Million dollar Tall Ship sails from Wiscasset
About this blog:
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Frank Barnako is a seasonal resident of Wiscasset at Clarks Point on the Sheepscot River. His career in journalism included on air and news director positions with CBS and NBC Radio and TV stations. He was a pioneer in the Internet, helping to create and co-found MarketWatch.com where he also developed a 200-station radio network and wrote daily columns focused on the stock market, business news, and technology. Barnako describes himself as “an aspiring photographer,” whose work can be seen at frankbarnako.com<http://frankbarnako.com>. He is a member of the town’s Investment Advisory Committee. Email him at wiscasset@barnako.com.
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On Thursday the USS Providence motored away from Wiscasset after spending the winter being refurbished, reportedly, to the tune of $700,000. The replica of a 1775 sloop was bound for a berth in Alexandria, Va.’s Waterfront Park. The Tall Ship Foundation was organized to bring Providence to Virginia. Its fund goal is $1.2 million.
The Providence’s departure was a good excuse to head down to the North End Lobster Coop on Westport island to take photos of the 110-foot Providence leaving. I figured that location would give me a good shot of the ship underway. That also gave me the opportunity to talk with Tim, who manages the coop.
I was surprised to see what must have been hundreds, yes hundreds, of lobster traps piled up on the banks. Can’t catch no fish that way, Tim acknowledged. “There ain’t no lobsters, yet,” he said, citing how cold the water is. The shedders just don’t want to move. Seems to me there’s going to be a problem later this summer. The lobsters will be plentiful well into August and September, but the tourists will be gone.
The Board of Selectmen met Tuesday for what could have been the shortest meeting ever. Two of the five Selectmen did not attend - Ben Rines was out sick, missing his first meeting in seven years. Kim Andersson was also out.
Stephanie Davis of Wiscasset took advantage of the Public Comment time on the agenda to express frustration about rising property taxes. She said she was speaking because she wanted to get involved in the town and know more about how it works.
She is disappointed to see increasing town spending. While she enjoys some of the town’s benefits, like the Community Center, she said the expenses are too much for a town the size of Wiscasset. She’s lived here a few years and worries with rising taxes she will have to move.
Select Board chairman Judy Colby responded by pointing out the town’s Budget Committee has three openings. Serving on would be a good way to get to know the territory. As the meeting was breaking up, I introduced myself to Stephanie and also encouraged her to consider volunteering for the the Budget Committee.
