During Storytime last week at the Lincoln Memorial Public Library, it was the Pembroke students’ turn to be dropped off by their school bus. The book that was read, How Leo Learned to Be King by Marcus Pfister, gave much food for thought, culminating in the project of the day, making to-go cups for gifts to others, which were prepared with some cocoa powder in each one. The outdoor activity, with lots of snow piles around, involved a ball being hidden in different places for the children to find.

American robins, like this one spotted in Princeton, are among the most recognizable winter birds in Maine. These nomadic flocks, sometimes numbering in the thousands, often stay in the region throughout the year. According to Maine Audubon, contrary to popular belief, they aren’t a sign of spring in Maine and are perfectly adapted to winter in the state. (Photo by Donna Melanson)

There was a celebration in the Town of Princeton on Saturday, Feb. 15, to honor firefighter John McDowell, who was retiring from the Princeton Fire Department. McDowell has been an active member of the department since 1985.

Outside, in front of the fire station, the ladder truck was extended and a flag flown in McDowell’s honor. Inside, tables were set up and a wall display had been made with his name. A luncheon, donated by Princeton IGA and Town of Princeton, was served. There was also a specially designed cake. 

Paul Sylvain

Machias Valley Airport is expected to play center stage for a summer military training exercise involving an MV-22 Osprey, military air traffic controllers, a Marine security detachment, and possibly members of other military branches.

Although still in very early planning stages, Machias Selectboard Vice Chairman Ben Edwards was unable to conceal his excitement over the prospect of seeing the airport play a role in a significant military training operation. 

The exercise is tentatively scheduled for late June or early July.

Things are getting busy again at the Lincoln Memorial Public Library! Must be Spring coming! This past Tuesday, in addition to the mostly weekly children’s Storytime, the Dennys River Historical Society enjoyed their annual Show and Tell meeting, to which people bring historic memorabilia, public or personal.

Jayna Smith

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Those in the area will have the unique opportunity to learn the ancient art of Pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian method of egg decorating, at a hands-on workshop at Calais Elementary School. The classes will take place on two Saturdays, March 22 and March 29, from noon to 4 p.m.

Jayna Smith

[email protected]

A much-needed child care and education center is coming to the former Charlotte Elementary School, providing services for children from infancy through middle school. Maritime Munchkins LLC, founded by Heather Doughty, is set to open soon, offering daycare, a private K-8 school, after-school care, and summer programs to families throughout Washington County.

Last week’s Storytime at Dennysville’s Lincoln Memorial Public Library featured Max Lucado’s You Are Special. Following up on that theme, everyone created their own All About Me books, including leader Sarah Guiltner.

The children were able to take home the application sheet for receiving their own library cards, which are now available. Anyone is welcome to fill out the information sheet and, within a week, pick up their very own card!

Last week, Storytime at the Lincoln Memorial Public Library had a record dozen young folks enjoying the wonderful book You Are Special by Max Lucado and making “All About Me” books to show how special and unique each child is. This group was from the Pembroke school and included children from Dennysville.

Paul Sylvain

Machias Historical Society and Revolutionary War Reenactors of Downeast Maine member Joe McBrine reports that work is continuing at a fever pitch in preparation for the upcoming 250th celebration of the 1775 Battle of the Margaretta, considered by the U.S. Navy to be the first naval engagement of the American Revolution