Those opposed to solar power in Maine routinely claim that roofs with PV panels are in effect subsidized by ratepayers who do not have solar systems. According to new Boston University research, the exact opposite is true.

Number 4 Congo Church Summer Supper is coming up on Saturday, Aug. 20. According to Bob Hardina, this supper will benefit the new Bargain Barn at the H.O.M.E. co-op in Orland. The Edgecomb Community Church has been working with H.O.M.E. since 2001, and on several occasions has held work camps, building homes for low-income families and upgrading the physical facilities on the H.O.M.E. campus. The current project is a cooperative venture by area volunteers to provide the electrical service, light, and power for the new thrift store. The Bargain Barn not only provides high-quality clothing, furniture, and appliances for residents of Hancock County, but it also provides an income stream to fund the many programs at H.O.M.E.

I really do try to find positive things to write about, but once in a while something comes along that is so negative it’s impossible to pass it up.

Hi again, dear readers. Here is your Marilyn Beane’s World columnist with more news of my sweetheart Elden and my life at Crawford Commons Assisted Living, 132 Middle Rd., Union, ME 04862-0628.

Several years ago, while vacationing in Prince Edward Island, we came across a terrific rainbow kite made by Premier Kites. Ever since that trip, the Power Sled 14 has been the official kite of the Coastal Economist. It is easy to fly and handles quite a range of wind speeds.

This is going to be another one of those bear-with-me kinds of columns as I am two weeks out and, being the summer season, there is a lot to report on. So here we go!

Hi! Dear readers! Here is Marilyn Beane’s World coming to you with more news about my sweetheart’s and my life at Crawford Commons Assisted Living, 132 Middle Rd., Union, ME 04862.

Do you have kids or grandkids who love history? Have they read all of Lea Wait’s stories about Wiscasset? The Lincoln County Historical Society is running one more week of its Summer with the Past educational programs, and this last one – at the 1811 Jail in Wiscasset – is coming up next week! Louise Miller is a fantastic educator, bringing a lot of experience from museums and school programs in American history. The Old Jail program is full of activities, and reading is geared for children from eight to 10 years old. The session is Monday-Friday, Aug. 8-12, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and there is a fee of $115 (or $105 for LCHA members).

A few days ago, we went to Rockland. The roads are still being worked on but are getting better. Traffic was heavy, but nonetheless better than the last time we were there. We stopped at the Old School House vegetable stand on the way home and purchased some fresh green beans and peas to shell and eat for supper. They were very good.

The main purpose of a business is to direct its efforts and funds into enterprises that will make money. The main purpose of government is to direct its efforts and funds toward solving pressing problems that could be anything from fighting terrorists to fixing all the potholes in the town streets. Not much profit to be made there. The two investments are obviously at cross purposes.