Mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo. Submitted photo.

On Tuesday, Aug. 22 at 7 p.m. Machias Bay Chamber Concerts (MBCC) will present a concert featuring fêted mezzo-soprano Thea Lobo and piano/pianoforte virtuoso Sylvia Berry. Their program will include Frauenliebe und -leben by Robert Schumann, as well as various Lieder by Schumann and Franz Schubert.  This will be the final concert of MBCC’s 2017 Season.

Compiled and edited  by: Valdine C. Atwood

Between June 1775 and 1777 the British were not happy with the “Pirates at Machias” or the “Hotbed of Rebels at Machias” and soon made plans to punish the settlers at Machias. On Aug. 13, four British ships under the command of Sir George Collier, came into Machias Bay with orders to launch an attack on the “Rebel Nest at Machias”.

Crow Town Gallery of Lubec announces its last show of the 2017 season, which will feature four artists— Bonnie Beard, Shanna Wheelock, Kathrin Hilten, and Sheryl Denbo— whose work celebrates the beauty of Downeast Maine. The show will run from August 17 to September 3

Bonnie Beard, the proprietor of the Crow Town Gallery in Lubec, is a landscape painter specializing in the natural beauty around her home. Bonnie works both in her studio above the gallery which overlooks the magnificent marshes of South Lubec and throughout Lubec’s coastline. Bonnie’s mediums are oil and charcoal.

The Concert Series at the Eastport Arts Center is thrilled to welcome back world-class concert pianist Mira Armij Gill on Friday, August 25 at 7 p.m. Gill’s program will include works of Rameau, Beethoven, Granados, Moszkowski and Chopin.

A reception will follow the concert with refreshments courtesy of Moose Island Bakery. Many will remember Gill’s memorable performances over the past decade in Lubec, Eastport, and Saint Andrews. 

by Phil Stuart

The Barren View Golf Course in Jonesboro has been a hub of activity lately with two tournaments and a senior scramble within a week’s time frame.

On July 25, Barren View hosted a two-person Ryder Cup Tourney.

Laura Bagley and Bernice Fedder took top honors in gross play with a score of 73, and held a three-stroke lead over Ralph Backman and Tom Viselli. Third place honors went to Wayne Smith and Jim Goliffe, who compiled a score of 80.

Marshfield resident Camron Roberts, 18, passed away last week after a tragic car accident. Roberts was a 2017 graduate of Washington Academy in East Machias.

The employees of Bella Vita Salon in Machias came up with the idea of showing support for the people who loved him by flying white and yellow balloons, and the wider community quickly joined in. Shayna Ramsdell works at Bella Vita, and said that the color white signifies sympathy and condolence, and yellow signifies healing. Photos by Bill Kitchen.

Kelly Barnes of East Machias acting Personal Representative of the Estate of Nancy Lee Roberts to Albert J. Nehrings and Lori H. Nehrings of Whitneyville a certain lot or parcel of land with the buildings thereon on the westerly side of State Route No. 192 in Whitneyville beginning at an iron pipe marking the southeasterly corner of a parcel of land conveyed by Everett L. McLain and Willis Mae McLain to Charles E. Roberts, Jr. and Nancy L. Roberts by deed dated October 3, 1973

The Machias counter-protestors carried signs that read “Love Lives Here” and “All Are Welcome”. NPR reported that more than 500 similar events took place across the nation on Sunday. Photo courtesy Alan Kryszak.

Kurt Potter of Whiting, Maine passed away suddenly at home on August 7, 2017, with Angelika Potter, his wife of 50 years, at his side.

Kurt was born in Bremen, Germany on October 19, 1938, and was raised by Heinrich and Hilda Grewe. In 1966 Kurt moved to Toronto, Ontario and subsequently to Baltimore, Maryland to marry Angelika. Kurt lived in Tulsa and Mannford, Oklahoma for 40 years working in book and record sales. He and Angelika relocated to the Cutler-Whiting-Machias area in 2011. Kurt found the climate of coastal Maine reminded him of northern Germany.

by Phil Stuart

Jud Cake of Bar Harbor and Tia Tardy of Hancock were the overall male and female winners at the Annual Milbridge Days 5k on July 29.

Cake, one of the premier runners in Eastern Maine and the course record holder at the Cobscook Bay 10k in Pembroke, led a field of 65 runners down to the end of Fickett’s Point and back and a fast time of 16:20.

Many year round residents have a standing rule that they do not leave the state of Maine in August. One look around our area this month, and no one could question their wisdom. Where else could anyone wish to be? Lobster, blueberries, beaches, sunshine (finally), music, great food, author readings, history, hiking... the list goes on. There are dozens of reasons our roads, hotels and pullout couches are brimming with out-of-state visitors right now. 

Twenty-seven gubernatorial turndowns have slammed into rural Maine, once again causing Mainers to speculate about the rationale that drives this state’s leader.

Twenty-seven vetoes saying no to everything from phoning while driving to selling flame-retardant furniture gummed up the wheels of decision-making in Augusta.

While Gov. Paul LePage spews forth a hefty stream of bombastic dialogue on a daily basis he seems to have added a new twist lately with his concern over “social engineering.”

On August 7 at approximately 2:13 p.m. the Washington County Regional Communications Center (RCC)  received a 911 call from an off-duty Deputy that had come upon a serious two-vehicle crash on Rt 192 in Northfield in the vicinity of mailbox 1580. The RCC dispatched the Machias ambulance, Machias Fire Department as well as additional Deputies to the scene.

 Last Wednesday, the Maine Senate and House of Representatives dealt with over two dozen vetoes from Governor Paul LePage, sent two bond issues and a constitutional amendment back to their policy committees, and set the stage for a return in the fall when another committee charged with implementing the state’s marijuana legalization act completes its work on a bill to implement the new law.

by Bill Kitchen

Machias native and San Francisco firefighter and EMT, Rob Collinson, returned home for a few weeks this summer and revived the now mythic ROBSTOCK skate fest in Whitneyville last weekend. Collinson is also the founder and publisher of LOWCARD Magazine, a noted skater publication launched in 2003, which was one of the event’s sponsors.

by Ruth Leubecker

Amid a storm of overriding controversy, the 128th session of the Maine Legislature ended last week with the certainty of reconvening to address many of the same issues.

“It was a difficult session,” said Sen. Paul Davis (R-Sangerville). “We had so many different issues, and so many vetoes. That takes a lot of time, and it’s frustrating. Some wanted to change their vote, and that’s more time and more discussion.”

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Last year, volunteers at the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival information booth noticed that there were a lot of visitors walking around town on the Friday of festival weekend, a day traditionally thin on activities. So this year, they’ve expanded Friday’s schedule to include a full day of live music and more than 50 vendors who will set up on the green space by Centre Street Congregational Church.

Larry Worcester Beal, 78, of Milbridge Maine passed away peacefully and quietly at Maine Coast Memorial Hospital on July 28, 2017.

Larry was educated in the Milbridge school system and graduated from Milbridge High School.

He worked his entire life at a variety of jobs. Two of his favorite jobs were being a lobster fisherman with his dad, and the manager of the International Paper Company wood yard in Cherryfield. Larry was a hard worker, who loved his family, a good story, and a good laugh. He was also a lifelong member of the Harrington Advent Christian Church.

Julian Merrill Ross passed away in Machias on July 24, 2017 with his children by his side. He was 72.

Julian was born on June 15, 1945 in Lubec, Maine to Bernard Merrill Ross and Marion Elaine Newman. He graduated from Lubec High School in 1963. After high school, Julian joined the United States Army. Julian then owned and operated his own satellite business, Colby Co. Satellite. Later in life he did computer repair on the side. 

by Phil Stuart

Washington County has seven road races that have been going continuously for 25 years or more and runners can count on them being the same weekend each year.

Running has changed over the years. The times are not as fast and there is not a deep field of runners. There might be a fast runner or two at the head of the pack, but it usually drops off fast after that.

In the 1970s and 1980s, the elite runners were all running 100-mile weeks. today very few runners hit the 50 mile limit.

Reel Pizza Cinerama, located at 33 Kennebec Place in Bar Harbor will present a screening of Sacred Cod on Sunday, August 13 at 2 p.m.

There will be a Green Space meeting held at noon on Aug. 10 at the Machias Bay Area Chamber of Commerce, Station 1898, 2 Kilton Lane, Machias. The purpose of the meeting is to determine what types of trees will be planted where next. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. 

On July 22-23 and 29-30 Ruth Moore, the founder of INTERNITY, travelled to Danbury, NH to attend a four-day, intensive Wilderness Medicine Training Module for Medical Providers. This course was offered by The Kane Schools of Wilderness and Rescue Medicine out of Fryburg, ME; and focused on Back Country Rescues, Advanced Life Support, Various Trauma Situations, Wilderness Improvisation for Medical Emergencies, Planning for Environmental Injuries, and then studying the Anatomy of Mountain Rescues and how to adapt the Federal Incident Command Structure to rescue teams.

The Machias Farmer’s Market and dike are full of vendors and shoppers as the region moves into the final month of high tourist season. Photo by Bill Kitchen

by Phil Stuart

The Machias husband and wife combination of Gary and Sue Derickson have maintained their first place grip on the earnings leader board at Barren View Golf Course Wednesday morning senior scrambles.

Last year the couple took a cross country trip with their Barren View earnings and this year they should be able to reach Alaska.

by Phil Stuart

After a decade of baseball in the fifties featuring premier teams like the Dixie Eagles, Jonesboro Jets and Eastport Lobsters, it was time for other teams to share the spotlight.

Dixie, Jonesboro and Eastport either disbanded or were unable to keep a roster full of quality players.

After Dixie’s Eagles won for the last time in 1959, a Dennysville squad coached by Alton Bell had a two-year run.

This week I have been busy painting my deck, I have worked on it for three days straight. I still have a lot more to do before I can say it is completely done.

Friday evening, Aug. 4,  about thirty folks gathered to attend the performance The Wild Goose Chase dance -Measuring Time – a work evolving… at the Union Hall in Columbia Falls.

by Mary Thompson

The Addison Planning Board met on Wednesday, August  2 and issued the following permits:

#11-2017 to Betram Merchant at Map 4, Lot 24-1 at 378 Ridge Road to erect a 10’x24’ deck and bring in a 10’x55’ storage unit (trailer), both items already in place. No concrete pour on either. CEO has inspected and approved locations. All fees ($120 plus the after-the-fact fee) have been paid. Permit issued subject to no conditions. Vote 4/0.

An exciting, new trail run is coming to the area this fall. Hosted by Downeast Coastal Conservancy (DCC), the Bad Little Trail Run will be held on October 1 and the course will weave through the Machias River Preserve. This inaugural event celebrates the organization’s 30 years of conservation in Washington county and will introduce participants from across the region to the scenic beauty of the Machias River.

by Nancy Beal

The 2017 Port and Starboard Yacht Club sailing race in Jonesport’s Chandler Bay took place July 29. There were four entries this year. Perennial winner Harry Fish in his 20-foot Atlantic Class Pisces was challenged by three Cape Dory 25s: the Irene piloted by Bernie Sund, the Mimi with Dana DeVos at the helm, and the Harmony commanded by newcomers Joe and Nancy Bell of Beals.

by Phil Stuart

Two of Washington County’s oldest road races will be held in the month of August.

Johnson’s True Value International Road Race, a 5-miler, will be held on August 12.

Robin Rier, plein air artist of Jonesport will be exhibiting her paintings at the Mulholland Market Gallery in Lubec,  Aug. 16 - 29. Opening reception Saturday, Aug. 19, 5-7 p.m. All are invited to see beautiful paintings and enjoy beautiful downtown Lubec. Photo courtesy Robin Rier.

Mozart at North Church is a full concert of music by Mozart performed by a quintet of experienced professional musicians and sponsored by the Tides Institute & Museum of Art (TIMA). The quintet will rehearse at TIMA’s 1819 North Church Project Space, 82 High Street, Eastport, throughout the week prior to the concert.

Upcoming events

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Savory beef  church supper  - Cherryfield Congregational Church Fellowship Hall (River Road, Cherryfield), August 9,. Dinner served at 5:30 - Doors open at 5:p.m..

• • • • • •

Vacation Bible School, August 7, 8, 9, 10 West Lubec Methodist Church, 9 a.m. – 11:15AM  Ages 4 – grade 8. Bible stories, snacks, crafts, rockin’ music, and Samaritan’s Purse mission. All welcome. FMI 733-2210

 • • • • • •

Using public Wi-Fi puts you at risk of sharing personal information with criminals.  If you’re on free public Wi-Fi at the gym, a hotel or a coffee shop, anyone else on that same network can tap into the information you’re transferring over the network. This means any bad guy can see what you’re doing, leaving passwords, usernames, and account numbers vulnerable. Stick to browsing the web and checking news when on public Wi-Fi. Avoid online banking, checking email, making credit card purchases or even posting on Facebook while on public Wi-Fi.

Jennifer Robish of Machias has received her Master of Arts in Teaching in Elementary

Education (K-8) from Western Governors University (WGU). 

The university held its 33rd semi-annual commencement ceremony at the Salt Palace

Convention Center in Salt Lake City on July 15 and celebrated the graduation of more than 10,000 graduates.

Robish said that she student taught at the Rose M. Gaffney School in Machias, and plans to teach 4th grade at the Beatrice Rafferty School in Perry thi s year.

Linda and Ron’s garden is producing nicely. The cabbages are huge. Karen and Ruthie and family have been enjoying the greens and Linda has been enjoying green beans and potatoes. Linda has also been making all kinds of her goat milk lotions and soaps this week getting ready for Grand Lake Stream Festival this past weekend in July. I hope to spend at least Saturday with her there selling. Linda is a people person and a great friend.

Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay My, oh, my, what a wonderful day...Plenty of sunshine headin’ my way...Zip-a-dee-doo-dah, zip-a-dee-ay! Summer winds have brought beautiful days once again. The Friends of the Whitneyville Public

Jonesport Annual Lobster Dinner Aug. 5

Sawyer Memorial Congregational Church in Jonesport will be hosting its Annual Lobster Dinner on Saturday, Aug. 5 from 4 - 7 p.m. The menu will include a single lobster for $15 or double for $20, corn on the cob, cole slaw, a yeast roll and blueberry shortcake for dessert. 

All proceeds to benefit the steeple restoration fund. Hot dog dinners available for land lubbers, and mussels also available. The church is located at 28 Sawyer Square, Jonesport.

Possible protests set for Machias, Eastport

As the nation speculates whether or not Special Counsel Robert Mueller will be fired, activists across the country are gearing up for a nationwide response.  Maine is no different. Local organizers are already making contingency plans for protests in Machias and Eastport.  Everyone participating in these events will be required to abide by all applicable laws and lawful orders of authorities. This event will be nonviolent and will not involve any civil disobedience or other violation of law.  

by Ruth Leubecker

New England, that uniquely independent region of the USA, albeit frosty and rocky, can claim many firsts in the scheme of memorable events.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Dollar General broke ground on its new Machias location last week. The store will be located on the corner of the Kennebec Road and Rte. 1, across from Tom’s Mini Mart, with an address of 206 Dublin Street, Machias.

Laura Somerville works as a spokesperson for the Tennessee-based chain. She said that the store plans to open its doors in late fall, but added that construction timelines could slip.

Amara Dorr’s feathers were not ruffled when she marched through Milbridge dressed as the American bald eagle last Saturday. Dorr marched as part of the Wyman’s of Maine parade float, on the streets last week as part of the town’s annual Milbridge Days celebration. Photo courtesy Richard Bondurant.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Local sea chantey expert Stephen Sanfilippo sang this historic ballad during last weekend’s celebration of the return of Machiasport’s Civil War cannon to Fort O’Brien last weekend. Sanfilippo resides in Pembroke.

The ballad recounts the events of the Battle of the Rim, also known as the Siege of Machias, which took place August 13 and 14, 1777. 

Expressions Gallery & Studio, located at 11 Main Street in Machias will host a reception at 5 p.m. on Friday, August 11. The reception will honor three local artists: Kathleen Hart, Erik Ostensjo and Joanne Halpin. Food and drink will be provided and the reception will have live music by Duane Ingalls. This will be an opportunity to meet the artists, learn what has inspired their art, and what techniques they are using.

by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Editor’s note: This article is the first in our series, Primer for the Primary, which will run periodically as candidates present themselves for Maine’s 2018 gubernatorial, congressional, Senate and state legislative elections. The series will showcase interviews with each candidate, and focus on their key campaign messages. 

by Phil Stuart

The University of Maine at Machias (UMM) High School girls and boys summer basketball league is winding down and the Calais girls are undefeated at 5-0. The rest of the field includes Woodland 3-2, Shead 4-3, Jonesport-Beals 2-5, Sumner 7-5 and East Grand 0-7.

On July 5, girls’ varsity action saw Woodland defeat Jonesport-Beals 34-18. Calais crushed Sumner 59-21 and Narraguagus get by Shead 48-34.

by Phil Stuart

The Chandler brothers of Jonesport won the annual Daughters of the Nile Golf Tourney at Barren View Country Club in Jonesboro on July 9, with a score of -11.

Orrin, Hedge and Roger, a trio of brothers, plus Jason Mawson, posted a one stroke victory over Elmer Wilcox, Duanne Smith, Scott Wilcox and Ralph Backman.

Third place went to Hawaiian vacation winner Nate Mugford, Zach Fenton, Josh Bassett and Jason Hixon with a -9.