Success Stories Archives - Undiscovered Maine

Discovering Van Buren: Revitalizing a Northern Maine Gem

mveilleux — Tue, 25 Nov 2025 17:31:45 +0000

By: Madison Veilleux

On November 8, 2025, our Undiscovered Maine team took a road trip to Van Buren, one of Maine’s northernmost towns right on the Canadian border, rich with Acadian heritage and small-town charm. I didn’t quite know what to expect going into this only with information I acquired over the internet. Before our arrival I heard Van Buren had struggled over the years but was finding new energy through community-led projects. What we discovered that day was that the town is full of creativity and people who truly care about the town they call “home.”

Our first stop set the tone perfectly, a little bakery in the heart of downtown Van Buren.

is where we started our day and met with Mr. Luke Dyer, the Town Manager. The smell of fresh, savory Kolaches hit us as soon as we walked in, and behind the counter was Donita, the owner who welcomed us in like old friends. Donita told us she moved to Van Buren from Houston, Texas in 2020. Her goal was to bring a taste of home. The kolache is a soft pastry stuffed with savory fillings, the perfect lunch for comfort. Donitas bakery is more than just a local hangout: it’s part of a creative effort to bring unique businesses to downtown. The Kolache Company is the first success story, and they’re expanding into a bigger building down the street. Once they move, another unique business will take over the current space.

Rebuilding Downtown

Over lunch, Mr. Dyer shared how Van Buren has slowly but steadily been rebuilding itself. He explained that years ago, the town owned most of the downtown businesses, but over time, many became abandoned. Now, thanks to new grants and a lot of hard work from Mr. Dyer and the community, that’s changing. He’s received over $2 million to renovate the fire station and another $2.6 million for the old municipal building. The historic building, once a very popular entertainment hub, is also being restored, and we even got to peek inside during our visit. They plan to turn the theater into a museum, highlighting the significance it once had on Van Buren’s community.

What really impressed me was how resourceful Van Buren is. They partner with their Amish neighbors for construction projects, such as building the greenhouses for the . I found this to be a true example of people coming together to make something happen, even with limited resources.

The Secret Sauce: Community Engagement

As Mr. Dyer talked, one phrase stuck with me: “Community engagement is the secret sauce”.

He wasn’t exaggerating. Van Buren is full of examples of how people’s enthusiasm can spark real change. When locals showed interest in the pickleball courts on the old ice rink, volunteers made it happen. Just like that, three weeks later they hosted their first tournament and now you’re lucky if you can find an open court to play some afternoon pickleball, there is even talks of building another one.

Postage stamp mural project

We also visited a public art project where a local artist, is painting “postage stamp” murals. Small pieces that will come together to form one big picture representing Van Buren. Children are even painting what they want to see in their town’s future. One painted scooters on Main Street, another drew the famous Muskie fishing derby. All of these small efforts, from pickleball courts to murals are building something much bigger, community connection and town pride.

Looking Ahead

Before leaving Van Buren, we talked about ways we could help. One area that stood out was the . This living history museum will celebrate its 50th anniversary soon. In its early days, volunteers dressed in correlation with the time period and brought Acadian history to life. Over the years, interest has faded, and many of the volunteers are now in their seventies. The potential for growth and Acadian pride is still huge. Experiential tourism is growing, and people love hands-on authentic experiences, interactive tours, cooking classes, and even history walks. The Acadian Village could once again become a major draw for visitors. Van Buren has all the ingredients for success: History, community, and creativity.

What Van Buren Taught Me

Leaving Van Buren, I felt inspired to say the least. This little town reminded me that revitalization isn’t just about the money or big development goals, it’s all about the people. It’s about folks like Donita, turning her baking passion into a thriving business, about kids painting their dreams on a mural wall, about a group of volunteers building a pickleball court in just three weeks just because they could, and did. Van Buren’s secret sauce really is community engagement, the kind that can turn any challenge into opportunity for growth. If you ever find yourself up North, take the time to visit. Grab a kolache, meet the locals, and see for yourself what a connected, hopeful community looks like.

Plan Your Visit:Van Buren, Maine

Don’t Miss:

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Welch Farm – A Journey Through Time

njones — Fri, 09 May 2025 21:12:06 +0000

Welch Farm: 186 Roque Bluffs Road, Roque Bluffs, Maine 04654 | lhanscom1@gmail.com
https://welchfarm.com/

Wouldn’t it be nice to get into a time travel machine and go back to the 1800s to experience life when things were simpler?

You don’t need the time-travel machine. Use your car instead and visit the beautiful six-generation Welch Farm in Rogue Bluffs, Maine, for an authentic old-world experience.

In late April 2025, we visited Lisa and her father, Wayne, at Welch Farm to see this phenomenal wild blueberry farm in remote DownEast Maine along the ocean. When we arrived, they were waiting for us with big smiles and a lovely welcome. It was an amazing experience.

A Journey Through Time – Welch Farm History

“In the late 1700s/Early 1800s, the Thompson family bought the land and established a mixed farming operation in what was then part of the Massachusetts Bay Colony. They raised cattle, hay, and wheat. In the mid-1800s, the Thompsons built the Western-style barn, which remains standing on the farm today and is one of the oldest buildings still standing in Roque Bluffs.

In 1912, the farm was purchased by Frank and Mary Welch, who converted the fields to wild blueberries over time. “One year after buying the Homestead, the original Thompson house burned. While the Welch’s rebuilt their family home, they worked the farm and tirelessly cleared the land to plant wheat, rye, and oats. They also raised 400 head of sheep and milked 40 cows by hand.“ (Lisa Hanscom)

“As Frank worked to clear the land, using sheep to help in the process, these natural, wild blueberry plants began to take over. By the early 1920s, Frank and Mary began managing and harvesting those natural little wild blueberries to sell locally and were shipped by train to the markets in Boston under their fresh product brand, Bluffs Point Blueberries.

Frank and Mary raised a daughter, Priscilla, on the farm. When Priscilla and her husband moved to Boston after WWII to find work, Frank and Mary took in and raised Priscilla’s children, Wayne and his sister Margo. At the feet of his grandfather, Wayne learned farming and blueberry production. At the age of 16, Wayne became the head of the family and was solely responsible for the farm operation after the death of his grandfather. Wayne soon made the decision to cut the number of cattle and to get rid of the sheep so he could focus on the wild blueberry production. In honor of his grandfather, he named the farm Welch Farm.

Todays Operations

Today, Wayne’s Daughter, Lisa, helps with the daily farm operation and management. Over the past 10-plus years, the farm has expanded from a wild blueberry crop being sold only to a Wild Blueberry Processor to offering our own fresh Blueberries and value-added products, Christmas wreaths, and centerpieces during the holidays. Cabin Rentals are available during the summer season so people can stay and enjoy a Welch Farm experience. Farm Tours are given all spring and summer long, where you, our guests, can learn about this amazing wild fruit, the Maine Wild Blueberry, and about the wild blueberry Industry. You might even want to visit during the wild blueberry season and try your hand at raking those small berries with the big taste.” ()

Blueberry Farming

Welch Farm has 64 acres of wild Maine Blueberries. They harvest half of that (32 acres) each year and let the other half rest, which “promotes healthy plant growth and yields. This biennial cropping cycle allows the plants to recover, develop new growth, and produce a larger fruit crop the following year.” (Wildblueberries.com)

Speaking of wild Maine blueberries, here are some interesting fun facts about them.

“Unlike ordinary blueberries, wild blueberries are not planted. Instead, they are indigenous (1 of 3 native North American fruits) and spread naturally where Mother Nature put them, with thousands of genetically different varieties in every field. This diversity is what gives wild blueberries their intense, delicious, sweet-tart taste and their spectacular blend of complex flavors.
Wild blueberries have an extensive underground rhizome system. As much as 70% of the plant actually lives underground, spreading horizontally in the few inches of organic matter atop the sand and gravel of glacial soil below.
The millions of plants on the wild blueberry barrens provide a unique genetic diversity and complex flavor profile that cannot be duplicated by ordinary blueberries, which have only a few varieties per acre.
Extensive research over the last 20 years is revealing just how much wild blueberries can improve human health. Findings suggest that the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of wild blueberries may contribute to better brain health, gut health, heart health, cancer prevention, reduced risk of diabetes, and increased urinary tract health.”
()

A True Taste of Maine

Lisa told us they do tours all summer, often with 4-5 daily tours during the season. The best time to visit is during the harvest: about mid-July to mid-to-late August.

A typical tour consists of Lisa telling you about the blueberry industry, teaching you how to rake, fresh-pack the berries in the processing center, and then take home a five-pound box. This gives you a first-hand experience in blueberry farming; you even get to take home the “fruits of your labor”!

A Place for Community and Celebration

They have two rustic rental cabins, built by the Amish, for those who want to live the simple life and stay on the farm for a few days. They are considering building several wooden “hobbit houses”, so stay tuned.

Many stories have been written about them worldwide, from countries like Canada, Nigeria, Spain, Australia, New Zealand, the Netherlands, and many more, as well as across the U.S. Thus, you never know who you may meet from around the country or the world when you visit!

Most people who visit the Welch farm are active and interested in farming and this unique historical farm experience.

The farm is beautiful with its rugged blueberry barrens and has about a mile of oceanfront that guests can access and enjoy. The scenery is phenomenal, and the sense of peace and tranquility is unsurpassed. If you really want to escape the “maddening crowd” to decompress and destress, this is the place to go!

What are their goals for the farm?

Lisa would love to be able to work the farm without her full-time job, which is now needed to keep the farm running, fix things like the original barn, repair and purchase needed equipment, and more.

How can they accomplish this?

If they can expand the rental side with the proposed “hobbit houses”, that would bring in more revenue. They are also thinking of using the farm for events. They have space for events like weddings, photography shoots, and much more.

Perhaps the best thing about our visit was meeting and spending time with Lisa and her father, Wayne. If you think about people we describe as “salt of the earth”, that describes them! They were so kind, friendly, and helpful that we left this wonderful experience feeling that we had made some nice friends and great memories.

Videos

Here are a couple of excellent videos about the farm and blueberries:

This one stars the adorable Leom for a fun farm tour! (Created by Ashley Hinson)

This second one is a documentary called “Growing Wild,” which shares the experiences of four blueberry families.

We loved the visit- you should take a trip to see for yourself! It takes almost two hours to drive from Bangor, but the small country roads and lovely scenery are definitely part of the journey.

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Hog Bay Pottery

njones — Sun, 04 May 2025 20:10:08 +0000

From Clay and Wool: The Life Threads of Charlie and Susanne at Hog Bay Pottery in Rural Maine

Located in a quiet corner of Franklin, Maine, surrounded by ten acres of spruce, lupine, and the salty sea, Charlie and Susanne Grosjean have been crafting a life of creativity, artistry, and community for over five decades. The founders of Hog Bay Pottery and their studio are a testament to the continuing spirit of craftsmanship, reflecting their passions and shared journey.

A Journey Rooted in Biology, Spun into Craft

Both biology majors at Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, Charlie and Susanne, never imagined their careers turning from microscopes and laboratories to clay and wool. It was a pottery elective Charlie took for fun that set him on a path of creative expression, while Susanne, with the weaving studio just down the hall, became fascinated by the art of textiles. What began as casual college experiments evolved into lifelong callings.

After graduation, they moved to Boston to work in a public health lab, where they lived in a fixer-upper, intentionally keeping costs low so they could save money. But after a year, the pull of Maine was (too) strong. They both landed jobs at Jackson Labs in Bar Harbor, but while stable, their work was not the fulfillment they sought. By 1972, they made a bold decision: with a $66-a-month mortgage and a deep belief in the value of handy work, they bought land in Franklin, where they founded Hog Bay Pottery and their weaving business.

Crafting a Community, One Piece at a Time

Susanne’s journey into weaving began when she bought her first loom in Massachusetts. In Maine, she taught spinning and weaving at Jackson Labs before transitioning to cooking at the College of the Atlantic. She began selling handwoven rugs, clothing, and wall hangings at local craft fairs, refining her skills through workshops with renowned weavers like Peter Collingwood. Over the years, Susanne found creative ways to source materials affordably, from purchasing leftovers to fixing up old looms and even scoring 100 pounds of harvest gold mohair from a mill in Ellsworth. Along the way, she connected with local shepherds and cultivated a network of makers, farmers, and artists who supported one another through trades and collaborations.

Meanwhile, Charlie dove deeper into pottery. Committed to making every piece unique, he continued to evolve his designs, shapes, and glazes, often incorporating local materials like clay and ash. He welcomed children into his studio to throw pots, firing them and mailing the finished pieces as mementos. Charlie focused on creating a holistic experience, not just a commercial product. His customers became his neighbors and friends, and in many cases, they were returning (third-generation) supporters.

Authenticity was at the core of their work for both Charlie and Susanne. Their shop was not just a business – it was a meeting place. Locals returned for gifts and pottery, while tourists discovered the charm of locally made, one-of-a-kind creations. Word-of-mouth advertising was their most effective marketing tool. People came because they trusted the quality of the work and the genuine, friendly atmosphere that filled their studio.

A Life of Purpose and Craft

The road was not always easy. They raised children, made art, and spent 25 years caring for aging parents with dementia – all while managing a business without health insurance. They made do with little, stretching every dollar, but always to build something real and lasting. And despite the challenges, the work remained deeply rewarding, creative, fulfilling, and, most importantly, fun.

Susanne, who grew up with a Quaker background and embraced the counterculture ideals of the 1970s, never expected to become a businesswoman, but weaving was a path she carved for herself. Today, she spins yarns from local wool, dyes them with plants she grows herself – indigo, madder, and flax – and shares her knowledge by teaching and demonstrating spinning at fairs like the Common Ground Fair. For Susanne, the work remains an art form and a playful exploration of texture, color, and community.

Now in his late seventies, Charlie fills his kiln every six weeks with a whole load of pottery. He mixes his glazes, sometimes incorporating ash from local wood, always searching for new textures and colors. Though they know their store may not survive them, they continue to craft with deliberate intention, knowing that their work honors the land, the people, and the timeless tradition of handcrafted artistry surrounding them.

The Pottery: A Hub of Creativity and Tradition

At the heart of their story is Hog Bay Pottery, where traditional craftsmanship meets the beauty of Maine’s landscape. A biology major turned potter, Charlie has spent years refining his skills. His gas-fired and wood-fired pottery includes functional pieces like dinnerware, bowls, vases, mugs, and lamps, each featuring glazes that reflect the natural beauty of the Maine coastline. Susanne, equally passionate, has built a body of work focused on handwoven textiles, creating rugs, wall hangings, and clothing, all made from locally sourced materials and dyed with plants she grows herself.

Hog Bay Pottery operates with a unique, customer-friendly model: no set business hours exist. The shop is open whenever possible, and visitors are welcome to browse and make purchases on a self-serve basis. With a sign explaining the process and a payment lockbox, this approach reflects the Grosjeans’ commitment to community trust and accessibility. Over the years, Hog Bay Pottery has become not just a business but a cornerstone of the Franklin community, offering a gathering place for locals and a cherished destination for visitors from near and far.

Charlie and Susanne’s commitment to sustainable practices and quality craftsmanship has ensured the longevity of their studio. In 2004, Charlie built a wood-fired kiln with the help of his father, drawing inspiration from traditional kiln designs. This kiln, central to his production, creates the distinctive glaze effects and textures his work is known for (note that Charlie used the wood-fired kiln from 2004-2021; since then, he has made all his pots in a gas-fired one).

A Legacy of Handmade Artistry

In a world where mass production often trumps authenticity, Charlie and Susanne have created something different: a life lived slowly, a business built with heart, and work that honors the land, the people, and the craft. They have nurtured a rich ecosystem of farmers, artists, and craft aficionados who trade goods, share ideas, and support one another – a true reflection of the norms and values they have lived by for over five decades.

As the years pass, Charlie and Susanne make pottery and weave textiles, remaining deeply connected to the land and their community. And while they know their store may not outlast them, they are content in knowing that their legacy lives on in the pieces they have crafted, the relationships they have built, and the spirit of creativity they have nurtured in Maine and beyond.

For those interested in experiencing Hog Bay Pottery firsthand, the studio is located at Hog Bay Road, Franklin, Maine. The shop is typically open during daylight, especially in summer. Visitors are encouraged to call ahead to ensure someone will be available. Whether you are a collector of fine ceramics, a fan of handcrafted textiles, or someone seeking a truly unique Maine experience, Hog Bay offers a warm welcome and a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local artistry.

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SEED Economic Development Project with Fort Fairfield

njones — Sun, 05 May 2024 20:57:03 +0000

The team visiting Fort Fairfield, Feb, 2024

SEED stands for sustainable ecosystem economic development. The model provides a framework for remote rural communities to work collaboratively with various stakeholder groups, including government agencies, businesses, non-profits, and education/academia, to name a few. It assists such communities in developing and maintaining healthy, sustainable, and thriving economies and ecosystems.

To implement the model, our student club served as a facilitator, connector, and consultant. We organized a stakeholder summit, mapped the local small business ecosystem, built capacities and expertise – both internally and externally – and leveraged knowledge, resources, and expertise from our stakeholders. The overall goal was to promote nature-based tourism and support the revitalization efforts of the Town of Fort Fairfield.

We were fortunate that the terrific town manager of was willing to work with us. We were also fortunate that a wonderful group of stakeholders from Federal agencies (, ) State agencies (, , , /), for profit businesses (, ), and a non-profit () took time from their incredibly busy schedules to work with and help the project!

We first did our “due diligence” in researching everything we could related to Fort Fairfield with a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats) analysis to be knowledgeable as consultants. We then had an initial information session with our stakeholder partners so that we could get to know each other and understand the core competencies that each person brought to the table. Our visit to Fort Fairfield with the town manager in February was COLD but very valuable. The experience of seeing the town, how beautiful it is, and learning about the history and culture was phenomenal. We even had the amazing experience of see at least a dozen bald eagles at the transfer station!

After presenting our initial research and reflections to the team, the town manager proposed his two major goals for revitalization:
1. Leverage the Aroostook River and other existing nature-based assets to increase local usage and bring more visitors to Fort Fairfield.
2. Focus on entrepreneurship and small business development for town revitalization.

We met with our stakeholder team several times during the project for their expertise, resources and guidance. The town manager also worked with some of the stakeholders independently for help with grants and other potential resources.

At the end of the year, we presented the town manager and stakeholder team with deliverables to match the goals:
1. To leverage the existing nature-based assets, we created a web site to showcase unique, fun activities leveraging the Aroostook river, other nature-based assets, unique cultural aspects such as the local Amish community and more. We also leveraged the surrounding towns to provide visitors with a wide variety of activities, dining, lodging, shops and services. Please take a look at the website!
2. For revitalization via entrepreneurship and small business development, we did two innovation sessions and a resource creation session to develop a system for the town manager to use. The idea bank was designed to help with entrepreneurship. The resource bank led to the creation of the process system for small business/entrepreneurship development.

At the end of the academic year, did the project work?

YES! We met several times each semester with our stakeholder team where they provided thoughtful, valuable information and insights to help us progress with the project. They also were available to the Fort Fairfield town manager to help him with specific resources in areas like grants for town revitalization, planning assistance and other needed resources. The key to this well-functioning ecosystem was the engagement and involvement of everyone, where we communicated well and everyone felt comfortable discussing issues, providing thoughts, suggestions, and resources both during full meetings and privately. Being able to talk, share ideas, and build upon each others competencies and knowledge created synergy; added value and innovation from the combined expertise of the different stakeholders.

The SEED (sustainable ecosystem economic development) approach appears to be a viable model for economic development, especially in small rural towns.

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Helen’s Restaurant

Wed, 09 Nov 2022 15:26:06 +0000

Helen’s, located at 111 Main Street, in Machias is a quaint restaurant perfect for families and friends to gather. Helen’s was established in 1950 by Helen and Larry Mugnai with the goal of building a reputation for great homemade food and outstanding pies! Bob and Joan Carter, customers of Helen’s, bought the restaurant in 1983 and moved it to its current location. The Carters later sold to Judy and Gary Hanscom, who then sold it to their operating manager Melanie Omlor-Fox.

In 2014, a fire (cause unknown) destroyed the restaurant. However, it was such a deep-rooted part of the community, that there was no question that it would be rebuilt. The new restaurant opened in 2015 with more space, a more efficient kitchen, but the same sense of community. The slogan “Death by Pie” can be found on t-shirts and signifies the phenomenal home-made pies that Helen’s is known for, especially the blueberry pie made from local berries. Similarly, Helen’s was using the farm to table and conservation (using composting) approach well before they were popular, with much of the food from local farms and fishermen.

The atmosphere of Helen’s immediately made me feel at home, between the friendly waitstaff and the delicious homemade pies on display at the entrance. The menu offers a variety of options from seafood to burgers to pasta and salads! I chose to order the pesto grilled cheese, which was superb! The service at Helen’s went above and beyond our expectations and we thoroughly enjoyed our experience. I would highly recommend the Helen’s Restaurant experience! Click for more information on Helen’s!

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Trip to Cobscook Shores Park- Lubec, ME

bjohnson — Wed, 09 Nov 2022 01:18:38 +0000

View from the trail

Cobscook Shores is a must-see stop in Downeast Maine if you are there between May and October. There are fifteen beautiful parklands twisted along the shores of Cobscook Bay. We had the pleasure of visiting Farm Point nature preserve. This was the perfect short hike for us to stretch our legs, walk the dog, and take in the charming coast of Maine.

The beginning portion featured a trail leading through lush grasses, leading to a picturesque view of the ocean. The top of the hill provided sights of the ocean on both sides. A lovely set of stairs allowed us to walk down to the beach, which was surrounded by stunning rock features.

Harry enjoying the beach

One of the most impressive aspects of this hike was the feeling of seclusion. This is a great option for anybody who is looking for a nature walk that will provide stunning views without taking too long! The parklands are privately owned by Cobscook Shores Inc., a family-funded Maine charitable foundation. Please to visit their website.

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Catherine Hill Winery in Cherryfield

Thu, 03 Nov 2022 15:56:14 +0000

Catherine Hill Winery

Update: 2024: Sadly, the owners decided to close this lovely winery, but the story still shows the entrepreneurial spirit in Maine!

Route 182, from Franklin to Cherryfield, is known as the Black’s Woods Road in Downeast Maine, with a long and mysterious history. It isone of those desolate country roads reminiscent of Sleepy Hollow, where you might expect to see Ichabod Crane. However, this road is said to be haunted by the lovely Catherine. The story begins with Catherine, who lived in this area in the 1800s. She and her fiancé were on the road to their wedding on a night in 1860 when she lost control of the carriage which flew down the hill, ending in a tragic crash. Some say she was decapitated in the crash. Since then, this route has had a dark force (Catherine) haunting it to this day. She is said to occasionally be spotted here at night on the side of the road, flagging drivers down for a ride, for help, or for reasons unknown…

As the story has been passed down from generation to generation, the details have changed from word of mouth. Catherine has been reported looking like a bright being on the side of the road in a white, sometimes blue, dress with jet-black hair and an angelic yet terrifying face. Few brave souls have welcomed her into their car to help, only for her to disappear immediately after opening the car door. Many believe that she only spares you if you show her kindness, and few are around to tell the tale of not doing so. Thus began the origin of the winery created in her name.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic caused the world to halt, Deb and Walt Schwarz took a trip to Maine from their quaint town in Pennsylvania. While spending time Downeast, they fell in love with the culture, landscape, and all that Maine had to offer. After spending some time in Cherryfield and stumbling upon a winery for sale, the two drove home joking about “how fun would it be to own a winery”! Fast forward a few short weeks later, and they were the second owners of Catherine Hill Winery. Little did they know that they would be forced to learn everything about making wine and running a winery since Covid prevented the first owners from training them!

Fast forward two years, and today, they have over fifteen varieties of wine that they produce in-house. Where else but here would you find their signature “Black Fly” wine, which is “is a perfectly smooth marriage of 50% Syrah and 50% Cabernet Franc. Black Fly offers inviting aromas, supple tannins, cherry, and dark chocolate notes.” Other reds include “King Tunk: with incredibly dark hues, smooth yet substantial tannins, and big flavor. A rich, powerful wine.” or “Cherryfield Blues: Our original berry wine is wonderfully sweet with intense flavor, made with 100% Maine Wild Blueberries harvested right here in Washington County” or Cranberry IsleTart and spicy, perfectly balanced and delightfully sweet – the distinctive character of 100% Washington County Cranberries bottled for you.”

They also host fun events periodically, with their most recent event being “Hallowine,” with guests tasting a variety of predetermined wines while hearing ghost stories from locals, which is done annually. Although their tasting room is closed for the season, they have their products for purchase online via their website and at twelve retail locations throughout central and eastern Maine.

But what makes Catherine Hill Winery amazing is co-owner Deb, who makes the experience fun with her humor, wit, and charm. Everyone who visits Catherine Hill Winery leaves happy.

Explore Catherine Hill Winery website .

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Mandala Farm

njones — Wed, 02 Nov 2022 16:53:00 +0000

Mandala Farm– Gouldsboro, Maine

During our tour of , Sara and Genio told us about the story of how the farm began. Their story begins at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, Maine. Neither Sara nor Genio studied farming, agriculture, nor business at school, but both were interested in making change. It was at the of Orland, Maine, where Sara and Genio discovered they wanted to get involved in the food system and preserving land.

Sara and Genio began to look for a farm and came across a patch of land with a beautiful view of Jones Pond on the Schoodic Peninsula. In 2002, it was here they established Mandala Farm. Both had to learn how to farm through on-the-job experience and book-learning. Sara and Genio wanted to see if they could successfully manage an early 1900s inspired horse-powered farm. Sara had prior experience and passion working with horses and liked the idea of using draft animals on their farm. In their time with H.O.M.E, Sara and Genio encountered the Norwegian Fjord horse breed, which are known for their versatility. They can perform many jobs including: plowing, pulling, and riding. According to Sara and Genio, the Norwegian Fjord is ideal for small family farms.

During our tour of Mandala Farm, we had the pleasure of seeing the beautiful Norwegian Fjords, adorable mini-horses, cows and more as well as the vegetables grown on the spectacular vistas of pasture-land. Today, Sara and Genio farm 2 acres of land producing various vegetables, and raise a variety of animals including: sheep, cashmere goats, and pigs, ducks, dairy cows, dogs, rabbits, cats, and bantams. There is also a vacation rental on the farm, where you can stay, participate in farm activities, and enjoy delicious food! Mandala Farm also engages with their local community by selling produce to restaurants in the Schoodic Peninsula area, at the Winter Harbor Farmers’ Market, at their farm stand. The Mandala Farm also participates in (CSA), which provides community members an opportunity to have a stake in Mandala Farm.

What makes Mandala Farm unique is their ability to create an organic food ecosystem with collaborations along the entire supply chain. As producers (the first step in the supply chain), they collaborate with distributors, even inviting fellow farmers to distribute their products with them. Similarly, they developed a collaborative farmers market (the retail step of the supply chain), providing variety by inviting other farmers to participate. They also have developed relationships with restaurants and specialty retailers to carry their products as well as having their own on-site farm stand. Finally, they even work directly with local consumers who visit their farm stand or purchase CSA shares that people purchase before the season and receive produce throughout the growing season.

Sara and Genio’s passion and dedication to local organic farming is inspiring. They live the principles of sustainability, collaboration and supporting their fellow farmers and the community, and demonstrating that a small business like this can succeed and thrive! For more information about Mandala Farm of Gouldsboro, Maine, please visit their website linked .

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Small Business Success Story, MaineStone Jewelry

njones — Fri, 17 Jun 2022 20:18:30 +0000

:��346 Main Street, Wilton, ME 04294, 207-778-6560, info@mainestonejewelry.com This was a really fun visit. The owners have mined the famous Maine tourmaline stones for many years and Ron uses his great artistic talent to create beautiful exquisite jewelry from the stones. Tourmaline comes in all colors and every piece he creates is unique! They also support local artisans

Trilobite fossil

with jewelry and other unique items in the store including rocks, gems, local pottery and even fossils that are millions of years old! Despite the seemingly small interior space, be prepared to spend a lot of time looking at all of the beautiful Maine-made items including the rock and gem “museum” in the back room.

___________________________

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Small Business Success Story, Sewall House Yoga Retreats

Sat, 25 Sep 2021 19:09:04 +0000

Donna Davidge, the creative mind behind Sewall House Yoga Retreats, describes it as a place where people can find healing, both physically and emotionally.

Sewall House rose with the Aroostook County town of Island Falls when it was founded in 1845. Owner Donna Davidge’s great grandfather, William Sewall, built the home, and history immediately began to fill it. A young Theodore Roosevelt who suffered from asthma was sent to live and study under William. The immense nature of Aroostook, the shores of Mattawamkeag Lake, and the shelter of Sewall House formed young Roosevelt’s first adventure into the American wilderness. William Sewall imparted all the wisdom he drew from the land surrounding Island Falls onto Theodore Roosevelt. The latter found himself leaving the area cured of the asthma that limited him.

As for Donna’s history, she began immersing herself in and teaching yoga in New York City in the 1980s, long before it entered mainstream culture. In 1997 she purchased Sewall House to keep her family history alive and create a space for healing through yoga.

On a visit to Sewall House Yoga Retreats, you can expect two yoga lessons each day of your stay! Along with this, there is time for meditation and self-study. This time can be organized or individual. Guests can also expect to enjoy delicious vegetarian meals, an essential part of Donna’s lifestyle. There is always time to become immersed in nature when at Sewall House. There are countless ways to get out when staying at Sewall House, including hiking and canoeing along with day trips. The healing found in nature is just as emphasized as that found through yoga.

Donna splits her year between Maine and New York City, although she prefers her time in Maine and works towards being in Island Falls full time. The house requires a lot of work, and too her maintaining it is the same as maintaining her history.

Donna has learned a lot while running Sewall House and had a few pieces of advice for other small business owners. First saying it is vital to have the right temperament for your work. She remarked that no one will care about your business as much as the owner but, that is not by any means a bad thing as long as one fully lives into their passion because the vision is theirs alone.

She has a lot of vision! Donna hopes that Sewall House will continue to be a place for people to come and heal, a place to open internal wounds among the Aroostook wilderness, a place for physical and mental transformation. Her passion shines in her words about Sewall House. She never gets tired of hearing people talk about their healing, or how a visit feels like a step back in time.

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~Samuel Mills, Undiscovered Maine Project

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