Dear Editor:

Two weeks ago I read that there had been a public hearing on the Ferry Road boat launch project. The article stated that no objections to the project were made by the citizens who attended. I was out of town and unable to attend but had I been there, I would have objected to one part of the project: namely the parking lot.

In the 1988 and the 1992 Comprehensive Plan and I believe also in the 2002 one, the island listed as a high priority preserving the rural charm and character of the island. Now while the phrase rural charm and character is easily said, it’s awfully hard to define. Bill Mitman, former owner of the Squire Tarbox Inn who served on all these comprehensive plan committees once said, "If you cut it off, tear it down, or cover it up, it’s gone forever." I define the phrase by thinking of things that take it away.

As you drive down Ferry Road, you pass on your left a large lush green field. That field is slated to be covered with a sheet of black asphalt and white lines. A severe loss of rural charm and character.

Several years ago I made a suggestion to facilitate parking. This was to increase the width of Ferry Road by 8 feet by building out the shoulder along the inside curve. People could launch, then park completely off the road on the shoulder. While some of the field would disappear, the majority would remain.

Just one man’s opinion and solution.

Respectfully yours,

Ben Crehore

Westport Island

Dear Editor:

The Board of Selectmen wish to thank a number of people for their valuable and tireless efforts on behalf of the Edgecomb Fire Department. Their assistance with our grant application submitted to the A.R.R.A. Assistance to Firefighters Fire Station Construction Grant Proposal was a monumental effort which was submitted in July to the Department of Homeland Security.

Special thanks to the Building Committee made up of the following residents: Ronald Carey, Susan Carlson, James McQuaide, Michael Smith, Marilee Harris and Roy Potter, Fire Chief and Larry Omland, Assistant Fire Chief.

Special thanks must be given to Mary Ellen Barnes of the Lincoln County Development Office and to the Lincoln County Commissioners for their support of Mary Ellen on our behalf. Her contributions and constant support were a tremendous help in the planning, development, writing and submission of this application for a new fire station so necessary to this community.

To all those involved, the Board of Selectmen extend our appreciation and thanks for your time, efforts, ideas and commitment to the Edgecomb community for the goal of a new fire station. The grant was one approach to acquire funds which will enhance the Edgecomb Fire Department and the citizens of Edgecomb.

Further thanks must be extended to Chief Roy Potter and Assistant Chief Larry Omland and to their firefighters for their efforts, dedication and commitment to the citizens of Edgecomb.

Our task has just begun but will be achieved due to the work, efforts and dedication of the committee, the fire chiefs and the county.

It is with this in mind, that the Board of Selectmen are indebted to the Building Committee and all persons committed to assure the goal of a new fire station enhancing the skills and safety of our firefighters while protecting the Edgecomb community.

Sincerely,

Jack Sarmanian, EdD. LCSW – Selectman, Chair of the Building Committee

John Johnson, Chair, Board of Selectmen

Stuart Smith, Selectman

Since the beginning of the year, we have been covering the 250^th events that have been organized to celebrate the founding of the town of Woolwich. Woolwich isn’t The Prettiest Village in Maine, as neighboring Wiscasset claims to be. But then, prettiest is certainly in the eye of the beholder – some would say the villages of Thomaston or Yarmouth or Kennebunkport or Camden are just as pretty.

No, there’s no doubt that Woolwich will never make "the prettiest" list. Four busy lanes of Route 1 traffic cut a wide swath right through what may once have been the lovely little village of Woolwich, just across the Kennebec River from Bath. When the state re-built and re-located Route 1 years ago, there were limitations on what we now call "curb cuts," to restrict development, thereby allowing fewer turns and faster traffic. In fact, Woolwich selectmen now call their section of the road "The Sagadahoc Speedway," named after the county of Sagadahoc and the 60 or 70 miles an hour most motorists drive, until they cross the line into Wiscasset where nearly the entire length has been built up by businesses.

Beauty contest aside, there has always been a great sense of community spirit in Woolwich – and the events put on so far this year by the 250^th Celebration Committee have been fun, interesting, educational, and important. Fun for all ages, interesting and educational for new and longtime residents alike, and important for preserving and building appreciation for this beautiful rural town. Congratulations to all the volunteers who have spent many hours preparing for this important celebration. They deserve our heartfelt appreciation.

- Paula Gibbs