On Saturday, August 24 the Starboard Cove Community Club hosted an open house at Starboard village’s little red schoolhouse, maintained by the club. Normally, every odd year includes a historic reenactment, such as the one pictured here from 2015. However, this year the association opened the schoolhouse and dedicated the new Little Free Library built to hold books outside the schoolhouse. On every even year, the club hosts a lobster roll and fish chowder public supper, to raise funds for the maintenance of the historic building. Photos courtesy Starboard Cove Community Club.

Maine Coast Heritage Trust will host family picnic at Long Point

 On Sunday, September 17, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) will host a picnic from noon– 2:30 p.m. at the Long Point Preserve, East Side Road, in Machiasport. This event is free and open to the public.

by Ruth Leubecker

Dozens of donors, invited to a weekend preview of the new emergency department at Down East Community Hospital, poured into the new patient-friendly facility.

“I think about Washington County and how people rally,” said David Whitney, board chair, to those assembled. “If there’s a need people step up to the plate. It was just incredible, the ease that allowed us to do our job. We reached out to a lot of people, and only one person said no!”

Superintendent urges Mainers to talk with agents about flood insurance

Exact percentages vary, but news from Texas consistently paints a bleak picture regarding the number of homes protected by flood insurance - with the vast number of homes impacted by Hurricane Harvey reportedly uninsured. 

“Many people assume incorrectly that their basic homeowners insurance policy will cover damage from flooding,” Maine Insurance Superintendent Eric Cioppa stated. “Flood coverage must be purchased separately. Talk with your agent about whether you need flood insurance.”

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Local WWII Navy veteran Mac McKean will receive a citation of recognition for his service from the USS Wasp Association later this month. 

This month Mac McKean will receive a citation for service from the USS WASP Association. Photo courtesy Mac McKean

Getting acquainted with Moose Cove

The Ridge Trail in Moose Cove is an unspoiled, beautiful stretch of terrain that occupies the Bog Brook Preserve in the rural township of Trescott. While traveling on Route 191 north east of Cutler, it may be tricky catching a glimpse of the sign alerting motorists to Moose Cove, as one notes the thick forests and bogs of either side of the road. But once you locate the entrance, you will be treated to a peaceful wooded hike complete with some stunning views. 

Fire broke out on the land of Worcester Wreaths in Columbia Falls on Thursday, Aug. 31. The Maine Forest Rangers responded with helicopters, bulldozers, and firefighters on foot. Photo courtesy Maine Forest Rangers

Axiom Education & Training Center in Machias will offer several Mosaic Classes, for kids and adults with Meri Levesque in September and October. On September 23, there will be two workshops, one for kids in the morning from 9:00am – 12:00pm, and another for adults from 1:00 – 4:00pm. There will also be a one-session workshop for kids on Saturday, October 21, 9:00am – 12:00pm and a four-session workshop for adults on Tuesdays, October 5 – 26, 5:30 – 7:30pm. All classes will be held at Washington Academy, 66 Cutler Rd, East Machias.

Chanteys & ditties of Jack Tar

Machias. Healthy Acadia will host its annual “A Dash of Color” 5K Fun Run on Saturday, Sept. 23. The non-competitive run / walk will start and finish at the University of Maine at Machias Murdock Fitness and Aquatics Center, 116 O-Brien Avenue, Machias.  Registration opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 8:45 a.m.; the run will start promptly at 9 a.m. Event proceeds will benefit Healthy Acadia’s DownEast Teen Leadership Camp and community initiatives focused on substance education, prevention, support and recovery in Washington County.