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March 23rd & 24th 2024 welcomes “Maine Maple Sunday Weekend ™” to Sugar houses across Maine. The Maine Maple Producers Association members begin their season as soon as the first drop of sap drips from any sugar maple tree in their sugar bush. All hands are on deck when “The Boil Begins.” Maple Season is a collaboration between mother nature and the hard working Mainers who put their lives on hold for about two months every spring. Producing that sweet, rich, Maple syrup that stays on taste buds year round. The first few drops are sure to say,“Spring in Maine has Arrived!” The process begins in mid-winter as sugarmakers venture into their sugarbush with their dogs and family members in tow. Together they cut hundreds of cords of wood, assemble miles of tubing and taps that will collect the running sap come warmer temps. This tradition has been passed down from many generations. Many sugar makers, large and small, rely on family and friends to make the syrup each spring. The Bacon Farm is the 6th working generation of sugarmakers. They've been making Maple syrup for 143 years in Sidney Maine. Each family has their own special traditions. Kevin and Shelley's son Nathan lights the first fire and tastes the first syrup coming out of the evaporator. Paul and Sherry Wilson gather their family and give the honors to one of their children to tap the first tree of the season. John and Lisa Lee planted 12 sugar maples to stand guard over their Sugar house the year they moved to their Jefferson home. Today, only one remains that honors Lee's Maple sugaring journey all these years. Doug and Gail Tibbetts host an Easter Egg Hunt every year. Martin Woods had pony and sleigh rides and served ice cream with Maple syrup on top. Blais Maple makes maple cream and maple taffy to hand out to his guests. You will find individual activities and treats at each Sugarhouse. So plan to visit several over the 2 day festival. It is fun for the whole family! This year as the “Tradition Continues” Maine Maple syrup producers yearn to see the steam from the sugarhouse evaporator streaking skyward as the sweet maple aroma announces that the “Maine Maple Season” is in full swing. This year, “What About Maine?” is joining the festivities. Together with Raiders Sugarhouse, Wilson Family Maple Syrup, Black Owl Maple Products, and Bacon Farm Maple Products, the Martin Family Farm and Blais - are all giving us a Quart of maple syrup to be used as prizes in our March 2024 issue. To enter, go to our website “WhatAboutMaine.com” and answer a couple of questions, give us your info and enjoy the March 2024 issue of “What About Maine?,” while you wait for the 41st Maine Maple Sunday Weekend on March 23-24th. Adventures await your whole family!

“Have a Sweet Day!” is a salutation and philosophy at Incense and Peppermint Candy & Gifts. Owners Malcolm Porter and David Spinney-Porter sweetly welcome every person who enters their iconic retro candy shop located at 48 Main Street in downtown Waterville. Malcolm and David wear the classic white dress shirt, red suspenders and bowtie, black slacks, and shopkeeper’s apron to highlight the traditional role candy makers have played while keeping our perpetual sweet tooth happy. You will be transported into a time gone by with candy themed tunes that fill the shop on the lower end of Main Street. Don’t be surprised if you see Malcolm dressed like Willy Wonka behind the counter shouting out a quick, “Welcome to Incense and Peppermints!” You might also find “Peppermint Patty,” portrayed by Sheila Carver, in the shop. She is their spokesmodel and features the “candy of the day” on their Facebook page and social media. Malcolm is a “Certified Chocolatier,” making an assortment of custom chocolate creations. Recently he made a 9lb truffle for a private event. They make “Fresh Made Fudge” in store multiple times a week. Customer favorites include peanut butter fudge, chocolate peanut butter, orange-cream swirl, chocolate mint, penuche, and even divinity upon occasion. They usually have up to 14 varieties of fudge daily. Enjoy one of the largest selections of “Jelly Belly” jelly beans in the state with 72 different flavors. Jars of old fashioned loose “penny candies” are available. Try their freeze dried candy made in-house with many flavors to choose from. Life Savers and other assorted hard candies along with your favorite candy bars will bring your taste buds back to your childhood. Easter is one of Incense and Peppermints’ favorite holidays and they are already stocked up with all of your favorite traditional candies to fill your Easter baskets. Choices include Peeps, chocolate bunnies, Choco-Chicks – hand dipped Chocolate Peeps, and Dyno-Surprise Eggs. Try their malted and chocolate eggs, fudge eggs, and Madeleine’s solid chocolate bunnies in milk-dark & white chocolate. The store has introduced local door dash deliveries. Mail orders are shipped daily across Maine and throughout the US. For those wishing to stop by in person there is plenty of parking on Main Street and in the concourse. Malcolm and David hint that they have future surprises in the works to keep you coming back and sharing their love of everything sweet. That sincere wish to “Have a Sweet Day!” will send you on your way to enjoy your day a little sweeter. Incense and Peppermints is open Monday–Thursday 9:15AM–6Pm, Friday–Saturday 9:15AM–8PM, and Sunday 11AM–4PM at 48 Main Street, Waterville. For more info, call (207) 860-0318, email info@enchantedstores.com, or visit www.IncenseAndPeppermints.com. 

Joe’s Flat Iron Caf​​é is downtown Skowhegan’s newest coffee spot. Inside the old Paper Clip venue, at 65 Water Street, you will be greeted by friendly staff as you are welcomed into the calming environment. Joe Almand, an eight-year veteran firefighter and paramedic at the Skowhegan Fire Department, needed a challenge after a serious injury in 2022. This life-changing accident left him questioning what he could do to continue serving the community he loved so much. After some research, he decided a local café was the way to go. He negotiated the space and then the real work began. Eight months of hard work for Joe and his crew led to the revitalization of this downtown staple. Joe’s Flat Iron Café opened on July 23rd, 2023. Joe chose an eclectic and casual decor for the space. The walls are a relaxing “Revel Blue” by Sherwin Williams. The denim-like color washes you with calm vibes as you are quickly greeted with a polite, “hello!” Joe’s offers comfortable seating and quiet spaces to talk. Perfect for groups and friends to meet and share a cup of coffee or tea, a breakfast pastry or sandwich, and catch up with one another. No matter whether you are an early morning or middle of the day patron, Joe and his staff: Mel, Allison, Ella & Britney will be ready to bring you a relaxing moment in your day. Joe’s is the perfect space to work remotely. A quiet setting with strong wifi that allows customers to grab a coffee for their online meeting. The day I visited a young woman was silently working with her earbuds in, at a back table. This smart, independent, 20 something, professional, Sikwani Dana, was happily attending a zoom meeting. She works for “Niweskok” a non-profit company designing educational content about the Wabanaki community. She enjoys the friendly atmosphere that Joe’s offers. Joe promotes local Maine companies such as “Coffee By Design” out of Portland and “Carrabassett Coffee” who offer specialty blends from Kingfield, as well as many others. Joe hasn’t forgotten about his devout tea drinkers; and serves an equally impressive local line-up from the “Bar Harbor Tea Company.” Flavors can be served up hot or cold. Future plans for Joe’s Flat Iron Café include growing his menu with more soups, including Taco Tuesdays, and offering new desserts. Follow along with Joe’s Flat Iron Café on Facebook to see their continued growth. Don’t forget to join in on their “Counter Challenge!” Where businesses across the area have been posting their counter standing photos. When you find yourself on Water Street in downtown Skowhegan, take a moment to treat yourself to a freshly brewed coffee or tea and a smiling face ready to bring “Joe’s Joy” into your day!  Open Monday–Saturday 6am–6pm, Closed Sunday 207-474-6468 • joesflatironcafe@gmail.com • www.joesflatironcafe.com

A mere one-and-a-half-hour drive from Waterville, Maine filled with beautiful mountain views, rocky riverbeds, and beautiful small towns will lead you to The Looney Moose Café. Nestled around Flagstaff Lake, Stratton Brook, Sugarloaf Ski Resort, and parts of the Appalachian Trail it is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat. Whether you are sight-seeing or partaking in activities like skiing, sledding, biking, boating, or hiking this place has something to offer everyone. LoveFood.com recently named the Looney Moose Café as the “Best Mom and Pop Restaurant” in the state of Maine. After visiting it is easy to see why. This homey café has much to offer. With a four-page long breakfast menu and another four pages full of lunch options it is hard not to find something for everyone. The menu is filled with quips that will be sure to catch a smile and even a laugh. The story on the back of the menu is what will really capture the attention of customers while they await their delicious food. In 2019, owner Bob White and his wife, Kellyann sold their house in China and moved to Eustis. After a few months they learned the café was listed for sale and decided to fulfill their life-long dream of owning a restaurant as the two had previously met in 1988 while working at one in New Jersey. As for their promise the Looney Moose Café aims to use the highest quality ingredients to create delicious dishes at an affordable price. Fresh-baked breakfast pastries include donuts, muffins, cinnamon rolls, and croissants. The Bull Moose Breakfast includes 2 pancakes or French toast, 2 eggs made your way, home fries, and bacon, ham, or sausage. Stopping by for lunch? The fresh ground beef burgers will be sure to curb your appetite. The Looney Moose Burger is a delicacy; topped with pepperoni, bacon, provolone, lettuce, tomato, and garlic pepper sauce it is no wonder why it is their most popular burger on the menu. The generous serving sizes of all dishes will leave you filled while the flavorful and creative options will leave you yearning for seconds! Bob says the customers are the best thing about owning a small café like the Looney Moose. From daily interactions with tourists, a long-standing relationship with locals, or meeting a first timer each interaction is equally important to him. His favorite thing is when customers dare to try something new each time. When asked if he would do it all again, he excitedly said, “Yes, I’d just do a lot sooner in life!” Whether you choose to swing by to fill up before or after a day of activities or decide to take a quick trip to this beautiful region, the Looney Moose Café has something for you and your loved ones! If you stop in, let them know you heard about them from What About Maine? 

December 16, 2023 was the day to honor our veterans in National Veterans Cemeteries around the world. Wreaths Across America workers, volunteers, veterans, boy scouts, civil air patrol, veterans organizations, and everyday citizens got up early to lay wreaths. Most braved the cold to make their way to Arlington and other veterans’ cemeteries to honor those who have kept America safe. I must admit that while doing this story, I was really looking forward to seeing this process in action. Our team met early that cold Saturday morning to make our way to Augusta’s Maine Veterans Memorial Cemetery. We arrived at about 10:15 and followed other vehicles making their way to the top of the hill where the monuments stood silently and the flags waved briskly in the cold wind. Boxes of wreaths were being distributed to different areas of the cemetery ready to be laid. An 11:00 am service was ready to begin. Several hundred Mainers stood silently waiting for the American flag to be presented and the pledge of allegiance to be recited. A “godwink” moment accrued. Suddenly, we all looked up. Just above our heads was a stunning Bald Eagle gliding silently over the hilltop. It was breathtaking and gone all too soon. The crowd let out a collective sigh. The perfect patriotic moment to begin the service. After the program was concluded, the crowd fanned out to begin honoring those resting here. My nephew, Scott, who is a veteran, and his wife,Tina, whose parents, Joseph and Inga Bourgoin rest here, participated for the first time. Joseph was a WWII and Korean War veteran and prisoner of war survivor. Tina got to place wreaths on their graves and say their names. It was very moving! We will be highlighting her parents’ story in the future. We were handed several wreaths and began our mission to honor our soldiers. It didn’t take long for each section to be decorated. A rewarding adventure to honor those who gave so much! The laying of the wreaths that everyone worked so hard to make and transport really completed “Wreaths Across America‘s” mission to: Remember, Honor, and Teach a reality. Thank you to Karen, Renee, Amber and all of the staff and volunteers who helped our What About Maine? staff feel welcomed and gave us access to the stories so many were willing to share. It may have been our first experience, but surely won’t be our last. We are very grateful for this experience! Telling the “Maine Journey!” is what we are all about. We feel blessed to tell just a few of the many stories. We gathered a lot of content and will be highlighting some of these personal journeys in the months to come. We will also profile some of them on our Facebook page as well. Please check our site for new entries. Our thanks to all those who made this What About Maine? journey possible! 

At 91 years old, Nancy Willey works as a Museum Tour Guide at the Wreaths Across America Museum in Columbia Falls, Maine. She has held this position for nearly ten years, after she was asked by the Worcster family. Nancy had previously taught Karen and Morril while they were in high school and later homeschooled their two youngest daughters. After the girls had graduated Karen and Morril thought she would be great working in the museum. “I came here because most of my friends had passed away. I was always an active person in the community and this was an excellent place to keep contributing and giving back.” Nancy has previously joined the convoy to Arlington National Cemetery to lay wreaths, and while she no longer participates in that leg of the journey she is an active member of the Maine portion of Wreaths Across America. Nancy takes part in many events with Wreaths Across America such as banquets, special programming, and of course daily tours for visitors and Gold Star Families. When asked about what she wants Mainer’s to know she replied with a smile and tear in her eye, “I think, if possible, any Mainer who can come to Columbia Falls to the museum should come and find out about true stories of service members and their families, and how we got our start.” Nancy said, “I have a lot of families who come through here. I ask each kid if they salute the flag. Most do. Some don’t. It bothers me. That flag means so much. It’s for those who have served and the lives that were lost fighting for that flag… I think more kids today should know that is what it represents.” Nancy can be found giving tours at the Wreaths Across America Museum at: 4 Point Street, Columbia Falls, Maine 04623 most days of the week. She will greet you at the door and offer you a tour with a smile on her face. The stories she shares and the passion she has will fill your heart and bring a tear to your eye as well. If you don’t believe me, just take a day trip to visit her and her co-workers. –ST —————————— Ed Farnsworth of Ellsworth was seen standing against one of two fire trucks with ladders extended, each holding one side of the American flag as it swayed in the morning air. He was at the Ellsworth YMCA the first morning of the convoy. This is his 13th year supporting the Wreaths Across America. Ed says that he keeps coming back each year because, “it’s a worthwhile cause with a lot of tradition. This is a special event. Most people are lucky if they see it once or twice. The amount of support keeps growing over the years. It’s impressive to see how many [national and local] companies donate their trucks, drivers, time, money, and supplies to make this work.” Ed added that having this organization based in the state of Maine is “impressive,” and shows the rest of the nation just how much we listen to the voices of our veterans. –ST —————————— Michael Deede, 51 of Texas was seen standing with a group of fellow truck drivers at the Ellsworth YMCA. Michael was chosen 8 years ago by his company to take part in the Wreaths Across America convoy. He keeps coming back each year noting, “It’s an honor to participate.” Michaels favorite part of the convoy is, “everyone coming out and supporting us.” He notes that the travel to Maine each year is, “an experience… everyone along the way and everyone up here is friendly.” Something that could be said about himself as he was the first of the truck drivers to volunteer for an interview. Michael’s grandfather served in the Air Force for 40 years, making his ties to this mission even stronger. Michael says the one thing he wants to leave with readers is, “to never forget.” Something that he didn’t expand upon, because it simply doesn’t need to be. –ST —————————— Bob Beske of Castine, Maine was a first year participant in the Wreaths Across America Convoy. Bob had been watching the convoy for several years and wanted to do a ride in the trucks as he had never been in a semi before and thought it would be fun. This year while getting his car fixed he had seen a Wreaths Across America vehicle in the shop and told the workers about how much he wanted to take part in the trek. The shop passed along his name and contact information and a little while later he heard back. He was going to be able to take part in the first portion of the Convoy with Truck Driver Seth Ennis of Indiana. Together they will ride from Columbia Falls to Belfast, Maine making a few stops along the way and admiring the lines of local residents who sit at the ends of their driveways waving flags and beeping their horns as the convoy passes. Bob and his wife were asked if they would be willing to volunteer as tour guides at the museum and agreed. He says, “it was a good experience, there were so many generous and grateful people and so many tears too.” He noted that one of things he plans to share with others about his experience is how great it can be to “just step up and volunteer.” Being a Maine resident he says, “it really makes you proud. This is a great industry and there seems to be a lot involved [in it].” Bob jokingly said, “I’ve rode in the truck but I haven’t been allowed to drive the truck yet!” When asked if he would ever go for his CDL in order to take part in the full convoy he said, “I’m very retired so no CDL is in my future… The tour job is just enough for me!” Although it was his first year, Bob plans to keep active stating, “the people, the drivers, everything, it’s all so wonderful.” –ST —————————— Two year Navy Veteran, Seth Ennis of Indiana is in his 3rd year of driving truck for the Wreaths Across America. Seth is one of 50 or so veterans in his family and takes this job as one of his most serious deliveries of the year. Seth’s friend had previously volunteered as a truck driver with Wreaths Across America and had reached out to tell him about the experience. Seth said from the moment he heard about the mission he knew it was something he wanted to partake in. For a few years Seth tried to get involved, some of his experiences with the Convoy happened during the Pandemic. Seth was worried he wouldn’t be able to participate this year as sickness had hit his house and he and his family were faced with other struggles. He said, “this experience means so much to me, that it would take an act of God to stop me from coming here.” A sentiment that could be said the same about how he was able to participate this year. The folks of Wreaths Across America reached out to support him and ensure that he was able to take part in this year’s convoy. When asked about today’s events Seth said, “You don’t find comradery with stranger’s like this anywhere else. When we are here, we aren’t strangers, we’re friends you just haven’t met yet. It really adds a whole other layer to our service history.” As an out-of-stater Seth described his 1,350 mile journey to Maine as, “an experience… I make excuses to come back to the state all year round. The patriotism here is unmatched.” Seth brings home a case of wreaths each year for the headstones of his family members who have passed. He notes that Wreaths Across America doesn’t yet stop in his hometown. He visits the cemeteries often, and has the opportunity to lay a Maine Made wreath on his family’s graves while saying their names out loud, not once but twice, because he is a strong believer in someone dying twice; once when they pass away, and again when their name is spoken for the last time. “Do whatever you can to get involved. Once you are bitten by the Wreaths Across America bug you won’t be able to stop.” –ST

The weekend of December 8–10, 2023 marked the gathering in the little town of Columbia Falls, Maine – a town that brings Christmas cheer and fresh balsam wreaths to families and veterans cemeteries across the country. The What About Maine staff had the opportunity to interview participating members of the convoy heading south to Arlington. We attended a dinner at Narraguagus High School in Harrington, a send-off event to honor all those involved, especially the truckers! Truckers had been working for over a month delivering Wreaths Across America, most of whom would be in the 68 vehicle convoy to Arlington. Before dinner was served all of the drivers lined up and waited their turn to say their names and towns they live in, the companies they work for, their military affiliations and where they had delivered loads of wreaths. It was an amazing experience to hear the diversity of all involved. Our crew spent the night in Ellsworth, assuring we would be ready to interview as many folks as possible at the convoy’s first stop at the YMCA in downtown Ellsworth. The day actually began before dawn when the Worcester family, staff and board members had a wreath presentation at the West Quoddy Head Light in Lubec at first light. Then off to the Canadian border crossing to exchange ceremonial wreaths with their Canadian counterparts, and back to Columbia Falls for the kickoff of the convoy. Mainers lined the roadsides with their families in tow to honk and wave them on their way. In Ellsworth, the sounds of sirens foretold the coming of the convoy. Main Street was lined with well-wishers. Some had been there every year and others were enjoying their first experience. We were able to capture some of their stories. After a program in the YMCA, they moved on to Belfast, Gardiner, and ended their day in Portland. Monday, after a stop in York, Gold Star Families, military, police and security team, bus loads of volunteers, staff and all the wreath-filled trucks crossed the Sarah Mildred Long Bridge. They left Maine behind but carried with them the hopes and prayers of all Mainers to represent us by Remembering, Honoring and Teaching everyone the power of laying a wreath.