Happy first birthday to the BDN Next section of the Bangor Daily News! Launched in early October 2015, Next is our section focusing on the concerns, lives and challenges facing the baby boomer generation in Maine. From health to retirement, parenting to housing, second acts to final acts, Next has covered a wide swath of information in the last year with BDN journalist Meg Haskell taking the lead on reporting.
Over the past year, it has been interesting to see what stories sparked the most reader interest. Unusual housing options, in particular, such as the ambitious elder community being planned for a history farm in Damariscotta, have been some of our most-read stories. That community, called Inn Along the Way, would include several clusters of small, residential cottages where independent older adults can live long-term, as well as a handful of short-term cottages for use by seniors needing intensive personal care. It would also feature an inn for visiting families and the traveling public; a teahouse, cafe, gift shop and community center in the old farmhouse; an arts center in the old barn; extensive gardens for produce and flowers; and a network of public walking trails.
Another story, about why cohousing communities were attracting so many midlife Mainers, also was popular among readers. The intimate neighborhoods are filled with like-minded individuals and families of all ages, living in a village-like setting in the Maine countryside and committed to a philosophy of collaborative problem solving, sustainable living and good-neighborliness. A story about a green pocket community under development in Bangor — though not specifically for older Mainers — was also well-read. That community was created with the intention of sustainable, earth-friendly housing that brings together like-minded individuals.
Stories about older Mainers doing interesting things have also struck a chord, but none more so than the story of “Sister Lucy,” also known as Lucy Poulin. The story of the former Carmelite nun who founded the grass-roots H.O.M.E. organization 46 years years ago and, at 75, still serves as its director campus in Orland, was a favorite among readers as well. The craft cooperative and shelter community has helped Maine’s neediest.
Part of launching a section like this required us to tune into the stories all around us. So when I heard from a local chef that former millworkers from the Bucksport Verso mill were taking on a new challenge at a local culinary school for their so-called second act, it intrigued me. And, as it turned out, it intrigued you folks as well. Trading the mill life for one in the kitchen is a contrast of ideas and skills, and a fascinating one at that.
Over the last year, Haskell has also put a personal spin on things in her column Living it Forward. Her column about questions and lessons sparked by the tragic death of Geraldine Largay was particularly interesting and insightful to readers.
So what’s next for Next? We’d love to hear your thoughts on the stories of mid-life and older Mainers that need telling, the topics that interest you the most and anything else you’d love to see covered. You can contact me, the editor, at scaron@bangordailynews.com or reach out to Meg Haskell directly at mhaskell@bangordailynews.com.