Greetings, classmates! I hope the summer months are treating you well and you are enjoying time with your friends and family during this most wonderful time of the year. I have news to share about our classmates, so here goes!
On a sad note, condolences to the family and friends of Patrick Kenney, Jr., who was killed in a tragic accident in Saugus, MA, on December 2, 2024. Patrick was a player and student coach on the Maine Black Bears football team while a student. A few years ago, Patrick began experiencing debilitating strokes that landed him at Spaulding Rehab in Boston. Conquering his strokes gave Patrick a new appreciation for life that inspired him to live his life with determination and joy. Patrick is survived by his wife, Lauren, and his three-year-old twins, as well as many immediate family members.
Abe Furth, owner of Orono Brewing Company (OBC), teamed up with another Maine alum to create a uniquely Maine stout released last winter at OBC. The brew, Pearl Oyster Stout, was a collaboration with Freda Farms, an oyster farm along the New Meadows River in Brunswick, co-founded by Max Burtis ‘22. Abe and Max collaborated to create a craft beer that they believe encapsulates the best Maine has to offer from both the land and the sea. The brew has a velvety texture that incorporates the brininess and mineratily from Ferda’s Bombazine oysters that pays homage to Maine’s maritime heritage. The collaboration was available in the Orono and Portland areas last winter and acclaimed by many. If you didn’t get to try this collab last winter, hopefully it will make a return for the upcoming season.
Bar Harbor recently hired classmate James Smith as their new town manager. James beat out 36 other applicants for the position. Previously, James was the assistant city manager in Brewer, as well as manager in both Rockland and Oakfield. James is excited for his new role. He planned to listen to the residents of Bar Harbor to learn about the town’s strengths and weaknesses before jumping in headfirst to make Bar Harbor the best it can possibly be. Congratulations, James!
Jameson “Jake” Knight was recently promoted to vice president and Greater Bangor regional market manager at Bangor Savings Bank. Jake has worked at Bangor Savings Bank since 2019 when he was hired as branch manager of the Bucksport branch. Before his most recent promotion, Jake held leadership roles in the Hampden, then Brewer branches. Before joining Bangor Savings Bank, Jake was a finance and insurance manager in the auto industry. Best of luck in your new position!
That’s it for this edition of the magazine. Please reach out if you have information you’d like to share with the class. Have a great rest of the summer!