roads.

However, most of the main arteries are driveable, sometimes in better condition than the summer, especially if there is still frost in the ground. Just take care to avoid soft shoulders and frost-raised culverts.

Good road clearance, spare tires, and safety equipment are a must. But nothing quite matches the overpowering solitude of surrounding yourself with millions of acres of trees and undeveloped lakes.

Mud. It’s not just for facials anymore.

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 / 63

Z

THE VIEW FROM HERE

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Friends FLY TOGETHERz

BY EMILY MORRISON

B

Menopausal? We’re in that weird time in life when birthing babies is somewhere between high risk and miraculous.

“I have stage two breast cancer,” she said.

The world stopped. No sound, time, thought, or words passed between us. How could conscious thought intrude on a moment like this?

As my friend calmly sat on her bed explaining how she found the lump and what she knew about it, my mind couldn’t latch onto anything other than her beautiful, beautiful face. This was never part of our plan. She’s lived such a good life. How could someone so young, so healthy, someone who makes her own jam and salsa, who hikes, canoes, camps and eats fish because she likes the taste, how could a poison be growing inside her?

How did any of this make sense?

Naturally, when conscious thought came back, we cried. We cried because she wasn’t crying. We cried because everything we ever believed about good things happening to good people, about the facades of youth and vitality, about the illusion of control and our steadfast grip on it, has all been a pile of crap.

We made it through the phone call and several more since. It’s hard to explain how living with fear has changed me, but I guess cancer, for all its ugliness, has shown me two beautiful truths.

First, health and happiness is not a given, no matter how good we are. Suffering has nothing to do with karma and everything to do with life. Every living creature knows pain.

Second, staying connected to the ones we love is essential, especially when they’re suffering. I’ve lost a lot of time in my life throwing pennies into the fountain of youth, worrying about how I look, how to get ahead in my career or make a name for myself, and for what? For beauty? For posterity? For appearances? None of that really matters.

Because we grew up together I never doubted we’d grow old together, but I understand now what I didn’t then. It’s not up to us to decide our flight path. All we can do is choose who we fly with and hold on tight.

PHOTO: ©BYSWAT/ADOBE STOCK

ONE OF THREE MUSKETEERS, I grew up in Dexter tenting out in my best friend’s backyard. We stayed up all night drinking Jolt, the world’s first energy drink, eating junk food, and playing Crazy Eights until daylight peeked through the window flap. Ten minutes walk from the tent was Toots Deli, our mecca for salted cashews, Swedish Fish, Atomic Fireballs and beef jerky. When the moon was full and the tide was high, we’d jump into my friend’s pool and take a midnight swim.

As crazy as all of that sounds, the world made a strange sort of sense. Our religion taught us if we did “good,” then good things would happen, and if we did “bad,” well, we better sleep with one eye open.

Looking back, life was never that simple, but childhood gave us the illusion of karmic simplicity.

For girls who went to church every Sunday morning and did our homework every blessed week night, life felt ordered and promising.

All we needed was Jesus, each other, and a Saturday night sleepover in our flannel pajamas.

In high school we had boyfriends and boys who were friends, and in college we found husbands and married young. We followed the path most good girls travel, “The Three C’s” — college, career, and children. Our lives lifted off like jets leaving the runway while we looked back at the airport hoping our old friends would be there waiting for us once this long, strange trip called adulthood had a layover.

After three decades of get-togethers, shopping sprees, sleepovers, dinners out, pub crawls, and casino fun, we’ve found ways to stay in each other’s flight paths (no small feat considering the husbands, sisters, parents, inlaws, children, nieces, and nephews we’re flying with). Plus, we don’t live four minutes from each other anymore.

Now that we’re out of walkie-talkie range, three-way calling has become our new best friend.

On one of our recent Facetime chats, our friend had some news. Twenty minutes into discussing my latest facial, I wondered why she hadn’t started with her update first. Was she pregnant?

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.