Letters

• letter to the editor

  A special place

  Mon, 12/04/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: We live in Central Maine and occasionally make it down to the Boothbay region for our “big” vacations. There are many things about the area that keep us coming back, and just this past week we were reminded once more of what makes this place special. We would like to give a big, hearty thank you to a man named Les, who graciously and randomly gifted us a beautiful handcrafted cedar reindeer ornament for our Christmas tree. This sort of thing doesn’t happen everywhere, and is just...
• letter to the editor

  A heartwarming moment

  Mon, 12/04/2023 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: As I was waiting to check out at Hannaford recently, the gentleman in front of me appeared confused as he attempted to pay for his purchases. It soon become apparent he didn’t have enough money for the items he wanted to purchase. The cashier realizing this, immediately stepped around the corner, took out his wallet, and inserted his own charge card. How wonderful to live in a community where people are willing to help out a stranger. Monica Kantor-Churchill Boothbay Harbor
• letter to the editor

  Remote snow days?

  Mon, 12/04/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: Last Wednesday, Nov. 29, most of our teachers at Boothbay Region High School informed us about an alternative to snow days, from the superintendent. Now, the teachers have also said that this is a “pilot” course, so if it works for a year or two, it’ll become official policy. Instead of having snow days, which will prolong the school year well into summer, we have remote learning days. Just like the COVID-19 pandemic, we students went remote online for lessons. I’ve been thinking...
• letter to the editor

  Angels of People Helping People

  Mon, 12/04/2023 - 2:00pm

  Dear Editor: I am delighted to report that there are Angels living right here in the Boothbay region! They shop with us, they exercise with us at the “Y,” they sit next to us in church, they fall in line with us at Nathan’s, they are all over the place. And so you ask, who are these Angels? Do I know them? Are they in my neighborhood? Well, yes. They are all of the places above and more. They are your friends, your neighbors, maybe members of your family. Enter the Angels of People Helping...
• letter to the editor

  Appreciative of fire response

  Mon, 11/27/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: We want to thank everyone who helped contain the fire on Squirrel Island that occurred on Sunday afternoon (Nov. 19) and into the night. We are so appreciative of all who helped — the Southport Fire Department, the Boothbay Harbor Fire Department, the Boothbay Fire Department, the Coast Guard, and the many volunteers who provided boats to bring firefighters and equipment to the island as well as providing other support. We are fortunate that so many people joined in and helped our...
• letter to the editor

  In need of street lights

  Mon, 11/20/2023 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: This time of year, late in the day, when entering the Boothbay Center Post Office from Back River Road, the parking area to the right is in the dark. Four million dollars was spent, because, we were told, the four-way stop was incredibly dangerous. That being the reason we were given, shouldn’t public safety be the primary objective of the replacement design? Public safety begins with visibility. Can we have streetlights in the Post Office parking lot? Susan M Andersen Boothbay
• letter to the editor

  Their emptiness is invisible.

  Mon, 11/20/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Because, you don’t know what it’s like. This holiday season, especially for Thanksgiving, ask someone over for dinner. Only the lonely know. Countless souls go without an invitation to human warmth during this sacred time of year. No family, no friends, nowhere to go. They are out there. Your neighbors, your co-workers and employees. Their emptiness is invisible. Kindness and generosity is the irrepressible cure. They will always remember you. Because you may know what it’s like...
• letter to the editor

  We should be terrified

  Mon, 11/20/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: Are we listening? In a recent speech in New Hampshire, former President Trump used language that is identical to that of Nazis and others now and from years past. He referred to opponents as, communists, radicals, left thugs, vermin who will lie, steal and cheat to destroy America. To refer to this language as "rhetoric" is merely to fail to take it seriously. We must take it, as the poet said, literally and in all senses ... and we should be terrified. Nathaniel Wing Boothbay
• letter to the editor

  BRHS is doing well and deserves our support

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: In recent letters to this paper, a number of writers have tried to put down Boothbay Region High School as doing poorly, and therefore, in their view, not worth investing in. I would disagree with this assessment, based not only on student test scores, but on what I observe when I visit. For readers interested in actual measurements of how BRHS is doing I point to the fact that BRHS is doing better than the state average in three critical areas. In English and Language Arts, the...
• letter to the editor

  Good-bye

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: I have not always been the easiest person to deal with. I have certainly made my fair share of mistakes along the way. However it has been an honor, a pleasure, and a privilege to serve this community from Hometown Convenience. There have been so many individuals that have made this experience so special. I cannot name you all. So many great conversations personal and political, funny and sad. So many people that have bailed me out of difficult moments that I can never repay. I...
• letter to the editor

  Study up on issues before you speak up

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: I was in a small local shop this fall while a loud woman "from away" was ranting to the owner. I heard her say, "Indians should forget the past and stop complaining, ‘They stole my land.’ They also should have left Columbus Day alone instead of changing it to Indigenous Peoples Day.” I spoke up and said that I was part Native American, and the government hasn't done anything good for the Natives and people shouldn't honor a man who was a murderer instead. If they read or even...
• letter to the editor

  Kindness

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: I wish to thank the Boothbay Harbor Community Center for all they do every day. I especially want to thank them for being a big part in my recovery. The scooter and cane helped a lot. Karen Jellison Trevett
• letter to the editor

  Framing the next school referendums

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: I am hoping that we have not seen the last ballot referendum questions on the Boothbay Region elementary school and high school. During the process of putting together information for the original referendums (both of which were turned down by the voters), I believe that the various groups learned a lot and are still learning more. I am not sure that the voters had all pertinent information as it is still coming to light. Some of this I believe was due to the fact that it was not...
• letter to the editor

  Public access to Edgecomb rivers

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: I feel there is increased interest in public access to the rivers in Edgecomb. Five hundred and twelve residents, including a number of absentee voters who did not see my petition, cast votes on Tuesday. I easily collected 110 signatures from voters passing my petition table during the day. Many encouraging comments including, that we have all this shore frontage in Edgecomb and not a piece of suitable public access. Less than half our residents have the access that is available to...
• letter to the editor

  Lack of safety

  Mon, 11/13/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: As a volunteer and patron of the Harbor Theater, I am very concerned about the Meadow Mall parking lot. The lack of lights is extremely dangerous. Also, the speed of cars zipping through is also dangerous. The owner of the Mall must address these issues as soon as possible, before an accident happens. Patty Colhoun Boothbay Harbor
• letter to the editor

  Does school size matter?

  Wed, 11/08/2023 - 12:00pm

  Dear Editor: Does size matter? Can a high school be too small? Can a high school be too large? Research indicates that high schools of 400-500 students, for a variety of reasons, variables, and economics are the most successful. At this size, they can maintain their intentional culture and a coherent curriculum. As a community we have to ask ourselves, what is best for our youth in the region? This might mean stepping back and taking a look at other options. As a community, have we heard or...
• letter to the editor

  Wonderful start to the season

  Tue, 11/07/2023 - 7:15am

  Dear Editor: First, big time kudos to Brent McHale, CMBG's Horticulturist/Gardens Aglow Program Director, for such an interesting/informative presentation about the art of decorating with outside seasonal lighting. Next, Kudos to all those volunteers who stayed to help create a Mini Gardens Aglow ala Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library. Some going past 5 p.m.! Still additional Kudos to the Harbor's Chamber of Commerce for its thoughtful, generous supply of "hot liquid" refreshments plus an ample...
• letter to the editor

  It takes a village

  Mon, 11/06/2023 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: On behalf of the Congregational Church of Boothbay Harbor and our Community Lunch volunteers, we would like to thank our neighbor, Miranda Barrett, and the Boothbay Region Water Department for making sure we had running water for the Community Lunch on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, during a scheduled shutdown of the water lines on Eastern Avenue. Community Lunches provide a warm space where anyone can come out of the cold to enjoy a free, warm, homemade meal. When Dale Harmon came...
• letter to the editor

  Business closing announcement

  Mon, 11/06/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: After many years of just barely scraping by and doing my best to maintain my aging building, equipment and meeting payroll, there comes an unfortunate time when the numbers no longer add up. Hometown Convenience has reached that point and will be closing its doors. The kitchen will close for good Saturday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m., or as soon as we run out of food to serve. The store will remain open to sell off as much retail product as possible and to tag deer until Wednesday, Nov. 22...
• letter to the editor

  Thank our veterans

  Mon, 11/06/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: Veterans Day, Nov. 11 is a day to be thankful for the many blessings we have. We owe them all to our veterans. Thanksgiving Day would have a whole new meaning if not for the sacrifices of our many veterans. Remember this: All gave some and some gave all. Thank a veteran today before you are too late. You will be glad you did. God bless all of our veterans, past, present and future. God bless America. Munro Dodge Boothbay
• letter to the editor

  Pine Tree Power - Change for the good of all

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 5:15pm

  Dear Editor: As far as "media propaganda" goes, there's no shortage these days - around any topic of importance. Getting at the truth is at least a part-time job, if not more, for any independent, critical thinking citizen. A lot of the propaganda naturally comes from the powers that don't want to be ousted, nor lose their oversized salaries. CMP, as a profit making (187 million dollars last year) foreign owned company, want you to believe that Pine Tree Power is some fly-by-night concept that...
• letter to the editor

  Where’s our post office?

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 5:00pm

  Dear Editor: Late summer, the residents of East Boothbay were notified that the post office was being moved to Boothbay Harbor. No reason was given, not whether it was temporary or permanent. We need ongoing information on the status of our post office. It is not convenient for our residents, especially with all the construction. What used to be a five-minute jaunt to our post office is now 40 minutes. We no longer have easy access to our boxes, our friends, etc. Let’s hear from others in East...
• letter to the editor

  We need more answers

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 5:00pm

  Dear Editor: Governor Mills is right to oppose Question 3 which asks voters to approve a hostile takeover of CMP by the state of Maine. Some in government are advocating that Maine take by CMP, our privately owned electric-utility provider by eminent domain. Clearly, with what we know now, those most likely to benefit would be legal professionals, investment bankers and politicians. There is little evidence that Maine businesses and taxpayers would profit from such a hostile takeover! The...
• letter to the editor

  Gun control

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: States with the strictest gun laws: 1- California, 2- New Jersey, 3-Connecticut, 4- New York Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. New York Times, 11/22/2014: Medical experts at Yale University had called for drastic measures to help Adam Lanza in the years before he shot and killed 26 people at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn., but those calls “went largely unheeded” by his mother, who was also shot to death, according to a new study/ The official...
• letter to the editor

  Yes on 1, a good investment

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: I’m writing to support a “Yes” vote on question 1 on the ballot next week. Current education research has shown that spending on the right things educationally means long term gains for students as they become adult earners. The expenditures in question 1 are indeed “the right kind” including better equipped classrooms, new learning spaces, improved special education facilities to mention just a few. Additionally, the money from this bond will go toward fixing some long-term...
• letter to the editor

  School building

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: In all the letters and articles related to the proposed school building project I don't recall seeing one option discussed. I think it is clear the over 60 year old high school needs major renovation, and complete demolition is likely the best approach. That is if you are convinced we need and can afford a high school. From all the numbers I have seen we simply do not have enough students to justify building a high school. Like other small towns we simply cannot afford it. That is...
• letter to the editor

  Vote No on Question 7

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: I became aware of Question 7 only recently due to the article Referendum questions dominate November ballot. published in this newspaper. On the Secretary of State website question 7 is presented like so: QUESTION 7: Do you favor amending the Constitution of Maine to remove a provision requiring a circulator of a citizen's initiative or people's veto petition to be a resident of Maine and a registered voter in Maine, requirements that have been ruled unconstitutional in federal...
• letter to the editor

  Vote Yes: ‘Pride In The Past, And Working On The Future’

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 4:00pm

  Dear Editor: “Pride In The Past, And Working On The Future.” It’s a sentence I first read as a high school student at BRHS. Coach I.J. Pinkham had it highlighted on his basketball preseason packet. Later, the school adopted the phrase as its official motto. A big banner with those words hung in the lobby. It was the first thing that caught one’s eye when entering the building. I’m a proud Boothbay graduate. My experience was second to none. Memories spanning grade school up through all the pomp...
• letter to the editor

  Pass both school items

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: I am a parent, BRHS teacher, and Boothbay Harbor taxpayer. I am writing as a citizen of Boothbay Harbor and as a parent. I believe it is important to pass both school items. The proposed changes to BRES will make it a school in which rooms have windows, middle school students will have a much-needed age-appropriate area, and facilities will no longer be crammed in the old shop space. Specialists are teaching in hallways, the school entry, and windowless interior spaces. I used to...
• letter to the editor

  There are no free lunches

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: I believe some clarification is needed to the comments provided by Pine Tree Power advocate Jill Linzee. The value of $3.5 billion “book value,” often quoted by the advocates, does not equate to “current value” as she indicated. Book value is often an accounting term representing the cost of something at a given point in time (years past) minus the accounting depreciation of that something. Specifically, it does not represent the “current value” or the market value of the assets...
• letter to the editor

  Vote yes on Bond Question 1

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: Recently I submitted a letter urging a Yes vote for Bond Question 1. As expected, it has led to numerous discussions at the Post Office, Hannaford, and the Refuse Center. All conversations were civil, yet it was clear the message of “your taxes will double, triple, or worse” is a campaign slogan inaccurately raising fear. A Yes vote for Bond Question 1 will not double or triple your real estate tax. First, does the community and our future need an improved K-8 facility – Hell yes...
• letter to the editor

  Vote no on Question 3

  Mon, 10/30/2023 - 2:30pm

  Dear Editor: The referendum Question 3 on the Nov. 7 ballot is of concern to me. This concern is the creation of a state-controlled power company (i.e., Pine Tree Power Co.) to be run by a board of seven elected officials and six appointed officials who would seize by eminent domain the state’s two privately owned utilities. This would create up to an estimated $13.5 billion debt, just for the takeover. This estimate does not include legal fees, start-up costs and maintenance costs. The...
• letter to the editor

  Hiding behind their corporate walls?

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 4:45pm

  Dear Editor: The foreign owners of CMP and Versant have spent more than $40 million dollars on TV ads against the Pine Tree Power proposed by question 3. This is obviously because they want you to vote “No” to protect the even larger profits they make at our expense. If question 3 passes, the owners of our power distribution will be you and me. It will be a nonprofit that instead of sending money across the ocean will spend it right here for better equipment, maintenance and service. Ask...
• letter to the editor

  November ballot Question 3 vote no

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 4:30pm

  Dear Editor: We need to vote our informed consciences and not be drawn into and believe the media propaganda that will ramp up as we get closer to Nov. 7. Question 3 is a huge problem for Mainers. It will take over two of the largest electric utilities by eminent domain. It will create a government-controlled power authority. The cost will be millions of dollars of debt. It will take decades for Maine electric customers to repay the debt through higher electric bills. It will take a decade...
• letter to the editor

  Donor dollars distract from real education solutions

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: The architects have been extremely well paid through donors to make their sales pitch to us and they stand to make millions more if Question 1 passes. And always remember that neither the architects nor the head salesman (superintendent) has any real vested interest in Boothbay or Boothbay Harbor. Perhaps that’s part of the reason why they seem so determined to lock us all in to a costly construction project that will only force us to continue paying 100% of the price to maintain...
• letter to the editor

  What really matters

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: Over the past several years school leadership has spent time at each of their meetings to convince themselves and taxpayers that our schools need repair. They do. We all agree. And during this time we have ignored what really matters. Consider that during the past decade enrollment declined significantly. School employment has remained flat. This year a budget for non-teaching staff members increased. According to the Maine ESSA dashboard our academic learning results for math and...
• letter to the editor

  Lessons learned

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 3:45pm

  Dear Editor: At the Jan. 13, 2020 Boothbay Harbor Selectboard meeting, after several rounds of board and public input, Baker Design Consultants shared a footbridge concept with a whopping $2.8M price tag. On Jan. 12, 2023, at a special town meeting, a $1.2M footbridge project was approved. Today, we have a beautiful, improved, safe footbridge designed to get pedestrian traffic across the harbor. What happened in between those two meetings was quite simple. Public dreams met economic reality and...
• letter to the editor

  Do what’s right for our students

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 3:30pm

  Dear Editor: There seems to be a good bit of noise concerning the upcoming vote on the high school ballot initiative and that is what it is, noise—not facts. While nobody wants higher taxes it is time to face up to some of the facts—an undeniable fact is that the physical condition of the high school is deplorable. Many of the problems are a result of deferred maintenance but that is water under the bridge. If folks vote against the construction of a new high school, they will still be facing...
• letter to the editor

  Hope for Alzheimer’s patients

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: Do you have a family member or dear friend who is struggling with cognitive decline, memory loss and the ability to perform everyday tasks? Are you the descendant of a parent/grandparent afflicted by dementia or Alzheimer’s disease and concerned about your own future? Then you need to know about the services offered by the Boothbay Region Health Center - because now there is hope. Last Monday evening, the Harbor Theater’s seats were filled with people interested in learning about...
• letter to the editor

  Stronger together

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: I had the pleasure of attending two unifying community events over the past few weeks. The homecoming parade/bonfire and the groundbreaking for the Center for Ocean Education and Innovation at Bigelow Laboratories. In both instances, it was enjoyable and motivational to see people coming together to celebrate the interconnectedness of us all – both locally and globally. Each event was so enjoyable and motivating. They were a great reminder of the ties that bind us and of the...
• letter to the editor

  Vote yes on school referendum

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: I believe that the referendum questions about the schools in this coming election will have significant implications for the future or our communities. I am a resident of Southport but own property in Boothbay Harbor. I am urging all voters in Boothbay and Boothbay Harbor to vote yes on both questions. I strongly believe that having a good local school system will attract younger families with children to the region, and bringing those younger families here is critical for the...
• letter to the editor

  Support of Booktoberfest

  Mon, 10/23/2023 - 2:30pm

  Dear Editor, It is with much appreciation that Friends of the Library Directors wish to thank the following organizations for their support of the Booktober Fest, all proceeds which benefit the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library: ● Knights of Pythias Lodge #32 ● Footbridge Brewery ● Al Serois/Boothbay Region Amateur Radio Station ● BHML Stitch Crafters ● BHML Board of Trustees ● Boothbay Sea and Science Center ● Friends of the Library Volunteers ● Plot Twist Pretzels ● Veggies to Table The event...
• letter to the editor

  Vote Yes - Bond Question One

  Tue, 10/17/2023 - 7:15am

  Dear Editor: Bond Question One, Repair and Upgrade K – 8 buildings. This bond issue would borrow up to $28.8 million dollars. Much of this is the result of deferred upgrades or repairs. The fix cannot be kicked down the road further. No matter what the final decision is regarding the high school, I believe we want and need the elementary and middle school to be improved and to stay here. We do not want to be a town without a school. There are several well thought out housing initiatives under...
• letter to the editor

  The facts about the school vote

  Mon, 10/16/2023 - 4:15pm

  Dear Editor: There is a lot misinformation circulating regarding the potential high school project and possible alternatives. Here are the facts: Enrollment Trends : Currently there are 171 students attending BBRHS. It’s been suggested that there has recently been a “dramatic decline” in the school’s population. In reality, enrollment has been steady since 2017 (a covid related low in 2021 of 167 and a high of 192 in 2017). Given the current 7th and 8th grade enrollment, the...
• letter to the editor

  Re: History of the Opera House

  Mon, 10/16/2023 - 3:15pm

  Dear Editor: In the Oct. 5 issue of the Register is a great article about our local Opera House by Lisa Kristoff. I always enjoy her articles and her enthusiasm for the arts. She knows her medium well. A little further interesting story about the Opera House that most people do not know: When John Abbe, owner of the Opera House, threatened to tear the building down (due to various reasons) to make room for a parking lot – at this point my personal love for old structures and their history made...
• letter to the editor

  The answer to ballot Question 3 is yes

  Mon, 10/16/2023 - 2:45pm

  Dear Editor: Will replacing Central Maine Power and Versant Power with Pine Tree Power, a Maine consumer-owned and operated electric utility, lower our monthly bills and accelerate our transition to renewable energy? Yes. Is it true that no state funds or tax dollars will be used to purchase the existing grid? Yes. Will Pine Tree Power save us over $9,000,000,000 in its first 30 years of operation? Yes. Did CMP and Versant raise our rates by 20% this year? Yes. Was CMP fined $700,000 for...
• letter to the editor

  With help from friends

  Mon, 10/16/2023 - 2:30pm

  Dear Editor: Twenty-two years ago, I opened the Yellow Pages (yes! there was actually a book with Yellow Pages where you could find all the local business listings). I called the first number and spoke with Dr. Ron Bouffard, met with Susan Webster LMT and the rest was history. For twenty-two years I was lucky enough to work with people I like, doing something that I love. February of this year, as many may remember, we had a deep freeze which caused the pipes in our building at 18 West Street...

• Personal attacks

  Tue, 10/10/2023 - 9:30am

  Dear Editor: The funding of the new school/renovation project is not a right/wrong or black/white issue. It should be entered in thoughtfully and circumspectly. One response from those who support the funding has been particularly unfair and disheartening. When encountering questions or opposition, these individuals make the accusation that these people " just don’t care about children.” I wonder if they take this approach in order to leverage their viewpoint by demeaning the character of other...

• No way José

  Mon, 10/09/2023 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: Do you know the executive director of the parent company of CMP? Or the chief executive of that company? The executive director is José Ignacio Sanchez Galan. The chief executive is Armando Martinez Martinez. Our power source, CMP, is in THEIR hands, along with a privately elected board, almost all of them Spanish. My guess is they mostly live in their native country of Spain. None of them in Maine. You might ask, what are they doing, directing our energy source from across the...
• letter to the editor

  A Very Southport Halloween for all

  Mon, 10/09/2023 - 3:00pm

  Dear Editor: Preparations have started for our third annual A Very Southport Halloween. Now that the countdown has begun, I feel compelled to share the motivation behind making this a successful event. In a word, community. While dressing up in costumes and keeping extra candy in the house tend to be the more notable pillars of Halloween, I would suggest that community is equally as significant. Focus is generally on shared excitement among the children, as parents share the obligation of a...

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