As a kid growing up, my mom Mary Lou was always interested in the family tree with stacks of correspondence, news clippings and charts with branches of the early members added as they were learned about. Activities like death or marriage or new additions to the family were carefully written in with her careful cursive style penmanship taught to her years ago in Hodgdon Maine schools. Now with her gone, my brother Jonathan in Boxford Massachusetts has become the local historian for the family. He is fascinated with trips to old graveyards, searching public records and looks for family puzzle pieces. Daniel Mooers is an attorney in the Portland Maine area and he has taken the missing family persons hobby even further with a yahoogroups site set up and regular news letter on the MOOERS family name. Today receive a correspondence that gets your attention and makes me blog about what others do to stay in touch with their family roots and how they pass along the information that you want preserved and not lost. Dan writes....
This week I was jolted by an obituary I picked up on the 'net. Let me
explain my reaction to you, with a rather long explanation. Please bear
with me.
A little over a year ago, I was reading a newspaper story about a young
Swampscott, Massachusetts soldier who was killed in Iraq. The soldier was
named Jared Raymond, and the article also talked about his friend and
cousin, Justin Mooers, who also had been injured several years earlier
during preparation to go to Iraq. Because I have cousins named Raymond, I
searched for a connection to our family but I could not. I filed the
obituary away with other genealogical information.
Earlier this year, I also picked up a obituary of Wayne Mooers, who died at
age 49 in Florida. The obituary said he died unexpectedly in December, 2007
and that he was formerly from Massachusetts. Again, I could not find a
connection to any Mooers in my database so I filed it away,
This week I saw an obituary of Justin K. Mooers, age 27, who died in Texas.
His obituary pointed out that he was a cousin of Army Spec. Jared Raymond
(deceased). Justin's obituary listed family members, so I pulled out Jared
Raymond's obituary and it led me in turn to Wayne Mooers' obituary. As I
re-read the three obituaries, I realized that Wayne Mooers was the brother
of Justin's mother, Kathleen Mooers. Wayne Mooers also was the father of
Jared Raymond. Wayne's parents were John R. And Patricia Mooers of Pelham, NH.
I then realized that John and Patricia Mooers had, in a little over a year,
lost a son, Wayne, and two grandsons, Justin and Jared. I was overwhelmed.
I found the telephone number for John and Patricia and telephoned their
home to express my deepest sympathies. I reached Patricia and had a long
conversation. She explained that her husband, John, is confined to a
nursing home and they have not dared to tell him of Justin's death.
Patricia further explained that as the US was prepared to invade Iraq,
Justin's tank battalion was being transported by rail and Justin was in his
tank. At some point, he stood up on top of his tank and came in contact
with a high tension wire above the tracks. The electrical charge went into
the top of his head and out his toes and he was severely burned on half his
body. He eventually lost a leg and was retired from the military. However
he did get married, to Jessica A. Holmes Mooers, herself an Air Force staff
sergeant and she was stationed at Lackland in Texas. They had a daughter,
Bailey Mooers, who, at the beginning of June, was 20 months old. Justin
laid down in June, 2008, to take a nap with Bailey and he never woke up.
Justin's wife, Jessica is pregnant with their second child, who is expected
in October.
I have to tell you, I am telling you this story with tears in my eyes.
Although I have never personally met this family, I feel the deepest
heartache for their losses. I intend to contact Jessica Holmes Mooers to
see if she will accept a small donation to help with the expenses of
Justin's children. Because of her circumstances, she has found it necessary
to resign from the military. If any of you would also like to help Jessica
and her children, please contact me.
I did learn that John R. Mooers' father's name was Arthur Mooers. I still
am unable to identify the family with others in my extensive database but I
will keep trying.
Let's all keep this family in our prayers. They have been through more than
one family should have to bear.
Who is tracking developments in your family for the next generation to carry on the tradition? Now that my parents are gone, it makes you realize all they shared with you about stories, events and family history needs to be taught to my four children.
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine / Aroostook County Real Estate Information
What's Cooking In Your Home Town? If You Only Had One Channel To Watch For Entertainment And Information, It Might Be Like Living In A Government Controled Country. Fortunately We Have Lots Of Choices And We Like To Explore Them Quickly. As A Maine Real Estate Broker, In Addition To Promoting Property, Our Biggest Job And Responsibility Is To Market Maine. "Vacationland" Has Lots To Offer And Rather Than One Blog, One Website, One Video Outlet....A Maine REALTOR Needs To Have Many "Broadcast" Options. And There A Slug Of Them Out There. One Other Blog We Feed Is Blogger. We Upload Video To Many Sources But Still The 800 Pound Gorilla For History And Name Recognition Is You Tube. You Have The Property Information, You Know Your Area Of The State You Live In, Make Sure To Not Limited The Information Trail To One Brand Of Blog, Podcast, Video Outlet, Website Or Social Realty Site!
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Maine Real Estate Information & Helpful Area Websites
"I like people..don't get me wrong..but just need to get away from them for awhile" is one reason we hear for buying low cost, attractive Maine property. The lower population of Maine means less people to bang into.
People get along and are friendly here. Kids are brought up with respect and a sense of values.
Often hear from your 50 something crowd that where they live now out of state, they have disputes with all the too close neighbors and their kids are relying way way too heavily on them. While they have a few good years left..they want to get somewhere..anywhere reasonable priced to run away to a place where they don't see people. Just enjoy the day to day without alot of bills and free from "what did I do now" syndrome. Less people, friendlier people is one reason people pick Maine. It makes economic sense, you have elbow room and the four season living is unspoiled by crowds, crime and traffic. Would be interesting to hear from a broker in a concrete jungle who hears why folks migrate to the cities and what they see as drawbacks being a country mouse!
Hear The Question Daily..."Got Anything Cheap, Nothing Special, Doesn't Have To be Large Or Filled With Fine Features...Just Want To Own Something, Anything In Maine."
The need to just own something in Maine is a strong one. Motivation? If all heck broke loose where John or Jane Real Estate Buyer live now, they have a small parcel of land or a second home to retreat to in a hurry. Recreational value of local property is extremely high while the price tag for it is incredible low in comparision to where the buyer hangs his hat at the end of the day now. Property is so inexpensive compared to the rest of the world that buyers feel like a kid in a candy store. They want to, and can buy multiple properties due to the real estate dollar's buying power in Maine!
Last week closed on an acre building lot in prime recreational country with power and year round paved side road frontage for under $2500. What was wrong with it? Nothing...seller had purchased long long ago for around $1000. In Northern Maine, property values keep track with inflation but you do not see $200,000 spikes up and down like parts of the country. Heck, you don't see alot of $200,000 property price tags for that matter. Everything you know real estate value wise, divide by three. Stock brokers also indicate there are customers with little money but a strong desire to own shares in something, anything to round out the meager portfolio. Minor league players and probably why penny stocks were popular awhile back. You can be a player with little green stuff. Going after the small potato buyer is the bread and butter of the Northern Maine / Aroostook County real estate broker. The higher the price, the thinner the buyers is the old adage. It applies in Maine real estate sales and is why Maine is holding its own and parts are ahead of sale projections despite the gloom and doom blanket end of the world real estate mentality of many major media outlets and brokers themselves nationwide. The National Association of Realtors reminds the viewing, listening, reading public that "Contact a local REALTOR....every market is different." In northern maine, with 11 people per square mile you can buy alot of land for a little money and enjoy not having to lock your door, being able to get involved in vibrant small rural communities with lots of local pride, and no better place dollar for dollar to obtain high quality real estate and lots of it for little money. That's Aroostook County in particular!
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine & Aroostook County Real Estate / Area Information
As A Maine Real Estate Broker, When Talking With Buyers, Often The Request For An Email Gets A Varied Response.
Some folks looking for Maine real estate let you know up front loud and clear that they are "not computer people". You can tell they have been asked before for an email and they are slightly annoyed when the question is poised. For example, when we are talking with the husband in a couple, when the question comes up about his email address, suddenly, fear on the other end starts, stuttering, sometimes a pregnant pause, and then ..."oh..let me give you to my wife..she handles the email/computer questions". Or neither is on line and they figure they are too old to start now.
Often we suggest getting their grandchild to help set up an email account if they have a computer but have not made the leap to being able to receive video links and more real estate information. As a broker, even though 85% of folks go on line to find property, have to be sensitive that not everyone is on line and do not ever make the caller feel inadequate or on the spot if they are not on line by choice or fear. Brochures printed up to showcase property still needed for handouts and tourist information centers. Direct mail the customer these flyers but in a nice way help them get on line or figure out who they know that has an email address to ping them some property propaganda! Being on line makes it alot easy to search for anything, and to get blogs, videos, podcast and details quickly.
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine & Aroostook County Real Estate Information & Area Links!
If your basic life is rush, rush rush and last minute, the walk even though a ten minute proposition, is not an option. So you continue to roll into work on two wheels, just in time or even a little bit late..all the time worrying about running out of gas because the lighted fuel pump on the instrument cluster shows the car is running on vapors. Another factoid for Johnny or Jane on the tear, the vehicle is always on empty. Put off fueling until the last minute. Not because you might save a few pennies if the price went down...just becaue you procrastinate and could have done it on the last trip to the grocery store for a few last minute items. But you did not have time or desire then because all your life is a rush and blur at the tail end to catch up. Wasn't one of your New Year's resolution to get better organized, have less anxiety and stress and to run a tighter ship? The view about shows what you are missing by not walking, hiking the great outdoors of Maine's 4 season beauty!
Why do people put off and then create a red alert crisis situations that actually makes more work and stress in the long run by avoiding the simpliest tasks ? I have sold homes that on the top ten reasons for a buy might be closest to work so I can walk an "oh look honey, a garage for each of our cars". Years later the garage is full of stuff...just dumped in its tracks here and there, helter skelter. No cars live in this garage. Like iron dinosaurs they wait piled with snow after a winter storm instead of being tucked inside where windshield ice needs removal before bee-lining to work. Walking to work rarely happens because schedules do not allow the option. No time, no way, not in the cards or a developed habit for enough of us. Luckily my office is 15 feet from my home..right next door in a converted 1913 carriage house.
With high fuel prices, and need for office folks especially those pinned to the wall with an inside sitting job and eating the wrong diet. Walking as an option whether to work, or for a loaf of bread and milk at the corner grocery nearby should be possible. The time to fit it in is crucial. Is it avoided beyond time constraints because the person just is overwhelmed and has too much to do like many over achieving Americans? Or is it lack of training and example by parents, grandparents growing up during the habit forming years? Or is affluence so great, that the money involved in last minute sortes to here and there just don't dent the family budget and go unnoticed in the spending power of the wallet you sit on? Is it a willful streak where they know it makes sense mental and physical health wise plus saves gas but "Don't tell me what I should be doing"? Instead of its the right thing to do just a case of don't tell me what to do, don't restrict me or boss me.
My son had a two game ice hockey summer program event Saturday afternoon and during the short lull before and between games, I decided to hoof it around the University of Maine Orono campus where I graduated from college back in 1979. The walk was fun to remember walks by buildings housing what seemed early early 8am classes years ago. And you realized the distances covered by foot as no other option other than a bike to different parts of the campus. I remember this building being further away, or where did this new complex come from, etc. I enjoyed the slide show in my head as I toured the campus. It was good for health. It cost no cash and the Jeep could sit waiting for a real trip two hours back to Houlton from Orono, Maine later in the day. And because traveling is alot of sitting, it helps the body get something else it needed to oxygenate and get the blood pumping. I have found when mowing a lawn, some of my best thinking is done... processing the days events and conversations. Getting mentally caught up and spending some time with myself. My brother Steve was harping that kids nowadays can work like the dickens and save money for something they really want, but some then "coast" and dabble in a hobby or passion that most likely will never amount to a sustaining career. But they are passionate about it, and work hard to develop it. Maybe that lack of stay with vanilla or chocolate thinking and doggedly pursue a career with all your heart and soul is not enough nowadays. Young adults now may make recreational pursuits and hobbies a big part of their day to day and working hard from dusk to dawn like life on the farm is not rewarding enough and involves too much physcial labor distracting them from what they really want to do for fun! More on Healthy Maine Walks Here!
Whether walking around your community to enjoy and feel part of it, or hiking many of Maine's mountains, trails and organized walking tours, start tooling around on your own power, by shuffling you own two feet.
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine / Aroostook County Real Estate & Area Information
Bank accounts making a meager 1.5 or 2.5 %. Safe but (yawning) boring and not performing. Maine land is an investment that keeps track as a hedge against inflation and you can have fun with it. Unlike a bank account book, you can camp on your Aroostook County land. Or divide it among your family members over time so they all get a piece of Maine to give to their kids! The size of your investment budget dictates what you buy and how large it is. Like a diamond...you can go after size and quality if money is of no object. But if it is just big that is all that matters, cut over woodland is a reasonable buy but do you have 53 years to start another forest? Dollar for dollar, your simple acre camp or house site is all you need for a base to explore Maine from. Remember Maine's name is "Vacationland" which means your new land investment is right in the backyard of four season beauty and recreation. Maine..the way life should be.
To see Maine investment property and community events for the local flavor of the friendly people, visit Maine Videos here!
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine & Aroostook County Real Estate & Area Information
Neat how technology links you to the events as they happen! Local drive Lucas Grant is in the top nine..the winner of the local Houlton Northern Maine Soap Box Derby Race 2008! Proud of the parents and driver...and in a small town, everyone knows the folks they are cheering, hooting for. Here is the link for live streaming of the big world series of racing in Akron Ohio! Houlton Maine has been the site of the largestr local race in the country five years in a row! Go Lucas Grant! For local derby program visit website. Lucas Grant and Sara Heath are in Akron Ohio for the week. Here is the live link address...its a long one but to make sure you get it all http://media.myfoxcleveland.com/livestreaming/FF_NEWS_CHAT_B.html
Maine...the way life should be. Itching for something to do this summer..something to look forward to? Check out this list of festivals in Maine..just a sampling of all there is to do this summer in "Vacationland".
Annual Maine Lobster Festival www.mainelobsterfestival.com info@mainelobsterfestival.com
33rd Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival www.machiasblueberry.com blueberryfestival@centrestreetchurch.org
16th Annual Great Falls Balloon Festival! www.greatfallsballoonfestival.com info@greatfallsballoonfestival.org
Crown Of Maine Balloon Fest! www.crownofmaineballoonfest.org dsmith@crownofmaineballoonfest.org
American Folk Festival in Bangor Maine! www.americanfolkfestival.com 
http://www.mcgillsband.com
27th MS Regatta Harborfest Weekend www.msmaine.org info@msmaine.org
Maine Salmon Festival In Eastport www.eastportme.net chamber@eastportme.net
Houlton Maine Area Events www.greaterhoultonchamber.com 207 532 4216
McGill's Band Plays In Houlton Maine!
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton Maine / Aroostook County Real Estate & Area Information
Mainers are lucky. Sure $4 dollar gas exists, but when you live in "Vacationland" there is something for everyone right in your own backyard. Whether it is walking the streets of Bar Harbor and Camden on the Maine coast, downhill skiing Sugarloaf or Sunday River or climbing Mt Katahdin, snowsledding and exploring unspoiled Aroostook County, there is something for everyone in Maine. This summer folks are exploring their own backyard, saving gas and having family fun. What do do when you are in Maine? Such a large state and varied options exist! For information on recreational highlights in Maine, visit the Maine Travel site.
In Aroostook County /Northern Maine double click www.VisitAroostook.com
For Kennebec and Moose River Valey, tap your finger twice at www.KennebecValley.org
The Interior Maine Highland await you at www.TheMaineHighlands.com
Western Maine offers plenty too at www.WesternMaine.org
Greater Portland with all a vibrant city offers is showcased www.VisitPortland.com
Mid Coast Maine...another great Getaway! Check it out at www.MaineMidCoast.com
Life Is A Beach...A Maine Beach! Pack a lunch, sunscreen, something to drink... www.MaineBeachesAssociation.org
Downeast Maine..Acadia Region...Imagine driving up Cadillac Mountain for a sunrise! www.DownEastAcadia.com
Maine REALTOR Andrew Mooers - Houlton & Aroostook County Area Real Estate / Information 
Attractive, Affordable Northern Maine Homes, Farms, Land, Waterfront And Business Properties! Slow Down! Live The Good Simple Life In Northern Maine / Aroostook County! Houlton Maine Borders Canada!
Be grateful for everything you have. On the farm being raised as a youngster, the family learned early on to be content, to choose to be happy. Depression? Didn't have any growing up...it was chores, working hand in hand with family, and being glad haying was done, or picking rocks with other youth was over for another year. Weather is something you can not control so you work with it. You quickly modify plans if it changes..but you don't sit down...you stay busy, you stay productive. You have to survive. You don't get a weekly pay check...you may have years which are bonanza crops....or ones that you try not to lose too much money. This training prepared me for real estate world. No weekly pay check, effort is key, attitude is everything.
In Northern Maine a broker has to be like a general practioner. Sure we peddle the little ranch or cape owned by the lady with blue hair, but general stores, little diners, apartment houses, and farms/land are part of the mix too. Lakeshore cottages and hunting cabins are a category where th
e shelves are never fully stocked the way we would like it. Northern Maine is a play ground so we cater to those wanting recreational property. And growing up on a farm, we are not afraid of four wheeling to the back of that field or woodlot so selling farms and land is a big part of what we do. The views, the brooks, the wildlife and access to trails is what many of our internet customers hanker. Relocation help, securing repo homes, 1031 exchanges...we do it all and love the job. Our office is located at 69 North Street in Houlton.
TESTIMONIALS FROM CUSTOMERS ...
Barbara and Rob Douglas write ... "Andy, you did an awesome job selling mom's house! But above and beyond just "selling the house," you showed by Mom (Mabel Britton) overwhelming patience, respect and dignity."
Christopher Robin writes ... "Still looking ... I really appreciate a Realtor like you who values every customer. You have my loyalty."
Richard L. Frank writes ... "Thank you so much for finding the rental in Houlton for me. You are people of your word, and I will remember that in the future."
Lenny and Cheryl Carmichael write ... "Thank you very much for your assistance in the selling of the apartment building on 7 Kendall Street. We look forward to doing business with you and your staff in the near future."
Joe Risho writes ... "I want to thank you for taking a couple of minutes of your time today to update me on the properties I have listed with you. Say "hello" to Robin ... she is always very pleasant on the telephone and is truly an asset to your business."
The Watson Family writes ... "We just wanted to say thank you for working so hard on our behalf. You made this transition in our lives very smooth and peaceful. Please know that we wouldn't hesitate to recommend you as a Realtor. You showed great professionalism in getting the job done. Also, please pass on our thanks to Robin. We know she was also a help in the operation of it all."
Dana and Debbie Graham write ... "Just a short note to say thanks for selling our house. The effort you put into this was unbelievable. I will spread the word on the good job you have done. When we are ready to buy, we'll be in to see you!"
Larry Anderson writes ... "Just a note to thank you for all of your help in selling my land. You made it extremely easy for me, and I appreciate your effort!" How Mooers Sells Property!
(Testimonials on record and available for review and verification)
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