The Public Hearing on the Edgecomb Comprehensive Plan modifications regarding the Edgecomb Rte. 1 Business Corridor will be today, March 14, 7:00 p.m. at the Town Hall. Tonight's meeting will fix the language in stone, for inclusion in the Warrant for the Town Meeting May 18.

On Tuesday, March 5, we attended the talk by Evan Richart, Director of the Maine State Planning Board. He said a number of thought-provoking things, but the one that made the most impact on me was this comparative definition: Rural lands are organized for active production, such as farming, hunting, lumbering, and traditional industries that go with them: milling, for example, quarrying. (Maple syrup processing comes to my mind.) Low Density Suburban lands are organized for consumption, passive uses, the buying and selling of lots for scenery, privacy, or getting away from it all. In the war between active and passive land uses, the active are losing. The result is an illusion, a caricature, of "rural." We all looked uneasily at one another, wondering what it is we really want. Suburbia is coming, like it or not. We must be sure how we want to manage the changes in Edgecomb. To go full-out Rural may be beyond the capacities or willingness of many.

If anyone noticed a fire truck and smoke at the Cameron property last Thursday, not to worry. The Edgecomb Fire Department was trying to burn our large, long-standing trash pile under controlled conditions. Alas, it was too wet. I hope it can be done early, because over the years, birds and small animals have been in the habit of using it for nesting. I'd like to see it removed before they come back, on the theory, better a little inconvenience looking for a new nesting site now, than being burnt out of one!

Interested in Edgecomb's history? Imagine how the town looked in the 18th century! The Edgecomb Historical Society will be meeting Thursday, March 28, 2:00 p.m., at my house, 234 River Road. We will be discussing topics for the coming year. Perhaps a survey of the several old mill sites, dams and millraces in town? Join us, with your ideas for research! The leader of the group is Sophie Quinn. Call her for information about the club at 882-9326.

Ruth Bryant's sister, Jo Myatt from Amory, Mississippi, is visiting for two weeks. Any old friends, give Jo and Ruth a call and touch base!

Let's all say hello to our new business enterprise, Foster's Trading Company. Brian Foster's concept, everything a 19th-century 'round-the-world trading vessel would bring home, sounds intriguing. I especially want a crack at his fancy spices!

As ever, you can reach me at 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com, or 234 River Road!