Military Event Held at Western Maine Veteran’s Home
Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)
A beautiful sunny day was host to a versatile and exciting event at the Western Maine Veteran’s Home in So. Paris. There was a nice turnout for the event which some hope will become an annual affair. The following is a pictoral summary of the day’s events.
PREPARATION:
Bruce Pierce builds flag stands with Bob and Deb Walo looking on.
Grills are ready and tables and chairs set up for the BBQ
OPENING CEREMONIES:
Lewiston/Auburn Veteran's Council
God Bless America by Eileen Walo - The Wisdom That We Gained by Al Pelletier
Administrator Joel Dutton - National Anthem sung by Tammy Benson
MILITARY VEHICLES:
Military Vehicle Show
Military Vehicle Display
Company “A” of the Third Maine Volunteer Infantry: A “Living History” reenactment was provided by Company “A” Third Maine Volunteer Infantry. It was as if people from the Civil War era were visiting. The costumes were authentic and beautifully designed. Visiting with members of the group is truly an educational experience and they enjoy sharing the history of the Civil War era as well as about their group itself. They have a website with information on joining and how to reach them. You can view it here.
Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry
Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry
Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry
Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry
Company "A" Third Maine Volunteer Infantry
Members of Company “A” may purchase pictures here
AND THEN THERE WAS FOOD!!!
Nothing smells better than onions and green peppers on the grill!
Lots of good food for everyone!
A couple of happy veterans with burgers, hot dogs and chicken!
The AMERICAN LEGION RIDERS made sure there was plenty of great BBQ food! On the grill was chicken, burgers, hot dogs and those fragrant onions and green peppers and they were served with potato salad and cole slaw. Bags of potato chips were provided by Utz in Auburn and Deb Walo baked a HUGE cake! There was plenty to drink including lemonade, iced tea, soft drinks, bottled water and coffee. The coffee and donuts for the morning were provided by Tim Hortons in Norway.
People in line for the BBQ
Nothing is better than a BBQ!
AND THERE WAS GREAT ENTERTAINMENT!
Davina Poulin played guitar and sang some of her own compositions.
TJ's DJ Service
TJ’s Dj service kept the music flowing all day with oldies, country and patriotic numbers.
Jarosady also entertained and played for everyone. We hope to have a photo up soon but meanwhile you can visit their My Space site at www.myspace.com/jarosady
It was a great day and a great way to honor all the veteran’s who have served their country well!!
admin @ July 22, 2010
The Amazing Maine Moose – Bucket List Item
Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)
Add seeing our famous, but sometimes elusive, moose to your Maine Bucket List today! I am a “lover of MOOSE,” dating back to my early childhood. I’ve seen many hundreds of moose in my lifetime, but I have a friend in the “Moose Lookin’” business who has tracked down and seen many more than I have. Her name is Brenda Marcotte and she owns Mooseland Tours, a moose tour business in western Maine. Brenda knows all about moose and she has an excellent track record for finding them. I have had so much fun going on moose tours with Brenda! Not only will you learn a lot about moose, how to look for them safely, how to identify their tracks and the kind of areas they like to frequent, you will also get to see some beautiful scenery and have a great time. If you are lucky you may also get to see other Maine wildlife, such as fox, coyote, bald eagles, hawks or maybe even a fleeting glimpse of the elusive Maine black bear. Below are some photos I took while out with Brenda from Mooseland Tours.
Maine Bull Moose
Young Maine Bull Moose
Give Brenda a call at 207.890.5212 for more information and to book a tour.
admin @ July 19, 2010
Maine Veteran’s Event – July 17th
Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)
July 15, 2010 Veteran's Event in So.Paris
This year the Western Maine Veteran’s Home celebrates its 15th year! MaineUSA wishes to congratulate them for all they do for the veteran’s and for the community. It’s not unusual to see the Veteran’s Home bus parked at a local restaurant while the vet’s are inside enjoying a great meal. The home sponsors lots of activities throughout the year for the residents and the community. Craft fairs are held twice a year which draw in a huge crowd of crafters and buyers. they are home to some very special people.
Saturday July 17th from 9am to 4pm, Veterans, their wives and the community is invited to the Western Maine Veteran’s Home on Western Avenue in So. Paris. The following is just a partial list of events taking place:
- Military vehicles from Camp Keyes and other military installations in Maine
- The American Legion Riders of Rumford will be barbecuing burgers, hotdogs and offering up salads and drinks
- Colors will be posted from area groups during the opening ceremonies
- Music will be provided by T.J’s dj services through out the event
- Displays will be put up by the Maine Military Museum and Learning Center
- Area VSO’s will have information available to those interested in joining
Bring the whole family and come and show your support for our Veteran’s and for all they did for us!
admin @ July 12, 2010
The Yarmouth Clam Festival
Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine Vacations, People | Comments (0)
Mark your calendar for July 16th, 17th and 18th for the 45th Annual Yarmouth Clam Festival. Admission to the festival and events is always FREE and all the proceeds from the sale of food and parking lots goes to support Yarmouth’s non-profit student, sporting, music, church, and community-service organizations.
You won’t want to miss it. Arrive early and stay late. It’s a fun time for the whole family! Craft show, art show, Smokey’s Carnival and Rides, Face Painting, Free Belgian Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides, Free Admission to the Yarmouth Historical Society and MORE!! Go to the FESTIVAL WEB SITE
admin @ July 10, 2010
A Photo Trip Around Orrs and Bailey Islands
Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine Vacations | Comments (1)
Orrs and Bailey's Islands
One of my favorite day trips is to Orr’s and Bailey Islands. Originally named Newaggin by the Abenaki Indians, the name was later changed to Will’s Island when freed slave Will Black became the first settler in 1727. The name Bailey was adopted, purportedly, when Reverend Timothy Bailey may have bought Will’s Island for one pound of tobacco and a gallon of rum from William Black.
In another variation of the story, the minister’s wife liked the island and so the Baileys bribed municipal officials to find a flaw in Will’s title to the island and award it to them. In any event, after Timothy Bailey and his wife took possession of the island, Will Black moved to Orr’s Island. Today I want to share a few photos that will, perhaps, inspire you to take a trip there as well.
Fishing Boats are Everywhere
Fishing Shacks
Beautiful Cribstone Bridge
The Baily Island Bridge, better known as the Cribstone Bridge connects Bailey Island to Orr’s Island. The stone tablet at the bridge reads:
“Ths 1,150 foot bridge is an exceptional engineering solution to meet unusual conditions and is the only one of its type in the world. Open split Maine granite cribwork permits free flow of swift tidal currents, boat traffic, withstands saltwater exposure and ice floes. Completed in 1928. Engineer L. N. Edwards.”
Check out these photos from the Curtis Library documenting the history of the bridge. They are worth a look!
The Island Life
Fishing Boats - Cribstone Bridge
Whether you live in Maine or are visiting, take a day and visit Orr’s and Bailey. Check out the restaurants for some yummy seafood and do a little shopping at Land’s End. Have a great day and send me a photo of you and your group or family and I’ll post it right on MaineUSA. You can contact me in the contact section!
admin @ July 7, 2010
Celebrate the 4th in Maine!
Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine News, Maine Vacations | Comments (1)
Enjoy the 4th in Maine!
Maine is a great place to celebrate the birth of the nation. Festivities are underway in many towns already. Growing up in Portland, we usually went up on the Eastern Prom to watch the fireworks. Over the years I have attended firework displays in other communities around the state. We love the 4th of July in Maine! Parades, Music in the Park, Great Food, and Fireworks are just a few of the things happening in Maine communities this weekend.
Bath Heritage Days
Bath Heritage Days activities include a carnival, arts and crafts shows, art in the park, strawberry shortcake sale, shipbuilders triathlon, parade and big fireworks finale on July 5th at 9 p.m. at the Bath waterfront.
Ogunquit Days
Jul 01 thru Jul 05, 2010. Ogunquit Days features activities and events all around town and is sponsored by the Ogunquit Chamber of Commerce.The spectacular Ogunquit fireworks display on the Main Beach starts at 9:30 pm.
Annual Bethel Art Fair
Jul 03, 2010. Bethel Art Fair at the Bethel Village Common runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Village Common. Crafts, art, kid’s activities, live entertainment and jazz, puppet show, juggling and a lot of fun.
Cars and Antique Aeroplane Show
Jul 03 thru Jul 04, 2010. The Annual ’50s, ’60s and ’70s Car and Antique Aeroplane Show is held at the Owls Head Transportation Museum. See the Golden Age of Autos, enjoy a classic car rally, engine room demos, Model T rides, children’s activities and more. Also see one of America’s finest flying Museums in action.
Portland – Annual Fourth of July Celebration
Sunday, the annual 4th of July celebration and fireworks show will be held at the Eastern Promenade Park. This year, in addition to the fireworks show, the celebration will include a free Patriotic Pops concert by the Portland Symphony Orchestra which will feature performances of Sousa, Gershwin, and Tchaikovsky making it a true Stars and Stripes Spectacular. The concert is scheduled to begin at 7:40 PM and run throughout the fireworks display, which will begin at 9:20 PM. Spectators not on Munjoy Hill, can enjoy the concert by listening to a live broadcast on Maine Public Radio. A rain date is scheduled for Monday, July 5th.
4th of July Celebration
Bar Harbor – Independence Day Celebration
Jul 03 thru Jul 04, 2010. Independence Day Celebration in Bar Harbor. Two full days of fun-filled events
Augusta — Fourth of July parade
“Hometown Heroes,” 1 p.m. July 4. Bands playing all afternoon; activities at Old Fort Western; fireworks at Mill Park over the Kennebec River
Bangor – Fourth of July Parade
Fourth of July parade, “100 Years of Boy Scouting,” sponsored by Bangor, Bangor Breakfast, Brewer, Hampden and Orono-Old Town Kiwanis clubs, 11 a.m. July 4th. Fireworks sponsored by Bangor Area Fourth of July Corp., dusk, over Penobscot River between Bangor and Brewer.
Bar Harbor- “America the Beautiful,”
Fourth of July parade, 10 a.m. July 3, blueberry pancake breakfast, seafood festival of lobster, mussels, corn, strawberry shortcake. Craft fair and marketplace at YMCA, high-speed lobster race. Bar Harbor Town Band, 7:30 p.m. July 4 on Village Green, free concert, fireworks at 9 p.m. over Frenchman Bay.
Camden
Fireworks at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 3, launched from Curtis Island toward Camden Harbor. Rain date July 5.
Castine
Castine Town Band, Fourth of July musical gala with Castine Brass Quintet and Tarrantine Fife and Drums, 4 p.m. July 4 at the Town Green, Court Street. Free. Bring chairs or a blanket.
Dexter
Fireworks at dusk Saturday, July 3, to celebrate Independence Day. The fireworks can be viewed best from the Dexter Regional High School athletic field or the Dexter Recreational Area on Lake Wassookeag.
Eastport-Five-day Fourth of July Festival
Exciting activities every day -Independence Day parade, 2 p.m.; fireworks, dusk.
Millinockett
Fourth of July adults’ and children’s parades down Central Street to Penobscot Avenue to town bandstand at 10 a.m. Saturday, July 3, followed by Kids Day at Jerry Pond from noon to 3 p.m. Fireworks at 9:45pm
Unity
Fireworks will be displayed at 9 p.m. Saturday, July 3, from the racetrack infield.
admin @ July 2, 2010
Mom’s Cod Fish Cakes
Posted in: Everything Maine, Recipes | Comments (0)
If you can’t get to Maine this year at least you can still enjoy some yummy cod fish cakes. Here is a recipe that is sure to become a family favorite!
Mom’s Cod Fish Cakes
(I grew up on these)
Ingredients
1 lb of cod fillets
2 medium-sized potatoes
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 Tbsp freshly grated Parmesan cheese
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
2 eggs, lightly beaten
Oil for frying (Try one of the healthier choices)
Preparation
Boil and then mash the potatoes in large bowl (add just a tablespoon of real butter if you like. You can also add a little garlic powder if you don’t have fresh. But these are not part of the original recipe.)
Boil the codfish until it flakes nice and easy with a fork. Drain and flake it being very careful to remove all the bones.
Mix the fish, potatoes and remaining ingredients together well. Get your hands right in there. If the mixture is too crumbly, add another egg. If it’s a bit sticky, add some more bread crumbs. Form into cakes and fry over medium high heat in oil coated skillet.
Approximately 12 cakes
admin @ June 23, 2010
Maine’s Beaches and Rocky Coastline
Posted in: Everything Maine, Maine Vacations | Comments (0)
Sandy Maine Beach
Maine’s beautiful rocky coastline is dotted with stretches of soft sandy beaches. Every summer people come from all over the US and Canada to enjoy the beauty of Maine’s beaches, coastline and famous seafood. Small Maine towns and villages have wonderful local restaurants that unleash glorious smells of cooking seafood into the air. Makes your mouth water to think about it.
Be sure you have planned and packed your bag for your fun day in the sun. Sun screen should provide both UVA and UVB protection and is most effective when applied every 2 to 3 hours. It does not last all day! Click to check out the best sunscreens and their ratings. And don’t forget protection for your lips! Most lip balms offer suncreen protection but READ the label to be sure! I sunburned my lips once while on a whale watching adventure and it was AWFUL! So take care of those lips!
Be sure to bring plenty of water (avoid sugary drinks) to prevent dehydration and some healthy snacks for both kids and adults. Raisins, apples (provide potassium), whole grain crackers and trailmix (not the kind dotted with colorful candies) will provide nutrients and boost energy especially when meals may be spaced further apart than normal.
T-shirts, hats, sandals and sweatshirts are other items you should carry in your bag
Starting in York and moving north I have listed some of the most popular and some more secluded beaches.
-YORK-
YORK HARBOR BEACH - This pretty beach is a bit secluded and often called the “locals” beach, but everyone is welcome! It’s a great place for tidepooling and ideal for the photobug.
LONG SANDS BEACH – This is about a 2 mile long sandy beach popular for it’s designated surfing area. Metered parking is available all along the beach. There is also beach volleyball tournies going on quite often. A really nice beach. Restrooms and bathhouse available.
SHORT SANDS BEACH – We Mainer’s sure know how to name our beaches! Showers, restrooms and changing area. Shops and amusements are close by.
CAPE NEDDICK BEACH - Another secluded beach great for tide pools.
-OGUNQUIT-
OGUNQUIT BEACH – A beautiful soft white sandy beach, popular for its surf. Parking is available or you can hop the trolley. Restrooms and snack bars. 3.5 miles of stunningly beautiful beach.
FOOTBRIDGE BEACH – Easy walk over a footbridge to get to a quieter section of beach. Restroom, snackbar
-WELLS-
DRAKES ISLAND BEACH – Limited Parking, restrooms, lifeguards.
WELLS BEACH – Beautiful long sandy beach. Parking stickers are available at the Town Hall. Restrooms and lifeguards.
CRESCENT BEACH – Lesser-known section of beach located between Wells and Moody. Parking at Gold Ribbon Avenue lot, from Webhannet Drive. Lifeguards.
-KENNEBUNK and KENNEBUNKPORT-
KENNEBUNK BEACH – Fine sandy beach, popular for both swimming and surfing. Roadside parking
MOTHER’S BEACH – Soft sandy small beach with playground. No restrooms. Parking stickers available at the town hall. Lifeguard.
GOOCHE’S BEACH - Long beach with and as soft as talcum powder. Portable toilets, lifeguards, required parking sticker is avaibale at the town hall.
MIDDLE BEACH – Rocky section of Kennebunk Beach between Mother’s and Gooch’s with pretty black stones. Parking sticker available at town hall.
COLONY BEACH – This short beach lies at mouth of the Kennebunk River. Limited parking. No lifeguard.
CLEAVES COVE BEACH – Secluded and scenic beach off Ocean Avenue. No parking. No facilities. No lifeguards.
GOOSE ROCKS BEACH - Nice soft sand. Very beautiful stretch of beach. Parking sticker available at town hall or ride the trolley. No restrooms or lifeguard.
BIDDEFORD/SACO HILL’S BEACH - Pretty beach, nice soft sand, popular spot for birdwatching. No restrooms, no lifeguard, limited parking.
BIDDEFORD POOL BEACH - Two mile sandy beach with gentle surf. Parking sticker available at town hall. Lifeguard and bathhouse.
FORTUNE’S ROCK BEACH – Small sandy beach. Paid parking, lifeguard.
FERRY BEACH STATE PARK - Nicely sheltered from wind, beautiful natural sand dunes. Restrooms, picnic area and nature trails.
-OLD ORCHARD-
OLD ORCHARD BEACH - Old Orchard Beach is one of Maine’s most popular vacation destinations. It features seven miles of beautiful sand, lots of shops, the famous pier, an amusement park, restaurants and numerous cottage rentals and motels along the beach. Campgrounds are near by. Metered street parking as well as several parking lots are available. Lifeguards.
Old Orchard Beach Pier
-SCARBOROUGH-
PINE POINT BEACH – This is the northern portion of Old Orchard Beach, which lies along the town of Scarborough. A beautiful wide beach , quiet and offers plenty of parking at a reasonable price. Food nearby.
SCARBOROUGH BEACH STATE PARK – A large stretch of sand on Prouts Neck.
CRESCENT BEACH STATE PARK – 8 miles south of Portland. 1-mile of beautiful soft sand.
HIGGINS BEACH - So.Portland off Rt 77 A large stretch of sand with little parking.
admin @ June 14, 2010
5th Annual Maine Blues Festival
Posted in: Everything Maine | Comments (0)
5th Annual Maine Blues Festival
Naples, Maine is home to the annual Maine Blues Festival. This year’s 5th annual festival will be held Saturday June 19th. There will be a Friday night warm up on the 18th and a Sunday cool down on the 20th.
The Maine Blues Festival Saturday June 2oth
This is one of the best musical events in Maine and you won’t want to miss it. Check out these Photos of Past Festivals
For lodging and other information, check out the Maine Blues Festival website.
admin @ June 9, 2010
Androscoggin Business to Business Trade Show
Posted in: Business, Everything Maine, People | Comments (0)
The largest one-day business show in the state, this annual business extravaganza features nearly 200 exhibitors and draws close to 2,500 attendees. The show, held in June, serves as an ideal way for businesses to promote their products and services.
When: Thursday, June 10, 2010
Where: Androscoggin Bank Colisee, Lewiston
Time: 9:30am
Be sure to stop by and visit Core Zero Creative in booth 519. They will be giving short 10 minute social media talks for as many people that can fit into their booth. Their talks will be given on the half hour.
admin @ June 3, 2010
