INSIDE THE SUMMER 2026 ISSUE:
A HIDDEN GEM LIES IN LISBON
Take a drive through the back roads of Lisbon, Maine, and one will undoubtedly wonder what is happening at the property between Webster Road and Route 9. The swanky-looking horse facility that seems like something a Mainer would only see on television is not a mirage – it’s Sassy Strides Equestrian. Owner, head trainer, and professional rider Renae Samay is inviting visitors.
LEARNING BEYOND THE WALLS
Local organizations are transforming outdoor spaces into real-world classrooms. Community members choosing to learn more about growing their own gardens have a wide range of educational avenues to explore. McLaughlin Garden and Homestead, Seeds to Smiles, Young’s Greenhouse, and others provide guidance towards optimal cultivation of terrestrial settings.
EDUCATION – LEARNING LOCALLY
Education is changing — and so are the opportunities for learners of every age in our region. In this special section, we explore the schools, programs, and community resources helping students build skills, confi- dence, and brighter futures. From early childhood education to career training and lifelong learning, these stories highlight the people and organizations shaping the next generation.
Summer Fun
Summer in la moves quickly. Between balloon launches over the Androscoggin, food trucks lining the Worumbo waterfront, concerts in local parks, and evenings spent on nearby trails, the season fills up fast. Fortunately, families do not have to travel far—or spend a for- tune—to make the most of summer. From free community events to affordable outdoor adventures, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the season.
Skills We Can’t Lose
Our trades here in the USA are facing drastic worker shortages, and with rising infrastructure needs and budgets, the welding industry looks to its young people in the community to fill the vacancies. Quinn Gerrish, Welding Program Manager/Instructor and Lead CWI at New England School of Metalwork, discusses some of the issues facing the trades and how we can remain competitive in a global economy.
90 Years of Creating Opportunities
On the shore of North Pond in Rome, Maine, Pine Tree Camp has spent 81 years rewriting what a summer camp can be. Children and adults with disabilities arrive each season to swim, hike, paddle, climb, and try things their families were once told were impossible. This October, Pine Tree Society, the nonprofit that runs the camp and a statewide network of programs, will mark its 90th anniversary with a free community celebration in Auburn.
The Soul in Frame
by Jennifer Grace
Jennifer Grace is an editorial portrait photographer based in Maine, drawn to capturing people with purpose — artists, musicians, writers, and everyday neighbors making a difference.
Her portraits go beyond the surface, telling stories that reflect the heart and humanity of her subjects.
Through her newsletter, The Soul in Frame, Jennifer shares the stories behind her images — celebrating creativity, courage, community, and the quiet hope that threads through every human story.
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