Lori’s Café celebrates 19 years

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Lori’s Cafe in Liberty celebrated a 19 year anniversary on September 19 2024. Lori praises her customers and staffing for the longevity of running and maintaining a restaurant for 19 years. Lori started the cafe after years of working along side her parents at the 10-4 Diner.

In 2005 she decided to take the plunge and start a business that she could call her own. It was already a local place to gather for food and fun, Lori added humor and homemade baked goods including homemade donuts, pies and her famous cinnamon rolls. Ed, Lori’s husband, works at the cafe as “just the drink guy” telling stories as people from all over the world come in.

Lori’s Café is located directly off Route 3 about halfway between the interstate and Belfast. It is a hot spot on the way to and from Bar Harbor, with folks always asking “how far ‘til Bar Harbor”. Lori has quite the reputation for her sarcasm while cooking, baking pies, and making donuts, she’s known to throw coffee creamers, rubber chickens and insults to regular customers.

In October 2009 Lori started a fundraiser for cancer awareness called Joy To Be Bald where people shave their heads to show support of loved ones, raising money to donate to community members with cancer to help offset the extra costs of needs during a terrible time.

If you’re ever in Liberty definitely stop in to Lori’s Café for homemade food with a side of humor.

LETTERS: Elise Brown steps in to help all in need

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To the editor:

l am writing this letter of support for Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner District #3.I have been working with Elise for close to 20 years. First, as a member of Liberty Ambulance and then as the EMA Director for the Town of Liberty.

In my experience, Elise doesn’t hesitate to give back to her community by volunteering for various events or positions within our town. As the EMA Director she has been inspirational in maintaining and fostering a great relationship with all of Liberty’s leadership and she is influential in assisting when a major emergency is happening. Her
wealth of knowledge is very much appreciated in all that she does.

In 1999, Elise was the Liberty Fire Chief which held the responsibility of building Liberty’s new fire station, and she facilitated a grant for new gear and fitness equipment, keeping our emergency personnel’s health as a top priority.

As a member of Liberty’s Budget Committee, and as the chair, she has helped to streamline the process by developing a spreadsheet with budget requests. This has assisted with the tracking of all budget requests for a better process.

I have personally seen firsthand, Elise step in to help all in need, whether it is a benefit for someone in town, an Ambulance call, a Fire call, or a major weather event. Elise doesn’t back down from hard work and is always looking for what will be beneficial for all involved.

Elise will do a great job for us as a County Commissioner and has my vote.

Chief Bill Gillespie
of Liberty Fire and Rescue and President of Waldo County Fire Chiefs
Liberty

LETTERS: Will vote for Elise Brown

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To the editor:

We are so fortunate to have Elise Brown as a member of the Liberty Community. She has served our community as a firefighter and an EMT and as our appointed Emergency Management Director for many years. She is also part of our newly-formed committee to decide on the future of our Walker Elementary School. Elise is the calm, competent, knowledgeable, kind, and steadfast person you want working along with you in any area. I know she will bring all of that and more to the job of County Commissioner.

When faced with a family emergency myself several years ago, she met me at the door to the emergency room as I got out of the ambulance with a strong hug and a whispered “you’ve got this”. We have raised our children together in this community and I am proud to call her my friend. I will proudly cast my vote for her in November for County Commissioner.

Joanne Pease
Liberty

LETTERS: Ray brings a wealth of experience

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To the editor:

As our election draws closer, I wanted to take the time to write a letter on behalf of Mike Ray, candidate for State Representative for Appleton, Islesboro, Liberty, Lincolnville, Montville, Morrill, and Searsmont. I believe Mike will the best person to serve our communities as our District #40 representative in Augusta.

For the past several years Paige Zeigler has worked for our district as a concerned and active legislator. Often out in these communities, Paige was present for his constituents, listening and learning and then responding to our expressed needs. I am sorry that he will retire but am heartened there is someone running for this seat who will represent our communities with the same kind of commitment that Representative Zeigler has. Mike Ray has been actively running for this office with the commitment, accessibility and vigor that I had come to value so much in Paige’s service.

I believe Mike Ray will be an exemplary legislator who will work earnestly on behalf of the people he represents. He brings a wealth of valuable and varied experience to this post including years as an elected Selectman for the town of Lincolnville, membership on a variety of boards, councils, committees and commissions, both local and state, working on behalf of residents in this district, and a wide and diverse work experience, all serving to inform his ability to legislate effectively for our district. He is familiar with the state and knows the unique challenges that this district in mid-coast Maine, coastal, inland and island areas, face.

Mike has a caring heart and the patience to actively listen to the needs and desires of his community. I hope he will be elected to this post of State Representative because it will continue District #40’s strong representation in Augusta.

Cheryl Wienges
Lincolnville

LETTERS: Brown person of unusual capacity

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To the editor:

I was delighted to learn that Elise Brown, of Liberty, wants to work for our community by running for County Commissioner. Elise has already been working for our community for over 25 years as a foster and adoptive parent, a firefighter, an EMT, co-owner of an employee owned company, a restorative justice trained facilitator, and a steward of her home and property.

Elise is a person of unusual capacities. She has a remarkable work ethic, is highly organized and can connect and relate well with everyone. I have seen her being quietly effective with a wide range of Mainers; formerly incarcerated men, county officials, parents, farmers, business owners, artists, neighbors and children of all ages.

She is a creative problem solver, an expertly adept communicator, and an all around great human being.

We are fortunate to be able to vote for Elise Brown for County Commissioner. I urge everyone who can to do so. Elise will be a great addition to this administrative board.

Lisa Kushner
Belfast

LETTERS: Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner

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To the editor:

We who live in Liberty are fortunate to witness Elise in action – as our long-time Director of Emergency Management and for many years as budget committee chairman. But what personally impresses me the most is her thoughtful presence at selectboard and annual town meetings.

No matter how controversial the issue, Elise articulates a common-sense path forward taking into account the facts in a manner that respects all views. To me, this is why Elise was honored with the dedication in a recent town annual report.

I hope more of you can get to know her as our Waldo County Commissioner. She’s a star. We’re willing to share her talents!

Bob Kohl
Liberty

Elise Brown, of Liberty, announces run for Waldo County Commissioner seat

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Elise Brown

Elise Brown, of Liberty, announced her candidacy for the position of Waldo County Commissioner in District #3 to represent the towns of Brooks, Burnham, Freedom, Knox, Montville, Morrill, Palermo, Liberty, Searsmont, Thorndike, Troy, and Unity.

Elise has been in local public service since 1994, holding roles in the Liberty community including firefighter, fire chief, EMT, Director of Emergency Management, and budget committee chairman.

At the Waldo County level, Elise Brown has worked closely with the Emergency Management Agency, Sheriff’s Office, Corrections’ Reentry Center, and Regional Communications Center.

Elise co-owns a residential weatherization contracting business with staff of 40 serving coastal Maine. There she heads the leadership team, information technology, customer service, and marketing.

For more information on her campaign, visit Facebook Page Elise Brown for Waldo County Commissioner District #3, email campaign@elisebrownwaldo3.net, or call Elise at 207-592-2970.

Local residents earn award from WGU

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The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Whitney Poplawski, of Augusta, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.

Brenda Ryder, of Liberty, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.

Liberty student named to Abilene Christian University’s fall dean’s honor roll (2023)

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Cassondra Heath, of Liberty, was named to the Abilene Christian University, in Abilene, Texas, fall 2022 dean’s honor roll. Heath is a freshman majoring in music teaching.

Local residents earn award from WGU

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The following local residents have earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University, in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award is given to students who perform at a superior level in their coursework.

Whitney Poplawski, of Augusta, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University Leavitt School of Health.

Brenda Ryder, of Liberty, has earned an Award of Excellence at Western Governors University College of Business.