Ready to write your own story? We're sharing tips for your unique memoir
FOOD & DRINK
12 WASTE LESS, COOK MORE
Waste less in the kitchen this spring by eating root to stem
HEALTH & FITNESS
16 ADVENTURE ME
The birds are back in town — and we know where to spot them
20 PUMP SOME IRON
Lifting weights is one of the best ways to tone, among many other benefits
22 HELPFUL FITNESS TECH
Have a health goal? There's an app for just about everyone
HOME & FINANCE
24 PICKING FLOWERS
Visit these local flower farms for bright springtime blooms and growing tips
BANGOR
44 HIDDEN SCULPTURES OF BANGOR
Take a tour through the Queen City in search of sculptures
50 BURIED TREASURE
Go behind the scenes at the Bangor Historical Society
56 MORE UNEXPECTED TREASURES
BHS holds two rare copies of the Declaration of Independence
58 A VISIT TO BANGOR IN THE YEAR 1925
What's changed and stayed the same in the past 100 years
A Fresh Start
AS CARLY SIMON SANG in her 1971 hit “Anticipation” — “We can never know about the days to come, but we think about them anyway.” There’s a lot of change and anticipation in my household right now. My daughter has applied to colleges all over New England and we’re eagerly awaiting the replies and her final pick. Will she be minutes or hours away? What else do we need to do to prepare? And what will life look like with just my husband and son at home?
Emily Morrison’s piece on empty nesting (page 64) really hit home for me. I’ve spent a fair share of time just staring around my daughter’s room, thinking about how things are about to change. And how we’ll handle the extra expenses of having a kid in college (Sarah Walker Caron’s tips for saving more and spending less on page 38 are already coming in handy).
But change is what spring is all about, and it’s the perfect time for a fresh start. If you’re looking to shake up your health routine, check out our round-up of hot new health trends on page 28. From breathwork to probiotics to digital detox, there’s something for everyone. We’ve also got tips on weight lifting on page 20, as well as some fun health-focused apps to keep you on track (see page 22). Or if a walk through the woods to listen to the birds sounds like the perfect way to welcome spring, visit page 16.
Spring is also mud season in Maine, but we’re making the best of it. Aislinn Sarnacki has scoped out Maine companies turning that mud — and clay and herbs and honey and other local ingredients — into amazing skin care products (page 34).
Then there’s the simple kind of anticipation, like waiting for bright green stalks to poke through the wet earth to let us know that spring has truly arrived. See Marissa Donovan’s collection of area flower farms where you can pick your own bouquets and take home beautiful blooms on page 24.
As a special treat, we’ve also included a whole section dedicated to Bangor, celebrating both the Queen City’s past and present (starting on page 43). Hunt down hidden sculptures around the city, go behind the scenes at the Bangor Historical Society, and lots more. Many thanks to local historians Richard Shaw and Matt Bishop, as well as the Bangor Historical Society, for their help making this section happen.
And finally, we’re anticipating the launch of a shiny, new website for Bangor Metro! If you love this magazine, be sure to visit bangormetro.com for even more fun content to keep you informed and entertained between issues.
Anticipation is, in fact, “keepin’ me waiting,” but I’m ready to embrace it and welcome a fresh start this spring.
APOLOGIES
FOR PUTTING THAT SONG IN YOUR HEAD,
Visit our New Site!
AMY ALLEN EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR
PUBLISHER Richard J. Warren
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR Laurie Cates lcates@bangordailynews.com
EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR Amy Allen aallen@bangordailynews.com
Bangor Metro is published 5 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.
Opinions expressed in either the editorial or advertisements do not represent the opinions of the staff or publisher of Bangor Metro magazine. Advertisers and event sponsors or their agents are responsible for copyrights and accuracy of all material they submit. Bangor Metro magazine to the best of its ability ensures the acuracy of information printed in the publication.
Inquiries and suggestions are welcome and encouraged. Letters to the editor, story suggestions, and other reader input will be subject to Bangor Metro’s unrestricted right to edit and publish in the magazine both in print and online.
Editorial:
Queries should be sent to Amy Allen at aallen@bangordailynews.com.
Advertising:
For advertising questions, please call the Business Development Director Laurie Cates at 207-745-2419.
Accounts Payable/Receivable: For information about your account please call 207-990-8129.
COVER ART: Amy Allen
Go Team!
WE’RE FORTUNATE TO HAVE THESE TALENTED & CURIOUS WRITERS SHARING STORIES THIS MONTH.
INTERESTED IN JOINING OUR RANKS?
EMAIL AALLEN@BANGORDAILYNEWS.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT WRITING FOR BDN SPECIAL SECTIONS.
ANNE GABBIANELLI has enjoyed a robust career as a freelance writer, broadcast journalist, and college professor. Her articles about the fascinating people and history of Maine have been published in several magazines, newspapers, and other periodicals. She finds her subjects as she travels throughout the state, discovering hidden towns, visiting museums, and exploring local lore. Anne is also a hospice volunteer who meets amazing people who often share their life stories with her.
KATIE BINGHAMSMITH is a full-time freelance writer. She’s a staff writer for websites such as Scary Mommy, Grown and Flown, and The Girlfriend. You can also follow her fashion adventures on Instagram @katiebinghamsmith.
SARAH WALKER CARON is a Pushcart - nominated essayist as well as a food writer and author. Her work has appeared in Farmer-ish, The Washington Post, the Boston Globe, SheKnows , and more. Her latest cookbook, “ Harry Potter and Fantastic Beasts: Official Wizarding World Cookbook,” is available where books are sold. Read more from her at sarahscucinabella.com.
RICHARD SHAW is a Bangor native who lives and breathes local history. In 2021, the city named him its honorary historian and presented him with a key to the city. When Dick isn’t writing freelance articles, providing television commentary, or compiling best-selling vintage photo books for Arcadia Publishing, he might be photographing old graveyards or haunted houses. His long careers with the Bangor Daily News and the City of Bangor have provided him with fodder for untold stories and editorial opportunities. On his horizon is a possible novel involving Bangor’s colorful lumbering era.
MARISSA DONOVAN is a contributing writer for the Bangor Metro and Bangor Daily News Special Sections. She was born and raised in Deer Isle, and graduated from Colby-Sawyer College in New London, NH, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in creative writing. In her downtime she enjoys reading, listening to podcasts, and gardening. Marissa is always seeking out feel-good stories and upcoming events in Maine to share with Metro readers.
STEPHANIE BOUCHARD is an editor and writer based in the Midcoast. She writes about health/wellness, business, pets, and Maine life and people. She has been published locally and nationally in publications such as the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram, the Working Waterfront, Island Journal, The Maine Monitor, WSJ.com, Caregiving, Chicago Health and Cosmopolitan magazines, MensHealth.com, and the Washington Post’s The Lily. Find her at stephaniebouchard.net.
EMILY BAER is a freelance writer and artist based in Bucksport. Her work has appeared in various magazines and publications throughout New England and her curiosity about our state and its people is boundless. When she is not writing or making art, Emily enjoys exploring Maine's many nooks and crannies with her young family and their neurotic dog, Billie.
WELCOME SPRING!
Enjoy a fresh new pop quiz perfect for springtime!
SPRING 2025
MARCH
11
CONCERT FOR A CAUSE AT THE COLLINS CENTER FOR THE ARTS
Enjoy the UMaine Concert Band’s annual show to benefit a local charity doing good work in our community. The band will play with the Leonard Middle School Symphonic Band and the Old Town High School Band. Free admissions; donations accepted. To learn more about the University of Maine instrumental and choral ensembles or for a complete list of School of Performing Arts events, visit umaine.edu/spa.
MARCH 14
HIRUNDO FULL MOON WALK
Enjoy a serene full moon walk exploring the trails of Hirundo in Old Town. Experience the peaceful beauty of the forest at night, listen for nocturnal sounds, and connect with nature in a whole new way. Learn about Maine's nocturnal wildlife and their adaptations, then enjoy snacks and star-gazing with telescopes. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or just looking for a magical evening outdoors, this guided hike is perfect for ages 7 and up.
Hirundo is excited to be partnering with the Maine Discovery Museum to bring Franklin Institute’s Mission2Mars program to Old Town with this Full Moon Walk. Mission2Mars is a nationwide engagement program catalyzing community partnerships across the country around NASA Artemis's missions and learning resources. Visit hirundomaine.org for ticket information and details.
MARCH 19-23
MAINE SCIENCE FESTIVAL
This year marks the 10th Maine Science Festival, and it’s going to be the best yet! Science surrounds us every day, from the phones in our pockets to innovations in wood products, space exploration, aquaculture, and climate research. At the MSF, celebrate the vital role science plays in our lives and see the world-class work of Maine’s scientists, researchers, and engineers. For more about this free Bangorarea event, visit mainesciencefestival.org.
APRIL 5
30TH ANNUAL HIKE FOR THE HOMELESS
Hike for the Homeless raises awareness of homelessness in our Bangor community and raises funds for the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter. Bring your friends and family to walk 2.4 miles through downtown Bangor, then enjoy free Jason’s Pizza, Dunkin’ coffee, raffle prizes, and more.
The walk begins behind Sea Dog Brewing Company at 9:30 a.m. at 26 Front St. in Bangor. For information about sponsoring and to register for the walk, visit bangorareashelter.org.
APRIL 25-27
ANAH SHRINE CIRCUS
Find the answers below!
The circus is coming to the Cross Insurance Center in Bangor. Step right up for a thrilling, family-friendly experience. A beloved tradition, the Anah Shrine Circus brings world-class performers, breathtaking acrobatics, hilarious clowns, and all of the fun to the Cross Insurance Center. Witness daring feats, high-flying stunts, and classic circus magic that will leave audiences of all ages amazed. Visit crossinsurancecenter.com for tickets.
MAY
3-4
STAR WARS: A NEW HOPE IN CONCERT
Listen to the Bangor Symphony with conductor Lucas Richman during this unique event. The full feature film will be projected onto a large screen above the orchestra at the Collins Center while you experience the full John Williams’ score, live! “Star Wars: A New Hope” returns to the desert planet of Tatooine in the fourth episode of the saga. Visit bangorsymphony. org for details.
MAY 5
MEAN GIRLS AT THE CROSS INSURANCE CENTER
Direct from Broadway, “Mean Girls” is the hilarious hit musical from Tina Fey. The story of a naïve newbie who falls prey to a trio of lionized frenemies, the show “delivers with immense energy, a wicked sense of humor, and joyful inside-jokery,” says USA Today. Visit crossinsurancecenter.com for more info.
MAY 23
BASS PARK AFTER DARK
Visit the Cross Insurance Center’s first-ever night market. Enjoy four summer nights (May 23, June 28, Aug. 16, and Sept. 6) exploring an array of vendors, food trucks, and live music. Guests can explore hand-
Write Your
STORY
TIPS FOR RECORDING YOUR OWN UNIQUE LIFE EXPERIENCES
BY ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD
What’s your story? Have you considered writing it down, preserving it for posterity, sharing the adventure of your life? Maybe you’ve rejected the idea, thinking, “I’m not a writer.”
Here’s another idea. You are the best author for your own story, and stories matter.
Everyone has experienced highlights and lowlights in their lives, triumphs and disappointments, discoveries and turning points that can be instructional, humorous, or poignant. Let’s face it, being human is a universal experience. No matter who you are or what your life has been, there are aspects of your life experience that will resonate with others. Stories connect us. Stories matter.
Here are some creative ways to try recording your experiences and two important questions to ask yourself before you begin.
AUTOBIOGRAPHY OR MEMOIR?
An autobiography is the story of your life; a memoir is a story from your life.
WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE? WHAT IS YOUR GOAL?
Are you writing for your family? For grandchildren? For a particular group (veterans, dog lovers, survivors of trauma, parents, sports enthusiasts)?
For all of humankind? Think about your goal in writing your story. Do you want to enlighten, comfort, challenge, or simply entertain?
Once you’ve established your primary goal, here are some tips for getting your story out into the world, whether you think of yourself as a writer or not.
• Interview family members and friends. Their memories may spark your own and enrich the narrative.
• Start off with journaling. Remove the pressure to write well. Just get words on the page for no one’s eyes but your own.
An autobiography goes from birth to present day. It includes anecdotes, but focuses on facts, dates, and timelines as a framework. It might reference old letters, documents, photographs, and journals. If you’d like to make an archival contribution to your family’s history, autobiography could be your best vehicle.
A memoir is a salient piece of your story — coming of age, a wartime story, the story of a relationship, recovery from trauma, a great achievement, a dramatic turn. Memoir has a story arc, encompassing a challenge met, a question resolved. In memoir, narrators interpret memories along with the facts.
Memory is fallible. That’s why memoirs might be catalogued separately from nonfiction. Memoirs are “true” stories, but where is the truth when Aunt Greta remembers Hubert’s accident entirely differently than Hubert tells it? The key to memoir is to acknowledge your fallibility. Your memory is real, but it could be wrong. “Here is how I remember that fateful day…” garners more credibility than, “This is exactly what happened.”
• Make lists. What elements do you want to include? Who are your main characters? Lists are easier and less intimidating than crafting full sentences.
• Take a writing class through places like Acadia Senior College or Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance. There are many local and online classes available to help you along.
• Dive deep into memory. Sit still and examine the mental images from your past. New things might emerge for you.
• Read published memoirs. Imitate the kind of writing you like best.
• Experiment. Tell your story in the third person. Try poetry. Fictionalize your story. Sometimes imagination accomplishes what memory does not.
• Look into Storyworth or other programs that offer a framework for researching and collecting information about your history.
• Are you more of an oral storyteller? Record yourself telling stories to your grandchildren.
When I was writing a weekly column for the Bangor Daily News, I interviewed people from all around the state of Maine to learn about their lives. Early on I worried that I might run out of material, an unfounded concern. It soon became clear that I could sit down for an hour with anyone off the street and hear a compelling life story worth telling. You have a story inside of you. Maybe it’s time to share it.
ROBIN CLIFFORD WOOD is the award-winning author of “The Field House,” a biography-memoir hybrid about Maine author Rachel Field. For the last 20 years, she has immersed herself in Maine’s writing world — as columnist, poet, blogger, essayist, teacher, student, and colleague. To learn more, visit her website: robincliffordwood.com.
WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH
WATCH
POP CULTURE JEOPARDY! ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I’m a “Jeopardy!” addict. I have the long-running quiz show set to record daily, just in case I miss an episode. I frequently — and unnecessarily — phrase things in the form of a question in my day-to-day life. I’m not great at general trivia, for the record, but I love it. For years I’ve lamented the cancellation of “Rock & Roll Jeopardy!” (hosted by Jeff Probst from 1998-2001, there’s a fun trivia fact for you), so when I spotted “Pop Culture Jeopardy!” advertised on Amazon Prime Video, I was very excited. Played in teams of three with goofy names and hosted by SNL’s Colin Jost, it’s living up to the hype I created in my own head. As much as I love good ol’ regular “Jeopardy!, geography, which are frequently in the category rotation. However, “Pop Culture Jeopardy! like “From Disney to A-List” and “ Dated” — much more on my playing field. Tons of fun and worth a binge.
READ
“KEANU
REEVES IS NOT IN LOVE WITH YOU: THE MURKY WORLD OF ONLINE ROMANCE FRAUD”
BY BECKY HOLMES
One of my biggest pet peeves are scam emails and text messages. I will not “click the link” to find hot singles in my area. I will not text my routing number for a baby grand piano. Unfortunately people can become victims to fraudulent messages and tragically lose thousands of dollars. A common scam that continues to happen today is online romance fraud. In “Keanu Reeves is Not in Love With You: The Murky World of Online Romance Fraud,” author Becky Holmes presents examples of how women are targeted online by strangers impersonating doctors, soldiers, and famous actors in exchange for money. She exposes the strategies of these scam artists by inserting screenshots of private messages from her own inbox. While the subject matter is serious, Holmes’ responses to these impersonators are absurd and comical. My favorite example is the group message she has with two different scam artists who each claim to be Brad Pitt and Liam Neeson. She also includes experiences from women she interviewed for the book. These personal accounts from women help the reader understand how, under certain life circumstances and manipulation tactics, it’s easy to look past the many red flags. NONFICTION
—MARISSA DONOVAN
DOWNLOAD
NYT COOKING APP
DRINK
BARL I MAN’S OLD FASHIONED LOCATED AT 2 HAMMOND ST., BANGOR (BY THE CANAL)
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I work from home most days, so I revel in the chance to get out of the house at the end of the day. I drag my husband downtown for dinner and drinks, rotating through our favorite local pubs and restaurants. Most recently, we’ve added downtown newcomer Barliman’s into the mix. It’s like a fun little speakeasy, tucked away under the original Merrill Trust Building (now home to the Bangor Chamber of Commerce). It’s moody and dark with a beautiful bar and, in homage to its banking past, a vault that would be perfect for a private party or game night. But perhaps the best part is their Old Fashioned. Ask for Ian’s Old Fashioned, with less muddle and more yum. Bourbon, bitters, a hint of sweetness — it’s the perfect cocktail. Barliman’s offers a long list of non-alcoholic cocktails as well, and don’t sleep on the charcuterie board.
— AMY ALLEN
My social media algorithm knows I’m constantly stumped for dinner ideas. I’m pretty sure it hears my family’s resounding “I don’t care” when I ask for suggestions. The internet likes to show me all kinds of wild recipes to try, but the ones I tend to click on come from The New York Times. So, I finally bit the bullet and subscribed to their cooking app, and I’m so glad I did. Sheet-Pan Gnocchi with Mushrooms and Spinach — yes, please. For a few dollars a month, it’s already paying off, recommending tons of delicious dinner recipes that are proven winners (thank you ratings!). You can sort recipes by vegetarian, healthy, less than 30 minutes, and more. And then organize your picks into a digital “recipe box” where you can sort out your favorites and least favorites, recipes you want to try, etc. If you want to use the app to its full power, you can even add ingredients to a digital grocery list or drop them directly in your Instacart, and also mark up recipes with your private notes. I love to cook and try new things, but deciding what to cook is a drag so this app is perfect — chef’s kiss.
— AMY ALLEN
WASTE LESS, Cook More
READY TO EAT ROOT TO STEM? WASTE LESS IN THE KITCHEN THIS SPRING
WBY SARAH WALKER CARON
hen I first began growing vegetables, I didn’t realize that the parts of carrots, radishes, and beets that grew above ground were edible too. I was firmly in the remove and toss camp — until someone encouraged me to try beet greens and I realized they were a delightful, slightly sweet, lovely green that worked well in dishes from stir fries to salads.
In fact, the leaves of many root veggies are great, nutrient-rich ingredients for incorporating into dishes. According to the University of Maine Cooperative Extension, beet greens are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A, for instance. They advise choosing greens that are crisp, not wilted.
Are you ready to start eating root to stem? Excellent. Here are three tasty recipes to get you started this season.
BEET GREENS ORZO
4 servings
Beet greens have the rich, slightly sweet flavor of beets but the familiar texture of greens. This makes them perfect for salads, sauteing, and more. In this easy Beet Greens Orzo recipe, these greens are sauteed with garlic and shallots, adding a richness to the mixture. The touch of crushed red pepper also gives a little bite. Tossed with tender orzo, this becomes a delightful, comforting side dish, perfect for serving with grilled steak, shrimp, or chicken.
INGREDIENTS
1 cup dry orzo
2 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot, minced
⅛ teaspoon crushed red pepper
2 cups beet greens, stems chopped small and leaves torn into bitesize pieces
Salt and pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
In a pot of water, cook the orzo according to package directions.
Drain and rinse with cool water to pause the cooking process.
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened — about 2-3 minutes. Season with crushed red pepper and stir well to combine. Add the beet greens and stems and stir well. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the greens are softened, about 4-5 minutes.
Add the orzo to the greens and toss well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as desired.
Serve immediately.
RADISH GREENS CHIMICHURRI
Yield: 1 cup
You might not be familiar with eating radish greens, but this recipe will give you an easy, low-barrier way to start. While the texture of radish greens isn’t a favorite for everyone, blending them with parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and seasonings renders it a nonissue. This vibrant sauce is perfect for spooning onto roasted potatoes, cauliflower, steak, chicken, and more. This vibrant, bright, zesty Radish Greens Chimichurri might just become your favorite summer sauce.
INGREDIENTS
½ cup radish greens
½ cup parsley
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 clove garlic
1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Add the radish greens, parsley, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, salt, black pepper, and crushed red pepper to the bowl of a mini food processor. Process until the ingredients are evenly chopped and smooth. Allow the sauce to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Don’t have a mini food processor? No problem. This can also be made in a full-sized food processor or a blender.
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
CARROT TOP PESTO
Yield: 1½ cups
Did you know that carrots are part of the parsley family? The adaptable flavor of the greens makes them ideal for sauces like pesto, where other ingredients like garlic, nuts, and cheese take center stage. Toss this pesto with your favorite pasta or spread on sandwiches with fresh mozzarella and tomato.
Carrot Top Pesto is a bright, vibrant, fresh sauce perfect for spring and summer.
INGREDIENTS
2 cups packed carrot tops, washed and dried
2 cloves garlic
1/4 cup walnuts
1/4 cup freshly grated romano cheese
1/2 cup olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt, or more to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Combine the carrot tops, garlic, walnuts, and Romano cheese in a mini food processor or blender. Pulse to chop evenly into small pieces, about 1 minute or so.
Add the olive oil to the food processor and process to combine. The carrot top mixture should get chopped a little more in the process.
Season with salt, as desired, stirring well. Taste and add more if desired. But remember: less is more.
The BIRDS are
BACK in TOWN
SPOT BLUEBIRDS, DUCKLINGS, AND MORE ON THESE WALKING TRAILS
STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI
ONCE AGAIN, the morning is filled with birdsong. After the sleepy silence of winter, the woods and fields are abuzz with birds as they pair up, build nests, and lay eggs.
Whether you’re an experienced birder or someone who simply enjoys nature, spring is an exciting time to observe the 200-plus species of birds that breed in Maine.
To escape the cold, many bird species fly south in the winter. But in the spring, they return to nest and raise their young. As a result, the state’s bird population spikes, and this change is noticeable.
At the same time, many birds, whether migrants or yearrounders, transform as they molt. Drab winter feathers are replaced with bright plumage. Light brown goldfinches become vibrant yellow. Gray loons put on black and white stripes and iridescent collars. Scarlet tanagers shed their muddy yellow feathers to become brilliant red.
It’s a time of singing and, in some cases, dancing. For example, the American woodcock is known for its bobbing stride and twirling aerial acrobatics — all in order to impress a mate.
Throughout the state, birds can be found just about anywhere, even in urban settings. But some places boast more species than others. Here are a few trails where you’ll likely spot a wide variety of birds, including some fan favorites like bluebirds and hermit thrushes.
A common yellowthroat sings beside a pond at Caribou Bog Conservation Area.
(At right) An American
FIELDS POND AUDUBON CENTER IN HOLDEN
EASY TO MODERATE
At this wildlife sanctuary, bluebirds and tree swallows raise their young in nesting boxes scattered throughout several fields. Flycatchers perch on branches over wetlands, and scarlet tanagers call from the trees.
Walking trails criss-cross this 229-acre property, circling the fields and threading through a hilly forest to views along the shore of Fields Pond. More than 130 bird species have been documented there, and if you’re struggling to spot any, just sit near the nature center and watch who visits the many well-stocked bird feeders.
Fields Pond Audubon Center is just one of eight wildlife centers owned and managed by the Maine Audubon. Dogs are not permitted at any of them. Access is free. For more information, visit maineaudubon.org.
DIRECTIONS: The physical address is 216 Fields Pond Road in Holden. It’s located just 7 miles outside of Bangor. The large gravel parking lot is well marked.
CARIBOU BOG CONSERVATION AREA IN ORONO
EASY TO MODERATE
With trails leading to multiple ponds and grassy areas, this preserve is a great place to spot a variety of ducks. It also usually hosts a family or two of Canada geese. And in the forest, you’ll find lovely songbirds, including American redstarts.
Ospreys, great blue herons, and American woodcocks are also commonly sighted on the property.
You can explore the area on over 18 miles of trails (many of which are also open to bicyclists), or you can simply walk the long, gravel road that leads to the shore of several ponds. Dogs are permitted. Access is free. For more information, visit oronolandtrust.org.
DIRECTIONS: From Forest Avenue in Orono, turn onto Taylor Road. Drive about a quarter mile, then veer left onto Putnam Road. Park at the lot on the left.
A rose-breasted grosbeak at Fields Pond Audubon Center.
A scarlet tanager sings while high in the trees.
redstart perches high in the branches of a tree, and a Canada goose and her goslings swim in a pond in the Caribou Bog Conservation Area in Orono.
BELFAST RAIL TRAIL IN BELFAST
EASY TO MODERATE
A wide, gravel multi-use pathway that stretches over 2 miles, the Belfast Rail Trail is known for its historic significance, as it follows the route of an old railway. However, it’s also an excellent place to enjoy a wide variety of birds and flowers.
Along the edges of the trail, flitting about in bushes and trees, a variety of songbirds can be found, including goldfinch, chickadees, and cedar waxwings. And where the trail crosses and traces the banks of the Passagassawakeag River, you’re apt to spot water birds such as double-crested cormorants.
This is a great place to go if you want to mix naturewatching with socializing. This popular trail sees 300400 people on a typical summer day, so you certainly won’t feel lonely.
Dogs are permitted but must be leashed. Access is free. For more information, visit coastalmountains.org.
DIRECTIONS: The rail trail has three trailheads, one on each end, and one approximately halfway along the trail. The north trailhead is off Oak Hill Road, just 0.2 mile from where it intersects with City Point Road. The middle parking lot is off City Point Road, about 1.3 miles south of the intersection with Oak Hill Road. And the south trailhead is by the Armistice Bridge near the Front Street Shipyard.
ACADIA NATIONAL PARK ON THE SCHOODIC PENINSULA
EASY TO CHALLENGING
This mainland portion of Acadia National Park is known as a premiere birding destination. In fact, the Schoodic Institute offers a whole series of birding events on the property, with many of the programs held in the spring.
Thanks to its location on a peninsula, this part of the park is a wonderful place to view a wide variety of seabirds, such as common eiders, black guillemots, northern gannets, and double-crested cormorants. Bald eagles nest on the peninsula, and a variety of gulls nest on an island just offshore.
Also, while hiking or biking along the carriage roads, it’s not uncommon to spot elusive spruce grouse, a chicken-like bird that’s protected in Maine.
Park passes are $35 per vehicle, and they’re valid for seven days. Dogs are permitted if on leash at all times, and leashes cannot exceed 6 feet in length. For more information, visit nps.gov/acad and specifically search for Schoodic Peninsula. The rest of the park is located on Mount Desert Island.
DIRECTIONS: From where Main Street meets Route 186 in Winter Harbor, drive east on Route 186 toward Prospect Harbor. Drive about 0.5 mile, then turn right at the Acadia National Park sign. Now you’re on a park road that’s approximately 6 miles long and becomes oneway. A visitor center, campground, and several parking and picnic areas can be found along the road, as well as trailheads to hiking trails and carriage roads.
AISLINN SARNACKI is a Registered Maine Guide and the author of three guidebooks: “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine,” “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path,” and “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine.” Follow her adventures at aislinnsarnacki.com.
The colors of vegetation pop under a cloudy sky in Acadia National Park’s mainland section on Schoodic Peninsula.
A gull rests on a rock on Schoodic Point.
A chestnut-sided warbler wrestles with a caterpillar.
A cedar waxwing perches beside the Belfast Rail Trail.
SEAWARDS
MILLS CONSERVATION AREA IN VASSALBORO EASY
If you’re looking for a quiet place to search for birds, this 44-acre preserve is a great option. It features an easy 0.7-mile trail that begins at the edge of a field and meanders through woodlands along the banks of a stream. This variety of habitats attracts a variety of birds.
Keep an eye out for warblers, which are little songbirds that migrate back to Maine in the spring. Maine is home to 26 warbler species, and some are quite colorful.
Also, if visiting in May, keep an eye out for alewives swimming up Seawards Mills Stream.
Access is free. Dogs are permitted on leash or under voice control. For more information, visit tklt.org.
DIRECTIONS: The parking for this preserve is on the side of the road, well out of the way of traffic, on Seawards Mills Road in Vassalboro, about 0.2 mile from where the road intersects with Cross Hill Road.
A palm warbler (above) and a yellowrumped warbler.
PUMP SOME
IRON
TIGHT ON TIME? JUST STARTING OUT? WANT BETTER RESULTS? LOTS OF BENEFITS? LIFTING WEIGHTS
WIS FOR EVERYONE
BY KATIE SMITH
omen naturally have less body mass than men, and as our hormones decrease, so does our ability to keep our muscles. If you’re in a rut when it comes to your workout routine, just getting started, or would like to see more results, you can reach your goals in as little as half an hour, three days a week, by lifting weights.
Whether you’re a busy mom, grandparent, or you have long work days, and you’re looking to make a healthy change this year, lifting weights can make a huge difference and it doesn’t have to mean spending hours in the gym pumping away.
“To put it in perspective, I’d rather my clients have an effective 10-minute strength training session a few days a week than do nothing, especially when they are just starting out,” said Kendra Jarratt, a Maine-based certified personal trainer, nutrition coach, and behavior change specialist.
Jarratt added that the hardest part about sticking to a routine is thinking everything has to be perfect and there’s a right way to do it. There isn’t, and there are several options out there to fit every lifestyle.
You can get started with a fitness app like Jarratt’s (kendrajarratt.com) and begin a bodyweight or dumbbell program that you can do at home at your convenience.
“Depending on resources, another great option is to hire a personal trainer for 10 sessions,” Jarratt said. “Making the investment in yourself will teach you how to execute a training program that you can continue forever. Your gym may also have strength training classes that you can participate in in a group style if you enjoy that more.”
To make the best use of your time, Jarratt noted it’s important to pick a weight that allows you to do 8-12 reps.
“When you reach the 12th rep, you should feel like you can’t do another one in that set,” Jarratt said. That’s a really important element to remember.”
No, you won’t get bulky. This is how you build muscle.
“Our bodies start losing lean muscle mass in our early 30s,” Jarratt said. “This also leads to bone density loss and osteoporosis. Lifting weights can slow down, and even reverse, the natural aging process.”
The benefits don’t stop there.
“Lifting weights can also improve blood markers, including blood pressure and cholesterol levels to name a few,” Jarratt said. “And we can’t leave out how lifting weights can improve posture, strength, body awareness, and confidence for an improved quality of life, something we are all looking for.”
Jarratt is available through her website and Instagram (kendra.jarratt) to offer guidance on training and nutrition and answer any questions you may have.
GET STARTED WITH THESE SIMPLE WEIGHTLIFTING EXERCISES
Try 8-12 reps of each exercise. Start slow and choose a weight you feel comfortable holding and allows you to do 8-12 reps. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting a new fitness routine.
LATERAL RAISE
BICEP CURL
BENT OVER ROW
TRICEP “SKULL CRUSHER”
SHOULDER
PRESS
HELPFUL Fitness Tech
HAVE A HEALTH GOAL? THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT.
BY EMILY BAER
In our modern world, few days carry as much metaphorical weight as the first of the year. Everywhere you turn people are making proclamations. This year will be better! Healthier! Somehow shinier! It’s all well intentioned, but the pressure can feel overwhelming. Still, the instinct to take advantage of the fresh start persists.
For me, this year’s resolutions are a continuation of the last several years. Despite stringing the goal of “better health” along from one calendar year into the next, I’m happy to report that I have made progress. They say that health is wealth, and I’ve taken the same approach to fitness as I try to for banking: settle on a specific goal, make small, continual investments toward it, and ignore short-term ups and downs.
Easier said than done, but I’ve found a few resources along the way to help.
TRACK IT
I’ve found apps to be useful in helping track my progress and stay focused on my goals. I tend to prefer a long walk over running, but MapMyRun is good for both.
You can log your workouts for free or upgrade to a premium membership. Strava, FitBit, and NikeRunClub offer similar services and have legions of fans each.
WORK IT OUT
If you’re a generalist at heart, Glo might be a good option to try a variety of different workouts. The app offers pilates, yoga, barre, cardio, HIIT, qigong, and more. It’s a paid membership after the first week but remember, it's an investment! If it's a service that works for you, it's worth it. I’ve also had fun experimenting with the thousands of workouts on DailyBurn, Strong for personalized weightlifting, and GymShark, which builds plans based on your equipment, time, and focus areas.
COUNTLESS OPTIONS
And then there’s YouTube. Oh, the power of YouTube! For every paid app and subscription service you can find, there are surely dozens of free options on YouTube. You have to do a little more legwork to find the trainers and workout styles you like, but usually once you do you’ll find more content that you’ll know what to do with. My personal favorites include quiet “Yoga With Adriene” sessions, HIIT workouts with Heather Robertson, and the occasional dance party alongside growwithjo.
MENTAL STRENGTH
As focused as you may be on your body, it's important to not forget your mind. To build mental strength and stamina, apps like Habitify or Habitica can help create new habits, by stacking or gamifying the process. For me, bringing meditation or mindfulness exercises into my workouts has been really helpful. Insight Timer, which tracks your mood at the start of each session, is my favorite meditation app, but the Gratitude app can also be powerful in terms of helping develop positive self-affirmations and celebrating the intentional progress you’ve made.
In the end, these tools are meant to strengthen your resolve and help you get closer to your goals. You don’t have to get fancy or overly complicated (although there’s no doubt an app for that if you do!), as long as it gets the job done. Just like during a long run or a tough workout, what matters most is that you keep moving toward your resolution. Step by step, breath by breath, you’ll get there.
Flowers Picking
BY MARISSA DONOVAN
Fresh flowers are on the horizon. Now is the best time to get excited about creating bouquets and selecting bulbs and roots for your home gardens. Our local flower farms have opportunities for you to pick your own flowers, learn about the many types of flowers that grow locally, and help make your home beautiful with their blooms this spring and even summer!
PAINT BOX FLOWER FARM IN ORRINGTON
This family-owned, Orrington flower farm has been serving the community for seven years. Paint Box Flower Farm has year-round flower bouquets available at local businesses such as Tiller & Rye in Brewer. The flower farm also offers tulip subscriptions from February to May. Paint Box Flower Farm is only open by appointment, and will be hosting workshops this summer. To stay upto-date with the farm, follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram.
PAINTBOXFLOWERFARM.COM
SEEK-NO-FURTHER FARMSTEAD
IN MONROE
This queer-owned and operated farm in Monroe has a vibrant selection of tulips to choose from. Adorable goats, fresh veggies, and soft-serve ice cream are also staples of the farmstead. Visit Angela Baglione and the Seek-NoFurther Farmstead crew for their open house happening this spring! Details for the upcoming open house will be posted on Facebook and Instagram, or by signing up for Seek-NoFurther Farmstead’s email newsletter on their website. Details on Seek-No-Further Farmstead’s Tulip CSA membership can also be found on their website. SEEKNOFURTHERFARMSTEAD.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF WEEZY’S FARM & FLOWER
PHOTO COURTESY OF KELSEY KOBIK, SEEK-NOFURTHER FARMSTEAD
WEEZY’S FARM & FLOWER
IN BANGOR
This urban cut flower farm is located in Bangor and is owned and operated by Jenny Salim. The farm is not open to the public at this time, but you can purchase fresh cut flowers through the farm’s CSA program at the Orono and Bangor farmers’ markets. Weezy’s Farm & Flower also offers dried flower bouquets, dried flower decor, and floral arrangements perfect for special events hosted at your home. Sept. 19-21, Weezy’s Farm & Flower will be at the Common Ground Country Fair in the Agricultural Products section. Salim will be selling many floral goodies and offer a DIY “Build Your Own Bouquet” bar. Details regarding the farm’s CSA program and how to sign up are available on their website.
WEEZYSFARMANDFLOWER.COM
GREEN GARDEN FARM IN ST. ALBANS
Peony heaven can be found at Green Garden Farm in St. Albans. The farm has cultivated a variety of peonies with hues of pink, red, yellow, and white. The farm will be open beginning on June 1 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Peak bloom season typically happens mid-June, and tours are available for those looking to appreciate the floral landscape. Potted peony plants will be available to take home to plant in your own garden. If you would like the first pick of the potted peonies, it’s best to visit the farm prior to the farm tour. You can also purchase peony roots and daffodil and giant colchicum bulbs from Green Garden Farm via their website.
PEONYANDGARLICFARM.COM
TREWORGY FAMILY ORCHARDS IN LEVANT
Known best for their apple orchard and award-winning corn mazes, Treworgy Family Orchards also has a U-pick flower field. Their flower season kicks off mid-August to late September, from Tuesday to Sunday. Before picking, stop by the Hilltop Farm Stand at the orchard for shears, water, and a bucket. Buckets are available to help you store your selection of amaranthus, bachelor buttons, cosmos, snapdragons, sunflowers, zinnias, and dahlias. Hours of operation and farm updates can be found on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.
TREWORGYORCHARDS.COM
MOORE MANOR LAVENDER IN NEWPORT
Experience the soothing surroundings of 2,100 lavender plants and other flowers sprinkled around Moore Manor Lavender in Newport. Since 2017, Peggy and Doug Moore have opened their lavender farm to the public to pick bunches of the fragrant plant. Typically their season begins around Mother’s Day weekend and closes towards the end of August. The height of the bloom is from about the third week in June until it’s harvested around mid-July. A gift shop is also available on the farm. An online storefront filled with lavender-themed merchandise that can be found on their website.
MOOREMANORLAVENDER.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF GREEN GARDEN FARM
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAT JENKINS, TREWORGY ORCHARDS
PHOTO COURTESY OF MOORE MANOR LAVENDER
FROGMORE FLOWER FARM IN BROOKS
Picturesque peonies, zinnias, and sunflowers will capture the eye of anyone visiting Frogmore Flower Farm in Brooks. During the month of June, Ashley Petrochenko sells her flowers at local stores and through Flogmore Flower Farm’s peony CSA. In July, the flower fields are open to visitors. Frogmore Flower Farm’s U-pick opening day is July 26, 2025, and will be open until the first frost of the year. Hours are Thursdays from 5 p.m. to sunset, Fridays from 4 p.m. to sunset, and Saturday from 4 p.m. to sunset. Events and workshops this year include a flower arranging workshop on Aug. 24, and a pumpkins and posies flower arranging workshop on Sept. 21. More events and farm updates will be shared on Facebook, Instagram, and their website.
FROGMOREFLOWERS.COM
PHOTO COURTESY OF FROGMORE FLOWERS
TRENDING Now
HOT
NEW HEALTH TRENDS
TO KICK-START YOUR WELLNESS GOALS
BY EMILY MORRISON
While a push-up will always be a push-up, many modern wellness trends have nothing to do with “working out” in the traditional sense. If you’re too busy to hit the gym and ready to try a few new techniques that won’t add to your to-do list, these holistic approaches to health might just be what you’re searching for to start the year strong.
HYDROTHERAPY
Hydrotherapy is exactly what it sounds like: using water to treat physical ailments. Although aquatic therapy has existed since ancient times (think Egypt, Greece, and Rome), it’s seen a resurgence lately due to the rise of health spas and resorts. Hydrotherapy encompasses everything from water aerobics to immersion therapy.
Whether you prefer a warm bath, a hot sauna, or a cold plunge, there’s something for everyone.
Aging seniors, pregnant women, athletes, and the injured all benefit from aquatic physical therapy, but how can you tell what hydrotherapy is right for you? Simple. If you want to reduce pain, both hot and cold water help, but cold water reduces inflammation and boosts your immune system, while hot water promotes blood flow, relaxes muscles, and flushes out toxins.
Sessions can cost between $50 and $125, depending on where you live and what kind of treatment you need. However, there are
many ways to reap the benefits at home for minimal to no cost: alternate between a one-minute cold and three-minute warm shower; take an Epsom salt bath; breathe in some steam; have a foot, hand, or sitz bath; or apply jet pressure to achy areas.
FASTING
Intermittent fasting has become popular, but how does lengthening the time between meals and shortening your eating window help your overall health? Recent research shows that observing a 12-hour fast stimulates weight loss, improves metabolic health, reduces inflammation, and protects against chronic diseases.
But, before you begin any fasting regimen, you should talk with your doctor about what type is right for you (especially if you have underlying medical conditions). Also, consider your schedule, diet, and exercise habits. Remember that the more honest you are with yourself at the start, the simpler it will be to stick to your new plan.
Most people agree that the easiest time to fast is during sleep. Once you’re comfortable with 12 hours, you can increase your fasting period to 14 or 16. Research shows that 16-hour fasting is the best for burning stored fat, but fasting for more than 24 hours is not recommended.
PROBIOTICS
We’ve all heard of antibiotics for bacterial infections, but what do probiotics do? Probiotics help restore the balance of bacteria in your gut — which, in turn, helps with digestion, immune function, blood sugar levels, and cardiovascular health.
And, as if all that wasn’t enough, probiotics can also help treat yeast infections, urinary tract infections, lactose intolerance, eczema, allergies, and asthma. They keep your bowels functioning as they should and reduce bloating. So, taking a daily over-the-counter probiotic is generally considered a good idea for most people, especially if you want to keep your gut health in check.
Initially, probiotics can trigger stomach upset and even allergic reactions, but these symptoms usually subside once your body adjusts. If probiotics in pill form cause too much strain on your system, you can also find them in bacteria-fermented foods like active-culture yogurts, cheese, kefir, kimchi, kombucha, and sauerkraut.
A warm bath with Epsom salts is an easy and low-cost way to relax and ease tired muscles.
Probiotics come in many forms, including as a pill (left) or in foods like yogurts, cheese, sauerkraut, and more.
MICRO-WORKOUTS
Too busy for a 40-minute workout session? Don’t have time to head to the gym or space in your house for heavy exercise equipment? No worries. You can do multiple 10-minute micro-workouts from the comfort of your office or bedroom and reap the same benefits.
Micro-workouts, which operate on the premise that some movement is better than none, are short, accelerated workouts you can do several times a day in 10 minutes or less. Many examples of these exercises are available online. Still, a few favorites include squatting for 40 seconds, resting for 20 seconds, and repeating this four times at three different intervals throughout the day.
If you want to increase your heart rate, try three minutes of quick lunges. Maybe you've been sitting at a desk for too long. Try seated leg raises. Or, if you want to stretch out on your back, glute squeezes are fun and low-energy. If you’re feeling more energetic, walk (or run) in place with high knees for 7 to 10 minutes.
Looking for an easy way to improve your health?
Step away from your desk for a 10-minute micro-workout or take some time to focus on your breathwork.
BREATHWORK
Perhaps the most famous example of breathwork is Lamaze — all that “Hee hee, hoo hoo” stuff designed to help you forget the pain during the most painful moment of your life. In an attempt to lessen the pain and anxiety of childbirth, Lamaze became popular in the 1950s, encouraging women to focus on taking slow, deep breaths.
Today, breathwork includes any practice that involves changing your breathing pattern. By doing so, you can switch from “fight or flight” mode to a “rest and digest” response. The benefits of practicing breathwork range from reducing stress to improving lung function, blood flow, and blood pressure.
There are only two ways to inhale, from your nose or mouth, but there are many ways to change your inhale. For example, you can alternate which nostril you inhale and exhale from (alternate nostril breathing). If that doesn’t calm you down, try deep belly breathing. This technique is just like it sounds. Take a long, deep breath, expanding as you inhale and relaxing as you exhale.
If you like counting as you breathe, try the 4-7-8 method. You count to 4 as you inhale, hold your breath for 7 beats, and then exhale for 8.
DIGITAL DETOXING
Worldwide, people spend 6 hours and 40 minutes daily on screens, with Americans spending just over 7 hours. The power of the digital detox comes from stepping away from the one thing that uses up most of your time — your screen — to reduce stress and focus on interacting with the world around you.
Some choose to disconnect from their devices entirely, and others prefer to reduce their time by half. Whether you go cold turkey or in increments, the idea behind a digital detox is the same as that behind any addiction: to eliminate unhealthy habits from your life.
How long does it take to break an un healthy habit? There isn’t a fixed timeline, but research suggests it takes 18 to 254 days. You can detach from your devices for as little or as long as you want, but studies like “The Three Day Effect” recommend at least three
MUD SEASON
REFRESH YOUR SKIN WITH LOCAL, NATURAL PRODUCTS
MBY AISLINN SARNACKI
ud season. In Maine, this is a term used to describe early spring, when the snow melts into slush, mush, and muck.
Roads turn into brown soup. Waterproof boots are a must. But maybe, in some cases, mud isn’t so bad.
The harsh winter of the Northeast leads to dry skin and a less-than-luminous complexion. And what’s one thing that’s sure to help? A well-formulated mud mask.
Exfoliating, hydrating masks are perfect for your spring self-care routine. And if you enjoy supporting local businesses and using products with natural, locally-sourced ingredients, you’re in luck. Maine skin care experts have you covered.
REFRESH YOUR SKIN
Is smearing a bunch of mud on your face really going to do any good? According to Kristin Mutchler, founder of the Maine skin care company Pickle’s Potions, yes.
“Mud masks really do help make your skin look brighter and more refreshed,” Mutchler said. “It’s just a great way to help your skin regenerate faster.”
Mutchler, nicknamed “Pickle” by her siblings when she was a little girl, founded Pickle’s Potions in 2015 when she developed a salve to soothe her daughter’s dermatitis. Since then, she’s expanded her line of skin
Writer Aislinn Sarnacki puts in the work to test some Mainebased mud masks.
Maine companies like Pickle’s Potions (above) and Unfiltered Skin Care (this photo) offer natural products to cleanse and moisturize your dry springtime skin.
care, opened two stores — in Winthrop and Waterville — and won over 80 international awards for her products.
Incorporating local ingredients into her products, she’s developed dozens of products, including deodorants, moisturizing creams, sunscreen sticks, and healing salves.
For face masks, she offers a variety.
“Different clays have different prop-
Society, 40 percent of shoppers prioritize natural components in their beauty products, and this market for natural ingredients is expected to nearly double over the next decade.
That’s good news for Unfiltered Skin Care. Operating out of Bath, this company uses natural ingredients, many of which are grown right in Maine.
“I’ve always wanted the ingredients to be really clean, pure, simple,” said the company’s founder, Brionne Beck.
The Unfiltered Skin Care mud mask features honey produced at Sparky’s Apiaries in Hope, Maine, mixed with French green clay and simple ingredients like turmeric, cinnamon, and charcoal.
“It’s a really powerful cleanser when you’ve got some things going on deeper down,” Beck said. “It’s really good at drawing them to the surface to be dealt with.”
Beck offers a variety of other face masks, too. Her exfoliating cleansing grains mask contains oats, peppermint, and lemon. And her botanical mask features a variety of common herbs mixed with green clay.
“The Botanical Mask is very spring-inspired,” Beck said. “It includes lavender and lemon balm that I actually grow in my yard.
There’s sage and witch hazel leaf. It’s like taking a walk through an herb garden.”
RELAX AND DESTRESS
The benefits of a face mask aren’t just skin deep. The act of painting mud on your face, then relaxing until it’s ready to be taken off, is a form of self care that can reduce stress and lift your spirits.
“That’s the epitome of relaxation,” Mutchler said. “You’re in a hot bath with bath salts and a clay mask on, drinking a glass of wine — just ‘you time.’”
The pampering doesn’t need to stop with a face mask. Plenty of other skin care products are perfect for spring.
Mutchler suggests the Pickle’s Potions Chi Serum, which includes three forms of vitamin C and natural retinol.
“Moving from winter into spring, something like that will help make your skin feel rejuvenated and hydrated,” Mutchler said, adding that vitamin C is thought to help with skin brightening, reduce fine lines and dark circles, and promote collagen growth.
Pickle’s Potions also offers an all-natural tick and bug repellent, as well as an antiitch formula that helps soothe browntail
moth rashes and mosquito bites. Both could come in handy as the weather warms.
Another Unfiltered Skin Care product that Beck suggests for spring is her lightweight face oil, which has a subtle fruity note from grapeseed oil and cranberry oil, and is high in antioxidants. She also suggests her exfoliating hibiscus lip scrub for getting rid of dead, dry skin that comes with chapped lips in winter.
Whether you try these local products or find others to fit your skin care routine, don’t forget the power of mud — or clay — this mud season.
Unfiltered Skin Care products can be found at several Maine shops, including Lisa-Marie's Made in Maine in Bath, GoGo Refill in Brunswick and South Portland, Heritage Seaweed in Portland, and Archipelago in Rockland. You can also find all of her products online at unfilteredskincare.com.
Pickle’s Potions has two stores, one at 130 Main Street in Winthrop, and the other at 36 Main Street in Waterville. You can also purchase all of the products online at picklespotions.net.
SPEND LESS & Save More
EASY WAYS TO SPEND LESS AND SAVE MORE IN TODAY'S FINANCIAL CLIMATE
BY SARAH WALKER CARON
CYCLE YOUR SUBSCRIPTIONS
this week. With costs rising and stressing even the most financially prepared, the need for easy ways to balance your personal budget is clear.
Sure, you love streaming video and your monthly subscription box. But are you always getting your money’s worth of Netflix, Hulu, and Disney+? And do you always need the products in that box that arrives monthly? The answer to both is probably not. That’s why cycling your subscriptions — going bimonthly on the box and canceling one of those streaming services temporarily each month — makes good financial sense. Less is more — and in this case, it’s more in your wallet.
Oh, that morning iced latte. It used to be the splurge you didn’t mind. But with prices accelerating, it now costs $6 or more. If you want to protect your spending, then it’s time for a change: to iced coffee. Significantly cheaper iced coffee will still deliver your caffeine punch, without a wallet punch. Ask for your favorite syrup in it, if you don’t mind spending a bit extra for caramel or vanilla. Whipped cream can also make it feel special but will likely cost you extra — unless you keep a bottle in the
Want to go even cheaper? Brew your coffee at home and add caramel syrup, creamer, whipped cream, and a drizzle of caramel on top. It will feel special but cost
SEEK OUT COMMUNITY EVENTS
From book talks to storytimes to music to receptions, community events are a gold mine of free entertainment for the whole family. Start at your local library to find events for kids and adults. And keep an eye on posters displayed around town, community boards in the grocery store, and even social media for more free options for fun and company. Not only will it save you money (seeing a movie is how much?!), but it will connect you better to your community.
EAT MORE BEANS
As far as proteins go, beans are an inexpensive source of nutrition that can replace meat in meals. From tacos to Bolognese, salads to soups, there are so many ways to use beans. For your least expensive option, choose dried beans and cook them over the weekend for use in meals all week.
TRY CASH AGAIN
Remember when cash was king? It still is, especially when you want to stick to a budget. While debit cards can make budgets feel more nebulous, cash is a tangible reminder of how much you have available to spend. It will make you think twice about impulse purchasing that ingredient you don’t have plans for.
HEAD TO THE DOLLAR STORE
Ok, sure, most dollar store items are no longer $1. But even at $1.25, ingredients like canned whole tomatoes, rice, beans, and spices are super wallet friendly. But, if you want to really be cost-conscious, make sure you know how much alternatives cost at your regular grocery store. Some items aren’t a bargain.
PAY DOWN YOUR CREDIT CARDS
This one is a no-brainer. If you carry less balance on your credit cards, your interest expenses drop, saving you money. It might not feel like it, but this is an important step on the road to maximizing your earnings and being debt-free. Take this small win.
Spending less and saving more is a great way to feel more comfortable with your income — and to ensure you’re living within your means for future success.
Then & Now
QUEEN CITY SCULPTURES
TAKE A TOUR THROUGH BANGOR IN SEARCH OF SCULPTURES LARGE AND SMALL
FIND HIDDEN TREASURES
GO BEHIND THE SCENES AT THE BANGOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
VISIT BANGOR IN 1925
DISCOVER WHAT’S CHANGED — AND STAYED THE SAME — IN THE PAST 100 YEARS
The new Paul Bunyan statue is assembled with the help of a crane in January 1959. BDN FILE
HIDDEN BANGOR
SCULPTURES
WE’VE
By Richard Shaw and Anne Gabbianelli
all seen Bangor’s Paul Bunyan — standing 31 feet high and weighing 3,700 pounds, he’s hard to miss.
The iconic statue was unveiled on Feb. 12, 1959, the lumberjack’s 125th birthday (which he happens to share with the City of Bangor), and is featured as the backdrop of countless tourists’ photographs.
But there are many more sculptures, large and small, tucked all around the Queen City. You might pass them by everyday. Monuments hidden in plain sight. And they’re all worth slowing down to discover and investigate to learn a little something about the City of Bangor’s history.
In 1926, the Luther H. Peirce Memorial “River Drivers” sculpture by Brewer native Charles Tefft was dedicated on Harlow Street at the site of the Peirce residence, now home to the Bangor Public Library. The sculpture depicts a scene from mid-19th century Bangor, then known as the lumber capital of the world. Colonel Peirce’s generosity and dedication to capturing history is seen throughout the city.
(Below) Sculptor Charles Tefft in 1925 with a scale model of his work, “The Last Drive,” also known as “River Drivers” (seen at left outside the Bangor Public Library).
of Bangor
Take a tour through the Queen City in search of sculptures large and small
“Every time I stare at this sculpture, I find a different element to ponder,” said Anne Krieg, Bangor’s director of Economic and Community Development. “What’s the man on the left looking at? Is the man in the middle addressing the sculptor?”
More of Tefft’s work is seen along downtown’s Norumbega Parkway, the greenspace running along the Kenduskeag Stream. And between State and Central streets, in the aptly named Hamlin Park, you’ll find a life-size statue of statesman Hannibal Hamlin, erected in 1927. Hamlin served as first vice president to Abraham Lincoln. And just a short walk away, between Central and Franklin Streets,
you’ll spot the Lady Victory War Memorial, sculpted by Tefft in 1939.
Bangor Historical Society curator and operations manager Matthew Bishop said the Queen City hosts a plethora of history at every turn.
“Right there between the Hamlin statue and State Street is the historical marker telling about Samuel de Champlain, and a smaller cannon that was part of the ill-fated Penobscot Expedition in 1779,” Bishop said. “Many people do not realize that the Penobscot Expedition was the worst naval defeat that the United States would have until Pearl Harbor in 1941. Many of the ships after the failed siege of Fort George
(Castine) were scuttled by their own crews between Bangor and Brewer.”
Bangor is home to many other war monuments, including Civil War and Korean War memorials in Mount Hope Cemetery, which date back to 1907.
“Mount Hope Cemetery is an outstanding place to go look at the skill and craftsmanship of sculptors in the second oldest ‘garden cemetery’ in the country,” Bishop said.
In fact, Mount Hope Cemetery is home to a very unique monument recognizing the Union Army’s Second Maine Infantry Regiment that fought in several momentous battles in the Civil War. The trust of Colonel Peirce, who served with the Second
The Lady Victory War Memorial on the Norumbega Parkway.
Hannibal Hamlin’s statue stands between State and Central streets.
BANGOR
Regiment, donated the funds for a non-traditional design by O.V. Shaffer of Wisconsin who had ties to Castine. The monument, rising 15 feet into the air, was dedicated in the early 1960s and features a bronze sculpture of a faceless angel carrying a wounded soldier. Over at the Cole Land Transportation Museum many statues are featured on the grounds and inside, including a life-size sculpture of founder Galen Cole, a World War II veteran and philanthropist. It was sculpted by Anthony Alemany of South Berwick.
Hidden Gems
Not all of Bangor’s memorials and historical markers are so easy to spot. There are many hidden statues and gems, such as a bird fountain in Summit Park near the Thomas Hill Standpipe. Charles Tefft was commissioned by the Bangor Bird Conservation Club in 1922 to design a memorial honoring Florence Bragg Buzzell, the club’s founder.
And did you know the Bangor Public Library contains much more than books? Sculptures displayed throughout the library and in the upstairs rotunda room are also worth exploring. There is a 1923 bronze bust of Hamlin, sculpted by Belgian-born artist Valentin Henneman, who lived in Bangor, and a bronze statue of Venus de Milo, whose sculptor is unknown. Nearby
The Charles Tefft bird bath sculpture is hidden in plain sight near the Thomas Hill Standpipe.
O.V. Shaffer designed this striking bronze sculpture at Mount Hope Cemetery.
Sculptures at the Bangor Public
include a
and a
can be found in the
(Left) A sculpture of the Virgin Mary by Clark Fitz-Gerald at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. (Middle and right) Chainsaw artist Josh Landry’s creation from an old ash tree outside Stephen and Tabitha King’s home.
Library
bust of Hannibal Hamlin by Valentin Henneman
sculpture of Venus de Milo. More
library’s Rotunda Room (seen above).
BANGOR Then & Now
“Living Water” is the creation of Wabanaki artist Steven Francis Hooke.
(Below, left to right) Northern Light Acadia Hospital‘s “Zephyr,” created by Woolwich sculptor Andreas Von Huene. Tetrahedron, or “Marriage of Art and Science” by Clark Fitz-Gerald at United Technologies Center.
“Stepping Out” by sculptor Forest Hart is at the University of Maine at Augusta Bangor Campus.
are three small marble statues by different sculptors, dating as early as 1855.
Castine’s celebrated sculptor Clark Fitz-Gerald had already achieved international renown by the time he created “The Search” in 1966, depicting a student entering an open door to welcome everyone to the newly constructed Bangor High School.
Fitz-Gerald’s work is also found at the Bangor Waterfront, All Souls Congregational Church on Broadway, and St. Mary’s Catholic Church on Ohio Street. A more abstract piece, “Marriage of Art and Science,” is located on the grounds of the United Technologies Center on Hogan Road.
You can spot another hidden sculpture in the front yard of Stephen King’s property on West Broadway. It’s a twisted, amazingly intricate tree sculpture depicting numerous scenarios featuring humans, animals, reptiles, birds, and books. Josh Landry of North Anson crafted this masterpiece in 2020 with a chainsaw. The lawn is also graced with a cast iron green frog.
More to See
Bangor is part of the Maine Sculpture Trail, hosting 34 Schoodic Symposium pieces. Aside from a sculpture located on Bangor’s Waterfront, Husson University also
displays related artwork. A healthy stack of books can be found near the Dickerman Dining Center. And Northern Light Acadia Hospital boasts “Zephyr,” created by Woolwich sculptor Andreas Von Huene.
Wildlife sculptor Forest Hart of Monroe is widely known for his bronze work. The University of Maine at Augusta’s mascot, the moose, proudly stands on the Bangor campus, while a deer resides in a courtyard at Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center.
Zillman Art Museum-University of Maine is home to a variety of captivating sculptures inside and outside.
Bangor’s most recent sculpture, “Living Water,” erected in 2022, depicts a 16-foot Wabanaki-style canoe crafted from stainless steel by Wabanaki artist Steven Francis Hooke. It was commissioned by the city to not only honor the river and the Wabanaki people, but also to help hide a 24-foot exhaust pipe along the city’s waterfront.
Krieg said the newest piece of art is captivating. “I love the modern canoe on the waterfront, an uplifting piece. It’s a nice surprise as you are taking a walk by the water.”
The next time you are walking or driving around Bangor, be sure to take note of these hidden sculptures, as well as the more noted ones, as they offer a glimpse into the Queen City’s history.
Part of the Schoodic Symposium, this stacked sculpture called “Lay Down Like Grass” can be found at Husson University.
PHOTOS:
Buried BANGOR
IN TREASURE
A Behind-the-Scenes Tour of the Bangor Historical Society
By Aislinn Sarnacki
operation for over 160 years, the Bangor Historical Society has accumulated and preserved thousands of fascinating items.
Donated by locals, these tidbits of history give us an idea of what life used to be like in days gone by.
“Jaws just drop when people come in and realize what’s here,” said Matt Bishop, curator and operations manager for the society.
The organization and the majority of its collection is fittingly situated in a stately house that’s nearly 200 years old. Constructed in 1836 by the famous architect Richard Upjohn, the Greek Revival-style home was originally the private residence of Thomas A. Hill.
Open to the public seasonally and off-season by request, the first floor of the house is full of antique items, including the sword from the Battle of Gettysburg carried by Colonel Joshua Lawrence Chamberlain in his defense of Little Round Top in 1863.
But there’s limited space. Therefore, the bulk of the collection — some 40,000 objects — is stored away upstairs.
Filled to the brim with artwork and antique housewares, intricate quilts and old maps, the storage area of the Bangor Historical Society is a wondrous place, especially for history buffs.
“A lot of these boxes have just one dress in them,” said Bishop, motioning to a shelf crammed with labeled containers. “With the acidfree paper, they take up so much space.”
The collection contains about 1,300 pieces of vintage and antique clothing, and some of the pieces are extremely delicate.
“I’ve had clothing conservators and curators come here to research what we have,” Bishop said. “I’ve also had a group of light aficionados who wanted to see all the lights and lamps.”
Matt Bishop, curator and operations manager of the Bangor Historical Society, opens a drawer filled with pipes and canes in the storage room of the Thomas A. Hill House.
BANGOR Then & Now
Common household items such as lamps and furniture make up a good part of the collection. But there’s much more.
One wall of the society’s storage room is covered with swords, bayonets, rifles, and muskets. Nearby, a closet holds tools used in log drives and lumber camps. Dozens of large, metal drawers hold antique tobacco pipes, powder horns, military medals, epaulets, and flintlock pistols.
Some items are especially eye-catching.
Lying on a shelf is a wooden, life-sized woman — a figurehead named Minerva, the Roman goddess of industry. Likely originally made to adorn a ship, the sculpture was mounted over the door of a shipbuilding company on Bangor’s Exchange Street until 1914, when it was gifted to the historical society.
Sitting on a shelf nearby is a shadow box with a gilded baroque frame. Under the glass is a “hair harp,” an intricate design created with loops of human hair, small blue beads, pearls, and wire. The artwork dates back to the late 1800s, when it was common for people to create art and jewelry out of human hair.
These items won’t stay in storage forever. Each year, the Bangor Historical Society creates and displays a different themed exhibit. This year, for example, the exhibit theme is art, so several paintings, sketches, and other forms of artwork will be unearthed from storage and displayed.
Bishop opens up a box containing antique hats in the storage room of the Thomas A. Hill House.
The Thomas A. Hill House through the years.
The Bangor Historical Society displays much of their collection in the Thomas A. Hill House, which was built in 1836.
BANGOR
“We’re rotating things as much as possible,” Bishop said.
In addition, the society works closely with the Bangor Public Library, the nearby Cole Land Transportation Museum, the Maine Historical Society, and other organizations to share the extensive collection with the public.
“It’s really great to be able to share these stories,” Bishop said.
Information about Thomas A. Hill House hours, walking tours, and other Bangor Historical Society events can be found on the organization’s website: bangorhistoricalsociety.org.
Also on the website, you can find a database of many of the items in the society’s collection. Digitizing such a large collection is a big task, Bishop said. The work is ongoing. But it’s one more way the society can preserve and share the area’s history.
PHOTOS: AISLINN SARNACKI
This artwork, made with human hair in the late 1800s, is among the many fascinating items in the Bangor Historical Society's collection.
Antique swords and bayonets are organized along a wall in the storage room of the Thomas A. Hill House, home to the Bangor Historical Society.
Hollywood Casino Celebrating 20 Years in Bangor
Courtesy
of Hollywood Casino
2005 in Bangor, Maine was a busy year.
Lee Ann Womack performed along with Joe Nichols at the Bangor Auditorium.
And the Grand Puba of trophies made its way to the Queen City: The 2004 Boston Red Sox World Series trophy — the first of its kind since 1918.
2005 also marked the beginning of casino gaming in Bangor with the opening of the then-Hollywood Slots racino. But the road to Hollywood Slots began a couple of years earlier.
It was in 2003 when 53 percent of Maine voters approved legalized slot machines in Maine. In the case of Bangor, it was to be tied to Bangor Raceway at Bass Park. The revenue from the slot machines would help support the harness racing industry, and bring gaming enthusiasts to Bangor.
Hollywood Slots opened its doors in 2005 in the former Miller’s Restaurant with 475 slot machines, simulcast wagering on harness racing, and live entertainment. The popularity of Hollywood Slots was instant,
although the connection to the community seemed even quicker.
Hollywood began partnering with organizations like the Champion the Cure Challenge, the Bangor Area Homeless Shelter, the American Cancer Society, and so many others, to give back.
It was always the vision for the former Miller’s Restaurant to be a temporary location, with the permanent home for Hollywood to be closer to Bangor Raceway.
Hollywood Slots Hotel & Raceway opened its doors in 2007 with an expanded slots floor, more than 150 hotel rooms, multiple dining options, and room to grow.
Growth was needed when voters in Penobscot County overwhelmingly approved the addition of table games to Hollywood Slots in 2011. This vote unlocked the ability for Hollywood to add games like Craps, Blackjack, and Roulette, to its offerings. After much anticipation — and the official change in name to Hollywood Casino — table games were operational for the first time in Maine
in March of 2012. Hollywood Casino had — and still has — the state’s only poker room.
The evolution continues. A new dining option opened earlier this year — Zombie Dogz, offering gourmet hot dogs daily from 11 a.m. - 1 a.m. Hops House 99 continues to offer a full menu 7 days a week and a selection of 99 different beers. Live music is back on the gaming floor on Saturday nights. What hasn’t changed is Hollywood’s commitment to community, just this month presenting a check to the Bangor Y’s capital campaign for $100,000 and to the Maine Veteran’s Project for more than $15,000.
“It is an exciting time to be in Downtown Bangor,” said Hollywood Casino vice president and general manager, Marc Guastella. “We are excited to have become such a part of this community over 20 years. It’s our hope that we have delivered something that people can say they were proud they voted for in 2003. Between the jobs, added attractions to Bangor, and giving back, we think we’re on the right track.”
BANGOR Then & Now LATE
MORE UNEXPECTED Treasures
Bangor
Historical Society holds two rare copies of the Declaration of Independence
By Stephanie Bouchard
on the night of April 18, 1775, hundreds of British soldiers began mustering on Boston Common.
Local patriot leaders took notice. Signal lanterns were hung from the steeple of Old North Church, and Paul Revere and William Dawes rode to Lexington to warn John Hancock and Samuel Adams of impending military action. As dawn washed over the town green in Lexington on the 19th, British soldiers fired on the local militia — the famous “shot heard round the world” that began the Revolutionary War.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of the start of that war and the beginning of numerous commemorations held nationwide. Here in Maine, the Maine Semiquincentennial Commission has been meeting regularly to determine how the state will recognize the anniversary, and in Bangor, specifically, the Bangor Historical Society has plans in the works for next year’s national anniversary.
While those plans are still taking shape, Matthew Bishop, the historical society’s curator and operations manager, says the hope is that at least one of its two rare copies of the Declaration of Independence will be publicly exhibited.
You read that right: the Bangor Historical Society has in its collection, not one, but two rare copies of the Declaration.
“Most historical societies don’t have one, let alone two, copies of the Declaration of Independence, including one that out of [200] that were printed only about 50 remain,” Bishop said.
He’s referring to probably the best-known version of the Declaration: the Stone engraving.
After the Declaration was adopted on July 4, 1776, a number of broadsides and copies were made that didn’t look like the actual document. It wasn’t until 1823 that a replica — the Stone engraving — was completed.
Made by William Stone, an engraver in Washington, D.C., the Stone engraving of the Declaration was
commissioned by then Secretary of State John Quincy Adams. By congressional resolution, 200 copies of the Declaration were printed on parchment and distributed to specific places and people, including the signers who were still living.
Today, fewer than 50 copies of the original 200 are known to exist. The Bangor Historical Society was gifted one of these copies in 1914 by Jeanette Rogers, who lived in Newburgh. How it came into Rogers’s possession is unknown, said Bishop, but she was a collector of first edition books and other memorabilia.
The second copy of the Declaration in the historical society’s collection, donated in 1915, is one of about 1,700 made by Benjamin Owen Tyler in 1818. The Tyler engraving is important because it was considered the first reproduction that was the most accurate representation of the original handwritten Declaration, Bishop said.
While there’s no record of why the donors gave these copies to the historical society, Bishop believes there may have been a desire to help the society revitalize following the destruction of its entire collection in the fire of 1911.
Unfortunately, that destruction included documents and memorabilia related to the Revolution, which means that today, there are no local records providing insight into how the sparse population here reacted to the news of the beginning of war with the British, Bishop said.
The loss of those Revolutionary-related materials makes having two copies of the Declaration in the collection all the more meaningful.
“We are very fortunate to be able to have them,” Bishop said.
As the plans for celebrating the semiquincentennial in Maine and at the Bangor Historical Society continue to take shape, you can check out visitconcord.org/ concord-250 and america250.org to see what events are planned in New England and around the country.
A rare copy of the Declaration of Independence is on display at the Bangor Historical Society. The William Stone copy is one of fewer than 50 known to exist.
COURTESY OF THE BANGOR HISTORICAL SOCIETY
BANGOR
Promotional truck in front of the Bangor Daily News office on Exchange Street.
A Visit to Bangor in the
YEAR 1925 CAN
Discover what’s changed — and stayed the same — in the past 100 years
Story
& Photos Courtesy of Richard Shaw
you imagine a city with two daily newspapers and six cigar manufacturers?
Not to mention five theaters, 10 hospitals, 15 hotels, 28 restaurants, 15 milliners, and 12 milkmen?
That city was Bangor in 1925. Its population then was roughly 27,000, behind Portland and Lewiston, a number that would ebb and flow into the 21st century. Today, it stands at just under 32,000. Shifting numbers are the result of a shuttered Air Force base, smaller families, and migration.
Bangor’s days as the world’s lumbering capital were long gone, but a post-World War I economic spike kept the place booming four years before the 1929 stock market crash. It had its own railroad terminal and trolley car system, and, like today, a community band and symphony orchestra. People shopped and played sports, and
(Above, left to right) Post Office Square on Harlow Street. An ad for Clarion Ranges, Stoves, and Furnaces from the City DIrectory. Pickering Square in the 1920s.
BANGOR
Then & Now
they might even have bumped into Gov. Ralph Owen Brewster of Dexter on the street shopping. He took office on Jan. 7, 1925.
In the Annual Reports, elected Mayor Charles D. Crosby painted a rosy picture of his home town.
“The past year has been a quiet one in city affairs,” he wrote, “and owing to the assistance and forbearance of you and your predecessors, what has been done has been brought about without friction or partisan feeling.”
So, what was shaking in the Queen City of the East a century ago? A full-page rundown of events published in the Bangor Daily News on Dec. 31, 1925 offered a few clues. A verbose headline reported: “A ramble through the highways and byways of municipal life with short stories of many mundane matters of general interest — sports, politics, government, courts and music graphically portrayed — the toll gate of tears — and this is Bangor.”
Highlighting the feature were reports of liquor enforcement, utilities consolidation, and football, boxing, and baseball. Also listed were an Indian operetta performed and the arrival of newly elected Sheriff John K. Farrar. The dedication of the Dorothy Memorial vestry at the First Universalist Church was reported, along with faithhealing meetings at the auditorium hosted by Mattie Crawford, later cited by the Bangor Ministerial Association for false claims. She returned to Bangor in December
A stringed orchestra at the old City Hall on Hammond Street.
PHOTO BY FRANK L. FRANKLIN, COURTESY OF BETTY F. SHIBLES
(Above) An ad for Bangor Motor Company on Main Street from the City Directory. (Below) The Bangor Daily News from Dec. 31, 1925.
Curran and Griffin Clothiers on Central Steet.
BANGOR
Then & Now
Fast-forwarding to 2025, the city’s sprawling landscape has changed Bangor’s image. It boasts a casino, arena, outdoor concert stage, shopping centers, an international airport, and a six-exit Interstate system that even slices through a cemetery.
But in other respects, the 1925 Queen City never really vanished. The Bangor House is now a low-income housing complex, the Opera House is home to the Penobscot Theatre Company, and historic
churches, a public library, City Hall, and the former high school, repurposed into apartments, still sparkle. Some look as modern as they did after rising Phoenix-like from the ashes of the Great Fire of 1911.
The latest U.S. Census Bureau estimates have the city’s population at 31,597. It stood at 25,978 in 1920 and at 28,749 in 1930, when Maine’s population was only 797,423. Today, it is 1.396 million. Maybe Bangor’s strength isn’t in its numbers but in its quality of life and its centralized
location. A short drive could take residents to the ocean, lakes, or mountains.
At the core of any community is a successful school system. Bangor’s has only improved since 1925. A century-old high school Oracle yearbook editorial could be a blueprint for 2025’s positive thinking: “Keep your school spirit at a high pitch at all times; play fair with the faculty, and remember that they are doing everything for your own good; and take your studies seriously.”
The Bon Ton III ferry took passengers from Brewer to Bangor and back. The Boston Boat is tied up in the back ground.
Empty NESTING
BY EMILY MORRISON
I SPEND MY free time going through their empty rooms now. Isn’t that odd? Instead of cleaning the kitchen counter, scrubbing the tub, or folding laundry, I’m in my daughter’s bedroom reading the note she wrote to herself in middle school about being a singer. I contort myself into a human pancake as I crawl under her bed and retrieve phone chargers, empty water bottles, and what looks like the remains of a granola bar from at least two years ago.
She told me she cleaned her room before leaving, but her closet begs to differ. For starters, I can’t slide the mirrored doors open without them getting stuck. Wedged in the track are pencils, old math assignments, and wire hangers, preventing prying eyes like mine entrance.
I take out the hangers that she’s never used and throw them on the bed. Her closet is full of old drama costumes, sweatshirts she no longer fits in or wears, and shoes from previous proms. How do 18 years of notebooks and folded paper frogs take up so much space?
At least her big sister’s room has the illusion of organization: books arranged neatly in stacks on the top of her bookshelf and tiny little knickknacks thoughtfully crammed onto the shelf that lines the wall. Boxes of clothes and dishes sit on the floor near her bureaus.
How will all of this fit into her car?
Honestly, I’d miss them more if it weren’t for the steady flow of texts and pictures. They call most days, and it’s good to hear their excited voices at the other end of the phone line. Sometimes we FaceTime, and I can see their “OOTD” (outfit of the day) on their way to class or the gym or soccer tryouts, and I feel as if being a mother of two grown children isn’t really all that terrible.
I still feel needed, even useful. I can advise on taking allergy meds and “Get sleep,” in my sleep. I can tell them to “Eat right and exercise,” without realizing I’m repeating it, again. What I can’t seem to do is picture my life without them living under the same roof (as they always have) because what will I do then?
Will I walk the dogs all the time? Make meals I find on Pinterest and post about them so that all the other mothers of grown children have something to comment on in our new shared loneliness?
How does one fill the void their children leave behind in their home and in their heart?
I suppose that’s the question every parent has to answer for themselves, but somehow, I remember what that maternity nurse told me the day before we brought our first kid home from the hospital.
We were so scared to strap her into the car seat wrong. Even 15 mph in a school zone felt like speeding because what would happen if we got into a wreck? Could I wrap myself around our baby like human bubble wrap indefinitely?
The world felt dangerous, and she was so tiny and fragile. How could we, two clueless 20-somethings, be trusted to keep her safe?
As we left that day, the nurse must have sensed our innate need to focus on our child before all else because she said, “You know, if you don’t make time for the two of you now, there’ll be no two of you later.”
I thought it was odd. Why was she giving us relationship advice when what we needed was a manual on how to keep our child alive.
But looking back, I get it. You can lose sight of yourself in this parenting thing, so of course, you can lose sight of each other. It’s as easy as driving slow in a school zone, probably easier.
So it scares me, this rediscovering myself period, this finding out who we are alone and together and what new old hobbies we’ll take up, but I can totally get behind more date nights.
We’ll just have to make sure we’re around for those surprise visits home. Don’t want the kids to think we’re having too much fun without them.
EMILY MORRISON is a high school English teacher, freelance writer and editor from coastal Maine. She is living happily-ever-after with her handsome husband, three beautiful children and two beloved dogs. And a cat.
