Last Tuesday I spent whizzing from one end of Lincoln County to the other. In the morning I participated in the Knox-Lincoln Extension Association's Tribute to Lincoln County, a number of brief talks about each town's history. Naturally, I spoke about Fort Edgecomb. I learned about Jefferson's "Cat Lady," who made a successful business of raising "Angora" cats (the speaker speculated that they might have been "Coon cats"). Whitefield performed a dramatic skit of their founding minister and his wife packing to move to another ministry after 28 years, the dialogue derived from his journal entries, very clever! Good lunch, and then I hit the road for the Eddy School Apartments!
We all toured the four spacious one-bedroom units and six comfortable studio units created by the community-based ElderCare Network of Lincoln County. We viewed the large, comfortably furnished communal living room and dining room with gas fireplace, cook's kitchen, outdoor terrace, laundry facility, and guest bathroom. The Eldercare Network guides explained, "All of this common space is designed to promote sociability, while preserving residents' ability to choose between privacy and companionship, activity and quiet time."
Manager Donor Dorr said, "We're very proud to have created ten bright, comfortable apartments in this wonderful old school building," Those interested in this new affordable facility for the able elderly should call Sandra Guibord, Financial Manager of ElderCare Network at 882-9768. She can explain details of costs, the services to be included in the monthly rental fee, and anything else you may need to know.
Tax News for New Edgecomb Residents: If you have purchased property since April 1 this year, and have not yet received a tax bill from either the former owner or the Tax Collector – or if this matter was not addressed at your closing – please let Lee Smith know (882-7018, Town Hall, or Leesmith269@yahoo.com. Taxes are due by November 30.
Unemployed? Underemployed? My brother-in-law, Scott Cameron, tells me Job Hunting Workshops are being offered at the Newcastle Career Center, Academy Hill, by the Union 74 Adult Ed. and the Center. First one, on Resumes, is TODAY! From 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Second, Oct. 14, on Job Searching; Third, Oct. 21, on Interviewing. Call 563.2811.
Margot Stiassni-Sieracki and her family will be walking in the American Cancer Society-sponsored "Making Strides Against Breast Cancer" walk Sunday, Oct. 17, in Damariscotta. She asks that we all consider a donation of $5.00 or more to this cause, which helps recovering patients through programs like "Reach for Recovery" which trains breast cancer survivors to help others with the disease. Checks should be made payable to the American Cancer Society and send it to Margot Stiassni-Sieracki, 232 Cross Point Road, Edgecomb ME 04556 before Oct. 14. Your donation is tax-deductible. Thanks!
Another fabulous quilt show at On Board Fabrics on Route 27! This time, owner Jennifer Mathews is displaying the works of Janet Elwin, a master quilter from Walpole. Come admire them through November 15.
The Center for Teaching and Learning on the Cross Point Road welcomes their new kindergarten teacher, Helene Coffin. If you are interested in learning about this alternative school, plan to come to their Open House on Sunday, Oct. 17, from 3:00 to 4:30 p.m. Call the school at 882-9706 or go to their website, www.c-t-l.org.
Culinary Request: My sister Anni called, asking for Mother's recipe for Liberty Tea. I cannot find it. I am sure Ma sent it to me as well as to Anni, in 1976, our national Bicentennial. It was what the colonists prepared as a boycott of imported tea from England. None of my cookbooks about using herbs, or traditional American/New England food, have anything so named. I thought maybe the herb Bergamot, but that is known as Oswego tea. I have asked the Knox-Lincoln Extension people about it, since I dimly remember they put out a publication of Colonial era recipes at that time but it is nagging at me. Anyone with knowledge or educated guesses, please let me know! It would be a dandy beverage for the Fort Edgecomb Bicentennial!
Telling my tomatoes to "Turn Red!" at 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in several local papers, and at www.Edgecomb.org.