Dear Folks,
We recently spent some time in Rome — which is near Norway and China. If you are familiar with Maine, you will realize that we are not directionally challenged but are talking about a beautiful spot in the Belgrade Lakes area.
We have the amazing good fortune of being on the board of the Maine Environnemental Education Association (MEEA). We are so humbled by and grateful for MEEA’s passion and dedication to include everyone in their programming. So some of MEEA’s staff and the Lowmans paid a visit to Pine Tree Camp, in Rome, to check out the site . MEEA has an event at the camp. This is a space and an event at which all are welcome and belong.
Like the Rome in Italy, Pine Tree is filled with architectural marvels. There are no barriers to entering any space, including, as you can see from the photos, a treehouse or a swing set.
All attendees will be able to absorb some of the peace and nurturing of this idyllic spot on North Pound.
In contrast, we spent the night in Augusta in a place that was not so welcoming.
When we had last stayed in 2023, the staff were very excited about the major renovations that the hotel was undergoing. We hoped that these would make the hotel more accessible. Alas, that was not the case.
During previous visits, we had pointed out that simply painting the ADA logo on a regular parking space does not make it accessible. Mobility accessible spaces need to be wider or have striping beside them to allow people to get out a wheelchair, walker, or crutches from a vehicle. That had not been rectified.
The only place with additional striping was a loading dock by the outdoor pool. We took that place. Unfortunately, it was at the back of the building and there was no automatic opener for the back doors. So we had to load up our lap and foot board and roll around the building to the front door.
The hotel prides itself on its wonderful, full breakfast that it says is included in the room cost. That is, unless you are in a wheelchair. The major renovation in 2023 was to create a wine and beer bar. It is a traditional bar, at the height of a high-top table, at least. That is where they lay out the magnificent breakfast. So we could not see or access it.
When we were checking out, we mentioned that breakfast is completely inaccessible. The desk clerk thought for a moment, and then agreed. She said that she thought that they had never considered accessibility. She said that they have had guests in wheelchairs, but they always have someone with them to care for them.
The Girls , who are Mummy’s caregivers, could not reach the bar, either.
The contrast between the hotel and the camp was stunning. We certainly felt more welcome and valued in the « wilds » of North Pond than in a hotel that touts itself as ADA accessible.
The Lowmans still have a lot of work to do. 😍
Hugs and Wags.
🐾🐾🐑💕
