Early Saturday morning I happened to look out my back window and see a heavy frost on my strawberry plants, early enough to hose them down. Being a spring plant, strawberries likely have what it takes to survive a frost. But being an overeager gardener, I wasn’t willing to take that chance. Hosing the plants down before the sun rises and bursts their frozen cells is one way to save them from frost. Checking the forecast and covering them the night before is one step better.

Accountability is a much-bandied-about word in 2018. 

It sounds good and in practice it’s even better, but it remain an elusive thing to grab onto, and to maintain a hold is actually -- apparently -- next to impossible. At the State House, especially during the recent leave-taking of this 128th session, accountability was nowhere in sight.  

Editor’s note: This letter originally ran in our March 28 edition, but we reprint it here this week  to freshen readers’ memories when they read  the response from the PRSWDD Board of Directors below. 

The Pleasant River Solid Waste Disposal District (PRSWDD) is a quasi-municipal, nonprofit organization that was formed more than 20 years ago because towns were under a State mandate to recycle.  PRSWDD, governed by a board of directors, with representatives appointed by the Selectmen of each participating town (Addison, Beals Island, Columbia, Columbia Falls, Jonesboro and Jonesport has been committed to transparency for more than 20 years. Monthly financials and minutes of all Board meetings are sent to member towns and are available to the public. 

by Nancy Beal

Lucas St. Clair, one of three Democrats vying in next month’s primary election for a chance to go up against Bruce Poliquin for Maine’s second congressional seat in Washington, addressed Washington County Democrats in East Machias May 6. During his hour-long presentation and while answering questions that followed, he talked about climate change, infrastructure and the economy, farming, health care (including opioids) and his mother.

Upcoming events

KinderArts with Tarah Waters, Thursdays,  May 17, 24 and 31, 9:30-10:15 am, for children up to age 5 with caregivers, free, Eastport Arts Center.

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May 18 at 7 pm & May 20 at 3 p.m., Quoddy Voices spring concerts, ‘Something About Love, Eastport Arts Center.

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The Downeast Table of Plenty, located in Cherryfield, is a place where families and friends can come together and have a free meal on Sundays.

The Spring Shop-A-Palooza held Sunday, May 6, at the Harrington Elementary School was a success. There were a lot of nice items to be had, and I was able to get a couple of birthday presents while I was there. Another one will be held in the fall for your Christmas shopping.

On Tuesday, April 10, the VFW Auxiliary met for its monthly meeting.  After the meeting we held elections of officers.  Officers for 2018-2019 are:

President - Barbara Tibbetts

Senior Vice - Ann Merchant

Junior Vice - Addie Alley

Treasurer - Sonya Grant

Secretary - Ann Merchant

Chaplain - Peggy Warden

Conductress - Sharon Tibbetts

Patriotic Instructor - Laura Merrill

Grand - Jeannette Perry

Carola got home on May 6 from visiting with family. She was able to take the cast off her elbow while she was gone, and she has a doctor’s appointment to check on her rehab.

Barbara had a great weekend with grandson Ayden in his wheelchair. He’s doing really well with his recovery from a broken leg.

Saw my first hummingbird at Mcleods in Crawford on Tuesday. Phylis had her first hummingbird on Monday the 7th. My first was at Fox Hill Farm on Wednesday morning and Wednesday night.