Here they come! Ripening wild blueberries are seen on an Addison barren, under a stunning summer sunset. Photographer Kylie Lenfestey, who took the photo last week, shared it in a local group focused on Washington County photography. You can join the page here. Photo by Kylie Lenfestey

I was going to suffer through the cold yesterday until my friend Michael texted to say it was 59 degrees, and he was starting his woodstove. 

Well, if Michael is doing it, it must be okay. 

Michael has deep roots in Washington County. His great-grandparents, the Mugnais, gave their family its beginning in local business when, in the late 1800s, they started a fruit and confectionary shop on Main Street. Their entrepreneurial spirit continued through the generations. One of his family’s more recent businesses, the Machias Hardware Company, for decades sold hardware and, in later years, added spices, gifts, and kitchen goods to its wood-floored shop on Main Street. 

Today, the Machias River General Store occupies the same space, beautifully retaining that wonderful wall of spices, plus “penny candy,” specialty foods, kitchen wares, and yarn.

Here’s a fun fact about one of the Mugnai's seven children: Lawrence moved to Connecticut, met and married a woman named Helen, then returned to Machias and started a little lunch counter. The location’s changed but the name’s the same, and we had dinner there on Friday night.

While eating dinner on the deck of Helen’s Restaurant, Chris and I were treated to the sounds of the Machias ATV Jamboree kickoff happening across the river at the Inn at Schoppee Farm. The band, Dakota Maine, was fantastic, as was the big ATV parade the next day.

Throughout the years, I’ve relied on advice from Michael and others to understand the unique way things are done in Washington County. After reading something I wrote, Michael would correct my errors as needed – Machias didn’t have a Five and Dime, it had a Five & Ten. Or it’s not sledding, it’s sliding. 

More recently, I’ve been reminded that we don’t just say blueberries; we say wild blueberries. It’s the wild that makes them special.

I pay attention because I love the character of this place. And though the past shouldn’t be our only guide, whether we were born here or recently moved here, I think it’s worth a little effort to understand and, where possible, hold onto the region’s unique character. 

I can say with some confidence that, though they have their place, no one wants to live in a land of only chain restaurants and chain stores. As evidence, I offer that no Hallmark movie ever featured a heroine who worked at Target and fell in love while picking up their take-out dinner at Applebee’s after a 45-minute commute. 

Maybe those movies will come in another 100 years. 

The challenge, always, is how we decide what to carry with us from the past while allowing change to unfold. And there’s only one way to do it – mindfully.

In Jonesport and Beals, the Fastest Lobster Boat in the World Races took off yesterday. I’ve never been, and I long to! Maybe next year. Local photographer Marcia McDavid captured this video showing some of the race’s spectacular speed.

I won! I was sworn in on Thursday, so I am officially the newest member of the Machiasport Select Board. If my nerves on election day were at all typical, I do not understand how anyone runs for higher office and lives to tell.

Washington Academy in East Machias will provide free breakfasts and hot lunches to children this summer, Monday through Friday, July 8 through August 23.

La Laiterie in Machias has begun hosting a Farmer’s Market on Sunday mornings, from 9 a.m. to noon. While you’re there, enjoy coffee and French-inspired pastries served up in the milking shed of a ninth-generation family farm. The cafe is located at 313 East Kennebec, Machias.

MOTHERS Art & Antique Gallery will open its next exhibition, DISAPPEARING: The Working Waterfront of Downeast featuring the paintings of Robin Rier and Valerie Aponik this Wednesday, July 3. There will be an Artists’ reception and book launch on Saturday, July 6, from 4 to 6 p.m. MOTHERS is located in the heart of Columbia Falls, at 19 Church Circle.

The 16th Annual Eastport Follies will happen this Wednesday, July 3, with two shows, at 3 and 7 p.m. Billed as a “spectacular variety show,” proceeds from the Follies go to support the Eastport Arts Center, where the event will be held.

The town of Lubec will throw its signature town-wide bash for the Fourth. All the details are on the town website, as a link just below the words LUBEC MAINE.

Pembroke is hosting a Fourth of July parade at 9 a.m. followed by fun and food at the American Legion.

The Machias Fourth of July Parade is set for 6 p.m. on Thursday, July 4, followed by fireworks just after nightfall.

The Eastport Fourth of July Celebration is always incredible, and this year once again includes a visit from a U.S. Navy ship, the USS Forest Sherman.

Cherryfield will host its Fourth celebration on Saturday, July 6 with a Grand Parade at 2 p.m.

Friday, July 5 will also be fun, between the First Friday Art Walk of the Machias Arts Council, and the next free wine and beer tasting and live-music event at The French Cellar.

The Machias Arts Council has announced that a new writers and poets group is forming and will meet bi-weekly from 5:30-7 p.m., on the first and third Fridays at Station 1898, across from Helen’s Restaurant. The first gathering will be August 2. Future dates are August 16, September 6, and September 20. The group will welcome anyone over the age of 18. For more information, reach out to the Machias Arts Council.

Have events to share? Send them my way!

These clouds seen from the Kennebec Road in Machias seemed ominous but didn’t produce much in the way of rain. Thunderstorms are a possibility today, Sunday, June 30. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Take a hike! And when you do, keep an eye out for little marvels like these, partridge berries in bloom. Yesterday, the Maine Coast Heritage Trust hosted a grand opening celebration for its new Meserve Head Preserve. It’s short, sweet, and perfect for a Sunday afternoon. Just keep an eye on the weather. Photo by Michael Hoyt