After a period of “radio silence,” we are continuing to report on the activities of the Public Safety and Accessibility Collaborative. After some recent changes, we are now working on increased collaboration between Damariscotta and Newcastle. And, indeed, our popular walking map has long been described as the Twin Villages Walking Map, and the Damariscotta Measured Mile – one of its features – is now a regular walking loop for both residents and summer visitors alike. (Walking Maps are available throughout the town and are free.)

With summer officially here, many organizations and businesses are stepping into their busy season, and the food security programs at Healthy Lincoln County are no exception. With summer meals kicking off this week, farms starting to get in touch about gleaning opportunities, our SNAP booth at the Damariscotta Farmers Market in full swing, Grow-A-Row participants dropping off extras from their gardens, and share tables expanding for the season, we are happily feeling that summer rush.

Hello my friends. I am not sure, but I am thinking maybe, just maybe spring has finally sprung. One cannot be too sure about these things.

The Pemaquid Beach Triathlon is on Sunday, Aug. 25. Ten weeks to go!

The Stinky, Little Sir, Potato, Bubba. These are just a few of many, many names we have given this handsome boy who now allows us to share the house with him.

During the five years of 1936-1940, all surplus alewives at Damariscotta Mills were packed whole, salted, and shipped in barrels to Port au Prince, the capital of Haiti. The Haitian buyer was Brandt, Augusta, Nadal Co., whose trade name was Banco. As shown in the photo, the name Banco was stenciled on each barrelhead. Other information on the barrelhead was “Fancy Maine Alewives, Product of U.S.A., W. I. Oliver inspector.”

As spring has been slow and steady, summer seems to be coming at full force. Our event list is jam packed and rooms at the inn are being booked. Our life on the farm is full and we are so grateful for all those who contribute their time, energy, and interest into developing and expanding our community and vision.

The area is teaming with wildlife this year, that is for sure. We have had a snapping turtle hanging around for a couple of weeks and are hoping that she laid her eggs on our loam pile. We have named her Winifred. She was hanging around our front step for a day or so and even ate some lettuce that I very carefully set near her.