The University of Maine at Machias will hold its 107th Commencement Ceremony at 2 p.m. Sunday, May 13, in the Reynolds Center gymnasium. One hundred and three students will graduate with degrees or program certificates.

You have to love water and trees and islands and two seasons (winter and August) to love Maine. The largest of the New England states, though short on people and heavy on trees, really offers a wide range of adventures and sights that any Mainer will tell you if you haven’t imbibed fully, you just haven’t embraced the entire Maine experience.

On May 1, more than 80 Emera Maine customers voiced their opposition to the utility giant’s latest request for a rake hike at public hearings held simultaneously at the University of Maine in Machias, Orono and Presque Isle.  The hearings were teleconferenced, and all attendees watched and heard each testimony at each hearing.  Each hearing was staffed by a stenographer, Maine Public Utilities Commissioners and staff attorneys, the Office of the Public Advocate, Emera Maine, and staff and volunteers from AARP Maine.

On Friday, May 4, U.S. Senator Angus King (I-Maine) met with Maine business owners, innovators, and entrepreneurs to discuss the implications a repeal of net neutrality could have on startups, job creators, and Maine’s statewide economy.

Last year, the federal government entered into a settlement with Western Union to help recover losses by victims of scams who used Western Union wire transfers. Now scammers are jumping on the refund program to scam more people. Reports to the Federal Trade Commission indicate that consumers are receiving official-looking emails about the program, asking for transaction information and your name and address. These emails are scams – you cannot submit a claim by email. For information about the refund process, visit www.ftc.gov/wu.

Upcoming events

Announcing the Beals Historical Society’s Annual Talent/Variety Show to be held on Saturday, May 12, at 6:30 p.m. featuring all types of genre from awesome local singing talent. Please join us at the Beals gym for a great night of cheap, live entertainment! Plus we will be selling delicious mouth watering food! Your support is greatly appreciated.  Admission for children is free. 

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My mother would sit watching soap operas while I played with trucks or hollered at my brothers and sisters, while I was still in diapers, bouncing off the walls of the house. She often fed me ravioli for lunch, heating it up on the stove and putting it in a dish. I played with it more than I ate it, like a typical youngster. 

On April 10 the first nail was hammered as construction began on the building that will become the new Whitneyville Public Library. Three and a half weeks later the walls and the roof trusses were put up and the outer walls were enclosed. Pipes for plumbing were installed by Allan Huntley Plumbing and Heating as the floor was then prepped for the foam board and mesh as the tubing for the radiant heat was taking shape. The metal roof was put on and is almost finished. The new Whitneyville Library has taken shape.

Chelsie Hawkins had a great bridal shower on Saturday the 28th at the Wesley Church. Her mother Lyn, Aunt Barb, and mother-in-law- to-be, Mrs. Wallace, did a great job decorating. There were around 45 ladies there to celebrate the happy occasion. The theme was “let them eat pie” instead of the “let them eat cake”. There were so many different kinds of pies it was hard to choose. The wedding will be in Calais, June 2nd, to Chris Wallace. Congratulations to Chris and Chelsie. 

On Sunday April 29, Carroll and I took a ride down to Jasper Beach just to get out and enjoy the good day. If you have not been there yet this year, check it out as the road and parking area has been renovated.

Don’t forget to apply for your moose permit, only a few more days till the May 15  deadline to apply.

On Monday, April 30, Dawn Bragg of Columbia Falls ran into a traveler (he was walking across the country pushing a small carriage type rig with all his gear) at Columbia Falls Post Office. He got permission to pitch his tent at the town landing that evening.