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Service Animals Man’s Best Friend Lends a Paw
A Piece of Maine:
Fort Kent 7 Local Churches Beautiful & Historic Sanctuaries
Perspectives Photographer Aaron Priest
Inside:
Deb Neuman Profiles A Local Toy Maker Chef Justin Bard of Blaze Inside Sarah’s House Cooking Up Good Will With The Syversens
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december 2014
contents
features money plus mentoring equals college success / 12 Aroostook County students are offered a leg up, thanks to the Gauvins. Roy toy / 16 Classic wooden log sets are making a comeback. more than a place to stay / 18 Cancer patients have found a home away from home at Sarah’s House. historic churches / 22 A closer look at seven charming churches in our area. Service Animals / 28 Our four-legged friends are much more than mere companions. A Piece of Maine: fort kent / 34 Fort Kent is poised at the tip top of Maine, and is a four-season destination for Americans and Canadians alike.
22
comfort food / 42 Community and food go hand-in-hand for the Syversens of Hampden.
46 2 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Photos: melanie brooks
Blaze / 46 This wood-fired grill is heating up downtown Bangor.
42
Photos: (Clockwise from top left) David Haskins, mark rediker, melanie brooks, amy allen
28
18
in every issue
columns
TaLk of the Towns / 8 Three stories focused on helping the community.
Metro Wellness / 21 How a suspicious lump starts a journey.
Biz Buzz & sightings / 10 People and places on the move. Unsung hero / 13 Jolly old Saint Nicholas. Metro sports / 40 A Houlton basketball family and volleyball stars in Fort Kent. Perspectives / 48 The photos of Aaron Priest.
Woods & waters / 55 Maine’s ice age trail. last word / 56 The older you get the less you need during the holidays.
Special Section home for the holidays 2014 DIY decorations, hot holiday gifts, delicious recipes, and more!
savvy seniors / 50 When to seek help for depression.
34
real estate / 52 Two local condominium communities. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 3
publisher’s note
I
’d like to take this opportunity to wish you a very Happy Holiday season from the entire team at Bangor Metro. I’d also like to share some very exciting news. Starting in January, Bangor Metro will be under new ownership! The Bangor Daily News has recently purchased this gem of a magazine, and will be publishing it from here on out. We have had a great three-year run, and, as publisher, I’ve enjoyed watching Bangor Metro evolve into a top-notch publication that represents our entire region. Our editorial, production, sales, and operations teams have worked hard to create something we are all hugely proud of. I’d like to thank the hundreds of advertisers who have helped make Bangor Metro the success it is today. Without your support, this magazine simply would not exist. I’d also like to thank our loyal readers and subscribers. This magazine is created with you in mind, and it’s been wonderful to hear how much you enjoy getting your copy in the mail each month. The team at the Bangor Daily will take Bangor Metro to the next level, and I can’t wait to see the heights it reaches.
The Bangor Metro Region
4 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Photo: Kate Crabtree
jack cashman, publisher
www.bangormetro.com 263 State Street, Suite 1 Bangor, Maine 04401 Phone: 207.941.1300
PUBLISHER
Jack Cashman
EDITOR
Melanie Brooks melanie@bangormetro.com
assistant editor
Carol Higgins Taylor
SALES DIRECTOR
Christine Parker christine@bangormetro.com
assistant advertising DIRECTOR
Stacy Jenkins
account executive
Milton McBreairty
ART DIRECTOR staff Photos: justin Russell & Melanie Brooks
Amy Allen
production designer
Sandy Flewelling
traffic manager/ Subscriptions/Accounts payable & receivable
Laura Manzo
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 5
FR E S H W A T E R ST O N E CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tom Avila-Beck
Henry Garfield
Joy Hollowell
Clifford Singer
Emilie Brand Throckmorton
Chris Quimby
Bob Duchesne
Deb Neuman
Andrew Birden
CONTRIBUTING Photographers & Artists
Dave Brown
Mark Rediker
Aaron Priest
Bangor Metro Magazine. December 2014, Vol. 10, No. 10. Copyright Š Metro Publishing LLC. Bangor Metro is published ten times annually by Metro Publishing LLC. All rights reserved. This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form without the written permission of the Publisher. Bangor Metro is mailed at standard rates from Portland, Maine. Opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements do not represent the opinions of the staff or publisher of Bangor Metro magazine. Advertisers and event sponsors or their agents are responsible for copyrights and accuracy of all material they submit. Bangor Metro magazine to the best of its ability ensures the acuracy of information printed in the publication. Inquiries and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. Letters to the editor, story suggestions, and other reader input will be subject to Bangor Metro’s unrestricted right to edit and publish in the magazine both in print and online. Editorial: Queries should be sent to Melanie Brooks at melanie@bangormetro.com. Advertising: For advertising questions, please call the Director of Sales, Christine Parker at 207-404-5158. Subscriptions/Address Change: A one year subscription cost is $19.95. Address changes: to ensure delivery, subscribers must notify the magazine of address changes one month in advance of the cover date. Please contact Laura Manzo at 207-404-5150. Accounts Payable/Receivable: For information about your account please contact Laura Manzo at 207-404-5150.
P.O. Box 15, US Route 1 | Orland, ME 04472 207.469.6331 | freshwaterstone.com
Cover photo: Aaron Priest
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 7
Helping Local Mill Workers 8 / Bangor Metro December 2014
BANGOR: Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC), Mobilize Eastern Maine, senators Susan Collins and Angus King, and then-congressman Mike Michaud, hosted a forum in October that was focused on moving our region forward. They invited businesses and community leaders together for this collaboration. In the wake of recent mill closures, EMDC launched a message board to the Mill Closure Response page of their website, www.emdc.org. This online tool was created to allow the public to further the conversation that began at the October forum. “We want to give people an opportunity to share their ideas and suggestions as we move forward,” says Michael Aube, president of EMDC. “Having this message board available provides a means for collaboration—something that is crucial to this effort.” The message board can be found at www.emdc.org/regionaleffort and comments are subject to review.
photo: Jeff Huting/thinkstock.com
talk of the towns
Breaking New Ground for Cancer Patients Aroostook County: Leaders from The Aroostook Medical Center (TAMC), the city of Presque Isle, and the local patient support group C-A-N-C-E-R (Caring Area Neighbors for Cancer Education and Recovery) were among the more than 200 community supporters who gathered to break ground on a new space at TAMC’s A.R. Gould Memorial Hospital campus, designed to improve and expand treatment at the region’s most comprehensive cancer center. The hospital’s aging radiation therapy linear accelerator will be replaced, and construction work is underway to improve and expand treatment areas and to create more home-like, private surroundings to accommodate medical and family needs. TAMC is also embarking on a project to modernize the
radiation department and the existing medical oncology/hematology practice. “With the redesign of the Aroostook Cancer Care footprint, time efficiency for patients will be improved as patients
receiving concurrent radiation and chemotherapy will not have to travel to another area of the hospital to receive these services,” says Brenda Baker, manager of Aroostook Cancer Care.
Top photo: courtesy of TAMC
Bank Steps Up to the Plate Camden: Camden National Bank employees stepped up to the plate in an attempt to end hunger in Maine. Funds for the donations to the food pantries were raised by employees through the bank’s stakeholder-run community outreach program, the Community Spirit of Giving (CSOG). The funds raised equate to 89,280 pounds of food, which will provide 74,400 meals. According to a recent study titled Hunger in Maine 2014, released by Good Shepherd Food Bank and Feeding America, one in seven Mainers turn to food pantries
and meal service programs each year. The goal of Camden National’s CSOG program is to make an impact in local communities by providing assistance to underprivileged children and families. This includes working through local food pantries, schools, and community leaders to help prevent hunger. The CSOG program was founded in 1991 by employees who wanted to create their own grassroots effort to support local communities. Over the course of a year, employees will create numerous fund-
raising events ranging from raffles to the popular Camden National Bank yard sale, held every other year at the Bank’s Hanley Center in Rockport. “Not only are we presenting donations to these organizations, but we are supporting the critical service that our state’s food pantries, many staffed solely by volunteers, provide for our friends and neighbors every day,” says Jared Merritt, vice president, financial planning and analysis, and chairman of the CSOG committee. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 9
biz buzz & sightings On the Move JOHN J. DOYLE has
accepted the position of vice president of finance and system controller at Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems (EMHS). Doyle is a certified public accountant, has a master’s degree in business administration, and is a fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (FHFMA). He brings more than 30 years of experience to his new role. www.emhs.org CES, Inc. in Brewer has added two new staff members to their communications team. JESSAMINE LOGAN is their marketing director and JANE CLIFFORD is their marketing communications manager. Logan is the former director of communications and education at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. Clifford has more than 20 years of experience in marketing communications, including work for various markets such as engineering, architecture, health care, and nonprofit organizations. www.ces-maine.com The James W. Sewall Company in Old Town, is pleased to announce the hire of CONNIE LI KRAMPF, CP, CMS, MSCS, as certified photogrammetrist/analyst. Krampf has 29 years of experience in all phases of photogrammetry as a certified photogrammetrist (CP) and certified mapping scientist (CMS) in GIS/LIS. www.sewall.com SUSAN BELL, MSN, NP-C
joined Pen Bay Internal Medicine. She is a boardcertified nurse practitioner and is certified by the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners. She is a member of the Sigma Theta Tau Honor Society of Nursing and has worked at Pen Bay since 2008. www.penbayhealthcare.org
10 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Maine Savings recently welcomed seven new employees. SHAWN SUTHERLAND and RYAN JOHNSON joined as member service representatives and loan officers at the Broadway branch in Bangor. ASHLEY COOPER and KALYA GRINDLE joined the credit union as special agents in the member service center in Hampden. JULIE SHAW and HUNTER HARRISON joined the Broadway branch in Bangor as tellers. Maine Savings also welcomed BRETT SPEED as a teller at its Hampden location. www.mainesavings.com The Varney Agency has added several new employees to their company. BRANDI PELLETIER has been hired as a receptionist and PAMELA GILBERT as a data entry specialist for the Bangor office; CATHERINE BOONE-MATTILA joins the Houlton office as a customer service representative; and WILLIAM CHERRY is a new commercial lines agent in the Machias office. www.varneyagency.com
Awards MOUNT DESERT ISLAND HOSPITAL has
been named one of the 2014 Top 20 Critical Access Hospitals in the country for overall quality by the National Rural Health Association. The hospital also received its twelfth consecutive Best Overall Performer Award by Avatar International, a national health care analytics provider, and was voted best in Maine in a national survey of patient ratings. www.mdihospital.org KIRSTEN L. ISMAIL, CFP, vice president
of wealth management at UBS Financial Services in Bangor, has been awarded the 2014 Gary J. Creaser Volunteer of the Year Award by the Bangor Region Leadership Institute (BRLI). This award is given to BRLI alumni who are model volunteers and have made outstanding contributions to the BRLI program. www.brliexperience.org JENNIFER DORMAN a 7th and 8th grade
English-language arts teacher at Skowhegan Area Middle School was named 2015 Maine Teacher of the Year, a program by the Maine Department of Education and Educate Maine. www.maine.gov/doe
The Bar Harbor Chamber of Commerce has announced their 2014 Annual Award Winners. R.M. FLAGG won the Business Sustaining Member of the Year Award; ACADIAN NATURE CRUISES was honored with the Rising Star Award; DIVER ED won the Environmental Leader Award; WINDOW PANES was named the Business of the Year; and BAR HARBOR BRASS WEEK was honored with the President’s Award. www.barharborinfo.com Rudman Winchell, Counselors at Law in Bangor is proud to announce that PAUL W. CHAIKEN, DAVID C. KING, FRANK T. McGUIRE, EDMOND J. BEAROR, and BLAIR A. JONES have been recognized by New England Super Lawyers for 2014. Attorney ALLISON A. ECONOMY has been recognized as a New England Rising Star. The honors are awarded through a statewide nomination process, review of resumes, and peer evaluation. www.rudmanwinchell.com The Maine Potato Board has announced that ROBERT M. IRVING, of Caribou, has been selected as the 2014 Young Farmer of the Year. Irving is vice president of Irving Farms Inc., and logistics coordinator for Irving Farms Marketing and North State Transportation. He serves as food safety coordinator for Irving Farms Inc. www.irvingspuds.com KATAHDIN HEALTH CARE in Millinocket
has earned the Safety and Health Achievement Recognition Program (SHARP) Award in recognition of its rigorous safety achievement program. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) recognizes this facility as a model for worksite safety and health standards. www.kvhc.org
Grants The Skowhegan Savings Charitable Foundation has generously awarded PCHC’s JACKMAN COMMUNITY HEALTH CARE with a $25,000 grant to
help fund a new urgent care entrance. www.pchcbangor.org
Corrections Deb Neuman’s name was misspelled in Metro Health + last month. We apologize for the error.
1
Everything. Right where you need it. 2
3 With 4,000 sq ft of divisible meeting space and an executive boardroom, the Hilton Garden Inn can accommodate groups of 2 to 250, providing the ideal setting for corporate meetings and special events. The hotel features top-of-the-line audiovisual equipment, 24-hour business center, complimentary Wi-Fi, and a restaurant serving breakfast and dinner. Choose from creative catering options to complement your event and rely on the expertise of our professional and dedicated on-site meeting and catering team. We look forward to working with you to ensure your event is a success!
Photo #3: Courtesy of AARP Maine
4
1: Nicole Recht and Dee Peppe at the October Penobscot Bay Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Business After Hours at Camden National Bank. 2: Greg Dufour of Camden National Bank and Nancy Rowe of Camden Sailing Charters enjoy the PBRCC event.
3: AARP Maine volunteers Jill Powers and Joe DeFillipp at the AARP Maine Voter Engagement Tour kickoff event at Dysart’s. 4: Richard Crossman from Allen Insurance and Financial with auctioneer Bruce Gamage, owner of Gamage Antiques, at the Annual PBRCC Live Auction which took place at Cellardoor Winery on October 15.
Contact our events department: 1-207-262-0099 or 1-877-TOPHILTON Kathleen.Whitty@Hilton.com Leah.Beran@Hilton.com
Visit us on the web at www.bangor.hgi.com www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 11
R
Money Plus Mentoring
Equals College Success
An Aroostook County couple gives high school students a chance to go to college. By Carol Higgins Taylor
12 / Bangor Metro December 2014
ay Gauvin understands the value of community and education more than most people. With the community’s help, he and his wife of 43 years, Sandy, established the Aroostook Aspirations Initiative (AAI) in 2011. In conjunction with their Gauvin Scholarship Fund, AAI helps first-generation college students successfully complete a post-secondary education. The Gauvins’ philanthropy toward college-bound students began 13 years ago when the couple awarded annual scholarships to Presque High School seniors. The Gauvins kept in touch with the scholarship recipients and discovered that 96% of those who were awarded their scholarship earned a degree, some earning more than one, and some extending their post-secondary education beyond their original goals. “We realized we were doing something right here,” says Ray Gauvin. “Sandy and I talked about it and decided to expand the program to all of Aroostook.” The grants were not meant for the top students academically, added Gauvin, but for students who were at a disadvantage, financially or otherwise—ones who just needed a hand. For Gauvin, the concept was personal. He grew up in Presque Isle, in an economically disadvantaged family. He lost his father at 14. “I never thought I’d be able to go to college because of the financial burdens,” he explains. “Members of the business community took an interest in me and became my mentors.” They saw his potential early on and encouraged him to go to college. “A lot of them were my customers,” says Gauvin. “I was always an entrepreneur, always had businesses.” He worked throughout his childhood. He had a paper route, washed windows, and tended gardens. In the summer months, Gauvin had a vendor business. He rode his bike, with two baskets on the back, to the local store to purchase large supplies of snack foods and beverages. He rode to construction sites in town and sold his goods at a profit. Using the money he had saved, Gauvin enrolled in college, the first in his family to do so. His mentors encouraged him to apply for scholarships. It was a turning point. Gauvin applied but never dreamed anyone would give him money to go to school. Much to his surprise, he was awarded a coveted $1,000 scholarship from philanthropists Mark and Emily Turner.
A year later, he was drafted. It was 1968 and he was on his way to Vietnam. When his tour was up, he came home and returned to college with the help of the GI Bill. The positive reinforcement was undeniable. Gauvin graduated from the University of Maine at Portland and went on to own franchises of Advantage Payroll throughout Maine and New England. Gauvin attributes his success, in large part, to his teachers, mentors, and the scholarship. “One of the most important things for a young person is to have an adult who believes in them,” he says. “That’s how I felt when I got the scholarship, like someone believes in me enough to give me money.” Gauvin and Sandy, a retired teacher with a passion for education, wanted to share that feeling with other students. More than giving money, the Gauvins wanted to give hope and confidence. They decided to get the community involved, which was a three-pronged approach that included colleges and universities agreeing to match the Gauvins’ scholarships, business’ financial support and help with mentoring, and school districts help to teach students how to become an important part of The County’s economic and social fiber. “We award a $2,000 scholarship for a senior in each of the 16 high schools in Aroostook,” says Gauvin. “But we also mentor them through their college years.” AAI requires that award winners attend one of the four colleges in The County— University of Maine Fort Kent, University of Maine at Presque Isle, Northern Maine Community College, or Husson University Presque Isle. “Statistics show that a student is more likely to stay in the area where they go to college after they graduate,” he says. AAI mentors their scholars through on-going programs. The three-day SHANTE (skills, habits, aspirations, networking, teamwork, education) Weekend for college freshmen helps them network with each other, and learn how to build a foundation for success in college. The AWESOME (Acquire Wisdom, Experience, Skills, Opportunity, Mentoring, and Education) Weekend helps students begin to work on skills they will need in the world of work for which they are heading. “It is important to encourage creativity, strong work ethic, solid citizenship, and entrepreneurship of our young people. Education is the great equalizer.”
Photo: courtesy of the gauvins
movers & shakers
unsung hero
Jolly Old Saint Nicholas With his red suit and white beard, you can spot him a mile away. And this time of year, he seems to be everywhere at once. By Dave Brown
H
e is known the world over as Saint Nicholas, Kris Kringle, Papai Noel, Father Christmas, and Sinter Klaus, but the man in the red suit is best known in these parts as Santa Claus. In his younger days he lived in many exotic European locations like Scandinavia, Germany, The British Isles, and even Turkey and Asia for a bit. These days he prefers a cooler climate. He lives with his wife, Mrs. Claus, at the North Pole where there’s plenty of room and the view is magical. Not to be personal but how old are you? Ho Ho Ho! I get that question a lot! Near as I can remember I was born in 270 A.D., which makes me about 1,744 years old. I really try to take care of myself, and Mrs. Claus says I don’t look a day over 900. She’s a flatterer that one! Describe one of the many things about your career that you are proud of. That’s a tough one. There are so many things. Well, I can say that in all of these years I have never missed a Christmas. There are millions of boys and girls who depend on me every year, and I couldn’t imagine letting any of them down. What are your biggest challenges? Technology is a tough one. It’s hard to keep up with all the changes. We’ve had to refit our toyshop many times in the last 50 years to keep up with all the improvements in electronics. It’s fun though. Some nights after everyone’s asleep I like to get a hot chocolate and sneak down to the factory to play some computer games. Have you ever played Minecraft? It’s so addicting.
Photo: david brown/northstar photography
Are all the Elves toymakers? Great question! Actually, all elves know how to make toys. It’s sort of their thing but we have elves at the North Pole who are doctors, artists, dentists, engineers, and more. It takes a lot of different skills to keep the North Pole going. Is there a really a Naughty and Nice List? Actually there is. To be honest, though, it’s pretty rare that someone falls on the naughty side. I was asked once if we still put coal in their stockings if they are bad and the answer is no. Too dirty. We usually just put in extra things like white socks, toothbrushes, and those treeshaped air fresheners. They get the point. What keeps you doing what you do? The knowledge that by trying to do good by others every day I may inspire others to do the same. It’s tough these days, but I believe that we’ll all be OK as long as we continue to care for each other. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 13
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Roy Toy
This Machias-based company builds wooden log toy sets that appeal to children as well as nostalgic adults. By Deb Neuman
A
s much as times have changed since the 1930s, it’s nice to know one thing remains the same. Kids will be opening and playing with Roy Toy log building sets this holiday season. Roy Toy is a thirdgeneration business that has experienced their share of success and setbacks while remaining true to their core mission to produce a quality wooden toy in the USA that can be safely enjoyed by children today and passed on for generations. Roy Toy has been crafting wooden log toy building sets in Machias since 1930. Roy K. Dennison got the idea to create wooden log building sets using rectangular shaped logs after watching his kids struggle to put together the log sets of the day that used round pieces. A business was born and before long Dennison was shipping his hand-crafted log sets from his wood shop. The toy sets would be transported via horse-drawn wagon to the Machias train station for distribution to toy stores up and down the east coast. Dennison would often say, “There’s no greater feeling for a parent than helping their child explore their own imagination.” Dennison’s life was devoted to bringing joy to children and their parents for the next 30 years until his death in the 1960s. The doors to his factory closed 16 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Roy Dennison, Sr., Founder of Roy Toy
and the machines were stored away with relatives for close to 30 years. Fast forward to 1992 when Dennison’s grandson, Bruce Dennison, decided to bring Roy Toy back to life! This wasn’t an easy task, as the toy making equipment was scattered in different locations and various parts and pieces were missing. Dennison, along with his wife Sue, wanted to recreate the sets exactly the way his grandfather had built them. But without his grandfather being there to teach and guide him he relied on old photos, packaging, and family stories. It took a year to put all the “pieces” of the business back together and launch it in a new era. Through a lot of patience, tenacity, and a commitment to preserving a family tradition, Roy Toy was officially re-born in 1993. Customers welcomed the traditional wooden log building sets back with open arms. But times had changed. More toys were being imported and Americanmade toys were perceived as being more expensive. Still, the Dennisons persevered and adapted their products to suit the needs of the modern day buying public. They continued to manufacture the traditional log building kits and introduced other kits with a variety of price points to attract wholesale buyers from Walmart to L.L. Bean to Williams Sonoma. Roy Toy
was back in business but competing with the demand for cheaper imported toys. Then one day in 2007 all that changed. The Dennisons were in their car listening to the radio when they heard a news story about lead paint being found on toys being imported into the U.S. from China. Stores were pulling the toys off the shelves. At that moment Bruce turned to Sue and said, “This is going to change everything.” He was right. Parents, concerned about toy safety, were calling the company asking how their toys were made and how they were painted. Roy Toy was able to calm their fears by assuring them that they only use food-approved dyes to color their logs and their toys are certified safe. The demand for their toys was at an all-time high. Roy Toy products include their original log building set sold in packaging with the same design that grandfather Dennison used. There are now fort, farm, and tree house sets. They also offer a line of undyed and “paint-your-own” sets. While continuing to introduce new sets, the Dennisons remain true to the Roy Toy values of offering toys that are safe and stimulate the imagination of kids and adults alike, today and for generations to come. The Roy Toy manufacturing plant is still located in Machias. The company provides year-round jobs for six employees, adding 20 more during the peak holiday season. Like Roy K. Dennison, today’s Roy Toy owners and employees take great pride in producing their toys in Maine for worldwide distribution from their website and their wholesale partners including L.L. Bean, Amazon.com, Restoration Hardware, Hobby Lobby, Lee Valley tools, Whole Foods, and more. The company plans further growth and change in 2015 with the addition of a new line and an expansion of their manufacturing facility and warehouse. They also plan to increase sales by expanding into more states. Bruce and Sue Dennison are proud to be carrying on a tradition and legacy started by Bruce’s grandfather. They’re creating jobs in Maine today and memories for children, parents, and grandparents that will last a lifetime. Chances are you may still have a set of Roy Toy logs that you played with when you were a child and have now passed on to your kids or grandkids. No doubt, there are parents who will be beginning that tradition this holiday season.
Photo: courtesy of roy toy
eye on industry
metro health
More Than a
Place to Stay
Sarah Robinson’s dream became a reality this fall with the opening of Sarah’s House, a place where cancer patients can find a home away from home. Story & Photos By Melanie Brooks
J
udy Collier never met Sarah Robinson, but her story of perseverance and determination in the face of cancer struck a nerve. Collier, a fundraising guru, helped raise over $2 million to bring Robinson’s dream of a hospitality house for cancer patients to life. Today, Sarah’s House is up and running, and cancer patients across the region have a home away from home. “This is the best thing I have ever done,” Collier says. A retired University of Maine director of development and private fundraising consultant, Collier glows when talking about Sarah’s House. “It fulfills me in every possible way.” Sarah Robinson was diagnosed with a brain tumor in 2010. The 24-year-old and her husband, Ben, traveled from their home in Old Town to Boston for surgery to remove the tumor. They found numerous places where cancer patients could stay at a reduced cost or free of charge in the greater Boston area. When she returned home for treatment at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s Cancer Care, she met many patients from rural areas of Maine who had to travel great distances every day for care. One of those patients was from Eastport. She had 18 / Bangor Metro December 2014
to drive five hours, round trip, every day, for six weeks for her radiation treatment. The Robinsons bought bunk beds and set them up in their home where patients could stay. It helped, but Robinson knew it wasn’t enough. “Sarah got the idea of a cancer hospitality house during the first couple of months of her diagnosis,” says Lindsay Turner, Robinson’s twin sister. “Sarah was so young that everyone wanted to know what she was sick with. She was so outgoing and friendly. She wasn’t afraid to talk to anyone.” Robinson brought her idea for a hospitality house to the Old Town Rotary. She had joined the Rotary at the age of 21, and was the youngest member by far. “When she walked into her first meeting, everyone there thought she was lost,” says Collier. “When the members met her they thought they had died and gone to heaven! Everyone loved her.” Throughout her illness, Robinson kept working on her dream of a hospitality house. But even after her tumor was removed and she had finished her chemotherapy, her cancer returned in August 2011. Robinson died at the age of 26 on December 4, 2011.
She was honored for her work on what was to become Sarah’s House with The Rotarian of the Year Award for 20112012 and the Terry Fox Humanitarian Award. Sarah’s sister and husband accepted the awards in her honor. Turner and Ben Robinson picked up the pieces of Robinson’s project, which had been called the Cancer Hospitality House of Maine, and renamed it Sarah’s House, which became a 501c3 nonprofit in June 2013. Turner spent countless hours on the road, sharing her sister’s story with anyone and everyone who would listen. When Collier joined the team she created a fundraising plan and kicked the campaign into high gear. But Sarah’s House was still an idea without a physical presence. It wasn’t until Turner and her boyfriend drove by Fox Run Furniture in Holden on their way to Bar Harbor that a light bulb went off. “My boyfriend said to me, ‘That would have been a great place for Sarah’s House,’” Turner says. She dug through public records to find out who owned the building. She called Dave Wescott, whose family had owned the home for years, out of the blue and shared Sarah’s story. The house wasn’t for sale, but after
listening to the plan for Sarah’s House, Wescott became interested in helping. “The minute I saw this place I knew we needed to have an event to share Sarah’s story with possible donors,” Collier says. “We had our first party in July 2013, and well over 100 people came.” The Wescott’s were kind enough to allow the group to hold fundraising events in the house before the sale was final, which happened in December 2013. “Dave believed in us,” Turner says. The nonprofit had to raise $1 million before renovations were started to turn Fox Run Furniture into a hospitality house. This ensured that the project would be completed and Sarah’s House would be operational. The team has currently raised $2.2 million and has a goal of raising $3.4 million by the end of 2015, which includes an endowment for future operating costs. “I’ve been through enough fundraising campaigns to know that the last million is the toughest to raise,” Collier says. Over 700 people have donated gifts ranging from $5 to $1 million. “Every dollar counts,” Turner says. WBRC Architects Engineers drew up the renovation plans, and the project began in April 2014. Two men oversaw the renovations: Stan Peterson, an industrial arts teacher at Old Town High School, and Lin Lufkin, a retired construction vice president and project manager for Nickerson & O’Day. “Stan and Lin worked seven days a week,” Collier says. “So many of the volunteers could not work during the week because of their jobs, so the weekends were extremely busy!” The house, which was built in 1864, was gutted to the exterior walls. The great room, which was added on to the house 12 years ago, stayed intact, and is now home to the communal living room, dining room, and kitchen. Jane Jennings came on board as the interior designer and the unsold furniture from Fox Run Furniture was used to help furnish the nine patient rooms. The rooms all have their own private bathroom, something that Collier, a cancer survivor herself, insisted upon. The rooms resemble a quaint bed and breakfast suite, rather than a sterile hospital room. Robinson wanted all the rooms to have quilts so that patients who had just received radiation therapy would be warm and cozy. The quiet room on the first
floor has a wonderful fireplace, chandeliers hang in the modern kitchen, and the entire house is ADA (Americans With Disabilities Act) compliant. All patients are referred to Sarah’s House through their Cancer Care patient advocate and must meet the following criteria: They must be undergoing treatment at Cancer Care, they must live at least 30 miles away from Cancer Care, and they must have someone to stay with them at Sarah’s House. Patients are able to stay at Sarah’s House as long as their treatment at Cancer Care lasts, which ranges from five to nine weeks. The suggested donation is $15 per night, but no one will be turned away for failure to pay. Sarah’s House sits on 95 acres of property, and plans for walking trails and camping sites are in the works for next year. Another project for 2015 includes creating landscaping around the healing garden and wishing well. “I knew from the start that Sarah’s House was going to change the lives of Maine people,” Collier says. “In some cases, it will save their lives.”
Judy Collier and Lindsay Turner at Sarah’s House in Holden.
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metro wellness
One Woman’s
Journey
photo: Vstock LLC/thinkstock.com
The journey from finding a breast lump to final diagnosis is one of the longest women will travel. By Emilie Brand Throckmorton
When you find a suspicious lump near your armpit, you call your doctor and she fits you in that very afternoon. You hope, when she feels it, she’ll say, “Oh, that’s nothing,” but instead, she sends you for a mammogram. That night, while cooking dinner, you try not to let your thoughts get away from you. You have a lump; you do not have cancer. Telling yourself that you might die, or that your children will grow up motherless, is just telling yourself stories that are not based in facts. You try to “watch” and “notice” your worries and fears without letting them rise up in your chest. You imagine your thoughts are a waterfall, and you try to sit in that quiet space just behind the waterfall. Then you think about how ridiculous it is that you could get cancer anyway, because these sweet potatoes need to go in the oven, and your daughter needs to practice piano, and your son is waiting for you to sit down and look at light sabers on Amazon. Your mammogram quickly moves to an ultrasound, where a nurse points and clicks and measures this thing in your body that you can now say for sure you aren’t imagining. After a short wait, the radiologist decides he wants to biopsy this lump. You don’t cry. You breathe deeply, because you don’t even have time for this; you have to get back to teach your next class. You wait three days. On your way to the hospital for the biopsy, you practice staying behind the waterfall. The nurse asks you how are
feeling; you say “this is a bit scary,” and she says, “I know,” and you say “I have little kids,” and she says, “I know.” Three days later, your doctor calls. You want to hear “benign,” but what you hear instead is that the biopsy was “inconclusive.” You don’t cry. This has now gone on for two weeks, and while you wait for the appointment with the surgeon, you have tried to carry on and keep things normal. You shuttle kids to piano, guitar, and soccer. You pack lunches. You fret. You think about how, in the face of this, so many little things feel so much more important, and so many other things don’t seem important at all. At the cancer center, the surgeon does another ultrasound and clicks and measures the lump again, and says that she does not think it looks like cancer, but that she wants to take it out anyway. She schedules you for surgery in a week. When she leaves the room, you finally cry because this is still not over. A week later, you walk to the hospital in the early light. You want to feel strong and capable and breathe in some fresh air before surgery starts, but as soon as you walk through the doors, entering the same waiting room where you sat while your mother had both breasts removed because of her cancer, all the benefits of the fresh air are gone. An hour later, you are wheeled into the operating room and the last thing you remember is the oxygen mask going on your face. The lump is now gone; you are thickheaded and sleepy, and you are left with a tidy, half-circle scar.
Three days later, the surgeon calls and she very quickly says the word “benign” and now it really is over, and except for letting the incision heal, you are done. You sit on the couch and the tears come. Your husband, who all along said that together you could handle any news, just presses his hand on your forehead. When you pick up your kids from school the next day, you sort of watch yourself, as if from above, when they both come skipping out of their buildings and grab your hand. You take these happily unaware kids home, unpack their backpacks, and cut up some apples for a snack before soccer practice. You remind them to complete their reading logs for the day. You realize that you get to think about these details, and not other details, like radiation appointments or surgery options. You are surprised that even though it’s over, you are still sad. You are behind the waterfall, but you feel the spray. You feel strangely guilty. You know there is no real reason why you were spared this time. You know you are not protected, just lucky. You can’t stop thinking about the moms who get a different phone call. You hear them saying,”But I have little kids.” You feel exhausted. You feel grateful. You feel your husband sleep a little more deeply. You feel the sweaty heads of your kids when they hug you after practice and ask, “Momma, what’s for dinner?” Emilie Brand Throckmorton is a mom and runner who co-chairs the English Department at Bangor High School and writes the blog One Mom in Maine. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 21
Historic
Churches Our region is dotted with some of the most beautiful sanctuaries in the state. We take a closer look at some of them and learn more about their historical significance.
T
here was a time when the church someone attended was used to identify them just as often as the neighborhood in which they lived or what they did for a living. It was a lively and central part of family life—particularly in rural communities—where attending service might be joined by Sunday school and Bible study, social clubs for youth and adults, and, depending on the time of year, an ice cream social or bean supper. But times have changed. Across the country, congregations are shrinking. Athletic practices and work schedules have encroached on Sunday morning, and retailers have even managed to lure folks away from the once reliable pew-filling holidays of Christmas and Easter. However, even as the facts and figures of attendance are declining, the passion and dedication of some church communities is as strong as ever. There are churches that have dedicated their time and talents to making sure those struggling with food insecurity don’t go hungry. They make certain that families have full oil tanks and are able to keep the electricity on for another month. Some churches are developing new ways to engage young people. There are fantastic choirs and book clubs and bazaars and recitals and alternative services and, yes, great bean suppers. And then there are the buildings. Across our region are beautiful, historic church buildings, sometimes topped with a spire or clock tower that proudly declares their location. Buildings with stories to tell that are as vibrant as the stained glass windows that fill their sanctuaries with brilliantly colored light and mesmerizing shadows. For many, even those that don’t include regular 22 / Bangor Metro December 2014
church services in their daily life, these landmarks can offer a place to sit and simply enjoy a few minutes of silence. Which is not to suggest that those invested in these active communities aren’t quick to express the joy these proud buildings can bring. “To worship in this church’s sanctuary is to feel totally at peace and totally accepted,” says Ginny Gallant, a member of Orono’s Church of Universal Fellowship. “It’s a place where you can just be in the moment.” While the congregation of the Church of Universal Fellowship has been worshiping in the space for just more than 60 years, the building itself dates back to 1844. A post-denominational, ecumenical community of faith with connections to both the United Church of Christ and the Unitarian/Universalist community, the Church of Universal Fellowship on Main Street in Orono made this historic building its home in December of 1941. Carolyn Hopkins, who also attends Universal Fellowship, notes how very present the church’s rich history feels. “There is a peaceful presence of community wrapping each of us—from 1844 to the present,” Hopkins says. From the outside, the Church of Universal Fellowship’s building looks like something out of a child’s storybook, a collection of gleaming white boxes and triangles all topped with the kind of clock tower and steeple that causes casual tourists to pull out their cameras. But inside, there’s a touch of the unexpected. Where one might anticipate an assortment of stained glass windows as traditional as the church’s façade, striking is the presence of windows that allow the beauty of the area’s outdoors to enter into the space. “The sanctuary has clear windows where we can see the changing seasons,” says congregant Barbara
Photos: (this page) Melanie Brooks; (top) Christine parker; (Middle) Rev. Emily Blair Stribling; (Bottom) Melanie Brooks
By Tom Avila-Beck
feature story
Clockwise from left: St. James Episcopal Church in Old Town. Presque Isleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Congregational Church. Trinity Church in Castine. St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 23
feature story
Photos: Melanie Brooks
Clockwise from top left: First Church of Belfast. St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden. The organ at St. Johnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Catholic Church in Bangor. Church of Universal Fellowship in Orono.
24 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Turner. “The sun streams in and I feel a part of nature and connected with the other people who are worshiping.” At St. John’s Catholic Church in Bangor, the passing of the seasons is often a story told in music, housing as it does the largest 19th century tracker action organ in the state of Maine. “Tracker action” refers to the mechanical connection between the keys on the instrument’s console and the valves under the pipes. Constructed in 1855, St. John’s joined the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. It was built under the direction of Father Johannes Bapst, who first came to the region to serve the Native American community in Old Town. The church was dedicated in 1856 and, just three years later, Father Bapst departed for Boston. The organ—built by the Boston-area brothers George G. and Elias Hook—cost $4,000 (no small amount at the time) and was delivered as far as Winterport by steamship. It took two weeks to assemble and first filled the sanctuary with music on Christmas Eve in 1860. When the instrument was originally installed, it relied on a pair of individuals to force air through its elaborate pipes using hand bellows. Today, director of music Kevin Birch no longer depends on manual labor to bring out the beautiful voice of the E. & G. G. Hook’s Opus 288 (referring to the fact that it was the 288th instrument built by the Hook brothers). “When I play the E. & G. G. Hook’s Opus 288 I feel deeply connected to the history and to the tradition of beautiful organ building everywhere,” Birch shares. “I also feel very grateful and privileged to share this experience with such an appreciative and supportive community. For a church musician— and I’ve had the honor of serving at St. John’s for nearly a quarter of a century— it doesn’t get any better than this.” Prominently situated in downtown Old Town, St. James Episcopal Church was built in 1892 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974. However, the congregation finds its beginnings years earlier, when the Reverend Samuel Durborrow began holding services in Old Town and later Milford in 1847. When the parish of St. James organized two years later, Durborrow would become its first rector and Ira Wadleigh—who was part of Old Town’s thriving logging industry and is credited in no small part to the establishment of St. James first formal
facility—was named Senior Warden. The first St. James Church building was completed in 1853 but, sadly, it was not to last. By 1885 the church building had deteriorated to such a state that services began being held in a private home. Plans were begun to create a new space for the congregation and, following the demolition of the original structure in 1892, the creation of a new St. James was entrusted to Henry Vaughn.
An architect noted for his work with English Gothic architecture, Vaughn’s catalog included the Washington National Cathedral. The Right Reverend Henry A. Neely—just the second Bishop of the state of Maine—consecrated the new church in 1894. Since then, St. James has undergone renovations and restorations, survived a fire, and has become a familiar presence on Old Town’s Center and Main streets. Further north, Presque Isle Congregational Church has the distinction of
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 25
Stained glass at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden.
being the first church structure in Presque Isle. Built in 1865 for $4,750, the building housed 44 pews and a bell tower. In June of 1909 the first building was another victim of a fire, but rose from the ashes just a few years later. The new building retained the simplicity of
vibrancy echoes that of the cities and towns they serve. First Church of Belfast sports an elaborate wedding cake of a steeple and striking black clock face. Construction of the First Church building began in June of 1818. This was just four years after the city had been held by the British during
â&#x20AC;&#x153;I remember the first time I was invited to preach at Trinity and I was struck by the sense of holy that permeates the sanctuary.â&#x20AC;? its original structure, with the organ tucked handsomely beside the altar and rows of wooden pews trimmed out in sharp white paint. More importantly, the Congregational Churchâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s community continues to provide outreach, aid, and service to the people of Presque Isle just as it did in the days following its founding. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no surprise that our coastal region features churches whose beauty and
the War of 1812 and as residents were beginning to re-establish the city as an active and flourishing port city. Designed by the architect Samuel French, the cost of building was $7,500 (including the bell), and was financed in part by the sale of pews. This wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t an uncommon practice for churches, with individuals and families purchasing a place to sit during services. Some churches didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t even have general
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Contact Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;arcy Main-Boyington, Economic Development Director 989-7500 www.brewermaine.gov dmain-boyington@brewermaine.gov Photo: Thomas Morelli
26 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Photo: Melanie Brooks
â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Reverend Emily Blair Stribling
feature story seating available for the public. First Church would call a minister in the spring of 1819, offering him a salary of $600 annually. He accepted. In sharp contrast to the very New England clapboard of First Church in Belfast is the charming stonework of Trinity Church in Castine. From the outside, the building has an almost cottagelike quality, looking a bit like something you’d expect to see in the British countryside, perhaps as the setting for an episode of the PBS Masterpiece series. It was in the 1890s that a group of women determined that it was time to establish a formal place for Episcopal worship. Local residents Mary Hooke and Sarah Witherle were joined by Philadelphians Frances Way and Caroline Schenck to raise the money needed to start the construction of a new church home. Schenck’s contribution to the project would extend even further. While her exact credentials as an architect are reportedly uncertain, Schenck was Trinity’s architect and designer. This fact holds no small amount of importance for the Reverend Emily Blair Stribling, Priest-in-Charge at Trinity. “A church being designed by a woman was quite unheard of in the late 1800s,” Stribling notes. “It makes it quite special to those women clergy who fought that same fight and are still fighting to be recognized for who we are. I remember the first time I was invited to preach at Trinity and I was struck by the sense of holy that permeates the sanctuary. I still feel it and often. When we have a guest, they will tell me that there is something so special in this small stone church. It makes one want to offer a blessing upon entering and leaving.” Stribling also makes a point of mentioning the true heart of Trinity, its people. “In the winter we are a small congregation of 35 or so and in the summer we swell to upwards of 100. Everyone takes part in the service at one point or another and we have a wonderful church musician in Brian MacFarland.” Jane M. Schroeder, S.M.M., is the minister of music at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Camden and she also uses the word privilege when describing her opportunity to work in that faith community’s historic building. “It’s a privilege to practice in and then help lead the worship at St. Thomas,” she says. “We intentionally keep the
church doors open during the day, with many folks wandering in to pray, rest, look, and meditate.” Visitors to the church building— which was completed in 1924 and designed by architect E. Leander Higgins—may feel that they have been transported to another time. Built in an English Gothic style, there is a distinct sense of welcome and comfort in this still formal space. And there are, of course, the windows.
The windows were designed by the firm of Heaton, Butler and Bayne. On the left side of the nave, the jewel-like glasswork portrays the life of Jesus Christ from his birth to the trial which led to the crucifixion. The right side depicts the story of the greater church from the Resurrection to the arrival of the Episcopal Church in the U.S. The windows are impeccably detailed, and it is quite easy to become lost in their utterly unique beauty.
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 27
Man’s
Best Friend
“W
oof!” “What’s that, Lassie? Little Timmy fell into an abandoned mine shaft, broke his ankle, and can’t find his way out? I’ll grab a rope and a flashlight, and you call the fire department.” Dogs can’t talk, but such scenarios are not as farfetched as aficionados of old sitcoms suggest. Today’s service dogs can perform a variety of sophisticated tasks, and they sometimes save their owners’ lives. More often, however, they provide the necessary skills, awareness, and companionship their owners need to live their lives more fully. We’re all familiar with seeing-eye dogs that assist the sight-impaired. But other service animals are popping up in a wide variety of contexts, helping humans to deal with issues ranging from post-traumatic stress disorder to memory loss to diabetes. Irene Haskins is a math professor at Husson University. She brings her Welsh Corgi, Lautrec, into her classroom on days when she’s giving exams, and his presence helps calm students who experience anxiety in a testing situation. “I’ll put a blanket on a table in the front of the room, and put him up on it,” she says. “It looks like he’s just hanging out, but it’s his job to help them reduce stress. If they start to get frustrated, they can go up and pat him, or just look at him for a while.” But lest you think Lautrec is nothing more than a security blanket with a pulse, he’s been through some pretty exhaustive training, including an internship and a series of supervised visits, leading to certification as a therapy dog. Haskins frequently takes him to nearby Ross Manor, a residential facility for people recovering from injuries, surgeries, and illness. He also puts in appearances at other long-term care facilities, and participates in the therapy 28 / Bangor Metro December 2014
dog program at the University of Maine. But does it work? Do students get better grades on exams as a result of the dog’s presence and temperament? “They certainly seem to think so,” Haskins says. “He’s mentioned frequently on student evaluations.” Dirigo Pines is another care facility that believes in the positive power of human-animal interaction. The Orono retirement community and assisted living center offers various housing options for retirees, and pets, not limited to dogs, are a big part of the picture. Dirigo Pines uses therapy animals in many of its programs, including its Memory Loss Neighborhood. “There are 19 different types of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being the most common,” says Steve Bowler, marketing director of Dirigo Pines. “We have several people who bring in dogs for patient visits. A person suffering from Alzheimer’s might not remember what happened yesterday, but they remember the family dog. And sometimes when they interact with a dog, those memories will get triggered, and all of a sudden they’ll be telling a story.” Haskins relates similar stories. She sometimes takes Lautrec to visit patients in hospice care and their families. “I was in a room not long ago where the patient’s family was gathered around the bed, and he wasn’t responsive,” she says. “Then one of the relatives asked if she could put the patient’s hand on Lautrec’s head. When she did, the patient opened his eyes and looked at everyone. And it was sort of an ‘Oh my God’ moment. He wasn’t awake long, but he was for a few minutes, and he was able to communicate.” Therapy animals also assist patients with sleep disorders, high blood pressure, and other stress-related medical conditions. But there’s more to the job than simply being warm and fuzzy. Most places that make use of therapy
Photo: Irene Haskins
From leading the sight-impaired to those suffering from dementia, service animals help in ways that humans cannot. By henry garfield
feature story
Welsh Corgi Lautrec provides a calming presence for Husson students taking exams, helping to ease their anxiety.
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 29
feature story animals require them to be certified by a recognized organization. These include the American Kennel Club, Therapy Dogs International, and the Good Dog Foundation. “It’s a pretty rigorous process,” Haskins says. (Lautrec is certified by Therapy Dogs International.) “Owner and dog are certified as a team. You have to go through what I call an internship, which includes 10 supervised visits in situations where you will be bringing the dog. The testing is done by a certified trainer or a veterinarian.” A therapy animal, obviously, has to have a good disposition and must enjoy being around people. “The dog needs to be able to interact, and to look people in the eye when they’re talking to him,” Haskins says. “And he can’t get overwhelmed by a large group.” She’s taught Lautrec a few specialized commands. “Visit” is his cue to stand up on his short hind legs to greet a person. If someone drops a pill, she’ll say, “leave it,” and he will wait for a human being to pick it up. Husson has no official policy regarding therapy dogs, but because of Lautrec’s track record, campus security allows Haskins to bring in her two younger dogs, which
have not yet been certified. She thinks of them as therapy dogs in training. Another professor in the science department also occasionally brings in a dog. And Haskins often fields request from other schools that want to see Lautrec’s talents. She describes a recent visit to a middle school, made at the school’s request, for a classroom workshop on bullying. The teacher had established a routine in which students sat in a circle and passed around a stick as they took turns talking, like the conch shell in William Golding’s 1954 dystopian novel Lord of the Flies. On this day, the dog went from lap to lap in place of the stick. “And it was amazing, the way those kids opened up, the stuff they confessed to,” Haskins recalls. No one denies the benefits of therapy dogs, and other animals, in these and similar scenarios. Animals that calm students during tests and help Alzheimer’s patients connect with their loved ones are certainly providing valuable services. But they are not “service animals” in the strict sense of the term. And considerable confusion exists in the public mind about the distinction. “It’s my favorite question,” says Kathy Hecht, who helps owners train service
dogs and teaches classes in the training of dogs at the University of Maine at Machias (UMM). “A service animal is trained to assist a person with a specific disability.” The confusion can spill over into the legal realm as well, with unintended consequences. The confusion arises from two differing definitions of “service animals” under Maine law, governing the rights of owners to take animals into public places. The Maine Human Rights Act was amended in 2011 to distinguish between animals that are allowed to accompany their owners almost everywhere, and therapy animals, which are generally barred from public places like theaters and restaurants but protected in housing. That the term “service dog” is used in both cases makes things murkier. “People confuse the two,” Hecht says. “The Americans with Disability Act allows a service dog to accompany its owner anywhere the person goes, whereas a therapy dog, while it may be highly trained, has to be invited.” According to the Maine Animal Commission, an educational and advocacy organization, a service animal is defined for purposes of public accommodation
Photo: pinesHecht PhotosCourtesy Courtesyof ofDirigo Katherine
Bella, owned by Larry and Deanna Wade of Old Town, visits residents at Dirigo Pines Retirement Community in Orono.
30 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Photos: Katherine Hecht
Katherine Hecht with one of her dogs who is being trained on the water.
as “a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for the benefit of an individual with a disability, including a physical, sensory, psychiatric, intellectual, or other mental disability. Other species of animals, whether wild or domestic, trained or untrained, are not service animals for the purposes of this definition. The work or tasks performed by a service animal must be directly related to the individual’s disability.”
Students and their dogs from the first year of the Maine Community Foundation grant program.
For purposes of housing, however, the Maine Human Rights Act defines a service animal as “any animal that has been determined necessary to mitigate the effects of a physical or mental disability by a physician, psychologist, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or licensed social worker, or has been individually trained to assist the person with a disability. An animal is protected if it meets this definition, regardless of whether it is called a service
animal or any other term, such as assistive animal, therapy animal, guide dog, or emotional support animal.” In practical terms, that means you can’t take a cat you keep to combat depression into a restaurant or other public place. Only dogs can be true “service animals,” though Hecht notes that miniature horses can be used to pull wheelchairs, and “service monkeys” can be trained to help people with tasks involving manual dexterity.
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 31
feature story But only dogs can be “service animals” under the ADA definition that allows them to accompany their owners anywhere they go. Nonetheless, services have sprung up online that, for a fee, will provide legal-looking documentation for virtually any animal. In a recent piece for the New Yorker magazine, writer Patricia Marx
in childhood, when she competed in dog shows and herding competitions. “I’ve been training service dogs since the early 1980s,” Hecht says. “My father had a debilitating eye condition, and he was not prepared to deal with his disability. He was uncomfortable with it. When he went out for walks, he would keep his white
“A lot of factors go into dog selection, but the most important one is personality. The dog and the owner need to click.” —Kathy Hecht was able to take, at different times, a turtle, a snake, a turkey, a pig, and an alpaca into various businesses, passing each one off as a service animal with official-looking documentation. Most of the businesses accepted the documentation as genuine. Hecht characterizes such attempts as the equivalent of illegally parking in a handicapped parking space. Hecht has been helping disabled Mainers find and train suitable service dogs for many years. Her interest began
cane folded up in his pocket. My mother was literally terrified that he would get hit by a car. So I retired one of my show dogs and retrained him to assist my father. The dog’s name was Eddie. He was trained to work off a collar and a leash, rather than a harness, because my father didn’t want to draw attention to himself.” Originally from Massachusetts, Hecht is a military wife with two sons in the Air Force. She holds an applied associate science degree from the University of New
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Hampshire and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maine at Augusta. She became involved with the University of Maine at Machias as an undergraduate, where one of her professors urged her to start a service dog training program. In 2012, she began teaching a course at UMM designed to teach people about the intricacies of finding and training service dogs. The course proved popular enough that Hecht is now able to offer it statewide through the university’s distance learning technology. A summer program has also proved popular, drawing people from more than 100 miles away. “We had eight dogs our first year, and 20 in our second year,” she says. The publicity from that effort caught the attention of veterans’ groups, and spawned a new program, called Salute of Service, based in Lewiston, which matches service dogs with disabled veterans. Service dogs can not only assist the sight impaired, she says, but can help with a number of other disabilities. One young boy of about 6 with type 1 diabetes has a beagle trained to respond to changes in his breath, which indicate low blood sugar. Other dogs can help patients with memory loss find lost objects or guide a disoriented person home. The list goes on. Hecht suffers from a degenerative back problem, compounded by injuries from a car accident, and gets around with the assistance of Cara, a 3-year-old Irish wolfhound. Her injuries haven’t stopped her from moving forward with her mission. She travels throughout the state, helping people find and train dogs. Her efforts save families the thousands of dollars they might otherwise spend on an agency-trained dog, for which there are often long waiting lists. She has clients all over the state, and former clients all over the country, and most of them keep in touch. “When I’m looking for a service dog, I usually look for an older puppy or a dog under the age of 3,” she says, “though I have trained dogs as old as 9 to be service dogs. The dog needs to be intelligent, have a good disposition, and be able to do the tasks the disabled person needs the dog to do, including the alerts. “A lot of factors go into dog selection,” Hecht says. “But the most important one is personality. The dog and the owner need to click.”
a piece of maine: fort kent
The Gem in the Crown
By Carol Higgins Taylor
34 / Bangor Metro December 2014
F
ort Kent is a small town with humble beginnings, located as far north as one can travel before reaching Canada. It was established as an outpost for the U.S. military in 1839, but has blossomed through the years and today is home to a multitude of sports-related activities, including cross-country skiing, biathlon, paddle sports, cycling, golfing, and running. Fort Kent’s rural landscape is primarily comprised of farmland, forests, and rivers. Being a border town, Fort Kent is economically and culturally linked to the towns of Clair and SaintFrançois-de-Madawaska, which are located across the St. John River in New Brunswick, Canada. Children on both
Photo: Michael Gudreau
Fort Kent is the jewel in the very top of the crown of Maine. This small town serves as the beginning of U.S. Route 1, America’s first mile, and is known as “the little town that could.”
Photos: courtesy of the library of congress & Fort Kent Historical Society
Downtown Fort Kent offers a wide range of businesses, as well as a spectacular view of the local ski mountain, Lonesome Pines Trails.
sides of the river are typically skilled at speaking both English and French, and many residents in the area have American-Canadian dual citizenship. Fort Kent is considered a hub for surrounding towns, with its geographically well-defined downtown business district. This downtown retail hub offers economic benefit to the surrounding area.
History What began as an American border outpost during the bloodless, undeclared Aroostook War of 1838-1839, has now become a community blended with recreation opportunities, vast scenic beauty, and affordable living. Currently a landmark and icon of the townâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s beginnings, the Fort Kent Blockhouse was the first structure built in what came to be called Fort Kent, named
Top: Main Street, Fort Kent circa 1940. Middle: Potatoes being unloaded at one of the many track storage warehouses on the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. Bottom: A historic photo of the Blockhouse. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 35
a piece of maine: fort kent
after then-governor of Maine, Edward Kent. The blockhouse is the only fortification from the war, which was actually a border dispute between Great Britain and the United States. The Webster-Ashburton Treaty, signed in 1842, settled the boundary dispute. The fort was no longer needed, although federal troops remained in the blockhouse until 1845, commissioned to protect Maine’s and the United States’ interests in the area.
works to promote healthy living through outdoor recreation. This mission is accomplished by the establishment of world-class skiing facilities, more than 25 miles of trails, and events that are popular with Fort Kent residents, tourists, and athletes of all levels and abilities. The club, comprised of about 200 active members from Fort Kent and surrounding communities, also hosts local, national, and international biathlon and cross-country competitions.
“We are small, but we don’t let our smallness get in the way of our greatness.” — Scott Voisine Today, the blockhouse, which is on the National Historic Register of Historic Places, is a museum maintained by local Eagle Scouts and the Bureau of Parks and Recreation, Maine Department of Conservation. The two-story structure’s walls, built of square-hewn cedar logs, some measuring more than 19-inches in width, are an example of early 19thcentury military architecture.
Recreation and Sports With an average annual snowfall of 97 inches, Fort Kent is an ideal location for winter sports. The 10th Mountain Outdoor Club is a nonprofit organization that 36 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Children are a priority at 10th Mountain. The Jalbert Youth Biathlon program is open to all youth, giving children the opportunity to learn to ski and shoot. Teaching the basics of biathlon is only part of the story. The program also helps young people develop balance, skills, and speed. “The club is really about all aspects of non-motorized recreation,” says Carl Theriault, vice president of the 10th Mountain Outdoor Club. “We have five months of serious snow winter. Snowshoeing is very active here because, if you can walk, you can snowshoe. It’s a great way to enjoy the beautiful outdoors and get exercise in the fresh air.” Theri-
Education The University of Maine Fort Kent (UMFK) has a student population of 1,300. Founded in 1878 as the Madawaska Training School, the university has come a long way in its 136 year history. The University of Maine Fort Kent, so named in 1970, has a three-part mission that is dedicated to the region, culture, and history. First, the goal is to on focus rural communities; secondly, to celebrate and explore the area’s unique FrancoAcadian heritage; and lastly, to study and preserve Maine’s natural resources. “The Princeton Review, using information researchers primarily gleaned from students, named UMFK the Best Northeastern College for the tenth consecutive year,” says Susan Tardie, administrative specialist, university relations and alumni affairs office. UMFK also ranks tenth among public colleges in the north and follows four consecutive years as a top-15 public institution in the 2015 edition of U.S. News & World Report’s Best Regional Colleges. The university was selected as a College of Distinction for the fourth consecutive year, one of only 200 colleges and
Photo: courtesy of Susan tardie, UMFK
The Can-Am International Sled Dog Race is a qualifier for the Iditarod and a major attraction for Fort Kent. The next race will be held February 28, 2015.
ault also sees the club as a recruitment tool for the area as families visit and take advantage of the multitude of activities that are available. Theriault is in the holiday spirit as he readies the club for the First Annual New Year’s Nordic Ski-In at the Fort Kent Nordic Ski Festival, which runs from December 27 to January 4. “We are inviting people to ski-in the New Year,” he says. There will be open freestyle sprint, races of several distances, ski demonstrations, and a New Year’s social, among other events. Start 2015 with exercise, recreation, and fresh air, encourages Theriault. Located on the south side of Fort Kent is Lonesome Pines Trails, the northernmost ski area in New England. Established in 1965, Lonesome Pines’ mission is to provide affordable skiing to the youth and families of the St. John Valley. It is a nonprofit organization that relies heavily on dedicated volunteers. Fort Kent also hosts the annual CanAm Crown Sled Dog race, which is a qualifier for the Iditarod. The town was also the location of the 2004 and 2011 Biathlon World Cup, an event that combines Nordic skiing and marksmanship.
universities nationwide to receive that qualification, Tardie says. “We are small, but we don’t let our smallness get in the way of our greatness,” says Scott Voisine, dean of community education. “We are part of the economic development, social fabric, and educational fabric of student experience, but it’s really about attitude.” And the attitude at UMFK is one of genuine care and support of one another. UMFK students come from all over the country and the world, says Voisine. “It’s very welcoming here and very much a family.” Voisine says the grocery stores in Fort Kent have more ethnic food on the shelves than most places, which speaks to the richness in diversity and welcoming culture of the community. The town of Fort Kent and UMFK are very much an integrated entity, adds Voisine. “We take part in everything the community does, and they take part in everything we do,” he says. UMFK is partnering with 56 high schools across the state with “Rural U,” which is a program that incorporates live sessions, video technology, on-line/asynchronous classes, and on-campus activities, to provide early college options to students and their schools. Students of Rural U get college credit for the courses they take.
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Natural Resources Fort Kent has abundant resources that afford residents and visitors to hunt, fish, hike, ski, and take part in almost any recreational activity possible. Riverside Park, located on East Main Street on the banks of the St. John River, has approximately 7.2 acres of land and offers a boat landing, a biking and walking trail, a picnic area, eight recreational vehicle camping sites, an outdoor basketball court, children’s playground, a soccer field, and gazebo. The St. John River, which flows between the border of Maine and Canada, is a beautiful natural resource. Each summer, fishermen flock to Fort Kent for the Annual Fort Kent International Muskie Fishing Derby. The St. John River has more than 225 miles of pristine habitat for muskie fishing, and hundreds take part in this three-day event. The Fort Kent Fish River Greenway is an excellent place for outdoor exercise and recreation. There are hiking and biking trails that range from a half-mile to 20 miles. The gravel-surfaced trails
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a piece of maine: fort kent are great for walking, running, and biking, and are also handicapped accessible. All but one of these trails are open year-round, making them great places for snowshoeing in the winter. There are also paved trails, which are popular with area seniors and roller skiers.
Economic Development Fort Kent is the 27th municipality to be approved by the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) as a Certified BusinessFriendly Community. This process involves municipalities examining their
stats Population: 4,097 Founded: 1839 Median income: $39,345 Major employers: • Northern Maine Medical Center • Local school department • University of Maine Fork Kent Square miles: 55.15
38 / Bangor Metro December 2014
business attraction strategies and assessing interaction with local businesses with the goal of fostering private investment. An updated look was also on the agenda. The downtown business district is being revitalized, which includes some new business facades. Two years ago the Fort Kent Downtown Revitalization Committee reached out to businesses outside the area to entice them to move into town by promoting all the municipality has to offer. Committee members went above and beyond with the promotion of the skiing, tourism, fishing, hunting, and volunteerism, says Steve Pelletier, planning and economic development director for Fort Kent. “We did a survey during the CanAm races to see what people wanted and needed in town for businesses and then reached out to those types of businesses,” Pelletier says. “We had surveys returned from about 300 people, residents and visitors alike. Mostly what we found was that people wanted retail stores.” The economic development team is currently focusing on bringing
more retail opportunities to the area. Fort Kent was dubbed “the little town that could” because of the community’s ability to be involved in many events that require a large number of volunteers, and the adversity the community has endured over the years. The flood of 2007-2008 was a very difficult time for the community, but Fort Kent rebounded, says Pelletier. And several major fires, over the years, claimed businesses, a packing plant, landmarks, and displaced local residents, but the resilient town rallied and rebuilt. “Anytime there was a catastrophe, the town bounced back,” Pelletier says. Fort Kent is a service center hub for other towns, but Pelletier would like people to stick around a while. “Our goal is the make Fort Kent a destination, recreationally and economically, and have people stay more than pass through.” One has to visit Fort Kent to really appreciate it, Pelletier added. “Once you see the beauty of the town, and how people come together, and the friendliness of the community, you see what a gem it really is.”
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college sports
California Connection
UMFK Lady Bengals Tiara Nolen, Hope Grace , Jessekah McCorkle, Anna Peabody, Zsakiyah Brown, Danielle Carrillo, Jessany Munoz, and LaTisha Carballo.
T
he University of Maine at Fort Kent women’s volleyball team has a new coach, it is fielding a roster of many new players, and all of the team members are playing far from home. But these apparent deficits are actually surprising benefits that have already helped the team win a major tournament in the first weeks of school. In a clean sweep at the end of August, the small team of Lady Bengals swept every match they encountered, taking down Unity College, Husson University, and the University of Maine at Presque Isle. They defeated Husson, an NCAA Division III team twice, the second coming in the championship match of the Husson Invitational. The women move about the court with an efficiency of movement and familiarity of play characteristic of volleyball players from the sunny West Coast rather than a team based in the far northern woods of Maine’s winter wonderland. And that is exactly what is occurring. Seven of the eight women on the team are from California, a mecca for the game of volleyball. During an athletic scouting sweep through the state of California last year, 40 / Bangor Metro December 2014
soccer scouts for UMFK also spoke with volleyball players. Having a successful women’s soccer team and following a great 2013 season for the Bengal volleyball team were just one of the lures that brought the young women to Fort Kent. “The economical price for a great education had a big impact on my decision and it’s much cheaper, even being outof-state,” says Anna Peabody, a senior from Boulder Creek, California. This is especially true for California, where college costs have skyrocketed. However, in a move reversing a national trend, UMFK has actually lowered the price of its tuition to students outside of New England. Peabody also added that other prices are lower in Maine. “The cost of living is cheaper,” she adds. The seven California girls came from five different towns. They’ve been playing volleyball for years, and they noticed that people on this end of the country might take the game less seriously than they do. “The level is a little less experienced,” says Jessany Munoz of Yreka, California. Tom Bird, who is coaching volleyball for the first time in his life, noted that he and the girls are working together to develop the team’s style. “They are
so fundamentally sound,” he says. The approach is a little backwards, in that the girls are teaching him the sport, but he is still providing the structure and guidance. As one player put it, “He has the conditioning down. We have the volleyball down.” The one non-California player, Zsakiyah Brown of Uniondale, New York, said the team is working well together, and they have made her feel at home. “I joined the California Connection,” she says. The young women bring a playful nature to the chore of practice. As they dive, duck, dip, jump, and run within the striped boundaries of the court, there is laughter, encouragement, and good natured ribbing. Occasionally, when a particular play goes well, the athletes will perform an almost subconscious dance move, as if there is a rhythm and beat to the game that only they can hear. The players are working on a variety of academic majors, from nursing to education to behavioral science. They have found that, with the personal encouragement from the staff at UMFK, they are able to keep up with their studies. As one player says, “You can’t miss class, because everybody knows your name.”
Photos: (team) Andrew Birden; (Ball) hanzl/thinkstock.com
Student athletes from California serve surprising successes to the UMFK volleyball team. By Andrew Birden
metro sports
Bouchards and Basketball The Bouchards believe that the family that plays together, stays together. By Shelley Farrington
W
hen you hear the cliché, “it’s in the genes” you think of a family’s tendency for good looks, smarts, athletic ability, or maybe all three. However, “it’s in the genes” takes on a whole new meaning when talking about the Bouchard family of Houlton. Houlton High School senior Kyle Bouchard and his freshman sister Kolleen, proudly represent three generations of athletic DNA. For them, the game of basketball really is “in their genes.” Kyle has started for the varsity Shiretowners and been a captain since his freshman year. As a freshman and sophomore, he helped his team finish as the Eastern Maine Class C runners-up. As a junior, Kyle lead Houlton to the Eastern Maine Class C State Championship. In fact, his favorite basketball memory is scoring the winning free throws in overtime to win that state championship. He did this all the while amassing numerous all-county and all conference
Both Kyle and Kolleen are looking forward to leading their basketball teams to the Eastern Maine Championships this upcoming season, not only because they are fierce competitors and love to win, but because, as siblings, they have supported and cheered each other’s successes. For both to win a championship in the same sport in the same season would be special. It would also put them in the same illustrious group as mom, Karen, who played on the 1986 and 1988 Houlton girls state champion teams, and maternal grandfather, Terry Spurling, who won a basketball state championship with Ellsworth High School in 1954, going on to finish in the top four in the New England State Championships that same year. Although Kyle and Kolleen’s father Marty played basketball at Houlton from 1983-1987, his state championship came as a coach for the Hodgdon High School Hawks in 1996. “It is certainly a thrill to witness Kyle and Kolleen compete against other schools, much the same
Star athletes Kolleen and Kyle Bouchard of Houlton. Below: Kyle has served as a captain for his high school basketball team since his freshman year.
Photo: Joseph Cyr/The Houlton Pioneer Times & The bouchard family
“It’s in the genes” takes on a whole new meaning for the Bouchard family. honors, well surpassing 1,000 points (currently at 1,387); averaging 21.3 points, 8.4 rebounds, and 5.8 assists per game; and playing three years for coach Carl Parker’s Maine Athletic Club AAU Team that finished 11th in the country this year. And when he wasn’t practicing his basketball talents, Kyle was part of a Houlton soccer team that finished as Eastern Maine runners-up in 2011 and Eastern Maine champs in 2012. He also participated on the golf team that finished third in Class C in 2013 and 2014. Meanwhile, Kolleen has begun accumulating her own athletic accolades, leading her middle school basketball team to two undefeated seasons and showing a scoring prowess that may rival her brother. Her 44-point performance against Brewer last year was a sure sign of things to come. As a freshman this year she made her mark on the soccer field as a striker who, by the end of the regular season, had recorded 19 goals and seven assists.
as I did years ago playing for Houlton,” Marty says. One family with four state champions gives Kolleen all the motivation she needs to make it five. Marty says the family’s athletic fetes have provided them a great adventure. He has coached both kids’ youth teams, and everyone travels to the various games depending on which sibling is playing. As Kolleen continues her high school career, the Bouchards will travel to Bentley University near Boston in 2015, to cheer on Kyle as he begins a new chapter as a college student and player for the Falcons. His grandfather played for the University of Maine and his dad played for the University of Maine at Presque Isle. Both Kyle and Kolleen began playing basketball “since the moment they could pick up a ball” Marty says, and both say the enjoyment they get out of basketball being a family affair has kept them playing. “Basketball is something our family has always done,” Kyle says. www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 41
food file
Comfort Food
M
arion Syversen waves us into the kitchen of her Hampden home. “Make yourself comfortable,” she says. In the next room over, Marion’s husband Mort is adding kindling to an already crackling fire in their hearth. “No, no, leave your shoes on,” Marion insists. “We’re not formal here.” She tends to a pot on the stove. Chopped onion, russet potatoes, and a bowl of fresh kale sit on the island table. “We’re making Zuppa di Patate Cremosa, which, in Italian, means cream of potato soup,” says Marion. “It’s like imitation Zuppa Toscana from Olive Garden.” Marion is Italian while Mort is “right off the boat” from Norway, as she describes it. “I crave pasta and he craves potatoes,” she jokes. Being Italian is also Marion’s explanation for the steady flow of food for visitors to her kitchen. “I don’t know how to do it any other way,” she says, buttering a 42 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Marion and Mort Syversen have turned the art of cooking into an act of giving.
piece of Italian chocolate bread to share. “I gotta feed you.” Most weekends, you’ll find the Syversens in their kitchen. While they thoroughly enjoy each other’s company, they don’t like to cook together. “We cook differently,” Marion says, looking over fondly at her husband. “She cooks wrong, I cook right,” Mort responds, prompting a roar of laughter from his wife of 39 years. “Mort makes every recipe like we’re going to launch a man to the moon,” Marion says. “If you’re off by a degree, you’re off by a degree,” adds Mort, whose background, no surprise, is in engineering. “I make it like I’m feeding hungry hordes,” Marion says, using a wooden spoon to emphasis her point. She places the spoon in the soup pot and begins stirring the ingredients as they cook over a low to medium heat. “You can buy bacon and crumble it up, which we typically do,” Marion explains. “But you
By Joy Hollowell | Photos by mark rediker
can also use already-cooked bacon from a package. You can use homemade broth or buy it. Basically, you can make this recipe with as many easy steps as possible.” As easy as possible was the goal for many years while the Syversens raised their two sons. Marion home schooled both boys through high school. “I was a stay-at-home mom,” she says. “Mort was the major bread winner and sometimes he didn’t have a job and sometimes the job he had was more menial. So how are we going to make our home cozy? How are we going to bless people’s tummies and their hearts so that it doesn’t feel like we’re living under stress? How can we make it feel like we’re safe here?” It was during that time that Marion taught herself how to cook. “I used food to make things cozy,” she explains. After the kids went off to college, Mort asked Marion a question. “He asked, ‘Now that they’re grown up, what do you want to do?’ And I said, ‘I want to go to
Marion Syversen stirs the pot cooking her Italian soup.
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food file recipe
Zuppa di Patate Cremosa 12-16 oz. sweet, ground Italian sausage 1 tsp. red pepper flakes 1 large white onion, diced 4 Tbsp. bacon pieces, about 4 strips 2 tsp. garlic, chopped 15 cups chicken broth 1 cup heavy cream or milk 1 lb. potato, sliced 1 large bunch of kale Sauté Italian sausage and crushed red pepper in a large pot. Drain excess fat and
refrigerate in a separate container while you prepare other ingredients. In the same pan, sauté bacon until just done then add onions and garlic over lowmedium heat and cook for approximately 15 minutes, or until the onions are soft. Add the chicken broth to the pot and heat until it starts to boil. Add the potatoes and cook until soft, about half an hour. Add heavy cream (or milk) and kale and just cook until thoroughly heated. Stir in the sausage, let all heat through and serve.
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school.’ And he said, ‘Go for it, I think you can be amazing.’” Marion did just that, finishing her undergraduate business degree in just two years. She went on to obtain a graduate degree online. “And then I started the business,” Marion says. For the past 14 years, Marion has grown her company, Norumbega Financial, from the ground up. Today the business boasts close to 600 investment firm clients. Her office is the front section of their house. “This house was built by a physician and he used the front of it for his office,” she explains. “We have two other offices upstairs.” One of those offices is occupied by Mort. A part-time helper for years, he now works full-time for his wife. “Date nights can be complicated because we work together where we live,” says Marion, smiling. “So I save a story from the day and sometimes he saves a story—something that we haven’t talked about.” The Syversens have incorporated cooking into another part of their lives—their faith. Last year they started a group at their church called Cozy in the Kitchen. “We’d have people over to the house and cook every week,” Marion says, adding she and about 20 other women from their congregation still get together every Monday night for a similar event. “When a friend of ours had triplets, I cooked two or three meals a week for the first three months and then we cooked at least a meal a week for the whole year,” she says. Back to the business at hand, Marion opens the refrigerator and grabs a gallon of skim milk. “A lot of recipes for this soup call for heavy cream,” she says. “I don’t use heavy cream because I’m trying to make it not as thick on my hips. I either omit it or use low-fat milk.” Marion ladles the steaming soup into bowls, picks them up, and heads towards the living room. She and Mort settle in near the fire. “I’ve come to the realization that food gives me something to do to fix things,” she says. “I can’t fix it when you’re sick. I’m not going to get up in the middle of the night and help you with those babies if you’re a new mom. I can’t fix it when life is hard. But I can drop off food. If you’re a widow, I’ll send you a card every week for a year and I’ll cook for you. That’s all I can figure out to do.”
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kitchen confidential Where are you from? I was born and raised in Lincoln, Maine. What is your first food memory? Growing up with a large family, get-togethers were all about food. It was like every holiday was an unspoken competition of who could bring the most creative dishes. I guess one of my first memories though would be one Thanksgiving when I was around 10 years old. My uncle had made some bacon-wrapped pheasant. It was delicious! He was always getting his hands on different types of game, which always had me interested. What are some of your early cooking experiences? I remember in my first year of cooking there was party of 40-50 that came into the restaurant where I was working. Everyone always gets a little nerved up about large parties and pumping food out at the same time. I was working the sauté station and was still fairly green. When the order came back, it was almost entirely sauté dishes. I had a 10-burner range and just started hauling out pans left and right, starting dishes then holding them in the oven to wait to finish and free up a burner to start a new pan. It was insanity for a bit. I ended up firing it all out without a hitch and that’s when I knew I was cut out for this line of work.
Bangor’s New Hot Spot
Blaze
Chef Justin Bard is exceptional at cooking over an open flame at Bangor’s new hot spot, Blaze. Story & photos by Melanie Brooks
46 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Any family influences on your style and taste? There are most definitely family influences on my style and taste. My uncle made me think outside of the box. My grandmother, much like most people, was just an awesome traditional homecooking kind of lady. After she passed, I got a bunch of her recipe books. It’s all really great classic comfort food. Who doesn’t like that sort of stuff? My love for heat/spice can be attributed to my stepfather. He developed my palate for that stuff early on. A lot of time it was a prank, tricking me into eating it. Where did you study/apprentice? I have done a lot of my learning on the job and at home. I have worked my way up the hard way by not going to school. School wasn’t my thing. I study books and recipes in my spare time and I am always experimenting and learning new techniques. My sous chef Mike Hamele is a very talented, classically trained French
chef. I have learned a lot from him in our time working together. I think that is what makes us so good at Blaze. Our creative minds together are like a left jab and right hook. Our different backgrounds and knowledge deliver plates that we hope knock people’s socks off.
Left: Justin Bard. This photo: Roasted duck breast with roasted fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a bourbon-soaked cherry reduction.
When did you realize you were a chef? When I got the title of chef here at Blaze. I always aspired to be one, but have considered myself a cook up to this point. What do you consider to be your pivotal career move? At the age of 18, I was living in South Portland, Maine. I was working two full-time jobs. One was at Hannaford and one at Ricetta’s Brick Oven Ristorante as a dish washer. That was my first restaurant job. After about a month and a half of working 80 hours a week between both jobs, my boss at Ricetta’s came to me, asking me when I was going to quit at Hannaford so he could use me as a cook. I quit the next day. Two months later, I mastered all stations and was pretty much his righthand man. The rest is history. When did Blaze open? How did it happen? Blaze opened in January of this year. We had a lot of hoops to jump through. Because of building and construction hiccups our open date kept getting pushed back. Being that it is such an old building, it’s hard to predict things you may run into when you start tearing into it, be it pipes or wiring or whatever. But we launched in January and are now rolling up on to the one year mark, which is very exciting. What do you love about your location? I really love being downtown. Bangor is starving for a good downtown scene. I think there are some great places here and potential for so much more. Having spent a lot of time in Portland, I think that Bangor can achieve something similar to the nightlife and food scene that Portland has. I think the city is right on the cusp of that and we want to help that ball roll on and bring great things to downtown Bangor. What is your favorite ingredient to work with? I really enjoy working with different peppers. Developing different complexities
of spice is really fun. You can get a lot of flavors by adding different peppers at different points of creating a sauce. Much like brewing beer, when you add hops at different points of the process it gives a different character. The same can be said about peppers. This also brings me to my second favorite ingredient to work with. Beer. I love concentrating the flavors of good beers and incorporating those into our dishes. You can’t have 52 draft lines and not play around with some of them. We want to try to have people enjoy beer in more ways than one. What is the dish we will be featuring? Roasted duck breast with roasted fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, and a bourbon-soaked cherry reduction. I had an abundance of dried cherries after the menu change from winter to spring, so I was trying to think of something for the summer menu change to use them in. I figured that bourbon and cherries go well together, and the sweetness would go well with the rich flavor of the duck breast.
Least favorite job-related task? Being a wood-fired place, everyone’s least favorite thing is carrying in wood, especially since the wood is downstairs. It takes quite a few trips of carrying buckets of wood upstairs to fill the two bins we have under the oven. What would you want your last meal to be? I would like my last meal to be my grandmother’s strawberry rhubarb pie. I know that’s not a meal, but if it’s the last thing I ingest I would be in sheer sugar coma bliss after eating the entire pie. She used to make me one every year for my birthday and every year I’d only get a slice. My brothers would get to it and it would be gone. So getting a whole pie to myself would be excellent. What do you love most about your job? I love the freedom to be creative. Matt, the owner, has faith in me and has given me this opportunity, which I am grateful for.
more info Blaze 18 Broad Street, Bangor 207-922-2660 Hours: Sun.–Wed. 11 am–9 pm; Thurs. 11 am–11 pm; Fri. & Sat. 11 am–12 am.
Specialties: Craft beer and wood-fired flavors Accolades: Voted Best New Restaurant 2014 for Bangor Metro magazine
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 47
per spectives
Aaron Priest
48 / Bangor Metro December 2014
Seventeen years ago, Aaron Priest decided to turn his passion for photography from hobby to profession. For the past decade his work has focused primarily on panoramas, timelapse, and night photography. His work has been featured in both print and online media. Priest grew up in rural Maine. He enjoys the small-town atmosphere and has a deep appreciation for the natural beauty of Maine and our starfilled night skies. More recently, Priest has been teaming up with other professional photographers to offer workshops at Acadia National Park, Moosehead Lake, and scenic locations throughout Maine. You can connect with him on social media and view his photos at www.aaronpriestphoto.com
www.bangormetro.com Bangor Metro / 49
Sadness and Depression in Old Age:
When to Seek Help Don’t let persistent sadness turn into a major depression. By Clifford Singer, MD
50 / Bangor Metro December 2014
T
he recent suicide of Robin Williams has left many people wondering how such a successful and popular person could be depressed. Although he was not yet old at 63, Robin Williams’ death touches many important issues of depression in late life. How common is depression in older adults? You would assume it would be very common! After all, loss is inevitable as you go through life. Loved ones die. Friends and family move away. Seniors may feel isolated, forgotten. The various conditions of old age make it hard to stay active. Surprisingly, most people manage to cope. Older adults are generally more emotionally resilient than younger adults, and severe depression is neither inevitable nor any more common in old age than earlier in life. At any given time, 5% to 10% of older adults are depressed, a condition we refer to as major depression. Another 20% to 30% of older adults experience persistent sadness, sometimes called dysthymia. What causes depression? Lots of things are known to contribute to depression in older adults. Chronic illness or pain may limit activities. Loneliness and social isolation can be both causes and results of depression. Poor eyesight, loss of mobility, worrying about family members, worrying about money, and feeling burdensome
to others may all be contributing factors. Depression often develops for mysterious reasons. “I don’t know why I feel this way” is something that is often heard by family members and health care providers. And in fact, we don’t know what causes depression, so we speak of risk factors that are known to increase the chance a person will be depressed. The notions that depression is caused by either a stressful life or a chemical imbalance are outdated and simplistic. We know that depression can run in families and that a family history of mood disorders means depression will more likely start early and come and go through life. In contrast, depression developing for the first time later in life may be due to certain brain diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and stroke. Endocrine (hormonal) disorders can cause depression, as can inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Some medications can contribute to depression. People describe major depression as a very painful experience. Depression also affects daily functioning, with impaired energy, concentration, and memory. During severe episodes, people may be bedridden. Family and friends can be impacted. Depression increases risk of alcohol abuse, which, in turn, makes depression
Photo: diego_cervothinkstock.com
savvy seniors
worse. Suicide is a real threat, especially for older men who are more likely than women to kill themselves with little warning. Besides these immediate and obvious effects, depression accelerates many of the diseases of aging, increasing risk of death from heart disease, cancer, and dementia. Mild depression may not have a big impact on health, but certainly affects relationships and ability to enjoy life. Two situations can make depression a medical emergency: 1. If a person is considering suicide. 2. When a person is neglecting their basic needs. A person in either of these situations needs to be brought to the emergency department of a local hospital. In less dire situations, an outpatient evaluation with a primary care provider or mental health practitioner is a good first step. If symptoms are mild or a person is experiencing bereavement from a recent loss, a “watch and wait” approach may be recommended. Treatment by medical and mental health professionals can be very helpful, leading to at least some improvement in 80% of people. Of those that do improve, about half will have complete resolution
of symptoms. Many forms of treatment are available, but medications, counseling, or a combination of both are known to be effective. Some people will need ongoing treatment with medication and counseling to prevent relapses of depression. Selfhelp strategies, such as physical activity, yoga, socialization, art, music, prayer, and meditation can all be helpful, particularly for less severe depression and for maintaining mental health once depression has lifted. Adequate sleep and brain healthy diets rich in fruits and vegetables are other important elements of mental health. Immediate feel-good impulses, such as shopping, eating, a new relationship, or moving to a new state, may work for a few hours, days, or weeks, but seldom will have lasting impact and can even make things worse. Fortunately, many older adults have the wisdom to know these impulses aren’t helpful in the long run. Dr. Cliff Singer is a geriatrician and psychiatrist, and chief of the Geriatric Mental Health and Neuropsychiatry Program at Acadia Hospital and Eastern Maine Medical Center in Bangor.
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real estate
Live the
View
Peek inside two riverfront condominium communities with properties for saleâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; and imagine your life on the water.
T
hese scenic riverfront condominiums in Orono offer spectacular views of the Penobscot River, and access to all Orono has to offer. Enjoy walking to nearby shops, restaurants, and more.
Calling Orono Home... Property details:
community details:
Beds: 2 Bedrooms, including master suite with bath
Attractions: Home of the University of Maine; year-round recreational opportunities
Price: Starting at $164,000
Photos: Courtesy of PRO Realty
Additional: Garage; deck overlooking Penobscot River
Population: 10,362
52 / Bangor Metro December 2014
I
f Brewer is more to your liking, this waterfront community has two- and four-bedroom units available. The four-bedroom condo offers two master suites, four bathrooms, gas fireplace, oversized deck with electronic canopy, and 12-foot glass sliding doors for a panoramic view.
Calling Brewer Home... Property details: 4-Bedroom Unit Price: $375,000 Includes: 4 Bedrooms, including 2 master suites; 4 bathrooms; gas fireplace; deck; central air 2-Bedroom Unit Price: $275,000 Includes: 2 Bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms
community details: Population: 9,482
Attractions: Many local shopping and dining options, as well as recreational opportunties. Enjoy regular farmersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; markets, walking paths, parks, playgrounds, and more.
Dave Giroux, Realtor PRO Realty, 745-8818
Pick of the Month: Orono & Brewer Condominiums www.bangormetro.com www.bangormetro.com Bangor BangorMetro Metro/ /53 53
real estate Bought Your Dream Home?
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Washington County
Time to Pack! Top Tips and Tricks from Fox & Ginn Movers Put your clean bedding into a dresser drawer or your cedar chest, so you can find it quickly on that first night in your new home!
( LĂ&#x153; Ă? aĂ&#x2DC;0M "ø !$ Amazing modern home overlooking Penobscot River. 4 br, 2.5 ba, 2 car garage, 17 acres. 25 min to Bangor. $369,999 Jessie Daniels Realty of Maine Office: 207-991-8980 jdanielsbangor@gmail.com
IL Ă? aĂ&#x2DC;0M % ! Lovely renovated cape on 5 acres. Views of the bay, pond, unattached heated 40x40 work shop/garage. 10â&#x20AC;&#x2122; ROW to the water. $175,000 Barbara Bragdon The Winter Harbor Agency Office: 207-963-2347 bbragdon@winterharboragency.com
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Ă&#x2122; Ă? aĂ&#x2DC;0M !%""ø 3-4 BR, 2.5 bath custom colonial on 12+ acres. 2 car attached garage, large front porch, composite rear deck and a beautiful farm pond. $254,900 Lisa Caron Realty of Maine Office: 207-942-6310 lisacaronrealtor@gmail.com
Create a â&#x20AC;&#x153;first to openâ&#x20AC;? box so you have the coffeepot and other â&#x20AC;&#x153;emergency suppliesâ&#x20AC;? right away.
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1 I Ă? aĂ&#x2DC;0M " $â 115 acres with pastures, fields, gorgeous views, and 4000 sq. ft. barn, arena. 2008 quality 4-BR custom-built home with in-law apt Linda Gardiner Better Homes and Gardens The Masiello Group Office: 207.942.6711 lindagardiner@masiello.com
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Photos: Onzeg, spaxiax, Charles Brutlag, & AnikaSalsera/thinkstock.com
Pack platters and plates on their sides in a good, sturdy box such as our Dish Barrels, so that what is on the bottom doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t break from the weight above.
maine woods & waters
I
A Look
Back in
Time
Maine’s Ice Age Trail offers sweeping views of what the glaciers left behind. By Bob Duchesne
magine standing outside your house 25,000 years ago. Now imagine standing just a centimeter tall, because you’d be squashed flat under two miles of ice. Everything in Maine—where we live, where we harvest, where we recreate—was drastically rearranged by glaciers during the last Ice Age. Even the top of Mt. Katahdin was under a mile of ice. Part of Maine’s landscape is dominated by well-drained sandy soil, much of which was created when glaciers pulverized bedrock into grit and washed it toward the sea. Blueberries and potatoes thrive in this kind of soil. Rainwater permeates through it, leaving Maine with groundwater aquifers that other states can only admire. Our freshwater lakes and saltwater bays were shaped by glaciers. The ice receded 10,000 years ago. It’s hard to imagine what the land looked like back then. Or is it? A few weeks ago, I jumped into a van with Dr. Hal Borns, professor emeritus of geology at the University of Maine. Borns has studied glaciers all over the world. With a glance, he can see glacial features that mere mortals would miss. So there we were, standing on Pea Ridge Road in Columbia, staring down at a beach that had clearly been scoured by ocean waves. Only this beach was now miles from the ocean, and more than 250 feet above sea level. And it was covered in blueberries. Behind us were the clear outlines of a river delta, carved with exactly the same kind of channels that one might see flowing from a melting ice sheet in
glacier, piling up silt and sediment. When the glacier melted, the ridge remained. Some eskers are famous. The Whalesback esker runs through Aurora. Route 9 follows the ridge along a section where the terrain drops steeply on both sides of the road. Travelers know the spot because of the scenic overlook that gazes down on the middle branch of the Union River. A quarry on the opposite side of the road excavates the sand and gravel left by the glacial stream 10,000 years ago. Visitors to Baxter State Park often observe that the first couple of miles of road beyond the southern entry gate traverse a similar ridge. The roadsides drop off so steeply on both edges that the treetops are at eye level. The glacial ice sheet stretched southward to Long Island, New York, but nowhere are the telltale signs more obvious than in Downeast Maine. Cities, suburbs, and forests obscure landmarks elsewhere, but the treeless expanse of blueberry fields reveals the ancient beaches, deltas, moraines, and eskers. It’s the perfect place to create an Ice Age Trail. So that’s what Hal Borns did. With funding from the University of Maine’s Climate Change Institute and the National Science Foundation, Borns and his partners produced a detailed glacial map. It depicts the directional flow of ice, and describes 46 sites that highlight topographical features left behind when the glaciers melted. The map shows scores of deltas, moraines, and eskers that become obvious once you know what you’re viewing. See for yourself. Information and a downloadable map are at iceagetrail.
Photo: Icealien/Thinkstock.com
The glacial ice sheet stretched southward to Long Island, New York, but nowhere are the signs more obvious than in Downeast Maine. Alaska today. Behind the delta, a boulderstrewn hillside rose up. This was an end moraine, the place where one glacier terminated its forward progress, dumping its cargo of boulders like the end of a conveyor belt. The ice sheets were capable of carrying boulders from Baxter State Park to the sea. Borns showed me one. About two miles away, a ridgeline shielded the next delta system from view. It was an esker. Here, a river had cut through the
umaine.edu. This is a great time of year to explore the Maine Ice Age Trail. The leaves are gone, the snow has not yet piled up, and the public-access roads through the blueberry barrens are at their quietest. Take a look back in time. 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 / 55
last word
C
Shoelaces and Salsa The older we get, the less we really need in material goods during the holiday season. By Chris Quimby
hristmas with teenagers is so completely different than Christmas with toddlers. Yet to be assimilated into our materialistic culture, my young children would find joy in the most seemingly insignificant of activities. At the ripe age of 2, my son had to be enticed away from sucking on the end of a nearby sneaker so that I might encourage him join us in opening Christmas presents. With my childhood lust for tearing into gifts still fresh in my mind, it was an unexpected duty to have to generate the same excitement in someone else. Once at the tree, my wife and I had to show him how to open a present, performing a method of destruction we normally would discourage. Slowly, he would finish the task with some help, then immediately be enraptured with what he found. Ignoring the prized dirty sneaker from earlier, he would then pour his attention into this new toy. But he did not yet understand that there was more. We had joined together with excited grandparents and other loved ones to offer dozens of toys and clothes, but there was no clear way to verbally communicate this to him. Our best idea was to gently pry his new treasure from his hands, place it out of reach, then place another wrapped box into his lap, all the while frustrating his frequent attempts to suck on the corners rather than rip at the bows. It seems to be a rather bizarre episode in hindsight. Was I beginning to teach my child discontentment in an effort to pass down cultural traditions? Surely, there is something noble in the simplicity of a young child’s fascination with an item as undervalued as a tool of entertainment as a weathered New Balance shoe. However, I would hope that he would, at some point in his development, mature past the temptation to stick a cross trainer in his mouth to pass the time. If not, what a disturbing oddity his play dates in a few years would be with he and his 5-year-old peers sitting in a corner and flossing with shoestrings until snack time. But this illustration presents a thought worth meditating on. As I reflect upon the past as a full-grown adult, I wonder if I might learn something from my then-young son. Around this time of year, I am asked by lovedones what I would like for Christmas. Blessed beyond measure, it is usually difficult to conjure up suggestions that aren’t a gift card or chocolate. In fact, some of the things I most want now do not come in a box nor are they available at Walmart. Among these are appreciation, respect, inner peace, salsa, and health. OK. Walmart does sell salsa, but they don’t have the rest. And maybe I’m at fault for even suggesting that Walmart would carry something like respect. It clearly does not seem like many people there are looking for it.
I mean, have you seen the people who wear pajama pants in public on purpose? The first few times I excused it as people stopping by for a few things after having narrowly escaped a house fire, but now it seems to be more of a cultural trend. But maybe I should not be so harsh. After all, perhaps these are the people who have truly abandoned social pressures of conformity to embrace the inner child within. Whatever the case, I encourage you this season, whether sucking on a shoe or drooling after a flat screen, to seek and give the best things that life has to offer. Including salsa. Chris Quimby is a husband, father, Christian comedian, writer, and graphic designer from Brooks. Visit him on the web at chrisquimby.com or nachotree.com. 56 / Bangor Metro December 2014
image: Calin Trifan-pop/thinkstock.com
I encourage you, whether sucking on a shoe or drooling after a flat screen, to seek and give the best things that life has to offer.
Brent Folster, Tony Crews and Steve Thomas
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