Our Maine Street : Issue 05 Summer 2010

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Contents July, August and September 2010

F e at u r e s

14 The Cheese Maker

by Robin Elsbeth Jenkins

22 The Caribou Zoo A Visit With Dick Chabre

26 Aroostook Relay for Life

by Amanda Jenkins

34 P.I. Inn Celebrates 10th

by Kathy McCarty

40 Debaullie Unit T15 R9

by Vernon M. Labbe

42 Maine Game Wardens

by Inland Fisheries

Departments 8 44 50 52 54 56 64 80

County Events County Health County Critters The County Eats Focus on Business Our Communities Higher Education Illustration

by Holly Hardwick

o

ur Thoughts Whew! Could it really have only been a year ago that the first issue of Our Maine Street Magazine was released?

The past year has been a memorable one for us. Starting a new endeavour is never easy, and like all new businesses we have certainly had our share of learning experiences and challenges, but the rewards and lessons have definitely been worth it. We have met some amazing people, seen some beautiful images, explored this area we call home, learned a thing or two along the way and have had the pleasure of speaking to others about how great The County is (seriously, we think it’s pretty cool).

I was recently reminded about how amazing the community in The County is while helping out at the Relay for Life in Caribou. Originally, we hadn’t planned on including a piece on the Relay in this issue, as it would be held after our normal press deadline. As the Relay approached it became clear that this was one event that we just couldn’t miss, and as a result we held the magazine from the presses two weeks past our normal press date. While this has certainly made for a fast-paced pre-press schedule (compared to normal anyway) we feel it was worth it, and hope that we managed to capture a bit of the amazing atmosphere we experienced while at the Relay. Kudos to the Relay team and all of those that participated, donated and supported the cause.

We hope you’ll sit back, relax, and enjoy the articles and images of our summer issue. Thanks for everything Aroostook; we’ll see you in October.

Craig Cormier Our Maine Street Magazine craig@ourmainestreet.com

4

SUMMER 2010

Our Maine Street m agaz ine

Publisher Our Maine Street LLC Editor In Chief Craig Cormier Circulation / Advertising Charles Cormier Staff Illustrator Holly Hardwick

Many Thanks to: (in no particular order)

Robin Elsbeth Jenkins, Amanda Jenkins, Kim Jones, Tamra Kilcollins, Miles Williams, Lonnie & Janet Jandreau, Kathy McCarty, Kevin Simmons, James and Stacie Hotham, Lisa Caron, Dick Chabre, Vernon M. Labbe Andy Soucier, James Lagasse, Inland Fisheries, Professional Home Nursing, Gene & Deb Cyr, Kendall and Rachelle Roy, Devon Cote, and Jo-Ellen Kelley Content and subscription information: content@ourmainestreet.com 207.472.3464 232 Main Street Suite 2 Fort Fairfield, ME 04742 www.ourmainestreet.com Our Maine Street LLC is jointly owned by Charles, Cheryl and Craig Cormier.

Proudly printed in the State of Maine, United States of Amerca.

OUR PRINTING IS 100% WIND POWERED

This publication is made possible by the generous support of our advertising partners.

Please let them know you saw them in Our Maine Street Magazine and that you appreciate their support of County projects.

Aroostook & Valley Home Health Services Aroostook Technologies, Inc. Audibert Polaris Boondock’s Grille Caribou Inn & Convention Center Cary Medical Center Chandler Farms Inc. Clifford L Rhome CPA, P.A. Cormier Cabinetry County Abatement, Inc. Dean’s Motor Lodge Fort Kent Ski-Doo Frank Martin Sons, Inc. Husson University I Care Pharmacy John’s Shurfine Food Store Little Daniel’s Den Maine Solar And Wind Maine Veterans’ Home Marden’s McGillan Inc. MoJo Monica’s Scandinavian Imports Nadeau’s House of Furniture Norstate Federal Credit Union Northern Prosthetics Northern Maine Community College Pines Health Services Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center Professional Home Nursing Quigley’s Building Supply Red River Camps Robin’s Chocolate Sauce Sitel Corporation Spring Break Maple & Honey St. John Valley Pharmacy The County Federal Credit Union University of Maine at Fort Kent University of Maine at Presque Isle Thank You! Opinions expressed in articles or advertisements, unless otherwise noted, do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher, staff or advisory board. Every effort has been made to ensure that all information present in this issue is accurate, and neither Our Maine Street Magazine nor any of its staff are responsible for omissions or information that has been misrepresented to the magazine.

Copyright © 2010 Our Maine Street LCC. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage and retrieval system without written permission, in writing, from the publishers.

SUMMER 2010

5

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Š 2010 Our Maine Street

County Events

July - September 2010 a look at upcoming activities in aroostook

Thursdays in July and August Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series For more information contact the Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce at 728-7000 or valleyvisit@pwless.net July 1st-4th Houlton Agricultural Fair For more information visit www.houltonfair.com July 3rd Midnight Madness For more information contact the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce at 532-4216 or director@greaterhoulton.com

Portage Lakers Pig Roast 4:00 P.M. Location: Dean’s Hotel For more information contact Tammy at 227-0449 Rotary Tournament Location: Portage Country Club Motorcycle Rodeo 1:00 P.M. Location: Dean’s Hotel, Portage Lake July 10th-18th Maine Potato Blossom Festival, Fort Fairfield For more information visit www.potatoblossom.org

Arts and Crafts Fair For more information contact the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce at 532-4216 or director@greaterhoulton.com

July 11th Music in the Park Location: Riverside Park Presque Isle Boreal Tordu Acadian French musicians, free outdoor concert For more information call 768-5903

Washburn Truck Pull Northern Maine Fair Grounds For information call Andie LeBlanc 764-1692

July 16th & 17th Rock The Valley For more information visit www.rockthevalley.org

July 3rd-5th Wesget Si Pu Pow Wow For more information contact the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce at 834-5354 or info@fortkentchamber.com

July 17th Potato Blossom 5-Miler, Fort Fairfield For more information contact Paul Lamoreau at 764-6517

July 4th Limestone’s week long 4th of July Celebration For more information contact the Town of Limestone at 325-4704 or chamber@limestonemaine.org July 9th Musterd Mile For more information contact Bruce Freme at 496-8731 July 10th Portage Summer Round-Up For More information contact Tammy Curran at 227-0449 County Gospel Music Festival For more information visit countygospel.com FARM Park, Fort Fairfield Town Wide Yard Sale For more information contact the Fort Fairfield Chamber of Commerce at 472-3082 8 County Events

SUMMER 2010

Music in the Park Location: Riverside Park Presque Isle Justin Wood Trio, contemporary jazz, free outdoor concert For more information call 768-5903 July 18th ATV Poker Run with dinner Location: Portage Municipal Building July 23rd-25th County Bluegrass Festival For more information contact Stev Rogeski at 227-6242 or visit countybluegrass.com Stacyville Strawberry Festival For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www.northerninechamber.com Pratico/Silesky Tournament 10:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M. Location: Portage Country Club July 24th NKVRCC Classic Car Show

Location: Stacyville For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www.northerninechamber.com Northern Maine International Airshow Presque Isle Airport July 25th Music in the Park Location: Riverside Park Presque Isle Mallett Brothers, acoustic band sound, free outdoor concert For more information call 768-5903 July 30th-August 7th Northern Maine Fair, Presque Isle For more information visit nothernmainefairgrounds. com July 30th-August 8th Island Falls Summerfest For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www.northerninechamber.com July 31st-August 1st Long Lake Summerfest For more information contact the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce at 834-5354 or info@ fortkentchamber.com Thursdays July & August Madawaska Community Market & Festival Music Series For more information contact the Greater Madawaska Chamber of Commerce at 728-7000 or valleyvisit@ pwless.net

August 1st Music in the Park Location: Riverside Park Presque Isle Musicians of the Northern Maine Fair, folk and more, free outdoor concert For more information call 768-5903 August 4th Senior Ladies Tournament Location: Portage Country Club August 8th NKVRCC Classic Car Show Location: Island Falls For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www. northerninechamber.com Music in the Park Location: Riverside Park Presque Isle Koliba, African-pop rhythms, free outdoor concert For more information call 768-5903 August 9th-15th Patten Pioneer Days For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www. northerninechamber.com August 12th-14th Caribou Cares About Kids For more information contact the Caribou Chamber of Commerce & Industry at 498-6156 or info@cariboumaine.net August 13th-15th 17th Annual Ploye Festival and International Muskie Derby For more information contact the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce at 834-5354 or info@fortkentchamber.com

SUMMER 2010 County Events 9

The closeness of a college;

August 14th NKVRCC Classic Car Show Location: Patten For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www.northerninechamber.com August 15th Rayno Cote Couples Tournament Location: Portage Country Club August 15th ATV Cookout 3:00 P.M. Location: Portage overlook picnic area August 20th Caribou Community & Alumni Night XC Race For more information contact Roy Alden at 498-5363 or ralden@rsu39.org

Husson University offers:

August 20th-22nd Potato Feast Days For more information contact the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce at 5324216 or director@greaterhoulton.com

s 'RADUATE AND UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMS IN "USINESS %DUCATION (EALTH ,EGAL 3TUDIES

0HARMACY AND 3CIENCE (UMANITIES s 2EGIONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY ACCREDITED s .#!! $IVISION ))) s !FFORDABLE TUITION In addition to our main campus in Bangor, the School of Extended Learning offers Husson degree programs for adult learners at off-site centers in Presque Isle, Calais and South Portland.

the breadth of a university.

For information on Aroostook County offerings, please call the Presque Isle site at 760-1177 or visit us on the web at www.husson.edu/presqueisle. /NE #OLLEGE #IRCLE s "ANGOR -% s WWW HUSSON EDU

August 26th-29th Crown of Maine Balloon Festival For more information contact the Greater Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce or online at crownofmaineballoonfest.org August 28th ATV Trail Ride 1:00 P.M. Location: Portage September 17th Annual Scarecrow Festival For more information contact the Greater Fort Kent Area Chamber of Commerce at 834-5354 or info@fortkentchamber.com

September SAGE Kickoff/Classes at UMPI Seniors Achieving Greater Education fall program at the University of Maine at Presque Isle For more information call 768-9502 September 2nd-5th County Bluegrass Festival For more information contact Stev Rogeski at 227-6242 or visit countybluegrass.com FARM Park in Fort Fairfield September 3rd, 5th, & 6th Club Championship Location: Portage Country Club

10 County Events

SUMMER 2010

September 3rd-6th Sherman Olde Home Days For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www.northerninechamber.com September 4th Woodsman Tournament Location: Portage Country Club September 6th NKVRCC Classic Car Show Location: Sherman For more information contact the Northern Katahdin Valley Regional Chamber of Commerce at 463-4634 or visit www.northerninechamber.com September 6th Caribou Labor Day Road Race For more information contact Chris Smith at 768-9472 or christopher.smith@umpi.edu September 11th Fireman’s Muster at the Forum in Presque Isle Awards Banquet hosted by the Presque Isle Fire Dept.

Contact Grant Spinney for more information 769-0881 Sept 17th-19th UMPI Homecoming University of Maine at Presque Isle alumni and others welcomed for weekend celebration.

For more information call 768-9568 September 18th Harvest Supper 4:30 P.M.- 6:30 P.M. Location: Portage Municipal Building For more information contact Grace at 435-6373 or Wilza at 435-6211 September 18th & 19th Citadel’s Women’s Expo For more information contact The Forum at 746-0491 September 19th UMPI Alumni and All-Comers XC, Presque Isle For more information contact Chris Smith at 768-9472 or christopher.smith@umpi.edu September 25th ATV Poker Run with dinner Location: Portage Municipal Building For more information call 435-6967 September 25th & 26th Fall Trash and Treasure Sale For more information contact The Forum at 746-0491

Photos © 2010 Gene and Deb Cyr, Washburn SUMMER 2010 County Events 11

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Š 2010 Our Maine Street

14 The Cheesemaker SUMMER 2010

The Cheesemaker

by Robin Elsbeth Jenkins

Ten miles south of Houlton, and just down the road from Pioneer Place in Smyrna, a young couple is building their life together, raising their children and adhering to the tenets of their Christian faith and community – the Old Order Amish. Work and family life mirror their beliefs. To the Amish, the choice of a vocation is personal, but serves the needs of the community; while family life provides the community’s strong foundation. At 28, Robert Kauffman is an accomplished cheesemaker, and his wife, Lucinda, is his helpmeet.

It’s mid-May in Smyrna, Maine. Lush green pastures line the country roads. The trees are beginning to blossom. A distant view of Mt. Katahdin is muted in aerial perspective.

Amish farmhouses and barns seamlessly intermix with the properties of residents who were there before them. As a visitor drives slowly up the lane to the farmhouse, chickens scatter. The visitor catches a glimpse of a black buggy parked in the barn, a pile of tree-length logs ready to cut, and a mountain bike lying on its side in the dooryard. Bits and pieces of machinery and equipment are stationed by the barn. Bleeding hearts have been lovingly planted beside the foundation of the house. A Welsh Corgi appears in the driveway with its tail wagging.

A slim young woman wearing an ankle-length blue dress and white cap is in the garden, setting out lettuce seedlings. She is accompanied by two of her small children.

Is this Sonnental Dairy? Yes, it is. Robert is up on the roof, he’ll be down in a minute. A hammer is banging up above.

Robert looks out from behind the solar panel he is installing on the roof of the ranch-style house he bought five years ago, when he and Lucinda were married. Lucinda invites the visitor into the living room to wait for him. She is the mother of two boys and a girl, ages four months to four years.

The baby has woken from his nap and is crying. She goes to him as Robert comes in and settles in a chair by the dining table. He wears work clothes and has a beard. He tells about how he first began experimenting with cheesemaking at the age of fifteen, soon after his family moved to Maine from Iowa. In 1996, Amish families began coming to Smyrna from Iowa, Michigan and Tennessee to farm the land and establish small businesses and cottage industries. Today the families number twenty. Robert is from a family of twelve children. His father, Norman Kauffman, is the owner of a metal roofing business and has a herd of dairy cows.

The Amish have always supplemented farming with a trade, making items that are needed by the community, such as harnesses. They have been innovative, manufacturing furniture, sheds, metal roofs, baskets and other goods to sell to non-Amish customers. Cheesemaking is an artisanal skill that increases the value of fluid milk. Until recently, Robert’s father sold all of his milk to a dairy processor whose farmgate price for milk was subject to fluctuation. So it was with the blessing of his father and the community elders that Robert became a cheesemaker and began using milk

from his father’s farm. As he explains, “Cheesemaking is part of a community effort to establish new markets for our products. If people buy the cheese, then they will also buy other farm products – beef, pork, chicken and lamb.” The Smyrna Amish community sells a large variety of garden produce at Pioneer Place, the general store on Route 2.

Sonnental Dairy (“Sunny Valley”) describes the pleasant outlook from Robert and Lucinda’s backyard and is evocative of their German-Swiss heritage. A German dialect is spoken by the children of the community and is the first language of adults. One of Robert’s cheeses is a Baby Swiss, wrapped in vacuum-sealed packaging. He’s beginning to expand his production to the washed-rind cheeses that were produced in Europe by his ancestors and are imported by the US today. Sonnental Dairy makes five different kinds of cheese – mild and sharp Cheddar (“Buggy Whip”), Colby, Gouda, Pepper Jack, Asiago and Baby Swiss. Robert is also trying his hand with a washed-rind Tomme, a goat cheese of the French Pyrenees. All of his cheeses are made in small batches and are of the highest quality.

In 2006, Robert built the barn and the dairy, which consists of a production room, an aging room, a future showroom and an office space. Of critical importance is the ice house, located in an ell above the aging room. Using plenty of posts and beams, Robert built it to support the 45 tons of ice that he packs in there every year, the volume of each block of ice about two cubic feet. The ice house is insulated with layers of Styrofoam the equivalent of R-50, with trap doors in the floor to allow for circulation of the cold air. According to Robert, the ice house is so well insulated that fully a quarter of the ice remains when he restocks the following year. The temperature of the aging room, also called the “cave”, is easily kept at 40-45 degrees F all summer long. In winter, the men head down to Timoney Lake, a quarter of a mile from Robert’s house, and cut the blocks of ice with a chain saw, loading them on sleds if the road hasn’t been overly plowed. The work gang delivers the ice to seven or eight ice houses in the community. The sleds are drawn by three teams of two horses, each team pulling a ton or a ton-and-a-half of ice at a time.

In 2006, Robert also visited cheesemakers in Vermont and Kentucky. In May of 2007, he hired Peter Dixon, dairy consultant and master cheesemaker from Vermont, to help him get on track with his first batch of cheese. In 2008, he hosted a two-day seminar with Peter Dixon, inviting fifteen cheesemakers from around New England to come and perfect their skills; and in the spring of 2009, attended another one of Peter’s seminars in Vermont. This year he has been working extensively on his aging room to create the necessary conditions for making washed-rind cheeses.

Growing a rind on cheese requires having fresh air flowing over the cheese as part of the aging process. This was a special challenge, since Robert does not use any electrical refrigeration or air conditioning. The air could not come SUMMER 2010 The Cheesemaker 15

directly from outside during the summer months, as it would disrupt the carefully controlled temperature of the aging room. Robert had the idea of utilizing an old well on the property as a source of cold air and rigged up a solarpowered electric fan to move the air through the aging room.

Sonnental Dairy is entirely off the grid, and quite possibly has the smallest carbon footprint of any cheesemaking facility anywhere.

Robert makes his cheeses three days a week. The other three days are spent repackaging the cheeses in smaller sizes for retail, doing paperwork, taking orders and shipping. Cheese production is not a year-round endeavor because the milking is seasonal, letting him pursue other activities from the end of February until early May, when the cows “freshen”. On production days, milk is delivered in the “milk wagon” from his father’s farm just down the road. Between 150 and 500 gallons of fresh, raw milk are poured into a 24” deep stainless steel vat. The vat is jacketed with water heated by a wood-fired boiler outside the dairy.

Warm water circulates through the copper pipes Robert installed with the system. In the first stage of cheesemaking, the temperature of the milk in the vat is raised to 90 degrees F, at which time a starter culture is added and incubated for 30 - 90 minutes. Robert uses a freeze-dried starter culture that contains lactococcus lactis, streptococcus thermophilus and other bacteria that lower the ph in milk. Then rennet is added, causing the milk to coagulate, creating “curds and whey”. Allowing the culture to develop slowly controls the level of acidity and is one of the key elements in cheesemaking. Robert uses strict manufacturing procedures and monitors the ph and bacterial growth at each stage of the process.

Next, he uses a wire frame to cut the curds into 3/8” squares. The temperature of the vat is brought to 103 degrees F and the curds are “cooked” for an hour. The length of the cooking time determines moisture content, moisture being another important factor in cheese quality. Then the curds are pushed to the back and the whey is drained from the tank. Giant paddles, operated by a pneumatic pump, are used to gently stir and agitate the curds until more of the moisture has been drawn off. When the ph is optimal, salt is added. The curds are then placed in big hoop molds or blocks and flattened with a press. On the following day, the cheeses are either vacuum-sealed or salt-brined. They are dated and placed in the aging room for up to two years.

A longer period of time produces a sharper flavor, as in the Buggy Whip Sharp Cheddar. Different cheese varieties are the result of the type of microflora used in the cultures as well as the length of the cooking time.

Cleanliness is of the utmost importance when making cheese from raw milk. A sign in the doorway reminds visitors to remove their shoes upon entering. Food grade stainless steel equipment hangs on a rack and everything in the room has the appearance of being kept scrupulously clean. “Cleanliness, freshness, and treating the milk gently” are Robert’s bywords. How the milk is handled before and after it leaves the farm affects the levels of bacteria. Raw milk naturally has a higher acidity that suppresses the growth of harmful bacteria; while the “good bacteria” in the starter culture keep harmful varieties in check. Many cheese connosieurs believe it’s the background of the bacteria present 16 The Cheesemaker SUMMER 2010

The Taste of Homemade Goodness!

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in unpasteurized milk that is responsible for Europeanstyle depth of flavor and quality of raw milk cheese. Robert observes, “Making cheese is an extremely fascinating art. I am only one of God’s little players, carefully shepherding a live process, with the end result being a food packed full of vitamins, enzymes, and a host of nutrients.”

Robert is one of a growing number of cheesemakers in the Northeast. There are at least 70 cheesemakers in the dairy state of Vermont alone and 30 in Maine. Robert feels that his greatest competitor for quality is the cheese imported from Europe. His cheeses carve out a niche with raw milk cheeses produced from small herds of cows that have plenty of fresh, green pasture to graze on. In addition to old-world texture and flavor, grass-fed raw milk cheese is thought to have considerably more health benefits than pasteurized milk cheese: higher levels of carotene and vitamins A, D and E, a balance of Omega-3 and Omega-6 fats, and CLA, a potent cancer-fighter.

Robert sells all of the cheese he makes, about 24,000 lbs. a year. Lucinda shares his excitement for cheesemaking, though she rarely has the opportunity to spend much time in the dairy with her three small children and household duties to look after. Robert’s business plan is simple: he would like to double his production and the size of his market, which would enable him to bring in a trained helper and eventually free him to do other tasks on the farm. As the visitor leaves, three teenage girls are cycling along the road, wearing long dresses and bonnets. Shades of dark blue, rose and lavender flash past as they sail on down the road. They are followed by a young male cyclist in dark clothing and a black hat, and an open horse-drawn buggy with two passengers. Several of the young people are laughing, and they graciously smile and wave as they pedal by. It is, indeed, a sunny valley.

SUMMER 2010 The Cheesemaker 19

Š 2010 Our Maine Street

The Caribou Zoo A Visit With Dick Chabre

When and how did you get started? Was this intended as a hobby or a business?

When I was just a small boy, I started raising birds. I’ve had many types of birds and animals over the years as a hobby.

What types of animals did you start out with? What types of animals over the years?

I started with pigeons and peacocks. About 25 years ago I moved on to Mountain Sheep, followed by the Fallow Deer. I’ve had Snowy Call Ducks, Buff Call Ducks, Doves, Pheasants, Geese, Ginny Hens, Pigmy Goats, A Baby Lamb, Rabbits, Ostrich, Emus, and many other types of Pigeons and Miss Piggy “ A Pot Belly Pig”.

This became very popular, and we had visitors from across the United States.

How did you cover your operating expenses?

For many years, since it was my hobby, I paid for all the food. However as time went on, about 15 years ago I placed a donation box out and was overwhelmed by the community generosity, as it paid for a large portion of the feed. I would always accommodate the children that wanted to come into the fenced area to feed the animals at no fee. There was never a charge to enjoy the animals.

Do you have any regrets?

I’ve had no regrets over the years and I’ve enjoyed all of my time with the animals.

Of the various types of animals, which were the most challenging?

The “Ostrich”. I would have to enter the fenced area at my own risk. I’d have to bring a rake into the fenced area as I could not trust the Ostrich. This big bird would come after me if I was unarmed. I also had on Fallow Deer named “S#!t Head”, that was ferocious during mating season. Since some of the deer were extremely tame, I would need to watch out for him, as he was not afraid of anyone including me.

When and why did you decide to part with you animals?

2010 was my turning point. Over the years I’ve incurred many health problems and at 78 years old, winter months ahead would be very difficult.

What were your favorite animals?

My most favorite was my hand raised deer. When I had “new moms”, often times they didn’t do a very good job taking care of their babies. I would take their first born and hand raise them and feed them four times a day faithfully until they were approximately two months old. These deer were named “Baby, my first, Savannah, Sabrina, and Samantha”. The deer were named by my children. I could walk anywhere in or out of the fenced area and the deer would follow me.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

Make a wish foundation contacted our family to ask if they could make a little boys dream come true. My family hosted this young man and his family on a beautiful summer day, for about four hours to spend some time enjoying the animals and especially feeding the deer from his hand.

Many schools systems would visit at the end of each year, and we also had visitors from Loring Job Corps Students, Maine Veterans Home, and Borderview Manor Nursing Home Residents.

Most of all, I would like to thank everyone in the community that has donated to assist in feeding the animals.

When did people start coming to view your animals?

Once I had the deer in the fenced area, many people referred to my farm as the “Caribou Zoo”. This all began in the fall of 1985 when my son David and I went to Ellsworth, Maine to purchase two Fallow Deer.

Every weekend and many weekend nights, the deer and other animals had visitors. The Community brought food like bread and apples and enjoyed feeding the deer.

What are you going to do with you spare time now?

I’m going fishing, I’ll enjoy my garden, and family.

I will also have the flexibility to go away from time to time without the worries of taking care of my animals.

SUMMER 2010 The Caribou Zoo 23

24 The Caribou Zoo SUMMER 2010

Aroostook Relay for Life

by Amanda Jenkins

additional reporting by Tamra Kilcollins with thoughts from event participants

On the evening of June 4th, thousands turned out to attend Aroostook County’s 14th annual Relay for Life. The event, one of countless others held all over the country, raises money to improve cancer treatments and support further research in the field; although for so many members of our community it does much more than that.

The event honors those loved ones who have been lost, celebrates those who have survived, and provides hope to those who continue to fight courageously against this disease.

This year’s Relay for Life was held at the Caribou High School track, where opening ceremonies began at 6 p.m. on Friday evening and ended “My boys were introduced to cancer in a negative way, so at 10 a.m on Saturday morning, with an event like this helps show them the generosity of so many participants trading in and out of people. This event showed them if we care and work together the relay to walk continually around great things can be accomplished against cancer and in life.” the track for the 16-hour duration.

Community members showed their support not only through this display of physical endurance, but also through pledges and financial donations which continued to astound committee members as they compared last year’s success with this year’s. In 2009, 26 teams participated in the Relay for Life and an impressive $46,000 were raised. This year, 63 teams raised over $123,000 to fight against a disease that continues to affect every member of every community in one way or another. Cary Medical Center’s Bill Flagg, Director of Community Relations and Marketing, commented on the inspiring levels of community support, “A great deal of praise has to be given to those who helped organize this event, making it one of the most significant fundraisers ever held in Aroostook County. The event had a spirit of inspiration and hope that touched everyone that participated.” Miles Williams, Steering Committee Member, was also touched and astounded by The County’s ability to pull together for a common goal, “We felt that we had established pretty lofty goals based on our previous relays; we are so ecstatic with this year’s event and the support from everyone that we received.

It’s a testament to the generosity of Aroostook County people, especially considering the economic times we are in. We are so pleased and happy and can’t thank everyone enough that was involved with this year’s Relay.”

SUMMER 2010 Relay for Life 27

In truth, the success of this year’s event can be seen not only in monetary gains but, perhaps more importantly, in the way our community was able to support each other. Miles Williams described the event as follows, “With all the tents, lights and people together celebrating their commitment to this event, it was so festive; there was a snowball effect of enthusiasm. And, at the same time, there were very serene and solemn times with participants walking around the track. At any given time you might see someone just taking in the event, the beauty of it all, luminaries lighting up the track, people reflecting on how cancer has touched their lives. Often times you might see someone softly crying in a private moment and then approached by friends or strangers to get a comforting hug. That’s what it’s all about and makes the Relay event what it is.”

The Relay for Life event has proven once again that though Aroostook County is made up of small communities, they are capable of achieving great things.

Capable of providing monetary support even in the face of daunting financial hardships. Capable of contributing time and energy despite the fast-paced world we live in.

And above all, capable of offering something bright in the face of tremendous adversity – the single word spelled out by thousands of luminaries placed edge to edge along the Relay track – HOPE.

“Relay is not just about one thing, but it is a chance to share a truly meaningful experience with our friends, neighbors and loved ones. Knowing first hand what I endured during my life threatening illness, making me face my own mortality, makes the opportunity to be able to give back so much more meaningful. Knowing that the fund raising efforts will make a difference and someday we all will be Cancer Free. Relaying allows us the time to appreciate and reflect on the joys and sorrows we have all experienced in dealing with the battles, losses and victories against Cancer.”

SUMMER 2010 Relay for Life 29

“Relay for Life means a lot to my family and myself, I am able to beat Cancer because of the research that enable the doctors to diagnose and treat this disease. Relay for life helps fund this research and hopefully one day help find a cure.�

30 Relay for Life SUMMER 2010

“I was amazed at the number of people, generosity, and warm smiles of all the people involved. The atmosphere was one of hope which was so uplifting.�

www.johnsshurfine.com

Š 2010 Our Maine Street

Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center Celebrates 10th Anniversary

by Kathy McCarty

A Star City landmark is celebrating its 10th anniversary this July, complete with a number of upgrades - in keeping with its record of exemplary service, be it dinner in Gram Russo’s newlyconstructed solarium or a night in one of its completely redecorated rooms.

The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center has now been owned and operated by Kevin B. Simmons, owner and president of KBS Enterprises, Inc., for a decade. The structure itself dates back nearly 40 years. Simmons said over the years, the facility has undergone a number of changes to better serve the needs of the community, business travelers and vacationers. The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center is Aroostook County’s largest full-service hotel and convention center.

Construction first began at the Houlton Road location in the summer of 1972. The Swamp Fox Motor Inn was completed in June of 1973, under the ownership of Carroll Hardy, of Brewer, and Peter Benson, of Washburn, who served as contractor.

At that time, The Swamp Fox - as it was more commonly referred to included over 70 guest rooms; a dining room that served breakfast, lunch and dinner; a lounge; lobby; meeting rooms and banquet facilities. The new hotel also included a pool, saunas, fitness area and a beauty salon.

The project carried a considerable price tag for that time, exceeding its budget by over half of the original estimated cost. At time of completion, the total cost of construction 34 Presque Isle Inn 10th SUMMER 2010

was close to $1 million.

The facility gained a reputation early on as one of the lively night spots, with Swamp Fox performances by the likes of Rock Maple, Night Life and Hokum entertaining audiences at the Cock and Feather Lounge. Visitors could make a night of it, starting with a meal at the Coach & Eight Restaurant, before heading to enjoy music and dancing. The restaurant was known for its daily luncheon specials and famous Saturday night buffet, with catering available for luncheon parties. The facility was recognized at that time as “Maine’s newest and most luxurious nite spot.”

The Swamp Fox was only around about five years before it changed names and ownership.

By March of 1978, the Swamp Fox was no more, having undergone a change to Keddy’s Swamp Fox Motor Inn, then shortened to Keddy’s Motor Inn, the only U.S. property owned and operated by Donald Teddy - a Canadian owned hotel company.

Night life remained a popular attraction, with performances by Northern Comfort, playing rock and roll, in the Cock & Feather Lounge and Joshua Sunshine appearing in the Olde Gaol Tavern, with a selection of easy listening music. By the 1980s, the lounge had been redesigned and its name changed to the Connection, featuring music by popular bands like Mirage and performers such as Mel and Ira. Today, the Connection is still the leader in Presque Isle for entertainment, live bands and socializing. The night club has gone through many renovations by previous owners. Moving of the Horseshoe bar from one end to the other is just one example. Simmons has continued to update the venue, enlarging and changing the façade of the bar, installing new bathrooms and adding 52-inch flat-panel TVs. Beer on draft was also added.

“Our clientele asked for it and we made it happen,” said the owner.

In 1986, the City of Presque Isle’s records indicate Keddy’s underwent substantial upgrades. In February 1986, Scovil Building Supply acquired a permit for an addition to the hotel, adding additional guest rooms, conference and meeting space, as well as adding an additional kitchen for banquets, valued at an estimated $1.5 million. A second permit was issued to Scovil in November of 1986, for construction of a new restaurant, renovation work and the addition of the solarium, with SUMMER 2010 Presque Isle Inn 10th 35

the value of the project estimated at $88,000. The hotel remained Keddy’s for nearly 20 years, though few records remain as to the owner of record at that time.

City records indicate Dalton Scovil purchased the property, which had fallen into receivership, in November 1998 and shortly thereafter it became the County View Hotel.

Less than a year and a half later, Simmons purchased the hotel and began the process of updating the facility, adding a touch of elegance and family atmosphere throughout, as well as a new name: Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center – taking on a similar name to Simmons’ first hotel in Aroostook County, the Caribou Inn & Convention Center.

Simmons first came to Aroostook County in the fall of 1990 looking at potential hospitality properties.

He returned several times until his purchase of the Caribou Inn & Convention Center – formerly Caribou Motor Inn - on March 23, 1994, becoming a member of the Aroostook County community at the age of 28. The new owner, originally from Portland, was excited to bring his knowledge of the industry and his own ideas to Aroostook County.

“We’ve completed significant renovations to our guest rooms; we have added extended-stay suites, with full kitchen and living areas. In 2009, all rooms received new furnishing and additional amenities. Additional upgrades are being phased in in some suites and a few guest room bathrooms at present,” he said.

The facility offers the latest amenities, making any stay – be it a family on vacation or a business trip – a pleasant one.

“The interior private areas and public areas have been upgraded. We have made substantial energy-efficient upgrades to our operational and mechanical systems, as well as installing advanced technological systems.

We offer wireless Internet access. New stateof-the-art computer systems have been installed in the restaurant and at the front desk, allowing us to be more competitive in today’s marketplace,” Simmons noted.

Simmons remembers shortly after his purchase, he had to replace the over 30-yearold boiler system that was manually run by turning and shutting off valves.

“It was pretty scary,” he said.

36 Presque Isle Inn 10th SUMMER 2010

Simmons has much more on the drawing board, though it has been slowed due to the downturn in the economy.

“I have wanted to do a complete exterior modernization of the building facade, as well as improvements of the exterior grounds. We are still working on the structural design of the building, as well as material and color coordination. With the completion of the new solarium, I look forward to moving on to the exterior,” Simmons commented.

The facility took on a family feel, following his purchase of the business ten years ago. Gram Russo’s Italian Restaurant is named for Simmons’ late grandmother, Marjorie Russo, and features many of her Italian recipes that Simmons grew to love as a child.

“Gram was my inspiration for the dining area. I chose an Italian theme not just to honor my grandmother but to offer the community something different and previously unavailable in Aroostook County,” he said.

“We realized what we needed was a truly Italian restaurant. I had a definite picture of what I wanted and I think it turned out great,” Simmons continued.

“A lot of hard work went into the dining room’s design – attention was paid to every detail. We even have an Italian fountain, straight from Italy,” Simmons said.

A kitchen remodel was completed to keep up with the increase in business.

“We went right from the roof rafters to the floor joists. It was remarkable to see almost 40 years of history transformed into something more efficient and modern.

All new energy-efficient equipment was purchased and the new design made for a more effective operation,” he said.

“The food has a distinctive Italian flavor, with authentic dishes based on those made by my late grandmother. It has taken us a while to get it right and with the many influences of a number of talented chefs, we have a wonderful menu; Gram Russo’s has become the talk of the town,” said Simmons.

Menu items include Gram Russo’s family recipes for marinara sauce and meatballs, lasagna and many other popular Italian dishes. With the completion of the solarium in February of this year, diners now can enjoy their meals in a more comfortable and energySUMMER 2010 Presque Isle Inn 10th 37

efficient area while still maintaining its grand view of the Star City scenery, including a remarkable view of Presque Isle’s skyline.

The health club is another feature Simmons takes pride in.

It’s located in the lower level of the hotel which was formally meeting space and, more recently, Presque Isle off-track betting (OTB) parlor.

The approximately 6,000 square-foot fitness and wellness center has stateof-the-art equipment, many specialty classes and a trained staff available to design a program to fit any individual.

“Membership is all-inclusive,” said Simmons. “It includes the use of the swimming pool as well as access to the Caribou Center. The fitness facility was a perfect amenity to add for our hotel guests and a great addition to offer the community of Presque Isle.”

The Presque Isle Inn & Convention Center also offers spacious banquet rooms suitable for business meetings, bridal and baby showers, receptions, special dinners and the like.

“The Center’s decor has been completely updated. We continue to make changes to better serve our customers. Our facilities are some of the most spacious and elegant around.

We have the ability to cater for any occasion,” said Simmons.

The business continues to look for new and exciting ways to better serve its patrons.

“We are presently constructing a new board room that will be located on the upper level of the hotel close to the lobby, to accommodate smaller business meetings,” said Simmons.

“Frankie’s Lounge is being redesigned and we are hoping to have a complete new look by fall.”

The Inn also has ample parking and is well-located for recreational activities like snowmobiling and ATV use.

“We’re located right on the trail system, whether you’re here in the winter to experience Aroostook County’s spectacular trails or coming up for a summer ATV ride,” said Simmons.

Simmons said the secret to any business’s success is its ability to adapt to the needs of its customers.

38 Presque Isle Inn 10th SUMMER 2010

“It’s important to seek input – listen to their ideas and suggestions. It’s about meeting needs and providing desired services. You want to make them feel welcome, create an inviting place – a place they’ll tell others about and want to return to,” said Simmons.

And return they have, with businesses and organizations using the facility for meetings, banquets and other gatherings year after year. One example is the Presque Isle Kiwanis Club, which celebrated its 60th anniversary in May, holding the celebration in one of the inn’s banquet rooms. The club has been using the facility for many years for their weekly lunchtime meetings.

The business continually looks for ways to improve services and appreciates guests’ input.

“This is an ever-evolving process. We’ll continue to look for ways to better serve our guests and look forward to their feedback,” said Simmons. “Before I renovate - take on a new project - I consider the value to the community and my customers. All our upgrades are done to protect the historic nature of the facility; the Presque Isle Inn is truly a city landmark, a ‘County Gem.’” During the 10th anniversary celebration, Simmons said he and his staff will be running specials and celebrations throughout the facility.

“Please watch local listings for updates,” said Simmons.

For more information, contact 764-3321 or go online at www.presqueisleinn.com.

Information obtained: City of Presque Isle, Presque Isle Library-Archives, Robb Miller, Frankie Robinson, Maryann Raymond, Kevin B Simmons

SUMMER 2010 Presque Isle Inn 10th 39

Deboullie Unit T15 R9

by Vernon M. Labbe, Lands Regional Manager

The 21,871-acre Deboullie Unit is managed by the Bureau of Parks & Lands, Lands Division, Northern Region. This is an area of exceptional beauty, encompassing steep mountains, crystal clear ponds, rare and unusual plants, exceptional fisheries, and four-season recreational opportunities. The name Deboullie is an adaptation of the French word debouler, which means to tumble down – referring to the talus fields (rock slides) at the base of several mountains. These mountains were slated to become part of the 1960’s proposed Dickey-Lincoln Hydroelectric Dam project. The Unit is located southwest of Fort Kent and northwest of Portage. The property is within the North Maine Woods system.

Prior to 1975 the State of Maine held 1,000 acres of

unlocated interest in the township. These publicly held “original reservation” acres were established in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s when much of the state was surveyed in preparation for future land sales. Approximately 1,000 acres in each township were held as “school” and “ministry” lots in anticipation of future settlements. In 1975 the then Bureau of Public Lands acquired Great Northern Nekoosa Corporation’s 14,099-acre interest in the township as part of a larger land trade involving other properties in the state.

Two similar trades in 1984 and 1985 with Pingree Heirs and with Prentiss & Carlisle completed the State’s current ownership.

Most of the township consists of a healthy and productive forest, with timber harvesting recorded as far back as the mid-1800’s. Between 1910 and 1920 two mills were constructed on the township. A dam was constructed on Pushineer Pond to facilitate log drives down Red River. The extensive timber harvests in the 1950’s-1960’s established most of the current road system on the Unit.

40 Deboullie Unit SUMMER 2010

Red River Camps, a private commercial sporting camp that leases property from the Bureau, is located on Island Pond. The original cabin was built before 1900 as a private camp of the Whitman family (Whitman’s Chocolates). 2010 is Red River Camps’ 124th year in business.

The Deboullie Unit encompasses 17 ponds ranging in size from 8 acres to 341 acres. These ponds are known for providing excellent fisheries, including native brook (speckled) trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon and blueback trout (landlocked arctic charr). A number of ponds are fly fishing only and several ponds are not accessible by vehicle.

Two barrier dams at Crater Outlet and Perch Pond were reconstructed recently to protect the brook trout fishery.

There are

29 campsites on the Unit, 23 of which are accessible by vehicle. Most of the campsites are single-party sites and Perch Pond is designated as the group site which has a recently constructed table shelter.

Two walk-in campsites, Denny Pond South and Togue Point, have recently constructed Adirondack shelters. The campsites are primitive, with a stone fire ring and flip-up grate, picnic table and pit privy. All of the campsites are authorized for open fire use. Camping is allowed in other areas on the Unit but open fires are not permitted except at authorized sites.

The Unit provides a number of hiking opportunities, with the Deboullie Mtn. tower trail (4 miles) being the most popular. A major reconstruction of the tower trail was

undertaken by the Maine Conservation Corps from 20072009. The MCC, with assistance from BPL staff, installed stone steps, a wooden footbridge, switchbacks, water bars and opened up scenic vistas. For the stouthearted the former fire tower provides expansive views of the region.

In addition to the Deboullie Pond trail loop the recently completed Black Mtn. trail loop offer hikers long distance (5-9 miles) options. Both loop trails have scenic vistas offering panoramic views of the Unit. “Ice caves” (narrow, shaded crevices where snow and ice can remain year-round) can be found on both loops. The trailhead for the tower trail and the two loops is located at the east end of Deboullie Pond. There is also a trail from Denny Pond that connects to the Deboullie Pond trail loop and to the Gardner Pond trail. Several short trails provide access to ponds and to Red River Falls. During the winter months the public access road provides a connector trail between the ITS snowmobile trails in Portage and the ITS snowmobile trails in Allagash.

In 2000 a 7,253-acre Ecological Reserve was designated on the Unit, an area that encompasses the shorelines and waters of 11 ponds. These ecosystems will remain in their natural condition and be monitored periodically to document changes. Maine’s only population of Arctic Sandwort (Minuartia rubella) is found on the talus slopes within the Ecological Reserve. Other rare plants found on the Unit include fragrant cliff wood-fern, few-flowered spikerush, alpine rush, northern slender pondweed, northern woodsia and smooth woodsia.

93% of the Unit is forested, with 33% in softwood,

42% in mixedwood and 25% in hardwood. The Bureau of Parks and Lands manages the public lands to achieve multiple benefits – public recreation, wildlife habitats and timber sales (revenues help fund land management). BPL’s forest practices are green-certified by two independent auditors, the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and the Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI).

The Northern Region office is located in Ashland at the Department of Conservation Headquarters, telephone number 207 435-7963.

Maine Game Wardens Want You Safe

One of the most serious concerns of the Maine Warden Service is the number of riders and passengers who are injured or die as a result of unsafe riding practices. Many times ATV riders feel if they are just riding around the house or if they are planning on riding at a slow speed, they do not need protective gear. Some of the most serious crashes occur near the home or at very slow speed.

The following are a few basic safety rules to ensure your ATVriding experience is a safe and enjoyable one.

Check the Rules and Laws Know the rules and laws. Trail signs indicate hazards, and are for your safety. Safety is important when riding your ATV. Plan

Let a family member or friend know your travel route and stick to the plan. Every year the Maine Warden Service is called to searches that where the result of changed plans. Family members were not made aware of the change in plans. Before leaving the house or camp, check the weather forecast and make sure you are prepared for inclimate weather or sudden storms.

Being caught in the rain on an ATV without warning can make riding unsafe.

Gear-Up Wear the proper safety gear when riding your ATV. Goggles, gloves, a helmet, and protective clothing should always be worn. Additional gear such as elbow and kneepads or over the ankle boots are also smart to wear. Not only does this protect you, but allows you to have a fun time with less risk! Also, do not forget to pack a snack.

Bring a Friend Never go riding alone on your ATV, because you never know what could happen. If your ATV rolls and you are injured, having a friend to go get help can be useful. Bring a cell phone and stay in areas with service.

Follow Precautions Always follow the guidelines and cautions for your particular ATV. For example, if your ATV is a one-passenger, never ever have more than one passenger riding on that particular machine! Also, make sure you check weight restrictions and follow them diligently.

Slow Down The faster you go, the less likely you are to notice potholes, branches, rocks, cables, and other hazards in or on the trail. Keep a safe pace when you are in an unfamiliar area to assure your safety. It is also imperative to keep a safe distance between other ATV riders to avoid collision.

Know your Vehicle Never ride an unfamiliar ATV and take some time to learn the basic functions of the new machine before you strike out for the day. Do not allow another rider to operate one without proper training. Be a friend and watch out for other riders to make sure they know what they are doing.

42 Maine Wardens SUMMER 2010

Know the Area Since riding ATVs is an off-road activity; there are all kinds of natural hazards. Knowing the area you are riding helps a lot. If you do go to an unfamiliar area, bring an ATV map, compass, GPS, a safety kit, and a friend.

Avoid Paved Roads ATVs were not made to be rode on paved roads. They are specifically designed and equipped for off-road riding, and even the most trained rider will have trouble riding them anywhere else. Use a trailer or truck to transport your ATV to your riding destination.

Stay Sober You should never ride an ATV under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

Always wear protective gear, most importantly a helmet; never ride alone; do not carry a passenger; ride only marked trails; get permission prior to entering another’s property and respect wildlife and habitats. Operate your ATV at a reasonable speed and stay in control.

You would not dream of letting your 9 year-old child drive your car, so why let her or him drive your ATV. In Maine, a person under ten years of age, may not operate an ATV except on the land which the operator is domiciled; land owned or leased by the operator’s parent or guardian; or a safety training site approved by the department of inland fisheries and wildlife.

In order to operate an ATV on public property, a person 10 to under 16 years of age must complete a safety-training course. In this course, driving skills are demonstrated and tested.

Children under 16 must also be accompanied an adult.

All-Terrain Vehicles, or ATVs, are designed to be a lot of fun for old and young alike. The Maine Warden Service checks hundreds of operators out in the fields and forests who enjoy this popular and fast-growing outdoor activity. However, they can also be dangerous if the proper precautions are not taken to ensure a safe ride, especially for younger riders. Pick up a copy of the State of Maine’s ATV Laws and Rules at your town office or visit our website at mefishwildlife..com. Remember to “Ride safe, ride smart, and ride responsibly!”

Staying In Control of Diabetes

by Andy Soucier

It

was

June,

2008,

and

Cindy

Campbell

wasn’t

ĨĞĞůŝŶŐ ǁĞůů͘ ^ŚĞ ǁĂƐ ƚŚŝƌƐƚLJ ŵŽƐƚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ͘ ^ŚĞ couldn’t

get

her

eyes

to

focus

properly.

She

lived

the

ďƵƐLJ ůŝĨĞ ŽĨ Ă ƚĞĂĐŚĞƌ ĂŶĚ ĚŝĚŶ͛ƚ ĂůǁĂLJƐ ƚĂŬĞ ƚŚĞ ƟŵĞ ƚŽ exercise

and

choose

healthy

foods.

ŝŶĚLJ ŚĂĚ Ă ƉƌĞƩLJ ŐŽŽĚ ŝĚĞĂ ǁŚĂƚ ǁĂƐ ĐĂƵƐŝŶŐ her

to

feel

poorly.

A

trip

to

her

primary

care

provider’s

ŽĸĐĞ ĐŽŶĮƌŵĞĚ ǁŚĂƚ ƐŚĞ ŚĂĚ ĂůƌĞĂĚLJ ƐƵƐƉĞĐƚĞĚ͗ ƐŚĞ had

type

2

diabetes.

Millions

of

people

in

the

United

States

live

with

diabetes.

The

disease

ĂīĞĐƚƐ ƚŚĞ ďŽĚLJ͛Ɛ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ƉƌŽƉĞƌůLJ process

blood

sugar.

As

a

result,

sugar

builds

up

in

the

bloodstream,

which

can

harm

the

body’s

organs

and

raise

a

person’s

risk

of

heart

disease.

Cindy

remembers

how

she

felt

upon

learning

that

the

disease

would

be

a

part

of

her

life

forever.

“I

was

scared,”

she

said.

“You

think

it’s

not

going

to

happen

to

you.

I

knew

for

years

I

was

overweight

and

out

of

shape.”

About

one

in

twelve

people

in

ƚŚĞ hŶŝƚĞĚ ^ƚĂƚĞƐ ŝƐ ĚŝĂďĞƟĐ͕ ƐŽ ŵŽƐƚ ĞǀĞƌLJŽŶĞ ŝƐ ĂīĞĐƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐĞĂƐĞ ŝŶ some

way.

Type

2

diabetes,

the

most

common

form

of

the

disease,

typically

strikes

adults.

Certain

risk

factors

can

ŝŶĐƌĞĂƐĞ Ă ƉĞƌƐŽŶ͛Ɛ ůŝŬĞůŝŚŽŽĚ ŽĨ ŐĞƫŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ĨŽƌŵ ŽĨ diabetes,

including

family

history,

age,

diet,

and

exercise.

Type

1

diabetes,

a

less

common

form

of

the

disease,

ŝƐ ƚLJƉŝĐĂůůLJ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐĞĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ĐŚŝůĚŚŽŽĚ͘ 'ĞƐƚĂƟŽŶĂů ĚŝĂďĞƚĞƐ͕ ƚŚĞ ƚŚŝƌĚ ƚLJƉĞ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐĞĂƐĞ͕ ĂīĞĐƚƐ ƉƌĞŐŶĂŶƚ women.

ŝŶĚLJ͛Ɛ ƌĞĂĐƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŚĞƌ ĚŝĂŐŶŽƐŝƐ ŝƐ ĐŽŵŵŽŶ͘ There

is

currently

no

cure

for

diabetes,

and

proper

management

of

the

disease

takes

life-­‐long

commitment.

It

didn’t

take

her

long

to

realize

that

her

diagnosis

was

real,

and

that

it

wasn’t

going

away.

So

she

decided

to

do

something

about

it.

“I

realized

that

I

couldn’t

play

around

with

my

ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶLJ ůŽŶŐĞƌ͕͟ ƐŚĞ ƐĂŝĚ͘ ͞/ ĚĞĐŝĚĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ŝƚ ǁĂƐ ƟŵĞ to

make

a

change.

If

I

wanted

to

see

my

kids

graduate,

get

married,

and

be

a

part

of

their

lives

for

years

to

come,

I

had

to

do

it.”

ŝŶĚLJ ďĞŐĂŶ ďLJ ŝĚĞŶƟĨLJŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƐŽƵƌĐĞƐ available

to

her.

She

worked

closely

with

her

primary

ĐĂƌĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƌ ƚŽ ůĞĂƌŶ ĂďŽƵƚ ŚĞƌ ŶĞǁ ŵĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ how

they

could

be

used

to

help

control

the

disease.

She

also

enrolled

in

The

Aroostook

Medical

Center’s

Diabetes

Self

Management

Training

Program.

dŚĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ŚĞůƉƐ ĚŝĂďĞƟĐƐ ůĞĂƌŶ ƚŚĞ ƐŬŝůůƐ ƚŚĞLJ ŶĞĞĚ ƚŽ ƐƵĐĐĞƐƐĨƵůůLJ ŵĂŶĂŐĞ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐĞĂƐĞ͘ WĂƌƟĐŝƉĂŶƚƐ ĮŶĚ ŽƵƚ ŚŽǁ ƚŽ ƚĂŬĞ ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ŽĨ ĚŝĂďĞƚĞƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ͕ ŵĞĂů ƉůĂŶŶŝŶŐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ͘ dŚĞ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ ĞŝŐŚƚ ŚŽƵƌƐ ŽĨ ĞĚƵĐĂƟŽŶ and

free

follow

up

for

a

year,

is

coordinated

by

Lillian

Wipperman,

a

diabetes

nurse

educator.

According

to

Cindy,

the

Diabetes

Self

Management

44 County Health SUMMER 2010

Training

Program

played

an

important

role

in

helping

her

manage

the

disease.

“I

think

if

I

hadn’t

been

educated,

I

wouldn’t

have

understood

the

disease

and

realized

that

it’s

manageable,”

she

said.

“I

learned

that

it

is

important

to

set

small

daily

goals.

My

goals

were

to

exercise

at

least

ϮϬ ŵŝŶƵƚĞƐ Ă ĚĂLJ ƚŚƌĞĞ ƟŵĞƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ͕ ůŽƐĞ ƚǁŽ ƉŽƵŶĚƐ ĞĂĐŚ ǁĞĞŬ͕ ĂŶĚ ƚĂŬĞ ŵLJ ŵĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ ĂƐ ƐĐŚĞĚƵůĞĚ͘͟

In

the

months

following

her

diagnosis,

Cindy

lost

almost

100

pounds

ďLJ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƉĂLJŝŶŐ ĂƩĞŶƟŽŶ ƚŽ ŚĞƌ ĚŝĞƚ͘ ^ŚĞ ĐŽŶƟŶƵĞƐ ƚŽ ǁĂůŬ Žƌ ĞdžĞƌĐŝƐĞ indoors

several

days

each

week.

She

feels

good

and

is

now

able

to

control

her

diabetes

through

diet

and

exercise,

ǁŝƚŚŽƵƚ ƚŚĞ ĂŝĚ ŽĨ ŵĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶ͘

Gaining

control

of

her

diabetes

ƌĞƋƵŝƌĞĚ ĚĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ͘ ^ŚĞ also

credits

the

resources

that

were

available

to

help

her,

including

the

Diabetes

Self

Management

Training

Program.

“I

think

the

program

was

very

ďĞŶĞĮĐŝĂů ƚŽ ŵĞ͘ / ĞŶũŽLJ >ŝůůŝĂŶ ďĞĐĂƵƐĞ ƐŚĞ͛Ɛ ǀĞƌLJ ƉŽƐŝƟǀĞ͘͟

Through

the

program,

Cindy

ůĞĂƌŶĞĚ ƚŚĂƚ ƐŚĞ ĐĂŶ ƐƟůů ƐƉůƵƌŐĞ ŽŶ occasion,

and

she

doesn’t

need

to

completely

give

up

her

favorite

foods.

“I’ve

learned

ŚŽǁ / ĐĂŶ ĞĂƚ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶƚ ƚŚŝŶŐƐ͕͟ ƐŚĞ ƐĂŝĚ͘ ͞/ ĐĂŶ ŐŽ ƚŽ ĂŶLJ ƌĞƐƚĂƵƌĂŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ĂŶLJŽŶĞ ĞůƐĞ ŐŽĞƐ ƚŽ͖ ŝƚ͛Ɛ ũƵƐƚ ƚŚĂƚ / ƉŝĐŬ the

grilled

foods.”

<ĞĞƉŝŶŐ ŵŽƟǀĂƚĞĚ ŝƐŶ͛ƚ ĂůǁĂLJƐ ĞĂƐLJ͕ ďƵƚ ŝŶĚLJ ďĞůŝĞǀĞƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĞǀĞƌLJ ĚŝĂďĞƟĐ ĐĂŶ ĮŶĚ Ă ƉůĂŶ ƚŚĂƚ ǁŝůů ǁŽƌŬ for

them.

“Even

if

you

can’t

get

out

and

exercise,

you

can

ƐƟůů ǁĂƚĐŚ LJŽƵƌ ĚŝĞƚ ĂŶĚ ƚĂŬĞ LJŽƵƌ ŵĞĚŝĐŝŶĞ ĂŶĚ ĮŶĚ things

around

the

house

to

do,”

she

added.

“Use

cans

of

vegetables

for

weights.

Go

up

and

down

the

stairs.

Park

at

the

end

of

the

parking

lot

at

the

store

and

walk.

It

is

a

change

in

your

lifestyle.”

ŝŶĚLJ ǁŝůů ďĞ Ă ĚŝĂďĞƟĐ ĨŽƌ ůŝĨĞ͕ ďƵƚ ǁŝƚŚ persistence,

she

believes

she

has

the

ability

to

stay

in

ĐŽŶƚƌŽů ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĚŝƐĞĂƐĞ͘ ,Ğƌ ĂĚǀŝĐĞ ƚŽ ĚŝĂďĞƟĐƐ ǁŚŽ ĂƌĞ ƐƚƌƵŐŐůŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƐƚĂLJ ŵŽƟǀĂƚĞĚ͗ ĚŽŶ͛ƚ ŐŝǀĞ ƵƉ͘

“Don’t

give

up

too

soon.

It’s

not

something

that

happens

overnight.

Talk

to

others

and

share

what

you’re

learning

so

you’re

not

going

through

the

process

alone.

Find

support,

whether

it’s

at

home

or

at

work.

Like

anything

else,

you

really

have

to

want

it.

If

you

want

to

be

healthy

and

have

control

of

your

life,

you

can

do

it.”

&Žƌ ŵŽƌĞ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ĂďŽƵƚ dŚĞ ƌŽŽƐƚŽŽŬ Medical

Center’s

Diabetes

Self-­‐Management

Program,

please

call

(207)768-­‐4580.

The

Aroostook

Medical

Center

is

a

member

of

EMHS.

Members

of

EMHS

work

to

ensure

the

highest

quality

of

care

is

available

to

all

who

need

it,

especially

those

in

rural

Maine.

Now

there

is

a

beƩer

way

to

receive

your

medicaƟons.

I

Care

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© 2010 Jo-Ellen Kelley, Limestone

SUMMER 2010 County Health 45

When Good Bugs Go Bad

by Professional Home Nursing

Your body protects itself with many beneficial organisms called MRSA, is a staph infection that is resistant to antibiotics. inside as well as outside of your body. When the balance of some Certain oral or in some cases intravenous antibiotics will be organisms is out of proportion, they can cause serious illnesses. needed to treat a MRSA infection.

Clostridium Difficile and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus are two of these organisms.

What are symptoms of MRSA? Boils or blisters Clostridium Difficile (C-Diff) Tenderness of the skin Redness, warmth, swelling and/or drainage Clostridium Difficile, most often called C-Diff, is Fever/chills a normal bacteria found in your intestines. When you take Wounds that do not heal antibiotics, you can upset the balance of other normal bacteria in you intestines, which then causes the C-Diff bacteria to take over.

How does MRSA spread?

When the C-Diff bacteria takes over, you can have some or all of Skin-to-skin contact the following: Shared objects or surfaces MRSA wound drainage (pus) Cramps Hot tubs, saunas, athletic equipment Mild to severe diarrhea Personal items like soap, towels, bedding or clothing Weight loss Weakness Who is at risk for MRSA? Loss of body fluid (dehydration) which may need to be replaced People with: with IV fluids Recurrent skin disease or open wounds In some severe cases, bowel surgery Long-term illness or long-term dialysis Recent hospital stays or rehab stays Using antibiotics is not the only way you can develop C-Diff.

Illicit drug users Ways you can develop C-Diff are: Contact with someone with MRSA Using antibiotics for a long time Recent antibiotic use Getting C-Diff from someone who has C-Diff Living in a crowded area Using acid reducing medications (fluoroquinolones) Any area with public use (continued) When you start antibiotics, doing the following thing(s) can help How do you know if you have MRSA? you from developing C-Diff most of the time. For two months A wound that does not heal (needs to be checked by your do at least one of the following: doctor) Eat two 8-oz. containers of yogurt with active or live A wound that does not heal, even on antibiotics cultures each day (and/or) A positive wound culture for MRSA Take an over-the-counter medication called acidophilus (lactobacillus acidophilus) as directed on the bottle How is MRSA treated?

A positive wound culture for MRSA If you or someone in your family has C-Diff, the Regular cleaning and dressing of the wound following can help prevent others from developing C-Diff: An antibiotic pill that is effective for MRSA Wash your hands after going to the bathroom, using friction and An intravenous antibiotic, if the antibiotic pill does not work hot soapy water Cleaning all contaminated surfaces with soapy bleach water (1/4 Wash all your laundry separately, using bleach as much cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water) and let surface dry as possible How do I protect myself from getting MRSA? Clean all surfaces that you use and let air dry with soapy bleach Eat a balanced diet and get plenty of rest to keep your immune water (1/4 cup of bleach to 1 gallon of water). Change your system healthy bleach water every 20-30 minutes because bleach loses its strength Wash your hands with hot soapy water or use alcohol hand after 20-30 minutes sanitizer Do not share food or dishes â&#x20AC;&#x201C; use a dishwasher or hand wash your Shower or bathe regularly â&#x20AC;&#x201C; good personal hygiene dishes with hot, soapy bleach water Avoid sharing personal items such as soap, razors, towels or clothing Clean and cover any skin breaks Avoid contact with persons with skin infections METHICILLIN-RESISTANT Use latex gloves to handle any contaminated items STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS Avoid contact with public surfaces as much as possible Clean all surfaces or objects that come in contact with other Staphylococcus Aureus, often called staph, is a normal people, especially shoes or athletic equipment bacteria found on your skin with higher concentrations in your nose, groin and armpits. When the concentration of staph bacteria becomes too high, you can develop an infection. Minor staph infections may be as simple as a pimple or a boil while more serious wound infections requiring antibiotics can develop.

Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, commonly

© 2010 Gene Cyr, Washburn

Healthy

You:

The

Eyes

Have

It by

K im

J ones,

C ary

M edical

C enter

The

eye

is

a

highly

complex

organ

with

amazing

stamina

and

durability

for

something

ƚŚĂƚ ǁĞŝŐŚƐ ũƵƐƚ Ă Ь ŽĨ ĂŶ ŽƵŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŝƐ ĂůŵŽƐƚ 80%

water.

And

there

are

few

(if

any)

body

parts

that

we

rely

upon

to

do

so

much.

Through

our

eyes,

we

can

communicate

powerful

messages

ǁŝƚŚ ũƵƐƚ ƚŚĞ ƐůŝŐŚƚĞƐƚ ŵŽǀĞŵĞŶƚ͘ dŚĞLJ ĂƌĞ universally

considered

by

men

and

women

to

ďĞ ƚŚĞ ŵŽƐƚ ĂƩƌĂĐƟǀĞ ĨĂĐŝĂů ĨĞĂƚƵƌĞ͘ /Ŷ ŵĂŶLJ cultures,

they

are

regarded

as

the

gateway

to

the

soul.

And,

of

course,

they

give

us

the

precious

ŐŝŌ ŽĨ ƐŝŐŚƚ͘

Keeping

your

eyes

healthy

is

important

for

good

vision

and

for

your

overall

wellness.

The

branch

of

medicine

that

covers

diseases

of

the

eye

is

ophthalmology.

Physicians

who

specialize

in

ƚŚŝƐ ĮĞůĚ͕ ĐĂůůĞĚ ŽƉŚƚŚĂůŵŽůŽŐŝƐƚƐ͕ ĂƌĞ ŐĞŶĞƌĂůůLJ categorized

as

surgeons

because

they

are

trained

to

perform

surgery

to

repair

or

prevent

vision

ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŵĂũŽƌ ĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞ ďĞƚǁĞĞŶ ophthalmologists

and

optometrists,

who

are

also

eye

and

vision

specialists.

Both

types

of

physicians

may

diagnose,

manage,

and

treat

eye

problems,

but

only

ophthalmologists

perform

eye

surgery.

There

are

a

number

of

factors

that

can

put

you

at

risk

for

visual

impairment

and

contribute

ƚŽ ƉŽŽƌ ĞLJĞ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ͗ ĚŝĂďĞƚĞƐ͕ ŚŝŐŚ ďůŽŽĚ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ͕ ĐĞƌƚĂŝŶ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŶŽŶͲ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ĚƌƵŐƐ͕ ƐŵŽŬŝŶŐ͕ ĨĂŵŝůLJ ŚŝƐƚŽƌLJ ŽĨ ĞLJĞ disease,

exposure

to

eye

hazards,

prematurity/ low

birth

weight,

contact

lens

wearing,

and

ĐĞŶƚƌĂů ŶĞƌǀŽƵƐ ƐLJƐƚĞŵ ĚLJƐĨƵŶĐƟŽŶ ;Ğ͘Ő͘ ƐĞŝnjƵƌĞƐ͕ cerebral

palsy,

etc.).

Some

eye

problems

are

unavoidable

and

can

happen

as

a

result

of

aging

Žƌ ĨĂŵŝůLJ͕ ǁŚŝůĞ ŽƚŚĞƌ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ĂƌĞ ĐĂƵƐĞĚ ďLJ more

controllable

factors

such

as

lifestyle.

ĂƌĞ ĂƐƐŽĐŝĂƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ŇĂƐŚĞƐ ŽĨ ůŝŐŚƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ͘ DĂĐƵůĂƌ ĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶ

–

When

the

blood

ǀĞƐƐĞůƐ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ŵĂĐƵůĂ ;ƚŚĞ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƟŶĂͿ ĂƌĞ ĚĂŵĂŐĞĚ͕ ƚŚĞ ĐĞŶƚĞƌ ŽĨ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ ŝƐ ĂīĞĐƚĞĚ leading

to

blurred

or

darkened

spots

in

the

middle

of

your

line

of

sight.

This

can

make

it

very

ĚŝĸĐƵůƚ ƚŽ ƐĞĞ ĮŶĞ ĚĞƚĂŝůƐ ĂŶĚ ǀŝƐƵĂů ĚŝƐƚŽƌƟŽŶ may

also

occur.

Medical

experts

are

not

sure

ǁŚĂƚ ĐĂƵƐĞƐ ŵĂĐƵůĂƌ ĚĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶ͕ ďƵƚ ŝƚ ŵŽƐƚ commonly

occurs

in

people

over

60

years

of

age.

/Ŷ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶ ƚŽ ĂŐĞ͕ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƌŝƐŬ ĨĂĐƚŽƌƐ ŵĂLJ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ĐŝŐĂƌĞƩĞ ƐŵŽŬŝŶŐ͕ ŚŝŐŚͲĨĂƚ ĚŝĞƚ͕ ŽďĞƐŝƚLJ͕ ŚĞƌĞĚŝƚLJ͕ and

being

female.

The

best

test

for

macular

ĚĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ Ă ĚŝůĂƚĞĚ ĞLJĞ ĞdžĂŵ ƐŽ ƚŚĂƚ LJŽƵƌ ĞLJĞ ĐĂƌĞ ƉƌŽǀŝĚĞƌ ĐĂŶ ǀŝĞǁ LJŽƵƌ ƌĞƟŶĂ ĂŶĚ ŽƉƟĐ ŶĞƌǀĞ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ĐƵƌĞ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ͘ ,ŽǁĞǀĞƌ͕ ƚŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ĐĂŶ help

slow

down

its

progression,

including

laser

ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ͕ ǀŝƚĂŵŝŶ ƐƵƉƉůĞŵĞŶƚƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ŵĞĚŝĐĂƟŽŶƐ͘ ŶĚ ŽŶĞ ƚLJƉĞ ŽĨ ŵĂĐƵůĂƌ ĚĞŐĞŶĞƌĂƟŽŶ ĐĂŶ ďĞ ƚƌĞĂƚĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ŝŶũĞĐƟŽŶƐ ƚŚĂƚ ƌĞǀĞƌƐĞ ĂďŶŽƌŵĂů blood

vessel

growth.

Glaucoma ʹ dŚĞ ŽƉƟĐ ŶĞƌǀĞ ŝƐ ƚŚĞ ŵĂŝŶ ͚ŚŝŐŚǁĂLJ͛ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ǁŚŝĐŚ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ ŝƐ ƚƌĂŶƐŵŝƩĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ your

eye

to

your

brain.

When

pressure

increases

inside

the

eye,

this

nerve

can

be

damaged

leading

to

a

decrease

in

vision

and

eventual

ƚŽƚĂů ďůŝŶĚŶĞƐƐ ŝĨ ůĞŌ ƵŶƚƌĞĂƚĞĚ͘ ůƚŚŽƵŐŚ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ĚĞĮŶŝƚĞ ĞdžƉůĂŶĂƟŽŶ ĂƐ ƚŽ ǁŚLJ ƉĞŽƉůĞ ŐĞƚ glaucoma,

some

risk

factors

include

being

over

forty

years

old;

a

family

history

of

the

disease;

having

diabetes,

high

blood

pressure,

or

heart

disease;

and

eye

trauma.

To

test

for

glaucoma,

your

eye

care

provider

would

use

tonometry

to

measure

the

eye

pressure

and

other

tests

to

ůŽŽŬ ĨŽƌ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞ ŽĨ ĚĂŵĂŐĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽƉƟĐ ŶĞƌǀĞ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ĐƵƌĞ ĨŽƌ ŐůĂƵĐŽŵĂ͕ ďƵƚ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ^ŽŵĞ ĐŽŵŵŽŶ ĞLJĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ ĞLJĞ ĚƌŽƉƐ͕ ůĂƐĞƌ ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ͕ Žƌ ƐƵƌŐĞƌLJ ĂƌĞ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ^ƉŽƚƐ Žƌ ŇŽĂƚĞƌƐ

–

Most

people

will

occasionally

that

can

help

reduce

eye

pressure

and

prevent

ƐĞĞ ƐƉŽƚƐ Žƌ ƉĂƌƟĐůĞƐ ŇŽĂƚ ĂĐƌŽƐƐ ƚŚĞŝƌ ůŝŶĞ ŽĨ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĚĂŵĂŐĞ ƚŽ ƚŚĞ ŽƉƟĐ ŶĞƌǀĞ͘ ǀŝƐŝŽŶ͕ ƉĂƌƟĐƵůĂƌůLJ ŝŶ ďƌŝŐŚƚ ůŝŐŚƚ Žƌ ǁŚĞŶ ůŽŽŬŝŶŐ Ăƚ ĂŶ ŝŵĂŐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ůŝƩůĞ ĐŽŶƚƌĂƐƚ ;ůŝŬĞ Ă ďůĂŶŬ ǁĂůů Cataracts

–

The

eye’s

lens

(the

part

responsible

Žƌ ƉŝĞĐĞ ŽĨ ƉĂƉĞƌͿ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝƐ ĐĂƵƐĞĚ ďLJ ƉĂƌƟĐůĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĨŽĐƵƐŝŶŐ ůŝŐŚƚ ŽŶ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƟŶĂ ƚŽ ĐƌĞĂƚĞ ĂŶ ŽĨ ĚĞďƌŝƐ͕ ĐĞůůƐ͕ Žƌ ƟƐƐƵĞ ĮďĞƌ ƚŚĂƚ ŵŽǀĞƐ ǁŝƚŚŝŶ image)

has

the

ability

to

change

shape.

With

age,

ƚŚĞ ũĞůůLJͲůŝŬĞ ŇƵŝĚ ŝŶƐŝĚĞ ƚŚĞ ĞLJĞ ĐĂůůĞĚ ǀŝƚƌĞŽƵƐ͘ however,

the

lens

can

become

more

rigid

and

the

This

may

become

worse

as

we

get

older

because

capsule

that

surrounds

the

lens

can

accumulate

ƚŚĞ ĞLJĞ ŇƵŝĚ ƚŚŝŶƐ͕ ƐĐĂƩĞƌŝŶŐ ƉĂƌƟĐůĞƐ ĂŶĚ dead

cells

which

eventually

cause

cloudiness

in

making

them

more

mobile.

Generally,

this

is

front

of

the

lens.

The

result

is

blurred

vision,

not

a

serious

problem

that

requires

medical

halos

around

lights,

double

vision,

or

a

number

treatment.

There

are

some

instances,

however,

of

other

acuity

issues.

The

biggest

risk

factor

ǁŚĞŶ ƐƉŽƚƐ Žƌ ŇŽĂƚĞƌƐ ĂƌĞ Ă ƐLJŵƉƚŽŵ ŽĨ Ă ĨŽƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŝŶŐ ĐĂƚĂƌĂĐƚƐ ŝƐ ĂŐĞ͕ ďƵƚ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ŵŽƌĞ ƐĞƌŝŽƵƐ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ͕ ƉĂƌƟĐƵůĂƌůLJ ŝĨ ƚŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ Ă such

as

diabetes,

a

family

history

of

cataracts,

sudden

increase

in

their

size

or

number,

or

they

smoking,

and

eye

trauma

can

also

contribute

to

the

development

of

this

disease.

There

are

several

common

tests

that

can

be

performed

to

detect

cataracts,

including

the

use

of

an

eye

chart

and

a

dilated

eye

exam.

The

only

cure

for

cataracts

is

surgery

to

remove

the

clouded

lens

and

replace

it

with

an

implant.

In

cases

where

the

loss

of

vision

is

minor,

glasses

may

minimize

ƚŚĞ ƉƌŽďůĞŵ ƐƵĸĐŝĞŶƚůLJ͘ ŽŶũƵŶĐƟǀŝƟƐ

–

Commonly

known

as

“pink

eye”,

ĐŽŶũƵŶĐƟǀŝƟƐ ŝƐ ĂŶ ŝŶŇĂŵŵĂƟŽŶ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ĐůĞĂƌ mucus

membrane

on

the

inside

of

the

eyelid

and

the

white

part

of

the

eye.

This

is

usually

caused

by

a

virus,

but

may

also

be

triggered

by

bacteria

Žƌ ĂůůĞƌŐŝĞƐ͘ sŝƌĂů ĂŶĚ ďĂĐƚĞƌŝĂů ĐŽŶũƵŶĐƟǀŝƟƐ may

be

contagious

and

spread

from

person

to

ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ĨŽƌ ϳ ƚŽ ϭϰ ĚĂLJƐ ĂŌĞƌ ƐLJŵƉƚŽŵƐ ĮƌƐƚ appear.

Smptoms

of

“pink

eye”

may

include

itching,

discharge,

blurry

vision,

or

excessive

ƚĞĂƌŝŶŐ͘ dŚĞƌĞ ĂƌĞ ƐĞǀĞƌĂů ƚƌĞĂƚŵĞŶƚ ŽƉƟŽŶƐ ĨŽƌ ƚŚŝƐ ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƐŽŵĞ ŽǀĞƌͲƚŚĞͲĐŽƵŶƚĞƌ ƌĞŵĞĚŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞƐĐƌŝƉƟŽŶ ĚƌŽƉƐ Žƌ ŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚ͘ Your

eye

care

provider

will

determine

the

best

course

of

treatment

based

on

what

caused

the

ĐŽŶĚŝƟŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŝƚƐ ƐĞǀĞƌŝƚLJ͘ Fun

Eye

Facts ͻdŚĞ ĂǀĞƌĂŐĞ ƉĞƌƐŽŶ ďůŝŶŬƐ ĂďŽƵƚ ϭϮ͕ϬϬϬ ƟŵĞƐ per

day. ͻ/Ŷ Ă ϮϬϬϲ ƐƵƌǀĞLJ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ KƉƚŽŵĞƚƌŝĐ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ͕ ŶĞĂƌůLJ ϱϬй ŽĨ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶƐ ĨĞĂƌĞĚ losing

their

eyesight

most

–

compared

to

12%

who

feared

losing

their

ability

to

walk. ͻdŚĞƌĞ ŝƐ ŶŽ ƐĐŝĞŶƟĮĐ ĞǀŝĚĞŶĐĞ ƚŚĂƚ ƐŝƫŶŐ ƚŽŽ close

to

the

TV

is

bad

for

your

eyes. ͻDŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ŚĂůĨ ŽĨ Ăůů ƉĞŽƉůĞ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ hŶŝƚĞĚ ^ƚĂƚĞƐ use

some

type

of

lens

to

correct

their

vision. ͻdŚĞ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ŽƉƟĐŝĂŶ͕ ^ĂŵƵĞů WŝĞƌĐĞ͕ ŝŶǀĞŶƚĞĚ ďŝĨŽĐĂůƐ ĂƌŽƵŶĚ ϭϳϳϱ ;ŶŽƚ ĞŶũĂŵŝŶ &ƌĂŶŬůŝŶͿ͘ ͻ^ŽŵĞ ƚLJƉĞƐ ŽĨ ǁŽƌŵƐ ŚĂǀĞ ŵŽƌĞ ƚŚĂŶ ϭϬϬ ĞLJĞƐ ƐĐĂƩĞƌĞĚ Ăůů ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞŝƌ ďŽĚŝĞƐ͘ ͻ͞ZĞĚ ĞLJĞ͟ ŝŶ ƉŚŽƚŽŐƌĂƉŚƐ ŝƐ ĐĂƵƐĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ĐĂŵĞƌĂ͛Ɛ ŇĂƐŚ ƌĞŇĞĐƟŶŐ Žī ƚŚĞ ďůŽŽĚ ǀĞƐƐĞůƐ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƌĞƟŶĂ͘ ͻtŚĞŶ LJŽƵ ďůŝŶŬ͕ LJŽƵ ƐŚƵƚ LJŽƵƌ ĞLJĞƐ ĨŽƌ ĂďŽƵƚ 0.3

seconds.

That’s

about

30

minutes

each

day!

$PSNJFS $BCJOFUSZ

^ŽƵƌĐĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĂĚĚŝƟŽŶĂů ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ͗ ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ KƉƚŽŵĞƚƌŝĐ ƐƐŽĐŝĂƟŽŶ ;ǁǁǁ͘ĂŽĂ͘ org) ŵĞƌŝĐĂŶ ĐĂĚĞŵLJ ŽĨ KƉŚƚŚĂůŵŽůŽŐLJ ;ǁǁǁ͘ geteyesmart.org)

and

(www.aao.org) dŚĞ EĂƟŽŶĂů LJĞ /ŶƐƟƚƵƚĞ ;ǁǁǁ͘ŶĞŝ͘ŶŝŚ͘ŐŽǀͿ Healthy

You

is

a

free

community

program

from

Cary

Medical

Center

that

address

your

overall

wellbeing

ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ƉŚLJƐŝĐĂů͕ ŵĞŶƚĂů͕ ĞŵŽƟŽŶĂů͕ ƐŽĐŝĂů͕ ĂŶĚ ƐƉŝƌŝƚƵĂů ŚĞĂůƚŚ͘ &Žƌ ƉƌŽŐƌĂŵ ŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶ Žƌ ĐĂůĞŶĚĂƌ of

events,

log

on

to

www.carymedicalcenter.org

or

call

ĂƌLJ DĞĚŝĐĂů ĞŶƚĞƌ͛Ɛ WƵďůŝĐ ZĞůĂƟŽŶƐ ĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ Ăƚ 498-­‐1361.

SUMMER 2010 County Health 49

County Critters with Dr. Hotham

Summer is finally here and with it will come increased risk of disease with our companion animals. To help keep our pets healthy, consider the following: 1.

Apply/administer monthly flea and tick products to all animals in your household to prevent flea infestation, flea allergy dermatitis, Lyme disease and other vector-borne diseases. Use products recommended by your veterinarian, as they will be the safest and most effective.

2.

Consider monthly deworming of your dog or cat if it goes outside. Internal parasites are common and can be picked up in the soil, excrement, from other animals or by consuming rodents and other small creatures. Deworming is inexpensive and my cost you between $4.00 and $9.00 per month.

3.

Consider having your dog vaccinated for Lyme disease.

This is a very complex disease transmitted by ticks. This vaccine is more effective and very safe now and may be a good idea for your pet, especially if you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t faithfully use a monthly product to kill and repel ticks on your dog.

4.

Have your dog vaccinated for leptospirosis. This is a bacterial disease carried by infected rodents, raccoons, skunks, deer and livestock. It is a common cause of serious kidney and liver diseases. Dogs often get infected by drinking from stagnant water and puddles.

5.

Black flies and mosquitoes love to feed on dogâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ears and underbelly. Consider a monthly flea and tick product applied topically that also repels black flies and mosquitoes or bring your dog inside during the hours that flies are the worst. There are also pet-safe repellent sprays that can be applied that work well too.

6.

Finally, consider vaccinating your dog for kennel cough.

Many of you will be travelling this summer and may find the need to board your dog away from home. This is an effective vaccine to reduce the risk or severity of a highly contagious disease causing coughing and possibly pneumonia.

These are just some basic items for your consideration, which will help keep your pets healthy and comfortable this summer.

Dr. Hotham is an Aroostook county native and owner of Hothamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Veterinary Services Inc., which offers a wide variety of small and large animal veterinary services.

^^^ THPULZVSHYHUK^PUKSSJ JVT THPULZVSHYHUK^PUK'OV[THPS JVT

7OVUL! *LSS!

SUMMER 2010 County Critters 51

Aroostook Eats

Rosette’s Background history for Rosette’s?

Rosette’s was established by Willard and Rosette Chamberland-Saucier on January 9, 1954, at that time it was known as The Roadside Diner. In August 1982, Rosette’s was purchased by Joanne and Aurel Lavoie who were the owners when we acquired Rosette’s in 2006. Two couples owned Rosette’s between the Sauciers and the Lavoies: Harold and Reine Martin (1973-1976) and Danny and Lorette Martin (1976-1982). For many years Rosette’s has been a family oriented business, and we just wanted to keep that same tradition with our two children Olivia, 10 years old and Spencer who is 8 years old.

How we became involved in Rosette’s.

We moved back to The County in 2004, when I began working as a waitress. After a year or so, my husband and I began tossing around the idea of owning a restaurant someday. Then on April 1, 2006, our dream became a reality. We concentrated on keeping a lot of the same menu items; we didn’t want to change what was already a good thing. We were also lucky enough to have kept much of the same staff, which also made it much easier on us.

What is the theme of the restaurant?

Our theme is Casual Family Dining. We love the fact that if a group of people come into Rosette’s, there is something for everyone. Whether you just want a light soup and sandwich, or are craving something more like Surf and Turf, from our Children’s Menu up to our Senior Menu, and everything in between, we believe we have something for everyone.

What we most want is that our patrons feel at home or like family when coming to Rosette’s.

Tell us about your menu, any specialty items?

We are definitely known for our hand cut French fries from potatoes that are grown right here in the valley, and Graham Cracker Pie, which is an original Madame. Rosette recipe. We are satisfied in knowing that whatever you choose from our menu, you will not go away hungry.

Establishment address, hours, contact info, reservations or cater.

We are located at 240 US Route 1, Frenchville, ME. Come dine with us on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, from 10:30am-8:00pm for lunch and dinner. On Fridays, Saturday and Sunday we open at 7:00am for breakfast, lunch begins at 10:30, and we close at 9:00pm on Friday and Saturday. We do offer offsite catering, buffet style, with different options to choose from.

We request reservations if it is a party of ten or more, there is a somewhat sectioned off back room that holds up to forty people comfortably, where we have hosted anything from wedding parties, birthday parties, and anniversary parties.

If you have any questions or comments you can contact Scott or Mary Gervais at (207)543-7759, or email to rosettes4@roadrunner.com, and you can also find us on facebook.

SUMMER 2010 Aroostook Eats 53

Focus on Business:

One of A Kind Can you give us a brief history of your business?

My vision of renting a space for a short amount of time We opened last July during the Potato Blossom Festival in order to sell some stuff quickly took on a life of its own when I and continue to work on ideas and opportunities for local artisans met Andi, the flower shop lady. I did some research and learned and crafters to display their products for sale. that Fort has always had a florist, and in fact, at one time, there were two! I knew that there must be some demand for flowers How did you get started? because there is a funeral home, a school system and several What began as a “someday” dream, rapidly took shape churches. I spent some time with Andi and we got along very and developed into a unique little business that offers a variety well, she is one of the most creative people I have ever met. And of options for everyone from the casual browser to the die-hard so it began... treasure hunter.

Tells us about the products and services your business What gave you the idea of opening this type of business? provides.

I have always wanted to open a vintage/antique store We have this saying: You never know what you might because of my love of collecting and buying. When I moved find when you come to shop at One of A Kind, and that is a out of a larger home in the country and into a smaller home true statement. We have a variety of items, the main focal point in-town with much less storage space or even a garage, I really being the fresh flowers and beautiful arrangements. Creating felt like I wanted to do something to downsize. I have never unique and special designs tailored to suit customer requests lived “in-town”, and loved the sense of community I felt in Fort is a specialty of ours. We don’t do “cookie cutter” design and Fairfield, so I wanted to offer something to add to that sense of no two are alike. We offer traditional design arrangements small town. I approached Terry Greenier about renting space at and high design creations that are amazing. The possibilities the Village Square, and he mentioned that he knew a lady who are pretty much endless, and we are pleased to be able to offer was also interested in renting the space for a flower shop. He custom design for any occasion flowers are in demand – from thought combining our ideas might be beneficial and I agreed. weddings to proms – to athletic events – holidays – to birthdays, memorials and funerals, we work hard to ensure customer 54 Focus on Business SUMMER 2010 satisfaction. Come in and sit down with us and let us help you

create to perfect solution to whatever your floral needs are. We also have the ever popular Candy Bouquet, a tasty and creative gift idea for hard to buy for people. They come in sugar-free or regular, and can pretty much be made up to particular likes and dislikes. We have done one for a customer that was all red Tootsie Roll Pops, and we did a custom one for Valentine’s Day for a local farmer in a potato basket full of his favorite chocolate bars! Anything we can incorporate into a basket to individualize and personalize a Candy Bouquet can be done, for any occasion.

We have a balloon center and offer mylar and latex balloons filled with helium. If you need one or a balloon bouquet, we can make it happen!

We are also a consignment shop and accept good quality items from people who are looking to “downsize” as well. We do not accept clothing, unless it is vintage or antique. We have two parts to the consignment section of the shop. We offer vintage and antique items, and we offer locally made items. I am totally amazed at the talent and quality of items made by people right here in our area! Some of the items we offer are: handcrafted furniture by Ted Blanchard and Noah Yoder, jams and jellies

by The Millers, jewelry by Phyllis Ayoob and Jennifer Warne, quilted items by Debbie Bird, primitive samplers, sachets and red twig baskets made by Hannah Gartley and her family of talented craftsmen, handmade cards by Susan Pelletier, photography

by Cheryl Poitras, painted rocks and items by Bernadette Christiansen, knitted hats by Susan England, primitive sign sayings by Lottie Doody, pen and ink art by John Browning , primitive painted items by Suzanne Toussaint and the finely made and handcrafted pens made by Dale Brown that were featured in an article in the Fort Fairfield Journal recently. There are more local items arriving on a regular basis and we are very grateful for the opportunity to showcase local crafts people and provide them a venue to sell their work and receive a reasonable return.

Add in a few antique items and collectibles, and we offer a great selection of one of a kind items.

What sets you apart form your competition? I think it is our uniqueness and comfortable displays. We are welcoming and friendly, and enjoy just meeting new people. We love what we do, and it shows. The idea of creating an arrangement or design that meets or exceeds peoples’ expectations is a thrill and keeps us hungry to do more.

How many people are involved in your business?

Number of employees. We offer four floral designers who each have creative talents and skills that are sure to meet any floral occasion need. They are: Andi Fredette, Lead Floral Designer and Consultant. Andi moved to this area four years ago and has gained quick acceptance and recognition for her amazing talents and skills at creative art. She is an experienced floral designer who just amazes me with her ideas and ability to do everything she does well. She has the skill of taking nothing and making something wonderful out of it. She has endless creative ideas and is very much into re-purposing, re-using, and re-cycling items. Heidi James is a talented floral designer who worked in flowers for Blossoms in Presque Isle. She has a strong eye for design and arranging. She came to us by way of introduction from her sister, Carla Hayes, who also spends time at the shop designing flowers. Carla worked for The Open Rose when it was here in Fort Fairfield, and she has a welcoming and positive attitude in customer service that is second to none. She gets credit for the Candy Bouquets, as she brought the idea with her. And, not to be forgotten is the newest member of our design team – Hannah Gartley. Hannah attended the Floral Design

Institute in Portland, OR and has a certificate in floral design.

She brings a breath of fresh air with her new ideas and endless energy. She is also highly talented in jewelry design and has her own shop on Etsy. Hannah has introduced One of A Kind to Facebook, so look for us there!

Unique talents.

Why did you decide to locate in Fort Fairfield?

Aside from what I have mentioned earlier, Fort Fairfield is such a fun place to live. We are proud of our town, and there is so much talent here that I can see a great future in investing here.

I enjoy the sense of community I feel here, and like walking into a store and meeting people I know, spending time chatting and catching up, and being part of the energy and fabric of this town.

There is a growing momentum to enhance the quality we have here and expand it to bring about more opportunities to stay in Fort, raise your family here, and keep your business local.

Please provide us with your hours of operation, address and contact information.

One of A Kind is owned by Pat Canavan of Fort Fairfield.

It is located on Main Street in Village Square, and we are open Monday through Saturday, 9 -5 p.m. Our phone number is: (207) 472-6076, fax is: (207) 472-6078. We offer free deliveries intown, and deliveries to surrounding areas for a minimal delivery fee. Consignments are by appointment only. We accept Visa, Master Card, Discover and checks. We guarantee fresh flowers and customer satisfaction. You can also find us on Facebook.

Become a fan and check out the ever changing photos of designs and displays!

Is there anything else you would like readers to know about your business?

We are also a local distribution site for Our Maine Street Magazine! We appreciate all of the support we have received from everyone in helping to make our first year in business a success!

Our communities in this issue:, Fort Kent, Presque Isle Greater Limestone and Houlton

Š 2010 Our Maine Street 56 Our Communities SUMMER 2010

Greater Fort Kent Winterville Plantation to the town of Allagash and North East to St. Agatha

The summer is a great time to experience the Greater Fort Kent region. Recreation is abundant, historical sites reopen for the season, and celebrations take place. If youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re looking for an exciting trip this summer but want to stay close to home and keep costs down than the Greater Fort Kent Area will surely be the place you will want to visit.

The St. John Valley is rich in culture and history. Almost every town has its own historical society and museum and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s amazing the information that can be obtained from these areas. Some key spots that should be visited while in the area are the Fort Kent Blockhouse and Acadian Archives. The Wesget Si Pu Pow Wow during 4th of July weekend will be a unique experience un like any other. If you are unable to visit that weekend then stop in to their QHZ RIĂ&#x20AC;FH ZKLFK ZLOO FRQWDLQ DUWLIDFWV DQG OHVVRQV on Native Americanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s culture and lifestyles. Also the Allagash, Frenchville, Fort Kent, and St. Francis Historical Societyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s will prove to be interesting visits and will cover the logging and railroad history among other points of interest. There are also Veterans memorials in St. Francis, Fort Kent, and Soldier Pond that may intrigue individuals interested in our areaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s local heroes.

Those people who may be more interested in outdoor recreation can enjoy camping and canoeing trips down the Fish, Allagash, and St. John Rivers.

All of these trips offer unique experience and are sure 58 Our Communities

SUMMER 2010

to be scenic and full of wildlife. The Greater Fort Kent Area has some of the best ATV riding trails in the country and recently added, is the capability of ATV tours of the region which include ATV rentals. ,I LW¡V Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ \RXU LQWHUHVWHG LQ ZHOO RXU Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ LV very diverse offering a plentiful native brook trout SRSXODWLRQ DQG WKH ODWHVW ELJ KLW LQ Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ LV RXU WURSK\ PXVNLH Ă&#x20AC;VKLQJ ZKLFK ZLOO EH VXUH WR JHW your adrenalin pumping. All species may be taken E\ HLWKHU Ă \ URG RU VSLQQLQJ URG GHSHQGLQJ RQ WKH anglers preference.

If itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a celebration you and your family may be looking for be sure to check out Summerfest in Saint Agatha July 31 and August 1, the Ploye Festival and Muskie Derby August 13, 14,and15; and the Scarecrow Festival the third weekend in September.

These festivals will include many different activities VXFK DV GDQFHV Ă&#x20AC;UHZRUNV SDUDGHV DQG PDQ\ RWKHU events and attractions. Be sure to check them out this summer you surely wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be disappointed.

For more information on planning your trip to the Greater Fort Kent Area call the Chamber of &RPPHUFH RIĂ&#x20AC;FH DW :H ZLOO EH able to help arrange your trip and line up activities while visiting this summer whatever it may be that you and your family is seeking for entertainment and adventure.

Presque Isle the star city

Enjoy everything Presque Isle Area offers during the Summer Months!

Central Aroostook County is a rolling vista of vibrant color during the summer months. The gently sloping hills and distant mountains offer a never ending banquet for your eyes.

Close by there are a variety of fun-filled and familyoriented activities to keep everyone delighted as well.

If you enjoy exploring the wilderness on your own, experience hiking, biking, walking, canoeing, kayaking, driving or any of a variety of personal transport and explore the public spaces in the area.

Festivals and fairs, full of fun, are in abundance in the area as well.

Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce serves the area from Ashland to Easton, OxBow to Portage Lake and Blaine to Washburn. Each community in this area hosts a summer festival filled with a variety of events. A couple of the larger events are the Northern Maine Fair, July 31 to August 7 and the Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, August 26 to 29, both happening in Presque Isle at the Northern Maine Fairgrounds.

The Northern Maine Fair is the longest running and best attended summertime family event in Presque Isle. The Northern Maine Fair celebrates our agricultural heritage with numerous exhibitions including livestock, equestrian riding competitions, horse pulls, floral displays and art exhibits; in addition to a collection of musical performances, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, harness racing and an exciting midway provided by Smokey’s Greater Shows.

The Crown of Maine Balloon Fest brings hot air balloon pilots to the area who will be available to provide balloon rides.

The Presque Isle Area Chamber of Commerce will arrange a time for flights. Fees and actual flight details are the responsibility of the pilots. In addition to hot air balloon rides, watching and chasing balloons, the weekend will provide a variety of activities.

Friday & Saturday evenings there will be balloon glows at the Northern Maine Fair Grounds. Friday evening, Presque Isle High School will once again host Ernie & The Automatics. Saturday, the Presque Isle Forum will be the site of children’s activities from 10:00 am until mid afternoon, the hot air balloon pilots and their crews will have a softball game, there will be music in the park and of course the Street Fair and dance will be held on Main Street in the evening.

Enjoy the following festivals as you relax in the splendor of central Aroostook County: Mapleton Daze – June 25 & 26; Ashland Summer Fest – July 1-4; Portage Boat Parade – July 4; Easton Field Days – Jul 7-11; Portage Motorcycle Rodeo – July 10; Northern Maine Fair – July 30-August 7; Washburn Festival – August 20-22; Crown of Maine Balloon Fest – August 26-29; Westfield Jubilee – August 27&28; Fireman’s Muster – September 10-12.

Greater Limestone Camping: the art of getting closer to nature while getting farther away from the nearest cold beverage, hot shower and flush toilet.

-Unknown But camping doesn’t have to be like that!

Not if you go to Trafton Lake in Limestone where there are hot showers and flush toilets and many more amenities to make your camping experience a pleasant one.

Trafton Lake, an 85-acre recreation area, is located just three miles from downtown Limestone. It is an ideal location if you and your family want to have a summer Sunday picnic, hold a family reunion, or even a class reunion.

The area is equipped with covered picnic shelters, a children’s playground, a basketball court, and restrooms.

Trafton Lake is also ideal for reconnecting with nature. There are 3 miles of well-groomed wooden nature trails for you & your family to enjoy by either walking or mountain biking (motorized vehicles are prohibited!). During the fall season, when the foliage is a multitude of colors and the Canadian geese stop to rest on the lake, Trafton Lake is truly a beautiful sight!

You will also find a sandy beach and a boat launch at Trafton, for you to launch your boat and go for a ride and enjoy the view of lush rolling hills - or simply troll and fish, whichever your preference.

Trafton Lake also boasts a beautiful campground, which opens 1 week before Memorial Day in May and closes 2 weeks after Labor Day in September. There are 24 full-service RV sites, all within view of the lake, along with several tent sites. Trafton Lake offers a bathhouse, washer & dryer, and dump station. There is even a private island wilderness campsite, if you really want to an experience camping!

For reservations, please contact the Limestone Parks & Recreational Department (207)325-4025 or rec@limestonemaine.org. And we hope you have a wonderful summer enjoying the beauty of Trafton Lake!

Submitted by Grace O’Neal, on behalf of the Greater Limestone Chamber of Commerce 60 Our Communities SUMMER 2010

The old adage, “there’s nothing to do”, just has no place in The County this summer! In the middle of the darkest of winter days, it’s always nice to be planning summer events, and this year, the schedule is absolutely full!

Last year saw the start of the Houlton Community Market in our community. As with anything new, the first year was a learning and growing one. Houlton’s Community Market has the most amazingly hearty group of marketers you will find. Neither wind nor rain kept them from their posts. This year, we are excited that the market has grown in number of participants. The location has been moved to center island, right in downtown Houlton, an excellent spot to purchase farm fresh eggs, vegetables, plants, baked goods, jams, jellies, arts and crafts and more. The market is open every Saturday, until September 4th from 9am until 1pm.

The Houlton Agricultural Fair begins on July 1st and will end with the most spectacular display of fireworks north of Bangor on the 4th of July! The Fair has an incredible schedule for four days of family fun. The 4th of July parade will be held on Sunday, at 1:00pm.

Check the Fair’s website for a complete list of events at www.houltonfair.com.

Saturday, July 3rd, will be THE day to be in Houlton, Maine. Why, you may be asking yourself?

Because it’s MIDNIGHT MADNESS! If you have never attended this event, then what’s been keeping you? This year, the day will start with the Community Market, an Arts and Crafts Show in Monument Park from 10 until 4, incredible sales from all of our local retailers and then.. as dusk approaches…the madness begins! McGill’s Band kicks the evening off with a concert in Monument Park, the streets are closed down and the street fun begins.

The sales get progressively better as the midnight hour approaches. Tim the Tune Man will help you get your groove on as you shop and stroll along, while meeting up with old and new friends. The rock band Ravocta will be playing for the young at heart, so get those dancing shoes ready. The theme of this year’s event is: An Old Fashioned 4th of July. We expect to see plenty of Uncle Sams, Betsy Rosses and lots of red, white and blue! Contests are held for the local business community and they are judged on the best use of the theme, both inside and out! Come and join the fun!

Houlton’s Potato Feast Days celebration is slated for the weekend of August 20th through the 23rd. The Annual Doll and Wagon Wrangler Parade start the fun on Friday evening, the 20th. It is, without question, the cutest darn parade you will ever see, as youngsters stroll with their doll carriages and wagons through downtown.

The weekend also sports an Arts and Crafts Show as well as the ever popular Friends and Needles Quilt Show and retail sales. Please call the Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce for further information on any or all of the aforementioned events at 207-532-4216.

Lori Weston Executive Director Greater Houlton Chamber of Commerce SPRING 2010 Our Communities 61 SUMMER

Š 2010 Our Maine Street

Northern Maine Community College

Building Ties with Alumni & Friends

It has been several years since Northern Maine Community College has had an active group of alumni come together as an organization to promote and celebrate what it means to be a graduate of the institution, but after months spent laying the groundwork, the new NMCC alumni association is off and running. The group will work to energize and engage alumni and others positively impacted by NMCC and its forerunners, Northern Maine Technical College and Northern Maine Vocational Technical Institute.

A group of more than 30 alumni and friends have been hard at work getting the association going. They recently held the associationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first annual meeting and elected a slate of officers to lead the group into its first year of active service. â&#x20AC;&#x153;We are looking forward to old friends coming together and meeting new friends,â&#x20AC;? said Scott Carlin, who was elected the organizationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s first president, in his address to the 70 alumni and friends of the college gathered for the event. â&#x20AC;&#x153;This is an opportunity for those of us who have been so positively impacted by NMCC to celebrate the bond we all share and to help give back to the college.â&#x20AC;?

One way in which they hope to bring folks together and strengthen that bond is by implementing a Homecoming Weekend at the College on Friday, September 10, through Sunday, September 12. Not only will there be many activities taking place on the NMCC campus, but there are also several special activities scheduled throughout the weekend as Presque Isle hosts the Annual Maine State Federation of Firefighters Convention. Alums traveling from out of town will have the added draw of having several fun events to fill out the weekend, including a parade, rides on â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Big Redâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, a performance by comedian Bob Marley, and the Firemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Muster. There will definitely by lots to do for the whole family throughout the weekend!

Alumni and friends making up the board of the new organization are leading the way to strengthening bonds with and between alums of the College.

64 Higher Education SUMMER & FALL 09

NMCC Homecoming 2010

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 10 Open House ~ 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Alumni and community members are invited to come tour college facilities and see what exciting things are happening on FDPSXV /RRN IRU GHWDLOV RQ VSHFLĂ&#x20AC;F DFWLYLWLHV LQ WKH Star Herald and on our web-site early this fall.

Pep Rally ~ 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Come meet the members of NMCCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s soccer team, enjoy a BBQ lunch, and listen to the P.I. Middle School Jazz Band.

Alumni Dinner & Awards

5:00 - 6:00 p.m. - Reception 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. - Dinner & Awards

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 11 Float in Firemenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Muster Parade ~ 9:30 a.m.

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Alumni Soccer Game ~ 1:00 p.m.

A team of alums will play the current NMCC soccer team.

Alums are invited to either join the team or come cheer on the players.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 12 NMCC Soccer Game

Come cheer on the Falcons as they play a regular season game on the turf at PIMS.

Alums looking for more details on the Homecoming Celebration, or wanting to make sure their contact information is up to date, should e-mail the College at alumni@nmcc.edu.

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Š 2010 James Lagasse, www.pinetreeart.etsy.com 68 Local Artists SUMMER 2010

Sales, Service, Parts, Accessories Route 161, Caribou Road Fort Kent, Maine 04743 207 834-3659

Photo Š 2010 Lonnie & Janet Jandreau, Ashland

Š 2010 Our Maine Street

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Š 2010 Our Maine Street

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