Summer is icumen in, lhude sing "Hurrah!" The solstice was yesterday, Wednesday, June 21, but because of the time warp caused by newspaper deadlines, I am unable to report on the shaft of light striking the altar stone at Stonehenge, or in the Anasazi shrine in New Mexico, or the Great Serpent in Adams County, Ohio. (The last named, one site I've actually seen!)
Woodsong Bed & Breakfast, owned and operated by Joan and Gary Spurgat at 42 Cross Point Road here in Edgecomb, has been certified as a "Green Inn," an Environmental Leader in Maine's tourism community! "We are the 15th lodging facility to receive this special designation, and are so pleased to be able to offer this service to our guests," says Joan.
Among the criteria for such certification are energy efficient lighting, appliances and bathroom fixtures, the use of biodegradable and recycled products, and purchasing, growing, and serving local organic foods. To learn more about Woodsong B&B, stop by for a visit and pick up a brochure, email Joan and Gary at woodsongbnb@adelphia.net, or check their website at www.woodsongbnb.com.
Congratulations, Tyler Richards, graduating from Lincoln Academy, who has received one of that school's Music Awards! His proud mother reminisces, "Your mom had a nice baby shower for me at her home when I was pregnant with Tyler. Seems like just yesterday!" Tyler is working at the Boothbay Railway Museum this summer.
Tammy continues, "I am happy to tell you I recently got a letter from the University of Southern Maine (USM) in Portland letting me know I'm on the Dean's list for the Spring 2006 semester! . . . Up ‘til now, I have been concentrating on getting my Maine license for interpreting (for the deaf). I love sign language and the deaf culture is very interesting. Your neighbor Maggie Hoyt has been my inspiration...she's wonderful! I have also been taking classes and trainings in Augusta and I recently received my Behavioral Specialist 1 certification from the state. I am beginning to lean in other directions...such as back to my writing.
Other Edgecomb Deans' Listers, at the University of Maine in Orono, are Julie Rollins, Matthew Miller, David Nickerson and Rita Sieracki, and across the river in Pemaquid, our niece Chelsea Cameron! Great job, all!
And one more special congratulations to Kate Riser, the first recipient of the Sara Leone Scholarship, the product of an outwelling of love from Sara's schoolmates, friends and family. Kate will attend Bates College in the fall, aiming at neuroscience and environmental studies. Furthermore, the Maine State Cup for high school girls' soccer has been renamed the Sara Leone Maine State Cup, in Sara's honor and memory.
Finally, welcome to the world, little Mya Pinkham, whose Edgecomb grandparents are Ken and Cindy Fowler.
The Edgecomb Congo Thrift Shop will have more iris and some tomato plants! Come and get ‘em!
With the 2006 hurricane season begun June 1, and Tropical Storm Alberto at time of writing roiling up the Atlantic Coast, the Edgecomb Congregational Church has come up with a neat way to help potential storm victims: Their first public supper of the summer, on Saturday, June 24, will dedicate its proceeds to the purchase of blankets for emergency relief. As usual, the supper will run from 5:00 to 6:30 pm., adults $6.00, children under 12, $3.00. However, this time, each meal will buy a blanket! Why the focus on blankets? Blankets are versatile. As well as bedding, they can become emergency clothing, shelter, or large sacks for carrying possessions. The menu will be good New England traditional church supper fare: baked beans of several sorts, homemade casseroles, rolls, salads, beverages and dessert, including a sugar-free option. "Good Food, Good Fellowship, for a Good Cause." For anyone who wishes to help out with preparation or clean-up, call Gail Boudin, 882-7972, or the Church office, 882-4060.
Lots happening! Strawberry Festival at St. Philip's in Wiscasset! Tuesday and Wednesday, June 27-28, are Windjammer Days! This year the H.M.S. Scott from the British Navy's Hydrographic post- tsunami survey will take part. Also new, the Antique Boat Parade, ranging from the 1890s to the 1970s. June 29 is the Garden Club of Wiscasset's magical mystery tour of Sheepscot-side gardens! Still time to join it, call Kay Lieser, 882-9135 or Sally Howe, 882-6066 or e-mail GardenClubofWiscasset@hotmail.com.
Bravo, bravo! Katherine Braid, owner and trainer at Cherry Birch Farm, is proud of the many wins by her riding students! They participated in the Appaloosa Spring Classic in Skowhegan and the Tri-County Horse Show in Union, both events in May. Two of the horses competing, Wildwood Wapiti and HRH Princess Christina, are owned by the Farm.
In sports news farther afield, grandson Ben Klemme went 2-for-3 with an RBI for the VP Electric team in the North Branford CT Little League Pee Wee Nationals, helping to defeat the team sponsored by John's Refuse 10 to 6. This was in early June, shortly after the family got home after our splendid Memorial Day visit.
New Business in Town: Coveside Seafood Kitchen, managers Paula and Bill Gerencer, at 48 US Route 1, featuring strictly local seafood. Through family ties and career experience, they know their fish and shellfish through and through! Coveside Seafood is open Monday through Saturday from 11:30 a.m., Sunday noon to 6:00 p.m. through August 31. Call 882-8400. Check them out!
My sister Anni recently called, back from a wedding in Ayr, Scotland, with sidetrips to Hadrian's Wall and Olde Englande's Newcastle! She was able to tour Clan Donald's HQ, which is high on my own list of places to go and things to do! (Being of that ilk!) Skirling the bagpipe (sounds like a lost soul with its tail caught in a door), at 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in several local papers, and at www.Edgecomb.org.