The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation will put in its public docks at Crafts Landing in Greenville in May as soon as weather permits

One of the eight slips is available for lease again this year to an individual through an open and transparent lottery process.  The lease fee is $1,800 for the season which helps cover park maintenance costs including putting in the docks and taking them out in the fall. 

Everyone who is interested may throw their name into the proverbial hat by emailing info@mooseheadlakeedc.com or by sending a letter to MLREDC, P.O. Box 223, Greenville, ME 04441, with your contact information by Friday, March 22.   The lessee, whose name will be randomly drawn from names submitted, will be contacted on Monday, March 25.

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp. is delighted to announce that it has received a $10,000 donation from the Northern Forest Center to help complete the construction of the new waterfront park, Crafts Landing, in downtown Greenville. “This donation brings us close to the finish line on this exciting, transformative project that will benefit residents, visitors, and businesses,” says President Steve Levesque. “We are incredibly grateful for this support and for our longstanding partnership with the Center.” 

Mike Wilson, Senior Program Director at the Northern Forest Center, was instrumental in garnering this support. “There’s a lot of great energy and community momentum in Greenville right now, and the Northern Forest Center is thrilled to support creation of this new park right on the shore of Moosehead Lake,” he said. “This contribution builds on past investments the Center has made in rebuilding the downtown boardwalk and business façade improvements. We’re looking forward to continuing work with local partners to position the Moosehead region as a great place to visit and a great place to live.” 

The Northern Forest Center focuses on bringing innovation and investment to strengthen communities across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York and to help shape an economy that sustains both people and nature. Since 2005, the Northern Forest Center has supported 7,141 jobs in wood products, wood heat, and tourism; helped conserve 257,218 acres for community benefit; and secured and leveraged $220,000,000 to benefit communities, the economy, and forest stewardship. 

There will be a community grand opening of the park on Friday, September 10, at 1:00-2:00 p.m. and everyone is invited. See you there!

Greenville, ME – August 17, 2021 –Allison Arbo has been hired as the first Joint Executive Director of two of the Moosehead Lake area’s most vital organizations, Destination Moosehead Lake and Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation.  Allison formerly served as the Executive Producer for WABI TV 5 in Bangor.  Her skills and experience in project management, communication skills, and commitment to supporting the community all led to her successful selection for the position. Ms. Arbo says, “I am honored and excited about taking on this position and look forward to working with businesses and community members to continue moving the area forward in a positive direction.”

At the end of April this year, Destination Moosehead Lake (DML) and Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC) entered into a formal agreement to share the expenses of employing a full-time Executive Director to oversee both organizations’ projects and programs, carry out the strategies of both organizations, and help both groups enhance their efforts to sustain, manage and develop economic vitality in the area including tourism marketing and management.

With so many positive changes on the horizon for the Moosehead Lake Region, Steve Levesque, President of the MLREDC, said, “We are excited that the collaboration with DML has resulted in hiring such a skilled and talented candidate.  Allison’s commitment to the community and her desire to be part of Moosehead Lake’s growth and development will greatly benefit our organizations as well as the community.  Allison will work with our Board of Directors and our committees to meet the needs of the community, oversee our new small business loan program, future housing development, the new community park, management of the Greenville Business Center, downtown WIFI and a regional wayfinding program, downtown redevelopment, to name but a few of the things on our work plan.   MLREDC wants to make sure that we help sustain local businesses, and that new businesses have the infrastructure to meet their needs as we continue to improve the area for residents and visitors”.  He also remarked, “Recent news about the ski mountain redevelopment and what that will bring to the area points to our need to continue to grow our organization’s ability to keep moving forward and support regional growth.  While DML and MLREDC have different missions, hiring an Executive Director in partnership with DML provides the opportunity for us to become a more robust organization in order to better accomplish our goal; to serve as a catalyst to enhance the regions’ economy and quality of life.”

Jenny Ward, Maine Business and Community Relations Manager for Appalachian Mountain Club and President of Destination Moosehead Lake, commented, “Destination Moosehead Lake is excited about this step of hiring Allison.  We believe that her skills and experience will be instrumental in moving DML forward and helping us to market and manage the tourism industry in our area during the incredible changes taking place here.  Ms. Ward continued, “Our collaboration with the MLREDC provided the opportunity to recruit high level candidates to this critically important position and resulted in Allison’s hiring for both organizations which benefits both of our organizations and the community.  DML’s responsibility to market and manage tourism in the area is particularly important with the growth we have seen in the tourism industry in the last two years and with the projected growth in the area.  In light of more visitors discovering the wealth of outdoor recreation opportunities and the natural beauty of the area, it is more important than ever that DML have the leadership that Allison will provide.   DML’s goal of maintaining our areas character and integrity for our residents while maximizing our economic opportunities is crucial.  Allison will be pivotal in helping us meet the challenges the Moosehead Lake area will face in the coming years.”

“At CMP, we are committed to investing in the communities we live and work in each day,” said CMP President and CEO Doug Herling. “This partnership with MLREDC is exciting because we are able to directly help enhance the economy in this region, setting locally-owned businesses up for success and creating more opportunity for the folks who call this area home. CMP is proud to utilize our company’s shareholder dollars to build a strong future for Maine through projects like this.” 

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation has the goal to grow and sustain local businesses, attract and create new jobs and enhance the economy of Maine’s famous Crown Jewel – the area surrounding and including Moosehead Lake. For more information visit their website at www.mooseheadlakeedc.com and friend them on Facebook. The MLREDC continues to appreciate donations from the community to help with their goal of enriching economic opportunities in this beautiful part of the world.

The MLREDC is a non-profit economic development corporation, dedicated to serving as a catalyst to enhance the economic prosperity of the Moosehead Lake Region “This is a great example of how the MLREDC can support the start-up and growth of small businesses in the Moosehead Lake Region. We at the MLREDC are very excited about the future of this company and look forward to assisting other businesses with their growth needs”, says Steve Levesque, its President. Additional information on the Allen Family Growth Fund can be found on their website: www.mooseheadlakeedc.com under the news category.

​Pass this link on, please!

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp (MLREDC) is pleased to announce the Allen Family Economic Growth Fund (Allen Fund) made possible by a generous $750,000 dollar donation by the late Charlotte L. Allen. Charlotte passed away March 8th, 2020 at her camp on Sawyer Pond in Greenville. It was her wish to strengthen the Moosehead Lake region through this donation. Charlotte’s passion for the Moosehead Lake region began many years ago when she and her late husband Telford M. Allen owned the Birches Resort in Rockwood. Ever since then Charlotte has remained committed to the region. She worked closely with her grandson Telford M. Allen III on a plan that would enhance economic growth in the region by both su​pporting local business growth and attracting new business investments. The objective of the Allen Fund is to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial business development in the Moosehead Lake Region by providing small grants and loans to qualified people and businesses that support both the start-up of new business enterprises and the growth of businesses. The primary focus of the funding will be to support sustainable new ventures and the creation of quality jobs in the region. It is intended to be a revolving, self-sustaining fund that will help enhance the regional economy for many years says Steve Levesque, President of the MLREDC. Application attached to this entry and available on MLREDC Face Book page. Download the Business Grant Application Download the Revolving Load Fund Application

The new stimulus package offers relief to businesses in the form of paycheck protection, loans, grants, and other programs. Many business owners find it difficult to navigate the options, often questioning which avenue is best, or if more than one option can be utilized. The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council has partnered with MaineStream Finance, the Piscataquis and Katahdin Region Chambers, and Destination Moosehead Lake in the creation of a grant prep packet, and NOW, a ZOOM call on FEB 4th at 3pm to discuss these resources in detail and answer your questions. Joining us on the call will be reps from local SBA lending institutions, including Bangor Savings Bank, Camden National Bank, and Machias Savings Bank. We will also hear details about the Community Development Block Grant, and resources offered through the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) and the Small Business Development Center (SBDC).

Please call us or email with any questions! Georgia Underwood or John Shea Executive Director———207-564-3638

The Allen Family Economic Growth Fund (Allen Fund) is a program of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp (MLREDC). Its objective is to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurial business development in the Moosehead Lake Region by providing small grants and loans to qualified people and businesses that support both the start-up of new business enterprises and the growth of businesses. The fund was begun by Telford Allen III and his grandmother Charlotte - see photo - who had a deep abiding love of this area. The primary focus of the funding will be to support sustainable new ventures and the creation of quality jobs. It is intended to be a self-sustaining fund. Business Micro-grants The MLREDC will provide grants in the amount up to $2,500 to qualified individuals to support business start-up operations, such as business planning, market research, legal filings, etc. The grant program would seek a 1-to-1 match of other funds. Loans The MLREDC will provide low-interest rate loans (2-4%) in the amount up $50,000 to qualified businesses desiring to start-up and grow their business operations and add jobs. Funds can be utilized for working capital, equipment purchases,leasehold improvements, marketing, etc., that are directly related to business growth and expansion. Loans over $10,000 may require a match and a job creation requirement. Program Administration The Allen Fund will be administered by the MLREDC. Applications will be available on our website Once received and deemed complete, a credit check will be conducted, and the applications will be reviewed by the MLREDC loan committee. Upon approval, funds will be disbursed to the applicant. Loan payments will be accounted for by the MLREDC Finance Department. Inquires and Questions Questions about the program can be emailed to mooseheadlakeedc2020@gmail.com 

As you may have heard, the New Cares Act Package will include a new round of funding through the Paycheck Protection Program and EIDL loans. The Piscataquis County Economic Development Corporation has put together a Prep Packet for upcoming Covid-19 Grant and Loan programs. Grant Prep Package for Upcoming COVID-19 Grant & Loan Programs: PACKET FOR GRANT PREP Though they are still waiting on details, they have put together a GRANT-PREP PACKET with information on exactly what you will need to do NOW to be ready to apply for these and other funding opportunities when they go live, with links that will take you directly to their respective pages. This packet was created through a collaboration of the Piscataquis and Katahdin Chambers of Commerce, MaineStream Finance, and the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council. Please Call PCEDC or email them with any questions or, if you have any problems accessing the link! Georgia Underwood (georgia.underwood@pcedc.org)or John Shea Executive Director (john.shea@pcedc.org) 207-564-3638 Piscataquis County EDC: visit www.pcedc.org

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (Moosehead Lake EDC) will be holding a public information session on a proposed workforce housing development on Spruce Street at 6:00 pm on January 21, 2021 via Zoom. Last fall, the Moosehead Lake EDC acquired a 5.5-acre parcel of land from Coastal Enterprises,Inc. (CEI) with the intent of partnering with the development community to build much needed housing, which can be affordably purchased by people in the local workforce. This planned development, originally proposed by CEI, had been approved by the Town of Greenville in 2010. However, given the time passed. The subdivision plan would need to be re-approved by the Town of Greenville’s Planning Board. The purpose of this meeting is to review the existing plan for the property and solicit your opinions as to what the future plan would look like. Below, note the Zoom address to access. We look forward to your input. To join the meeting go to: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87217646041?pwd=OWZDdGJqRXg5S3Ryb3JLNHJiaGw0UT09 The Meeting ID is: 872 1764 6041 and the Passcode is 677878. If you need to find your local number visit https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kN9LS93GS. 

Naomi Kirk-Lawlor, Senior Planner with theLand Use Planning Commission (LUPC) of Maine’s Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry announced they have launched their Moosehead Regional Planning Project website: https://moosehead-lake-region-cgpz-maine.hub.arcgis.com.  This will provide an opportunity for people to sign up for their email list which will be devoted to the project. The Commission will also be putting out a survey for everyone to write about their experiences Moosehead area, how they feel about this rare and beautiful part of the world. LUPC is currently in the beginning stages of this exciting Moosehead Region Planning Project.  According to their website, “The Commission is currently gathering input and comments from stakeholders in order to create several ‘Discussion Maps,’ hypothetical zoning maps that will be used to prompt community discussion during public meetings in the Summer of 2021.” You can stay informed by visiting their website to find out more.

The Maine Department of Economic & Community Development and Commissioner Heather Johnson will host a monthly COVID-19 update. The next update is scheduled for Wednesday, November 4 at 3:30pm. If you have already registered, there is no need to re-register. You may register once and attend any of the scheduled occurrences. You will be able to submit questions using the Q&A feature during the update. If you have not registered, please use the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_XXSSEjAQQXKvv3TtVbY9BA.   After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar.

Smart growth is a common-sense concept that helps communities welcome — and manage — growth while still maintaining their historic feel and natural beauty. GrowSmart Maine’s third annual Smart Growth Awards not only recognizes the diverse activities that contribute to smart growth but serve as real-life illustrations of the benefits it can bring. This year’s winners showcase bold yet practical solutions to such challenges as the need for affordable housing, rebuilding downtowns, reducing sprawl and conserving land for public use. They also showcase two Mainers who have contributed both regionally and statewide to building a better Maine. The 2020 winners include the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation for “Demonstrable Commitment to Smart Growth.” The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with a broad range of public and private community stakeholders, designed and implemented a plan for the region; a regional master plan, strategic regional action plans. The plan embodies the principles of Smart Growth and have already led to many tangible accomplishments: wayfinding infrastructure, free downtown Wi-Fi hot spots, a visiting artists’ colony, a summer music series and broad-scale village beautification projects. In the region’s village centers, these changes have already begun to catalyze increases in the number and variety of unique shops, restaurants and businesses operating on ground floors, with residents living on upper floors. Most recently, the organization acquired a major, in-town, waterfront property with a vision to form strategic partnerships and develop this property consistent with the Greenville Downtown Plan. Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation’s many accomplishments serve as a model of how smart growth and community vitality can be achieved in rural Maine communities.    This year’s judges were Maureen Drouin, executive director of Maine Conservation Voters; Chuck Lawton, retired economist; Paul Schumacher, executive director of the Southern Maine Planning and Development Commission; and Gwen Hilton, commissioner of the Maine Land Use Planning Commission. GrowSmart Maine is an independent statewide non-profit, funded by member contributions and private and public charitable grants. Launched in 2018, GrowSmart’s Smart Growth Awards are designed to recognize all the diverse activities that contribute to smart growth and to serve as real-life illustrations of the benefits it can bring. The awards showcase the kind of projects, plans, and policies that support smart growth in all its diversity, whether it’s a plan for a walkable and inclusive village center, a development that is affordable and sustainably built, a successful new transit endeavor, or a community-supported adaptation to climate change that safeguards the built or natural environment. Thanks to Ethan Boxer-Macomber and GrowSmart Maine for this Press Release.  

​Congratulations to Theresa and Paul Lancisi, owners of Dove Tail Bats in Shirley, Maine. Their bat drove in the winning run for the Tampa Bay Rays - helping them win Game 4 in the World Series on October 24, 2020. What a play!!!!

Eastern Maine Development Corporation (EMDC) has been awarded $2.8 million in federal funding to leverage private investment and generate capital for businesses in Hancock, Knox, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Waldo, and Washington counties. The funding is awarded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration’s Revolving Loan Fund, as part of the CARES Act Recovery Assistance to respond to the pandemic.

GREENVILLE— The Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corporation has acquired a 5.5 acre parcel on Spruce Street in Greenville for the purpose of developing approximately 20 homes for purchase by local residents. Recognizing that affordably priced housing for the workforce is a critical element to supporting the economic growth in our Region, the Moosehead Lake EDC made the decision to acquire the property and to seek a development partner to help address this need. Based upon our assessments, there is a significant shortage of affordably priced homes for people who work in our community. The subject property on Spruce Street was originally acquired by Coastal Enterprises, Inc. as part of the Plum Creek Development Plan project.  Subsequently, they received approval by the Town of Greenville for a 17 lot subdivision with the intent of creating workforce housing.  However, due to several factors, including the economic slowdown, they were unable to make that plan work.  As a local entity, the Moosehead Lake EDC is in a much better position to realize this original vision. The next step is to secure a qualified development partner who can help us build a very nice new neighborhood in Greenville, with homes that can be affordably purchased by local residents.  This project is not intended for vacation homes or seasonal rentals. To keep these units affordably priced, we plan to work with the Maine State Housing Authority and others to facilitate infrastructure improvements, as well as the availability of low interest rate home loans.  Because the original subdivision plan is now over ten years old, we will also need to renew that process. For additional information contact Steve Levesque at 207- 841-9955.

GREENVILLE— This past June, the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC) spearheaded the establishment of a waterfront park in downtown Greenville. The property, located on Lakeview Street with beautiful views of East Cove is now named Crafts Landing and Park, with a nod toward the Crafts family, whose history has been indelibly intertwined with the town of Greenville for well over a century. None of this would have been possible without the cooperation of previous landowner Earl (EJ) Richardson, Jr and MLREDC’s partnership with the Land for Maine’s Future Program, the Forest Society of Maine, the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council as well as more than 100 interested individuals, businesses and foundations who helped to make this park a reality. walking path with strategically placed benches will add to the enjoyment of those that visit. When funding is complete, there are also plans for a dock system, which will enable both motorized and non-motorized watercraft and seaplanes to have access directly to downtown.

Plans for the park include a paved plaza with an informational kiosk, as well as plantings of native shrubbery and flowers. A

 Unfortunately, due to COVID-19 and other considerations, the plans for landscaping have been put on hold until next spring. “We were not able to do the plantings as we had originally thought,” said Margarita Contreni, Vice President of the MLREDC. “After meeting with Steve Doe, (Landscape Architect, Senior Project Manager at Sebago Technics, Inc.) a few weeks ago and discussing the finalization of plans and details to provide to contractors, we found realistically we had run out of time for this season.” she said. “We will be announcing a request for bids from contractors later this month.”   As it turns out, the town of Greenville has plans of its own to work on Lakeview Street, plans which probably will include tearing up the pavement, grading and resurfacing the road. This could potentially create a better solution for getting electric to the property and possibly allow a contractor to run wiring under the road instead of from the pole across the street. As things unfold next year, the MLREDC will continue to keep citizens of Greenville and interested parties undated on the exciting progress at Crafts Landing and Park.

Register for an Informational Webinar

Join the Department of Economic and Community Development’s Commissioner Heather Johnson and Business Development Manager Jonathan Poole for an informational webinar on the Economic Recovery Grant Program. required to apply for this grant program and will give you an opportunity to ask questions. After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the webinar. This informational session will provide you with the information 

• Register for Tuesday, August 25 at 11:00 AM

The Small Business Virtual Forum |Aug 18 & 19 A two-day virtual forum for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Mainebiz brings together Maine’s best professionals to share their expertise, insight, knowledge, and experience on a variety of topics that business owners and managers need to know. This year we will be hosting a two-day virtual forum for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.  A portion of ticket sales will be donated to: Small Business Recovery & Relaunch Initiative  Day 1 ~ August 18, 2020  

• 2:00 PM | Webcast

The CEO/Business Owner Panel | Five Things You Need to Know Mainebiz has invited five CEOs from the Maine small business community to share their experience on “Five things you need to know to start up or run a small business”  Each panelist will discuss one thing you need to know to be successful.   Day 2 ~August 19, 2020  

• 10:00 AM | Webcast

Finding the funding to fuel your startup or small business ~ Hear from our panel of experts as they discuss what resources there are for grants, loans, investments, and other financing. Learn about what kinds of loans and funding you should consider and how to talk to your lender.    

• Noon | Keynote Interview

Senator Angus King Interviewed by Peter Van Allen, Editor of Mainebiz Grab your lunch and join Senator Angus King, as he talks to Mainebiz editor Peter Van Allen on the economic landscape for startup and small businesses in Maine, and what the state and federal government offers for resources and support. 

• 2:00 PM | Webcast

Commercial real estate 101 ~ Panel of experts will help you understand how to lease or buy commercial real estate.  Do you understand zoning options, types of lease terms, is leasing or buying a better option for you, and how to negotiate with landlords, developers?  How can the economic development offices help you? What are the top key things you need to know before investing or growing your business? For more information, visit them online at https://www.mainebiz.biz/mainebiz-events/2020-small-business-forum    

The Small Business Virtual Forum |Aug 18 & 19 A two-day virtual forum for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses. Mainebiz brings together Maine’s best professionals to share their expertise, insight, knowledge, and experience on a variety of topics that business owners and managers need to know. This year we will be hosting a two-day virtual forum for entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses.  A portion of ticket sales will be donated to: Small Business Recovery & Relaunch Initiative  Day 1 ~ August 18, 2020  

• 2:00 PM | Webcast

The CEO/Business Owner Panel | Five Things You Need to Know Mainebiz has invited five CEOs from the Maine small business community to share their experience on “Five things you need to know to start up or run a small business”  Each panelist will discuss one thing you need to know to be successful.   Day 2 ~August 19, 2020  

• 10:00 AM | Webcast

Finding the funding to fuel your startup or small business ~ Hear from our panel of experts as they discuss what resources there are for grants, loans, investments, and other financing. Learn about what kinds of loans and funding you should consider and how to talk to your lender.    

• Noon | Keynote Interview

Senator Angus King Interviewed by Peter Van Allen, Editor of Mainebiz Grab your lunch and join Senator Angus King, as he talks to Mainebiz editor Peter Van Allen on the economic landscape for startup and small businesses in Maine, and what the state and federal government offers for resources and support. 

• 2:00 PM | Webcast

Commercial real estate 101 ~ Panel of experts will help you understand how to lease or buy commercial real estate.  Do you understand zoning options, types of lease terms, is leasing or buying a better option for you, and how to negotiate with landlords, developers?  How can the economic development offices help you? What are the top key things you need to know before investing or growing your business? For more information, visit them online at https://www.mainebiz.biz/mainebiz-events/2020-small-business-forum    

Funds are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Business owners must meet with a Maine SBDC business advisor to determine eligibility and submit an application contact the Maine SBDC in Dover-Foxcroft at the Penquis Higher Education Center 50 Mayo Street Dover-Foxcroft, ME 04426 Please contact the Bangor Center for appointments at this location: 207-942-1744

It has been a busy year for the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC); as we have been working diligently on a number of exciting short and long-term projects that benefit the Moosehead Lake Region. The following are some of the major projects and initiatives we are currently engaged with, as well as other noteworthy economic activities occurring in our region. MLREDC ActivitiesMLREDC Activities: Downtown Revitalization To further support the revitalization of downtown Greenville and implement the Downtown Plan, the MLREDC has acquired the property at the corner of Pritham Avenue and Lakeview Street for further redevelopment and open space activities. We acquired this parcel with the goals of selling the Pritham Avenue portion to investors for development purposes and converting the Lakeview portion to a community park, in accordance with the Greenville Downtown Plan. We are pleased to report that we have accomplished both of these goals. You will start seeing the Pritham parcel being commercially redeveloped this fall. And thanks to a number of grants and contributions, we are now developing the park space to provide public access (with public docks) to and from Moosehead Lake, in perpetuity. Funds to help with docking systems would be helpful. Steve Doe, Landscape Architect and Senior Project Manager at Sebago Technics, Inc., continues to work on plans for the property. Most of the site work and landscaping is on target to be completed this summer. Some work closer to the road will have to be postponed due to upcoming work planned for Lakeview St. Town Manager Mike Roy said that work on that street will not commence until spring of 2021. Administrator Shelagh Talbot will get the word out to any volunteers interested in helping with planting and watering plants later on in August or early September. ~ SUMMER 2020 NEWSLETTER ~ EJ Richardson, seller of lakefront property on Lakeview St. with Att. Bill Fletcher and Steve Levesque, Executive Director of the MLREDC at Crafts Landing signing in June 2020. (Talbot photo) Free WIFI We have been working with Internet service provider Axiom Technologies to extend the free downtown WIFI connectivity. With the new technology, free Internet service will extend from Shaw Public Library to Moosehead Traders and down Pritham Avenue to the Stress Free Moose. Thanks to significant investments and support of Premium Broadband, the free Internet service is also available in the Greenville Junction, near Balance Gym & Wellness Center. Downtown Greenville The Downtown Committee is working with the Town to spruce up the downtown village planting flowering crabapple trees on Moosehead Lake Rd between Moosehead Traders and the Big Apple Store. And Henry Gilbert, owner of Jamo’s Pizza cleared the canal on Pritham Avenue. These small improvements will make the downtown village more inviting for all. Affordable Workforce Housing Development The MLREDC is under contract to acquire a 5.45 acre parcel on Spruce Street in Greenville for the development of affordable workforce housing to meet a significant unmet need in the community. The parcel has an approved subdivision plan for up to 20 single family homes and duplexes. Our goal is to renew the plan and partner with a reputable developer to construct and sell the homes to working families. Small Business Loan Program This fall, the MLREDC will be presenting a new revolving loan program aimed at supporting the growth of small businesses in the Moosehead Lake Region. Stay tuned for the exciting roll-out of this program! Regional Wayfinding - Phase Two The Wayfinding committee has completed phase two of the Moosehead Lake Region Wayfinding Initiative, which includes four information kiosks in the region as well as pedestal signs for maps and information. Look for the new information kiosks at the Moosehead Visitors Center (Rt. 15), Downtown Greenville near the boardwalk, the Greenville Junction Wharf and the Rockwood Public Landing. Artisan Cottages We are excited to welcome back artisans in a new location in Greenville. The Artisan cottages are now located in the parking lot across from Moosehead Traders right downtown. Unfortunately, due to Covid-19, we will not be able to accommodate many artisans this season and will limit leasing to artists residing locally. (Talbot photo) Robin Gardella in front of her Artisan Cottage in downtown Greenville. Talbot photo REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Ski Mountain Redevelopment The MLREDC continues to support the efforts of the potential new developers of the ski mountain to acquire the property and turn it into a four-season resort complex. We are very excited about this plan which, when realized, will bring several hundred good paying long-term jobs to our region. Stay tuned for exciting announcements. (Photo from the good old days. Courtesy of the Moosehead Historical Society) Fly-In 2021 Unfortunately, the Fly-In was cancelled this year due to COVID but Telford Allen reports that next year’s event will be bigger and even better. For one thing, townspeople may purchase tickets to the various events and are welcome to attend them, including the Lobster/Steak Dinner, the Thursday Cruise on The Katahdin, and the music at Telford’s Moosehead Aero Marine hangar on the water in downtown Greenville. The band Maine Street R&B Revue is already booked to perform. (Fly-In Greenville a few years ago. Talbot photo) Community Solar Farm – Monson Tyler Adkins of Monson has been on the front lines of the clean energy revolution for more than a decade and says that now is an interesting time for solar development in Maine because new policies voted in allow for much smaller community plots. He is currently installing a solar farm on his land on the North Guilford Road on a little less than an acre of land which will consist of 420 solar panels which will produce about 165 Kilowatts (the average household uses about 5 Kilowatts). The savings generated by these solar panels translated into about $31,000 for members that would like to sign on to the program – Adkins says somewhere between 20 to 25 customers. His partner Kyle Clark oversees the ecosystem service enhancement activities of Maine Community Power projects, including pollinator habitat management and Agrivoltaic research. One interesting thing about these modern panels is they collect energy from the sun as well as reflective energy from the ground. Their favorite weather? Cold sunny days with snow on the ground making the best reflection. Guess that pretty much describes our part of Maine! People are welcome to contact him about this project – his phone is 207-749-9478. Visit his webpage at www.mainecommunitypower.com. Pictured here is Adkins with the screws that hold the panels firmly in the ground. (Talbot photo) Dove Tail Bats in Shirley adds new activity building A new spacious building is rising up at Dove Tail Bats on Route 15 in Shirley. This is a multipurpose building that will include indoor batting cages, a climbing wall, full gym and workout area. According to owner Paul Lancisi they hope to open the facility by late August (depending on COVID restrictions). At right Paul Lancisi stands at the site of a new batting facility. (Photo courtesy of Bangor Daily News photo/Ernie Clark) The Dockside Inn & Tavern is now open Administrator We have a new MLREDC Administrator – Shelagh Talbot. She has lived in the Greenville area for 20 years and has worked in the print world for all that time – newspapers and magazines primarily. Prior to that she worked in the Art Department of numerous films and television shows. She hails originally from Bennington, Vermont and loves living beside beautiful Moosehead Lake. Don’t forget to check out our Facebook page for recent news. Comments and suggestions are always welcome as is your support of this engaged organization to improve the economic profile of the Moosehead Lake Region we call home. If you would like to learn more about projects or initiatives the MLREDC is working on, or be included in our volunteer opportunities or newsletters, please reach out to her: shelagh.talbot@yahoo.com, or 207-695-7927.

Steve Levesque is the current president of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation. He has been involved with the MLREDC since its inception in 2013. Steve has been a part-time resident of Greenville for nearly ten years and plans to make it his permanent home in two years, upon his retirement. Steve was born and brought up in Maine and is passionate about the state. He has devoted the past 30 years of his career to helping grow Maine’s economy and to creating vital sustainable communities. Steve currently serves as Executive Director of the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority, which is charged with redeveloping the former Naval Air Station Brunswick, which closed in 2011. His previous professional public positions included serving as the Commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, under Governor Angus King; as Director of Business Development for the same department; as Director of Development for the City of Lewiston; and as Chief Planner for the Maine Land Use Regulation Commission. In his private sector career, Steve has worked for and owned several environmental management and community and economic development consulting firms in both Maine and California. After completing high school in Auburn, Steve joined the Marines, where he learned the value of teamwork and service. Following his four-year enlistment, Steve went to college and earned a BA in Political Science and an MS in Environmental Studies (concentration in Urban and Regional Planning), both from California State University, Fullerton. Steve is an avid outdoorsman and loves the Moosehead Lake region for its four-season splendor, great people, and small community feel.

With the $105,000 allocation from Land for Maine’s Future program, we are close to our goal to purchase the property, develop the site, and the docking system, and establish a reserve fund for annual maintenance. Your vote will help us to possibly be the recipient of the Bangor Savings Bank Foundation Community Matters More Program Grant. Please vote online at www.bangor.com/cmm Select Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corp. Thank you in advance for your continued support. Please share so others can vote too!!

On November 19, the Land for Maine’s Future (LMF) Program Board voted unanimously to allocate $105,000 to the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation’s (MLREDC) project to acquire the last remaining greenspace in downtown Greenville to conserve it as a permanent public park with direct access to Moosehead Lake for everyone to enjoy. The LMF’s commitment brings the MLREDC’s fundraising campaign to $216,000 on the way toward its goal of $250,000 to purchase the 3 Lakeview Street property and develop the site and the docking system plus an additional $40,000 goal to establish a reserve fund for annual maintenance. The Land for Maine’s Future Program was established by Maine citizens in 1987 and is the State’s primary funding vehicle for conserving land for its natural and recreational value. Patrick Kelliher, Commissioner of the Department of Marine Resources who chairs the LMF Board, said at the meeting that he had recently visited Greenville and viewed the site. “This is a fantastic project on a fantastic site,” he commented. “We are incredibly grateful to the Land for Maine’s Future Program for partnering with the MLREDC to secure public access to outdoor recreation, to conserve open and shared community spaces and, by extension, to strengthen natural resources businesses that are critical to the economy of the Moosehead Lake region,” says President Steve Levesque. “And development of this project land as a public park with access to the lake was a key recommendation of the Musson Group’s Downtown Greenville Master Plan which was commissioned and endorsed by the Town of Greenville as a road map for the revitalization of downtown.” Over the course of the next six months, the MLREDC will focus on completing its fundraising campaign and developing the site plans. A Downtown Waterfront Park Planning Committee was established and includes MLREDC Board members Telford Allen, Margarita Contreni and Karin Tilberg and local residents E.J. Richardson, Suzanne AuClair, and Tom Watt. For more information on the project and on making a donation to the fundraising campaign, please contact MLREDC Administrator Heidi St. Jean at admin@mooseheadlakeedc.com.

Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation has expanded the public Wi-Fi system in Downtown Greenville and extended it to Greenville Junction. The high speed Wi-Fi system now has three hotspots in Downtown Greenville, which serves nearly the entire downtown and a hotspot serving Greenville Junction. The free Wi-Fi system makes it easy to access the internet for both residents and visitors when they are in downtown Greenville or in the Junction. Users can download information from the internet, or access information on local businesses, recreational opportunities, shops, or find a great restaurant. They can also upload and share their favorite pictures of the Moosehead Lake region with family and friends on social media. Thousands of residents and visitors already use the Wi-Fi system every year and MLREDC expects the expansion will significantly increase usage. The purpose of the network is to attach more people to the downtown and improve their experience while they are in town. MLREDC’s goal is to serve the public and to attract more people and customers to downtown Greenville that will help businesses grow and prosper as well as increase job opportunities. The expansion was made possible with grants from the Weyerhaeuser and Elmina B Sewall Foundations for which MLREDC is very grateful. The Wi-Fi expansion is another important step forward in the growth and revitalization of the Moosehead Lake region.

November 14, 2019

Governor Mills Hosts Economic Development Discussion, Listens to Business Owners and ResidentsGovernor Janet Mills today hosted a rural economic development discussion at Blair Hill Inn and Restaurant in Greenville that brought together business owners, economic development leaders, and local lawmakers to focus on ideas and strategies to foster economic growth in rural Maine. “Diversifying our economy, empowering innovators and entrepreneurs, and attracting young, talented people to live andwork in Maine is crucial to the future of our state. That is why it is one of the top priorities of my Administration,” said Governor Janet Mills. “As my Administration develops a 10-year strategic economic development plan, the first of its kind in decades, it was important for me to hear the voices of business leaders and residents in rural Maine, to understand the challenges they face, and to learn how state government can support them.” In addition to the rural economic development discussion, earlier in the day Governor Mills also visited Monson Arts – an arts center located in downtown Monson that offers four-week residencies to new artists and writers as

Governor Mills Eats Lunch with Monson Arts Resident Artistswell as intensive workshops and community programs. There the Governor learned about the program’s work to support educational growth, attract more people to rural Maine, and reinvigorate the economy. Governor Mills was joined by Stuart Kestenbaum, Maine’s Poet Laureate and the Artistic Director of Monson Arts and ate lunch with the resident artists. “Undoubtedly the strategy to growing our rural economy will be multi-faceted, but one thing is clear,” Governor Mills continued. “Every rural community has its strengths – as we saw today in Monson and Greenville – and supporting these rural communities as they build on those strengths is critical.” Earlier in the day, Governor Mills also visited Jemma Gascoine Pottery and Monson General Store on Main Street in Monson to talk about their experiences.

Governor Mills Tours Monson Arts with Stuart Kestenbaum“One of Maine’s greatest assets is its talented workforce, but we know that Maine must grow its workforce in order for the economy to grow,” said Heather Johnson, Commissioner of the Department of Economic and Community Development. “Today we heard from a number of leaders in economic development and small business owners about the challenges and successes they have faced as they to revitalize the town of Greenville. It was an important discussion and shows that there is a spot for everyone in Maine’s economy, and we need everyone to participate in order to support demand.” In May, Governor Mills directed the Department of Economic and Community Development to create the first long-term statewide strategic economic development plan in decades. The plan, which will be finalized in the coming weeks has sought input from government agencies, business leaders, educational institutions and private organizations, and will focus on strategies to enhance economic growth, particularly in rural Maine, and address Maine’s workforce challenges. Photo credits - Office of Governor Janet T. Mills https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/during-discussion-greenville-governor-mills-business-leaders-focus-improving-rural-maines

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation has kicked off Phase 2 of our Wayfinding Initiative. Four Information Kiosks have been installed to help visitors locate the major outdoor public attractions in the Moosehead Lake Region. Three pedestal signs of Bonita Doughty’s Regional Business Directory Map have also been installed. The MLREDC gives special thanks to our Kiosk sponsors: Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Natural Resource Education Center at Moosehead, Somerset County, and Weyerhaeuser.

CAMPAIGN FOR A WATERFRONT PUBLIC PARK IN DOWNTOWN GREENVILLE REACHES 40% MARK Two corporate foundation grants have catapulted the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation’s campaign for a waterfront park in downtown Greenville over the $100,000 mark. $10,000 grants from both the Machias Savings Bank and the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund now bring the campaign total to $111,000 on the way toward its $250,000 fundraising goal. “Machias Savings Bank prides itself in supporting the community, especially when it involves such a worthy cause,” said Melissa Moffett Denbow, Vice President for Corporate Giving and Community Relations. Ann Leyva, Manager of the Weyerhaeuser Giving Fund, acknowledged the efforts of the local giving fund advisory committee and noted that its “recommendation was instrumental in securing this grant” for our project. Dozens of individuals also have made gifts to the campaign ranging from $100 to $10,000 since our campaign kick-off in August. Steve Levesque, MLREDC president, noted: “I have been really pleased, but not surprised, by the generosity of local businesses and people who have seen value is setting aside a key parcel of lakefront property for public access to Moosehead Lake. Once again the community has come together and moved us closer to achieving our fundraising goal.” The MLREDC has an option agreement with E.J. Richardson and his family to purchase the property at 3 Lakeview Street to conserve it in perpetuity as a public park. The park will include a new dock system guaranteeing public access to the lake and from the lake to downtown for seaplanes, boats, canoes, kayaks, and snowmobiles. The park also will provide an important connection to walking trails that will rim the East Cove of the lake. Further, it will provide common public space for residents and visitors to meet and to enjoy musical performances, arts and crafts events, and community celebrations. For more information on how to participate in the campaign, contact Margarita Contreni at westcove@myfairpoint.net or Heidi St. Jean at admin@mooseheadlakeedc.com.

The Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation is pleased to announce the appointment of Heidi St. Jean, owner of St. Jean Social Media, as its new Administrator. St. Jean will be responsible for bookkeeping and financial reporting, newsletter and social media communications content and delivery, management of the business visitation program and the lease at the Greenville Business Center, and grant application research and management, among others. Prior to accepting this half-time position, St. Jean served as Marketing Director for the Indian Hill Trading Post and Editor of the Moosehead Messenger. She currently works part time as a Resource Certified Nursing Assistant at Northern Light CA Dean Hospital. She brings experience, dedication and strong community values to this role. “I am confident that Heidi is an excellent match for this position,” says President Steve Levesque. “In addition to her passion for the Moosehead Lake Region, her local business connections and in depth familiarity with the community will be invaluable in meeting our goals and objectives.” Heidi St. Jean can be reached at admin@mooseheadlakeedc.com or (207) 280-0265. She will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Moosehead Economic News: Spring 2019

Welcome to Moosehead Economic News, the newsletter of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC). The purpose of this newsletter is to inform the public of the economic happenings in the Region, and there is a lot happening! Development to Celebrate in the Moosehead Lake region: Former Black Frog Property Sold: One of the most prominent properties in Downtown Greenville recently sold and is in the beginning stages of redevelopment. The former Black Frog restaurant is one of multiple anchors of Greenville’s downtown village, and we’re glad to see it once again become a gathering place for locals and visitors alike. Blair Hill Inn Expands Event Space: New this Spring, the Blair Hill Inn expanded the event space in its carriage barn to accommodate a variety of larger events to be hosted at their Inn. We’re pleased to see local businesses make investments like this in the Moosehead Lake region. Balance Gym & Wellness Center Opens in Greenville Junction Since opening January 1^st, Balance Gym & Wellness Center has become a community asset for everyone in the Moosehead Lake region. Equipped with state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and staffed with trainers for all ability levels, Balance Gym & Wellness Center has been an impressive addition to the Moosehead Lake region. We are glad that owner Amanda Hunt has chosen to start a business focusing on the health and wellness of the community she calls home. Development in Monson: Construction in Monson continues, as the Libra Foundation begins development of a medical and dental facility in what used to be the Monson Arts Center. The medical facility is one of many Libra Foundation projects in Monson, and we are excited to see economic progress in the region. Monson Arts also continues to thrive, with monthly resident programs bringing new visitors to Monson and the Moosehead Lake region from all over the world. MLREDC Activities: Phase Two of Wayfinding Initiative Underway: Phase Two of the Regional Wayfinding Initiative will include four large informational kiosks, installed at prominent locations in the Moosehead Lake Region. Look for the new kiosks at the Moosehead Visitor Center (Rt. 15), Downtown Greenville near the boardwalk, at the Greenville Junction Wharf, and at the Rockwood Public Landing. Downtown Greenville Revitalization: In February, the MLREDC entered into a purchase option agreement with A and E Properties, LLC (EJ and Stuart Richardson) to acquire approximately 1.2 acres of land at the corner of Pritham Avenue and Lakeview Street. The purpose of this agreement was to assist with the revitalization of downtown Greenville through the adaptive redevelopment of the Pritham Avenue parcel and the long-term preservation of a portion of the Lakeview parcel for public greenspace. In May, the MLREDC agreed to terms with Lakeshore Ventures, LLC for the acquisition and redevelopment of a key piece of waterfront property in downtown Greenville. The deal with Lakeshore Ventures, LLC, involves the acquisition of property at the intersection of Pritham Avenue and Lakeview St. The partners of Lakeshore Ventures, LLC, Richard Brown and Telford Allen, share the same vision of redeveloping the property consistent with the principles outlined in the Greenville Downtown Plan. Accordingly, over the next few years, they will work with the existing tenants on the property, adjacent property owners, the Town of Greenville and the MLREDC to realize the vision. Downtown Committee: As part of the Downtown Beautification and Enhancement Initiative, the Downtown Experience Committee is working with town officials on a grant application to Project Canopy, a cooperative effort between the State of Maine and the Maine Forest Service, to plant new trees on the Moosehead Lake Road coming into town, and shrubbery along the canal in downtown Greenville. The Downtown Experience Committee is also working with local contractors to replace the dated fence protecting pedestrians from the canal on Pritham Avenue. Keep an eye out for these beautification projects in the downtown village! Big Moose Mountain Ski Area GoFundMe: The MLREDC accepts private contributions to help support the legal efforts related to the State lawsuit associated with the ski mountain. These private donors recognize the importance of the Big Moose Mountain Ski Area to the Moosehead Lake region, and the MLREDC’s mission of economic revitalization in the Moosehead Lake region. If you would like to learn more about and contribute to the “Bring Back Our Mountain Fund” visit GoFundMe.com and search “Bring Back Our Mountain Fund”. Grants & Fundraising Committee: The Grants & Fundraising Committee has worked diligently applying for, and securing multiple grants to help fund the many projects and initiatives that the MLREDC is working to complete in the region. The Grants & Fundraising Committee is also launching the 2019 Annual Donor Appeal, which will solicit support to continue MLREDC work in the region on important projects and initiatives that enhance the Moosehead Lake region for residents and visitors alike. Artisan Cottages & Thoreauly Entertaining!: After a successful launch in 2018, the MLREDC welcomes back summer artisans from all over Maine – painters, photographers, woodcarvers, potters, basket-makers, jewelry-makers, fabric artists and more – who will showcase their handmade arts and crafts. Be sure to check it out while exploring beautiful downtown Greenville! The MLREDC is thrilled to welcome back local and regional musicians to downtown Greenville, continuing the Thoreauly Entertaining! Music Series, hosted in Thoreau Park, on the shores of Moosehead Lake. Also returning, with the help of Destination Moosehead Lake, are the Gazebo concert series, near the Steamship Katahdin. For a full concert schedule, visit the Destination Moosehead Lake Events page. Greenville TIF Application: At the request of the Board of Selectmen, MLREDC has been assisting the Town of Greenville with the preparation of a Tax Increment Financing (TIF) program applications. TIF’s can be utilized as an effective tool for the Town of Greenville to better support its future economic development efforts. There are currently 362 TIF programs operating in the State of Maine, four of them in Piscataquis County (two in Dover-Foxcroft, two in Milo). In addition to a presentation to the Board by MLREDC President Steve Levesque, MLREDC consultant John Cleveland has hosted multiple presentations and public information sessions and hearings in concert with the town select board meetings, to help educate everyone about TIFs, and how they are utilized. Expanding Downtown Public WIFI: Continuing the MLREDC’s work with Axiom Technology, we’re pleased to announce the expansion of the very popular free downtown WIFI hotspot. Coming in Spring 2019, users will notice increased access to free public WIFI in downtown Greenville. Originating from the Shaw Public Library, the enhanced WIFI will extend south on the Moosehead Lake Road to Moosehead Traders; and on Pritham Avenue, to the Stress-Free Moose Pub. If you’re in Greenville Junction, you’ll notice free WIFI available there as well! We’re excited to be extending free public WIFI near Balance Gym & Wellness Center, for users who need WIFI access in Greenville Junction. The extended free public WIFI network will make it easy and convenient for visitors and residents to connect to the internet with their mobile devices in downtown Greenville and Greenville Junction. We are happy to offer this free service to users to access information about recreation, activities, and businesses in the Moosehead Lake Region. For more information contact John Cleveland at jcleveland@cdcorp.org. Hotel & Conference Center Feasibility Study for the Moosehead Region: The MLREDC commissioned a hotel feasibility study by the hotel-consulting firm, CBRE, in Fall 2018. The feasibility study determined that a mid-sized hotel with conference center space is indeed economically feasible in the Moosehead Lake region. The MLREDC is working to promote this opportunity for the future growth and development of this type of business in the Moosehead Lake region. For more information about news and activities contact: John Adkins at 207-717-3526; john.adkins@mooseheadlakeedc.com, or visit MLREDC’s website: www.mooseheadlakeedc.com. Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MLREDC/ To submit articles for future newsletters, contact: John Adkins; john.adkins@mooseheadlakeedc.com MLREDC Board of Directors: Steve Levesque, President Paula St. Laurent, Vice-President Donna Moreland, Secretary Geno Murray, Treasurer Rebekah Anderson Joe DiAngelo William Fletcher Amanda Hunt Luke Muzzy Dan Rinard Karin Tilberg Drew Watson Chris Winstead Ex-Officio Board Members: Bonnie DuBien Ruth McLaughlin Margarita Contreni Ryan Edmondson Matt St. Laurent

The Moosehead Lake EDC is aggressively implementing several action plans focused on enhancing the region as a premier tourist destination in the State of Maine and have made some significant investments in our infrastructure and visitor experiences. One of the key initiatives this year, involves working on an effort to encourage the development of a mid-priced destination hotel and conferencing facility in the Greenville area – working with existing businesses or attracting new investment. The need for this type of facility was recommended by both Roger Brooks in the Branding Action Plan, and Future IQ in our Regional Master Plan. To that end, The EDC will be commissioning a market analysis to determine the demand of a hotel/conference center in the Greenville area and is beginning the process of identifying appropriate sites in the area and are working with various property owners regarding their willingness to make their respective properties available and or partner on a project. While we all believe there is clearly a subjective need for such a facility in the region to enhance the destination experience, it will be helpful to have a more qualitative analyses that can demonstrate the true market feasibility of such a destination facility. Once complete, the MLREDC will combine the sites analysis and hotel feasibility study and prepare a marketing package to be made available to existing hotel owners and key property owners in the region, hotel developers and relevant investors. Download: MLREDC Hotel Feasibility Analysis RFP ​ For more information, please contact Steve Levesque at: 207-841-9955; stevel@mrra.us

Welcome to Moosehead Economic News, the periodic newsletter of the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC). 

Artisan Village Grand Opening on June 30^th Come celebrate the Grand Opening of Greenville’s Artisan Village on Saturday, June 30, at 35 Pritham Avenue on the downtown waterfront! Festivities will begin at 11:00 a.m. with several artists demonstrating their craft, followed by a welcome and key remarks at 12:30 p.m. by MLREDC President Steve Levesque, Destination Development Specialist Donna Moreland, and Artist Kathy Perelka. The afternoon continues with a hands-on flower-arranging workshop, gift drawings, and entertainment by professional juggler Michael Menes for the whole family to enjoy. In case of inclement weather, the day’s festivities will be moved to the Center for Moosehead History” on Lakeview Street. The Grand Opening launches our inaugural season, after a successful pilot last summer. Over the next 12 weeks, artisans from all over Maine – painters, photographers, woodcarvers, potters, basket-makers, jewelry-makers, fabric artists and more – will showcase their handmade arts and crafts. Be sure to stop by the Village’s brightly painted cottages, meet the artisans, and bring a bit of Maine home with you! Public Outreach and Public Forums Scheduled – Join us! The MLREDC Public Outreach Committee held an information meeting with the Monson Board of Selectman in April. The meeting was very successful with excellent dialogue. In early May the MLREDC Public Outreach Committee met with the Somerset County Commissioners. We updated them on the successes of the MLREDC/Brand Leadership Team (BLT) and our current goals. More importantly Ryan Edmondson provided the commissioners with an update on the Wayfinding project. Somerset County helped fund Phase 1. Somerset County helped fund Phase 1.

1. Coming up:

- We will be holding a public forum on June 30, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. located at the Greenville Town Hall. - Look for our information booth throughout the summer including on the 4^th of July in Greenville, Monson Days and at the International Sea Plane Fly-In. - We have a Donor Appreciation reception planned followed by a cook-out on August 16^th before the Gazebo Concert Series with a rain date of August 23^rd. - Lastly we will be having the 1^st Annual EDC banquet on September 10^th at the Lakeshore House in Monson. Ticket information will be available soon. If your group or organization has questions concerning the EDC / BLT or is interested in an informational presentation please contact: Matthew St. Laurent at stlaurentmatthew@yahoo.com Plans to Expand the Public WiFi System The public WiFi system in downtown Greenville has been very popular and well used but currently only serves a portion of the downtown. In order to increase access to the WiFi system a plan has been developed to install 6 new hotspot locations. Four of them will complete the coverage in the downtown and two hotspot locations in Greenville Junction will provide WiFi access in that area as well. A grant application has been submitted to the Northern Border Regional Commission to help fund the expansion. Notification of the grant award is expected by August 2018 and if awarded the project design would begin in the fall of 2018 with hotspot installations in May 2019 in time to be used for the 2019 summer season. The WiFi system is an important part of the infrastructure system needed to improve visitor experience in the Moosehead Lake region. The system makes it easy for visitors to use their electronic devices to find and connect with local businesses and to find interesting and exciting activities in the area. It is well known that as the visitor experience is improved, the longer the visitor is likely to stay and they return more frequently—all of which results in more business and an improved local economy. For more information contact John Cleveland at jcleveland@cdcorp.org Greenville Tract Designated a Federal Opportunity Zone The Greenville Census Tract was included in as one of the Opportunity Zones by Governor Paul R. LePage. In February, the Department of Economic and Community Development began accepting public input regarding the designation of Maine’s Opportunity Zones. “We received feedback from across the state, said George Gervais, DECD commissioner. “In many communities, this program could be the catalyst to moving development projects forward by attracting much needed capital and ultimately benefiting not just that community but the entire state.” Tracts were selected based primarily on identified investment opportunities where such investments would likely be met with success. The Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 established this new economic development program, which provides a federal tax incentive for taxpayers who invest unrealized capital gains into so-called ‘Opportunity Funds’, dedicated to investing in established ‘Opportunity Zones’. The Opportunity Zones program offers three tax benefits for investing in low-income communities through a qualified Opportunity Fund: 1. A temporary deferral of inclusion in taxable income for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund. The deferred gain must be recognized on the earlier of the date on which the opportunity zone investment is disposed of or December 31, 2026. 2. A step-up in basis for capital gains reinvested in an Opportunity Fund. The basis is increased by 10% if the investment in the Opportunity Fund is held by the taxpayer for at least 5 years and by an additional 5% if held for at least 7 years, thereby excluding up to 15% of the original gain from taxation. 3. A permanent exclusion from taxable income of capital gains from the sale or exchange of an investment in an Opportunity Fund if the investment is held for at least 10 years. This exclusion only applies to gains accrued after an investment in an Opportunity Fund. For more information please contact Steve Levesque at: Steve Levesque at 207-841-9955; stevel@mrra.us Map of Moosehead Lake Attractions Now Available With the help of the Moosehead Destination Marketing Organization (DMO), the MLREDC Wayfinding Committee has finalized a map of Moosehead Lake public attractions. The map will be the basis for all of the information kiosks planned for Phase 2. We just received 15K printed copies of the map that will be distributed to local business and available at the Moosehead Visitor Center. We also have 30 laminated copies of the map that will be placed at key locations and a vinyl banner of the map that will be installed at the Greenville Junction Wharf soon. For more information contact: Ryan Edmondson at rv.edmondson@gmail.com Two CDBG Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grants Awarded to Greenville The Piscataquis County Economic Development Council (PCEDC) works with local municipalities and businesses to apply for and execute on Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program Grants. This year, PCEDC worked with the Town of Greenville to submit two CDBG Micro-Enterprise Assistance Grants; the grants were to assist the Bartley Event Center and Northwoods Health & Wellness Center. We are excited to announce that Greenville was awarded both Grants; a total of 19 grants were awarded across the State. Startup businesses and existing businesses both benefit from the CDBG Program. These dollars often provide much needed investments in capital, building modifications, or the purchase of raw materials. In the case of the Bartley Event Center and Northwoods Health & Wellness Center, these dollars help with the purchase of equipment needed to outfit each of these businesses. Both of these businesses were identified as critical additions to the Greenville Region amenities to support both the tourism economy and to retain and attract new residents to the region. If you are interested in learning more about the CDBG process, please contact Christopher Winstead at christopher.winstead@pcedc.org or via the telephone at 564-3638. Moosehead Lake Region EDC to oversee hotel feasibility study for the Moosehead Region The Moosehead Lake EDC is aggressively implementing several action plans focused on enhancing the region as a premier tourist destination in the State of Maine and have made some significant investments in our infrastructure and visitor experiences. One of the key initiatives this year, involves working on an effort to encourage the development of a mid-priced destination hotel and conferencing facility in the Greenville area – working with existing businesses or attracting new investment. The need for this type of facility was recommended by both Roger Brooks in the Branding Action Plan, and Future IQ in our Regional Master Plan. To that end, The EDC will be commissioning a market analysis to determine the demand of a hotel/conference center in the Greenville area and is beginning the process of identifying appropriate sites in the area and are working with various property owners regarding their willingness to make their respective properties available and or partner on a project. While we all believe there is clearly a subjective need for such a facility in the region to enhance the destination experience, it will be helpful to have a more qualitative analyses that can demonstrate the true market feasibility of such a destination facility. Once complete, the MLREDC will combine the sites analysis and hotel feasibility study and prepare a marketing package to be made available to existing hotel owners and key property owners in the region, hotel developers and relevant investors. For more information, please contact Steve Levesque at 207-841-9955; stevel@mrra.us Maine Woods Destination Rally a Success On May 16-17, 2018, the Maine Woods Consortium hosted its 5^th Maine Woods Destination Rally at Bartley’s Family Event Center in Greenville. The event brought more than 75 tourism leaders from across the state to the Moosehead area to learn about destination development work taking place locally, and to discuss Rural Destination Development strategies for the Maine Woods region. Activities included: - A guided tour of Moosehead Lake region destination assets – with stops at the Blair Hill Inn, Lily Bay State Park, and AMC’s Medawisla Lodge - Discussions of emerging travel trends and balancing outdoor recreation with a dynamic forest products economy, and - Scenario planning for High Potential Rural Destination Areas and the Maine Woods region. The 2018 Rally will inform work the Consortium is doing with the consulting firm Future IQ to analyze future tourism trends, potential economic impacts, and destination development scenarios for the Maine Woods. For more information contact: Mike Wilson, Northern Forest Center; 207-767-9952; mwilson@northernforest.org Piscataquis County Innovation Program The Northern Forest Center and partners are offering financial support to help tourism providers in the Moosehead Lake and Katahdin Iron Works regions develop and implement innovations to improve their business performance. This new program is grounded by a set of quality standards developed by the Center and other industry leaders through Maine Woods Discovery – a cooperative marketing initiative working to position the Maine Woods region as a top quality travel destination. Those standards, or best practices, include: - Provide authentic outdoor and cultural experiences in the Maine Woods region, with activities supported by highly qualified guides, instructors and interpreters. - Deliver excellent service in every aspect of the visitor’s experience. - Provide well-maintained facilities and equipment that are clearly described in promotional materials and meet highest industry standards. - Commit to environmentally responsible operations, conservation of the forest landscape, and respect for private forest landowners. - Support local communities. - Commit to meet or exceed applicable industry safety standards. The Tourism Innovation Program will provide up to 50% of the cost to enable qualified businesses to engage top consultants and contractors to implement innovations that improve bottom line performance, expand job opportunities, and enhance the region’s destination appeal. The Center is working locally with the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC), Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation and Piscataquis County Economic Development Council as project partners to implement this new program which is expected to support approximately 15 businesses over five years with assistance generally ranging between $5,000 and $25,000. For more information contact: Mike Wilson, Northern Forest Center; 207-767-9952; mwilson@northernforest.org Destination Moosehead Lake and Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation Affirm Collaboration The officers of Destination Moosehead Lake and the Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation recently reaffirmed the organizations’ shared commitment to continuing to support the advancement of ongoing destination development efforts as outlined in the Roger Brooks & Future IQ plans. The two organizations believe that continued collaboration between the organizations, as well as all others involved, is critical to our shared success moving forward and the incredible growth and development opportunities afforded to our community. Update from Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation President Steve Levesque, the MLREDC President, recently summarized the organization’s accomplishments as follows: Completed a major branding initiative: “America’s Crown Jewel”; and regional Master Plan for the Moosehead Lake Region regional Master Plan for the Moosehead Lake Region - Formed a Brand Leadership Team to help implement branding recommendations - Developed a professional website promoting the Moosehead Lake Region - Created a public WiFi system in part of downtown Greenville - Secured a Master lease with the Town of Greenville for the management of the Town-owned Greenville Business Center building (GBC), former incubator building. - Attracted a new manufacturing business and made energy efficiency improvements to the GBC - Assisted several local businesses with expansion and connection to resources connection to resources - Completed Phase 1 of Wayfinding project: Installed 80 new directional and location signs around the Moosehead Lake Region - Secured logo and trademark for Moosehead Lake Region EDC and America’s Crown Jewel - EDC and America’s Crown Jewel Developed an Artisan Cottage Village in downtown Greenville - Implemented the visitor experience initiative in downtown Greenville and with new benches, large flower containers & trash receptacles - Assisted the Northern Forest Center with a downtown Greenville business façade improvement pilot program The MLREDC’s priorities for 2018 are: - Expand the public WiFi system in downtown Greenville - Develop and actively manage a Business Visitation Program for the region - Work with State and regional economic development organizations to enhance broadband - Facilitate the redevelopment of key downtown Greenville properties - Install informational Kiosks with promotional materials in the region - Expand the Artisan Cottage Village in downtown Greenville - Work with the Town of Greenville on the creation of a downtown TIF District and other funding strategies to support downtown improvements - Conduct a feasibility study for hotel/conference center - Develop a business site assessment and attraction strategy - Secure funding to complete phases 2 & 3 of regional Wayfinding project. - Develop a sustainable financial model and implement an expanded fundraising effort to support MLREDC activities Moosehead Marine Museum Partnership to Tell Story of Sunken Ships Moosehead Marine Museum is partnering with Ryan Robbins, founder of Moosehead Lake Divers, to identify and capture video of the sunken remains of at least three known wrecks in Moosehead Lake. The documentary, titled Sunken Steamboats of Moosehead Lake, will tell the story of steamboat history on Moosehead Lake by combining underwater footage of steamboat remains with historic still images and video oral history interviews. The goal of the project is to research, document, and disseminate information about Moosehead Lake’s steamboating past. With a $5,000 grant from Weyerhaeuser our team was able to conduct and film six interviews with area residents who either were involved with the Steamboat Katahdin or who remember the days when boats steamed on Moosehead Lake. During 2018 we will conduct several more interviews. All interviews will be transcribed and both the video and transcriptions will be accessioned into our collection. Weyerhaeuser’s grant proved a catalyst for additional support. MMM received $10,000 grants from Libra Foundation and the Fisher Charitable Foundation and we’ve just learned that we will be receiving $5,000 from Bangor Savings Foundation. With these funds we have purchased equipment needed to film the submerged remains of three or more wrecks during the summer of 2018. During the winter of 2018/2019 we will edit the final cut of the documentary and we anticipate a “Premier Party” aboard the Katahdin during the summer of 2019. The film will be shown in our museum and we hope to share it through other channels such as the Maine Memory Network and public television. For filmed footage and progress updates, visit www.mooseheadsteamboats.com (Excerpted from Moosehead Marine Museum newsletter) For more information about news and activities contact: Steve Levesque at 207-841-9955; stevel@mrra.us or visit MLREDC’s informative website: www.mooseheadlakeedc.com Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MLREDC/ 

To submit articles for future newsletters contact: Karin Tilberg, Karin@fsmaine.org MLREDC Board of Directors 2018: Joe DiAngelo, Secretary William Fletcher Amanda Hunt Steve Levesque, President Donna Moreland Geno Murray, Treasurer Jesse Crandall, Greenville Town Manager Rebekah Anderson Karin Tilberg Paula St. Laurent, Vice President Drew Watson Craig Watt Luke Muzzy Margarita Contreni Matthew St. Laurent Christopher Winstead Ruth McLaughlin Ryan Edmondson Brand Leadership Team (BLT) Members 2018 Amanda Hunt, BLT Chair Donna Moreland Bonita Doughty Shana Cirulli Bre Graffam Matthew St. Laurent. Public Speaking Committee Chair Margarita Contreni, Artisan Village Chair Bonnie Dubien Andrew Gravelle Ruth McLaughlin, Downtown Experience Committee Chair Sally Johnson Ryan Edmondson, Wayfinding Committee Chair 

By Aislinn Sarnacki, BDN Staff TOWNSHIP 1, RANGE 12, Maine — Standing on a wooded hill above Second Roach Pond, deep in the Maine wilderness, the new Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins opened to the public on July 1, offering its guests comfortable beds, hot showers, home-cooked meals, and a beautiful basecamp for outdoor adventures. The off-the-grid campus of log buildings, a construction project that cost more than $6 million, is the most recent addition to Appalachian Mountain Club’s ever-growing network of wilderness lodges and trails east of Moosehead Lake. And with room to house more than 75 guests, it’s AMC’s largest facility in Maine yet. “It’s a very comfortable way of getting out and experiencing the woods without having to worry about sleeping in your tent, setting up and worrying about the weather, and all that sort of stuff,” said Dan Rinard, operations manager for AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative. Medawisla Wilderness Lodge and Cabins was funded through an ongoing fundraising campaign for AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, a conservation strategy that combines outdoor recreation and community involvement with resource protection and sustainable forestry. Established in 2003, the initiative has since resulted in the conservation of 70,000 acres in Maine’s 100-Mile Wilderness region. And on that land, AMC has created more than 120 miles of public trails and opened three wilderness lodges: Little Lyford, Gorman Chairback and Medawisla. “One of the things I’m most excited about this lodge is the diversity of options,” said Rinard as he stood on the balcony of Medawisla Lodge recently. “We have the self-service cabins down below, and then up to the more deluxe experience of cabins with private bathrooms up here.” Accessed on miles of logging roads that snake through the Maine wilderness east of Kokadjo, Medawisla is a breath of civilization in a seemingly endless forest. The campus includes a boat launch and waterfront pavilion, two bunkhouses, a bathhouse and nine private cabins, all tied together by the central lodge, which features a spacious dining room, lounge, kitchens, bathrooms and sauna. Just a few days before the facility’s official opening, work crews were busy with the finishing touches — planting gardens, smoothing pathways and staining cabin porches. “The landscaping is coming together,” Rinard observed, pointing out newly planted trees in fresh mounds of mulch. More than 50 local workers, including a dozen Maine contractors, were employed in the construction of the facility. And more than 80 percent of the construction budget of about $5 million was spent within 100 miles of the site, according to the project’s general contractor, E.W. Littlefield & Sons, Inc., of Hartland. “Of that, about $2.5 million was spent right in Greenville,” said Dwayne Littlefield, vice president of E.W. Littlefield & Sons. “Subcontractors, suppliers, fuel, repairs, the list goes on and on.” While Medawisla is a completely new construction, elements of the build — including its name — were taken from the old Medawisla sporting camps, constructed on the property in the 1950s and purchased by AMC in 2006. For a few years, AMC ran operations out of the camps, but in 2012, they closed its doors for a major renovation. “When we looked at the old lodge and did our assessment after closing it down, the buildings were fairly run down and we decided it was a better long-term option to tear everything down and rebuild,” said Rinard. “That gave us the freedom to really look at how we fit the new facility into the landscape.” For example, the main lodge was moved back from the water and placed on a hill so that it has less impact on the environment. Other eco-friendly aspects of the facility are its modern composting toilets. And the main lodge’s roof is covered with 60 solar panels that produce more than 19 kilowatts of energy — an amount AMC predicts will account for at least 60 percent of the lodge’s energy consumption, with the rest being produced by a generator. Smooth, wide trails connect the lodge, cabins, pavilion and boat launch. And the cabins were split into two small communities — one by the water, and the other set back on the hill. “In terms of designing it and deciding what we wanted the facility to look like, we really wanted to recreate and capture some of the aspects of the old Medawisla — screened in porches, self service cabin options, things like that,” Rinard said. The cabins by the water have their own kitchenettes, so guests can cook their own meals. Or they can head up to the main lodge with the other guests for a home-cooked meal served each evening and morning, with much of the food sourced locally and guests’ dietary restrictions and preferences taken into account. AMC also provides a bagged lunch for their guests to take on their daily adventures. “We think that food is really important to the experience,” Rinard said. “Everybody likes to eat. Everybody likes to eat well … We try to create really high quality meals here so people coming up and staying in the cabins, and going out on the adventures — whether they’re mountain biking or paddling or hiking — can come back and have a really healthy and delicious meal.” The main lodge of Medawisla includes a spacious dining room built specifically to accommodate groups, with a high ceiling and sound dampening panels to minimize echo. “One of the things we often hear at Lyford and Gorman is that people would really like to have their wedding there or have group events there and they’re just not quite big enough,” Rinard said. Rinard said Medawisla may be a good option for weddings and other group events such as school field trips, especially with the option of using the waterfront pavilion, which includes rows of picnic tables, a small building to prepare food, and a covered space for grills. Another aspect of Medawisla that makes it great for educational programs and families is the nature of the surrounding trail network, which includes plenty of trails that are easy enough for beginner hikers, bikers and skiers. And with the lodge located on a quiet, shallow cove of Second Roach Pond, it’s the perfect place to learn paddling skills, fish and swim. Plus, lodge guests have access to a full fleet of canoes, kayaks and stand up paddle boards for no extra charge. “Really great paddling experiences are available here on Second Roach Pond, and into our Roach Ponds Reserve Area, where we have remote paddle-to campsite options for canoe camping,” Rinard said. “We also have a robust network of mountain bike trails that we’ve been building up over the last several years, a mix of cross-country style family-friendly mountain biking as well as a little bit more technical single track.” For hikers, there are several nearby hiking trails, including the easy Hinkley Cove Trail, which starts right at Medawisla and travels around the edge of the pond to a long sandy point. There’s also the longer Lakeside Trail and the more challenging Shaw Mountain Trail. During the winter, cross-country skiing is the main activity, as guests ski from one wilderness lodge to the next. In fact, AMC’s Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback lodges are only accessible by ski during the winter, but Medawisla will be accessible by vehicle year round. “That’s a major differentiator for this lodge,” Rinard said. “The road system is stable enough that we can plow in year round, so people will be able to drive here in the winter and have a winter experience in the heart of the Maine woods without having to get there on their own power.” On June 27, as Rinard stood on the balcony of the main lodge, he pointed out two details of the construction that are impossible to miss. Each of the two corner posts of the balcony railing were intricately carved into loons swimming through cattails. Medawisla is the Abenaki word for the common loon, Rinard explained. A number of the contractors for the project came up with the idea, hired chainsaw artist Josh Landry to carve the loons, and gifted them to the lodge. “We’re proud we were a part of [the project],” Littlefield said. “To think we built something like that … It was a challenging job because of the location, but we got through those challenges. It was just a tremendous project for us to be a part of.” To learn about AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges and the Maine Woods Initiative, and to book your stay at the new Medawisla Lodge and Cabins, visit the AMC website at outdoors.org. To see story and pictures click here

Drive an hour-and-a-half drive northwest of Bangor, and you land at Blair Hill Inn – a restored Queen Anne Victorian home on a commanding hilltop overlooking Moosehead Lake. Each of the 10 guest rooms are elegantly appointed with mahogany beds, antique furnishings, and sumptuous linens, and some have wood-burning fireplaces. An on-site spa encourages further relaxation with its rustic renovated barn setting and house-made scrubs with ingredients picked from the garden, but those with restless legs might prefer a guided moose safari or nearby white-water rafting. At night, settle in for a six-course dinner at the inn’s gourmet restaurant, followed by a stargazing canoe ride on the lake. Click here to go the Jetsetter Website to view the story.

By John Holyoke, BDN Staff BIG MOOSE TOWNSHIP, Maine — For the better part of an hour, Brandon Prescott peered toward shore, watched a sporadically feeding trout sip at a passing caddis fly, and tried to make the perfect cast. “You’ve got to get it right in there,” guide Dan Legere said. “Six inches off the shore. That’s where he lives.” It was. But getting the imitation caddis fly to the right spot wasn’t easy. First, a brisk upstream breeze that threatened to blow his casts into the cedar tree that leaned over the East Outlet of the Kennebec River. And second, when the fly did end up in the right place, the finicky trout paid little attention. Legere smiled, switched flies, and kept offering guidance and praise. And finally, after dozens of nice casts and a few perfect ones, Prescott gave his guide reason to celebrate, setting the hook on a gentle strike and bringing the 14-inch fish to net. “Nice job,” Legere said, as he surely has said thousands of times in his guiding career. “We worked for that one.” Prescott, an avid angler who won the BDN’s 15th annual “Win a Drift Boat Trip Contest,” posed for a photo, smiled, and released the fish back into the river. Then he turned his attention back to fishing. There were miles of river to explore, after all. And many more fish to catch. That was the plan, anyway. The trout and salmon may have had another idea. A man and a river The BDN began offering a guided trip with Legere back in 2003, and the promotion has proved popular over the ensuing years. Mike Horvers was the first winner of the BDN’s “Win a Drift Boat Trip” contest back in 2003. Others followed: Jason McCubbin in 2004, Doug Saunders in 2005, Tom Nichols in 2006, James Rolph in 2007, Dick Fortier in 2008, Tiffany Shepard in 2010, Don Factor in 2011, Jasper Walsh in 2012, John Craig in 2013, Byron Hale in 2014, Harvey Siebert in 2015 and John St. Onge in 2016. In 2009, the prize was not given, as the winner could not find a date that fit into their schedule. The tradition: On Father’s Day, Legere hosts the lucky winner and a BDN outdoors writer, and spends the day floating down a river he knows intimately. Legere has owned Maine Guide Fly Shop in nearby Greenville for 35 years, and for the last 25, he has been taking his drift boat down the East Outlet. “I’ll probably be on the water over 100 days,” Legere said. “I get up to the West Branch [of the Penobscot River] for a couple of weeks, but probably 70, 75 days, [I’m] here.” That familiarity leads to to situations like the one that unfolded on Sunday: Legere knew a fish was apt to be lurking under the roots of that cedar, and he also knew it would take an accomplished fly caster to make the necessary cast. The fish was there and Prescott was up to the task. Legere says he was the second guide in Maine to make use of a drift boat, which are popular on legendary rivers in Montana and other western states. Those flat-bottomed, stable casting platforms helped change the way Maine fly fishers fished, he said. “It was all about trolling [35 years ago]. Everyone had a boat and everyone trolled,” Legere said. “We did a little wade fishing in the rivers, and we did a lot of pond fishing, too. We had canoes all over the place … and we hiked in everyplace. Everybody pond fished. But when the drift boat came along, all that changed.” Legere said in the early days of his fly shop, the busiest day was always the first Saturday after ice-out on Moosehead Lake, when anglers from around the state would tow their boats to town and begin trolling. “They’d just kick our door down,” Legere said. But now, that’s not the case. And he doesn’t expect the trend away from trolling to change in the coming years. “It’s a generational thing, too. There’s not another generation of trollers coming along,” Legere said. “Everybody wants to be on moving water. There’s not any call for [guiding] pond fishing. There’s the green drake hatch coming up, but those guys who fish the green drake hatch don’t need me.” But fly fishers who want to float down the river on a drift boat? They’re the ones that keep Legere and the other area guides hopping when the best fishing is going on in May, June, September and October. A predictable day As this nine-hour drift began, Legere hinted that the day’s fishing might get challenging. While Prescott eventually coaxed the trout from its hiding spot, conditions soon changed drastically. Caddis flies had begun to hatch, he explained. And though fish love to eat the flies, on any given day, many different varieties of caddis could emerge as the fish’s favorite food. Some have bright green bodies. Others, olive, or brown. “At caddis time, you can only hope that the same fly works two days in a row,” Legere said. One other thing you can hope for: That you’re not on the water on the one day a year when the entire river explodes with hatching caddis. And that’s exactly what happened on Sunday. “There are two really predictable days out here. One is the first day of the Hendrickson hatch, when every fish on the river is making a glutton of himself. If you have even a facsimile of a Hendrickson and you drift it by them, he’s gonna eat it,” Legere said. “The second day is today. That is, the massive, blanket hatch of caddis when you become an observer and not really a participant,” he said. “Too much food in the water. When it starts up, there’s some activity, but it builds and builds and builds and you have a hard time [attracting a fish to an imitation fly].” In the air above the boat, caddis flies buzzed back and forth for much of the morning. On the water, the females hopped along the surface, laying eggs. And floating past the boat, the “shucks” of caddis exoskeletons littered the surface. Luckily for Prescott, Legere has seen this day — the day there’s so much natural food that it’s difficult to fool a fish — for 25 years now. And he had a backup plan. “We’re going bass fishing,” he said with a laugh, explaining that downriver, where it empties into Indian Pond, the bass wouldn’t be worrying about caddis, and would likely be willing to participate even if the trout and landlocked salmon weren’t. “I always keep some poppers in here with me, and we’ll go see if we can’t rustle up a bass,” he said, referring to the large, surface flies that bass sometimes attack with abandon. “I hate to concede to fish in the river, but I’ve seen this happen every year.” An hour later, after catching several hard-fighting bass, Prescott was OK with the decision to move on. And he was already looking forward to later this month. Before he found out that he’d won this year’s drift boat contest, Prescott had booked a trip of his own with Legere, and he was eager to spend another day on the guide’s home water. (View story and pictures at BDN's website)

BY JAMES MCCARTHY 5/25/2017 The Libra Foundation is making a significant investment in Piscataquis County, initially focusing on acquiring and developing several vacant properties in Monson. Craig Denekas, Libra’s chairman and CEO, told Mainebiz in an interview Wednesday that the private foundation has spent roughly $1 million since last fall, buying vacant properties in Monson seen as having strong potential for restoration and reuse. Additional money is being spent on renovations, many of which are already under way. Among them are the town’s former elementary school, which is being renovated into the Monson Community Center, and its shuttered general store, which has been gutted from top to bottom and will reopen this summer as a market selling locally grown foods as well as Pineland Farms beef, potato and cheese products. “We’ve been up there since November, going to town meetings and meeting with local people,” Denekas said. “This is a multifaceted project in a county that, like many areas of rural Maine, is experiencing a long-term and deep economic downturn.” He said the crux of most news stories coming out of Piscataquis County, it seemed to him and others at the foundation, is that there isn’t much that can be done about the closing of paper mills, the aging population and the brain drain of local young people leaving to find their fortunes elsewhere. “We were challenged by that,” he said. “We thought that would be the challenge we would focus on.” Denekas said Libra’s initiative is guided by extensive meetings with local leaders, including those in nearby Greenville, which launched two years ago a grassroots effort to brand the Moosehead Lake region as “America’s Crown Jewel.” “We met with town and county officials, business folks, artists, potters and artisans … a lot of really interesting people,” he said. “The folks up there are ready for action. We said, ‘Let’s do something.’” From the start, he said, Libra realized it had a ready model in the two-pronged strategy it employed in Aroostook County, where it invested more than $30 million in the Maine Winter Sports Center to create outdoor recreation and economic opportunities for hosting international nordic skiing events, as well as timely investments in the Pineland Farms Potato Co. in Mars Hill (now a division of Bob Evans Farms Inc., which purchased the company for $115 million earlier this year) and the Pineland Farms Natural Meats feedlot in Fort Fairfield. “It became clear to us that we could try to do in Piscataquis County what we did in Aroostook,” Denekas said. The foundation settled on Monson as a community with a strong and vibrant heritage as a haven for artists, with several locally owned restaurants and other opportunities to complement Greenville’s branding campaign by enhancing Monson’s downtown as a gateway to Moosehead Lake, which is about 10 miles away. Other pluses are its location on the Routes 6 and 15 corridor (connecting a popular Canadian border crossing with points south) and as the only Maine downtown through which the Appalachian Trail passes. Its investment strategy focuses on three sectors: The arts Food and agriculture Recreational, outdoor and visitor activities. Denekas said two local artists — painter Alan Bray and fine arts photographer Todd Watts — helped Libra understand the Monson region’s potential to build on its strong local artistic tradition. Besides Bray and Watts, the region has inspired acclaimed painters such as Marsden Hartley and Carl Sprinchorn and Berenice Abbott, one of the 20th Century’s most influential photographers. Libra purchased the vacant elementary school/community center with the idea of converting it into artist studios and workshop areas that could be filled by young artists inspired by the region’s natural beauty. Denekas said the foundation already is talking with Maine College of Art and the University of Southern Maine about the possibility of creating residency opportunities for art students to live and work in Monson for part of their program. The foundation’s title holding company is in the process of acquiring eight to 10 properties in the downtown corridor, with plans to renovate or replace them in order to provide high-quality modern housing on terms attractive to artists. Erik Hayward, Libra’s senior vice president, said the foundation has already begun a complete renovation of the 100-year-old Monson General Store, which had been vacant for several years. “We brought it down to the studs,” he said, noting that when renovations are completed it will reopen as a market similar to the one at the Pineland Farms complex in New Gloucester, featuring as much as possible foods grown locally in addition to the Pineland Farms products. “There are plenty of young farmers and local producers, not to mention local artisans, that we could support by making their products available in that market,” he said. “It’s right on the major thoroughfare. When it reopens it’s going to be an incredible shot in the arm for the entire downtown.” In a nod to its history, Hayward said when the market opens it will be named Monson General Store. He expects it will have 10 to 12 employees. Another component of the food and agriculture initiative — still in the early stage — involves Libra’s purchase of a fallow farm. “We will bring it back to forage production,” Hayward said, noting that the hay could be used by Pineland Farms beef operation. Long-range, Pineland Farms is exploring additional possibilities of growing its hay and forage crops in underutilized areas of Piscataquis and Penobscot Counties. The third leg of the Libra’s initiative, Denekas said, involves recreational, outdoor and visitor activities. Although in a very early planning stage, he said Libra brings to Monson its extensive experience in creating community cross country skiing and biathlon facilities in Presque Isle and Fort Kent as well as renovating downhill skiing operations in Rumford, Mars Hill and Presque Isle. Monson’s location as the southern nexus of the 100-Mile-Wilderness portion of the Appalachian Trail offers opportunities for targeted investments, by Libra or others, in improving services geared to hikers, outdoor enthusiasts and tourists. Luke Muzzy, president of the Moosehead Lake Regional Economic Development Corp., said the Libra Foundation’s emerging plans for Monson are a perfect complement to the “America’s Crown Jewel” branding effort for the region launched in spring 2015. “This has the potential of totally reinvigorating Piscataquis County,” Muzzy said of Libra’s plans. “It’s totally in harmony with our values up here. Not only will it put Monson on the map for a lot of people, I can see it benefitting what we’re trying to do in Greenville. Monson is going to be a very attractive place to our target workforce population of 25-to-30-year-olds.” Muzzy said when he was first contacted by Libra’s former president and CEO Owen Wells (who remains on the foundation’s board of trustees) he was told unequivocally that Libra’s goal was to reinvigorate Piscataquis County’s economy and create new opportunities. “Part of our challenge here is to rewrite the story,” Muzzy said. “Can you imagine how I felt when Owen said that to me? They don’t want to dream: They want to do.”

By Emily Burnham, BDN Staff Abby Freethy plunked herself down at a long, wooden table painted a bright, cheerful shade of aquamarine, in the dining room at headquarters for Northwoods Gourmet Girl in Greenville. She heaved a sigh — a satisfied sigh, not a weary one. “I feel really good. Most days I’m good. I’m really busy,” said Freethy, who launched Northwoods Gourmet Girl, her Greenville-based line of kitchen pantry items, home goods and textiles, more than a decade ago. “I think when you go for so long feeling really bad that when you start to feel good, you think, ‘Wow, I forgot what that feels like.’” Just over two years ago, Freethy, a chef and designer, was poised to take Northwoods Gourmet Girl to the next level. She’d moved into a new, much larger production facility in Greenville, she’d recently opened a retail store in downtown Belfast, she’d secured a lucrative deal with Crate & Barrel to distribute some of her food products, and a regular cooking segment on local television had raised her profile in-state. Demand for her pantry items — like blueberry jam, bourbon caramel sauce, jalapeno relish, cherry tartlet preserves and her signature charred onion ketchup — was growing steadily, alongside newer Northwoods Gourmet Girl offerings like hand-painted tea towels, cutting boards, a selection of Maine-made rustic wooden furniture, and cotton shirts and dresses. And then, in late February 2015, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. “I had no idea. I was totally blindsided. When you hear those words, everything else just falls away. It has a way of putting everything in perspective,” said Freethy, 48. “You just do not have time for things that don’t matter. You decide you are not going to do a single thing that makes you unhappy, or you don’t want to do.” Freethy’s subsequent treatment — nearly 10 months of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy — put a halt to some of that momentum. She closed the Belfast store, canceled all her upcoming food show appearances, and stopped serving food at that big table in the dining room in Greenville, where she’d been offering weekly cafe services and semi-regular farm-to-table dinners. Her employees helped her keep producing pantry items, so Freethy could focus on getting better and on taking care of her then-9-year-old son, Dustin. The wisecracking, no-nonsense, gregarious Freethy seems like a tough cookie when you meet her, but when she talks about what she went through in 2015, the emotion can’t help but well up. “It just sucked. It sucked big time,” said Freethy. “Work gets you through it, though. Work, and humor. Humor gets you through the tough parts.” Her last day of treatment was Nov. 13, 2015. The following day Freethy packed up her truck and went to the Maine Harvest Festival in Bangor, where for two days she served up a huge array of her favorite goodies, like chicken pot pie, cookies and cakes, pies, fresh lemonade, and her signature crab cake sandwiches with remoulade, selling her pantry items alongside. “I probably went a little overboard. It was my way of saying, ‘I’m back. You can’t keep me down. I finished it, and I’m not gonna die, and here I am,’” said Freethy. In the 18 months since then, Freethy has bounced back from all those setbacks in a big way. While she hasn’t yet opened a storefront somewhere to replace the one that closed in Belfast, everything else has returned: the food and trade shows, the full array of both pantry items and home goods, and, most enjoyably for Freethy, the farm-to-table dinners at the aquamarine table at the Northwoods Gourmet Girl headquarters in Greenville. The dinners, set this year for June 17, July 8 and 22 and Aug. 19, once again allow Freethy the chance to exercise her culinary muscle. Though Freethy, a Pennsylvania native, went to college for textile design. In her mid-20s she returned to school at the Culinary Institute of America and then for nearly a decade worked as a personal chef for wealthy families up and down the east coast, throwing elaborate dinner parties. When her job took her to Mount Desert Island, she fell in love with Maine, and in 2005 moved to Greenville to start the business that turned out to be Northwoods Gourmet Girl — a business that allowed her to utilize all her different passions for cooking, designing and entrepreneurship. Freethy asks diners at the farm to table dinners to trust her instinct in the kitchen. The five- or six-course prix fixe menu isn’t announced in advance, so it’s a surprise for everyone. “It’s just really satisfying to be creative, and have people all sitting together and eating really wonderful food,” said Freethy. “It’s a great vibe here, for the dinners. Everybody gets to be surprised. It’s a magical thing.” Beyond the dinners, for the past two winters Freethy has been offering skiers and snowboarders a from-scratch lunch menu at the slopeside cafe and bar at Big Squaw Mountain in Greenville. And this year, she’ll launch her latest food ventures: a Northwoods Gourmet Girl food truck, set to open in mid-June two days a week in Brewer, and a Northwoods Gourmet Girl food stall at the brand-new United Farmers Market of Maine indoor market in Belfast. “It’s an extension of what we’re doing here in Greenville. It’s a big tool to use to bring what we do to more people,” said Freethy. “Plus, I love Belfast, and I love what’s happening on the Brewer Waterfront.” The food truck, serving things like pastrami and asparagus egg rolls, chicken pot pie and those crowd-pleasing crab cake sandwiches, will be parked at Tiller & Rye and on the Brewer Waterfront throughout the summer. She’ll also be at the American Folk Festival on the Bangor Waterfront in August. The stall in Belfast will serve hot, fresh doughnuts with an array of Northwoods Gourmet Girl dipping sauces, like her blueberry green tea sauce, sea salt caramel and chocolate caramel sauces. Exact days and hours will be announced at a later date. Though Freethy is again expanding to other towns in Maine, and has made it known that she’s hell bent on “world condiment domination,” the Moosehead Lake region and, specifically, Greenville, her home for the past 13 years, is very much wrapped up in the identity of her brand. It’s also a part of her personal narrative, since the community rallied around her after her cancer diagnosis. “I’ll talk about Greenville all day long, everywhere I go. I hope my business acts as a kind of ambassador for the area,” she said. “I think the lake is just a really alluring and compelling presence, but not enough people know about it. I think it and this community are a huge part of our story. It’s a huge part of my story. I don’t think I could separate the two.” Northwoods Gourmet Girl products are available online at northwoodsgourmetgirl.com, and in stores including Tiller & Rye in Brewer, Kamp Kamp in Greenville, LeRoux Kitchen in Portland, and elsewhere. Check back with the Northwoods Gourmet Girl Facebook page for announcements about the food truck and food stall.

By Stuart Hedstrom, Piscataquis Observer • May 2, 2017 SANGERVILLE — A new $3 million facility bringing services such as radiology, phlebotomy and behavior health to the area, doubling the number of exam rooms from seven to 14 and providing for greater patient privacy opened its doors on April 25. A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital’s Northwoods Healthcare new clinic at 22 Haley Court formally dedicated the facility that afternoon. “This was a $3 million expansion and it was three years in the making,” C.A. Dean Memorial Hospital Interim President Terri Vieria said in her welcoming remarks. Funding for the project came from Eastern Maine Healthcare System capital monies, and Vieria said the new clinic was constructed on time and on budget. “I think it provides care for our patients and also is a great place to deliver care and makes care better,” Vieria said. “We have twice the number of exam rooms which reduce the time patients have to wait.” The interim president said services such as X-rays and ultrasound can now be performed in Sangerville. “You don’t have to travel somewhere to get it, you can get it right here,” she said. Vieria added that behavioral health is also a new on-site addition, as are telemedicine programs via Acadia Hospital in Bangor. “This expansion is more than just care, it is the epitome of at the right time and in the right place,” said Director of Practice Management Megan Ryder. “It’s our first day,” said Family Nurse Practitioner Shelly Roope. “There is plenty of room for our staff and I can’t wait to take advantage of our radiology room.” Roope said initial patient feedback has been very positive. “The rooms are bright and cheerful and that’s what we want, we want people to feel welcome here.” “I have been in this community all my life and I am in total awe of what C.A. Dean has brought to our community,” said Sherry French, who spoke on behalf of the area’s residents. “The important thing is our community is aging — myself included — and now I don’t have to go to Timbuktu or wherever.” “You are here to help us with all the facilities and the privacy,” French said. She said patients can come in, knowing their friends and neighbors who also are at Northwoods Healthcare. “They don’t know what you are here for unless you tell them,” French said. “I can’t thank C.A. Dean enough for thinking of their patients in a small community and thinking of the elderly,” French said just before a ribbon was cut by Vieira in the waiting room. An open house at Northwoods Healthcare is scheduled for Saturday, June 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

By Stuart Hedstrom, Piscataquis Observer • April 25, 2017 Downtown Monson is undergoing a transformation thanks to the Portland-based Libra Foundation as the non-profit organization has purchased several buildings and is in the process of replacing these structures as part of its mission of making significant contributions to worthy causes across Maine. “A plan we have been thinking about for five to six months is starting to come to fruition,” Libra Foundation CEO Craig Denekas said during an April 18 meeting of the Piscataquis County Commissioners. “We like to get involved in business because we like the jobs and benefits.” Denekas said starting last fall representatives of the Libra Foundation began spending time in the Monson area to learn more about the region. He said the foundation looks to provide its support for projects based on agriculture, public recreation and the arts. Denekas said the arts is where the Libra Foundation would like to place its focus in Monson. “We think there is great potential and we would like to invest,” he said. “We would like to make investments in real estate, such as making buildings attractive to artists. “We would like to build good, modern housing,” with this space available at little or no cost. He said the Monson Community Center was sold to the Libra Foundation after a vote at last month’s town meeting. “We thought that would make an ideal center for work and studio space,” Denekas said. “We think this is a great place to do investment,” he said. “It jumps into a project that otherwise would not happen. Artist Alan Bray of Sangerville, who grew up in Monson, said economic development based on the arts has been used elsewhere in Maine to bring new residents and business to town. “It is just exciting to see this opportunity and create this opportunity,” he said. Bray mentioned the vote at town meeting was made by a count of 79 to 4. “That says a lot to me about the excitement that’s involved in this.” He said the future art possibilities will combine with Lake Hebron and the Appalachian Trail to help make Monson a destination for visitors. “We have seen a long decline in Monson,” said former resident Glenn Poole, who is the president of the Monson Historical Society. He said the population — the count was 686 in the 2010 Census — is about half of where it was a century prior with the decline of the slate industry and the shuttering of Moosehead Manufacturing. “Seeing something like this happen is unbelievable,” Poole said. Former Town Manager Lucas Butler, who now works for the Libra Foundation, said, “We have torn down two houses with plans in the works for each of the lots.” He said the former Monson General Store has been purchased by the Libra Foundation and is being refurbished as part of the project. “As you come into Monson, most of our buildings are on the left,” Denekas said about the lake side of Route 15. “It will be 10 or 12 separate acquisitions.” “We are willing to work with you in any way possible,” County Manager Tom Lizotte said. “You look at places in Maine and the arts have really lead to a renaissance.” “With the village backing up to the shores of Hebron Lake, there is real potential there and we are glad the Libra Foundation sees the potential there,” Lizotte said. Poole said the Appalachian Trail Visitors’ Center will be relocated from the Monson Community Center to just down the street at the Monson Historical Society. “They will be open seven days a week for visitors,” he said, as hikers will continue to visiting downtown Monson before embarking on the 100-Mile Wilderness. “You will see some new buildings, but this will grow internally,” Denekas said.

By Stuart Hedstrom, Piscataquis Observer • April 18, 2017 BIG MOOSE TOWNSHIP — Located on the western side of the lake and known as the longest, continuously operated sporting camp in Maine, Wilsons on Moosehead Lake was recently recognized by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The establishment and its owners Alison and Scott Snell — who is a Master Maine Guide — were named as the organization’s 2017 Maine Jeffrey Butland Family Owned Business of the Year and the couple will be receiving the honor on May 15 at the Maine Small Business Awards in Freeport. “We were pretty excited,” Alison Snell said last week in the office at Wilsons on Moosehead Lake. “We just really feel like small businesses are so important in Maine, and are the whole reason why people come here.” Snell said she and her husband are truly honored to be the award recipients. “Visitors have come to Wilsons on Moosehead Lake since 1865 to escape their hectic lives,” she said. “We are blessed to be able to connect with them personally and help them relax the ‘Moosehead’ way. They can experience seamless wild views and our dark star filled skies at night.” “I think it’s great,” Scott Snell said, mentioning the other Maine Small Business Award recipients are located across the state with many based in southern Maine. “We have never been to any award ceremony before so we are definitely looking forward to it,” Alison Snell said, adding that their banker nominated them for the honor. Situated near the East Outlet of the Kennebec River at the Piscataquis/Somerset County line, about halfway between Greenville and Rockwood and just off of Route 15, Wilsons on Moosehead Lake began in 1865 when Henry I. Wilson returned from the Civil War to his home in Massachusetts and decided that he wanted to move north, away from the city, in search of an untroubled frontier. Wilson purchased a home on the north end of Moosehead Lake, but soon became dam operator on the East Outlet. He floated his two-story house from the north end down onto the property, which stood for nearly 140 years and was the front part of the hotel facing the lake. Wilsons became a huge draw for sportsmen from all over the country, including President Ulysses S. Grant. The inn was the center of attention, staffing guides, guests and hosting a large dining area and kitchen staff. In 2004 the hotel was deemed irreparable and control-burned to the ground. The next major figure to run the sporting camps was Alfred Wilson, with the help of his two sons Donald and Alfred J., known as Junior. While Fred and Junior Wilson were busy guiding and trapping, Don Wilson graduated from the University of Maine and then pursued an engineering career. Junior’s Wilson drowning off of Pratt’s Point in 1936 resulted in Don Wilson coming back to help run the camps. After being passed down through four generations of the Wilson family over 109 years, the camps were sold to Wayne and Shan (Shirley) Snell, who ran the camps for 19 years before their son and his wife, Scott and Alison Snell, took over in 2002. “In October we will have been here for a full 15 years,” Alison Snell said. In 2015 they celebrated the 150th anniversary of Wilsons on Moosehead Lake. The Snells’ three sons are all a part of the business. Their eldest son Colby, 20, is now a member of the guide fleet as he is a fourth generation Maine Guide “They all love hunting, fishing and the outdoors,” Alison Snell said as the family includes 15-year-old Caleb and 11-year-old Cullen. She said in the spring, summer and fall Wilsons on Moosehead Lake employs the equivalent of four to six full-time positions “and during the winter we have three to four.” Scott Snell said at its busiest the guide fleet through their East Outlet Guide & Fly Shop has five members. “I think the best part for me is enjoying watching our guests truly relax and enjoy their vacation here with us,” Alison Snell said, as Wilsons on Moosehead Lake is open year-round to allow visitors to enjoy the various recreational opportunities coinciding with the four seasons. “We are able to have so many people, we have so many people guest at the same time of year — it’s like family,” she said, as visitors can choose from accommodations ranging from one to five bedrooms. “It’s all about the guests,” Scott Snell said. “In my position I get to know them a little more,” he added about guiding visitors. “They come in here and they just love it.” “We have families that I grew up with their kids and now their kids are bringing their families,” Snell said. The Snells said guests have come from overseas, such as New Zealand, Switzerland and the Netherlands. “I guided a guy last fall who was British Special Forces,” Scott Snell said, saying another guest was the U.S. ambassador to India. “They don’t have to be from away, we have guests from Maine,” he added. “How can you beat that view?,” he said pointing out the office window to the lake with a dock jutting into the water. “Twenty miles across Moosehead Lake is Mount Katahdin. On a clear day in the winter it looks like it’s right on the lake.” “We have been steadily growing our guide business over the last several years and offer amazing adventures with a first-rate guide staff and state of the art equipment,” Alison Snell said. “Every year we upgrade cabins, the property and add more services for our guests. We are so excited about our future and look forward to building more incredible relationships and making memories with our guests. As far as our plans, just watch and see!” For more information on Wilsons on Moosehead Lake, please go to http://www.wilsonsonmooseheadlake.com.

By Karin L. Tilberg, Special to the Piscataquis Observer • April 17, 2017 The Forest Society of Maine (FSM), a land trust serving Maine’s North Woods, holds nearly 1 million acres of forestland in conservation easements. A good portion of the conservation easements we hold surround the Moosehead Lake region and extend to the north, west and east including many mountains, lakes and rivers. The conservation easements typically allow for continued sustainable forest management and the landowners, who still own the land, continue to pay taxes on the land. The public benefits from the permanently assured public access and the conservation of wildlife habitat, special natural areas, recreational assets, and scenic beauty the easements ensure. Easements are permanent and ensure stability that in turn gives confidence to communities and businesses to plan for forest management, recreational trails, permanent access for hunting, fishing, hiking, and enterprises that are geared to outdoor recreation activities. Given the extent of FSM’s easement holdings in the Moosehead Lake area, our organization has endeavored to strengthen the connections between the conservation provided by the easements and the economic benefits for businesses and communities. For the past four years, FSM’s staff has been an integral part of establishing permanent hiking trails on Weyerhaeuser (formerly Plum Creek) easement lands in collaboration with the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands, Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry, and others. Our organization also has been a leader in starting a new group, Moosehead Trails, that brings together volunteers to help care for trails in the vicinity of Moosehead Lake. This is important for safety and for improving the experience of those using the trails, since those that enjoy well-maintained trails are more likely to return. FSM is investing a significant amount of organizational energy as part of the board of the Moosehead Lake Regional Economic Development Corporation (MLREDC). The MLREDC helped sponsor Roger Brooks International and the Moosehead Branding Initiative and held some exciting Think Tank Workshops guided by consultants from Future iQ for regional planning for the Moosehead Lake region. The goal of this work is to develop a shared vision within the Moosehead Lake communities for how best to celebrate the natural beauty of the waters, forests, and mountains of Moosehead Lake, and the amazing array of cultural, recreational and natural resource-based opportunities within the region. Central objectives of the branding of Moosehead Lake as America’s Crown Jewel are to bring more year-round residents to live in the area, extend the economic season to eight months (from five months) per year, and to celebrate and steward the natural resources of Moosehead Lake that make it such an icon. The Forest Society of Maine brings its knowledge and expertise to this task with great enthusiasm. We are honored to be an integral part of an amazing enterprise that is bringing together so many people who care about the future of Moosehead Lake. Karin R. Tilberg is deputy executive director of Bangor-based Forest Society of Maine. She can be reached at karin@fsmaine.org.

The Moosehead Lake Brand Leadership Team recently held a committee meeting. The team has been busy and there are many exciting things coming this spring and summer. The downtown experience committee is excited to announce the arrival of two artisan cottages. These cottages will be placed in downtown Greenville across from the Moosehead Historical Society’s Community Center. For a minimal rental fee, crafters and artisans will be able to display their talent and offer products to consumers. A third cottage will be purchased to house public bathroom facilities. Additional information such as fees, schedules and a point of contact will be available shortly. Members of the marketing & fund development committee would like everyone to know that the annual “Appeals Letter” is in the final stages of being drafted and it will be hitting mailboxes soon. Save the date for the second Fall Family Festival which is slated to take place on Saturday, Oct. 14. If you are looking for that perfect gift, please visit the Moosehead Lake Branding Team’s official online store at Moosehead.itemorder.com. A glass and stemware collection will be available for sale in the future. Please watch for a new rack card. This rack card will encourage families and businesses to the Moosehead Lake region. When visitors arrive in Greenville, they will immediately notice the work of the wayfinding committee. Seventeen of 33 signs have already been installed from the first phase of the committee’s plan. These signs are colorful, bright and easy to read. The signs provide direction and mileage to some of the region’s most popular attractions. In addition to the 16 remaining signs on the major roadways, there are approximately 45 signs that will be placed in more remote locations to guide people to public attractions. For anyone wishing to get their business name in a prominent location in Greenville, the wayfinding committee is looking for sponsors of informational kiosks. The state of Maine recently published Maine’s official visitor guide, “Maine Invites You” and on the cover you will see the majestic Steamship Katahdin at her berth on Moosehead Lake. Please stay tuned for more updates.For anyone who would like more information regarding this article or the efforts of the Moosehead Lake Brand Leadership Team please contact info@mooseheadlakeedc.org.

By Stuart Hedstrom, Special to the BDN Posted March 10, 2017, at 8:05 p.m. GREENVILLE, Maine — Faced with a declining and aging population and a stagnant economy, many stakeholders in the Moosehead Lake region are taking action to reverse these trends. Making changes to secure a better future over the next decade-plus was the subject of the Moosehead Lake Regional Master Plan Future Think Tank held Thursday and Friday at the Bartley Facility. Think tank facilitator David Beurle, CEO of the international consulting firm Future iQ, said at the beginning of Friday’s session that the region “is spiraling toward obscurity if you don’t do anything different than what you are doing. There’s a lot at stake with what happens now.” Based on work done by more than 100 participants during Thursday’s session, Beurle presented a plausible scenario for what the region that includes the towns of Greenville, Monson and Rockwood could look like in 2030, with the goal to have a more diversified economy and a greater number of permanent and semi-permanent residents in 13 years. The future scenario features a 20-25 percent increase in the population, with 1,000 more residents — many aged 25-44 — as well as more diversity in schools, the workforce and community. All of this is based on attracting 400,000 yearly day and overnight visitors, up from 200,000 currently. Beurle said other components of the vision would be to maintain the natural and cultural characteristics of the region, have Moosehead Lake become “America’s Crown Jewel” as part of an ongoing branding initiative, and protect the unique environment of the area. “Ultimately we need to provide you with a plan you can measure,” said Jim Haguewood of Future iQ. The consulting firm is being paid with grant money. “What we are promoting to you is an asset-based approach to your economy,” he said. “There is a certain lifestyle that’s based upon experiences. We want to identify specifically what makes us unique.” Haguewood asked the approximately 75 Friday attendees — 80 percent of whom indicated they live within 25 miles of the lake — for some of the top assets across the seasons, such as being the first eco-tourism location based on Henry David Thoreau’s travels in the early 19th century, hospitality, foliage, September’s International Seaplane Fly-In and more. “How can these assets be leveraged to meet our preferred future?” he asked. “The big idea is we have a diversified product by season — that’s big idea No. 1.” Once think tank attendees identified various needs on different maps of the region, Beurle said, “Today is clearly not the end of everything,” as data from the think tank will be compiled and distributed and a regional master plan is being readied for release next month. Haguewood mentioned surveys being conducted by the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council concerning expansion of broadband internet access to the area, which he said ties into the preferred future. “Where do we see gaps, what do we currently have and what needs to be done?” he asked. Key goals outlined by stakeholders include a fully operational Squaw Mountain Ski Resort and improvements to housing and infrastructure. “Think about what would be the cascade of activity to get to where you want to be in 2030,” Beurle said. “It’s going to be very important to know where to start and how fast to move.” He asked those present to serve as ambassadors of the preferred future concept with fellow residents. He also said that the cost of the initiative was not really discussed over the day and a half. “We know that’s a real issue and it will be part of the conversation going forward,” he said. .

Moosehead Lake Region offering new trails, outdoor adventures and challenges

by Aislinn Sarnacki / Bangor Daily News The community in the Moosehead Lake Region is banding together to showcase the area’s many natural resources and make outdoor recreation more accessible to visitors. A number of collaborative projects are underway, bringing together area businesses, organizations and state agencies in an effort to improve area signage, mapping, trails and other outdoor resources for the public. “I see an arrow pointing in the positive direction for the whole region in terms of people both locally and from away getting excited about the natural resources and understanding how much there really is to explore there,” said Rex Turner, outdoor recreation planner for the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands. New trails taking shape In 2014, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands announced that construction had begun on an expanded network of trails in the Moosehead Lake Region. Three years later, this project has come a long way. Two new trails have been completed: a 3.25-mile trail that leads up and over Number Four Mountain and a 3.7-mile trail leading to Eagle Rock, a stunning outlook on the northwest peak of Big Moose Mountain. In addition, the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands has constructed two new portages on Moose River that allow paddlers to avoid whitewater sections of the river between Long Pond and Little Brassua Lake, a route that is a part of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. “We’ve got a lot of work ahead of us still, during the next couple of seasons,” Turner said, “but we’re making some good progress.” This spring, the project will move forward as Maine Conservation Corps crews extend the Number Four Mountain Trail southward, with plans to construct a trail all the way to the summit of Baker Mountain at 3,521 feet above sea level. Also scheduled for this spring is the completion of the new 6-mile Blue Ridge Hike & Bike Trail, which is located north of the Katahdin Iron Works Road, east of Greenville. Highlights of the western portion of this trail include Rum, Cranberry and Notch Ponds, which will provide remote camping and fishing opportunities. And further to the east, trail users will be rewarded with views of surrounding mountains. Summer trailheads are planned for near Rum Pond, next to Vaughn Stream as it crosses the Katahdin Iron Works Road, and near Hedgehog Pond off the Katahdin Iron Works Road. This regional nonmotorized trail development is a collaborative project between the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands and Weyerhaeuser Co. (which recently merged with Plum Creek), and several partners including the Maine Conservation Corps, Appalachian Mountain Club, Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the newly formed Moosehead Trails, a group with the mission of helping maintain walking, hiking and biking trails in the greater Moosehead Lake region. “Moosehead Trails is really focused not just on these trails but regionally as a stewardship volunteer group,” Turner said. “It’s been getting organized for a season or two, and last year, they started doing some events and offering trail volunteer opportunities.” A challenge for all seasons Among the new offerings in the Moosehead Lake Region is the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit, a hiking challenge that features six celebrated peaks in the region: Eagle Rock, Mount Kineo, Big Moose Mountain, White Cap Mountain, Borestone Mountain and Number Four Mountain. Launched last summer, the challenge is to hike all six peaks. “Most of them I didn’t even know about,” said Bradley Randall, who completed the challenge last summer with his girlfriend, Marianne Ferguson. They were both living in Orono at the time, and they learned about the challenge through social media. “For me, I’m just a really competitive person, so if you put a list in front of me, I just want to check it off and accomplish something,” said Ferguson. To participate in the challenge, both filled out an application, available at mooseheadpinnaclepursuit.com, and recorded the date of each hike, including the time they reached each peak. Once completed, they sent the application, along with a $10 entry fee, to the Moosehead Chamber of Commerce. In return, they received confirmation letters, an official Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit badge and sticker, and their names were placed on the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit online registry. “I have the sticker on my car,” Ferguson said. “And I’m putting the patch on my bag.” “For the first year, the response has been really positive,” said Dan Rinard, operations manager for Appalachian Mountain Club’s Maine Woods Initiative and one of the organizers of the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit. “At [Appalachian Mountain Club], a number of our guests have been doing it and are really excited about it, and I’ve heard through the [Moosehead Chamber of Commerce] and other local groups in Greenville that a lot of folks are doing it, a mixture of folks that live in the area and people who are coming from away. I’ve heard a number of stories about people who have extended their stay to do the whole thing on their visit.” For those looking for an additional challenge, there are three additional Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit badges to collect. The Winter Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit badge is awarded for completing the challenge in the winter (Jan. 1 through April 15); the Ultra Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit badge is awarded for completing the challenge within a continuous 48-hour period; and the Winter Ultra Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit badge will be awarded for completing the challenge within a continuous 48-hour period in the winter. Both Randall and Ferguson said that you don’t have to be an expert hiker to attempt the challenge in the summer, but that the winter and ultra badges require more experience and planning. “As long as you’re taking one hike at a time, I think it’s a good way to get out there,” said Ferguson. “You can work up to it and start with the easy ones.” She considers Whitecap Mountain to be the most difficult peak in the challenge, and Borestone Mountain and Mount Kineo the easiest. Finding your way Sometimes the hardest part of an outdoor adventure in Maine is simply finding it, especially when traveling unmarked woods roads in places such as the Moosehead Lake Region. Recognizing this problem, volunteers from the community have been working for more than a year on the Moosehead Lake Wayfinding Project, a plan to design and place attractive and clear signs in places throughout the region that will help visitors find their way to public attractions, such as hiking trailheads, boat launches, visitor information centers, public parking and motorized trailheads. Another goal of the wayfinding project is to reduce the clutter of existing signs by consolidating them and by ensuring that signs are in good condition and provide necessary information. “The wayfinding signs improves the visitor experience and results in an economic benefit when visitors stay longer and make return visits, because they perceive that there are more attractions for them to enjoy,” said a leading volunteer in the project, Sally Johnson, in a recent press release. The first phase of the project includes the southern half of Moosehead Lake, from Rockwood and Kokadjo to Greenville. The northern half of the lake will be in the next phases, as public access and road condition issues are resolved. Future plans are to complement the signage with an online mapping function on the Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corporation website. This map will match the kiosk information map, and it will enable smartphone access for Wayfinding to the destination points as well as to area businesses. Project donors include Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Piscataquis County and the state of Maine, as well as for the expertise of the consulting group Axia Creative. More Moosehead adventures Though new trails, signs and visitor resources are in store for Moosehead Lake Region, the area has been home to a wealth of outdoor venues for years. On the southeast shore of Moosehead Lake, Lily Bay State Park continues to be a prime location for families, hikers, paddlers and campers to enjoy the quiet woods and scenic lake, which at 74,890 acres is the largest lake in Maine. Established in 1961, the state park covers 925 acres and features a network of campsites, trails and boat launches. On the other side of the lake, Little Moose Public Reserved Land unit covers more than 15,000 acres and offers a more remote hiking and camping experience on the impressive ridges of Little and Big Moose mountains. Back to the west side of the lake, the Appalachian Trail runs through the 100-Mile-Wilderness; hikers flock to Gulf Hagas, a dramatic slate gorge featuring scenic waterfalls and swimming holes; and the Appalachian Mountain Club runs a 130-mile network of multi-use trails connecting three “off-the-grid” wilderness lodges. “[Appalachian Mountain Club] has been working on improving our trail system for a number of years now,” said Rinard. “One of the things we’ve been working really hard on is upgrading our ski trail networks so that they’re mountain bike friendly in the summertime. I think after this trail work season this summer, we’ll be doing a really big push for mountain biking.” For those adventurous enough to navigate the maze of gravel logging roads, public hiking trails climb Indian, Chairback, Third and Little Kineo mountains. For history buffs looking for an easy trek, there’s a historic B-52 crash site on Elephant Mountain, accessible by a short footpath. And for the ambitious, there are the steep, remote slopes of Little Spencer and Big Spencer mountains. There’s an outdoor adventure for everybody in the Maine woods, and the Moosehead community is working hard to spread the word. http://bangordailynews.com/2017/02/17/outdoors/moosehead-lake-region-offering-new-trails-outdoor-adventures-and-challenges/ printed on February 21, 2017

Premium Choice Broadband acquires Moosehead Enterprises

By Mike Lange, Eastern Gazette • February 2, 2017 BREWER – Premium Choice Broadband (PCB) of Brewer announced last week that it has completed its acquisition of Moosehead Enterprise of Greenville in a private sale. “Through the combination of PCB and Moosehead Enterprises, the leading TV broadband and telecom company in rural Maine will be creating, providing synergistic access to remote communities in the state of Maine,” according to a press release from PCB. “For PCB, acquiring a new company with complementary strengths will lead it to the next level of innovation in Maine’s media and communications industry.”   Moosehead Enterprises currently provides cable television service to Bingham, Greenville, Guilford, Jackman, Monson and Rockwood.  Moosehead Enterprises was started by Earl Richardson Sr. along with Richard and Max Folsom in 1963. Richardson also owned other businesses in Greenville including the Boom Chain Restaurant, served on numerous municipal boards and committees and in Maine Legislature for four terms. He passed away in 2007.   Richardson’s son, Earl Jr. or “E.J.” was the owner prior to last week’s sale.    Moosehead Cable had been working with PCB for some time to offer additional service of internet and phone to its customers.   The combined companies will now serve over 5,000 subscribers in six counties. The Moosehead Cable and PCB workforce are still employed and an additional person has been added to the staff.   Current PCB customers may see television service as part of the suite of services in the future, although it would require a major equipment upgrade with the Moosehead Cable system. For Moosehead Cable customers, there will now be high-speed internet service brought to additional rural areas in Maine that may not have had internet service available. Prior to the acquisition, Moosehead Cable and PCB offered cable TV, internet and phone service in Greenville and Guilford. Since the acquisition, internet coverage has expanded into Jackman and Rockwood with the Bingham and Monson area next on the expansion list.  “We couldn’t be more excited about the potential of this opportunity and additional benefits that will be offered to our clientele,” said Bill Varney, CEO of PCB. “We are joining two high-growth businesses in communities that are underserved in digital access and content services. By combining our operations, we are able to create a unique and diversified business, which will significantly enhance the user experience for our customers. This coupled with our new fiber to the home project in Surry will put us in a position to bring speeds to consumers that they want today!” The Moosehead Cable office at 3 Lakeview Street in Greenville will remain open and continue to serve as local customers’ main location. However, customers can also contact Premium Choice Broadband 735-2611.

Appalachian Mountain Club sets July opening date for Medawisla Lodge and Cabins

Staff, Piscataquis Observer • January 29, 2017 GREENVILLE — The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) is set to re-open Medawisla Lodge and Cabins July 1 following a major two-year reconstruction project. This “off the grid” destination, located on the shore of Second Roach Pond near Kokadjo, will again offer hiking, paddling, fly-fishing, wildlife watching and skiing opportunities as well as new options for mountain biking and canoe camping. Guests will find a newly built waterfront pavilion, central lodge with water views for dining and programs, as well as nine new private cabins. Medawisla Lodge and Cabins will connect to AMC’s two other Maine Wilderness Lodges, Little Lyford and Gorman Chairback, and the family-run West Branch Pond Camps, through a 130-mile trail network built and maintained by AMC. These trails are open to guests and the general public, and offer a range of lodge-to-lodge hiking, biking and skiing adventures. Reservations for the AMC’s Medawisla Lodge and Cabins are now open, and can be requested at www.outdoors.org/lodging-camping/Lodges/medawisla/index.cfm or by calling 358-5187. AMC’s Maine Wilderness Lodges are open to the general public. Guests will find a range of overnight options, from deluxe cabins with private bath to more traditional cabins with shared bath to a bunkhouse suitable for groups. A four-course dinner, breakfast and trail lunch are included in most cabin rates, with linens and hot showers available. Several cabins and one bunkhouse will include kitchens, providing a self-service option for guests who wish to prepare their own meals. Medawisla offers a week-long vacation destination, showcasing the best the Maine Woods has to offer. Guests can enjoy miles of cross-country skiing, hiking and paddling just steps from their cabin door. At the end of the day, home-cooked meals, a private cabin with screened-in porch and wood stove and, in winter, a wood-fired sauna awaits. Adventurers can use Medawisla as a starting point for overnight and multi-day paddling trips using remote campsites created by AMC’s Maine Chapter members on Second, Third, and Fourth Roach ponds and Trout Pond, waters prized by brook trout anglers. Nearby day trips include Baxter State Park, Big and Little Spencer mountains, and the new Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument. Hikers can also take on the challenge of the Moosehead Pinnacle Pursuit by climbing to the summits of six nearby mountains: Mount Kineo, White Cap, Eagle Rock, Borestone, Big Moose and Number Four mountains. Visitors to Greenville will find the Moosehead Marine Museum, where tickets may be purchased for a tour of Moosehead Lake on the historic steamship SS Katahdin. AMC lodge staff includes several Registered Maine Guides who will offer scheduled programs and custom guided trips. AMC is also partnering with local guides to offer additional outdoor experiences such as river rafting. The new Medawisla is a component of AMC’s broader Maine Woods Initiative, an innovative approach to conservation that combines outdoor recreation, resource protection, sustainable forestry, and community partnerships. To date, AMC has purchased and permanently conserved more than 75,000 acres of forest land, all open to the public; created more than 130 miles of recreational trails and opened three sporting camps to the public, established a Forest Stewardship Council-certified sustainable forestry operation that employs local forest products workers and supplies local mills, and developed partnerships with local Piscataquis County schools. More than 50 local workers, including a dozen Maine contractors, have been employed in the construction of Medawisla. “The new Medawisla was built from the ground up as a premier backcountry destination for outdoors enthusiasts who want to explore — or simply unplug and relax — here in the iconic Maine Woods,” said AMC Senior Vice President Walter Graff. “We are excited to be bringing new nature-based tourism opportunities to the region.”

My rural school’s future depends on the wilderness surrounding it

By Jim Chasse, Special to the BDN As you’re driving north on Route 15 toward Greenville, you eventually arrive at the top of Indian Hill, where Moosehead Lake comes into view. It is breathtaking. As your gaze moves away from the water, the majesty of the mountain peaks appear as a crown to the lake. The sight can calm the hardest of souls, and it’s a paradise that residents respectfully call home. As a recent Maine Focus article, “Wilderness and a way forward,” points out, population losses have fueled efforts by the Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corporation to build on the region’s history and fulfill its economic promise. Greenville Consolidated School, the public K-12 school at the foot of Moosehead Lake, has an important part to play in that work. Just as Henry David Thoreau, the writer, philosopher, adventurist and scientist, was inspired by the majesty of what is Moosehead Lake — his 1846 book “The Maine Woods”mentions Moosehead 71 times — so, too, will the school’s future success hinge upon its integration with the natural environment. The outdoor classroom for Greenville students includes nearly 1 million acres of public access land, a lake that is nearly the size of Rhode Island and a ski mountain that boasts some of the best views in New England. Also, there are six accessible mountain peaks, an Appalachian Mountain Club office, more than 100 miles of the Appalachian Trail, proximity to the Katahdin Woods and Waters National Monument, and offices for Maine Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biologists and wardens. The school is in the strategic planning process to integrate these resources into its curriculum and learning experiences, reaching K-12, college-level and adult learners. The school envisions an environmental college and is seeking a partnership to place a satellite campus on the shores of Moosehead. Such an outpost would provide experiential learning that incorporates the largest outdoor laboratory in Maine: the North Maine Woods. Local students would have access to an early college experience that embeds the area’s landscape — rich in history and natural resources — into its learning. Essentially, the aim is to attract targeted students from all over the world who seek a first-class education that integrates the liberal arts with environmental science. The school intends to add to the current summer experiences that exist in Greenville. One such effort is occurring through the performing arts. The school is currently working with the Center Theatre in Dover-Foxcroft and The Theater at Monmouth to become a host site for summer theater productions. The school wishes to open its doors and welcome locals and those who visit the lake. The school’s auditorium, built in 1935, is a site to behold and is dear to the community. The school board’s aim is to continue a strong academic tradition, while creating opportunities for students that better integrate natural resources and tourism through the study of outdoor recreation, horticulture, watershed research, wildlife biology, entomology, forest conservation, tourism and hospitality, energy and more. In 1846, Moosehead’s port of entry, Greenville, was about 10 years old with four school houses valued at $2,000. In the 1930s, during the booming years of the former Mt. Kineo House, the Louis Oakes family founded the Greenville School as well as Foxcroft Academy. Both buildings remain today and share the bond of a common founder. Academically, Greenville continues to place students at the top of academic lists. Recently, the Maine Department of Education released state assessment results. The top scores in Piscataquis County, for all subjects, came out of Greenville. In science, Greenville ranked near the top of the state’s list. This is a tribute to its students, teachers and families. While the school’s scores are impressive, for many communities, a decline in enrollment and funding beg for an entrepreneurial solution. Greenville’s school today houses about 200 students fewer than it did in 1991. Coupled with the enrollment challenge is the current state funding formula, which leaves many of Maine’s rural schools scratching their heads. The Moosehead Lake area is, as they say, “property rich but cash poor.” The lake property has a high valuation but the median income is well below the state average. Most of the lake is in unorganized territory and not subject to the property tax that funds the local school. A recent Bangor Daily News article, “The poorest Maine school districts that pay the most,” highlighted this truth using an interactive graphical tool that clearly shows less state aid to schools that are distanced from the I-95 corridor. Greenville’s local, per-student contribution of $10,764, for example, is close to the $10,881 found in the town of Wells, while Greenville’s family poverty rate is 24 percentage points higher. The Maine Focus article states that, economically, the Moosehead Lake area is “betting on the lake.” This bet has full support from the school. Indeed, there is a way of life that exists here to which it is hard to affix a price tag. Residents have grown used to covering more than 95 percent of the costs of education, an impressive commitment to the town’s children throughout difficult economic times. They express frustration about the state’s funding formula for education. The town generates millions of dollars each year in sales tax — mostly generated through local small businesses — but receives very little state aid. Currently, local officials are discussing how to resolve some problems with a gymnasium that is many, many years past its life expectancy. The last time the state released school construction funds, the school ranked 41st on the priority list. Legislators continue to discuss and debate funding for rural schools. Like the Economic Development Corporation, the school is now looking to thrive and not simply survive. Thoreau wrote, “I frequently tramped eight or ten miles through the deepest snow to keep an appointment with a beech-tree, or a yellow birch, or an old acquaintance among the pines.” There is no question that a physical-psychological-spiritual experience is part of Moosehead Lake. It brings with it a mindful wonder, a release of anxiety and the notion of being centered. It is a play land for the naturalist and can cure the strongest case of writer’s or painter’s block! The region has and will continue to have an impact on those that encounter it. Jim Chasse became superintendent of schools in Greenville last year.

Wayfinding system will help visitors and residents enjoy the Moosehead region

Staff, Piscataquis Observer • January 23, 2017 GREENVILLE — The Moosehead Brand Leadership Team and Moosehead Lake Region Economic Development Corporation have announced the installation of phase one of the Moosehead Lake Wayfinding Project. For more than a year, volunteers have been working on the design and rollout of this high priority item in Roger Brooks Branding Action Plan. The purpose of the project is to put attractive and meaningful signs in places that will help visitors find their way to public attractions including hiking trailheads, boat launches, visitor information, public parking, motorized trailheads, etc. Another goal is to reduce the clutter of existing signs over time, by consolidating them and by ensuring that signs are in good condition and actually provide necessary information. Sally Johnson, who has been leading the volunteer effort, spoke to the importance of this initiative and noted “the wayfinding signs improves the visitor experience, and results in an economic benefit when visitors stay longer and make return visits, because they perceive that there are more attractions for them to enjoy.” She expressed appreciation for the hard work of Brand Leadership Team volunteers, support from donors such as the Elmina B. Sewall Foundation, Piscataquis County and the State of Maine as well as for the expertise of the consulting group Axia Creative. The first phase of wayfinding includes the southern half of Moosehead Lake, from Rockwood and Kokadjo to Greenville. The northern half of the lake will be in the next phases, as public access and road condition issues are resolved. Future plans are to complement the wayfinding signage with an online mapping function on the Moosehead Lake Economic Development Corp website. This map will match the kiosk information map, and will enable smartphone access for wayfinding to the destination points as well as to area businesses.

Eight Maine hospitals named to 2016 'top hospital' list

BY STAFF The Leapfrog Group announced this week that eight Maine hospitals have been named to its 2016 top hospital list, which honors the highest performers on the group's survey. The winning facilities were officially recognized at Leapfrog's annual meeting on Dec. 6 in Washington, D.C. Seven Maine hospitals were recognized in the top rural hospital category: LincolnHealth, a member of MaineHealth, with a 25-bed community hospital in Damariscotta and an urgent care and outpatient campus in Boothbay Harbor. Mayo Regional Hospital, a 25-bed hospital in Dover-Foxcroft that serves residents in Piscataquis, Penobscot and Somerset counties. Stephens Memorial Hospital, a member of MaineHealth, with a 25-bed hospital in Norway. Bridgton Hospital, a member of the Central Maine Medical family, with a 25-bed hospital in Bridgton. Charles A. Dean Memorial Hospital, a member of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, with a 25-bed hospital located in Greenville. Pen Bay Medical Center, a member of MaineHealth, in Rockport, with 99 acute beds and 84 long-term beds, according to the Maine Hospital Association. Sebasticook Valley Health, a member of Eastern Maine Healthcare Systems, with a 25-bed hospital in Pittsfield. Maine had a higher percentage of top rural hospitals than any other state in the country, earning seven of the 21 top designations given out nationwide. The final Maine hospital, St. Mary's Regional Medical Center, a 233-bed acute-care facility in Lewiston, was recognized in the top general hospital category. St. Mary's is a member of Covenant Health in Massachusetts. The top hospital award is given to teaching, general, rural and children's hospitals that publicly report their performance through the Leapfrog Hospital Survey and meet the high standards defined in the Top Hospitals Methodology. This includes infection rates, maternity care and a hospital's ability to prevent medication errors. Nationwide, nine hospitals are recognized as top children's hospitals, 56 as top general hospitals, 29 as top teaching hospitals and 21 as top rural hospitals in Leapfrog Group's 2016 top hospitals list. "We are extremely proud of our state's performance on Leapfrog's hospital survey," said Michael DeLorenzo, CEO of the Maine Health Management Coalition, who presented the awards in Washington D.C. "Not only did eight of our hospitals achieve top-performer status, but we were also the only state in the country to achieve 100% participation in the survey, which we have done for the last nine years. We know that making safety, quality of care, and transparency a priority leads to positive change, so we are very proud of Maine's hospitals' commitment to this important initiative." The Maine Health Management Coalition is a nonprofit located in Topsham with 60-plus members that include public and private purchasers, hospitals, health plans, and providers working together to measure and report health care value. The MHMC helps employers and their employees use this information to make informed decisions. Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is a national nonprofit organization driving a movement for giant leaps forward in the quality and safety of American health care.

​Betting on the Lake

By Matthew Stone, Bangor Daily News Maine Focus Reporter The first people to settle the region around Moosehead Lake didn’t even come because of the sprawling body of water that covers 120-square miles. They came for the woods. And the work they did — clearing land, farming, setting up sawmills — set the stage for a lumbering tradition that powered more than a century of growth. Today, however, Greenville has a population almost 20 percent smaller than at its 1960 peak. Its school enrolls 40 percent fewer students than in 1999. Without significant effort, the town — and the area around it — will continue to decline. But Greenville is one of the few places in the rural reaches of the state that has a chance of stopping its downward trajectory. That’s because residents — mostly members of local businesses — are devoting years of their lives to changing the region’s projected fate. They’re betting on the lake…...........

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AMC taps Moosehead region contractors to build new Medawisla Lodge

BY JAMES MCCARTHY, MAINEBIZ KOKADJO — The Appalachian Mountain Club reports that more than 50 local workers, including a dozen Maine contractors, have been employed in the construction of its new lodge and cabins on Second Roach Pond near Kokadjo. Located at the confluence of Second Roach Pond and the Roach River, seven miles from Kokadjo and northeast of Greenville, Medawisla Lodge and Cabins is set to open next summer. It is one of three wilderness lodges operated by AMC and open to use by the public. The project includes nine new cabins, two bunkhouses, a waterfront pavilion and a new lodge that has a wood-fired sauna for winter use, according to AMC’s progress report on the project. The new lodge is off the grid and will be powered by a photovoltaic system. It also features composting toilets and extensive insulation. AMC identified the following contractors as being involved in the project: • General contractor: E.W. Littlefield & Sons Inc., of Hartland. • Building subcontractors: Belmont Construction of Greenville, Snowman’s Construction of St. Albans and CB Mason of Greenville. • Other contractors: Trafton Plumbing & Heating of Pittsfield, Malatesta Machine & Welding of Sangerville, Kodiak Steel Company of Clinton, O’Donald’s Concrete of Newburg, Leone Concrete of Newport, Haley Concrete of Sangerville, Quality Insulation of Yarmouth, Kimball Masonry of St. Albans and East Road Electric of Greenville. • Main building materials supplier: Hammond Lumber of Belgrade. • Engineering services: S.W. Cole Engineering of Bangor. • Dining room furnishings, crafted in Maine from locally sourced wood, were purchased from Maine Made Furniture Co. in Rumford. Woodstoves in guest cabins were manufactured in Gorham by Jotul North America and purchased from Rocky’s Stove Shoppe in Augusta. Maine Woods Initiative: $22 million impact since 2003 The Medawisla Lodge and Cabins project is part of AMC’s Maine Woods Initiative, an ambitious strategy for land conservation in the 100-Mile Wilderness region that combines outdoor recreation, resource protection, sustainable forestry and community partnerships. An economic impact report prepared by David Vail, Adams-Catlin professor of economics emeritus at Bowdoin College, that was released earlier this year showed the AMC ‘s spending in the Moosehead Lake and 100-Mile Wilderness region has contributed nearly $16 million to the Piscataquis County economy and $22 million to the Maine economy since its Maine Woods Initiative was launched in 2003. To date, through its Maine Woods Initiative, AMC has purchased and permanently conserved 70,000 acres of forest land, all open to the public; created more than 130 miles of recreational trails and opened three sporting camps to the public; established a Forest Stewardship Council-certified sustainable forestry operation that employs local forest products workers and supplies local mills, and developed partnerships with local Piscataquis County schools. “AMC’s significant investment throughout Piscataquis County in the renovation of existing buildings, construction of new lodges, land acquisitions, and commitment to hiring local residents has helped the county experience an increase in employment as well as recreationally based tourism,” said Christopher Winstead, executive director of the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council, in a statement accompanying AMC’s progress report on the Medawisla project. Winstead said adventure-based tourism and outdoor recreation are two of the “greatest opportunities for economic growth within Piscataquis County” and credited AMC’s investments in the region with helping visitors “make a deeper connection to the wonders our woods, waters and trails hold.”