2021 BDN Good News by Bangor Daily News

Good Friday, December 24, 2021

bangordailynews.com SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

High Apple Pie In The Sky Hopes

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

BY EMILY MORRISON

It’s that time of year when most teens are making Christmas wish lists and checking them twice, but one Hampden Academy junior has been busy checking another list, counting up the number of meals she’s helped provide for those battling food insecurity. While taking a dual-enrollment psychology course at UMA and participating in Key Club, show choir and drama, Skyler Manhart has been baking up a storm to help Good Shepherd Food Bank (GSFB) achieve their mission of eliminating hunger in Maine. For the past two Novembers, Skyler has made “Pies From Sky” — homemade including the crust — and sold her delicious selection of apple, pumpkin, blueberry, pecan and Tollhouse chocolate chip cookie pies for $20 a pop. And every penny she’s earned she’s donated to GSFB. Sky has loved creating sweet treats for as long as she can remember. She started cooking with her parents and fell in love with baking. Last October, Sky combined her love of dessert-making with her passion to support the homeless community, a population often overlooked in smaller cities like Bangor. Initially, Sky thought she’d make around 20 pies in her kitchen and donate the proceeds to GSFB. Instead, she made 215 pies, sold 190 of them and raised over $3,850. Sky donated the remaining 25 pies to local shelters hosting Thanksgiving meals. This past November, Sky put her apron back on and rolled up her sleeves once more. At the time of this writing, she’s sold 105 pies and hopes to raise even more money than last year. With one week before the holiday, she’s on track to meet her goal.

When asked what the biggest takeaway from the project has been, Sky said, “One of the best parts was the breakdown that I got a couple of months after last year’s project. It listed where the money went, how many meals it provided, that kind of thing. It was really interesting and powerful to see what the money had done.” When asked what the biggest takeaway from the project has been, Sky said, “One of the best parts was the breakdown that I got a couple of months after last year’s project. It listed where the money went, how many meals it provided, that kind of thing. It was really interesting and powerful to see what the money had done.” For Mainers, Sky’s initiative couldn’t come at a better time. Before the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Maine had higher rates of food insecurity than most states with 167,000 Mainers relying on GSFB and its partners. Currently, that number nears 182,000 Mainers (50,000 of whom are children). Maine is fifth in the nation for low food security rates. Sadly, statistics like these reinforce both the need and the generosity of Sky’s work. According to a 2019 study conducted by Feeding America, Penobscot County has the second highest number of food insecure people in the state (22,840), second only to Cumberland County (33,940). Though the future looks daunting, Sky’s future plans include continuing to lend households like these a helping hand. In between studying psychology and traveling as much as she can, Sky may not have it all planned out, but she knows one thing for sure. “I want to work to make change whatever way I can.” Every dollar that Sky has currently raised has helped distribute three meals to families in need. By this estimate, Sky has single-handedly put 23,100 meals together for those in Penobscot County — roughly one for each person battling food insecurity. It’s safe to say, Skyler Manhart has made more than pies this year. She’s met her future goal and made change in the best way she can: by giving the rest of us high apple pie in the sky hopes. For more information on how to donate to Good Shepherd Food Bank, please visit their website at gsfb.org.

Skyler Manhart cooks up hundreds of pies to benefit Good Shepherd Food Bank.

a special advertising section of the Bangor daily news To advertise in our next special section, please call 990-8036 or email jorcutt@bangordailynews.com. Advertising Sales JEFF ORCUTT jorcutt@bangordailynews.com Special Sections Editor AMY ALLEN aallen@bangordailynews.com

Creative Services Manager CORALIE CROSS Creative Services CALLIE PICARD, CAROLINA RAVE

PO Box 1329, Bangor, ME 04402

© 2021 Bangor Daily News. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part is prohibited without express written consent. Requests for permission to copy, reprint, or duplicate any content should be directed to advertising@bangordailynews.com

Find us online! bangordailynews.com/special-sections

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

BY SARAH COTTRELL

The Weeping Wedding Officiant

If you’ve found yourself wondering where all the happy, kind people have gone on social media, wonder no more. No matter how depressing the news might make us feel, The Weeping Wedding Officiant is always there, casting a warm and welcoming glow in her small but growing part of the internet, where she proudly highlights bringing couples together in matrimony. She’s also got some pretty solid relationship advice that she gives out for free. Winterport mom-of-two Jaime Cole has always wanted to be a wedding planner. “I was a wedding bartender for a long time. Weddings are just so much fun, so I’m always trying to be involved in them,” Cole said. “I was talking to my husband and saying how my dream job is to help people plan their weddings from start to finish. So, in January 2021, I got ordained.” Why is she called The Weeping Wedding Officiant? Well, because she cries at every ceremony that she becomes involved in. Cole explains that her husband came up with the name after a particularly emotional ceremony when she helped a woman who had lost her husband of 20 years to cancer find love a second time.

“She is my cousin, and her husband had sadly passed away, so this wedding was a really big deal,” Cole recalls. “She was planning a Celtic ceremony, and they did this ritual where the bride and the groom hold hands like they’re shaking hands, but cords are laying across their hands. At the end, after we do the blessing, they pull the ends of the cords, and they create a knot. They literally tied the knot. It was such a beautiful moment; I’ll never forget it.” When she gets a new client, she tells them to expect that she’ll likely get teary-eyed at the ceremony. But she’ll also work with the couple to plan out what type of ceremony they want, including what she should say and wear. “I’ve worn everything from a Harry Potter robe to formal black and white. It all depends on what the couple wants,” Cole explains. Cole says that her goal is to retire from the corporate world when she reaches the age of 50 to pour her time into making her dream of organizing wedding ceremonies become her full-time career. “Uniting people is such a joy. There is more negativity now than there ever has been in my lifetime. It feels so good to see people in love,” Cole said. “On Instagram, I try to keep it light and funny, and all of that comes from moments in my marriage that make me smile. For a wedding, everyone is there to celebrate love, to see joy, and honestly, what could be better than that?” You can find The Weeping Wedding Officiant on Instagram, where she gives poignant and sometimes hilarious relationship advice for any couple hoping to tie the knot next.

Good News from AARP Maine

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

COURTESY OF AARP MAINE As 2021 comes to a close, AARP Maine is proud to share with Bangor Daily News readers our many efforts and accomplishments over the past year. A sincere thank you is owed to our volunteers, advocates, and community members for their spirited and tireless work. Though we found ourselves contending with yet another unusual year, their work never faltered and Maine’s 50+ community is substantially better for it. While we still could not fill the halls of Augusta with our trademark red shirts, our tradition of Tuesdays at the State House continued virtually. Each week, our volunteers logged on via Zoom to hear legislative updates, learn the intricacies of policy and politics, chat with staffers and state representatives alike, plan outreach campaigns, and share stories from their own backyards. It was from behind our computer screens that we found ourselves connecting with each other in a meaningful manner to get the important work done. We realized that we could still accomplish so much virtually while waiting patiently for the day when we could go back to in-person meetings again. Expanded remote access to the legislative session also meant that many volunteers could testify for the very first time, no longer prohibited by distance. In these testimonies, they told stories about the effects high prescription drug costs have had on their health, the trials of being an unpaid family caregiver, and the newfound difficulty of accessing healthcare without a stable broadband Internet connection. Thanks to these testimonies, as well as an abundance of phone calls and handwritten notes to legislators, we are proud to celebrate some life-changing policy wins. Mainers can now take time off of work to care for a loved one without risking unemployment or loss of wages; they’re newly protected from unprecedented cost hikes and pricegouging of prescription drugs; access to affordable and reliable Internet service will expand in the state; and for the first time ever, over 200,000 working Mainers can save for retirement on their own terms. More immediately, you may have already witnessed, and appreciated, the work of the eight 2021 AARP Community Challenge grant winners. These Age-Friendly Maine organizations received funds to kickstart “quick-action” projects to create more livable communities for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Despite their expedited nature, these projects have had a lasting impact on Maine communities, whether they created opportunities for all generations to come together over a game of chess or established brand new winter traditions like the Katahdin Snowdown! Read more about the projects on our website at www.aarp.org/me. 2021 was truly the year of the volunteer! Many of our volunteers felt inspired to make AARP Maine’s mission — to empower Mainers 50+ to choose how they live as they age — their own. Some of the activities you might recognize include the monthly Phil and Eric Fraud Watch Show, a program designed to prevent vulnerable people falling victim to fraud; “Aging Fearlessly,” a biweekly blog on the AARP Maine website; “50+,” a monthly radio show on WERU Community Radio; weekly Trivia On-Tap; a monthly book club; as well as a monthly Coffee Talk. In December, we are proud to recognize two of our most dedicated volunteers, Carl and Joyce Bucciantini, with the Andrus Award for Community Service. The award is named for AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. The Bucciantinis have hosted Kitchen Table Chats to connect voters with their representatives, testified during the legislative session on multiple issues, planned fun virtual get-togethers and “happy hours” with fellow volunteers, and so much more. Congratulations, Carl and Joyce, and thank you for all that you do! We hope the successes of the past year have inspired you to reach out and get involved in your community. We love hearing from you and we welcome your feedback and ideas, so please keep in touch! You can follow us on Facebook (@aarpmaine) and Instagram (@aarpme), and please visit our enhanced website at www.aarp.org/me for the latest news and to learn how you can join our efforts in 2022. We have so many exciting endeavors on the horizon as AARP Maine continues to advocate for older Mainers and their families.

In the meantime, on behalf of the entire team at the AARP Maine State Office, I wish you and your family a wonderful and safe holiday season. Noël Bonam AARP Maine State Director To connect with us and learn more about our work in Maine, visit www.aarp.org/me and find us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @aarpmaine.

Thank you to our volunteers! You make a big Our volunteers put it all together! Through thick and thin, they bring their passion and dedication to making Maine a better place to live for us all. We thank you, and wish you and your families a happy holidays! To learn more about us and our work in Maine, visit aarp.org/me. /aarpmaine

@aarpmaine

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

Healing and Helping Through Music

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE BANGOR SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA

BY CRYSTAL SANDS

After more than a year without live music due to the pandemic, in 2021 the Bangor Symphony Orchestra brought live orchestra music back to our community. Being able to attend a live performance is good for the body and the soul, with research showing that live music helps reduce our stress levels, something much needed during these difficult times. But the Bangor Symphony Orchestra brings more than beautiful live music to our community, it is an organization that gives in so many ways, working to find creative ways to bring music to people and to support organizations in the Bangor area that need it most. Brian Hinrichs, Executive Director of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, says first and foremost, “The BSO is an orchestra for the community, and we bring what we do to the community in many different ways.” One of the most significant programs the BSO offers our community is the Bangor Symphony Youth Orchestra (BSYO). The BSYO offers three different levels of orchestra support and training for young musicians in the Bangor area and across the state. The BSYO works to fill the gaps in music programs in

schools, and for many children who do not have access to music programs at all, the BSYO is their only access to orchestral music instruction. Hinrichs emphasizes that the BSYO makes sure all kids can participate. In addition to offering different levels of musical opportunities, the BSO offers tuition aid to BSYO students who need it. The BSO has a mission of service, and that mission of service is passed on to the young musicians in the BSYO. “We teach our young musicians what it looks like to give back to their community,” says Hinrichs. This comes in the form of everything from collecting cereal for the Good Shepherd Food Bank at the BSYO concerts to BSYO students performing for nursing home residents in the Bangor area. Of course, BSYO students are learning the tradition of service from the many examples set by the BSO. The BSO offers a Music and Wellness program for pediatric and adult patients at Acadia Hospital. The program, which began in 2013, involves a quartet of musicians playing for patients and bringing music into their lives. Hinrichs says, “This program, which uses music as a tool for healing, has had a really positive impact at Acadia Hospital.” Hinrichs says the program at Acadia was so successful

that the Music and Wellness program has been extended to St. Joseph Hospital. During the pandemic the music was live streamed into patients’ rooms. During the pandemic, the BSO also used livestreaming to bring orchestra music to the entire community, but vaccinations for COVID-19 have now made it possible for the music to continue live, something that is critical to our community. Hinrichs points out that many of their audience members are older people who were extremely isolated during the pandemic, and bringing live music back into their lives is an important source of joy and important to everyone’s mental health. But “the pandemic awakened the use of digital” Hinrichs says, in terms of bringing music to more people, and the digital streaming of BSO concerts continues now even though live performances have returned, making it possible for the BSO to bring its beautiful music to those who may not be able to attend in person and extending the BSO’s reach across the country and the globe. This holiday season, the BSO is bringing music to the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter and is helping collect donations for the shelter. For more information about the BSO and upcoming performances, visit bangorsymphony.org.

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

Make someone’s holiday

MERRY & BRIGHT with a dazzling deal

BOGO! BUY ONE GIVE ONE SPECIAL! BUY ONE subscription for $15.95 and GET ONE TO GIVE this holiday for only $10! *Tax included! Promotion ends Dec. 31, 2021.

SEND MY SUBSCRIPTION TO:

SEND A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION TO:

Name ________________________________

Name________________________________

Address ______________________________

City _____________ State ____ Zip_______

Email ________________ Phone: __________

Pay by check. CREDIT CARD #

EXPIRATION DATE

NAME ON CARD

CCID CODE (3 digits on back)

AUTHORIZED SIGNATURE

CARDHOLDER’S ADDRESS

CITY

STATE

ZIP

PHONE NUMBER

Mail this form with payment to: Bangor Metro Magazine • P.O. Box 1329 Bangor, Maine 04402-1329

BUY ONE! GIVE ONE! SUBSCRIPTION

SPECIAL

BUY ONE for $15.95

GIVE ONE for $10!

OR subscribe online now at BDNOffers.com or call 207-990-8002 today!

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

Proud to Support Our Community

Campaign and local food cupboards. From food drives to fundraisers, we can count on our members to be there.

COURTESY OF BREWER FCU

Brewer FCU takes pride in our community involvement and support. The opportunity to support local youth sports and fundraising events for many causes is important to us and the communities we serve. One of the most important efforts we raise money for is the Maine Credit Unions’ Ending Hunger Campaign. The money raised by Brewer FCU for the Ending Hunger Campaign stays in our region and helps our friends and neighbors struggling with food security.

The pandemic has certainly changed the way we have been able to fundraise, but we continue to look at alternative ways to engage our members and support local causes. In August, we helped Wayne’s Wiffle for a Wish raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation. And, in November, we helped Free the Z collect turkeys for Thanksgiving dinners for area families in need through Penquis. Finally, in December, we helped collect Christmas gifts for children through the Hands of Hope.

None of our success supporting the community could happen without the wonderful community of members we have at Brewer FCU. Thanks to their generosity, each year we play host to many successful events and activities

We are proud of the work we do in serving our members and our community. And, we are always impressed by the number of people ready to help. We live and work in a great community.

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

Beal UniversityContinues To Grow With New Programs And Locations! COURTESY OF BEAL UNIVERSITY

While 2021 has continued to be a challenging year, Beal University has expanded its program offerings and added an additional location to provide more options for its students to continue their studies and graduate on time. Students who were caring for loved ones through the pandemic expressed the desire to continue their education without traveling on campus. The University responded with developing 14 existing programs to a fully online delivery format and revising 4 programs to a hybrid delivery format. New programs include the Bachelors in Biomedical which prepares graduates for entry into medical school and employment in biomedical lab and research positions. Beal University also announced the opening of its new Wilton branch campus, located at 75 Allen Street, in January 2022. The new branch campus deepens Beal’s dedication to local communities and expands on an opportunity to provide its educational degrees to a new region in Maine. The Wilton branch focuses on offering the on-campus Associate Degree in Nursing program that leads graduates to becoming Registered Nurses. “By offering the pre-licensure Associate Degree in Nursing in Bangor and Wilton, Beal is responding to a workforce as well as community need, developing livable wage credentials in an occupation that will concurrently support the social and economic welfare of the local community. By growing their own nurses, it will ensure that area residents receive the highest quality of care from nurses who are both technically and culturally competent to meet their unique healthcare needs. Beal’s goal remains

simple: to educate future nurses who can provide the best health care for their local residents,” said Beal University President Sheryl DeWalt. The University has established collaborative relationships with local hospitals and medical facilities to provide a hands-on patient care experience through the nursing clinical rotations and medical assisting externships. The Associate degree in Nursing and Medical Assisting Diploma programs are offered in a hybrid delivery format. The core courses consist of clinical laboratory classes on campus and hands-on experience at area medical facilities. The general education courses are delivered online. The AS in Nursing program can be completed in 18 months and enables graduates to become Registered Nurses after passing the state board exams. This is the only pre-licensure nursing program in the state that enrolls new students three times per year at each location. The Medical Assisting Diploma can be completed in 12 months. This prepares the graduates to become Certified Medical Assistants (AAMA) after passing the national exam. MA Diploma graduates can complete the Associate degree in Medical Assisting in 6 additional months.

About Beal University Beal University is an accredited university that offers masters, bachelors, associate degrees and diplomas in an environment that values small class sizes, individualized attention and hands-on experience. Founded in 1891, Beal University prepares students for careers in fields such as nursing, healthcare and biomedical sciences, medical assisting, addiction counseling, welding, business and more. To find out more, visit Beal.edu.

Online or On Campus | Accelerated Year Round Classes Complete your diploma or degree faster! • Business (AS, BS & MBA)

• Health Sciences (AS & BS)

• Addiction Counseling (Diploma, AS & BS)

• Nursing (ADN, BSN & MSN)

• Health Information (AS & BS)

• Welding Technology (Diploma & AS)

• Biomedical Sciences (BS)

• Law Enforcement (Diploma & AS)

Financial aid available for those who qualify. VA Approved.

From short term diploma programs to Master’s degrees, Beal University is convenient, with six start dates per year, classes only 2 days a week, and online classes, too. On campus, online or hybrid, Beal is a great place to start or finish your degree. Schedule your virtual tour today!

NEW Wilton branch campus, located at 75 Allen Street, coming in January 2022!

207.307.3900 | Beal.edu For consumer information visit Beal.edu

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

Beer and preservation:

COURTESY OF MAINE BEER COMPANY

The ultimate partnership to save a trio of Maine Islands

JERRY MONKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY

BY ERINNE MAGEE

Maine Beer Company may be known for brewing tasty sips, but the company was also founded upon the principle of giving back, and right now, the focus is on fundraising to preserve a trio of Maine islands in Casco Bay called Little Whaleboat. In partnership with Maine Coast Heritage Trust, the goal is to raise $1.3 million by the time the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve. “Getting the opportunity to visit these islands was such an unforgettable and unique experience,” says Anne Marisic, Marketing and Communications Manager for MBC, who brought a number of MBC staff to Little Whaleboat for a first-hand look at their mission. “You could see the effect it had on the faces of our team as they jumped off the boat. That is an experience worth protecting and one worth sharing.” Distance-wise, the three islands aren’t too far from shore, but Marisic says stepping onto the islands makes you feel like you are hundreds of miles away. “You can watch the tides change the formation of the islands, see osprey and bald eagles challenging each other for territory, seals curiously checking out what’s going on, and herons making their return to the island.” Maine Beer Company is so committed to the preservation that they also brewed a beer after the island’s namesake: Little Whaleboat IPA is now available in the Freeport tasting room with nationwide distribution starting in 2022. While MBC works with a number of nonprofits, one percent of all sales from beer, food and merchandise is donated back to these partnerships. Marisic notes land preservation and climate action as two big issues that MBC likes to target with their nonprofit giving and helping MCHT to preserve this Little Whaleboat was a rare and exciting opportunity. Maine has 3478 miles of coastline, the majority of which is made up of the hundreds

of islands along its coast. Currently many of these islands are private, meaning Maine residents and visitors don’t get to experience them. Also, there is little control over how the islands are utilized. The acquisition of Little Whaleboat will give Mainers access to the islands for recreational activities like camping but it will also prevent over-developing by committing to preserving the habitat for wildlife. When MCHT was founded, their goal was to address the unplanned development along Maine’s coast that, according to their website, “threatened the land and water resources [that] Maine people, plants and animals depended on.” “By supporting Little Whaleboat,” Marisic says, “people can help create permanent access to Maine’s coast for everyone and help take some control over fighting climate change affecting our environment.” While donations are an important aspect of this fundraising, sharing the story of MCHT’s work, volunteering and helping to care for these spaces as you enjoy them are all ways that people can become involved. “We hope that people learn about the broader scope of MCHT’s work and start to explore some of the places they have helped preserve,” says Marisic. “Maine is filled with secret gems up and down the coast, and MCHT is largely responsible for helping keep these places wild and accessible for visitors.” MBC kicked off the fundraiser with a $50,000 donation. Fundraising covers land acquisition costs, MCHT’s pooled stewardship funds, as well as operational support. “These islands are real treasures,” says MBC co-founder Daniel Kleban. “It’s easy to forget how fortunate we are in Maine to have places like Little Whaleboat that are just so close to shore and yet feel totally remote and so peaceful. It takes effort from organizations and people who are in a position to help to conserve places like this.” For more information or to make a donation, visit mcht.org.

“By supporting Little Whaleboat,” Marisic says, “people can help create permanent access to Maine’s coast for everyone and help take some control over fighting climate change aﬀecting our environment.”

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

BY KATIE SMITH

Finding Their Fur-ever Homes

Pets can bring such joy into your life. Now more than ever, people are looking into adopting pets and it’s no surprise there are many heartwarming stories about cats and dogs finding their forever homes. However, there are still many pets who need good homes and for Bangor Humane Society, it hasn’t been without its struggles this last year. “We’ve been managing well with the pandemic, although we have run into the same issues that so many other businesses and organizations have in the last 18 months, which is that sometimes staffing has been a challenge,” said Kathryn Ravenscraft, Director of Development at the Bangor Humane Society. Ravenscraft adds they’ve had to close a number of times because of positive Covid cases in the building which was unavoidable due to all the people out there wanting to adopt a pet. The biggest challenge for the Bangor Humane Society over the past year has been the number of animals with medical and/or behavior challenges being surrendered or picked up as strays in the area. “It has put a little strain on

our capacity. We may only have a dozen animals listed as available on our website, but at any given time we have more than a hundred animals in the building that need our care before they are adoptable.” BHS is committed to their mission of championing humane treatment and adoption. Their live-release rate remains an outstanding 99%, but the resources required to make sure all of their special friends find homes is substantial. They simply ask that those seeking adoptable animals continue their patience and support while they triage, treat and prepare to release animals to the adoption floor. The BHS building went through an extensive renovation which wrapped up during the summer of 2020. “It’s pretty spectacular and has helped us not only be better able to manage the capacity of animals we see, but has cut down significantly on disease transmission, especially among cats,” said Ravenscraft. The renovation added administrative space, increased clinical space and upgraded their cat kennels to cat condos so that the cats have more room to move and climb. It also included an upgraded HVAC system, which has improved air quality for animals and people. “No more cat litter smell when you walk in the doors. It’s pretty great,” Ravenscraft said of the new space. A freshly upgraded building has helped their mission to get pets to their forever homes and BHS has some inspiring stories to share from 2021.

Princess & Shawn

One of their most special adoption stories is that of a beautiful female pitbull named Princess. “An absolutely beautiful dog, she was surrendered to us in April 2020 and was immediately apprehensive. It was clear she had some stranger-danger and needed some work to build up her confidence and trust again,” said Ravenscraft. “She was one of those dogs that I discussed above — a GREAT dog, but placing her was a challenge because she needed to be the only animal in the home, which is tough to find.” Ravenscraft explained that most folks who visit shelters are looking to grow their fur families and rarely don’t have other animals in the home so this was a challenge to say the least. However, after spending more than a year in the shelter, her fur-ever friend walked through the door and it was love at first sight. “Our staff was so excited to see Princess finding the home she so deserved and word spread quickly that she was being adopted. A few of our staff members hurried in on their day off to say goodbye. Her new owner, Shawn, says she settled in beautifully almost right away, goes everywhere with him, and that they are a match made in heaven,” said Ravenscraft.

Three Sisters Another inspiring story involved three sister cats who needed a home. “Dream, Destiny and Divine were three cat sisters who came to us with vision challenges,” said Ravenscraft. “Two of them were blind and one was visually impaired.”

COURTESY OF STRAY DUCK FOTO

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

The cat sisters needed to be placed together because they grew to rely on each other to feel safe and secure. Adopting three cats at once is a tall order, especially three that needed some specialized care, but the right person came through the shelter at the right time and they all went home together after a relatively short stay.

Home Fur the Holidays In the new year, Bangor Humane Society is embarking on an adoption campaign called Home Fur the Holidays for a few of their special friends. Ravenscraft explains that some of them have been at the shelter for a year or more and “it would mean so much to us to have them find their forever families before the new year. They all deserve it,” she said. A snuggly, chonky 7-year-old tabby named Sammy was surrendered by his owner in August 2020 following a diagnosis of diabetes. “After more than a year of working to get his levels controlled, Sammy is now healthy and happy and ready for a home of his own,” said Ravenscraft. Sammy does need insulin shots twice a day and a special prescription food so a vet relationship will be required for the family who wants to take him home. He’s not a fan of other cats either, but as long as dogs and kids are willing to give him space, he should do fine with those groups, added Ravenscraft. Lavender is a friendly and playful 2-year-old Treeing Walker Coonhound surrendered to BHS in June 2020 after her owner sadly passed away. She is a young dog with lots of energy; she’ll need room to ramble and consistent supervision. Though Lavender gets along with other dogs during play, she is food possessive and cannot be housed with other dogs. She also likes to chase cats, so she’ll need to be the only pet in the home. Lavender has allergies that make her skin red and itchy, but a special diet seems to be working nicely and will be easy for new owners to keep up with. “With a little training, this dog will give years of kisses, smiles, love and loyalty,” said Ravenscraft. Bailey also needs a home. She is a sweet, energetic 8-year-old hound mix. Originally surrendered in 2017, she quickly found a home TO DUCK FO OF STRAY COURTESY

where she lived for four wonderful years. “Unfortunately, her new owners recently moved and were unable to take her with them, so Bailey is back, hoping her next placement really is forever,” said Ravenscraft. “Bailey’s got a little stranger-danger and can get over excited when she’s exposed to too much stimuli, so her new family will need to be patient. Even though she’s moving into her senior years, this ball of energy has years of love left to give.” Duke was adopted from BHS as a puppy in February 2020. In January 2021, he was returned because his owners could no longer care for him. Duke is housebroken and crate-trained, and exhibited no destructive behaviors if left by himself at home for extended periods. He lived happily with two children and his previous owners think he may do well with dog-savvy cats. He has a sweet, friendly disposition. “Shortly after arriving, Duke became protective of his kennel and was selective about the staff he allowed to leash and handle him,” said Ravenscraft. “We worked hard to make him feel safe and comfortable so that he could begin meeting with prospective adopters. We think he may have a tendency to be protective of a new family and home, so we simply suggest cautious introductions of new people.” Delilah also needs a fur-ever home. She was rescued from the mean streets of Miami and brought to BHS in April 2019. “We believe her experiences from her time being homeless made this little Parson Russell Terrier mix very people selective. Her perfect match is someone who will let Delilah take her time getting comfortable and learning to trust,” said Ravenscraft. Delilah can’t go home with other dogs or with cats, and will need a home with only adult humans not prone to sudden movements or loud noises. Delilah loves to snuggle and once you’ve earned her trust, she is adoring and loyal. If you have been thinking about adding a pet to your family, visit BHS and you may just find your fur-ever pet. Visit bangorhumane.org, where you can also find a wishlist of donation items.

COURTESY OF STRAY DUCK FOTO

Lavender Duke

COURT ESY O F STR AY DU CK FO TO

Bailey

Sammy

Delilah

TO DUCK FO OF STRAY COURTESY

Photos that made us smile in 2021

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

PHOTOS BY TROY R. BENNETT | BDN

Two boats jockey for position atop Six Mile Falls in Bangor on Saturday April 17, 2021 during the 54th Kenduskeag Canoe Race.

Love Factory dancers (from left) Krista Donoghue, Tom Kovacevic, Joy Taylor and Jimmie Prichard move to the beat in Portland’s Congress Square this past summer.

McKenzie Meserve, 15, of Wales, drives her team of oxen in the final all-women, “Powder Puff” pulling event at the Cumberland Fair on September. Mike and Jessica Craig take in the annular eclipse of the sun Thursday morning June 10, 2021 on Portland’s Eastern Prom.

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021

As part of fan appreciation day, kids were invited to run the bases after the Portland Sea Dogs’ final home game of the season.

Portland Sea Dogs shortstop Ryan Fitzgerald talks with two young fans after the team’s final home game.

Maine country music musicians Mike Preston (left) and Bucky Mitchell.

BDN GOOD NEWS • Bangor Daily News Special Advertising Section • December 24, 2021