by Ruth Leubecker

While years of a thriving China lobster market have now ended for some Maine live lobster dealers, China’s import tax in retaliation to US tariffs remains narrow in scope.

“I think it’s all about perspective,” says Matt Jacobson, executive director, Maine Lobster Marketing Collaborative. “Five years ago we didn’t do anything in China. Today, out of 315 licensed dealers, we only have about six doing business with China.”

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The runway at the Machias Valley Municipal (MVM) airport will shut down for a reconstruction project beginning Monday, Aug. 13. The majority of the work is expected to be completed by Nov. 16, but the airport will likely remain closed until December. Stantec performed engineering for the project and construction will be handled by Lane Construction Corporation.

Organizers of the 43rd Machias Wild Blueberry Festival say this year’s event, running from Friday, August 17 – Sunday, August 19, is a blueberry extravaganza not to be missed.  Throughout Machias there will be over 200 crafters, artisans, food vendors, new live entertainment and a host of blueberry activities, including the blueberry pie-eating contest, the blueberry pancake breakfast, the blueberry cooking contest, the blueberry farm tour, and, of course — the ever-popular Blueberry Musical!

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Most Downeasters know of the Sunrise Trail that cuts a 90-mile path through our woods and along our rivers. But fewer know that America’s first water trail passes right by our doorstep, too, offering boaters a way to explore the length of Maine by island-hopping its coast. 

National Geographic Adventure named the Maine Island Trail one of America’s “50 Best Adventures” and Outside Magazine called it “America’s best sea kayaking trail,” though it isn’t just for kayaks. 

Dell, Susan and Richard Hyssong travel full-time as the award-winning Hyssongs.  Their energetic ministry combines family vocal harmony, humor and brass instruments (trumpet and trombone) to delight audiences with their Christ-centered message, shared through the powerful medium of music. The family’s classical music background, along with their harmony and specific chord structures, lend them a unique sound that has made quite an impact on audiences.  

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Michael Hoyt’s earliest efforts at teaching himself basketmaking stand by the door of the Machias Hardware Co., ready for incoming shoppers. Those small traditional baskets are just the right size for holding bags of the many spices that fill one wall of the store his family has owned and operated on Main Street in Machias since 1951.

 River Fenton of Harrington was recognized as a recipient of the Maine Red Sox Service Scholarship during a pregame ceremony at Fenway Park before the Red Sox-Minnesota Twins game on Sunday, July 29. The program awarded students from public high schools across Maine with $1,000 scholarships towards their college education based on academic performance, financial aid eligibility, and demonstrated community service.

by Ronie Strout

I am on the road again.  This time I am traveling to Boston on the bus and then flying to Minnesota with my daughter Diadem and her family on Monday, August 6th for a two-week visit with my grandchildren Oliver and Gavin Strout and their mother Molly Strout.  My son Zebadiah will not be home as he is still in China on a ship. The cousins, Asa, Mabel, Oliver and Gavin have gotten to know each other this week. 

Machiasport Historical Society will be celebrating their 35th Annual Lobster Lunch, Saturday, August 25th, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m., behind The Gates House Museum by the river. Local lobsters from Bucks Harbor and Carolyn Johnson's world famous fish chowder will be served along with corn on the cob, salad, rolls, blueberry cake and beverages.  A suggested donation will be requested for this community summer tradition and feast. Come join us at 344 Port Rd./Rte. 92.  (207-255-8860/207-271-0682)

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The Boston Globe has invited newspapers across the nation to stand in support of the First Amendment with comments in their editorials this week.

It may not surprise you to hear the Machias Valley News Observer falls somewhat below the radar of any nationwide attacks on the press. That is not to say, however, that we are unaffected by what is happening in our nation.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

For the second year in a row rain fell on Saturday of the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, and for the second year in a row vendors and organizers rated it a wild success in spite of the rain.

“We’ve had a wonderful day and wonderful weekend. Customers here are very dedicated,” said Arlene Wren of the Penobscot Valley Crafters’ Association. “They come out with their rain boots, their raincoats, their rain hats and umbrellas. So everybody had good sales yesterday, good sales today already.”  

by Nancy Beal

At their March 2017 town meeting, prompted by drug activity in the Moosabec area and more than one overdose death, Jonesporters authorized their selectmen to draw up to $100,000 from the surplus fund to secretly combat the problem. The town officials were not obliged to report how the money was used or how successfully until July 1, 2018. On July 25, 2018, Jonesport newcomer Barbara Malcarne, who with her husband, Bill, often attends weekly selectmen’s meetings, asked how the money was used.

The Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce will show “The Greatest Showman” starring Hugh Jackman, Zac Efron and Michelle Williams.

The musical tells the story of PT Barnum’s creation of the Barnum and Bailey Circus.

All boxcar movies are free and take place on the lawn of Station 1898 on Route 1 in Machias. The movies are projected onto a historic boxcar and begin at dusk. Sunset is at 7:30, so plan to arrive around that time. Bring blankets chairs and snacks!

For more information, contact the Chamber by calling 255-4402.

by Wayne Smith

The pair constructed a brick, wood-fired pizza oven inside the bus and would like to continue serving their pizza in Machias through the winter.  Photos by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Four years after closing the building it occupied for more than 30 years, the Machias Valley Christian School will reopen to a new generation of students on Tuesday, Sept. 4.

The first iteration of the school was affiliated with the Machias Valley Baptist Church and its classrooms were attached to the church. Exorbitant building repair estimates ultimately led to that school’s closure in 2014. 

On Friday, August 31 at 7 p.m. Porter Memorial Library will show the documentary film A Will for the Woods. The film screening is free and open to the public. Event sponsors include Down East Hospice Volunteers and Community Health and Counseling Services/New Hope Hospice.

by Nancy Beal

 Jonesport’s Peabody Memorial Library recently received a community award of $1,000 from Bangor Savings after library supporters voted for the 100-year-old institution in a BSB-sponsored community service poll. To show appreciation for that support, library staffers and volunteers will host what they are billing as an “End of Summer Community Celebration” this Saturday, September 1, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.