In 1990, the Spirit of America Award was established to honor volunteerism in Maine. Each year, municipalities nominate individuals or groups who embody that sentiment. In Edgecomb July 22, selectmen designated Jack and Barbara Brennan as their 2025 Spirit of America selection.

Jack Brennan is the budget committee chairman. Barbara Brennan previously served as the selectboard's recording secretary. She also served last year on the town's 250th Anniversary committee. Barbara Brennan ended her work as recording secretary in February 2024. "It was such a privilege to work with all of you," she said during the presentation.

Jack Brennan shared a recent conversation he had with a non-resident.  "He told me he 'loved Edgecomb because the town has the spirit of compromise, and that's what small towns are all about.'" Selectmen presented the Brennans with a blueberry plant.

In other action, selectmen met with Fire Chief Roy Potter in executive session to discuss his contract. In May, voters approved a $63,400 salary for the full-time fire chief. After the session, Chairman Michael Maxim announced he would contact Bernstein Shur, the Portland law firm serving as the town's municipal attorney, about Potter's concerns, and report back to the board.

The sailboat which appeared in Edgecomb waters in mid-May has disappeared. On May 27, Harbor Master Terry Stockwell reported on the discovery of an abandoned sailboat in the Sheepscot River. Since then, Stockwell and other town officials have worked towards disposing of the boat. 

But it now seems that problem has also disappeared. "I put a no trespassing sign on it then went to Ames Supply. When I returned, it was gone. I checked with the Wiscasset harbor master, and he didn't know anything about it. So, I guess it's not our problem anymore."

With one project seemingly finished, selectmen will now tackle an ever-growing number of other municipal projects. Selectmen have added two additional workshops in an effort to reduce a seemingly expanding project list.

The first workshop is Tuesday, Aug. 19 from 4 to 6 p.m. prior to their regularly scheduled board meeting. The second is from 4 to 6 p.m. on Friday Sept. 23.

Selectmen also signed a municipal resolution associated with their membership in the state's Community Resilience Partnership. On June 4, residents completed a community assessment of local needs in addressing climate change. This resulted in a community  action plan designed to combat climate change. 

The plan calls for improving energy efficiency for municipally owned buildings, addressing flooding and erosion impacts of town infrastructure and shorelines, addressing extreme weather impacts through supporting fire and emergency management departments, providing education and awareness about invasive species and preparing the effects of wildfire.

Edgecomb may have more red, white and blue banners displayed during the next Fourth of July. Town officials are looking to buy or rent American flags for next year's 250th Independence Day celebration and beyond. Selectmen are considering using the Hammond Fund to finance the proposal. Selectmen tabled further flag project discussion prior to deciding whether to rent or buy.

Selectmen meet next at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 5 in the conference room.