Hello, fellow members of the Class of ’83. Here’s hoping you are enjoying your summer thus far, be it at a camp in Maine, a faraway land, or your own backyard. The University of Maine was in the news this winter for many good reasons. Along with the construction projects on campus, a result of the Alfond Foundation, the Hotel Ursa opened on campus this winter. If you ever spent time in Coburn or Holmes Hall, you will want to check out this property the next time you visit.
On the sports scene the University of Maine was back on the national stage this winter. The men’s hockey team returned to Boston Garden for the Hockey East Tournament and participated in the NCAA tournament in Springfield, MA. It was wonderful to once again see arenas filled with UMaine alumni and rise to our feet as the band played the “Stein Song” at these venues. On the hardwood the women’s basketball team won the America East Championship at home, in the pit, and secured a bid in the NCAA tournament. This all brought positive attention to our alma mater.
I’ll stick with the hardwood theme to kick off our class notes, as classmate Rick Carlisle was in the news, signing an extension this winter to coach the Indiana Pacers. Many of you will recall that Rick transferred to the University of Virginia after his sophomore season at UMaine and later played for the Celtics. Rick started his coaching career in 1989 and has served as a head coach for three NBA teams. In a recent interview Rick shared news that it was Maine’s Skip Chappelle ’62 who was responsible for much of his success: ”Skip was the only Division I coach to believe in my abilities” and “Skip’s been a trusted friend for 40 years.”
Classmate Jim Rose was recognized this past year as a winner of KeyBank’s “Small Biz spotlight.” Jim started Rose Bike in 1986 in Orono. The business is located on Pine Street, opposite the back parking lot for Pat’s Pizza. The award to Rose Bike referenced their support of the Orono Middle and High School bike and ski programs in providing affordable products, repairs, and advice. The Rose Bike website states that “Rose Bike Shop has become synonymous with biking in Orono.” Congratulations, Jim!
This fall if you find yourself looking for apples and are in the Lewiston area, head north to Turner. Harry and Nancy Ricker, classmates at UMaine, own Ricker Hill Orchards in Turner, and are part of a business that spans 10 generations. According to Harry, the family has been growing apples, pumpkins, and Christmas trees on the land since 1803. The orchard has been one of Maine’s largest for a couple of hundred years. Harry works on the farm with many of his family members, while Nancy serves as the chief financial officer. If you’re not in the area, check out the Ricker Hill Orchards website to have some apples or even cider donuts shipped to you!
Thank you for reading the summer notes. If you have something noteworthy to share, please don’t hesitate to pass it along, I can be reached at rdfitta@gmail.com. Enjoy your summer!