by Sarah Craighead Dedmon 

Sara and Tristen Nelson of Roque Bluffs have enjoyed a string of happy life events. Married in 2018, they welcomed their daughter Ava Grace later that year, and then in 2021, they bought their first home. Sara and Tristen are thriving today, and their present happiness has its roots in a time when each faced a life-altering decision — go to jail, or go to Treatment and Recovery Court.

by Nancy Beal

One of the highlights of last year’s July 4th celebration in Jonesport was the appearance of Barton Seaver, a world-renowned chef who has imparted an “Eat More Fish!” message from a variety of places and positions. An award-winning chef in Washington, D. C. whom Esquire named chef of the year in 2009, he left the restaurant life to travel the world with the National Geographic Society, returning home to become a leader in the area of sustainable seafood.

by Nancy Beal

Most people who have lived in Addison and surrounding towns for the past 40 years know about Jenny Cirone and the herds of sheep she ran on Nash Island, where she grew up under the watchful eye of her lightkeeper father. Before she passed on, Jenny entrusted her flock to Alfred “Alfie” Wakeman, who has managed it since her death.

by Hailey Wood

Beginning a new tradition, the Bad Little Falls “Sounds Like This” concert series will take place again this summer, starting on Thursday, July 7, with a performance by The Filthy Casuals.

The Filthy Casuals is composed of lead singer Hailey Bryand, her husband, and the lead guitarist, Kelly Bryand. Macky Hood is the saxophonist, Aaron Ackley plays the drums, and Darren Gardner plays the bass. 

by Jayna Smith

Four local athletes played last week in the 2022 Class C/D North vs. South Senior Baseball Game, which took place on Wednesday, June 22, at St. Joseph’s College in Standish.  

Calais Blue Devil Kobe Saunders and Machias Bulldogs Jayden Rhoades, Kashman Feeney, and Kyle Anderson were among those invited to a trio of games at the college.  The games included the Class C/D Senior All-Star Game, the Class A/B Senior All-Star Game, and an underclassmen game. All played on Tuesday and Wednesday of last week.

by Jonathan Reisman

As the summer started, a complex melody of second Amendment notes was played.

“Best in Show” is a title many crafters hope to achieve. On Saturday, July 25, Pauline Wood claimed that honor at the Roque Bluffs Art Gallery and Learning Center’s first-ever Quilting Show in Roque Bluffs.

On the winning quilt, the embroidered butterflies were done by Fay Hawkins, the pieced and hand quilted by her daughter, Pauline Wood. The story behind the quilt started after the passing of Mrs. Hawkins and the discovery of her many beautiful hand-embroidered butterfly squares.

Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC) is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Executive Director, Colin Brown.  Colin comes to DCC after spending six years with Downeast Lakes Land Trust in Grand Lake Stream, most recently as Development and Outreach Manager, focusing on grant writing and fundraising for the organization.

by Joseph Horn

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

In 1868, Machias replaced a bridge with a dike to carry travelers across the Machias and Middle Rivers. This month, plans appear to be moving in the opposite direction, following Maine Department of Transportation’s (DOT) June 9 announcement that a bridge is the “preferred alternative” to replace the Machias dike and causeway.

DOT will host a meeting about the dike replacement project at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, June 28, at the Machias Memorial High School Gymnasium. A large turnout is expected.