Dear Editor:

This is an open invitation to all of you seasonal, tax-paying property owners and extended summer visitors who over the years have supported our community so well. Please plan to attend on August 11 at 10 a.m. Boothbay Town Office, when LincolnHealth/MaineHealth will be appealing the order of Commissioner Mayhew of the Maine Department of Health and Human Services to keep our urgent care facility open 24/7/52.

We need this option since LCH/MH closed our beloved St. Andrews Hospital as we/you knew it. Back when I was a board member, the board's make up was of local individuals dedicated to the well being of our community through services given by St. Andrews. The current 3-in-1 board represents three divisions of LCH/MC, plus having a third of its members employees of LCH/MC. What's that old cliche about "biting the hand that feeds you?"

LCH/MH was given 90 days to comply. This hearing stops the clock on the 90-day deadline. The local odds-makers see this as another stalling tactic. Low numbers of visits to UC is their goal. Best to count visits when all of you have returned home so that those of you in need of nighttime urgent care will not influence the bottom line.

More details to follow in the Register's August 7 edition. Please mark your calendars to attend this most important community hearing. Squirrel Islanders: maybe we could get Capt. Bill to add another boat/run if need be.

Howard Wright Sr.
Southport