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THANKFUL FOR
Family Time FROM ADVENTURES WITH TEENS TO MAKING THEIR FAVORITE HOLIDAY DISHES EXTRA SPECIAL THIS THANKSGIVING, WE’RE GRATEFUL TO BE
STREAM & SNACK
SPENDING TIME TOGETHER
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November 2021
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IDEAS ON WHAT TO WATCH & THE PERFECT SNACK PAIRING
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CONTENTS
NOVEMBER 2021
FEATURES 48
FAMILY TIME
What does being a Maine family mean to you?
52
MEETING IN THE MIDDLE
How to adventure with teens
54 IN THE NAME OF FREEDOM Honor our state’s veterans this November by visiting one of Maine’s special memorials
IN EVERY ISSUE 08
48
FAMILY TIME
26
HISTORIC HIKES
WHAT’S HAPPENING
Local events & Metro’s Pop Quiz
16
OBSESSIONS
What we can’t get enough of this month
42
PERSONAL FINANCE
Want to buy a house? We’ve got strategies for saving
62
WOODS & WATERS
Enjoying Maine’s unpolluted night sky
64
THE VIEW FROM HERE
Let your woods by lovely, dark and deep
Cozy up with the family this month. Design by Amy Allen
2 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
PHOTOS: TKTK
ON THE COVER
ARTS & CULTURE 10
STREAM & SNACK
Tune in to these fall streaming TV and snack combos
FOOD & DRINK 18
IN SEASON NOW
New takes on classic potato side dishes for your harvest meals
22
ACADIAN FLAVORS
4 ways to add Acadian flavors to your Thanksgiving meal
HEALTH & FITNESS 26
HIKE ME
Stroll back in time along this historic hiking trails
32 ODE TO A PERSONAL TRAINER Ready to get into shape? Julia Bayly shares why she loves having a personal trainer on her side.
HOME & FAMILY 38
COMFY & COZY
How to make your home cozy for winter... on a budget
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 3
EDITOR’S NOTE
Cozy at Home with the FAMILY COZY SWEATERS and scarves. Steaming mugs of cider and tea. Blankets pulled around our shoulders. Though we’ve been dwelling in autumn for a bit now, November ushers in our season of cozy. At my house, that means the basket of blankets in our living room is getting a lot of attention. Sometimes we leave a favorite fleece blanket out on the couch all day, simply because the cat loves to curl up on it. November also means that we’re filling our bellies with more bone-warming meals. Stews, soups with homemade bread and mashed potatoes, for instance. Being in a new home this year means we’re finding new ways to enjoy the season too. From afternoon board game playing in the sunny dining room to warming our PJs just a bit before sliding into them, November gives us many opportunities to find what works for us here.
HOW DO YOU EMBRACE COZINESS IN NOVEMBER? If you aren’t sure yet (or looking for some fresh inspiration), Katie Smith has you covered on page 36, where she shares some easy, inexpensive ways to capture the cozy at home. And if you’re looking for a fun night at home, see Sarah Cottrell’s list of must-watch streaming and the snacks to enjoy it with on page 10. If you are still wanting to get as much outside time as possible (we are!) then you’ll also want to check out Aislinn Sarnacki’s Hike ME column on page 24 where she explores historic hikes perfect for this time of year. November also means that Veterans Day is coming. Don’t miss our look at Maine memorials dedicated to those who have served on page 56. Thanksgiving is coming too, and this might be the perfect year to add some new flavors to your meal. See the many ways to prepare potatoes on page 16. And Sam Schipani shares tips on adding a French-Acadian twist to the meal on page 20. And there’s much more too. We hope you find lots to enjoy in this issue.
SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR
PS — DON’T MISS OUR READER’S SURVEY ON PAGES 34-35! WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
Connect With Us Online bangormetro.com facebook.com/BangorMetro talkback@bangormetro.com
4 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
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
SALES MANAGER
Laurie Cates
lcates@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
Rosemary Lausier rlausier@bangordailynews.com
STAFF WRITER
Aislinn Sarnacki asarnacki@bangordailynews.com
STAFF WRITER
Sam Schipani sschipani@bangordailynews.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & PHOTOGRAPHERS Bob Duchesne, Jennifer Hazard, Emily Morrison, Joanna O’Leary, Katie Smith www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 5
6 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
MEET OUR CONTRIBUTORS
WHAT ARE YOU
Bangor Metro Magazine. November 2021, Vol. 17, No. 9. 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.
MOST GRATEFUL FOR THIS YEAR?
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. 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
“
After this last year, I’m most grateful for my health.” — SARAH COTTRELL, CONTRIBUTOR
“My children. They are the most extraordinary human beings and amaze me all the time.” — SARAH WALKER CARON, EDITOR
“Public school is a scary place to teach in and send your children to everyday, but we’re doing it. I’m continuing to cross my fingers and toes that we all stay healthy.” — EMILY MORRISON, COLUMNIST
“Coffee. I am eternally grateful for coffee.” — JULIA BAYLY
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 7
WHAT’S HAPPENING
GOBBLE GOBBLE!
Thanksgiving is here — let’s see what you know about this festive holiday!
NOVEMBER NOV. 20-21 MAINE HARVEST FESTIVAL The Maine Harvest Festival returns to the Cross Insurance Center on the weekend of Nov. 20-21, bringing local farmers, food producers, artisans, crafters and more together for two days of celebrating Maine’s bounty. It’s a great opportunity to start holiday shopping with local wares from a variety of makers. Visit www.maineharvestfestival.com for more information, including ticket prices.
NOV. 21 MASTERWORKS II: BEETHOVEN’S 8TH In the second concert of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra season, conductor Lucas Richman and the Bangor Symphony Orchestra will be joined by special guest Mark Kosower, a cellist from the renowned Cleveland Orchestra, as they perform Beethoven’s 8th. The live show at the Collins Center for the Arts begins at 3 p.m. Tickets are available through the www.bangorsymphony.org website. An online viewing option is also available.
Join the Robinson Ballet Company at The Grand in Ellsworth for a holiday classic. The ballet company will perform “The Nutcracker” on Saturday for an evening performance at 6 p.m. and a matinee on Sunday at 2 p.m. From Godfather Drosselmeyer’s Workshop to the Waltz of the Flowers, dancers take audiences through the winding tale of a special Christmas gift and a secret world it opens the door to. Tickets available through The Grand’s box office or at www.grandonline.org.
Find answers below.
Answers to this month’s Pop Quiz: Question 1: B; Q2: B; Q3: A - True; Q4: C; Q5: A. 8 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
PHOTO: BDN FILE
NOV. 27-28 “THE NUTCRACKER” AT THE GRAND
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 9
ARTS & CULTURE
Stream
PHOTO: TKTK
& SNACK 10 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
FIVE FALL STREAMING TV AND SNACK COMBOS BY SARAH COTTRELL
FALL TV STREAMING has upped its game over the last few years, and the current line-up is a marvelous mixed bag of drama, comedy and spectacle. The only thing missing from the sea of online reviews is a list that pairs legendary snacks with the best new shows. But don’t fret. I’ve got you covered. Grab your wool socks and favorite blanket, and get ready for a cozy, snacky evening.
LULURICH (AMAZON PRIME, NEW DOCUSERIES, RATED 16+) Who hasn’t been sent Facebook messages from old friends asking them to buy some buttery smooth leggings? This docuseries follows the dramatic story behind the reigning King and Queen of MLM’s and their earned ire. SNACK PAIRING: Make a giant batch of popcorn and set out a few small bowls and topper choices. A few favorites include: • Everything bagel seasoning • A spicy mix of sugar, salt and cayenne pepper • Grated Parmesan and garlic salt • Cinnamon and sugar with a dash of nutmeg • Toasted coconut and dark chocolate shavings • Melt butterscotch chips for drizzling
ARTS & CULTURE
SQUID GAME (NETFLIX SERIES, RATED TV-MA) This hit Korean show is the thing of nightmares. When a game show offers to give cash-strapped citizens a chance at a giant pot of money, seemingly everyone shows up to complete. The twist? The games are simple kids games, but they are violently deadly. SNACK PAIRING: Whip up a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies (or toss some store-bought in the oven for a few minutes) and pair with a glass of Rum Punch Milk. Take a cup of milk, spike with a shot of rum, a spoonful of sugar, a splash of vanilla and top with a dusting of nutmeg.
MONEY HEIST (NETFLIX - ORIGINAL SERIES, RATED TV-MA) Money Heist started back in 2017, but the hotly anticipated final season is scheduled for December 2021, which means there is time to bingewatch all the episodes. The suspenseful story follows a group of shady characters led by The Professor trying to pull off the biggest heist in recorded history, to print billions of euros in the Royal Mint of Spain without getting caught. SNACK PAIRING: Ultimate nachos are perfect for marathon watching a high drama show. • Brown ground beef and season with a taco season packet. • Line a baking sheet with tortilla chips and top with seasoned beef, refried beans, black beans and shredded Mexican blend cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbling. • Top with diced tomatoes, onions, jalapenos, sour cream and avocado. Serve and enjoy, but don’t forget the napkins.
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www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 13
ARTS & CULTURE
THE CHAIR (NETFLIX, RATED TV-MA) The highly anticipated Netflix comedydrama, The Chair, starring Sandra Oh, follows a swanky university’s first woman of color, Dr. Ji-Yoon Kim, to lead the English department where she faces steep expectations and tons of juicy drama. SNACK PAIRING: Go fancy for this one. Grab a Brie wedge from the grocery store or local cheese shop, top with raspberry jam and then wrap in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. Dip your favorite crackers or crusty bread slices into the fancy dip.
A VERY ENGLISH SCANDAL (AMAZON PRIME, RATED 16+) Hugh Grant can pull off a sleazy villain like no other. This series is a bit old, but there is renewed interest and plenty of online buzz with upcoming seasons in the works. Season one follows Grant as British political leader, Jeremy Thorpe who stood trial in 1979 accused of a hire-for-murder plot to kill his gay ex-lover. SNACK PAIRING: Canapés, of course! Here are three fabulous combos: • Top sliced cukes with cream cheese and smoked salmon, sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning. • Top warmed, sliced French baguette with hummus and olives, drizzle with olive oil. • Wrap melon balls with prosciutto and a sprig of mint.
14 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 15
OBSESSIONS
OBSESSIONS WHAT WE CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF THIS MONTH.
GO THE OYSTER TRAIL
PLAY
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? The Oyster Trail is the Maine Sea Grant’s interactive guide to Maine locations that sell, farm and serve oysters. My friends and I have enjoyed hitting the stops on the trail for the novelty of it, but also because we didn’t realize how different the oysters from different regions of Maine taste until we finally started sampling them. If you’re going to start somewhere, I recommend North Beacon Oyster Co. in Rockland, which has a variety of oysters from across the state on the menu.
FORBIDDEN ISLAND WHY DO WE LOVE IT? My boyfriend and I are big board gamers, but I can’t get him into cooperative games (maybe because I made him play Pandemic too many times at the beginning of...well, the pandemic). Forbidden Island is a notable exception. Players set out around the different areas of the island to gather all the treasures before the areas “sink” and leave them stranded. It’s fun, clever and easy to pick up for new gamers. — SAM SCHIPANI
— SAM SCHIPANI
LISTEN “AACK CAST” PODCAST
PHOTO: TKTK
WHY DO WE LOVE IT? “Aack Cast” is comedian and podcaster Jamie Loftus’s latest project about the history of the “Cathy” comics. I was an avid reader of the funny pages growing up, and I never “got” Cathy. This podcast series has made me revisit the strip in all its flawed, feminist glory. Loftus is a genius (no, literally — her previous podcast series “My Year in Mensa” was another Obsession of mine). You’ll laugh, you’ll think and you won’t be able to stop listening. — SAM SCHIPANI
16 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
DRIZZLE TRUFF HOTTER SAUCE WHY DO WE LOVE IT? I’m a hot sauce gal. When Truff’s original truffle hot sauce hit the scene in 2017, it immediately made a splash with its thick, umami-forward flavor. Then, I stumbled across the Truff Hotter Sauce in Hannaford (Hannaford, I say!) and I am a devotee. The combination of truffle and spice is one divined by the flavor gods. I drizzle it over eggs, and mix it into mayonnaise for a madly tasty aioli. — SAM SCHIPANI
READ Every month, many new books cross my desk. I purchase even more. These are a few that I particularly enjoyed and recommend. “THE WOMAN WITH THE BLUE STAR,” BY PAM JENOFF — A tale of courage and unlikely friendship unfolds piece by piece in this World War II-based novel by the author of “The Lost Girls of Paris.” For those that love historical fiction, the vivid writing and engaging dialogue in this novel will sweep you up into the dual stories of Sadie, the Jewish girl forced to hide in the sewer system with her pregnant mother and others to survive, and Ella, a wealthy Polish girl who lives with her stepmother who has developed close relationships with occupying Germans. It’s a powerful tale. (FICTION) “THE HAUNTING OF HILL HOUSE,” BY SHIRLEY JACKSON — If you watched the Netflix series, then you might already be familiar with this title. Rest assured, the book is better and the story is very different. Published in 1959, this gothic horror story focuses around a mysterious mansion rumored to be haunted and a group of four people who inhabit it for the summer, seeking to find evidence to prove its haunting. The result is a chilling tale that will keep you turning the pages while on edge, waiting to see what happens next. It’s a classic that’s totally worth reading on a chilly night, curled up in your favorite chair. (FICTION) —SARAH WALKER CARON
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 17
FOOD & DRINK
in season now
POTATOES! BY SARAH WALKER CARON
MASHED ARE THE TRADITION. Au gratin is the treat. Twice baked is the comfort. And roasted is the simple side. How do you like your potatoes? With Thanksgiving (and so many other holidays) around the corner, it’s important for homecooks to know that there are so many delightful ways to enjoy potatoes. That’s why I am sharing more recipes than usual this month. May all your days be delicious! Recipes reprinted with permission from www.sarahscucinabella.com.
ROSEMARY PAPRIKA ROASTED POTATOES Serves 4
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
1 lb new potatoes, cut into 1-inch cubes 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a nonstick baking sheet or a baking sheet lined with nonstick aluminum foil.
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Add the potatoes to a large mixing bowl.
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
In a small mixing bowl, stir together the olive oil, rosemary, paprika, salt and pepper. Drizzle over the potatoes. Stir well to combine. The potatoes should take on a rosy hue all over when they are coated well. Pour the potatoes onto the baking sheet and slide the baking sheet into the oven. Bake for 25-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cooked through and golden at the edges. Enjoy.
ROASTED GARLIC MASHED POTATOES Serves 4
INGREDIENTS 1 lbs Yukon gold potatoes, washed and cubed 1 heads garlic, roasted 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup milk salt and pepper, to taste 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley
INSTRUCTIONS Boil the potatoes to fork tender. Drain thoroughly. Using a potato masher, mash the potatoes. Add the roasted garlic to the potatoes, squeezing the cloves from the papery inside. Discard the papery outside. Mash together with the potatoes. Add the milk, a little at a time, mashing to desired consistency (absolutely, positively DO NOT add it all at once. And stop adding it once it’s the consistency you want — you DO NOT need to use the full amount). Taste and season as desired with salt and pepper. Stir in the parsley. Enjoy!
HOW TO ROAST GARLIC Yields 1 head
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
1 head garlic
Heat oven to 400 degrees fahrenheit.
1 teaspoon Olive oil
Cut 1/4 inch off top of the garlic head, set on foil and drizzle with olive oil. Wrap foil around the garlic to seal inside and roast for about 1 hour.
PHOTOS: (ROSEMARY POTATOES) SARAH WALKER CARON; (OTHERS) ADOBE STOCK
Remove from the oven and cool for 5 minutes before unwrapping (carefully!).
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 19
FOOD & DRINK
HERBED POTATO GRATIN Serves 6
INGREDIENTS 1 lb red potatoes, sliced thinly with a mandoline 2 oz aged gouda cheese, shredded dried thyme dried rosemary ground black pepper kosher salt 1/4 cup vegetable stock 3 tablespoon freshly grated Romano cheese
INSTRUCTIONS Heat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a round baking dish (about 8-inches in diameter) with cooking oil spray. Spread one layer of potatoes in the bottom. Sprinkle with a handful of shredded gouda. Season lightly with dried thyme. Repeat, using dried rosemary instead of dried thyme. Repeat again, seasoning lightly with pepper and salt. Repeat in this order until all the potatoes have been used. Drizzle the vegetable stock around the edges of the casserole. Sprinkle with Romano cheese. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove foil and continue baking for an additional 10-15 minutes, until golden at the edges. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.
SARAH WALKER CARON is the editor of Bangor Metro Magazine and the author of five cookbooks including the “Easy Frugal Cookbook,” released in July. Her book “Classic Diners of Maine” is available where books are sold. Signed copies are available at The Briar Patch in Bangor.
20 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
MINI TWICE BAKED BROCCOLI CHEDDAR POTATOES Serves 4
INGREDIENTS 4 small (about 2½ inch in diameter) potatoes 1-2 tbsp milk salt and pepper, to taste 1 cup chopped steamed broccoli ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
INSTRUCTIONS Wash the potatoes, and then prick once with a fork. Place on a baking sheet and bake for 45-50 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit, until tender. Remove from the oven and cool. Slice the potatoes in half and scoop out the insides into a bowl. Mash with a fork. Add 1 tablespoon of milk and season with salt and pepper. Stir well. Add additional milk, if desired, to reach preferred consistency. Stir in the broccoli and half of the cheese.
PHOTOS: SARAH WALKER CARON
Divide the broccoli potato mixture evenly among the potato halves. Top with remaining cheese. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 10-12 minutes until beginning to brown at the edges. Enjoy.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 21
FOOD & DRINK
Acadian FLAVORS 4 WAYS TO ADD ACADIAN FLAVORS TO YOUR THANKSGIVING DINNER
A
BY SAM SCHIPANI
cadian cuisine is known for hearty, stick-to-your-ribs dishes that use local, seasonally-available ingredients — all characteristics prized in a delicious, modern-day Thanksgiving menu. Preparing and eating Acadian foods is a great way to celebrate this unique piece of Maine’s culture and history this holiday season. Here’s how to incorporate Acadian ingredients, dishes and cooking styles into your Thanksgiving menu. TOP EVERYTHING WITH HERBES SALÉES Herbes salées, or fresh herbs and vegetables preserved in salt, is a traditional FrenchAcadian seasoning or condiment. “You could add les herbes salées to anything,” said Susan Pinette, director, Franco American Programs at the University of Maine. “I imagine that they would be good in mashed potatoes or with turkey.” There is no universal or “official” recipe for herbes salées, and ingredients vary by family tradition or simply by what is available the day they are prepared. Pinette said that her mother would make it simply with scallion tops and salt, but you could use any number of aromatic herbs, like chives, parsley and chervil. Be sure to plan ahead — herbes salées need to infuse in the refrigerator for about two weeks before they are ready to use.
22 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 23
FOOD & DRINK
SWAP ROLLS FOR PLOYES Ployes are a spongy Acadian buckwheat pancake that is popular in Maine’s Madawaska region. For Thanksgiving, you can prepare homemade ployes — or use a trusty mix, like Bouchard Family Farm’s that is widely available in grocery stores — to eat instead of rolls. “Ployes in my house were served on a plate, covered with a dish towel to keep in the heat,” Pinette said. “They are buttered, rolled up into a log shape and then eaten — not like corn on the cob but like a banana — from the end.” Fran Gendreau, president of the Madawaska Historical Society, said that you can also fill your rolled-up ployes with cretons, a French-Canadian pork pâté. Ployes are best eaten fresh off the griddle, so be ready to keep making them as people gobble them up. Gendreau said that any leftover ployes can be enjoyed with maple syrup for dessert.
24 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
PLAY WITH POTATOES The Upper St. John Valley, where Acadians settled in Maine, is the state’s potato basket — as such, potatoes are an important part of Acadian cuisine. While mashed potatoes are popular in Acadian cuisine, there are other ways you can prepare spuds for extra Acadian flair. This year for Thanksgiving, try poutine râpée, or boiled potato dumplings stuffed with pork. For this Acadian treat, a piece of salt pork is covered in a mix of mashed and grated potatoes and formed into a ball. “People worked it with their hands so that the starch was holding it together and the whole ball was dropped in boiling water,” Gendreau said. You can eat the dumplings on their own, or with a sauce. Tart cranberry sauce or maple syrup would pair well with the savory flavors.
TRY A NEW DESSERT Move over, pumpkin pie. Tarte au sucre, or sugar pie, is a classic French-Canadian recipe that makes use of simple ingredients that are already in the kitchen. Molasses cookies are another way to satisfy an Acadian sweet tooth. Or, you can make pets de soeurs, which literally translates to “nun farts.” These small, simple cinnamon rolls would even make a great breakfast that same day. Thanksgiving is a great time to celebrate local ingredients and cuisine. As you are enjoying these Acadian flavors around the dinner table, take time to be thankful for the rich cultural heritage that Maine’s people have to offer.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 25
HIKE ME
Historic
HIKES STROLL BACK IN TIME ON THESE OLD TRAILS STORY & PHOTOS BY AISLINN SARNACKI
UNDER THE ARMS of towering white pines and sturdy oaks, two walkers meander along a wide, smooth trail. The year’s fallen leaves crunch beneath their boots. And if they use their imaginations, they can almost hear the clip clop of horses that used to trot along the path more than a century ago. Out of the depths of the forest, an old rock wall emerges to run alongside the trail. Constructed over 180 years ago, the wall has stood the test of time, spanning about a mile and half long as it marks the boundaries of the historic Woodlawn estate. It speaks of the land’s agricultural past, when the property served as a gentleman’s farm. Ahead, two rectangular granite posts mark the entrance of a connecting trail. And nearby, the property opens up into a sprawling lawn. There they find squirrels stealing spiky horse chestnuts, their fluffy gray tails waving as they leap from branch to trunk to ground and back again. Woodlawn Museum, Gardens and Parks in Ellsworth is one of the many places in Maine where hikers can step back in time. Many of the state’s trails include a dash of local history, whether it’s the foundations of an old home, a family cemetery or a whole village of accurately reconstructed buildings from days long gone. Here are just a few of those trails, starting with the trail network at Woodlawn. At these locations — and many more — you can embrace the beauty of nature while discovering bits of the past.
WOODLAWN
IN ELLSWORTH EASY TO MODERATE Woodlawn is a 180-acre historic estate located just outside downtown Ellsworth, and it’s a wonderful place to go for a woodland walk. Once home to three generations of the Black family, the property features a network of three looping trails that were originally built as exercise tracks for the family’s horses. Today, the wide, level trails are used by walkers and runners, and in the winter, snowshoers and cross-country skiers. From the trailhead, the first loop, Track A, is 0.54 mile long. The second, Track B, is 0.98 mile long. And the third, Track C, 0.73 mile long. Maps are located at the trailhead and the intersections to help visitors stay on course. Visitors are also free to wander the property’s lawns and gardens, which are surrounded by impressive stone walls. And at the center of it all
is the historic Black House, which was built in the 1820s and is a three-story, Federal style brick mansion. The house is often open for tours and events, but it’s currently closed for the 2021 season. The grounds are open year round, dawn to dusk. Dogs are welcome if they’re kept on leash and cleaned up after. Access is free. For more information, visit woodlawnmuseum.com or call 207-667-8671. DIRECTIONS: The property is located at 19 Black House Drive in Ellsworth. From the intersection of Main Street, High Street and Oak Street in downtown Ellsworth, turn west onto Main Street and drive 0.5 mile, crossing the Union River. At the fork in the road, veer left onto Surry Road (Route 172) and drive 0.2 mile. The entrance to the property will be on your right.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 27
HEALTH & FITNESS
HIKE ME
DORR MOUNTAIN
IN ACADIA NATIONAL PARK STRENUOUS Some of Acadia National Park’s oldest trails, plus some of the most impressive stonework, can be found on Dorr Mountain. Rising 1,270 feet above sea level, it’s the third tallest peak in the park and stands right beside the more famous Cadillac Mountain. Dorr Mountain was named after George B. Dorr, the park’s first superintendent. Known as the Father of Acadia, Dorr built the beautiful system of trails on the mountain in the early 1900s as a way to bolster support for the creation of the park. He was a fan of memorial paths, so you’ll find no less than six memorial paths on Dorr Mountain and at it’s base. There’s Emery Path, Homans Path, Schiff Path, Beachcroft Path, Kurt Diederich’s Climb, Jesup Path and Kane Path. As you can imagine, there are many ways to climb the mountain and explore the beautiful forest and tarn at its base. 28 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
Many of the hikes up Dorr Mountain begin at Sieur de Monts Spring, which is known as the birthplace of the park. There you’ll find the Wild Gardens of Acadia, a nature center and the Abbe Museum, which was founded in 1926 by New York physician Robert Abbe, a summer resident of Bar Harbor who assembled a collection of early Native American artifacts found in the region. Hiking Dorr Mountain is a serious endeavor. No matter what route you take, you will encounter steep, rocky sections of trail. The shortest route to the summit and back is just under 3 miles. Dogs are permitted on most trails if on a leash no longer than 6 feet, however, dogs are not permitted on Dorr’s Ladder Trail, which features metal rungs. Park visitors are required to pay an entrance fee upon entry May through October. For more information, visit nps.gov/acad or call 207-288-3338.
Now serving Penobscot and Piscataquis counties, along with townships located in Southern Aroostook County
DIRECTIONS: Take Route 3 across the causeway onto Mount Desert Island, then veer left at the fork and drive 11.3 miles to downtown Bar Harbor. At the intersection with Route 233, turn left to remain on Route 3 (Mount Desert Street). At 11.8 miles (from the causeway), turn right to remain on Route 3 (Main Street). And at 13.9 miles (from the causeway), turn right into the Sieur de Monts Entrance. Drive about 0.1 mile, then turn left and follow signs around the loop to find the parking area.
www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 29
HEALTH & FITNESS
HIKE ME
LEONARD’S MILLS
IN BRADLEY
EASY TO MODERATE The Maine Forest and Logging Museum at Leonard’s Mills is an authentic reconstruction of a logging and milling community from the 1790s. The complex includes a scenic covered bridge, water-powered sawmill, blacksmith shop, smokehouses, a trapper’s cabin and other structures that would have been found in a community at that time. The property is also home to about 2 miles of nature trails. The reconstructed community, roads and trails are located on 400 acres on Blackman Stream. It was once the site of an early pioneer settlement, evidenced by the remains of a stone dam and the foundations of several houses. Starting near the blacksmith shop, the property’s wide Nature Trail is moderately challenging, includes interpretive displays and travels along the banks of Blackman Stream. The connecting Blue Trail is more challenging, featuring more tree roots and uneven
terrain. It travels through an old growth forest and branches off the Nature Trail to form a big loop. Leonard’s Mills is named after Oliver Leonard, one of the earliest landowners in what is now the town of Bradley. The museum hosts school tours and a variety of public events, and visitors are welcome for self-guided tours year-round during daylight hours. Dogs are not permitted unless they are service animals. Admission is free but donations are welcome. For more information, including rules for visitors, visit maineforestandloggingmuseum.org or call 207-974-6278. DIRECTIONS: Start at the intersection of Route 9 and Route 178 in Eddington and drive 4.5 miles north on Route 178; then turn right onto Government Road in Bradley and drive 1.25 miles to the parking lot for Leonard’s Mills, which will be on the right.
AISLINN SARNACKI is a staff writer for Bangor Metro and the editor of Act Out, a section of the Bangor Daily News. An expert on the Maine outdoors, she is author of the guidebooks “Dog-Friendly Hikes in Maine,” “Maine Hikes Off the Beaten Path” and “Family Friendly Hikes in Maine.” Follow her adventures at bangordailynews.com/act-out.
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HEALTH & FITNESS
32 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
Ode to a
PERSONAL
TRAINER WHY I LOVE MY PERSONAL TRAINER
H
BY JULIA BAYLY
aving a personal fitness trainer has changed my life. For most of my life I was certain I’d never be the person who had or needed one. But that was while I lived in rural Maine where chores like firewood, trail maintenance, tending critters and long walks with my dog kept me active on a daily basis. A year and a half ago, I moved off that northern Maine farm to Bangor. Suddenly there was no need for firewood, no trails to clear and I no longer had my farm animals. I still had my dog and we did walk a lot in Bangor, but it was not enough. I was starting to get really soft, lethargic and could feel my physical fitness evaporating away. Perhaps more importantly, I was getting soft mentally. I didn’t feel good about myself. The pandemic was in full swing, we were in lockdown, working from home and direct contact with other people was down to near zero. Loss of those chores created a feeling of uselessness on my part. Clearly, I needed to do something, but what? The answer came one day when I saw a post from a local gym owner. The pandemic was in full swing and his gym was one of the many businesses shut down to control the spread of COVID-19. In the post he suggested contacting one of the gym’s trainers to set up training sessions remotely. I started off with one 30-minute session a week. Over time, and the re-opening of the gym, it has increased to three 30-minute sessions every week. I now can’t imagine my life without my trainer. His name is Luis Ruzzo and he inspires me every single time.
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HEALTH & FITNESS After every workout, I feel my confidence in my abilities — and in myself — grow a bit. Tackling something like flipping a 275-pound tractor tire successfully makes me feel incredibly proud and that translates into a self esteem boost. There is no “can’t” in Ruzzo’s world. Like Yoda, there is try and do. What looks impossible when he outlines the exercise and demonstrates, is — under his direction — attainable. I can’t begin to describe what a positive feeling that is. Going to the gym gives me purpose and goals, not unlike those farm chores did. Now, about a year and a half in with a personal trainer, my muscles have firmed up, my posture is better, my energy is up and I feel incredibly good about myself. Sure, I whine a lot as he has me hold a 60-second plank or complete endless pushups and burpees. But it’s worth it. So, no matter what else is going on in my life, there will always be those 30-minute slots, three times a week reserved for the personal trainer. I can only imagine those ah ha moments to come. Though I doubt I will ever enjoy burpees or planks.
Julia Bayly at the gym putting in the work with Coach Ruzzo.
FEELING MOTIVATED?
HERE ARE 2 OF JULIA’S FAVORITES TO TRY AT HOME PLANKS ELBOW PLANK
BURPEES
FULL PLANK
FOR EXTRA CREDIT... GET A FULL WORKOUT ANYWHERE WITH THESE SIMPLE EXERCISE TOOLS AB WHEEL In a basic ab wheel rollout, start on both your knees and place the ab wheel on the floor just in front of you. Grab the handles and with your arms fully extended slowly roll the wheel forward. As a beginner, do not even try to get the wheel out far enough to position your full body parallel to the floor. Instead, roll it out to the point your abdominal muscles feel the maximum challenge, but are still capable of reversing the motion until you are back to the kneeling position. Throughout the exercise keep your back flat and straight and do not let it arch up. You can use either a wide or narrow, single or double wheel for this exercise. Once you master the rollout on your knees, try the same motion but instead balance on your toes. KETTLEBELLS Kettlebell workouts often involve common movements like squats, lunges and lifts. Adding the kettlebell gives a bit more challenge to a specific exercise and targets different muscle groups. They are especially good for building up endurance and power. I especially like using them with squats. In what’s called the goblet squat, stand with your feet shoulder width apart. Hold a single kettlebell with both hands by the “horns” — where the handle meets the base. Hold it close to your chest with your elbows pointing down and go into a squat until your elbows just touch your knees and then return to a standing position. For a different squat, stand with your feet wider than shoulder width apart. Hold the kettlebell by the middle of the handle with both hands at chest level. Lower yourself into a squat as low as your range of motion allows while keeping your back straight and chest up. Return to a standing position. RESISTANCE BANDS Resistance bands can increase the impact of squats. Place both legs inside a loop resistance band and pull it up like a pair of pants until it is just below your knees. Stand with your legs wide enough apart so the band stays in place and does not slip down your legs to the floor. With your hands clasped in front of your chest, take a big step to the right and go into the squat position until your thighs are parallel to the floor. Bring your right leg back and then do the same thing with your left leg. For another squat routine, move the band up so it’s around your thighs. Lower yourself into a half squat and take a step sideways with your right foot followed by your left foot. Then do the same thing going to the left.
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HOME & FAMILY
Comfy &
Cozy
38 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOME COZY ON A BUDGET
A
BY KATIE SMITH
s we enter the colder months, there’s a natural desire for coziness and warmth at home. But changing your home style with the seasons can be a pricey endeavor. Good news, though: it doesn’t have to be. There are many ways to cozy up your home when the days get shorter and colder without spending a lot of money or time on rearranging your home. These methods will help you get started. LIGHT CANDLES Lighting candles, whether they are scented or not, adds instant comfort and ambiance to any room. Tiny tea lights look great lined up on a countertop, window sill or on a mantle. Even if they aren’t in a fancy holder, candles make your surroundings so cozy and relaxing. TWINKLE LIGHTS This is a really inexpensive way to make your house feel warm and snuggly: Hang twinkle lights! You don’t have to save them for the holidays. Add some to your mantle, drape them over your kitchen counters, headboard or on any shelf. White lights are great if you have light colored walls and want them to blend in. Or try one of the many different kinds of battery operated LED varieties if you don’t have an outlet available.
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HOME & FAMILY
DECORATE WITH ELEMENTS FROM THE OUTSIDE Take a walk outside and gather piles of pinecones, acorns and branches to decorate with. A nice bowl of pine cones or acorns make a great centerpiece for your dining room table, for instance. And you don’t have to have a fireplace to display some fallen birch logs either. They look great in a basket next to the sofa or coffee table. Another idea: Pressing leaves into a frame can make a stunning piece of art all year round.
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SIMMER ORANGES, VANILLA AND CLOVES ON THE STOVE Oranges, vanilla and cloves together smell fantastic while simmering on the stove but it doesn’t end there. This pleasant smell will linger long after you turn it off too. There are other inviting scents to make your home more cozy too. For instance, baking things like cookies or banana bread always makes your home more inviting for guests — or your kids arriving home from school.
CHANGE YOUR LIGHT BULBS Bright lights can be harsh. But there’s an easy fix: simply changing your light bulbs to a lower wattage or purchasing some with a warmer, yellow tone can cozy up your home. There’s something comforting and magical about having a dim lamp or chandelier on during a snow or rain storm. WRAP PILLOWS IN SCARVES OR FABRIC Change up your pillows without buying new ones with a simple fix. Simply find a scarf or some fabric you like, and wrap pillows you already have. The fabric can be secured with safety pins at the back or you can tie the ends together for a rustic look.
HOME & FAMILY
PULL OUT YOUR BOOKS A few stacks of books here and there add a homey feel to rooms. Place a few in the same color on your coffee table, in a basket in your bathroom or on your nightstand.
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REALTORS
FLANNEL SHEETS Does your bed need some cozying? This is the time to change your sheets to something soft like flannel. Flannel sheets are so comfortable, warm and can be found inexpensively from home goods stores and online retailers. LAYERING BLANKETS Cooler temperatures definitely mean blanket season. Even if your blankets and throws are a lighter weight, they can transform your living space into something cozier with layering. Simply drape one across the other at the foot of your bed, the arm of a sofa or cascading out of a basket for a warmer feel.
Looking to sell your home? Having experience on your side matters.
CALL TRICIA LARGAY 207-949-3060
458 Main St., Bangor
Your listing could be on this page. Sell it faster. Advertise in Bangor Metro’s Home section. Call 990-8000.
GET SOME SPRAY PAINT Have a vase, figurine or pot you’d like to warm up? Grab some spray paint and customize it. There are so many finishes available when it comes to spray paint these days — everything from metallic finishes to chalkboard paint. It’s a quick and satisfying change that can add wanted warmth to your home. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 43
PERSONAL FINANCE
Ready to
MAKE A
MOVE
44 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
THINGS I DID TO PREPARE FINANCIALLY FOR BUYING A HOUSE
B
BY SARAH WALKER CARON
uying a house was always on the agenda when my kids and I moved to Maine more than seven years ago. But I took my time, first acclimating to our new state and then deciding where to buy. After all, it’s a major purchase. In the meantime, I loved renting. It was so convenient to rely on my landlord for everyday maintenance and repairs. And every time the snow flew, I was grateful not to be shoveling. But there’s much to be said about homeownership, from the ability to really personalize your living space to the return on investment that comes with paying a mortgage instead of a landlord. Before I could take the plunge though, I made some financial changes to prepare. Here’s what I did. I TOOK A CLOSE LOOK AT MY INCOME When you rent, the expenses you have are mostly finite — in my case, there was rent, electricity and internet fees. Renter’s insurance is another smart choice too. But when you own, the expenses are more numerous. In addition to mortgage payments, there are taxes, homeowners insurance, fuel, electricity and sometimes water and sewer. You also have to be prepared for the costs of maintenance such as furnace cleaning, repairs and replacements. Knowing this, I wanted to be very cautious about how much I would pay for my mortgage. I started by assessing my income. Income can come in different forms. I receive a weekly paycheck from the Bangor Daily News, but I also earn money from teaching and writing. Ultimately, I wanted the other revenue to be bonus money, not what I relied on for my housing costs. I considered what my salary was and used that to decide how much I was comfortable paying for my combined mortgage, tax and insurance fees. Once I knew how much I wanted to spend each month, I communicated that to my mortgage professional and he used that to help me decide my upper limit for buying a house.
I ANALYZED WHERE I WAS SPENDING MONEY Where does your money go? That was a question I had to ask myself as I was preparing to purchase a home. Basics like car loans, credit card payments and insurance are things I needed to continue to pay. But was there anywhere where I could cut expenses? Turns out there was. Our food costs were high — shocking, I know, since I am a food writer. Before the pandemic, we ate out often. Once it began, we continued to order takeout frequently. By planning meals instead, and factoring in takeout when it makes most sense (the busiest nights, usually), I was able to whittle down our food costs substantially. Planning meals also had another benefit: We wasted less food, and still do. I only buy what we need for the week so we’re not finding half-used heads of lettuce and forgotten tomatoes in the back of the fridge anymore. Like many people, I’d also fallen into the habit of impulse buying small things when I went to the grocery store or Target. A nail polish here or quirky mug there turned into extra money I didn’t need to be spending. So I stopped. Whenever I feel tempted to buy something, I ask myself if I really need it. And will I be sad if I don’t buy it? Sometimes a mug just sees you in a way that you never thought an inanimate object could, but most often the answer to both questions is no. I looked at my other spending as well. Was there a way to spend less on insurance? What about my credit card bill? Could I sign a new internet contract and spend less? After a little digging and research, I was able to reap discounts on insurance, internet and more. I DECIDED NOT TO TRAVEL Picture it: February 2020, before “pandemic” and “COVID-19” were part of our daily vocabulary. Most years, my kids and I took a trip in late February during school break. But, knowing I wanted to buy a house, I decided to skip it that year. Ultimately, this saved a lot of money.
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PERSONAL FINANCE It also meant that we didn’t spend time in areas that quickly became hotbeds of virus transmission. My intention with not traveling was simply to be ready to buy a house in summer 2020. That didn’t happen, but the savings still were beneficial when the time came to buy a house in summer 2021. I BROKE MY CREDIT CARD HABIT ONCE AND FOR ALL Since I was 18, I have used credit cards as a backup to my regular income. I would charge things, pay them down, rinse and repeat. But as I got ready to purchase a house, I wanted to change that habit. If I could live on a cash basis — spending what I have already earned, not what I will earn in the future — it felt like I’d be in a better place for household expenses, allowing me to decide what I could afford based on my actual income. To do this, I did two things. First, I put my credit cards away. I didn’t do anything as dramatic as freezing them in ice, but by moving them to a hidden area of my wallet, I found I thought about them less. And that left me reaching for them very infrequently. This helped me do the second thing as well: I altered how I thought about credit. Instead of having it be an option, I decided to treat it as a last resort. Sure, there are times when I will use them in the future. For instance, I prefer to book hotels with credit cards because of the hold placed on your credit. But for things like back to school shopping, holidays and gifting, I am sticking to what money I have instead. I PAID DOWN DEBT Before I even worked on bolstering my down payment, I started nicking away at my debt using a model that’s become pretty popular: focusing on one card at a time. Budgeting an amount for paying credit cards, I paid slightly over the minimum payments on all but my card with the lowest balance (which I sent a larger payment to). When that card was paid off, I redirected the extra funds to my card with the next smallest balance. This helped me boost my credit score as well by lowering my debt to income ratio and the amount of credit available I am using. Now that I have bought my house, I haven’t stopped paying down the debt either. In fact, I started directing more money toward that. After worrying so much about finances before buying my home, I am more attuned to my money habits than ever before — and that feels pretty good as a new homeowner. 46 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
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FEATURE
FAMILY FOR US MEANS DOING THINGS TOGETHER
S
BY EMILY MORRISON
omewhere around the time my oldest started asking for a cell phone I began to understand how easy it is to fall into the “get everything your kid wants” trap. Honestly, in our more stuff equals more happiness culture, we’re surrounded by messages, both subliminal and intentional, that make us believe we’re bad parents if we don’t buy “all the things” for our children. As public school teachers with a couple of side jobs, my husband and I have never bought into this theory. First, we don’t have any money, and second, we don’t want to drink the consumer Kool-Aid. So, instead of having more things, our kids have had to do more things with us and each other. When they were younger (they’re all in their teens now) we didn’t get cable, install the internet or buy them cell phones. We had PBS, an old VCR and our school-issued laptops to pop in a DVD from time to time when one, two or all three of them refused to nap. As a result, our kids read a lot. They watched Disney movies. They played outside and inside and talked non stop wherever they were. We shared every meal at the kitchen counter (or as many as we could scrounge together) and took turns answering the nightly supper table question, “What was the best part of your day?” In fact, the “best part of your day” dinner chat has become one of our nonnegotiables: we still eat one meal a day together, check in at dinner time and say goodnight to each other, even if it’s only a text saying, “I can hear you still talking up there. Go to bed!” It’s not rocket science. I didn’t read about these family rituals in some medical journal or parenting guide. I didn’t research “healthy ways to raise happy kids” though that sounds like an article I’d like to read. Truly, our family routines evolved over time, like us. We love sharing meals, talking a lot and loving on our kids.
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Time
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FEATURE
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Consequently, adults who spend time around our children sometimes pull me aside or send me an email or a text and say, “Wow, your children are so easy to talk to. And they’re not on their phones! I can’t believe how kind they are. Do they ever fight with each other? You should have more children!” Now, I’m not trying to toot my own trombone because, let’s face it, every kid goes through anti-social, cell phone obsessed, sarcastic, sibling-squabbling phases of their life. Just like every parent loses the “Parent of the Year” award multiple times a week, if not daily. That’s parenthood. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to get our kids to eat, do their homework, hop in the shower and give us more than one word answers when we ask, “How was your day?” Raising a family, trying to stay tuned into each other and away from all the things that can divert our attention is hard. It reminds me of a saying one of my grad professors put on top of his syllabus a few years back. “We value what we give our time to.” The same truth applies to family life. The way we show our children how much we value them is by how much time we give them. As teachers, we’re incredibly lucky to spend summer vacation together. During the hot months we hop between different camps and take the kids tubing, fishing, kayaking, swimming and all things water related. And when we’re not on the water we play corn hole, cards, board games and this amazing murder mystery game called “Mafia.” It sounds scarier than it is, but if we dim the lights and speak in a spooky accent we get extra cool parent points, so that helps. At the time of this writing my oldest has been gone almost a month for her first year of college, and what strikes me the most about her absence is how much I don’t miss her. Sounds odd, doesn’t it? Let me explain. We’re living proof that the “Cat’s in the Cradle” song is actually true, but in reverse. We came home. We had good times. So now, she texts or calls or emails to let us know how she’s doing, what she’s eating, if she’s surviving, when she’s going out, where she’s going and who she’s meeting. And she still misses us, a little. There’s a beautiful reciprocity in spending time with your children because when they’re no longer living under your roof, trust me, it’s lovely to discover that they still want to spend time with you too. In fact, it’s more than lovely. It’s “all the things.”
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FEATURE
Meeting in the
MIDDLE HOW TO ADVENTURE WITH TEENAGERS
I
BY JENNIFER HAZARD
remember a conversation with a neighbor, whose sons are a few years older than my own children. She told me that in high school, my kids wouldn’t want to do things with me anymore. I looked at her in disbelief. Since my son and daughter were infants, my husband and I have taken them on trips near and far, such as paddling Range Pond, hiking Streaked Mountain or camping in Grafton Notch. I have always enjoyed our family adventures, as they’re a source of connection to the outdoors and each other. My kids are 14 and 15 now, and true to my neighbor’s prediction, our trips together have waned. With the gift of vaccination and restrictions lifted, my two prefer to be with friends or hang out at home after a busy week of school, band practice and sports. I miss the enthusiasm of their younger years, when an apple picking trip was met with the joy of running around an orchard, cider donut in one hand, half-bitten McIntosh in the other. Still, like so many parents, I’m celebrating their return to normalcy. It’s good to see my daughter outside at our town coffee shop laughing with friends, and I love hearing my son figure out the chords to a new song with his bandmates. Nonetheless, I try to entice them with fun excursions. Before the school year started, my husband, son and I sea kayaked for the first time, traversing small swells
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in Casco Bay and paddling back to see the sun set over Portland. My son also humored me with a visit to one of my favorite farms, where we picked pints of high bush blueberries together. This trip he took for me, but I’ll often do the same for him. A music lover, there’s nothing he enjoys more than shopping for vinyl. We’ve discovered so many record stores together from Portland to Bangor. It’s this meeting in the middle that works best for us all now. I often ask my daughter if she wants to hike with me. The answer is usually no, but once and awhile I get a yes. She says Bradbury Mountain will always be her favorite. At 15, she has her drivers’ permit, so I know I can get her to agree to time in the car, especially when there’s the promise of a latte or thrift shopping at the destination. As the parent of teenagers, I am keenly aware of how lightning fast the school years go, how their growth is startling, as if they’ve both swallowed whole some kind of magic beans. I know that before long, our house will be empty and I’ll be nostalgic for the time when we were all under one roof together. So for now, I’ll hope that the adventures I take them on, whether hiking a nearby mountain or a trip that indulges their own interests, will connect our family in new ways and fill us with memories for the future.
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FEATURE
In the Name of
FREEDOM
54 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
HONOR OUR STATE’S VETERANS BY VISITING ONE OF THESE SPECIAL MEMORIALS
I
BY JOANNA O’LEARY
t should come as no surprise that in a state like Maine where people have such fierce pride that residents honor their veterans with stunning memorials. This Veterans Day, consider embarking on a different type of road trip: a tour of Maine’s most compelling commemorative structures dedicated to the women and men that served in our nation’s armed forces. Some are situated in the midst of bustling urban neighborhoods while others are set against the pastoral backdrop of the quiet countryside. They are unique in design and dedication but all thought-provoking, meaningful spaces that often pay homage to persons heretofore gone unappreciated for their acts of patriotism.
PHOTOS: BDN FILE
FIRST STOP: PORTLAND Your first stop is Monument Square in Portland, home to the Soldiers and Sailors Monument, which was dedicated in 1891 in honor of “those brave men of Portland, soldiers of the United States army and sailors of the navy of the United States, who died in defense of the country in the late civil war.” The focal point of the structure is a bronze statue of a female figure dressed in armor covered by flowing robes who holds a furled flag in one hand and a mace and shield in the other. Also referred to as “Our Lady of Victories,” she is mounted on a granite
Members of the Korean War Veterans Association salute the flag during the playing of taps at the Korean War Memorial at Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor. (Right) Snow falls on Our Lady of Victories in Portland’s Monument Square.
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FEATURE
State Representative Wayne Mitchell, Indian Island, holds the proclamation, signed by Maine Governor John Baldacci in 2009, that decreed June 20 as Maine Native American Veterans Day.
base that is flanked on either side by a bronze group of three figures of soldiers and sailors, respectively. Sculpted by Maine artist Franklin Simmons, the monument was originally situated on special landscaping designed by Portland architect Francis H. Fassett. HONORING WOMEN VETS IN AUGUSTA For decades the contributions of many under-represented groups, particularly women and people of color, were not recognized in the histories and commemorative structures surrounding Maine veterans. In service of the goal to render the state’s memorial coverage more inclusive, a special plaque designed by acclaimed Maine artist Gary Cooper was installed in the State House Hall of Flags in Augusta designated to honor Maine women veterans. The plaque shows the likenesses of four women who served in the United States military in various conflicts: Hannah Watts Weston (Revolutionary War Patriot); Emily W. Dana (Civil War Union Army Nurse); Patricia A. Erickson (WWI Army Air Force Service Pilot); and Annette M. Bachman (War on Terrorism Maine Army National Guard). Funds raised in support of the memorial were also utilized to purchase commemorative coins featuring the plaque as a gift to all of the state’s female veterans. RECOGNIZING NATIVE AMERICAN VETERANS In 2009, the Maine Legislature sought to address another gap in the veterans memorial landscape via the passage of “An Act to Establish Native American Veterans Day in remembrance of the courage and dedicated service of Native American members of the United States Armed Forces” which stated that the “Governor shall urge the people of the State to observe this day in suitable places and with appropriate ceremony and activity.” That piece of legislation facilitated the unveiling of monuments and spaces specially dedicated to Native Americans of Maine, most notably the somber charcoal plaque located in the Penobscot Indian Reservation. Members of the Penobscot Nation served in all major U.S. conflicts, beginning in the Revolutionary War when Penobscot Chief Joseph Orono
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PHOTOS: BDN FILE
The State House in Augusta stands out against a blue sky. Inside, visitors can see the Hall of Flags.
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FEATURE
An aerial view of the Central Maine Veterans Memorial Park in Winslow, and (at right) a close-up of a stone providing a little history of the park.
The Korean War monument at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor. The smaller stone indicates the official Maine Korean War Memorial is located at Mount Hope Cemetery.
PHOTOS: (TOP) COURTESY OF THE CENTRAL MAINE VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK IN WINSLOW; (BANGOR PHOTOS) BDN FILE
Maine Korean War Memorial in Mount Hope Cemetery in Bangor.
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pledged that Penobscot Warriors along with confederated Wabanaki groups would defend America against the British. Penobscot peoples also fought in the 7th Maine Regiment during the Civil War and served in various branches of the military in World Wars I and II, despite the fact they were not considered (nor certainly treated like) official U.S. citizens. HONORING HEROES IN WINSLOW Other smaller, but no less admirable, efforts have been made by private citizens working to ensure all Maine veterans, no matter how humble, are rightfully recognized. To witness impressive evidence of one Mainer’s commitment to honor his veteran brethren, journey to Central Maine Veterans Memorial Park in Winslow. The brainchild of World War II Navy veteran Dan DeRoch, the Park spans three-quarters of an acre and “[represents] Medal of Honor recipients from Maine and your average Joes and Janes who served their country unsung both in war and in peace.” Though DeRoch intended the Park to honor the full spectrum of Maine veterans, it also serves to highlight Company G of the National Guard, one of the first units from the state deployed in WWI. Led by local Colonel Bill Mansfield, Company G fought in the Pacific theater beginning at the Battle of Guadalcanal. Visitors to the Park are first met with eight flag poles, five of which showcase service flags including the Merchant Marine ensign, and one with the American stars and stripes. A walking path paved with granite markers honoring veterans leads to the centerpiece of the Park, a POW/ MIA banner, and well-placed benches around the perimeter provide respite for those seeking quiet repose. LOTS OF STOPS IN BANGOR Bangor is the site of many tasteful veterans memorials, such as the Korean War Memorial. Located at Mount Hope Cemetery, the memorial comprises “Victor’s Walkway,” a path paved with inscribed stones along with two rows of flags framing a granite slab with names of those Maine residents who died in the Korean War. When in Bangor, one should also stop at the World War II Veterans Memorial, dedicated to the more than 40,000 Mainers who served in the second world war including 4,914 citizens of Bangor. www.bangormetro.com BANGOR METRO / 59
FEATURE
A three-figure bronze statue at the Cole Land Transportation Museum in Bangor is part of the Maine Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
SPECIAL MEMORIALS IN KITTERY Kittery deserves a place on any Veterans Day weekend road trip itinerary as the home to two special-interest memorials: the Civil War Monument inscription stone and the State of Maine Soldiers and Sailors Memorial. The latter structure is particularly striking for its depiction of a mother cradling her young child titled “The Sacrifices of War.” Designed by Jewish sculptor Bashka Paeff, the image was considered inappropriately peaceful for a war monument when it was dedicated on Memorial Day 1926. Following muchneeded renovations including the replacement of the original time capsule, the Memorial was rededicated in 2000. OFF THE BEATEN PATH Finally, off the beaten path both literally and figuratively but nevertheless worth the trip is the Civil War stained glass window in the Islesford Congregational Church on Little Cranberry Island. The window features vibrant panes of violet and sunset gold glass that frame a central ring containing the American flag, below which sits a panel bearing the names of those who lost their lives as members of the 1861-1865 Volunteers War Union. This illuminating yet soothing configuration invites viewers to pause appropriately in quiet reflection of the spectrum of sacrifices made by our state’s service people in the name of freedom. 60 / BANGOR METRO November 2021
Islesford Congregational Church on Little Cranberry Island is home to a stained glass window featuring the American flag, as well as panel with the names of those who lost their lives as members of the 1861-1865 Volunteers War Union.
PHOTOS: BDN FILE
Seated on the lawn of the Cole Transportation Museum, the memorial takes the symbolic form of a Jeep, given the vehicle’s use across all branches of the military.
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WOODS & WATERS
Maine’s night skies are a
TREASURE
ENJOYING MAINE’S UNPOLLUTED NIGHT SKY STORY & PHOTO BY BOB DUCHESNE
MAINE IS A PLACE of many natural wonders, sometimes too easily taken for granted. Take stars, for instance. Maine’s dark sky is unequaled anywhere in the eastern United States. Much of northern Maine is virtually unaffected by light pollution. The nearest state that matches northern Maine’s starlit nights is Montana. Even the glow of Maine’s cities is modest compared to the east coast megalopolis to the south. Light pollution is measurable. A multitude of dark-sky maps populate the internet, serving the amateur astronomers and astrophotographers who use them. As the planet gradually becomes a brighter place, there are fewer spots far from the city lights that can make a person look up and say “Wow.” In Maine, on a perfect moonless night, the Milky Way is bright enough to cast a shadow. For most of human existence, people have wondered at the stars. Legacies from ancient cultures remain. Think Stonehenge and Mayan ruins. Shepherds created entire mythologies around the stars, giving names to constellations that we still use today. Mariners learned to navigate by the stars. The Phoenicians often get credit for developing the first celestial orientation system 4000 years ago, but other ancient civilizations were catching on, too. Alas, many Americans today view starry skies only in movies and magazines. Or when they visit Maine. It took a while to lose a sense of the heavens, and another while to recognize the loss. Today, dark skies are a treasure to be recognized, conserved and celebrated. The International Dark Sky Association has designated two sites in Maine as globally significant: the Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine
AS THE PLANET GRADUALLY BECOMES A BRIGHTER PLACE, THERE ARE FEWER SPOTS FAR FROM THE CITY LIGHTS THAT CAN MAKE A PERSON LOOK UP AND SAY “WOW.”
Woods Initiative and Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument. On the Bortle scale — a nine-level scale that measures night sky brightness — KWW rates a two. Only places like Antarctica are darker. Rated a three, Acadia National Park is not far behind. The National Park Service takes great pains to protect the night sky, with the help of its surrounding communities. An ordinance in Bar Harbor requires all new construction to adopt night sky friendly design. Across Frenchman’s Bay at Schoodic Point, protecting the dark sky was paramount when the old Navy base in Winter Harbor was redeveloped as the Schoodic Education and Research Center. Success breeds success. This year marked Acadia’s 12th Annual Night Sky Festival. Katahdin Woods & Waters enjoyed its 8th Annual Stars Over Katahdin just one week later. If Maine’s dark sky was once a secret, it isn’t anymore. Stargazers from all over watch the calendar, waiting for a new moon. When the moon is full, the heavens are obscured by its brilliance. Two weeks
later, when the moon has waned to nothing, the sky is darkest, and the stars are at their brightest. On such nights, it’s common to find visitors from all across the eastern states at places like KWW and Schoodic Point, well into the wee hours. It’s easy to tell the enthusiasts apart from the casual stargazers in the darkness. They use red flashlights and headlamps, so as not to spoil their night vision. Maine is dark enough that anyone can walk into the backyard, and see wonders not perceptible to people elsewhere. All of the northern constellations are visible to the naked eye, as are star clusters like the Pleiades. Jupiter is one of the brightest bodies in the heavens, and its four largest moons are visible using even the worst hand-me-down binoculars. For casual stargazing, binoculars are often better than telescopes. They’re easy enough to hold in the hand, and the wider
field of view makes finding objects easier. Andromeda is the nearest galaxy to our own. With any pair of binoculars, it should appear as a smudge just to the right of Cassiopeia. Cassiopeia is the prominent constellation that looks like a sideways W high in the night sky, visible year-round. Orion is the K-shaped constellation that becomes conspicuous this time of year, dominating the winter sky. Ancient cultures attributed their own myths to the constellation, but it was the Greeks who imagined that it looked like a mighty hunter in the heavens, with a sword hanging from a belt of three stars. One of the stars in the sword is actually the Orion Nebula — a giant dust cloud visible to the naked eye, and blurry through binoculars. Winter days are short, and the nights are long. You know you’re in Maine when you can have a wonderful star-gazing experience before dinner.
BOB DUCHESNE is a local radio personality, Maine guide, and columnist. He lives on Pushaw Lake with his wife, Sandi.
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THE VIEW FROM HERE
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LOVELY, DARK AND DEEP BY EMILY MORRISON
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If I can’t clean this hovel, at least I can reduce the cluttered shapes to dim, blurry shadows. And that’s okay. In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s real life. Not Facebook life. Not an Instagram story. Not a picture taken through a Snapchat filter. It’s messy and imperfect and all the things we don’t want people to see or know about us. It’s hard to do those dishes every day. It’s hard to make your kids put the milk away. It’s hard to make sure the pups don’t keep knocking over their food bowls and chewing up the toilet paper when they’re bored and home alone. And it’s hard to do it all and have time to care about what your crazy life looks like while you’re doing it. My kids forget to pack their soccer cleats and their school lunches the night before, so most mornings we throw stuff into bags and whatever they bring is whatever they brought. I’ve never bought a hay bale and put it out front, but I do purchase a lot of those shiny decorative gourds and plop them next to all the crap on my counter and say, “Aren’t these pretty, children? They’re for decoration. Don’t eat them.” I want to be that woman, the one who remembers to buy the food to put in the slow cooker and then tells her coworkers before clocking out, “Oh, I can’t wait for our dinner tonight. Chicken marsala, yum!” Here’s the problem. I have no idea what chicken marsala is. Do you wish you knew what chicken marsala was too? Does it take that long to make? I wish I felt compelled to go online and google “chicken marsala slow cooker recipes.” I wish I cared enough to coordinate a meal 20 minutes before starvation sets in. But, alas, I’ve got other chicken nuggets to nuke, stories to tell, books to read and miles to go before I sleep. Oh, but these woods are lovely, dark and deep. Come for a walk with me. I’ve got a bright orange “don’t shoot me” vest in just your size.
PHOTO: ©PIXEL-SHOT/ADOBE STOCK
DO YOU EVER WISH you were more pulled-together? Ever felt like everybody else has every last facet of their lives colorcoded while your kitchen counter looks like a pack of wild animals ravaged it as they passed through on their way to find shelter? Where other people have desk calendars denoting their busy schedule, I have random post-its covering my laptop, fridge and tv tray that doubles as a nightstand. I don’t have laundry baskets. I have laundry bedrooms. Literally, two whole rooms in my home are dedicated to separating dirty from clean laundry. And don’t-even-get-me-started-on-the-food-storage-containers. Finding a matching lid is like happening upon the Holy Grail. Unless you’re on a crusade my friend, it’s never gonna happen for you in my kitchen. So who cares what a hot mess my house is, right? Well, you care. Because maybe you’re tired of seeing pictures of people sitting on hay bales, hanging off trees in apple orchards wearing matching flannel as they pose besides pumpkins and gourds and windswept fields and stuff. Maybe you feel like you might spontaneously combust if you see one more set of manicured mauve fingernails, mauve booties or mauve mittens. And here’s the kicker — doggos wearing plaid mauve sweater vests. Please. I can’t even get my dogs to don the bright orange, “don’t shoot me” vests I bought them. Not even to save their precious canine lives will they let me attach those things to their chests. What is it with this social media culture that makes us feel like hopeless fall failures if we’re not “setting and forgetting” our slow cookers every morning and coming home to the delicious twin smells of mulled cider and pork roast? Here’s what I can commit to: good lighting. I can pledge to turn on the twinkle lights above my mantle and the ceiling beam over my dining room. I can flick on the four electric candles on my knick-knack shelf and the string of lights above the kitchen table.
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.
