Stearns and Schenck

MEMBER HIGHLIGHTS Celebrating

55 Years This April!

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Sponsored By Brewer FCU Photographer of Game Pg. 14 In Loving Memory Pg. 13 Community Service Pg. 36

MILLINOCKET COMMUNITY RISE TOGETHER 1 LifeStyle Magazine 1 BFCU MAGAZINE

229 Dirigo Drive Brewer, Maine 04412 207-989-7240

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

77 North Main St. Brewer, Maine 04412 207-989-7240

Is it really 2015 already? That means it’s time to begin our new year with new and innovative changes for our members! As most of you are aware, Brewer FCU is a financial institution that not only wants to deliver the best member service, but the highest quality technology to provide a better experience as well.

Over the course of the year, we have risen above and beyond our competitors with our mobile app that lets you bank right from home. Now you can check balances, transfer money, use mobile-deposit, even send money while never leaving your couch!

Brewer FCU is proud to say that we have partnered with the Maine Principals Assocation. We want to help sponsor high school athletics through out Penobscot County year round. By focusing on sports, we were able to help sponsor the 2014 Stearns vs. Schenck Alumni Basketball game held at the Wentworth Gymnasium in Millinocket. The alumni ranging from 1997-2013 came together as one to help raise money for their school’s athletic departments. Be sure to watch for us at the Cross Insurance Center during the famous High School Basketball Tournement!

We want to assure you of our close monitoring of credit and debit card breaches; our member’s privacy and personal information is vital to us. You are our number one priority and we will alert any members that have been affected by these events. Be sure to keep a close watch on your accounts via home banking, Brewer FCU’s mobile app, or monthly statements!

As you can see, we here at Brewer FCU have been very busy and are continuing to grow to create a better experience for our members all around.

Please be sure to like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter to keep up with special promos, contests, and news! We are always looking to hear feedback from our members.

Sincerely, Rick Kaul President/CEO 2 LifeStyle 2 BFCU Magazine MAGAZINE

“THE EVENT, WHICH WAS SPONSORED BY THE BREWER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION, RAISED $1,420, COLLINSWORTH SAID. SPECTATORS WERE ASKED TO MAKE $4 DONATIONS, PLUS THERE WERE CONCESSION SALES.”

-BANGOR DAILY NEWS

Letter From The Editor

HELLO FROM ALL YOUR FRIENDS AT BREWER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION Thank you for choosing to read our first edition of “Member Highlights”, where we cover different, heartwarming stories throughout the Penobscot Region! Brewer FCU is very proud to be a part of such a great state, region, and community.

The news always delivers both positive and negative media, but we here at Brewer FCU want to promote the positives in life! Not everything is sad, destroyed, broken, or forgotten, and some things should be recognized for their true meaning. Our first issue touches home in Millinocket, where hopes are beginning to rise and a positive outlook is a must! The Millinocket community has been put through a lot in the last 15 years; on a roller coaster of emotion.

And after years of turmoil and lost hope, something has sparked, and now, they refuse to let their legendary town of hardworking citizens cease to exist!

Within the article, you’ll find special ads, promos, contests, and other features that you soon may find yourself reading about in greater context in the future! We are here to help business’s grow, artwork be recognized, and stories be read that deserve to be read in a postive light!

This being our first ever digital magazine, and entirely new in the Penobscot Region among credit unions, we encourage our readers to spread the word of our dedicated business and help promote ‘positive’ MEDIA! We are here to serve YOU in more ways than one!

Thank you for taking the time to read our magazine! And please, if you have any questions, comments, or concerns, don’t hesitate to email me at: amy@brewerfcu.org

Amy Collinsworth

Marketing Specialist 3 LifeStyle Magazine 3 BFCU MAGAZINE

CONTENT 6

We Are Great Northern

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ALUMNI GAME

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In Loving Memory

Read about the history of the Great Northern Paper Mill and what the town is doing to survive!

The story begins here of the rivalry alumni game dedicated to helping their town’s sporting programs.

Check out the games dedication in honor of a local mother!

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Game Photographer

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Local Photographer

Get to know the photographer who took the game winning photos!

Meet a Millinocket local photographer who specializes in lighting to create extraordinary photos!

24 Revitalizing Millinocket

Read the amazing story of how the town came together for beauty in a short period of time!

We Do For You 36 What What other great things does Brewer FCU do for it’s community?

Presenting the ever scenic and calming view of the mighty Mount Katahdin!

We are placed right at the heart of the mountain at Chimney Pond. Most people enjoy just hiking the 3 miles into this spot for an afternoon of relaxation and serenity, but the more adventurous ones continue to hike up the exciting trails to the peak!

Photo By 5 Lakes Lodge HC 74 Box 544 South Twin Lake Millinocket, Maine 04462 207-723-5054 4 LifeStyle 4 BFCU Magazine MAGAZINE

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Once upon a time, 100 years ago...

A legend was born, and it’s name was

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Millinocket, ‘The Land Of Many Islands’, didn’t realize it was about to become the home to one of the world’s largest paper mills of it’s time!

“Over a century ago, a handful of brave, adventurous individuals set out to build the Great Northern Paper Company here in Millinocket. The Paper industry later became the State of Maine’s largest employer and Great Northern Paper, with more than ten million acres of land and a 19 dam hydro-electric system, became the largest paper company of it’s kind in the state, in the country, and in fact, in the world.

The Great Northern Paper Company was once the largest independent landowner in the State of Maine, and the biggest paper mill in the world. GNP’s holdings up until 1970 were in excess of 2.1 million acres and were as big an industry as the ship builders down stream”

-Millinocket Historical Society

The homeland of these dedicated and hard workers soon became the biggest hot spot of their time. Millinocket had a Class A high school, championship sporting teams, endless amounts of recreational activity, live music on every block, not to mention shopping districts all up and down Central St. But as time raced forward, so didn’t the downfall of the GNP. In 2001, GNP began the emotional roller coaster ride of being ‘open/closed/open/closed’ and eventually in 2008, closed its doors forever.

Many families and friends were separated due to moving out of the town in search of job opportunities. It has broken a lot of hearts to see a once booming town cease to exist before their very eyes. Foreclosures on businesses, houses sold for cheap prices, tourism attractions hurting, and a feeling of emptiness through out the high school continues to grow.

The citizens of the town have remained loyal and still believe that one day, things will come back to life. The townsfolk know it’ll never be how it once was but, with strategic planning, positive reinforcement, and the right leadership, Millinocket can re-invent itself as the town that fought back to survive. It will inspire other communities to follow and bring hope throughout the state of Maine that just because something ‘was’ doesn’t mean something ‘can’t be’. They have a chance to start over, be creative, and bring upon another century of greatness. It will only be a matter of time till the town is revived, families move back, and job opportunities are endless for the folk who wish to stay in this beautiful area!

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THE GREAT ALUMNI GAME

The Great Northern Paper Mill, in the heart of Millinocket, was not the only booming industry of it’s kind. Eight miles down the road, its twin sister resided in East Millinocket, helping produce the paper distributed thoughtout Maine. East Millinocket is the gateway to Millinocket, leading tourists and residents off I-95, is also having its share of hardships. Their mill has closed and will be sold off in pieces, while the cleanup of the destruction of the Millinocket mill is underway. It is a sad time for all the locals for sure.

In the midst of the hard times, negative media, and losing hope, there is one thing that brings life to this community; sports!

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Sponsors of the Maine Principals Association

Millinocket and East Millinocket show their true community pride when the Minutemen or the Wolverines step onto the court or field to represent their town in athleticism and sportsmanship. Many talented individuals have come from these towns, some even getting the chance to watch their offspring shine on the same turf they themselves once dominated. It truly is inspiring to watch these two teams face off, for the rivalry is still in the air, but not to the extent it once was. Instead, these two schools come together on the court to play as enemies and walk off the court as friend.

For years, Millinocket and East Millinocket have created youth programs to help the children grow up playing sports with each other.

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And for years, the students have grown much closer with age, maturity, and the realization that eight miles apart doesn’t mean a thing when you are all from the same wonderful area in the shadow of Mount Katahdin. They all share families, friends, restaurants, land, and help each other’s businesses out because of the long lasting trust they have created over the years and generations.

So to raise hopes after the infamous ‘tower destruction’ video on facebook went viral, and the Millinocket citizens watched the last of their symbolic history fall to the ground, it was time to do a 180 and turn those frowns upside down! That is when Brewer Federal Credit Union stepped up to the plate and decided to help sponsor an event that took place at Wentworth Gymnasium in Millinocket on December 26, 2014!

The rival alumni games are not new to the communities, but where the funds go, are! We decided that all proceeds from that night will go towards both athletic deparments of each school, and can be used how they see fit.

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Many special suprises happened that night for the community. Not only did the girls run out as one team, both Stearns and Schenck, alternating colors, but two special banners that will inspire a new tradition.

These were donated by two alumni parents of both schools, Michael Collinsworth of East and Cheryl (Wheaton) Collinsworth of Millinocket.

The banners were designed by Amy Collinsworth of Millinocket, graduating class of 2007, and the head of marketing for Brewer Federal Credit Union. She helped organize the entire event with much support and help from her community and friends. The idea of the banners is to show how unique our two towns, and what a wonderful difference they can make when they come together as one. The banners show the mascot of each school in a sillouette along with Blue and Green colors to emulate the team’s pride.

A crowd of roughly 1,000 people turned out for the game and many wished they had known about it sooner! The Stearns Gymansium LifeStyle Magazine 1111BFCU MAGAZINE

was packed for the evening by both towns, featuring families and friends, even children of the players who got to see their parents play for the first time on the court! It was very exciting for all.

It also sparked interest in the alumni who didn’t get a chance to play for this game, and would like to contribute next year if at all possible! A plan is in the works to organize a possible Friday/Saturday tournament featuring 30-and-under and 30-and-over alumni to play against eachother, bringing years of baskeball experience together!

For Millinocket 2015 is a very exciting year, and with all the locals and alumni stepping up to help beautify and revitalize the town, in no time, will it be known for what it was, what it did, and where it’s going in a positive direction. The fighting Minutemen and Wolverines will forever be known as the towns that didn’t give up, but fought back, and won!

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In Memory Of...

Rebecca “Becky” Leclerc, 56, of East Millinocket passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1, 2014 at Millinocket Regional Hospital with her family at her side. Becky herself was an alumni of Schenck High School where she was a cheerleader and a member of the band.

As time went on, Becky became mother of three adored children, married her high school sweetheart, Allen Leclerc of East Millinocket, and participated in local church events. She was someone who everyone loved, and she herself, loved everyone in return; a kind and caring soul, who wanted nothing more than to help others or be a mother to someone in need. Her devotion to her kid’s lives will never be forgotten. She is survived by her two sons, Daniel B. Lewis and Nathan B. Lewis, her daughter Olivia J. Lewis, and her two stepchildren.

“She was one of the most caring, loving mothers. Her kids never wanted for anything. She did everything out of love for them. She also cared for me as if I was her daughter. She was selfless.”

-Kristin Thompson Whenever someone in the community loses someone close, a mother, father, son, or daughter, we don’t even bat an eyelash, we will do what we can to support them. This year, we decided to dedicate the game to this woman who has touched everyone’s lives, raised a great family, and will always be remembered.

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Alumni Game Photographer

James’ thirty-six year career as a professional photographer started right after high school working for several local newspapers. Through college and a few years thereafter in Boston for United Press International (UPI) photographing editorial assignments as well as sports. For many years he shot the Boston Celtics, Red Sox, and Bruins!

A highlight of his early career was covering the Celtics’ Championship starring Larry Bird.

In 1985, James left photo journalism and opened a stuido in downtown Boston where he worked for the next five years taking photos for catalogs and magazine advertisements for the likes of Talbots, Filene’s, PA Company, and many other clothing manufacturers. During this time, James shot personalities for both local and national TV stations, taking portraits of on air talent such as Tom Bergeron, Bette Midler, Sid Caesar, and Renee Russo among others.

In 1990, James shifted gears to work in fashion, commuting between New York and Miami for assignments.

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James married in 1997 and shortly thereafter moved to Maine where he has been ever since. James has balanced work as a professional photographer shooting for banks, healthcare organizations, insurance providers, manufactures, biotech companies, non-profit and PR agencies across New England, with teaching photography at the college level.

James’ humor, lack of shyness, and ability to bring out the best in everyone puts the person of focus at ease, and enables him to achieve great images. His attention to detail from his days in fashion are ever present in how he handles assignments.

To see some of James’ work, check out his website at www.jamesdaiglephotography.com

Brewer Federal Credit Union Thanks You, James!

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Local Artist With Creative Vision

As a life-long artist, Duane Vigue finds photography the most challenging yet rewarding of all the mediums he works with. To capture a moment in time, a special place, or emotion in an image is very powerful.

What can appear as the most mundane of images like a bicycle, a pond, or even a simple field can evoke strong memories & feelings in people that have long since been forgotten.

“I find it very rewarding, putting people in touch with that place, time or memory that has special meaning for them.

Currently located in Millinocket, Maine, I enjoy not only photography but also painting, drawing, carving, fly fishing, hunting, hiking, snowshoeing and listening to music. I have been married to my wife, Kris, since 2002 and we’ve been together since 1998, when we met while in college. We have one child together, our son, Salmon, who was born in 2007. Kris helps with the on-goings of the photography business such as calling clients, lighting, wardrobe, etc. Salmon has been taking his own photos since he was 3 and enjoys accompanying us on shoots.

I am a fully licensed, registered and insured professional photographer who is also a member of the Professional Photographers of America (PPA) with over 30 years photographic experience. I’ve had over 150 pieces of my art & photography featured in various periodicals since 2000.”

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Duane, Kris, & Salmon Vigue

THEY MAKE GREAT SENIOR YEAR PHOTOS!

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Employee Anniversaries Full-Time Sean........................5 years Lee........................12 years Will.......................10 years Bridget.................16 years Part-Time Christina................1 year

“It was so much fun being on the court again, and playing in front of my daughter! Her interest in basketball rose greatly after that game...We’ve been at open gym every Sunday since!”

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Meet Mallory!

Brewer FCU is a proud partner with the Young & Free Maine Program. Recently, a new Young & Free Maine Spokester was named to be the voice of the 18-25 year old crowd, making sense of your financial questions. Your new spokester is Mallory Lavoie of Bangor, Maine. Mallory graduated from UMO with a double major in Journalism and French. Following her helps make sense of your finances at YoungFreeMaine.com 2222 LifeStyle BFCU Magazine MAGAZINE

Welcome to Our Katahdin!

“Our Katahdin” is a platform that connects ideas, people, and money to help move the Katahdin region forward. With two successfully funded projects and donors wanting more... allow ourselves to formally introduce “Our Katahdin” with a fun video below. Also, please check out our Successful Projects, Submit a Project of your own, and Spread the Word to your social networks!

Be sure to visit: www.ourkatahdin.com To find out about how you can help brighten Millinockt and East Millinocket’s future!

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The Banner Project to revitalize Millinocket-Downtown reaches funding goal in less than 3 days!

“We are thrilled to report that the fundraising effort for the banner project for the Millinocket Downtown Revitalization Committee was an amazing success. In less than 72 hours, 46 donors stepped forward to meet and exceed the fundraising target for the banners.

The excess $130 has been donated directly to the MDRC to help support the bandstand improvements and downtown signage projects. We are so proud of the community that stepped forward to support this project. As a reminder, the banners are due to complete design in Febrauary and be on the light poles by April.�

Banners are being designed that will be in two different sizes; twelve of the larger size to go on light poles along Central Street from Millinocket Stream to Katahdin Avenue and eighteen to go on the light poles along Penobscot Avenue that are of a smaller size.

These are intended to give the town a more welcome and colorful appearance. Support from individuals like yourself will allow the MDRC to deliver this project.

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Barring unforeseen issues, the final design is expected to be ready

by Frebruary 2015 and the installation of the banners is currently expected by the end of April 2015. Together we can help to add color and life to Millinocket-Downtown!”

“Stay tuned for more on the MDRC and the donors to this project...all community champions dedicated to put ideas into action”

-OurKatahdin.com Visit their website for more ideas and upcoming projects!

Thank You Donors!

Anonymous (3) Paul Allen Debra Ayotte Ron and Ruth Bossie Frank Bowley Ron Bouchard Ellen Bozeman Debra Bradford Chrisitie Brown George and Linda Carpenter James Civiello Wade Coffin Dave and Nancy DeWitt Sean DeWitt Dawn Difrederico Andrew Doody Michael Faloon Jeff and Marsha Farley Denise and Blaine Page Michael Siele Jr.

Tony Foster Amy Wood Sue Shaw Scootic Inn Joe Hallet Patricia Wedge Phil and Ann Hartley Martha Haven Karen Hollowell Steve and Theresa Lane Susan Siele Lauritano Lulu LeGassey Matt LeGassey Barbara Legins Sheila Mackenzie Janet Maragus Christine Michaud Peter Michaud Caren Michel Ken Morrow Warren and Jane Nelson Caitlin Richard Katherine Bossie Function

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UMaine basketball player and former player for Stearns High School accompanied the alumni as the ‘coach’ for the teams event. Because of NCAA rules and at the risk of being injured during her season, Sigi could not play, and the alumni could not say no to her joining them on the bench.

When Amy Collinsworth was approached by a younger alumni about Sigi wanting to at least sit on the bench, Amy thought, ‘No way, she’s coaching’, and offered Sigi the coaching spot. Although the team was already organized to play, divding up by positions and strings; Sigi’s expertise did come in handy when plays and offense strategies were needed.

“I thought it was really fun to see both Millinocket people and East Millinocket people in the same gym, cheering for both teams and just having a great time altogether. I think it was not only fun for the girls that got to play, but for everybody else in the community too. Again, congratulations on organizing this great event!”

The Schenck girls even teased Amy when deciding who was playing,

since both teams were growing stronger every day, they wanted Sigi to play for them! Some of the Stearns girls even joked saying they wouldn’t get to play if Sigi played!

“We were all hoping she could play with us, since most of the older alumni for the team wish they had her during their time there, but knew of the risk of the NCAA and getting hurt!”

Collinsworth laughed, “but to have her as the coach was an amazing addition to our team and I was glad I finally got to meet her!”

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“I remember going to the Eastern Maine Game to watch her lead the Lady Minutemen to their first Eastern Maine in years...it made me feel quite proud of my home team, and brought back memories of when I played...

She really brought our community and school pride back to life!”

THANKS COACH SIGI And Good Luck to the UMaine Black Bears on their season!!

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“The populations from both towns have been decreasing quite a bit over the last 10 to 15 years,” Tanous said. “I know that the [school] consolidation issue has been brought up several times over the years and hasn’t happened yet. We all know that. It’s something that more people are open to, this time”

-Bangor Daily News

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Why Travel To The Groomers; When They Can Come To You!

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Many of our employees here at Brewer Federal Credit Union use the services of Northern Lights Grooming. They will travel all the way up to Millinocket to clean our doggies! Great service for a great price!

Northern Lights Grooming home, of “The Best Wash in Town”, is a full service pet grooming salon with over twenty-five years of experience. Our mission is to provide the most thorough pet grooming services available, in a kind, safe, and professional environment. We currently employ two in house groomers and we offer a mobile grooming service that comes straight to your home.

Our shop is in the Holden Plaza at 231 Main Road in Holden Maine, we are open Monday thru Friday and every other Saturday. We also have two days a week that we open extra early so that you can drop your pet off before work if necessary.

Northern Lights Grooming provides your pet (dog or cat) with professional grooming services. We strive to use natural grooming products that are safe for your furry family. When your pet comes to Northern Lights grooming we start first consulting with the owner so that we know exactly what you want for your pet. Then your pet’s spa day begins; we trim the nails, comb out your pet’s coat, and begin the hair trimming process. Next we bathe your pet with natural shampoos and conditioners and dry their coat.

The final step is to finish up the hair cut. We also provide extra services that can be performed at the owners’ request; such as ultrasonic teeth cleaning, anal gland expression, hot oil treatment (for dry skin and coats), deep sea mud bath, and flea bathing.

We can be contacted by phone at 207-631-1228, e-mail nlgrooming@gmail.com, or on facebook.

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For years, Brewer FCU has not been shy about helping out their community. We have donated generously to those who truly need the help in the towns of Dedham, Eddington, Holden, Orrington, and Clifton. This past year, we were granted charter expansion to all of Penobscot County, where took full advantage of it. Starting up north in Millinocket, we decided to help sponsor and raise funds for both Stearns and Schenck’s athletic deparments.

We hope to continue to do these types of fundraisers to help bring back the alumni, family, and friends and help them remember where they came from and how great it was to wear their home jersey!

Brewer FCU also donates generous amounts to schools, charaties, commerces, events, businesses, and much more!

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Follow us on Facebook!

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Brewer FCU is always involved in their community! Here are just some of the charities we cater to!

CHEFS Brewer Area Food Cupboard Maine CU Leagues’ Ending Hunger in Maine Campaign Credit Union Youth Week Financial Fitness Fairs Children’s Miracle Network City of Brewer 4th of July Fireworks Annual Yard Sale Box Tops and Label for Education Brewer Winterfest Schoool Supply Drive Special Olympics-Summer and Winter Games International Credit Union Day Member Appreciation Day Brenda Davis’ Walk to End Hunger Thanksgiving Food Drive Free the Z Turkey Drive for Chefs The Smile of a Child Christmas Program Monthly Dress Down to Help End Hunger CULAC Dress Down Don’t Tax My CU Campain Brewer Days Maine CU’s Ending Hunger Share the Bread Event at Good Shepherd Food Bank

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Have a story you would like to see covered?

What about promoting your business?

Give us a call today or send us an email!

Our Marketing Specialist is waiting to hear from you!

Amy Collinsworth: amy@brewerfcu.org

BREWER FEDERAL CREDIT UNION 229 Dirigo Drive & 77 North Main St. Brewer, ME, 04412 207-989-7240