It was a combination of things that led to Al “Big Al” Cohen’s status as a Maine celebrity: his iconic suspenders, the tie-dye gorilla or tiger shirts, his larger-than-life personality, the firework store, and the popular commercials he was featured in about his store Big Al’s Super Values, which sat on Route 1 in Wiscasset for nearly 35 years.

The saying goes many hands make light work, but those involved need to coordinate if the work is going to be light. Sports enthusiast and Newcastle Publick House sous-chef Jeff Lamb, of Damariscotta, brings that team-oriented mentality to whatever he’s trying to accomplish.

The beauty of Lincoln County lives in art all over the world, printed on paper, thrown into clay, and etched in the hearts of those who visit and call this place home. Susan Bartlett Rice, a painter and muralist living in South Bristol with her husband and two kids, has been capturing the textures and patterns of the Midcoast for most of her life.

It’s hard to forget those who answer the call for help in times of need, whether that’s a friend, family, or even a stranger. For Erin Bean, Dresden resident, Wiscasset Ambulance Service Chief, mother to six, gardener, and bagel baker, she’s been showing up for people for over 25 years.

Part of the joy of having a passion is sharing it with others, and for decorated athlete, longtime Bristol Consolidated School physical education teacher, coach, and pumpkin grower Chris Perry, he continues to love working with the young athletes and students of Lincoln County.

To connect with others is a deeply human experience, and in her roles as a teacher, a community development coordinator at Island Institute in Rockland, Bremen School Committee member, and former Bremen Broadband Committee chair, Christa Thorpe has been fostering that kind connection between and within communities her whole life.