Bangor Daily Good News 2022

Purr-fect Adoptions and Happy Wagging Tales

The Bangor Humane Society had a large volume of animals occupying their shelter this past year. Despite their new expansion, which has allowed them to take in more cats, dogs, bunnies and guinea pigs, the shelter often found itself being close to max capacity. Kathryn Ravenscraft, director of the Bangor Humane Society, and her team have prioritized the wellness of each pet in their care. Staffing at the shelter and a nationwide veterinarian shortage have also been factors to having a full shelter. Being shorthanded in terms of vets and staff has a ripple effect that can slow down the neces-

sary steps needed within the transition and adoption process. Ravenscraft is thankful for the team of dedicated vets that help facilitate necessary medical care for the animals, and her loyal staff that has worked throughout the pandemic.

The only way to alleviate the crowded shelter moving forward into 2023, is for people to welcome rescues into their homes. A few of the dogs from last year’s Bangor Daily Good News now have families of their own. Lavender, the Treeing Walker Coonhound, finally met her companion for life on March 28 after two years of staying at the shelter. Bailey, a hound

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

dog, moved in with a couple who recently became Maine residents. Delilah, a Parson Russell Terrier mix, went home with a woman who made daily visits to the shelter for three months before adopting her.

Some new furry faces also got adopted this year. Chewy the cat entered the shelter in late July 2022. He weighed 28 pounds and could not clean himself. Chewy needed space to walk around. Instead of staying in a standard cat kennel, his temporary home was in a staff member’s office.

OurGifttoYou!

Feelgoodstoriesto makeyourholidays evenhappier!

(Left) Lavender finally found her fur-ever home in March after two years at the shelter. (Below) Kevin is currently available for adoption. See page 2 for details.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF BANGOR HUMANE SOCIETY

PREEYA/ADOBE STOCK

After shaving his severely matted coat and several months of dieting, he was clear of medical intervention by October. Today Chewy can be found climbing up the stairs in his new home.

Lacey, a 17-yearold Chihuahua, added a happy chapter to her long life.

By the end of September 2022, Lacey’s owner was in hospice care and could no longer care for her. Being deaf and nearly blind, Lacey’s ideal match would be an owner seeking a senior dog to give all their love and attention. Luckily Patricia, who had

a great relationship with the shelter and previously adopted senior dogs, stepped up and is giving her the happily ever after she deserves.

In the spirit of the winter season, the Bangor Humane Society will be having their Home Fur the Holidays adoption campaign again this year. Ravencraft encourages everyone and anyone to stop in and meet the animals currently in their care.

Bagheera, a Great Pyrenees, is filled with energy that is often expressed through zoomies and her goofy nature. She would appreciate a household

without tiny humans, other animals, and limited house guests, so all the focus and attention is on her. Her pet peeves are birds and butterflies, but she would love to be outside in a spacious backyard with an experienced owner. With lots of daily simulation and time to accumulate, Bagheera could be your new workout buddy!

Kevin, the king of all cats, is an independent feline who would like to rule your castle without other cats or children to take his throne. He is very expressive and will let you know how he feels. If Kevin is not happy, he may bite. When he is happy, he will make a chirping noise that will steal your heart. A vet relationship is essential for Kevin’s medical needs. The BHS has grown fond of Kevin, but would love to see him in a home with someone who can be patient and attentive to his high demands.

Tank, a mixed pitbull, has earned his name through his boisterous temperament and big heart. He was abandoned by his former owner in July of this year and is searching for someone who can refine his manners when meeting new people. Tank is not fond of other dogs and cats, but he will fill the role as your best friend through his loyalty.

BHS also has resources for new and former adoptees of the shelter. Getting an ID tag with a QR code for your dog or cat is an effective way to locate your dog or cat in case they get lost. When the QR code is scanned on a smartphone, information about your pet will pop up. This tech savvy tag is free for new adoptees and $5 for former adoptees. The shelter also has a pet food pantry for those in need.

Backyard Bound: A New Beginning for Beagles in Maine

BY MARISSA DONOVAN

This Christmas, five lucky dogs will be chasing snowflakes and sniffing out fresh winter pine and salt air for the very first time. Baxter, Macintosh, Dunkin, Lupine, and Chickadee, collectively known as “The Virginia Five,” were just a few of the 4,000 beagles rescued from a medical breeding facility in the southern state.

Pope Memorial Humane Society in Thomaston was one of the nine Maine animal shelters contacted in August 2022 to take in the last of the 100 beagles rescued. Despite the shelter already having its hands full with five local beagles, including Missy and Bea expecting a litter of their own, Pope Memorial Humane Society still agreed to help.

In September, shelter staff, dog trainers, vets and volunteers, drove to Portland International Jetport. Kasey Bielecki, the marketing and public relations manager for Pope Memorial Humane Society, said she didn't really know what to expect while waiting for the dogs to get off the plane. Prior to the Maine-inspired names given after arriving at Pope Memorial, the five beagles only had blue ID codes imprinted inside of their small, floppy ears.

PHOTOS

BY KASEY BIELECKI OF POPE MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY

The beagles were very shy upon their arrival to the shelter, Bielecki said, and put under quarantine from the other dogs. Bielecki said the first time she stepped into the kennel with Chickadee, she was surprised when the dog plopped into her lap to cuddle within minutes. At that moment, Bielecki said she felt Chickadee knew “every single day forward will be better than the last.”

Once people heard about the story from Pope Memorial’s Facebook page, there were more adoption applications than beagles. Pope Memorial received $3,000 in donations via Facebook for the beagles. People were also generous with their time and energy, volunteering to clean up after the not-quite-housebroken bunch and reading books to the dogs to help socialize them with people.

"The Virginia Five" explore their new surroundings in Maine.

Seventeen-year-old Lacey found a new home this year.

Quirk Subaru, Valentine Footwear, Bob’s Discount Furniture, and PetSmart are a few businesses that have helped support the Bangor Humane Society through special fundraising events this past year. Ravenscraft is also grateful for the people who donate copious amounts of cat food and blankets when the shelter makes requests on their Facebook page.

In 2023, the shelter would greatly appreciate continued support through monetary donations and items from their Amazon Wish List, which can be found on their website. For latest news and updates about the Bangor Humane Society, like them on Facebook.

The Joy of Generosity

BY STACY CUMMINGS

While the holidays always seem to bring the generosity out of people, there’s a small group of ladies located in the little town of Plymouth who share and show their generosity to the community every day.

When Sherry Davis and Ardis Holt discovered their mutual love of crafting and card making, the Plymouth Cardmakers was born. Davis says their goal is “keeping people connected and putting the community first.” They soon gained the attention of other generous and crafty ladies, each bringing their own creative talents to the table, including Town Selectman Linda Seavey and Teresa Grant and her 87-yearold mother, Marilyn Curtis.

There are frequent dance parties and lots of laughing involved when the Plymouth Cardmakers get together. “It’s a great way of giving back to the community while also enjoying the company of others and socializing,” says Grant.

The group estimates that they have distributed well over 500 cards, describing it as a “labor of love.” The group has given largely to The Maine Veterans Home, the Pittsfield Community Home, and individuals who are known to be celebrating birthdays, mourning losses, and those who have been ill. Collectively, they all agree that “it doesn’t really matter what a person does once receiving the card. It’s about opening that piece of mail and realizing that someone acknowledges them, and the feeling it brings to them right there in that moment.”

The Plymouth Card Markers gather once a month at the Grange Hall in Plymouth. They encourage others to get involved either by joining them or donating materials.

“Many people are under the impression that there is a cost to join, which is not the case,” says Davis.The best way to get involved is to reach out to Sherry Davis or Ardis Holt through their Facebook link: facebook.com/groups/5123455754434640.

The Virginia five now have homes of their own. And 18 beagle puppies will be available for adoption for the holiday season from the Missy and Bea litters, along with many other dogs, cats, and small animals.

Bielecki said this case brought much-needed attention to the conditions some dogs are under around the country, and serves as an important reminder about the dogs and pets that come into the shelter’s care. If you would like to donate, foster, adopt, or would like to support Pope Memorial Humane Society in other ways, visit their website at popehumane.org, and like them on Facebook for the shelter’s latest updates.

Macintosh finds a comfortable lap and snuggles after being rescued from a medical breeding facility.

PHOTO BY KASEY BIELECKI OF POPE MEMORIAL HUMANE SOCIETY

Bagheera, a Great Pyrenees, is available for adoption.

“Survival” for a Cause

Have you ever watched an episode of “Survivor” from the comfort of a sofa and a bowl of popcorn and thought to yourself, “I could totally do that.” Well, here’s your lucky break.

Brandon Clark, from Bangor, has created the Can Your Survive? charity event, which uses the premise of the famous “Survivor” TV series to help raise funds for local charities. The four-day Survivor-style game raises money for area charities while streaming the fun live on Facebook. The best part? Anyone can sign up and help raise funds for charities right here in Maine.

Clark and his team are looking for cast members for the 2023 charity game. If selected, there is a $200 entry fee, and players must raise at least $200 for charity. And while you don’t have to be built like a superhero to play the game, folks should know a few things going into this unique

fundraising event. You will be sleeping outside, receiving a small portion of rice, and making a fire using only flint and steel.

“The first year, we had a lot of players from Maine, but the [live] streams helped to make the event a lot more popular. This past summer, participants traveled from all over the country to participate. One player even came from Australia,” Clark said.

Clark explains that the 2023 players will be chosen by January, giving them six months to fundraise before the game kicks off. Each year, the charity raises more money than the year before as the unique event gains popularity.

“During the first year, players raised a little over $10,000, and the second year, players raised a little over $20,000,” Clark said.

The 2023 season will include two fourday games where players will live in the elements, compete in challenges, and vote

each other off the game. The first game, Blood versus Water, will be held July 15-18 in Bangor. The second game, The Great Mountain, will be held July 20-23 on Mt. Katahdin.

“Each year, I try to make new challenges to keep the game updated. I always love seeing the players complete the puzzles,” Clark says. “They are always very easy when I am painting them in my living room. Add in little sleep and no food for the players, and the puzzles sometimes become impossible during the game.”

To learn more about the event, you can follow Can You Survive on Facebook or

Little Dreams, Big Impact

Many people relish in the joy that comes with the holiday season. The excitement that comes with giving and receiving the perfect gift, holiday get togethers, home cooked meals, and the beautifully adorn trees, mantles, and houses that light up even the darkest of nights. There is a specific magic this time of the year that brings out the spirit of giving.

For many, however, this time of the year can be especially difficult. With soaring gas, fuel, and grocery prices, many are already struggling. The sense of obligation to buy for others and host events can leave people choosing between paying their bills or participating in the holidays.

Thankfully, there are many generous people out there who understand this battle — some have even experienced it firsthand. Lorri Foss Cronkite, one of several moderators for the Facebook group Little Dreamers, explains how when she was a young mother she was put into this exact position. The Salvation Army held an event that allowed her to handpick gifts to give to her children. Without it, she was unsure she would have been able to put anything under the tree that year. The feeling stuck with her, and she

dreamt of being able to give back in this same manner someday.

Many years later, Foss Cronkite met the founder of Little Dreamers, Shari Obert, and this dream finally became a reality. Initially self-run by Obert, Little Dreamers raises money, shops for, and delivers gifts to children all over the state. Over time, additional manpower and generosity have allowed this group to grow, and in turn, help reach many more struggling families.

“We are just people helping people,” says Foss Cronkite. While the non-profit group is made up of 16 people, its online reach extends statewide. They operate by collecting donations — new toys and clothing, items for raffle baskets, bottles, money — and creating raffle baskets based on a specific theme. They then raffle them off and use the proceeds to buy even more gifts for children. When it comes to donations, Foss Cronkite says that they will

visit canyousurvivecharity.com, for lots of videos, images, and information from past games and the application form for the 2023 season. If you love the concept but don’t want to compete, you can donate and help the good folks at Can You Survive fundraiser for many local charities.

take nearly anything, and will often travel to the donor to pick up the item(s).

This year, Little Dreamers hosted an event on Nov. 19 at the Elks Lodge in Skowhegan, where parents were invited to come shop for their children. Each gift included a hat, a pair of mittens, and a scarf, as well as clothing, four gifts or toys, a book, a stuffed animal, and up to 10 stocking stuffers.

This group does not only give back to the community during Christmas, however. This year they also held a back-toschool drive, and did events for Easter and Thanksgiving, and next year, they will be hosting a Valentine’s event.

“If one kid wouldn’t have had Christmas, and we can make it happen for them — that is all that matters. That’s what this is all about,” says Foss Cronkite.

If you would like to donate or get involved and help, visit facebook.com/ groups/530143651536803 to learn more.

Maine charity event draws “survivors” from around the globe for a good cause

BY SARAH COTTRELL

BY STACY CUMMINGS

Cheers to a Charitable Brew

BY SARAH COTTRELL

When you think of Maine trails, you might imagine beautiful forests with rock cairns and well-worn footpaths softened with pine needles. But have you ever heard of a water trail? The Maine Island Trail is a water trail stretching along 375 miles of the majestic rocky Maine coastline. Boaters can meander about and explore more than 250 wild islands, and some brave adventurers can take on the entire length of the trail in one go.

One of the remarkable things about the Maine Island Trail is the vast network of dedicated volunteers, land owners, and sponsors who work together to protect and celebrate its beauty through the Maine Island Trail Association (MITA). This nonprofit organization seeks to keep wild islands pristine and accessible to the public. And this year, MITA sponsor Rising Tide Brewing Company has once again stepped up to lend its help through a fantastic campaign idea to help keep vital charitable funding flowing through their Maine Island Trail Ale.

“Our love for the Maine coast is written all over our brand, and so the fit with the Maine Island Trail Association was obvious from the start,” said Heather Sanborn, Co-Owner & Director of Business Operations for Rising Tide. The Maine Island Trail Ale has been a staple, low-alcohol beer offering for nine years, helping Rising Tide to raise and donate tens of thousands of dollars to help keep the Maine Island Trail pristine.

“The funds are unrestricted, so they help with all of the organization’s operating needs, from boat maintenance to paying the caretaker’s salary out on Jewell Island and everything in between,” Sanborn explains. “The success of Maine Island Trail Ale has allowed us—a pretty small family-owned company—to become one of MITA’s largest corporate sponsors over the years.”

This delightful session IPA has a flavor profile that includes bright citrus and pine with a straw color and a white head. Patrons may appreciate the thoughtfulness put into the can design, which features a boater paddling along the Maine Island Trail, dotted with our state’s iconic tiny islands.

“Maine Island Trail Ale is a session IPA, which means it’s a lower-alcohol beer (4.3% ABV). That makes it more appropriate for an outdoor lifestyle, both in the summer and winter. Whether you’re ice-fishing or kicking back around the fire after a day of skiing, a lower-alcohol beer is what a lot of us reach for year-round now.”

Maine Island Trail Ale is available yearround in the Rising Tide tasting room in Portland and in restaurants and retailers throughout Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, wherever great beer is sold.

To learn more about the Maine Island Trail, including details and guidelines for usage on the 250 coastal sites, how to become a member, and volunteer opportunities, check out www.mita.org, which has a fantastic app available for download that walks you through the entire 375mile trail and all of its uses.

Good News from AARP Maine

As 2022 comes to a close, AARP Maine is proud to share with Bangor Daily News readers our many efforts and accomplishments spearheaded by volunteers over the past year. A sincere thank you is owed to our advocates and community members for their spirited, action-oriented and tireless work.

While we still could not fill the halls of Augusta with our trademark red shirts this year, our tradition of Tuesdays at the State House continued virtually. Each week, volunteers connected over Zoom to hear legislative updates, learn the intricacies of policy and politics, chat with state representatives, plan outreach campaigns, and share stories from their own communities. Even virtually, we knew we could accomplish a great deal while eagerly awaiting a safe return to in-person public events and meetings.

Undaunted, many volunteers testified through remote access to the legislative session and shared powerful stories about the challenges of being a family caregiver, the effects of high utility costs on vulnerable households and the necessity of a stable broadband connection in communities everywhere. Dozens of volunteers joined the County Connector program to work at a grassroots level in step with AARP Maine and the Maine Broadband Coalition. Their efforts engaged lawmakers and county officials in conversation about the most equitable, cost-effective, and sustainable ways of expanding broadband access for all.

Our volunteer advocates also hosted “Kitchen Table Chats” which were volunteer-led small group discussions with elected officials from across the state. Each chat proved to be an excellent opportunity for our volunteers to engage with their Representative of Senator at the State House. These chats ran the gamut of topics, creating a conversation where nothing was off the table!

COURTESY OF AARP MAINE

As a result of their fine representation of Mainers 50+, several of volunteers were appointed by Governor Mills to important state committees this year. Jessica Linzer was appointed to the Maine Retirement Savings Board to be at the forefront of the Maine Retirement Savings Program (or “Work and Save”) to help working Mainers save for their future. Executive Council Member Carl Toney was appointed by the Governor to the Advisory Council on Affordable Health Care. In this role, Mr. Toney advocates for the interests of older Mainers during Council decisions on health care reform and affordability.

Some of you may have joined AARP Maine Volunteer State President Carl Bucciantini and I in conversation across the state as a part of a Virtual Listening Tour in March. Spearheaded by Carl, these events helped us share what AARP Maine has to offer and, most importantly, enabled us to hear about the concerns, needs and ideas of older adults across the state.

In addition, we acknowledge the innovative work of the eleven 2022 AARP Community Challenge grant winners. These Age-Friendly Maine organizations received funds to kickstart “quick-action” projects to create more livable communities for residents of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities. Despite their expedited nature, these projects will have a lasting impact on Maine communities.

We hope you participate in the ongoing monthly Phil and Pam Fraud Watch Show, a virtual, volunteer-led program designed to raise awareness about scams and offer helpful resources from the AARP Fraud Watch Network. Our growing team of Fraud Fighters deliver presentations to groups large and small to help bolster our efforts in Maine to stop scammers in their tracks.

During the election season, we focused on the AARP “Our Voices Decide” effort

to support voters 50+. We helped voters learn about candidates’ plans on important issues such as Paid Family Medical Leave, broadband expansion, utility costs, long-term care reform, and the protection of Social Security and Medicare. Volunteers served as issue leads and worked hard to ensure that Mainers had the necessary resources to vote safely whether in person or by absentee ballot.

In October, we were proud to recognize retired hospital administrator Jean Saunders with the Andrus Award for Community Service. The award is named for AARP’s founder, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. As a leader of age-friendly initiatives in Saco, Jean effectively collaborates with her entire community to advance important programs, services, and resources for the benefit of residents of all ages.

AARP Maine was also thrilled to recognize Paul Armstrong of Palermo with the Steadfast Advocate Award, which celebrates an individual volunteer’s countless and unending efforts to support the AARP Maine mission to better the lives of older Mainers. Danforth Livable Communities in Washington County was the winner of this year’s Beacon Community Award in recognition of how they have effectively focused on helping older adults live, and thrive, in place.

We hope the successes of the past year inspire you to reach out and get involved. We love hearing from you and welcome your ideas! Please visit our website at www.aarp.org/me, find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram @aarpmaine, and email us at me@aarp.org to learn more about how to join our efforts in 2023. We have many exciting endeavors on the horizon as AARP Maine continues to advocate for older Mainers and their families.

In the meantime, on behalf of our staff, volunteer advocates and our 200,000 members in the state, I wish you and your family a wonderful and safe holiday season!

Noël Bonam

AARP Maine State Director

Keeping a holiday tradition alive has been Katja (Kat) Suletzki’s mission for more than half her life. Baking authentic German cookie recipes and sharing them has been a family affair for over 70 years.

“I participated when my grandfather and mother were the primary bakers, but it’s been 21 years now since it’s been ‘all mine,’ and last year I baked 8,349 Christmas cookies.” With a smile, Suletzki says, “Yes, I obsessively counted each one!”

“There are 25 varieties — one for each day of December leading into Christmas and approximately 300 of each variety. I eat just one of each (the first one out of the oven of each type), and I give away every last one of the remaining,” she says. In addition, Suletzki shares the distinctive traditional recipes on her website cupofsugarpinchofsalt.com.

Suletzki is a dual citizen of Germany and the United States, living between Massachusetts and Orono. These days, she spends a month or two in the Munich area. “German was my first language and culturally, I am very German,” she proudly shared. It was the aviation industry that brought her parents to the area to work at Bangor International Airport in the 1970s.

When Suletzki is not working as a linguistic engineer in the legal, computer and cyber security field, she is busy at work with her delicious hobby. “I love learning about food, making food, sharing food, and eating food,” she said.

From her kitchen engrossed in cookie madness she continued, “I started baking very young. My maternal grandfather was a Master Baker (Bäkermeister), and when I was a child, I caught on to his skills. My mom is also a great baker.” Today mom helps with decorating and with the mounds of dishes to be tackled with every baking session.

This sweet sharing Santa is not only carrying on the baking tradition but

BY ANNE GABBIANELLI

Keeping a Tasty Holiday Tradition Alive

the spirit of giving as well. “My grandfather would bake all these cookies and give them away to people in our little town. After he passed, my mom carried on the tradition, and then passed it on to me.”

There is a long-standing “Cookie List” — approximately 250 people are on Suletzki’s Cookie List, in more than 20 states and 11 countries.

“Giving away these Christmas cookies every year is a sign of endearment for the recipients and a form of respect and homage to my grandfather and the family tradi-

tion. People think that I am crazy, but I would have it no other way,” said Suletzki.

You too can try your hand by visiting cupofsugarpinchofsalt.com.

Making It Easy for the Client

Graceful waterfront sunsets, intown neighborly colonials, country farmhouse, downshifting to easy living on one floor, we all need a home that fits us. Our styles, our price, our stage of life. Making that dream into a reality is where Aimi Baldwin and Stephen Sprague excel, evidenced by their growth as a top team at ERA Dawson Bradford and the testimonials and referrals from clients.

“Make it easy for the client” was a motto by one of Aimi’s first employers where she went from sales and customer service to eventual CFO. “It was one of our marketing slogans and it’s embedded in my service mentality.” I want to make the home buying and selling process as easy as possible for the client. We work hard to excel in the areas of negotiation and problem solving for people, hopefully before they even know a problem may exist. This is one of the true

values of a professional Realtor who is always working behind the scenes.

True value also emanates from the quality Steve brings with his professional level photography, a hobby before becoming a Realtor; a must for property presentation. Real estate marketing has changed according to every relevant industry publication — good listing agents must communicate through the very visual Internet versus a rolodex as it once was. It’s all about the story from high-quality visuals, 3D interior tours, aerial photography, and descriptions used for advertising. Steve uses Canon, a variety of professional lenses and Adobe products for post-production work. Aimi blends her technical and creative writing skills to dignify the property, amplifying the visual story. This is how we are able to position our clients’ properties from the Bangor Daily announcements and Zillow to

New York Times luxury Real Estate website. The winning goal is exposure.

There are more age groups in the market than ever before using everything from paper to high-tech. Keeping up with the best digital tools was already a part Aimi and Steve’s repertoire: live video showings, paperless transaction management, secure digital signatures, and multipoint online marketing. As Covid-19 restrictions descended in lives worldwide, “we were able to pivot gracefully as we already had systems in place to launch safe listing strategies, to help buyers purchase sight-limited or unseen, and to coordinate all of the transactional logistics in responsible ways.”

This husband and wife team have worked hard to be the household name when people are looking for a trusted real estate professional, and the testimonials tell the story of the hard work and care they put into each transaction for their clients.