Letters

• letter to the editor

  Where have all the Christians gone?

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 5:00pm

  Dear Editor: Our country has been devastated by violent mass shootings and the devaluation of the sanctity of life. “Times they are a-changing.” Hasn't it been evident that the more Christians hide their Christianity, stop teaching values, morals, and the Bible to children that practices disappear and the conditioning of the violence in videos and television desensitize them to the promotion of such? Christians allow the schools to stop prayer and even the mention of Christ in Christmas carols...
• letter to the editor

  Bigelow book a good read

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: We recently acquired and read “Searching for Systems in the Ever-Changing Sea; A history of Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences 1974-2016” compiled by Boothbay Harbor’s own Spencer Apollonio. The book outlines how Bigelow labs came to be, from its first location at McKown Point to its current state of the art facility in East Boothbay. The research conducted at Bigelow Labs over the years is nicely summarized and includes a glossary of terms for lay people like us. The photos of...
• letter to the editor

  Donate to Waterfront Preservation project

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: We have each been in business in the area for many years and are now pleased to be involved with the Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation purchase of the Fish property on Atlantic Avenue. As advisory board members, we have been able to observe, first hand, the hard work which has been done to bring the project forward. Now, more work must be done. We, along with many others, are ready and willing to lend a hand. Alice’s father, a boat builder, and her mother owned this property...
• letter to the editor

  Re: ‘What is causing the madness’

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: This is the stage we all state how we are shocked about the mass murder that has taken place, lots of public chest-beating but there will be no action by the government to put in place any solutions to deter any further occurrence. You raised a number of points as to the cause of these mass murders, the only one specific to the United States is “the lack of laws.” All other western countries have all the other issues, yet do not have a daily mass shooting. The NRA and the gun lobby...
• letter to the editor

  Living a purposeful life in Boothbay

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: I worked at the Rotary Auction as a friend of the Rotary. Although I am not a Rotarian, I have been involved for at least 10 years. I am always amazed at the army of volunteers who work all day to transform the lawn at the high school into various booths and a live auction tent. Working on Saturday, I met a man who wore a hat marked “Woodchucks.” I had read about these guys who donate and chop wood for those who need it. Later I met the leader of the “Set for Success” initiative,...
• letter to the editor

  Block the regulation change

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: Being a recreational lobsterman with five traps hauled by hand from my late father-in-law’s handmade, 50-year-old, 15-foot flat bottom skiff, I am very concerned about the proposed new regulations and what that could mean to the small lobsterman. I am a CPA desk jockey at Bowdoin College and hauling traps has been my summer passion for over ten years. I worry that if allowed only one buoy for five traps, this will cause a very restrictive and dangerous situation to all small...
• letter to the editor

  Animal hospital staff is excellent

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: Several weeks ago our beloved dog Zack suddenly became acutely ill. As we are summer residents and had no contact with a vet here, we rushed him to Boothbay Animal Hospital. Although the staff there had never seen us before and seemed very busy, we immediately had doctors, nurses and support staff caring for Zack and for us, too. Although he could not be saved, the staff spent a considerable amount of time with us, assuring us that there were no symptoms that could have been seen...
• letter to the editor

  Many acts of kindness

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Gullrun, our home of 28 years, was destroyed by fire and smoke on July 16. Our eyes still fill with tears when we think back to that day. We were fortunate to escape with our cat, Sushi. Firefighters from Southport, Boothbay Harbor, Boothbay, Edgecomb, Newcastle and Wiscasset, along with Lincoln County’s Mutual Aid Strike Team, arrived to address the situation. We are profoundly grateful to the volunteer firefighters and the emergency responders that came from near and far to fight...
• letter to the editor

  Re: Kenniston Hill Inn

  Mon, 08/19/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: I can’t begin to show how thrilled I am concerning my dear friend Jane Carpenter’s article concerning “Plans announced for Kenniston Hill Inn.” The use of this historic founding family’s home adapted to a community use — what a unique concept. ElderCare’s adaptive use would showcase not only a local piece of history but save an endangered building. There is a “preservation God” and shows how a community can get it done. Good work! At one time, this handsome building was the pride...
• letter to the editor

  Thanks for a great auction

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 5:00pm

  Dear Editor: A couple from New Jersey plan their vacation around the Rotary Auction, Massachusetts friends make the trip to Maine at Auction time every year, people from all over New England make the Auction part of their vacation plans on a regular basis. The reach of the Rotary Auction is quite remarkable and it seems to grow each year. Everyone had a great time this year, and it was the most successful Auction yet. The weather was perfect and the crowd was huge. Lots of people walked away...
• letter to the editor

  Thanks for the new look

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: The Boothbay Region Information Center would like to thank Pat Farrin & Sons along with their crew for planting the gorgeous flowers and topping off with mulch, along with Barrett Fuller of Fuller Landscaping for mowing the lawn and maintaining the grounds. The removal of a bamboo forest around the building is greatly appreciated! The flower boxes from the Garden Club are just lovely! We appreciate our volunteers and business members who contribute in helping to make a warm and...
• letter to the editor

  Thanks for shutting down the siphon

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: Ironically legal action taken by Oak Grove Condominiums to shut down the new siphon may have been as good for West Harbor Pond as for the Inner Harbor. The amount of foul-smelling water upwelling from the siphon outlet this spring, indicated flow through the 6" pipe was unchecked; likely1000+ gallons at dead low tide. Emphasis has been given to the saltwater content of degraded water in the lower depths of the Pond, but the obvious slow rate of mixing of the dark floating plume,...
• letter to the editor

  Swatted

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: Message to the ‘Squad’: socialism has always failed, everywhere. Insects have their queens, their soldiers, and their workers spinning a marvelous collective, and revolt is inconceivable. But guess what, humans are not insects. They are born alone, they naturally favor excellence over equality, and they are hard-wired to vigorously defend their individuality no matter what the cost. Every parent knows this without exception. That is why socialism has always failed. Phil Molvar...
• letter to the editor

  No torpedoes

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: I read with interest Kellie Bigos’ Aug. 8 article in the Boothbay Register discussing the new book “Midcoast Maine in World War II," by Peggy Konitzky. It reminds me of a funny story of that time still told in family gatherings. The Chesebro family lived in, and at other houses, around what is now #149 Route 96. The big white house overlooks the Mill Pond, the East Boothbay village and the Damariscotta River beyond. When blackout curtains were required for all coastal buildings...
• letter to the editor

  Fine article and ceremony

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: This is to thank you for the excellent coverage of the Purple Heart ceremony (“Almost 101 years later, Justin P. Wiley receives Purple Heart,” Aug. 8 issue) held at the Boothbay Harbor Coast Guard station on Coast Guard Day, Aug. 4. Also, we the family of Justin Plummer Wiley, want to thank the crew at the station and the Charles Sherman American Legion post for their thorough efforts in organizing this event. Their efforts made the day a fitting salute to a young Coast Guardsman...
• letter to the editor

  To the rescue

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: A big thank you goes out to Shawn Murray and his lovely family for coming to our rescue a couple of weekends ago. He graciously towed our boat from Southport, all the way to East Boothbay. It was overwhelmingly generous of him. Roger and Chris Vooght East Boothbay
• letter to the editor

  How lucky can I get

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: A million thanks to special Jennie and staff at Brady’s, which was specially decorated for my wonderful surprise 39th birthday (Just like Jack Benny!) Party complete with birthday tiara and headband. Special thanks to all of my wonderful family and friends for caring cards, gifts, flowers, my yummy lunch, and three beautiful birthday cakes! Special thanks to the Murky Water Band friends for great music and yodeling special, plus a song from Sally Spofford Carroll, which made me...
• letter to the editor

  Thanks to all for a great race

  Mon, 08/12/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: Saturday, July 27 was a great day for a road race! Over 150 participants laced up their sneakers and participated in the 10th annual Lobster Roll 5K. Thanks to all the participants who came out to get some exercise. Thanks to all the businesses and individuals for sponsoring this year’s race. Gold Sponsors: First Federal Savings & Loan, J. Edward Knight Company, Water’s Edge Events, Linekin Bay Resort, Barnes Custom Window Treatments and the Seahawk Track & Field and Cross...
• letter to the editor

  Sept. 14 is a day to celebrate

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 5:15pm

  Dear Editor: 2019 is a huge deal for the American Legion and for our own Charles E. Sherman Jr. Post 36. For the American Legion, its our 100th anniversary. 100 years of advocating for veterans. One success we all know about is the GI Bill! In the Boothbay region, over the years, we have connected literally hundreds of veterans with the VA to receive financial benefits and health care they have earned. And this year we have re-established both the Auxiliary and the Sons of the Legion so it is...
• letter to the editor

  Presentation on seals

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 5:00pm

  Dear Editor: It’s a natural human instinct to try to help animals that appear to be in distress, but for seals, human interaction is very problematic, advised Sarah Lucchessi of Marine Mammals of Maine (MMoME) at a Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library talk on Aug. 3. In late summer, “pup season,” seals on beaches may be resting or young ones may be waiting for mom to return from fishing. It’s normal for seals to be out of the water. Marine Mammals of Maine, with two staffers and 80 volunteers,...
• letter to the editor

  Lobster Jam 2019 thank you

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: The ninth annual Boothbay Lobster Jam was another success thanks to the coaches, players, fans, officials, volunteers and our generous sponsors. The Lobster Jam has become a mainstay for summer girls basketball teams across the state. Our community is recognized as a wonderful host to 15 other teams and their families for this end of season finale. We could not provide this unique coastal tournament experience without the generous support of our sponsors. Lobster rolls, local...
• letter to the editor

  The Eastside Waterfront Park

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: I was born and raised in Boothbay Harbor, and it will always be my home town. Because I love this place so much, I am writing to share my excitement about the new Eastside Waterfront Park! I recently attended a reception for supporters of Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BHWP). BHWP has an option to purchase the Captain Fish Motel property by Nov. 1. This waterfront property is nearly ¾ acre and has a spectacular view of both the inner and outer harbor. It is within walking...
• letter to the editor

  Cannon scares pet

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: Every night, someone near the Townsend Gut fires a cannon multiple times, around the time of sunset. Every night, my dog shakes in fear of when that cannon will go off. She continues to shake and pant for hours. I am certain that my dog is not the only animal who is terrified by this, and certainly there are children that are terrified of this as well. I write this in hopes that the person firing this cannon every night will please cease in doing so — not only it is a truly...
• letter to the editor

  District Nurse is a valuable service

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: Thank you for sharing an interesting story about Lauri Andrews, the Boothbay Region District Nurse. As the story shared, this nursing program meets the needs of the region by providing a registered nurse to area residents and has been around since 1952. There is no one typical patient for the District Nurse. The patients referred for care range from age 50 to 102. Many have cognitive, complex medical and situational needs that require the skill of a nurse to assess and coordinate...
• letter to the editor

  West Harbor Pond issue

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: For 130 years, a siphon system removed the brackish water from West Harbor Pond. The system failed after 2009 and the water quality in the pond deteriorated. Brackish water is the salt water that seeps through the stone dam and into the pond. The West Harbor Pond Watershed Association spent several years under the leadership of Leslie Volpe developing a plan and raising the funds to replace the failed siphon. Leslie was most thorough and diligent, not only in raising the funds (...
• letter to the editor

  Mutt Scrub a success

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: Two Salty Dogs Pet Outfitters would like to thank all the folks that helped make the seventh annual Mutt Scrub a huge success! Thanks to the generosity of so many community members, visitors, and local merchants, over $4,600 was raised for Midcoast Humane. We enjoyed a spectacular sunny afternoon with tons of wonderful dogs and their loving families. An amazing team of volunteers washed 63 dogs and trimmed the nails of 30 dogs. We cannot thank all these volunteers enough and truly...
• letter to the editor

  Historical Society seeks high school yearbooks

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: Over the decades I’ve asked, through the Register, for donations of local high school yearbooks. We’ve done very well in building up the collection, and it is due to those people who have given them to us. We had none when I got involved with the historical society in 1986, but since the late 1990s we have acquired them from 1934 to 2010, except for a few missing ones. We have no 1951 Boothbay Harbor High School yearbook; nor do we have Boothbay Region High School yearbooks from...
• letter to the editor

  Another option

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: One more modest proposal for Joe ("Joe's Journal" July 25): besides switching to LED light bulbs to deal with the seemingly intractable problem of climate change, you can also vote for national leaders who are not scientifically illiterate. Leslie Lipschitz West Boothbay Harbor
• letter to the editor

  Sanctions have hurt Iranians

  Mon, 08/05/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: The contest between Iran and the USA has been much in the news over the past several years; this has been caused by President Trump's pulling the USA out of the Iran Nuclear, known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, JCPOA. Contrary to Trump's "worst deal I've ever seen," the JCPOA was excellent; it blocked every possible avenue for Iran to make a nuclear explosive. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, Bibi, the congressional GOP, and the Trump Administration support...
• letter to the editor

  Great news from BRAS

  Mon, 07/29/2019 - 4:00pm

  

  Dear Editor: Through the continued loyal support and generosity of the communities we serve, we are excited and proud to announce we have raised $77,155.00 towards our fundraising goal through July 1. These funds are all eligible for a dollar for dollar matching donation pledged by and Paul and Giselaine Coulombe. The Boothbay Region Ambulance Service, along with all of our community supporters, want to thank Paul and Giselaine Coulombe for their generous matching donation in the amount of $77,...
• letter to the editor

  The OLQOP Summer Fair

  Mon, 07/29/2019 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: July 20 was the hottest day of summer so far, but there were lots of cool bargains at the Summer Fair at Our Lady Queen of Peace. Patrons enjoyed shopping, bidding at the silent auction, a delicious lobster roll lunch and more. Funds raised support our Warm Spaces winter lunches, scholarship gifts and ever-important building maintenance projects. The Fair would not happen without our many able volunteers and generous donors: Abacus Gallery, GoldSmith Gallery, Sherman's, Ae Home...
• letter to the editor

  Brud wasn’t the only one

  Mon, 07/29/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: I want to correct something in last week's paper about food sales on the streets of Boothbay Harbor. It was stated the Brud Pierce was the only vendor for sixty one years here. Few, if any, will remember, but in the summer of 1970, my brother Bruce (who was the proud owner of a 1965, 21-window VW bus at the time) and I were issued a victualer's license from the town and we promptly established “The Bus Stop Diner” where we offered seafood sandwiches for sale. Lobster rolls were $1...
• letter to the editor

  Additional substance misuse resources

  Mon, 07/29/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: I appreciated the detailed summary of the services available locally through LincolnHealth and the Addiction Outreach program published on July 18, “Boothbay Region's IMAT Collaborative.” However, there was an important local resource that was not mentioned: the Boothbay Region Health Center. The Health Center, which is conveniently located in the Meadow Mall next to the Family Dollar store, also offers an integrated Medically-Assisted Treatment program, which includes medical...
• letter to the editor

  Stealing a veteran plate?

  Tue, 07/23/2019 - 9:45am

  Dear Editor, Today (July 17), somebody had the nerve to take something that didn’t belong to them. Somebody, stole my father-in-law’s “Veteran” plate off his car. His car was parked at the top of the hill in the parking lot by the fire station. Who would steal a license plate to begin with, and have the nerve to steal a license plate from a veteran, somebody that served there country for you? The sad thing is this is the second time his plate has been stolen in Boothbay Harbor in the past...
• letter to the editor

  Bravo for creative thinking

  Mon, 07/22/2019 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: It was exciting to read the review of “Searching For Systems in the Ever Changing Sea: A History of Bigelow Labs.” It stands as an example of leadership, collaboration, and support for those who “think outside the box” - two young scientists who had a vision that would allow scientists to design their own studies. Look how the support from the commissioner of marine resources found the space in the department and collaborated with this young team has led to our deeper understanding...
• letter to the editor

  Loud and proud

  Mon, 07/22/2019 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: What a relief! Our Racist-in-Chief has finally come out of the closet, declaring what we have known for more than two years: this White House is the command center for white supremacy, bigotry, and xenophobia. Trump’s recent bout of hate speech caps a relentless campaign to destabilize the United States and the international community. Here at home, we have endured repeated assaults against the rights of women to access constitutionally-protected reproductive health services; the...
• letter to the editor

  Southport Church Fair thank you

  Mon, 07/22/2019 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: A heartfelt “thank you” to all the volunteers, donors and community friends who helped to make our church fair on July 17 another great success! We are always amazed at all the donations we receive each year and at the number of people who volunteer countless hours of their time to make it all come together. The kitchen crew did an amazing job serving a delicious lobster roll luncheon to over 250 people. Special thanks to Betty and her team for doing such a super job! Thanks also...
• letter to the editor

  Soon to vanish?

  Mon, 07/22/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: The environmentalists have just added another species to the their endangered list. It is the Maine lobsterman. By using their own phony science and otherwise unmarketable skills, they will stop at nothing until they put the entire fishing industry completely out of business. Dave Gregg Southport
• letter to the editor

  Thank you churches

  Mon, 07/22/2019 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: To the churches on the Boothbay peninsula who participated in Set For Success Mission Outreach Sunday ... We thank you! It was an outpouring of love from the hearts of so many members and friends of our community of churches … needed school supplies and money gifts were received and it was an outstanding response. School supply shopping has commenced - thousands of school supply items are now in the que and trucks arrive daily. Our students will be equipped to be “set for success”...
• letter to the editor

  Re: Democrats’ picnic

  Mon, 07/22/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: Joe Charpentier’s article last week on the regional Democrats’ picnic at beautiful Barrett’s Park (7/13/19) provided excellent coverage of the various political candidates who joined the picnic. But there was an additional quality that was also intended to be most central to the picnic. A primary goal of the picnic organizers in these politically unsettled times was to bring together Democrats and other sympathizers, from the towns of Boothbay, Boothbay Harbor, Edgecomb and...

• Thanks for doing the right thing

  Thu, 07/18/2019 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: I would like to thank the person who found my wallet near the footbridge in Boothbay Harbor. This finder returned the wallet to the parking attendant who identified me as owner because of a photo of my dog. The wallet was turned over to the Harbor Police Department who called me and asked, “Did you lose something?” Losing a wallet is a pain - lost money, credit cards, license, etc. - all that stuff! I felt so stupid! Now, instead, I feel thankful to all the folks who made my day...
• letter to the editor

  What service!

  Mon, 07/15/2019 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: Not long ago, my husband and I were overwhelmed at the level of service received when we took our minivan for routine maintenance at Dan’s Auto Repair. Not only was his service person pleasant and courteous, but Dan himself came all the way to Southport searching everywhere for our vehicle after seeing oil spots on the ground where the van had been parked. Wanting to find the source of the problem, he took our van back to the garage. He then fixed it and brought it back to our home...
• letter to the editor

  Right on point

  Mon, 07/15/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: What more needs to be said! Read the letter from Tom Myette in the July 11 edition of this newspaper. It says it all. Written eloquently, intelligently and truthfully, it is “right on point.” We already have a park on the inner harbor (downtown side) and the east side has a gorgeous park, Barrett’s Park. It is away from the bustling crowds, provides fantastic views and this location is a calm and serene place to relax and enjoy. It also needs continued improvement and upkeep. It...
• letter to the editor

  Let's unite as a community

  Mon, 07/15/2019 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Let's come together as a community to do something that will benefit all of us on the peninsula. Boothbay Harbor has been home to my family and me for decades. I am very proud to be a part of a strong, hard-working, Maine community and I hope that many people for generations to come will be able to enjoy Boothbay Harbor. Boothbay Harbor Waterfront Preservation (BHWP) is endeavoring to ensure a legacy by constructing a waterfront park with public docks, a working waterfront for...
• letter to the editor

  Thank you to the Boothbay region

  Mon, 07/15/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: I want to thank the people of the Boothbay region for the honor and privilege to serve in various municipal capacities and for the last 12 years as the Boothbay Harbor Town Manager. I was fortunate to manage my home town. You have no idea what a gift that is, what pride I took in that responsibility. I have both personal and professional relationships with residents, tax payers and other municipal officials from all four peninsula towns. Many of those friendships go back to when I...
• letter to the editor

  The giving season

  Mon, 07/08/2019 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: Each year in summer our towns welcome people from away who love this place. And in return they give back generously. Two types of organizations are the principle beneficiaries: those that offer a service to paying members and others that promise ‘public good’ in return for tax exemption. There are plenty of good nonprofits that deserve help — but sophisticated donors should be wary of sophisticated pitches. In the cases where a nonprofit provides a service to paying members, donors...
• letter to the editor

  Let’s save Whistler

  Mon, 07/08/2019 - 3:45pm

  

  Dear Editor: In 1939, naval architect Geerd Hendel (1903-1998) was awarded by the Boothbay Harbor Yacht Club the design for the much admired 21' Boothbay Harbor One Design. Hendel was a resident of Boothbay Harbor at the time and was employed by Bath Iron Works. For the prior five years, he had been assigned by BIW as a draftsman and design associate to the renowned naval architect W. Starling Burgess. Burgess was then developing the plans for Ranger , the winner of the 1939 America’...
• letter to the editor

  Welcome to economic development

  Mon, 07/08/2019 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: As we watch corporate America dribble in to Coulombe Circle, a new source of litter has emerged. This morning's walk on Knickerbocker Road led to the recovery of a paper cup and plastic lid, branded “DD” … welcome to economic development … "The Way Maine Should Be?" Cyrus C. Lauriat Boothbay
• letter to the editor

  Be still and know that I am

  Mon, 07/08/2019 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Lately, our culture seems hung up on who we are. Many claim they know what makes us who we are. They use judgment words that divide us, not caring what is truth. Do they do this to take the place of God, or like Moses, are they seeking to know God better? God replied “I am who I am. Tell them I am has sent me.” There are many humans who seem to have forgotten it is not our job to judge the hearts of every child of God. We are not Moses, nor are we gifted without bias to lay out a...
• letter to the editor

  Forever the Fourth

  Mon, 07/08/2019 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: OK, the fireworks and barbecues are over, but what about Trump, Betsy Ross, Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and all the rest? Is our basic heritage really that horrible, so much so that a major American political party is proposing to change everything? OK, for two centuries free market capitalism has allowed western nations to master science, arts, medicine, increased life expectancy, and create an unprecedented legal system that grants more...

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