2014-2015 Welcome Guide to Franklin County by Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Wel c ome t o Franklin County Maine

www.franklincountymaine.org

2014-2015

Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re going to feel great in

Franklin County

But for those days you don't, there's Franklin Memorial Hospital and Franklin Health, a multispecialty group practice that includes primary care and specialty practices. Our highly specialized emergency department is designed to care for individuals suffering from serious medical problems who can't wait to be seen by a private physician. Our secure emergency department has nine treatment rooms including one designated trauma room. A physician is always on duty, along with specially trained registered nurses. If you have a health condition that requires prompt medical attention, but is not life threatening, please call the Franklin Physician Referral Service. We have four primary care medical practices and five specialty practices in the area. We'll find a provider who can fit you into the schedule. Franklin Memorial Hospital has its own full service lab, an all-digital radiology suite, an advanced electronic health record, and computerized physician order entry. It is recognized as one of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most wired hospitals and has achieved The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval for Accreditation, a sign of our commitment to the highest level of care for our patients. Welcome to Franklin County; we're here for you if you need us!

Franklin MeMorial Hospital 111 Franklin Health Commons Farmington, Maine 04938 www.fchn.org

Emergency Department: 207-779-2250 Franklin Physician Referral Service: 1-800-450-2075

Lake shore lodging at its best!

Features/Services           

30 Guest Rooms Executive Studios and Family Suites w/full kitchens Continental breakfast Dock, swimming, fishing, boating Kayaks, canoes, paddleboat, rowboat Picnic areas and grills Landscaped grounds and perennial gardens Wireless Internet Expanded Cable w/HBO Guest Laundromat Close to great restaurants, Mt. Blue State Park and University Maine Farmington

Wilson Lake Inn 183 Lake Road Wilton, ME 04294 207-645-3721 800-626-7463 www.wilsonlakeinn.com

Farmington is the county seat of Franklin County with a population of 7,500 people. It is home to the University of Maine’s second largest campus, the University of Maine at Farmington. UMF—the first public institution of higher education—is known as one of the top public liberal arts colleges in the nation. Farmington’s historic downtown area is vibrant and bustling with small shops and unique eateries which have much to offer.

For the hiker, the Appalachian Trail crosses through Franklin County, coming within one mile of the peak of 4,260-foot Sugarloaf Mountain. Just north of Sugarloaf, in Stratton, is the Bigelow Preserve Public Reserved Land, with over 36,000 acres of public land. The preserve encompasses the entire Bigelow Range, which includes seven summits. The highest of these at 4,150 feet is West Peak, one of only ten Maine summits over 4,000 feet in elevation. Bounded on the north by 20,000-acre Flagstaff Lake, the preserve offers many opportunities for outdoor recreation, including hiking the Appalachian Trail. Mt. Blue State Park—Maine’s largest state park—is located in Weld, with over 8,000 acres in two sections separated by Webb Lake. Here you can find stellar hiking, trail riding, swimming and picnic spots.

Beautiful and unspoiled, Franklin County is the premiere four season destination of Maine offering a variety of cultural and historical attractions and activities for all ages. Outdoor recreational activities abound throughout the area. Franklin County is home to more than one hundred lakes and ponds, including those in the magnificent Rangeley Lakes region. Pristine lakes and ponds offer quiet solitude at sunrise with the eerie call of the loons who inhabit these bodies of water. The Sandy River meanders its way through Franklin County. With many new roadside boat launches, there has never been a greater time to explore the river by canoe or kayak. Wilson Lake in downtown Wilton and Clearwater Lake in Industry offer some of the area’s best fishing, even in the winter when you’ll see many ice shacks dotting the landscape.

Franklin County has a rich heritage and history which can be learned when you visit the museums and historical sites in the area. These include the Nordica Homestead (Farmington), Stanley Museum and Kingfield Historical Society (Kingfield), Ski Museum of Maine (Kingfield), Wilton Farm & Home museum, The Farmington Historical Society, Old North Church, Octagon House, and Titcomb House, all located in Farmington. Take a historical walking tour throughout downtown Farmington, or re-trace Benedict Arnold’s footsteps to Quebec. We look forward to sharing the beautiful landscapes and people of Franklin County with you as you visit the area we are proud to call home. —Mike Blanchet President

Address: 615 Wilton Rd., Farmington, ME 04938 • Mailing: P.O. Box 123 Farmington, ME 04938 Phone: 207-778-4215 • Fax: 207-778-2438 info@franklincountymaine.org / www.franklincountymaine.org

Serving the towns, townships and unorganized territories of Greater Franklin County

President: Mike Blanchet, Sun Journal; Vice President: Glenn Kapiloff, Foster Technology Center; VP Membership: Nancy Chase, FMH Auxillary ; Secretary: Susan Atwood, Wilson Lake Inn; Member at Large: Shannon Smith, Wilton Blueberry Festival; Past President: Scott Landry, Shiretown Insurance; Janice Atwood, Farmington Walmart; Kirk E. Doyle, Key Bank; Heidi Elliot, Bangor Savings Bank; Jennifer Eriksen, University of Maine at Farmington; Joanna Backman, Franklin Memorial Hospital; Tammy Hutchinson, Comfort Inn; Rhonda Irish, Town of Wilton; Patty Ladd, Career Center; Janet Peruffo, CSM Real Estate; Chrissy St. Laurent, Franklin Savings Bank; Rhonda Wiles-Rosell, Wiles Remembrance Centers; and Greg Patterson, Walmart.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Map courtesy of Greater Franklin Development Corporation

Welcome to Franklin County, located in the heart of Maine’s Lakes and Mountains region. There are 22 charming towns, villages, and plantations to discover in the region. The Chamber of Commerce publishes this guide annually as an important resource for visitors and residents alike. Enjoy perusing the pages of the guide as we highlight the attractions and natural beauty of the area we call home.

contents 06 16

Wel c ome t o Franklin County Maine

Day Trips in the Heart of Maine’s Lakes & Mountains Six day trips that showcase Franklin County. Each town has something unique to offer.

Franklin County For All Seasons

Bored is a word you won’t be using in Franklin County. There’s plenty to do and see for all ages throughout the year. www.franklincountymaine.org

Chamber Events

Event Calendar

40 46 48

Check out what the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has been up to this year.

Plenty of can’t-miss events to fill up your calendar!

Education

Franklin County inspires life-long learning with many educational opportunities ranging from Pre-K to undergraduate and beyond.

Health Care

Franklin County cares about its resident’s health. We’ll take care of you here.

Museums

Many towns in Franklin County have a rich history in a variety of topics, ranging from paper-making and opera to sporting and automobiles.

Arts & Culture

Business Directory

Find out why Down East Magazine called Farmington a cultural oasis!

2014 Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Members

2014-2015

Design, Production, and Advertising Taylor McCafferty, Marketing Intern Erin Arthers, Executive Director

On The Cover

Wilson Lake in Wilton by Susan Atwood

Project Management

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Welcome Guide Commitee

Photos

Susan Atwood, Pam Matthews, Scott Landry, Sharon Dudley, James Maloney-Hawkins, Brian Whalen, Valerie Tucker, Alana Ranney, Jaime Ranger, Taylor McCafferty, Main-Land Development, Mickelle McCafferty, Melissa Hurley, UMF, Foster CTE Center, Stanley Museum, Russ Dillingham, FCHN

Special Contributors:

Arts Institute of Western Maine, Jill Gray, Jennifer Eriksen, Greater Franklin Development Corporation

Printer

Franklin Printing Farmington, Maine

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce

Advertising Inquiries

To advertise in the Welcome Guide, please call 207-778-4215 or email erin@franklincountymaine.org

Editorial Photography Inquiries Please call 207-778-4215 or email info@franklincountymaine.org

www.franklincountymaine.org

ilton is nestled in the foothills with a treasured lake at its hub. Yearround activities and recreation abound within a two mile radius around the lake. Main Street, Wilton, and the clear waters of Wilson Lake, are less than a mile from the junction of Route 2 and Route 4. Order your picnic lunch at Dutch Treat or Rick’s Market on the corner of Route 2 & Route 4. Explore Main Street through downtown Wilton, passing the historic G.H. Bass Shoe Co. building on your right which now houses multiple businesses. At the foot of Wilson Lake you’ll find a scenic view that will not soon be forgotten. Are children with you? Across the street is Bass Park with a gazebo & picnic tables, play area, and vistas of lake and mountains. After lunch, stroll down Main Street to visit Ray Ray’s Café, our beautiful historic public library, and enjoy Wilson Stream flowing between shady hillsides with charming Victorian homes. Near the Bass building is the Wilton Farm 6

Photos of Wilson Lake courtesy of Susan Atwood

Day Trips

Wilton

and Home Museum, housing an exhibit of giantess, Sylvia Hardy, and of shoe making, blacksmith tools, furnished bedrooms, military clothing, and collectibles from the 19th century. The museum’s summer hours are Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. To schedule a tour please call Pam Brown (207-5452091).

and ball fields. Ice skating and hockey are winter activities at the park. For a short loop, drive around the lake, turn left on High St. as you leave the park and take the next left onto Route 156 Weld Road. 1.3 miles on your left is Wilson Lake Country Club, “The Best Nine in Maine,” which will award you with a lake view while you golf. The Foothills Land Conservancy kiosk gives access to the nature trails at the head of Wilson Lake. Walking, skiing or snowshoeing along stream and fields provide opportunities to see signs of wildlife, including bald eagles and beaver activity.

From the museum drive left up High St. and turn left into Kineowatha Park, offering 63 acres of walking trails, a sandy beach, a swimming area, playground, picnic table area, tennis and basketball courts,

You may want to have a delicious Italian dinner on the deck at Calzolaio Pasta Company downtown while listening to the rush of Wilson Stream. Stay overnight at the Comfort Inn on Route 2 or the Wilson Lake Inn on the Lake Road where you can easily return to the foot of the lake to enjoy a memorable sunset over the lake and listen for the call of the loons. www.franklincountymaine.org

We Have a Little Something for Everyone... 1026 US Route 2, Wilton, Maine 207.645.5155 | www.comfortinn.com/me056

Corporate Meetings, Holiday Parties... We would love to host your next event!

Centrally located to Sugarloaf, Saddleback, Black Mountain, Belgrade Lakes, Height of the Land, Mt. Blue State Park, Washburn Norlands Living History Center and more! Trailside access for snowmobiles and ATVs!

We canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t wait to see you soon! www.franklincountymaine.org

Photo of the Sandy River Railroad and town sign courtesy of Pam Matthews

Day Trips

Phillips

hillips, rich in history, is one of the gems of the High Peaks Region. Maine’s first registered guide, Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby was born in Phillips, the town once boasted the only newspaper in the county, and it served as the headquarters for the state’s longest narrow-gauge railroad. On summer weekends, visitors still ride the Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad and the railroad’s old station and car repair barn— both serving new functions—can be found on Depot Street. Avon, Phillips’ neighbor, has its own airstrip, Lindbergh Airport, named after the famous aviator who landed there and spent a night in town. Despite the demise of the railroad in the 1930s, the area abounds in resources, among them the Sandy River. The swift-flowing stream passes through the village, attracting anglers, boaters, and people seeking the perfect swimming hole. The varied and rugged landscape is home to seven of the state’s ten highest 8

mountains, and hiking opportunities abound. The Fly Rod Crosby Trail, an 11-mile woodland path runs from the town’s old car barn to Rangeley’s Saddleback Mountain. Within minutes of the town center is Mount Blue’s

challenging trail to the summit, Daggett Rock, the state’s largest glacial erratic, and Smalls Falls’ tumbling series of cascades.

known bands, its famous fall “Scarecrow Reunion,” and the town’s signature event, Old Home Days, a week of activities in August that attract several thousand people to the town. The Phillips area has a library, a community center, an active arts society, three churches, a post office, an elementary school, several civic organizations, a farmers’ market, a pizza and sandwich deli, a cafe, two antique shops, a hardware store, two bed and breakfasts, a large and well-stocked supermarket, and one of the best historical society collections in the state. The town supports dozens of small home-based businesses, skilled artisans and a score of service providers. A small town and an out-of-the way place, perhaps, but Phillips shows daily proof that the spirit of community and love of home is alive and well in the mountains of Western Maine.

Phillips hosts a summer series of Celtic Concerts by internationally www.franklincountymaine.org

ingfield is a charming little historic town nestled in the foothills of the Bigelow and Longfellow mountain ranges along the Carrabassett River and Route 27 in northern Franklin County. The town has a selection of retail and specialty shops, galleries, restaurants, cafes, lodging, schools, and churches. The first Friday of the month, Kingfield hosts its Art Walk. This event is open to the public and is free of charge. The town’s art galleries and several local businesses open their doors to the public, free of charge. The events start in late fall and continue through April, offering music, photography, book readings, book signings, and more. Explore pieces of Kingfield’s history by visiting the Stanley Museum or the Ski Museum of Maine. The Stanley Museum honors the Stanley twins who invented and manufactured the famous Stanley Steamer automobile. Exhibits include family history, paintings, photography, and steam car exhibits. The Ski Museum of Maine includes skiing and snowboarding memorabilia, Maine-made products, www.franklincountymaine.org

Photos of the Kingfield POPS courtesy of Scott Landry

Kingfield

a history of Maine’s ski areas, and prominent Mainers from past and present who are involved in the skiing and snowboarding industry.

If you are visiting during late June, you may be able to take in the POPS Festival of the Arts, which celebrates the upcoming Independence Day. A performance the Bangor Symphony Orchestra highlights this festival. Later in July, the town holds Kingfield Festival Days, three days of events, arts, and music, which celebrates the community and living in Kingfield.

walk, run, bike, hike, golf, snowmobile, ski, paddle, fish, or hunt. Kingfield’s close proximity to the Carrabassett Valley gives you easy access to Sugarloaf—the largest ski area east of the Rocky Mountains. Also found in the Carrabassett Valley is an entry point for the Maine Huts and Trails system. Whether you are on foot, bike, snowshoes, or skis, this year-round trail system gives outdoor enthusiasts a chance to explore the outdoors and offers four locations to stay if you decide to extend your day trip. If you enjoy maneuvering the lakes and streams, the Kingfield area offers many opportunities for boating and fishing. Guided fishing trips are available through Western Mountain Fly Fishing and Kingfisher River Guides. While enjoying the seasonal activities, you are sure to see some of the abundant wildlife in the area. It is not unusual to see moose, deer, wild turkeys, fox, and other wildlife along the roadsides or hawks and eagles soaring through the sky.

Outdoor recreational activities are a large part of living in Kingfield, whether you 9

Day Trips

Photo of the Height of the Land courtesy of Sharon Dudley

Rangeley

ince the turn of the century, the Rangeley Lakes Region has lured sportsmen from Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and beyond to its expansive forests and woodlands. A wilderness paradise, it offers world-class fishing and some of the country’s best hunting areas. These same pristine lakes, streams, and forests still lure outdoor enthusiasts and families alike for a wide array of activities in this true four-season recreation destination of the Rangeley Lakes Region. Today’s visitors are more likely to shoot the wildlife with camera or video and catch and release the abundant, yet elusive game fish than in days past. Today you’ll find folks young and old getting out on the well-marked and maintained hiking trails in the region for leisurely walks in the woods or challenging hikes up one of the highest mountains in Maine. Ten of the fourteen highest mountains in Maine are here, giving the region its “High Peaks” nickname. These same mountains provide two of the state’s largest ski resorts, Saddleback, Rangeley’s home mountain resort, and Sugarloaf, around the corner, in Carrabassett Valley. 10

Abundant snowfall from November to March makes the region a mecca for snowmobiling on 150 miles of locally groomed trails extending from Canada to New York and providing breathtaking views and vistas. The Rangeley Lakes Trail Center (RLTC) located near the base of Saddleback Mountain rightfully boasts the “best Nordic skiing in New England” with 55 km of exquisitely groomed skate and classic track over terrain where annual snowfall provides 200 inches of dry, powdery snow. The Trail Center is continually growing to offer 14 km of dedicated snowshoe trails as well. In the off-season, RLTC, alongside rivers and Saddleback Lake, is a fascinating place to explore on foot or mountain bike. Summer in Rangeley bustles with events and activities that showcase the active arts and outdoor heritage community that defines this area. Arts and crafts shows and music performances are frequent, and several play productions are offered through the year. Also keep watch for home tours, outdoor sporting days, a logging festival/competition and parade, numerous golf tournament benefitting area causes, and fun festivals.

The 36 miles of the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway is renowned for its fall foliage, spring lupine display, and numerous scenic overlooks including the iconic Height of Land, pictured above. Rangeley’s well established recreation destination offers numerous rental businesses, outfitters, and guides who make it easy to enjoy the fishing, hunting, boating, kayaking, hiking, skiing, snowmobiling, and ATV riding on miles of trails in the region. Whether your adventure is a longtime favorite or new challenge, Rangeley, Maine will soon become your recreation destination—as it has been for generations of outdoor enthusiasts. For more information about Rangeley, contact the Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce at www.rangeleymaine.com or 1-800-MT-LAKES. See their ad on page 56.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Ski for the Winter... Stay for the

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Day Trips

Photo of Main Street courtesy of James Maloney-Hawkins

Farmington

armington, the county seat of Franklin County, is known for its four-season recreations, busy commercial district, and a vast array of cultural and educational offerings. The town has a broad selection of retail and specialty shops and galleries, restaurants, cafes, a multi-screen movie theater, bookstores, lodging, and a busy college campus. You can spend the day shopping, or enjoy the local culture at the University of Maine at Farmington’s Art Gallery, take in a performance by the Sandy River Players, or visit the Nordica Homestead Museum. If you would like to explore downtown Farmington, take a “Walk Around Farmington.” Walking tour signs will lead you through some significant areas in the town’s history. Signs display photographs and historical site information and offer directional guides to help visitors access Farmington’s historic resources. Stops along the walk include: Downtown, University of Maine at Farmington, Farmington Public Library, Meetinghouse Park, North Church, Abbott Park, the Depot, and the Cannery. You can stop by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce to pick up a map to guide you 12

on your “Walk Around Farmington.” Farmington’s location in the western mountain foothills make it easy to find outdoor activities to participate in. Whether you enjoy a leisurely stroll, a more vigorous hike, biking, watching or participating in various sporting events, kayaking, or canoeing, Farmington always allows lots to do. There are many different options for walking or hiking in town with various atmospheres. Bonney Woods, located off North Street at the edge of downtown Farmington has easy walking trails, benches, and an old fenced-in cemetery. The Fitness Trail, located behind Franklin Memorial Hospital on the Wilton Road, offers well-groomed trails with an easy walk. This trail also offers fitness stations located in spaced intervals with illustrated exercises you can choose to perform at each stop. Flint Woods, located on Anson Street, features a nature trail with maintained hiking trails and offers opportunities to spot wildlife.

Whistle Stop Rail Trail, located off Farmer Lane, features more advanced hiking and mountain biking opportunities. The trail is also available to ATV and snowmobiles. It winds through residential and woodland areas of Farmington, Wilton, Livermore Falls, and Jay. Kayaking and canoeing are available on the Sandy River. There are multiple pick up and drop off locations available for short trips or if you would like to make a longer excursion, you can start in Strong, ME and paddle the 11 miles to Farmington. Titcomb Mountain is affordable and family-oriented winter fun. The mountain offers both alpine and cross-country skiing trails. High school and collegiate-level sports are available for viewing. If you want to pick up a tennis racket, courts are available at Hippach field across from Gifford’s Ice Cream or at the new Mount Blue Campus.

www.franklincountymaine.org

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Farmington • Kingﬁeld • Rangeley 1-800-834-0030 • (207) 778-3331 www.deadriver.com

he Town of Weld is about twenty minutes from Wilton. The town has a population of 419 and the total area of the town is 63.0 square miles. The town is home to Webb Lake and Mt. Blue State Park and is nestled in a valley created by Mt. Blue and the Tumbledown / Jackson mountains. Located in the mountainous region of western Maine, Mt. Blue State Park offers visitors an extensive network of trails, a sandy beach, popular camping area, boat launch, and picnic area. Here you will find stellar hiking, trail riding, biking, swimming and picnicking in the Western Mountains. Mt. Blue State Park is Maine’s largest state park, encompassing approximately 8,000 acres in two sections separated by Webb Lake. A campground in the Webb Beach section has 136 wooded sites. Visitors can swim, launch and rent boats, and walk on trails near the lake. During summer months, park staff routinely offer canoe trips, walks, and nature programs, along with a Nature Center featuring hands-on exhibits and displays. 14

Photo courtesy of James Maloney-Hawkins

Day Trips

Weld

Four Seasons of Activities ATV riding Boating (motorized) Camping Canoeing Cross Country Skiing Fishing Hiking (trails) Horseback riding Hunting Off-road biking Snowmobiling Skating Snowshoeing Swimming Watchable wildlife Across the lake from the Webb Beach section is the centerpiece of the Park, 3,187-foot Mt. Blue, a popular day hike. Visitors also enjoy walks and picnics on Center Hill. Mountain bikers, equestrians, and ATV riders can experience 25 miles of challenging, multi-use trails. In winter, the park’s extensive trail system supports snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and cross

country skiing. Families also come to sled at Center Hill and skate on an outdoor ice rink at park headquarters. Adjoining Mt. Blue State Park is more than 10,000 acres of state-owned public lands and state-held easements encompassing the Tumbledown Mountain Range. Tumbledown Mountain, with an alpine pond near the summit, is the most popular hike, but surrounding lands offer many other attractions. For a complete listing of hikes go to: www.mainetrailfinder.com. Mount Blue State Park is open and fully staffed from May 15 through Columbus Day, but visitors are welcome year round. Park hours are 9 a.m. to sunset. Earlier openings vary with the season; call ahead for these and campground hours. Advanced reservations are recommended for the campground. Contact the State Park Reservations Office: 800-332-1501 in Maine; 207-624-9950 from outside Maine; or make your own reservations online at www.campwithme.com.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Photos courtesy of Valerie Tucker

Strong

trong’s historical records say that Pierpole, a Native American, moved to the area in 1780, with his wife, Hannah Susup, and their six children. Settlers followed, and by the late 1700s, they asked to be incorporated. The town, named after Governor Caleb Strong, of Massachusetts, held its first town meeting on April 6, 1801. The town has been home to some well known figures, including Cornelia “Fly Rod” Crosby (1854-1946). A fly fisherwoman extraordinaire, she was Maine’s first Registered Guide. As a writer with an international readership, she marketed Maine as a destination for early tourism. Crosby is buried in the Strong Village Cemetery.

stocked, making a day on the lake very satisfying and enjoyable for the whole family. The clean, sandy beach has a safe

Porter Lake and Beanie’s Beach are popular summer destinations. The 527-acre lake offers landlocked salmon, varieties of trout, and a dozen other species. Both salmon and brook trout are frequently

wading space for the youngsters, a boat ramp, parking lot, changing station and clean restrooms. Get your picnic lunch from the Black Dog Cafe or the White Elephant Restaurant. Water enthusiasts also can swim in the Sandy River at Blue

www.franklincountymaine.org

Ledge or launch a canoe or kayak at the American Legion field next to the bridge. History and genealogy buffs will enjoy Strong Historical Society's fascinating and well organized display of artifacts and memorabilia, including the town's saga as the “Toothpick Capital of the World.” For more information, visit the Strong Historical Society's Facebook page or strong. mainememory.net. The photo above depicts the 15th Alabama Civil War reenactment troupe, which marches in Pierpole Days, the town’s annual community celebration. It takes place each year on the last Friday of June. Festivities start in late afternoon and include an assortment of barbecues and a 6 p.m. parade with floats and music.

FranklinCounty Photo courtesy of Scott Landry

for all seasons

There is no end to the region’s outdoor recreational opportunities and the following pages contain some of the best you’ll find in Franklin County. Many areas offer opportunities for all seasons. The Grand Falls Hut The Grand Falls Hut, offered through Maine Huts and Trails is available to is just warm accommodate anglers in April, May, and enough for fishing, canoeing, and bik- early June as a self-service destination. ing. The arrival of spring also means This is an excellent time for some maple syrup here in Franklin County! quality trout and salmon fishing in the Dead River and the exceptional native brook trout fishing in nearby streams. Anglers find the hut’s proximity to the river makes Grand Falls an ideal base Fishing for their spring fishing adventures. For Norcross Pond in Chesterville more information or reservations call Norcross Pond is not fished heavily, so 207-265-2400. bass fisherman may never want to leave! To get there, from the Country Store in More Fishing in Franklin County Chesterville, turn left. Follow the road Other great fishing spots to check out past the camps and look for a turnout on are Clearwater Lake in Industry, Wilthe right about 5 miles past the store. son Lake in Wilton, Webb Lake in Weld, Rangeley Lake in Rangeley and Eustis along the Sandy and Carrabassett RivThe cold, clear water dotting the landscape ers which run through Franklin County in Eustis holds some of the largest native and are easily accessed along Routes 4 brook trout in the state of Maine. Brook and 27. trout, LL Salmon, and Lake Trout in the four pond range of Jim Pond, Bugeye Pond, Canoeing Tea Pond, and Arnold Pond are common. Temple Stream in Temple Some of the glacial lakes offer some fast This is a trip that is run in the spring salmon and lake trout fishing. Visit www. and is approximately eight miles long eustis-maine.com for more information. with Class I-III rapids. Portages must be made around the falls in Temple and the

Spring

16 16

Walton’s Mills Dam in West Farmington. Walton’s Dam is located on Route 43. The Sandy River in Farmington This canoe trip from Strong to Farmington is a nice river trip with a few fast spots and rapids. Put in at Strong at the Devil’s Elbow on Route 4 and paddle down to the Fairbanks Bridge. Continue down river, past the bridge, through several Class II rapids, to the athletic fields of University of Maine Farmington. Take out on the left riverbank below the site of the old railroad bridge pilings. One vehicle should be left on the old railroad bed beside the Narrow Gauge Cinema on Front Street in Farmington. This section of river offers adequate fishing and views of the old railway to Strong. This trip is 11-12 miles long and takes four or five hours. Northern Forest Canoe Trail The 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail traces Native American travel routes across some of the most scenic paddling country in the Northeast from Old Forge, New York, across Vermont, Québec and New Hampshire, to Fort Kent, Maine. This nationally-recognized water trail represents a series of more than 50 inter-connected destinations, extending through diverse waterways, landscapes, and communities www.franklincountymaine.org

within the Northern Forest Region. The trail stretches across Maine’s Lakes and Mountains Region through a connected series of large lakes from Umbagog, the Richardsons, Mooselookmeguntic, and Rangeley, down the seasonal South Branch of the Dead River to Flagstaff Lake. Kayakers and canoe-

Trek Across Maine Nearly 1650 riders make their annual trek of 180 miles (averaging 60 miles per day) across Maine and spend their first night at the University of Maine Farmington. The Maine Lung Association sponsors this ride. Please visit www.mainelung.org for more information.

Photo courtesy of Jaime Ranger

Troll Valley Hiking & Mountain Biking Trail System in Farmington Wooded multiple-use trails offer approximately 4.25 miles for hiking or mountain biking. Some trails are on former cross country ski trails; the rest are on single track mountain bike trails. Multiple trails are available for various skill levels. The trails are open year-round, however, snow is not removed from the trails. Use is not encouraged during hunting season. The Lower Loops are on fairly level land, while Tom’s Challenge is on upland with ledge climbs and fast downward drops. The Devil’s Staircase is a tough uphill climb, while the Corkscrew is a winding downhill area. If a whole loop sounds challenging, shorter trails can be taken that break off the main trail and loop back to the trailhead near the lodge. ists can enjoy trail outings from a half-day to a weekend or more.

Maine Maple Sunday

Maple syrup is made from the sap of maple trees. In cold climates like Maine’s, these trees store starch in their trunks and roots before the winter. The starch is then converted to sugar that rises as sap in the spring. Maple trees can be tapped by boring holes into their trunks and collecting the exuded sap. The sap is processed by heat to evaporate much of the water, leaving the concentrated syrup. Maine Maple Sunday is always the fourth Sunday of March. Join Maine maple producers across the state each spring as they celebrate the day when they open the doors of their sugarhouses for the public to join them in their rites of spring—making maple syrup. Here’s your chance to see first-hand how forty gallons of maple sap is turned into just one gallon of that delicious sweet golden syrup that so many enjoy on their pancakes and ice cream. Nearby sugarhouses that open their doors on Maine Maple Sunday are located in Wilton, East Dixfield, Jay, Weld, and Strong. To find a participating sugarhouse, go to: •www.mainemapleproducts.com •www.getrealmaine.com

Biking

Webb Lake in Weld A great ride for experienced bikers, the bike path is about 16 miles and very relaxing. It combines spectacular views of the lake and mountains and a three mile stretch on a dirt road through the wilderness. Mt. Blue State Park Photo courtesy of Alana Ranney

Titcomb Mountain The Chesterville Esker Take the Ridge Road from the country store in Chesterville; it’s about three miles to the top of the tree-shaded esker. The glacial ridge separates Horseshoe and Round Ponds on the west and Fellows Pond on the east and is around 90 feet high in some places.

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Parks and Picnic Areas Photo of The Wire Bridge in New Portland courtesy of Alana Ranney

Abbott Park

Adjacent to the University of Maine Farmington Roberts Learning Center Includes Rollo Pond, four stone bridges, remnant woodland trails, and a portion of the arboretum which has been incorporated into the university’s Arboretum Trail. Abbott Park includes Hippach Field where baseball teams have played at since 1916.

Bass Park Lake Road

just half a mile west from the junction of Routes 2&4 in Wilton, on the shore of the beautiful Wilson Lake. You will enjoy the gazebo and picnic tables, play area, and scenic vistas of lake and mountains.

Cathedral Pines

Route 27, Cathedral Pines Campground, Eustis Among the tall pines on the shores of Flagstaff Lake, public sandy beach, playground, dock and changing room. Take a walk on the Nature Trail located just across Route 27.

swimming area, dock, restrooms, swings, covered picnic tables, boat launch, tennis and basketball courts.

Picnic area, grills, horseshoes, bathroom facilities, playground, and more.

Eastman’s Park

Rangeley State Park

Route 142, Phillips

South Shore Drive, Rangeley

Mt. Blue State Park, Weld at the junction of 142 and 156

Picnic area, great swimming and wading holes, sandy areas, unique playground.

Picnic area and walking trails.

Precartin Park

South of Rangeley

Picnic tables, small playground.

Features scenic waterfall, colorful gorge, fine swimming holes, and numerous places to picnic.

Park Street, Phillips

Kingfield Town Park Curve Street, Kingfield

Playground, tarred basketball court, playground, picnic area, large grassy lawn.

Park-by-the-Bridge Route 149, Phillips

Picnic area, grills and a swimming hole.

Rangeley Lakeside Park

Downtown Rangeley on the shores of Rangeley Lake Large lawn area, public sand beach and 18 18

Smalls Falls Rest Area

Riverside Park

Route 27, along the Carrabassett River in Carrabassett Valley Swimming pool, wading and swimming holes, tennis courts, basketball court, playground, covered picnic area, volleyball court, bathroom facilities, grills, softball field

Lance Corporal Scott Paul Memorial Town Park Strong, Route 149, Burbank Hill Road

Center Hill

This picnic area offers gorgeous views of Mt. Blue, Tumbledown, Webb Lake and mountains and lakes beyond. There are covered picnic tables, rest rooms, and walking paths

Kineowatha Park

High Street Entrance, Wilson Lake, Wilton Town park with swimming, tennis, basketball, playing fields, horseshoes, children’s area, volleyball and picnic/ BBQ areas, nature trails, Lodge with indoor games, food and drink. For maps and more information on local park and picnic areas, visit the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Summer

in Franklin County offers golfing, swimming, boating, walking and hiking trails, camping, and state parks with lots to explore.

Golf

Sugarloaf Golf Club, Carrabassett Valley www.sugarloaf.com For the 25th time in its history, the Sugarloaf Golf Club in Carrabassett Valley has been recognized as Maine’s best course by Golf Digest in the magazine’s May 2011 issue. The course, designed by Robert Trent Jones, Jr., has held the top spot among Maine courses nearly every year since its opening in 1985. Known for its challenging layout and awe-inspiring vistas, the Sugarloaf Golf Club has received numerous accolades from industry publications over the years. The course has seen a number of maintenance initiatives over the past several years, which have helped to improve turf health and player friendliness in Sugarloaf ’s challenging mountain climate. The course is open to the public. 20

To reach Sugarloaf, drive north of Farmington on Route 27 for approximately 40 miles through beautiful countryside into the mountains along the rocky Carrabassett River. Wilson Lake Country Club 320 Weld Road, Wilton Evergreen Golf Club Dallas Hill Road, Rangeley www.evergreengolfrangeley.net Mingo Springs Golf Club Country Club Road, Rangeley

Swimming and Boating

Mt. Blue State Park has a picnic area on Webb Lake, surrounded by Mt. Blue, Jackson, and Tumbledown Mountains. The park is a great place to camp, rent a canoe or take a hike. To get to Webb Lake, take Route 4 in Wilton and Route 156 north to Weld. Cathedral Pines is located on Flagstaff Lake in Eustis, on a 300-acre plot of red pine amid some of New England’s most

spectacular scenery. Public swimming and private areas for campers are provided. Clearwater Lake in Industry is on Route 43. The water is clean and clear with a beautiful view, great waves, and soft sand. The lake is also nice for fishing, boating, water skiing, sailing and camping. Coos Canyon is located in the old mining town of Byron, about 10 miles southeast of Height of the Land in Rangeley on Route 17. Carved by powerful water action from the Swift River, this area is a great swimming and diving spot, with interesting scenery and rock formations. The canyon water is cool and crystal clear—perfect on a hot summer day— and there are lots of small pools, perfect for children to splash in safely. The river is also a popular spot for treasureseeking gold panners! Plan to spend a few hours swimming and exploring the river, waterfall, and canyon. Bring a picnic lunch as there is a nice picnic area with tables and grills.

www.franklincountymaine.org

The Sandy River, Farmington The intersection of Routes 2, 4, and 27 by the bridge in Farmington has a canoe put-in and picnic area on the Sandy River. The put-in is a rock staircase, with many steps to the river, and is not a ramp. Beanie’s Public Beach, Strong An ideal spot for family summer fun, the Strong Public Beach at Porter Lake offers a boat launch, changing facilities, picnic tables in the shade, and of course, the sandy beach. Kineowatha Park, Wilton is a 62-acre park with volleyball, tennis, and basketball courts, a recreation hall with video games, ping-pong tables, and air hockey, a snack bar, a skateboard park, and a sandy beach. Buildings are available for class reunions, family picnics, or other gatherings. Mt. Blue Pond in Avon is a great place to canoe, boat, swim, or fish. It is located about three miles north of Strong.

Walking Trails

Whistle Stop Rail-Trail in Farmington is a 13-mile trail for walking, horseback riding, ATVing, or mountain biking. The trail’s sandy and often rutted surface, and the dense pine forest that surrounds much of the route demands your attention. If you are not in a hurry, you can enjoy the scenery without letting the surface jostle you physically or mentally. Bonney Woods, Flint Woods, and Powder House Hill Trails, Farmington This forested haven within easy walking distance of downtown Farmington, is complete with easy walking trails, benches, and an old fenced-in cemetery. A two-year renovation project was completed in 2012 that included drainage along the pathways, trail resurfacing, new signs, and the construction of three bridges, which improved connected areas of the trail network.

Kineowatha Park, Wilton Located on Wilson Lake, this park offers easy nature trails. Narrow Gauge Pathway in Carrabassett Valley is a wonderful non-motorized, multi-use trail. Approved parking lots are located at the Campbell Field trailhead, the Anti-Gravity complex, and at the town office in Carrabassett Valley. The trail surface is a type of crushed packed stone, very smooth and easy for any age. The trail is approximately 6 miles with a gradual increase in grade from the southernmost trailhead, at the Carrabassett Town Office. Both Campbell Field and the Anti-Gravity Center trailheads provide a relaxing downhill ride with a more challenging return ride. Picnic areas are located along the trail for your convenience.

Photos of Wilson Lake courtesy of Susan Atwood

Norcross Pond in Chesterville is off the Ridge Road. It’s a great place to swim and fish, and offers a public boat launch.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Hiking Angel Falls is located off Route 17, south of Oquossoc. Hike the trail to Piazza Rock. Check out the bear caves and see a birdâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;seye view of Flagstaff Lake. This is a great spot for pictures while looking for moose, birds and other wildlife. Tumbledown Mountain is located off the Byron Road east of Weld on the side of Webb Lake. Take the Brook Trail for a hike that is well-marked and not too steep. Daggett Rock is located on the Wheeler Hill Road in Phillips. All ages will enjoy climbing this rock which was deposited by a glacier and is now in three pieces. Mount Blue State Park offers lots of trails on and around Mount Blue, Tumbledown, Little Jackson, Blueberry, and Bald mountains that are suitable for hikers of all abilities. There is also a multi-use trail in the Center Hill section of the park for mountain bikers, hikers, equestrians, and ATV-riders. Bigelow Range boasts lengthy ridge walks, fine views, and strenuous hiking in a limited alpine environment. The 4,150foot summit of West Peak is perfect for day-hikers looking for a challenge. The Bigelow Range is located east of the town of Stratton, between Flagstaff Lake and Maine Routes 16 and 27.

Carrabassett River Trail, also called the Woodabogan Trail, is a 6.2 mile trail from Carrabassett to Bigelow open to the public to hike, bike, or ski on. The trail follows the Carrabassett River on the south end and Sugarloaf on the north end. The trail is maintained for cross-country skiing in the winter by Sugarloaf USA. There is no fee for summer use of the trail. The trail can be accessed from the north via Bigelow Station or from highway 27 adjacent to Campbell Field across from the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center. 22

www.franklincountymaine.org

Photo courtesy of Brian Whalen

The Appalachian Trail runs through Madrid. From Farmington, follow Route 4 through Strong and Phillips. Watch for Appalachian Trail signs.

Photo courtesy of Alana Ranney

Walking & Hiking Trails

Camping

State Parks

Dummer’s Beach is located on the east side of Webb Lake in Weld. In addition to the campground, Dummer’s Beach has sandy beaches, shallow water for swimming, and a playground for kids.

Attractions and Recreation: In the Webb Lake area, there is a campground, a sandy beach with a bathhouse, hot showers, flush toilets, a boat launch, amphitheater, and a nature center with environmental education talks and displays. The nearby Center Hill Area provides a scenic picnic spot and nature trail as well as an extensive multiuse trail open to ATVs, horses, walkers, and mountain bikers. Mt. Blue is a popular day hike. A naturalist leads scheduled hikes and programs during the summer months. Adirondack shelters are available for large group use and canoes may be rented.

Mount Blue State Park is actually a pair of parks, one on Mount Blue itself and the other alongside Webb Lake. The park’s campground is located in the Webb Lake section. All of the 136 sites in the campground are within a short walk of the lake. The sites are set within a dense, diverse forest with thick undergrowth. The woods are a mix of young and old deciduous and coniferous trees, with lots of spruce, birch, and maple mixed in. While the forest varies dramatically, the sites here have a relatively standard shape and layout, though they differ in size.

Troll Valley is located in Farmington on the Red School House Road. It has twentyfive camp/RV sites, most with electricity and water hookups. There are hiking, biking, and walking trails on site as well as an 18-hole disc golf course. Stop by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and pick up a Maine Camping Guide or visit campmaine.com for more camping information.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Mt. Blue State Park in Weld is one of Maine’s largest parks. The park encompasses 8,000 acres, which are used for camping, swimming, hiking, boating, fishing, nature study, and wildlife-viewing.

Chain of Ponds Public Reserved Land is accessible off of Route 27, north of Stratton, in Eustis. The area includes over 1,100 acres of Natanis, Long, Bag, and Lower Ponds joined by short thoroughfares to form the “chain.” Primitive and amenity lakeshore campsites are offered to anglers and paddleboaters or others wishing to experience beautiful mountain scenery in Maine’s western territory.

Search a growing database of fourseason trails at Maine Trail Finder to find the right trail for your next adventure. More than 50 Franklin County trails are featured. Browse interactive trail maps, trail descriptions, pictures, and trip reports. Maine Trail Finder www.mainetrailfinder.com/

Attractions and Recreation: Fishing, swimming, and picnicking are enjoyed during the warmer months. Hunting and trapping are allowed, subject to state rules and regulations. Call 207-287-3821 for specific policies and laws regarding these activities. Rangeley Lake State Park is located in one of Maine’s most beautiful vacation regions, the western mountains. The park consists of 869 remote acres, on the 10-square mile Rangeley Lake. The park entrance is located off South Shore Drive in Rangeley and is normally open May through September. Attractions and Recreation: The lake is famous for landlocked salmon and trout fishing, and anglers who voluntarily catch and release contribute to quality fishing. In addition to water sports, visitors enjoy hiking, picnicking, camping, wildlife watching, and photography. The campground is small, with fifty campsites situated among fragrant spruce and fir trees, and some sites have water access. The campground and day-use areas offer picnicking, swimming, and a concrete boat launching ramp with floats. There is a children’s play area, hiking trails, and modern rest rooms with hot showers.

Wilton Blueberry Festival For a complete schedule: www.wiltonbbf.com

All events FREE of charge

• Maine blueberry products galore! • Many artisans and vendors • Fantastic parade Saturday • Antique tractor pulls • Boat tours • Fireworks • 1 mile, 5K, and 10K races • Blueberry pancake breakfast • Medical Inflatables at Kineowatha Park Friday and Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Live music and entertainment including Re-Creation on Friday, August 1st, 7:15 p.m. at the Academy Hill School in Wilton

Location

Downtown Wilton is located one mile west of the Routes 2 & 4 junction, 45 minutes from Auburn, Augusta, and Rangeley; 2.5 hours from Bar Harbor; and 1.5 hours from Bangor, Portland, and New Hampshire’s White Mountains.

Wilton’s signature twoday event, always the first weekend in August!

Re-Creation

was founded in 1976 and since then has performed thousands of concerts all across America! Re-Creation’s main service is to America’s hospitalized veterans in Veterans Affairs Medical Centers and State Veterans Homes. Since 1983, Re-Creation has provided the only continuing, live, therapeutic entertainment presence in our nation’s VA Medical Centers. Learn more at re-creationusa.org

www.franklincountymaine.org

Homes Lots & Acreage Camps & Cottages Commercial Property www.VillageRealtyMaine.com

207-778-9999 915 U.S. Route 2E â&#x20AC;˘ P.O. Box 237 East Wilton, ME 04234 info@VillageRealtyMaine.com

GENERAL CONTRACTING

WEATHERIZATION

Photos courtesy of the Wilton Blueberry Festival

SIPS CONSTRUCTION

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BUILDINGEFFICIENCY Call us today: 207.749.9656 www.uprightframeworks.com Serving Southern and Western Maine 25

Autumn

Leaf Peeping Drives

Cape Cod Hill Loop About 12.3 miles Route 2, from Farmington Falls through routes 134 and 41 in New Sharon This loop drives past the New Sharon Elementary School and the Sandy River Golf Course. Smallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Falls About 30 miles From Route 4 in Farmington Follow Route 4 North from Farmington for about 30 miles to find Smalls Falls. Wheeler Hill in Phillips About 21 miles From Route 4 in Farmington to Route 142 in Phillips and from Phillips to the Wheeler Hill Road 26

Photo courtesy of Susan Atwood

colors demand attention, and one of the best ways to enjoy them is to go for a scenic drive. For more fall fun, go hunting, explore a fairs or go apple and pumpkin picking!

Bonney Woods to Industry About 9 miles From Anson Street in Farmington to Route 43 in Industry This drive goes past Bonney Woods, a nice park for hikes and enjoying nature. Soules Hill From Route 133 in Farmington to Route 156 to the Soules Hill Road in Jay Catch a grand view at the top of the Soules Hill Road every season of the year. Scenic Byway 47 miles Route 27 Located in northern Franklin County, State Scenic Byway 27 offers outdoor adventures, historic towns, authentic culture, and spectacular scenery. This

47-mile byway also serves as a principal corridor connecting the State of Maine with the Canadian Province of Quebec. At the southern end of the Byway, Kingfield provides numerous visitor services and amenities (be sure to park your car and explore this beautiful village on foot). Visits to the Stanley Museum, shopping downtown, and walks along side streets lined with historic homes are well worth the time. Traveling north from Kingfield, the Carrabassett River winds alongside the byway, beckoning swimmers and fly fishermen to the clear and cold mountain waters. Soon you will enter the Town of Carrabassett Valley, a small town with big outdoor recreational opportunities. www.franklincountymaine.org

A few miles north of Sugarloaf, the legendary Appalachian Trail (a 2,169mile footpath from Springer Mountain in Georgia to Mount Katahdin in Maine) crosses the Byway. If you feel like stretching your legs, a hike along the Appalachian Trail (A. T.) will take you into the 34,500-acre Bigelow Preserve where an extensive network of hiking trails provides both day-length and extended backcountry experiences. Continuing north on Route 27, the Byway enters the small town of Stratton. Area stores can outfit you for fishing on the 16.65-acre Flagstaff Lake or for snowmobiling on the many miles of groomed trails in the area. From Stratton, travelers can also follow route 16 (west) to Rangeley and the Rangeley Lakes Scenic Byway. Traveling north from Stratton, the Byway follows a portion of the historic path that Benedict Arnold and 1,100 American troops took in 1775 in an attempt to overthrow the British in Quebec City (the area attracts military buffs looking for artifacts). As the byway travels through the Boundary Mountains, Route 27 winds alongside the Dead River and the Chain of Ponds on its way to Coburn Gore (northern gateway to the Byway and Canadian border). The 400 million yearold ancient rock formations in this region provide outstanding scenery and natural studies. Height of the Land 12 miles From Route 17 in Oquossoc A view of the White Mountains and Rangeley area can be seen right from the roadside turnoff and is stunning in every season. A great time to hit this spot is at dusk to catch the sunset. www.franklincountymaine.org

Franklin Heritage Loop 103 miles Looping from Route 27 in Farmington to Route 16 in Kingfield and Route 4 in Rangely, back to Route 27 in Farmington The loop starts in Farmington, where you should plan to spend some time downtown to visiting all the great shops

and eateries. Be sure to check out the rich array of historic residencies, including one of Maine’s few octagonal houses. The Nordica Homestead Museum offers artifacts of Lillian Nordica, a well-known opera singer from Farmington. Kingfield offers excellent shops and restaurants, and has a historical life as well, being the birthplace of the Stanley Brothers who invented the Stanley Steamer. Artifacts of their life and history can be found at The Stanley Museum. North of Kingfield is Sugarloaf, offering skiing in the winter and a golf course for the warmer months, and the Bigelow Preserve, which has spectacular day hike options. Next, the loop proceeds to Route 16 in Stratton, where you’ll find The Dead River Historical Society. Be careful, though! This route to Rangeley is referred to as “Moose Alley” by locals! In Rangeley Village, stop to explore the logging history of the region at the at the Rangeley Lakes Region Logging Museum, or take time out for trout fishing in the fabled Rangeley Lakes (or snowmobiling if the lakes are frozen over). The little town of Weld is definitely worth a side trip for exploring the Mount Blue State Park or grabbing a bite to eat at Morning Glory Bakery as you head south along the Rangeley Lakes National Scenic Byway (Route 4), eventually reaching back where you started in Farmington.

Other Autumn Activities

The western mountain regions offer a wide variety of fall activities. Hunters can enjoy several thousand square miles of land to hunt birds, bear, deer, and moose. The annual Farmington Fair is in September and a good sign that fall is here. There you can enjoy food, games, exhibits, carnival rides, and much more. The autumn season also gives you a chance to enjoy visiting local apple orchards, take a walk through Sandy River Farm’s Corn Maize, or pick out the perfect pumpkin at local pumpkin patches. 27

Photo of pumpkins courtesy of Alana Ranney. Photo of Farmington Fair courtesy of Taylor McCafferty.

In addition to the region’s highly rated golf and downhill skiing facilities (contact Sugarloaf for info), the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center offers over 65 miles of cross country ski trails (the largest such trail system in Maine) which in the summer is given over to use by mountain bike enthusiasts.

Winter

may get cold here in Franklin County, but when the mountains are calling, you must go! With all the fun outdoor activities, the last thing you’ll want to do is stay inside.

Rangeley www.saddlebackmaine.com Saddleback is bigger than you think, different from the rest, and still growing. As one of New England’s finest family resorts, the mountain provides both extensive beginner terrain and a high elevation alpine experience with excellent snow surfaces and abundant snowfall. It offers 66 trails and glades ranging from gentle beginner slopes to rugged double black diamonds. Owned by the Berry Family since 2003, Saddleback focuses on keeping the sport affordable and making each guest feel welcome. Kennebago Steeps! The Kennebago Steeps! is the largest steep skiing and riding facility in the East, with 12 trails and glades including the 44-acre Casablanca glade. These trails are topto-bottom black diamond and double 28

Peak Pass Saddleback has expanded the PEAK (Promoting Education and Activity for Kids) pass to ALL New England Honors Students! Honor roll students in Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont are eligible. Accommodations Saddleback is the perfect place to vacation! Saddleback offers ski-in/ski-out trailside condominiums perfect to call home while you’re on the mountain. Our condos and lodges are perfect for your Maine ski vacation or summer retreat. With 1, 2, 3 and 4 bedrooms, your friends and

family can enjoy the convenience of being slopeside in beautifully appointed mountainside lodging, overlooking Saddleback Lake with amazing vistas of Western Maine’s lakes and mountains. It’s the perfect backdrop for your vacation.

Titcomb Mountain

Farmington www.titcombmountain.com Enjoy the magic of skiing days and nights at Titcomb Mountain. The 750-foot slope features 15 alpine trails for all skill levels, from beginner to expert, a terrain trail for snowboarders, and beautiful, newly renovated Nordic trails, totalling 15.4 kilometers. The gifts of Mother Nature are supplemented with snow making. Private ski lessons at $15 an hour can usually be arranged with 24-hour notice and occasionally on very short notice. Please inquire if you are interested. Titcomb Mountain is affordable and family-oriented, offering a number of free and low-cost programs for all ages. www.franklincountymaine.org

Photo courtesy of Mickelle McCafferty

Saddleback

black diamond runs with no mixing with lower level trails. The Kennebago Steeps is serviced by the Kennebago Quad chairlift. Adjacent to the lift at the base of the Casablanca glade is Kennebago Station restaurant.

Sugarloaf

Carrabassett Valley www.sugarloaf.com Sugarloaf is known around the world as the largest ski area east of the Rockies. Its ski terrain is legendary and its triangular shape is a sight to behold. Sugarloaf attracts an incredible cast of characters called “Sugarloafers” and their stories are as varied as the places they come from. Simply put—Sugarloaf is world-class. Join us.

Mt. Blue State Park

Weld Though Mount Blue State Park is about a two and a half-hour drive from Bangor and less than two hours from Portland, the 8,000-acre park is like a walk on the wild side. From winter headquarters on Center Hill Road, just the panorama of a shimmering Webb Lake below and the frosty Tumbledown Mountain Range in the distance is worth the drive. The park, which attracts some 60,000 visitors per year, has 14 miles of cross-country ski trails. This is also snowmobile country. Skiers and snowshoers have the option of also using the

www.franklincountymaine.org

snowmobile trails. Snowshoers are asked to stay off the ski trails, though snowshoe-only trails may be cut in the future.

Snowshoeing

Bunawabskeg (Redington Pond) Loop, Carrabassett Valley A jewel of a mountain, remote Sugarloaf is the second highest mountain in Maine. Though the ‘Loaf in winter is primarily associated with downhill skiing and snowboarding, the 60-mile network of cross country ski trails at the Sugarloaf

USA Outdoor Center near the base of the pyramid-shaped mountain are groomed pathways through the Maine woods with views of the snow-capped Bigelow Range. With the explosion of snowshoeing, webbed trekkers can waddle on the skate lane of all 60 miles or twist their way through the 18 miles of snowshoe-only trails. One rigorous snowshoe trip is the 8 mile round-trip climb to the summit of Burnt Mountain via the East Trail. From the summit, the panorama includes the slopes of Sugarloaf and—if the sky is clear—distant Mount Washington in New Hampshire and wild Katahdin in Baxter State Park.

Photos courtesy of Alana Ranney

In the summer of 2010, the mountain launched Sugarloaf 2020. Sugarloaf 2020 is the ten-year road map for future capital investment and growth at the resort. Since the announcement, the resort has seen 270 acres of new terrain added to the resort and sweeping improvements to its infrastructure. In 2012, the resort added another 135 acres of silent, powder-filled ski terrain. The resort also installed a state-of-the-art, fixed-grip quad chairlift. At Sugarloaf, the future is bright and complete details can be found at sugarloaf 2020.com.

Ice Skating

Skate on one of the many lakes and ponds or at Hippach Field in Farmington, night or day, which also has a warming house with a wood stove. Kineowatha Park in Wilton also offers an outdoor rink and lights with a warming house. Carrabassett Valley also offers great ice skating. It is located one mile south of the Sugarloaf access road. Look for the sign on the south side of Route 27.

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing can be enjoyed on virtually any Maine lake or pond as long as the ice is thick enough. Landlocked salmon and trout are some of the best fish to catch in Maine. For a list of lakes open to ice fishing in Franklin County, visit: www.maine.gov/ ifw/fishing/opportunities.

Snowboarding

Sugarloaf ’s Superpipe is 400 feet long and is maintained with a state-of-the-art 18foot Zaugg Pipe Monster. For beginning pipe riders, a fully-maintained mini-pipe will once again be located in the Stomping Grounds.

Web Resources for Maine Snowmobiling The following Web sites feature Maine Snowmobiling and offer trail maps, snow conditions, laws and rules, and more! Snowmobile Maine www.mesnow.com Sled Maine www.sledmaine.com

For snowmobilers, winter in Maine is filled with travel, adventures, and the camaraderie of those who enjoy the crisp fresh air and changeable landscape of the season. Each year, many snowmobilers found winter adventure on the Maine snowmobile trail system, exploring the state, visiting winter festivals and events and sharing the experience with outdoor enthusiasts with a passion for snow riding. Whether snowmobilers are taking a day trip from home or traveling far from home, they are seeking the same thing: well-groomed, well-marked trails. Forty years of trail development by snowmobile club volunteers have produced a system of over 13,500 miles of such trails in Maine. Several thousand miles are designated as the ‘Interconnected Trail System’, a connected network of travel providing long distance riding across the state. In a good snow year, riders may access the ITS at any chosen location and snowmobile to any other location in the system. Be sure to stop by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce before going on your next snowmobiling adventure to pick up some trail maps to help plan your trip!

Photo of Wilson Lake courtesy of Susan Atwood

www.sugarloaf.com Sugarloaf has completely redesigned its terrain park landscape, adding two new parks, a permanent snowboardcross course, and an entirely rebuilt Superpipe. The new parks include the Haywire advanced park, and the Skybound beginner park on Whiffletree. Sidewinder,

the new snowboardcross course, was built in collaboration with Sugarloaf ’s own Seth Wescott and is located underneath the Super Quad. Intermediate park features will once again be found in the Stomping Grounds.

Snowmobiling

www.franklincountymaine.org

Photo courtsey of Scott Landry

Photo courtesy of Main-Land Development

Think Snow Wherever the snow lands this winter, there’s most likely an Maine Snowmobile Association club in the area that has been preparing for its arrival for months. Volunteers have consulted with landowners, brushed out the trail, built and repaired bridges, posted signs, and as grooming begins, are ready to welcome riders to their trails. MSA snowmobile clubs are proud of their trail system, and welcome all visitors who ride safely, operate within the law and respect the land, the landowners and the clubs’ efforts. Franklin County welcomes you—enjoy! The Black Fly Loop Maine’s premier mountain snowmobile trail is the Black Fly Loop. Like the hub of a great wheel, the loop circles the heart of Franklin County, connecting the spokes that comprise the more than 300 miles of well-groomed mountain trails. These trails reach north through Eustis, Jackman, and The Forks, west www.franklincountymaine.org

to Rangeley, Oquossoc, and New Hampshire, east to Carrabassett Valley, Kingfield, and North New Portland, and south to Farmington, Wilton, and Weld. The Black Fly Loop has the widest variety of trails available in the east. These uncrowded trails wander through stands of pine, and climb majestic mountains. Snow Goer Magazine and Snowmobile Magazine consider the region to be one of the top 40 snowmobiling hot spots in the United States and Canada. Spectacular lookouts abound from mountaintops to glacier valleys, and from lakes to ponds. Picturesque New England towns and villages provide service and amenities for all tastes. Bring your cameras in case you catch a moose or deer drinking in one of the small streams, and discover the magic places the Black Fly Loop has to offer.

Things to see along the Black Fly Loop • Rangeley Lake: Where the “Snodeo” winter carnival is held in January • Weld Lake: Where grand mountains rise right out of the lake • Allen’s Pinnacle: Overlooks Salem, Phillips, and the mountains to the west • Kingfield Overlook: Breathtaking views of Kingfield • Grand Falls: Largest horseshoe falls north of Niagara in Stratton/Eustis • Stratton/Eustis: Polar Blast held in early February with games, a radar run, a poker run, and a scavenger hunt • Bag Mountain: Overlooks the Canadian Trail in Eustis. This view will take your breath away.

hester Greenwood was a Farmington entrepreneur who has gone down in history as the inventor of earmuffs. An inventor for the ordinary man, he could look at a labor intensive job and then figure out how to get it done more simply and comfortably. In addition to earmuffs, Chester Greenwood also invented the wide bottom kettle, spring steel rake, shock absorber that is an ancestor to today’s airplane-landing gear, a new type of spark plug, a simple donut hook, a folding bed, and bearings to keep wheels from wrenching off. Greenwood was fifteen when he designed the first pair of ear protectors out of wire, beaver fur, and cloth. At the age of nineteen, he acquired a U.S. patent. By age twenty-eight, the Chester Greenwood & Company factory was producing and shipping champion ear protectors worldwide. In 1936 the company had its biggest year producing 400,000 pairs. 32

Photo of Main Street, Farmington courtesy of Susan Atwood

Chamber Events

Chester Greenwood Day

The annual Chester Greenwood Day is hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and takes place the first Saturday in December, bringing thousands to the area to watch and/or participate in the hour-long parade.

Come inside and warm up as you enjoy taste testing the chili entered in the Annual Chili Challenge or view the wonderful gingerbread houses that many have spent hours on in the Annual Gingerbread House Contest. Those who attend may also enjoy a tasty piece of cake in honor of Chester Greenwood. As you stroll through the downtown area,

you’ll see folks of all sizes and ages having great fun while shopping, enjoying food from the wonderful eateries, or enjoying a scenic horse and buggy ride through the downtown area. You may even run into one of Chester’s family as many make the trek to Farmington each year to participate in the parade and visit with relatives who still live locally. Local student musicians and carollers also line the streets and corners sharing beautiful songs and carols for passersby. The following Saturday, the Farmington Rotary puts on its Annual Festival of Trees. Trees are brought in early with volunteers from businesses and organizations decorating each in their own theme. The trees can be viewed all day long and are then auctioned off at a gala event in the evening to the highest bidder. The trees are delivered to each recipient’s home, decorations and tree stand included. This is a great community event that can’t be missed! www.franklincountymaine.org

Hammond_MPLH_4_625.pdf 1 3/13/2014 8:38:58 PM

www.franklincountymaine.org

he Franklin County Chamber of Commerce “Celebrated Stars in Business & Community” with 125 members and guests at their Annual Meeting Dinner held Thursday November 21 in the North Dining Hall of the University of Maine at Farmington. The evening was kicked off with a spectacular social hour, complete with a red carpet walk photographed by Melissa Hurley of Memories by Melissa Photography, a Hollywood themed photo booth provided by Alana Ranney of Alana’s Fine Art Photography and appetizers courtesy of Aramark.

Large Business: Franklin Savings Bank

Franklin Savings Bank has been described as a wonderful community partner over the years and was recognized for their role in opening a stairway connecting two streets in downtown Farmington to enhance foot traffic. They were also commended for their donations to support causes throughout Franklin County. Peter Judkins, President of Franklin Savings Bank was joined by a number of FSB employees to accept the award for Large Business of the Year.

Small Business: Shiretown Insurance

This business was nominated because owner, Scott Landry, has demonstrated that Shiretown Insurance is a cornerstone in the local community through contributions of both time and money to many charitable causes over the years. Owner Scott Landry was joined by his dedicated team to accept their award for Small Business of the Year.

Nonprofit: Farmington Rotary

This organization was nominated by community members for their support of numerous events in our area, their active leadership role in Franklin County, and their dedication to introducing leadership to students of all ages. Tom Sawyer, President of Rotary, was joined by several Rotarians to accept the award for Non-Profit Group of the Year.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Group photos courtesy of Melissa Hurley. Photo booth photos courtesy of Alana Ranney.

Chamber Events

Chamber Award Winners 2013

The 21st Annual Home Show will be held on March 21, 2015 at Mt. Blue High School.

Home & Leisure Show The new Mt. Blue Campus was a great venue for this annual event. This year the crowds awaited the opening at 9 a.m. and continued throughout the day. The local radio station, WKTJ 99.3 FM broadcast the event live, interviewing many happy vendors and spectators.

The Home and Leisure Show is a great event showcasing a variety of businesses, including building suppliers, realtors, media, health care, florists, garden, and landscaping services. Attendees will enjoy many giveaways and door prizes while seeing some of the best business that Franklin County has to offer.

“We are pleased to be hosting this signature event at the new Mt Blue Campus. Last year, it proved to be a fantastic event with a great turnout,” said Glenn Kapiloff, Franklin County board member and committee chair for the event. “This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase one’s business.”

The chamber looks forward to registering more businesses from all over Franklin County and feature demonstrations and entertainment for 2015. The Chamber would like to thank its Partners for making this event possible: Platinum Partner: Franklin Savings Bank Gold Partners: Assistance Plus County Seat Realty, Dead River Co., Hammond Lumber, Skowhegan Savings Bank, Farmington Walmart, and The Morning Sentinel. Media Partners: Turner Publishing, WKTJ 99.3 FM, Daily Bulldog, Franklin Journal, Irregular, and The Sun Journal.

Photos courtesy of Susan Atwood

ne of Franklin County Chamber of Commerce’s signature events, the 2015 Home & Leisure Show will be held at the Mt. Blue campus in Farmington, Maine on March 21, 2015 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $1 per person via the school’s main entrance.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Event Calendar

things to do in

Franklin County june

01, 2014

Lupine Festival with Art and Antique Show at Stony Batter Gallery, Oquossoc. Open daily 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

20th Annual National Trails Day Local trail enthusiasts can join others nationwide to discover, learn about, and celebrate America’s trail system. FMI on the events and locations check, Androscoggin Land Trust at www. androscogginlandtrust.org or call (207) 782-2302.

13-15

Family Fun Days Eustis/Stratton This event is held in the Village of Stratton, on the shore of Flagstaff Lake. The theme for this year’s event is “Disney on Parade.” Don’t miss the free entertainment, karaoke, yard sales, parade, antique and classic auto show, bounces and slides FREE for all kids, family games, pig roast, cookie contest, fireworks, canoe and kayak sprint race and our 18 hole golf tournament. FMI 207-670-0808 or www. eustismaine.com

Trek Across Maine Cycling Event A 3-day, 180-mile bicycle tour across Maine from Sunday River in Newry to Belfast. The Trek Across Maine is a ride, not a race, with a one night layover in Farmington on Friday, June 13. It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the American Lung Association nationwide.

6th Annual Scholarship Fund Golf Tournament at Maple Lane Golf Course, 295 Maple Lane, Livermore The JayLivermore-Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce hosts this 18-hole golf scramble tournament to raise funds for scholarships awarded to RSU 73 students who pursue a course of study in business or technical education, at a university, community college or an accredited trade school. FMI: www.jay-livermore-lf. org (207) 897-6755 36

Strong Pierpole Days Pierpole Days is the town’s annual community celebration. Festivities start in late afternoon and include an assortment of barbecues and a 6 p.m. parade with floats and music.

27-29

Kingfield Pops Held at the Kennedy Farm in Kingfield The 2014 concert features the Bangor Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Grammy-winner Lucas Richman, Jonathan Edwards, Kate Schrock, Pihcintu Multicultural Chorus, Western Mountain Trash Can Band, and the Grand Fireworks Finale. The gate opens at 4:30 p.m. Adults: $30 at the gate, $25

in advance. Youth tickets for age 17 and younger are free of charge, thanks to our generous sponsors. Strawberry Festival at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center Take a wagon ride, meet the school’marm, take a mansion tour, play games, see living history demonstrations in the Farmer’s Cottage, hear stories in the Meeting House and Library, make a period craft, hear music, take a nature walk to the Pools of Simeon, enjoy strawberry shortcake, and more! 10am-4pm $10/$6/$25 family rate

july

Summer Living History Tours Visit Maine’s oldest living history farm and museum. The 445-acre site includes the 1867 Washburn family mansion and farmer’s cottage, and a restored 1853 one-room schoolhouse. Visitors to this site are engaged by interpreters—dressed in period clothing—who portray a local person who you might have met had you visited in 1870. Tour at your own pace. Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays until August 30, 11am-4pm

Tri-Town Independence Day Fireworks The Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce coordinates the annual Independence Day fireworks display for the three towns it serves. The fireworks are set up at the Spruce Mountain Ski Slope in Jay and are shot over the Androscoggin River.

Farmington Fourth of July Parade Come see Farmington Rotary Club’s annual parade. Carrabassett Valley 4th of July Celebration Events include a children’s parade. Meet at 12:15 p.m. at Tufulio’s Parking Lot. www.franklincountymaine.org

Events follow at the town park, The town pool opens at 12 noon. A magician and sawdust pile will follow with karaoke, bands, and fireworks at dark. For more information call 207-235-2645 or check us out at www.carrabassettvalley.org.

Annual Health Care Golf Classic Franklin Community Health Network’s two-day, two-tournament event at the Sugarloaf Golf Club will take place on July 14th. The beneficiaries will be the Healthy Community Coalition and the Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center. Both provide health services to people in need. FMI: 779-2555.

Kenny Loggins Concert Rangeley Region Health and Wellness Partnership Benefit Concert featuring Kenny Loggins at 6:30. Also featuring Mallett Brother Band at 4 p.m. and Blue Sky Riders at 5 p.m. Gates open 3 p.m. Rangeley 864-4397

hosting music, displays, artisans, crafts, famous bean-hole dinner. The woodsmen and woodswomen logging competition is from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI 864-3939 Summer Fest, Downtown Farmington This year’s annual festival will feature a farmers market, locally-made foods, wines, street performers, live music and entertainers, artisans, crafters, and much more! Broadway will be limited to foot traffic only all day. 10 a.m. - 9:30p.m. Presented by the Farmington Downtown Association. For more information, visit www.downtownfarmington.com

Maine Open Farm Day 100 plus farms throughout Maine are open to the public. See what life on the farm is all about with activities and demonstrations on milking, felting, petting and feeding animals and livestock. FMI (207) 287-3702.

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Free Boat Rides Free Boat Rides on Wilson Lake at Canal Street Boat Launch, Wilton. As part of the Wilton Blueberry Festival, the Friends of Wilson Lake offer free rides on safe, stable pontoon boats, weather permitting.

01-02

Wilton Blueberry Festival 32 years running and more than 60 unique events throughout the weekend, the festival has something for everyone. Start off the weekend with one of Maine’s largest parades Saturday. Come and enjoy crafters, vendors, and top performers Re-Creation at Academy Hill School on August 1 at 7:15 p.m. It is all wrapped up with a spectacular fireworks display. This is a can’t-miss event!

34th Annual Logging Museum Festival Days & Parade Following the parade, the museum will be

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LEAP’s 8th Annual Golf Tournament and Silent Auction at the Sandy River Golf Club in New Sharon will be on Saturday, August 9, 2014. All proceeds will benefit LEAP, Inc. and its non-Medicaid funded programs. Registration to start at 11:30 am—prior reservations are strongly suggested! The cost will be $30 per golfer or $120 for a team of four. Course registration is limited to 72 players; early team reservations are strongly encouraged! FMI: Deelight@ leapcommunity.org

10-17

Phillips Old Home Days Old Home Days is the highlight of the year for the surrounding community. It’s a week of festivities, contests and celebration, featuring bathtub, bike, and running races, a parade, a street dance, lumberman’s competition, flower show, quilt show, photo contest, and a duck derby.

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Event Calendar

september 05-07

51st Annual Convention of the Maine State Federation of Firefighters Farmington Fire Rescue will be hosting the convention in downtown Farmington and at the Farmington Fairgrounds.

12th Annual Franklin County Chamber and Seth Wescott Golf Classic The Golf Classic will be held at the award-winning Sugarloaf Golf Course in Carrabassett Valley. A portion of the proceeds benefit the David Robie Scholarship and the Level Field Fund.

6th Annual Autumn Pie and Arts Taste or buy all sorts of homemade pies while musicians perform on the lawn at the Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore 1-4 p.m. Afternoon activities include music and pies on the lawn, a Victorian fashion show, and mansion tours. FMI: www.norlands.org or 207- 897-4366. Mind Body Spirit Festival The festival features holistic health practitioners, energy healers, psychics and mediums, herbs and organic products, metaphysical supplies, enlightening workshops and a whole lot more. Will be held at the University of Maine at Farmington Student Center on 111 South Street in Farmington from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. FMI: www. mindbodyspiritfestival.org

14-20

Farmington Agricultural Fair and Harness Racing Event includes a large midway, exhibit 38

halls, livestock exhibits, animal pulling events, and harness racing. Will be held at the Farmington Fairgrounds on High Street in Farmington. FMI: www. farmingtonfairmaine.com or (207) 7786083

Apple Pumpkin Festival Celebrate fall in the Central Androscoggin River Valley. in Livermore Falls at the Recreation fields from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A variety of vendors and craft artisans, agricultural products, historical and educational displays, demonstrations, exhibits, contests, music, seasonal decorations, antique tractors, raffles and plenty of food all day long! There’s something for the whole family. FMI: www.jay-livermore-lf.org/apfest.html (207) 897-6755.

october

Front Street Annual Pumpkin Festival Pumpkin decorating, face painting, wagon rides, a pumpkin weighing contest, and a pumpkin pie eating contest are just a few events scheduled. FMI farmingtonpumpkinfestival.net Fall Harvest Festival This event is held in the Village of Stratton, Maine on Maine’s Route 27 Scenic Byway. Activities include a scarecrow contest, pumpkin decorating contest, favorite pie contest and many crafters selling local items. Take a drive from Kingfield to Coburn Gore along the Route 27 Scenic Byway and enjoy the great foliage. Bring your camera because memories last forever. FMI: 207-6700808 www.eustismaine.com

Fall Festival at Norlands Living history demonstrations, oneroom schoolhouse open house, mansion tours, music, wagon rides, guided nature walks, dancing, crafts, and more!

november 08

Veteran’s Day Dinner and Remembrance Program at Norlands A heritage dinner in the farmer’s cottage, followed by readings and music of the Civil War era in the Ladies’ Parlor of the 1867 Washburn Family Mansion. Reservations required. Call 207-897-4366 or visit www.norlands.org.

Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Annual Meeting Dinner and entertainment at UMF. FMI call 207-778-4215.

december

Chester Greenwood Day The first Saturday in December marks this annual celebration in downtown Farmington. There will be a parade, special sales at downtown businesses, a dip on Clearwater Lake by the local Polar Bear Club, and much more. See page 32 for more information! Festival of Trees A wonderful evening event hosted by the Farmington Rotary Club. Preview from noon–6 p.m. with the auction beginning at 6 p.m.

Christmas at Norlands Celebrate an old-fashioned Christmas in the 19th century. Activities include wagon rides, period crafts, one-room schoolhouse, storytelling, parlor games, cooking in the farmer’s cottage, and tours of the decorated Washburn family mansion. www.franklincountymaine.org

february 05 -07, 2015

19th Annual Polar Blast This event is held in the Villages of Eustis and Stratton, Maine. The area is a winter wonderland surrounded by rugged mountains, just minutes from Sugarloaf and Saddleback mountains. Snowmobile over 150 miles of groomed trails. Don’t miss Game Night, The Great Polar Silent Auction, Bonfire, Crazy Cardboard Sled

Slide, Fireworks, Karaoke Contest, 8th Grade Polar Breakfast, Bake/yard sale, Chili/Chowder/Stew Contest and Arnold Trail Snowmobile Club’s Radar Run. Friends are always welcome! FMI 207670-0808 www.eustismaine.com

march

21th Annual Home and Leisure Show Event includes food, music, giveaways and activities for all ages at Mt. Blue High

School in Farmington, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. FMI: franklincountymaine.org or (207) 778-4215

Maple Sugaring in the 19th century Collect sap and then watch an historic sap boiling demonstration. at WashburnNorlands Living History Center in Livermore from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Enjoy a pancake breakfast in the farmer’s cottage. FMI: www.norlands.org or 207897-4366 Maine Maple Sunday Enjoy the first sweet taste of spring in Maine! Join maple syrup producers across the state as they open their sugar houses and offer free maple syrup samples and other maple delights as well as demonstrations on making pure Maine maple syrup. Many offer games, activities, treats, sugar house tours, music and more.

Rotary’s Annual Price Is Right Scheduled at the Mt. Blue High School auditorium. The show begins at 6 p.m.

may

Fiddlehead Festival The Fiddlehead Festival, now in its 4th year, celebrates the abundance of locally grown and locally growing foods in Franklin County and will be taking place at the University of Maine at Farmington campus from 10 a.m. to 4p.m. The free festival includes fiddlehead walks, local food vendors, live music, and many demonstrations. FMI: visit the website at www.mainefiddleheadfestival.com

www.franklincountymaine.org

111 South Street, Farmington www.umf.maine.edu Established in 1864 as the state’s first public institution of higher education, the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is Maine’s public liberal arts college. Rooted in a rich tradition of teacher preparation, UMF has built a reputation as one of the finest public liberal arts colleges in New England. It offers quality programs in the arts and sciences, teacher education, health and human services and pre-professional studies—at an exceptional value. UMF has a well-earned reputation for helping students get a marketable degree at an affordable price. In 2013, UMF was named a “Best Bang for the Buck” college by Washington Monthly Magazine, coming in at number 14 nationally in its category and one of only two New England schools ranking in the top 20

Photos courtesy of UMF

Education

University of Maine at Farmington

area, three multi-purpose courts; a 1/ 8 mile walking-jogging track; and a 6-lane, 25-yard swimming pool. The UMF Fitness Center offers countless fitness classes, professional trainers, swim lessons, outdoor excursions, children and senior programs, and more. The University and the community are partners in hosting a rich blend of experiences in the arts. Community members are encouraged to take part in UMF’s Community Orchestra, Concert Band, and Theatre UMF. In addition, UMF welcomes the community to countless on-campus concerts, lectures, debates, films, readings, comedy nights, and a

wide range of other cultural and educational offerings year-round. Nestled alongside UMF’s Merrill Hall, the University’s Emery Community Arts Center forms an innovative and exciting “Arts District” right on campus. Opened in fall 2011, the Emery Community Arts Center is a stateof-the-art multi-use arts space, combining indoor performance venues, art galleries, class space, and outdoor performance areas. Made possible through a $5 million gift by a generous benefactor, the Center is named in honor of Ted and Marguerite Emery, arts enthusiasts and long-time Farmington residents.

Located in downtown Farmington, the friendly 2,000-student campus is an integral member of the Farmington area community. In fact, many of the University’s facilities and offerings are open to the public. A centerpiece of the close campus-community partnership is the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center. Open year-round, seven days a week, the facility features a fully-equipped and supervised weight room, a cardio fitness

www.franklincountymaine.org

Farmington’s youth soccer program and area sports camps are held at UMF’s Prescott Athletic Fields. The fields are available for area softball leagues and all kinds of pickup games. The public is always welcome to cheer on UMF’s baseball, basketball, cross-country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, alpine / Nordic skiing, soccer, softball, rugby, volleyball, and Ultimate Frisbee teams. UMF’s Gold LEAF Institute Senior College provides lifelong learning opportunities for area adults age 50 and older. This popular program offers invigorating classes, presentations, field trips, and social interaction—without the pressure of tests, term papers or other academic requirements. The University’s Mantor Library is open to the public year-round, and offers free library cards to community residents aged 12 and older. The community is also welcome to use Mantor Library’s internet access, browse its 700+ periodicals, its 100,000 volume collection, and make use of its other holdings.

Photo of lupine courtesy of Alana Ranney

UMF’s students, staff, and faculty are actively engaged in the community. UMF students participate in numerous other volunteer activities that better their neighborhoods. In fact volunteerism is even a part of the curriculum (called “Service-Learning”) in some UMF classes. In addition, many of the University’s 350+ employees are heavily involved in the community, serving countless civic and religious organizations. UMF is also known for its leadership and legacy in the field of Education. Simply put, the University of Maine at Farmington continues to produce the best and brightest teachers in Maine and beyond. Four of the past five Maine Teacher of the Year recipients have been UMF Education graduates. University of Maine at Farmington education graduates have been named Teacher of the Year in other states, as well. The University of Maine at Farmington is one of only a handful of institutions in Maine to be fully-accredited by both the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.

www.franklincountymaine.org

armington is fortunate to be the home of the innovative Mt. Blue Campus. This newly renovated and expanded building houses Mt. Blue High School, Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, Adult Basic Education and the Franklin County Community College Network. These organizations offer both students and adults the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in various areas. Foster CTE Center provides 18 programs to students from Mt. Abram High School, Rangeley Lakes High School, Spruce Mountain High School and Mt. Blue High School. These programs range from traditional trades programs such as Building Construction, Forestry, Metal Fabrication ,and Automotive Technology

to cutting-edge technical programs in Composite manufacturing, Biotechnology and Computer Science/Robotics. Students learn real-world skills while utilizing some of the most state-of-the art equipment in the field. Foster CTE Center runs a community Early Childhood program, culinary arts cafĂŠ and work in an on-site branch office of Franklin Savings Bank. Students can learn the latest digital media techniques in a live broadcast studio, film and graphic design in the Commercial Arts program or participate as volunteer firefighters in the fire science program. Most programs result in state and national certifications, such as the Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) program. Programs are also aligned with the Community College System and offer high school students college credits before they graduate. The Technology Center is dedicated to maintaining quality programs that reflect the current needs of industry and community. Students are encouraged to utilize their technical education to gain immediate employment or to pursue post-secondary education or training. Many of the students complete their Foster

Two Foster CTE Center students layout a mold they built for a carbon fiber guitar in the Composite Manufacturing program.

Tech program with an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;On the Jobâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; training opportunity working in the community they reside in. All the programs offer service learning opportunities and rely heavily on the community for support. There are currently close to 100 members of local area business and industry that serve on the program advisory boards. The advice and support of these community members is greatly apprecaited. Seeing is believing, so we encourage anyone interested in knowing more about what this great facility has to offer to come visit. You can reach Foster Tech at (207) 778-3562, like their Facebook page, or visit their website: foster.mainecte.org/programs/ Photos courtesy of Foster CTE Center

Photo courtesy of Susan Atwood

Education

Mt. Blue High School

Digital Media students prepare to create a video in the film studio.

www.franklincountymaine.org

Weber Insurance 207-778-3300 Farmington Advantage Insurance 207-364-8293 Rumford Bessey Insurance 207-225-2334

Home | Auto | Business Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t Decide on Insurance Without a Quote From Us!

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G.D. Cushing School Grades PreK-2 Wilton 645-2422

Education

W.G. Mallett School Grades PreK-3 Farmington 778-3529 Cascade Brook School Grades 4-6 Farmington 778-4821 Cape Cod Hill School Grades PreK-6 New Sharon 778-3031

Photo of Mt. Blue Cougars state championship football team 2012 courtesy of Russ Dillingham

Franklin County Community College Network

165 Front Street, Farmington, ME 04938 www.franklinnetwork.org Rural western Maine is one of the stateâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most unique regions. The Franklin County Community College Network recognizes this uniqueness. Through a partnership with Central Maine Community College, higher educational opportunities for students in Franklin County are now readily available, uniquely positioned to fit the particular needs of local people.

Carrabassett Valley Academy

3197 Carrabassett Drive Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947 www.gocva.com Carrabassett Valley Academy is more than a school. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of life. Since 1982, CVA has offered a personalized and challenging opportunity for learning. A fully accredited coeducational boarding and day school with an extremely supportive culture as a world-leading snowboard and ski academy with programs that foster the aspirations of student-athletes by providing the opportunity to excel, both academically and athletically. 44

Franklin County Adult Basic Education Mt. Blue Learning Center Campus 129 Seamon Road, Suite A Farmington, ME 04938 778-3460

Public Schools (K-12) RSU 9

Mt. Blue Regional School District 115 Learning Lane Farmington, ME 04938 www.mtbluersd.org Formed in the 1960s, Mt. Blue Regional School District is a sprawling school district that includes nine towns in parts of two counties. There are five elementary schools located in New Sharon (1), Farmington (2), and Wilton (2); a middle school in Farmington; and a high school located between the towns of Wilton and Farmington. About 2,400 students attend classes in these buildings. Academy Hill School Grades 3-6 Wilton 645-4488

Mt. Blue Middle School Grades 7-8 Farmington 778-3511

Mt. Blue High School Grades 9-12 Farmington 778-3561

MSAD 58

1401 Rangeley Road Phillips, ME 04966 www.msad58.org MSAD 58 is comprised of five towns: Phillips, Eustis, Avon, Kingfield, and Strong and encompasses several non-district towns and unorganized territories, spread over 500 square miles. There are four K-8 elementary schools and one high school serving students in grades 9-12. Mt. Abram High School opened in 1969 with the Roadrunner as its mascot. Kingfield Elementary School Grades K-8 Kingfield 265-4132 Phillips Elementary School Grades K-8 Phillips 639-2909 Strong Elementary School Grades K-8 Strong 684-3521 www.franklincountymaine.org

lake region of western Maine. RSU #78 includes the towns of Dallas Plantation, Magalloway Plantation, Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation and Sandy River Plantation. Rangeley Lakes Regional RSU 73 School is home to students in grades 31 Community Drive kindergarten through grade 12, all under Jay, ME 04239 one roof. This unique facility provides The new consolidated Jay, Livermore and for a close-knit, nurturing and supportive Livermore school system that includes Spruce environment for students to grow, learn Mountain High School, a class B school, was and develop to their fullest potential. founded when Livermore Falls High School and Jay High School combined in 2012. Rangeley Lakes Regional School The colors and mascot of Spruce Mountain Grades K-12 High School were chosen by students of Rangeley Livermore Falls and Jay High Schools. The 864-3311 mascot, the Phoenix, symbolizes “rising from the ashes” of the two former schools. Franklin County The name Spruce Mountain comes from the Chamber of Commerce ski slope that for generations, students from both high schools have skied at, making it a Scholarship Program very appropriate name for the school. Each year, one or more David Robie A $1.8 million renovation of Spruce Scholarships are available to Franklin Mountain high and middle schools, and the County residents to encourage higher community building, all in Jay, is taking place education or continuing education for in the summer of 2013 to provide additional students going to school for a new career classrooms, bathrooms and offices. Other or skills training. items in the plan include a larger cafeteria, a connector between the high and middle This scholarship will be awarded to a schools, and technology and handicapped- resident planning to attend—or currently attending—an accredited, post-secondary accessibility updates. school. This includes prospective high school graduates, current full-time college Spruce Mountain High School students, or other residents returning to Grades 9-12 school. A high school equivalency test Jay 897-4336 (GED) is acceptable. Scholarships are open to residents of Franklin County who Spruce Mountain Middle School have resided in the County for at least the Grades 6-8 prior twelve months. Jay 897-4319 The David Robie Scholarship is named after the late David Robie, who played Livermore Elementary School a key role in the establishment of the Grades PreK-5 scholarship during his time on the Livermore Chamber board, as well as in presenting 897-3355 this scholarship each year. It is funded by the annual Franklin County Chamber of Jay Elementary School Grades K-5 Commerce & Seth Wescott Scholarship Jay Golf Classic held each fall at Sugarloaf 897-5719 Golf Club.

RSU 78

43 Mendolia Road Rangeley, Maine 04970 www.rlrs.org The Rangeley Lakes Regional School is located in the picturesque mountains and www.franklincountymaine.org

Applications are available at the Chamber’s website at www.franklincountymaine.org or at the guidance offices of the five high schools in Franklin County.

Libraries

Carrabassett Valley Library 1234 Carrabassett Drive Farmington Public Library 117 Academy Street www.farmington.lib.me.us/ Franklin County Court House Law Library 140 Main Street, Farmington Jay-Niles Memorial Library 983 Main Street, North Jay Jim Ditzler Memorial Library 37 Library Road, New Sharon www.newsharon.lib.me.us New Vineyard Public Library 20 Lake Street Phillips Public Library 96 Main Street www.phillips.lib.me.us

Photo of the Wilton Free Public Library courtesy of Susan Atwood

Mt. Abram High School Grades 9-12 Salem Township 678-2701

Rangeley Public Library 7 Lake Street www.rangeleyme.com/library Stratton Public Library 88 Main Street www.stratton.lib.me.us/ Strong Public Library 14 S. Main Street Webster Free Library 22 Depot Street, Kingfield Weld Public Library 25 Church Street Wilton Free Public Library 6 Goodspeed Street www.wilton-free.lib.me.us 45

Photos courtesy of FCHN

Health Care

ranklin County boasts some of the best medical care in the state of Maine. Our medical care is exceptional and comparable to care received in urban areas.

quality, cost-effective, patient-centered health care. The 65-bed hospital is fully qualified and accredited to handle a broad range of medical, surgical, pediatric, womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s care, and diagnostic services.

Franklin Community Health Network

Top quality specialty care is offered including: cardiology, cardiovascular health, pediatric cardiology, diabetes education, oncology and hematology, orthopedics, occupational health, pain management, pediatric endocrinology, physical rehabilitation, pulmonology, sleep disorders, sports medicine, and wound care.

www.fchn.org 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington Franklin Community Health Network combines sophisticated medical expertise and facilities with strong community values. Our mission is to work cooperatively with other concerned individuals and organizations to achieve the highest level of health and wellness possible for the people of Greater Franklin County. Franklin Community Health Network affiliates include:

Franklin Memorial Hospital

www.fchn.org/fmh 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-6031, 1-800-398-6031 Franklin Memorial Hospital is a progressive, not-for-profit community general hospital whose mission is to provide high 46

Each year, more than 2,500 surgeries are performed in our modern surgical suites. These procedures include total joint replacements, Caesarean sections, appendectomies, breast biopsies, cataracts, oral surgeries, micro hand surgeries, arthroscopy of a joint, and others. The quality of care consistently rates excellent in surveys and studies. The obstetrics and pediatrics unit offers women and children thoughtfull- decorated private rooms. Our family birth center offers advanced anesthesia includ-

ing epidurals and a fully equipped nursery. Our unit is staffed with caring and compassionate board-certified obstetricians, pediatricians, family practitioners, lactation consultants, and nurse doulas. And, we offer prenatal education, information on developing a birth plan, and home visits a few days after birth. The Martha B. Webber Breast Care Center offers timely access to state-of-the-art digital screening, diagnostic mammography, breast ultrasounds, clinical, and care support services by a multi-disciplinary team of experts. The Center offers digital mammography in two convenient locations. The Ben Franklin Center houses four conference rooms with advanced technology, allowing teleconferencing from remote locations and wireless communication equipment. Individuals, community groups, local agencies, and state and national organizations have chosen the Center as their host for conferences, seminars, and more.

Evergreen Behavioral Services

www.fchn.org/ebs 131 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 779-2843, Crisis Hotline: 1-888-568-1112 www.franklincountymaine.org

locations strategically positioned throughout the service area, and responds to more than 5,000 calls a year including medical emergencies, auto accidents, snowmobile and ATV rescues, and nursing home transfers, among others.

Franklin Health MultiSpecialty Medical Group

www.fchn.org/franklin-health Franklin Health is a multi-specialty group practice sponsored by Franklin Memorial Hospital, which includes 9 medical and surgical practices. Franklin Health is the largest provider of health care services in the region, and is one of the largest and finest medical practices in Maine. The practices are linked together by technology, an integrated medical record, and a common concept of familycentered care. The agency provides 24/7 emergency mental health response and community outreach services in Greater Franklin County.

Healthy Community Coalition of Greater Franklin County

www.fchn.org/hcc 105 Mt. Blue Circle, Suite 1, Farmington 779-3136, 1-800-525-3136 The Healthy Community Coalition sponsors programs and events to support healthy lifestyles that prevent disease and improve the quality of life. The organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s mobile health unit and community outreach efforts appear in every town and corner of the region, offering screenings and health information.

NorthStar Emergency Medical Services

www.fchn.org/NorthStar 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 779-2770 NorthStar is a full-service, regional emergency ambulance transport service. NorthStar is dispatched out of five base www.franklincountymaine.org

Franklin Health Livermore Falls Family Practice Androscoggin Valley Medical Arts Center, 21 Main Street, Livermore Falls 897-6601

Franklin Health Farmington Family Practice Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-3326 Franklin Health Orthopaedics Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-9001 Franklin Health Pediatrics Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-0482 Franklin Health Surgery Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-6579 Franklin Health Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Care Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-6394

Franklin Health Behavioral Services Mt. Blue Health Center, 131 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-0035 Franklin Health Internal Medicine Mt. Blue Health Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 778-4922 Franklin Health Dermatology Franklin Health Medical Arts Center, 111 Franklin Health Commons, Farmington 779-2410

Museums

Today, Norlands is a multifaceted museum offering in-depth experiences in 18th and 19th century rural life. Here, the visitor is an active participant in daily and seasonal farming and housework, and becomes involved in the social, political and educational activities of the times.

Dead River Area Historical Society Museum 171 Main Street, Stratton

Dead River Historical Society preserves and promotes the history of Flagstaff, Dead River Plantation, Coplin Plantation and Eustis/ Stratton. It displays manuscripts, photographs, carpentry and logging tools, china, glass, a church organ, and furniture.

Madrid Historical Society Reeds Mill Road, Madrid

This historical society was formerly known as the Madrid Village Schoolhouse which was built in 1872 and housed grades one through eight until the mid 1950s.

Farmington Historical Society’s Titcomb House 118 Academy Street, Farmington

The Titcomb House is furnished with Titcomb Family memorabilia from the 1840s, an antique doll collection, and other items of interest. The historical society is open July through August on Wednesday and Saturday from 1-4 p.m. Donations are accepted.

Nordica Homestead Museum Holley Road, Farmington

One of Farmington’s most famous citizens is commemorated in the Nordica Homestead Museum, the family home of Lillian Norton (1857-1914). As Lillian Nordica, she became

Photos courtesy of Stanley Museum

The Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum Intersection of RT 4 and RT 17, 8 Rumford Road, Oquossoc www.rangeleyoutdoormuseum.org

an opera star at the turn of the century. She was one of the first Americans to become a world-class diva recognized in Europe for her power and artistry. At the museum, one can see costumes Madame Nordica wore in her productions and memorabilia of her career.

Red School House Museum Farmington Fairgrounds, Farmington

The School House, built in 1852, was used for classes until 1958. Today the Museum is displayed as the original schoolhouse with some of the original desks, books, and other memorabilia.

Maine Paper & Heritage Museum 22 Church Street, Livermore Falls www.papermuseumofmaine.org

In 2002, the Paper & Heritage Museum was established with the common goal of capturing the cultural heritage of the paper-making towns and mills along the Androscoggin River. Its mission is to create an exciting interactive museum where visitors can experience life in a paper-making community, as well as to encourage tourism, increase economic activity, and showcase the area’s distinctive heritage.

Washburn-Norlands Living History Center 290 Norlands Road, Livermore www.norlands.org

Since the museum’s opening in 2010, it has been selected by Yankee Magazine as the “Most Outstanding Sporting Museum in New England.” One of the most unique features of the museum is the Welcome Center, a log cabin from the 1890’s with a unique birch bark ceiling. The museum gives a chronological tour of the region’s rich outdoor sporting history beginning with artifacts from the first visitors to the region, the Paleo-American Indians who arrived 15,000 years ago. Visitors will learn about Rangeley’s rich sporting history and key figures who were influential in strengthening sporting’s influence on the area, primarily the sport of fishing. The museum offers films and video interviews with historical figures as well as a gift shop that’s stocked with a wide range of local history books and unique local items. More information, including the museum’s hours, can be found on the web page or on the Rangeley Outdoor Sporting Heritage Museum’s Facebook page.

Rangeley Main Street Museum RT 4, Main Street, Rangeley

Located in downtown Rangeley, adjacent to the Morton and Furbish Real Estate Agency, the brick museum building was built in 1906 and originally served as a bank, known as the Rangeley Trust Company, and later served as the town office for 50 years. The Main Street Museum has an interesting collection of Rangeley memorabilia on display, including photos, souvenirs, and dishes from many of the hotels of Rangeley’s “Gilded Age,” as well as old carpenter tools, railroad equipment, dam information, fishing gear, Captain Ernest Haley’s egg collection, and two postcard collections. For the genealogy enthusiast there are several scrapbooks of local obituaries and a three-book set of genealogies

www.franklincountymaine.org

Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad Bridge Street, Phillips, ME 04966 / www.srrl-rr.org

The Sandy River Railroad was started in 1879. In 1908, the Sandy River merged with all of the other Franklin County Lilliputs and emerged as the Sandy River and Rangeley Lakes Railroad, boasting over 120 miles of track and thirteen engines. It flourished until the 1920’s. At the station site, you can examine exhibits in the Sanders Station and purchase tickets and souvenirs in the Phillips Freight House. During Phillips Old Home Days (starting the third Friday in August), the SR&RL runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. The Railroad Room of the Phillips Historical Society is open on that Saturday and contains an extensive collection of SR&RL artifacts.

www.skimuseumofmaine.org

The Ski Museum of Maine was established in 1995 to preserve and publicize the business of skiing in Maine while celebrating Maine’s ski history and heritage. More than a decade has been spent collecting and preserving irreplaceable documents and artifacts, and cataloguing those valuable materials. Exhibits change approximately every four months. Open Wednesday-Saturday 1-4 p.m.

Stanley Museum School Street, Kingfield www.stanleymuseum.org

The Stanley Museum is a historical museum located in the beautiful Georgian-style Stanley School built in 1903. The Museum commemorates and preserves the heritage of Stanley family genius. The famous “Stanley Steamer” automobile was invented by Francis Edgar Stanley, who manufactured it with his twin brother. Their sister, Chansonetta, was a photographer who captured life in rural America in the turn-ofthe-century.

The Kingfield Historical House features outstanding displays honoring its famous residents including William King, the first governor of Maine. The Mercantile, located on the first floor of the barn, is complete with a country store, barber shop, pharmacy, and post office. A working forge is located in the basement area, under the kitchen. The textile collection that is located on the second floor has been compared to that of the New York Metropolitan Museum in quantity and quality.

Ski Museum Maine Main Street (Route 27), Kingfield www.franklincountymaine.org

Wilton Farm and Home Museum Downtown Wilton www.wiltonmaine.org/whs/wfhm.html

Built in the mid-1860s, the building was used between 1910 and 1945 as a boarding house for G.H. Bass employees. The building was deeded to the Wilton Historical Society in 1987 and soon after was placed on the National Register of Historic Places. There are four floors to this impressive building. The basement level features farm and shoemaking tools. It also includes the working Canal Street Forge, where a local blacksmith gives lessons on the art of blacksmithing. The main floor, in addition to the general meeting and display room and kitchen, has the restored parlor. The second floor has rooms devoted to homemaking, military uniforms, ladies’ clothing, bedrooms, and the extensive bottle and Wilton Academy collections. Exhibits featuring giantess Sylvia Hardy are in the Academy Room. The third level includes a scouting exhibit and two bedrooms.

Nowetah’s Indian Museum 2 Colegrove Road, New Portland 207-628-4981

Kingfield Historical Society 45 High Street, Kingfield www.kingfield-me.gov

The Kingfield Historical House retains much of the detailed signature work of the Victorian era and was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in December of 1986. Its Scotch Firetube Steam Boiler is one of a very few still in existence. The house is filled with 19th and 20th century furniture, dishware, photographs and paintings, tools, school yearbooks, and collections from families abound.

through September.

Nowetah’s Indian Museum ongoing exhibits feature an outstanding collection of American Indian artifacts from the United States, Canada, and South America with a special focus on Maine’s Abenaki Indians.

The Wilhelm Reich Museum Dodge Pond Road, Rangeley www.wilhelmreichmuseum.org

Orgonon was the home, laboratory, and research center of Wilhelm Reich, M.D., a pioneering psychiatrist, psychoanalyst, and scientist. Open to the public as the Wilhelm Reich Museum, Orgonon now comprises 175 acres of fields and forests, the Orgone Energy Observatory, the Conference Building & Office, a bookstore, two rental cottages, and a system of woodland nature trails.

A special museum feature is an impressive collection of over 600 early Maine Indian ash splint, quill and bark baskets, American Indian arts, crafts, clothing, and gifts. Many items are handmade on the premises by Nowetah and her daughter Wahleyah. Abenaki-Paugussett Indian owned and operated, the museum was established in 1969, built on an early 1600 ancestral Indian site. Admission is free and donations are welcome. The museum receives no local, state, or federal museum funding. It is open year-round, seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Weld Historical Society P.O. Box 31, Weld

The Weld Historical Society is a group of 500 members committed to preserving the history of their small community. It is open May

Photo of Wilton Farm & Home Museum courtesy of Susan Atwood

of over one hundred early Rangeley families published by Shirley Adams. Of special interest to the children is the old “holding area” jail cell located in the basement from when the building was used as the town office. The museum is open from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Monday through Saturday from July 1st through August 31st.

a cultural oasis

n the March 2014 issue of Down East Magazine, Farmington was featured in “The Best Places to Live in Maine”. It notes, “Thanks to the University of Maine at Farmington, the town of Farmington is an oasis of arts and culture in the woods of western Maine.” Farmington is rich in arts and cultural events, but the same could be said for all of Franklin County! The University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is indeed often at the center of local cultural events. UMF provides the use of the UMF Art Gallery, its newly built Emery Community Arts Center and its grand historical Nordica Auditorium for arts exhibits, folk music, classical quartets, theater performances, cabaret, lectures, poetry, dance, avant-garde happenings, and much more.

Photo of the Emery Community Arts Center courtesy of Alana Ranney

Arts & Culture

Franklin County:

makes use of UMF’s Alumni Theater and widely known Maine Jazz Camp, in Farmother local venues for its performances. ington for two weeks in July, offers daily faculty concerts free to the public. Outside the University, Farmington still has much to offer. For the youth of the For folk music enthusiasts, Farmington is area, the schools themselves are alive with the place to be. Local groups perform at activity. RSU 9 is known for its strong mu- restaurants, grange halls, churches, and sic curriculum where you can find school festivals. Contra dancing regularly takes choruses, an acapella group, chamber place at the West Farmington Grange, choir, show choir, band, jazz band, or- and square dancing in nearby Wilton, chestra, as well as the Franklin County sponsored by the Friendship Squares. Top Fiddlers. The Teachers’ Lounge Mafia, an professional performances are hosted by improvisational comedy group, livens up New England Celtic Arts. The theater also many a gathering. In the summer, stu- sponsors the annual Crossroads Internadents may learn and perform with the tional Celtic Festival which brings in CeltSandy River Players and the Mt. Blue Mu- ic musicians from all corners of the world. sic Boosters Summer Theater camps. The This event occurs in September, when the

Overseeing many of these events is the community-based Arts Institute of Western Maine (a UMF affiliate). This hardworking volunteer group continually strives to broaden the university’s involvement with arts in the community. For seniors, the UMF-affiliated Gold Leaf Institute provides courses and excursions. A community theater organization, The Sandy River Players, is also a UMF affiliate and 50

www.franklincountymaine.org

region itself becomes a destination for its scenic color.

Photo of Kingfiled POPS courtesy of Scott Landry

Photo of Skye Theater courtesy of Scott Landry

Among the other events: picnic at the Emery Community Arts Center outdoor concerts; enjoy a performance by “Northfield Singers”; or hear storytellers navigate their way through Maine folklore. Stop in at one of the art galleries to view some of Maine’s finest homegrown art (Sugarwood Gallery, Washburn & Johnson, Upcountry Artists), and even consider taking classes in art or needlework. Do you sing or play an instrument? Join the UMF community chorus, band, or orchestra. Get operatically inspired by the Nordica Memorial Association’s annual concert. Or get active! Join us in yoga, ballet, or jazz classes. In addition to classes provided by local businesses, the Boston City Theater comes up to Farmington to offer dance classes. How will you know what’s happening and when? You can check a local online news service, The Daily Bulldog, at or the biweekly Franklin Journal at newsstands; both are full of events. Farmington is a small town in Maine which relishes a tradition of craftsmanship. In its cultural events it boldly melds together the old with the new. All in all, Farmington—and other nearby towns in Franklin County— is a small town with character, certainly “an oasis of arts and culture in the hills of Western Maine.”

•

Photo of The Tempest courtesy of UMF

For more information you can contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce or review the following websites: • www.franklincountymaine.org • emeryarts.umf.maine.edu/ • www.artsinstitute.org • www.mtbluersd.org/ • www.mainejazzcamp.com/ • www.necelticarts.com/ • friendshipsquares.squaredanceme.us/ • crossroadscelticfestival.com • www.lilliannordica.com/ • bostoncitylights.wordpress. com/ • http://www.dailybulldog.com/db/ events-listings/ www.kingfieldpops.com

www.franklincountymaine.org

Town Offices Avon

Directory

Route 4 / Phone 207-639-5326

Carthage

703A Carthage Road / Phone 207-562-8874

Carrabassett Valley

1001 Carriage Road / Phone 207-235-2645

Chesterville

409 Dutch Gap Road / Phone 207-778-2433

Coplin Plantation

8 School Street, Stratton

Dallas Plantation

436 Dallas Hill Road / Phone 207-864-5991

Eustis/Stratton

88 Main Street / Phone 207-246-4401

Farmington

153 Farmington Falls Road / Phone 207-778-6539

Industry

Route 43 / Phone 207-778-5050

Jay

99 Main Street / Phone 207-897-6785

Kingfield

38 School Street / Phone 207-265-4637

New Sharon

Cape Cod Hill Road / Phone 207-778-4046

New Vineyard

20 Lake Street / Phone 207-652-2222

Phillips

15 Russell Street / Phone 207-639-3561

Rangeley (& Oquossoc)

15 School Street / Phone 207-864-3326

Rangeley Plantation

South Shore Drive / Phone 207-864-5163

Sandy River Plantation

33 Town Hall Road / Phone 207-864-2234

Strong

14 South Main Street / Phone 207-684-4002 258 Temple Road / Phone 207-778-6680

Weld

Carthage Road / Phone 207-585-2348

Wilton

158 Weld Street / Phone 207-645-4961

www.franklincountymaine.org

Photo courtesy of Mickelle McCafferty

Temple

Business Directory Advertising & Media Daily Bulldog LLC 207-778-6905 www.dailybulldog.com 127 Smiling Goat Lane Farmington, ME 04938 Community Concepts, Inc. 795-4065 240 Bates Street Lewiston, ME 04240 Discover Maine 207-874-7720 10 Exchange Street Portland, ME 04101 Franklin Journal 207-778-6772 http://thefranklinjournal.com/ 187 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

West Coast Maine Magazine 207-743-8616 www.westcoastmaine.com 272 Pikes Hill Norway, ME 04268-5323

Maple Valley Farms, Inc. 207-645-2328 1304 Franklin Road Jay, ME 04239

www.franklincountymaine.org

Crossroads Celtic Festival 207-619-4003 http://crossroadscelticfestival.com/ Mailing: P.O. Box 60 East Dixfield, ME 04227

Franklin County Agricultural Society 207-778-6960 www.farmingtonfairmaine.com High Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 41

The Original Irregular 207-265-2773 www.theirregular.com 239 Main Street Kingfield, ME 04947 See ad to right

Voiceabilities 207-778-5614 26 Taylor Road New Sharon, ME 04955

Arts Institute of Western Maine 207-778-4699 Mailing: P.O. Box 325 Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 50

Agriculture, Fishing & Forestry

Gooley’s Christmas Tree Farm 207-778-2368 263 Cowen Hill Road Farmington, ME 04938

Turner Publishing 207-225-2076 http://turnerpublishing.net 5 Fern Street Turner, ME 04282

Alana’s Fine Art & Photography 207-778-6696 109B Church Street Farmington, ME 04938

WKTJ 99.3 FM 207-778-3400 www.993ktj.com 121 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938

Mt. Blue Community Access TV 207-778-8146 www.mtbluetv.org 224 Main St. Farmington, ME 04938

Sun Journal (Sun Media Group) 207-778-6772 www.sunjournal.com 187 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Rustic Roots Farm 207-778-9023 120 Vipah Lane Farmington, ME 04938 Wilton Fish & Game Association 207-670-6978 256 Route 2 West Wilton, ME 04294

Kingfield POPS 207-265-8501 www.kingfieldpops.com Mailing: PO Box 365 Kingfield, ME 04947

Weekly Newspaper & Seasonal Publications

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www.theirregular.com Everything that’s in the print edition is on-line Subscribe to our on-line edition today • It’s mobile friendly! Open Access Items include: Select Stories, Photo Galleries, BackTracks, Obituaries, Classifieds, Advertising Marketplace, Calendar, Archives, All Seasonal Publications

Directory

MG’s Video 207-778-5540 105 Bridge Street Farmington, ME 04938

Wilton Historical Society 207-645-2091 www.thewiltonfarmandhomemuseum.org 10 Canal Street Wilton, ME 04294

Mind Body Spirit Festival 207-649-2386 www.mindbodyspiritfestival.org/ *See event listing on page 38

Automotive, Aviation, & Marine

Nowetah’s Indian Museum and Store 207-628-4981 www.nowetahs.webs.com 2 Colegrove Road (Route 27) New Portland, ME 04961-3821

Collins Enterprises, Inc. 207-645-3088 www.collinstowingandrepair.com 445 US Route 2 East East Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 37

Sandy River & Rangeley Lakes Railroad 207-778-3621 www.srrl-rr.org 128 Bridge St. Phillips, ME 04966 Ski Museum of Maine 207-265-2023 www.skimuseumofmaine.org 256 Main Street Kingfield, ME 04947 Skye Theater (New England Celtic Arts) www.necelticarts.com 207-562-4445 / Fax 207-562-4445 2 Highland Drive South Carthage, ME 04227 Stanley Museum, Inc. www.stanleymuseum.org 207-265-2729 www.stanleymuseum.org 40 School Street Kingfield, ME 04947 Teacher’s Lounge Mafia Comedy 207-779-6906 http://teachersloungemafiaimprov.com 4 Spring Street Jay, ME 04239 Wilton Blueberry Festival 207-778-4726 www.wiltonbbf.com 25 Pleasant View Heights Wilton, ME 04294

Franklin Chrysler, Inc. 207-778-9500 www.franklinchrysler.com 484 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 41 Good Times Unlimited, Inc. 207-778-3482 http://goodtms.com/ 372 Farmington Falls Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 Hight Chevrolet 207-778-3354 www.hightchevy.com 437 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 O’Reilly Auto Parts 207-778-0850 464 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 Pitcher Perfect Tire Service 207-778-9699 www.pitcherperfecttireservice.com 62 Mercer Road New Sharon, ME 04955 See ad on page 41 RLH Enterprise 207-684-4024 9 Birch Road Strong, ME 04983

Business & Professional Services A-Copi Imaging Systems 207-623-2674 www.a-copi.com 34 AG Drive Gardiner, ME 04345 Barclays 800-368-3319 128 Weld Rd. Wilton, ME 04294 Franklin Printing 207-778-4801 www.franklinprinting.com 553 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 Greater Franklin Development Corp. 207-778-5887 www.greaterfranklin.com 165 Front Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 13 Kind Coaching LLC 207-370-1708 3 Locke Hill Road Starks, ME 04911 Mills & Mills Law Offices 207-778-3521 163 Main St. Farmington, ME 04938 Need 2 Be Organized 207-778-5036 408 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 Paper White Room 207-860-9377 http://www.thepaperwhiteroom.com 174 Broadway, Suite 1 Farmington, ME 04938 Sam’s Club 207-623-2757 45 Market Place Augusta, ME 04330

Sugarloaf Ambulance/Rescue Vehicles 207-650-3090 411 US Route 2 East Wilton, ME 04294

www.franklincountymaine.org

Signworks, Inc. 207-778-3822 www.mainesignworks.com 680 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 See ad below

Communications Bee Line Cable 207-474-0966 www.getbeeline.com 131 Lakewood Road Madison, ME 04950 See ad on page 39

TDS Telecom 207-862-9225 www.tdstelecom.com 35 Western Avenue Hampden, ME 04444 U.S. Cellular 207-778-4101 www.uscellular.com 642 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Computers, IT & Technology

Construction & Contractors Acme Land Surveying 207-778-4081 www.acmelandsurveying.com 108 Fairbanks Road, Suite 5 Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 33 Burns Well Drilling 207-778-3813 280 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

EZToUse.com 800-578-1774 www.eztouse.com/maine/ 93 Maine Street, Suite #1 Fairfield, ME 04937

A Partner in Technology 1-877-582-0888 www.apitechnology.com 127 Broadway Suite 1 Farmington, ME 04938

Hammond Lumber Company 207-778-3518 www.hammondlumber.com 389 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 33

Fairpoint Communications 1-866-984-2001 www.FairPoint.com

Expenet Technologies 207-578-0229 www.expenet.com 295 Main Street Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 6

Handyman Plus Inc. 207-491-9325 303 Porter Hill Road Farmington, ME 04938

Pine Tree Cellular 207-779-9012 www.pinetreecellular.com 218 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938 Lynn-Hom Electronics/Farmington Verizon Agent 207-779-1744 475 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Kingfield Computers 207-265-2934 www.kingfieldcomputers.com 10 Depot Street Kingfield, ME 04947 Lynn-Hom Electronics/Radio Shack Dealer 207-778-5546 www.radioshack.com 473 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Main-Land Development Consultants, Inc. 207-897-6752 www.main-landdevelopment.com 42 Church Street Livermore Falls, ME 04254 Taylor Made Homes, Inc. 207-645-4010 www.taylormadehomesmaine.com 471 Depot Street Wilton, ME 04294

Upright Frameworks LLC 207-749-9656 128 Weld Road Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 25

Family, Community & Nonprofit Buttons for Babes 207-587-2280 1911 Mercer Road Mercer, ME 04957

www.franklincountymaine.org

Directory

Fairbank Neighborhood Association 207-778-4695 506 Fairbanks Road Farmington, ME 04938

Franklin County Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Task Force 207-778-6960 www.fcctf.org 113 Church St. Farmington, ME 04938

United Way of the Tri-Valley Area 207-778-5048 www.uwtva.org 232 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938

Farmington Emblem Club #460 207-779-0752 25 Pleasant View Heights Wilton, ME 04294

Jay, Livermore, Livermore Falls Chamber of Commerce 207-897-6755 47 Center Road Livermore, ME 04253

Western Maine Community Action 207-645-3764 www.wmca.org 20 Church Street East Wilton, ME 04234

Rangeley Lakes Chamber of Commerce 207-864-5364 6 Park Road Rangeley, ME 04970

The Wilton Group 207-522-8001 www.wiltongroup.org 8 Sunrise Ave. Wilton, ME 04294

Farmington Rotary Club 207-778-4177 Mailing: P.O. Box 864 Farmington, ME 04938

Wilton Lions Club 207-491-5996 www.wiltonme.lionwap.org Mailing: P.O. Box 953 Wilton, ME 04294

Finance & Insurance Austin Associates, P.A. 207-778-9111 2 Great Falls Plaza Suite 5 Auburn, ME 04210 Bangor Savings Bank 207-778-0757 www.bangor.com 177 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 Cynthia Ferguson, CPA, PC 207-778-5005 155 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 Franklin Savings Bank 207-778-3339 www.franklinebranch.com 209 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on back cover Franklin Somerset Federal Credit Union 207-778-4452 485 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

www.franklincountymaine.org

Key Bank 207-645-6500 300 Main Street Wilton, ME 04294 Otis Federal Credit Union 207-897-0900 www.otisfcu.org 170 Main Street Jay, ME 04239 Shiretown Insurance 207-778-5282 www.shiretownagency.com 166 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 43 Senior Planning Center 207-778-6601 648 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 43 Skowhegan Savings Bank 207-778-0302 134 Hannaford Drive Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 33 TD Bank 207-778-6511 www.tdbank.com/ 163 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938 University Credit Union 207-778-4011 www.ucu.maine.edu 154 High Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 41 Weber Insurance Agency of Farmington 207-778-3300 www.WeberAgency.net 190 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 43 Western Mountain Financial Services 207-778-9779 www.westernmountainfinancial.com 198 Front Street Farmington, ME 04938

www.franklincountymaine.org

Government & Education Department of Economic and Community Development 207-624-9807 59 State House Station Augusta, ME 04333 Franklin County Community College Network 207-491-2752 129 Seamon Road Farmington, ME 04938 Franklin County Republicans 207-778-4320 887 Weeks Mills Rd. New Sharon, ME 04955 RSU #9 207-778-3562 115 Learning Lane Farmington, ME 04938 Town of Carthage 207-562-8874 27 Storer Hill Road Carthage, ME 04224 Town of Farmington 207-778-6538 153 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 Town of Kingfield 207-265-4637 38 School Street Kingfield, ME 04947 Town of Wilton 207-645-4961 158 Weld Road Wilton, ME 04294 University of Maine at Farmington 207-778-7271 www.umf.maine.edu 224 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 63

Health Care Complete Dentistry 207-645-4994 7 Thompson Street Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 62

Foot & Ankle Center 207-860-2817 115 Mt. Blue Circle Farmington, ME 04938 Franklin Community Health Network (Franklin Memorial Hospital) 207-778-6031 www.fchn.org 111 Franklin Health Commons Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 2 Franklin Memorial Hospital Auxiliary 207-779-0752 www.fchn.org 107 Rosewood Drive Farmington, ME 04938 Healthy Community Coalition 207-779-3136 www.fchn.org/hcc 105 Mt. Blue Circle, Suite 1 Farmington, ME 04938 HealthQuest Chiropractic 207-778-5123 383 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 Pierce House 207-778-4745 204 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938

Robyn Belcher, LCPC 207-778-2188 201 Perham Street Farmington, ME 04938 Sandy River Center 207-778-6591 www.genesishcc.com 119 Livermore Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938

Home & Garden Aubuchon Hardware 207-778-5682 www.aubuchon.com/108 361 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 Bass Hill Gardens & Gifts 207-645-3311 21 Allen Street Wilton, ME 04294

Directory

Bouffard’s Furniture & Carpet 207-778-2045 www.bouffards.com 662 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 CJ’s Appliance 207-778-3375 www.cjsappliance.com/ 279 Titcomb Hill Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 Norpine Landscape, Inc. 207-265-2430 www.norpinelandscape.com 153 Salem Road Kingfield, ME 04947 Robin’s Flower Pot 207-778-5937 www.robinsflowerpot.com 387 Webster Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 Rocky Hill Landscaping 207-645-5381 55 Cemetery Road Wilton, ME 04294

R.S. Osgood & Sons 207-645-4934 www.rsosgood.com/ 1101 US Route 2 West East Dixfield, ME 04227 See ad below

Wilson Lake Inn 207-645-3721 www.wilsonlakeinn.com 183 Lake Rd. Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 3

Industrial & Manufacturing

Personal Services & Care

Farmington Coca-Cola 207-778-4733 282 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938

Adams-McFarlane Funeral & Cremation Services 207-778-3350 www.adamsmcfarlane.com 108 Court Street Farmington, ME 04938

Poland Spring 207-265-3800 www.polandspring.com 120 Poland Spring Drive Kingfield, ME 04947

Androscoggin Home Care & Hospice 207-777-7740 www.ahch.org 284 Main Street, Suite 290 Wilton, ME 04294

Verso Paper 207-897-1667 www.versopaper.com 300 Riley Road Jay, ME 04239

Assistance Plus Inc. 207-645-7122 www.assistanceplus.com 844 US Route 2E Wilton, ME 04294

Lodging, Tourism & Travel

Care & Comfort 207-645-5304 www.careandcomfort.com 284 Main Street, Suite 390 Wilton, ME 04294

All Neewries! S RT V X

Bass Hill Bed & Breakfast 207-860-0402 19 Prospect Street Wilton, ME 04294 Colonial Valley Motel 207-778-3391 www.colonialvalleymotel. com 593 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

North America’s best-selling diesel utility vehicles just got better. Get ready for a whole new Kubota RTV experience with a smoother ride, better terrain-ability, improved ergonomics and innovation throughout.

R.S. Osgood & Sons 1101 US Route 2 West East Dixfield,ME 04227 (207) 645-4934

www.kubota.com

Comfort Inn & Suites Farmington/Wilton 207-645-5155 www.comfortinn.com 1026 US Route 2 East Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 7 Mount Blue Motel 207-778-6004 www.mountbluemotel.com 452 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938

Pronails 207-645-2200 29 Cross Street Wilton, ME 04294 Wiles Remembrance Centers, Funeral & Cremation Service 207-778-5911 www.wilesrc.com 137 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938

Pets & Veterinary Falls Road Veterinary Clinic 207-778-2840 475 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 33

www.franklincountymaine.org

Franklin County Animal Shelter 207-778-2638 550 Industry Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 Hanlon Pet Haven 207-778-4556 www.hanlonpethaven.com 887 Fairbanks Road Farmington, ME 04938

Public Utilities & Environment Dead River Company 207-364-3751 www.deadriver.com 275 High Street Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 13 Electricity ME 866-573-2674 www.electricitymaine.com 306 Rodman Road Auburn, ME 04211 IEC Inc. 207-684-6100 www.iecinc.us 171 North Main Street Strong, ME 04938

Real Estate Coldwell Banker Sandy River Realty 207-778-6333 www.sandyriverrealty.com 602 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 See ad to right

Foothills Management 207-778-0607 www.foothillsmanagement.com 223 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 Palmer Realty 207-778-4444 380 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 43

Arkay Pizza 207-778-3944 172 Farmington Falls Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 Burger King 207-778-9709 633 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Riverbend Property Management 207-778-6088 140 Pleasant Street Farmington, ME 04938

Calzolaio Pasta Company www.calzolaiopasta.com 207-645-9500 284 Main Street, Suite 1 Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 60

Sandy River Property Management 207-778-6333 602 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Douinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Market 207-778-0500 150 Mercer Road New Sharon, ME 04955

Village Realty, Inc. 207-778-9999 www.villagerealtymaine.com 915 US Route 2 East East Wilton, ME 04234

Dutch Treat (Seasonal) 207-645-2145 291 US Route East Wilton, ME 04294 See ad on page 7

Restaurants, Food & Beverages Aramark Campus Services 207-778-7358 111 South Street Farmington, ME 04938

Hannaford 207-778-0434 131 Hannaford Drive Farmington, ME 04938 Heartfelt Cookies 207-778-6133 128 Stanwood Park Circle Farmington, ME 04938

CSM Real Estate 207-265-4000 www.csmrealestate.com 259 Main Street Kingfield, ME 04947 Farmer Rental Properties 207-491-9661 172 Farmington Falls Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 See ad on page 33

www.franklincountymaine.org

Directory

Java Joe’s Corner Cafe 207-265-2326 www.carrabassettcoffee.com 154 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938 KFC / Taco Bell 207-779-0504 369 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938 Knowlton Corner Farm 207-778-6520 www.knowltoncornerfarm. com 341 Knowlton Corner Road Farmington, ME 04938 Mosher’s Seafood 207-779-0544 595 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938

Ray Ray’s Cafe & Sweet Treats 207-645-9000 285 Main Street Wilton, ME 04294 Rick’s Market 207-645-2954 398 Depot Street Dryden, ME 04225 Ron’s Market 207-778-3344 144 Franklin Avenue Farmington, ME 04938 Save-A-Lot 207-778-0620 654 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

Shopping & Specialty Retail Brady’s Snowmobiles 207-778-6563 469 Fairbanks Road Farmington, ME 04938 Calico Patch, Inc. 207-778-4950 www.calicopatch.com 174 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938 End of the Rainbow Alternatives 207-778-2884 www.rainbowalternatives.com 249 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 Everyday Music 778-3483 205 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938 Frost Antiques & Gifts 207-778-3761 www.frostantiquesandgifts.com 1151 Fairbanks Rd. Farmington, ME 04938 Imelda’s Fabric & Designs 207-778-0665 www.imeldasfabric.com 5 Starks Road New Sharon, ME 04955 Kennebec Home Brew Supplies 207-778-5276 www.kennebechomebrew.com 235 Farmington Falls Road Farmington, ME 04938 Maine Fire Equipment Co. 207-474-2992 www.mainefire.net 25 South Factory Street Skowhegan, ME 04976 Northern Lights Hearth & Sports 207-778-6566 www.northernlightsmaine.com 639 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

www.franklincountymaine.org

Northland Herbals 207-320-5278 131 South Rd. Fayette, ME 04349

Tranten’s Market 207-778-3656 180 Main Street Farmington, ME 04938

Reny’s 207-563-3177 200 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938

Walmart 207-778-5344 www.walmart.com 615 Wilton Road Farmington, ME 04938

SugarWood Gallery 207-778-9105 www.sugarwoodgallery.com 248 Broadway Farmington, ME 04938

Black Fly Loop 207-246-2922 snowmobile-maine.com/ Farmington Ski Club (Titcomb Ski Slope) 207-778-9031 www.titcombmountain.com 180 Ski Slope Rd. West Farmington, ME 04922

Moose Loop http://atv-maine.com/ 146 Main Street Stratton, ME 04982 Saddleback 207-864-3130 www.saddlebackmaine.com 976 Saddleback Road Rangeley, ME 04970

Troll Valley Campground 207-778-3656 http://trollcampground.com 283 Red Schoolhouse Road Farmington, ME 04938

For an up-to-date list of new members throughout the year, visit our online Membership Directory at franklincountymaine.org

Sugarloaf 800-843-5623 www.sugarloaf.com 5092 Access Road Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947

Photos courtesy of Alana Ranney,Jaime Ranger, and James Maloney-Hawkins.

Touch of Class 207-778-4492 www.workfirstinc.org 303 Wilton Rd. Farmington, ME 04938

Sports & Recreation

Maine Huts & Trails 207-265-2400 www.mainehuts.org 375 North Main Street Kingfield, ME 04947

www.franklincountymaine.org

Lucas Patrick, DMD

Meet one great reason to keep smiling. Dr. Patrick and his staff bring years of experience to Complete Dentistry — from routine restorative and preventative care to more advanced dental procedures. But perhaps the most important service they provide is making your visit friendly, comfortable and virtually pain-free. Complete Dentistry strives to provide the very best in cosmetic and family dentistry for children and adults in Wilton and beyond, using the latest dental technology in the hands of a highly skilled staff. Call them today to schedule an appointment and see why Complete Dentistry has been making smiles come easier for nearly 20 years.

s! e kid

We l

Complete Dentistry

Accepting new patients • Emergencies seen same day • Most insurances welcome

Free WiFi

(207) 645-4994 • 7 Thompson Street, Wilton, ME www.completedentistrymaine.com Office Hours: Mon-Tues 9–6 • Wed-Thurs 8–5 • Fri 8–Noon

Find us on

umf Combine the Outdoor Lifestyle with the Arts and Smarts of a Small College Town Nestled at the foothills of the mountains of western Maine, the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is the state’s public liberal arts college offering innovative programs in teacher education, human services, and arts and sciences—at an exceptional value. Named a “Best Bang for the Buck” college by Washington Monthly magazine, UMF promotes student success through small classes, close student-faculty collaboration, and hands-on learning in a residential campus setting. Located in the heart of world class skiing and snowboarding, hiking and mountain biking, kayaking and rafting, UMF combines the perfect mix of the active outdoor lifestyle with the arts and smarts of a small college town.

umf.maine.edu

We are community

Thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s something different about a Community Bank. At Franklin Savings Bank, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s at the core of everything we do, from sponsoring free ski nights at community ski areas and local festivals to lighting up the Relay for Life luminaria, funding college scholarships and running a teaching branch at the local high school. We are community. We are the only locally-owned bank in Franklin County and are proud to have been serving our communities since 1868.

Why would anyone bank anywhere else?

www.FranklinSavings.com Find us on FACEBOOK Facebook.com/FranklinSavings

778-3339 - 800-287-0752 Farmington - Wilton - Jay - Rangeley River Valley - Skowhegan