Maine

Fly Fishing Royalty: Glenn ‘The Maine Man’ Grant

Published

1 year ago

November 27, 2024

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Fly Fishing Royalty: Glenn ‘The Maine Man’ Grant

WRITING ON THE FLY

By GEORGE LISET

This past summer I had acquired a beautiful Orvis bamboo fly rod made by famed fly rod maker Wes Jordan. Most fly fishers recognize the Orvis name, purveyors of fine fly fishing equipment, however, not many would recognize the name Wes Jordan. Bamboo fly rods and their makers are a whole nother rabbit hole. At the time, I also picked up some flies and a book on Carrie Stevens, the famed fly tier from Upper Dam, Maine who is credited with designing the classic Black Ghost fly.

The gentleman I purchased this from had a house on the Upper Dam and knew Carrie Stevens and thought that some of the flies might have been tied by Carrie. I was beyond excited at that possibility. It was shortly after this that I happened to go to an Antique Show at the Dover, NH Elks. Sitting by the door in his booth was my friend Glenn Grant. I have known Glenn for a number of years from this show and other shows in Maine.

George LIset

I always enjoy Glenn’s booth because it is filled with “Guy Stuff”, that is all things guys, like hunting and fishing items. Glenn goes by “The Maine Man”, because he is all about everything Maine. I knew Glenn would appreciate my recent finds. I first told him about my Wes Jordan fly rod because I knew he would know the name. Glenn was as excited as I was because he can appreciate the art of the find, being in the business. I then told him that I possibly had some Carrie Stevens flies. His eyes lit up and then nonchalantly he told me he also knew Carrie Stevens. As a matter of fact she had tied a fly for him at the streamside when he was a young boy.

I asked him if he still had it. Glenn mentioned that, “No”, he didn’t. Glenn donated it to an auction for the Salmon Project in Maine. Glenn also told me that he donated some of Carrie’s flies to the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Manchester, Vermont and some to the Outdoor Heritage Museum in Oquossoc, Maine. I asked Glenn where he obtained all the flies.

Glenn told me that his grandfather owned Grant’s Camps on Kennebago Lake in Maine and that they had a display box of Carrie’s flies that they sold to the sports for seventy-five cents each. When his grandfather sold the camps, he gave Glenn the flies. Glenn told me Carrie never used a vice to tie flies and that she did them all by hand. Glenn said that the sports would bring boxes of fifty hooks when they came to camp and she would tie up flies for them. Glenn also reminded me that at that time not many houses had electricity, and that Carrie tied by lantern or candle light. I eventually found out none of my flies were tied by Carrie, but they were well done and beautiful.

Glenn shared that when he was younger he used to guide for his grandfather at the Camps. Then he told me about how he guided the late-great Red Sox Hall of Famer Ted Williams. Then he told me about the time he introduced Ted to L.L. Bean. By now I was blown away. Glenn not only knew fly fishing royalty, he was a part of it. I am looking forward to more conversations with Glenn.

George Liset of Dover is an award-winning outdoor writer and avid fly fisherman who shares insights of his time on the water exploring New Hampshire streams and rivers as well of those around New England. George is a graduate of Wheaton College, Illinois, and the University of New Hampshire. His column Writing on the Fly has been honored by the New England Press Association and the New Hampshire Press Association.

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Maine

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

Published

14 minutes ago

March 4, 2026

Press Room

Maine competition gives creative entrepreneurs the chance to win money

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – If you’ve ever wondered what goes into pitching a good business idea, you might want to stop by a Big Gig event.

The Big Gig Entrepreneurship Pitch Off brings professionals from across the state together to network and pitch their early-stage business ideas for a chance to win $500.

Tuesday’s competition was held at the Salty Brick Market in Bangor, and it drew a lot of spectators.

“The winners of each semifinal event get $500 and the opportunity to compete for $5,000, so that can make a huge impact on a business that’s just getting off the ground,” said Renee Kelly, a Big Gig organizer.

The winner of the competition, Colin McGuire, was also grateful for the opportunity to showcase his idea “Art on Tap,” which would connect local artists with local venues trying to put on events.

“The support tonight is huge, and it’s just giving me more enthusiasm for running with the idea,” he said.

The season finale of the competition will be held May 19th.

The location is yet to be determined.

If you’d like to apply to compete in the contest, you can go to biggig.org.

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Maine

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Published

12 hours ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

This Monster Burrito Challenge in Waterville, Maine, Is Not for the Weak

Are you up for a Maine food challenge, or are your eyes bigger than your stomach?

A Waterville staple, Buen Apetito has a monster burrito just waiting for someone to eat it down to the very last bite.

This thing is a beast, literally called La Bestia, and it’s definitely a mighty task for a fearless foodie.

Take on the Buen Apetito La Bestia Food Challenge in Waterville, Maine

According to Buen Apetito, if you can finish a super-sized burrito in 30 minutes or less, you’ll get the $60 meal for free, a La Bestia champion shirt, and a picture on the wall of fame. That’s not to mention the bragging rights of dominating a task few will be able to conquer.

Wondering what’s in the burrito?

The Mexican restaurant shared in a Facebook comment on a post that the burrito is filled with “grilled chicken, chorizo, and tender shredded beef or pork. Built on a layer of seasoned rice, refried beans, and French fries, it’s melted together with a shredded Mexican cheese blend and a drizzle of creamy cheese sauce, sautéed peppers and onions, green salsa, pico de gallo, sour cream, creamy guacamole, and a bed of shredded lettuce all wrapped in three extra-large tortillas fused into one epic wrap.”

Let’s just say that this thing is packed full.

The first La Bestia contender took up his fork and knife in December 2025, but despite coming close, he couldn’t come out with the win.

As of March 2026, the challenge has remained undefeated. But you never know, someone is bound to come out victorious.

Just note that you can only try your hand at this food challenge on Wednesday and Thursday.

Buen Apetito Has Been a Longstanding Waterville, Maine, Restaurant

First opened in 1999, Buen Apeitito has been around for nearly 30 years.

Centralmaine.com reported that the Mexican restaurant was originally located at the Railroad Square complex off Chaplin Street before moving to 99 West River Road in 2023.

A little over a year later, in 2024, Buen Apetito shared on Facebook that it was passing on the torch to new owners, including Dalia, “the heart and soul of [the] kitchen for twenty years,” her daughter, Norma, and Norma’s husband, Shawn.

READ MORE: Famous Maine Restaurant Buen Apetito Adds Powerhouse New Owner to Crew

And it seems like not only are things still going strong, but new additions like La Bestia food challenge are only enhancing the spirit of big flavor and delicious Mexican food at the Waterville staple.

So, you think you’re up for the task of taking down a beast of a burrito at Buen Apetito? Good luck.

You Know You’re From Maine If You’ve Tried All 19 of These Foods

Here’s a number of foods associated with Maine. How many of them have you had?

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

The New York Time’s Best Restaurant Lists Feature These 7 Maine Spots

Gallery Credit: Sean McKenna

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Maine

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

Published

1 day ago

March 3, 2026

Press Room

How the Good Neighbor Day of Giving telethon is impacting Maine’s communities

BANGOR, Maine (WABI) – Monday’s telethon held by WABI in partnership with Penquis and Heart of Maine United Way Monday raised money for the heating of homes, something so basic, yet so significant in a state like Maine.

Danielle Hewes, Penquis contributor and volunteer, says some people might not even know that they qualify for heating assistance.

“I think there’s this misconception that you can’t get that if you’re working. Like that’s just for people on general assistance. The truth of the matter is this is for the people that are maybe not able to work, but also for the people that are working. They’re making ends meet,” she said.

For Danielle, that’s what makes events like the telethon so special: it’s making a real difference in the community with people who need the help the most.

Speaking about Penquis in particular, she said, “You learn about all of the other things they do and how they help the community and you can’t help but want to be a part of that.”

If you weren’t able to donate Monday, donations are still being accepted.

You can go to homeunitedway.org/heat.

You can also call 941-2800.

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