Talk

• letter to the editor

  Casson for Westport selectman

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 6:45pm

  Dear Editor: Julie Casson deserves the vote from all Westport Island residents if we want a strong voice in how the island business is carried out. Julie was town clerk for four-plus years and knows the innerworking’s of the Westport Island government. Julie is a strong supporter of Westport Island residents and is active in many community committees and activities. Her activities include being a member of the Westport Island Volunteer Fire Department, Helping Hands Volunteer, and other...
• letter to the editor

  DeVries for RSU 12 School Board

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 6:30pm

  Dear Editor: We are happy to endorse Richard DeVries as our candidate for the RSU 12 School Board Member for Westport Island. Richard has been actively representing Westport Island's children on the School Board since 2008. He has been committed to making sure that the school system is meeting the needs of the Island's children while focusing on what matters to the parents. Richard works tirelessly to make sure that we retain school choice and is instrumental in helping with opening up...
• letter to the editor

  Dusty Jones brings sound governance to board

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 6:15pm

  Dear Editor: It doesn’t always happen, but sometimes people from away turn out to be a perfect fit with the place they land in. Dusty Jones’ previous 20-year career working with individuals with behavior problems and agencies that serve them, entailed lots of moving. At the Select Board candidate forum at the Wiscasset Community Center May 24, Jones talked about deciding to settle down in Wiscasset and get involved. He dove right in, running for and winning a seat on the Select Board in 2021, a...
• letter to the editor

  Vote for Davis

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 6:15pm

  Dear Editor: Throwing in my support for Don Davis for Wiscasset Selectperson. Bringing experience of a prior select person roll from a different state, into Wiscasset with a fresh perspective may be just what we need to reign in the spending in this town, and increase the maintenance to lower the constant need of “emergency funds to replace.. fill in the blank” I support Don Davis. Pam Logan Wiscasset
• letter to the editor

  Heller talks sense

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 6:00pm

  Dear Editor: I attended Tuesdays candidate forum to observe my friend Terry Heller in political action. I’m from Damariscotta but have been adopted by the Wiscasset Garden Club. I helped Terry and others plant petunias in your median gardens. Terry carried water for us so those little plants could get a good start. That’s caring for the town! But please let me make two even more important observations from the forum. First about the reserve fund. The current board didn’t lose money. The stock...
• letter to the editor

  Davis for selectboard

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 5:45pm

  Dear Editor: As a Wiscasset resident for 14 years, past member of the Waterfront Committee and Waterfront Advisory Board Member, Don Davis is now running for the Wiscasset Select Board. He recognizes the value in our waterfront as a revenue source and is on board with sensible waterfront development. Don is in favor of expanding the tax base via planned economic development, stressing the need for the right mix of industry. Don believes in cost reduction by consolidating and sharing available...
• letter to the editor

  Voting for Heller and Jones

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 5:30pm

  Dear Editor: We—Wiscasset citizens, taxpayers, business owners—strongly endorse re-electing Terry Heller and Dusty Jones to the Board of Selectmen. In addition to serving on the Board of Selectmen, Terry has spent four years as chairman of the Appearance of the Town Committee, and two years as advisor to the Waterfront Committee, and initiated the formation of the Waterfront Working Group. Dusty has spent the last two years as advisor to the Finance Committee, Broadband Committee, Airport...
• letter to the editor

  Thank you teachers, MAG

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 5:15pm

  Dear Editor: Earlier this spring two of Wiscasset’s amazing teachers brought the work of over 100 of our young people to an art show at our own Maine Art Gallery. It was truly a celebration of the tradition and culture our town has long been known for plus a look towards our brightest future with so many talented young artists able to display their works. Shalimar Poulin of the Wiscasset Middle High School and Liz Profferty of the Wiscasset Elementary School collaborated closely with the...
• letter to the editor

  Save the Old Academy

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: Wiscasset’s red-brick, white-shuttered, cupola-crowned Old Academy on Warren Street, built 216 years ago, owned by the town, and leased since the 1950s by the non-profit Maine Art Gallery, is a gem that should stay in public hands. Like the library, the Old Jail, the courthouse, and the Powder House, the Old Academy is everyone’s treasure. It embodies local history. It’s also very much alive with art exhibitions and classes. A cultural force and a building with an endearing...
• letter to the editor

  Votes on the Old Academy Building

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: On June 13, Wiscasset voters will find two articles on their ballot relating to the Old Academy Building. This town-owned structure (built in 1807) has been leased to the Maine Art Gallery (MAG) for more than 60 years for $1 year rent. Article 56 is a request from MAG for funds not to exceed $28,800 to match a foundation grant for long-deferred preservation maintenance by MAG (primarily restoration of the windows that the town purchased and installed in the 1980s). Matching grants...
• letter to the editor

  Davis for selectman

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: Don Davis is a successful entrepreneur of long experience. He possesses a tireless ability to see challenges as opportunities. As a former selectman in Massachusetts, he is familiar with the headwinds facing our town and is well armed with the skills to address them. Don would be an invaluable member of our Board of Selectmen. Wiscasset needs him. Kate Curran Wiscasset
• letter to the editor

  A vote to extend success

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: Committed partnerships are powerful engines of achievement. Wiscasset and the Maine Art Gallery have had such a partnership for 65 years, providing historic arts programming to our region. This is why voters should vote no on the town’s non-binding referendum Question 1 and record their opposition to selling the Red Brick Schoolhouse that risks jeopardizing an unprecedented record of success. After all, this commitment to partnership was renewed by the voters in November 2021 by...
• letter to the editor

  Vote for Pam Dunning

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: Pamela Dunning has called Wiscasset home for 50 years. When I asked where she lived, she said, “on Old Bath Road in a working class neighborhood.” She loves the small town feel of Wiscasset and would like to keep it that way. When we moved here 11 years ago, we chose to settle here because it is a small Midcoast town. Pamela served on the budget committee before being elected to the Select Board giving her the experience to step in with no learning curve. Pamela recognizes we have...
• letter to the editor

  Don Davis for selectman

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: The town of Wiscasset needs members of the Select Board who will work hard and add a different perspective to the office. Don Davis is that person. Don has experience on a number of committees and has a great vision for developing the waterfront. He will work for all citizens of Wiscasset. The town line doesn’t start and end at the waterfront. Our town faces many challenges. Moving the water treatment plant, infrastructure maintenance, business growth, keeping Wiscasset affordable...
• letter to the editor

  Ethics complaint doesn’t hold water

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: Recently, a resident lodged an ethics complaint against Alna First Select Board Member Ed Pentaleri. The complaint alleges that, before being elected, Pentaleri expressed his disapproval of a highly controversial boat ramp project on the Sheepscot River. And now that he is serving as first select board member, he should not be involved in any action regarding that project. This “conflict of interest” complaint simply doesn’t hold water. Well before Ed was elected, Alna’s Board of...
• letter to the editor

  Wiscasset: Vote no on Article 73

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: Wiscasset voters will have many items to consider when they vote at the annual town meeting June 13. Two of the town warrant articles relate to the 1807 Old Academy building, the home of the Maine Art Gallery. We urge you to vote no on Article 73, a non-binding referendum question that would authorize the town to sell the building, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. From 1958 onwards, the town of Wiscasset has leased the building to the Maine Art Gallery, and that...
• letter to the editor

  Pam Dunning for selectman

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: During the Candidates Forum this week, the last question asked of the candidates was about their vision for Wiscasset in 20 years. Pam Dunning had the answer I liked the best – to keep Wiscasset a small town, with a real sense of community. Several grand plans were proposed, some of which have actually been pursued for our town in the last two years, and while it is fun to imagine how the future might look, it is the decisions we make today that will determine what our town looks...
• letter to the editor

  Pentaleri has done his duties as selectman

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: After a three-year hiatus, Alna had an enormously successful ham and bean supper where members from all parts of Alna worked, ate, and socialized together. Among those donning aprons and volunteering were Ed Pentaleri, Alna’s first selectman. He spent a good portion of the evening working with Alna’s Fire Chief auctioning off pies to raise funds for the fire department. Volunteering to help raise funds for the Alna Volunteer Fire Department is only one of the dozens, if not...
• letter to the editor

  Vote for Davis and Dunning

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Ten years ago, Bill and I purchased our home in Wiscasset after doing extensive due diligence. We wanted to find a home in a year-round community. We visited the Midcoast region many times. We found a small town like the ones where we were raised. We loved the history and the preservation of a way of life that is often overlooked. This was a decision that we took seriously; it was not an accidental decision. If we had wanted bread and circuses we would have settled into a different...
• letter to the editor

  Heller has heart

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: Terry Heller has a track record of contributing to the well-being of Wiscasset and its people with her common-sense approach to the opportunities we have here. She is passionate about helping develop Wiscasset; one example being her volunteer efforts with the Wiscasset Waterfront Working Group. As a member of the Waterfront Committee Terry advocated for the creation of this group of volunteers to broaden the reach and capability of the committee through the involvement of local...
• letter to the editor

  Support Heller for reelection

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: We support re-electing Terry Heller to the Wiscasset Board of Selectmen for two more years. In addition to serving on the Board of Selectmen, Terry has spent four years as chairman of the Appearance of the Town Committee, and two years as advisor to the Waterfront Committee. We should elect Terry Heller for two more years. She is a caring person and makes sure that everyone's concerns are heard and addressed. She explains issues openly and honestly. We have confidence in Terry as a...
• Commentary

  Broadband for Wiscasset

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 2:30pm

  Question 47 on Wiscasset’s June 13 ballot asks Wiscasset voters to support a $183,200 appropriation from the Capital Reserve Fund to construct a high-speed, fiber-optic broadband network throughout Wiscasset. This is an important investment for Wiscasset. Here is why. Many people have experienced the shortfalls of Wiscasset’s current internet options over the years, but the pandemic really made them visible. Wireless, DSL (digital subscriber line), and cable did not have the capacity to provide...
• letter to the editor

  Grateful for donations

  Mon, 05/29/2023 - 2:30pm

  Dear Editor: We recently offered the communities we serve the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others. We were so humbled by the response. Most of us know that not everyone is fortunate enough to live in a household and community that are safe and welcoming. And many might back away from even the mention of domestic abuse or prefer not to get involved. But our recent fundraising challenge shows otherwise. Although our initial ask was for the community to match $10,000, we...

• Wiscasset Senior Center

  Sat, 05/27/2023 - 7:00am

  The next public supper will be Wednesday, June 7. The menu is minestrone, garlic bread, salad, lasagna, and brownies a la mode. Cost is $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Take-out meals may be bought at the same cost when reserved. Please call (207) 882-8230 for reservations and information. Reservations are encouraged, to ensure adequate meals for all. Cribbage results for Tuesday, May 23 at 9:30 a.m. with 23 players were first place, Arlene Steen, 846; second, Jenny Ferguson, 836; third,...
• A Bird’s Tale

  The Familiar and Fascinating Blue Jay

  Wed, 05/24/2023 - 10:00am

  

  It should come as no surprise to learn that some of the greatest mysteries of the bird world are within some of our most common and familiar birds. Take the ever-present blue jay, for example. On a recent trip to Monhegan Island by one of us (Jeff. Leading a tour for LL Bean’s Outdoor Discovery School), saw high-flying flocks of blue jays leaving the island toward the mainland, about 10 miles distant. This was the case throughout the day. The group estimated that the total number of jays in...
• From the editor

  It’s happening!

  Wed, 05/24/2023 - 9:00am

  

  What, you may ask, is happening? News and lots of it! Thursday, May 25 at 6 p.m. in the Boothbay Region High School gymnasium is the annual CSD budget meeting. Hopefully voters will turn out to discuss the articles as the region is deciding on the future of education with new schools being considered, next year’s proposed budget increasing by 15%, many repairs still needed to be done on the elementary school, and more. Speaking of schools, graduation is right around the corner and the 40...
• From the assistant editor

  Will you turn out?

  Wed, 05/24/2023 - 8:45am

  

  We have been pleasingly swamped with letters to the editor supporting local candidates. Does this portend a strong turnout June 13? We shall see, but either way, it has been wonderful to see so much interest among residents. Westport Island and Wiscasset ballots include political newcomers, incumbents and would-be returnees after a break from a board. The contests are interesting, important and at least one more “i” word: Imminent. So, vote absentee or at the polls on the big day, whether the...
• ’Round Town

  Spring

  Wed, 05/24/2023 - 8:00am

  

  Spring is springing little by little. Here on Southport Island things are moving along at a snail’s pace. Wiscasset is in full bloom along the Route One corridor. We know this because in the last week we have driven through Wiscasset Village six times – somewhat of a record for us! Down and back to Bedford, New York, for a memorial service. Down and back to Falmouth for another memorial service. And to Ames Supply for a bale of straw to cover the churned up bare spots in the lawn from grub-...
• Joe’s Journal

  Of funerals and fun

  Wed, 05/24/2023 - 7:00am

  

  Dear Reader, Last weekend, I was in the produce aisle of Hannaford market when I got a pointed suggestion from one of my favorite readers. No, it was not one of the three online musketeers who chided me for failing to note that Hunter Biden’s mysterious laptop contains treasonous information on a par with the info the Rosenbergs gave to the Commies in 1950. No, sorry, it was not one of those faithful and valued readers. It was a lovely East Boothbay woman, an old friend, who told me I should...
• letter to the editor

  Hoping Maine Art Galley continues to inspire

  Tue, 05/23/2023 - 9:15am

  Dear Editor: I recently visited a wonderful show at the Maine Art Gallery (MAG) that reflects on the last 65 years of exhibitions. I saw paintings by founding members Gene Klebe, Laurence Sisson, and F.W. Saunders. Of course, there were mica collages by Mildred Burrage. Current artists Celia Ludwig and Mark Coates, who also curated the show, and others on exhibit share gallery space with some pretty big names: Stephen Etnier, Marguerite Zorach, William Thon, William Kienbusch, Cabot Lyford,...
• letter to the editor

  Let Heller continue

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: We have volunteered with Terry Heller since moving to Wiscasset in 2019. Terry got us involved with hanging Christmas garlands, planting petunias in the medians, and helping with Schoonerfest. Her hard work for, and love of our wonderful town, is evident. Let her continue her work on the select board by re-electing Terry Heller. Larry and Jan Flowers Wiscasset
• letter to the editor

  Voting for Heller

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: We are voting for Terry Heller because she is ethical, steadfast in her convictions and has a vision for a greater Wiscasset. Her compassion for all who live in Wiscasset is a benchmark for others to strive to achieve. Her goals are not self-motivated. Terry gives of her time and energy for the greater good of all citizens regardless of their individual political affiliation. Terry will keep Wiscasset moving forward in the right direction so there will be a prosperous and strong...
• letter to the editor

  Reelect Heller

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: The Maine Art Gallery has a very positive effect on Wiscasset. Terry Heller understands. As a trustee of the Maine Art Gallery, I have appreciated her support during her tenure on the select board, and I urge you to support her re-election. David Pope Wiscasset
• letter to the editor

  Heller should be reelected to board

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: I am writing this letter in support of Terry Heller's re-election to the Select Board in Wiscasset. Over the last two years, I have observed her persistence and creativity in solving difficult problems, and setting boundaries on proper processes in a respectful and direct way. In a current difficult neighborhood discussion on a workforce housing project, she worked hard to make sure that all opinions were heard, and she answered every question, even if the answer was "I don't know...
• Maine House District 47

  Reduce Maine state income tax

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 3:45pm

  

  What Mainers earn belongs to them. They are "free" to use their earnings as they choose but they have chosen to let others decide where their earnings are to be used. Many are not satisfied with the decisions being made by others. Earlier this year the Republicans attempted to get an income tax reduction for Mainers in the Biennial Budget. That attempt failed when the Democrat Majority Budget was passed. On Feb. 28, a bill sponsored by Rep. Boyer of Poland and cosponsored by nine additional...
• letter to the editor

  Elect Cray to RSU #12 school board

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: I am writing in support of Barbara Cray for Westport Island’s Representative to the RSU #12 School Board. Barbara is a multi-talented neighbor of mine who deeply loves Maine and works at building connections. As a member of Westport’s Community Association, Barbara has helped plan and expedite island events for several years. She is a talented, creative individual who can write songs and share them with others on her guitar. She participates in local choral groups, including the...
• letter to the editor

  Return Heller to select board

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: Terry Heller continues to amaze us with her love for her adopted hometown of Wiscasset, and her dedication to wise management of town affairs. She just can’t get enough of this place, from summer waterfront activities to winter holiday decorations on main street, you can count on her being there, and if the setting permits it, offering keyboard accompaniment. Just yesterday, May 19, we spotted her with Garden Club and Appearance of the Town Committee members filling the town...
• letter to the editor

  Reelect Jones and Heller

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: I am writing to ask residents of Wiscasset to vote to reelect Dusty Jones and Terry Heller to another term on the Wiscasset Select Board. They have each worked very diligently to protect town assets and workers, improve the lives of the people here and keep down the costs of running a great town with so many great features like lovely Wiscasset. Last year on their watch property taxes actually went down some, and has anyone noticed the peacefulness and goodwill in our town the last...
• letter to the editor

  Dunning for Wiscasset selectman

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Pam Dunning’s hallmark is sound judgment in practical matters. Having served our town as a member of the Budget Committee and as a former Selectman as well, Pam knows what works and what doesn’t work for Wiscasset. A vote for Pam is a vote for the long overdue return of common sense. Kate Curran Wiscasset
• letter to the editor

  Re: Wiscasset town warrant

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: I am a selectman in Wiscasset. I would like to mention a few articles on the town warrant that you will vote on June 13. I am representing myself and am not speaking for the Select Board as a whole. Parks and Recreation has always been a cause of disagreement due to the cost. A “back of the envelope” look at the department: if we closed the Rec Center, the cost of running the parks alone would cost us between $250,000 and $300,000 +. This would not count the cost of closing the rec...
• letter to the editor

  Offering Pre-K is a good investment

  Mon, 05/22/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: As local law enforcement leaders, we frequently speak about crimes after they have been committed and about our efforts to apprehend the criminal. But today we want to talk about an opportunity to stop criminal activity before it happens; before there are victims and shattered lives. We belong to the national anti-crime organization Fight Crime: Invest In Kids which is made up of chiefs, sheriffs, and prosecutors nationwide. In Maine, almost all of our sheriffs and about 80 percent...

• Wiscasset Senior Center

  Fri, 05/19/2023 - 8:30am

  The next public supper will be Wednesday, June 7. The m enu is minestrone, garlic bread, salad, lasagna, and brownies a la mode. Cost is $10 for members, $12 for non-members. Take-out meals may be bought at the same cost when reserved. Please call (207) 882-8230 for reservations and information. Reservations are encouraged to ensure adequate meals for all. Cribbage results for Tuesday, May 16 and 9:30 a.m. with 24 players were first place Larry Rines 833; second, Phil Hindahl, 828; third, Ken...
• From the House of Representatives

  Requesting upgrades to Route 27

  Wed, 05/17/2023 - 12:45pm

  

  I have written and submitted the following letter on May 15 to Commissioner Bruce Van Note, Maine Department of Transportation, following my attendance at the Edgecomb Selectmen’s meeting May 2 regarding the hazardous road conditions on Route 27. Dear Commissioner Van Note, I attended the May 2nd meeting held by the Edgecomb Selectmen regarding the hazardous road conditions on Route 27 and the ME-DOT plans to replace the road in 2024. I appreciate Senior Project Manager, Rob Betz and Shawn...
• A Bird’s Tale

  Migration a Thousand Miles from Home

  Wed, 05/17/2023 - 10:00am

  

  We have had the good fortune to be able to be spending time with family in Central Florida, from where we are writing this column. While many birds are just returning to Maine in mid-May, the bulk of migratory birds have left or passed through down here in Florida, a thousand miles or so to the south of Maine. The greatest number of migrant birds that pass north through Florida on spring migration are the songbirds that winter in the Greater Antilles of the Caribbean—the big islands of Cuba,...
• From the editor

  Tradition

  Wed, 05/17/2023 - 9:00am

  

  Tradition: the body of customs, thought, practices, etc., belonging to a particular country, people, family, or institution over a relatively long period – Collins English Dictionary Using this definition of the word, I would like to speak about how Boothbay Region High School’s graduation week activities have changed in recent years due to many factors – perhaps the biggest factor being COVID-19. However, there seems to be a problem resuming some of the traditional activities that were held...
• From the assistant editor

  Good idea

  Wed, 05/17/2023 - 8:45am

  

  Good idea on taking a year off, Schoonerfest, for all the reasons stated in the announcement in this week’s print edition and online. Schoonerfest has not blossomed into a Damariscotta Pumpkinfest drawing people by the droves, nor should it try to be, necessarily. We have seen other Wiscasset annual events like Wings Over Wiscasset (WOW) come and go, and others that show no signs of stopping, like First Congregational Church of Wiscasset’s Summerfest and St. Philip’s Church’s Strawberry...
• ’Round Town

  Remembering Pat

  Wed, 05/17/2023 - 7:45am

  

  It was a packed house! Hundreds of people coming to pay their respects on a beautiful spring day when anyone could have been elsewhere – a very impressive gathering for Mr. Farrin and his family. There was plenty of food and refreshment. The Opera House staff and catering service made heroic efforts on behalf of all. Speakers spoke, musicians played and everyone remembered times gone by with someone well known throughout the region. Patrick had a long history and managed to interact with many...
• Joe’s Journal

  In Praise of Posies and Pals

  Wed, 05/17/2023 - 7:00am

  

  Dear Reader, The last thing I want to do on this sunny Sunday morning is sit in the house and pound out a column. But duty calls. On a normal week, as if there is ever a normal week, I would have completed my task on Saturday, leaving me a free day to putter around the yard doing chores I usually avoid. But, as you remember, Saturday was a glorious spring day, and, like much of Lincoln and Waldo counties, I heard the call of the Moose. For some reason, I felt compelled to roll out some of my...

• Wiscasset Senior Center

  Tue, 05/16/2023 - 12:45pm

  The next public supper will be Wednesday, June 7. The menu will be minestrone, garlic bread, salad, lasagna, brownies a la mode. Cost is $10 for members, $12 for nonmembers. Additional meals may be ordered for take out at the same cost when reserved by 5 p.m. the Monday before. Reservations are encouraged to ensure enough meals for all. Please call 207 882-8230 to make reservations and for information. Cribbage results for Tuesday, May 9 at 9 a.m. with 30 players were first place, John Downs,...
• letter to the editor

  Current, former Wiscasset Selectmen endorse Don Davis

  Mon, 05/15/2023 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: We, present and former Wiscasset Select Board Members, endorse Don Davis for Selectman. Don recognizes that Wiscasset needs a Select Board consisting of fiscally responsible members who will work to reduce taxes, stabilize the Reserve Fund, encourage business development, understand, and recognize the needs of all residents while maintaining our infrastructure with creative long-rang planning. A Selectman in a previous location, Don also has experience that will help us with the...

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