Maine has one of the longest coastlines in the U.S. and one of the fast-growing seaweed farming industries. It’s highly dependent on marine industries and yet vulnerable to sea level rise and warming ocean temperatures. The state also houses one of the most diverse algae culture collections in the world and one of the nation’s few state maritime academies.

Whether in a shop or on the trails, a sharp tool is a safe tool. On Thursday, Jan. 29, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust will host a hands-on tool sharpening workshop from 4:30 to 6 p.m. at the Denny Conservation and Education Center at Round Top Farm. 

Alex Zipparo from the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission (LCRPC) and Sarah Demers from the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development will host a Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) Catalyst Program Grant webinar on Thursday, Jan. 29 from 3 to 4 p.m. This webinar will be remote via Zoom.  

With this season’s harvest, Veggies to Table, a non-profit farm in Newcastle, Maine,  now celebrates seven seasons of impact—growing and donating over 95,000 pounds of produce and 153,400 flowers to local folks in need of food and joy.  We are feeding those in need in our community while bringing beauty and connection to every corner of Lincoln County. 

Shoppers moved from store to store which were decked out in holiday lights on Men's Night, Dec. 17 enjoying sales with Christmas songs outdoors, to hum or sing along to, thanks to Janson's Clothing Store. 

Holiday-spirited staff at Sherman's said it had been a quiet day, but business was beginning to pick up a bit around 5:30-6 p.m., as locals were ending their work day. 

Lovers of the annual Gingerbread Spectacular at the Opera House here in Boothbay Harbor saw 27 imaginative, gingery structures this past weekend. Among them was the Burnt Island Lighthouse with two  deer in the scene. In case you didn't read the accompanying story next to the entry, read on.

As the year comes to a close, I would like to share with you the ways that Lighthouse Education & Nautical Studies (LENS) "Lit the Way" for learners of all ages. Attached you will find the "News Flash" that focuses on experiential learning on Burnt Island for children in the local school system, Maine's teachers, and our new endeavor - the Boothbay Harbor Treasure Hunt.

Emergency Medical Services Chief Kristen Roberts has been learning all about her new job at Boothbay Region Ambulance Service. For Roberts, 42, of Damariscotta, the first few weeks have been all about becoming accustomed to the nearly three dozen employees, new ambulances and equipment. "A lot of listening and learning about the crew and the service," she said. "My focus now is on compliance, management and leading." 

A Holiday Museum Open House will be held at Sample's Shipyard/Bristol Marine on Commercial Street, Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 11 from 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Captain Greg Bailey of the USS Brig Niagara was scheduled to speak but is unable to make it. 

Janson's Clothing, $25 gift card, Riley Sullivan, Natalie Allen, Kelly Camp and Monica Swan.

Mama D's, $40 gift certificate, Daphne, Christmas ornament, Cindy.

Mung Bean, $100 gift certificate, Tiffany Tsang.

Three Buoys & Souvenirs, Dionis skincare gift basket, Martha Schnepp.

Sweet Bay, $25 gift card, Megan Guertler and Suzanne Norton.

Pier 1 Pizza, $25 gift card, Rachel Eimen.

Gimbel's/Smiling Cow, $200 gift basket, Bonnie Wormwood.

The Hutch, knit hat, scarf and four pair of socks, Cherise Bishop.

SEARSPORT — An iconic billboard statue erected in homage to one of Maine's former — and lucrative — industries will soon be back alongside Route 1, this time in the Midcoast, taking up position in Searsport in front of the Penobscot Marine Museum.

BOOTHBAY HARBOR — The Keepers of Burnt Island Light are pleased to announce they have been awarded a $7,400 grant from The Maine Lighthouse Trust, supporting the continued preservation of the historic buildings on Burnt Island, home to Maine’s oldest original lighthouse tower (est. 1821).

Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library calls for all hands on deck for our third annual Giving Tuesday (Week!) matching gift campaign. Would you give $10, $25, or $50 knowing that your donation would be DOUBLED? If so, our library is in luck!

All donations made during Dec. 2–Dec. 6 will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to several wonderful library patrons and trustees who wish to inspire you to give! Every gift makes a difference. Donate online, by check, or with cash to support this fundraising effort. 

The Edgecomb Planning Board Nov. 20 scheduled a public hearing on Glidden Oyster Farm Company's proposed expansion project. The company has submitted two proposals. One is for an oyster processing barn at 634 River Road. 

The board held a Nov. 15 site visit. On Nov. 20, the board reviewed the application and found it "ready for a public hearing"  without deciding whether the application was complete or incomplete.

The hearing is scheduled for Thursday, Dec. 4 in the Edgecomb conference room.

Saturday, Nov. 22, Boothbay Harbor's Early Bird Sale & Pajama Party drew spirited shoppers to the region. 

The ever popular Buoy Tree was the backdrop for families and friends to take photos. And Janson's Clothing Store provided another photo opportunity with a Welcome to Boothbay Harbor picture frame that proved quite popular as well!

Early birds flocked here to shop, eat, drink, take in the Bed Races, and to have a bit of fun. 

The next Ocean on Tap is at Footbridge Brewery, 25 Granary Way in Boothbay Harbor on Thursday, Dec. 11 at 7 p.m.  Dr. Kara Gadeken, of the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor, will be speaking about her research on marine worms, their bizarre shapes, and the many roles they play in marine ecosystems.

You can add the town of Cushing to a growing list of communities that are putting local limits on large scale aquaculture. On Nov. 4.  the voters of Cushing approved a moratorium on industrial-scale aquaculture by a wide margin of 467 to 193. Cushing is the latest community to adopt a moratorium on industrial scale aquaculture in its coastal waters and now will build its own permanent ordinance to protect Maine waters against the damaging community impacts of such operations.

MaineHealth Lincoln Hospital is now accepting applications for its next Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training program, which runs Jan. 5 through Feb. 12, 2026. Applications are due by Dec. 5. 

The turnout was big again for the weekly Monday lunch at Brady's.

A new layout for the lunch was introduced and with the exceptions of a couple little hiccups, went very smoothly. Next week numbers will be placed on the tables, we will then invite a couple of tables at a time to come up to the buffet. This will prevent the bottleneck which occurs when 75 people jump in line at once!

Remember, just because the plane has stopped does not mean you should leap up and stand there for 20 minutes!