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Have you called to make your reservations!? 3 settings: noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. OPEN TO ALL COMMUNITY AND FAMILIES! For reservations call Dee House at 207-943-3175 or via email deanna.house@houseinthewoods.org LINK TO THE FB EVENT PAGE

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with the early beginnings and mission of House in the Woods military and family retreat we’ll take you back to the beginning for a moment to help you understand the WHY behind our mission.   House in the Woods military and family retreat was founded by Paul and Dee House in 2010 following the loss of their son Sgt. Joel A. House, who was killed in Iraq by a roadside bomb in 2007. The vision for the organization came after attending a memorial service at Fort Hood, Texas, where they found comfort in connecting with other grieving military families. Their goal was to create a program utilizing Maine’s natural resources to bring together military families to support one another.   House in the Woods is a 501(C)(3) nonprofit offering outdoor programs for active military members, veterans, and their families. These programs provide opportunities to bond, relax, and process emotions like grief and stress. Activities include canoeing, kayaking, hiking, hunting, fishing, and other nature-based experiences. Participants can share memories, laughter, and pride while facing outdoor challenges together, strengthening their connections and healing in the process.   One of these such retreat opportunities offered is our annual Veteran Bear Retreat, which consists of 2 weeks of bear hunting and more importantly camaraderie with their fellow military brothers and sisters. Each of these weeks we invite approximately 18 servicemen and women to stay at House in the Woods, each for a full week straight. Attendees of the first week will arrive on the last Saturday of August and stay through the following Saturday. During that time they will spend time with the world’s best volunteers who not only feed and guide them, but share in a week long retreat experience that we hope will create memories that will last a lifetime.   A typical day during the House in the Woods bear retreat begins with a made-to-order breakfast from 7-9, prepared by our volunteer chef and staff, followed by optional activities. Attendees can choose from clay shooting, sighting guns at the shooting range, trail riding on E-bikes, fishing with volunteer guides, relaxing, or visiting Lincoln’s Whitney’s Outfitters for supplies, the most popular this year was a Thermacell to combat mosquitos! The retreat also includes visits to the "Our Heroes" military museum, where attendees are warmly welcomed by local veterans.   We love to suggest our attendees bring stretchy pants because along with the best volunteers you can find we have world class bakers in the area that just love to make homemade goodies for our guests. If the adage “food is love” is true, then you can rest assured that these attendees are loved beyond words. The baked goods table is always full and ready for a little snack whenever they are, day or night.   During this weeklong retreat, spending meals, activities, and lots of time by the fire, attendees aren’t simply getting the experience of a Maine bear hunt. They are spending time with their military brothers and sisters that understand them best. Many Veterans don’t feel comfortable sharing their military experiences with their spouse or their family, so here they can feel safe that not only will their new friends understand where they are coming from, but they will likely share similar feelings and experiences, allowing people to open up which is part of the healing process for so many.   As a result of their time away from home, for some rest, relaxation in the woods, and new-found friendships, many families have reached out to us after their loved one has attended a retreat to say that they saw a noticeable change in their Veteran, and they were so grateful for the opportunity, and the ways in which the improved mental state of their loved one, had a lasting impact on their home as a whole.   Attendees aren’t the only ones who found unexpected and lasting joy from the bear retreat. Many volunteers who take part in activities here at House in the Woods reveal to us that they find just being a part of the activities happening, or finding their special way to use their talents and Give Back to our military heroes, they themselves find peace, relief and healing in their own lives from involvements, learning from Veterans, and feeling a sense of fulfillment from being involved.. It’s not just the Veterans who are experiencing healing and camaraderie here so please reach out if you’re interested in getting involved. We welcome you with open arms!   Be sure to check out our House in the Woods YouTube page for attendee testimonials.   There were several attendees from this year’s retreat who were going through particularly difficult situations in their personal lives, from divorce, loss of a loved one, battling PTSD, and depression. Timing is everything sometimes and when these Veterans needed people who care, and needed to feel that their lives really matter, the other attendees and our volunteers stepped up to the challenge and made sure that not only did these individuals know they matter, but that we are going to continue to support them even after this retreat is over. Once you come to House in the Woods you are part of our family.   Please spread the word to servicemen and women that you know. All military personnel are welcome to apply – All Branches, All Eras, All States, Retired, Veterans, Active Duty and Gold Star Families.   Interested in volunteering or donating? Please visit our website at houseinthewoods.org or contact us by phone or email for more information.   We look forward to welcoming you to your HOME AWAY FROM HOME right here in Lee, Maine.   Angie Gade Development & Social Media Coordinator House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat Angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org 920-517-6749

Join House in the Woods Military & Family retreat for an incredible day out on the front lawn of the lodge, and under our new pavillion, your favorite place to be on a beautiful summer day. GREAT FUN, GREAT FOOD AND GREAT CONNECTION. 7 different groups of musicians will play for our veterans and community, to show their gratitude and appreciation for our military heroes and their families. DO NOT MISS IT!! We spend the day listening to music, playing games, enjoying good food, and making great new memories. There's no cost for admission. Food and drinks will be available for purchase, as well as the Darlings Ice Cream Truck!!! Silent Auction and 50/50 raffle will be set up as well - all funds raised during the event will fund the House in the Woods Veteran Retreats offered to our military heroes FREE to them for healing and camaraderie. Call Angie with any questions at 920-517-6749 or email at angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org

Prepare for a fun and delicious day at House in the Woods - Lee, Maine COME AS A TASTER OR A CONTESTANT!! ALL PUBLIC WELCOME :) *New for 2023 - separate voting for Chili vs. Chowder The cook-off will BEGIN 12 PM., VOTING WILL END AT 4 P.M. We need as many tasters/VOTERS as we can get. we'd love to see you. Bottomless bowl for any donation. WHERE: HOUSE IN THE WOODS 217 SKUNK HILL ROAD LEE, MAINE 04455 HOW TO ENTER: Email us at angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org to enter your chili or chowdah! *All funds raised during the cookoff will benefit Lee, Maine cemeteries - Wreaths Across America

PUBLIC WELCOME! Sunday, December 10th 2023 Grab your snowshoes and Join us at House in the Woods - Lee, Maine for a FREE Snowshoe hike on the trails at the lodge, while they're covered in white. *We do have 6 pairs of snowshoes available for use that day first come first serve. *NOTE: Mardens and Whitney's Outfitters in Lincoln have snowshoes for sale! MARK YOUR CALENDARS, invite your friends and family, and gather together with us as we enjoy the fresh air, beautiful scenery, and time together. Stop into the lodge to warm up after the hike, for free coffee, hot cocoa and baked goodies!

Friends of all ages... join us at House in the Woods for a FREE old-fashioned Christmas Celebration! Everyone is welcome. MARK YOUR CALENDARS, invite your friends and family, and gather together with us as we celebrate the Christmas Season TOGETHER! NEW FOR THIS YEAR: - Christmas face painting for kids! - New kids FREE Christmas ornament creation station - Write a letter to Santa / letter back from the North Pole! HERE'S THE LINK: https://fb.me/e/7eg15BvHf

Embark on a journey of remembrance with us, and our 2023 "In Memory Of" video, which is a heartfelt tribute to those who have left an imprint on our lives. This compilation invites you to honor and celebrate the lives of individuals who are fondly remembered by the House in the Woods family and will forever hold a special place in our hearts. As you watch you will likely shed a tear, like we have in putting this together but please try not to cry tears of sadness, but rather, tears of joy that those smile, those faces, and those very special lives were a blessing on ours. Cry only tears of joy, for all the memories made. This video is meant to be a celebration of the joy, laughter, and cherished moments that define the legacy of our departed loved ones. We extend heartfelt gratitude to all the generous individuals who, in memory of their loved ones, have made contributions to the House in the Woods program. Your kindness ensures that military heroes and their families will continue to experience life-changing opportunities here at House infor FREE, a testament to the enduring impact of your generosity. As we weave together these memories, your loved one's smiles and their zest for life will be forever etched in the fabric of our community. The House in the Woods family stands united in gratitude, honoring these beloved individuals, and finding solace in the knowledge that their spirit lives on through the positive changes we can create together. Thank you for being part of this meaningful journey, preserving legacies, and allowing the House in the Woods to continue making a profound difference in the lives of those we serve.

In a world where kindness and compassion shine bright, House in the Woods is thrilled to share a heartwarming story of generosity that has touched our hearts. 🌟 A heartfelt salute to James McCain and Eagles for Veterans organization for their incredible act of kindness! 🦅 Their dedication to supporting our nation's heroes is truly awe-inspiring and we're blessed beyond measure to be able to share it with our community and with our many heroes that spend time here 🇺🇸 You will see in the photo on the lower left the piece of wood selected for this special project, where it all began. Then to the right you continue through the process, finally with Paul and James standing below the eagle, it proudly hangs in the House in the Woods great room where so many military heroes and their families gather to share in camaraderie and healing. Special thanks to the wonderful Roberta White, whose nomination brought the blessing of Eagles for Veterans to the doorstep of House in the Woods. 🏡💙 Your selflessness and commitment to making a difference are an inspiration to us all. As a lasting symbol of this incredible gesture, a plaque now hangs proudly beneath this majestic eagle which was made by James himself as seen in the photo, symbolizing the strength, freedom, and unity that define our great nation. 🦅🗽✨ "May this eagle soar, echoing the spirit of those who have sacrificed for our freedom." Let's celebrate the power of community and extraordinary individuals like James McCain, Eagles for Veterans, and Roberta White, who remind us that the American spirit is alive and well. 🇺🇸 ❤️ Together We Heal #UnitedWeStand #CommunityLove #HouseInTheWoods #PatrioticHeart #GratefulNation

Have you called to make your reservations!? 3 settings: noon, 1:30 and 3 p.m. For reservations call Dee House at 207-943-3175 or via email deanna.house@houseinthewoods.org LINK TO THE FB EVENT PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/events/1027028415357875

Good evening everyone! We appreciate all of our incredible volunteers and are looking forward to seeing some of you at the upcoming Veteran Bear Retreat. House in the Woods is looking to add a new team member, a Part-time Housekeeper for the lodge in Lee, Maine. Our current part-time housekeeper is getting married and plans to complete her time with House in the Woods by the end of October. HOUSEKEEPER WANTED House in the Woods (HITW), a nonprofit, located in Lee, ME is seeking a part-time Housekeeper to join our team. DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES: Clean and turn over guest rooms upon guest departure, including removal, washing, folding and replacement of all guest linens, restocking toiletries, removal of trash/debris, sanitizing surfaces, and vacuuming/mopping floors. Be available for clean up after private or community events. Inventory and restock housekeeping carts and replenish supplies in common areas. Clean and tidy common areas including lobby, restrooms, entry ways, corridors, stairways, kitchen, Great Room, storage rooms, and janitorial rooms. Support special cleaning projects when requested by the HITW Management. Immediately report missing/found articles, damaged, or other maintenance concerns noticed while on-site. Greet guests with a warm and friendly greeting. Work with volunteers in a friendly and professional manner. Complete any job-related tasks assigned by HITW Management as necessary. REQUIREMENTS: Must care about people and be passionate about veterans. Must be able to move, lift, carry, push, pull and place objects weighing less than or equal to 25 pounds without assistance. Some flexibility in schedule required as determined by certain retreats throughout the year. Previous housekeeping experience.. Able to pass a background check. High school diploma or equivalent. Preference to veterans or their immediate family. TO APPLY: Application available online at https://www.houseinthewoods.org/employmentopportunities Print application available on request. Email Deanna.House@houseinthewoods.org 20 hours per week at $15.00 per hour. No phone calls please. Applications will close when a suitable candidate is selected. IF YOU'RE INTERESTED IN APPLYING FOR THIS POSITION PLEASE COMPLETE THE APPLICATION, AND RETURN TO THE ADDRESS PROVIDED. Have an incredible day and we look forward to hearing from you. Angie

If you're looking for a historical landmark destination with a unique blend of beauty and outdoor recreation then Lee, Maine might be the destination for you! House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat in Lee, Maine has announced their plans, in collaboration with the Woody Williams Foundation, to erect the first Gold Star Families Memorial Monument in the state of Maine adding yet another MUST SEE location for visitors to the state of Maine! Gold Star Families Memorial Monuments are a two-sided tribute made of black granite. One side bears the words: Gold Star Families Memorial Monument, a tribute to Gold Star Families and Relatives who sacrificed a Loved One for our Freedom. The other side tells a story through the four granite panels: Homeland, Family, Patriot, and Sacrifice. At the center of this tribute, is a silhouette of a saluting service member which represents the Legacy of the Loved Ones who have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom. Together, these features tell each community's unique story based on the Pillars of the Foundation. The Monuments provide a place of permanence for Gold Star Families and their communities, to gather, honor, and remember their fallen Loved Ones, to whom we owe so much. House in the Woods announced this week a PATRIOTIC ART CONTEST that will run through September 22, 2023. This contest is open to all ages and to anyone across the globe. Entries must be original and may be photos, drawings, or paintings with a theme of SACRIFICES MADE BY OUR GOLD STAR FAMILIES. The 3rd pillar of the Gold Star Family Memorial is titled “SACRIFICE”, and the team at House in the Woods could use your help in determining what should be shown on that pillar. We all have a passion for our country, our freedom, and our heroes. Don’t be shy, we all have a message to share. You never know, your work might be selected to stand tall on the 1st Gold Star Families Memorial in Maine, for years to come. Art Contest Rules and entry form can be found at: houseinthewoods.org/artcontest Additionally, The Library of Congress is interested in potentially adding veteran submissions to its Veterans History Project, where they collect, preserve, and make accessible the firsthand recollections of U.S. military veterans who served in World War I through more recent conflicts and peacekeeping missions, so that future generations may hear directly from veterans and better understand what they saw, did and felt during their service. House in the Woods is a 501©3 non-profit hosting veterans, active-duty and gold star families on outdoor retreats for healing and camaraderie. It’s is the perfect location for such a memorial and will open its arms to all who would like to visit Maine. If you’re interested in making a momentary donation towards the building of the WWF Gold Star Families Memorial, donations can be directed to House in the Woods with a memo indicating the Gold Star Families Memorial. The cost of the project is estimated to cost $50,000.00 and will welcome patriots to come to Lee, Maine for healing and camaraderie, from across the globe for years to come. Groundbreaking is planned for the Spring of 2024 and ribbon cutting in the Fall of 2024. Lee, Maine is a beautiful place to visit, with the Penobscot River flowing through town providing plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. The river is also home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, bears, and moose, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and photographers. For those who prefer to stay on land, Lee has beautiful parks and trails to explore. The Lee Academy Trail is a popular hiking spot, with a 1.7-mile loop that takes you through a wooded area and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Lee also has several picnic areas and playgrounds, making it a great spot for families. History buffs will appreciate Lee's rich heritage, which dates back to the early days of settlement in Maine. The town was founded in 1832 and named after General Charles Lee, a Revolutionary War hero. In addition to its natural beauty and historic landmarks, Lee should be known for its friendly and welcoming community. The town hosts several annual events, celebrations, and parades which feature live music, food vendors, and a parade with local vendors selling fresh produce, baked goods, and handmade crafts. If you're planning a visit to Lee, there are several lodging options to choose from including several cozy bed and breakfasts as well as campgrounds for those who prefer to sleep out under the stars. And let's not forget a must-stop in Lee is the Harris Family Takeout, surely a must-see and more importantly a must-taste with their delicious lobster rolls and are several restaurants in the area, serving up traditional Maine cuisine such as lobster rolls, hamburgers, and ice cream! Please spread the word if you would and if you're feeling artsy.... submit for yourself! TOGETHER WE HEAL Angie Gade – Development Coordinator House in the Woods Military & Family Retreat info@houseinthewoods.org angie.gade@houseinthewoods.org 207-738-8387

In honor of National Military Appreciation Month what better time is there to consider supporting the mission of GIVING BACK TO OUR MILITARY HEROES. By donating $22 a month you WILL SAVE VETERAN LIVES. If you can, please consider joining the community of generous veteran supporters, keeping these healing outdoor retreats FREE for our veterans. No donation is to small, for the GREAT sacrifices that our veterans have made for our freedoms. Here at House in the Woods, we provide outdoor retreats to veterans at NO COST, so that they can connect with their fellow veterans and feel the healing and camaraderie that they need and deserve so much. Click the link below to make your donation today: https://checkout.square.site/.../NX65MZZPIFOQC3PVKOAKUD6H Thank you for helping make this possible. **PLEASE SHARE IF YOU WOULD BE SO KIND** TOGETHER WE HEAL