Echoes Books Review by Kathryn Olmstead, Editor and Designer

Life and Times on Pleasant Pond, is a celebration of Aroostook county and Island Falls as well as the pond where Sandra Newman spent every summer growing up.  Her comprehensive love letter to this corner of Maine is both a memoir for natives and an invitation to readers who have never been there. Replete with photographs from many local family albums and from Newman's own cameras, as well as from the Island Falls Historical Society, the slick publication spans 150 years of local history, beginning with the first settlements through the Civil war and the days when Theodore Roosevelt found solace and friendship in his visits with William Sewall of Island Falls.  Fishing stories and loving recollections of people are prominent in the material Newman collected in dozens of interviews, which culminate in 40 pages of "Your Stories and Memories" - her gift to the people of her home community.        

Kathryn Olmstead

Editor and Designer

Echoes Magazine

Life and Times Book Reviews

This is my thirty-ninth year on beautiful Pleasant Pond, so your book will hold a special place forever in my heart. Thank you, Sandy, for creating such wonderful memories, beautiful photos, and interesting facts about our "Beloved" lake. Well :) !!

-Nancy MacLean

Hey, Sandy . . . I like your Book!

-David Robinson

My compliments to you in completing your book about Pleasent Pond.
I have read it and it is an outstanding piece of work which I think only you could have done so well. CONGRATULATIONS.

-Ted Roberts

Mary Sherwood has received her numbered and signed copy of The Life and Times on Pleasant Pond, delivered by the author herself! It is beautifully crafted - hearty congrats to Sandy

-Mary Sherwood

Hi Sandy,

I hope this note finds you well. Of course I've finished the book, and have re-read certain portions several times. Anthony likes to hear me read aloud "his story", among other parts of the book that I like.
In short, I'm probably as excited as anyone, including yourself, that your book has finally been written. It came with much anticipation, and it did not disappoint. To realize Joe Edwards' dream that his stories and history could be recorded for all to appreciate, will be a special topic in all of our future discussions.

. . . I am in love with this book! (I think I could be your biggest fan!) With everyone that I have spoken to and discussed the book with, I've been met with very favorable responses.

You ought to be mighty satisfied with yourself, and your efforts to get this dream realized. It is a lovely book of stories and photographs, both recent and nostalgic that captures not only the experience of life on the pond, but the imagination of an idyllic life, as well. It is a book that will be treasured by generations of families who have already experienced their own piece of the "dream life" in Island Falls, but also to a broader audience as well. The book provides a wonderful historical narrative that outlines the connection between the land and the first families who settled the area, but also the connections between the families themselves. It is no wonder that Old Joe's middle name is Walker! How the Lanes, Edwards, Walkers and Powers settled and remained in the area is a testament to the goodness that is found there. However, the book is something more than a history, because it reads like a romantic memoir as well.

Many readers from the area would easily identify with the youthful experiences portrayed, and reflect on similar situations of their own, when fun on the pond was truly felt as one of life's greatest gifts. Time itself, can seem irrelevant here. Your experiences become a metaphor for others who have lived the same dream. For those who have yet to partake of the pond's shimmering lake or glorious, star-filled skies, the book becomes a "Walden Pond" of sorts, creating within the mind's eye, the ideal place to be, whether young or old. In short, whether the reader has firsthand experience with the pond or not, the book tells the story of where one would rather be.

Thanks for being so generous as to include the short stories of others. Ted Roberts' story of catching fish is but one example of the transformation from adult back to youth, which must occur with regularity on the pond. Fond memories with friends and family is the mainstay of our pond experience, and the inclusion of others' perspectives makes certain that your own recollections is by no means unique in this regard. These stories are sure to make one feel more young at heart, and at more peace within yourself, when reflecting on the simple family values that dominate our days here. It seems it is almost impossible to allow life to get too complicated! Bragging rights indeed! It is really fun to read those stories about music heard over the pond from the pavillion, fishing for the big ones, showing good 'ole respect for one's neighbor (or stealing one's first kiss!).

Sandy, what more can I say? You've managed to make a whole community proud to know that the place that they've known is special in their own way, is VERY special in a collective way. I hope that the acclaim is more widely spread, and that your book could be embraced by a larger audience as well. Don't hesitate to use any of my accolades when you promote it in the future. I sure hope you qualify for an award or two for the excellent work you've done.

You are an amazing person, rich in experience and willingness to share with others. You allow for an easy friendship with everyone I have spoken to. I look forward to looking through your web pages at the photographs and stories that have brought you around full circle, and back to the place of your youth. I wish you every success in the future, and hope that you find working on the next book about Mattawamkeag Lake just as rewarding.

Best of Luck,
Joe
Joseph A. Sardina, MD

A True Adventure

This year has been a year of firsts, or crossing crazy ideas off my bucket list. Didn’t you just love that movie!! I went sky diving! Something I promised myself I would NEVER do, and I did it! Owen Ross, the sky diving instructor for Three Rivers in Millinocket, Maine . . . you rock! Thank you so much. I can honestly say, even though I was so scared, it was a thrill of a lifetime. Just floating – a bird’s eye view of the world - marvelous.

The Pack

I jumped from 11,000ft with Skydive New England Tandem Jump attached to Owen Ross, my jump instructor. If you go, he’s the one with funny yellow sun glasses. At 8,000ft I was hooked up to Owen. I was so tightly attached that when he moved, I was like a ragdoll, I flopped and moved. At 10,000ft the door seemed to fly open and I thought I was going to pass out. I was told not to look down, and of course I did – then I froze.

Owen Ross - the Aussie!

Hooked tightly to Owen, he moved towards the door, I flopped and felt myself move forward scared to death. Then I heard him say . . . "let’s go” and over and out we went. Our legs were to the right of the strut so thankfully, we didn't have to climb out on the strut, we dropped out the door and did a somersault. I remember being upside down for a brief moment in time. Not a pleasant feeling in the air!

The Duck Tape Plane

If I was alone . . . would I have jumped? NO! Now I know why I was told to cross my arms over my chest – so I couldn't brace myself on the door frame to stop myself from jumping. Tucking my head . . . Owen, best hug I’ve had in a long time . . out we went! Once out, we even did a somersault and continued to free fall . . . it was awesome. I heard Owen say he was going to pull the ripcord and the parachute would open. Thank our lucky stars, it did and we floated in the air. A bit later he released the tightness of the clamps and we continued down. It so cool, he pulled on the harness straps and we turned to the left, then right, and whirled in a circle. Mount Katahdin was a bit hazy, but beautiful. Thrilling experience!

The plane was so tiny . . . the interior showed a great use of Duck Tape!

Thank you, Owen . . . I loved it! Thank you.

Mt Katahdin from Togue Pond, Camp Natarswi

Great Month in Island Falls and Northern Maine - God's County

It’s August and my books have arrived . Now to see how they are received, reviewed and sell. And, I must admit, I am beyond excited to see and hear my friends' reactions.

My first book signing was at the Katahdin Public Library, the library in my hometown of Island Falls, Maine. Becky, the town librarian and historian, and person really responsible for this book, made this first book signing a reality. It was such fun: people came to get a signed book, their remarks made me giggle with pride and they purchased my book! “Yes, it is a book and the cover is beautiful. Thank you, so much. You want three. Perfect. Signed? No problem.” I had a blast.

The week was so full: Vacation Land Estates on Thursday afternoon with all their guests. Thursday evening was so much fun in Houlton. Linda Feucher, director of the Cary Library, had a book signing just before the Thursday night concert on the commons. This one my Dad came and he greeted all the book signers. I have to admit he was so proud. Isn’t it fun when you see how proud a parent is of you?

Friday was especially fun – Birch Point Campground and Cottages, the home of Joe Edwards and the Edwards’ Family, Chapter 3 in the book. When you read Life and Times, you will also discover many stories written about Joe and/or referring to Joe. Thank you, Andrea and Steve Edwards, for arranging this one, and thank you Andrea, for bringing your Mom. Hi, Rita, you look marvelous!


Sandy with Steve Edwards

Island Falls High School Alumni Banquet – Ava Joy convinced me to take my books, calendars and post cards to this grand event. There were so many people and the reaction was phenomenal. Thank you, school chums! My disappointment, I forgot the Giclée of Barker Rocks. I would have loved to see the reaction. Guess it will just have to live on my wall . . . wonder where that will be??

Sandy with Kevin Robertson

A week until the next book signing, but the fun part is knowing that when anyone says/questions/comments - they want a book, “I have them in my car!”

Weekend of Friday the 13th was Patten Pioneer Days: the Red Moose on Maine Street had a Craft Sale on Friday and the Lumberman’s Museum had their Beanhole Bean Dinner/fundraiser on Saturday the 14th. And I saw friends I haven’t seen for, we won’t go there, but I will tell you, we all look “exactly the same, only better!” Hi Kathy and Debbie!

Sandy with Francis

August 21st was the York's Book Shop -Book Fair. Lynn York had 12 authors, I think three magazines, and one newspaper, for his annual "York’s Book Fair." Again, I had such fun. I met people who remembered my Dad, Dr. Newman, the Island Falls veterinarian for 60 years, and asked about him. People purchased my book because of their memories of Pleasant Pond and the camp grounds, taking swimming lessons, their grandparents’ camp, or maybe dancing at or listening to the music drifting over the water from the pavilion. Whatever the reason, they purchased my book with fond memories. Thank you one and all!!

I thank everyone. I hope you all enjoy my book, and all the stories my friend contributed. It was a labor of love.

Thank you, everyone.
Enjoy your book
Sandy