Last visit!

May came to a close with a visit to Union #47. This includes the towns of West Bath, Phippsburg, Woolwich, Arrowsic and Georgetown. Earlier in the year I had come to do the Year 1 work with the district, but with the impending merger with the Bath School Department, there was motivation to get the work done and be ready to move forward. Despite the many changes looming, the district has continued to stay focused on the great work they are doing.

No pictures for this trip....it had a feeling of sadness to it. As much as I love this work, my heart is ready to go back to Westbrook and to continue my work with the wonderful people I have the pleasure to work with. This visit triggered many memories of where I started my teaching career and commitment to students with disabilities (Brunswick..1975!)

As I have driven up and down Rte 1 since my start in Brunswick, I often think about a particular student, Lori ,who lived right on the Brunswick/West Bath town line along the New Meadows River. Lori had a degenerative condition that put her in a wheelchair while she was in my classroom. Watching her older sister, Rosie, with the same condition deteriorate in front of her eyes, Lori and I spent much time talking about life as she struggled with coming to terms with what was to happen to her.

On my last morning in Union #47, with some free time on my hands, I decided to do what I had entertained for years....to see if Lori's family still lived on the New Meadows.

Amazingly I knew it as soon as I passed it and quickly turned around and headed down the long driveway. I couldn't help but think, what a crazy thing this was to do.......30+years later, who knew whose house I was intruding upon, but something told me it was the right thing to do.

The ramp was still on the house to accommodate the wheelchair access. An unfamiliar man answered the door and when I explained that I was looking for Lori's mom, a petite woman peeked around the corner. Tears came to my eyes as I explained who I was, and Lori's mom reached out for a hug as she responded, "Of course I remember you!" Lo and behold, the man who answered the door was a beloved school bus driver who was now suffering with emphysema, who also remembered me! The 3 of us chatted, reminisced, shared memories and pictures as we discussed vignettes from the past. Roy(the bus driver) was excited to hear that I have been married to Alan, a passenger on his bus many years ago!

Lori passed away a couple of years ago. I was able to catch up with her life activities after I knew her, and most importantly was able to share with her mother what a profound impact she had on me as I started my career in education. After hugs all around, I headed back to business in West Bath.

I can't think of a better way to end this year of the DE.......

Back to Ellsworth

It is ironic that my first overnight trip we stayed in Ellsworth to do the training in Stonington-Deer Isle and here I am again for my last overnight. This time I am heading up a 3 day Year 2 review in the Ellsworth Schools. It is easy to think of Ellsworth as just the Rte 1 strip that is full of traffic lights, fast food restaurants and shopping plazas, but when I parked my car and started walking I found inklings of what was a great little town:


Hopeful signs that new energy is going into the town to bring it back some of the architectural details of the past.....


Look up, look up! It is always surprising what you can see!


Still showing movies!



A great city hall tucked a block off Rte 1


As I headed south, I reflected on the great travels I have had this year and the wonderful opportunities to see things I never would have seen otherwise.....one more visit a short distance from home, and the year is quickly coming to a close......

Where's Dedham?

I was so surprised when I pulled up Mapquest to find out where Dedham, ME is! It is one of those places I have driven through many, many times en route to Bar Harbor. Between Bangor and Ellsworth, one tends to focus more on the busy road than the town signs. After having made reservations in Bangor for my visit, I was thrilled to see that the Lucerne Inn is right smack in the middle of Dedham, so with a quick change of plans here is were I arrived for my 2 night stay:

The room was wonderful! With my very own fireplace I was able to make the space quite cozy in the evening---very conducive to reviewing my presentation for the following day!

I

This was the view from my window--more spectacular in real life......

Dedhman School is a sweet building tucked up on a rise to separate it from the busy road. I spent a day with the Special Education Director (also director in Brewer) and 3 teachers reviewing their Year One work ahead.

My drive will never be quite the same when I travel to Bar Harbor!

Calais in March

Heading to Calais, once I got on Route 9/The Airline, the towns fall away, the cars disappear, the trucks appear in groups of 3 and 4 barrelling down the highway(one lane north/one lane south) and vistas quickly open up. As miles goes by, every once in a while the woods open up to views such as this.

Turning onto Main Street, it quickly appears that things haven't changed a lot since the last time I was in Calais 6 years ago....many empty storefronts and builidngs. Apparently the population has dropped by about 50% in the last couple of decades.....

Important to look more closely as there is some quintessiential architecture up and down Main Street. This house for sale has beautiful fields that abut the river.

It is easy to imagine Calais as a booming, thriving community. Below is the town library, with a lovely addition that looks out on the St. Croix River.

Here is a view looking across the river to St. Stephen. The brick building is the home of Ganooch Chocolate, which of course, we visited. Unfortunately I forgot my camera when we went across the border so I don't have any pictures from the other side!

Eagles roost on the pilings.

On the way to dinner, we caught a glance of this barn behind a farm house.....it was definitely worth a u-turn to get a picture! These are coyotes hanging in a line.....just like laundry on a clothesline!

What a great team! We worked hard and laughed hard! When we arrived at this restaurant on the Airline, there were gasps from the backseat---could this really be the place so highly recommended?? We couldn't resist capturing th Budweiser sign in the background!

Once inside the gasps quickly turned to ooohs and aaahs as we were presented with a gourmet menu and lovely atmosphere. The owner/chef was so welcoming, putting us in a private room where we could truly enjoy ourselves! A wonderful carrot soup with spicy ginger was followed by many different ymmy choices ranging from fish to lasagna and everything in between.

After 2 days in the Calais schools, the team headed for home and I stayed to meet with the Maine Indian Education. Their offices are located in the Maine Heritage Museum building which is housed in the totally refurbished railroad station, right along the river. The Visitors Center is also here, with beautiful views along the St. Croix River and wifi to boot---who could ask for anything more??

A lovely tranquil space with wonderful artwork reflecting the richness of the area.

Leaving at the end of the day, I was promised a visit to the reservations if I return next year----if I can be so lucky!

Another new adventure!

So, a couple of weeks ago, when I called the State Fleet to reserve a car for my trip to Calais, it suddenly occurred to me that perhaps I could request a certain car---why not expand this learning experience as well? When I requested a Prius the response was, "well, certainly, if we have one available" and lo and behold they did! As the last week of March was coming upon me, I must admit I have been looking forward to the driving experience as well as the trip.

Monday noon, I headed down to the fleet to get the car and prepare for the transfer of all my materials from one car to the other. As always, the staff at the Fleet office were cordial and helpful, gave me the keys and wished me a good trip. As I entered the parking lot matching up the license plate numbers with the tag I had been given, I realized that I had been given the usual black rectangular mechanism that controls locking/unlocking doors but nothing else.

Thank goodness, at my age, I am able to quickly admit that I need help and admitted to the attendant I was stumped. He laughed, shared that he too was stumped the first time he was given the key, and proceeded to give me a tutorial on driving the Prius. For anyone who hasn't yet had this opportunity, the black rectangular mechanism slides into a slot on the dashboard, one then pushes the start button. Similarly, to stop the car, one presses the parking button and the start button and all goes quiet. The drive and reverse controls are on a little toggle shift which again is found on the dash.

Again, another experience to add to this great year! After the first couple of starts/stops, the lingering concern initially about what I was going to do if I either couldn't get the car to start or stop(!) I had a great time!

Calais, here I come!

Jonesport

The inn.....

Harbor House on Sawyer Square

The first floor is an antique shop (closed in the winter) the owners live on the second floor

The room.....

The 3rd floor attic has been converted into 2 B&B rooms with their own bathrooms and common space to share a refrigerator, microwave and phone. Wireless throughout!

Snuggly warm and cozy even on a frosty February night.

The view.....

to the right

straight ahead....
to the left.....

from the parking area


And the breakfast, which arrived of course, on a silver platter to be transferred to the table so to be able to eat and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the land and sea

fit for a queen!

Heading Downeast...

Off to Jonesport tomorrow for a training on Thursday. Made reservations at one of the two B&Bs in town, and when making the reservation, after many hesitations, was encouraged to pick up dinner in Ellsworth since there will probably be nothing else open between there and Jonesport. The owner assured me that NOTHING would be open there! Administrators meeting will consist of 4 people--superintendent/principal, 2 teacher leaders and 1/2 time special education administrator; teacher training will be 2 part time teachers, part time special educator and speech clinician.....greatly looking forward to it! Will post more soon!

Madrid-Phillips-Avon-Strong

Ever since Susan Koob, Special Services Director in MSAD 58, and I scheduled the training for February 4, she warned me that if there was a snow day, we would just bump it to the next day. My first thought was, since I had given her the option of scheduling it anytime between October and the end of May, there must be a reason why I am heading to the mountains in February….

On the afternoon of the 3rd, I picked up my ‘state car’ a deep blue Neon, popped in my CD—Richard Russo “Sighing Bridge” and headed northwest. The sky opened up and the sun was shining making the snow in the treetops and mountains glisten. Belgrade is asleep at this time of year. Farmington continues to be a small college town, not appearing to have changed much in the 30 years since the last time I drove through.

Climbing, climbing into the mountains ...............

I knew I was getting near....!

I came to Madrid, pronounced Ma’ drid.

Madrid is a little dot on the map, en route from Farmington to Rangeley. As Route 4 winds through the mountains, following the river, several little towns and villages come and go. These include Strong, Phillips, Avon and Madrid. Each is barely marked by more that a town sign announcing where you are. Huge lumbering trucks rumble by on their way to the wood mills, the pickup truck is the mode of transportation, often passing so quickly it is hard to identify the model, and fairly new to the road are the Poland Spring trucks transporting water.

Madrid is an unorganized territory. Several years ago with only 176 residents and several children with extensive needs, the town could no longer afford to raise the money needed through taxes to run the town and pay for their children’s education. About 5 years ago they petitioned the state to become an unorganized territory. This means that the State of Maine now manages the town. There is no town hall, no selectmen, no local police, and no school. Students go to school in Phillips and are overseen by a superintendent and special education director housed in Augusta who are solely responsible for the Unorganized Territories of the State. Interestingly, Ginni reports that within a year of this happening, their road was paved for the first time! Voting takes place in Phillips with a special voting box set aside for Madrid residents.

A turn off the main road, over 2 one lane bridges and about 5 miles along a mountain ridge and I arrived at the Star Barn B&B. Ginni greeted me with warm oatmeal cookies and a full tour of the house, encouraging me to feel comfortable throughout.

We headed to her newly renovated barn where she teaches Yoga classes several times a week. Soon we were joined by 5 other people; and facing a large window, looking out over the fields, valleys and more mountains we traveled through 1 ½ hours of yoga transcending to wonderful quiet and stillness. Ginni trained in yoga when she came to Maine and is now teaching 7 classes each week in Farmington, Rangeley and here in the barn. A tour of the renovated barn, about 95% complete, revealed it being transformed into individual sleeping rooms, each with its own bath and woodstove, full dining and sitting rooms and of course yoga studio. Ginni is planning on this becoming the main b&b accommodations with 2 overflow rooms available in the main house. She has great ideas for the space being used by individuals, for retreats, and other small gatherings. Anyone up for a yoga/retreat weekend??

During a bowl of chili that she kindly invited me to join her she further explained the history of the property, which includes a family cemetery across the road, a family church just down the road a bit and a maple house that is used each spring to process the sap from the trees on the property.

As I retreated to my room for the evening, the view from my bedroom mesmerized me. Further conversation brought to light the pond seen from my room, that she and her husband created in what was a very damp area---probably a pond previously….and the moose and turkeys that visit on a regular basis which I haven’t seen yet.

Tuesday morning arrived with a call that school was canceled and a look out the window divulged tiny snow flakes falling ever so thickly. I now knew there was a reason for bringing my reading, knitting and laptop! Breakfast was hot, black, strong coffee, fresh warm scones straight from the oven and fresh fruit. As I sat at the lace covered dining room table with lit candles in the chandelier, I thought this was ‘meant to be’ right from the start!

A day of reading, reflecting and watching the snow fall. The stillness and tranquility are hard to explain. Ginni and I chatted occasionally but for the most part enjoyed to solitude that a snowy day brings. Her generosity in offering lunch and dinner were welcomed. We laughed about how every traveler brings a new experience with circumstances that are never anticipated.

I took advantage of a break in the snow in the afternoon, cleared the car off in anticipation of tomorrow and headed down the road for a walk. At 3 in the afternoon the only tracks were those of the plow that had gone by once earlier in the day. Around the corner and down the hill, the family church came into view with the syrup house close by. I was overwhelmed by the beauty and serenity. It is truly a spectacular place.

David, Ginni’s husband, returned from work with pizza and salad for all of us. As head of the Northstar ambulance service that covers 2800 square miles, and both of them actively involved in local community activities, we had much to talk about regarding the state of the state, the challenges of a rural area, and the politics of the county. It is so refreshing to cross paths somewhat arbitrarily, with honest, good people.

Wednesday brought light snow, but not enough to cancel school. On my way back to Rte 4, I knew I was about to re-enter the other reality. Did my meeting with the Administrators at the Phillips Schooland then with the special education staff.

Here we are in the Avon Community Center, decorated with Valentine's goodies

It continues to amaze me how whereever I go, no matter what the challenges are, special educators professional and committed, wanting to do the best for the children they serve.

Can you tell I am having fun?

I love doing this work!

Heading out after an energizing day, I enjoyed the glistening trees and snow covered roads....looking forward to a family dinner at 555----Emma soon to head back to Scotland.

Rockport to Belfast!

This is the note we left on my car at Lisa's parents house so that we could travel together to Rockport/Belfast. Her parents are in Florida so it seemed like a great idea!

Surprise, surprise, when we arrived back at the motel after dinner there was a note for Lisa to call home---the ever watchful retired neighbor across the street called the Police, concerned that someone was robbing the house. After doing a background check on my liscence plates (came out clean, phew!) and a search of the property by Lisa's brother and sister, the note was found on the dashboard.

Nobody got mad, and we all got a good laugh! Our trips are never uneventful!




This is the breakfast I pack to take with me when I am just not sure what the options are going to be.


On this particular morning, it was great to have it with me, as we stopped at an Irving/Dunkin Donuts for coffee....not alot of other good choices! I think of it as my european breakfast--cheese, rice cakes, banana and tangelo. With a large cup of coffee, it hits the spot!

This is our team working hard in Belfast completing the final review of records so that they can be 'closed' out. Anna on the left, is of course, our leader! Dorothy (l) and Lisa(r) are my two compatriates.

Couple of trips, no pics

Thought I should do a quick entry even though I have no pictures to peruse. In the past 2 weeks I have done technical training days in SAD 57 (Waterboro) and Gorham. Both bigger staffs than I have worked with before---50+; but as in the past, great experiences. When I heard that one teacher from Gorham was so energized by the training that she went home and talked about it with her family, I thought, "Well there! One can even make state forms fun!"

Have been busy in the office working on follow up reports that have fixed timelines.

Today we are off to Rockport for the night for a day visit in Belfast tomorrow. Look forward to sharing my travels!

A Quick Trip to Hall-Dale

Another attempt at the ice fishing shacks on the Kennebec. Unfortunately, my camera just doesn't capture the sense of the winter fishing community.















A glorious day to be traveling beside the Kennebec River, heading to Hallowell!
















Hall-Dale represents the 2 communities of Hallowell and Farmingdale, making for a small school community, consisting of 1 school at each level. This is the Elementary School, which is brand new and sits on a hill overlooking the hills/valleys. The next time you are on your way to Augusta look to your right just south of the Augusta exit and you will see the back of the building. For months, I have been wondering just what this building was!

Today I met with the Administrative group and worked with the special education staff as part of their Phase One training.




Yeah Slates!
I didn't realize that while the renovations are going on with the building, Slates bakery has continued to be open, is serving great soups and sandwiches; and of course, a wide sampling of pastries and goodies. There are even places to sit to eat.

Don't make the mistake of bypassing Hallowell thinking that they're not open!



Not a great picture but hopefully reflects some of the wonderful buildings in Hallowell. Even in winter, the Kennebec provides a great backdrop to the town.

Despite being the middle of the day, Hallowell feels like a vibrant community. I will make a point of stopping by on my way home some day when the snow is gone to further explore the many shops.......

January thaw

Look closely and you can see the ice fishing shacks on the Kennebec....

The Superintendent's Office for Union #132, serving Jefferson, Whitefield and Chlesea....located in Windsor. Superintendent and Assistant Superintendent located on the second floor, Admin staff, conference rooom and Alternative School for high school students on the first floor.

Morning fog in the morning.....