Correcting the record on Poliquin Healthcare, Balanced Budget Amendment

I’d like to correct the record about some things Ms. Dean from Machias wrote about Congressman Bruce Poliquin in her Letter to the Editor in last week’s paper.

First, she wrongly claims Congressman Poliquin accepts some kind of special congressional health care benefits, and therefore doesn’t need to pay for health care on his own.  This is false.  The Congressman refuses any special health benefits through taxpayer money.

by  Lura Jackson

Following a series of challenges to a 2016 people’s referendum in which 52 percent of voters statewide chose to approve Ranked Choice Voting (RCV), the Maine Supreme Court has ruled that the June 12 primaries will go forward with the new method of voting. Whether or not the November elections will follow suit will be determined by a new referendum with which voters can express their wishes in June.

Green Cove Springs, Florida & Orrington, Maine – Norman A. Hall, 86, former longtime resident of Orrington passed away in Florida on January 2, 2018 following a brief illness.

Services were held in Florida. A graveside committal service were  held at 1 p.m.  on Saturday, April 21, 2018 in the Hillside Cemetery, Bucks Harbor, Maine with Pastor Bill Holmes officiating. Arrangements are under the direction and care of Bragdon-Kelley Funeral Home, Machias.

Jon E. Wright, 49, of Machiasport passed away April 17, 2018 at his home.  He was born October, 1968 in Northampton, Massachusetts.  He was the second oldest child born to George Wright, Jr. and the late Norma Lee Read.     

Rosemary L. Alley, 82, died April 5, 2018 at a Machias hospital. She was born February 26, 1936 in Milbridge, the daughter of Luther and Thelma (Simonton) Lindsey.

She loved to read , enjoyed gardening, cake decorating, puzzles, word puzzles, and trivia. She also enjoyed watching Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune .

Maurice C Gray Jr., 83, affectionately known as “Dicky”, left this earth to rest in the arms of his Lord and Savior on April 10, 2018 surrounded by his loving family at his residence. Dicky was born December 12, 1934 in Jonesport to the late Maurice and Myrtice (Alley) Gray, Sr. He graduated from Jonesport High School in 1952. Dicky married his sweetheart Glenda (Manchester) on August 20, 1954. They spent 63 years together raising their family in the community they loved. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. Dicky’s joy was his grandchildren.

This Earth Day  -- April 22, 2018 -- should signal a watershed turning point.

Traditionally the day has meant planting a tree, trimming some bushes, maybe even a stroll through the woods or a visit to a park. But in 2018 it’s time to join the fight against pervasive pollution. Pollution that’s slowly, but inarguably, threatening this country’s -- actually, the very planet’s --- future.

Upcoming events

Book Club will read “Barkskins” by Pulitzer Prize winner Annie Proulx — Wednesday, April 25 at 4:15 p.m. The Calais Bookshop, 405 Main Street, Calais. FMI, call 454-1110 or “like” us on Facebook.

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A Republican Gubernatorial Primary Forum will be held at the University of Maine at Machias on Thursday, April 26 at 6 p.m. in the Science 102 room. UMM Emeritus Professor Ron Mosley will moderate.

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The Jacksonville Cemetery Association met on Tuesday, April 17, at the Jacksonville Grange Hall in East Machias.  President Nathan Pennell welcomed everyone and introductions were made.  Everyone who attends is a member and all are welcome.  A progress report was provided including success and challenges from last year.  The 2018 work plan was provided and copies of the current by-laws were available.  Copies of these are available to anyone upon request.  The Perpetual Care fund was discussed.  Transferring it to the Maine Community Foundation will provide four percent distribution and add

Morgan Allen Marin of Cherryfield came here nearly ten years ago from the Portland area. He first came to Franklin where he told me that he picked cherries and he fell out of a tree. He quit that job. As a few days passed he found his way to Cherryfield. Martin talked about it saying, “Portland and Cherryfield are worlds apart. It’s the same state. [Cherryfield] is connected to a small metropolitan. Portland is a college town. [Cherryfield] the girls are good looking and friendly and the men are hard working and fair-minded.”