What About Maine? Celebrates 15 Years

There is a lot more happening inside Mid-Maine Technical Center than many people realize. On any given day, students may be repairing vehicles, building a house, wiring electrical systems, caring for patients, producing videos, machining parts, designing with 3D printers, preparing food, investigating crimes, working with computers, developing businesses, or learning in the Maine outdoors. Our Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship class has partnered with What About Maine Magazine to help tell those stories. Each month, we will feature a different MMTC program and introduce readers to the students, instructors, projects, career opportunities, and hands on experiences happening throughout the school.  For our first article, we wanted to give you a quick look at everything MMTC has to offer. Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship Our program teaches students how businesses are started, marketed, managed, and grown. We study entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, accounting, personal finance, investing, credit, career development, and other real-world business skills. Projects like this magazine partnership allow us to put those lessons into action. Mass Media Communications Mass Media students learn how to communicate through video, photography, audio, film, writing, and digital production. Students work with professional equipment and learn how to tell stories for media, marketing, journalism, and other industries. Culinary Arts Culinary students learn food preparation, sanitation, kitchen operations, safety, and professionalism in a hands-on kitchen environment. The program prepares students for careers and further education in food service, hospitality, and culinary arts. Automotive Technology Automotive students learn how to diagnose, maintain, and repair vehicles while working with professional tools and equipment. Students gain hands Con experience in areas such as brakes, electrical systems, steering, suspension, and engine performance. Construction Technology Construction students learn residential building skills by actually helping build a house. Students develop experience in framing, finish carpentry, safety, tool use, and the different stages of residential construction. Electrical Technology Electrical students learn the basics of wiring, electrical systems, safety, and installation. They also get opportunities to work on real projects, including helping wire the house built by MMTC’s Construction program. Precision Machining Precision Machining students learn how to operate mills, lathes, grinders, saws, and computerized equipment. Students create actual parts while learning blueprint reading, measuring, safety, and quality control. Information Technology Information Technology covers computer repair, electronics, networking, Linux, robotics, and troubleshooting. Students also gain hands-on experience repairing and upgrading computers and solving real technology problems. Pre-Engineering Pre-Engineering students explore mechanical, electrical, civil, and other areas of engineering. They work with technology such as 3D printers, CNC equipment, robotics, drones, and computer-aided design while learning how to design and solve problems. Early Childhood Education Early Childhood Education gives students experience working with young children while learning about development, safety, education, and childcare. Students can begin preparing for careers in teaching, childcare, and human services. Criminal Justice Criminal Justice students learn about law enforcement, investigations, crime scenes, corrections, patrol procedures, and the court system. The program introduces students to careers including police work, investigations, corrections, security, and other public-safety fields. Emergency Services Emergency Services teaches students how to respond when people need help most. Students study emergency medicine, anatomy, patient assessment, CPR, first aid, and the skills needed to remain calm and make decisions under pressure. Pre-Nursing Pre-Nursing students learn anatomy, medical terminology, patient care, and other healthcare fundamentals. Students can also gain clinical experience and work toward certifications that can help them begin careers in healthcare. Outdoor Leadership Outdoor Leadership turns Maine itself into a classroom. Students may learn outdoor recreation, navigation, survival skills, canoeing, trail building, fishing, camping, natural-resource management, and leadership while exploring careers connected to Maine’s outdoor industries. CTE Academy CTE Academy gives students the opportunity to explore different career and technical programs before deciding which path may be right for them. Students develop workplace skills while gaining exposure to several different trades and careers. Workplace Development Workplace Development helps connect students with real employers through job shadows, internships, pre-apprenticeships, and apprenticeships. It gives students the opportunity to gain real workplace experience before graduating. More Than Just Preparing for the Future One of the biggest things we have learned at MMTC is that there is no single path to success. Some students will attend college. Others will enter the trades, healthcare, public safety, technology, business, apprenticeships, military or the workforce. Some may even start businesses of their own. What makes MMTC different is that students don’t have to wait until after high school to find out what those careers are really like. They can start experiencing them now. Over the coming months, our Business, Marketing & Entrepreneurship class will take readers deeper inside each program through our partnership with What About Maine? Magazine. We hope you’ll follow along as we introduce you to the students, instructors, and opportunities found throughout Mid-Maine Technical Center.

September’s warm days and cool nights usher in one of Mainers’ favorite activities! 2026 is going on record as a banner year to enjoy the taste of fresh picked Maine Apples at their peak of their deliciousness! This summer, the weather has cooperated to plump up the juiciest of early Macs, Cortlands, Honey Crisps, and a variety of heirloom brands. Apple trees across Maine are ready to showcase their bounty and treat us to the sweetest pies, cobbler, apple crisp, applesauce and of course freshly mulled apple cider. Maine orchards offer a range of apple picking experiences. Visit many area orchards to enjoy corn mazes, direct in orchard picking, cornhole, pumpkin picking, or strolling through the sunflower gardens. Each orchard offers hand crafted items like homemade peanut butter fudge, jars of pickles, fresh baked apple pies, apple cinnamon donuts, and more. Having a family afternoon adventure in one of Maine’s scenic orchards, results in bushels of delicious apples to take home. Apples are always a favorite in kids’ lunch boxes or for snacks. Check out our What About Maine? Food for You & ME September issue for apple recipes. All of our recipes can be found on our website at WhatAboutMaine.com/recipes Maine Apple season ushers us into autumn, when we’re ready to once again wear our favorite sweaters or flannel shirts, comfy jeans, and enjoy the crisp air. Maine Apple Sunday Weekend is September 12 and 13, a time to celebrate everything apple and Maine’s bountiful harvest. Go to www.maineapplesunday.com for a list of Maine apple orchards. And don’t forget to enter this month’s contests to win 1 of 4 $25 gift cards from our sponsoring orchards! 

Looking for a relaxing moment in your day? Skowhegan has just the place for you. Finishers Restaurant at 182 Madison Avenue offers you a quiet moment in your day to feel the love of nature that Dennis and Angelica Krebs have created for the Central Maine area. The Krebs own the Towne Motel next door. This spring the opportunity arose to purchase the beloved Heritage House. Dennis and Angelica wanted to give it a fresh start. On May 29, they became the new owners. They have spent the past three months updating every room in the restaurant, beginning with the kitchen. You will feel peaceful when you enter the front door. Dennis’s love of nature is reflected in its decor. A place away from home to take a moment for yourself. There are stunning Maine outdoor photos to help you take a relaxing breath and remember why we live in this amazing place. Skowhegan is the Gateway to the North Woods. The name Finishers comes from Dennis’s hiking adventures. In 2024 when he turned 50, he decided to hike the complete Appalachian Trail from Georgia to Mt. Katahdin. This solo adventure took him 88 days and he obtained the trail name Finisher on day 6 of his journey. Last fall, he started a southbound hike at Katahdin and hiked 87 days to Georgia, broken up by winter and the demands of business, finishing this spring on May 1. This included a stretch of 1300 miles in 52 days. Soon there will be original photos of his journey shared at Finishers. The search was on for a creative culinary chef. They found Brice Libby, a local chef, looking to return to his roots. Head Chef Brice has collaborated with the Krebs to create a menu with down home favorites and global eclectic tastes. You can enjoy bourbon tips, sirloin steaks, baked haddock cooked to your liking, or venture your taste buds to their Caribbean blend of Jamaican jerk chicken, or island coconut curry, a vegetarian dish. Let’s not forget Brice’s mac and cheese. You can enjoy it plain, or add a variety of chicken tenders, flavored with buffalo, andouille, or jerk chicken. So many flavors to choose from you will need to make Finishers a regular dining spot. You can eat in or take out and enjoy your meal in the nearby woods of Maine. Chef Brice hasn’t forgotten dessert either! Try his famous original hot fudge brownies served warm with a scoop of Gifford’s French vanilla ice cream or his Reese’s peanut butter pie with an Oreo crust, chocolate ganache and peanut butter cup bits. The perfect way to end your dining experience. Finishers hasn’t forgotten your special event needs. They offer in-house dining space for birthday parties, anniversaries or family gatherings or class reunions. Off-site catering for weddings or special events is available also. Dennis, Angelica, and their daughter, family and staff are on-site to greet you and create a dining experience you will want to return to time and again. No reservations needed but you can call ahead if you are on the way and your table will be waiting for you. Finishers hours are Tuesday–Saturday 3pm–8:30pm. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Luncheon hours will be added soon. For more info, you can find Finishers Skowhegan on Facebook, call 207-474-5100, or email finishersrestaurant@gmail.com. Be sure to answer this month’s trivia questions to be entered to win a $ 50 gift card to Finishers! 

The Common Ground Country Fair is ready to showcase Maine’s nature at its best September 25–27! Enjoy a high-energy display of Maine’s agricultural crops, craftsman, musicians, sheep dog trials, classes, dancing and so much more, all designed to celebrate rural life with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association. Spend time visiting over 1,000 exhibitors, the education center, the heritage apple orchard, forestry exhibits, or the carriage tours around the fair grounds. Unity is home to MOFGA and the Common Ground Country Fair venue, a place where you can take a step back in time and experience Maine’s rural life on a personalized basis. They have the best bean hole beans featured along with homemade breads, pastries, and sandwiches and full country meals. Come rain or shine, shop for special Maine gifts for that hard to please person in your life and let the kids pet the animals at the petting zoo. There is something for everyone who loves Maine! Tickets may be purchased in advance. Visit mofga.org for complete fair info and ticket options. On September 4th, you can participate in Waterville’s First Friday event featuring the Common Ground Country Fair BLOCK PARTY! It will be in downtown Waterville from 4 to 7pm. You can stroll down Main Street, meet craft vendors, enjoy original art, music, carriage rides, and tour the Paul J. Schupf Center. The 50 Common Ground Country Fair posters will be on display as well as other fair memorabilia. Main Street will be blocked off for families to enjoy. Remember you could win 1 of 2 pairs of day passes by going to WhatAboutMaine.com or 1 of 3 pairs of day passes on our Facebook page. You can also win signed 2026 posters on both sites as well. See you at the 50th Common Ground Country Fair! 

Welcome to Maine's Premier Bluegrass Event of the Year! The 65th Blistered Fingers Family Bluegrass Festival , held at the beautiful Litchfield Fairgrounds in Litchfield, Maine ! Twice each year, this special gathering brings together some of the finest bluegrass musicians from across the country with fans, families, and friends who share a love for traditional music, fellowship, and the true spirit of bluegrass. The large event tent allows the music to flow rain or shine. For 35 years, Greg and Sandy Cormier , founders and producers of Blistered Fingers Productions and proud members of the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame , have created one of New England’s most beloved bluegrass festivals. Their passion and dedication continue to bring nationally recognized artists, talented regional bands, and unforgettable musical experiences to the Litchfield Fairgrounds. The 65th festival promises another incredible lineup of outstanding performers from across New England and throughout the United States. Thursday, August 27th The weekend kicks off with new-to-Blistered Fingers favorites, Special Consensus from Ohio , along with Katahdin Valley Boys and the host band, Blistered Fingers . Friday, August 28th Friday night features the legendary Gibson Brothers from New York , along with Nothing Fancy from Virginia , who will also be performing throughout the weekend. Joining them will be many other talented entertainers bringing you an unforgettable evening of bluegrass music. Saturday, August 29th Saturday’s lineup features Dave Adkins and Mountain Soul from Kentucky , Larry Efaw and the Bluegrass Mountaineers from Ohio , Back Woods Road from Maine , making their first appearance at Blistered Fingers, Ironwood Drive from Pennsylvania , and returning favorites Beartracks from New York . Don't forget Sunday Morning Gospel Sing-Along & Jam August 30th. Every day brings a variety of your favorite bluegrass sounds featuring incredible musicians, powerful vocals, banjos, fiddles, and those unforgettable high, lonesome harmonies. Festival Admission Day Passes Available! Thursday Evening: $25 per person Friday & Saturday: $45 per person, per day Sunday Morning: Free Gospel Sing-Along & Jam at 10:00 AM The full 4-Day Event Pass is $120 per person and includes music and camping from Thursday through Sunday. Children 16 and under are admitted free with an accompanying adult ticket. Camping & Festival Amenities The Blistered Fingers Festival offers a comfortable, and welcoming environment where musicians and fans come together to enjoy great music, friendship, and evening jam sessions throughout the week. “Early Bird” camping begins Sunday August 23rd at 8:00 am and continues through Wednesday for only $10 per day . Electrical hookups are available on a first come first served basis for a one-time fee of $35 for the week . The festival features Spacious camping areas, Indoor bathrooms, FREE Hot showers, Handicap accessibility, and Pet-friendly ($10 per dog for the entire stay) The large covered event tent ensures that the music continues rain or shine , providing the perfect place to relax, listen, and enjoy the show. Blistered Fingers Kids Academy The Blistered Fingers Kids Academy , hosted by Mama Beth Revels , offers a free three-day workshop for young musicians interested in learning and performing bluegrass music. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, youngsters of all skill levels work together to learn songs, build confidence, and perform their own concert on Saturday afternoon. Free to all youngsters. Beginners are always welcome! Come Experience the Tradition! The Litchfield Fairgrounds is the perfect place to spend a day or enjoy the entire week surrounded by music, friends, and family. Whether you are a lifelong bluegrass fan or discovering this music for the first time, you’ll feel the welcoming atmosphere and relaxing vibes that make Blistered Fingers so special. As Greg and Sandy always say: “Don’t Just Hear About It… COME EXPERIENCE IT!” For tickets, camping information, and complete festival details: www.blisteredfingers.com Email: Blist-lf@blisteredfingers.com Call: 207-873-6539 What About Maine and Blistered Fingers Production Inc. are offering a chance to win a pair of day passes on our Facebook page. Sign up and follow us for a chance to win!

Helping Maine Businesses Thrive Online for More Than 30 Years 

At this year’s Windsor Fair Appreciation Barbecue on July 15, the Windsor Fair Association celebrated a man whose life has become inseparable from the history of the Fair itself. Tom Foster was recognized for more than five decades of dedicated service, including an extraordinary 32 years as President of Windsor Fair. The recognition was highlighted by the presentation of an official Legislative Sentiment from Senator Dick Bradstreet and Representative Bill Bridgeo, honoring Tom’s decades of leadership and unwavering commitment to Maine agriculture and the Windsor Fair. The Legislative Sentiment noted that Tom is a sixth-generation cattle farmer who began showing Guernsey dairy cattle and today continues his agricultural tradition by raising Black Angus cattle. Tom’s connection to Windsor Fair spans generations. His father served as a trustee of the Fair, Tom has served as a trustee since 1969, and today his son proudly carries on the family tradition as President of Windsor Fair. Few individuals can claim such a deep and lasting commitment to a community institution. Under Tom’s leadership, Windsor Fair experienced decades of growth while remaining true to its agricultural roots. His steady leadership, thoughtful decision-making, and passion for preserving the Fair’s mission helped ensure that Windsor Fair remained one of Maine’s premier agricultural fairs. In recognition of his remarkable legacy, the 2026 Windsor Fair Premium Book has been dedicated to Tom Foster. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose vision, integrity, and lifelong service have left an enduring mark on Windsor Fair, Maine agriculture, and the generations of families who have enjoyed the Fair because of his dedication. 

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Bubbles & Co. – Maine's New Laundry Experience Has Arrived!