I read with interest Ellen Farnsworth’s attack on Representative Poliquin, Wall Street, “Big” Banks, President Trump and the “wealthy”, as well as her defense of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)

The CFPB is the progressive deep state creation of Senator Elizabeth “Pocahontas” Warren (D-MA). If the Democratic candidates Ms. Farnsworth is touting are supporting Senator Warren and her identity politics/ class warfare agenda, I’ll find it very easy to enthusiastically support Representative Poliquin. 

Jon Reisman 

Cooper

by Ruth Leubecker

It may have been only a snippet at the tail end of a two-hour show, but it was morning prime time and a marketer’s dream come true. Featuring Maine wild blueberries right up front in all their antioxidant glory, Savannah Guthrie and Hoda Kotb hit the high points about today’s super fruit. 

A parallel message was to eat Wyman’s blueberries for a healthy life. “We’re wild about wild blueberries, and this could be the greatest chance to living longer,” an excited Guthrie told viewers. 

Last Saturday morning the steps of Porter Memorial Library were stacked shoulder to shoulder with children waiting patiently for the library doors to open. There wasn’t a massive internet outage, and they weren’t there for a Harry Potter book release party. They came with their families for the library’s first annual Easter Egg Hunt.

The Beals Elementary School girls prevailed in last weekend’s basketball tourney at BES to claim the winner’s trophy. Photo by Nancy Beal

Machias Memorial High School (MMHS) participated in JMG’s Annual Career Development Conference at Thomas College in Waterville on Tuesday, March 27. MMHS JMG members, along with their JMG Specialist, Faye Mack, represented MMHS extremely well, bringing home two trophies;  2nd Place Group Challenge and 3rd Place Rat Race Maze.  Team Members:  Ardriana Mahar, Amber Heath, Tyler Faulkingham, Ashley Norman, Jasmine Bell, Kaylee Alley, Tyler Wentzel, Nick Mallar and Faye Mack, JMG Specialist. Submitted photo

Downeast Community Partners (DCP) and Next Step Domestic Violence Project are collaborating to offer a renter’s education class in Machias this spring. “Rent Smart” focuses on the knowledge and skills essential for a successful renting experience. It challenges participants to know and understand their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and to know and understand the rights and responsibilities of their landlord. Emphasis is on forming a strong partnership between tenant and landlord.

The Beals Elementary School boys came out of the losers’ bracket to defeat the Cutler Wildcats 29-26 and 23-22 in back-to-back games and claim the championship in last weekend’s pee wee tourney at BES. Photo by Nancy Beal

by Ruth Leubecker

Accustomed to a shortage of resources, area stakeholders remain buoyed by a network of help within their ranks when tackling domestic violence.

“It seems like the numbers are fairly stable when talking about domestic violence, but it’s complicated today by aging, substance abuse and a lack of affordable housing,” explains Dorathy Martel, Next Step executive director. “We face particular issues in Washington County because it’s so rural, and it’s hard to keep confidentiality because everyone knows everyone else.”

Secretary of State Matthew Dunlap has posted notice of the emergency rule-making for ranked-choice voting, as the state prepares to use the ranked-choice method of voting for the first time in the June 12, 2018 Primary Election.

Today Charlie, Tim, Dea, and I enjoyed a wonderful meal at the Good and Plenty buffet in Milbridge.  It is so nice there. The food is delicious, the service is fast, and it is so great to see friends there. I highly recommend everyone try it.  You will really enjoy everything about it.

Charlie has been sanding the hardwood floor in our kitchen.  He is doing is great job. This house is one hundred and one years old.  I cannot even think about all the footsteps that have gone through here.

Cameryn Farnsworth, a senior at Washington Academy, has been selected to receive the 2018 Principal’s Award, Head of School Judson McBrine announced today. The award sponsored by the Maine Principal’s Association is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship. Cameryn is the daughter of Tracy and Theresa Farnsworth of East Machias.

by Phil Stuart

The Penobscot Valley Conference recently selected its all stars in basketball for the 2017-18 season.

Kyle Case of Washington Academy (WA) was a Big East second team selection. Jacob Godfrey of Machias, who played for  this season, was a first team selection.

The Washington Academy girls’ team won this year’s Class B Sportsmanship Award in the Big East.

Tihomer Babic of WA received an honorable mention.

Madelyn Willey and Brandon Allard of WA were winners of the Paul Souex Award.

Thanks to the generosity of the community, the Moore for the Future campaign is close to reaching its goal.

The campaign was launched in 2014 to help the Henry D. Moore Library and Community Center in Steuben raise an additional $250,000 for its endowment fund. It began in 2014 with an appeal letter asking Steuben residents, regional users and library friends to help ensure the library and community center could continue to provide services and programs while meeting its growing expenses. 

by Lura Jackson

The extended Calais community was treated to an early Easter feast on Saturday, March 24 at the Second Baptist Church. This is the second year in a row that the church has hosted a free meal to celebrate Easter and, like last year, nearly 400 people came out to join in the meal of ham, potatoes, and mixed vegetables.

Ellery (Bud) Morrell Merchant Jr., 82, passed away on March 24, 2018 at a Lewiston hospital.

He was born on November 14, 1935 on Beals Island, Maine, the son of Ellery Morrell Merchant, Sr. and Jessie Amanda Beal Merchant.

He attended Beals Elementary School. He was a clam digger, worm digger, did some lobster fishing, seining, worked in a mill and for a moving van company.  He coached elementary boys’ basketball and only lost three games. He played town team basketball and traveled to Canada with them.

Spring must be here!  Its that time again for our annual monthly suppers to begin. The first supper of the season is April 7 at 5 p.m. at the Hillgrove Community Center in Whitneyville. Turkey with all the fixings along with Janet’s rolls are on the menu. Homemade pies and cakes will round out the menu along with coffee, tea, ice water and lemonade. The Friends of the Whitneyville Library put on six public suppers a year. So if you like good food and great company then shake off those cabin fever and winter blues and join us!

by Nancy Beal

Jonesport selectmen finally got a response to their letter to residents on Ice Hill South, a lane that runs from Main Street toward Moosabec Reach where neighbors have been at odds in a standoff that resulted in the town’s snow plow contractor refusing to remove snow from the congested area last winter. The break in the impasse prompted selectmen March 28 to call for a hearing and perhaps a special town meeting.

Upcoming events

Red Cross Blood Drive, Wednesday, April 4, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m., Regional Medical Center Lubec, 43 South Lubec Road, Lubec.

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Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra rehearsals resume in preparation for June concerts, new members welcome, Eastport Arts Center. April 5, 7-9:30 p.m.

Red Cross Blood Drive, Saturday, April 7, 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., Community of Christ Church, 148 Main Street, Jonesport.

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Dorothy Ann Johnson, 70, passed away at her home on March 27, 2018 with her nieces by her side and her cat at her feet. Dorothy was born to Clarence and Estella (Barnes) Johnson on July 17, 1947 in Calais. 

Health care nationwide continues to flounder under broken policies, ridiculous rhetoric and selfish inattention.

In Maine it’s a sore subject because of so many deprived elderly and poor, exacerbated by a governor who has repeatedly vetoed the will of the people. Medicaid expansion remains a nightmare to fight for and an elusive necessity denied.

EAC offers their popular April Vacation Arts Camp April 17-19, 10 a.m. - noon. Inspired by the culture and landscape of Polynesia, the camp features themed activities such as ti leaf leis, tribal tattoo art posters, shadow puppet folk tales, ukulele fun and more. Instructors include music educator Alison Brennan and Tarah Waters, who has recently returned from Hawaiian travels. The two will be joined by visiting artists Chris Grannis (puppetry) and Lauren Koss (music). 

by  Lura Jackson

Just in time for the approaching tourism season, interest in the Downeast region is picking up in large part thanks to the efforts of recently released promotional publications. The early results indicate that effective marketing and outreach will have a potentially significant impact on attracting visitors.

There is a can in the entryway at Wesley Elementary School for Box Tops for School Education. If you have any to donate, you can drop them off any time school is in session or when the town office is open. Thank you!

by Nancy Beal

“Wyeth Interpretations,” an art exhibit featuring paintings by Beals Elementary School seventh and eighth graders modeled on works by Andrew Wyeth, his father N.C. Wyeth and his son Jamie, opened last week at Jonesport’s Peabody Memorial Library with a well attended reception in the community room.

The Maine Department of Marine Resources has been awarded a grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to improve the data used to protect endangered North Atlantic right whales.

The $714,245 grant is funded through the Section 6 Species Recovery Grants to States Program administered by NOAA. The three-year project, which begins in the summer of 2018, will support work that improves and adds data on fishing gear that can inform future whale protection regulations.

Dear Savvy Senior,

Though it may seem hard to believe, at age 65, I never have gotten around to making a will, but I’d like to now. My question is: Do I need to hire a lawyer to write my will, or can I do it myself? I want to get my affairs in order, but I hate paying an attorney fee if I don’t have to. 

Getting Organized

Dear Getting,

Lennox Crosby Ramsay, 90, of Addison, died March 28, 2018, at the Down East Community Hospital.

He was born on April 27, 1927, to Florence May Ramsay and Walter Robert Ramsay in Bear River, Nova Scotia.

Lennox moved with his family from Canada to Addison, Maine when he was seven years old. He made Addison his home for the rest of his life. 

Robert John “Bob” Simon, 84, of Machias peacefully passed away on April 5, 2018, at EMMC, surrounded by his family.

Bob was born on August 28, 1933 in Buffalo, New York  He was the son of the late Ross & Florence Simon.

Bob enlisted in the U.S. Air Force in 1950, proudly serving his country until his retirement in 1970.  He then owned and operated Simon Electric in Machias for over 30 years.

Mike Wolfe, Frank Fritz and their team are excited to return to Maine!  They plan to film episodes of the hit series American Pickers throughout Maine.
American Pickers is a documentary series that explores the fascinating world of antique “picking” on the History Channel. The hit show follows Mike and Frank, two of the most skilled pickers in the business, as they hunt for America’s most valuable antiques

State Police and the Maine Drug Enforcement Agency say three people have been arrested in connection with three heroin overdoses in Washington County taking place within 30 minutes of each other on Friday, April 6. Law Enforcement in six other Maine communities have also reported similar overdoses although none have been fatal. About 4 p.m. Friday, Troopers from Troop J and detectives from the State Police Major Crime Unit responded to two overdoses in Machiasport and a third in East Machias. The victims were two men and a woman, all in their 30s.

Press should stand against racist, bullying language

Poliquin is in it for himself

Did you know Bruce Poliquin’s net financial worth is $12,183, 007? Do you know Poliquin ranks 17th in wealth among U.S. House of Representatives?

Did you know Poliquin voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act six months ago, threatening the health care of 100,00 residents of Maine?  Poliquin also voted for the House version of the GOP tax bill.   Did you know this tax bill included $25,000,000,000 cuts to Medicare annually.  This would have impacted greater than 300,000 Maine seniors.

Upcoming events

• • • • • •

Domestic Violence-Training is free of charge

Thursday, April 12, 9:30 a.m. –  4 p.m. First United Methodist Church, Bangor 703 Essex St

• • • • • •

Sunday Afternoons at the EAC presents “Sailing to the End of the World: Tales from South America and the Antarctic by Jerry & David Oja,” free, Eastport Arts Center. April 15, 3 p.m., 

• • • • • •

Another week started out slow, but the need for bus drivers to drive students to and from their activities have kept me quite busy.  Students were bussed to the high school on Wednesday for  the “Hoops for Heart,” fundraiser.

The Pee Wee ball games are coming to an end this coming week with play offs.

Allen William Hall, 77, of Machiasport, Maine and Zephyrhills,  Florida, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, April 8, 2018 after a brief illness.

Allen was born in Machias on December 13, 1940 to Gordon and Mary (Wood) Hall. He spent his childhood growing up in Kennebec, which he always considered his home no matter where life took him.

He was an Army veteran, worked at many odd jobs including clamming, carpentry and as an electrician. He made his career as a civil employee at NATS in Cutler, retiring after 35 years of service.

Tide Mill Farms in Edmunds is one of five operations that have been awarded grants by the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry. Tide Mill will receive $50,000 of the $187,735 awarded by the state.

Tide Mill Organics will use the funds to improve its organic poultry processing plant in Washington County to become a State-Inspected Processing Facility and to develop value-added products, such as ground turkey and chicken, poultry sausages, and pet food.

by Nancy Beal

A feud among neighbors on Ice Hill South, a short lane running from Main Street to the bank of Moosabec Reach that has been an irritant facing Jonesport selectmen for nearly a year, prompted a public hearing last week on whether to abandon the way and eliminate the town’s obligation to maintain it. The feuding parties include four seasonal residents  who favor abandoning the lane, and a retired couple who have made Jonesport their year-round home and who don’t.

Machias Memorial High School Principal Brian Leavitt is pleased to announce the honor parts for the graduating class of 2018. 

Judson L. McBrine, Head of School at Washington Academy in East Machias, has announced the third-quarter honor roll for the 2017/2018 year as follows:

Maine’s newest state troopers received their badges on Friday, April 13, in ceremonies at the Maine Criminal Justice Academy. The five troopers completed 10 weeks of specialized State Police training. All are previous graduates of the academy. The new troopers will now patrol with a veteran trooper before beginning to patrol on their own. The graduation speaker was Governor Paul LePage who noted that the five troopers all grew up in Maine and thanked them for wanting to serve their state.

by Phil Stuart

The Ephraim Johnson American Legion Post #9 of Machias does a lot of great things over the course of the year for many individuals or organizations.

The members of that post really do a fantastic job, and the generosity that transpires there is unbelievable.

by Phil Stuart

The Bangor Daily News annually pick an All Maine Girls’ Basketball team comprised of the best players statewide with first, second and third team selections plus honorable mention.

This year, for the first time in five years, a Washington County schoolgirl did not receive honorable mention.

This year, as in most years, most of the all-state players come from the larger schools. 

Bay Ridge Elementary School in Cutler is pleased to announce its 3rd quarter honor roll: Grade 5: High Honors:Avery Cates; Ethan Cates; Reese Crosman; Michael Taylor. Honors: Max Cates; Paige Cates; Kisuhs Dinsmore. Grade 6: High Honors: Anna Patterson. Honors: Ben Griffin; Drew Taylor. Grade 7: High Honors: Isabel Cates; Lucas Cates; Sarah Moulton. Honors: Marissa Cates; Shane Feeney; Abby Fitzhenry; Jackson Lemieux; Sarah Neal; Kate Taylor. Grade 8: High Honors: Raeanah Reynolds. Honors: Madison Sylvain; Cami Bryant; Kash Feeney.

Nothing succeeds like success. The Bold Coast Sea & Sky Planning Committee is looking for more volunteers for its July 20 and 21 festival. Last year saw almost a doubling of the participants in the festival over the opening year in 2016.

The festival, entering its third year, is getting its start through the inspiration of Bill Burke, owner of the Pat’s Pizza restaurant here in Machias. The Rotary Club of Machias is a co-organizer. 

Mark your calendars and join the Downeast Salmon Federation for a day of fisheries fun!  Over the years, these festivities have grown from a small community potluck centered on the commercial smelt harvest to a well-known regional event serving 500+ guests. This year the event will be held on Saturday, April 21 from 11 a.m. until 4 p.m. Throughout downtown Columbia Falls, there will be activities and displays that feature the inspiring fisheries and conservation work of DSF and their partners.

Machias selectboard ballot finalized

The deadline to declare candidacy for a seat on the Machias Selectboard passed on Friday, April 13, and four candidates have their hats in the ring for two seats. Selectboard vice chairman Joshua Rolfe is running as an incumbent, as is selectman Leslie Haynes. Former selectman Dr. James Whalen has declared his candidacy, as has Nicholas “Crowsneck” Boutin of Machias.

Summer-long road project commences on Elm Street

A Hypocrite on the balanced budget 

Bruce Poliquin’s web site says he is urging his colleagues in Congress to vote for a constitutional amendment requiring a Federal Balanced Budget.  He points out this is an amendment which he himself signed as a cosponsor during his first week in Congress in 2015.  He states this is a necessary amendment to “… ensure a financially sustainable future for our Nation.”