Spring is springing after one of the worst winters this correspondent can remember in quite some while. And with spring returning, so are some of our favorite snowbirds, including Tom and Monica Churchill, Charlotte Jameson (who came to the Rotary meeting last week with stories of grandkids but no Rick), and Doug Roberts.

They came on a great night – lots of fellowship, lots of laughs. Our planned speaker, local trivia meister Darrell Gudroe, was stymied by a family event, but when it comes to trivia, who needs the pursuit? And anyway, our own trivia champion Mike Thompson wasn’t in attendance

As more people strive to live a sustainable life, many are seeking sustainability in death. Hence the green burial.

The green burial is not new. Early Americans were frequently buried in just a shroud. A reusable “parish coffin” was used to transport the deceased from the church to the graveside. Permanent burial in a wooden coffin was reserved for the rich. They were hexagonal in shape, designed to fit the human body and were tapered at the feet. They were wooden and hand carved to order.

Embalming

Embalming dates back thousands of years, but it was during the Civil War when it became common

Criminals steal billions by promoting fake investment opportunities that promise quick, guaranteed, or low‑risk returns. They may sound professional and convincing, but they exist for one reason: to steal your money. 

Scammers often reach victims through seemingly errant text messages or on social media and dating platforms. Many build trust over time before the “investment opportunity” arises. But the opportunity is fake, and when you try to withdraw your gains, they invent fees, taxes or technical problems—then disappear altogether. 

As exciting as a new investment opportunity sounds, this

We’re looking to May now, so hopefully winter has truly left us! The “I love a mystery book club” group met all through the winter, and showed up to meet despite spring snowstorms (which can be particularly demoralizing).

For March we chose to read “The Intruder” by Freida McFadden. By day the author is a dedicated physician specializing in traumatic brain injuries; by night, under the pen name Freida McFadden, she turns into a prolific author, crafting psychological thrillers that captivate readers world wide.

Her work has been selected as one of Amazon's best books of the year. She is the

There’s still at least three or four feet of snow on the ground in the Seal River Watershed. It’s located in northern Manitoba, but already there are perhaps twenty million birds or more migrating north toward the impressive landscape they’ll call home for the summer. Some are potentially coming from places as far south as Chile and Argentina. Some portion of the population of species like greater and lesser yellowlegs (widespread migrants here in Maine) and American golden-plover winter that far south and nest in the Seal River Watershed.

But, more species that breed in the Seal River

Reading Wiscasset department heads' monthly reports in selectmen's meeting packets at wiscasset.gov can be more interesting than that might sound. There can be humor, like the "Ghost in the Machine" headline in Sewer Department Superintendent Robert Lalli's March report (part of the board's April 21 packet), about a tripped generator at a Birch Point Road pump station. 

There can be gentle reach outs, like Fire Chief Robert Bickford's noting the department, with 17 active members and six "lifetime" ones, is "always looking for new members that are interested in serving their community."

And

It’s Volunteer Week and although I must have missed the memo, I was pleasantly surprised when returning home from Hannaford Saturday morning, my wife and I came upon a group of at least 20 neighbors and friends walking south along Back Narrows Road, carrying bags, wearing gloves and holding gripping sticks, doing their annual roadside clean-up of garbage and returnable bottles and cans. It was a great sight to see.

I say it was annual but I am not certain that it has happened every year – but I do know that it has been several years they have banded together for this volunteer effort. Thank

Driving around last week, you might have noticed a scattering of yard signs plugging Graham Platner’s candidacy for the U.S. Senate. To be fair, supporters of Gov. Janet Mills, who is seeking the same office, have placed some of her yard signs around, too. I have not seen any signs for Sen. Susan Collins, but I may have missed them.

If you missed the campaign efforts of the Senate candidates, it is understandable, as the primary election is some 50 days away, on June 9. And, to be honest, many political junkies were distracted by national/world events.

For example: POTUS took a swing at the

It's been 30 years since Cecil Pierce passed and 120 years since his birth, yet many of his accomplishments linger. The stories about Cecil’s accomplishments and activities are too numerous to mention, especially since my contact with him was quite limited. I knew about Cecil and have seen products of his creation, but I think there are many other people, especially here on Southport, who would be far more knowledgeable than I. Needless to say, Cecil Pierce was a pretty unique individual ... emphasis on individual! He built his own roads and traveled them without hesitation.

I made the

April showers may bring May flowers, but why wait? Surround yourself with blooms at Boothbay Region Art Foundation’s current exhibition, “Flower Show!” And, surprise, surprise, members of the Boothbay Region Garden Club have created floral arrangements, to complement their favorite florals on the walls – and that’s downstairs and up, mind you.

Sure the greenhouses are opening and there’s planting to be done outside, but what about inside? The paintings, photography, fiber, mixed media, and wood assemblage art would look fabulous adorning a wall in your home.

Take Katie McGreary’s “Wild Flowers

Don’t miss out on these events coming in May!

There are only a few days left to buy raffle tickets for $200 in cleaning services from Details Cleaning! Winner will be drawn May 5. Delight Mom with this gift that includes dusting, vacuuming, cleaning kitchen surfaces including the microwave (inside and out) and of course bedrooms and bathrooms. Tickets on sale in our office and are $10 each or three for $25.

Questions about your electric bill? Bring your bill and your questions to the Community Center on Wednesday, May 13 at noon. Elizabeth M Deprey, Consumer Advisor from the Maine Office

I do hope that all the ospreys have returned to their traditional spots across the island by now, and that they are rebuilding, repairing and perhaps expanding nests for the next generation. It is a delight to hear their call and admire their flight. Here in Pennsylvania, spring has moved forward with gusto, the roads covered in the already fallen petals from Bradford pears and ornamental cherry trees, white and pink carpets. Red buds have gone to leaf, hosta leaves unfurling, ferns and Solomon’s seal well over a foot tall, and azaleas now blooming. Wrens have already begun to feather their

Dear Editor:

On April 9, the School Administration reported that Boothbay Harbor enrollment had increased by 9%, resulting in a budget that incorrectly calculated cost sharing between the two towns. For a $14.5 million budget, it is concerning that this error was not caught sooner. Only one board member (Perkins) raised questions at the time, and a correction was not provided until April 13.

Second, recent school audit reports indicate that the current CSD Board has operated with deficits for three consecutive years. During that period, more than $1 million has been drawn from the unassigned

Dear Editor:

I do not normally write letters to the editor, but I am making an exception for this year’s Selectman race. I have known Evan Hepburn for many years. In that time, he has always struck me as a kind, funny, and responsible guy with a good heart and a strong work ethic. Evan is not someone who is strongly political or opinionated. Few people can make a job site both upbeat and effective while also taking their work and responsibilities very seriously. I do not believe he would get involved in local government unless he was genuinely motivated to make improvements and help his town

Dear Editor:

We would like to thank Patty Minerich for her March 30 commentary in which she explained in detail, the history behind the various school bond proposals to repair/replace our school buildings. She also explained the subsequent lawsuit, setting the record straight. Reading her commentary will help you decide who is the best candidate for school committee.

Patty cares deeply about our students, teachers, and staff. She has demonstrated in-depth knowledge of the issues, and dedication to fiscally responsible, quality school buildings and education.

James and Virginia Farrin

Boothb

Dear Editor:

I greatly enjoyed reading the book, "A Surgeon's Slice of Life - A Memoir by Dr. Barclay Shepard." Dr. Shepard is a native of Boothbay Harbor. In 2001, he returned to live full-time in his family's beloved town. His book tells the story of an extraordinary man who accomplished incredible things in almost a century of life. The positive impact Barclay Shepard has had on others is immeasurable.

My wife and I will be donating a copy of Barclay's book to Boothbay Region High School through the Francis D. Aley Book Awards. This program recognizes outstanding students for their academic

Dear Editor:

I am writing to express my support for Mike Bartles as a write-in candidate for the Boothbay-Boothbay Harbor CSD School Committee. 

I first met Mike nearly seven years ago when our children attended daycare together.  It was immediately clear to me what a dedicated, loving, and patient father he was.  More recently I have had the privilege of viewing Mike in a new light - a passionate community member and fierce advocate.  His approach to this campaign has been nothing short of impressive.  Mike hasn't just put his name forward as a write-in on the ballot; he has done the

Dear Editor:  

My name is Evan Hepburn, and I am running for Boothbay Harbor Selectman because I care deeply about this town and the people who live and work here.  

Boothbay Harbor is a special place. It is a working waterfront, a small community, and a town with a lot of history, pride, and hardworking people. I believe we need leadership that understands both the traditions that make this town what it is and the practical decisions needed to keep it strong for the future.  

I am running because I want to be a voice for the people who live here year-round, work hard, raise families here

Dear Editor: 

The Project Graduation Committee would like to extend a heartfelt thank-you to everyone who participated in this year’s Alumni Basketball Game.  

The game itself was memorable. With alumni ranging from the Class of 1994 through the Class of 2025, the day was filled with energy, laughter, and connection. Rather than a fierce rivalry, the matchup between the blue and gold teams showcased camaraderie and community spirit.This year we were able to round up some alumni cheerleaders, too!  Fans filled the stands, cheering and laughing throughout the event—it truly was a great time fo

Dear Editor: 

One would think that with three former public school teachers on the Edgecomb School Board there would be detailed, strategic discussions regarding the progressive decrease in student test scores relative to neighboring schools.  Instead, we are told “We are proud of our student’s test scores”.  Celebration of mediocrity is never a path to success. 

To be clear, the problems with the Edgecomb school system are many years in the making.  Signs are everywhere, however, that the current school board “strategy” is failing to reverse this downward trajectory.  Just as clearly, a