News & Press

BaySide Shop ‘N Save Business of the Year

Phil Duggan, president of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association, presents a plaque and flowers to Leola Carter, the owner/operator of BaySide Shop ‘N Save in Milbridge, this year’s winner of the Business of the Year award.

December 20, 2007. The Milbridge Area Merchants Association held their annual Awards & Christmas Social at the Red Barn Restaurant in Milbridge on December 19. Several businesses and individuals received awards, but taking the top prize was Leola Carter and BaySide Shop ‘N Save of Milbridge.

The association’s president, Phil Duggan presented Carter with a plaque and flowers and noted how much of an impact BaySide has had on the merchants association, the Town of Milbridge, and the Downeast region. The store’s move earlier this year from the old building (now NAPA Auto Parts) into the larger brand new site on Main Street has allowed Carter to stock more products and bring Ellsworth/Bangor grocery prices to the Milbridge area.

All yearlong, Carter and BaySide have contributed to the community and to the merchants association. Carter was instrumental in helping the group raise scholarship funds for two Narraguagus High School students. She and her crew also played a key role in raising funds for Milbridge Days, help highlight community events with their large Marquee on Main Street, planned and participated in such events as “Breakfast with Santa” and much more. Carter serves as Vice President of the Milbridge Area Merchants Association and is a primary factor in the association’s growth and success during 2007.

Receiving the coveted “Team Player” award was Susan Bennett of Bennett Web & Design Company. Duggan said that “teamwork is what makes a business or organization successful, and hands down, Susan Bennett takes the Team Player award.” For the past two and a half years, Bennett has designed and published the associations’ promotional brochure: “Discover Downeast.” She also designed and maintains the group’s web site (www.milbridge.org) and consistently worked with just about every association project the past two years. “Susan is a team player in every affiliation she involves herself with,” said Duggan. “Including with the Women’s Health Resource Library (WHRL) of which she serves as president.”

The Community Service Award can be awarded to any member or non-member that has made significant contributions to the Downeast region. Alice Beal, of Milbridge, won the 2007 award for her dedicated service to many area groups and projects, including the Milbridge Historical Society, Milbridge Days Celebrations Committee, local church activities and more.

Milbridge Town Manager Lewis Pinkham was presented with the group’s President’s Award for his extensive work with the association concerning area business matters and Milbridge Days.

Lisa Hylas accepted an appreciation plaque on behalf of Jasper Wyman & Son for their “steadfast support” as an association sponsor. CEO & President Ed Flanagan also gave a fascinating talk to the association back in August about the agricultural industry, including current immigration concerns, the declining population of pollinating bees, and international and environmental operations such as their efforts in Chile.

Red Barn Restaurant cook Michael Stocks was given the “Above & Beyond” award, presented to an employee of a member business.

Certificates of Appreciations were awarded to: Sunshine Strout & WHRL, Elaine Mathiason – Red Barn Restaurant, Jan Rossi & Crew – 44 Degrees North Restaurant & Pub, Brenda Duggan – Duggan Photography, Cathy Chipman – Milbridge Board of Selectmen (presented the night before during Selectmen’s meeting).

After the awards ceremony, the lively group enjoyed good food and friends and engaged in a “yankee swap” Christmas gift exchange that had some fun and hilarious moments.

The Milbridge Area Merchants Association membership area includes the towns of Steuben, Milbridge, Cherryfield, Harrington, Columbia, Columbia Falls, and Addison.

 

Christmas on Main Street Huge Success

Seven-year-old Oscar Mejia, son of Stephanie Mejia of Harrington, thinks carefully about what he wants to ask Santa for Christmas.

December 8, 2007. More than 120 children from Steuben through Addison attended the “Breakfast With Santa” event held at the Milbridge Elementary School December 8.

Second grade teacher Mindy Reynolds played the guitar and sang holiday songs as children danced. Kindergarten teacher, Mrs Hoffses, read stories to the kids. After enjoying a delicious breakfast the kids told Santa what they wanted for Christmas and had their picture taken with good ole Saint Nick, and received a gift. All of this was free.

The Milbridge Area Merchants Association sponsored the event, which was part of Milbridge’s annual “Christmas on Main Street.” Many other civic organizations and individuals also helped raise funds or aided in other activities to support the event. It was obvious to all in attendance that the children had a blast. This is sure to become an annual part of Christmas on Main Street.

Also during the breakfast, several grocery bags full of non- perishable items and $55 was raised to benefit the Weald Bethel Food Pantry in Cherryfield.

The merchants association wishes to thank all who supported the event, especially Santa who sat under those hot lights having his photo taken all morning! Others include: Masonic Lodge, Milbridge Recreation Dept, Milbridge Fire Dept, Women’s Group of Milbridge Congregational Church, Narraguagus Women’s Club, the kitchen staff, Chicamoose Café, Alice Beal, Linda Beal, and Corinne Burt.

In other Christmas on Main Street activities, the Holiday Decorating contest resulted in the following winners: First Place Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility, Second Place The Cinnamon Stick, and Third Place The Union Trust Company. Residents and visitors also had the opportunity to enjoy a hearty supper cooked up by Eastern Star. There were many other events going on around town, including a craft fair, reading of the Angel Lights, concert by the Stewart family, and Hymn sing at the Wyman Methodist Church.