w it’s time to Hit the books Go , untiae. school shoppi teachers, volunteering and to go or not to go? visit greenville maine Lessons from main taking a gap year nis nonetur sequam ratem Back pere to School Time for lunch lunch vwhats room dtktiss simp preparing filling outtt your kids for Sports forms middle school book reports arre ly study using Sciencetktktktktk nm bers numbers to study better is quodi utemp foo atia enda ol pictures autatias lenet of ficium et et ex es dolo volup chool reseque plaborior ad
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September 2019
SEPTEMBER 2019
CONTENTS
FEATURES 36
TO THERE & BACK AGAIN
A John Bapst grad shares her story of adventure and experience while taking a gap year abroad
44
TIME TO HIT THE BOOKS
Learn how science can help you study better
54
SCHOOL SUPPLIES
Teachers share success tactics for parents
56 MAKING THE JUMP TO MIDDLE SCHOOL Why is middle school so tough?
62
56
THE JUMP TO MIDDLE SCHOOL
62
GET OUT: GREENVILLE
GET OUT
Step back in time and into nature in Greenville, Maine
IN EVERY ISSUE 08
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Local news & sightings
16
OBSESSIONS
72
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Looking back on girlhood through new eyes
ON THE COVER We’ve got education on our mind this month.
Hit the books Hit the books Hit the books Hit the books w it’s time to Hit the books Go , untiae. school shoppi teachers, volunteering and to go or not to go? visit greenville maine Lessons from maine taking a gap year nis nonetur sequam ratem Back pere to School Time for lunch lunch vwhats room dtktiss simp preparing filling outtt your kids for Sports forms middle school book reports arre ly study u using Sciencetktktktktk nm bers numbers to study better is quodi utemp foo natia enda ol pictures autatias lenet of ficium et et ex es dolo volup chool reseque plaborior ad
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2 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
PHOTOS: (TOP) ©BROCREATIVE/ADOBE STOCK; (BOTTOM) AISLINN SARNACKI
What we can’t get enough of this month
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
FOOD & DRINK
HEALTH & FITNESS
22
26
14
Tasty ways to enjoy late-season cabbage this fall
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
Writer Christine Liu shares tips for being more environmentally friendly and leading a sustainable lifestyle
IN SEASON NOW
HIKE ME
Discover the best places to trek for full fall foliage views
24 NANA’S CINNAMON PENNY CARROTS
PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) COURTESY OF CHRISTINE LIU; ROSEMARY LAUSIER; AISLINN SARNACKI; BOB DUCHESNE; TK; AMY ALLEN
A family recipe for a yummy sidedish
HOW TO
OUTSIDE
40
70
CRAFTING WITH KIDS
Make DIY iron-on transfers
42
WOODS & WATERS
How one man’s laziness is saving the environment
CREATE IT AT HOME
Turn an old cutting board into a rustic chalkboard for your kitchen www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3
EDITOR’S NOTE
Back to SCHOOL WHAT DID YOU DO ON YOUR SUMMER VACATION?
The perennial question of teachers for essays and discussions is, I think, a good one. In the summer, like all year, there should be a good answer. My kids and I grew a thriving garden. We froze pounds and pounds of string beans and peas for winter. We canned pickles and dilly beans. We fermented half-sour pickles. We also went to the beach, the lake and the pool. We hiked and explored. And we learned in ways the classroom can’t teach. Ice packs on a bee sting or insect bite can reduce the swelling faster. When radishes bolt, they become inedible. A second planting in early August means more fresh veggies in the autumn. This issue of Bangor Metro is all about education — from the real-world view a gap year can provide (page 36) to the science-backed lessons for better studying (page 44) to the things that educators would tell parents if they could speak freely (page 54). And writer Katie Smith tackles a question I’ve pondered as a parent: Why is middle school so hard for kids (page 56)? But learning happens beyond the classroom, doesn’t it. It’s in the kitchen where we cook together (see Rosemary Lausier’s family’s heirloom carrot recipe on page 24). It’s in nature, where we hike, experiencing the changing colors of leaves (page 26). And it’s in the interpersonal relations we have with friends (page 72). I hope you learn something worthwhile as you read through the pages of Bangor Metro this month. THANKS FOR READING.
SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR
Connect With Us Online bangordailynews.com facebook.com/BangorMetro bangormetro talkback@bangormetro.com 4 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
www.bangormetro.com P.O. Box 1329 Bangor, Maine 04402-1329 Phone: 207.990.8000
PUBLISHER
Richard J. Warren
EDITOR
Sarah Walker Caron scaron@bangordailynews.com
ART DIRECTOR
Amy Allen
aallen@bangordailynews.com
SUBSCRIPTION & PROMOTIONS MANAGER
Fred Stewart
fstewart@bangordailynews.com
STAFF WRITER
Julia Bayly jbayly@bangordailynews.com
STAFF WRITER
Abigail Curtis acurtis@bangordailynews.com
STAFF WRITER
Rosemary Lausier rlausier@bangordailynews.com
STAFF WRITER
Aislinn Sarnacki asarnacki@bangordailynews.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Duchesne, Natalie Feulner, Jodi Hersey, Emily Morrison, Richard Shaw, Katie Smith
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 5
6 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
HOW DO YOU
Bangor Metro Magazine. September 2019, Vol. 15, No. 7. Copyright © Bangor Publishing Company. Bangor Metro is published 10 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. Bangor Metro is mailed at standard rates from Portland, Maine. 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 Sarah Walker Caron at scaron@bangordailynews.com. Advertising: For advertising questions, please call the Sales Director Todd Johnston at 207-990-8129.
UNWIND AFTER A LONG, BUSY WEEK?
“
These days, it feels like my long, busy week is never ending. But whenever I can, I read for at least 30 minutes before going to sleep. It’s such a nice end of the day when I step away from screens and let my mind do the imagining while I read.”
Subscriptions/Address Change: The one year subscription cost is $15.95. Address changes: to ensure delivery, subscribers must notify the magazine of address changes one month in advance of the cover date. Please contact Fred Stewart at 207-990-8075. Accounts Payable/Receivable: For information about your account please contact Todd Johnston at 207-990-8129.
COVER DESIGN: Amy Allen ORIGINAL PHOTO: ©clarusvisus/Adobe Stock
— SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR
“I always try to go to a yoga class on a Friday night. Whether it’s hot yoga or a more gentle class, it’s an awesome way to calm down, work off some stress and really have time to work on myself. Afterwards, I’ll come home and make dinner, pour a glass of wine, and just snuggle up on my couch with a good show to watch, a book, or my journal. But the occasional trip down to Nocturnem isn’t bad either. Or going to bed at a super early time and just sleep in. I think there’s no better feeling than realizing you do can do whatever to your heart’s content because you do not need to get ready for work the next day.” — ROSEMARY LAUSIER, STAFF WRITER
“I unwind by chatting with my husband, often while enjoying a glass of good wine. Lately I’ve been gravitating toward cabernet sauvignons from the Napa and Sonoma valleys of California, since I visited that area with my extended family earlier this year. The wine seems especially special after visiting some of the vineyards and cellars where it’s made. And while my husband and I talk about our week — and our weekend plans — we often will play chess or another board game. It’s fun to throw a little competition into quality time.” — AISLINN SARNACKI, STAFF WRITER
“I lie on the sofa and read.” — KATIE SMITH, CONTRIBUTOR
“Baking. There is always a new batch of no-knead bread to make, or a new spin on my favorite brioche recipe, or, heck, cookies. On the other hand, there are always high-calorie binge-worthy (that’s a new word that’s entered the lexicon) things on television. Low-brow? High-brow? Settle down with those cookies and ice cream and it matters not. Intersection of various kinds of consumption.” — TODD R. NELSON www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7
WHAT’S HAPPENING
SEPTEMBER Strap on your running shoes for the annual Labor Day Road Race in Bangor, hosted by Bangor Parks and Recreation. The Robin Emery trophy is awarded to the top female finisher, and the Bob Hillgrove trophy is awarded to the top male finisher. The Ralph Thomas trophy is awarded to the top male master finisher, and the Leona Clapper trophy is awarded to the top female master finisher. Register online, via mail or at the Parks and Rec office. Race-day registration is from 7:458:45 a.m., entry fee is $25 in advance or $35 on the day of the road race; male and female age divisions. Registration opens at 7:45 a.m. on the day of the race and the race begins at 9 a.m. For information, call 207-992-4490 or visit BangorParksandRec.com.
8 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
FRIDAY, SEPT. 6 DOWNTOWN BANGOR FIRST FRIDAY ARTWALK
Join local and regional artists and artisans for an evening celebrating creativity throughout downtown Bangor at the Downtown Bangor First Friday Artwalk. The artwalk, presented by the Downtown Bangor Arts Collaborative, aims to bring the community together through art. 5-8 p.m. Free.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 7 WHEELS ON THE WATERFRONT
Take a stroll along Bangor’s Waterfront and enjoy the more than 300 cars in 30 different classes that turn out for the annual Wheels on the Waterfront event. You can check out the cars, enjoy food from the vendors and have a good time. Free and family-friendly, but no dogs allowed. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 MAINE WIENERFEST
Calling all Wiener dog lovers! The 16th annual Maine Wienerfest will be held at Steamboat Landing Park in Belfast on Sunday, Sept. 8 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event is a celebration of dachshunds and the people who love them, and includes a picnic social, Grand Parade of Dachshunds, Canine Costume Contest, Doxie Derby and raffles. Food and pet-related vendors will be available on-site. Rain or shine. Admission is $3 for adults; free for children under 12 years old and dogs. For more information visit www.mainewienerfest.com.
SUNDAY, SEPT. 8 PEDAL THE PENOBSCOT
Pedal the Penobscot celebrates cycling and supports Bangor’s wild back yard. The ride offers five distance options, from a familyfriendly 12 miles to a must-do ‘flat’ century route. This one-day ride offers beautiful
PHOTOS: BDN FILE
MONDAY, SEPT. 2 LABOR DAY ROAD RACE
SEPT. 20-22 Common Ground Fair, Unity
views of the mighty and historic Penobscot River, tours small towns, and winds along rural roads. Riders of all ages and abilities are welcome and encouraged to join this event benefiting the Bangor Land Trust. For more information including registration packets, entry fees, route maps and more visit: www.bangorlandtrust.org/pedal-thepenobscot-2019.
SEPT. 20-22 COMMON GROUND FAIR
Visit Maine’s most extensive agricultural fairgrounds — complete with a working organic farm, sustainably managed woodlot, organic orchards and demonstration gardens — and hundreds of exhibitors, activities, dances, music and Maine organic foods that make this fair unique. Maine Organic Farmers And Gardeners Association (MOFGA), 294 Crosby Brook Rd, Unity.
SEPT. 7 Wheels on the Waterfront, Bangor
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9
10 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
WHAT’S HAPPENING
SEPT. 25-29 ACADIA NIGHT SKY FESTIVAL
Celebrate the starlit skies of Down East Maine at the 11th annual Acadia Night Sky Festival. The event will be packed with workshops, internationally recognized speakers and hands-on experiences. There’s something for everyone from families to the serious amateur astronomer. Visit AcadiaNightSkyFestival.org for more information.
SATURDAY, SEPT. 28 PAWS ON PARADE
Bring your pups out (or just come to enjoy the pups!) for Bangor Humane Society’s 26th annual Paws on Parade: Bark to the Future. Walk with your dog or with a human companion, or sponsor another participant. To register for the event, visit support.bangorhumane.org/ pawsonparade. 8 a.m.-12 p.m. on the Bangor Waterfront.
SEPT. 28 Paws on Parade, Bangor
STILL STUMPED?
Here are the answers to last month’s Pop Quiz.
Visit our Bangor Metro Facebook page to play online!
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 11
WHAT’S HAPPENING
HERE’S A LOOK AT JUST A FEW SPECIAL EVENTS FROM THE PAST MONTH... 2 1 1: Flash! in the Pans performed during a street dance hosted by Main Street Bucksport recently. 2: Acadia Duo entertained a crowd at the Bangor Public Library as part of the Summer Concert Series sponsored by the Darling’s Auto Group.
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SHARE YOUR EVENT PHOTOS! 12 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
Email your photos and captions to
talkback@bangormetro.com
PHOTOS: (1, 2, 5, 6) JEFF KIRLIN / THE THING OF THE MOMENT; (3) GABOR DEGRE | BDN; (4) LINDA COAN O’KRESIK
3: Inaugural poet Richard Blanco spoke during a Dirigo Speaks event at the Bangor Arts Exchange.
GET SMART!
4
It’s back to school time — test your knowledge! Play online at bangormetro.com for your chance to win a FREE one-year subscription to Bangor Metro!
4: Gov. Janet Mills helped kick off Maine’s Bicentennial Year at a recent event at Broadway Park in Bangor. 5: The Briar Patch hosted the 4th annual Harry Potter’s Celebration to celebrate the wizard’s birthday on July 31. Activities, games, food and performances brought together muggles and wizards alike. 6: Bangor Greendrinks was Talking Trash (and recycling) at the Bangor Arts Exchange as the city prepares for zero-sort waste disposal.
5
6
FIND ANSWERS TO LAST MONTH’S POP QUIZ ON PAGE 11!
Visit our Bangor Metro Facebook page to play online! www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 13
ARTS & CULTURE
14 / BANGOR METRO August 2019
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT
AUTHOR SPOTLIGHT:
CHRISTINE LIU HOW SUSTAINABLE LIVING HAS GIVEN THIS AUTHOR A NEW PURPOSE BY SARAH WALKER CARON
AUTHOR AND BLOGGER Christine Liu has made a personal and professional commitment to maintaining a more environmentally-friendly household. In her book “Sustainable Home,” she shares tips, tricks and how-tos for leading a low-impact life. Christine was kind enough to answer a few questions about her sustainable life. Enjoy! WHAT GOT YOU INTERESTED IN SUSTAINABILITY AND LIVING SIMPLY? CHRISTINE LIU: My sustainability journey started soon after I began my studies in manufacturing and packaging in college. When I saw the huge disconnect between what we purchase and where it goes, I was compelled to challenge the status quo and live more consciously. I would watch myself and others consume product after product, only to see these things be thrown away without much of a thought. It made me question whether or not we’re handling our resources responsibly.
PHOTO: COURTESY OF CHRISTINE LIU
HOW DID YOU BEGIN YOUR JOURNEY TO A MORE SUSTAINABLE LIFE? CL: I started to consume less and adopt minimalistic tendencies with my wardrobe. My second phase was eliminating all single-use plastics in my life, especially with food packaging, due to the health concerns I had with plastic materials. My sustainability journey then evolved once I discovered the zero waste lifestyle a few years ago, and I slowly worked through my trash can to eliminate all my disposables to either reusable, recyclable, or compostable options. ARE YOU AT A POINT WHERE YOUR LIFE IS ZERO WASTE? IF NOT, HOW CLOSE ARE YOU? ALSO, WHAT’S BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF REDUCING YOUR WASTE? CL: I’ve been able to eliminate a fair amount of my waste, enough so that two years of my non compostable and non recyclable waste can fit into a mason jar, but the jar is only a small glimpse of what zero waste living should truly be. No one can truly live a zero waste lifestyle, since our society still
creates products that are bound to have an end of life, without any plan for reuse or conscious repair. Instead of being fixated on producing as little waste as possible, I try to look for products and advocate for companies that are seeking circular solutions, where products can be infinitely repaired and recycled for maximum usage. Everyone will have different challenges when approaching a zero-waste lifestyle — for myself, I’ve had some challenges going to different stores and asking for products without packaging, in my own container. There are times when employees make up health codes and rules, and it can be frustrating when you want to do the right thing. But I try to brush those moments aside and move on, there are better things to do and think about! WHAT’S HAVE YOU GAINED IN YOUR LIFE BY LIVING MORE SUSTAINABLY? CL: Living a sustainable lifestyle has given me a new perspective and sense of purpose. I love problem solving and figuring out what I can do to help our planet earth, and knowing that others want to learn about my journey as well is a huge motivator — it’s great to know that people are beginning to care more about what they can do to preserve the planet! WHO IS THE IDEAL READER FOR YOUR BOOK? CL: Anyone who is just starting out a sustainable lifestyle and needs a primer of how to make changes in their home! Read more from Christine Liu on her blog, Snapshots of Simplicity. This interview originally appeared on HelloHomestead.com. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 15
ARTS & CULTURE
OBSESSIONS
OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.
READ Every month, many new books cross my desk. I purchase even more. These are a few that I particularly enjoyed and recommend. “SUMMER OF ‘69,” BY ELIN HILDERBRAND — It’s 1969. Young men are being drafted and sent to war. Civic unrest has people thinking critically about race relations. The role of women in society is changing. And a massive music festival is planned on a farm in New York. In this summer, four siblings experience all the unrest and turmoil of the time. One will seek independence and head to Martha’s Vineyard for the summer. One will go to war. One will be stuck, miserable, in Boston. And the youngest is alone with her grandmother and mother in their historic home on Nantucket — where the entire family had gathered in years past. Their intertwining stories each take the reader in a different direction before folding back together. This is Elin Hilderbrand’s first historical fiction novel, and she delivers an engaging, layered story that I couldn’t put down. (HISTORICAL FICTION) “THE HIGH SEASON,” BY JUDY BLUNDELL — In the summers on Long Island in New York, visitors flood the area. They rent the houses, eat in the restaurants and enjoy the coast. On the North Fork in Orient it’s no different — and each summer Ruthie, the head of a beloved museum, and her teenage daughter leave their house, turning it over to renters. They sacrifice the best time of year for the income it provides. This novel opens a window into a summer where everything changes for Ruthie and her daughter. Ruthie must learn to push back before she truly loses everything. What this novel does best though is look at trustworthiness in relationships. Who really cares about you? Who really has your back? This was a fast read for me, and one I really enjoyed. (FICTION) “HOW TO RAISE A READER,” BY PAMELA PAUL AND MARIA RUSSO — When they were babies, I would sit with my kids and read with them. When they were toddlers, I would stand at their cribs, reading Dr. Seuss books over and over again. And so on. When this illustrated guide appeared on my desk, I flipped through with interest. Filled with advice, tips, strategies and great suggestions for books at all age levels, there’s so much to learn from this. It has an excellent mix of books broken out into categories (I particularly appreciated the one about books good for reading during the post-Harry Potter slump) for kids from babies to teenagers. And the tips — like continuing to read aloud with kids even after they can read — are solid advice. (NON-FICTION) — SARAH WALKER CARON
16 / BANGOR METRO August 2019
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 17
PHOTOS: ©CHINNAPONG & ©ANDRZEJ TOKARSKI/ADOBE STOCK
FOOD & DRINK
OBSESSIONS
OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.
SIP TUBULAR IPA ORONO BREWING COMPANY WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I’ll be honest — sometimes I judge a beer by its cover. The decidedly “Saved By The Bell” vibe of OBC’s Tubular IPA hooked me like Zack hooked Kelly. Beyond the awesome 90’s nostalgia, it’s also a very tasty beverage. I don’t always love an IPA — some are just too hoppy, some sit like a brick in your stomach. Tubular’s got just the right notes of fruitiness (described officially on the OBC website as “tropical, stone fruit, red berry and tangerine flavors”) and no weird hoppy aftertaste. It’s also super drinkable (just keep in mind its 7.2% alcohol content will catch up to you quick). Tubular is widely available in stores, but if you haven’t checked out OBC’s brewery in Orono yet, it’s worth a visit. Full of fun graffiti, tasty food and lots of options on tap, it’s a fun brewery to tour and witness the full brewing and canning process. You can also find it at OBC’s tasting room in downtown Bangor. — AMY ALLEN
DATE NIGHT THE FIDDLEHEAD RESTAURANT DOWNTOWN BANGOR WHY DO WE LOVE IT? My boyfriend and I went to Fiddlehead for the first time a few weeks ago to celebrate our anniversary. Everything we ordered was delicious, and we were blown away by the ambiance, charming waitstaff and speedy service. For a fun, adventurous date night, I’d recommend grabbing a seat at the bar (no reservations required) and ordering a cheeseboard, a few cocktails (I lived in Peru in my early twenties and can safely attest that their pisco-based cocktails are, as the kids say, legit) and a sampling of appetizers to tickle your tastebuds. — SAM SCHIPANI
18 / BANGOR METRO August 2019
LOCAL EATS
LICK MINT CHOCOLATE CHIP ICE CREAM BUTTERFIELD’S ICE CREAM WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Is there anything not made better by ice cream? Not in my book. As a topping on a dessert or on its own, there is nothing that brings a smile like a scoop or two of really good ice cream. And while it’s hard to narrow down to just one favorite frozen flavors, these days my taste buds dance at the thought of the Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream from Butterfield’s Ice Cream in Dover-Foxcroft [www.butterfieldsicecream.com, 946 West Main Street]. For 69 years they’ve been making ice cream at Butterfield’s in small batches and the scoop of Mint Chocolate Chip to which I treated myself was smooth and creamy. Not to mention rich with a deep mint flavor that in no way tasted artificial. It was dotted with enough chocolate chips to provide the perfect bittersweet contrast to the sweetness of that mint. Sure, I could have had it in a sugar cone or a waffle cone. But I prefer it served all on its own in a dish. With ice cream that good, who needs the distraction of the cone?
Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Food & Drink section. PHOTOS: (BEER) AMY ALLEN; (ICE CREAM & CHEESE BOARD) ©AFRICA STUDIO & ©TAN4IKK/ADOBE STOCK
— JULIA BAYLY
Your ad could be on this page. Call 990-8000.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 19
FOOD & DRINK
OBSESSIONS
OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.
TASTE LUNCH BUFFET TASTE OF INDIA WHY DO WE LOVE IT? The lunch buffet at Taste of India in Downtown Bangor is an inexpensive way to try different dishes and enjoy the variety of flavors that Indian cuisine has to offer (it is only $12). My favorite dish is chicken tikka masala — chicken marinated in spices and yogurt, served in a creamy curry sauce. Also, the fresh made, just out of the oven, naan bread is delicious, I can’t eat just one piece! If you feel like trying something else, I highly recommend the mango lassi, a smooth drink made with mango and yogurt — it costs around $4 but is totally worth it. The friendly staff makes your meal experience even better and you get to support a local business! The buffet is served Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Check with the restaurant for hours, as they change seasonally. — CAROLINA RAVE
DRINK CRYPSTER/CRIPSTER IPA-SOUR MASON'S BREWING COMPANY WHY DO WE LOVE IT? Whenever I have visitors from away, I always take them to Mason’s Brewing Company in Brewer. Besides the waterfront views, delicious food and local flair, Mason’s always seems to have a unique and tasty new beer on tap. My latest favorite: the Crypster/Cripster IPA-Sour, brewed in collaboration with Overhop Brewing Company in Toronto. The Crypster/Cripster combines the best of my favorite kinds of summer beer — IPAs and sours — for a citrusy, hoppy brew with just enough pucker and punch to keep me refreshed and coming back for more. — SAM SCHIPANI
20 / BANGOR METRO August 2019
EAT
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? You don’t have to pay extra for guac when you order this sandwich. That’s because avocado is the star of Bagel Central’s summer special, and they are heavy handed with it, too. The fresh avocado gets mashed with lemon juice, salt and a bit of garlic before it’s plopped onto your choice of bread (I opt for a sesame water bagel). Slices of tomato, cucumber, lettuce and tangy mustard top it off. Plus, it’s vegan-friendly and can be made gluten-free. For just under $8, you can have one of the best summer specials in Bangor. — NATALIE WILLIAMS
PHOTOS: (TOP) ©NATALIA KLENOVA/ADOBE STOCK; (PLATES) ©ARUNDHATI/ADOBE STOCK: (PASSION FRUIT) ©KOLESNIKOVSERG/ADOBE STOCK; (AVOCADO) ©SEE D JAN/ADOBE STOCK
AVOCADO SANDWICH BAGEL CENTRAL
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 21
in season now
FOOD & DRINK
CABBAGE
STORY & PHOTOS BY SARAH WALKER CARON
THE FIRST TIME my kids and I grew cabbage, we were awed to find that if you cut the cabbage head away but leave the stalk behind, the cabbage will grow more heads. We had a blast watching this phenomenon in action. Some of the stalks even grew two and three small new heads. (We didn’t have a blast discovering several of our cabbages were later stolen. But hopefully those folks were hungry.) We skipped growing cabbage last year but decided to do it again this year. When ordering seeds from Fedco, though, I accidentally ordered a variety that takes an estimated 110 days to mature. That’s three and a half months! Instead of enjoying some cabbage in July, August and early September, we’re getting our harvest a bit later. Plus, the variety isn’t good for storage. Whoops! So, we’ll be eating a lot of cabbage this September. Fortunately, it’s a favorite around here. We eat our homegrown cabbage steamed, boiled, sautéed and raw. It becomes part of fried rice, slaw and other salads. And we roasted it. Roasting cabbage wedges transforms the flavor of this vegetable. It becomes a little smoky, a little sweet and totally droolworthy. If you like cabbage (we do!) and smoked salmon (yum!), this is worth a try.
ROASTED CABBAGE WITH SMOKED SALMON Serves 4
INGREDIENTS 1 head cabbage, core removed Juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp olive oil Salt and pepper, to taste 4 oz smoked salmon
INSTRUCTIONS Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Cut the cabbage into 8 wedges. Place on a greased baking sheet. Whisk together the lemon juice and olive oil. Brush over the tops of the cabbage wedges. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for 15 minutes. Flip the cabbage wedges and brush with remaining lemon juice mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Roast for an additional 15 minutes. Remove from oven and divide between 4 plates. Top with smoked salmon, divided evenly among the plates. Enjoy.
SARAH WALKER CARON is the editor of Bangor Metro magazine and the author of several cookbooks including “One-Pot Pasta,” “The Super Easy 5-Ingredient Cookbook,” and “Grains as Mains.” Her latest cookbook, “The Easy Appetizer Cookbook,” is due out in October from Rockridge Press. She is also the creator of the popular food blog Sarah’s Cucina Bella (www.sarahscucinabella.com).
FOOD & DRINK
NANA’S CINNAMON PENNY
CARROTS BY ROSEMARY LAUSIER
PHOTO: MARY LAUSIER
IN THE EARLY 90S, my paternal grandmother gave all six of her children a recipe book (typed by my grandfather) filled with their favorite dishes. Some, like the molasses sugar cookies, came from her mother and were family recipes. Others, my dad thinks, my grandmother found in a magazine somewhere. Among the recipes for sweet potato casserole, beef bravado and chicken pot pie is my absolute favorite side dish: “cinnamon penny” carrots. Every holiday or birthday, my mom would ask my sisters and me what we wanted for the big dinner and I always had the same answer: “my favorite carrots”. The cinnamon and sugar gives them a sweetness while the cider vinegar gives it an extra kick. With just five ingredients, it’s packed with flavor. They are absolutely delicious, but the story of where the recipe came from makes me love them even more. With my grandparents both gone now, it’s nice to open up that little recipe booklet and reminisce. When looking this recipe up, I thought about how at every meal we would have to make my grandfather carrots, because he hated broccoli. I like to think he loved these carrots as much as I do.
CINNAMON PENNY CARROTS Serves 4-6
INGREDIENTS 2 to 2 ½ pounds of carrots 2½ cups water ½ cup cider vinegar ¾ cup white sugar 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
INSTRUCTIONS Peel and cut carrots crosswise (or however you like). Place carrots in pot and cover with water. Cook until tender. Drain the water into a bowl and put the carrots in a separate bowl. Because some of the water evaporated from cooking, measure the carrot liquid and, if needed, add extra water to make 2 ½ cups of liquid. Add vinegar, sugar and cinnamon sticks to liquid and stir together. Bring the liquid to a boil, add the carrots to the liquid, and turn off the stove. Let the carrots cool, cover the bowl and chill overnight (the garage is a good place).
PHOTO: ROSEMARY LAUSIER
The next day, heat up the carrots in the liquid, strain it, discard the cinnamon, and enjoy!
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HIKE ME
FALL FOLIAGE TREKS COLORFUL TRAILS TO ENJOY THIS AUTUMN STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI
EACH SEPTEMBER and October, the trees of Maine put on a grand show, their leaves bursting into fiery colors. Red, orange, yellow and gold — the bright foliage dazzles visitors and locals alike. The season, however brief, is nature’s final hurrah before winter. It may seem like magic, but the science of this annual transformation it is actually quite simple. As the temperature drops and the days shorten, leaves stop producing green chlorophyll. When this happens, the yellow and orange pigments that already exist in the leaves — such as xanthophyll and carotene — become visible. And in some tree species, anthocyanins are formed, giving leaves red, purple or bluish hues. Because this natural change is signaled in part by the temperature, the timing of it varies from year to year. To help people plan leaf peeping trips, the state puts out weekly fall foliage reports from mid-September through mid-October. Many people choose to enjoy fall foliage by hiking, an activity that is especially enjoyable in the fall, when the weather is just cool enough to be refreshing. Another advantage of fall hiking is the lack of mosquitoes and blackflies that plague hikers earlier in the year. When planning a fall foliage hike, you’ll want to choose a place with plenty of deciduous trees. (Evergreens look pretty much the same year round.) Silver maple, aspen and birch trees can produce bright yellows; while red oak, sugar maple, flowering dogwood and black gum trees often produce red or crimson leaves. But they can also display orange, peach and indigo. To get you started, here are a few trails and trail networks that I find to be exceptionally colorful in the fall.
VILES ARBORETUM
IN AUGUSTA EASY
Where better to enjoy fall foliage than an arboretum, a botanical garden devoted to trees? In the midst of Maine’s capital city, the Viles Arboretum is 224 acres of fields, orchards, gardens and forests that the public can explore on a 5-mile network of intersecting trails. Most trails are smooth and easy, though there are a few hills and rougher forest trails along the edges of the property. The arboretum dates back to 1981, when the Maine Forest Service began its development by planting 120 trees and constructing many fences, bridges, trails and a boardwalk. The next year, a private non-profit corporation was formed called the Pine Tree State Arboretum to manage the preserve, and the following year, a visitors center was built near the parking area. Also near the parking area is “The General Sugar Maple,” a giant old sugar maple that should be marvelous in the fall. The grounds are open to the public for free daily, dawn to dusk, year round. Dogs are permitted if on leash at all times. Hunting is not permitted. For more information, visit vilesarboretum.org or call 207-626-7989. DIRECTIONS: The arboretum is located at 153 Hospital Street in Augusta. If driving south on I-95, take Exit 109A; and if driving north on I-95, take Exit 109. Both exits lead to Western Avenue, where you will drive east on for about 1.5 miles to a roundabout. At the roundabout, take the second exit to continue on Western Avenue across the Kennebec River. After the bridge, at the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Stone Street (Route 17) and drive 0.5 miles. Continue straight onto Hospital Street and drive about 0.7 miles and Viles Arboretum will be on your left, marked with a large sign.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
HIKE ME
BALD BLUFF MOUNTAIN IN AMHERST MODERATE With granite outcroppings that provide stunning views of the region, Bald Bluff Mountain in Amherst rises 1,011 feet above sea level and features a 2.2-mile hike. Much of the mountain is covered in a variety of deciduous trees, making it an especially colorful place to be in the fall. The mountain is one of three hiking destinations in Amherst Mountains Community Forest, a stateowned preserve that covers nearly 5,000 acres and contains six remote ponds. The hike to the top of Bald Bluff is mostly gradual, but there are a couple steep sections of trail on the south side of the mountain, between the overlooks and the summit. Dogs are permitted in Amherst Mountains Community Forest if under their owner’s control at all times, and they must be leashed at campsites. Access is free. Hunting is permitted. For more information, call the Eastern Public Lands Office at 207-941-4412. The AMCF management plan can be found at www.maine.gov. DIRECTIONS: From the intersection of Route 9 and Route 181 in Amherst, drive west on Route 9 for 1.5 miles and turn right (north) onto Ducktail Pond Road, which is also known as Ducktail Pond Lane. (This turn is on the left approximately 22 miles from the traffic light at the intersection of Route 9 and State Street in Brewer.) Drive 5.9 miles on the gravel Ducktail Pond Road to the parking area for Bald Bluff Mountain, which is a small turnout that can fit two or three cars. The trailhead, marked with a sign that reads “trailhead,” is just before (south of) the parking area.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
HIKE ME
SARGENT MOUNTAIN IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK CHALLENGING Rising 1,373 feet above sea level, Sargent Mountain is the second tallest mountain in Acadia National Park, which is a spectacular place to enjoy bright fall foliage. Like many of the mountains in the park, Sargent rewards hikers with breathtaking views of Mount Desert Island, the ocean and nearby islands. Located northwest of Jordan Pond, the mountain can be hiked by a number of different trails. The closest parking lot to the mountain is the Bubbles Divide Parking Lot. From there, the quickest route to the summit of Sargent Mountain is 1.8 miles and includes four trails, ending with the 0.8-mile East Cliffs Trail. This hike features a historic stone bridge, a walk along the shore of Jordan Pond, a scenic wooden footbridge, granite staircases and a steep, rocky section that requires hand-over-foot climbing. Dogs are permitted but must be leashed (6 foot maximum), and this trail may be too steep and rocky for some dogs to traverse safely. Hunting is not permitted. All park visitors are required to pay a fee upon entry from May through October. Park pass costs vary, but most people purchase the $30 private vehicle pass, which is valid for 7 days. You can also purchase an annual vehicle pass for $55. For more information, visit www.nps.gov/acad or call 207-288-3338. DIRECTIONS: Drive onto Mount Desert Island on Route 3. After the causeway, veer left and drive toward Bar Harbor on Route 3. After 7.7 miles, turn right to enter the park at the Hulls Cove Entrance on Paradise Hill Road. Drive a few hundred feet and you’ll come to a stop sign. Turn left onto Park Loop Road (labeled as Paradise Hill Road on Google Maps). Drive 5.9 mile and park in the Bubbles Divide Parking Lot, which will be on your right.
AISLINN SARNACKI is a staff writer for Bangor Metro and the Outdoors and Homestead sections of the Bangor Daily News. An expert on the Maine outdoors, she is author of the guidebooks “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path,” “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine” and the newly released “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine.” Follow her adventures on her blog, actoutwithaislinn.bangordailynews.com. 30 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
HOW-TO
CRAFTING WITH KIDS
WEARABLE ART MAKE YOUR OWN COLORFUL IRON-ON TRANSFERS. STORY & PHOTOS BY AMY ALLEN
WHILE HANGING OUT at Camp Grandma this summer, my kids discovered a fun and simple technique for making their own iron-on transfers with just sandpaper and crayons. They were eager to share and offer some experts tips, and make some more one-of-a-kind backto-school clothes. These T-shirts are super simple to create. Just color (using regular crayons with a heavy hand) on sandpaper and iron the image onto fabric — it’s that simple. We’ve been impressed with how well the images have stayed after several washes as well. We’ve included a few tips with the instructions. Specifically, it’s important to keep in mind that the final image will be a mirror of your original design (this is particularly important if you want to write words on your shirt). Keep the design simple and bold without any thin lines; outlining the image is also a good idea. Since the final product will have a “rough” feel, my daughter recommends making a design that is more of a sketch than trying to create perfectly straight lines. Have fun and share your designs with us on our Bangor Metro Facebook page! We would love to see what you create. 32 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • T-shirts • Lots of crayons • Sandpaper (We used fine grit. The heavier the grit, the rougher your final image will be.) • Iron • Small piece of flat cardboard • Paper towels
DIRECTIONS & TIPS 1. Color an image on the sandpaper. We used a fine grit sandpaper, but a rougher texture would also work. Just keep in mind, the rougher the sandpaper, the more texture you'll create on the final product. TIPS: • COLOR HARD. A heavy layer of crayon will transfer best. A heavy outline around the image also helps. The sandpaper will eat up your crayons, so it's a great project for using up all those old coloring supplies. • MIRROR IMAGE. Keep in mind that your final product will be a mirror image of your design. If you design something with words, you'll have to write them in reverse. We found big, bold graphic images were easiest to create and transferred the best. • TRIM. To keep any stray crayon bits from also being transferred to your T-shirt, you can trim the sandpaper as needed around your image. 2. Once your design is complete, it's time to iron. Tuck a flat piece of cardboard inside the T-shirt. (Corrugated cardboard will leave a slightly corrugated pattern in your final design.) Lay the colored sandpaper (image side down) on your T-shirt and lay a paper towel on top to help protect your iron. 3. Iron the image on the hottest setting for about a minute. The idea is to heatset the crayon onto the fabric. Once you're done, gently peel back the towel and sandpaper to reveal your transferred image. 4. To help permanently set your image, lay a paper towel layer back over the image and iron again. For safety's sake, you might want to wash and dry your shirts separately the first time you clean them, but we haven't had any issues with any pigment coming off on other clothes. Even after a few washes the images have remained surprisingly vibrant.
with KIDS
HOW-TO
CREATE IT AT HOME
DIY CHALKBOARD MAKE YOUR OWN RUSTIC CHALKBOARD FROM AN OLD CUTTING BOARD
ADD A RUSTIC FLAIR to your weekly to-do list by writing it on a chalkboard made from an upcycled cutting board. Here’s what you need to make your own. Aside from a sharp knife, a quality cutting board is one of the most important tools in your kitchen. Unfortunately, it can also be one of the greatest sources of bacteria. When your cutting board has reached the end of its sanitary life, you can reuse old cutting boards for non-culinary purposes. Here’s how to transform it into a chalkboard.
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WHAT YOU’LL NEED: • Cutting board (make sure you have cleaning it) • Painter’s tape • Chalk paint • Newspaper • Drill (optional)
PHOTO: SAM SCHIPANI
BY SAM SCHIPANI
at
HOME
DIRECTIONS 1. If you want to hang your cutting board and it doesn’t have a hole already, drill a hole in the top to hang. 2. Line the edges of the cutting board with painter’s tape to create a frame. 3. Spray or paint the section of the cutting board that you want as the chalkboard with chalk paint. 4. Allow to dry. 5. Hang and use.
This tutorial originally appeared on HelloHomestead.com.
Olivia Johnson at Huntington Castle in Ireland.
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PHOTOS: (LEFT) MATHILDE PRADES; (TOP) ©LUKAS GOJDA/ADOBE STOCK
FEATURE
TO
There
&BACK AGAIN HOW THIS BAPST GRAD SPENT A GAP YEAR ABROAD BY JODI HERSEY
WHILE MANY OF HER CLASSMATES from John Bapst Memorial High School were packing suitcases and boxes for college last summer, Olivia Johnson, now 19 years old, was packing for a different adventure: a gap year in Europe volunteering with the World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms (or WWOOF) organization. WWOOF is a nonprofit that pairs volunteers with farmers and growers from all over the world who need a helping hand. In exchange, these volunteers are given housing and meals as well as a cultural and educational experience unlike any other. “The first farm I went to was a French farm. I was planting and weeding and picking strawberries there in October because it was a warm season for them,” said Johnson of Levant. “They’d then sell their produce in fancy shops in Paris so people could have fresh, organic French produce.” Johnson, who graduated from Bapst in 2018, admits she had little to no farming experience before leaving Maine but that didn’t deter her from getting her hands dirty. “I had spent 10 days with the [John Bapst] school in France and London and it was a very structured thing, so I wanted to do something I hadn’t done before and this allowed me to do that,” she said.
On her days off, Johnson would use the money she saved during high school and travel into the city, stay at a hotel or AirBNB before venturing out to sightsee or dine at the local eateries. “I just loved being able to travel in France, Amsterdam and Brussels. I just wish I hadn’t of underestimated how hard it is to speak a different language. I realized I’m much better at reading French than speaking French. But I quickly got comfortable being uncomfortable and got used to being alone and figuring everything out,” Johnson said. “I would stick to the big cities and in the big cities they’d know some English and I could get by, Google it, or there’d be tourists and I’d ask, ‘Where do we go from here?’” After several weeks, Johnson moved on to another French farm where instead of gardening she worked the land as a modern day shepherdess. “It was really cool. I would guide [the sheep] on two or three hour walks every day from like 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Then I’d have lunch and go back out and walk them from 3 to 6 p.m.,” she said. “I love all the sheep and lambs and have so many pictures of them. It’s so funny because all the other girls [I was with from WWOOF] didn’t know anything about sheep either and we all bonded in that way.” www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 37
FEATURE
She struck up an instant friendship with one fellow WWOOF volunteer named Mathilde. “She was from France and she invited me back to her home town. I got to meet some of her friends, which were all my age. It was so nice not being a tourist. I had someone who knew their way around and could say this is an area where all these famous kings were buried, or this is a famous forest,” Johnson said. At times, homesickness hit Johnson hard and when it did she’d video chat with her mom, Heidi Johnson, who always had lots of encouraging words to share. “I knew Olivia would get homesick. Luckily she got over it pretty quickly and didn’t really let it affect her adventures,” Heidi said. Halfway through her trip, Olivia Johnson’s family traveled to Europe to visit her. “I doubt I ever would have gone to France and England but because she was there, my 82-year-old mom got to fulfill a lifelong dream of going to Europe along with my sister and I,” Heidi said. “We got to see the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Tower Bridge in London. So her trip was a trip of a lifetime but in so many ways it was for others as well.” When her family returned home to Maine, Johnson boarded a plane for her third and final WWOOF destination — Huntington Castle & Gardens in Ireland. The castle is a hotel surrounded by acres and acres of farm land and gardens. There, Johnson’s duties included tidying up rooms for guests and serving tea on the weekends. “It was snowdrop season — that’s a beautiful little flower that looks like a buttercup. It’s very popular in that region and people come from all over to see those, so I helped out in the castle’s tea room, which is like a coffee shop. I don’t drink coffee but I actually learned how to make an espresso, a cappuccino, and a latte there in Ireland. The hardest part was perfecting the foam,” Johnson reminisced. While in Ireland, Johnson divided her time between serving tea inside the castle and being outside the castle helping with lambing season.
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PHOTOS: (LEFT) ©HORVÁTH BOTOND, ©PAWEL PAJOR PHOTOGRAPHY/ ADOBE STOCK; (THIS PHOTO) ©PANITHAN FAKSEEMUANG/ ADOBE STOCK
FEATURE
40 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
Olivia Johnson working high tea at Huntington Castle.
PHOTOS: (TOP) MATHILDE PRADES; (THIS PHOTO) ©OCSKAY BENCE/ADOBE STOCK
“I’ve pulled out a lamb, I’ve bottle fed a lamb, and I’ve made pens for lambs. I’ve done basically everything with a lamb now. It’s a life skill I didn’t think I would have, but I’m really glad I have it now because who can say they’ve helped birth a lamb?” Johnson said. “I don’t think this would have been an experience I would’ve ever done if not for this organization.” Johnson learned far more than how to care for livestock and grow organic fruits and vegetables during her gap year. She learned how to live on a budget, how to be resourceful, how to get from point A to point B, and most importantly who she was as a person at the very root of her being. “I know for a lot of people taking a gap year is a time to figure out what they want to do. What I figured out most is to trust your gut. I know me far more than I did before going. I know what I can do,” Johnson said. “I’ve always been very studious and always thought about my grades and I do love school, but taking a gap year I found out who I was as a person instead of who I was as a student.” Johnson said she is eager, excited and ready more than ever to take on the workload at the University of Maine in Orono where she will be majoring in English. “My dream of being an editor hasn’t changed. Even coming back, people are like, ‘You want to major in English? That’s not where all the jobs are at.’ I’ve learned from going there that just because everyone says that isn’t the best thing to do, I’ll make the best of what I’m going to do and I’ll be happy doing it,” Johnson said. “I’m very excited to go to UMaine because I know a ton of friends there and it’s close by. Now that I’ve traveled, I’m grateful for everything I have and I can say I’ve truly chosen to go to this school. I’ll have hopefully little to no debt when I graduate and I’ll have a great education and all this life experience.” She’ll also continue to pinch her pennies, watch her budget and her grades closely so that she can continue to travel and learn more about herself and the world around her whenever the opportunity presents itself. “I think I’ll always have the travel bug. I am very interested in Tokyo or somewhere like that just to see how different it is and studying abroad is definitely a future goal of mine,” Johnson said. “Taking a gap year is not for everyone and just because something isn’t going to be the particular field you’re going into, doesn’t mean you can’t try it. I liked learning I could do it and I’m very proud I did.”
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HUSSON UNIVERSITY
PREPARING GRADUATES FOR PROFESSIONAL CAREERS
Center for Business, opening fall 2021
You may have heard in the news that it’s a challenging time for some colleges – but that’s not true for all. From 2008 through 2018, Husson University’s student enrollment increased by 35%. Last fall, Husson University had the largest incoming class in its 120-year history. And in May of this year, the University graduated its largest class yet. The reason for Husson’s growth? Students and their families have come to understand the quality and value of the education that Husson provides, which includes: Practical, career-focused programs.
Students have 70 undergraduate, graduate and professional programs to choose from, in business, communications, counseling, criminal justice, education, health, pharmacy, science & humanities and technology. Programs are delivered on campus and online, giving working professionals the opportunity to continue their education on their terms. Largest private college of business in Maine. Our College of Business offers
programs in accounting, finance, hospitality, sport management, criminal justice, and information technology. Small class sizes. With an average class size of 19, students interact with their faculty and receive more personal attention. Opportunities to gain experience.
Internships and clinicals are an important part of the Husson education, and in some programs,
are built into the curriculum. The vast majority of our students participate in at least one internship or clinical before they graduate
immersive and interactive technology projects in augmented and virtual reality.
Strong athletics program. Husson’s athletic
teams compete in Division III and have gone to 100 national tournaments and have won 151 conference championships. They win academically as well: for more than four years, Husson’s student-athletes have maintained an average GPA of greater than 3.0. An affordable investment. A Husson education is more affordable than most. According to U.S. News and World Report, Husson is the most affordable private college in New England, which means students and their families are making a smart investment.
BUILDING THE FUTURE As Husson’s student population increases, the University continues to grow exponentially, tripling its endowment in 10 years. The university has continued to add new programs to meet employer demand, increasing from 36 degree programs and certificates in 2008 to 102 in 2019. In spring 2020, Husson will break ground for a new Center for Business building that will meet students’ educational needs well into the future. The 32,000 square-foot Center for Business will feature collaborative spaces that encourage independent, experience-based learning and promote interactions with Maine’s business community. It will also be home to the Interactive Experience (IEX) Center, a hub for Paid Advertisement for Husson University.
In September, Husson opened its new Wellness Learning Center, a 6,750 squarefoot facility devoted to delivering health and counseling services to Husson students. The building also includes a 2,085 squarefoot simulation center for interprofessional education to be used by students enrolled in nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy and pharmacy programs. Through Husson’s investment in these new academic spaces, programs and faculty, the University demonstrates a strong commitment to its students’ academic experience. The education our students receive prepares them for not only that first position, but for a lifetime. Husson will continue to focus on preparing exceptional graduates for professional careers across new and emerging markets for years to come.
SPONSORED BY
1 COLLEGE CIRCLE BANGOR, ME
207.941.7000
HUSSON.EDU
FEATURE
44 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
TIME TO HIT
BOOKS
the
SCIENCE CAN TEACH YOU HOW TO STUDY BETTER BY NATALIE FEULNER
WITH THE RETURN of crisp early fall Maine mornings comes the promise of the upcoming school year. For college students around the state, this might mean living away from home for the first time or starting at a university several times the size of their high school. Over the coming weeks, dorms will be decorated, roommates shuffled and schedules sorted. But college students (or other adult learners) might also want to take a moment to think about the academic challenges they’re likely to face in the coming months. Are all-night study sessions a good strategy? How important is exercise, really? And how much of the brain is used during studying anyway? It turns out the answer is not exactly straightforward. “The entire brain is involved in learning, every sensory system stores memories,” said Michael Burman, associate professor of psychology at the University of New England. For example, visual memories — those of things we’ve seen — are stored in an optical system while memories of things heard are stored in the auditory system. However, Burman said there are a couple of parts of the brain that neuroscientists have found particularly important for the formation of memories of facts and events, also known as “semantic memories.”
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FEATURE
The first is the hippocampus, found deep in the brain and shaped like a seahorse. It is here the brain connects experiences and forms associations. “It’s this structure that helps to link the different aspects of an experience together, what happened first, then next, what we saw, what we heard, how it felt,” Burman said. “[It] helps us link words with meaning, put concepts together and form all sorts of memories.” In addition to the hippocampus, the prefrontal cortex at the front of the brain is the storage center for short term or new information. But, it needs to be fully activated and focused to retain information. “This is why multitasking hurts so much,” Burman said. “We can only pay attention to one thing at a time. This structure also works like a filter, helping us keep track of what we need to know temporarily and what we need to know for the long term.” And while it is possible to improve brain function and increase retention of information, Burman said some people might not like what it takes. Why? Because it includes all those pesky reminders a parent might try to impart on their student as they leave them on campus alone for the first time. “[For example] there’s now quite a bit of literature that shows sleep is super important for learning and memory,” Burman said. “Not only does sleep help us feel alert and ready to learn, it also is a time that the brain uses to store our long-term memories and clear away the old temporary memories.” Want to learn a few other ways to improve your chances at retaining information this coming semester?
EXERCISE HELPS It turns out, Burman said, aerobic exercise helps the hippocampus form new cells, which can then be incorporated into forming new memories. A study done at the University of British Columbia showed walking 30 to 60 minutes a day beyond what you’d typically do on campus can improve brain function and can increase alertness, required by the brain for fact retention. But the brain also needs exercise. Similar to muscle memory in other areas of the body, the brain operates with a “use it or lose it system. “The more we try to learn, the better we get at it,” he said. So don’t wait until the week before finals to crack open those textbooks.
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FEATURE
ATTACH AN EMOTION Because the hippocampus is the center of connections, it can help if we study and recall the information in the same mental state as when we first learned it or if there is an emotion attached. “Making something funny, scary or exciting, helps the memory get encoded more strongly,” Burman said. “The hippocampus forms connections, even if we don’t want it to. So, if we study late at night, but try to remember the information in the morning, we’ll have more trouble than we if studied and recalled at the same time of day. Or, if you drink coffee when studying, you should also do it during the test.”
GIVE THE HIPPOCAMPUS A CHANCE Burman said he knows students are often stressed, but stress kills the vital hippocampus cells and can make it hard to pay attention. So does alcohol, which can have adverse effects on memory both in the short term and later in life.
SAVE SOCIAL MEDIA FOR LATER These days, students have access to a world of information at their fingertips. Between watching a presentation in class, they can check email, retweet, make memes, order from Amazon and everything in between. But Burman says, for the sake of all, fight the urge to multitask and focus on the lecture at hand. “I recently saw a study suggesting that using Facebook in class not only hurts the person using Facebook, but also anyone who has visual access to the screen,” he said. “It’s so distracting; we cannot avoid looking [and] since we are terrible at dividing our attention, we really lose out.”
48 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
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FEATURE
CONSIDER SITTING UP FRONT Research findings have been somewhat mixed on the role of where a student sits in their ability to learn. However, a study from the University of Colorado at Boulder showed that sitting at the front of a classroom not only allows a student to hear and see better, but it may also increase their focus since fewer peers would be in their line of vision to cause distraction.
WRITE, DON’T TYPE Burman said evidence showing that writing notes can be more effective than typing is overwhelming, but neuroscientists aren’t exactly sure why. He has some theories though. For one, we remember things better if they are stored in more than one memory system. Writing is not only visual, it allows the brain to form motor memories. Not to mention, writing is often more difficult for students than typing, which can add an emotional element to the memory. Writing is also slower, and while that may seem like a detriment, Burman argues, it’s a benefit. “It forces us to decide what to write since we cannot write everything,” he said. “This means we have to process the information and put down the important points in our own words [and] this deep thinking is good for memory.”
So put the laptop away and pull out a pen and paper, your brain — and hopefully your grades at the end of the semester — will thank you.
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two schools
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With the dual enrollment program between EMCC and UTC, UTC students can complete half of an associate’s degree, a full business certificate, BEFORE THEY EVEN GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL! United Technologies Center offers courses for: High school students • Adult evening courses Customized courses for business and industry
United Technologies Center 200 Hogan Road, Bangor • 207.942.5296 • utc.mainecte.org
FEATURE
SCHOOL
Supplies A YEAR OF TACTICS FOR PARENTS FROM EXPERIENCED TEACHERS BY TODD R. NELSON
I ONCE ASKED my middle school colleagues for the advice they had just shared with parents in parent-teacher conferences. Their list has influenced me as a teacher, principal and parent over many years. I think they are guidelines for students and parents of any age, at any stage in the school year, but especially in laying foundations at the start of a new year. Consider the following ten pieces of advice for shared goals of teaching and parenting.
1. WHOSE LEARNING IS IT? The majority of kids can take charge of their own learning — if we let them. Don’t over teach or over parent. Give kids time and space to take charge. This motivates resiliency and competence.
2. REWARDS. Children should feel rewarded by learning itself. External rewards to stimulate good grades thwart feeling long-term joy and power from hard work and accomplishment.
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3. THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER.
Kids see things from a kid ’s point of view. Parents and teachers should act like journalists: get several sou rces for objectivity and accuracy when kids rep ort on their school day. “The story” kee ps evolving long after “publication.” Get upd ates.
4. THE MOTHER OF INVENTION. Focusing on good grades alone loses sight of the positive potential in a low grade. Deciphering failure can be more instructive than success. In fact, deep learning takes place beyond what a grade can measure.
5. COLLABORATION. Crucial life skills come from the struggle implicit in working with others and wrestling with unfamiliar challenges. Adults want to spare kids discomfort. Better to welcome discomfort and help guide kids out of their discomfort zone!
6. “LITTLE BY LITTLE THE BIRD MAKES HIS NEST,” AS THE SAYING GOES. Today’s lesson builds toward future lessons and accomplishments. Wise, steady, incremental daily challenges are the golden thread of learning.
7. CHARACTER.
8. BALANCE.
There are no assurances about the exact skills necessary for life in the future. To be forwardlooking, teachers must prioritize concepts guaranteed to be at the heart of unforeseeable futures: improvisation, comfort with chaos, skilled questioning, integrity, and ethical character.
Kids need help balancing priorities. Piano lessons getting in the way of homework, or homework getting in the way of piano lessons? Both might be reasonable conclusions. It depends on the child.
9. COACH, DON’T CUSHION, DURING HOMEWORK TIME. Bring problems and questions back to school. Don’t deny the teacher the chance to understand how a student experiences their homework — especially if they hit the wall and can’t do the work.
10. DON’T MISS SCHOOL. Work can be made up, but not the contacts, textures and experiences of the school day.
This is also a list of the deeper equations for learning, fulfillment, happiness, hopeful lives and resiliency. The problems on Friday’s math quiz or the predictions about term grades are vital, but so is the more intuitive concept of proportion, which will support the architecture unit in history — or fraught friendship triangles. At the start of the school year, kids face new teachers, new studies, new friends, and unfamiliar challenges. As do their parents. By the middle of the year, students fully inhabit their current grade and begin turning their gaze to the one ahead. Finally, parents and teachers share the vision and guardianship of long-term learning as well as the pesky daily tasks. It’s the fundamental partnership in raising effective and resilient kids. Todd R. Nelson is a retired teacher and school principal. He lives in Penobscot.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 55
FEATURE
The Jump to
MIDDLE SCHOOL
56 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
WHY IS THE MIDDLE SCHOOL TRANSITION SO TOUGH FOR OUR KIDS? BY KATIE SMITH
PHOTO: ©MOTIONTRAIN/ ADOBE STOCK
HREE OF MY KIDS have made the transition from elementary school to middle school, and it wasn’t easy for any of them. After talking with fellow parents who have kids ranging in all ages, it seemed to be a common thread among all of us, but why is this the case for our tweens? Jenna Daly, a clinical social worker who focuses on health and parenting based out of South Portland said this is because “middle school students do still look to their parent’s reactions for boundaries and approval, yet they are moving into an environment in which they have both more freedom and responsibility.” The students go from being more closely monitored to having more responsibilities such as “tracking their own schedule, knowing what they need for each class,” Daly said. “This is the age where teens are headed into puberty and real answers to their questions about puberty and real information about their bodies,” said Katharine Appleyard, Counselor, LCPC-c, has been working with teens and adults for over 20 years and practices out of Bangor. She suggests reading, then sharing the book with your teens, “Will Puberty Last My Whole Life?” by Julie Metzger and Robert Lehamn. “Kids are shifting from being completely self-absorbed to becoming aware of the world around them. What was once a carefree existence, becomes a cautious existence where they perceive everyone to be watching them and judging them,” said Appleyard. Middle school students are exposed to so many positive and negative things, they want to fit in, and care very much about what their peers are thinking of them. It’s almost as if they are stuck between two worlds; they still long to be child-like at times, and also want to grow up and explore new experiences. This time is also a change for the parents involved. They are watching their children grow and evolve and know they need to parent in a different way while trying to let their kids know they are there for them in all the ways they used to be, and trying to foster their children’s new-found independence. This is a life-change for them too and it’s hard to find the right balance, Daly said.
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FEATURE
58 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
PHOTO: ©BROCREATIVE/ ADOBE STOCK
Appleyard notices parents internalize “messages of worth from their teen years which make it difficult to parent from a place of clear head and heart.” “Puberty and social pressures are also a huge piece to the puzzle,” Daly said. This is when children are physically and socially more mature “and are learning (from each other) about social rules and expectations.” This can cause kids to become more self-conscience, not to mention this is when their hormones, bodies, and brains are changing rapidly. “During the teen and tween years, the prefrontal cortex — the ‘thinking’ area of our brain, which controls problem solving, goal creation, self-reflection, and understanding consequences, is still developing. Your child may start looking more adult-like, but their brains are still catching up,” Daly said. Middle-schoolers are also exploring self-identity, gender roles, social cliques and wanting more independence during these years. Anxiety levels rise as they enter this phase, and go to a bigger new school, Appleyard said. Change is hard for many people under the best of situations, so what can parents do to help our teen make this big transition go a bit smoother? WHAT TO LOOK FOR There are some changes your teen will go through that are normal, such as “the need for more privacy, increased moodiness, and reduced conversation with parents.” However, parents need to pay attention to “significant shifts in personality, especially withdrawing or acting out behaviors,” Daly said. How can you know if it’s more than that? “If you are concerned, the first thing to do is talk to your child’s teachers, get to know the parents of their friends, ask your child what they are struggling with,” Appleyard said. From there, you can access the situation and decide if therapy may be a good idea for your child.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 59
FEATURE
TIPS FOR PARENTS: Here are some great tips Appleyard and Daly shared with us to help you and your children through the middle school transition. BE AVAILABLE The best thing you can do for your middle school student is to be available and schedule time for one-onone private conversations. UNDERSTANDING Validate them, never say anything they are going through is silly. Open-ended questions will get them to speak more openly. TAKE THE PRESSURE OFF Not making eye contact with your teen, and talking while on a walk or in the car can reduce their feelings of anxiety and pressure. This may help your child open up to you in ways they may not if you are sitting across the table from one another with no other distractions. LET YOUR CHILD LEAD When it comes to activities and self-expression, let your child choose. Get interested in their interests. This will be a great way to stay connected and involved in their life. CREATE A SAFE SPACE Create a space at home where they can feel safe and accepted, act like a kid and have their opinions and beliefs taken seriously. LISTEN TO THEM Realize if you want your child to listen to you, you have to listen to them, too. They want to feel heard and modeling respectful conversations goes both ways. You can’t expect them to come to you with a problem or issue if you dismiss the small things going on with them. CLOSE AND ENGAGED Keep your child close and engaged in family activities like game night, family outings, or watching movies together. BE CURIOUS Be curious about their life. Ask questions about their friends, school, what their latest hobby is, or if there is something new they’d like to try. Often times, our tweens and teens need a bit of prompting. MODEL CONFIDENCE Model confidence and healthy behaviors by taking care of yourself and the situations around you. DON’T FEEL REJECTED Remember it is normal for your child to turn away from you at this time so don’t take it personally, or make them feel guilty about it. 60 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
EXPLORE MORE AT JOHN BAPST
Generations of students have found a great education and a place to excel in the friendly environment that is John Bapst Memorial High School. Academics, arts, and athletics – explore more at John Bapst.
14:1 14% 515 86% 100% STUDENT:TEACHER RATIO LOCAL INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE PREPARATORY STUDENTS
17 AVERAGE
CLASS SIZE
STEM 22 AP-LEVEL COURSES IN MATH; LIFE, AP COURSES TAUGHT ON CAMPUS
PHYSICAL, AND ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES; COMPUTER PROGRAMMING, AND MORE
26 CLUBS
AND ACTIVITIES
17 VARSITY SPORTS
John Bapst accepts new students – boys and girls – at all grade levels, 9 through 12. Learn more at johnbapst.org
PHOTOS: COURTNEY HALE, JOVANMANDIC, & MONKEYBUSINESSIMAGES / ISTOCK / GETTY IMAGES PLUS
100 BROADWAY | BANGOR, ME | 04401 | 207-947-0313 | JOHNBAPST.ORG
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 61
GET OUT
GREENVILLE
GET OUT:
62 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
PHOTOS: TKTK
PHOTO: AISLINN SARNACKI
GREENVILLE
Paddlers canoe across a pond in the Moosehead region during a moose tour led by Northeast Whitewater guide service of Shirley.
STEP BACK IN TIME AND INTO NATURE BY JULIA BAYLY
SAY “HIGHLANDS” AND people often think bagpipes, kilts, clans, castles and the rugged green hills of northwestern Scotland. But did you know Maine has its very own Highlands? And while it lacks the Celtic features of the Scottish Highlands, there is no denying the rugged beauty in this part of central Maine. The Maine Highlands are 8,000-square miles of forests, lakes, ponds, rivers, streams and trails within Penobscot and Piscataquis counties. It’s an area with some impressive state superlatives including Maine’s highest peak — Mt. Katahdin; the longest river — Penobscot; the largest lake — Moosehead; and a thriving urban center — Bangor. It’s also where you find the town of Greenville. A community tucked along the southern shore of Moosehead Lake. Greenville was once a center of Maine’s logging and lumber industries from the early 19th century through the 1970s. Moosehead Lake was a vital transportation link for the massive log drives where steamboats were used to tow huge rafts of timber bound for the mills in Bangor and farther south. That all ended with the last log drive in 1976, and while the woodlands around Greenville remain working forests with active logging operations, today the timber is transported by trucks to the mills. As for Greenville? The town and surrounding communities have evolved into a vast playground with thousands of miles of trails, hundreds of waterfalls and scores of peaks for outdoor enthusiasts to explore on foot, by bicycle, car, ATV, snowmobile, canoe, kayak, whitewater raft, motorboat, skis, snowshoes, dogsled or floatplane. All of which is good news for anyone looking for a quick trip and chance to get away for a few days immersed in all things Maine outdoors. So let’s break it down. SMALL TOWN, BIG OFFERINGS Tiny dog Chiclet and I spent three days in Greenville and did not come close to exhausting all the recreational cultural, culinary, historical and sight-seeing options available. Not only are there a ton of options, but Greenville is the kind of place in which you do not want to be rushed or force yourself to try and do it all. It’s a place made for relaxing, for taking time to soak up everything around you. Whether it’s sitting on a quiet beach along Moosehead Lake, hiking one of the trails through the woods or taking a moment to look at the view from atop a peak on one of the summits overlooking the region. All that natural beauty is bound to get to you. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 63
GET OUT
GREENVILLE
Sunrise over Moosehead Lake is always worth an early morning wakeup.
The Steamship Katahdin is moored at the Greenville Maritime Museum and takes passengers out on Moosehead Lake cruises.
Families and friends enjoy an afternoon of picnics, swimming and games at Lily Bay State Park.
WHAT TO SEE Chiclet and I began our exploration of Greenville by taking a drive to Lily Bay State Park, about 10 miles north of downtown Greenville on Lily Bay Road. The drive takes you along the shore of the lake for the first four miles, offering gorgeous overlooks before entering a more wooded section full of twists, turns and hills. You may find yourself sharing the road at times with loaded logging trucks on their way out of the woods, or trucks hauling empty trailers on their way in for another load. Give them plenty of room. The entrance to the park is on the left and very well marked. There is a fee to enter — $4 for Maine residents and $6 for non residents — and the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to sunset. Once inside, you have 940 acres on which to hike, watch birds, look for wildlife, fish, boat, swim, ski, picnic or camp. Dogs are welcome in the park as long as they are on a leash, so Chiclet and I parked on Dunn Point at the end of the park’s paved road and took a leisurely walk on the 2-mile trail along the shore of Moosehead to Rowell Cove. 64 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
PHOTOS: JULIA BAYLY
(Below) A couple walks to the vintage Cessna 190 floatplane at Curriers Flying Service for an aerial tour.
If you are unsure of where you want to go or what you want to see in the park, the friendly and knowledgeable Maine State Park Rangers at the gate are more than happy to offer suggestions and provide you with a handy map. Bicycling is always a fun alternative way to explore, and after getting directions to Big Moose Mountain trailhead, I dropped Chiclet off at our hotel, loaded up my bike and drove about 4 miles north on Route 15 to the intersection of North Road and parked at the small gravel parking area just after the turn. North Road is a dirt road and one of many in the Greenville area that can be pedaled using a sturdy mountain bike or gravel bike. People also enjoy hiking up to the trailhead on the road. North Road takes you to the trailhead at Big Moose Mountain and to several ponds beyond. There is also the former railroad bed that is now a wide and flat gravel route leading out of Greenville starting where the pavement ends on Moosehead Industrial Park Road. It’s a multi-use trail perfect for walking, bicycling or riding an ATV.
For something less physical, head to Downtown Greenville. It’s small, but packed with fun shops to check out. At Maine Mountain Soap & Candle Co. [www.mainemountain.com, 17 Moosehead Lake Road] you can pick out natural soaps and lotions made right on site. I even found an organic pet shampoo bar for Chiclet, who was welcome to join me inside smelling all those great soap and candle scents. Get a real feel of the area’s logging history at The Moosehead Marine Museum [www.katahdincruises.com]. It’s right downtown on the shore of the lake and is filled with artifacts from the days when timber ruled the north’s economy. It’s also where you can book passage on the Steamboat Katahdin which offers daily morning or sunset cruises from May to October on Moosehead lake. The Kathadin — or “Kate” as she is known locally — is the last of the steamships that pulled those vast rafts of trees across the lake. By far the largest building downtown is Kamp Kamp [www.kampkamp.com], housed in a historical building that takes up half a block. It’s worth going in just to see the eclectic
collection of lumbering antiques, taxidermy and other Maine artifacts for sale. There’s also a candy store on the side with enough selection to satisfy the fussiest of sweet tooth. If views are what you are what you are looking for, there’s really no better way to see Greenville than from above — high above. At Curriers Flying Service [www.curriersflyingservice.com] you can take a 45-minute to 2-hour scenic flight in a vintage Cessna float plane. All flights take off directly from the lake in front of Currier’s docks. It’s a rush and gives you a real appreciation for the sheer size and scope of Moosehead — all 75,000 acres of it. Currier’s pilot Roger Paradis can describe every land and water feature you see and point out areas where you are likely to spot moose, deer or bear. The shorter flights take you up and around the lake while longer flights include up close views of Mt. Katahdin. If for some reason you did not see moose from above or while driving around, fear not, there are several options for taking a Moose Safari, including one offered by Northern Outfitters. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 65
GREENVILLE
I ran into a family from Wisconssin who had traveled — by car — all the way to Greenville to do just that. They were staying at my hotel and I heard them leaving around 4:30 a.m. to meet their guide at 5:30 a.m. to head out into the woods. They were back at 10:30, all smiles after spending several hours canoeing on woodland ponds and spotting five moose. Still looking for more to do? At Northern Outfitters [5 Lily Bay Road, 207-695-3288, www.maineoutfitter.com], owner Mike Boutin can point you toward the perfect fishing hole, 66 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
the best hikes or where you have the optimum chances of spotting some Maine wildlife. Northern Outfitters also has guides for hire to take you on a tour of the woods and water on day trips or overnight camping excursions. Boutin can arrange for a shuttle to drop you, your friends, your gear and your canoes at one end of the lake or a river and then pick you up at the end of your paddle once you reach your destination. The store is stocked with an impressive array of practical outdoor apparel and gear for sale or rent.
And if you don’t have what you need, Greenville has several businesses right in town that rent camping gear, bicycles, canoes, standup paddle boards, kayaks and ATVs. WHERE TO EAT All that hiking, flying, biking and shopping is a sure way to fire up an appetite. Luckily, Greenville has a great selection of dining options. Chiclet and I were staying at Kelly’s Landing [www.kellysatmoosehead.com]
PHOTO: AISLINN SARNACKI
GET OUT
A cow moose feeds on aquatic plants in a pond in the Moosehead Lake Region.
which has both waterside lodging and dining. I can think of few better places to end a day than on the deck at Kelly’s with a cold beverage and a plate of steaming hot mussels or a classic hamburger fresh from the kitchen. Toss in a front row seat to one of the best sunsets Maine has to offer, and it’s the perfect place to cap off your day. There is not a huge food cart scene in Greenville. I counted only one. But it’s a case of quality over quantity and Claudine’s Crepe Cafe is a food cart on Pritham Avenue just down from Kamp Kamp. It’s open from www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 67
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GREENVILLE
THE BAKED BRIE CREPE [AT CLAUDINE’S CREPE CAFE] WITH TURKEY, BRIE CHEESE, WALNUTS AND RASPBERRY PRESERVES IS ALL WRAPPED UP IN ONE OF THE BEST CREPES I’VE HAD THIS SIDE OF PARIS, FRANCE.
PHOTOS: JULIA BAYLY
A father baits his son’s hook for fishing off the dock at Kelly’s Landing in Greenville.
68 / BANGOR METRO September 2019
REALTORS 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and has an impressive menu of savory and sweet crepes.The baked brie crepe with turkey, brie cheese, walnuts and raspberry preserves is all wrapped up in one of the best crepes I’ve had this side of Paris, France. A short drive out of town is The Farmhouse Cafe [www.farmhousecafeatmooseheadlake. com] where the views, coffee and baked goods are tops. Open Tuesdays through Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., it’s a popular spot for locals and visitors alike for breakfast and lunch. You can eat inside or one of the decks or porches overlooking Moosehead. I fell in love with the lemon-filled strawberry cookies, the banana-strawberry protein smoothie and the strong, black coffee. Inside Northern Outfitters is the Hard Drive Cafe, tucked into the corner with windows overlooking Main Street and the lake beyond. The place offers hot and cold Maine-roasted coffee drinks, non-alcoholic beverages and pastries. It’s even dog friendly. There are plenty more places to dine in Greenville with options including pizza, Mexican food, traditional Maine meals and basic fast food. Like the recreational opportunities, there was no way I was going to be able to try them all. Most serve alcohol and feature wines and beers made in Maine. WHERE TO STAY Next to outfitters, what Greenville seems to have the most of is lodging. Lakeside cabins, hotels, inns, beds and breakfast, cottages and camping offer everything from luxury spalike rooms to a level spot to pitch your tent. I spent three nights at Kelly’s Landing in a room that overlooked the lake. It was peaceful, clean and very pet friendly. Kelly’s offers breakfast, lunch and dinner, so if you don’t feel like going out you can simply walk a few feet to the restaurant to eat indoors or on the deck. If a luxury spa experience is your cup of afternoon tea, the Blair Hill Inn [www. blairhill.com, 352 Lily Bay Road] offers all that and more. Perched on a hill overlooking Moosehead Lake, this former “gentleman’s mansion” has been converted to 10-room boutique inn and restaurant. At Blair Hill you can enjoy a massage or soak in the hot tub at the spa, dine on a five-course farmto-table meal at the restaurant or simply sit on the deck and enjoy the view. The Lodge at Moosehead Lake [www. lodgeatmooseheadlake.com, 368 Lily Bay
Road] is among Maine’s oldest Triple AAA Four Diamond hotels. It’s in a private setting surrounded by trees on three sides and the lake on the fourth. Every meal at the lodge’s restaurant comes with a view of the lake and skews heavily toward local ingredients. To get a sense of where else you can stay, check out the listings at www. visitmainehighlands.com or contact the Moosehead Lake Region Visitors Center [www.nrecmoosehead.org/mooseheadlake-region-visitors-center, 480 Moosehead Lake Road] as you drive into town. HOW TO GET THERE It’s a pretty easy 90-minute drive from Bangor to Greenville on Maine 15-North. From Downtown Bangor, start out heading west on Harlow Street which turns into Kenduskeag Avenue after about a quarter mile. Stay on Kenduskeag Avenue for a half mile until it changes into Maine 15-North and follow that all the way into Greenville by way of DoverFoxcroft, Guilford and Monson. It’s a 75mile drive on two-lanes with passing lanes on some of the longer hills. Trust me on this — don’t rely on your GPS navigational aids. I did and, while I did eventually arrive in Greenville, it was only after following those satellite directions that took me down pretty much every back road between Orono and Greenville. Sure, it was some of the prettiest driving I have done in Maine, but it took a good hour or so longer than I had anticipated. I shared that story with some of the locals who chuckled and told me similar things had happened to other visitors. I would recommend taking the advice offered by the women at the Farmhouse Cafe and turn off the GPS and instead use your hardcopy DeLorme Atlas and Gazetteer. Which brings me to another observation. Greenville does not seem to have the most consistent or reliable Internet service. I had trouble connecting to WiFi a lot of the time, even at Kelly’s Landing where it is included with the room. There are spots in town that offer free Wifi and places to sit while you surf the net or check your emails. But, frankly, in a place with as much natural beauty as Greenville, the lack of internet access is a bit of a bonus, forcing you to look up from the screen and enjoy what’s around you. And who among us does not need several days of that?
Your listing could be on this page. Sell it faster. Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Home section. Call 990-8000.
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WOODS & WATERS
Lazy? Or...
ENVIRONMENTALLY
CONSCIOUS?
HOW ONE MAN’S LAZINESS IS SAVING THE ENVIRONMENT BY BOB DUCHESNE
FOR ONCE, my laziness has paid off. My yard became the first certified LakeSmart property on all of Pushaw Lake. To accomplish that, I didn’t lift a finger. Literally. LakeSmart is a voluntary program designed to educate lakeside homeowners on how to protect water quality. It’s offered through the Maine Lakes Society, in cooperation with its 120 lake association members. Many years ago, the federal Clean Water Act of 1972 curbed some of the worst pollution in Maine lakes. Yet water quality continued to decline, mostly due to stormwater runoff. Erosion carries soil into the water, and soil carries phosphorus, an elemental nutrient that encourages algae blooms. Left alone, vegetation and leaf litter build up along natural shorelines, filtering runoff and preventing nutrient overload. But lakeside development levels trees, clears bushes, and replaces leaf litter with fertilized lawns, increasing the phosphorus load. To make matters worse, impervious structures, such as buildings, decks, patios, and boat ramps, accelerate stormwater flow, and increase erosion. To answer this challenge, Maine passed a Shoreland Zoning Law in 1971. It’s a common misconception that the law was intended to protect the scenery of Maine’s lakes by restricting development along the water’s edge. Rather, the act was aimed at the prevention of erosion. It worked. Degradation of water quality slowed. Some lakes improved. We know it worked, because Maine had cribbed its new law from Vermont, which had just passed the nation’s first shoreland zoning law one year earlier. Unfortunately, Vermont’s law included a five-year sunset, and it was automatically repealed in 1975. Later, when
THE FREE PROGRAM INFORMS HOMEOWNERS ON HOW TO MAXIMIZE ENJOYMENT OF THEIR PROPERTIES, WHILE MINIMIZING EROSION.
Vermont faced continuing declines in water quality, officials wondered why Maine lakes were healthier. In 2011, Vermont sent a team to Maine to study lakes comparable to theirs. In short order, the team reached an inescapable conclusion: the difference was Shoreland Zoning. Unfortunately, many lakeside cottages in Maine were built long before the law, sometimes within inches of the waterline, and crowded together. Drainage on camp roads often directs runoff toward the lake. Fertilized lawns have grown more popular. Water quality remains a constant worry. LakeSmart is a modern way to address the problem. The free program informs homeowners on how to maximize enjoyment of their properties, while minimizing erosion. The lake association volunteers are trained to offer onsite assessments, with tips on how to avoid or correct problems. Homeowners who embrace these easy steps win an award — two attractive, blue-and-white LakeSmart signs. One of my signs faces the road. The other faces the lake. I know I’m bragging, but it feels good.
And now I admit that I am not only lazy, but selfish. Located just a few miles north of Bangor, Pushaw Lake is nearly 8 miles long, but not very deep. When excess phosphorus causes an algae bloom, the water turns green and stinks. If blooms persist, property values drop. It doesn’t take much phosphorus to trigger a bloom — anything over 15 parts per billion can do it. Unfortunately, Pushaw Lake sometimes exceeds that, and it’s been slowly getting worse. So if my laziness protects my property value, I have a financial incentive. Here’s the lazy part. The shoreline of my property was once cleared, devoid of anything but blueberries. But since moving in nearly 20 years ago, I have seldom done anything to discourage regrowth along the shoreline. It was too much like work. So saplings of oak, maple, birch, and balsam have now reached a height of 12 feet — not enough to obscure the view from my deck, but enough to prevent erosion.
You might be tempted to call the grass around my house a lawn. You’d be wrong. It’s just a thin crop of weeds, mowed occasionally. I wouldn’t think of fertilizing, since I’d have to mow more often. I have better things to do with my weekends. My weed-whacker broke 15 years ago, so vigorous vegetation grows along the edges of my yard. I don’t spray for pests. I have a lot of birds, and they treat my yard like an allyou-can-eat buffet. I do follow the LakeSmart recommendation of removing my dock each fall, but only because ice-out in spring will mash it if I don’t. Water does not run down my unpaved driveway and into the lake. It runs into my garage, dang it. I hate raking. Leaf litter surrounds my property in LakeSmart fashion. When I moved in, I never thought that I would be an environmental hero. But thanks to my innate laziness, I’m crushing it!
BOB DUCHESNE is a local radio personality, Maine guide, and columnist. He lives on Pushaw Lake with his wife, Sandi.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 71
Z
SUCH
zj GIRLS
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Good
BY EMILY MORRISON
B
Double-Dare-Promise-to-Repeat” and had our whole lives ahead of us. Our whole lives to find Mr. Right, get married, raise babies, and be the mothers our mothers were to us. How can 25 years feel like only yesterday? Today, Meg’s friends sit at the picnic table and play “TwoTruths-And-A-Lie” while eating pizza. Elsa says, “Oh, I think the second one’s the lie. She made that second one so detailed. That’s how ya know it’s the lie.” “I dunno,” Meg tells her. “I think the third one’s the lie.” They toss their wet hair back, scratch their bugbites, and compliment each other’s swimsuits. They plan on staying up late, consuming their weight in soda and candy, and having a glow-inthe-dark party as soon as it gets dark enough. They’ve got their whole lives ahead of them, and I’m so afraid to blink. I want to walk out to the picnic table and tell them, “Eat all the candy. Drink all the soda. Stay up all night. Keep laughing. Tell all the silly stories you know. Be girls together for as long as you can because someday, someone will be asking you if it’s okay if they have a slumber party on your anniversary, and you’ll say ‘Of course it is,’ because seeing your child happy is the best present life can give you.” But I don’t. “Yeah, you’re right,” Veronica says. “The second one was the lie. I changed this one part, but then…” And off they go into a new laugh, a new story, a new old memory they’ll think about one day when they’re old like me. Four faces sit around a kitchen table, and I hear Amy’s mother’s laugh echo through my mind. “You’re such good girls,” she tells us. I blink again and Meggie’s passing me the paper plates to throw away. “Thank you so much, Mumma. This is sooo awesome,” she says. The ache is real and all consuming. I say the only thing I know how to and pray life will be long for her. “You’re such good girls, Meggie. Enjoy it.” And she did.
PHOTO: ADOBE STOCK
MY HUSBAND AND I recently celebrated our 18th year of marriage at the lake with four teenage girls and our three children. Yes, you read this right. On the anniversary of the day we said “I do,” we packed three coolers full of frozen food, three bags of chips, snacks, soda, a piñata, swimsuits, sunscreen, and oh yes, seven children into our SUV. Giddyup buttercup. Our daughter, Meggie, was turning 14, and she’d opted for a sleepover instead of our usual family party. An interesting mix of introvert and extrovert, Meg’s always chosen to commemorate her birth by a quiet day at the lake with her two siblings, two cousins, and two sets of grandparents. We swim, we snack, we barbeque, we whack the ever-living crap out of a homemade piñata and call it a day. This year she felt like doing something different. “Do you think we can take my friends tubing at Grammie’s camp then maybe go home and play some games? I’d like to do facials and some girl stuff, but the only time they can all make it’s on your anniversary… ” “It’s fine, kiddo,” I told her. “It’s not about us anymore anyway.” I meant it. With three children, four devoted grandparents, and one labradoodle, we’ve long stopped feting the sanctity of our union on one specific day. As corny as it sounds, when you’re surrounded by love, every day is special. “Really Mom? You don’t mind?” Ever the sweetheart, Meggie wanted to make sure she wasn’t ruining her parents plans to “Rediscover Portland.” In our family, it’s a standing joke that whenever my parents needed some couple time, they would go away for a weekend and tell my sister and I, “We rediscovered Portland!” when they returned. Now when my husband and I enjoy date nights, days, or gasp, two days away, we say the same thing to our children. Watching the girls tube around the lake, hearing their screams, laughing at the way their bodies sprawl across floats like seals drying in the sun, I’m taken back to my girlhood. Amy, Aly, Kimmy, and I swam all day and played cards all night. We tented out in Amy’s backyard playing “Truth-Dare-
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.