David Branch, Publisher & Editor
My ancestors established the Pettengill Farm, a nineteenth century salt-water farm in Freeport. The Freeport Historical Society now owns and maintains the property. My great grandmother, Gertrude Goldrup, sewed the first pair of L.L. Bean hunting boots. Her sewing machine is proudly displayed at their flagship store.
I graduated from Freeport High School in 1978. In 2020, after chipping away at it for 35 years, I received my Bachelors Degree in Theater from the University of Southern Maine. Today I live in Westbrook with my wife, Heather. Our son, Henry, is a student at Westbrook Middle School.
One of my favorite questions when meeting new people is, “Where are you from?” My proud reply is always, “I’m a Mainer!”
Aimee Lanteigne, Writer
Born in Waterville and raised in Fairfield as a Lawrence Bulldog, Aimee Lanteigne has been a middle school social studies teacher in Maine for twenty-nine years. She graduated from the University of Maine at Farmington, and holds a Masters degree in Civil War Studies, as well as a National Board Teaching Certificate for Adolescent History. She resides in Gardiner. Her oldest son, Keeling, is a recent University of Maine graduate and is employed at Messalonskee High School. Her youngest son, Braden, is a sophomore at the University of Rhode Island where he is studying to become a physical therapist.
Aimee enjoys dance, travel, hiking, history, reading, and sports of all kinds. She was a basketball player “back in the day” and has stayed involved with the sport as a coach and volunteer for the MPA officials. Although she has seen many countries, she considers Maine the most beautiful spot in the world. She writes for Memories of Maine Magazine because it gives her an outlet for two of her favorite passions …writing and telling stories about the place she loves above all others.
Write her at: athousandhopes@gmail.com
Camille Smalley, Writer
Camille is “from away” as they say in Maine, having moved to Maine at age 17. Born in Bremerton, Washington, she moved to Maine to attend the University of New England and earned a Bachelors of Art in English and Women’s Studies, followed by a Masters Degree in American and New England Studies from the University of Southern Maine in Portland. She spent seven years at the Saco Museum, planning everything from events and fundraisers to exhibits. Currently, Camille is an Associate Director at Foreside Financial Group, specializing in broker-dealer compliance.
Camille married a Mainer, Bryan, and they reside in Westbrook, Maine with their two daughters, River and Sabine. The family enjoys trips to Smiling Hill Farm and spending warm summer days splashing around on Thomas Pond. Camille enjoys history, and especially getting to the grittier, real stories of people and events. Writing for Memories of Maine Magazine allows her the opportunity to explore the history of Maine in greater detail and connect Maine’s history with the greater narrative of the United States.
Sheila D. Grant, Writer
Sheila D. Grant is a freelance editor/writer/photographer who grew up in Milo. She is also a part-time staff reporter for The Eastern Gazette newspaper.
From 2008 to 2017, Sheila was the editor/writer of the Downtown Idea Exchange and the Downtown Promotion Reporter, two newsletters covering downtown revitalization throughout the U.S. and Canada. She is also the editor and a co-author of the book, Design Downtown for Women, Men Will Follow and is the author of one book, 50 Great New England Family Vacations.
Her work has frequently appeared in the pages of Maine Seniors and Maine Women magazines. Over the past two decades, her work has also appeared in The Boston Globe, as well as several other regional magazines and newspapers, and at www.OneNewEngland.com. Grant’s work has been recognized by the Maine Press Association and the New England Outdoor Writers Association.
For more about the author, visit WriterSheilaDGrant.com or email her at: writersgrant@gmail.com.
Joline Violette Edwards, Graphic Designer
I was born and raised in Lewiston, Maine, a great place to grow up in the 1960s and 70s. I am very proud of my French heritage, and the actual results of my DNA test indicate that I am indeed 100% French…no segmented pie chart, just a full uncut pie! I have two independent, successful adult sons who I brought up in Yarmouth, Maine, and they continue to make me very proud. My wonderful husband Doug and I are now happily living in Saco, where I work from home as a freelance graphic designer. You can see some of my work at www.dependableld.com.
As the graphic designer for Memories of Maine Magazine since 2012, I thoroughly enjoy laying out each issue; it’s like putting together a complicated puzzle. It’s very rewarding. With each issue, I learn more about the people and places of the great state of Maine. Who knew that Maine was so full of interesting people and important history!