abOUT Maine Magazine June 2015

MSMT’s Curt Dale Clark

Northern Solstice Farm

Windjamming in the Midcoast

Farmers’ Markets

Maine’s Bold Coast

TABLE OF CONTENTS

features 4 10 20 22

MSMT's Curt Dale Clark Northern Solstice Farm

4

Gone To Market Maine's Bold Coast Scenic Byway

arts, entertainment & scenes 16 34

Windjamming Les Miserables (l-r) Curt Dale Clark as Javert and Gregg Goodbrod as Jean Valjean. 2013.

Photo by Audra Hatch Photography.

Calendar of Events

plates & fares 12

A Drink & A Dish - Boda

business 24

10

Funny Finance

marryMAINE: weddings 26 33

gayweddingsinmaine.com Weddings on the Blue Hill Peninsula

Publisher: Wendi Smith wendi@rfbads.com Editor-at-Large: Sid Tripp info@proactiveresources.com Copy Editor: Belinda Carter Calendar Editor: Jenn Rich, jrich@rfbads.com Contributing Writers: Christine Palmer, Lyn Tesseyman, Leigh Hallet, Pat Demos Design & Production Manager: Katie Grant, katie@kgrantdesign.com Account Executive: Jenn Rich, jrich@rfbads.com Account Executive: Lyn Tesseyman, lynt@rfbads.com Account Executive: Pat Demos patdemos@gotravelmaine.com

abOUT MAINE 2015

abOUT MAINE magazine is a production of: RFB Advertising LLC Cover photo by Michael Leonard abOUT MAINE magazine 266 Meadow St. Rockport, ME 04856 For subscription information call 207-230-0260 x6 To advertise in the next issue please contact: Wendi Smith: wendi@rfbads.com All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. This magazine is made possible by the participation of advertisers. We offer them our thanks and ask you to consider them first when patronizing businesses in Maine.

This publication is provided ‘as is’ for information purposes only. You assume all risk concerning suitability and accuracy of the information stated or implied within this publication. Although extensive reviews have attempted to ensure the accuracy of this publication, the copyright holder assumes no responsibility for and disclaims all liability for any such inaccuracies, errors or omissions in this publication.

Liz Winfeld, AAMS Financial Advisor

533 Mitchell Road Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107-1623 (207) 860-0176 (207) 747-5798 fax liz.winfeld@investfinancial.com INVEST Financial Corportation, member FINRA/SIPC and its affliated insurance agencies offer securities, advisory services and certain insurance products.

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Curt

Beauty and the Beast (l-r) Curt Dale Clark as The Beast with Julia Krohn as Belle. 2006. Photo by Pierce Studio.

D

Dale Clark

Maine State Music Theater's Artistic Director opens up about the new season, his long distance relationship, sports, and a fervent passion for the arts.

By Christine Palmer

In September 2013 the Maine State Music Theater cast Curt Dale Clark in the role of artistic director. It was a part he says he had been training for his whole life, and one the popular actor had been filling that season on a temporary basis. He and managing director Stephanie Dupal were both named to their current roles that fall. They continue to share leadership of the company, whose players perform at Pickard Theater on the Bowdoin College campus in Brunswick. Dupal calls her co-director “passionate,” “dedicated” and completely committed to the success of the MSMT. Born and raised in tiny Pecatonica, Illinois (population 2,153) Clark was the youngest in a family of two boys and two girls. His father was in the tool and die business and his mother worked in financial services. He attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he focused on sales and marketing, not theater. He once told an online reporter that he took only one theater course in college, and hated it.

“As a freshman, you were not allowed to act,” he explained. “You were taught stagecraft, costumes. As a farm kid, I already knew what a hammer was.”

That all changed after Clark moved to the big city of Chicago and landed juicy roles in productions such as Singin’ in the Rain, Les Misérables, Phantom of the Opera, Carousel and Cats. Along the way, he shared stages with luminaries such as Barry Williams, Bea Arthur and Jo Anne Worley.

We recently spoke with Clark at the MSMT’s administrative offices, where he chatted openly about his long-distance relationship with husband Marc Robin, his passion for sports, his affection for a quartet of canines, and of course, the 57th MSMT season ahead.

Q. Why Maine? Did the MSMT come looking for you?

I ended up here because my predecessor left, and I was asked to take on the job on an interim basis and I fell in love with it. I’d been here eight years as an actor. When they came after me they weren’t really looking at me for the position, they just wanted me to get them through the summer. It was my chance to put my own stamp on 6

abOUT MAINE 2015

things.

Q. You said that this was the job of a lifetime for you.

When did I say that? It sounds like me! I have a lot I want to accomplish.

One of my strengths is I get very loyal very quick. Once I’ve decided I love something it’s virtually impossible to shake that away from me. And I knew I loved MSMT because I came back every summer. And now, having the ability to help shape it, I love it even more. I love knowing I still have more ideas that I want to accomplish.

Q. What is it about this theater that makes you love it?

It is the most loving audience I have every played in front of. And ever since I sat in this chair it’s a whole different kind of love that they give me now. Not that I don’t have people who disagree with me but, overall, the overwhelming support this community has given me is just great.

Q. Which do you prefer, acting or being artistic director?

Currently my preference is artistic director because I feel constantly involved and I love that immersion … I enjoy having a hand in virtually everything we do.

When I took this job I had many people say to me, “Now you be careful or you’re going to burn out,” but I’m not a burn out type. I love what I do. You don’t burn out if you love what you do.

Q. You and Stephanie are co-CEOs. Is there ever tension there?

Of course sometimes there is. If you surround yourself only with people who tell you yes, you’re going to make mistakes. Stephanie and I are great foils for each other. She’s way more arts oriented than most managing directors, and I’m way more business oriented than most artistic directors.

Q. Do you have any favorite roles?

That’s always tough. I’ve been blessed [to have played] the beast in Beauty and the Beast, Javert in Les Misérables, Tony in West Side Story, Curly in Oklahoma, Adolpho in The Drowsy Chaperone, and Nanki Poo in Hot Mikado.

Q. How about favorite co-stars?

Bea Arthur, Joanne Worley, Barry Williams from The Brady Bunch. I’m a Golden Girls fanatic. She [Arthur] and Betty White did not get along! abOUT MAINE 2015

Q. How do you pick the plays each season?

It’s hard because every single person in the world has a favorite play. We have to take every aspect of MSMT’s life into account. [For example] Call Me Madam is a great show, but I can’t sell that show, meaning I can’t sell it out. I have an artistic responsibility to my community. If I thought that that was a show that was worth not selling out and going out and trying to find the money to supplement doing it, I would. But there’s no compelling reason to do that, other than that people like the music.

Q. Yet you’ve selected The Full Monty. Isn’t the nudity going to be a problem?

Yup. The Full Monty will undeservedly raise some hackles, but I’m willing to sit and talk to [subscribers] as long as they want and I’ll explain my choices. If they’re not subscribers I’ll talk to them but I won’t sit as long as they want. The play is phenomenal. If you’re caught on the fact that those guys end up for one split

section of the Midcoast region and I think we’ve done that. We’ve sold more than 500 new subscriptions. I also have to look at who has the rights, and are the rights available? The season that I would pick never happens; either they want too much money in royalties or the productions are not available for years.

Q. So what would be an ideal line up?

Mama Mia, Jersey Boys, Wicked, and Beautiful. That season would be the best-selling season in the history of the MSMT! Q. OK. Let’s talk about the gay stuff.

You’re married, you’re out. You have no problem being out?

I had figured it out by sophomore year of college, but I wasn’t out to my family and my lifelong friends until two years after I met my husband [at an audition for Cats]. He basically endured my being closeted as long as he could and then was not willing to endure it any longer.

So I said, “Great, see you later.” But then once he went away I realized I couldn’t

I’ve had a number of people say to me in my lifetime that the reason they came out was because after meeting me they realized they could like sports and be gay. second being nude then you didn’t listen to the play because there is a powerful message in that play; it’s about strength in numbers, or “I have this problem and you have this problem and together we might be able to fix it.” The show really isn’t about the thing that causes people angst. It is a heartwarming story about love and the power of friendships. I will ask those who object to the nudity to realize that that moment is a split second of an amazing show.

Q. You’re excited about this upcoming season?

Very excited. The other part about picking [the plays] is I have to look at the genres—comedies, dramas, dancing, no dancing, up tempo songs, ballads. I look at that and I try to make sure that we have a wide spectrum in the season that I choose because everyone has varied tastes. I have to try and hit a wide cross

say “See you later,” that I loved him.

Q. When were you married?

We’ve been legally married since September so we’re 25 years married but less than one year legally and I am not complaining. I’m thrilled it happened in our lifetime and we will spend the rest of our lives grateful to be legally married.

Q. Is it hard living apart? [Robin is artistic director of the Fulton Theatre in Lancaster, PA, where the couple owns a house, in addition to their Brunswick residence.]

For the foreseeable future this is what it is. We are both highly driven and we both benefit from each other’s having these positions. My theater is helped by the Fulton, and the Fulton is helped by the MSMT. We find a way to do co-productions each year … He also always comes up here and directs. This year he’s doing The Music Man and Young 7

Frankenstein so I’ll have him here for a good chunk of time. We’re used to being apart, but when we’re together it’s like a picnic.

Q. You also own a house in Brunswick?

Yes, right up the street. We bought it for our four dogs, so I could be close. [All four passed away shortly after the couple moved to Maine.] Our lives rotated around those dogs! We got four at once, at a pet store, because Marc wanted to get one and I wanted to get two. We just kept playing with all of them and two and a half hours later, Marc said, “You have to decide which one you want.” And I said, “I want them all.” So he said, “Fine,” and went up and bought them all. After they died, I couldn’t sleep. I took those dogs everywhere.

Q. What have we not asked you that

Maine State Music Theater 2015 Season

you’ve always wanted someone to ask you?

One thing that’s come up a lot in my life is I’m a sports fanatic and always have been and I’ve had a number of people say to me in my lifetime that the reason they came out was because after meeting me they realized they could like sports and be gay. Nowadays I don’t think that’s as important because nowadays kids aren’t as confined as we were or as shunned. But I do think it still happens, especially in areas like this, smaller areas where there’s still that stigma attached to it. I had somebody say to me once, “Well, you don’t have to pretend to like sports anymore,” and I said, “I never pretended!”

Q. Favorite sport?

Baseball, I’m a Chicago White Sox Fan. I eat, sleep and breathe the Chi-

cago White Sox. But also the Bears, the Bulls, the Blackhawks … baseball, basketball, football, hockey, tennis. I love them all.

Q. So what’s next?

I am desperate to take the MSMT to the next step. I want to find a small space to use in addition to the [650seat] Pickard Theater where we can put on more provocative work like smaller musicals that make people think, plays like The Glass Menagerie or Stones in His Pockets. What I also feel is very important is, I know what it’s like to grow up in a small town where there aren’t a lot of avenues to expose kids to theater arts so they can decide if it’s something they want to do, or not. I want this to be that option for kids, so they can figure it out. I wonder in my own life where I would be if I had studied dance at an earlier age.

Major Performances The full monty................June 3-20 Sister act.................June 24-July 11 The music man...........June 15-Aug. 1 young frankenstein......Aug. 5 -22

Special Events Curious George..........................June 10 Fame the Musical......................June 15 Footlight Follies................August 10 Behind the Scenes Tour..... August 15 Shrek......................................August 17

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BOX OFFICE: 207-725-8769 abOUT MAINE 2015

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northern solstice FARM

By Christine Palmer

Robin Pratt met her wife Corry at a barn-raising. “She showed up with long fingernails, wearing a pink baseball cap and little capris,” she said. “By the end of the project her nails were quite short and she had ripped up clothes like the rest of us.”

Today, Robin and Corry are the married owner-operators of a thriving Maine business, Northern Solstice Farm in Unity, where they raise show-quality alpacas. The “full service” farms offers alpaca breeding, boarding and sales of alpacas to others who, like the Pratts, find the animals irresistibly cute.

In addition, the couple, who were married in 2006 and again, legally, in 2013,runs a retail gift business and a variety of educational efforts that includes mentoring, internships for college students, and hands-on learning for visitors.

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Robin, 51, and Corry, 55, were both born in Bangor, but each has lived or worked in other Maine towns and cities, including Machias, Millinocket, Belfast and Ellsworth. It was Robin who bought land in Unity with the goal of raising alpacas, and started researching the business.

“When I found out you could make a living at this,” she said, “I spent my vacation time staying at alpaca farms rather than the Caribbean or other fun places.”

Now, she says, the farm draws more than 10,000 visitors a year. “People come because they want to learn,” she says, “and they leave filled with joy.” An alpaca fan since she fell in love with them at Maine’s Common Ground Country Fair, Robin calls her animals “absolutely precious and adorable.”

She and Corry name each member of the herd—three of their

abOUT MAINE 2015

favorites were in their wedding party.

Apparel items made from the farm’s alpaca fibers can feel like silk, and can be quite durable. “A pair of socks will last years,” said Robin. Alpaca garments range from the ever-popular socks, hats and scarves, to the more unusual long johns, wedding dresses and suits.

“Alpaca yarn is soft, it’s water-resistant, it’s incredibly warm and it’s half the weight of wool,” Robin explained. “This product is on the fashion runways in New York and Paris.” She says good breeding on farms such as Northern Solstice has improved upon the quality of the better-known but typically coarser fibers of Peruvian alpacas.

To keep their 8-year-old business thriving, the Pratts have had to learn plenty about animal husbandry, but they also have been able to apply the skills they used in marketing, customer service and operations during their earlier careers as managers for

Hannaford Supermarkets, where Corry is still employed.

“The product that we grow and sell is perishable, like in a supermarket,” says Robin, “so this is in many ways like working with food. Only it’s a much cuter product.” She claims there is no downside to running a business with her spouse, largely because they have “completely opposite skills.” Corry, she says, is master of the competitive alpaca show ring, as well as the partner most involved with the animals’ day to day health care and feeding.

Although the alpacas at Northern Solstice Farm practically beg to be petted, Robin points out to visitors that the animals actually don’t like being touched.

“Their disposition is incredibly gentle,” she said, “but they really don’t like being hugged.” abOUT MAINE 2015

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BODA Bartenders Bar Manager Jeremy Sossi & Logan Emerson

THAI BASIL TOM COLLINS Ingredients

To Prepare

Handful Thai Basil Leaves ½ oz lemon juice 3 parts gin 1 ½ parts sour mix top with seltzer

Muddle basil in lemon juice Add gin & sour mix Shake vigorously Strain into Martini glass Top with soda

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abOUT MAINE 2015

A Drink & A DISH:

By Sid Tripp

BODA

Creative Thai Street Food with an American Twist Thai food & tapas overlooking historic Longfellow Square could not be more on trend with Portland, Maine’s blooming global food scene!

BODA Owner Nattasak “Bob” Wongsaichua

BODA sits boldly on Congress Street among French, Japanese, American & Spanish restaurants – and has been going strong now for five years. Owners Nattasak “Bob” Wongsaichua & Danai “Dan” Sripasert continue to delight guests with Thai street inspired dishes that feature authentic flavors of their homeland: chilies, coriander, basil, lemongrass, tamarind, ginger, peanuts, sesame, garlic, and more. A chalkboard features the Chef’s specials and more seasonal creations.

BODA - “Very Thai” Kitchen + Bar

Dishes on the menu are reasonably priced and full of flavor! Fried Brussels sprouts are crispy, nutty and pair well with a refreshing Thai Basil Tom Collins cocktail: muddled with fresh basil and citrus juices. Other favorites at BODA include the sunny-side up quail eggs, mild Beef Panaeng curry, Woon-Sen Pad Thai wrapped in a delicate omelet-like crepe, crispy squid and charred meat & seafood skewers. They also have vegan & vegetarian selections.

Open 7-days-a-week Free Parking MENU: www.bodamaine.com

671 Congress St, Portland, Maine (207)347-7557

To prove just how serious Bob & Dan take food, they recently took their entire staff on a two-week trip to Thailand to reconnect with the feeling and flavors of Southeast Asia. So, if you are looking for creative & delicious Thai food in a warm & inviting setting, honestly, where else would you want to go?

Fried Brussels Sprouts with Fish Sauce (4 Servings) Ingredients

Directions

1 lb Brussels sprouts, trimmed & cut in half 1 tbsp fish sauce 1/2 tbsp sugar 1 tbsp vegetable oil Pinch of salt, to taste Pinch of pepper, to taste Canola oil for deep frying

1. Pour enough oil into a medium pot so that the oil comes 3 inches up on the sides. Heat the oil to 350 degrees.

2. Deep fry the Brussels sprouts, stirring occasionally, until very dark brown, almost charred, but not burnt (about 3 minutes). Remove the Brussels sprouts from the pot with a skimmer and place directly in a bowl.

3. Heat vegetable oil in heavy large skillet over high heat. Add fried Brussels sprouts.

Add fish sauce, sugar, salt and ground pepper to taste. Stir well, and then transfer mixture to plate. Serve warm.

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abOUT MAINE 2015

BOOTHBAY HARBOR REGION

DESTI N ATION

Perfectly

WEDDING S

Maine!

© 2015 Mike Leonard

T

he Boothbay Harbor Region is conveniently located a scenic hour from Portland and offers the perfect mix of history, natural beauty, rustic charm and friendly local flavor to appeal to any wedding style.

You’ll find an abundance of lovely B&Bs, resorts, hotels, inns and restaurants as well as all the services necessary to provide for, and assist with, the event. From personal care to photographers, bands to DJs, flowers to tuxedos, our region has what you will need.

Discover a wide array of ceremony and reception venues, ranging from traditional churches to all-inclusive resorts to a waterfront cottage or indulge in the ultimate Maine coast wedding complete with a private island, boat transportation and lobsters!

© 2015 Robert Mitchell

© 2015 Robert Mitchell

If you need gifts and party favors our boutiques, jewelry stores and galleries offer a wide selection including handmade chocolates and treats.

Local bakers can create a cake that is as unique as you are, and talented caterers can provide anything from rustic favorites to contemporary gourmet cuisine. For transportation for the wedding party and/or guests we have a number of taxis, trolleys, trains, limos, antique cars and boats at your service.

© Keith P Luke

Share the delights of the peninsula with your guests who can hike, attend a Broadway quality musical and play, listen to a concert, go boating, or visit museums with live sea animals, narrow-gauge trains and shipbuilding artifacts.

© 2015 Robert Mitchell

Contact us today to start planning your wedding and request a complimentary Wedding Planning Guide.

www.boothbayharbor.com • 207.633.2353 • seamaine@boothbayharbor.com

Windjammi

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Photo by Tim Seymour

abOUT MAINE 2015

ing Windjamming, sailing, and boating in Mid-Coast Maine

By Lyn Tesseyman

Before Windjammer cruising was born in the 1930’s, the vessels were used for transportation and necessity, drawing incredible interest to the coastline and sailing in Maine. Tourists from all over the world now come to relive the great days of sail on tall-masted schooners and spend carefree time amid the islands of Maine by going out for multiple days on a traditional sailing vessel. The coastline boasts incredible views and breathtaking coves, making it a must-see destination while traveling through Maine, or, if you would like a shorter sailing experience, day sailing is a wonderful way to do it.

Captain Andy Gardiner sails for the romance of the sea, falling in love with maritime history and traditional boats. Today he is the captain of the Sailing Vessel Owl, a beautiful 38-foot overall sparred length wooden boat that offers private charters and day sails. On being out on the water for days at a time Andy says, “when you wake up in a beautiful secluded spot and you go to bed at night with the stars in full effect, there is nothing like it. It is amazing. “ Potential passengers can expect space on the schooners to be cozy and are advised to pack light, practicing the motto that you have everything that you need and nothing that you don’t. It is a simple way of life out there, peaceful and close to nature.

Most of the windjammers are large vessels and are stable when in the protected waters of the bay so they tend to cause less motion sickness. All Captains and most of their crew have formal training in first aid, CPR, or wilderness first response and passenger safety is the chief concern for everyone. Getting involved during trips is fun whether it is hoisting sails or just sitting back and enjoying the view. Sometimes the captain will even let passengers drive the boat.

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For the crew living on the schooners there’s always work to be done and only so many people to do it. The less you do, the more the other person has to do. Everyone has to work together. There is a lot of upkeep for the schooners, always having something to sand, paint, replace or clean. In the spring the schooners are hauled out of the water for hull work and other maintenance on these beautiful pieces of history.

Wildlife you will see out on your sails may include harbor seals, ospreys, bald eagles, an occasional whale, sea birds, arctic terns, and the occasional puffins if you go to the right spots.

The crews who work on these vessels love to take guests out and sail around on historic ships and show them Penobscot Bay and surrounding area and all it has to offer. Midcoast Maine is some of the best sailing in the country. There is an abundance of gorgeous harbors to explore such as Seal Cove and Winter Harbor, both located on the east side of Vinalhaven. You get to see a part of Maine that many people, including the natives, never get to see from the mainland.

If you aren’t into the long sails there are plenty of other things to do here in Maine on the water. Camden Windjammer Festival celebrates Camden’s maritime heritage and living traditions. It is a fantastic weekend filled with games, tours of the windjammers, activities, history, and pirates followed by a talent show put on by the schooner crews in Harbor Park, concluding with a fireworks show.

WoodenBoat Magazine -- a publication written for owners, admirers, builders, and designers of wooden boats based in Brooklin, Maine -- offers the WoodenBoat School. The school sits on a beautiful “saltwater campus” on the coast, giving students the opportunity to live, sail, explore, relax, and work alongside skilled professionals who share the love of the craft.

Another great way to enjoy Maine waters is to fish them.

Captain Johan Brouwer, and owner of Emily B, a center console fishing boat, offers fishing charters and sightseeing tours when travelers can fish in Maine’s most gorgeous places for river striped bass, bluefish, haddock, cod, and tuna. Being a Maine Guide taught him the art form and tricks to “finding the fish”. He works closely with fellow fishermen’s businesses as a tight knit community, always happy to lend each other a hand.

Opening up the dam has given way to 75 miles of streams,

Photo by Mike Leonard

making Kennebec River flourish with millions of new fish. “I love to see the transformation in people when they catch their first fish as they switch gears from city to the outdoors,” says Brouwer.

How can you bring the world of sailing into your life? Easy.

Take a windjamming tour to see if you really like it. Read everything you can get your hands on about it. As Captain Andy Gardiner says, “being out on the water, the wind in your hair the wind in the sails the sound of the harbor against the hull.

Classic romance. If you haven’t been to mid-coast Maine, plan the trip.“ For more information on activities, events and vessels above please visit their websites listed below: www.maineschooners.com www.mainewindjammercruises.com www.woodenboatschool.com www.greatgadzooks.com

Photo by Capt. Johan MS Brouwer 18

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Gone To Mar Maine residents and visitors have more than 140 farmers’ markets to explore across the state. From the big towns to the tiny hamlets, the wide array of markets is a reflection of Maine’s many diversified farms and its rich crafting heritage. Markets are on every day of the week, at various times of day. If you’re vacationing, be sure to ask the locals or check www.mainefarmersmarkets.org. You’ll probably find a nearby market that suits your travel schedule perfectly.

Most farmers’ markets in Maine are independently managed by the farmers, so each one has a different character. Some offer an array of prepared foods, and perhaps even seating areas where you can enjoy a relaxed meal. Others cater more to shoppers heading home from work, and offer a convenient spot to pick up local foods and chat with neighbors. Often you’ll find live music and other activities, such as cooking demonstrations, face painting, food sampling, and special programs for children, making farmers’ markets great family destinations. (Most allow leashed dogs to attend as well, but be sure to check in advance.)

Maine is one of the few states that has a law de-

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fining what qualifies as a “farmers’ market.” The law stipulates that 75% of the farm and food products offered by a vendor must have been grown or produced by that farmer. (Some markets are even stricter, requiring that everything in the stall come from the vendor’s farm.) Whichever is the case, shoppers at Maine farmers’ markets can rest assured that the products they buy were grown/produced/caught locally, not trucked in from out of state!

Of course, most markets offer more than a rich selection of foods. Looking for a Maine-made souvenir? Consider jewelry made by a local artisan, a painting or photo of a New England scene, or a unique craft item, all of which are frequently found at Maine farmers’ markets. Crafters won’t want to miss the richly colored yarns available. Baskets, soaps, and candles are other potential gifts that are easy to take home. Shopping at the farmers’ market ensures you are not only “shopping local,” but directly supporting Maine farmers and artisans.

The markets range in size from 2 farmers to more than 40 vendors or more. Because many farms are so diversified, it’s not uncommon to find a farmer offering a wide range of products under one canopy.

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rket

By Leigh Hallet, Executive Director of Maine Federation of Farmers Markets

Photo by Mike Leonard Don’t pass by the small farmers’ market, assuming there won’t be much on offer. You’re likely to be pleasantly surprised by the varied selections, and by the warmth of your reception. Shopping at any size market is casual and friendly, and since many accept credit, debit, and EBT cards, it’s easy as well.

So while you’re in Maine, make it a point to explore a few farmers’ markets. You’ll meet some farmers, get to mingle with friendly natives, support the local economy, and get a taste of Maine’s hopping local foods scene!

FMI visit www.mainefarmersmarkets.org.

FEATURED

Farmers' Markets, Co-Ops & Natural Food Markets Belfast Farmers’ Market May-Oct: Waterfall Arts 256 High St. Belfast Nov-Apr: Aubuchon Hardware Fridays 9am - 1pm 231 Northport Ave. Belfast belfastfarmersmarket.org Bucksport Bay Area Farmers’ Market Next to Bucksport Post Office May-Oct: Thursday 2pm-5pm (207)469-6818 bucksportbaychamber.com/farmers-market Penobscot Farmers’ Market Brewer Auditorium Parking Lot Wilson St., Brewer May-Oct: Tues. & Fri. 9:30am-Noon abOUT MAINE 2015

Nov 1-Apr 30: Sat. 9am - 1pm (207)884-8888 (summer) (207)485-5301 (winter) Portland Food Co-op 290 Congress St., Portland (207)805-1599 portlandfood.coop Royal River Natural Foods 443 US Rte. 1, Freeport, ME (207)865-0046 rrnf.com Waldoboro Farmers’ Market Cider Hill Farm, 777 Main St, Waldoboro Wednesday, June - Sept, 3pm - 6pm

(207)832-0633 waldoborofarmersmarket.com Wells Farmers’ Market Wells Town Hall Parking Lot 208 Sanford Rd (Rte 109) May 20 - Oct 14 , Wed., 1:30 - 5:30 wellsfarmersmarket.org York Gateway Farmers’ Market Summer: 1 Stonewall Ln., York Winter: American Legion , York; June 6-Oct 10, Sat., 9am-1pm; July 2-Aug 27, Thurs., 9am-1pm; Nov-Mar, Every Other Sat.,9am-1pm (207)363-4422 gatewayfarmersmarket.com 21

Bold Coast S

By Pat Demos

If you are looking for inspiring natural beauty of the real Maine without crowds, then driving the Bold Coast is an undiscovered gem for you to experience. Rural, charming and unchanged this area is definitely worth taking the time to relax and slowly explore all the sights.

Located in Downeast Maine along Route 1 from either Calais from the north or Ellsworth from the south, the drive includes Machias, Lubec, and Eastport along the way. With other towns off the beaten path on peninsulas that hug the coast, villages such as Sorrento, Birch Harbor, Winter Harbor, Prospect Harbor, Jonesport and Corea are all are quiet little hideaways with very active fishing and lobstering communities.

For a real slice of local fun and true flavor of Downeast Maine, the yearly Lobster Boat Races always have a great turnout from the “cowboys of the sea”.

These races are taken very seriously and represent how determined the lobstermen can be, and how important their boats are to their way of life. Call any of the above towns to find when and where they will be held.

For fun and festivals, the Bold Coast offers welcoming and charming festivals in many towns, such as the Pirate Festival in Eastport…www.eastportpiratefestival.com, and in Machias, the August Blueberry Festival…www.machiasblueberry.com.

And as history is all around the area, Machias celebrates the town’s role as the site of the first naval battle in the Revolutionary War with their Margaretta Days Festival, June 13, 2015. In the middle of the St. John River (boundary between the U.S. and Canada) just south of Calais, there is the first French settlement in America at St Croix Island International Historic Site. Plus, near Lubec and over the bridge connecting into Canada, is the summer home of Franklin Roosevelt at Roosevelt Campobello International Park (www.fdr.net).

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Planning something to do is easy as whale watching and wildlife tours, boat tours, windjammers, island discovery trips, canoe and kayak launches, hiking/ cycling trails, and other year round outdoor activities are all available. And…did you know that there are 24 lighthouses in this area? Have you ever heard of the Old Sow Whirlpool ? It’s in 400 ft of water, just off Eastport in Cobscook Bay, and the largest tidal whirlpool in the western hemisphere!

State parks such as Shackford Head State Park, Cobscook Bay State Park, Roque Bluffs State Park, all are wonderful places to visit and explore. And,

Quoddy Head State Park near Lubec is where you can see the first sunrise in the U.S. The Moosehorn National Wildlife Refuge in the Calais area is also a great outdoor adventure as well. Acadia National Park at Schoodic Peninsula is along the way just a short drive from Ellsworth.

The Bold Coast also has a great line up of cultural activities with Eastport offering music workshops at their Summerkeys events (ww.summerkeys. com) and the Tides Institute & Museum of Art (www.tidesinstitute.org) . There is also the Schoodic International Sculpture Tour (www.schoodicsculpture.org) abOUT MAINE 2015

Scenic Byway

Courtesy of Washington County Council of Governments and, Sunrise County Arts in the Parks (www.sunrisecountyartsintheparks.com) . With its rugged coast, quiet forests and expansive blueberry barrens, this area is an inspiration as well as a haven for artists and crafters. There are many interesting galleries and shops with local and Native American works of arts and creations reflecting close ties to the beauty of the surrounding area.

For all the foodies that would like to sample area goodies there are wineries and handmade specialty foods, such as Monica’s Chocolates in Lubec. Smoked seafood, fresh off the boat lobsters, and abOUT MAINE 2015

fish are easy to find. And restaurants ranging from fine dining to the local hangouts where ‘homemade-good-andsimple’ satisfy every taste and add to the local experience.

With a variety of accommodations, including summer home rentals, campgrounds, small hotels, and charming B & B’s, you will find the perfect place to stay for a relaxing and colorful vacation where you can discover and settle in to a true Downeast Maine experience.

Route 1 in this beautiful region is also called the Schoodic National Scenic Byway, which spans the Blackwoods

Scenic Byway and, the start of the Bold Coast Byway.

For more information: www.schoodicbyway.com www.downeastbirdfest.org www.historiccoast.net www.downeastacadia.net www.exploremaine.org/byways/ downeast www.lighthousefriends.com (Maine Lighthouses) www. acadia-schoodic.org

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Insurance Matters Or Not?

At some point in our adult lives, we all wonder if we should have insurance and, if so, how much and what kind?

It’s an important question for which there is no one, single, answer. Your need of insurance depends on your individual and familial circumstances, assets, and personal preferences. Unlike auto and home-owners insurance which most of us who own a car or a home have because to a large extent, we are mandated to have them, life insurance, long term care insurance or an annuity are up to each of us. I won’t make any generalized statements about which, if any, you should have. Here are just the highlights.

Life insurance is intended to replace your contribution to your family’s welfare when you die. No way to sugarcoat that.

In some esoteric forms, life insurance is a way to hedge against taxes, and/or it can be used to as a pure investment intended to appreciate its value. Most people need/buy either term insurance which is in effect for a specific length of time, or whole life insurance which will stay viable as long as you do and will appreciate. The only real rule about insurance not intended as a tax hedge is that when you stop having to protect any assets or take care of a spouse or minor’s financial needs should you die prematurely, you probably don’t need it anymore.

Long term care insurance is gaining in popularity, especially among baby-boomers who are figuring out that should they really retire as early as they’d like and live as long as they’d like, chances of them needing some form of assistance in their later years are pretty good. Since almost no one wants to be placed in a “home”, especially one paid for by the State that might not be of their own choosing, the ability to help pay for one’s own care will go a long way in remaining in some control over what happens.

Here I will state the obvious: all insurance is a bet. You buy it hoping you will never need it, but are glad to have if you do… and it’s annoying to pay premiums for years when you don’t know if you’ll “win” the bet. Only annuities fall outside this description.

An annuity is a kind of self-funded pension. Most of us under 55 or so may have some retirement tool, but we probably don’t have a company provided pension plan anymore (municipal employees aside). An annuity will provide a guaranteed income for as long as you live and, this is the cool part, even when they’ve run out of cash value, they will continue to pay out for as long as you live and, sometimes, for as long as a partner or spouse lives.

In closing, annuities are policies you buy where you hope you live forever and the insurance company hopes you die right away; life insurance are policies you buy where the insurance company hopes you live forever and your kids hope you die right away!

Liz Winfeld is an independent financial advisor, licensed and everything, out of Cape Elizabeth, Maine. She is also principal of Funny Finance, an organization dedicated to making finances more accessible and, therefore, more useful to more people. Feel free to email her at liz.winfeld@hotmail.com or call 207.860.0176. *P.S. Those letters after my name stand for Accredited Asset Management Specialist and Financial Advisor. I’ve been called worse.

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abOUT MAINE 2015

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abOUT MAINE 2015

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Southern Maine

Your Wedding Destination In all seasons, the perfect place for your special day.

© Photo by Robert Dennis

© Photo by The Edge Photography

© Photo by Shanes Maine Photography

Unforgettable settings to make lifetime memories, your something blue is everywhere...have your wedding in Maine. The beautiful Atlantic is at the edge of the sand. We have everything you need to plan your destination wedding. Incredible oceanside venues, amazing caterers, florists, planners, photographers, musicians, even a bridal and tuxedo shop!

Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce P.O. Box 2289, Ogunquit, ME 03907 (207) 646-2939 ogunquit.org • visitogunquit.org

The Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce One Stonewall Lane,York, ME 03909 (207) 363-4422 • gatewaytomaine.org

weddings on the

Blue Hill PENINSUL A

A wedding day brings so many individual pieces together in one harmonious celebrationthe dress, the cake, the dinner, the guests, the setting, the weather, the food, the drinks, the pictures. The coast of Maine, particularly this little corner of downeast Maine, offers a splendid backdrop of rustic and formal settings for any wedding, from small, intimate fall events to big celebrations under the mid-summer sun.

The Peninsula is certainly off the beaten path, but that’s where the creative possibilities lie.

Christina Allen of Maine Coast events sums it up best, ‘You can have one stop shopping- you can get married on a beautiful piece of property with locally grown food. You can hire the florist who grows her own flowers.

You can also have locally made beer and wine.’ Christina is currently working with a Connecticut couple who are incorporating a Maine microbrews and distilleries tasting into their wedding event on Long Island in Blue Hill Bay. Imagine a beach wedding with a lobster bake. A rehearsal dinner on a screened in porch at dusk. Dancing until the wee hours under the stars by a bonfire. A winter evening ceremony followed by a sleigh ride and hot cocoa. A weekend on a farmyou can dig the potatoes for your Sunday morning brunch if you’d like to! A bounty of stunning seasonal flowers grown by Blue Hill’s florist Cullen Schneider of Fairwinds Florist.

There’s another advantage to being off the beaten path and that is that businesses know each other, have worked together, and know how to find a solution abOUT MAINE 2015

to just about any request. Many businesses have deep roots on this peninsula & island. These all lend a deep authenticity and attentiveness to the memories made here. The many outstanding caterers, such as the Hikade family at Arborvine, Kelly Sawyer at MarKel’s, and Ann Rioux of Rioux Catering work with local producers to create feasts that reflect the seasonal bounty of our fields, orchards and oceans.

The Blue Hill Peninsula is dotted with farms, small-scale food producers and farm-to-table dining options. David’s Folly Farm in Brooksville is a saltwater farm, surrounded by 100 acres of pasture land, streams and foreststhe Barn at David’s Folly Farm offers couples and their guests the unique experience of a stunning venue on a working farm.

As you’re choosing decorations for a rehearsal dinner in the barn, you can also select fresh vegetables, pork or lamb for your mealit’s all right there.

While many couples choose a traditional summer wedding, there are those who’d like to explore a fall or winter event. Couples wishing to pitch a tent and spend the day on the beach, or take a kayaking trip can do just that. The newly renovated Farmhouse Inn in Blue Hill offers a private, cozy venue for all seasons, including winter. Further afield in Brooklin, Oceanfront Camping at Reach Knolls offers primitive camping right on the shores of the Eggemoggin Reach. Truly adventurous couples can head over to Deer Isle and take their wedding party- or just themselves- kayaking into the bay.

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS AROOSTOOK COUNTY

August 27-30 Presque Isle Crown of Maine Balloon Fest, Northern Maine Fairgrounds. 207-764-6561

BANGOR/DOWNEAST

June 5-Oct 2 Bar Harbor 1st Friday Art Walks. Sept. 4th is Dress Up Night. Gallery and shop owners will be dressed to the nines so join in by getting dressed up for a night on the town. artwalkbarharbor.com.

June 28–July 26 Bar Harbor 49th Bar Harbor Music Festival. barharbormusicfestival.org

August 7-9 Bar Harbor Annual Bar Harbor Fine Arts Festival will be held in downtown Bar Harbor on the grounds of the magnificent Bar Harbor Inn. 207-266-5162 August 15-20 Bar Harbor Lesbian Tour of Acadia National Park. We spend the entire tour nestled in the bustling coastal town of Bar Harbor. From there, we explore beautiful Acadia National Park – by bicycle, kayak and foot. You’ll also have time to enjoy the wonderful historic village of Bar Harbor. womantours.com

August 28-30 Bangor American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront. Music, dancing and lots of family fun.

207-992-2630 americanfolkfestival.com September 5-6 Eastport Maine Salmon Festival. Salmon BBQ, chowders, crab rolls, wine tent and more! 207-853-4644

October 11 Blue Hill Peninsula A Taste of the Peninsula. Foliage, Food and Wine Festival. 207-374-3242

GREATER PORTLAND

20 Custom House Wharf, Portland. Cash bar, light food & media table for sharing business cards. depabusiness.com August 13 Peaks Island DownEast Pride Alliance "Business After Hours" LGBT & Allies Business Networking Event. 5:30pm-7:30pm. INN ON PEAKS ISLAND - Peaks Island, Maine. Event in conjunction with GayWeddingsInMaine.com network! Cash bar, light food, live music, door prizes & media table for sharing business cards.depabusiness.com

October 3-4 Freeport 17th Annual Fall in the Village Art & Music Festival. 11am – 4pm. Discovery Park on the L.L. Bean campus. freeportfallfestival.com

KENNEBEC MOOSE RIVER VALLEY

July 10-19 Waterville 18th Annual Maine International Film Festival is a 10 day celebration of film, featuring the very best of American independent, international and Maine made movies. miff.org July 24-26 Augusta 38th Annual Maine Quilts. 600+ Quilts – antique to contemporary. Held at the Augusta Civic Center. 207-415-4417 mainequilts.org August 1 Skowhegan Artisan Bread Fair. Skowhegan State Fairgrounds. kneadingconference.com

September 4-6 Camden Windjammer Festival. Family activities, lobster crate races, Sea Dog show, pirates, , schooner crew talent show, fireworks and more. camdenwindjammerfestival.org

September 17 Boothbay Claw Down – 4th Annual Chef’s “Lobster Bite” Competition. Ocean Point Marina, 6pm-9pm boothbayharbor.com September 24-27 Camden Camden International Film Festival. One of the top 25 documentary film festivals in the U.S. 207-593-6593 camdenfilmfest.org

October 10-11 Boothbay 48th Fall Foliage Festival – Boothbay Railway Village railwayvillage.org 207-633-4727

MAINE HIGHLANDS

June 7-13 Kennebunkport Kennebunkport Festival. Great food, fine wines and inspired art. kennebunkportfestival.com

September 10-13 Greenville International Seaplane Fly-In. Float plane competitions, educational exhibits, craft fair, food and more. seaplanefly-in.org

June 20 Portland Pride Parade and Festival. The festival in Deering Oakes Park is a family friendly event that includes a family center with activities for children, live music, a beer garden, food court, vendor marketplace and more. prideportland.org

June 24-August 26 Brunswick Wednesday evenings during the summer. A variety of musical shows at the Mall in Downtown Brunswick. 6-8pm.

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August 15 Brunswick Brunswick Outdoor Arts Festival featuring local and regional artists, displaying their works in a juried art exhibit. Children’s activities, local theater group performances & a variety of music. brunswickdowntown.com

SOUTHERN MAINE

October 16-18 Greenville Moosehead Lake Region mooseheadlake.org

July 21 Portland DownEast Pride Alliance "Business After Hours" LGBT & Allies Business Networking Event. 5:30pm-7:30pm. THE PORTHOLE -

August 7-9 Union The Maine Antique Show is Maine’s largest antique festival. Over 350 dealers present everything from early-period formal to 1950’s furniture. 207-563-1013 maineantiquefest.com

August 5 Waterville Taste of Greater Waterville. Street-side dining, children’s activities, food vendors, live music and a beer garden.

June 11 Portland DownEast Pride Alliance "Business After Hours" LGBT & Allies Business Networking Event. 5:30pm-7:30pm. GLASS LOUNGE Hyatt Place Hotel, 433 Fore St, Portland. Join us early in the month in celebration of PRIDE WEEK! Cash bar, light food & media table for sharing business cards.depabusiness.com

July 17-19 Yarmouth Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival, featuring cooking demonstrations, fried clams, clam cakes, clams on the half shell, clam fritters, lobsters, clam-shucking contests and lots more! 207-846-3984

at Round Top. saltbaychamberfest.org 207522-3749

Oktoberfest.

MIDCOAST

June 21-27 Boothbay 53rd Windjammer Days Festival. 207-6332353 boothbayharbor.com

July 10-12 Rockland 22nd Annual North Atlantic Blues Festival.

11am – 7pm Public Landing. Touring artists from the US and abroad. Saturday - Pub Crawl.

207-691-2248 northatlanticbluesfestival.com July 30-August 2 Rockland Maine Lobster Festival, Tens of thousands of pounds of steamed Maine Lobster, waterfront activities, arts and crafts, live entertainment and more! 800-562-2529 mainelobsterfestival.com August 4th, 7th, 11th & 14th Damariscotta Salt Bay Chamberfest Concert. Darrows Barn

Every 3rd Saturday Ogunquit Bear T-Dances 5pm-8pm at MaineStreet. mainestreetogunquit.com

June 24- July 18 Ogunquit Victor Victoria! Ogunquit Playhouse. A woman pretending to be a man pretending to be a woman! It’s Paris 1934 in all its glitzy glory.

Hilarity and confusion ensue when “Victor” becomes an overnight sensation in the night clubs of Paris. ogunquitplayhouse.org July 10 Ogunquit Catie Curtis is a veteran on the singer/songwriter folk scene, crisscrossing the US for 20 years – and counting – performing shows, recording and releasing 13 CDs, with devoted fans following her every move. 207-646-4777 jonathansogunquit.com

July 11 Ogunquit Women’s T-Dance 3pm-9pm at MaineStreet. mainestreetogunquit.com July 11-12 Wells Summer Solstice Craft Show. Seventy crafters and artists will gather in the seacoast community of Wells Maine to exhibit and sell there wares. Free Parking & Admission. 207-6465172 wellschamber.org July 9-12 & 16-19 Ogunquit Purple Reign: A Loving, Musical Parody of the Diva from Down Under! Sequins blaze and punch lines fly as Celebrity Impersonator Michael Walters pays unique homage to Dame

abOUT MAINE 2015

Edna's Broadway Extravaganzas in his loving parody! mainestreetogunquit.org August 1 Ogunquit Paula Poundstone Comedy at Jonathan’s Ogunquit. 207-646-4777 jonathansogunquit.com

August 6-9 Ogunquit The Judy Show. The spirit of Judy Garland is alive and well and coming to Mainestreet in Ogunquit as celebrated entertainer Michael Holmes parodies Judy Garland.. Hysterical comedy, outstanding music explode and nonstop belly laughs. mainestreetogunquit.org

August 23-30 Kezar Falls “Camp” Camp. A summer camp for gay adults in Maine’s Western Mountains. Structured just like the sleep-away summer camp that you remember from when you were young(er), Camp offers a full program of great outdoor, athletic, and arts & crafts activities along with a variety of entertaining evening social events. campcamp.com

September 25-27 Unity Common Ground Fair. A celebration of rural life, demonstrations, Maine-Organic produced foods and crafts as well as livestock exhibits. commonground@mofga.org

August 22 Ogunquit Our annual Coyote Ugly T-dance at MaineStreet 3-9pm. Find the hottest outfit you own...watch the movie for inspiration. Ms. Coyote Ugly contest! mainestreetogunquit.com September 12 Ogunquit Women’s T-Dance 4pm-9pm at MaineStreet. mainestreetogunquit.org

September 12-13 Wells Summer Solstice Craft Show. Seventy crafters and artists will gather in the seacoast community of Wells Maine to exhibit and sell there wares.

Free Parking & Admission. 207-646-5172 wellschamber.org October 10 Ogunquit Our annual glow party T-dance at MaineStreet. We fill the dance room with blacklights, glow sticks, glowing beer pong. Wear black, white or neon. 4-9pm. mainestreetogunquit.com

WESTERN MAINE

July 4-5 Bethel 26th Annual Bethel Art Fair. Enjoy the work of local artists and artisans, music and more. On the Bethel Common. 207-824-3575 mahoosucarts.org July 31 – August 1 Bethel 5th Annual Maine Comedy Festival. 15+ comics from across the country. Bethel Inn Resort. 800-654-0125 bethelinn.com August 21-23 Lewiston 23rd Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival. greatfallsballoonfestival.org

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