planet, healthy you

I’M WELCOMING SPRING WITH OPEN ARMS THIS YEAR.

Our family made the, ahem, ill-advised decision to adopt a new puppy in the middle of the winter. Remember that cold snap, when Maine recorded temperatures only previously seen on the surface of Mars? That was the day we brought Archie home. We’ve spent a lot of time outdoors this winter on walks, taking potty breaks, and taste-testing every stick in the Greater Bangor area. I am so ready for warmer weather.

The good news is all that time moving around to keep Archie busy means I’ve hit my step goal more times in the past month than I did all last year. We’re taking longer and longer walks, going on hikes, throwing balls — and I’m healthier for it. Plus, who can resist puppy kisses? The health benefits of owning a pet, or even just visiting with one (check out our story about therapy dog visits on page 26) are well documented.

Getting healthy can mean a lot of different things. Maybe it’s eating better or losing those extra pounds. Maybe it’s working on your mental health to tame your stress and anxiety levels (if you’ve ever been curious about cannabis and its possible health benefits, check out the story on page 40). Maybe it’s doing something good for the planet like growing your own food (flip to page 44 for ideas on turning your home into a homestead).

Getting healthy could mean spending more time with friends (take a pal out for a cocktail or a mocktail — see page 18), enjoying more time outside (try one of the oceanside hikes featured on page 22), or doing some spring cleaning (see page 30).

Being creative always makes me feel better (note the craft-project covers). If you love reading and writing as much as I do, you’ll be excited to learn we’re featuring a new column this year. Maine author Robin Clifford Wood is penning “Maine Reads, Maine Writes” (on page 14), which this season features Bangor’s own Katie Lattari. If another certain Bangor resident is the King of horror, I’d argue Lattari’s sinister new novel makes her the queen. “Dark Things I Adore” was one of my favorite recent reads — I highly recommend it. But maybe don’t take it along on your Moosehead Lake vaca this summer.

Speaking of Bangor, if you flip this issue over you’ll discover a whole section devoted to Bangor’s history. Special thanks to Matt Bishop at the Bangor Historical Society and local historian Richard Shaw, who both shared some great insight and amazing photos from the past. And if you’re interested in digging into your own history, we’ve got tips and local resources (page 8) to get you started on your own genealogical adventure.

WISHING YOU A HAPPY, HEALTHY (AND WARM) SPRING!

AMY ALLEN EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR

www.bangormetro.com

P.O. Box 1329

Bangor, Maine 04402-1329

Phone: 207.990.8000

PUBLISHER Richard J. Warren

SALES MANAGER

Laurie Cates lcates@bangordailynews.com

EDITOR & ART DIRECTOR

Amy Allen aallen@bangordailynews.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS,

PHOTOGRAPHERS, & PROOFREADERS

Nancy Battick, Stephanie Bouchard, Emily Burnham, Sarah Cottrell, Stacy Cummings, Marissa Donovan, Anne Gabbianelli, Jodi Hersey, Emily Morrison, Joanna O’Leary, Kaylie Reese, Crystal Sands, Aislinn Sarnacki, Richard Shaw, Katie Smith, Robin Clifford Wood

Bangor Metro Magazine. Spring 2023, Vol. 19, No. 1.

Copyright © Bangor Publishing Company.

Bangor Metro is published 4 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.

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COVER ART: Amy Allen

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.

JODI HERSEY is a reporter with ABC7 & FOX22 in Bangor. Over the years, she’s had the privilege of writing for all sorts of platforms including television, radio, magazines, and newspapers. When she’s not working, Jodi enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering at a number of nonprofits. Jodi is a proud military wife, mom, and a huge fan of classic cars.

JOANNA SHAWN BRIGID “BRIDEY”

O’LEARY was born in Alexandria, Virginia, grew up in central Pennsylvania and Massachusetts, and now calls Sebec, Maine home. She graduated from Harvard University with a degree in English and earned a PhD in Victorian literature from Rice University. Bridey has served as a culinary consultant, food historian and travel/food critic for media outlets such as The Nosher, Let’s Go travel guides, Wine Enthusiast, HuffPost, the Onion, Texas Highways, Houstonia, and ColinCowie Weddings. Follow her writing and research projects at www.brideyoleary.com.

SARAH COTTRELL is a writer, editor and online content creator from midcoast Maine. She is currently an editor at Parents Magazine and is working on her first novel. Learn more about her writing on Instagram @housewifeplus and Medium @sarahcottrell, and sign up for her newsletter sarahcottrell. substack.com where she shares freelancing advice.

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.

STACY CUMMINGS is the customer service manager of the Bangor Daily News and a freelance writer. Although freelancing is new to her, she has been writing nearly her whole life. Outside of writing, she is passionate about photography and the outdoors. You can follow her scenic adventures on Facebook at Stacy’s Scenic Shots.

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.

CRYSTAL SANDS is writing professor, homesteader and editor of the journal Farmer-ish, a journal dedicated to farming arts and education. When she is not saving seeds or tending chickens, she is writing daily for the Farmer-ish blog. You can follow her adventures in homesteading in rural Maine at www.farmer-ish.net.