Fort native launches book about growing up in Maine

WINTER GARDEN, Fla. AND FORT FAIRFIELD — “Roasting” a nun and keeping it clean is not always easy, according to Fort Fairfield native and Floridian Pattie Adams.

Adams will launch her new book, “My Life as a Maine-iac,” during the 2016 Maine Potato Blossom Festival in Fort Fairfield. A book signing of her stories and memories of growing up in the town is scheduled for Friday, July 15 from 3-5 p.m. at the Fort Fairfield Public Library.

The writer will also participate in the Maine Potato Blossom Festival Parade on Saturday, July 16.

After graduating from the University of Maine at Presque Isle in 1977, Adams set out on an adventure that led her to Orlando, Fla., where she started her career at the Walt Disney Company in May 1980. While traveling extensively across the United States with Disney road shows, Adams worked with major television celebrities like Dick Van Dyke, Betty White, Bea Arthur and Michael Landon, as well as Air Supply, Alabama and Melba Moore. She spent four months in France opening up the Paris Disneyland property, and also partnered with Creative Entertainment for the Shanghai Disneyland theme park.

However, throughout her career, Adams’ heart remained rooted in Fort Fairfield and her family.

Two years ago, she was asked to “roast” a nun and keep it clean for a family reunion. “That made me think about my family and how much they mean to me,” she said. “Then all my memories of growing up in Fort Fairfield with my family all around me came pouring out. So, I sat down and wrote a book about all the good times shared by my family … I hope it helps others reflect on their childhood days.”

Adams currently lives in Winter Garden, Fla., with her dog Apollo. She is still working for The Walt Disney Company and plans to retire when she reaches 40 years with the company. She is talking about another book but hasn’t quite settled on the contents yet.

“My Life as a Maine-iac,” is available for sale in Fort Fairfield at Hillside IGA; in Presque Isle at Star City IGA, Merchants on the Corner, and Goin’ Postal; in Mars Hill at Mars Hill IGA; in Grand Isle at Misty Meadows Farm; and, at amazon.com.

“These stories remind me of how important family is,” Adams said. “On her deathbed, my grandmother made all of her children promise to keep the family together. She said, ‘The only thing you can count on in life is your family, so keep them close.’ And that is just what each of our parents taught all of us. Today, we are 80 plus strong and close.”