THOMASTON – Laurel Cristopher is business owner, baker, dishwasher, and as it turns out, she’s a good carpenter to boot. Christopher is from Winthrop; she was scouting places where a small specialty bakery would fit in. That’s when she found an old firehouse at 350 Main Street in Thomaston, right next to the Prison Showroom.
“I was originally looking for a house in Rockland,” said Christopher. “I drove by this place and there was a for-sale sign out. I checked and found I could fit it in my... Read more
Midcoast Entrepreneurs: Bright Ideas, Creativity and Enterprise
Small and micro business owners around the United States are struggling to stay afloat and find a sense of normalcy amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
From restaurateurs to artists, and everything in between, the Midcoast is beaming with creatives and innovators in all mediums.
Since the inception of PenBayPilot.com, a collective goal of our writers has been to spotlight entrepreneurs and their creativity. Now, we have established a hub for our stories about the Midcoast’s entrepreneurs to permanently reside.
We encourage our readers to support as many local business owners as possible across as many industries as you can. Our neighbors need our support, so please browse through this hub for potential purchases or places to eat.
Additionally, business owners will find resources in the sidebar (to the right on desktop; at the bottom on mobile).
Keep checking back as we load more stories from our archive spanning nearly a decade into this hub.
‘I keep doubling my production and it just keeps selling out’
Laurel’s Dolce Vita Bakery and Café is Thomaston’s newest business
With a weekly stop in Rockport Harbor Park
Brother Shucker serves cold fresh oysters from a food truck
ROCKPORT−Brother Shucker is a new fixture in Rockport and beyond the cheeky name, the food truck offers something no other food truck in the Midcoast has ever offered: fresh, raw oysters shucked on site.
Zak Kuras moved to Maine in 2016 and started oyster farming on the Damariscotta River, first with Glidden Point Oyster Farm in Edgecomb. After that, he managed Community Shellfish’s Oyster Farm in Bremen.
“I decided after that, I’d like to run my own business with my brother, Hudson,” he... Read more
The six-barstool snug also hosts DJs and karaoke
Luce, a nano-distillery, is Rockland’s newest hot spot for botanical spirits
ROCKLAND—Nate Luce and his partner Justine Kablack have a little spot on Main Street that’s probably going to be Rockland’s hippest joint this summer.
They quietly opened Luce Distillery last October and have kept it fairly under the radar while perfecting their nano-distilled spirits, which are brewed in 25-gallon batches in the back.
“We’re both New Englanders,” said Luce. “My Dad lived part of his life in Maine, from Presque Isle to Kittery, and I always loved visiting him.”
His career... Read more
in business
Rockland couple establish family-owned business, Reyer Landscaping
Reyer Landscaping is a new business based in Rockland and services the Midcoast with lawn care, landscaping, property maintenance and tree work.
Ian Reyer, owner of Reyer Landscaping, established the full service family-owned business.
“ I’ve always been an entrepreneur even from a young age and always dreamed of owning my own business one day,” he said. “After many years I decided to take that leap this spring and so far it is going better than anticipated.”
He is working with his... Read more
Serving locally roasted coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, beers, and grab-and-go items
Sterlingtown Bakehouse adds a new community food hub in Union
UNION—After three years of successfully running the Sterlingtown Public House in Union, owners Jillian Lary and Brian Fickett decided to open a new business this winter under the Sterlingtown name. In early February, the couple opened the Sterlingtown Bakehouse across the street from the restaurant at 30 Burkett Road.
“We decided it was time the town needed some coffee and some baked goods,” said Fickett.
The couple polled the town beforehand to find out what the community wanted.
“It was... Read more
On tour in Damariscotta on April 12 and Waldoboro on April 13
Young female lobster boat captain shines in the Mountainfilm On Tour Festival
ROCKPORT—Lobsterman Sadie Samuels, whom Penobscot Bay Pilot interviewed multiple times over the years, is the subject of filmmaker Greg Kohs’ seven-minute film The Captain, playing at The Waldo Theatre in Waldoboro April 13.
The documentary is part of more than 20 films that will be screening at the Mountainfilm On Tour festival, which started in Telluride, Colorado, and is on a national tour.
At 30 years old, Samuels is the youngest and only female lobster boat captain in Rockport Harbor. ... Read more
Moving in where the former ‘Neighborhood’ restaurant used to be
New Thai restaurant, Fon’s Kitchen, soon to open in downtown Belfast
BELFAST—Belfast will soon have a new Thai restaurant named Fon’s Kitchen at 132 High Street, opening March 31.
Fon, which means falling rain in the Thai language, just so happens to be co-owner, Sarunya Rock’s nickname.
Sarunya, who grew up in Bangkok, felt she needed a change and moved to the U.S.
“I found an opportunity to come to the states, working in hospitality for a year, so I applied without knowing where I end up,” she said. “I didn’t even know Maine when I showed up. I got a job... Read more
‘Life Is A Sweet Celebration’
Laugh Loud Smile Big’s Camden cupcake shop on track for April reopening
CAMDEN — Walk-ins to a storefront in Camden this week are being turned away from ordering gourmet cupcakes, and that’s a promising sign. As bad as Vicki Murray feels about leaving people empty-handed, she is still putting sheetrock into walls and painting. In fact, Laugh Loud Smile Big’s new location does not currently have an oven.
Due to some delays involving updated code enforcement requirements, Laugh Loud is now anticipating an April 6 opening. A full kitchen needs to be installed for its... Read more
Hey Sailor, Searsport’s new taco cocktail restaurant opens
SEARSPORT—‘Hey Sailor’ is serving a definite vibe, which, simply put, is “TACOS+. ART. BOOZE.”
The newly opened bar and restaurant on 25 East Main Street is the latest venture of the owners of The Hichborn in Stockton Springs.
Kirk Linder and Charlie Zorich opened Hey Sailor in late February after purchasing the building in 2019. However, the pandemic waylaid their plans for quite awhile. Early in 2020, they ripped everything down to the studs and slowly built out a kitchen, then began the... Read more
Midcoast Entrepreneurs
The ‘PC Guy’ wants your old computers to fix up and give to people who can’t afford them
THOMASTON—One Midcoast man is on a mission to free up landfills from junked computers and to turn those parts into usable devices for people who can’t afford a new computer.
Gordon Knowlton, from Thomaston, has had a life-long interest in taking computers apart and putting them back together.
“I took one course in college for audio engineering, but I really got into repairing PCs after I bought a Gateway computer around 2003,” he said. “It wasn’t cheap, around $1,800, and every time I had a... Read more
Specializing in books that explore, heal and edify
Arctic Tern Books, new boutique bookstore, opens in Rockland
ROCKLAND—It’s never a bad thing to have another independent bookstore open in the Midcoast and Arctic Tern Books is the newest bookstore to cement Rockland’s reputation as a thriving cultural scene.
Owner Allison Worden opened the boutique bookstore in November after planning it for about a year. The space at 432 Main Street, formerly Hall’s Antiques, had been sitting empty for a few years. Once she saw its dark wood floors and soaring ceilings, she knew it was meant to be.
“I walked in and... Read more
Midcoast Entrepreneurs
If there’s a mouse in the house, Kathleen Maseychik is behind it
JACKSON—Last week, we did a story on the off-the-beaten-path Marsh River Cooperative in Brooks and its special space for local artisans and crafters. Kathleen Maseychik is one of those crafters whose tiny, handmade felt mice grace a dollhouse in the center of the store. Her creations, which she has been making for 53 years, are under the banner of her nano business, Mouse Hole Workshop. She credits the author Beatrix Potter and The Tale of Peter Rabbit for influencing her small animal creations... Read more
Day Trips: Marsh River Cooperative
BROOKS—As Marsh River Cooperative’s manager Matthew McKillop will tell you, “You’d be surprised to know there’s a lot going on in Brooks.”
A tiny town in Waldo County with a population of little more than 1,000 has a gem of a store anchoring the center of town. The Marsh River Co-op is a year-round agricultural cooperative and retail market for artisans with nearly 200 producer and consumer members.
The building, which used to be Paul and Audrey’s hardware store, became the focal point for... Read more
Hobbyist photographer Josh Povec captures Gatsby-esque green light across the water
The story behind this stunning photo
CAMDEN—There’s a passage in “The Great Gatsby” where the narrator Nick observes Jay Gatsby reaching his arms out at the end of a dock to embrace what looks like green light across the water. The literary device symbolizes Gatsby’s hopes and dreams for a brighter (less depressive) future.
A digital photograph that film producer Josh Povec took with a Sony A7iii across the bay in Camden 90 minutes after sunset in October is the green light we all need right now. It is from the vantage point at... Read more
From a bad decision to ‘Betty The Brilliant ArtVan’
BELFAST—An old 1980s Toyota Huntsman camper van that had been sitting in Larraine Brown’s backyard for about a month has come back to life as a traveling art van. Rechristened “Betty The Brilliant ArtVan,” the camper is like a Bookmobile, only with art.
Brown, a board member of the Belfast Area Community Coalition, dba Artivism In Maine (AIMe), is candid about Betty’s origins.
“It was a bad buy,” she said, “A bad decision, so after it had been sitting there for so long, we thought, ‘What... Read more
Bee Wild Farmacy opens next to Cardinal Cove Mini Golf Center in Rockport
A farmer just took over a mini golf course and the result is a wild new business
ROCKPORT—Farmer Mary Nelson née Clayton and her husband, Tom, recently bought the nearly 40-year-old Cardinal Cove Mini Golf Center and an adjacent house with big plans for its future.
The first floor of the house, on Commercial Street in Rockport, which used to be an arcade, has turned into a small retail space for Nelson’s natural-made products called Bee Wild Farmacy. She just held her grand opening Sunday, November 21.
Having grown up in Rockland, Nelson moved to central New York for a... Read more
Midcoast Entrepreneurs
Knitted hats with a naughty message
ROCKPORT—Sometimes you just want to say things you can’t out loud. Liz Polkinghorn, a knitter, understands that need, and designs the type of hat that ”allows you to put all the things you'd like to say out loud, but sometimes just can’t, onto your hat instead.”
Her hand-knitted hats have become a home business called Bespolk Hats. It can sometimes take a whole day to custom create with 100 percent wool and pom poms of real fur, faux fur or cotton. And her biggest seller is a word you can’t... Read more
Specializes in outdoor apparel and provisions
Environmentally conscious Symmetree Base Camp sets up shop in Camden
CAMDEN—The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. In this case, the tree is Cynthia Trone, a long-time resident of Camden and the apple is her son, Jackson Berger, whose Oregon-based outdoor clothing store, Symmetree, has now branched out to become Trone’s retail shop on Bay View Street that goes by the name Symmetree Base Camp.
Trone, who used to manage the former location of The Grasshopper Shop when it was on Bay View Street in the 1980s, has come full circle, back to her retail roots.
The... Read more
Searsport gains Rio’s Spiked Café with a European flair
SEARSPORT—Just five minutes over the Belfast bridge heading north on Route 1 sits the newly opened Rio’s Spiked Café, a European-style tapas bar and eatery. Owners Oana and Russell Manton who also own the adjoining business park, were avid worldwide travelers before the pandemic put a halt to their adventures. Self-described foodies, the couple decided if they couldn’t go to Europe to sample the food at the present time, they’d instead, bring Europe to Maine.
For information and a glimpse of... Read more
207 Eats is latest food truck to hit Midcoast with organic, local fare
THOMASTON—Locally sourced, delicious food—that’s the Maine way—and entrepreneurs Tai Leavitt and Darren Albers are using the state’s area code as their Maine brand in their latest food truck venture, 207 Eats.
207 Eats has used the late summer and early fall as their launchpad for a soft opening. Operations are currently on hiatus while Albers is traveling and 207 Eats plans to re-open Monday, November 1.
Located in Thomaston, near the Rockland town line (218 New County Road —Route 1) close... Read more
‘I am ultimately here to teach you how to become your own life coach’
Dominique K. Woodward ready to help Mainers create ‘empowering’ plan to live their best life
THOMASTON — After coming to partaking in a personal healing journey and identifying her primary purpose in life, Thomaston resident Dominique K. Woodward has established a life coaching business, Dominique K. Woodward LLC, to help Mainers conquer what may be troubling them whether it be related to health and fitness, mindsets, post-traumatic growth or any other life issue.
“I was always curious about why people do the things they do and say the things they say,” Woodward said, in an... Read more
‘Molly built a dream I didn’t even know I wanted’
Lucky Betty’s, a boutique bar, opens in Camden
CAMDEN—Betty Forever, the garage bar and art studio in Camden, which had to close during the pandemic, has recently had a streak of good luck.
Now re-opened by Daiva Deupree, an actor and Betty Forever’s bartender, the boutique garage bar has been renamed Lucky Betty’s.
It’s a quirky gem in the midst of a tourist town, a combination of high-brow and low-brow, as Deupree describes it. On Instagram, the tagline for the place is: “Cold PBR & fancy olives...Nice wine & corner store roses... Read more
opinion: Dual-use farmland is an important tool for diversifying a farmer's income
Going green with Alan Robertson of BlueWave Solar
ROCKPORT —A new blueberry solar farm is ready to come online in a field near Route 17, close to Maces Pond.The blueberry farm is owned by David Dickey. When Alan approached Dickey about using his blueberry farm as a solar farm, David insisted, “Only if I can still grow blueberries.” That is what BlueWave Solar does, combining photovoltaics and agriculture. It is managed by Navisun LLC. It sits on approximately 12 acres and makes enough power for about 800 homes.Ten thousand, six hundred and... Read more
Camden author provides insight to philanthropy, charitable volunteering
CAMDEN — Have you ever wondered if the charity to which you are donating is actually putting your money to good work? Or, perhaps you have pondered how you can become better involved with a nonprofit and offer more to a cause close to your heart. Maybe, you are on the board of a nonprofit and contemplating how to move the charity to new heights.
For A Good Cause: A Practical Guide to Giving Joyfully, a new book authored by Camden philanthropist Diane Lebson, strives to answer those questions... Read more
Painted Monarch, new hair salon, opens in Rockport
Painted Monarch is a relaxed salon with a cozy atmosphere and boho vibes. Quinn Bunting, a Mainer with entrepreneurial spirits, crafts experiences that allow you to express yourself as an individual, inspired by a new generation of hair that she's making her mark in.
Quinn's passions lie in bringing out the beauty in those around her. This 22-year-old owner, color enthusiast and stylist always keeps her finger on the pulse of constantly changing trends, products and services. Specializing in... Read more
Having the ability to take action carries the responsibility to take action
Going green with Alvin Chase: solar farm, electric cars, keeping community healthy and strong
ROCKLAND — This is a feel-good story about a local business owner doing well by doing good.
Alvin Chase is the owner of Eastern Tire and Auto Service in Rockland. He has worked there for 33 years. His grandfather ran it for the original owners back in the 1940s through the 1960s, then his father worked there and bought the business. Alvin left Cornell and came back to help his father run the business when his father got sick in 1988. Later, his younger brother Aaron joined the team.
When I... Read more
in business
Rowing with beauty, self-empowerment: DoryWoman offers Belfast on-the-water experience
BELFAST — There’s a new rowing business navigating the waters of Belfast Bay, launched by Nicolle Littrell. She is offering rowing lessons and guided rowing tours in the Bay, and efforts are challenging the gender status quo of rowing.
What makes DoryWoman Rowing most unique, Littrell said, is there is no other company providing guided tours and rowing lessons in a traditional wooden boat in Belfast Bay with a Maine Guide, and perhaps even in the entire state. An individual with the Maine... Read more
Two Dudes Tacos debuted soft opening August 28
Late in the season, Camden gets a new to-go taqueria
CAMDEN— A shuttered food stand, formerly Deirdre’s Roadside Takeout, opposite of the Camden Hills State Park, has been brought back to life by Andrew Lipman in the form of a to-go taqueria.
Called Two Dudes Tacos, the funny thing is that it’s just one dude running the show.
“There was another dude, but he dropped out, so my other dude is my puppy, Gus,” joked Lipman.
His partner, Andrea McFeely, is actually helping him run the business instead.
Lipman, who was born in Portland, Maine, spent... Read more
The Club Marina and Bar opens in Stockton Springs
STOCKTON SPRINGS—The former private Stockton Harbor Yacht Club has been transformed into a public restaurant called The Club Marina and Bar and its quiet harborside vibe is a hidden gem.
Owner Jillian Liversidge and her husband, Sandy Liversidge, purchased the shuttered building six years ago. First, they created the nonprofit Stockton Harbor Yacht Club, which Liversidge said brought many people together. Both she and her husband grew up on boats and envisioned a place for boaters and... Read more
Plus other Midcoast farms and businesses participating
Brodis Blueberries in Hope gears up for first Wild Blueberry Weekend
HOPE—Maine’s first Wild Blueberry Weekend is rolling out this weekend August 7 and 8 just in time for wild blueberry processing season with more than 15 farms and 40 businesses planning to participate over the state.
Amid hundreds of acres of rolling hills in Hope sits a new building that serves as a processing center, distillery space, and a tasting room for Brodis Blueberries, a business that has been in operation for more than 150 years.
Ron Howard is the son-in-law of Gwen Brodis, who,... Read more
...with a restaurant and distillery planned for Camden in spring, 2022
Blue Barren Distillery finds a temporary new home in Hope
HOPE—Blue Barren Distillery, formerly based in Camden, has gotten a new lease on life in Hope, and is once again, is open to the public.
Many businesses have suffered during the COVID-19 pandemic, but no one got the one-two-three punch as Blue Barren Distillery did back in the spring and summer of 2020 when COVID-19 not only shut down Blue Barren Distillery’s tasting room capacity but also forced the distillery’s co-owner Andrew Stewart to have to close his Scottish pub Drouthy Bear for good.... Read more
https://youtu.be/H-WQATAbRFA
Hail to the Rad Kids
Teen wins MIFF Honorary Mention for her short film featuring Hope General Store
HOPE—The Hope General Store serves as a catalyst in 19-year-old Emma Jordan’s short film The Musicbox, which won an Honorary Mention award at the 43rd Maine Student Film an Video Festival this year, run by the Maine International Film Festival.
“I had to come up with a Halloween-themed short film for a school project,” said Jordan, who studied filmmaking at the Mid-coast School of Technology through its Design/Technology program.
With an eye on submitting a short film to the Strand Youth Film... Read more
Good Natured hosted its Grand Opening July 31
Nature-inspired arts and decor store opens in Liberty
LIBERTY—The quiet little inland town of Liberty certainly has it going on these days. Good Natured, a home goods and artisan shop with nature-inspired crafts and decor held its Grand Opening on July 31.
Owner Kate Meadows, a maker and artist herself, had been wanting to open her own shop for two years after moving to Liberty with her husband from Pennsylvania.
The shop is a rustic combination of repurposed vintage items and nature-made art. Inside, one can find old bottles, baskets, and... Read more
Featuring a brew-pub style tasting room with all Maine-sourced food and beverages
Maine Tasting Center aims to be a statewide hub for iconic Maine foods and beverages
WISCASSET—Lobster. Blueberries. Beer. Maine’s most well-known fare is synonymous with the state. But, what about sea salt? Seaweed? Kombucha and Jun? The native products that can be derived from Maine’s land and sea are so much more and Maine Tasting Center aims to educate the public about it, while providing a brew-pub style space to taste all of it.
Sara Gross, general manager, and her parents Andy Gross, president, and Elizabeth Gross, chef, opened the Center the first of July, transforming... Read more
New family-friendly food truck ‘Mac Attack’ sets up in Rockland
ROCKLAND—A wild idea turned out to be the smartest thing that Richard Curtis, a lobsterman out of Friendship, ever had.
He’d never run a food truck before. “One day, I found a truck for sale in Newcastle and I thought, ‘You know what? I’m gonna go buy that tomorrow,’” he said.
His new food truck, Mac Attack, just opened this past week. The business run by his fiancée Siearra Cook and his sister, Elizabeth Main, has been only been open a week but is attracting long lines just by word of mouth... Read more
Wine slushies are the rage on a hot summer day
Unity’s Stone Tree Farm & Cidery opens to the public
UNITY—The rolling vineyards and farmhouse that once was the site of Clem and Jeri Blakney’s Younity Winery have gotten new owners and a new business. Now called Stone Tree Farm & Cidery, the small-batch winery and cidery opened June 12.
Owners and life partners Brian Erickson and Frank Haferland were in touch with the Blakneys years before Blakney was killed in a tragic crash. When the property came up for sale, Erickson and Haferland were ready to buy it and revive the winery under a new... Read more
And two reopen
Two new businesses open in Camden this summer
CAMDEN—Two new businesses have filled the vacant storefronts left from the pandemic in Camden and two stores have re-opened. All of these businesses opened after we published our annual Midcoast business round-up story, “Welcome back to the Camden area, Snow Birds 2021!”
New in Camden
Blue Jay Baby Boutique
A baby and gift boutique took over the corner shop at 2 Main Street this past spring. Owner Carissa Parini is fourth-generation Main Street merchant. Her grandfather, Harold Corthell,... Read more
Oh no they didn’t. Oh yes they did
Friendly business rivalry underway in Belfast with sign war
BELFAST—Restaurants and businesses in Belfast are going toe to toe and pun to pun with an emerging sign war.
As we reported on a story in May, central Maine businesses got a chuckle from launching into a sign war, where the name of the game is to be cheeky, use puns, and lob a good-natured diss.
We’re not sure why the best insults come from puns on the male anatomy, but that’s where we are. Front Street Pub started it with a PG-rated insult on their menu board. Delvino’s Grill & Pasta... Read more
...which is actually in Wiscasset, not Bath
Bath Ale Works is the latest brewery to open in the Midcoast
WISCASSET—Ironically, Wiscasset’s first brewery is named after the nearby town 10 minutes away, but there’s a story for that. On Route 1, opposite from the Shaw’s Supermarket, Bath Ale Works, co-owned by Pepper and Jean Powers opened its brewery and taproom Memorial Day Weekend.
Powers, who arguably has one of the coolest brewer’s names ever, said, “We had the idea to open up in Bath several years ago, but we never found the right building at the right time, and then when we did, we waited two... Read more
How Julz Larrabee, a sewist makes a creative living in Belfast
The long lost art of mending and alteration
BELFAST—The retro hobbies of knitting and sewing came roaring back during the pandemic for many people new to the craft, but Julz Larrabee, a sewist in Stockton Springs, has steadily stitching along all of the years, regardless of what’s going on outside her doors.
Her small shop, Julz Makes LLC, recently moved into the former “Maker Space” of Belfast Fiberarts’s expanded retail showroom. Her sewing studio is fittingly the previous site of the Belfast Repair Café, which offers monthly periodic... Read more
Toad Hall Editions sets up in Northport
Midcoast Maine gains a new small book publisher and two literary magazines
NORTHPORT—A new small press has launched in Maine called Toad Hall Editions and its purpose is to give a platform to writers who don’t get noticed in the more traditional publishing arenas.
Founded by Amy Tingle, Liz Kalloch and Maya Stein, the trio all have skills in the publishing and design industries. The idea for the small press came out of years of collaboration on their own various projects. Their collective work on Stein’s latest book, The Poser: 38 Portraits Reimagined by Maya Stein,... Read more
Woodworker creates ‘gnarly’ reliquaries that hold precious secrets
ROCKLAND—Trees talk; scientists have been telling us that for years. But what you didn’t know is that they are particularly good at speaking to artists.
Roger Barry, a woodworker and artist, whose work is currently showing at Art Space Gallery in Rockland, has a connection to trees that goes back to his great-grandfather, the publisher of The Lumberman’s Actuary, a book of tables figuring lumber costs. Both his grandfather and father worked in the lumber milling business and it’s from his... Read more
The Mill Nutrition energy teas and shakes is the latest healthy spot to open in Camden
CAMDEN—Health seems to be on the minds of many businesses moving into downtown Camden this spring. The Mill Nutrition, at 25 Mechanic Street, is an herbal tea /shake shop that offers sugar-free Herbalife products with vitamins, protein boosters, and other nutritional add-on enhancements in custom drinks.
Owned by Marlene and Zac Cohn, the take-out shop opened in early April.
While the menu might be a lot to digest at first, especially for people not familiar with all of the Herbalife products... Read more
How a portrait photographer works her magic to get a smile
Elizabeth Stanley is the last person who wants to be in front of the camera, which has noticeably given her insight when it comes to being a portrait photographer.
“I’m kind of an introvert, so I completely understand why people are hesitant to have their picture taken,” she said.
The Rockland-based artist-photographer got her start early on. Remember in the early 1990s when Kodak sponsored a group of 7th-grade CRMS students, giving them all a camera and instructing them to go around the... Read more
Ollie & David’s, a vintage store with factory-farm appeal, opens in Rockland
ROCKLAND — A spate of new businesses are opening up all around the Midcoast this spring, following a tumultuous year for shops and stores struggling during the pandemic. One of the newest is a curated vintage shop owned by David Robichaud called Ollie and David’s—with Ollie as a tribute to his dog, an English Springer Spaniel.
It is located on the first floor of the Thorndike building at 385 Main Street, once the great Thorndike Hotel. This overlooked building is often thought to host only... Read more
Rope Co. produces minimalist designs
Tenants Harbor lobstering entrepreneur ropes in home decor market with handcrafted doormats
TENANTS HARBOR—Logan and Hannah Rackliff, co-owners of The Rope Co., have fostered a unique home decor business around an unlikely source—float rope, used by lobstermen to attach to lobster traps to the buoy and from trap to trap.
Logan, a fifth generation lobsterman, comes by the profession naturally, both as a working lobsterman and as the descendant of entrepreneurs who started rope companies in Maine.
His grandfather started Crowe Rope which became the largest rope manufacturer in the... Read more
Artist Kim Bernard used daily art exercise to connect Mainers and beyond virtually
Art prompts spur community to get creative during Artists & Makers Week
ROCKLAND—As mud season is full underway, little pops of color in nature are turning up on roadsides and gardens. As part of Artists & Makers Week hosted by the Island Institute’s retail store Archipelago, little pops of color also appeared in artist Kim Bernard’s email inbox—the result of daily art prompts she put out to Maine’s communities and beyond last week.
Each day had a different directive and she encouraged each participant to spend no more than 15 minutes on each prompt. One was:... Read more
The big lie is that 100% of recycled plastic is being re-used
Belfast’s The Green Store tackles plastic waste with dispense-your-own soap
BELFAST—Think you’re being a good consumer by dropping your plastic recycling off at a Transfer Station each week? Well, don’t wipe your hands and be on your merry way, yet.
A Pew Charitable Trust study, “Breaking The Plastic Wave” revealed that in 2016, 11 million metric tons of plastic leaked into the ocean with 45 percent of those leakages coming from rural areas, such as our own communities in Maine.
In the last 60 years, consumers have been sold a lie that the plastic they buy will be... Read more
Hail To The Rad Kids
Teen welder makes functional art out of metal scraps
ROCKLAND—Take a walk through the cavernous welding/fabrication shop at the newly built Midcoast School of Technology and you’ll be surrounded by industrial machines, tools, workbenches, and vices. For some students, it might be intimidating. But 17-year-old Mikayla Tolman feels right at home.
The senior at Zenith Alternative School takes a welding class at Midcoast School of Technology every other day and is one of two female students in the welding/fabrication program.
“When I first walked... Read more
To open for take-out this spring
wolfpeach restaurant owners switch to temporary BBQ pop-up
CAMDEN—Restaurants operating in a pandemic have had to make enormous changes in order to stay afloat. Gabriela Acero and Derek Richard, a couple featured in our recent story “wolfpeach, a new chophouse with a Maine twist, to open in Camden,” have reviewed their original restaurant plans under these circumstances. Their restaurant, wolfpeach, has not yet opened. Instead, they have decided to kick off their grand opening this spring as a barbeque joint until the industry inches back to normal.
“... Read more
Gathering Thyme, farmhouse decor boutique opens in Rockport
Winona Elmore just opened her dream shop in Rockport, a farmhouse decor boutique called Gathering Thyme, opposite of Midcoast Recreation Center on Route 90. Her grand opening was Saturday, February 6.
“I had a vision of a place where people could come to find beautiful things for their home,” said Elmore, whose business is a family venture with help renovating the shop from her husband, her daughter, and her son-in-law.
Elmore’s shop is filled with dried flowers, wreaths, and bundles of herbs... Read more
Elev8 Energy & Nutrition opens next to Hybrid Fitness in Warren
New healthy beverage company aims to boost immunity and health
WARREN—With the deepest part of winter upon us and a heightened societal need to stay healthy during a pandemic, a new energy drink bar is set to open in Warren.
Elev8 Energy and Nutrition, owned and operated by Hunter Grindle with assistance from his operations manager, Richard Eaton, plans on opening the first week of February.
Grindle, who also owns Hybrid Fitness, a fitness center in the same building, came up with the idea of a new energy drink bar, after brainstorming with Eaton, one of... Read more
Ryan Jackson leads a series of virtual adult improv classes through the Farnsworth Art Museum
How improv gives permission to play in an ultra-serious world
ROCKLAND—When creative improvisational master Ryan Jackson gets down to serious business, there are going to be a lot of laughs.
The Rockland native is hosting a series of virtual improv workshops for adults through the Farnsworth Art Museum through April. The class, titled “Improv Reprise! Making it up as you go with Ryan Jackson”, is meant to loosen people up and get them to experience new sides of themselves.
A graduate of the University of Maine with a bachelor’s degree in theater,... Read more
In Your Own Words LLC sells vintage photograph stationery to empower HIV+ Mainers
Maine couple creates Valentine’s Day cards for ‘affectionate men and women’
The typical mainstream Valentine’s Day cards you find in supermarkets and stores and on TV commercials generally present a heterosexual angle to the holiday, which doesn’t represent other populations in love. One Greene, Maine couple, Lewis Alessio, and his husband, Jim Shaffer, have been producing creative variations of vintage photograph stationery that tell another visual story.
The couple created In Your Own Words LLC in 2013 to creatively augment vintage photographs into cards and... Read more
Owners Gabriela Acero and Derek Richard turn the Drouthy Bear into new restaurant
wolfpeach, a new chophouse with a Maine twist, soon to open in Camden
CAMDEN—Many wondered what would become of the classic Scottish pub Drouthy Bear after owners Andrew and Shannon Stewart announced last May that the COVID-19 virus restrictions on their beloved pub had forced them to permanently close.The Midcoast community will be happy to know that the building has been purchased and is currently being renovated by Camden newcomers Gabriela Acero and Derek Richard to become a new restaurant. With a new aesthetic and flair, the restaurant will be called... Read more
‘Sport is a place that demands a person be absolutely physically, mentally and emotionally involved’
Montville artist Leslie Woods captures ‘strength, beauty and attitude’ of sports
MONTVILLE — Leslie Woods, a Montville artist, has a unique approach to why she paints sport figures that encourages viewers of her work to place themselves within the portrait.
“Sport is where people can be totally absorbed physically, mentally and emotionally, where people function at the essence of being human,” Woods states on her website. “I paint figures in sport because our bodies are meant to move and each sport challenges with different actions. My designs interpret the strength,... Read more
in business
New Rockland business, Affinity Nutrition: ‘Nourish your body, achieve optimum health’
ROCKLAND — Affinity Nutrition, a new nutritional business, opened Friday, Jan. 22 in the Rockland Plaza, edged between Hannaford and Planet Fitness in the space formerly occupied by Green with Envy Hair Salon. The owners aim to provide nourishment to Rockland and the greater Midcoast community.
The business is owned by Jessica Ripley, of Washington, and Lisa Ladd, of Owls Head, both longtime Midcoast residents with a myriad of business experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit sectors... Read more
Corinna Whitehill started the service while working for Mid-Coast Connector
Corie’s Rides helps community with personal taxi service
WARREN—It’s been just over a year that Corinna Whitehill started her personal cab company called Corie’s Rides. It’s a service that has been fundamental to the Midcoast community in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic when people are at risk of losing their homes and their cars.
Whitehill got her start in the driving business as the owner and a driver for Mid-Coast Connector, a MaineCare non-emergency transportation broker. It’s a service she still operates, along with eight cars and drivers... Read more
Projected opening date: Jan. 16
Butter Up Cakes, all-gluten-free bakery, cafe, brews and ciders opens in Damariscotta
DAMARISCOTTA—Faced with the food limitations necessary for their own family, a baker and her husband have decided to open a completely gluten-free bakery and cafe at 77 Main Street in downtown in mid-January named Butter Up Cakes.
Candice and Patrick Brady have three children.
“Two of our children have celiac disease, are lactose intolerant and can’t have high fructose corn syrup, and my husband is the same way,” said Candice. “So, I make all of their food from scratch, anyway. We decided to... Read more
‘I have always been a creative person, and I always feel the need to create’
Northport artist Jason Thurston crafts ‘Shell Ink’ ornaments
NORTHPORT — Jason Thurston is a Northport artist, using his drawing skills to draw Midcoast scenery on shells.
The idea to create art on shells came a few years ago when Thurston’s wife, Hana, was in the process of making Christmas wreathes to generate some additional holiday income.
“We had some clam shells sitting around, and she said, ‘Hey, draw something on those shells. They'd make nice ornaments.’ I think I drew a random lighthouse, the Mount Battie Tower and a lobster boat,” recalled... Read more
Shop Local Spotlight
Northport artist refinishes old furniture with enchanting detail
NORTHPORT—Back in April, The Atlantic magazine wrote a story about how making old-fashioned crafts during the pandemic could ease anxiety. Millions of crafters took that to heart, and with the COVID-19 virus still raging on nine months later, many burgeoning creators have taken to Instagram, YouTube, and other online resources to make something beautiful.
One such artist, Shelby Connolly, from Northport, found her niche that way. After purchasing secondhand furniture such as dressers, trunks,... Read more
In business
Meet Northport’s up-and-coming fashion mogul: ‘The Golf Boy’
NORTHPORT — The next time your child or grandchild asks you for sports apparel, it might not be of their favorite sports team. Rather, the apparel might be coming from the online clothing store, TheGolfBoy.com, launched by 11-year-old Jason Thurston, Jr., of Northport.
Thurston put his newfound entrepreneurial skills to work when browsing options for golf clothing and realized the options were not very fun, or diverse, for children and adults.
An avid golfer with his own golf simulator,... Read more
In business
Hana Thurston’s cakes are delicious art masterpieces
NORTHPORT — Hana Thurston has been baking cakes for the last eight years, and formally launched her Hana Cakes business two or three years ago after always wanting to launch a cake business.
The Northport resident, at long last, discovered a way to launch her business when a memorable creation of hers, a two-tiered realistic diaper cake with an edible fondant diaper that was “soiled” with melted chocolate acting as poop running down the side of the cake for her sister’s third baby shower,... Read more
Formerly the Rotary Pizza restaurant, 10 Leland Street, Rockland
Maine Kebab opens in Rockland with forward-thinking takeout model
ROCKLAND—A fast-casual lunch and dinner spot opened this week called Maine Kebab, and owner Shane McGarvey and his executive chef, Ken Hynes, are already ahead of the curve in terms of issues that have plagued restaurants since the COVID-19 virus hit back in March.
The menu is very simple: Mediterranean and Turkish flavors. Main dishes include Tumeric rice bowls, flatbread sandwiches, falafel and hummus box, and a salad box all serve as the main ingredient dishes, to which a diner has the... Read more
Blueberry Moose a small retail shop at Watts Building, Thomaston
South Thomaston woman opens shop to help fellow crafters hard hit by pandemic
THOMASTON—Like so many enterprising crafter/artists before her, Jo Ann Hoppe, an artist and entrepreneur from South Thomaston, has made a career from her hobbies. Refusing to let a pandemic dictate her direction, she’s lifting up a dozen or so local crafters, who are selling their consigned items in her newly opened shop, Blueberry Moose at 166 Main Street in Thomaston.
“I’ve always been artistic, but in 2007, an artist told me I should be showing my stuff at craft fairs,” she said. “So, I... Read more
Louise Seekins spreads love through handsewn teddy bears
SEARSPORT — Louise Seekins possesses enthusiasm for sewing — expected when one has been sewing for more than five decades — and uses her affinity for the craft to spread cheer and love to her customers, and through donations of profits towards organizations supporting those with Alzheimer’s.
She has sewn an array of items such as quilts and memory T-shirt quilts, items for her children and costumes for the 15 children’s community theater plays she has directed, and has taught the art of... Read more
Maine’s Entrepreneurs and Artists
Shop Local Spotlight: ornaments, jewelry from discarded lobster, mussel, oyster shells
SOUTH BRISTOL—Many Maine artists use the concept of lobster in their art, but Tenley Seiders, an artist from South Bristol, actually uses lobster claws, tails, and other parts of the shell in her elegant jewelry and ornaments.
Born in California, she was first inspired to create jewelry from the abalone shells found on Pacific beaches. From there, she delved into working with pearls and semi-precious gemstones. After spending countless summers in Maine, an “a-ha” moment occurred when she... Read more
Vinalhaven’s An Hanna channels creativity, passion for dogs to produce martingale collars
VINALHAVEN — When Vinalhaven’s An Hanna was searching for collars for the sight hounds she raises, she looked for the best, highest quality collar possible that looked good and would keep the dogs safe. Unable to find collars that dazzled her, she opted to create her own collars now sold through her online Etsy store, The Royal Hound, which boasts handmade martingale collars.
“I've always had an attention to detail but wasn’t sure [the collars] would be appreciated by others,” she said of her... Read more
Offering light breakfast, local lunch favorites and fresh lobster rolls
Bill’s Original Kitchen opens at Knox County Regional Airport
OWLS HEAD—Bill Clifford, a chef who once ran Bill’s Original Kitchen in Kittery, has revived his one-man operation and recently opened his new kitchen at Knox County Regional Airport.
Originally from Portsmouth, New Hampshire, Clifford has worked as a chef at multiple venues in Maine, including his last stint at Point Lookout in Lincolnville before it abruptly closed.
The plan was in place since mid-October to take over the space, once occupied by the Salty Owl Cafe. He decided to take the... Read more
‘Every time you walk by a piece of my furniture you will think of the ocean’
Friendship artist Duff Powell’s driftwood creations remind you of the ocean’s beauty
FRIENDSHIP — Duff Powell, a resident of Friendship, has been an artist and craftsman his entire life, and is sharing his creations made from driftwood found on Maine’s islands and coastlines through an online Etsy store, Driftwood Treasures.
“Everything that I have done in my life has led me to this passion of making beautiful handcrafted tables and furniture from ocean driftwood,” he said. “I really love the quality and characteristics of the wood; to me there is nothing that compares to it... Read more
‘The best part of online sales is the reach to people who may otherwise not come across my work in person’
Rockland’s John Coppola: Captain by day, wood turner by night
ROCKLAND — During fishing season, Rockland’s John Coppola can be found on waters from Casco Bay to Penobscot Bay chartering fishing trips for striped bass, bluefish and bluefin tunas.
When he is not at the helm of a boat, wood turner Coppola is in his workshop crafting wooden handmade segmented bowls, bottle stoppers and ice cream scoopers.
Coppola opted to begin selling his Northeast Woodworks products online via Etsy as a way to supplement the sales he is able to make through the local... Read more
Shop Local: Three handcrafted gifts from Nature
For the holidays, we’re continuing our series to shine the spotlight on Maine craftspeople. It’s important to shop locally and support innovators and entrepreneurs who keep the creative economy alive in this state. So each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.
“Jellyfish’ Airplant Holders Made From Urchin Shells
Rockland, Maine
The back story:
Lynn Ann Carrano Stasulis works full time at Superior Restoration in Camden, but her... Read more
For #Giving Tuesday, a story on giving back to the restaurant industry
Maine Cater serves as a lifeline to local restaurants and servers
APPLETON—Maine Cater, a recruitment company dedicated to serving New England’s food and beverage industry, has come up with an idea to provide local “restaurateurs, employers, job seekers, and FOH/BOH” with an economic lifeline during a pandemic that shows no signs of stopping.
Husband-and-wife team, Daryle and Orianna Degen launched Maine Cater in Camden in 2017 as a way to supply temporary employees to restaurants suffering from immediate gaps in employment.
“We’ve both worked in the... Read more
From $10-$40
Shop Local: Three handmade goods that are pure ‘Maine’
Given that so many artists were hard hit economically over the COVID-19 virus, Penobscot Bay Pilot puts a spotlight on the hard-working artists and entrepreneurs in Maine. So each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.
The Original Lobstah Trap Beer Caddy
Cumberland, Maine
The back story: The Lobstah Trap Caddy is handcrafted in Maine constructed from authentic Maine lobster trap material. Joe Hamilton has family members that... Read more
The 4K Facebook group is sponsoring 85 families for Christmas and needs your help
‘Wine Fairies of Maine’ are anonymous altruists who help any family in need
THOMASTON—Back in March, 29-year-old Carly Laughery, of Thomaston, had her hands full with three kids and a job at Staples. With so many people around her losing jobs, childcare, and their financial security due to the COVID-19 virus, Laughery looked at ways she could possibly help.
She heard about a mysterious nationwide group called “Wine Fairies,” people who band together to anonymously drop a bag or basket of wine, food, or other special gifts on the doorstep of someone having a rough time... Read more
The photography of Midcoast’s Isaac Remsen
One shot is all it takes
ROCKPORT—On a cold, wintry day in 2018, Isaac Remsen was driving to work when glancing across the Rockport Harbor, he was compelled to slow down.
“I noticed the inner part of the harbor was completely frozen and there were about five lobster boats stuck in the ice,” he said. “I literally called my boss right then and there and said, ‘I’m going to be a little late; I need to take a shot of this.”
He took his DJI Phantom 4 drone out of the back of his car and sent it flying. The shot it... Read more
‘I'm very appreciative that one person in a small town in Maine can make Etsy work’
Michele LeGris shares passions for antiques with customers worldwide
OWLS HEAD — Michele LeGris, an Owls Head resident residing in an old cottage by the water, is an enthusiast of old books, which propelled her to an appreciation of paper marbling.
Since 2009, LeGris has been the proud owner of an Etsy store named Red Cottage.
LeGris’ inspiration to open an Etsy store to start sharing her passions with customers around the world stemmed from a love of marbled paper, which she makes herself.
“I started making marbled paper and I bought a bunch of old books... Read more
She’s just a Grrl In This World making small-batch products and thrashing out
Meet the North Haven feminist punk guitarist who makes organic skincare
NORTH HAVEN—Whoever said punk is dead hasn’t been to North Haven in awhile. Not exactly considered the gritty underground mecca for the post-punk scene, this lobstering community with only 400 year-round residents, holds its own when it comes to three riot grrrls who live and play music there.
Fiona Robins is the owner of Island Apothecary and her job entails gardening and making organic skincare products on North Haven, which have been featured in Mother Magazine and Buzzfeed. Her other day... Read more
Midcoast Entrepreneurs
Stockton Springs artist Chelsea Porter’s quirky way to turn discarded books into art
STOCKTON SPRINGS — Stockton Springs artist and entrepreneur Chelsea Porter has found a quirky way to breathe new life into old books poised to be thrown away, turning the books into distinctive pieces of art. Four years ago, Porter learned how to fold words and designs into the pages of books from her mother and aunt, who were the first in the family to learn the skill.Porter is able to create nearly any design imaginable — much of the inspiration for her designs stems from her love... Read more
‘This isn’t my barbershop, it belongs to the people of our community’
Rockland’s new barbershop ready to provide ‘best haircut’ of your life
ROCKLAND — The soon to be launched Dark Harbor Barber Company bears a name designed to intrigue the Midcoast community, according to its owner Sam Weldon.
The name behind the new barbershop, slated to open Nov. 16 on Union Street in Rockland, also holds sentimental value to Weldon (one of his favorite novels is Stuart Woods’ Dark Harbor) and is a nod to beautiful Islesboro village bearing the name.
Weldon is returning to the Midcoast with the launch of his barbershop after he spent several... Read more
In business: tips on personal growth, productivity, budgeting, organization
Establishing a sense of normalcy during a pandemic with Thomaston’s Pixie Planner
THOMASTON — With an affinity for using planners to boost her towards achieving her goals, and a fervor for fueling personal growth and productivity, Thomaston resident Dominique Woodward decided two years ago to create a YouTube channel as a way to share her passions.
Her channel, The Pixie Planner, boasts more than 6,300 subscribers and has accumulated more than 465,000 combined views for all uploaded videos.
“I was amazed to discover that there is a whole community of millions of girls... Read more
Lexi Zable renovates Eclipse and Speakeasy into a locals’ haven
The Grey Owl Bar & Grill in Rockland is set to fly mid-November
ROCKLAND — Lexi Zable, owner of Port Clyde’s The Dip Net and The Barn in Port Clyde, has secured a new Rockland location for a third establishment, taking over The Eclipse and The Speakeasy on the corner of Park Street.
The Grey Owl Bar & Brill comprises both spaces and is currently in the midst of renovations, not only to improve the eatery’s aesthetic, but also to provide more partitioned space between diners per the COVID-19 mandates.
With The Dip Net and The Barn closed down for the... Read more
‘A meaningful sculpture has power, presence and humanity, and generates its own unique narrative’
Basketball coach and artist Jon Moro on unleashing creativity
ROCKPORT — Carving wooden life size sculptures of sports figures has been a passion for Rockport artist Jon Moro, who recently departed from sports figures to crafting a life size sculpture of two Biblical figures. They were unveiled Oct. 17 at Barnswallow Books, in Rockport Village.
“I’m fascinated by the challenge of creating a sense of movement, and emotion from a still, inanimate object,” Moro said, on his website. “A meaningful sculpture has power, presence and humanity, and generates its... Read more
Traditional Italian cuisine is elegant fare with casual dining
Ports of Italy restaurant opens in Rockport
ROCKPORT—Italian born-and-raised restaurateur Sante Calandri was not about to let a pandemic stop him from opening his new restaurant, Ports of Italy, in Rockport last week.
With a sister property in Boothbay Harbor, he’d always had his eye on the Midcoast and when the Helm restaurant came up for sale, he jumped on the opportunity. For the last year, he set to work on redesigning the place, adding two decks that overlook the forest-covered river in back. Set originally to open this past spring... Read more
Camden’s newest takeout eatery helmed by former Ebantide chef
Deirdre’s Roadside Takeout Serves Elevated ‘Food for Travelers’
CAMDEN—Patrons looking for your garden variety dogs and burgers will be pleasantly surprised to see what’s on the menu at the newly opened roadside takeout shack just outside Camden Hills State Park. Deirdre’s Roadside, co-owned by Chef Ean Flanagan, former owner of Ebantide and Kenny Corson formerly of the catering/banquet department of Point Lookout, are putting out an elevated comfort food menu with the emphasis on high quality, eclectic tastes.
After only being open two weeks, the owners... Read more
Crepes Crepes Crepes, a new food truck, opens in Thomaston
Did someone say crepes?
ROCKLAND—Something sweet has come out of the Summer of 2020 and it has rolled out in a pink-and-white food truck with a logo of the Eiffel Tower.
Eric Boyce has always had the dream of opening a breakfast spot; it just has taken awhile.
“I’ve been in aviation for 58 years, both as a helicopter and airplane pilot and as an aircraft maintenance engineer, and lived in Alaska for 21 years, but with COVID-19 happening, and losing my job in April, this seemed like the right time.”
With his... Read more
RasDal Falafel, a Belfast food truck and Station 118, a BBQ restaurant
Two new eateries bring exotic flavors to Belfast, Thomaston
MIDCOAST—A barbeque restaurant and a food truck serving Middle Eastern street food have opened on the coast in recent weeks. Here’s the skinny on both.
RasDal Falafel — Belfast
Canaan Jordan recently opened his new food truck, RasDal Falafel on Front Street by the footbridge earlier this month. Specializing in Middle Eastern street food, which is mostly vegetarian and vegan, Jordan said, “I’ve been cooking for almost 20 years and this is the kind of food I really like to eat, so I’ve been... Read more
Plans to open at the end of July
Mé Lon Togo, known for West African cuisine, opens in Camden
Like most restaurateurs, Jordan Benissan expected he’d be running his popular restaurant Mé Lon Togo in Waterville this spring, but the pandemic had other plans for him. Not able to keep the restaurant open, and falling behind in rent, his landlord evicted him. These setbacks led to his announcement to close his restaurant in March.
An acquaintance, a food blogger, who followed Benissan on Instagram, reached out to the food community in Portland and organized a Go Fund Me campaign for him,... Read more
Big T Snack Shack sets up in Rockport Harbor for the summer
ROCKPORT—With restaurants continuing to navigate seating challenges during COVID-19, one brick and mortar eatery has the perfect solution to stay operating—and the perfect location.
The Big T Snack Shack food trailer, co-owned by husband-and-wife Mark Senders and Rebecca Neves, was approved by the Rockport Select Board to set up full-time operations in Rockport Harbor this summer and fall.
The couple, who also own the Bagel Cafe in Camden, have operated The Big T Snack Shack at the Camden... Read more
‘On A Roll’ lobster food truck now open at Waterman’s Beach Brewery
SOUTH THOMASTON—A new food truck opened May 8 to complement Waterman’s Beach Brewery, and fans of the old Waterman’s Beach Lobster, will be thrilled to know that the new venue has some unique ties to the old.
Joshua and Charmen Spearing are heading up “On A Roll,” a traditional lobster shack on wheels in the same spot where Waterman’s Beach Lobster shack originally operated for the last 30 years,
Joshua, a lobsterman who fishes out of Spruce Head, and Charmen, a former employee of Waterman... Read more
Belfast entrepreneur Alicia Gaiero juggles ‘gnarly’ ski accessories business, additional endeavors
BELFAST — While people might be familiar with Alicia Gaiero’s remarkable athletic abilities, she is remarkably creating her own path in the business world, beginning with her ski accessories business, Gnarly Neckies.
Gaiero, a 2016 Belfast Area High School graduate, is majoring in environmental policy and planning at the University of Maine at Farmington and recently obtained a certificate from the University of Southern Maine in geographic information systems.
Gaiero, as a budding... Read more
Treasures inside the old Searsport Bank vault
A Splendiferous day in Searsport at the ‘Alice in Wonderland’ chocolate shoppe
SEARSPORT – Splendiferous is a word. It means stupendously beautiful, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, at any rate. It’s a newer word. It’s only been around since the mid-19th Century, but its usage has dramatically increased since the 1950s. This brings us to the Splendiferous Sweet Shoppe, an “Alice in Wonderland” themed chocolate shop at 21 Main Street in Searsport.
Meryem Rogan and co-owner/mother DeAnne Rogan opened the shop in downtown Searsport in June 2019.
DeAnne Rogan... Read more
How a side job became a full-time vocation for this fiber artist
Knitting for a living: How ‘On The Round’ became one entrepreneur’s dream job
ROCKLAND—We first encountered Rachel Jones at a beer-drinking knitting group called “Unraveled” several years ago in a story, “Women who like to knit with a brewski.”
Since then, the fiber artist from Owls Head has taken over an annex studio at Lincoln Street Center in Rockland with her successful shop making and selling unique hand-dyed yarns called On The Round.
Taking one’s hobby and turning it into a lucrative business is a common dream for Americans, but most aren’t ready to go full... Read more
To pay college costs, Maine student draws portraits
WARREN—University of New England college student William Cox, 19, has found a novel way to offset the cost of his college books and materials. He’s offering custom hand-drawn portraits to the Midcoast community.
Without a website or professional presence, he recently posted on Midcoast Message Board, a FB group with almost 26,000 members, that he was looking for commissions in order to pay for his college supplies.
He posted some of his recent portraits and the response from the community was... Read more
Bare trees of winter inspire Montville artist
MONTVILLE—Artist Felicia Cinquegrana lives in the deep woods of Montville, but she doesn’t even need to venture outside for inspiration. Trees are all around—her house, her studio, and in her art.
Her hand-engraved jewelry and paintings are only part of her collection, but they all share the same quality: A bare etching of a tree, its branches in stark movement, giving the impression of reaching out.
“My husband and I moved to Montville, Maine, from Rhode Island five years ago,” she said.... Read more
Shop Local: Three ‘Clutter-Free’ Gifts of Experiences
Giving someone the gift of services or an experience this season is one way to free the world of extra stuff and clutter, but it also supports many of the hard-working businesses in our community at the same time. It’s a win-win! So each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.
Traveling Escape Games
Edgecomb, Maine (But Will Travel)
Traveling Escape GamesEdgecomb, Maine (But Will Travel)Photo courtesy Traveling Escape Games
The... Read more
Gifts between $9 and $25
Shop Local: Three handmade goods that are pure ‘Maine’
For the month of December, we continue our series to shine the spotlight on local craftspeople who make things by hand. It’s important to shop local and to support the innovators and entrepreneurs who keep the creative economy alive in the Midcoast. So each week, until Dec. 25, we will bring you this series until you can’t take it anymore. Ready. Set. Go.
Alpaca Dryer Balls
Unity, Maine
Photo courtesy Northern Solstice Alpaca Farm
Handmade dryer balls made from alpaca fibers
The back story... Read more
Shop Local: Three unique Maine eats
Each December, we shine the spotlight on Maine craftspeople who make products by hand. This week, we focus on those who work out of their homes, farms and kitchens to make quality products, using unique Maine flavors and ingredients. Best of all, all of these items can be picked up locally and shipped.
Toddy Pond Farm Fromage Blanc
Monroe, Maine
Toddy Farm fromage is fantastic for a festive cheese board. Can be found at the Belfast Co-op. Photo courtesy Belfast Co-op.
A soft spreadable... Read more
Grandpa’s Kitchen, new Belfast breakfast, lunch spot, dishes up comfort food
BELFAST—If you’re shopping at the United Farmers Market of Maine in Belfast and happen upon Mike Raven’s booth, “Grandpa’s Specialty Smoked Meats,” you don’t have too far to walk for table service, as he recently opened a tiny restaurant next door.
Last month, Raven opened Grandpa’s Kitchen, an offshoot of his smoked meats business, in the kitchen annex attached to United Farmers Market of Maine formerly used by Jamaican Vybz.
As the family cook, Raven grew up observing his grandfather in the... Read more
Rob Voudvihong, Jocelyn and Wind Tracy team up, pursue simplistic perfection
Belfast welcomes sushi restaurant Satori to historic Gothic building
BELFAST — When the Gothic Building in Belfast became available for use it left a void downtown. The storied building, owned by Todd French, was once the home of now world-famous eatery The Lost Kitchen, followed by several other establishments. Now, a new sushi restaurant has filled both the space and a niche in town. Satori opened on September 20.
Satori is the work of three talented restaurant professionals who were brought together by happenstance and a combination of each of their... Read more
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