Dear Savvy Senior,

Can you recommend some good travel companies that offer good deals for single travelers? I’ve taken a couple tours since I retired a few years ago, but the single-supplement fee really cuts into my budget.

Solo Sally 

 Dear Sally,

Dolly Elaine Farnsworth went home to the lord on October 18, 2017 at Narraguagus Bay Health Care Facility . She was born September 9, 1946 in Addison to Charlie and May Farnsworth (both deceased). She had five children; Angel Gaspar and husband Bill Gaspar of Blue Hill, Darin Burgess and wife Karen Burgess of Milbridge, Enoch Burgess and wife Stacey Burgess of Columbia, Tarra Merchant and husband Timothy R. Merchant of Addison and Jason Burgess and wife Tammy Burgess of Milbridge.

DownEast Acadia Regional Tourism will hold their 3rd Annual Tourism Symposium and Awards Luncheon on Thursday Nov 9. This year’s event, held in downtown Bucksport at the Alamo Theatre and the newly opened Lighthouse Arts Center, will focus on supporting the regional economy through promotion of local producers. The event is open for registration to the general public.

The Eastport Arts Center is currently taking registrations for tables for their annual Holiday Market,which will be held on Saturday, Nov. 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tables are first come, first served; fee charged for an 8-foot table. Youth vendors can reserve a small space (size to be determined by need). All vendors should contact Chris Grannis to reserve their space by November 17: email [email protected], or call (207) 853-4650.

The IT eBay Store in Machias is now an approved drop-off site for donations to the Ark Animal Shelter in Cherryfield. Currently the shelter is seeking donations of dog food, cat food, cat litter, treats, bedding and toys.

The Ark is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization dedicated to the care of homeless, unwanted or displaced animals. The Ark provides shelter and care to all admitted animals until appropriate placement can be made, and does not euthanize unless a serious medical or behavioral problem exists.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Which comes first—poverty or drug addiction? Drug addiction or homelessness? When you’re spending money to improve Washington County’s well being, where does a dollar go the farthest?  And how do you measure success?

These were some of the ideas considered by attendees in a discussion sponsored by the United Way of Eastern Maine (UWEM) on Oct. 17 at the Calais Motor Inn. 

Help is currently being sought in finding the grave site of the last Civil War Soldier to pass away and is buried in Washington County. Perhaps members of the several Washington County historical societies might have the answer. Or perhaps a descendant of a Civil War Soldier might know just where that person might be buried.

 “The Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War ( SUVCW) is seeking community help to identify the name of the last surviving veteran of the Civil War in each county of every state.”

Machias’ Trick or Treat on Main Street was another outstanding success. One count estimated more than 800 children in attendance, as compared with 650 last year. The streets were crowded, and the daylight lets you appreciate all of the creative costumes. My personal favorite was a family that dressed as characters from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. The father was Willy Wonka himself, the mother was Violet Beauregarde after she turned into a blueberry, and their child was an oompa loompa, complete with orange makeup and cute white knee pants. 

Porter Memorial Library and the Machias Valley Film Society will screen the POV Documentary “Almost Sunrise” on Friday, Nov. 10 starting at 7 p.m. This is a special preview screening, several days before the film is broadcast nation-wide on PBS.

“Almost Sunrise” is a verite film--candid and realistic--with a message of hope for those who suffer a mortall injury. The film follows two Iraq veterans who are haunted by combat experience, as they walk 2,700 miles from Wisconsin to California.

Built between 1880 and 1890, the Larrabee Baptist Church in Machiasport was in need of some tender loving care. As part of an ongoing restoration, one wall of the church has had its corner, sill, insulation, siding and windows replaced. The restoration was performed by Tim Ketchen of Cooper. Pastor Bill Holmes said that the church plans to complete the same work on the other three sides of the building as they are able to raise funds. To donate, or for more information, call 207-255-6363. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Fishing boats from Machiasport’s Bucks Harbor were moved to calmer waters on Bucks Creek in advance of Monday’s storm. The National Weather Service warned of winds predicted to gust as high as 75 miles per hour. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

by Ruth Leubecker

Emera Maine, seeking to build a substation to service island communities, has requested a rate hike likely to add $3.60 to the average electric bill.

The Bangor-based company has asked the Maine Public Utilities Commission to grant a 12 percent increase on its customers’ distribution rates. This could amount to an overall increase of 5 percent on all residential bills, which would mean a revenue increase of 12 percent to Emera Maine.

Volunteers came together last week to plan the Machias Community Christmas, scheduled to take place on Saturday, Dec. 2. Committees were formed to handle the annual parade, Voice of Downeast singing contest, decorations, children’s activities and more. Frosty the Snowman was also on hand, one of a dozen Christmas inflatables purchased in memory of Danny Manchester. The illuminated decorations will form Danny’s Village, which will surround the Machias town Christmas tree near Station 1898.

Ryan Alley to drive the ball for the Royals 

Reed Willette hustles to the ball in Class D soccer action. 

Adam Robinson controls the ball for J-B.

by Phil Stuart

In volleyball the 2017 high school sports season is winding down with several school teams qualifying for post-season play.

Woodland High School currently holds down the top spot with a 12-1 record with recent victories over Washington Academy (WA) 3-2, George Stevens Academy 3-0, and Lee Academy 3-0.

After years of tanning pelted hides by various methods, Faeterri Silver learned how to use basic inexpensive ingredients for tanning hides that worked long term. This class explores the process of tanning hides, be they small or large, using ordinary kitchen ingredients such as oil, salt and vinegar, and simple tools.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Last month we reported that the local film duo, Downeast Cowboy, were finalists in a statewide outdoor adventure film contest called Broke and Stoked (MVNO Sept. 20). “We didn’t win,” said Kelly Hinkle, one half of Downeast Cowboy, “but we are inspired and will be taking on some new challenges and producing a higher quality short film documentary next year.”

Hinkle said that he and his filmmaking partner James Hubisz are already focusing on the subject for the next summer film, but have something in mind before then, too.

On Oct. 11, the Harrington Elementary lower grade students were visited by the Harrington Volunteer Fire Department for Fire Safety Week. Students enjoyed a presentation by Chief Dave Baldwin, Dave Ramsdell, and Jasmine Hammond. Our students toured the fire truck and learned about the equipment used by the fire fighters. A drawing was held for grades one, two, and three for a Ride to School in a Fire Truck! A winner from each grade was drawn. Karsyn Burgess, grade 1, Brody Robertson, grade 2, and Kayden Dake, grade 3, were the excited winners! 

It’s a Halloween Thing…as Maggie Allen, Sofia and Renee St. Pierre, Dusty and Olivia Korasadowicz, and Rocky, all of Machias pay homage to Dr. Suess.

Home Deer was the order of the day as Scott, Chelsie, Madison, Lauren, Emersyn and Griffin Gordon of Machias were hunting for treats.

This past week has gone really fast, and of course it would when you have your grandbabies visiting. Our son Zebadiah and his wife Molly along with their two boys Oliver and Gavin and their dog Silva, arrived on Friday morning, Oct. 20 from their home in Orono, Minnesota. They traveled right through without stopping.             The boys have grown since I visited with them last spring. Both Carroll and I have enjoyed having them here this past week.

As I write this, we are anticipating a wind storm.  Some of the fishermen have brought their lobster boats ashore. By the time you read this, it should be over.

Chuck and Bonnie Peterson attended the Clint Black concert in Bar Harbor on Friday night.  It was a really good show.

Mike and Tracey Peterson’s new home was delivered this week. The rain was not helping, but it is set up.  It is really beautiful. Congratulations Petersons.

We have been given more apples. Hopefully someone will get a deer so we can make mince meat.  Yum!!

A flatbed 18-wheeler carrying slabs of concrete rolled over while navigating the steep corner where Route 1 passes Route 191 in East Machias. No one was injured. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

by Ben Ferrandi

Christopher Hart’s sports background is impressive. He holds a B.S. in Athletic Administration from Endicott College, has experience with the Hartford Wolf Pack, “... a semi-pro hockey team in Hartford Connecticut,” he said, and in June he began as the new athletic director for University of Maine at Machias (UMM).  

Two Mormon missionaries joined many Porter Memorial Library volunteers last Saturday for a group book-boxing party. The books, left over from the library’s annual August book sale event, will be taken by nonprofit Better World Books. Library director Lee Downing said that new donations are already coming in for next year’s summer sale, which typically contains more than 10,000 volumes. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

The Living Nativity was installed November 5 for its 5th Christmas Season on the steps at Centre Street Congregational Church UCC in Machias. Installers this year were Harper Dean, Jim Jackson, Thornton Land,  Greg Maxwell,  Stuart Swain and Lin Warren. This annual gift from the church to the community is increasingly popular.  It will be “live” for 2 early evenings in December.  There will soon be a sign on the church and the Nativity which tell which dates it will be live.

This past week I have not been out  much except to drive the bus. On the half day of school I got to visit with Hulda Peterson in Harrington; it was a nice visit and we almost got caught up on news in the area.

Everyone was out due to illness on Monday night’s genealogy class so I got the chance to visit the knitting class for a bit before returning home. It probably was a good thing as I was coming down with this cold that is going around. Both of us here have it, I just wish those kids of mine on the bus had not given it to me.

Ron T. has been seeing deer in their fields. Andrea and Stan K. put up new posts and fencing around their garden of winter rye but they had a moose take down most of it when it walked through.

We took a ride into Chain Lake but had to pull a tree out of the road with a rope. 

The camps were fine but a tree came down by Blaisdell’s house and tore the electric box off the house. Our power just blinked off and on a couple of times. We were lucky.

Linda and I took Halloween candy to school for the kids’ party.

The Beals and Jonesport school system took delivery of a new bus last week. Jonesporters approved a three-year, one percent loan of the purchase price of $83,873 from their surplus. The 77-passenger Thomas bus will be parked at Beals Elementary School, whose student body proudly posed with it on delivery day.  Photo courtesy of George Crawford

Current recipients of Food Supplement benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may be able to get help with food lost following this week’s storm.

by Ruth Leubecker

As area blueberry growers struggle with the realities of supply and demand, Maine’s official commission this week pledged renewed support.

“We’re absolutely talking about how we can improve things for growers,” said Nancy McBrady, executive director of the Wild Blueberry Commission of Maine. “We’ve got to turn this ship around.”

Members of the Hannah Weston Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution have set aside the month of November to recognize and honor both Active Duty Servicemen and Women and Veterans. First they will recognize our veterans by having as a guest of honor a representative from the Machias Veterans Home during their 11 a.m. meeting and Dutch Treat luncheon to be held on Saturday, Nov. 18 at the Bluebird Restaurant in Machias.

The Emergency Department expansion and renovation is near completion.  To officially mark that milestone, Down East Community Hospital will hold a ribbon cutting ceremony.  The ribbon cutting will take place in front of the new emergency department at 11 Hospital Way on Nov. 15 at 11 a.m. Representatives from the USDA, the Legislature, Down East Community Hospital, and other key stakeholders will be present to celebrate completion of the project.

by Sen. Angus King

With the holiday season approaching, I know that many of us are starting to shop for friends and family. But I want to highlight another type of shopping that could have a profound impact on your wellbeing: health care.

If you were born after December of 1964 you have never known a time when Machias did not have a modern hospital with a trained 24- hour Emergency Department. While we can be proud and thankful for its founders’ wisdom, the hospital can only operate if it is financially supported on a yearly basis.

With the 2017 hunting season underway, Governor Paul R. LePage is again urging Maine hunters to consider supporting the Hunters for the Hungry Program by donating all or part of their harvest to feed families in need. The popular program provides a means for Maine hunters, as well as hunters from other states, to donate harvested game to food pantries, soup kitchens and shelters.

Three new Marine Patrol Officers have recently been sworn in and will be serving in Kittery, Tenants Harbor and Lubec.

Matthew Carter of Marshfield, Maine will serve in the Lubec patrol. A former Washington County Sheriff’s Deputy, Carter is also a native of Washington County, having grown up in the Machias area and graduated from Washington Academy. Carter is also currently a Military Police Officer in the Maine Army National Guard.

Medicare Open Enrollment runs through Dec. 7, and it’s a banner time for Medicare fraud. Beware of ads that promise medical equipment covered 100% by Medicare. Medicare only covers durable medical equipment that is medically necessary with a doctor’s prescription. Don’t share your personal information from someone claiming to be from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), calling to “verify” your information. Need help with Medicare Open Enrollment? Contact your local Area Agency on Aging at 1-877-353-3771 for free assistance.

Wayne S. Foss, 48, of Whitneyville, a loving father of three and beloved husband, passed away unexpectedly Saturday, October 28, 2017. He was born December 18, 1968 in Danbury, Connecticut, to Esten Foss and Mildred Reynolds. Wayne graduated from Machias Memorial High School and went on to marry his high school sweetheart, Kim Foss, married for 26 years and together for 29. 

Ramona G. Emerson of Jonesport passed away September 27, 2017. She was born December 12, 1943, the daughter of Laurence and Hazel (Carter) Tucker.

She is survived by her sister, Kathleen Call and husband Fred of Harrington, and brother Glenwood Tucker and wife Charlotte of Ellsworth. She is also survived by her sons Michael Emerson, and Dana Emerson and wife April, both of Jonesport, and daughters Crystal Emerson of Jonesport, and Lori Ann Farnsworth and husband Nathaniel of Addison.

Louise Emerson, 89, passed away November 4, 2017.  She was born March 13, 1928 to Hanford and Edith Grant of Columbia Falls, the third of their four children.  She married Henry Emerson in 1945 and raised three children, Lenora, James and David.  She was a very hard worker, capable, determined, and feisty.  She had many jobs including making wreaths, packing sardines, cooking at Helen’s Restaurant, the Columbia Falls Grammar School, Pleasant River Drive In, and Narraguagus Estates, as a migrant bus driver, and she loved raking blueberries.  Her daughter considered that a form of mental illn

Staff from both Calais Regional Hospital and Down East Community Hospital in Machias have been working on a plan to provide quality OB/GYN services locally in Calais.  Rod Boula, CRH CEO, and Dennis Welsh, DECH CEO, began discussions with the announcement that delivery services would be ending at CRH.  With all of the logistics of such an endeavor finally worked out, it is exciting to announce that DECH providers Kara Dwight, MD and Christian Inegbenijie, MD will provide office visits in Calais one day a week once clinic licensure is obtained. Dr. Inegbenijie and Dr.

by V. Paul Reynolds

Half way down the mountain a creek crosses the road. Approaching the creek, I could tell that the dirt-covered ice was making this horse skittish. At the creek’s edge, Hillary put on the brakes.

Author’s note :This is part one of a three-part column series about my recent elk hunt in Colorado.

by Phil Stuart

For many years, Machias High School and Van Buren High School stood alone as the dominant teams in Eastern Maine Class D boys’ soccer.

Van Buren fell first and several years later Machias followed suit giving way to Bangor Christian who has had an incredible run over the last decade.

Since 1965, the Machias program has been the class of boys’ soccer in Washington County and have way more games, more conference championships and more trips to the state title game than any other school.

The new bridge to Beals began last week with work on the approaches. Here, earth was removed on the Beals side to replace the 90 degree turn off the old bridge with an angle much less acute for the many tractor trailer trucks that come from the mainland. On the Jonesport side, the old house that Eddie Hagan used as a wreath shop was torn down to widen Bridge Street and provide room for power lines.

The Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra (PBSO) is 10 years old! To celebrate this milestone, the orchestra is delighted to present its first-ever Broadway Pops concert on Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. in Eastport at the Arts Center; on Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. in Machias at the Centre Street Congregational Church; and on Nov. 19 at 3 p.m. at the Calais Congregational Church.

Receptions will follow each performance. The reception following the Machias concert will be provided by Pat’s Pizza. 

The Grand continues its tradition of live community theater with a new piece based on Lewis Carroll’s “Alice” stories- Alice: Down the Rabbit Hole. The play will run one weekend only —  Friday, November 17 through Sunday, November 19, 2017. Tickets are on sale now at the box office.

For more information on the production, or to become a member of The Grand call the box office at 207-667-9500. 

The Sunrise County Arts Institute (SCAI) continues the “First Annual Milbridge Lit-Fest,” its celebration of writers, good writing, and delicious reading.

From left - right: Tyler Wentzel, Matt Gardner, Naveah Skinner, Dallas Moody, Head coach Ty Richards.

Congratulations Bulldogs!

by Phil Stuart