Last week I asked, What is a graminoid swale? According to the experts on the Schmid Preserve Committee, a graminoid swale is a lowland body of water, resembling a duck pond, defined by the type of plants which grow in it: grasses, reeds, other kinds of grain-bearing (graminoid) plants. Remember, the Second Annual National Trails Day is on Saturday, June 7! Come hike the Schmid Preserve's newly laid Haggett's Loop and Southern Loop trails!

The North Edgecomb Cemetery Association is holding its Annual Meeting tomorrow, that is, Friday, June 6, at 2 pm at the Town Hall. Everyone is welcome. For those who may not know, the North Edgecomb Cemetery is the one hard by the Town Hall.

I suppose everyone is aware that Monday, June 9 is Maine Quarter Day? Big do at Pemaquid Lighthouse Park, starting at 11 a.m.

Rev up for the Battle of Fort Edgecomb, June 14-15! The big sea battles should start somewhere around 10:30-11 a.m. each day, depending on the tide. Saturday, at sundown (about 8 p.m.), the Battle will conclude with a full-ordnance salute to our present-day American troops! All available cannon and artillery will be fired! Arquebusses may even be involved! Bring ear plugs! Tell Westport Island to relax, it is not being invaded. For more information, call Friends of Fort Edgecomb president Matt Dunn, 377-5335. They still need a volunteer safety boat.

Tuesdays are Car Cruise-In Nights at the Sheepscot River Inn. The public is welcome to come admire various antique cars, classic cars, and "street rods" (what in my youth were known as "hot rods.") They start coming in at 5, stay through 7:30 pm. Call the Inn, 882-6343, for more details.

The Mid-Coast Head Start program is recruiting children for this coming fall semester. Children who will be four years old on or before Oct. 15, and who meet the income and/or special needs criteria, are eligible. Children who will be three years old on or before Oct. 15 will be placed on a waiting list, as space permits. If you know a family who might be interested, please refer them to the Head Start secretary at CED/Head Start, 1-800-221-2221, or to the Head Start Center nearest to them; in our area, Boothbay Head Start, 633-3250; Salt Bay Area Head Start, 563-1412; Wiscasset Head Start, 882-7613.

Our Florida pals Phil and Nora Catalano are by now home by way of several Culinary Institute of America schools. They were in the area for Memorial Day week, savoring such local viandes as morel pizza!

Edgecomb in the papers: Lea Wait's new book, "Shadows on the Coast of Maine," is out, the second in her series featuring Maggie Summer, dealer in antique prints.

Congratulations, Center for Teaching and Learning teacher Nancie Atwell, recipient of the Edwin A. Hoey Award for Outstanding Middle School Educator in the English Language Arts by the National Council of Teachers! Welcome, Ava Elizabeth, brand new daughter of Rick and Marissa Carmolli of Cod Cove Farm Road, and sister of Ethan. And congratulations, all Edgecomb high school graduates: Krystin Benton (LA); Casey Cocco (WHS); Jeffrey Cusumano (WHS); Christopher Dowdy (WHS); Michael Finnegan (WHS); Cameron Jordan (LA); Evan McSwain (BHHS); Amanda Moran (BHHS); Erin Oberuch (WHS); Katie Poore (WHS); Abby Reid (WHS); Edward Speed (WHS).

Looking for things for the kids to do this summer? The Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens offers Seedlings (ages 4 - 6) nature and garden programs on Tuesdays, starting June 17. Saplings (ages 7 - 11) can have fun with more advanced nature activities on Thursdays, starting June 19. Call Jane McKinney, Education Coordinator at CMBG 633-433 or email her at jmckinney@mainegardens.org for details.

Hectically preparing for hosting the 50th Reunion party for my Lincoln Academy class of 1953 this Saturday at 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in The Boothbay Register, The Lincoln County News, The Wiscasset Newspaper, and at www.Edgecomb.org.