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Bangor Metro >  September 2006 >  Leader Fest

Bangor Metro photo of the Bangor Region Leadership Institute's Annual Dinner

While most events are a tough sell for busy community leaders, the Bangor Region Leadership Institute’s (BRLI) annual dinner is something those who have been bitten by the BRLI bug don’t want to miss. Each year, BRLI trains a group of emerging leaders in the art of community service over nine monthly, daylong sessions. Attendees learn team-building skills, hear from area experts, visit local businesses, and even play a bit of “survivor” on a wilderness ropes course. The sessions culminate in a graduation fundraiser, where a previous BRLI graduate is awarded the coveted G. Clifton Eames Leadership Award for outstanding community service.

This year’s winner was Robert Reeves, CEO of the Bangor Y. Clif Eames, a longtime community leader and a founder of the Institute, was also recognized for his service with a mini-Paul Bunyan trophy. (Eames admitted to eyeing the colorful trophy in years past and was thrilled to receive his own.) The dinner, held at the Black Bear Inn and Conference Center in Orono, had 80 new grads and alumni in attendance.

Bucky's World

LESLIE BOWMAN AND TORI BRITTON
R. Buckminster Fuller (1895–1983) was one of the greatest minds of the 20th century. This traveler on “spaceship Earth” found inspiration and renewal on his island home in Maine.

 The Wonders of Wood

HENRY GARFIELD
UMaine’s Hemant Pendse is using Maine’s most prevalent natural resource to try to change the world’s energy future. So far, so good.

 One Roomy Schoolhouse

 CRAIG IDLEBROOK
The spacious new Mt. View School is well designed, well equipped, and well attended—accommodating kindergarteners through high school seniors in one high-tech building.

 Native Traditions

 CATHERINE SCHMITT
There’s more to Native American cooking than fresh veggies and wild game—there’s a rich history of survival that accompanies many a meal.

 Etched in Green

 ANNALIESE JAKIMIDES
Susan Groce, dual citizen of Orono and Port Clyde, is accomplished in many ways—from delicate etching to creating a nontoxic workplace.

 Snore No More

 JOY HOLLOWELL
Ten million people in America have a sleeping disorder called sleep apnea and don’t even know it. The good news is, these sleep specialists near you can get you rested again.

 Steward for Success

 NANCY GARLAND
Old Town’s Jim Page is driven to succeed. For the past 13 years, the unassuming leader has rolled up his sleeves and gotten down to business, guiding his family’s company beyond the Maine border.

 Soapbox Derby: Cap-and-Trade

 CARRIE JONES AND SCOTT K FISH
Maine was one of 10 states to create the first cap-and-trade system in the country, hoping to influence national policy. Now that the U.S. Senate has proposed a nationwide cap-and-trade plan, it’s a good time to look back on what Maine has learned over the past year and weigh the options.

 Busy as a Beaver

 BRAD EDEN
Beavers are a crucial part of Maine’s ecosystem, but too much of a good thing can become a problem.

 Mountaintop Wind Power Is Not Green

 JONATHAN CARTER
High elevation wind farms are the antithesis of “going green.”

 Craving Tea

 ANNALIESE JAKIMIDES
The flowering balls of tea did it. It’s time for a tea party.

 Earl Hornswaggle: Guide to What's Bitin' in Maine

 MARK RICKETTS
Earl Hornswaggle -- the oldest man in Bangor.

 Perspectives: James Winters

 PHOTOS BY JAMES WINTERS