May is recognized by proclamation from the governor of Maine as Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and while many people know something about Lyme disease, there are many other tick-borne diseases carried by ticks here in Maine that we need to protect ourselves against.

In the midst of a scorching heat wave in July of 1878, The Lincoln County News published the first in a series of reports concerning the ship Mabel Clark, launched the previous October and on her maiden voyage:

Joseph Clark, the great Waldoboro shipbuilder, major employer, and wealthiest resident, died suddenly of heart failure July 19, 1875. A large number of people were in attendance at the funeral for which businesses were closed, work in the town suspended, and flags upon buildings and ships displayed at half mast.

When we both were children and in grammar school, the month of May was truly a month of fun and enjoyment for most every family. Even when our son, Robert, was going to grammar school, the month of May was full of art programs, like making a maypole for their dance program around the time of 1978.

Moles or voles? It is confusing. But knowing who is who helps us live well with our small furry neighbors. This was their land long before we thought it was ours!

We start off this article by asking a simple question: What do trunks, bags, suitcases, saddles, bridles, collars, whips, and blankets have in common with Main Street, Damariscotta?

Elmer Tarr, according to his wife, Gerry, “loved everybody, and everybody loved him.” In his 87 years of life from 1916 to 2003, Tarr loved his community and was very active in enriching the lives of others in Bristol and beyond. He served in the U.S. Army in World War II, built houses, served with and led the Masonic Lodge, became a Bristol Lion, and shared his skills with the Shriners, the Bristol Footlighters, and Habitat for Humanity, to name a few of his many interests in addition to raising a family with his wife.