Lodge needs community support

To the editor:
    I am writing to ask my neighbors and community to support Van Buren Road Lodge and purpose of community service.    
    We are open! Serving good food, reasonably priced! Designing weddings, reunions, luncheons and dinners at a price point respecting economic times. Maximize your fund-raiser profits, give your daughter an affordable wedding or arrange an intimate dinner for two; we have it here, menu options, buffet, pre-fixed, family-style serving and fully licensed.     Van Buren Road Lodge is 27 acres of hope. Within the frame of possibilities began: Gassett’s Deli Market, an eclectic blend of restaurant café/European deli; Lodge Hall, a banquet facility, designed to accommodate diverse entertainment options and banquets; and VBRL Club Room, to further diversify entertainment consideration and private parties. Gassett’s Deli Market also features Dial a Decent Meal, catered food and delivery service.
    Snowmobile route ITS-83/90 runs through VBRL property as well as ATV and cross-country ski trails. VBRL property also contains a 1,000-foot certified race strip and our acreage is well-suited for summer festival and concert fundraisers.
    Life has led and prepared me to great benefit of resource and I am not giving in to those who do not see all that has been denied. Heaven or hell, I’d take either, over the state of limbo I have lived these last years to establish my business in Caribou. Having paid the price of good faith, joy has returned in spite of the obstacles and deliberate manipulations.
    I have never considered for a minute this effort was for me, but a gift to share. It has been disappointing to have so much to offer and have it overlooked, lost to a political maze of uncertainty. I write this to reaffirm my commitment with the hope it is understood. Katherine Esty has filed bankruptcy, a consequence of being on the cornerstone of future change. Van Buren Road Lodge is open for business and will continue so with the support of your patronage.
    Beneath a bruised spirit does live an enduring faith. In spite of the trauma, the drama and the uneasy, there is light beyond it all, with help. Two senators, a congressman, a governor and a joint standing committee cannot resolve this travesty, a story still being written and its timely process. Negativity destroys good and that intended with a blind eye turned, while I see beyond this with faith in the human spirit keeping one foot in front of the other.
    I am not perfect but have been firmly committed, investing since 2005 into the solicitation (invitation) of the State of Maine, specific to Aroostook County and Caribou, the vision of economic development. I invested with my business sense but give my heart. I have trusted the departments of government and nonprofit agencies assigned to support and implement aspirations solicited and federally funded. I have diligently campaigned acknowledgement and assistance to the impropriety of Van Buren Road Lodge and asked fair consideration for an investment and business set up to fail. I have also weathered the judgment of gossip and repercussion, disappointed, deeply hurt.
    I take comfort in the hearts of those who see and share this vision and I am both humbled and grateful in continued purpose. From the hill I see tomorrow’s acceptance of those from “away” that struggle to belong, who simply believe in that tomorrow. It is my hope it might begin today, that change will come to the benefit of all.