A fierce cold spell kept the Foxhole out of the ocean on January 1^st.  Not easily discouraged, the team returned to the drawing board, and rescheduled the gang’s yearly pilgrimage to Higgins Beach for Saturday, January 13^th.  There was some question as to how the break in tradition would affect numbers, but when all was said and done, every resident mustered the grit to make the plunge, and the boys were joined by several die hard alumni, and continually daring staff members.  Big props to several new residents who participated, including one who literally jumped right in on his first day!

After drying off and warming up, the team headed back to the café for a comfort food brunch of grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato chicken soup.  After chowing down, the guys headed to the flag football dome for an indoor, full field, 11v11 match-up.  Finally, those with energy remaining retired to the rock wall to watch playoff football.  Just another day in the Foxhole.

The second paintball excursion of 2017 certainly satisfied the communal hunger for camaraderie—served with a healthy dose of adrenaline.

Those who had never been before realized why our continued adoration for this trip was warranted. We were in full force with close to 50 guys (and gal) all together. It is days like these that incentivize alumni and residents to stick around beyond their initial treatment cycle. This was evidenced as nearly half of our group were successful graduates of the program.

We divided our group into an alumni team, a staff team and split the residents into their respective houses.  Then began a round robin style tournament, which gave each of the teams an opportunity to play against one another.

As is tradition, the event culminated with a North versus South best of three match on the dunes course. The north claimed the hill on the opposing side in commanding fashion, signifying their triumph for the second time this year. The day was long, but everyone involved left wanting more. Luckily for the team from the South, there will be a chance for redemption when the spring comes.

The 2017 Foundation House Softball Championship took place on Saturday, September 23.  From 9am to 9pm, our brotherhood enjoyed a professional stadium, competition, and love for America’s past time and each other under the sun and the lights at Hadlock Field.

By 9am, our players had descended onto the stadium, and after warming up on a freshly manicured field, the Foxhole joined together to sing the National Anthem in the stands behind home plate.  From that point on it was non-stop softball.

In the first game of the championship, the number one seed Conscious Contact faced off against the number four seed, Slow Pitch it Down.  Conscious Contact came away with the win, and after a ballpark themed lunch of burgers and hot dogs, the number two seed Vicious Cycle took on the number three seed Runs Riot.  Runs Riot came away with the victory, and a consolation game was played.

The grills were running through our Championship in preparation for a pork chop and quinoa dinner.  Before the championship game began, the real team, comprised of Foundation House residents, alumni, and staff ate together and wished each other good luck.

In the final game, Conscious Contact was relentless at the plate.  Big hit after big hit cracked through the stadium, as players rounded the bases.  The Conscious Contact coaching staff stated that it was their best game of the year, and well deserved after a long-fought season of consistent effort all around.

Win or lose, it is rare opportunity that is shared by our group at Hadlock Field each year.  Without the commitment of our players, the continued support of our alumni, and the leadership of our staff, it would amount to nothing more than an empty ballpark.  Instead, each of us was treated to twelve straight hours of pure, unadulterated joy; and for that, we are truly grateful.

Roughly 30 residents participated in the Foundation House 6^th Annual Iron Chef Competition. This year’s theme was Maine Local Harvest and ingredients used in the competition were all locally grown and raised.  Each team of four residents chose a protein and a produce and then had 90 minutes to prepare a dish for judging.

Kevin T., Jake M., Garrett H., and JR won with their dish of yellowfin tuna tartare served over sliced watermelon with roasted delicata squash and eggplant with sautéed zucchini, peppers, and onions.

Second place went to Tim C., Josh R. and Cory N. who made chicken wings roasted with a spicy dry rub, served with raw broccoli, Turnip chips, a tomatillo citrus salsa, and cinnamon dusted apple slices.

Last week residents, alumni and staff took to the water at Higgins Beach for a sunset surfing session in some fun little waves. This new addition to Foundation House programming has given residents who enjoy spending time on the water a weekly outlet to pursue their passion for surfing or learn for the first time.