The skyline of Wiscasset is getting to be a natural habitat for the River Road's Joe McSwain and his steeplejack firm, Mid-Maine Restoration. His latest job has been restoring the steeple of St. Philip's Episcopal Church. A year ago, the roof's mast supporting a heavy cross collapsed dangerously down into the rafters above the sanctuary. Joe has replaced the cross and mast with items of a lighter construction.
Our deep sorrow at the passing of Polly Tompkins on Nov. 19, and our condolences to her family. Dr. Tompkins, a distinguished educator on the national and international scene aswell as a grand Cross Point Road neighbor, was the donor of the Singing Meadows to the Boothbay Region Land Trust as a nature preserve. On Sunday, December 12, during regular worship service, the Edgecomb Congregational Church will offer remembrance and thanksgiving for her life and friendship.
And a glad welcome to little Connor Wenners, born Nov. 16 to Patrick and Nicole!
Alert to all! The Town Hall is having its floors refinished. Midcoast Wood Floors of Damariscotta will be working from Monday, Dec. 13 through Friday, Dec. 17. The public should be aware that the Hall may smell of refinishing chemicals during the coming week If you are sensitive to poly-chemicals, bring a handkerchief or face mask.
Edgecomb Eddy School has been awarded $14,730 from the Rural Education Achievement Program's Small Rural School Achievement Grant. Well done, gang!
And for you who are college-bound, stop by the Town Hall's public information table to pick up application materials for the Clyde Russell Scholarship. The filing deadline is Feb. 1.
Christmas is coming, the goose is getting fat, and if you are desperately searching for books for children or the young at heart, let me cue you to the latest from our Edgecomb fiction authors! On Sunday, Dec. 12, at 1:00 p.m., Lea Wait will be signing her books at Bookland in Brunswick. Check out Wintering Well, her third children's book, set in early 19th-century Wiscasset, and for adults, her latest Antique Print Mystery, Shadows on the Ivy!
Meanwhile, Van Reid has developed a website for The Moosepathian, a newsletter for fans of Toby Walton, Sundry Moss, et al. The link is www.midcoast.com/~vanreid/index.htm. Don't be dismayed if the picture download takes some time. Van says, "Please feel free to print out and copy The Moosepathian for friends not online, or have them contact Van Reid, P.O. Box 121, Newcastle ME 04556." Contents of the current issue include "The Moosepath League in the Windy City!," "Woodlots and Specifications," a previously unpublished excerpt! ... and lots of exclamation marks!!!! Van's e-mail is vanreid@midcoast.com. The latest volume of the Moosepath League saga is Fiddler's Green, featuring the love life of Sundry Moss, gentlemen's gentleman.
Decking us all with Boston Charlie at 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in several local papers, and at www.Edgecomb.org.