The Treats' Family The Treats' family, known as the Linehans, look forward to welcoming the community to enjoy the upcoming fun, festivals and friendship available at their Main Street store in the next few months. (Photo Barbara Martin)

Treats on Main Street in Wiscasset offers a wide selection of the finest wines, gourmet foods and sweet treats that complement their decadent and ever changing luncheon menu. All of this is set in a fascinating old building that nearly shouts "sit down and tell me how you are" to all who enter.

Ryan and Stacy Linehan purchased their unique store a few years ago. Since then they have worked hard at using their business to promote what seems to be a central theme in their lives - enhancing a sense of community for area residents.

In some ways the large common table where people gather to enjoy their choice from the store's bounty symbolizes the owners' interest in bringing people together.

"The table is a great place for people to meet," Ryan Linehan said. "It draws people to talk and get to know one another."

Unlike many of the new upscale restaurants that offer our high-tech generation the option of plugging in and spacing out while they munch, Treats' patrons have to go through lunch unplugged.

"We'd rather see people talk than plug in," Stacy Linehan said. "One person told us that `it feels like this place has a heart.' It's the nicest thing anyone could say."

The Linehans have planned several special events sure to spice up the calendars of area residents. On Friday, October 26, Treats will open its doors to the public for a Harvest Celebration and Wine Tasting from 5 to 7 p.m.

"We will be preparing foods that will highlight the wonderful produce from five organic farms that have provided about 90 percent of our fresh foods during the growing season," Stacy said. "It's our way of saying thank you to Morning Dew Farm in Edgecomb, Buckwheat Blossom Farm and Chewonki Farm in Wiscasset, Squire Tarbox Farm in Westport and Swango Farm in West Bath."

The featured wines will be suggested as most likely to compliment and welcome in the fall season. The Linehans will donate ten percent of the sales from the event to Morris Farm in Wiscasset, a working organic farm and environmental center.

Another event is planned for the following Friday, November 2 at 6 p.m., when Treats will host Kazia Jankowski, owner of Pica Peru Culinary Vacations, who will offer a mini-version of trips she sponsors, described as "a fusion of flavors and culture." Jankowski will prepare and serve traditional Peruvian cuisine.

"Kazia is a close friend who fell in love with the people and culture of Peru. We are excited about having her share her passion with Wiscasset," Stacy said.

In preparation for Thanksgiving celebrations, Treat's will sponsor a wine tasting from 5 to 7 p.m. on November 16 to help hosts find the perfect wine for their annual feast, and on December 14 from 5 to 7 p.m. holiday wines will be featured. Once again, ten percent of the profit from the sales at both events will be donated to a local nonprofit organization.

Maybe because the Linehans have also found time in the last few years to expand their inner circle with two lovely children, they are determined not to ignore the wee connoisseurs in our community.

On Sunday, December 16 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., children are invited to enjoy cider and hot chocolate as they explore their own culinary skills and decorate Treats' scrumptious gingerbread cookies for a charge of ten dollars.

The couple's enthusiasm for drawing the community together to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship is contagious. Much like the fictional gingerbread man immortalized in the children's book series, they are running as fast as they can to bring back the fellowship that was common "back in the day."