An Introduction

I guess it’s true – the apple never falls far from the tree. My mother, Frances Mains, began working for the Westbrook American (now known as the American Journal, a sister publication to the Lakes Region Weekly) in the early 1960s under the editorial leadership of Harry Foote. For many years she wrote columns for our hometown of Gorham, as well as Westbrook and Scarborough before getting done in the early 1990s. I cannot think of a better way to celebrate my 20th year of living in the town of Standish than by having the opportunity to communicate with you all about our fabulous community and following in my mother’s footsteps! If you have Standish news and/or events please get in touch with me – I’m passionate about bringing our community together.

Sweetie’s Ice Cream Grand Opening

Aaron and Erika Menard of Steep Falls have combined the love for their community and their dreams into an ice cream shop located in the heart of the Steep Falls village. Sweetie’s Ice Cream celebrated its grand opening July 27 and 28 with a visit from Mickey & Minnie Mouse, Hello Kitty and other favorite friends who showed up to take advantage of all the “sweet” deals!

Sweetie’s Ice Cream offers a huge selection of Annabelle’s natural ice cream, yogurt, and sorbet and is open every day until 10 p.m. Situated at the intersection of Routes 113 and 11, the ice cream parlor is located in a renovated 1850s carriage house attached to Aaron and Erika’s family home. There is ample parking out back along with colorful chairs and picnic tables where you can sit and enjoy your treat – rain or shine – thanks to a picnic shelter. They are even accessible by ATV and the ITS 89.

On Saturday, Aug. 3, Sweetie’s will be running some fun Elvis-themed ice cream specials in keeping with a performance happening at the Steep Falls Gazebo by Jason Boothby, an Elvis Presley impersonator, at 7 p.m. Some of the specials will be the Elvis (peanut butter and banana ice cream); the Hound Dog (a devil dog sundae); the Blue Hawaiian Sundae (coconut ice cream, pineapple, blueberries and cherries), the Teddy Bear Sundae (ice cream sundae topped with gummy bears) and the All Shook Up (your favorite ice cream and topping “all shook up” into a frappe.

Sweetie’s is Aaron and Erika’s nickname for their 8-year-old daughter, Norah, who they call their “little sweetie.” Norah also has a little brother, Aaron, who recently turned 1, and the family is expecting another little one in December. When I asked Norah what she thought about Sweetie’s, she replied, “It’s awesome!”

Steep Falls Bridge Public Meeting

The town of Standish and the Maine Department of Transportation invite you to a formal public meeting on Thursday night, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. to discuss the replacement of the Steep Falls Bridge. The meeting will be held in the Council Chambers in the municipal building, located at 175 Northeast Road, Standish.

Representatives from the Maine Department of Transportation will listen to concerns, receive comments and answer questions for anyone interested in the project. For more information, contact Mark Parlin, project manager, MDOT Bridge Program, 16 State House Station, Augusta Maine 04333. Mark can be reached at 624-3229 or at mark.parlin@maine.gov.

Elvis Impersonator

The Steep Falls Village Improvement Society will host Elvis Presley impersonator Jason Boothby on Saturday, Aug. 3, at 7 p.m. at the Steep Falls Gazebo, located at the intersection of routes 113 and 11. In case of rain, the event will be held in the Steep Falls Fire Barn, Boundary Road. Free admission and refreshments will be available for purchase. Bring your own chair. For more information, call 675-3188.

Saint Joseph’s College Open House

On Friday, Aug. 9, the Office of Admission at Saint Joseph’s College will host its Summer Day open house for prospective students to tour the campus and learn more about the college’s academics, admissions and financial aid options, and student life opportunities. A barbecue will be provided in the college’s cafeteria, Pearson’s Cafe?. For more information, call 892-6766 or email info@sjcme.edu.

Apply for Boards and Committees

The Appointments Committee of the Standish Town Council is accepting applications for the following boards and committees: Appeals Board, Assessment Review Board, Historic Preservation Commission, Public Safety Committee, Recreation Committee and the Recycling Committee.

For more information, contact Mary Chapman at 642-4678 or email mchapman@standish.org.

Aaron and his wife Erika (due with their third child in December) are very grateful for the warm reception and all of the support they have had from the community, local businesses and from the town in helping their dream of opening an ice cream shop become reality. Here they are pictured with their daughter, Norah, 8, and their son, Aaron, who recently turned 1.Sweetie’s Ice Cream, located at the intersection of routes 113 and 11 in Steep Falls, celebrated its grand opening July 27 and 28.The Steep Falls Bridge, built in 1937, is in need of repair, and will be the subject of a public meeting on Thursday, Aug. 22, at 6 p.m. in the Standish Town Council chambers at town hall.