Northern Star
by Athena Hallowell , United Way of Aroostook
The United Way of Aroostook is an organization which mobilizes resources to improve the lives of people in the communities of Aroostook County . Located in Presque Isle , but serving the entire county , it currently supports sixteen agencies which help children , families , and the elderly in Aroostook . At times there may be a gap in services provided locally , so the United Way has developed programs of their own to help fill those needs .
An example of one of those programs is Free Tax Prep . Each year the United Way provides free tax preparation for low to middle income families . Last year they served 462 families . The United Way believes early literacy is a key to future success . Dolly Parton ’ s Imagination Library is another program , which provides high quality books to Aroostook County children aged birth to aged five . Enrollment in the program is free to the family , and a new book is mailed to the child each month . Currently , the United Way sends out 2,075 books per month . Recently the United Way sent its 60,000th book . 2-1-1 Maine is a program with an easy-to-remember number that connects people who want to give help or get help with a full range of health and human services in their community . People need only pick up the phone and dial 2-1-1 . The United Way pays for this service . These and other programs cost a lot of money , so to help fund them , fundraising events are needed .
One of those events aimed at raising funds is “ Northern Star .” The United Way has been showcasing the talents of the people of Aroostook County for the past twelve years with its “ American Idol ” meets “ The Voice ” kind of talent show . The event is traditionally held in late winter to help chase away those winter blues . Originally titled “ Aroostook Idol ,” the show
32 WINTER 2017 evolved over time to become “ Northern Star ” so it could include our Canadian neighbors to the north and east . The event is a successful fundraiser for the United Way , raising $ 24,000 last year . The money raised helps support the programs funded by United Way .
The 2016 Northern Star Competition was a fournight event , holding preliminary rounds in Fort Kent , Presque Isle , and Houlton . Audience members chose two finalists at each of those three locations , and the judges chose a third finalist from each city ’ s event . Adding a “ United Way Save ” into the mix allowed a panel of independent judges to “ save ” up to three additional contestants from the preliminary rounds to compete in the finale . The twelve finalists competed at the grand finale held at the Caribou Performing Arts Center on March 13 , 2016 . Only three of the twelve talented singers made it to the final round : Stacie Coltart of Madawaska , Mayce Kinney of Presque Isle , and Allyson Plummer of Washburn . Although the competition was tight , Stacie Coltart came out as the winner of Northern Star 2016 .
Stacie ’ s Northern Star journey actually began back when the event was titled Aroostook Idol . She looked at the event as an opportunity to donate to the United Way as well as free entertainment ! By the time Northern Star 2016 came around , Stacie was ready for her 5th attempt at the talent event .
“ What a year it has been ,” says Coltart , referring to her year as reigning Northern Star . “ Sherry Locke has given this Northern Star wonderful opportunities to shine , from pageants to car hops ! Growing up in Madawaska , Maine with so many musical people around me , I thought everyone could sing !” says Coltart .