TIF Alert! The first of a series of Public Information Meetings will be this Saturday, Oct. 23, from 10:00 a.m. to noon. We've heard a lot of mythology, propaganda and anxiety concerning the concept of Tax Increment Financing, and the TIF District Edgecomb is planning to form, not only to enable public water and sewer to come across the Sheepscot River to our Route 1 Business District, but to enable future expansion of this benefit. I urge you, come to hear Edgecomb's point of view, and to voice your own concerns, doubts, and wishes!
A second Public Information Meeting will be held Thursday, October 28, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. An official Public Hearing concerning the TIF itself will be Monday, November 1, from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Finally, the much discussed and often delayed Special Town Meeting will be Thursday, November 4, also 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
In the midst of all this, be sure to vote in the Presidential/Palesky Election on Tuesday, November 2. Polls will open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m.
Let me warn you all about the River Road: A newly bald boulder a little north from my driveway, across from Mark and Nathalie Gorey's house, extends far enough out to interfere with vehicles passing that particular curve. Three weeks ago there was a most serious accident, a complete roll-over. While we wait for the powers-that-be to correct this hazard, please, everyone, don't take your familiarity with the River Road for granted! Slow down, and keep to the center stripe.
We are saddened to learn of the death of Dorothy Williams on the Mill Road. Her daughter Sherba Sibley told me Mrs. Williams was a long time clerk at the Shop'n'Save in the Harbor. She will be truly missed by all.
Soap Box Department: Someone has been swiping political signs along the highways and byways of Edgecomb. If someone else were to swipe those unknown persons' political signs, I am sure they would be the first to complain about interference with their Right to Free Speech, yah de yah de yah. Let the Bush signs and the Kerry signs (and even the Nader signs) co-exist through November 3 and then remove them all, altogether.
"Edgecomb is turning into another Silicon Valley!" says Chuck Benton on Rte. 27. "Thought you'd want to know that Technology Systems, Inc. (my company, actually in Wiscasset, but started in Edgecomb) will be on PBS' "Made in Maine" Thursday, Oct. 28 at 8:30 p.m., with a repeat on Saturday, Oct. 30 at 7:00 p.m." Fluid Imaging Technologies, Chris Sieracki on the Cross Point Road and partner Kent Peterson, will be featured on "Made in Maine" later on in November.
Next week Thursday, Oct. 28 at 2:00 p.m., the Edgecomb Historical Society will meet in the Edgecomb Eddy School's conference room. EHS President Suzanne Carlson has invited architectural historian Rosemarie Ballard Boak from Bristol to advise us, as she has advised the Bristol Historical Society, about inventorying our historic buildings and other sites. Come one, come all, and learn about periods and styles and how to run title searches!
Joan Taylor has opened her Synergy Yoga Studio and Spa at her Mill Road home. At present she is offering two classes in Hatha Yoga, Mondays and Thursdays from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m.; she is planning a Thursday morning class. Facials and body toning will also be available, as well as a retail outlet for yoga-appropriate clothing, CDs, mats, etc. Call her at 882-6637 for more details.
The Edgecomb Congregational Church will begin its Search for Ministry at the Sunday service, October 24, an opportunity for church members to share ideas and concerns about the life and future of the ECC, and to explore some "out of the box" possibilities for establishing stability for their pastoral ministry. Call Bob Hardina, hardina@tidewater.net or 563-5236.
Sad news from the Edgecomb Eddy School PTC:: No Harvest Fair this year. Since this summer was such a lousy tourist season, the PTC does not feel comfortable approaching local merchants for prizes and auction items. The group is also suffering a burn-out problem. Instead, the students will be coming door-to-door selling Innisbrook Wraps' Maine-made gift wrapping paper, candles, gourmet candies and other Christmas gifts. If you have not been visited by any of your neighbor children, and wish to help out the school, go to Innisbrook Wraps' website, www.innisbrook.com, to order. Be sure to enter the Edgecomb Eddy School code, 119998, so that the school will receive its 50% of any sales made throughout the entire year!
PTC funds are raised to provide interesting programs out of the usual scope of regular lessons. This year they plan a week-long residency by the Bread and Puppet Theater, well-known for their presence at parades, arts festivals and the like! This experience in art, music and theater will culminate in a whole-school evening production.
Coming up next Wednesday, Oct. 27, a total lunar eclipse, starting at 9:14 p.m. According to the astronomers, you (the observer), the Earth, the moon and the sun, all perfectly lined up, will form a syzygy. Don't miss this opportunity to form a syzygy! The line forms for mine at 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in several local papers, and at www.Edgecomb.org.