Jenny Howard and her small team of interns spend summers on Seal Island off the coast of Maine in an effort to monitor and help the fledgling puffin population there. Howard has been at it for the last three summers and her efforts have helped restore the populations of several sea bird species including the arctic terns, great black-backed gulls and Atlantic puffins.

Seal Island is a national wildlife refuge situated about 21 miles off the Rockland, Maine coast and was once owned by the U.S. Navy who used the location for bombing practice. Live ordnance can still be found on the rocky terrain.

Life on the island may seem idyllic but it comes with its own set of hardships. The volunteers, who live on the island in a group of four or five, sleep in tents and use solar heated water to take tepid showers when they can. There is no electricity on the island except for two solar powered lights, and therefore, no refrigeration. The crew brings in what they can carry in their backpacks – clothes, canned and dried foods and supplies. Water and food are brought in every ten days by a local lobster fisherman who sometimes brings fresh lobster too.

Howard supervises the crew for Project Puffin, a seabird restoration project associated with the National Audubon Society. They monitor and look after nine species of seabirds in the summertime when the birds breed.

The primary focus is on the puffins who were hunted for their feathers and as food 150 years ago until none were left on the island. Dr. Steve Kress who created Project Puffin is responsible for the reintroduction of the puffin to the island 40 years ago.

The daily routine consists of counting the paired seabirds for three hours starting before daybreak. Later, they record wind direction, air temperature and sea surface conditions in order to monitor the habitat.

A single cabin is used for cooking, data collection and data entry and houses a small library containing books left by past volunteers. It doubles as a shelter during inclement weather.

Howard says the best part of her day is playing with the birds. She loves seeing a baby chick and the work she does is all the satisfaction she needs.

Who were the first to make whoopi pies? Are they from Maine or Lancaster, Pennsylvania? Aye, that is the question, as the two states are embroiled in a tasty, good-natured conflict over who introduced these rich, dense and delicious small chocolate cakes with a creamy vanilla filling.

One Maine legislator, Paul Davis to be specific, initiated a bill last January, which made the whoopi pie Maine’s official dessert. Later the name was changed to Maine’s official treat. He was inspired to do this after attending the Maine Whoopi Pie Festival, which brought some 4,000 visitors to his district last year alone.

Congressional districts aside, residents in Lancaster, Pa don’t care what the people in Maine call the whoopi pie because they claim that these chocolate delights also known as “gobs,” originated in Amish kitchens and date back many generations.

The issue has prompted “whoopi pie rallies” with purists in Lancaster, PA, holding signs that they alone have the original and all others are imposters committing “confectionary larceny.” Attended by 100 angry people last February, one person carried a sign bearing the words: Give Me Whoopi or Give Me Death. The Labadie’s Bakery in Lewiston, Maine, insists they started making whoopi pies back in 1925.

Whoever is right or wrong may never be ascertained. The creator of the whoopi pie may remain one of those confectionary mysteries that people will just have to live with. Although the competition is light-hearted, with so much going on in this dynamic world of ours that merits our attention and concern, how should we prioritize this miscarriage of culinary justice?

Maybe what everyone needs instead is a whoopi cushion, or perhaps the brilliant commentary of a funny lady who bears the name, Whoopi Goldberg?

Cupid Brings Love in High Places This Valentine’s Day” width=”150″ height=”150″ />[/caption]

Do you desire more than just some flowers and candy this Valentine’s Day? How about celebrating the day a bit differently with some high up romance? On Monday, Feb.14, Saddleback, Maine offers an eight minute speed dating service on their chairlifts for singles at the Rangeley chairlift.

You just pay $25 for your lift ticket and then single men and women can go up together in the chairlift’s eight minute ride up the mountain. The ride lets guys and gals spend the time talking to their “date” and then can decide if they want to go up for another ride to talk more.

Operators say it is a fun chance for people to have a mini-date with someone, who if nothing else, shares their love of skiing. They will go up the mountain, then ski back down together. And, if desired, they can do this over and over and meet lots of people. Perhaps they will end up with a new “Valentine.”

Couples doing this mini date get a red heart to wear and then get into special waiting lines. They are paired up and sent up the mountain on a ride where they can talk and try to find out about one another.

So, if you want to meet someone new this Valentine’s Day and love skiing, this may be a great way to find special someone this year. Get that ski outfit, boots and hat and head to Saddleback, Maine to take an eight minute ride that could turn into a ride of a lifetime with a new exceptional partner.