Community members and patients of Machias Dental are invited to keep the magic in the holidays by purchasing a gift for a Washington County child whose family will struggle to afford the luxury of gifts this season.  For the 22nd year, the Holiday Spirit Tree at Machias Dental is bedecked with paper ornaments that bear the age, gender, and wish list of a local child.  You can provide a bright spot for a Washington County child by stopping at the dental office located on U.S.

by Lura Jackson

While Maine is well-known for producing talented writers, not many international best-sellers hail from Washington County itself. Bucking that trend – and perhaps starting a new one – is Lanette Pottle, who recently co-authored “Success University for Women in Leadership.” The book is a compilation of chapters written by twenty women from six countries, each of whom shared their own take on what it means to be a leader.

by Ruth Leubecker

For well over a century, the Florence Sturdivant Public Library in East Machias, stalwart, unassuming and generally under-used, has nonetheless persevered as a pivotal presence in the community. 

But as 2017 comes to a close, some impressive changes are bringing the library new recognition. “We’ve done a lot downstairs,” says Margaret Gardner, who has been a board member for 40-plus years. “The children’s table has been moved downstairs, and we have more children’s books.”

Get well wishes to Carroll Strout who is a patient in the Eastern Maine Medical Center  in Bangor. Cards would be great!

Kristine Peterson was in an accident in Cherryfield.  She was not hurt, luckily, but the car needs a new door. Accidents can happen in a split second. Drive with care.

Charlie has brought all of his lobster traps home for the winter. Next his boat will be here next spring.  Chuck and Tim are still fishing theirs for a while longer.

Black ice is starting to show up when you least expect it. On Nov. 22 it was a brisk 41 degrees here on Fox Hill, but traffic was crawling. When I headed out, the road was surprisingly shiny and showing a fresh coat of sand. Side roads were white with frost. Accidents were reported in Whiting and Harrington. Careful driving out there everyone - Winter has arrived!

Tinker and Phylis went to her sister’s in Milbridge for Thanksgiving. Carola’s granddaughter and husband came from Hermon to share Thanksgiving dinner with her.  I had the kids and grandkids here.

Carroll is still in the hospital in Eastern Maine and doing better every day, he may be home soon.

I finished up the 10-week genealogy course on Monday, Nov. 21, so now I can get busy with getting things ready for Christmas.

It’s chowders, soups and stews on Saturday, Dec. 9 at 5 p.m. at the Hillgrove Community Building in Whitneyville.  Friends of the Whitneyville Public Library are getting ready for the last public supper of the 2017 season.  If you love chowders, stews and soups then put December 9th on your calendar.  Homemade pies and cakes will also be on the menu with Janet’s rolls.  So come out and enjoy some great company and good food.

Come join us for a traditional service to celebrate Christmas on Sunday, Dec. 10 at 4:30 p.m.  The service, led by Rev. Jan Rhenow, pastor of Columbia Falls and Jacksonville United Methodist Churches, will include reading of the lessons, carol singing, special music by the Oceanaires under the direction of Gary Magby, and candle lighting.

A time of fellowship will follow the service.  Bring a favorite Christmas treat to share with all.

by Susan Coopersmith

Upcoming events

Gingerbread House Decorating Party, December 7,  3 p.m., Eastport Arts Center. Space limited; please reserve your house: [email protected] or 853-4650.

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8th Annual Festival of Trees, a festive silent auction of beautifully decorated tabletop trees to benefit EAC’s year-round programming, Sat., December 9, 4:30-5:30 p.m., Eastport Arts Center

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Hillgrove Community Building