The Concert Series at the Eastport Arts Center is thrilled to welcome back world-class concert pianist Mira Armij Gill on Friday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Gill’s program will include works of Rameau, Beethoven, Granados, Moszkowski and Chopin.

A reception will follow the concert with refreshments courtesy of Moose Island Bakery. Many will remember Gill’s memorable performances over the past decade in Lubec, Eastport, and Saint Andrews. 

Crow Town Gallery of Lubec announces its last show of the 2017 season, which will feature four artists— Bonnie Beard, Shanna Wheelock, Kathrin Hilten, and Sheryl Denbo— whose work celebrates the beauty of Downeast Maine. The show will run from August 17 to September 3

Bonnie Beard, the proprietor of the Crow Town Gallery in Lubec, is a landscape painter specializing in the natural beauty around her home. Bonnie works both in her studio above the gallery which overlooks the magnificent marshes of South Lubec and throughout Lubec’s coastline. Bonnie’s mediums are oil and charcoal.

by Phil Stuart

On August 19, the Machias Blueberry Run turns 42 years old, making it the second oldest running event in Washington County behind the Perry to Eastport seven-miler which is held on Fourth of July weekend.

The Blueberry Run does have the distinction of holding the title of most consecutive races because Hurricane Arthur wiped out the 2014 Perry to Eastport 7 to go.

This year’s Blueberry Run will be held on the third weekend in August and is expected to draw a decent field of runners once again.

Camron Lee Roberts, 18, of Marshfield, died unexpectedly on August 7, 2017  following a day doing what he loved, aboard the F/V Never Enough with his brother and sternman, Connor. The beloved son of Jamie and Shelley, Camron was born on November 4, 1998 in Ellsworth, Maine. Camron was a proud Jonesboro Jet, participating in basketball, baseball, and youth football. He graduated from Washington Academy in June of 2017 with honors.

The Grand announces the next film in its Musical Grand Matinees series: “Les Miserables.” On Wednesday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. The Grand’s brand new digital cinema projection system will make it possible to see on the giant Coastal Eye Care screen, and as it was made to be seen, the Broadway hit re-imagined for the silver screen. As with “Les Miserables,” Musical Grand Matinees screen on Wednesdays at 1 p.m.

Eastport Arts Center’s Development Committee hosted the second annual Auction of Afternoons on Saturday, July 22. Raising nearly $2,000 for EAC general operating support, the event was a great time for participants and featured one of Board member Jon Calame’s memorable auctioneer performances. 

Community members who still would like to get involved will have a chance as a sequel to the event is coming soon in the form of an online auction featuring more afternoons of learning and exploring in the Eastport area. 

Ivan Leroy Alley, 62, passed away unexpectedly at his home on August 7, 2017. He was born on January 22, 1955. The son of Morrill E. Alley and Rosalie W. Smith. Ivan was known and will be remembered for his kind heart, contagious smile, and love for New York Yankees baseball - a love passed down from generation to generation. 

by Rep. Bruce Poliquin

 As the U.S. Senate began debate on health care in the last week of July, Congressman Poliquin announced he would not support a repeal of the ACA, the Affordable Care Act known as Obamacare, without a viable alternative, a legislative path that was considered.

 Congressman Poliquin released the following statement:

Mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo. Submitted photo.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. Machias Bay Chamber Concerts (MBCC) will present a concert featuring fêted mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo and piano/pianoforte virtuoso Sylvia Berry. Their program will include Frauenliebe und -leben by Robert Schumann, as well as various Lieder by Schumann and Franz Schubert.  This will be the final concert of MBCC’s 2017 Season.

Compiled and edited  by: Valdine C. Atwood

Between June 1775 and 1777 the British were not happy with the “Pirates at Machias” or the “Hotbed of Rebels at Machias” and soon made plans to punish the settlers at Machias. On Aug. 13, four British ships under the command of Sir George Collier, came into Machias Bay with orders to launch an attack on the “Rebel Nest at Machias”.

by Valdine Atwood

The historic Burnham Tavern Museum has a new look. After the Hannah Weston Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution received a bequest from a member, the late Elizabeth DeShon Tibbetts  it was decided to purchase the former Machias Cleaners building, remove it and then develop a landscape plan for the area. 

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

For most of the year, the waterfalls that drop through the heart of downtown Machias are beneath the town’s notice, literally. Positioned below a bridge that spans the Machias River, the Bad Little Falls are difficult to glimpse from Main Street. 

Our communities showed their colors last week in remembrance of Camron Roberts, 18, who lost his life in a car accident on Monday, Aug. 7. Thousands of white and yellow balloons, chosen to represent healing and remembrance, were seen tethered across Washington County in a show of support for Camron’s family.  Photo by Bill Kitchen 

Here we are about to crest the peak of the Machias summer season—the 42nd Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival. I have heard the comment enough times to suspect I’m not the only one to wonder, where did the summer go? 

This year’s Blueberry Festival promises to be bigger than ever before, with so many new additions it’s hard to keep track of them all—a beer garden served up by the Machias River Brewing Company, dozens of vendors marketing all day Friday on the Centre Street Church green, and a comedian to emcee all of Saturday’s church step events. 

Upcoming events

CHICKEN B-B-Q Supper, Sat., Aug. 19, at 5 p.m., parish hall, Dennysville; chicken, baked potato, veggies, desserts, etc.  All are welcome!

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Chicken B-B-Q Supper, Sat., Aug. 19 @ 5 p.m.; Parish Hall (Route 86), Dennysville; chicken, potatoes, veggies, cole slaw, rolls, cakes

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Indian River Grange Yard and Bake Sale  August 19-  9 a.m. -1 p.m. 

1439 Indian River Road. Rain or shine.Hot dogs available.

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We all know life can be hectic, juggling work, family and social obligations. Why should you consider adding Tai Chi to your busy schedule? To help create balance. Tai chi is the perfect antidote to our fast-paced modern culture; it is an ancient Chinese practice that incorporates slow, gentle and controlled movement to improve relaxation, flexibility, concentration, and muscle strength.

 Healthy Acadia is pleased to offer eight-week “Tai Chi for Health” sessions in four locations:  Brooksville, Ellsworth, Machias, and Stonington, beginning in August. 

Parking for fishermen at the Jonesport marina is at the breaking point for fishermen who have no place to tie up their skiffs and outboard boats. A committee is looking into alternate sites and funding, but so far little progress has been made. Photo by Nancy Beal.

by Nancy Beal

A very successful public supper was held recently to help raise funding for our new black steel fence.  Thanks to everyone who came and those who helped out.  We are planning a Tupperware Party soon to also help.  People interested in this should contact Anne at 255-8496.  Our next meeting is 6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Grange Hall in Jacksonville.  Refreshments will be served.

Geographers can be a distinctive group of scholars, but I had never thought them too scintillating until I picked up An Atlas of Countries That Don’t Exist.

Mere pages into this book, one is pondering the definition of country, the viability of travel documents issued by national governments and really, the shifting, slippery existence of borders. 

At a press conference last week at the Lamey Wellehan location in Auburn, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) announced his support for the Family and Medical Insurance Leave Act (FAMILY) Act, paid family and medical leave legislation that underscores the importance of comprehensive family leave policies to support working parents and family caregivers in Maine. 

by Phil Stuart

The fall is regarded by many veteran runners as the best season to get into a road race. In Washington County there are a few spring races, a large number in the summer and another few in the fall. There are other options if you are willing to drive a few miles, but the fall offers a lot of races for area runners to compete.

For all the photos, please get your Digital Copy and go to page 14 and 15.

Doug Guy manned the grill at the Washington County Children’s Chorus food tent, where fairgoers could find everything from hamburgers to oysters on the half shell. Photo courtesy Joshua Maker

Upcoming events

SEQUELA at Faith UMC, Columbia on August 25 at 7 p.m.  All welcome.  Lots of singing and Worship.

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 INTERNITY will be holding a Benefit Lobster Dinner and Chinese Auction on August 26 at the East Machias Fire Department to help raise money for Veterans Programs in Washington County.  Tickets are available at the MBACC office, the East Machias Town Office, Archibald’s, the American Legion, and Bold Coast Cannabis; or people can call 546-1405 to buy pre-buy tickets.

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INTERNITY Veterans Resource Center would like to announce the 1st annual INTERNITY Lobster Dinner / Chinese Auction which will be located at the East Machias Municipal Building on August 26 from 2-5 p.m. All proceeds will go to veterans programs here in Washington County. 

Tickets are currently located at the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce Office, the East Machias Town Office, Archibald’s One Stop, The American Legion Post #9, Bold Coast Cannabis, and Smitty’s Trading Post; or you can call 546-1405 to pre-buy tickets.  

by Nancy Beal

A flurry of resignations at Jonesport Elementary School last spring—the principal and three classroom teachers—has caused the board to scramble this summer to fill four empty positions. This was done at their August 16 meeting.

by Phil Stuart

The Machias Bruins men’s baseball team had been in hibernation for a decade and a half which would change in 1965.

The Bruins always had a team represented in the Quoddy League but it had been years since they were competitive. They weren’t in the class of the East Lobsters, Dixie Eagles and Jonesboro Jets in the fifties or the Dennysville AA or Cutler Cardinals in the early sixties.

In 1964, the Bruins were knocking on the door but got eliminated by the Jonesport Eagles in the semi-finals.

by V. Paul Reynolds

Maine outdoor writer Steve Carpenteri, in a recent article in the Northwoods Sporting Journal, posed a number of questions related to the baiting of deer by hunters. He then answered those questions in an informative and useful way. While many states allow the hunting of deer over unnatural bait, including neighboring New Hampshire, Maine is not one of them. Here, hunting deer over unnatural bait is illegal.

July 1-July 31, 2017

Burton G. Poole, of Calais, Maine: criminal mischief on October 2, 2015 in Calais. DISP

Jeffrey Morrison, of Eastport, Maine: 1-Arson, 2-Arson, 3-Criminal Conspiracy, 4-Theft by Insurance Deception on April 26, 2014 in Perry, Maine. DISP

Scott MacNichol of Perry, Maine: 1-Arson, 2-Arson, 3-Criminal Conspiracy on April 26, 2014 in Perry, Maine. DISP

Timothy Edward Watkins, of Harrington, Maine: Harassment by Telephone on February 5, 2016 in Harrington. DISE

by Mary McFadden

The children in our community truly are the future faces of Washington County; we can and should do all that we can to help them succeed. Future success is more possible – and children have more options open to them – when young people continue their education after high school. Several partners have come forward to help give the youth of Washington County a boost in planning for higher education – whether it be college, trade school or a certificate program.

by Julie Daigle

 Healthy Acadia is thrilled that the recently enacted Tobacco 21 bill, which makes Maine the fourth state in the US to raise the minimum legal age of sale for tobacco products to 21, puts Maine at the forefront of saving people’s lives. Thank you to our legislators and to the people of Maine who supported this.

by Ruth Leubecker

“When my husband died I said what am I going to do? My kids said you always wanted ; to run a B&B, so go find one.”

So said Cynthia McDonough last week. Since June, 1 as the happy, proud owner of the Riverside Inn in East Machias, the move has been an eye-opening experience. Mostly since she has been by herself since the beginning and readily admits she has no experience in running such an establishment. 

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

One of two people charged in the murder of Sally Shaw is currently being held at the Washington County Jail in Machias. Quaneysha Greeley, 19, was extradited from New York to Maine earlier this month.

Carrine “T” or “Terror” Reeves, 37, was also arrested in Queens, New York, on July 26 for the murder of Shaw, but is being held there on charges related to a different assault earlier this year. Greeley and Reeves were together at the time of their arrest.

It seems as though everyone I know spent days, if not weeks, working on some aspect of last weekend’s Blueberry Festival. I think half of Washington County is due a nice, long nap this week.

From my festival vantage point at Porter Memorial Library, I marveled at the dozens of people who came out to shop for used books during the pouring rain that fell on Saturday morning. They wore raincoats and balanced umbrellas while lifting the plastic coverings that lay on the book tables, in order to peek at the titles without dampening the books. 

Machiasport Historical Society will be serving their 34th Annual Lobster Lunch, Saturday, Aug. 26, 11:30 a.m. -2:30 p.m., behind the Gates House by the river.  Bucks Harbor’s best lobsters and Carolyn Johnson’s famous fish chowder will be served along with corn on the cob, salad, rolls, blueberry cake and beverages. Proceeds from this key fundraiser will go to maintain the two museum buildings & their collections. (344 Port Rd (Rt 92)) 255-8461, 255-8860 or 271-0682. 

The Jacksonville Cemetery Association met recently to review the West Side Project and the East Side Project.  Current work includes filling sunken graves, troublesome valleys, and bare soil areas.  The town of East Machias has provided a truck load of screened loam for this work. 

Dot Baker is having one side of her log home redone because logs were no good. It took a couple of days to close up the opening. 

I went with Ruth Ann and Eric to Karen Wood’s benefit supper at the Legion in Machias last Friday. We went early but there was standing room only, but we didn’t stay but dropped off a cake. I wouldn’t have been able to stand long on crutches. I would have loved to have seen Karen. There is only two weeks left with cast. Then I’ll be able to see Karen at work at Bear Camp and be able to drive again.

Over the last couple of weeks, INTERNITY Veterans Center on 12 School Street in Machias has taken a drastic change of looks on the outside. From July 31- Aug. 4, a group of teenagers and aduls from Neighbors Helping Neighbors out of Massachusetts arrived at INTERNITY with a mission. That mission was to make sure that this nonprofit veteran’s organization had a working deck with wheelchair capabilities. The hard work and the can-do attitude of these young adults was greatly welcomed and appreciated.   

Kathleen “Kathy” Dardis will be the September featured artist at the Henry D. Moore Library in Steuben.

The show will be available for viewing during library hours during the month of September and at an artist reception 6-7 p.m. Monday, Sept. 11.

Dardis, now a resident of Milbridge, first visited Steuben around 1975 with her husband, Chuck, at his family vacation home on Petit Manan Point.

Resolute Bear Press announces the release of “3 Nations Anthology: Native, Canadian & New England Writers.” While much attention is focused on the border between Mexico and the United States, this book looks at the northeast, where Canada and New England share borders, boundaries, blood, and heritage. Some of the world’s highest tides surge in and out every day where successive waves of people have come and gone. Native and First Nations people have lived here for ten thousand years or more.

Upcoming events

Public Pot Roast Supper —Saturday Sept. 2 @ 5 p.m. Hillgrove Community Building in Whitneyville Pot Roast, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Peas, Carrots, Janet’s rolls, homemade

pies and cakes. Money raised to benefit the Whitneyville Library

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Rockgrounds Gem and Mineral Show — National Guard Armory, Western Ave., Augusta Sat. Sept. 2. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sept. 3 - Sun. 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dealers and information 207-873-6270. 

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by Nancy Beal

When next a town meeting is held in Jonesport—whether special or annual next March—voters will be asked to vote on a food sovereignty ordinance. Such a town law, if passed, would give individuals the right to sell agricultural products they produce at home that are not inspected for or subject to state licensing requirements. Such transactions would be legal between the producer/processor and a buyer when the product is sold for home consumption and not for resale.

 A peep at Perry’s society life through letters to Florence Lyman.

Think of a television drama filled with the wealthy society ladies on summer retreat. You would expect it to be set in Newport or the Hamptons. But it’s not on TV. It’s live, and in person, at the Pembroke Historical Society on Monday evening, Sept. 18.

Patty and Al Howland  have been doing a lot of traveling. They took their granddaughter, Brittany, to Bucksport to visit Fort Knox and the Observatory tower.  They went into town for the 225th anniversary of the city. They had a wonderful day seeing the sights.

Patty and Al went to Bangor and stopped by Linda and Dick Mahan’s for a visit.

“Gauguin and Me,” a show of works by Elizabeth Ostrander, sculptor and mixed media painter, will be on view at the Eastport Gallery through Sept. 1. The artist describes rekindling her interest in the French post-Impressionist by a surprise gift of a book on his ceramic works by her friend Lois Smith.

WA Raider driving past the defense into the paint.

Taking the baseline against the Bulldogs.

Driving strong down the lane.

Land Transfers by Deed from August 11, 2017 through August 24, 2017

Brandon H. Parker of Jonesboro to Alan L. Curtis and Ashley Whitman Curtis of Wesley a certain lot orparcel of land in Wesley (Being lots # 11 and # 12 as shown on a plan entitled “Final Plan of Dream

Catcher Shores II Subdivision Property of Hawkins Wood Harvesting Services, Inc.”

Williams H. Kennedy and Linda D. Kennedy of Jonesboro to David James Slein and Paula Kay Slein of

Cumming, Georgia a certain lot or parcel of land together with the improvements thereon situate in

We all know life can be hectic, juggling work, family and social obligations. Why should you consider adding Tai Chi to your busy schedule? To help create balance. Tai chi is the perfect antidote to our fast-paced modern culture; it is an ancient Chinese practice that incorporates slow, gentle and controlled movement to improve relaxation, flexibility, concentration, and muscle strength.

Healthy Acadia, in partnership with the Beth C. Wright Cancer Resource Center, is excited to offer “Cooking Matters,” a free, six-session healthy cooking class series, in Calais and Eastport this fall. The series is specially designed for those struggling with a tight food budget while living with cancer. Classes are also great for those living with diabetes and chronic disease. If space allows, members of the public not experiencing chronic disease are most welcome to participate.