AT Information Center taking shape in former Monson school

By Mike Lange
Staff Writer

    MONSON — In July 2012, Monson became an official “trail town” as designated by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy.
    But the Piscataquis County community has long been known as a “jumping-off point” for the 100 Mile Wilderness stretch of the AT for decades. It’s also the last opportunity for hikers to stock up on supplies before they embark on a 10-day trek through the mountains.

Observer photo/Mike Lange

    ADDING SOME COLOR — Artists and volunteers work on a mural at the Appalachian Trail Information Center. Pictured, from left, are Keith Shaw, Amelia Trader, Janet Sawyer, Julie Anderson, Jemma Gascoine and John Bozin.

    Starting this year, hikers will have a central place to get information about the trail and the surrounding communities, thanks to a partnership between the Piscataquis County Economic Development Council and Appalachian Trail Conservancy and some local volunteer artists.
    The information office will be in the Monson Community Center — also known as the former Monson Elementary School — and is scheduled to open on July 19, the same weekend as the Monson Summerfest.
    Several artists and volunteers are working on a mural depicting a portion of the AT, designed by John Bozin, owner of Hebron Gallery Fine Art. “I’m trying to capture two major elements of the trail: the old growth at The Hermitage and clear cutting at this end,” Bozin said. He estimated that he’ll have around 50 hours in the project by the time it’s finished. “It took me awhile to think about the composition, but the end result will be worth it,” he said.
    Janet Sawyer, the PCEDC business development director, obtained a $1,300 grant from the Maine Appalachian Trail Club and L.L. Bean to help get the project started. “This will go toward paint, some furnishings and a computer for video presentations about the area,” Sawyer said.
    Along with Bozin, artists Jemma Gascoine and Amelia Trader; Monson Town Manager Julie Anderson, Piscataquis Chamber of Commerce Director Denise Buzzelli; and Keith Shaw, whose family owns the Shaw House in Monson, attended the announcement last week.
    “Monson took a big hit several years ago when Moosehead Manufacturing closed,” said Trader. “A lot of places went out of business after that, but we’re starting to see a comeback. This center will be a huge asset to the community.”
    Sawyer noted that Spring Creek Barbecue has moved into a much larger building and a new business, Pete’s Place, recently opened in a former vacant storefront. “He has everything from homemade bread and pies to hiking gear,” Sawyer said.
    The key to the success of the center, however, will be volunteer support. “We’re now seeking volunteer docents for the summer,” said Sawyer. “Hours can be flexible, but we’d like the center to be open when we anticipate the most traffic.”
    Buzzelli said that adding the center to the former school building “is a huge plus, and it will help the other businesses already located here.”
    Anyone who’s interested in volunteering at the AT center or who  would like more information about the project can contact Sawyer at jsawyer@pcedc.org or 564-3638.