Attention, anyone who at any time has made use of, or for any other reason values, the Old Fort Road Spur as a walking site or access to the Sheepscot River: At 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 17, the Edgecomb Selectmen are holding a Public Hearing on the Recognition of Abandonment of the Old Fort Road Spur. This small pathway on Davis Island, which looks like part of a lawn, was officially created and designated a town road in 1902, but we have not been able to find any evidence of prior abandonment or discontinuation by the Town. This pathway is Edgecomb's only remaining public right of way to the Sheepscot River, or to any salt water, when it comes to that. But the Town and its Road Department have not paid it any attention in over 30 years (or over 75 years, depending on the statute you're reading), so Maine State law requires that it be considered abandoned. Does this mean the path will become private property? Does this mean a public easement or right-of-way will be lost? If you have views to share on this issue, please attend this public hearing, or send your opinions to the Selectmen before July 17. If you have internet, you can access the Town's website www.edgecomb.org and send messages via the Selectmen's link. Otherwise, send mail to Edgecomb Selectmen, Edgecomb Town Hall, P.O.B. 139, Edgecomb ME 04556. Thank you.
Homegrown mini-terrorists at work: Kestrels nest in the top of our ash tree, and they must have young, because they've been dive-bombing the little birds who consort at one of the bird feeders. We have been finding frequent clusters of forlorn little grey feathers. I think it must be because that feeder is well away from the building, so it gives the hawks a clear drop, no interference. We have no such trouble with the feeder by the bay window. Ah well, "Nature, on the whole, is seldom courteous." Now, who said that?
Prepare your appetites for the July Edgecomb Congo Church Supper coming Saturday the 22nd. The meal will run from 5:00 to 6:30 pm., adults $6.00, children under 12, $3.00. "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.
Oh, sharers of my age bracket, if you fear any personal medical emergency, consider the File of Life! Provided by Lincoln County Triad (via Senior Spectrum), you get a red plastic envelope with a form on which you can record your medical conditions, medications and related emergency information. (No cost!) You then magnet it on your fridge, along with the grandkids' art and the shopping lists! Thus, it will be visible for emergency teams, if ever needed. You also get a File of Life decal to put on your entrance door, to let them know to look for it. For more information, call Debbie Mullen, 633.7874 or Nora Cyr, 563.5308. Incidentally, they are always needing volunteers. There will be a meeting July 19, at 3:00 p.m., but at time of writing, its location had not been determined. Call the above numbers if you want to attend it.
Our weekend was graced by daughter Daphne and her Ben and Kate. A brief time, but rich and joyous. We tried to help a fledgling goldfinch, who rescued himself, no thanks to us! We watered the garden, went out for pizza, and then drove down to Cook's Corner to see the movie "Cars," a truly well-told morality play about the correction of vanity and selfishness by becoming involved in a community improvement effort. On Sunday, a brief visit to Fort Edgecomb, where Ben in particular admired the gun slits not only in the blockhouse but in the section of stockade going down to the river. A few words with Bob and Ann Zak, who reported their grandchildren's Fort Edgecomb float in Wiscasset's Independence Day parade (with Ann as chaperone in the bottom of the truckbed). Such fun!
Just when you thought it was safe to get out of the fireworks, guess what? Tomorrow is Bastille Day! Allons, enfants de la patrie, le jour de gloire est arrivé à Deux Cent Trente-Quatre, c'est à dire, 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in several local papers, and at www.Edgecomb.org.