Mainebiz

W W W. M A I N E B I Z . B I Z 83 Fact Book / Doing Business in Maine P H OTO E S S AY Gascoine arrived from London and New York, she along with Annalee Libby established Monson's first art and crafts gallery, Lake Hebron Artisans. A recent visit To research this story and take photographs, I trekked to Monson four times from my home in southern Maine. My final visit was July 19 for Monson Summerfest. e festival includes an "anything-that-floats" boat race on Lake Hebron, a craft fair on the main street, a triath- lon, a slate skipping contest, fireworks and, of course, art. e town was bright — which is exactly what Tatko had asked of Libra Foundation leaders years before. "Libra Foundation's vision for Monson has been a gift," Tatko says. "ere are so many places in Maine they could have chosen. ey were ahead of the new wave we are seeing. I hope they stay involved in Monson. Libra took a place that was on the cusp of dying and gave it new life. I think they have an appreciation of this place, the people and the success they incubated." The team at Sheldon Slate Co., clockwise from lower left: James Wentworth, Jonathan Pullen, Garrett Conover and General Manager John Tatko lll. This sign in Monson on the Appalachian Trail urges preparedness for hikers beginning the hundred mile wilderness. It is the longest wilderness section of the entire Appalachian Trail and is the reason many through hikers stay over to resupply and rest in Monson. Eight years ago, this was the scene from a window during renovation of the Monson General Store at the Libra Foundation's $10 million dollar project got underway in Monson. Kurt and Jen Austin of Penobscot bought lunch at the Monson General Store. "It's a quiet little getaway town and the locals are just great people," said Kurt. The store was renovated by the Libra Foundation and is operated by Pineland Farms Inc. doing business as Monson Arts.

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