The trail is un-officially up and running even though they still have lots of fun projects to do this Spring before the grand opening.  So come check it out!  There is parking just past Kingsbury Lane on a tiny lot right on Cider Hill Rd just North of Highland Farm estate.  Visit the website often to see if trail maps will be published.

Our family looks forward to Maine Maple Sunday every year.  I grew up on New Hampshire maple syrup from Abbott´s farm in Lancaster–every March we would pony up the then (circa 1975, ahem) $22 a gallon.  Even when we moved out West for a couple decades we would still whip out and insist on REAL maple syrup on our pancakes (what are those “pancake syrups” at IHOPS..it ain´t real maple).

So fast forward 30 years and I am now raising a Mainer who is now 3 years old–and she´s never had anything but real maple syrup (at $46 a gallon now) pass her lips too!  On the last Sunday of every March many of the hundreds of Sugar Shacks in Maine open up their doors and offer up tours, samples, breakfasts, and all kinds of Maine made maple goodies.

This year we visited Thurston & Peters, Sugar Hill 207-793-2773, and Hilltop Boilers 207-793-8850.  They are located in Newfield Maine area.   It was a sunny but chilly day–perfect boilng weather!

Maple Sugaring is a New England ritual started by Native Americans and shared with European settlers.  It´s now made mostly with fancy stainless steel kettles and machines that look like Willy Wonka designed them rather than hollowed out logs and hot stones–but the final product hasn´t changed much at all.  So next March, seek out some of these fine Maine producers and see what´s boiling!

To find out more visit The Maine Maple Producers.

During roof renovations to the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum’s 1896 Main Farmhouse a relic from years gone by literally fell out of the soffit, much to the surprise of everyone at the Farm Museum.

Tom Raitt, caretaker of the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum was handed the 1858 revolver by JT, one of building contractor JD MacDougall’s crew, who was working on the soffitt when the revolver fell out.  ” In addition to the 1858 revolver, two glass bottles and a powder horn were also found in the soffitt, ” stated Tom.

Last week the revolver was taken to the Kittery Trading Post where David Michniewicz, who was working in the gun department, instantly recognized the make of the revolver as an 1858 Beals Remington Revolver.  ” I believe the revolver will still work even though it is in ” relic” condition, stated David after checking the revolver over.  “He located a book that contained a description of the gun, how many were made and many other details about the revolver, so we could have the information and would be able to do some more research,” stated Tom.

“Plans to display the revolver at the 16th Eliot Antique Tractor and Engine Show in July and at the Mainely Grillin’ & Chillin’ BBQ Festival in early August are being discussed by the Board of Trustees” according to Steve Beckert, President of the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum.

“Every once in a while something occurs here at the Farm that takes you back in time,to an earlier life of simpler times, stated Trustee Alan Watson. Finding that old firearm was such an event. Whose was it? Why was it hidden in the eave? One can’t help but wonder what part this revolver played in the lives of our predecessors here at the Homestead. I suppose we are left only to speculate what those events might have been.”

The Raitt Homestead Farm Museum is a registered non profit organization dedicated to educating future generations and the community at large about farming history.  Located in Eliot Maine, this year marks the 16th year of events held at the beautiful 33 acre farm.  100% of the proceeds goes towards the preservation and restoration of the property, buildings and equipment. FMI about the Raitt Homestead Farm Museum visit www.raittfarmmuseum.org.

All photos and interview by Shane Corcoran of Shane’s Photography in York.

Q:  Why did you choose Greater Yorks Region to open your business?
A:  I have lived in York for over twenty years. I used to cover the entire State of Maine, so having my office in the Greater York Region has been a gift!

Q:  How long have you been in business?
A:  I have been a Financial Advisor with Edward Jones for 11 yrs.

Q:  What exactly is your business?
A:  I provide expert financial guidance tailored to the needs of the individual, families, and business clients we serve.

Q: What is unique about your business?
A:  The personal attention is unique in our line of business.  We meet each customer in our office or at their home or business, whichever is most convenient for them. We stay in touch with them for as long as they need us, continuing the relationship into the next generation.

Q:  Besides your current business, what is a dream job you would love to attempt for a day?
A:  It would be really fun to be a travel photographer and writer for National Geographic.

Q:  Do you agree that change is good?  What have you changed about your business?
A:  Change is good but it is hard.  We need to embrace the changes that make us better. I focus on the things I can control and try to help my clients do the same.

Q:  What is your favorite local hang out/business and why?
A:  During the summertime I love the upstairs deck at The Cape Neddick Lobster Pound.

Q:  Which superpower would you like to have and why?
A:  I would want to see into the future 1, 5 and 10 years ahead.  Then I could see how my clients felt about their investments, and mirror back to them and help them make the right decisions now!

Q:  Coffee or Tea?
A:  Tea,  ever since I visited Japan

Q:  What is last book/movie you read/saw?
A:   Burlesque with Cher and Christina Aguilera

Susan comes from a health care background and never in a million years did she ever think that she would end up being a financial advisor. She couldn’t be happier with the carrier path that has unfolded for her and realizes that each day is a blessing when she is able to do what she loves.

If you want to contact Susan please visit her website or call at 207-363-1640.  She is located at 469 US Route One, York, ME, 03909.

Name: Vaughan Woods/Hamilton House Trail
Location: South Berwick, Maine
Level: Moderate
Wheelchair Accessible: Parts of Hamilton House trails-yes
Time Commitment: 2 Hours give or take
Scenery: Deep old growth woods, river vistas, historic house/gardens
Parking: Trails start from Oldfields Rd parking lot
View Vaughan Woods Hike, South Berwick in a larger map

All photos by Geneve Hoffman of Geneve Hoffman Photography & Lumina Portrait, York ME.

When I left yesterday I scooped the work off my desk and dumped it into my rolling cart to take home for sorting and organizing. So as I wait, I have NO piles of work on my desk…..but in the corner I spy a pile of stuff that has been sitting there and needs to find its way to the trash bin. I began looking through the stack and found some poster boards we had used at the Memorial Bridge Meet and Greet at Warren’s Lobster House in Kittery earlier in the summer. As I re-read through the comments that were posted by business people at that meeting, it occurred to me that indeed we have come a long way in a few short months.

This was the meeting that coalesced many of the businesses that had previously not been following the progression of the replacement/repair of this critical transportation link. Out of that meeting, we agreed to meet with every gubernatorial and congessional candidate to educate them about the importance of maintaining this bridge. At the time, there was a suggestion that was  supported by our state commissioner of transportation to make the bridge a pedestrian/bike bridge with no autos! That was not a popular idea, and eventually we were able to get that option removed from the mix.

We also discussed asking the shipyard workers to help us save the bridge. While they did not formally take any action, we know there was activity behind the scenes and the issue of evacuation was added to the reasons for keeping it a vehicular bridge.

There have been two meetings in Kittery about developing a destination marketing plan—one was run by the chamber and the other was hosted by the town planner. Signage needs, name recognition for the different areas within the town, and various types of promotion were discussed at both meetings. More businesses are now prepared for what lies ahead when the bridge closes for replacement and they understand the need to market cooperatively to keep their customers coming during the closure. The chamber will continue to play a role in assisting these affected businesses. In January we will host a small business assistance workshop bringing together many of the agencies and organzations that fund and support small businesses. I’m working on finding a location and a date for this event. More on that to follow.

I think the best takeaway from all of this is that by working together, we focused attention on our needs, we got the support of all the candidates, and we now have a bi-state plan in place to improve the infrastructure in the shortest time frame possible for such an important job. It won’t be easy, but we’ll do everything we can to assist where needed and to get to the other side (no pun intended!)—with a stronger business community than ever before in Kittery!

Happy Thanksgiving!     Cathy Goodwin, Pres./CEO

We are lucky enough to have the amazingly talented Shane Corcoran of Shanes Maine Photography “covering” HarvestFest for the blog.  Actually, he just loves going with his kids, and also took some beautiful shots whilst there…it’s just what he does…(don’t you love the fisheye shots!!??).

Here is Shane’s take:

Harvestfest was awesome!  One of the highlights was watching The Extreme Air of New Hampshire Jump Rope Team.  They are a group of twenty-three members that perform highly complicated jump roping tricks & stunts.  They did everything from single rope demonstrations,  speed jumping and even six jumping the same rope at once. They were a lot of fun to watch.

Many kids enjoyed listening to “Storytelling with Shawn”.  He told stories,  some classics and some of his own creation.  I had the pleasure of listening to his rendition of The Three Little Pigs that was unlike any version I have ever hear before…the kids and parents alike loved it!  It was such a great time.
Shane Corcoran ~  ShanesMainePhotography.com

With that in mind, we are starting a series of posts on connecting with nature in the Yorks region.   Every other Friday (or so…weather permitting!) we will feature a unique outdoor setting in the Yorks region accompanied by recent and seasonal photos taken by readers and our staff.   In 2002, I moved to this region from Colorado where I used to hike almost daily.   I guess it’s in my blood, so I strive to foster that tradition (minus the heavy breathing at altitude!) by sharing my favorite local spots.  I am hoping locals and visitors alike will not only enjoy these spaces, but send us your ideas and comments and maybe a trail map to your favorite secret spot!

Name: Fisherman’s Walk/Cliff Walk/Steedman Woods
Location: York Harbor
Level: EASY, but Cliff Walk has some steep/rocky trails
Wheelchair Accessible: Steedman Woods & Cliff Walk are not
Time Commitment: 1 Hour round trip
Scenery: Classic New England along scenic York Harbor, Deep Woods, and Bold Ocean Front Cliffs…you WILL see a lobster boat!
Parking: Across from Wiggly Bridge (***cannot access this lot until May 2011 due to construction) or Harbor Beach/Route 1A in front of York Harbor Inn.
View Fisherman’s Walk, York Harbor, Maine in a larger map

Artfest Participants 2010

#1 Sanctuary Arts & Green Foundry
207.438.9826
Sculpture Garden Open House, Foundry Demonstration and Classroom Tour
117 Bolt Hill Road, Eliot, Maine 03903
Oct 3: 1:00pm – 5:00pm

#2 The Wentworth Dennett School Studios / Art on the Hill
Several artists from The Wentworth Dennett School Studios (aka Art on the Hill), will open their studios for Artfest 2010. Works range from fine oils and watercolors, to sculpture and mixed media.
78 Government Street, Kittery, Maine 03904
Oct 2: 10:00am – 6:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 4:00pm

#3 The Red Door Pottery Studio
207.439.5671
Open House at the Red Door Pottery Studio with food, music and pottery demonstrations. The gallery feature will be the diverse work of the League of New Hampshire craftsmen that reside in Maine: pottery, puppets, prints, jewelry, photography & more.
44 Government Street, Kittery, Maine 03904
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#4 Just Us Chickens Gallery
207.439.4209
We are an artist’s co-operative in beautiful downtown Kittery with 12 members and 12 associate members. We will be open all weekend, will host an opening on Friday night (4:00pm-7:00pm) and have refreshments throughout.
9 Walker Street, Kittery, Maine 03904
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm
#5 Gail Sauter Studio
207.439.0223
Artist open studio
9 Government St., Kittery, Maine 03904
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#6 D. Pratt Framer
207.439.1192
Antique maps and nautical charts of the area or reproductions are available in our Chart Room Gallery. See images of Portsmouth & coastal southern Maine from a bygone era. We offer Fine Custom Framing, art & frame restoration, readymade frames and mirrors.
15 Wallingford Square, Kittery, Maine 03904
Oct 2: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Oct 3: 12:00pm – 4:00pm

#7 Drift Gallery
207.438.0417
Open studio & gallery. Solo exhibition of selected works by Ali Goodwin.
7 Shapleigh Rd, Kittery, Maine 03904
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#8 Clay in the Woods Studio
207.363.6937
Pottery sale and open house at Clay in the Woods Studio. Come watch on-going throwing demonstrations and a Raku firing on Sunday afternoon. Several potters and jewelers will be showing their work.
18 Gardners Crossing, York, Maine 03909 (right off Raynes Neck Road)
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#9 River Current Studio
207.351.3262
Studio, Gallery and Gardens will be open with artist hosting. Art work assemblage, collage & mixed media sculpture.
Corner of Lindsay and Mill Dam Rd, York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 4:00pm

#10 Audrey Gottlieb
207.641.7490
I will host an open studio. Photographs of York, greeting cards and international images.
161 York St, Community Building, York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#11 Beyond the Sea
207.363.2755
Antonia DeSoto will display “black and white” photos and Douglas Taylor will display oil paintings.
240 York St. York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 11:00am – 4:00pm

#12 Village Gallery
207.351.3110
Framing demonstration – “Adding depth to your image” and special sales & discounts/sidewalk
244 York Street, York Village, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 4:00pm

#13 Geneve Hoffman Photography & Lumina
207.475.3000
Open house of downtown York Village Studio. Browse products and tour studio. Refreshments, wine, cheese, hobknobbing.
266 York St., York, Maine 03909
Oct 3: 1:00pm – 4:00pm

#14 Watercolor Gallery
207.351.2979
Wine & cheese reception in gallery from 10:00am – 4:00pm, Saturday, October 2nd. Free notecard from an original painting given to everyone who visits the gallery.
276 York Street, York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 4:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 4:00pm

#15 York Art Association
207.363.6937
A Juried Photography Exhibition sponsored by the York Art Association.  Images will include many forms of photography from digital, film, alternative process, mixed media, montages, etc.  The theme for the show is “Outside the Box”.  New Visions will feature work that will test the limits, expose new ideas, and engage the viewer with contemporary photography.
294 York Street, York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 11:00am – 4:00pm, Oct 3: 11:00am – 4:00pm

#16 Ocean Fire Pottery
207.361.3131
The public is invited to visit Ocean Fire Pottery’s Studio & Gallery and watch the on-going wheel throwing demonstrations throughout each day. Come & experience an exciting raku firing on Saturday afternoon (weather permitting). Visitors can enjoy refreshments, take in the pottery technique & browse through the sudio & gallery.
23 Woodbridge Rd, York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#17 The Little Red Hen, Inc.
207.363.4894
Visit the Little Red Hen to view vintage postcards of all the Yorks. A very extensive collection.
148 Woodbridge Road, York, Maine 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 5:00pm

#18 Searose Gallery
207.363.4014
Open House Reception featuring the work of artist Helen Rose Hennessy: new works of watercolor, oils and pastels. Watercolor demo on request.
325 Long Beach Ave, York, Maine, 03909
Oct 2: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Reception 4:00pm – 6:00pm), Oct 3: 10:00am – 6:00pm (Reception 4:00pm – 6:00pm)

#19 Union Congregational Church
207.363.6742
Quilt and Fiber Arts Show
18 Church Street, York Beach, Maine 03910
Oct 2: 10:00am – 4:00pm

#20 Taylor’z Gallery
207.363.0709
Gallery open house, 25% off all artwork.
1325 US Route 1, Cape Neddick, Maine 03902
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 10:00am – 4:00pm

#21 Ogunquit Museum of American Art
207.646.4909
OMAA has 5 galleries – all will be open – Showings include depictions of Perkins Cove, featured works of recent acquisitions, the works of Ed Betts: an Ogunquit master, Assemblage: Art of the Found Object, and the Henry Strater Gallery. Henry Strater founded the museum. Outside features a sculpture garden & magnificent ocean views.
543 Shore Road, Ogunquit, Maine 03907
Oct 2: 10:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 1:00pm – 5:00pm
#22 Shell Shack Gallery
207.351.6863
Photoart on canvas by Annette & Coastal Art from Southern Maine and the Interior, as well as New Hampshire and New England crafters – wreaths & birdhouses of shells & driftwood, natural soy candles and handmade shell jewelry. All sales these two days tallied and 10% given to Seacoast Youth Services to help kids off track. Raffle Sale – draw a card these days for a discount.
Dock Square Alley, Kennebunkport, Maine, 04046

Oct 2: 11:00am – 5:00pm, Oct 3: 11:00am – 5:00pm

For more information please visit www.maineoktoberfest.com.