Welcome to OUR TOWNS

Special Supplement • Morning Sentinel Thursday, May 16, 2019 Outdoor recreation Tranten family keeps program for all ages full-service grocery in soon to be a reality in business for decades Skowhegan Offers meats from local farmers BY VALERIE TUCKER “Our growth and success BY MAIN STREET SKOWHEGAN local stakeholders, the program is designed Correspondent Special to What’s Up Downtown to get Skowhegan residents of all ages active comes from decisions made outdoors and engaged with nature. owntown Farmington has a thriving busi- right here in Franklin County.” ain Street Skowhegan has been In addition to scheduling and executing ness district and Tranten’s full-service awarded grant funding from the outdoor recreation programming – from nature Dgrocery store sits conveniently on Main DONALD TRANTEN MMaine Commission for Community walks to paddling expeditions and mountain Street, a short walk from the University of Maine Service and the Corporation for National & bike training – the outdoor recreation coaches at Farmington and area shops and businesses. Community Service. The funds will be used to will recruit local volunteers who will help sustain “We offer a great selection of competitive- enroll three full-time AmeriCorps members as the program for years to come. ly-priced produce, meats, baked goods and deli outdoor recreation coaches for a three-year The coaches also will establish a gear library items in a fraction of the space of a grocery store period beginning this spring. so residents can borrow outdoor recreation chain,” said Donald Tranten. Under Main Street’s guidance, the outdoor equipment such as kayaks, snowshoes, skis, A family owned and operated business, Trant- recreation coaches will spearhead implemen- and bikes free of charge. en’s carries a wide variety of quality-brand prod- tation of the Skowhegan AmeriCorps Outdoor Main Street is currently working to fill the out- ucts, but they offer their own specialty creations Recreation Program. Developed in collabora- door recreation coach positions. Learn more at that have become customer favorites. tion with the Outdoor Sport Institute and other runofriver.org/outdoor-recreation-coaches. “People love our fresh-baked World Famous Bacon, Egg & Cheese ,” Donald Tranten said. New Skowhegan event to offer Tranten’s offers freshly-cut pork and beef from local farmers. The daily homemade delicates- sen offerings include a variety of fresh salads, local experiences , soups and products made right in the store. Main Street Skowhegan is teaming up with “If we don’t stock something a customer wants the Wesserunsett Arts Council and the Maine today, we can typically find that item and make it Grain Alliance on a new event, AgriCulture, available for those who ask,” Tranten said. Photo contributed that will take place Saturday, June 15 in In the Wine Alley section of the store, custom- Tranten’s Store on 180 Main Street in Skowhegan. ers will find an affordable, but sophisticated Farmington offers a full deli counter, a wide Capitalizing on Somerset County’s agricul- selection of wines. The store also stocks a selection of locally-raised beef and pork, tural bounty and ultra-local food products, large assortment of beverages, including the fresh produce and baked goods and a so- AgriCulture will feature local food experi- locally-owned and freshly-roasted Carrabassett phisticated selection of wines. The store is ences, demonstrations and workshops. The Coffee brand. Each spring, summer and fall, the open seven days a week. Weekday hours event will culminate with a festival in down- store always is stocked with local produce. Fresh are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday hours are town Skowhegan that will include samples lettuce, beet greens, tomatoes, strawberries and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday hours are 9 from local food vendors, music and a cash corn provide a one-stop destination for local- a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, or for bar with local beer and wine. ly-grown products. weekly sales flyers, coupons and specials, There will be numerous opportunities for at- “We offer lots of great money-saving buys in visit trantens.com or call 778-2202. tendees to learn more about where products our weekly sales flier,” Tranten said. “We post come from through first-hand experiences. the flyers online, so customers can plan their More details will be available soon at grocery list before they head out the door.” community projects, including support for the agriculturemaine.org. Tranten’s owners pride themselves on its annual Kingfield Pops concert each summer. superb customer service and its friendly and Donald Tranten has served as past chairman of Karen Segler photo knowledgeable staff who make the shopping the planning committee, and the family provides Local handcrafted cheese will be one of experience as enjoyable and convenient as financial support. Neal Tranten has served for the features of the new AgriCulture event this year. possible. many years on the board of the Franklin County “Our growth and success comes from Children’s Task Force. decisions made right here in Franklin County,” Clay Tranten said his grandparents, Harold Donald Tranten said. “We reinvest our earnings and Mary Tranten, first opened their business in and time in the local communities we serve.” The family has been very involved with More TRANTEN, PAGE 4 Franklin County announces events May 20 Franklin County is a unique blend of sophis- RANGELEY RUKABI RACE ticated culture and laid-back charm amidst Rangeley RuKaBi Race - 12 noon - 2 p.m. natural beauty. Have you ever wanted to stroll Run 3.5 miles, Kayak 1.5 miles and Bike 3.5 down a vibrant downtown area while visiting miles. FMI: Call 207-864-5571 or 207-864- local galleries, unique shops and eateries and 3055 within the same mile be able to walk down beautiful trails within miles of tranquil forest? May 31 Anonymous $31,000 donated to How about hike a glacial rock formation and LIVERMORE FALLS HISTORY NIGHT ride a train on a track that’s more than a hun- CRUISE-IN Skowhegan’s Run of River Project dred years old, all within the same day? With Downtown Livermore Falls Live band music our many pristine lakes and breathtaking from 5 to 8 p.m. Tractor rides by Jason & An anonymous donor recently gave U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Maine Depart- mountains, it’s not hard to explore or discover Richard Gibbs. Art in the the Park. Plant sale $31,000 for the Run of River Whitewater ment of Environmental Protection and U.S. your favorite outdoor experience. by Treat Memorial Library. The Paper and Recreation Area, a proposed whitewater Fish and Wildlife Service. Total permitting Heritage Museum open 4 to 8 p.m. Condi- park and expanded trails network that will costs are expected to be $180,000. The While in Franklin County stop by one of the tions pending, we may have train rides at the be located in and around the Kennebec committee has submitted several grant ap- events below. museum, food vendors, and more! River Gorge in downtown Skowhegan. plications to raise the remaining $149,000 The donation brings the total raised for and hopes to apply for permits this summer. UPCOMING EVENTS: June 1 Run of River in the last nine months to The committee is planning for construction May 18 LITERACY VOLUNTEERS ANNUAL BOOK $124,000. This includes a $25,000 grant of the whitewater park – three whitewater ANNUAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND SALE & LITERACY FESTIVAL from the Quimby Family Foundation, a features for playboating (where the paddler GOLF TOURNAMENT Festival starts at 9 a.m. at the Farming- $25,000 matching gift from a Maine Com- performs various technical moves in one Held at Turner Highlands, 10 Highland Ave ton Elk’s Lodge, 120 School Street, West munity Foundation Donor Advised Fund, place), surfing and tubing; access trails; in Turner, the Jay-Livermore-Livermore Falls Farmington. Celebrate family literacy and find $40,000 from the Somerset County Tax and terraced seating – during the summer Chamber of Commerce hosts this 18-hole golf some great books at the Literacy Volunteers Increment Financing Community Benefits of 2021. This timing will coincide with the scramble tournament to raise funds for schol- amazing annual book sale! Fund and $3,000 raised via Skowhegan installation of a fish passage apparatus at arships awarded to RSU 73 students. FMI: Sit in on an origami lesson, watch shadow River Fest event proceeds. upriver Weston Dam and ensure low water www.jay-livermore-lf.org or 207-500-2464. puppet theater and a magic show, listen to a “We’re so grateful to the donor for this levels for construction in the gorge. read-aloud, or visit the animals in Fred and amazing gift,” said Kristina Cannon, Run Total funds raised for the $5.3 million May 19 Matilda’s Petting Zoo. of River Committee member and Main whitewater park now exceed $1.56 million. SUGARLOAF MARATHON Lots of great food, $2 raffle tickets on Satur- Street Skowhegan executive director. “We In addition to pursuing grant funding, the Eustis Maine’s oldest continuously running day for bikes, games, and movie tickets. can’t thank them enough for believing in committee is gearing up for a major fund- Marathon is an official qualifier for the Boston All proceeds benefit Literacy Volunteers of Skowhegan, this project and the vision for raising campaign to help raise the addition- Marathon, a notably fast course known for Franklin and Somerset Counties. community transformation through outdoor al $3.7 million. PRs, and a strict limit of 2,000 participants, Book donations will be accepted at the Elk’s recreation.” For more information, please see runof- registration will sell out quickly. FMI: www. Lodge Tuesday, May 28 through Thursday, The committee will use the donation to river.org or contact Kristina Cannon at sugarloaf.com/events-calendar/sugarloaf- May 30 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m., please no ency- help cover costs of required permits from [email protected] or call marathon clopedias or textbooks. state and federal agencies, including the 612-2571. 2 Thursday, May 16, 2019 ______Advertising Supplement • Morning Sentinel

Harmony Osteopathic & Acupuncture opens its doors

BY VALERIE TUCKER Correspondent “I am open-minded with my approach tarting a solo practice is always an ex- citing challenge for any physician. After to patients.” Photo contributed Stwo decades of training and experience, DR. GAIL LAMB, D.O. Whittemore Real Estate in Skowhegan is celebrating its 50th year of doing business in Dr. Gail Lamb, D. O., decided to create a heal- central Maine. Pictured above, Van Ames (seated) - Owner/Broker. From left: Bonny ing space that would offer patients a wide Redmond - Broker, Kily Hilton - Associate Broker, Mickella Laney - Sales Agent, Jim range of medical skills. ily Medicine Institute in Augusta and the LeClair - Sales Agent, Jennifer Ames - Real Estate Assistant , Garrett Quinn – Associate In December, she opened the door to Maine-Dartmouth Family Practice in Wa- Broker, Christopher Perkins, - Owner/Broker, Katie Quinn – Sales Agent, Amanda Taylor – Harmony Osteopathic & Acupuncture clinic in terville. Hospital rotations are at the North Associate Broker, Chad O’Brien – Associate Broker. Skowhegan and welcomed visitors to her April open house. Augusta MaineGeneral Medical Center site. “I chose to study medicine, because I The osteopathic curriculum at the University wanted to help people,” Lamb said. “I knew of New England College of Osteopathic Med- Whittemore’s Real Estate I wanted to help improve patients’ quality of icine in Biddeford included the structure and their lives.” function of the nervous system; the develop- Osteopathic manipulative medicine often ment and evolution of neural and behavioral is used to treat muscle pain, but it can also systems and interactions among physiology, enjoys a 50-year history help provide relief for patients with asthma, behavior, environment and genetics. This education formed the foundation for clinical BY VALERIE TUCKER sinus disorders, carpal tunnel syndrome and tions intimidating for any Ames values the time he practice and residency-specific training at Correspondent customer, Perkins said. spends with family and com- migraines. In many cases, it can be used to complement other care and may help reduce Maine-Dartmouth. “Buying a house is one of munity. His leadership roles Lamb completed an additional residency/ ne half century ago, the need for medications, procedures and the more stressful things that have included past president fellowship in Neuromusculoskeletal Med- local businessman surgery. Lamb makes suggestions to her anyone can do in life,” he of the Skowhegan Jaycees icine and Osteopathic Manipulative Medi- OAlton Whittemore said. “We create a welcoming and the Northern Kennebec patients, and she encourages them to partici- cine (NMMOMM) at Eastern Maine Medical opened his real estate office pate in the healing process. and relaxing place for our Valley Board of Realtors. He Center. She is certified by the American Board in Skowhegan. A young Van “I am open-minded with my approach to clients where they can ask is an active member of the of Family Medicine, the American Osteopathic Ames started working for patients,” she said. “I welcome their thoughts all the questions they want Maine Retriever Trial Club Board of NMMOMM and the American Board Whittemore and his wife and questions.” without feeling pressured.” and also is a 40-year veteran of Medical Acupuncture. Loretta and, in 1977, he Lamb offers injections for trigger points, Ames said successful judge for the American Ken- “With years of experience in outpatient purchased the business from bursa and joints, but she also offers the real estate agents have to nel Club Field Trials. clinics and hospitals, including caring for them. Christopher Perkins healing therapy of acupuncture, an ancient master many skills to guide Perkins also is active in emergency room patients, I am ready to wel- joined Ames as co-owner in healing art used in Asia for centuries to treat clients smoothly through the the community and is past come patients for evaluation and treatment 1990. Today, with their team many conditions and relieve pain. It’s now paperwork and interactions president of several groups, in my clinic,” Lamb said. She also said that of professional agents, they more common in the United States to ease with lawyers, appraisers including the Redington her newly-renovated building from the 1800s continue to promote the everything from low back pain to nerve pain. and bankers involved in the Fairview Hospital board of has room for additional practitioners to share same high standards that Patients may find relief from shingles, rashes, process. Trusted and expe- directors, the Skowhegan space to compliment her healing practice. made the company strong rienced employees behind Rotary Club and the Down- headaches, fibromyalgia and menstrual since its very beginning. the scenes can make all the town Business Club. He also cramps. “For at least three gen- difference. Many Whitte- hosts Community Access Lamb earned her Bachelor of Arts from the erations, our company has more’s Real Estate agents Channel 11’s monthly Now University of Maine at Farmington, a Master FOR MORE INFORMATION been an integral part of the and employees have been You Know program, which of Acupuncture from the New England School growth and success of the with the company for many airs several times a week. of Acupuncture and a Doctor of Osteopathy Harmony Osteopathic & Acupuncture region,” Ames said. “One of years. For more information about from the University of New England College 20 North Avenue Skowhegan my favorite parts of this job is “We are a great place to Whittemore’s Real Estate, of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed her 612-5500 or getting to meet and work with work, and I think our custom- visit whittemoresrealestate. specialty training with the Maine-Dartmouth [email protected] the children and grandchil- ers appreciate that,” he said. com or call (207) 474-3303. Family Medicine Residency. Its program has www.HarmonyOsteopathic.com dren of the folks we sold a two clinical primary care sites: the Fam- home or camp to many years ago.” THE Services include buying and A GREAT EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY selling of single- and mul- BANKERY ti-residential homes, water- DOESN’T HAVE TO BE FAR FROM HOME... front, land and commercial & With KVCC’s over 30 programs to choose from properties. Ames said many S k o w h e g a n F l e u r i S t e – isn’t time you got a JUMPSTART on your degree? of his customers contact him and Formalwear when they start looking for a Wedding Cakes - Groom’s Cakes Take some time this summer to complete some vacation or retirement home. Fresh Flowers - Tuxedos - Invitations “Whether folks are passion- STATEWIDE DELIVERY of your courses, instead of waiting until Fall. 87-93 Water Street - Skowhegan ate about boating, fishing, 207-474-2253 SF 207-474-6256 If you are home for a couple of months, this skiing, hiking, ATVing or WWW.THEBANKERY.COM is a great use of your time. Credits are also snowmobiling, we can find a transferable to a four-year degree - saving you piece of property that works valuable time, and money. for them,” he said. No day is the same in the With KVCC’s online courses, plus two campuses real estate business. An es- in Fairfield and Hinckley and a satellite location pecially memorable and un- in Augusta, at the Buker Community Center – we expected opportunity came can meet your needs, wherever you might live. along when Ames helped a Give us a call and get started today! 92-year-old man buy his first home. “He was a little concerned that he wouldn’t be able to get financing, but I found a lender willing to give him a loan.” Ames recalled. Prior to their careers in real Now Offering Non-Ethanol Gas! estate, Ames was working as To Heat or Cool and Propane, Too! a carpenter and Perkins was with MetLife and the Skowhe- Locally-Owned and gan Insurance Agency. They agree that real estate has Operated Since 1981 gotten a lot more complicat- MADISON • 696-3040 ed since they started. Today’s complex purchase and sale agreements, multi-page Heating Oil • Propane • Kerosene • Diesel • Gasoline disclosures and detailed 24-Hour Repair Service • Complete Heating Installations financing requirements can Air Conditioning Sales and Service make real estate transac- www.bobscashfuel.com KVCC has: Over 30 academic programs The lowest tuition in the State of Maine 2019 Two campuses with state-of-the-art facilities Visit www.hight100.com to view dealer history. Transfer opportunities to 4-year colleges/universities Chevrolet - Buick - GMC Academic excellence and Madison Ave. - Skowhegan • 474-3371 student support Wilton Road - Farmington 866-728-7909 Ask us about our Summer Scholarships! *see site Ford for details. Madison Ave. - Skowhegan 474-3334

WWW.KVCC.ME.EDU Dodge - Chrysler - Jeep Route 201 - Madison 474-7171 Come See What We’re All About! Since 1911 [email protected] One Family Name For more information, please call NOW WITH 4 LOCATIONS Enrollment Services at 453-5822 (KVCC) Advertising Supplement • Morning Sentinel Thursday, May 16, 2019 3

Make bread, break bread at the annual Skowhegan Conference

BY KATE CONE flint corn they used in their Correspondent homeland. Because of the generosity uly in Skowhegan— of members of the Alliance, after a long hiatus Photo contributed who donated an antique Ambition Brewing in downtown Wilton offers Mug Club Jsince the jelly-judging corn-sheller and a gravity membership levels with varying costs and perks. Owners of last year’s agricultural table, the Somali Bantu Josh Michaud and Jeff Chaisson also hold regular mug fair— Skowhegan State have stepped up production, drawings, discounts on growlers, bi-weekly Mug Club Fair grounds comes back allowing them to use what nights, and Ambition T-shirts, pint glasses and stickers to to life. It’s wicked hot, but they need for their personal take home. no one cares. The smell of consumption, and to sell bread wafts through some. Lynne Rowe, owner the summer air, along with of Tortilleria Pachanga in pizza, , tortillas, focaccia, Portland, uses some of this baguettes and croissants. heirloom corn to make her Partners take Put on your cook’s apron. It’s tortillas. time for the annual Skowhe- Numerous past attendees gan Kneading Conference, of the Conference have passion public celebrating its 13th year. opened their own , Converging on the grounds prompting the Alliance to now and inside its kitchens, class- sponsor a two-day workshop with Ambition rooms and under tents will (separate from the Kneading be bakers, millers, maltsters Contributed photo Conference) that teaches and brewers, farmers, chefs Blair Marvin brings on the bread. and coaches participants on Brewing in Wilton and the curious and eager every aspect of owning one’s workshop attendees. Get own bakery—from financing BY VALERIE TUCKER own recipe to create a special ready for all things grain. to the actual baking. Correspondent brew,” Chaisson said. “We keep Professional bakers mingle Check the website for all them in the loop throughout the with serious beginners. All bagels. Not enough time in pledge, they aim to give farm- the details and register early. decade ago, friends process, and when it’s ready for are welcome. The energy is the day. ers and growers around the It can sell out. This event can Josh Michaud and Jeff consumption, we invite them to palpable. In addition to hands-on state a solid feeling for future be life-changing. This writer AChaisson partnered to bring everyone to celebrate.” Somerset County was once baking workshops (roll up demand so they can invest in became acquainted with launch Expenet Technologies in For those unfamiliar with a prolific producer of grains, your sleeves), there are the equipment and storage bread after giving Wilton. They had enough suc- growlers, these small jugs are wheat production alone several do-it-yourself classes required for a higher yield. up on ever getting it right 40 cess to add a Farmington store. one of the best benefits of small feeding over 100,000 people and demonstrations that one This is one of many exam- years before. Two days of Then, they decided they needed batch brewing, according to annually until the middle would be hard-pressed to ples of how the Kneading intensive classes with pas- to do more than just sell, install, Chaisson. to late 1800s. Enter the find anywhere else. Conference has influenced sionate bakers, millers and repair and service computers “Customers can bring home railroad and other factors of Stu Silverstein will lead action, food justice and the brewers, among many oth- and other digital equipment. their beer in a growler straight the times. Exit grain-growing attendees in a two-day increase of new grain econo- ers, leaves a lasting imprint— Having long shared a passion from our brewery,” he said. to the Midwest. workshop making their own mies in the state, according four sourdough starters are for brewing beer and testing “There’s something special Enter interested people backyard that are low- to Maine Grain Alliance Exec- lurking in her refrigerator. the results on their friends and about that first taste of a beer who believed it was essential cost, fully-insulated and ideal utive Director Tristan Noyes. family, they decided to take that you could never find in a to bring back that grain pro- for baking bread or pizza. On “The Alliance has support- their hobby public, launching store cooler.” duction to Somerset County day two, they’ll cook in their ed people who have allowed Ambition Brewing at 295 Main The partners offer customers and the entire state of newly-constructed . Talk local grain economies to KNEADING Street in downtown Wilton. Their at least 10 brew choices and Maine. Maine Grain Alliance about instant gratification. thrive,” Noyes said. “Bread, CONFERENCE offerings include ales, lagers, they continue to experiment was born. Like beer? Jason Perkins, beer, distilling and whole July 25 - 26 porters and stouts. They serve with recipe variations, including There’s more, and all the head brewer for Allagash berries used as farro — the Skowhegan State the standard crowd pleasers their Derivation Series, which people responsible too Brewing Company in human consumption has Fairgrounds but leave plenty of room for features English traditional numerous to mention here. Portland, will walk people quintupled.” 33 Constitution Avenue the nontraditional sours and beers. But the Kneading Conference through the process of brew- The Somali Bantu Commu- Skowhegan specialty brews. Chaisson provided a quick tu- is their mission statement ing, on a much smaller scale nity Association in Lewiston BREAD FAIR: They offer Mug Club mem- torial on some of the similarities brought to life for two days than Allagash. It’s a primer helps refugees from Somalia SATURDAY, JULY 27 bership levels, with varying and differences. every year. for getting started on home by providing vital transition- 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. costs and perks. Members get All beers, no matter how Each year, farmers, millers, brewing with one of the most al services, advocacy and Skowhegan State their own mugs, which hold 33 famous or obscure, start with bakers, maltsters, research- highly-respected brewers programming that empowers Fairgrounds percent more beer. There also a basic combination of water, ers, and grain enthusiasts in the world, and another members of the refugee 33 Constitution Ave- are mug drawings, discounts on malts, hops and . gather from around the illustration of how Maine community. Liberation Farms nue, Skowhegan growlers, bi-weekly Mug Club Ales are made with a world gather for two days of Grain Alliance and the Con- provides these new American Free! Everyone is nights, and Ambition T-shirts, top-fermenting yeast at room intensive baking workshops, ference’s participants hold farmers access to cultural- invited. pint glasses and stickers to take temperatures and they have a wood-fired oven building dear the production and use ly-appropriate resources for Family-friendly. home. For $500 annually, the fruitier and spicier flavor than workshops, and discussions of local grains. Allagash has the means of sustainable Parking: $5 top tier Legendary Mug Club lagers. They are sold as pale about grain growing and pledged to buy one million food production for them- Vendors: More membership offers a person- ales, India pale ales, amber running grain businesses. pounds of Maine-grown grain selves, their families and than 60 vendors alized brew day with Chaisson ales, porters and stouts. Lagers’ Attendees choose from by 2021. their communities. There, and Michaud. bottom-fermenting works hands-on workshops, live By making this concrete they are growing the type of “Members can bring their best in cooler temperatures, demonstrations, lectures, which emphasize the hops panel discussions, field trips and malt flavors. The process and more. is slower and more stable, so it Don’t let gluten intolerance KYES can be stored longer. Pilsners, or aversion stop you. Alterna- bocks and dunkels are in the tive grains abound. • INSURANCE • lager family. This year’s workshops ALL LINES OF INSURANCE Hops create the distinctive fla- include: vors and smells that distinguish • as flavor: how to use Collision Repair - Frame Straightening FARMINGTON RUMFORD the ales from their peers. India wheat alternatives such as ASE Certified Technicians • I-Car Gold 778-9862 369-0717 Pale Ale (IPA) beers remain barley, buckwheat and corn favorites of the craft beer crowd. 126 Lakewood Road Owner: Paul Keaten II SKOWHEGAN LIVERMORE FALLS in your baking. 474-9561 897-3602 According to Beer Connoisseur • Corn tortillas: a deep dive Madison, ME 04950 [email protected] magazine, popular but unveri- into the history and science 474-0593 Fax: 474-0303 WWW.KYESINSURANCE.COM fied historical beer lore claims of maize, then making tor- the British pale ales just could tillas, ending with sampling not survive the six-month voy- them as part of lunch. Since 1978 age from England to India. The • Bake your vegetables: foreign colony wasn’t hospitable Squash is the new flour: to heat-sensitive yeasts nor the incorporate veggies into your brewing requirements either. bread. UNLIMITED English brewers had to come • Rediscovering baguettes: 1-800-339-3228 1-877-952-5800 up with a solution to keep their explore how to amplify flavor RV Sales & Service soldiers, sailors, merchants and with use of and fer- Farmington Kingfield Skowhegan general citizenry happy in the mentation processes. 207-778-3482 warm climate. More hops and a • Creating seaweed bread Madison Stratton 372 Farmington Falls Road with Jim Amaral of Borealis Farmington More AMBITION, www.f-sfcu.com PAGE 4 . www.goodtimesrvsales.com • Chinese dumplings using local flour, sourdough and organic ingredients. Learn Put it all together with a vacation home how to make two classics: and potsticker. Make memories mortgage at Franklin Savings Bank • Doughnuts, roti, , , pretzels and in your own backyard

Off Premise Catering, Rehearsal Diners and Banquets Reservations Accepted Rte. 201N, 182 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan 474-5100 (about 20 minutes from Waterville) All fresh served in the romantic atmosphere of a renovated 19th century home. Lunch Buffet: Tues.-Fri. 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. Dinner: Mon.-Sat. 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. • • EQUAL HOUSING www.FranklinSavings.Bank 207-778-2900 207-474-5574 800-287-0752 LENDER www.hhrestaurant.com 4 Thursday, May 16, 2019 ______Advertising Supplement • Morning Sentinel

Good Times Unlimited prepares RV travelers for the long haul

BY VALERIE TUCKER tools. Include a tube of ball hitch lubricant to minimize grinding Correspondent while towing. Be sure that carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are in good working order and tested periodically. hen retirees or vacationers start shopping for a “RV owners can make many repairs themselves, but if the pro- fully-motorized RV, a fifth-wheeler, travel trailer, pop- pane system is involved, contact a professional for assistance,” Wup camper or slide-in truck camper, they should do Davis said. plenty of homework before they hit the road in their shiny new Today’s RVers can choose how connected they want to be. home on wheels. Wireless hotspots are more common, and many campgrounds Debbie Davis, co-manager of Good Times Unlimited in Farm- and visitor centers also have access. Do some research if that’s ington said a summer vacation in an RV should be a memorable an important factor, Davis said. adventure. An unexpected breakdown after dark on an unfamiliar “Some carry their own satellite dish,” she said. “There’s not road shouldn’t be part of the trip. much RVers have to give up when they’re traveling.” First-time owners on their maiden RVing voyages may experi- Travelers should decide their permanent legal address for ence buyers’ remorse if they didn’t learn how to properly set up drivers’ licenses, vehicle inspections, voting registration and other and level their home on wheels. Davis said shoppers can avoid important communications. Provide loved ones with travel plans most of these headaches if they start with a thorough operational and emergency contact information. Photo contributed demonstration from their dealer before taking their new camper Extended traveling includes important financial decisions that Good Times Unlimited in Farmington offers a wide range home. Matching the RV to the proper towing vehicle is the first require advanced planning. Some RVers have helped finance of RVs and all of the accessories that help make any trip challenge. their travel with seasonal positions at campgrounds or parks as safe and stress-free as possible. They provide custom- “For example, people sometimes find the RV of their dreams or with temporary jobs through online organizations such as ers with a thorough explanation of the electrical, plumbing will require more towing power than they currently have,” Davis Workamper, Davis said. and safety systems, and they give some basic lessons in said. “So they have to decide whether to buy a smaller RV or buy “Discount cards and passes can stretch the budget,” she said. maneuvering, whether the RV is a single unit or a towable a larger vehicle to tow the RV they want.” The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass Series fifth-wheeler. She suggested choosing an easily maneuverable camper for offers a free annual pass for U.S. military, seniors, disabled and those who plan to camp mostly at off-the-beaten-track destina- for those with 250 volunteer hours of participation in federal tions. Back roads can be in poor shape, or even impassable in Experienced staff at Good Times Unlimited offer customers agencies. For those planning a winter escape to warmer destina- bad weather, so advance planning is key. some basic lessons in maneuvering, whether the RV is a single tions, avoid disappointment by making reservations well ahead “Know the terrain before you get to your destination, and under- unit or a towable fifth-wheeler. They’ll ensure the hitch equipment of time. Most popular RV parks are booked weeks, and even stand the limits of your RV and towing vehicle,” she said. is hooked up correctly and that the owner knows how to maintain months, before the start of the season. Drivers must learn to position mirrors correctly and learn to it regularly, as it will get a lot of wear and tear. New drivers should Travelers must make sure they are adequately insured in case judge the available width, length and height of parking spaces. practice as often as necessary until they and their passengers of damage, theft and coverage for loss of personal belongings. Maneuvering into a crowded space after a long day on the road feel confident. Coverage can be added to the tow vehicle’s insurance or through should be as trouble-free as possible. Today’s back-up cameras, “Practice making turns with your RV and learn to back up an RV specialty company such as Tobin Insurance. RV owners whether part of the RV a package or purchased separately, can smoothly,” she said. “No one wants to back into a picnic table on need to make sure that the outside awning and air conditioner make short work of backing safely into a site or positioning the their first trip, especially in front of other campers or the family.” are included in the coverage, Davis said. trailer hitch efficiently, she said. New RVers must spend lots of time studying the vehicle’s man- For more information about Good Times Unlimited, visit them at “Some campgrounds have pull-through sites, so RVers don’t ual, Davis said. They should learn about the electrical system and 372 Farmington Falls Road (Routes 2 and 27), online at good- have to worry about backing up,” Davis said. “Campgrounds the basic plumbing. They should have an RV first aid kit with basic timesrvsales.com or on Facebook. Hours: Mon. through Fri., 8 often have people who guide you when you check in, and usually repair items, including spare drinking hose washers, plumber’s a.m.to 4 p.m.; Sat., 8 a.m.to noon. Phone: (207) 778-3482. there are experienced campers willing to help out.” tape, rubber roof patch and lap sealant, WD-40 and essential Email: [email protected]

Ten years ago, they pioneered the effort to discourage the use of plastic shopping bags and encouraged customers to bring their , CONTINUED FROM PAGE 1 Ambition, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3 Tranten reusable grocery bags. They give customers 5-cent credits for each plastic bag saved. North Anson and moved it to Phillips. After the town was devas- “Last year, we gave nearly 19,000 of those credits,” he said. higher alcohol content solved the problem, and the IPA was born. tated by a fire, they moved to Kingfield, where they reopened their “About 50 percent of our customers bring their own bags.” Although Ambition Brewing might be the new kid in town, it draws store in 1955. Tranten’s store in Farmington is open seven days a week, from a crowd of regulars and plenty of visitors from out of town. Currently, Harold and Mary’s son, Neal, and his wife, Mozelle, ran the 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Saturdays they are open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Thursday through Saturday, family business until they retired, eventually passing it on to their and 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, or for with hopes to expand those days and hours. To sign up as a Mug sons, Clay, Donald and Neal. Today, Donald Tranten’s sons, Kyle weekly sales flyers, coupons and specials, visit trantens.com or Club member, stay up to date with details and hear about specials, and Nick, take part in the decision-making and daily operations call 778-2202. visit Ambition Brewing on Facebook or at ambitionbrewing.com. of the Kingfield and Farmington locations. Clay Tranten said the family business has faced and embraced generational changes. “Having a large family running a single family business can have its moments,” he said. “But we all have our responsibilities and our expertise, and we respect each other’s decisions.”

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