Jamie Baribeau has joined the culinary staff at The Lincoln Home as our new director. His wealth of experience, passion for utilizing locally sourced food to provide creative cuisine, and his affection for seniors, makes him a great fit for our family. He was educated at the University of New Hampshire, Castleton State College and received culinary training at The Culinary Institute of America. For over 30 years, Jamie was the director of Food and Nutrition at Brattleboro Memorial Hospital and served as co-chair of Vermont’s Healthy Food in Healthcare Network. Jamie and his wife, Barbara, owned a Farm to Plate catering business for over 13 years.

 

Jamie’s philosophy, “Food is medicine,” informs every item on our menu, limiting processed foods, sugar, sodium and fats. Healthy, nutritious, vitamin rich foods make residents feel better and have more energy. Locally sourced vegetables come from Goranson's Organic Farm in Dresden and High Hopes Farm in Bristol; grass fed and pasture raised meats come from Robie Farm in New Hampshire, poultry from Gardiner, Maine; and our seafood is harvested along the coast from Maine to Massachusetts. Maine and Vermont cheeses are part of our weekly Wine & Cheese social hours. Next spring, we will be expanding our herb and vegetable gardens at The Lincoln Home, encouraging residents’ participation.

 

Jamie relies on the creativity and input of the Culinary team that includes Deirdre Albert, Darlene Souza, Marcia Kimpton, Laura Benner, Barbara Mooney, Max Field, Shana York, Russell Dodge, Ingrid Gundersen, Melanie Card, Dee Kurtz, Mindy Doane-Jumbo, Michele Holmes and Noah Dean. Team members are cross trained in their positions, sharing a love of food and dedication to the residents. Jamie meets with residents on a regular basis and welcomes their feedback and requests. 

 

Brought up by his mother, a dietician, a grandmother born in Greece, and two aunts, all highly skilled in the kitchen, sourcing from their own gardens, helped instill his life long love of good food. Since Jamie was a child, he was always drawn to Maine and dreamed of living here. Last year, he and his wife, along with their puppy, Bobbi, made that wish come true, buying a home in Bristol. Moving here, he hoped to get involved with community, utilizing his knowledge, skills and passion for food. We are happy he has joined our team and is part of our Lincoln Home family.