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Friday, February 21, 2014
Volume 10 • Issue No. 8
She Plunges in to Help Others
Berwick’s Jeannine Brunette didn’t let frigid temps keep her from taking the Portland Polar Dip. (photo by Adam Marletta)
By Adam Marletta Contributing writer BERWICK Mid-February is a time for skiing, sledding or just keeping cozy with books or movies by the fireplace. Few would consider diving into the frigid ocean waters of Portland’s Eastern Promenade. But then, Jeannine Brunette of Berwick is not like most Mainers. Brunette and 57 other intrepid adventurers raced into the 31-degree water on Saturday Feb. 15, as part of Camp Sunshine’s annual “Portland Polar Dip.” The money raised benefits the Casco based nonprofit’s rec-
reational facility that provides a respite for children with lifethreatening illnesses. Brunette, who turns 80 next month, was one of the oldest participants at Saturday’s event. “Everybody thinks I’m crazy,” said Brunette, proudly. “I wait until all the young people and girls in bikinis run in first. Then I wade in, afterwards.” “That way I don’t get trampled!” she added with a laugh. This is Brunette’s third year taking the “polar plunge,” which has become an annual event for her. Her first Polar Dip coincided with the anniversary of her brother’s death, who died in a car accident when she was 16 years old.
She said she told him “I’m doing this for you.” Though Brunette’s participation in the Polar Dip is relatively recent, her involvement with Camp Sunshine stretches for many years. “If you have children who are well,” said Brunette, “you are truly blessed.” Despite her age, Brunette shows no sign of curbing her volunteer activity. In addition
to Camp Sunshine, she is active with the Kittery Lions Club, the flea market, and her Elvis Presley Fan Club. “I just love people,” she said. “And whatever I can do, I do.” This year, Brunette raised close to $400 for Camp Sunshine — much of which came from sales of donated items at the flea market. She also received a generous donation from the Hackmatack Playhouse in Berwick, where Brunette is a regular See PLUNGE page 2...
Community Spotlight:
Judy Sullivan
Program Director for Maine Adaptive Sports & Rec.
GWRLT Secures Protected Area in Eliot ELIOT On Saturday, Feb. 1, Great Works Regional Land Trust celebrated protection of a new 13.2acre parcel in Eliot with a trek across York Pond. Bing Hawes and his wife, M.L. Hannay, of Portsmouth, N.H. donated an easement on the property to the Land Trust. “For years I have appreci-
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ated that my entire view across York Pond would never change thanks to the conservation work of the Land Trust,” said Bing Hawes. “I knew I wanted to protect my property someday and this year things finally fell into place.” The newly protected parcel is within the Mt. Agamenticus to the Sea Conservation Initiative project area. The property includes 1,195 feet of frontage on York Pond with mature trees, vernal pools and wetlands. It is situated opposite an existing area of conserved land totaling over 561 acres, which Great Works has protected through eight projects over nearly 20 years. The Hawes family has been
enjoying the property as a family retreat. The easement, which will be monitored by Great Works, allows for a future residence with a minimum of a 250-foot setback from the shoreline. The land will remain forested, with timber harvesting for personal and commercial use. Public access remains by permission of the landowners. “We appreciate the generosity of the Hawes family in adding to the growing protection of such an important conservation area,” said Tin Smith, GWRLT president. “An intact and naturally vegetated shoreline is key for so many things including water quality, wildlife and beauSee ELIOT page 4...
By Scott Andrews Staff Columnist
Local Average Tide Chart
Date
High
Low
am pm
am pm
Sat 22
3:43
4:18
10:02 10:18
Sun 23
4:40
5:22
11:04 11:20
Mon 24
5:44
6:30
Tue 25
6:51
7:37
12:27 1:17
Wed 26
7:57
8:39
1:34
2:20
Thu 27
8:58
9:36
2:37
3:17
Fri 28
9:55 10:28
3:35
4:10
Sun Rise
12:11
Sun Set
Sat 22
6:26
5:24
Sun 23
6:25
5:25
Mon 24
6:23
5:26
Tue 25
6:22
5:28
Wed 26
6:20
5:29
Thu 27
6:18
5:30
Fri 28
6:17
5:32
Judy Sullivan, program director for Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, finds some slope time at Sunday River. (photo by Scott Andrews)
Hikers trekked across York Pond on Feb. 1 to celebrate the protection of a 13.2-acre parcel in Eliot.
Health & Fitness A section concerning your health... INSIDE:
PG 9-13
KENNEBUNKPORT Many people dream of forging a meaningful career by helping others in a field that interests them. But few are able to find a dream job like Judy Sullivan’s. Sullivan, a Kennebunkport resident, is program director for Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation, where she heads a team of 400 volunteer instructors who teach skiing to children and adults with physi-
Puzzles
cal disabilities. She works from her office at the edge of the Sundance Trail at Sunday River Resort, amidst the nonstop hubbub of Maine’s biggest and busiest ski mountain. Two days a week she returns to her home and husband in Goose Rocks. “It’s a job that has meaning and benefits people,” says Sullivan. Sullivan’s passion for snow-covered mountains began shortly after she graduated See SULLIVAN page 6...
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