ISSUE 1 FALL / WINTER 2018-19

The Heartbeat of the Hills

Visit Paris MAGAZINE

Heartbeat of the Hills

Mining at Mount Mica Passport to Paris

INTERNATIONAL DINING TO PLEASE ALL

McLaughlin Garden

FALL JACK O’LANTERN EXTRAVAGANZA

Paris is Wicked Open for Business Big Fun on the Little Androscoggin River A Perfect Day in Paris

• Expert in-house repair & jewelry restoration • Fine Jewelry

• Maine Tourmaline

• Custom Design

• Maine Amethyst

• Gem Cutting

• Mineral Museum

145 Main Street, South Paris, Maine • 800.686.7633 • www.creaserjewelers.com • 2

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

LAND COMMERCIAL RESIDENTIAL 158 MAIN ST, SOUTH PARIS, ME 04281 • WWW.BIZREALTY.NET • 207-743-9303 • KAREN@BIZREALTY.NET

Quail Way

Bring your friends and the entire family for fun and relaxation. Wonderful setting with sandy beach area. Home offers five bedrooms living room with wood burning fireplace to take the chill off. Eat in or dine out on the enclosed porch over looking the lake. Beautiful wood floors, built-in hutch. Plenty of storage. Two car garage. Very magical setting even has a bridge. $550,000 MLS# 1373301

Beautiful Ranch

Well maintained ranch with beautiful landscaping. Many built-ins and custom features. Fireplace in living room two bedrooms on first floor, eat-in kitchen, dining area. Finished walk out basement with kitchen and bath as well as family room. Enclosed porch two car attached garage with garage for lawn mower and toys. $169,000 MLS# 1365624

Great Location!

Immaculate three bedroom two bath ranch. Kitchen with island and plenty of cabinets. Dining area with slider to back deck, master bedroom with full bath, first floor laundry. Walk out basement, two car attached garage. Private back yard well landscaped. $249,000 MLS# 1354989

4

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

Welcome to Paris!

Visit Paris is trademarked and owned by the Town of Paris. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Visit Paris is made possible by the participation of our advertisers. We offer them our thanks and ask you to consider them first when patronizing businesses in the Paris, Maine area. COVER PHOTO SUPPLIED BY | M Dirk MacKnight

On behalf of the Town of Paris, the Paris Select Board and Economic Development Committee I would like to welcome you to Paris, Maine – The Heartbeat of the Hills! We created this magazine to showcase all of the wonderful people, places, events and businesses that make up our great community in the foothills of western Maine. We are proud of where we live and where our town is going. We hope the articles peak your interest and make you want to explore all Paris has to offer. You’ll find out what we already know -that Paris is a great place to live, work and play. Visit Paris, we’d love for you to join us!

FEATURES EDITOR | Nate Scott GRAPHIC DESIGN | Ben Bruno and Laurie Gilbert for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com

JOHN ANDREWS

Vice-Chair of the Paris Select Board Former Chair of the Paris Economic Development Committee

Chris’ Electric

24hr. Towing Helping Central Maine with all its electrical needs Call for Great Pricing!

577-8476

www.centralmaineelectrician.com Licensed and Insured Over 20 Years Experience CHRIS SUMMERS - OWNER

MOBILE AUTOMOTIVE COMPUTER MODULE PROGRAMMING REPAIR ON ALL MAKES AND MODELS AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE ALIGNMENTS • TOWING SERVICE

Scott Buffington OWNER

207-743-5688 • 207-890-1726 FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

5

6

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

PHOTO CREDIT CARL COSTANZI

by John Andrews

C

elebrating its 225th birthday this year, Paris has been thriving at the heart of Maine’s western foothills for a very long time. Paris preceded the 1805 creation of Oxford County by 12 years and has always been the county seat. Today, Paris continues its vital role in the Oxford Hills community as home to the county courthouse, Sheriff ’s department and Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. Paris boasts its own Police Department and one of the strongest volunteer Fire Departments in the state. There are many vibrant restaurants, businesses and non-profits that serve the local community along the busy Route 26 corridor and beyond. The Paris community has been working diligently to become a truly business friendly destination. Claiming the motto ‘Heartbeat of the Hills’, Paris has become an area primed for growth

and investment. Recently, Paris was designated as an ‘Opportunity Zone’ by Governor LePage, one of only two towns in Oxford County to receive this prestigious commission. Our stable and competitive property tax rate, as well as an investment in economic development, are two driving forces behind the town’s designation. Paris isn’t just a great place to visit; it’s a great place to invest. As part of our strategic development plan, Paris is poised to become a destination for recreation. The town has secured a ninety-nine year lease from the water district to develop Paris River Park. Situated along the scenic Little Androscoggin River, at the base of the road that leads to the town’s Paris Hill national historic district, it is a great engine for growth. The Park is a place for all to enjoy nature, go fishing and get out on the water. Paris has a long, proud history; now, great new initiatives are underway in the ‘Heartbeat of the Hills’. Paris is working hard to maintain it’s reputation as a great place to live, work and play. We look forward to another prosperous 225 years in the beautiful foothills of western Maine!

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

7

MAINE South Paris • Lewiston Bridgton • Winthrop Turner • Portland Newport • Jay • Raymond Gas • Diesel • Lottery • ATM Pizza • Subs • Breakfast All Day! Groceries • Burgers • Soups • Tagging Station 183 Park Street, Route 26 • So Paris, ME 04281

(207) 739-2573 8

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

NEW HAMPSHIRE North Conway VERMONT Middlebury

www.parisfarmersunion.com

Bancroft Contracting Corporation is an industrial general contractor headquartered in South Paris, Maine. We excel at industrial maintenance, repair, and new construction in power plants, paper mills, and other industrial facilities. We have been building concrete-based projects such as bridges, dams, fish passages, and powerhouses for more than 40 years. Whether the project demands a jackhammer and shovel or thousandth-inch precision, Bancroft has the proven expertise to see the job through. We are regularly manning industrial and civil projects in Maine and throughout New England.

We are always interested in meeting skilled:

• Pipe Welders • Pipe Fitters • Structural Welders and Fitters • Millwrights and Millwright Helpers

• Certified Crane Operators • Form Carpenters • Experienced Construction Labor

Wages are industry-competitive based on experience and ability. Bancroft provides lodging for work away from home as well as generous per-diem compensation. Benefits include an excellent low-cost health and dental insurance, disability and life insurance, paid time off, paid holidays, and a 401(k) retirement savings program. At Bancroft Contracting we take pride in working safely and delivering the highest quality product possible. We have fun at work. Bancroft Contracting takes good care of its people and we work hard to take good care of our company and our customers! Interested? Call Harold Skelton at 800-734-8946. I look forward to talking to you! Bancroft Contracting is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome you to apply regardless of race, color, creed, gender, sex, religion, national origin, gender identity, age, veteran status, union affiliation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, or sexual orientation.

Please respond to this proo PLEASE PROOF READ CAREFULLY

• Attended self-service laundry • Free Wi-Fi • 7am-9am • Open 7 days a week CREATING HOMEBUYERS

Come see our new top-of-the-line facility featuring 31 washers (from 12lb. to 80lb capacity) and 36 dryers.

NO WAITING 142 Main Street South Paris Self-service and drop-off service available

(207) 743-5581

Please note any changes to your ad. If you requested changes, BUSINESSES please make sure th GROWING have been made to your spec fications.

Please either respond with an “ok to print” via email or you can fax it to the number below BUILDING COMMUNITY

SUPPORTING FAMILIES r APPROVED

No changes needed

Fostering opportunities for individuals, r APPROVED families and communities.

with noted changes

r PLEASE SEND NEW PROOF (800) 866-5588 | community-concepts.org FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

9

________________________

MOUNT MICA America’s First Gemstone Mine

Mount Mica tourmaline pendant. Photo and pendant by Dennis Creaser.

10

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

I

n the late fall of 1820, two college students, Elijah Hamlin and Ezekiel Holmes, were returning home from a trek through the rolling terrain on the outskirts of Paris Hill in Oxford County, Maine. As they walked back to the village, a glint of green winked at them from the roots of an upturned tree. They were amazed to find a stunningly beautiful crystal loose in the dirt. They hurriedly plucked it from the soil — just as the last of the sun’s rays disappeared — resolving to return the next day to look for more. That night, the first major snowstorm of the season buried the entire region, postponing their search until spring. After a seemingly endless winter, the two men returned to the spot and began to search for more crystals. They noticed an outcropping of ledge above — investigated — and stumbled upon the discovery of a lifetime. The sight that greeted them was unbelievable: green, blue, red and pink crystals nestled in glittering cavities or laying loose on rocks of sparkling white and purple. Jewels lay everywhere. The two spellbound students collected as many specimens as they could carry and staggered back to town where they displayed their find to the villagers. The result was predictable: people flocked to the location and began searching for more of the lovely crystals.

by Dennis Creaser some samples were sent to Professor Silliman at Yale University, who identified them as the rare gemstone “Tourmaline”. Mount Mica, as it was known, became the first source of tourmaline in the United States and America’s first gemstone mine. Sporadic amateur mining continued until 1868, at which point Elijah Hamlin and his son Augustus undertook a more serious venture, unearthing a trove of beautiful gem tourmalines. Tiffany and Co. of New York was a frequent customer, while J.P. Morgan purchased numerous crystals, donating many to The American Museum of Natural History. Some of the finest Mount Mica tourmalines were used to create the Hamlin Necklace, the most famous piece of American gemstone jewelry. In 1890, Loren Merril leased the mine and made many wonderful tourmaline discoveries, including

But what were they? No one knew at first until, finally, Active mining at Mount Mica. Photo courtesy of Coromoto Minerals. FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

11

A selection of gem tourmaline crystals ready to be cut. Photo by Dennis Creaser.

Watercolors of tourmaline crystals found and painted by Augustus C. Hamlin. From “The History of Mount Mica” by Augustus C. Hamlin.

a crystal which was faceted into a 69.25 carat blue-green gemstone and sold to Tiffany’s for $1000.00. Small mining operations continued until 1973, when Plumbago Mining Corp. of Rumford purchased Mount Mica. In 1978, they found a mammoth green crystal which would later be cut into an immense gemstone weighing 256 carats, a continental record.

“To this day, mining continues and wonderful discoveries are made each year.”

In 2003, Coromoto Minerals LLC bought Mount Mica and began to find new deposits of tourmaline in 2004. Coromoto uncovered pocket after pocket, each containing wonderfully diverse colors of gem Tourmaline, featuring some colors that had never before been found at the site, including electric pink and light blue. In 2005, Coromoto discovered the largest tourmaline pocket ever encountered at Mount Mica. Measuring an incredible six feet in height and dozens of yards in length, it contained tens of thousands of small green crystals and numerous giant smokey quartz crystals which weighed hundreds of pounds. Coromoto then began an effort to find a pattern in the distribution of

The Yorktown Mount Mica specimen. Photo courtesy of Coromoto Minerals.

12

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

gem pockets. In the process, they encountered a series of breath-taking specimens. In one area, they found pink quartz crystals so rare that only a handful of mines worldwide have ever produced them. Another remarkable specimen resembling an aircraft carrier with green tourmaline crystal jet planes, a pink quartz crystal control tower, a deck made of white albite crystals and dark purple lepidolite is often cited as one of the most amazing Maine mineral specimens ever found. Coromoto named this miraculous exemplar “The Yorktown”. Later discoveries included large pink morganite crystals, an incredible rocket-like crystal of vibrant blue tourmaline perfectly positioned on a spray of snow-white albite crystals and pocket after pocket of stunning gem tourmaline in all varieties of pink, teal, mint and blue-green colors. It seems that the rainbow ends in Paris, Maine. To this day, mining continues and wonderful discoveries are made each year. Although the mine is closed for collecting, weekend access can be arranged through Maine Mineral Adventures for a fee. Their guided tours include a chance to dig for tourmaline in designated areas at Mount Mica on specific weekend days. Contact them at (207) 674 3440 Specimens and gemstones from Mount Mica can be viewed and purchased for collections from Creaser Jewelers located at 145 Main Street in South Paris. The store features a free museum of Mount Mica minerals and other locally mined gems and mineral specimens. Creaser Jewelers specializes in Maine minerals and gemstones and is open from 9-5, Tuesday through Saturday.

! s i r a P in t s e v n I

The Time to Invest and Start a Business in Paris is Now!

THE TOWN OF PARIS OFFERS:

Designation as a Federal Economic Opportunity Zone by Governor LePage. Flat property tax rate and a Select Board dedicated to keeping it that way. In the heart of the Route 26 business corridor between Portland and Sunday River. County Seat of Oxford County. Town Police and Fire Departments. Existing business infrastructure and water district. Active Parks and Recreation and Economic Development Committees. Rich historical heritage and cultural diversity. New Paris River Park on the Little Androscoggin River and Paris Hill Historic District. Dedication to a business friendly environment!

We would love for you to become a part of the Heart Beat of the Hills!

Great things are happening in Paris, come and join us!

Riverside Lodge & Sauna The Heartbeat of the Hills

Visit Paris MAGAZINE

(207) 744-2412

20 Paris Hill Rd, Paris Me 04281 www.riversidelodgeandsauna.com FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

13

ServiceMASTER Cle:an

Call (800) 244-7630

24 hour emergency service

For Any Disaster, Call ServiceMaster Emergency Response • Water Damage • Fire/Soot/Smoke Damage

Commercial Cleaning • Carpets-Commercial and Residential • Hard Surface Floors

• Mold Remediation

• Tile and Grout

• Odor Removal

• Post Construction Cleaning

29 Brickyard Cir. Auburn, ME 04210

Buy it in the Oxfo Buy it in the OxfordOxford Hills!Plaza

Route 26, Oxford Buy it in the Oxford Hills! Oxford Flagship PlazaPremium Cinemas • Dollar T

t e k msaqruare

Oxford Plaza Route 26, Oxford Aroma Route 26,Joe’s Oxford• Ricky-Dee’s • Ocea

Flagship Premium Cinemas • Dollar Tree • Daddy-O’s Label Shopper • Ocean Pearl Chine Flagship Premium Cinemas • Dollar Tree • Daddy-O’s Aroma Joe’s • Ricky-Dee’s • Ocean State Job Lot Aroma Joe’s • Ricky-Dee’s • Ocean State JobRestaurant Lot Label Shopper • Ocean Pearl Chinese Restaurants • Personal Care • Entertainment Label Shopper • Ocean Pearl Chinese Restaurant Restaurants • Personal Care • Entertainment • Discount Outlets

Oxford Mini Mall

Twin

Restaurants • Personal Care • Mini Entertainment Discount OutletsPlaza Town Oxford Mall • Twin Route 26, Oxford Route 26, South Paris TAKE OUT

DAILY SPECIALS

Oxford Mini Mall

FAMILY RESTAURANT

Route 26, Oxford

Subway • Great Lengths Olympia Sports Verizon Wireless Perfect Nail Subway • Great Lengths Grassroots Graphics Edward Jones Pampered Pups • serenityplace Razor Tight Barber Shop Verizon Wireless

Route 26, Oxford

Twin Town Plaza Route 26, South Paris

This adSquare brought • to South you by John Anderson 24 Market Paris, ME 04281 Grassroots Graphics Subway Olympia Sports (207) 743-3911 • Open 6am-8pm• Great LengthsClothing • Financial Services • Business Services • Electronics 14

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

Verizon Wireless

Pampered Pups Perfect • serenityplace Nail

Rout

O

Razo

109 Main Street • South Paris, ME 04281

(207) 743-2532 mauricerestaurant.com

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

15

O

& s n i k p m u P & , s d r Wiza

16

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

Oh My!

& Peanuts

Every October there is a call to the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at McLaughlin Garden. This past fall was more magical than ever! Harry Potter was the theme for young wizards visiting the Garden, and the McLaughlin Team worked hard to bring the magic to life from your favorite parts of the Harry Potter books. Our Chamber of Secrets was the best fun for muggles who accompanied their young sorcerers! For the younger crowd there were familiar friends Snoopy and Charlie Brown from ‘Peanuts’ to guide them on a fun trip through the garden. There was fun, excitement and activities for all ages. Refreshments and a photo booth were also be available at the event. This fall marked the fifth year of the Jack O’Lantern Spectacular at McLaughlin Garden located at 97 Main Street, South Paris. The magical event was on Friday October 19th and Saturday the 20th, the program ran from 6-9PM and costs $5 per person (children under 2 are free). Be sure to join in 2019 for an equally fun and scary event! If you wish to join us as a volunteer carver or helper for this or any event or volunteer at any time in the garden please contact us at 743-8820 or info@mclaughlingarden.org.

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

17

McLaughlin GARDEN & HOMESTEAD

During 2018 McLaughlin Garden celebrate 21 wonderful years at McLaughlin Garden & Homestead. Now, more than ever, we encourage you to take time to enjoy the beauty and tranquility our garden has to offer. From our festive summer events to our educational winter lecture series, no matter the season, we look forward to seeing you this coming year. The McLaughlin Garden cultivates a beautiful and healthy environment where discovery, creativity and connections are nurtured. For those wish to support The McLaughlin Foundation in its mission to bring natural beauty and history into peoples lives, we encourage you to make a donation today by becoming a member or sponsor. If you are planning to visit the garden, take a look at our events calendar. Your visit may coincide with an event on our schedule. We look forward to sharing the garden with you. FMI on McLaughlin Garden visit mclaughlingarden.org, go to 97 & 103 Main Street in South Paris, or call (207) 743-8820 18

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

The Law Office of Bruce A Rood, Esq

Bruce Rood, Esq., PA

BRICKBANK TITLE SERVICE 300 Main Street • Norway, ME • 207-743-8711

Bakery • Gift • Health Food Store Chicken Pies A Specialty

28 Bethel Rd • West Paris, ME 04289

(207) 674-3012

A Little Luxury Goes A Long Way

Helping our neighbors finance their dreams. Whether it’s purchasing your first home, upgrading to a larger one, or refinancing to lower your payment or pay off debt, Embrace Home Loans continues to help neighbors finance their dreams. Ask your hometown lender, Shelley, about the great products and programs she can offer you and then sit back while she works her magic.

Swedish, Hot Stone & Deep Tissue Massage Facials • Manicures • Body Waxing Manicures & Pedicures Hair Cuts • Lash Extensions

element day spa

Shelley Kennagh Senior Loan Officer, NMLS ID # 532306 ph: 800.333.3004 x3566 | c: 207.890.4942 195 Center St, Auburn, ME 04210 skennagh@embracehomeloans.com embracehomeloans.com/shelley-kennagh

8 Market Square • South Paris, Maine

207-739-6789

Embrace Home Loans, Inc. NMLS ID# 2184 is licensed in 46 states and DC. (www.nmlsconsumeraccess.org)

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

19

A Perfect Day In

PARIS

Paris Hill Country Club 4 26

What are your favorite spots for a perfect day of touring and activities in Paris? The following itinerary highlights some of the little known gems in this bustling hub of Oxford County. For starters, wake up to stunning views of the sunrise in the luxurious accommodations at Kings Hill Inn and Barn. Then, get your day started with a hearty breakfast down to Market Square Restaurant. Outdoor recreation is one big reason why people visit Paris. There are many walking and hiking trails in the area with some new spots to ramble at the Paris River Park and Cornwall Nature Preserve. For golfers, the public course at Paris Hill Country Club features 9 holes of tight fairways and postage stamp greens surrounded by grass bunkers and sand traps. Maurice’s French Restaurant or Luchador Tacos offer international spice for lunch options and are a must for any trip to Paris. An afternoon of shopping is always fun — especially at Creaser Jewelers of Paris — where the owners of Creaser Jewelers are local experts on gems, minerals and local mines. With their guidance, anyone can learn how to be a rock hound! At the end of a long day pamper yourself at the Riverside Lodge with a soothing sauna, a cold beverage and music from the “Picker’s Circle” on Sunday afternoons. This is just a small taste of what Paris has to offer. Use our business directory and calendar of events to plan your perfect day in Paris!

8 Riverside Lodge 6 Luchador Tacos

3 Paris River Park

117 2 Market Square Restaurant

5 Maurice Restaurant 7 Creaser’s Jewelers

20

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

117

119

1

2

Market Square Restaurant 24 Market Sq So Paris, ME 04281 (207) 743-3911 FB: Market Square Restaurant

3

Paris River Park 1 Paris Hill Rd So Paris, ME 04281 (207) 743-2501 FB: Paris River Park

4

Paris Hill Country Club 455 Paris Hill Rd Paris, ME 04271 (207) 743-2371 ParisHillCC.com

5

Maurice Restaurant 109 Main St So Pairs, ME 04281 (207) 743-2532

6

Luchador Tacos 3 Nichol St So Paris, ME 04281 (207) 461-0207 FB: Luchador Tacos

7

Creaser Jewelers 145 Main St So Paris, ME 04281 (207) 744-0290 CreaserJewelers.com

8

Riverside Lodge 20 Paris Hill Rd So Paris, ME 04281 (207) 744-2412 FB: Riverside Lodge

117

King’s Hill Inn & Barn

King’s Hill Inn & Barn 56 King Hill Rd So Paris, ME 04281 (207) 744-0204 kingshillinn.com

1

119

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

21

Your Passport to the b Gra Paris, France is known, among many things, for its fine French cuisine.  In Paris, Maine the restaurants may not be as famous, but the options for quality food have expanded. This diverse town in the western foothills of the Mahoosuc Range is drawing diners from all over to a surprisingly varied international food scene. FRENCH: Maurice’s, a local landmark, has been serving fine French food to locals and tourists alike for many years. They offer several wine tasting dinners over the course of the year as well as excellent options for lunch. Come dine at 109 Main Street in South Paris, call (207) 743-2532 and visit mauricerestaurant.com

SUSHI: The X-Vault Pub and Provisions restaurant offers fresh Sushi options on the weekends as well as featuring several Korean inspired plates. Set in a historic bank building with a great view of Market Square, their unique craft cocktails are on the money. Visit them at 10 Main Street in South Paris, see them on Facebook at X Vault Pub & Provisions on Facebook, or call (207) 739-2999

GREEK: Yianni’s House of Pizza is a Paris mainstay and offers up fantastic pizza in a blizzard of varieties, as well as overstuffed subs.  The ‘Greek Italian’ is hugely popular with local residents.  Yianni’s stays true to their Greek roots with chicken and steak Gyros and homemade baklava for desert! Dine at 155 Main Street, South Paris, call (207) 743-6660 or visit YiannisHouseofPizza.com

AMERICAN: Market Square Family Restaurant is the “Go To” for breakfast, lunch and dinner for those seeking a hearty meal in a family-friendly environment.  Their popular daily specials don’t last long, so plan on an early dinner to catch their best vittles! Dine at 24 Market Street, South Paris, visit them on Facebook at Market Square Restaurant or call (207) 743-3911 Pastimes Hometown Bistro and Music Pub is a new edition to the Paris entertainment scene. They offer tasty American fare with a wide beer and cocktail selection. Extra bonus: they host one of the most popular open mic nights in the area on Tuesdays. Pastimes is a great place to unwind and listen to live local music. Dine at 187 Main Street, South Paris, visit them on Facebook at Pastimes Hometown Bistro or call (207) 739-2988

22

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

Paris International Food Scene! ASIAN: Mayflower Chinese Restaurant offers Cantonese food with many entrees, appetizers and drinks. And they absolutely master the egg rolls. A favorite for many, the pleasant staff receives a ton of positive customer comments. Dine at 179 Main Street, South Paris, visit them on Facebook at or call (207) 743-2303 Asia Eatery offers Cantonese specials such as Four Happiness, Sesame Chicken, Gai Po Lo Main, General Tso’s Chicken, cocktails and more. It is a family-friendly place that is open from 11am til 9:30pm most days. Dine in at 121 Main Street, South Paris, visit them on Facebook at Asia Eatery or call (207) 739-2840 Le Mu Eats is currently housed in the Charming Blue Shanty at McLaughlin Gardens (97 Main Street, South Paris), a mobile food unit adorned with a bright blue and gold color scheme. Chef Sav is the creative culinary mind behind the Le Mu concept; his take on his American experience presented to the community through food. Chef Sav is a first-born American, raised by the flavors of a Laotian heritage and surrounded by the heavy influences of southern soul food, all polished by a Classical French culinary training through the Culinary Institute of Virginia. Open Wednesday - Saturday 11am - 7pm Sunday Brunch 9am to 2pm. Visit them on Facebook or call (207) 461-2345

MEXICAN:

Luchador Tacos is a Paris success story. Owned and operated by a local family, Luchador offers authentic Mexican tacos, burritos, salads and more. Their bona fide Los Angeles styled street food will bring you back again and again! Dine at 3 Nichols Street, South Paris, visit them on Facebook at Luchador Tacos or call (207) 461-0207

SCANDINAVIAN EXPERIENCE Stop by Riverside Lodge for a relaxing wood fired sauna and then stay for delicious pizzas such as a Margherita, “Sweet Jane” Arugula or Billy the Kid. Or enjoy a glass of wine with some homemade soup and salad. Sauna and dine at 20 Paris Hill Rd in South Paris, visit them on Facebook at Riverside Lodge or call (207) 744-2412 

! t i t é p p A n Bo FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

23

Big FUNon the

little Andro by Laurie K. Gilbert

ALL PHOTOS CREDIT CARL COSTANZI

24

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

W

hen green space dwindles as a result of economic growth, waterfront land available for public recreation can disappear unless the community makes preservation a priority. As part of a strategic plan to revitalize downtown, the new Paris River Park (under lease from the Paris Public Utilities Commission) was created about 2 years ago. The Park encompasses approximately 7 acres of grassy and wooded land along the Little Androscoggin River as it meanders behind Market Square, the Riverside Cemetery and the Post Office. Enhancements have been underway, with future projects scheduled to create more pathways, an improved boat launch, picnic tables, a dog park, a port-a-potty and a kiosk with a map of the area. Wildlife abounds with ducks and geese, great blue herons, eagles, deer, squirrels and chipmunks flying, floating and/or scurrying about. Fresh air, fishing for bass and trout, kayaking and exploring on the back waters is a time-honored method of inducing relaxation and repose. The park is within walking

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

25

distance of much of the town. Jacalyn Lynch calls it the “hidden gem of Paris”. Pack a picnic and head on out to see the Paris River Park! Monthly paddles take place during the summer on the second Sunday of each month from 1-3 at the boat launch, weather permitting. A Rail Trail to be built between Norway and Paris with a connection to the Paris River Park is on the “Wish List”. Salvation and preservation of the property was mostly inspired by Genie Stone and Sandy Swett. The Paris River Park Committee includes Jackie Lynch, Carol Rice, Carl Costanzi, Dennis Rugg and Shannon Moxie.

FMI visit Facebook at Paris River Park, stop for a stroll at 1 Paris Hill Road in South Paris, or call Shannon Moxie at the Town Office at (207) 743-2501 26

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

BELT ONE HA S BEEN S ERV ING TH E C OMMUNITY FO R OV ER 7 8 YEARS!

Beautiful hair styles for everyone!

Our FREE services to the community... FREE

FREE

FREE

FREE

HEARING TESTING Find out where you stand

CLEAN & CHECKS of your current hearing instruments

VIDEO EAR SCANS Is it just wax?

IN-OFFICE TRIAL Try before you buy!

Call to schedule your hearing test and ear scan today

FARMINGTON 628 Wilton Road

(207) 860-7246

NORWAY

29 Main Street, Suite 2

(207) 744-3142

www.Beltone.com

8 Fair Street, Norway, ME • (207) 461-1812

Paris Selectman John Andrews and family wish the Town of Paris a very happy 225th birthday!

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

27

PARIS by John Andrews

is

d e k c i W

Paris, Maine has been working hard for the last few years to attract new business entities. The town and local business community have seen many successes. Whether it is existing businesses growing and scaling into bigger buildings, unique shops sprouting up in Market Square or businesses relocating to the area – Paris is open for business!

OPEN FOR BUSINESS

A recent success story is the relocation of Wicked Water Graphics, specialists in hydro graphics, chroming and Cerakote coatings for firearms. Owner David Kelso, who opened his business in Madawaska in 2012, is one of the best firearms craftsman in the country. When the company secured work with Windham Weaponry and needed to move further south, Paris was the obvious choice. They discovered the area while attending the Norway-Paris Fish and Game Association’s annual gun and craft show and decided to relocate to the ‘Heartbeat of the Hills’. “We liked Paris and decided to focus our search in the area. Now, we are centrally located an hour from Portland — home base to an important customer — 40 minutes from Windham and 35 minutes away from the Lewiston/Auburn market. Brunswick is

Individual customer’s Ruger 10/22 doubled dipped to add the burl wood checkering.

28

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

Beretta shotgun Cerakoted for the Beretta Custom Shop.

FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

29

FMI on Wicked Water Graphics, visit them on Facebook at Wicked Water Graphics, visit them at 45 East Main St, South Paris, or call (207) 744-2087

Helmet for a local race car driver.

home to another one of our large customers and they are close too. Since setting up shop in Paris we have added the Beretta Shotgun Custom Shop as a client because of our location.” The Oxford County location has helped the company stay in touch with more northern markets also. “One new big customer is C & L Aviation Group out of Bangor. They are the world’s largest aircraft refurbishing company. We are only 2 1/2 hours from them versus 4 hours when we were in Madawaska. We just got a contract with them that should be good for the next 8 years. Our shop being here in South Paris cuts off one day of shipping for customer products that are vital to our business. It’s really sped up our process.” Living, working and playing isn’t all that the ‘Heartbeat of the Hills’ has to offer. It’s a great place to establish a business. Paris boasts an economic opportunity zone, a business friendly environment and an accessible location to help businesses grow and prosper.  All these plus many quality of life amenities makes Paris wicked open for business!

An order of AR’s completed for Windham Weaponry

30

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

You found your perfect home. Oxford FCU has your perfect mortgage. When you’re ready to purchase or refinance your home, turn to the people you trust—people who live and work in your community—and where your loan will be serviced right here in Maine. Choose Oxford Federal Credit Union.

225 River Road • Mexico, Maine 54 Fair Street • Norway, Maine 1.800.991.9219

oxfordfcu.org FALL-WINTER // 2018-19

31

We've been Selling and Servicing Ford vehicles since 1909. No other dealer in Maine can make that claim. In fact, no other dealer in New England can either.

207 743-8938

Joe Galletta Owner

We highly value ALL our customers & employees

80 Main Street - South Paris

www.ripleyandfletcherford.com

VISIT PARIS MAGAZINE

32