Jake Zwain is in his second year as a volunteer at the seasonal Shaker Hill Bakery in Alfred, part of York County Shelter Programs. The bakery, located on the shelter property on Shaker Hill, is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

ALFRED – If you’ve been pining for pie, longing for whoopie pies, or dreaming of raspberry squares, those dreams can come true.

Those items, along with fresh-baked bread and rolls, apple crisp, cookies and a whole lot more can be found at Shaker Hill Bakery in Alfred, a volunteer program of York County Shelter Programs.

Those familiar with the YCSP campus on Shaker Hill – or the former Brother’s Bakery once operated by the Brothers of Christian Instruction – will have no trouble finding the location. Those unfamiliar need only take Route 202 east toward Waterboro from Alfred village, and follow the “bakery” signs to 7 George Road.

One of Maine’s favorite sweets can be found at Shaker Hill Bakery, on the York County Shelter Programs property on Shaker Hill in Alfred. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

Shaker Hill Bakery, operated entirely by volunteers, opened Friday and will continue offering baked goods from cookies to pies to muffins and homemade bread, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays until Dec. 1.

Proceeds from bakery sales go to programs offered at the shelter, which range from addiction services to housing to job skills training.

YCSP Food Services Director Scott Davis said the bakery also helps prepare shelter clients for the future.

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“It’s a training opportunity; we work with shelter clients,” he said.

He said the training in baking, sanitation and other related skills may lead to a job in the hospitality industry or may simply be skills clients will use  in everyday home life.

In a way, the bakery fulfills three missions: raising funds for programs, providing training skills – and providing fresh-baked goods to customers.

This is the second year for the seasonal bakery.

Raisin bread, pictured here, along with honey wheat or white bread. rolls and other sweet treats can be found at Shaker Hill Bakery on the York County Shelter Programs campus in Alfred. The seasonal bakery opened Friday and will remain open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 1. TAMMY WELLS/Journal Tribune

He thanked volunteers like Dena Burke, Jake Zwain and others for their dedication to the project.

“This would not be happening without volunteers,” Davis said – whether those who give of their time are baking, wrapping the cooled products, or other tasks, like handling the cash register or doing dishes.

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He said baking starts on Wednesday, and continues during open hours. Special orders can be accommodated by calling 324-8811.

Earlier in the season, volunteers from United Way and Curtis Lake Church painted the bakery so it would be fresh for the season.

On Friday, business was brisk. Among those checking out the fragrant offerings were Vanessa Carreira and her mother Donna Urban, both of Alfred.

Urban remembered coming to the bakery years ago, when it was operated by the Brothers.

The two were planning a trip, and so purchased some baked goods to take with them.

“We’re bringing cinnamon rolls to family,” Urban said.

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Zwain, of Shapleigh, was behind the cash register on Friday; it is his second season at the bakery.

“I just like to help out,” he said of his volunteer gig.

“We need a bakery,” said Carreira. “We’ll be back.”

— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 780-9016 or twells@journaltribune.com.

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