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contents

NOVEMBER 2016

features A DRIVING FORCE / 16 Orrington man’s love of cars helping to heat homes this winter HIGHLIGHTING TECHNOLOGY / 18 EMMC is lighting up surgery MUSICAL MATCH / 20 Local songwriter and music producer working together PILLOW PERFECT / 22 Expert advice for a good night’s rest REDISCOVERING WELLNESS / 26 Finding fitness again at age 54 THEN & NOW: FREEPORT / 34 Looking back at a long tradition of retail therapy and tourist attractions

ADVENTUROUS CUISINE / 44 Cooking up a taste of Sri Lanka in Ellsworth POETRY ROCKS / 48 Camden man combines love of rock music and poetry

72 2 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

PHOTOS: (TOP) MICKY BEDELL; (BOTTOM) COURTESY OF MITCH STURGEON

TIME TO TALK TURKEY / 40 Gobble up these tips for first-time holiday dinner hosts

Discover Freeport, then and now, page 34

Adventurous eating in Ellsworth, page 44

PHOTOS: (FOOD) BDN FILE; (BOAT) BOB DUCHESNE; (FREEPORT) COURTESY OF THE RICHARD SHAW POSTCARD COLLECTION

Enjoying the view from Bar Harbor to Bangor, page 56

in every issue

columns

TALK BACK & SIGHTINGS / 8 Our readers thoughts and photos

METRO WELLNESS / 25 Finding balance for a healthy life

BIZ BUZZ / 10 People and places on the move

METRO FAMILY / 54 Setting a civic duty example

WHAT’S HAPPENING / 11 Local news and events

MAINE WOODS & WATERS / 56 Getting fresh air along the Penobscot

PERSPECTIVES / 50 The creativity of Hannah Kreitzer

LAST WORD / 88 Adulting like a grownup

AIMEE & AMY TRY... / 52 Making homemade paper SAVVY SENIORS / 58 Fight for your rights METRO HOME / 60 Preventing mold growth CROWN OF MAINE / 63 News from Aroostook County

BONUS INSIDE! 2016 HEALTH & WELLNESS GUIDE Living with MS, Maine’s paralympic medalist and more...

ONLINE EXCLUSIVES • Scan the code to visit us at bangormetro.com Visit us out on Facebook to enter fun giveaways! Check out our interactive map of Freeport (featured on page 34) More photos from events around our region. Email your own event photos: sightings@bangormetro.com

page 67 www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3

editor’s note

Before and after at last year’s Metro Entrepreneurial Awards

We get really excited when a new issue arrives from the printer!

Hard at work prepping for our Best Restaurant contest last spring

Meeting the Duck of Justice – or, as we call it , the Greatest Day Ever

Staff Note

Love Fest 2016 wouldn’t be complete with a very heartfelt thank you and lots of hugs and best wishes to Aimee from the rest of the staff of Bangor Metro. We’re going to miss you!

4 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

In life, we mark milestones with anniversaries. For me, November of this year is truly special. I’m proud of the fact that I’ve worked hard to get where I am in life. I graduated from high school and college, my husband and I have two beautiful children who have a home, food, clothes and many of the “wants” in life. And I’ve built a successful career with no regrets. This November marks the end of something that I’m honored and proud to have accomplished. This will be my last issue as managing editor of Bangor Metro magazine. Many of you know that I have moved on after 16 years at the Bangor Daily News to tackle a new professional challenge. I have treasured every moment of my time at the BDN, and my proudest accomplishment is where I leave Bangor Metro and all of you. While I don’t think this will be the final editor’s note of my career, it will be the final message for this chapter. I would like to thank all of you for reading, subscribing, sending story ideas, and supporting us over the last two years. I would like to thank the devoted staff who stuck with me through good days, writer’s block and crazy ideas — Laurie Cates, Emily Burnham and the backbone of our operation, Amy Allen. Without Amy, none of what you look forward to each month would be possible. She is dedicated beyond words, is one of the most creative professionals I have ever met and had the pleasure of working with, and she is a true friend whom I couldn’t have made it through the last two years without. Two years ago, Amy & Aimee became part of the Bangor Metro team. One year ago this month, we started the craft column Amy & Aimee Try... with our kids. And today, although I still plan to see her often, send her freelance stories on occasion, and exchange silly Facebook messages on a regular basis, we mark the end of this story. Amy, thank you isn’t enough. Books get dedicated to people and, in my last stand as managing editor, I dedicate the November 2016 issue of Bangor Metro Magazine to Amy Allen.

AIMEE THIBODEAU, MANAGING EDITOR

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

PUBLISHER

Richard J. Warren

MANAGING EDITOR

Aimee Thibodeau athibodeau@bangordailynews.com

STAFF WRITER

Emily Burnham eburnham@bangordailynews.com

ART DIRECTOR

Amy Allen aallen@bangordailynews.com

SUBSCRIPTION & PROMOTIONS MANAGER

Fred Stewart fstewart@bangordailynews.com

Connect With Us Online! bangormetro.com facebook.com/BangorMetro @BangorMetro bangormetro editor@bangormetro.com

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 5

Mercedes-Benz

at Quirk Auto Park of Bangor 327 Hogan Road, Bangor, Maine quirk.mercedesdealer.com 941-1017 or 1-800-564-8100

6 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS

Bob Duchesne

Jodi Hersey

Chris Quimby

Deb Neuman

Richard Shaw

Jane Margesson

Ashley Thornton

Emilie Brand Throckmorton

Bangor Metro Magazine. November 2016, Vol. 12, No. 11. Copyright ÂŠ Bangor Publishing Company. Bangor Metro is published 12 times annually by Bangor Publishing Company. All rights reserved. This magazine may not be reproduced in whole or part in any form without the written permission of the Publisher. Bangor Metro is mailed at standard rates from Portland, Maine. Opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements do not represent the opinions of the staff or publisher of Bangor Metro magazine. Advertisers and event sponsors or their agents are responsible for copyrights and accuracy of all material they submit. Bangor Metro magazine to the best of its ability ensures the acuracy of information printed in the publication. Inquiries and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. Letters to the editor, story suggestions, and other reader input will be subject to Bangor Metroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s unrestricted right to edit and publish in the magazine both in print and online. Editorial: Queries should be sent to Aimee Thibodeau at athibodeau@bangordailynews.com. Advertising: For advertising questions, please call the Sales Manager, Laurie Cates at 207-990-8149. Subscriptions/Address Change: A one year subscription cost is $24.95. Address changes: to ensure delivery, subscribers must notify the magazine of address changes one month in advance of the cover date. Please contact Fred Stewart at 207-990-8219. Accounts Payable/Receivable: For information about your account please contact Laurie Cates at 207-990-8149.

COVER DESIGN: Amy Allen

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7

talk back & sightings

We Love Hearing From You

Lots of folks are talking about our Best Restaurant Contest... Thank you to all those who voted for us as Best New Restaurant in Hancock County in the Bangor Metro! We were quite surprised and we love you all for the support! Serendib, Ellsworth

metro

A Taste of

Empty Nest

Emilie Brand-Throckmorton shares her weeklong empty nest experience in our October issue

Reflections on sending kids to camp. BY EMILIE BRAND THROCKMORTON

always knew

From Facebook:

PHOTO: ANTPKR/THINKSTOCK

I can relate to all of this. Thanks for sharing! Ayesha T.

wellness

that our kids would go off to sleepaway camp when they got old enough, but I was startled last winter when my 9-year-old stated quite adamantly that he was ready, that he wanted to go the very next summer. “Are you sure?” I asked. “You wouldn’t see me for 7 days.” He didn’t pause. “Definitely. I’m ready. I want to go.” We started looking at the website for Camp Jordan, the nearby YMCA camp that I’ve heard my students raving about during all my years as a high school teacher, and my 11-year-old daughter overheard the list I read aloud: “sailing, nature survival, modern dance, kayaking, archery.” Not to be outdone by her little brother, she sat up, “Then I’m going, too.” This all seemed like a grand idea last winter. The kids are confident! They are independent! They are ready to spread their wings! I was feeling so proud as I filled out the paperwork to send them away for a week of adventure. As summer got closer, the kids got more and more excited about Camp Jordan while I got more and more anxious. Logically, I knew I’d made the right decision by signing them up, and they gave me every indication that they were ready. But I was a wreck, bad dreams and all, and I have no excuse for my overreaction. Did I mention that my kids were not even nervous? I know some parents send their kids to camp when the kids themselves are ambivalent or downright scared. These were not my kids. My kids were psyched. When I’d vent to my husband about my concerns: “What if they are lonely? What if they get sick?” he’d say, “We are sending them off to have the most fun week of their lives, playing outside all day with other kids.” Well, geez. Clearly, he was not going to jump on my worry train. These problems were mine and mine alone. To quell my nerves, I spent all of my energy on packing. I made piles in our

living room of all items on the list, folded everything into neat little bundles, and wrote their names on their toothpaste, their shampoo, even on the washcloths I wasn’t sure they’d even use. It was chilly and rainy on drop-off day, and my heart was in my throat as we bounced along the dirt road to camp. Once we arrived, time was a blur of scurrying to cabins and helping to tuck sheets under bunk bed mattresses. I made it out of my son’s cabin without letting him see my tears. When I hugged my daughter’s counselor, a student I knew from my school, I might have held on a little too long and she patted me slowly on the back.

every other bright, happy verb I could use. It turns out, I didn’t have to worry about any homesickness or struggles at all. In the car heading home after pick up, they talked and sang and couldn’t physically make their mouths move fast enough to get all of the good things out they wanted to share. Of course, I was relieved, thrilled even, to see this outcome. But I felt a little beat up, and definitely had to do some soul searching about why their fantastic week had been so hard for me. There was a disconnect between what I knew in my head was good for them and what I felt in my body as I missed them so much. I am trying to bridge that gap.

There was a disconnect between what I knew in my head was good for them and what I felt in my body as I missed them so much. “They are going to have a blast,” she said. I cried all the way home. I want to tell you that the week at home without kids was wonderfully quiet and that I relaxed and enjoyed the peace. In truth, I didn’t. I felt a visceral loss without being able to contact them or know how things were going. Thankfully, the camp posts photos on Facebook each evening (a lifeline for parents!) and on day two, I found pictures of both of my kids which gave me some key information: they were no longer sitting in the dark cabins where I left them, they had changed their clothes, they were surrounded by new friends, and they were SMILING. You have probably already guessed that their first experience at sleepaway camp was a smashing success. They both thrived and shined and blossomed and

I am incredibly grateful both to have the resources to send our kids to camp and to have the kind of kids that want to go. And while I wasn’t singing camp songs around the fire every night, I probably learned as much as they did while they were gone. I learned to unclench my fists a little and to trust that the world outside my nest is good for my children; their world is bigger than just the world I’ve made for them, and thank goodness. But at the same time, I won’t rewrite my story based on the fact that they had a great time at camp. Parents, it’s hard to let go. Be validated in the ache you feel in your arms when your kids grow up and start to go out on their own. The strength they feel in their independence is as real as the pull you feel in your heart. So yes, sign them up for camp, but give yourself some extra love, too.

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 / 25

WE’RE EXCITED Here’s a look at what our staff is psyched to share with readers this month

It’s time for a check up! This month’s issue is full of health and wellness tips to get you feeling great.

Getting fit at any age, page 26

From Facebook: Congratulations to all of the Bangor Metro Best Restaurant award winners! We think a road trip to all of you might be a good idea. Our mouths are watering just thinking about it! Bangor Savings Bank

Stacks of awards waiting to be delivered to winners

Tis the Season Looking for a great holiday gift? We recommend a subscription to Bangor Metro! It’s fun, affordable and it’s the gift that keeps on giving all year long! A full year subscription is just $14.95 from now until Dec. 31, 2016. Give us a call at 990-8075 to order, or fill out the subscription form on page 65 to send in your order by mail. They’ll love it!

Fresh air along the Penobscot, page 56 Universit y of New England students working wit h EMMC, page 11

Coming NEXT MONTH...

It’s the holiday season and we’re celebrating! Watch for the December issue and Holiday Gift Guide coming soon! Have a comment or story idea? Share! Email us at editor@bangormetro.com

8 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

Good Shepherd

Food Bank and Bangor Daily News recently partnered to host an event highlighting the issue of hunger in Maine. PHOTOS BY JEFF KIRLIN

1: NewsFEED event organizers Melissa Huston, GSFB director of philanthropy; Kelly Donnelly, BDN events & brand coordinator; and Julie Guerette, GSFB event coordinator 2: The event included a Chopped-style cooking competition. Chef Matt Huitt from Woodmanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Bar & Grill, GSFB President Kristen Miale, and Chef Tim Lewis of Happy

Endings Dessert & Martini Bar and The Tarratine competed for bragging rights. 3: Local celebrities BDN Columnist Sarah Smiley, Bangor City Councilor Gibran Graham, and BDN Features Editor and Food Writer Sarah Walker Caron judged the NewsFEED cooking competition.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9

biz buzz On the Move MICHAEL EDGECOMB has

joined James W. Sewall Company’s utilities group as Business Development Manager. Edgecomb comes to Sewall after 36 years in the cable industry, with over 20 years negotiating cable TV franchises, and serving as the cable company’s liaison to Maine and New Hampshire municipalities. At Sewall, his primary focus will be cable TV franchising and broadband planning for communities. Starboard Leadership Consulting in Bangor has hired former Maine Association of Non Profits Executive Director SCOTT SCHNAPP as the company’s new Consulting Partner. Schnapp will assist Starboard clients by mentoring and coaching Executive Directors and board leadership. His services will include Leadership Transition/Search, Strategic Plans, Business Planning/Financial Tools for Good Oversight and Board Development. Bar Harbor Savings and Loan has promoted JACQUIE COLBURN to the position of Compliance Officer. Her responsibilities include monitoring and implementing internal controls, including policies and procedures to assure compliance with local, state and federal laws and regulations and third party guidelines. She is also responsible for responding to requests for information from regulatory bodies and performing due diligence reviews of vendors to protect the interests of the bank and its customers. Colburn received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut, and lives with her husband in Bar Harbor.

Awards The Wellness Council of Maine, a nonprofit program of the Bangor Region Chamber of Commerce with statewide representation, has recognized these individuals/organizations for significant contributions to improving employee wellness in their regions of Maine: 10 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

ATHENA HEALTH; RSU 22 WELLNESS TEAM; the CITY OF BANGOR , EMPLOYEE HEALTH SOLUTIONS and BANGOR SAVINGS BANK for their Spring Training Challenge; UNLIMITED SOLUTIONS CLUBHOUSE operated by Penobscot Community Health Care; and TOM DOWNING OF LIFELINE CENTER FOR WORKPLACE WELLNESS.

Thoreau Foundation to cultivate students as effective advocates for renewable energy and climate change issues. The Henry David Thoreau Environmental Leaders Initiative combines academic preparation, experiential learning and action in international and local settings, and peer-to-peer learning and mentoring. UMAINE BUSINESS CHALLENGE is back

SAPPI NORTH AMERICA, a leading

producer and supplier of diversified paper and packaging products, has received a Champion of Economic Development Award from the Maine Development Foundation. The award is given to those individuals or organizations that are key to driving Maine’s economy forward. Sappi North America is a cornerstone of Maine’s paper industry, planting its roots as the S.D. Warren Company more than 160 years ago. The company employs over 1,300 local citizens across three locations: South Portland, Westbrook, and Skowhegan. Sappi also supports more than 75 local organizations and school programs with volunteer efforts and financial contributions. The Bangor Area Homeless Shelter has recognized CAMDEN NATIONAL BANK as its Business Supporter of the Year for 2016 in honor of the bank’s efforts in supporting the shelter and Maine’s homeless through its Hope@Home initiative and involvement in the annual Hike for the Homeless fundraising event. The award was recently presented at the Bangor shelter’s annual meeting at the Fraternal Order of Eagles Club in Brewer. Through the communitybased, statewide Hope@Home program, Camden National Bank donates $100 for every new home it finances to a local homeless shelter in the homeowner’s name. (photo)

Grants COLLEGE OF THE ATLANTIC

received a $40,000 faculty grant from the Henry David

for another year of business plan battle with a new name, new mentors, and new opportunity for students to win $20,000 in cash and in-kind consulting prizes. Business Lending Solutions recently announced an exclusive, three-year sponsorship agreement with UMaine Business Challenge, committing $10,000 to the Challenge each year through 2018. Under the agreement, UBC will be known as "UMaine Business Challenge, presented by Business Lending Solutions." The 2017 competition is open to students from every Maine college or university. Past UBC winners have enjoyed great business success beyond graduation, including Evolution Research Inc., a thermal materials company founded by two UMaine graduates who realized their UBC dream in 2015 upon landing a $225,000 National Science Foundation grant. With backing from Business Lending Solutions, UBC aims to give every young Maine entrepreneur the chance to achieve this same success, all to the benefit of Maine's future economy. Students interested in participating have until December 16, 2016 to enter the first phase of the UBC: the “Intent to Participate” stage. The remaining phases of the competition will take place throughout the academic year and conclude with the final “Pitch Day” event in April 2017. For more information, visit: umainebusinesschallenge.com.

what’s happening

Working

Together

PHOTOS: MEGAFLOPP/THINKSTOCK

University of New England to work with Eastern Maine Medical Center as part of national research partnership.

BIDDEFORD & BANGOR: Looking for new ways to approach health care delivery and health profession education, the University of New England has joined the National Center for Interprofessional Practice and Education’s Nexus Innovations Network, a national research partnership. UNE joins 87 projects in 33 states already testing new models and methods of integrating health care practice and education. Each of the projects in the Nexus Innovations Network focuses on the real-world testing of effective interprofessional team-based strategies with the potential to improve the experience, outcomes and costs of health care. In joining the Nexus Innovations Network, UNE will work with Eastern Maine Medical Center to study the impact on students, clinicians and patients of implementing interprofessional education. “At UNE, our students are provided interprofessional team-based competencies while they are still on campus, before their clinical training,” said Dora Anne Mills, M.D., M.P.H., FAAP, vice president for Clinical Affairs and director of the Center for Health Innovation. “As they enter clinical settings that help build those interprofessional team skills, such as at EMMC, we want to determine how those skills are impacting their learning, the way clinicians at EMMC practice, and the health outcomes of their patients.” Interprofessional team-based care occurs when multiple health workers from different professional backgrounds blend their expertise to provide comprehensive health services to patients, families and communities. Patients and, as appropriate, their families are also members of the health team. The concept is not new, but health systems, governmental agencies and educational institutions are beginning to look at how to fully implement it in practice and measure its outcomes on patient care. This IRB-approved project is estimated to take three years. Throughout the process, UNE and EMMC researchers will collect and submit data to the National Center where it will be aggregated with data from other projects and shared through reports and peer-reviewed publications, increasing evidence on the effectiveness and return on investment of interprofessional models in developing the skills necessary for high quality and efficient health care. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 11

what’s happening

Nov. 12 Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Races, Bar Harbor

NOVEMBER

Nov. 6 Joan Osborne at the Gracie Theatre at Husson University While Osborne has already earned a reputation as both a commanding, passionate performer and a frank, emotionally evocative songwriter, her soulful songcraft reaches a new level of musical and lyrical resonance on “Love 12 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

and Hate,” her new, acoustic guitardriven album. Osbourne performs at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 6 at the Gracie Theatre at Husson. gracietheatre.com Nov. 6 Ailey II at the Collins Center for the Arts The acclaimed modern dance troupe merges the spirit and energy of the country’s best young dance talent with the passion and creative vision of today’s most outstanding emerging choreographers. Tickets available by calling 581-1755, or in person at the CCA box office on the University of Maine campus. collinscenterforthearts.com Nov. 11 Maine Discovery Museum Annual Gala Art Auction Each year the Maine Discovery Museum

in Bangor provides a unique piece of small furniture, this year a mirror, to Maine artists to transform into beautiful works of art. There are 55 mirrors this year, jewelry by Maine jewelers and businesses and several original pieces of art. The gala auction for these mirrors is set for Nov. 11 at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bangor; tickets are $50 and benefit the museum. mainediscoverymuseum.org Nov. 12 Early Bird Pajama Sale and Bed Races in Bar Harbor Roll out of bed (6 a.m.!) and come early for the steals and deals at Bar Harbor's finest retail locations for the annual Early Bird Pajama Sale, where those who shop in their pajamas receive even better discounts. At 10 a.m., watch for the Bed and Pajama Parade rolling down Main Street on their way to Bed Races that follow directly afterwards. barharborinfo.com

PHOTO: BDN FILE

Nov. 5 Eastern Maine Community College Lip Sync Challenge This event, set for Johnson Gymnasium on the EMCC campus, will bring together community members and businesses to support EMCC's Foundation efforts. The lip sync battle will feature solo acts, musical groups, vocalists, and bands to compete for a $500 as well as bragging rights. Cocktails at 5 p.m., dinner at 6 p.m., and the lip sync battle begins at 7 p.m. emcc.edu

Celebrate Farm Fresh on November 19 & 20, 2016 Saturday & Sunday, 10am-4pm Admission $8, Children 12 and under free Cross Insurance Center 515 Main Street, Bangor, ME 207-561-8300

Renowned Maine chefs, over 55,000 S.F. filled with State of Maine growers and their harvest, bakers, cheese makers, vintners, brewers and fiber artisans with demonstrations, sampling, sales, toe tapping music and much more! New this year - UMaine’s Page Farm & Home Museum brings you ‘Celebrating Maine Farms & Homes’ in our Grand Ballroom!

www.maineharvestfestival.com

for just $24.95

That’s a full year of Bangor Metro magazine for just $24.95! Already a Bangor Daily News subscriber?

You can get the Bangor Metro for just $14.95!

For subscriptions,

call 990-8075

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 13

what’s happening Nov. 12 “Moby Dick” by Mike Daisey at the Collins Center for the Arts Mike Daisey takes on Herman Melville’s masterpiece of revenge, fate, and whaling terminology in a hilarious and breathtaking ninety minute one-man show. Tickets available at 581-1755, or in person at the CCA box office. collinscenterforthearts.com

Nov. 20 Bangor Symphony Orchestra, Orono

Nov. 18-Dec. 31 Gardens Aglow, Boothbay

14 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

Nov. 19 and 20 Maine Harvest Festival Renowned local chefs and over 100 state of Maine growers, bakers, cheese artisans, fabric artists, vintners and brewers descend on the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor for the weekend before Thanksgiving, with demonstrations, sampling, sales and much more. For a full list of vendors and events, visit maineharvestfestival.com. maineharvestfestival.com Nov. 20 Bangor Symphony Orchestra: The Romantics The BSO’s November concert features Ludwig van Beethoven’s King Stephan Overture, Robert Schumann’s Symphony No. 4 and Johannes Brahms’ Concerto for Violin, featuring Rachel Barton Pine as violin soloist. The concert is set for 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 20 at the Collins Center for the Arts. collinscenterforthearts.com Nov. 18-Dec. 31 Gardens Aglow at the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens, Boothbay CMBG staff will magically transform the central gardens from a summer paradise to a winter wonderland. Gardens Aglow, a ticketed event, features tens of thousands of lights, creating the largest light display in Maine. In addition to dramatic lighting, visitors will enjoy music, special food and beverage options in the café, and holiday shopping in the gift shop. Gardens Aglow is open from 4 to 9 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. mainegardens.org

PHOTOS: BDN FILE; (BSO) JEFF KIRLIN

Nov. 19 & 20 Maine Harvest Festival, Bangor

Wilson Electronics

Cell Phone Signal Booster

Improve signal to your cell phone or cellular data card, giving you maximum signal performance for rural or remote locations. Boosters available for use in car, boat, or in-building. Systems utilize outside antenna, inside antenna, power adapter, and cellular amplifier.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 15

unsung hero

Classic cars line up for the East Orrington Congregational Church car show.

A Driving Force Orrington man’s love of car’s helps heat Maine homes. BY JODI HERSEY

George Smith started the fundraising car show in 2011.

eorge Smith

of Orrington has loved cars before he could even drive them. For the past six years, this Army veteran and classic car owner has used his knowledge and passion for four wheels to help keep Mainers warm throughout the winter. Each August, he organizes the East Orrington Congregational Church car show. The one-day event has raised just shy of $50,000 in heating assistance for area homes since the show began in 2011. “I’m a fan of any car that’s well taken care of. Mustangs just happen to be my favorite,” said Smith. “And this [car show] is something I can actually get pleasure and enjoyment out of and help do some good.” When Smith first presented his car show idea to Rev. Carl Schreiber and the men’s group at church, he received nothing but their blessing. What Smith never anticipated is that he’d still be running and organizing the show all these years later. “My original goal was to do it for four or five years and train someone to take over, but no one stepped up and people still need the [heating] help,” explained Smith. “To be honest, I’m a very shy person. I couldn’t go to anyone and ask for donations for myself but when it comes to having a good purpose, it doesn’t bother me. I step out of my comfort zone.” More than 40 classic automobiles, including Mustangs, Pontiacs, Chevy Bel Airs and Model Ts participated in this past summer’s car show, which ended early due to rain. Those car show registrations along with sponsorships and various auction items helped the EOCC show raise $13,390. In past years, Smith has been able to attract upwards of 90 vehicles to the event. “Quite a few of them do it out of respect for me and what we’re doing it for, which makes me feel really good,” said Smith.

Rev. Schreiber isn’t the least bit surprised by the show’s success or its loyal participants. He says Smith is a go-getter who likes to help others as much as he likes to get things done. “Most of the time the biggest responses we get [from the people we help] are, ‘Why are you doing this?’ or ‘How can we repay you?’ George puts in so many hours and what does he gain from it? The answer is nothing. That’s not why we do it, to be repaid. And that’s not why George does it. It’s simply to help,” said Schreiber. While most classic car owners have put away their vehicles for the season, Smith is already working with area businesses and sponsors on next year’s 7th annual EOCC car show. Besides raising funds for heating assistance, Smith has also been able to contribute $500 from the car show proceeds to support Operation Christmas Child for the last two years. It’s a service project through Samaritan’s Purse that partners with churches from around the world to provide gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need. “The sky is the limit. I don’t want it to end,” said Smith. “I just want it to keep going.” 16 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

PHOTOS: JODI HERSEY; (T-BIRD) SHANESABIN/THINKSTOCK

For the past six years, this Army veteran and classic car owner has used his knowledge and passion for four wheels to help keep Mainers warm throughout the winter.

eye on industry

Highlighting

Technology

Illuminating tissue during surgery may lead to fewer complications. COURTESY OF EASTERN MAINE MEDICAL CENTER PHOTOS BY GABOR DEGRE

18 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

astern Maine

Medical Center recently became the first hospital in Maine to use fluorescence imaging during robot-assisted surgery, an advancement that provides surgeons with better visualization of tissue and blood vessels and may lead to fewer complications. “With this technology, we can make tissue and blood vessels glow a bright green color, which allows us to see actual flow,” said Dr. Michelle Toder, physician, EMMC Northeast Surgery, director, EMMC Surgical Weight Loss, and co-chair, EMMC Robotic Steering Committee. “Robot-assisted surgery already allows for exceptional precision and control, and fluorescence imaging is a way for us to further enhance this type of surgery.” “Lighting up” tissue has several practical applications in the operating room. For example, the technology can

be used to highlight the differences between cancerous and noncancerous tissue, making it more likely that healthy tissue will remain in place, and cancerous tissue will not be left behind during kidney, colon, and uterine surgery. In some cases, surgeons may be able to isolate and remove a cancerous tumor instead of an entire organ. Physicians who use the technology during gallbladder removal surgery can more clearly see the bile ducts, which may lead to better precision and a lower risk of bile duct injuries and leaks. Fluorescence imaging also has benefits during surgical weight loss revision procedures as well as head and neck, pelvic floor, benign colon, and other types of surgery. Patients do not feel anything different during or after surgery. Prior to the procedure, the surgeon educates the patient about fluorescence imaging. On the day of

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Physician assistant Claire Costanca (left) and certified scrub technician Gisele Gendreau assist as Dr. Michelle Toder performs a robotassisted gallbladder surgery at EMMC. The green color is due to fluorescence imaging during robot-assisted surgery, that provides surgeons with better visualization of tissue and blood vessels.

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surgery, dye is injected, which enables the desired anatomy to glow. In the operating room, a camera provides both standard and fluorescent light, allowing the surgeon to switch back and forth between different modes and providing multiple views. After the surgery, the dye leaves the body naturally and has no lingering effects. Toder first used fluorescence imaging during a robot-assisted gallbladder removal. The procedure went smoothly, and the patient is on her way to a full recovery. “I was amazed by how much more information this enhanced view provided during surgery,” said Toder. “The technology clearly results in better precision, and this is key to making further improvements in the safety of surgery. As a robotic surgery Epicenter, EMMC has shown its commitment to being a leader in surgical care, and fluorescence imaging takes it to an even higher level.” www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 19

movers & shakers

Musical

Match Songwriter and music publisher aim to get their work in a Hollywood film. BY JODI HERSEY

Joe Pickering (left) with Peter Prince.

oe Pickering

spent more than 30 years working in the health industry as executive director at Community Health and Counseling in Bangor. His day job kept him on his toes, but it was his love of music and songwriting that put a bounce in his step. Now the retiree has two music publishing companies, King of the Road Music and Paul Bunyan Music, that provide him the perfect avenue to share his and other songwriters’ music with the world. “I’ve written a lot of sports songs. I use baseball as a background and write about heroes and people who made a difference,” said Pickering. New Jersey songwriter Peter Prince stumbled upon Pickering’s music publishing site just a few years ago. The two became instant fans of one another, especially after Pickering heard Prince’s song “Softly Down.” The heartfelt tribute honors pilot Capt. Sully Sullenberger who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River on Jan. 15, 2009 after a bird strike knocked out both the plane’s engines. The event saved the lives of all on board and is now commonly known as the Miracle on the Hudson. “I actually wrote this song three days after it happened. I have always been affected by regular people who do heroic things,” explained Prince. “When I heard the audio of him saying in that calm, firm way, ‘We’re going to be in the Hudson,’ I just felt the strength. And thought if I’m going to be in this [type of] situation, this is the kind of guy I’d want flying that plane.” Together, Prince and Pickering began calling, promoting and sharing “Softly Down” with anyone in the music business who would lend them an ear. The lyrics wound up in the hands of a few country singers from Nashville, including Buddy Jewell, Allen Johnson and Colene Walters. All three have versions of the song available through CDBaby, iTunes or Amazon. “I’ve seen some miracles in my life that I like to talk about in some of my shows, and what happened with the ‘Miracle on the Hudson’ was terrible but turned out to be a beautiful thing. I think that’s why I love Peter’s writing,” said singer Colene Walters. Last year, Prince and Pickering discovered Clint Eastwood would be making the movie “Sully.” The film, starring Tom Hanks as Capt. Sullenberger, hit movie theaters in September. “The goal was to get the song in the movie. We knew it was very difficult and our instincts were right. Clint Eastwood works on the inside a lot and he writes some of his own music,” said Prince. But that didn’t stop Miracle on the Hudson passenger Dave Sanderson from lending a hand to the process. Sanderson, who is now a motivational speaker, plays a small role in the movie.

“I met with Peter when I was speaking in New Jersey. When he sent me the song, I thought it was beautiful. I liked it so much I put it on my website,” said Sanderson. “I told him I would and I did send it to the people responsible for the movie.” “Softly Down,” however, didn’t make the final cut. It’s still circling the cyber skies looking for the perfect place to land. “The fact that we didn’t put it in the movie is almost irrelevant because the song is going to find its own way,” said Pickering. “It’s like a child that you send off into the world. You wish it well, but you’re also behind pushing it. We’re hoping it can be picked up by TV or another film.” For more information, visit kingoftheroadmusic.com. 20 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

PHOTO: JODI HERSEY

The two became instant fans of one another, especially after Pickering heard Prince’s song “Softly Down.” The heartfelt tribute honors pilot Capt. Sully Sullenberger who safely landed US Airways Flight 1549 in the Hudson River.

metro health

Pillow Perfect A

BY DEBBIE CARLSON, CHICAGO TRIBUNE

22 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

good night’s

rest can be elusive, and sometimes the culprit is the wrong — or old — pillow. Bad pillows can cause neck or shoulder pain and headaches, and they can worsen allergy symptoms, like sneezing and congestion, said Natalie D. Dautovich, assistant professor in the department of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University and the environmental scholar for the National Sleep Foundation. Dr. Marc Leavey, primary care specialist at Lutherville Personal Physicians, part of Mercy Medical Center in Baltimore, who speaks on sleep issues, said that because people have different sleeping patterns — side, back, stomach and restless — and there are different pillow styles and fillings, there isn’t one right pillow for everyone. No matter how a person sleeps, Dautovich said, a great pillow allows sleepers to rest comfortably in their natural sleeping position and supports their head and neck in a neutral alignment, which means centered over their shoulders. To sort through the different pillows out there, the sleep experts offered the following tips. Stomach sleepers. These people only need light support, said Brandon Berman, in-house sleep expert for sleep-products company Reverie. Look for a low-loft pillow, which refers to a pillow’s height as it lies flat on the bed. “Stomach sleepers tend to like a very thin pillow, which can be used under the head, chest or stomach,” Dautovich said.

PHOTO: PURESTOCK/THINKSTOCK

Expert advice on getting a great night’s sleep by finding your perfect pillow.

Leavey said a thin pillow prevents stomach sleepers from hyperextending their neck. Stomach sleepers may not even need a pillow. Back sleepers. A medium-support pillow will give back sleepers adequate support for their head and neck, the sleep experts said. “Back sleepers may also seek out a pillow with a curved edge that allows their shoulders to remain level while elevating their head and neck,” Berman said. Leavey and Dautovich cautioned back sleepers to ensure the pillow won’t lift their necks too high, which ends up craning the head forward. A lower-loft pillow may prevent that. Side sleepers. Side sleepers need firm support to keep the spine aligned with the shoulders and hips, they all said. A

high-loft pillow can help. Dautovich said firmer pillows will prevent side sleeper’s heads from tipping down toward the mattress. Here’s also where the mattress comes into play, Leavey said. Ideally for side sleepers, their hips and shoulders should sink slightly into the mattress to help with that straight-spine alignment. Restless sleepers. Leavey said restless sleepers may have a harder time fitting into these categories. “If you’re a restless sleeper, all bets are off. You should try and look for a bolstertype pillow or a body pillow,” he suggested. Size. Leavey said people should buy whatever size they want and not to let the size of their bed determine pillow size. Fill. Feathers, down, synthetic, memory foam and latex are different pillow

fills. Generally, down and feather blends are soft and fluffy, synthetic can still be soft but gives some resistance, and memory foam feels dense and supports the sleeper’s head, Dautovich said. The one drawback to memory foam is that it can be hot, Leavey and Berman said. Latex is an alternative to memory foam that doesn’t get hot. Manufacturers are starting to focus on technology to make pillows cooler too. Memory foam and latex pillows may take some time to get used to, Leavey said, but they are extremely durable and can last a long time. If possible, test pillows before buying, Dautovich and Leavey said, such as going to a bedding shop and lying down with the pillow. “If you spend 10 minutes testing pillow options before you buy, it will be a www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 23

great investment for your … sleep in the long run,” she said. • Cost and care. How much to spend on a pillow is a personal preference. Dautovich said sleepers should focus first on what’s comfortable to them and keeps their spine straight. That said, inexpensive pillows might only last six months or a year at best, Leavey added. It’s time to replace pillows if they have lumps and sags, Dautovich said, noting that many doctors suggest replacing them every two years. Leavey recommended the fold test. If the pillow can be folded over and doesn’t spring back into shape, shop for a new one. In between purchases, wash them a few times a year, Leavey said, and Dautovich added that pillows that aren’t washable can be run through the dryer on high temperatures to kill dust mites. When it’s time for a new pillow, Leavey said, experiment a little. “It’s really whatever makes you comfortable. There is no panacea in pillows. Because of that, you need to try out a few to see how they perform. Don’t be afraid of trying out different kinds,” he said.

24 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

PHOTO: NATALIA LYUBETSKAYA/THINKSTOCK

metro health

metro

Healthy & Balanced

wellness

To live a healthy life, what’s on your list?

PHOTOS: MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES, PHOTODISC, GPOINTSTUDIO, KIEFERPIX, CHOREOGRAPH/THINKSTOCK

BY EMILIE BRAND THROCKMORTON

recently

read an article that a friend shared with me titled “Work, Sleep, Family, Fitness, or Friends: Pick 3,” by Randi Zuckerberg. The article states that to be healthy and balanced in your life, you can only reasonably choose three of these life priorities and succeed. You need to let go of the rest. My friend asked, “Which three do you pick?” On first read, I loved the concept. Yes, please! Let us talk about how we cannot possibly do it all; we must be honest with ourselves and choose our priorities. If I want enough time with my family, then I don’t have the luxury of fitting everything else into my days. And this article was telling me I only had to pick two more. I thought about it — “I choose fitness and career. No actually, I choose friends and sleep. I mean sleep and career.” Wait. The article started to make me mad. There was no answer that worked, and while she makes some great points, the formula is rigged. To live a healthy life, I can’t cut any from her list. In fact, I need to add two more, if I’m being honest. Family, Friends, Fitness, Career, Sleep, YES. Add: Cooking and Time Alone. That is seven, and to live a healthy life, I need to pick them all. Zuckerberg’s article got me fired up because no, we cannot do it ALL to such a high degree. But if you are realistic and creative, you can most certainly cover all of your bases without sacrificing your health and happiness. I don’t pretend to be a woman who has it all or can do it all, and taking shortcuts is key when needed. I also don’t think this article helps anyone if a reader walks away thinking: “Well, if I want to be a good parent, I must give up fitness.” Or, “Clearly, I need to stop sleeping in order to succeed in my career.” Let’s not be dramatic. My seven needs may not be yours, but here is how I keep my ship sailing

(mostly) smoothly without caving to Zuckerberg’s logic. Family: Family is at the top of the list. My life revolves around my family, and this is the one part of my life that trumps all else. If a kid needs me, I drop other things. If I need time with my husband, I cancel other plans. As a practice, our days are built around shared time, like family dinners at the table, reading together before bed, and getting outdoors together on the weekends. Friends: Does my social life look like it did when I was in college? No. Do I want it to? Heck, no. I have a few best friends whom I see when I can. They are

Career: My teaching career feeds me intellectually and socially, and also provides me with a work schedule that fits with my family. I know I’m lucky. I’ve also gotten excellent at multitasking and prioritizing over the years, using work to feed me, not drain me (stay away from complainers), and leaving the work-related stress at work. Sleep: Ideally, I need eight hours and I usually get between six and seven a night. Admittedly, I will cut sleep in favor of more time with my kids in the evenings, or for an early-morning workout, but I aim to make up the missed hours on the weekends. It works.

I don’t subscribe to perfection, but balance and flexibility, and for the love of humanity, I will never give up sleep. busy working, raising kids, and meeting their own needs, too, and we all get that. I am in daily text contact with my besties about the funny and ridiculous things that happen to us every day, so even though I might not get to see them for dinner and drinks more than once a month (if we’re lucky) we always feel connected. That’s what I really need. Fitness: This depends on how you define “fitness.” Training plans for endurance races take a lot of time and commitment. Just because I can’t be in tip-top shape or train for an Ironman Triathlon right now does not mean I throw fitness out the window. Staying in shape is not a means to an end — it makes me feel good. I mix up my days with walking, running, exercise classes, swimming and biking. When I can, I run with my husband and bike with my friends. Win, win.

Cooking: My life doesn’t feel as though it’s working unless I make time to cook fresh meals for my family. When things get crazy and we rely on takeout too often, my peace of mind suffers. That doesn’t mean everything is homemade or organic every night. But it helps to organize, plan, and make simple meals. Time Alone: Simply put, I need to read, write, and sit around and think in peace. I take advantage of whatever pockets I can find in order to have at least a little bit of time alone. So I say to Ms. Zuckerberg, “No! I am not picking three. Our lives are not so compartmentalized and none of our basic needs are disposable. I don’t subscribe to perfection, but balance and flexibility, and for the love of humanity, I will never give up sleep.” What’s on your list?

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 / 25

feature story

Rediscovering Wellness

26 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

How at 54, I’ve rediscovered fitness and health at a Bangor gym. BY PETE WARNER PHOTOS BY MICKY BEDELL

en in my

family have an unfortunate knack for dropping dead in their 50s. My father died of a heart attack when he was 58 and his father succumbed to a heart attack at 55. I try not to let it worry me, but I’m 54 and have been 20 pounds overweight and unwilling to exercise regularly for 15 or 20 years. That’s why it really hit home in January when my physician said my blood pressure was elevated and suggested it was time to start taking medication.

I try not to let it worry me, but I’m 54 and have been 20 pounds overweight and unwilling to exercise regularly for 15 or 20 years.

BDN assistant sports editor Pete Warner holds heavy ropes while doing jumping jacks during a workout session at Wilcox Wellness and Fitness in Bangor.

I asked for a few months to try lowering it with diet and exercise – but I did almost nothing. Then in May I saw a Facebook post that changed everything. It was a discussion about the 30-day “KickStart Program” at Wilcox Wellness and Fitness in Bangor. After reading more, I knew that I had to sign up. I was finally ready to make a change. “Our mission is to help people enhance their lives by forming healthful habits that they can sustain for a lifetime,” Wilcox Wellness and Fitness coowner Mike Wilcox said. “We believe www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 27

feature story that when people commit to healthy living, everything else in their life falls into place and life just gets better.” From the outset, everything clicked. I had an initial goal-setting meeting with Katie Norwood, one of Wilcox’s dedicated certified personal trainers. We discussed what I hoped to get out of KickStart. All the new clients gathered on a Saturday for the first group workout. The trainers – Scott Philbrick, Wilcox and Norwood – along with co-owner Paige Wilcox, who provides behind-thescenes inspiration, were all on hand. It was challenging, but the fatigue, perspiration and subsequent pain and stiffness actually felt good. It was proof that even though I was sadly out of shape, there was hope that I could get fit. A key element of the Wilcox Wellness and Fitness KickStart Program is

It was challenging, but the fatigue, perspiration and subsequent pain and stiffness actually felt good. It was proof that even though I was sadly out of shape, there was hope that I could get fit. the nutrition plan, which is mapped out in detail in a guide book. It contains shopping lists, delicious recipes and full menus for 30 days. Naturally, the majority of people who immerse themselves in a regular exercise routine are going to look and feel better. But the meal plan is the cornerstone of this program. I discovered that the changes made in eliminating sugar, simple carbohydrates and most processed foods from your diet are what open the door to being able to enjoy whole foods and feel better. I had assumed that my desire to eat sugary and starchy foods was a matter of choice. But only three days into the plan, my cravings were completely gone. I was amazed. 28 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

Warner rediscovered better physical and mental health through a local fitness initiative at Wilcox Wellness and Fitness in Bangor.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 29

feature story I found myself with more energy and even noticed a dramatic improvement in my mood and self-confidence. Having begun to eat great food, I also became enthusiastic about the group training. The folks at Wilcox make it easy, providing all the tools I needed to making a significant life change. The workouts are varied and incorporate numerous exercises to work different areas of the body. Building a stronger core is key and an emphasis on using proper form helps maximize results and minimize injury. The trainers inspire confidence with their fitness knowledge and they consistently exhibit a high level of enthusiasm and intensity that helps clients focus and work hard.

I found myself with more energy and even noticed a dramatic improvement in my mood and self-confidence. And the support continues outside the gym. Paige Wilcox sends out frequent Facebook messages and emails that help clients learn more and remain motivated in all facets of the program. The result is a well-rounded framework that gives clients all the tools they need to eat well, work out wisely and achieve their health and fitness goals. “We focus on forming habits, allowing people to achieve their goals and sustain them for a lifetime by adding in more fun activity, fresh delicious food,” Wilcox said. “This allows our clients to live life to the fullest, not sacrificing anything in life.” The KickStart Program at Wilcox Wellness and Fitness was exactly what I needed to start turning my life around. Upon completing the month, I lost a combined 20½ inches in my arms, shoulders, chest, waist, hips and thighs. “Participants in our four-Week KickStart Program can expect to form healthy habits that will set them up for a lifetime of healthful living,” Wilcox said. “On average, participants lose 9-12 inches off their body (six measurement 30 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

YOUR INJURY IS PERSONAL You did not expect to be in a car crash.

The other driver was negligent and now you are in pain and out of work. Your hospital bills are piling up and you are getting the run-around from the insurance companies.

Warner pulls weights while taking part in a local fitness initiative at Wilcox Wellness and Fitness in Bangor.

W�'�� H�� T� H�� Y�� M�� Y�� F�� R��.

CALL (207) 942-2898 FOR A FREE CONSULTATION TODAY. 133 Broadway, Bangor • lanhamblackwell.com www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 31

feature story

Warner says within just a few weeks of starting his wellness routine, his blood pressure readings returned to the normal range.

points) and 5.2 percent of their waist measurement. We have had participants lose up to 24.5 inches and 30 pounds,â&#x20AC;? she added. I feel great and look better, but I still have a lot of progress to make in what I consider a lifelong process. I am training three days a week at Wilcox and continue to follow the nutrition plan. It is so gratifying to attend workouts with other like-minded people who are committed to better health and trainers who want to help us achieve it. Ultimately, it is up to the clients to follow the nutrition plan, attend training sessions regularly and develop good habits to achieve the desired results. Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m sharing my story in the hope that anyone who feels sluggish, fat and out of shape can turn their lives around. I am indebted to the Wilcox staff for helping me do just that. Within a couple of weeks, my blood pressure readings returned to the normal range. God willing, Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll be able to stay healthy and fit for many years to come. 32 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 33

freeport then & now

(Above & right) A view of the Freeport town square from years past, including the trolley tracks. (Below) Leon Leonwood Bean sporting a fresh catch, and the L.L.Bean complex as it stands today.

34 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

A Great P lace to Visit,

A Great Place to Live It may or may not be the birthplace of Maine, but with deserts, shopping and a big wooden Indian, Freeport has something for everyone. ARTICLE AND PHOTOS BY RICHARD SHAW

HISTORIC PHOTOS COURTESY OF UNIVERSITY OF MAINE FOGLER LIBRARY SPECIAL COLLECTIONS AND THE RICHARD SHAW POSTCARD COLLECTION

here is

no such thing as offseason in Freeport, even in November. The Cumberland County shopping mecca always seems to be jammed with people searching for a stuffed monkey at the Mangy Moose or a marked-down kayak at L.L. Bean, the town’s flagship store that began running 24 hours a day in 1951. Leon Leonwood Bean died in 1967, just as Freeport, population 4,600, was on the cusp of outlet history. He might not recognize the place today, but the entrepreneurial whiz probably wouldn’t sneeze at seeing his billion-dollar company grow an entire village. Bean never forgot his roots, which began in the cellar of his brother’s ap-

parel shop at Freeport Corner, where in 1912 he began selling the Maine Hunting Shoe, otherwise known as the Bean Boot. Clothing and canoes followed. Today, his little wooden store is a multilevel paradise that appeals not only to sportsmen, but to women and children looking for a good buy. Freeport’s 2016 population is around 8,200 and growing. A 20-minute drive from Portland and even closer to Brunswick, the town is home to an acclaimed school system, a Shakespeare festival, and a downtown where Banana Republic and McDonald’s do business in 19th century houses. The Freeport Historical Society is based in an old downtown building, and across www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 35

freeport then & now the street, reminiscent of when trolleys ran to Portland and Brunswick, Amtrak provides daily service to Boston. Yesterday’s Freeport was a quiet place where shoppers mounted an outside stairway to enter L.L. Bean and a live camel greeted tourists at the Desert of Maine, a 40-acre pile of glacial silt that has been drawing tourists since 1925. “Freeport grew into a retail mecca because its geography allowed the development of transportation networks,” said Holly Hurd, the historical society’s curator and collections manager, “starting with the Harraseeket River, and later the railroad, which first passed through the village in 1849. Entrepreneurs developed the town

Yesterday’s Freeport was a quiet place where shoppers mounted an outside stairway to enter L.L. Bean and a live camel greeted tourists at the Desert of Maine, a 40-acre pile of glacial silt that has been drawing tourists since 1925. through shipbuilding, then shoemaking, and later retail, but importantly, many of the foundations of the past have been preserved by major gifts from the Smiths, and more recently, from the Denneys.” Settled around 1770, the village of Harraseeket set apart from North Yarmouth and incorporated as a separate town in 1789. The town developed as four villages, now known as the Harraseeket Historic District. “The school bus hadn’t been invented,” recalled humorist John Gould in a 1993 column, “so when we high school baseball boys played an ‘away’ game, we got to ride not only our own Freeport [trolley] line, but … the Interurban [train]. …” 36 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

Freeportâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s historic community library (right) today and (below) in a postcard from the past. (Bottom) Harraseeket Harbor in South Freeport.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 37

freeport then & now

The Jameson Tavern (below), formerly known as the Codman Tavern (this photo) claims the 1820 act of separation was signed in this building.

The tower of Freeport Castle, or Casco Castle, still stands in South Freeport today.

The Portland–Lewiston Interurban was an electric railroad operating from 1914 to 1933 between Monument Square in Portland and Union Square in Lewiston. An old DAR plaque near the Jameson Tavern in Freeport claims the 1820 act of separation was signed in that building, making Maine a state by splitting from Massachusetts. Like the name Freeport, whose origins are cloudy, historians such as Hurd dispute the tablet’s claim. Documents actually mention an 1819 tavern meeting rejecting separation. “All evidence suggests that Freeport was not the birthplace of Maine,” Hurd said, shattering an old Chamber of Commerce myth. Today, when visitors are finished watching a movie at the Nordica Theatre or dining at Linda Bean’s Maine Kitchen and Topside Tavern, they might take a side trip down the old Route 1 south of the village. Freeport’s Big Wooden Indian still watches over the road, and the Muddy Rudder and Day’s Take-Out do a brisk business. Nearby is the picturesque village of South Freeport, located on the Harraseeket River, and heading off of Main Street closer to town are Wolfe Neck Woods State Park and Wolfe Neck Farm, once home to the Freeport Castle. November is a month of weather changes and changing business hours of operation, so check the town’s website, freeportmaine.com, before visiting. The Desert of Maine closed for the season in October, but the historical society and community library are open year round. “Freeport Artists of the Past: 1870-1950” is open through Dec. 16 at the historical society’s Harrington House, located at 45 Main St. The society also owns Pettengill House and Farm. Any time of year, every Tuesday as they have done since Sept. 11, 2001, the Freeport Flag Ladies display their patriotism at public Main Street rallies. That’s Freeport, always reminding residents and visitors of where it has been and where it stands today.

Check out our interactive map of Freeport at bangormetro.com

38 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

The Big Wooden Indian (below) has been a Freeport attraction for years. (At right) The Congregational Church is pictured in the past and today.

Town Stats First Incorporated: Feb. 14, 1789 Named for (disputed): openness of the town’s harbor, free from ice; or, Sir Andrew Freeport, a character in Addison’s “Spectator Papers” Motto: The Birthplace of Maine (disputed); A Great Place to Visit, a Great Place to Live Population: 8,224 (2014 estimate) Median resident age (2010 census): 45 Elevation: 36 feet Area: Total, 46.47 square miles Notable people: • Donald MacMillan, Arctic explorer • John Gould, humorist and columnist • L.L. and G.C. Bean, businessman brothers • Leon Gorman, philanthropist, thirdgeneration L.L. Bean company president • Freeport Flag Ladies: Elaine Greene, JoAnn Miller, Carmen Footer

• Edmund Buxton Mallett Jr., pioneering developer • Joan Benoit Samuelson, Olympic gold medalist • Beth Edmonds, Maine Senate president • Melissa Coleman, author and columnist Useful Trivia: L.L. Bean began staying open 24 hours in 1951; Rodman Shutt of Pennsylvania carved the 30-foot Big Freeport Indian, located on Route 1, for $5,000 in 1969; Henry Goldrup purchased the 40-acre Tuttle farm for $300 and opened the Desert of Maine as a tourist attraction in 1925 Landmarks: L.L. Bean flagship store; Desert of Maine; Big Freeport Indian; Harraseeket Inn; Jameson Tavern; Freeport Historical Society; Pettengill House and Farm; First Parish Church Congregational; Wolfe Neck Woods State Park and Wolfe Neck Farm; Casco Castle tower; Mast Landing Audubon Sanctuary Municipal website: freeportmaine.com

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 39

food file

Time to Talk Turkey Tips for first-time holiday dinner hosts. BY METRO NEWS SERVICE

40 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

osting a holiday

meal for loved ones provides an exciting opportunity to bring family and friends together during a special time of year. Firsttime hosts may be a little nervous and put pressure on themselves to make the meal just right. But there are a few tricks of the trade novices can employ to calm their nerves and enjoy their first foray into holiday hosting. â&#x20AC;˘ Go with what you know. Experimenting in the kitchen can be fun, but such experimentation should be avoided when hosting for the holidays. When planning the menu for your holiday dinner, choose a main course that you have prepared in the past. Familiarity can calm your nerves, and you're less likely to forget key ingredients when preparing a meal you have made several times in the past. If you want to experiment a little, do so with desserts that you can prepare and test for taste several days in advance. If the desserts don't pan out, you will still have a few days to find an alternative. â&#x20AC;˘ Get a head start wherever possible. The day friends and family are coming to visit figures to be hectic. In addition to preparing the meal, hosts must also ready their homes so they can create a welcoming environment for their guests. Once you have chosen the menu, look for items that can be prepared in advance of the big day. Desserts can often be made several days in advance, as can certain side dishes. Do as much prep work for the main course the night before the meal as possible. â&#x20AC;˘ Double check your pantry. Even if you're making a meal you have made a dozen times in the past, peruse your pantry to make sure you have every ingredient you're going to need. If you're used to making the meal for four people but will now be making the meal for 12 of them, make sure you have enough of each ingredient to make the meal in bulk. To make things easier, update your recipe to reflect the additional guests before going to the grocery store. Doing so guarantees you won't run out of ingredients once you start preparing the meal.

Carving 101 Slice off a perfect holiday with these turkey carving tips. Roasted turkey is the centerpiece of many holiday feasts. That glistening, golden skin and moist meat beneath is the perfect companion to potatoes, string beans and any number of side dishes. Many holiday chefs have received compliments on the appearance of a freshly prepared turkey sitting on the holiday serving platter. But those same chefs may not know how to properly carve up their masterpieces after the grand presentation has been made.

1. Place the turkey on a large, sturdy cutting board. Do not cut

the turkey in the pan you used to cook it. Remove the string that may be tying the legs together. Turn the board so that the back of the turkey is facing you.

2. Choose a sharp knife to carve the turkey. A long, nar-

row knife may work best. Serrated knives may tear the turkey meat, so it may be better to use a flat knife. Some people prefer the ease of an electric knife. This is entirely your choice.

Cut through the skin on a leg and gently bend the leg as you slice through to expose the joint. Cut through and remove the entire leg. Then separate the drumstick from the thigh. Repeat on the other side. â&#x20AC;˘ Ask guests to bring nonessential items. Guests will likely offer to bring something to the holiday dinner, and there's nothing wrong with accepting help. But don't ask guests to bring items that are essential to the meal, as that can delay the meal if guests get stuck in traffic or show up late. Instead, ask guests to bring a bottle of wine, a small dessert or even some snacks guests can eat while waiting for the main course. â&#x20AC;˘ Ask about food allergies. While hosts don't need to cater to every food allergy under the sun, ask each guest if there is any particular food or ingredient they absolutely must avoid. If enough guests admit they must avoid a particular dish, you then know not to prepare it. In addition, have plenty of vegetables on hand for guests who are vegan or vegetarian. Holiday hosting is fun, and first-time hosts can make it even more fun by employing a few veteran tricks of the trade.

4. Cut the thigh meat parallel to the thigh bone and place on your serving platter.

5. To slice the breast meat, insert your knife in the center of the

breast bone and cut down until you reach the ribs. Then slice the breast meat in toward your initial cut so you are cutting across the grain of the meat. This will keep the meat tender. Another idea is to remove one side of the breast and slice across it to produce smaller pieces for serving.

6. Find the wish bone and place it on the side to dry. Children typically like to break the wish bone.

7. Find the joint of the wings and remove them in a similar fashion as you did for the legs. They are small enough that they should not require extra slicing and can be placed whole on the serving platter.

Drizzle the sliced meat with any reserved cooking juices to keep the turkey moist and flavorful. Since turkey is usually the star of many holiday meals, it pays to know the correct way to carve turkey for celebrations.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 41

food file

Dishing Up

Delicious

BY METRO NEWS SERVICE

laying host

or hostess and inviting crowds of people to visit is part of what makes the season so special and memorable. Lavish meals are a large part of holiday celebrations, with many people indulging in dinners and desserts throughout the holiday season. This is a time when many families display their best recipes. Looking for a few new entries to add to the mix this year? Try these versatile appetizers.

Appetizers need a solid base onto which the culinary creation can be built. “Cornbread Blinis” offer just that. These small cornmeal “pancakes” are beautiful, sturdy hosts for the likes of thinly sliced prosciutto or smoked salmon. Enjoy these recipes, courtesy of Denise Gee’s “Southern Appetizers: 60 Delectables for Gracious Get-Togethers” (Chronicle Books), and top the pancakes with “Divine Crab Spread.”

Cornbread Blinis Makes 24 1/2 cup good quality, stone-ground yellow cornmeal 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 3 tablespoons sugar 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup milk 1 egg, lightly beaten 4 tablespoons butter; 2 tablespoons melted 2 to 3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh chives or Italian flat-leaf parsley, optional

Divine Crab Spread Makes about 3 cups 8 ounces whipped cream cheese 1/4 cup heavy cream or half-and-half 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or finely sliced green onions 1 to 2 tablespoons mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce 1 pound jumbo lump crab meat, picked over for shells 42 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

In a medium bowl, whisk cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. Whisk in the milk, beaten egg, melted butter, and chives. Stir until just combined. Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a hot skillet or griddle. When bubbling, add the batter in tablespoonfuls about 1 inch apart. Cook the blinis until bubbles form on top, about 2 minutes. Flip and cook another minute or so, until lightly browned and golden. If desired, keep warm in an oven heated to its lowest temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 1 month.

In a medium bowl, combine the cream cheese, cream, lemon juice, lemon zest, chives, mayonnaise, Worcestershire, salt, and hot sauce and stir until smooth. Gently add the crab meat, using a rubber spatula to fold it into the cream cheese mixture until just combined. Refrigerate the dip for at least 2 hours, or up to 1 day. To preserve the freshest flavor, keep the dip in a well-sealed container surrounded by ice in a larger container. Serve it very cold, garnished with lemon wedges and whole chives.

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old plays an

important role in nature. Mold breaks down dead organic matter, including fallen leaves, and speeds up the decomposition process so nutrients can return to the soil as quickly as possible or else we would be up to our eye balls in dead forest matter. But microbial growth (mold) inside a home can be a formidable foe, and means your home or business is out of balance. Microbial growth exposure (depending on dose and duration) can cause ill health or aggravate conditions, including infections, allergies, asthma, hay fever, wheezing, conjunctivitis, mycosis, endemic mycosis, opportunistic mycosis (non-contagious; skin), rhinitis, organic dust toxic syndrome, sinusitis, eczema, systemic, skin and mucous membranes, hypersensitivity, respiratory tract ciliary, contact dermatitis, pneumonitis, secondary infection, memory loss, fatigue syndrome, confusion, and in persons with Asthma, COPD or other respiratory illnesses it can cause death (in some cases), and a whole host of other health issues that can be immediate or show up after a prolonged period of exposure as an accumulated effect. Because the consequences of mold growth inside a home can be so dire, it’s important to take steps to prevent mold growth in homes and businesses. Controlling moisture and humidity helps to keep your environment growth-free. • Address water intrusions quickly and professionally. Many instances of mold infestations can be traced to water leaks or spills that were not quickly or properly addressed. The EPA advises that wet or damp materials or areas should be dried within 24 to 48 hours to 14% moisture level or less to prevent the growth of mold. The level of moisture can only be checked correctly by the use of moisture meters.

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• Inspect the ground surrounding your home. Factors outside a building can sometimes contribute to mold growth within a building. Make sure the ground outside your building slopes away from the foundation. If the ground slopes toward your home, rainwater or runoff from sprinkler systems may direct water into your home, creating conditions favorable to mold growth inside. Gutters and downspouts also should be inspected to ensure they are working optimally and drain away from the building. If not, they can contribute to water backup from the roof,

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causing internal wall cavity intrusions. This is very common in the winter with ice-damming and can ultimately lead to mold growth. • Monitor indoor humidity. The EPA advises that homeowners keep indoor humidity below 60 percent relative humidity, which can be measured with humidity meters available at many hardware stores. Building owners that can keep indoor humidity at levels 30 to 50 percent below relative humidity are very successful at keeping indoor mold growth at bay.

Penobscot Cleaning Services, Inc. can inspect, clean and help prevent mold problems like this.

• Mold cannot grow if your building is dry with low controlled humidity and adequate ventilation. Surfaces can become wet even if a home has no leaky fixtures and no spills have occurred. For example, the surfaces of bathroom walls, ceilings and floors get wet when a home’s inhabitants take hot baths or showers. That condensation is natural, but such surfaces are also susceptible to mold growth. Make sure to dry wet surfaces immediately, and keep exhaust fans on while bathing to decrease the likelihood of mold growth. Running a small fan circulating air in that room during the shower and up to 20 minutes after will help. Mold growth can be detrimental to human beings and their homes, but many mold infestations are easily prevented. Microbial Growth Mitigation does not have to be as confusing, complex or as expensive as some would lead you to believe. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 61

62 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

Special Section Featuring Northern Maine

by Bangor Metro

Eyes John and Robin Barker have volunteered their reporting skills to the National Weather Service for nearly 40 years as part of the Cooperative Observer Program.

Maine weather spotter has had his eyes on the skies for nearly 40 years. BY JEN LYNDS, BDN STAFF

on the Sky

ven after

37 years as a volunteer observing all kinds of weather in his area and gathering data for the National Weather Service’s office in Caribou, John Barker of Bridgewater still recalls the day about 15 years ago when the skies around his community suddenly turned black and threatening. “It was really something,” Barker, a weather spotter for the NWS Cooperative Observer Program, recalled recently. “They called me from the Caribou office and asked what was happening in terms of weather down in Bridgewater. I had no more than said, ‘There’s nothing going on right now,’ and all of a sudden I looked outside and hail was just pounding down around the house from every angle and the trees were bent right sideways. It was the result of a downdraft near St. Croix Lake that brought a swath of hail and thunderstorms our way. It was just that quick.” Barker said he does not recall it doing significant damage beyond some downed trees, but it was one of many storms he has experienced over the last nearly four decades since he took over serving in the Cooperative Observer Program from his father, Elliot Barker, who also volunteered in the program for a number of years. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 63

crown of maine There are more than 8,700 volunteers nationwide who take observations on farms, in urban and suburban areas, national parks, at seashores and on mountaintops for the NWS program that was created in 1890. There are 57 cooperative observer sites throughout Maine, according to Donald Dumont, warning coordinator meteorologist for the NWS Caribou office. Volunteers provide observational meteorological data, usually consisting of daily maximum and minimum temperatures, snowfall and 24-hour precipitation totals, Dumont said. The data are necessary to illustrate the climate of the United States and to help measure longterm climate changes, he said. The data also are used daily to support forecast, warning and other public service programs of the NWS. Barker — who said he’s “not a weather buff at all” — said he didn’t have a normal transition into the observer program. “Once my father started to get sick and I started talking about the idea of taking over his position, he tried to talk me out of it,” Barker said, chuckling at the memory. “He told me, ‘You don’t need that headache. Get rid of that [weather spotting] equipment and be done with it.’ But I didn’t listen to him.” In the past, he explained, the observer position in the community was customarily passed down from one individual to another, sometimes from one generation to another. When he first started in the position, he noted, the information the Caribou office asked for on a daily basis was “a lot simpler.” “They basically wanted to know about temperature and how much rain or snow we got that day,” he said. “Now, though, there are a lot more questions about [cloud] ceiling and barometric pressure that they didn’t used to ask, so my wife Robin and I really have to put our heads together and think about our day.” Another difference when he started out 37 years ago, he said, was technology. “Years ago I used to just call them on the phone and give them the information,” Barker said. “But then they eventually went all computerized, and I am not good at all with computers, so I gather all of the data and my wife enters them into the computer for me. She is a big help.” Dumont said volunteers in the program have to be at least 16 years old to 64 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

(Top) A vented instrument shelter on the John and Robin Barker property. Both the thermometers and this type of shelter are being phased out, replaced by digital technology. (Left) John and Robin Barker check their standard 8-inch rain gage used for measuring precipitation. The reliable tool is still the primary rain gauge of the National Weather Service because of its simplicity and reliability.

participate, but because ages aren’t kept on record, he did not know who the youngest and oldest active observers are. He did say one volunteer who works with the Gray NWS office out of southern Maine has been taking weather observations for 54 years.

goal to have someone volunteer for at least 30 years, because that gives us the data to show how climate has changed over time. But many times, people will volunteer for five or six years and then something comes up or they move and they can’t do it anymore.”

There are more than 8,700 volunteers nationwide who take observations on farms, in urban and suburban areas, national parks, at seashores and on mountaintops for the NWS program that was created in 1890. “We train them on what the equipment is and how to use it,” Dumont explained of the volunteers. “How to measure the rain that falls in the rain gauge and measure snow and liquid water equivalent. Sometimes, we do have a hard time finding co-op volunteers for certain parts of the state or country, because we like to keep them spaced out. It also is hard to keep someone for as long as Mr. Barker has volunteered. It is our

Even though it is a position his father preferred he not have, Barker said he has “always enjoyed” his contributions to the weather service. “They have recognized me several times for my service, which has been nice,” he said. For more info on the NWS Cooperative Observer Program, contact Donny Dumont at 492-0180, ext. 223 or email him at donald.dumont@noaa.gov.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 65

METRO

Your Guide to Health & Wellness

LIVING WITH MS One man shares his story MAINEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S PARALYMPIC SAILOR Tragedy breeds opportunity WORD OF MOUTH Dental hygiene and your health

68 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

LIFE LOOKING FORWARD

MOVE OVER ROVER

page 72

page 84

CONTENTS

AN EASY DECISION WORD OF MOUTH

page 82

page 70

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 69

Word of Mouth T

he importance of

Why dental hygiene is essential for overall health. BY METRO NEWS SERVICE

maintaining clean teeth and healthy gums goes beyond having fresh breath and a white smile. Many people are surprised to discover that oral hygiene plays an integral role in overall health. Research indicates that oral health mirrors the condition of the body as a whole. Also, regular dental visits can alert dentists about overall health and pinpoint if a person is at a risk for chronic disease. An oral health check-up also may be the first indication of a potential health issue not yet evident to a general medical doctor. Heart Disease According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a distinct relationship between periodontal disease and conditions such as heart disease and stroke. Joint teams at the University of Bristol in the United Kingdom and the Royal College of Surgeons in Dublin, Ireland, found that people with bleeding gums from poor dental hygiene could have an increased risk of heart disease. Bacteria from the mouth is able to enter the bloodstream when bleeding gums are present. That bacteria can stick to platelets and subsequently form blood clots. This interrupts the flow of blood to the heart and may trigger a heart attack. Brushing and flossing twice daily and rinsing with mouthwash can remove bacteria and keep gums healthy. Facial Pain The Office of the Surgeon General says infections of the gums that support the teeth can lead to facial and oral pain. Gingivitis, which is an early stage of gum disease, as well as advanced gum disease, affects more than 75 percent of the American population. Dental decay can lead to its own share of pain. Maintaining a healthy mouth can fend off decay and infections, thereby preventing pain. Pancreatic Cancer In 2007, the Harvard School of Public Health reported a link between gum disease and pancreatic cancer. In the ongoing study, 51,000 men were followed and data was collected beginning in 1986. The Harvard researchers found that men with a history of gum disease had a 64 percent increased risk of pancreatic cancer compared with men who had never had gum disease. The greatest risk for pancreatic cancer among this group was in men with recent tooth loss. However, the study was unable to find links between other types of oral health problems, such as tooth decay, and pancreatic cancer. Alzheimer’s Disease Various health ailments, including poor oral health, have been linked to a greater risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease. In 2010, after reviewing 20 years’ worth of data, researchers from New York University concluded that there is a link between gum inflammation and Alzheimer’s disease. Follow-up studies from researchers at the University of Central Lancashire in the United Kingdom compared brain samples from 10 living patients with Alzheimer’s to samples from 10 people who did not have the disease. Data indicated that a bacterium — Porphyromonas gingivalis — was present in the Alzheimer’s brain samples but not in the samples from the brains of people who did not have Alzheimer’s. P. gingivalis is usually associated with chronic gum disease. As a result of the study, experts think that the bacteria can move via nerves in the roots of teeth that connect directly with the brain or through bleeding gums. These health conditions are just a sampling of the relationship between oral health and overall health. Additional connections also have been made and continue to be studied.

70 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

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Looking Forward A Lincoln native blogs honest and heartfelt messages about life with MS.

itch Sturgeon

started dating his wife Kim back when they were teenagers growing up in Lincoln. “I was 15 and he was 16,” says Kim Sturgeon. Both graduated from Mattanawcook Academy and attended the University of Maine in Orono. “Got married,” says Mitch. “Had babies,” adds Kim, with a smile. Mitch had a rewarding job as a chemical engineer at the Lincoln paper mill. Life in Lincoln, as Kim explains, revolved around the mill. But in 2000, the company filed for bankruptcy. Sensing his future paychecks could be in jeopardy, Mitch and Kim decided to look for work in southern Maine, thinking there’d be more opportunities down there.

72 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

BY JOY HOLLOWELL

Mitch Sturgeon writes about life with with MS through his blog enjoyingtheride.com.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 73

Both applied for jobs. Kim got hired almost immediately as a guidance counselor at Cape Elizabeth High School. Things moved more slowly for Mitch. The couple decided it was best for him to stay at the Lincoln mill until something opened up in southern Maine. “So Kim went down without me,” Mitch says. “I stayed with my grandmother down south and went home on the weekends,” explains Kim. “It was a tough time.” Mitch eventually landed with a highly regarded engineering consulting firm in Scarborough. The Sturgeons found a nice house in the suburbs and settled into their new life, happy the tough times were behind them. Mitch, though, was having some

A few of the photos Mitch shares on his blog, including traveling with his wife Kim and his stairclimbing iBot wheelchair.

Mitch chalked it up to being “horribly out of shape.” But a little more than a year later, while running on the treadmill, Mitch heard a slapping noise. He realized it was his left foot. “If I concentrated, I could make it

Lincoln and met with a family doctor. He remembers the doctor saying, “Looking at this MRI, there is a good chance you have MS. But you’ll need to see a neurologist to get an official diagnosis.” The news was traumatizing. “I asked what the typical prognosis was and he didn’t want to answer me at first,” says Mitch. The doctor asked how old Mitch was. “I replied 38,” Mitch says. “And he said – you probably have a good 20 years left.” Mitch immediately contacted Kim with the news. The two sat together, absorbing the potentially life-alternating news. A month later, Mitch saw a neurologist. “That neurologist looked at the MRI and said ‘I can’t believe a family doctor said you might have MS because that’s

He remembers the doctor saying, “Looking at this MRI, there is a good chance you have MS. But you’ll need to see a neurologist to get an official diagnosis.” health issues. He didn’t think too much of it at the time. “Summer of 1998, I was coaching a kid’s softball team in Lincoln,” Mitch says. “I tried to run the bases to show off to the kids. I realized that I couldn’t make it around the bases. My legs felt like I had run a marathon. So I did a sort of comical dive onto the field and everyone laughed.” 74 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

go normally,” he explains. “But once I stopped concentrating, it went back to that slap, slap, slapping sound.” In the spring, when Mitch moved his running routine outside, the foot issue turned into shin splints. “I realized – alright, it’s time to go get this checked out,” he says. Mitch visited a medical clinic in

Tracks in the Sand Mitch and his wife enjoy traveling. He writes in his blog that he takes two power wheelchairs on major trips, his iBot and also an inexpensive backup power wheelchair.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 75

During the next seven years after his diagnosis, Mitch gradually lost use of his legs. “I progressed from the slapping to limping to just general fatigue in the legs,” he explains. “After about two years, I was using a cane. And then about a year later, I was using forearm crutches. And then by 2006, I was using a scooter. I got my first wheelchair in 2008.” Despite the losses, Mitch was still hopeful the disease would only affect his lower body. “But in 2008, I was shuffling a deck of cards and I noticed an odd feeling in my hand,” he says. “I knew what it was.” Mitch also knew what it was like not to be able to use your arms and legs from an early age. When he was five, Mitch's mother was injured in an accident and became a quadriplegic.

“I came home and knew I had to find a new passion,” he says. “I had started reading other blogs by people with MS and thought that was something I might be able to do.” Mitch speaking to students at Cape Elizabeth Middle School where his wife works.

an absurd notion. I’m sure it’s not anything as serious as that.’” Mitch was relieved. The neurologist ran all sorts of tests, thinking it might be nerve damage or even some sort of strain. “We weren’t very worried,” says Mitch,” the signs were so subtle.” But when Mitch moved to southern Maine, he got a new primary care physician and a new neurologist. He also got new symptoms. “The defining moment for me was when I went for a hike around Jordan Pond in Acadia National Park,” says Mitch. “I’m halfway around the pond with a bunch of family, and all of a sudden I can’t lift that left leg up over rocks 76 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

and stumps. I pretended I had a sprained ankle because I didn’t want to draw attention to myself.” When Mitch told his neurologist about it, he ordered an MRI on his spine. “And there it was,” says Mitch. Sturgeon has a rare form of the disease known as Primary Progressive MS. “Most people have MS in their brain,” he explains, ”but I have it in my spine, which is worse.” While there are treatments for the more common form, known as Relapsing-remitting MS, “there were no treatments for Primary Progressive MS in 2001 when I was diagnosed,” says Mitch, ”and there are still no treatments in 2016.”

“The weirdest part is that she was 35 when the accident occurred,” says Mitch. “I was 35 when I ran the bases and had that first symptom. Her injury was in her cervical spine, my MS is in my cervical spine. So now I find myself in the same physical condition that my mother was in at my age, for completely different reasons.” But Mitch had an advantage over his mother, a great role model. “She lived to be 74 years old,” Mitch says, “and she was truly an inspiration.” “Not only to Mitch, but to the whole town of Lincoln,” adds Kim. “Never a cross word to say to anybody, always a smile on her face. Just one of the sweetest people you would ever meet.” Once Mitch starting losing feeling in his hands, he retired from his job with disability. “I came home and knew I had to find a new passion,” he says. “I had started reading other blogs by people with MS and thought that was something I might be able to do.”

He came up with the title – Enjoying the Ride. “I registered the domain, enjoyingtheride.com, and never looked bad.” Once a week, Mitch posts a blog about what it’s like living with Multiple Sclerosis as well as what it’s like just living. “I’m trying to build something that’s not just an MS blog,” he says. “I would say two-thirds to three-quarters of my blogs are about the disease, but others are just about whatever comes to mind.” Mitch again credits his mother with many of the positive messages that come across in his writing. “I just don’t worry about the things that I can’t control. I don’t want to take credit for that, it’s just the way that I’m built. I don’t think less of people who handle this disease differently. I am very fortunate to have had the upbringing that I did and to have inherited the genes that I did.” His blog has become so popular, it is now being read by folks all over the world. “It’s fun to get up in the morning and see that someone in the Soviet Union read my blog last night or someone in Amsterdam or South Korea,” Mitch says. “One of the silver linings of this disease is that I’ve met and now correspond with so many people through the blog.” www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 77

“I’ve got a lot of advantages – my wife, my kids, good health care. I try not to sound like I’m preaching – look at how well I’m doing. But then again, look at how well I am doing.”

-Mitch Sturgeon Mitch’s iBot wheelchair allows him to travel and ride over otherwise inaccessible terrain.

Mitch is unable to type, so he talks into a specially designed computer which then dictates it. Kim also helps. “My Tuesday evening ritual has become editing his blog posts before they go up,” she says with a smile. “We just celebrated our 30th anniversary this summer and as a present, he dedicated an entire blog just to me. What woman wouldn’t want that for her anniversary?” Mitch has recently completed a memoir. He borrowed heavily from his blog posts and also included original material. He’s working to find a literary agent, but will self-publish if necessary. “The blog certainly helps me to stay engaged in life,” says Mitch. “And has undoubtedly improved my quality of life.” Five years ago, Mitch stopped driving. The Sturgeons moved to South Portland, where Mitch can maneuver his electric wheelchair to the store, post office and other places. “Everything is 78 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

within wheeling distance,” he jokes. Mitch calls himself a realist, not an idealist when it comes to his prognosis. “I don’t buy into the everything happens for a reason theory. If there is a reason why I got MS then I want to talk to the person who’s in charge of making those decisions,” he says with a chuckle. But despite the inevitable, both Mitch and Kim refuse to let the disease dictate how their life will be. “I can’t remember the last time I actually worried about that,” says Kim. “It is what it is. We try to say – what CAN we do, rather than dwell on the things that we can’t.” “It is a part of who I am, it is what defines me, but it’s not all of me,” adds Mitch. “I’ve got a lot of advantages – my wife, my kids, good health care. I try not to sound like I’m preaching – look at how well I’m doing. But then again, look at how well I am doing.”

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 79

Caregiver

Support

aregiving from

family and friends is an invaluable help, particularly for older individuals who wish to continue living in their homes. Fortunately, many Mainers support each other by assisting with the multitude of daily living tasks. According to Valuing the Invaluable: 2015 Update by the AARP Public Policy Institute, 178,000 Mainers each provide an average of 165 hours of care annually, which AARP calculates to have an economic value of $2,220,000. As Maine’s population continues to age, the amount of informal caregiving will likely increase. Maine’s Act to Allow a Patient to Designate a Caregiver in the Patient’s Medical Record, which went into effect on October 15, 2015, provides additional support to these lay caregivers when someone is admitted to a hospital. This law is referred to as the CARE Act, based on its original name: the Caregiver Advise, Record, Enable Act. When an individual is admitted to or held overnight for observation in a hospital, the CARE Act requires the hospital to provide at least one opportunity for the individual to designate a lay caregiver and provide the caregiver’s contact information, which must then be documented in 80 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

the individual’s records. Then, if the individual or the individual’s agent, guardian, or surrogate consents, the hospital must notify the caregiver when the individual will be discharged or transferred to another facility. The hospital must also provide the caregiver with aftercare instructions for the individual and offer a “meaningful opportunity” to ask questions. If the individual has an Advance Health Care Directive and chooses to identify a person other than the person who is serving as the agent under the Directive, this action does not bar the agent under the Directive from also receiving information. The ability to identify a lay caregiver does not replace the need for an individual to have an Advance Health Care Directive, which has a much broader scope. The CARE Act only applies to the limited situation of a person who is admitted to or held for observation status in a hospital, whereas an Advance Health Care Directive allows the agent under the Directive to help the principal (the person who signed the document) in any medical context. Advance Health Care Directives do not only provide for a release of medical information to the agent; they can also guide the agent on issues such Paid Advertisement for Rudman Winchell.

as end-of-life care, organ donation, and funeral and burial arrangements as well as nominate the agent as a guardian if a guardian is ever needed. (The ability of an agent to access financial information and to make financial decisions on behalf of a principal is accomplished through a Financial Power of Attorney, which is another vital estate planning document for any adult.) Hospitals have an incentive to comply with the CARE Act both because it supports improved patient care and because new Medicare rules are more closely measuring readmission rates, which should be decreased by this improved aftercare planning. If an identified caregiver is not reasonably available when the patient is available for discharge, the hospital is not required to delay discharge. Additionally, the statute does not impose any independent legal obligation upon the identified caregiver to provide aftercare to the patient. JOY A. TRUEWORTHY, ESQ., is an associate attorney with Rudman Winchell in Bangor, Maine. Her practice is concentrated in estate planning, long-term care planning, elder law, and probate administration.

PHOTO: KATARZYNABIALASIEWICZ/THINKSTOCK

The CARE Act offers support for Maine’s caregivers. BY RUDMAN WINCHELL ATTORNEY JOY TRUEWORTHY

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Tips to Slow Muscle & Bone Loss

When do you need to start thinking about muscle and bone loss? COURTESY OF SUPER SLOW ZONE

hen we’re

young, in our 20s, 30s, and even 40s, playing frisbee, volleyball, and basketball with our children and friends is fun! As time goes on, busy schedules can take over and before you know it, you’re not in the shape you used to be. Unfortunately, it’s all part of the aging process. Even active adults start losing muscle mass in their 30s. The news for bone loss is no better. We hit our peak bone mass in our 20s and for many, by their 30s they’re losing more bone mass than they’re gaining. How quickly we lose muscle and bone depends on many factors – genetics, eating habits, and activity level are leading contributors. So what can we do to avoid or reverse these negative aspects of aging? Weight bearing exercise, such as strength training, jogging, and walking, is one of the most effective remedies. Non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming and bicycling are great for your muscles but

doesn’t promote bone growth. Weight bearing exercise forces your body to work against gravity. As you put more tension on your muscles and tendons, they put more pressure on your bones. Our bones respond by creating new bone. Many ask: Is strength training really an option at my age? Yes! Strength training is a very safe alternative almost anyone can do. The key to getting stronger without injury is having an instructor to ensure you’re performing each exercise slowly with the proper body positioning. Injury occurs more often due to an improper movement (twisting, yanking, jerking) rather than the weight itself. Our clients at SuperSlow Zone range in age from 39 to 85. Some clients have medical issues and others just want to make sure they stay healthy so they keep their independent lifestyle. At SSZ we guarantee our clients get stronger and have a system in place to monitor each workout so they can see their results. Paid Advertisement for Super Slow Zone.

SuperSlow Zone personal strength training is a 20 minute, total body workout, 2 times a week. Clients are continuously expert-supervised by their Accredited, Certified Instructor on medical-grade Nautilus equipment. Visit sszbangor.com.

An Easy

Decision

Southern Maine athlete says amputating his leg to remove cancer was not a tough choice. BY ERNIE CLARK, BDN STAFF

82 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

t would be

a gut-wrenching decision for anyone, let alone a college freshman full of energy, ambition and a love of the water. The options bone cancer gave Hugh Freund were stark: have his right leg amputated below the knee and use a prosthetic leg for the rest of his life or have the tumor removed and his leg reconstructed with perhaps less certain results. Nine years ago, that decision came easily to the South Freeport native. “It was totally a conscious decision on my part,” Freund recalled. “It was going to improve my quality of life to take the leg rather than rebuild it, so it was done totally with the thought in my mind that I wanted to be back running, skiing — you name it.” Doctors at Massachusetts General Hospital did the rest, and today the 28-year-old not only can run, ski, bike and hike again, he was recently in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with Rick Doerr of Clifton, New Jersey, and Brad Kendell of Tampa, Florida, representing the United States in the Sonar sailing class at the 2016 Paralympic Games. The American team came away with the silver medal.

Tragedy breeds opportunity Freund took up sailing as a youngster with his buddies at the Harraseeket Yacht Club in Freeport, where 2016 U.S. Olympic sailing team member and University of Southern Maine graduate David Hughes of Yarmouth was an instructor. “My family’s not a major sailing family, but the yacht club was about a mile away from my house,” he said. “A bunch of my friends, their parents were members, and when my friends turned 8 they all said they were going to sailing camp, and I said, ‘sounds good.’” By age 11 and 12, Freund was traveling from Boothbay to Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, to compete in local regattas and Junior Olympic events hosted by U.S. Sailing. He went on to attend Waynflete School in Portland, and Freund sailed for two his first two years there on a SailMaine collaboration involving students from several Portland-area schools before joining Waynflete’s crew team as a junior. As college approached he knew he wanted to continue competing on the water, so Freund opted for Roger Williams

Hugh Freund of South Freeport pauses during a training session before the start of the Sailing World Cup in April in Hyeres, France.

University in Bristol, Rhode Island, which had a sailing program. “I ended up not sailing there at all because I was studying architecture and there wasn’t time for both,” he said. “I ended up going to two practices.” Freund completed one semester at Roger Williams before being diagnosed with sarcoma, which forced him to take the next two semesters off for surgery and drug treatments that have left him cancer free for the last nine years. “I didn’t really experience a long period of being down after surgery because I went from treatment right back to the university, right back into classes, and then shortly thereafter right into sailing.” The Paralympic quest Freund’s return to the sport as a Paralympic athlete was facilitated by Roger Williams sailing coach Amanda Callahan, who contacted U.S. Sailing Paralympic team coach Betsy Alison on his behalf. “Paralympic sailing sort of found me; I didn’t find it. But it definitely became an awesome, awesome part of my recovery because it all happened pretty quick,” he said. Within a few months Freund connected with Doerr, who had just been part of Team USA’s Sonar class boat at the 2008 Paralympics in Beijing, and Freund’s Paralympic sailing career continued simultaneously with his final three years of undergraduate studies at Roger Williams. “I couldn’t miss class to go to sailing practice there, but I could miss class to go to Europe for Paralympic events,” Freund joked. “I talked to the dean and told him I had this pretty cool opportunity to do some sailing at the top level of Paralympics, and he said, ‘If there’s any way we are not able to do this, then something’s wrong. It’s way too cool of an opportunity for you to pass up.’” Freund and Doerr met in late 2008 and Kendell soon joined them, and since then the trio has combined to win seven Sailing World Cup medals over two Paralympic cycles. In 2015, they also became the first Paralympic-level team to win the Sunbrella Golden Torch Award, given to the top American performer at Sailing World Cup Miami, North America’s top Olympic and Paralympic regatta. And in September, the team added to their impressive record, competing in the 11-race regatta at the Marina de Gloria in Copacabana, and taking home the silver medal. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 83

Move Over BY METRO NEWS SERVICE

Get into a relaxed state. Companion animals can help relieve stress, which may translate into better sleep for their owners. Some people find that the rhythmic breathing of dogs or cats can help lull them to sleep.

PRO

Possible transmission of illness or zoonotic agents. Snuggling so close to a pet may put people at risk of acquiring illnesses that are transmitted from animal to human. In the past, MRSA skin infections and H1N1 influenza have been transferred from pets to people.

CON

Pets are warm. If the goal is to get cozy under the covers, animals can provide a little extra warmth, as their body temperatures run a few degrees warmer than their owners’.

PRO

84 / BANGOR METRO November 2016

ets provide

companionship for thousands of people around the world, so it is understandable that pet owners want to be around their companion animals as much as possible - with many even welcoming them into their beds. According to PetMd, an online animal healthcare resource, around 80 percent of pet owners allow pets to share beds with human family members. Data from the American Pet Products Association has found at least half of all pet parents allow pets to sleep with them every night. Whether this is safe, healthy or wise is a matter of debate. There are pros and cons to sharing a bed with pets. Understanding those pros and cons can help pet owners make more informed decisions.

An extra body in bed can disturb sleep. Just as individuals may have trouble with a spouse or a child being in the bed next to them, pets can bring about the same disturbances. In a study from the Mayo Clinic Sleep Disorders Center, 53 percent of those pet owners surveyed said their pets disturbed their sleep in some way each night. Dogs that snore and cats that chase “prey” around the room can disturb their owners’ sleep.

CON

A deeper connection forms between pet and owner. Many pets like to be around their owners because it gives them reassurance and comfort that they are loved. Animals that were rescued or are anxiety prone may be especially comforted by snuggling in bed with their owners. Happy pets often make for happy owners.

PRO

It may cause behavioral problems. Dogs in particular may mistake sleeping in their owners’ beds as a sign of dominance. Some veterinarians suggest puppies that are more prone to issues with aggression may fully develop these behaviors if allowed to sleep with humans. At the very least, it is adviseable to wait until dogs are trained and exhibiting good behavior for extended periods of time before allowing them to sleep in their owners’ beds.

CON

It's a sign of trust. According to Victoria Stilwell, an internationally renowned dog trainer, dogs only sleep with the people or dogs they trust. Therefore, dogs who like sleeping with their owners are exhibiting trust and recognizing the same from their owners.

PRO

PHOTO: CHALABALA/THINKSTOCK

What to know about sharing a bed with your pets.

Rover

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 85

Help with Your

Journey to Health

Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital want to keep you healthy.

BY JOY OSTERHOUT, MS, MCHES, REGIONAL DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY HEALTH & WELLNESS AND ACCESS TO CARE PROGRAMS

n the past

several years, there has been a change in healthcare. Hospitals used to be a place that treated acute illnesses and emergencies. Today, “…we really want to keep you healthy, not just see you when you are sick,” Erik Frederick, Chief Operating Officer for Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital, shared recently at the grand opening of the Pen Bay Medical Center Community Wellness Trail, a 1.6 mile trail with fitness stations which is open to the public. The healthcare needs of our communities are changing and hospitals are changing to meet those needs. To share a couple of facts: • 7 out of 10 deaths today are attributed to chronic diseases • Heart disease, cancer, and stroke account for over 50% of all deaths • 75% of our $2.8 trillion spent on healthcare goes for the treatment of chronic diseases

We know that there are four modifiable health behaviors responsible for chronic diseases: unhealthy eating, sedentary lifestyles, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol use. If we could make changes to these four health behaviors, heart disease could be reduced by 64 to 83%; cancer by 60%; and diabetes by 91%! Changing behaviors isn’t easy. It takes time, learning new skills, practicing the new skills, a supportive team, and personal commitment. Pen Bay Medical Center and Waldo County General Hospital are committed to supporting and promoting the adoption of healthy lifestyles in our communities, through our newly expanded Journey to Health program provided by our Community Health & Wellness staff. The Journey to Health program focuses on providing educational opportunities that enhance both knowledge and skills that support healthy behavior change. Seven of the nine staff members are certified health and wellness coaches, and provide classes focused on healthy eating, increasing physical movement, and healthy mind and body practices. All of our healthy eating classes are hands-on. Participants prep, cook, and taste healthy locally grown foods, all while learning why these foods are important for health. Classes include: Spring into Spring Rolls, Fresh Salads in a Jar, Eating Well with Diabetes, Good for Your Breakfasts On-the-Go, etc.

Our physical movement classes offer a variety of different classes in an effort to provide something for everyone to encourage less sedentary lifestyles. Classes include: Waltz for Beginners, Yoga for Backcare, Journey to Health Walking Clubs, Martial Arts for Fitness, Cha-Cha for Beginners, and more. Physical health is important, but our mental and emotional health also impacts our overall health. Our mind and body classes include: A Peaceful Night’s Sleep, Introduction to Meditation, SelfCare Through Art, and more. All of our classes are either free or lowcost, and financial assistance is available. Classes are offered throughout both Knox and Waldo counties through partnerships with local churches, schools, libraries, YMCAs, and more. In addition to the Journey to Health classes, free community events are also offered. This past month, a Family FUN Field Day was held at Pen Bay Medical Center where over 50 families participated in traditional field day games like sack races, three-legged races, as well as learning how to make healthy snacks, trying out martial arts, and more. The next free community event, Dancing for Health, is on Dec. 1 in Belfast. For the months of October through December, 42 classes are offered. To learn more about our Journey to Health classes or free community events, please visit journeytohealth.coursestorm.com or call 921-3950. We are here to join you on your Journey to Health!

Paid Advertisement for Pen Bay Medical Center.

www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 87

last

word

Adulting Like a

Grownup Having the gumption to act like a real ‘adult.’ BY CHRIS QUIMBY

o doubt

you’ve heard or read the trending verb “adulting,” which describes the act of engaging in mature, self-sacrificial, forward-thinking behavior. I believe this used to be referred to as wisdom. But not gumption. Gumption is something different. A lot of people’s grandparents had it. To my recollection, one of the symptoms was something called elbow grease. It also has something to do with motivation, but if I was sure of what it was I probably would not be writing this column three hours before deadline. I think nowadays it’s found at the bottom of an iced coffee. Being an aging man approaching the state of Full Curmudgeon, it is my right to proclaim that “adulting” is sadly in short supply, so much so that when one does “adult” it is apparently worth mentioning within conversation or on social networking, even among actual adults. Now, to be fair, there is still a line that has not yet been crossed. We have not yet descended to a level of arrested development that has grown men requesting gold stars for wiping themselves after using the bathroom or middle-aged women seeking praise for independently tying their own shoes. But still popular culture encourages us to remain or descend to the level of impetuous children for extended periods of time. I am slowly breaking out of this mold. Slowly. And just now, after over four decades. I don’t mean to say I’ve lived a life of hopeless vanity and impulsive misdirection. After all, I’ve held full-time jobs for most of my adult life and taken care of my own personal hygiene. I’ve raised two fine young adults, and sometimes I’m actually able to not snicker when someone is forced to use the verb “do” two times consecutively in a sentence. But what I hadn’t done is craft a plan for how to wisely use money, and that is all beginning to change. I’ve been religiously listening to Dave Ramsey podcasts for about a month and getting amped up to pay off debt and make myself free of the bondage it wields over my life. Some people are naturally good with money, but I have never been those people. When I was a teen, I made pretty good cash mowing lawns and working at a local drug store, and I invested a lot of my income in CDs. You know, Aerosmith, Bobby Brown and Michael Jackson. Now I’ve got my family on a budget.

Being an aging man approaching the state of Full Curmudgeon, it is my right to proclaim that “adulting” is sadly in short supply, so much so that when one does “adult” it is apparently worth mentioning within conversation or on social networking, even among actual adults. I looked at where we were spending our money for the prior three months and made a plan for the future based on those numbers. Some needed to stay the same, for example my electric bill. It has always cost an arm and a leg and will likely continue to cost those same two body parts or more. But one category of expenses can and should change, and that is dining out. My research revealed that we were spending about $650 per month eating out! That’s as much as we spend for groceries each month! So armed with the knowledge of that wasted money, I cut our restaurant allowance down to $250, thinking we might be able to survive planning ahead and eating more leftovers out of stained, plastic food storage containers. Time will tell if we are able to persevere and put ourselves in a greater financial position, but for now I am encouraged by recent evidences of adulting and the surprising development of big chunks of gumption. CHRIS QUIMBY is a Christian comedian, speaker and writer, morning news anchor and host of Soup du Jour on VStv, and owner of Chris Quimby iPhone Repair. He resides in Brooks with his wife and two children. 88 / BANGOR METRO November 2016