Soccer's Growing Legacy At Orono High School

I used to hate soccer.  Being American and having been raised a baseball fan, such a state is quite normal; especially for people in my age group "demographic." 

When my kids began to play youth soccer INORONO I hated soccer even more liked soccer even less.  A bunch of little kids running up the field joined at the hip until every once in a while the ball squirted out.

Many of you will be surprised pleased to learn that my view of soccer has evolved, although I must admit that what I hate about youth soccer is the same thing that I love about it; that kids with no athletic ability whatsoever have the opportunity to play a team sport that would not have had that experience when I was their age.  When I was 7, the kids with no athletic ability played the clarinet and never had the opportunity to be a part of a team on a sports field.  Today many of those kids get to have that experience and while they may ultimately end up in the band (a team sport of its own) I believe they are better for having played this game.  

Soccer at Orono High School over the last several years has been exceptionally exciting and has in no small part, contributed to my own evolution.

Just last Wednesday our Boys and Girls teams both played in the Eastern Maine Championship games.  While both came away with heart-breaking losses, it is a testament to our kids, our coaches, our parents and our Middle School and Rec Department leagues that they were there.

Coach Caballero took over the Varsity Boys team last season after we lost a long-time coach, teacher and friend, Mr. Berthiaume to cancer.  Mr. Caballero took this group and in just his second season brought the boys to within one win of playing for a State Championship.  

Meanwhile for the girls, a virtual dynasty of sorts is underway.

For the fourth consecutive year, the Girls Varsity team played in the Eastern Maine Championship.  Think about this.  Each Senior has played in two State Championship games and four Eastern Maines.  While the gold ball has thus-far eluded Coach Dyjak and his squads, the fact that the team is there every year says a LOT about him as a Coach.  I think most of the girls really recognize how lucky they are to play for him and it shows in the way they play; with discipline, with skill and with class.

This year's loss for the girls in the Eastern Maine Championship game was a real heartbreaker.  Down by three at half-time, they worked their way back to tie it.  In the first overtime they hit the right post, hit the left post and hit the crossbar but just couldn't get the break they needed to win.  The second overtime period saw similar action.  Finally it came down to penalty kicks.  Three rounds of penalty kicks were needed before finally succumbing to the ultimate State Champs. 

I'm not a betting man but if I were, I'd bet that next year at this time, we'll be talking about another run at the State Title - and maybe even that gold ball.

What a great program.  What a great legacy.  What a great group of kids, coaches and parents here INORONO!

Our Bog Walk

Yes, the first snowfall of the season has blanketed our town and forced many to dig out the snow shovel, find the ice scraper and top off the windshield washer fluid.  Here INORONO we might be complaining a but today's snow was little more than an inconvenience - although with the media hype I'm sure the local grocers all appreciate the increase in bread and milk sales.  

Today's winter weather had me already missing the autumn weather we INORONO love so much with the low, but still warm, sun and the crisp dry air.  Just a few short weeks ago Andi and spent a lovely afternoon at the Orono Bog walk and if you haven't been, you're missing a gem here INORONO.

The Bog was designated as a National Natural Landmark by the National Park Service in 1974 and in 2002 and 2003 a boardwalk was built to allow people to enjoy the natural wonder right here in our backyard.

The boardwalk is 4200 feet long and loops right through the heart of the 616 acre Orono Bog.  There are seven interpretive stations along the way and to get the full experience of the bog, be sure to read them all.  Flora and fauna are in different stages at different times of the year so don't be shy about coming back in the spring, summer and to enjoy the spectacular reds of fall.  With just about exactly a month left in this year's season, come explore the Bog before it closes for the winter.

Be sure to check out their website at www.oronobogwalk.org.

It's a bog, it's a boardwalk, it's cool and it's INORONO!

ECLECTIC "Soul" INORONO

When Tracy Darcy opened her Metropolitan Soul store in downtown Bangor six years ago, she liked to describe it by stating it was filled with "adornment and accessories for the body and home."  With the August opening of the downtown Orono store her eyes still sparkle when giving that description, while simultaneously calling the phrase "passe" and insisting on a one word description for this newest addition to Orono's business district; "eclectic." She follows with another single word, "Funky."  It isn't long before she adds "family friendly"and when pressed about "why Orono?" she can't help it when she confidently admits that while there is something for everyone here, she feels the store will fit into the "College Vibe".

Cara Oleksyk (pronounced like the 'car' and not 'care') was equally passionate and animated in her descriptions.  Cara focussed more on the artsy element of the store.  She loves the local art that is displayed and sold here.  Cara also loves the connections that are made when a local artist is given the opportunity not only to show work, but to be able to sell work and have a venue for the work to meet the customer and ultimately for the customer to know the artist.  "Local" was theme in speaking with Cara.  Bicycle parts from another downtown business, Rose Bike, are sent away to artisan instead of going to the landfill, and are made into useful, attractive and just plain cool accessories for the home, the dorm room or camp.  She loves this circle of life and art and I have to admit, I thought it was pretty cool.

Orono's Metropolitan Soul adds a new flair in downtown that compliments the other stores and adds a certain something that seems to make it fit right in and feel like it's been there longer than just since August.  You will find art, reusable hand-warmers, vintage clothing, shoes, many re-purposed items along with unique and practical gifts.  Who knew there was even such a thing as a personal birthday cake - complete with icing - that you simply mix up, throw in the microwave and present to that special someone?

Check out www.metsoul.com and find them on facebook.

Funky And Eclectic, the Metropolitan Soul is worth the visit and is another reason we love living INORONO!

Blogging v Life Plus Some Beautiful Orono High School Seniors

I just knew this would happen.  Here I am a mere four posts into my blog and suddenly it's two weeks since my last entry.  Did I run out of ideas already?  No.  Have I lost my inspiration to talk about what makes Orono a great place to live?  No.  I simply ran out of time on my weekend to get it done.  Weekends, plural, actually.  Last weekend was dominated by softball and this one I spent in a classroom at Eastern Maine Community College doing my every-three-year Maine EMT refresher class.  I have, however, taken the liberty of showing off three examples of what makes Orono High School great.  Seniors Ashley Thibeault, Allison Walton and, of course, Andi Foster; a triple A of seniors, Allison, Andi, Ashley.  These three are busy enjoying their Senior Year and all that brings, balancing studies, social lives and that ever-looming College Application Season.  

Wherever you each end up for college, I'm certain you'll each be successful and rest assured, each of the Dad's will be close by, eating Tums and practicing our marksmanship!  :-)  Good luck ladies and don't forget about the rest of us here INORONO.

Kid Friendly, Dog Friendly, Heart Friendly - The Orono Farmer's Market

Ah, harvest time.
Fresh vegetables, fruit and bread.  What better way to start a late summer Saturday INORONO.

Since 1994 the Orono Farmer's Market has been bringing local residents together to visit, to chat and shop for our families.  Located in the University Steam Plant Parking Lot generally between Graduation and Homecoming, and in the Downtown Parking Lot, generally from Mid October until May, the market is THE place to go for fresh products!  With thirty-three members, all who come do so with products they produce.  From Apples to Zucchini, Cheese to Sausage, Beef to Wheat Grass, you can find a wide assortment of delicious, fresh and AWESOME food products.

Of course, some of the products are season-specific but even in the dead of winter, there are root crops, meats, cider, and maple syrup.  Many are "organic" and all will leave you wanting more.

September though, is the best!  Fresh sweet corn, blueberries, and apples.  It doesn't get any better.

So come visit if you haven't already discovered it.
Tuesdays 2p-5:30p June-October
Saturdays 8a-1p April-November

For more information on the Orono Farmer's Market please visit their website at www.oronofarmersmarket.org

The Orono Farmer's Market - INORONO

Festival of Fun INORONO

For the 34th consecutive year, the Orono Parks & Recreation Department have successfully hosted the Orono Village Festival Day.  Originally a Spring event, the Festival Day was moved to "late summer" about nine years ago as a means to welcome everyone in town back.  By welcome back they mean welcome the school kids back for a new school year, welcome new and returning University students, welcome new and returning faculty and welcome Alumni who might be bringing their own kids to Orono.

The 2011 Orono Village Festival was sponsored by Parks & Rec, Key Club, the Bear Brew Pub, the Thai Orchid, Verve and Pat's Pizza but was supplemented by a large contingent of dedicated volunteers from the Police Department, the Public Works and lots of others.  As in past years the day kicked off with the Daughters of Isabella's annual breakfast at the Fire Station followed by a road race. Soon Mill Street began filling up with folks coming to listen to live music and visit the booths of vendors of local art and crafts, food and drink along with fundraisers for local churches, Orono High School and various local organizations and political causes.

But really, it's all about the children.

Face painting, a bounce house and lots of games kept the kids, big and small alike, busy for hours.  There were lots of hugs, smiles, handshakes and laughter as the Community came together on a beautiful late summer day to celebrate in our Village and our community.

So if you missed it, remember the Orono Village Festival will be back for it's 35th year next year, right after school starts, downtown in the village, with open arms to all who want to share and participate; yet another great happening -- INORONO!

The Store &

Tucked into our Orono Downtown district is a little coffee shop (and much more, hence, the ampersand) that has been the source of many Orono residents' and visitors' caffeine fix since 1973.  Since 1995 however, the quiet, magician behind the curtain - John Bradson, and his sometimes excitable and always gregarious, partner (in life and business) Roberta have served as proprietors at The Store - Ampersand at 22 Mill Street.  The Store is my personal Saturday morning coffee and read-the-paper routine and has been for years.

While the huge chocolate chip cookies have topped the list of the single best selling item for most of the sixteen years John and Roberta have been at the helm, recently the pumpkin chocolate chip and the "everything" cookie, a confectionary concoction of an oatmeal cookie with cranberries, raisins, chocolate chips and nuts, have made inroads at becoming the #1 item.  Muffins, muffins, muffins are my #1 purchase.  As with all the baked goods, The Store uses soy-based shortening and milk, organic ingredients as much as possible and never uses high-fructose corn syrup.  The muffins are a meal of themselves and I highly recommend all varieties and suggest you eat them upside down, leaving the crown for last.

Coffee, though, is the main stay of most who come through the door, either on the run or to sit and savor for a few minutes.  Coffee is sold by the bean, ground or brewed.  You can have it plain or fancy and if you buy a Store coffee mug you can come in for a free cup on Wednesdays.  Free Coffee Wednesday in your Store mug has been going on for twenty four years and Roberta laughs when she remarks that she is certain there are still a handful of patrons who are using the very same mug first purchased in 1987.  It is not unusual for well over two-hundred cups to be consumed on Wednesdays.

The Store is a popular outlet for beer and wine and features imported and craft beers along with wine you won't see in the big stores and always at prices below the suggested retail price.

Catering to local students, university students (the free campus shuttle stops at the front door), alumni, campus visitors and us "townies," The Store & is a great little, locally owned and operated establishment where you can get organic vegetables, t-shirts, cards, blankets, yogurt-covered raisins AND your caffeine fix, along with many other items you probably cannot find at the big box stores in Bangor.

So when you are INORONO, shop local, sit and enjoy and if she doesn't have what you're looking for, ask!  The Store & is another example of what makes living INORONO special.

Blog and Photos by Steve Foster.