HERMON
8 THINGS TO DOIN HERMON
BY MOLLY MAYO
Filled with rich indoor and outdoor activities, Hermon is an exciting destination for Maineiacs and travelers alike. From a nationally recognized restaurant to a quiet little beach, there’s more than meets the eye to this hidden gem of a town.
Experience Hermon Mountain Beat the winter blues with a trip to Hermon Mountain, located just off Newburgh Road in the rugged outdoor region of Hermon. With over 19 trails of sheer wintry bliss, the mountain offers endless hours of skiing, sledding, tubing, and more. Thrill-seeking individuals can go solo and carve the slopes during the day-time, or bring their date along for an unforgettable night-skiing experience. Want to bring the family along? Hermon Mountain offers ski lessons to kids age 2 and up in addition to providing the ideal environment for tubing down a slippery snowy slope. With brightly lit trails in a cozy woodland environment, this is one winter treat you and your loved ones won’t want to miss. Skiers and snowboarders make their way down a trail at New Hermon Mountain ski area. PHOTO: GABOR DEGRE/BDN FILE
Go Camping Looking for some peace and quiet? Camping in Hermon opens up a world of possibilities at either the Pumpkin Patch RV Resort or the Pleasant Hill Campground. Comfortably situated on Billings Road, Pumpkin Patch RV Resort is a welcoming, pet-friendly destination filled with modern conveniences for you and your family. Snuggle up to the idea of over 80 RV sites with electric hookups, one cabin with electricity and AC, Wi-Fi, hot showers, and a breezy dog exercise area. Planning on camping with a tent? Book a night at Pleasant Hill Campground, located just near Interstate 95. Enjoy full hookups at over 100 sites set in the inviting country atmosphere of maple and pine trees. Turn your weekend stay into a weeklong vacation with the family and take advantage of the many activities available to campers such as the fishing pond, swimming pool, recreational hall and store, and more. Whether you prefer relaxation or recreation, camping in Hermon provides numerous opportunities to indulge in both. A family plays mini golf at Pleasant Hill RV Park & Campground in Hermon. PHOTO: GABOR DEGRE/BDN FILE
Explore Jackson Beach With the sun shining on a bright summer or winter day, what better way to spend an afternoon than immersed in the beautiful outdoors at Jackson Beach? Nestled in the bottom corner of Hermon, Jackson Beach holds a wealth of activities such as fishing, kayaking, and swimming in the summer and ice fishing and skating in the winter. Overflowing with excellent fishing opportunities, cast your line out into the sparkling waters for a chance to catch one of the various types of fish that call Hermon Pond home. The fish directory here includes brook trout, smallmouth and largemouth bass, white sucker, black crappie, pumpkinseed, and rainbow smelt, to name a few. Kayaking is also a favorite here, as various little streams connect to Hermon Pond, offering miles upon miles of waterways to navigate through and explore. Just bring your boat on over to the convenient boat landing at Jackson Beach near the swimming area and push off into the great outdoors. Surrounded by sunny blue skies, tranquil waters, and gorgeous woodland scenery, your morning stop might just turn into a regular weekend getaway. Snowmobilers take off from Jackson Beach on Hermon Pond. PHOTO: GABOR DEGRE/BDN FILE
Eat at Dysart’s Made popular by their nationally recognized ‘baked in a buttery, flaky crust’ bloopers video, Dysart’s Restaurant and Truck Stop has gained more than just the attention of Saturday Night Live. Wanderlust travelers and locals alike flock to this delectable diner for so much more than just their buttery, flaky crust. Authentic New England flavors show through in each freshly baked fruit pie and piping hot dish. Take time to indulge in some of Dysart’s favorites such as their chicken pot pie, haddock chowder and tuna melt, and tender bourbon steak tips, or call ahead and grab a dish to go. If you are up to the challenge, try the 18-wheeler – Dysart’s special dessert which features 18 scoops of creamy ice cream for you to enjoy at one sitting. Whatever the time of year or occasion, eating at Dysart’s is what you would call a wicked good idea. Dysart’s Truck Stop & Restaurant in Hermon. PHOTO: GABOR DEGRE/BDN FILE
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Attend an Event at Morgan Hill Attending an event at Morgan Hill Event Center immerses you in the beautiful atmosphere of cathedral ceilings with high wooden beams, glossy wooden floors, and a cozy granite fireplace. Each individual element works together in flawless harmony to create a rustic atmosphere for every imaginable event, from weddings and catered events to musical concerts and business meetings. Come and enjoy a riveting musical concert in the spacious Ethan room or dial up the fun for a hilarious evening of stand-up comedy. Other perks you might discover at this one-stop wonder include in-house catering from Jolain’s Gourmet, a three-sided balcony, and a beautiful outdoor ceremony site.
The banquet hall inside Morgan Hill Event Center in Hermon. PHOTO: BDN FILE
Go to the Movies at Bangor Drive-In Bring back all the nostalgia of the 1950s with a trip to the Bangor Drive-In, located on Hammond Street in the outskirts of Hermon. Showing two fan-favorite movies back to back, in rain or shine, the Bangor Drive-In offers the latest in technology through the oldest of methods. This vintage entertainment facility contains a fully stocked snack bar with classic theater food such as hamburgers, Toblerone, popcorn, and pizza in addition to a playground on-site for kids to stretch their legs. Transmitting sounds via FM frequency, tune in to the movie on your car radio or bring along a portable radio for a memorable night under the stars.
The Bangor Drive-In reopened in 2015 in Hermon. PHOTO: COURTESY OF CAROL EPSTEIN
Visit Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum Become a wildlife pro in no time with a visit to the stunning Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum. Coined from the terms ‘ecological’ and ‘habitat,’ Ecotat certainly does its name justice with over 60 different gardens spread amongst 91 acres of land in the natural forest. Come, unwind, and peruse some of the 1,500 fascinating types of colorful flowers such as magnolias, azaleas, and mock orange. Looking to take some high-quality photos for your favorite social media account? Bring the camera along to photograph some of the 280 varieties of trees and shrubberies such as smoke and ash leaf maple trees while walking along the Ecotat Native Tree Trail. Or bring your favorite book along with you for a relaxing afternoon in another world. One of many gardens occupying Ecotat Gardens and Arboretum in Hermon. PHOTO: LINDA COAN O’ KRESIK / BDN FILE
Golf at Hermon Meadows Surrounded by lush woods and luxurious greens, Hermon Meadows is an excellent par 72, 18-hole golf course. Open spring, summer and fall, Hermon Meadows offers the ideal golfing experience in all the beauty of New England. Come and enjoy a brisk walk from each hole in the colorful months of fall where the changing foliage provides the perfect backdrop to a game of golf. Looking to channel your inner Tiger Woods? Swing on the driving range or perfect your putting stroke on the spacious practice green. Lessons are also available from trained professionals at a reasonable price. So grab your favorite golfing hat and clubs and head over to Hermon Meadows for a day well spent at one of Maine’s best kept secrets. Golfers enjoy an early spring round at Hermon Meadow Golf Club. PHOTO: GABOR DEGRE / BDN FILE
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The town of Hermon has seen significant growth over the years. PHOTO: LINDA COAN O’KRESIK/BDN FILE
A GROWING COMMUNITY BY ERINNE MAGEE
It’s not uncommon to drive through Hermon and see a sign advertising a new Family Restaurant) in late 2018, certainly feel the camaraderie not just from residents but from other local businesses as well. business coming to town. “I can’t think of a single local business that has not stepped forward and supported In fact, in 2019 alone, 10 new businesses opened their doors for the first time, creating 75-80 jobs in the 6,000-person town, bringing the total number of Hermon- what we’re doing here,” said Todd Eaton, noting the entire Town of Hermon staff has, in one way or another, personally reached out to the Eatons to offer assistance, advice based companies to roughly 400. “Hermon gives business an edge and that’s not in comparison to everyone else but or guidance in some form. “Growing up in this area has provided us with a great insight that’s just what we choose to focus on,” said Scott Perkins, the as where the town itself is headed,” said Eaton. “It’s growing town’s Economic Development Director. “I can’t think of a single fasttoand to be on the ground floor of all of this development is In 2020, Perkins said there are unofficially 12 more businesses local business that has pretty exciting to say the least.” that will either be expanding in place or breaking ground in not stepped forward Of course financially, Hermon is appealing as well. Taxes are town. The new companies will be in an array of industries from significantly less (sometimes more than half) than that of solar to service-related businesses, industrial manufacturing and supported what surrounding towns. Also, 80 cents of every tax dollar goes to and transportation. we’re doing here.” education, an investment that seems to be paying off. There’s a myriad of reasons families and businesses are flocking It’s no coincidence that the emphasis on education along to Hermon and Perkins’ research suggests this growth will continue - TODD EATON | OWNER OF with Hermon’s median age (which is 3-4 years younger when at a rate of 32 percent until at least year 2032. DOWN THE ROAD GRILLE compared to the rest of Maine), have something to do with the Some would credit the sheer geography of being nestled up to increase in new businesses. Last year the Maine Principals’ Bangor’s town line or Hermon’s proximity to I-95 that makes the community such a desirable place to do business, but the amenities go beyond a Association named Hermon High School’s Brian Walsh principal of the year. Not to mention, having graduates staying to work in their hometown aides future convenient location. Setting up shop in Hermon also means embedding yourself in a relaxed, rural workforce development. Hermon’s growth isn’t just impacting business within the town itself, but the environment where the residents want to get to know each other, something Perkins and his team have found people are seeking when they consider planting roots in population boom also provides workers for surrounding communities since there are only so many jobs to be had in town. Perkins said the town has gained 100 people per year Hermon. “People like that we have a small town staff that works very hard at being for the past 10 years, attracting residents with higher incomes and levels of education. “Hermon probably would’ve grown without a big push,” admitted Perkins, when responsive,” said Perkins. “They appreciate that convenience. But they also want to be connected. They want to have community parties and events where they can get to talking about the forming of the economic development committee in 2015. “But everyone has put their heart into this and we came up with some ideas that really know one another.” Todd and Angie Eaton, who opened Just Down the Road Grille (formerly Hermon work. The growth of Hermon is probably one of our largest successes, quite frankly.”
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Seaboard FCU Active In Hermon Community BY ERINNE MAGEE In the heart of every small town lies a business that supports the community far beyond their mission statement. Since 2008, Seaboard Federal Credit Union in Hermon has not only honored its goal of being “committed to meeting the financial needs” of its members, but has situated itself as an integral component of Hermon’s overall growth. Year after year, Seaboard FCU supports local schools through a financial literacy program while advertising for various sports and arts programs. They’ve also sponsored recreational soccer and Little League teams as well as the Hermon Summer Sizzler. In 2019, a donation of $2,000 was made to the Neighbors Helping Neighbors Community Food Pantry, located in Hermon. Kyle Casburn, who is the President and CEO of Seaboard FCU, credits the stability of his longstanding staff who have been able to create genuine relationships with the members, thus, understanding where there’s a need in the community. Of course, having employees with 15-plus years of service also allows for true product knowledge with every transaction. “All loan decisions are made in-house by the loan officer you’re sitting across from,” said Casburn. “If a loan could be ‘hand-crafted,’ then our lending model would fit that description.” Further, a quick turnaround on the loan decision is made with reasonable rates and low fees. To help members of the community understand more about rates, fees and overall financial literacy, Seaboard FCU has invested in providing financial literacy through their Banzai program, where there are three different levels of learning, based on age. Adults can tackle topics such as maintaining good credit, buying insurance, understanding taxes and qualifying for a mortgage. “We also sponsor Banzai’s online financial literacy program, which is free to teachers and students at 12 area schools,” said Casburn, noting Hermon Middle School and Hermon High School both utilize this program.
For younger kids, a new youth savings program called Zoe’s Club is a fun way to get children excited about having their own bank account. Zoe is an actual 3-pound Yorkshire Terrier who serves as the credit union’s mascot. While Zoe’s cute appearance gains a lot of attention, more importantly, she teaches respect, responsibility, the importance of being kind-hearted and making wise financial decisions. The cost to open this account is a balance of $5. “Seaboard is pretty nimble at adopting new technology and adding features to existing services,” said Casburn. “We’re not burdened with layers upon layers of bureaucracy so we can react to our members’ needs fairly quickly.” Another celebrated perk is Seaboard’s participation in Maine’s SurF ATM network, where members can use 250 ATMs in Maine surcharge free. Through the shared branching network with other credit unions, members can also enter 175 branches across the state or 5,400 nationally and perform deposits, withdrawals, make loan payments and transfer funds as if they were at their own Seaboard branch. Results have shown a savings of $300 a year in ATM fees. Since Hermon has seen tremendous growth over the past 20 years, Seaboard aligns itself with the vision of the many small businesses that make up the surrounding area by providing loans for equipment, vehicles, lines of credit and investment property and commercial real-estate. “Like our consumer loans,” said Casburn, “we offer low rates and fees, personalized service and quick turnaround on underwriting decisions.” Since the members own the credit union and elect the board of directors, who are volunteers, there’s a sense of ownership and pride that runs deep from the first moment you walk through the doors. For more information, visit www.seaboardfcu.com or check out their Facebook page to learn more about Seaboard FCU and how you can become a member.
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Federally Insured by NCUA
2410 Route 2, Hermon · Phone: (207) 848-9995 · www.seaboardfcu.com
Mortgages Seaboard Federal Credit Union is pleased to offer Fixed Rate Mortgage and Adjustable Rate Mortgage (ARM) products.
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Personal Loans Rates will vary based on borrower’s credit score, selected term, and amount financed. Contact our loan department for details.
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A financial education program for all!! Go to our website to experience real world financial education in a fun, safe way! Banzai is the financial education program used by many teachers and students around the country.
For questions or more information about Banzai!, please visit us online at www.seaboardfcu.com and navigate to the Education>Banzai! tab!
A fun wa to save, y spend & give!
Designed for children from birth to 17 years of age, a Zoe’s Club youth savings account can be opened for as little as $5! For questions or more information about joining Zoe's Club youth uth e savings account, please feel free to speak to a Member Service Representative at 1-800-639-2206 or visit us online at www.seaboardfcu.com and navigate to the Zoe’s Club tab!
Zoe's Club is Federally Insured by NCUA.
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