Two weeks ago one of my neighbors, a fisherman, posted, “In case anyone is wondering, this is like day number 9805678932190876543265439 of fog.” No one can reasonably dispute his tally if for no other reason than our wits have been dulled by endless fog. But sometimes, the fog is beautiful, like yesterday afternoon, when the sun whittled most of it away, and left us only wisps following the shapes of hills and water. This view is next to the Gates House Museum in Machiasport. Well worth a visit. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

Anyone living in Washington County is accustomed to driving long distances – it’s just part of our normal routine. And to some extent, we’re accustomed to waiting for appointments, because they’ve always been a little harder to come by in rural areas.

Now and then we get a reminder that it isn’t that way everywhere, like last week when at the hair salon I heard tales of irritated seasonal visitors surprised to learn that our hair appointments are booked three months in advance.

I try to book mine six months at a time, to be safe.

That’s just life in the (non) city. But a recent reduction in Washington County dental hygienists means that when I called Lubec in late July to book cleanings for our family, I was able to get four appointments in July, but July 2025. 

Similar shortages exist in the world of veterinary care. Our veterinarian, Little River Veterinary Clinic in Perry, always comes through for us in a pinch. But it turns out that our 12-year-old mini-schnauzer, Flossie, needs some teeth removed, a service they can no longer provide. I turned to social media for suggestions, and some pointed me toward an Ellsworth vet who makes weekly visits to Columbia, but a great many also raved about a vet in Veazie.

To tell you the truth, I don’t even know where Veazie is, which almost guarantees it’s so far away that I’ll have to clear an entire day for an appointment there.

What choice do I have? 

The veterinary, healthcare, and dental staffing crises are nationwide phenomena, not specific to rural areas, and certainly not specific to Washington County, Maine, though they’re worth thinking about.

But today I’m thinking about the businesses and services we do have in Washington County.

Continue reading below…

Vivian Walls-Patten, left, stands with her son Randy at Saturday’s celebration in honor of Walls’ 55 years of serving the greater Machias area. Yesterday’s festivities featured the excellent music of The Stillwater Band, at times accompanied by local singer Hailey Bryand. You can hear some of her powerhouse vocals in this video. Five years ago, I also enjoyed Walls’ 50th Anniversary celebration, which featured the Orange River Jazz Band. Photo by Sarah Craighead Dedmon

I spent an enjoyable hour at Walls TV & Appliance in Machias yesterday afternoon, and not because I was buying a new stove, though that also sounds enjoyable, and based on certain noises, potentially important.

I stopped to join the festivities celebrating Walls’ 55 years in business in Machias and spoke to Vivian Walls-Patten, who started the business with her husband.

“In 1969 my late husband was working as a service tech for Sears Roebuck. We moved from Machiasport up to Machias and lived in a big house on Gardner Avenue, but after six months it burned down, and we had four kids to support,” said Vivian.

The two determined to go into business by purchasing a GE franchise. “We had to borrow money from my husband’s dad, $1,000 to get the franchise. Then we opened up where Smitty is right now, then we moved to where The Anchor is, then in 1985, we moved here.”

To help support their family, Vivian, a trained teacher, went to work at Rose M. Gaffney Elementary School teaching 6th and 7th grades, building on her earlier experience as a 1st grade teacher in Bangor and Hermon.

I asked her how Machias has changed since Walls first opened its doors.

“The downtown is very different because we had a ladies’ clothing store, a men’s clothing store, and a couple of other things that have gone by the wayside. But we have new things,” she said. “It still has a community feeling. Tonight they’re having a supper at the school for someone going through cancer. And we have the Community Christmas Giving Tree, and the food bank. Those were not here when we first moved to Machias.”

“I think we have a lot more people coming into the area. Since the pandemic, there have been a lot of out-of-staters coming here. We also have a lot of customers that have been here for years, and they’ve stayed our customers,” she said.

Those customers can purchase appliances, beds, and parts for repairs, or hire Walls’ technicians to perform repairs for them. The next-nearest similar services are at least 60 miles away.

“I have a wonderful crew,” said Vivian of the nine people who staff Walls, some who have worked there for almost 20 years. It’s no accident that Walls employees stick around.

“I think the secret to having your employees stay is to be very good to them and treat them right. Then they’ll stay,” Vivian said. “I write them little notes, and say ‘Thank you for doing this.’ They’re like my second family. We all get along so well, and they all want to be here. It’s wonderful.”

Transitioning from classroom management to business management was a challenge, though.

“Sometimes I look around and think, how did this ever happen? Because I taught mostly 1st grade, I could manage little people, but when I came here, I had to manage big boys. It was not easy.”

Vivian’s second son, Randy, has worked in the family business for 18 years.

“I tell everybody he’s my favorite son east of the Mississippi,” she laughs. “My other son lives in California. He’s my favorite son west of the Mississippi.”

Though she might travel, Vivian says she will always call Washington County her home.

“I think Machias is a wonderful place to live. People are friendly,” she said. “I would never go anywhere else.”

Lupe Soto can be found on the air working at Washington County’s only commercial radio station, but also working with youth athletes as a coach and booster, and reporting the news of Washington County.

This is the second week of my new feature, 5 Questions, which brings us short profiles of Washington County people. Have someone to suggest for an upcoming profile? Send me their information by responding to this email! -SCD

If you listen to the radio in Washington County, chances are you’ve heard Lupe Soto, who works at all three of our commercial radio stations — WQDY 92.7, WALZ 95.3, and WCRQ Country 102.9. You’ll also see him around town at large public events like the upcoming Machias Wild Blueberry Festival, interviewing people on the street and others at signature Washington County events.

If you have children in the area, you might know Lupe is the coach of Washington Academy’s extraordinary wrestling team which has thrown up some impressive numbers in recent years.

He’s also the founder of the largest Washington County Facebook group, What’s Happening Washington County, Maine, which brings together local events and offers a resource for people to share information and ask questions of the local community.

What brought you to Washington County, and what keeps you here?

We had some relatives in the area and visited once in 2004 when we were living in Florida. My initial thought when we first visited Maine was, "I'm home."  Then my family and I moved to Maine in 2009 and have stayed.

I love the small towns and the many people I've met. I also love being on the radio and coaching wrestling at Washington Academy. Oh yeah and making local videos.

What do you think makes Washington County unique?

The genuine people, small towns, and all the organizations willing to help those in need.

What are some of the biggest challenges facing Washington County today, and how do you think they can be addressed?

One big challenge is a mindset that leads many to drugs and other abusive behavior that hurts families, businesses, and organizations. We need more leaders, parents, and business owners who have a clear vision and servant hearts. 

Which local traditions, festivals, or events do you look forward to each year?

The radio station's live broadcast at the Machias Wild Blue Berry Festival coming up Aug 17th from 10 a.m. to 12 noon, The Annual Turkey-A-Thon on the Radio In October all day long. It raises money to help support local food pantries to make sure everyone has food for the holidays. And then High School Wrestling Season in late November and youth wrestling in mid-January. I look forward to every change of the season, which doesn’t happen in Florida.

What are your hopes and dreams for Washington County's future? 

I hope it will always have a small-town heart with a clear vision.

Thank you, Lupe!

By the Numbers

You may be familiar with the Harper’s Index. Here’s a little Washington County Almanac spin on the format.

11: The number of lighthouses in Washington County. Maine has 67.

1,415: As of 2022, the number of Washington County residents between the ages of 60 and 64 years, the largest population demographic for this county. The second largest is age 65-69, at 1,353.

7: The number of river-specific Atlantic salmon populations left in the United States. Originally, Atlantic salmon populated almost every coastal river northeast of the Hudson River in New York.

5: The number of those river-specific Atlantic salmon populations located in Washington County, in the Machias, East Machias, Dennys, Narraguagus, and Pleasant Rivers. The other two rivers are also in Maine.

5,000: The average number of pounds of wild blueberries harvested on one acre of wild blueberry land.

39,000: The number of acres of wild blueberries grown and harvested in Maine, which grows almost all of the wild blueberries in the United States.

85: The percentage of those acres that are located in Washington County.

One of the beautiful paintings that will be on view during an exhibition that opens today, Sunday, August 4th, at MOTHERS Art & Antique Gallery in charming Columbia Falls. Details below.

If you’re already caffeinated and moving today, Sunday, August 4th, quite a few things are happening.

You could head over to the Wild Blueberry Heritage Center (aka giant wild blueberry dome) for the super fun music of The Crows, featuring Gene Nichols, Duane Ingalls, Gary Bushee, and Clifton Moser. The music is in celebration of Maine Wild Blueberry Weekend (this weekend!) and will also give you a chance to purchase some wild blueberries and handmade gifts. The Wild Blueberry Heritage Center is located at 1067 US Highway 1, Columbia Falls. You cannot miss it. Event details here. You can also enjoy this recent article in Down East Magazine about our former Wild Blueberry Land.

Wild Blueberry Weekend also includes farm tours, vendors, and a chance to buy freshly harvested wild blueberries at Welch Farm in Roque Bluffs. We visited yesterday, and have 5lbs of fresh wild blueberries to show for it. It will still be running all day today, Sunday, August 4th.

An artists’ reception and exhibition will open today, Sunday, August 4th at MOTHERS Art & Antique Gallery. From the Hudson to the Pleasant River: Contrasting Landscapes of Richard Bazelow and David Vosburgh features plein air art from two of the northeast’s most beautiful rivers. MOTHERS is located in charming Columbia Falls at 19 Church Circle. Sunday’s event runs from 4 to 6 p.m. 

Sunday, August 4th grab the family and head to West Branch Farms in Machias for their Family Festival, running from 2 to 9 p.m. The event will include live music all day long, vendors in the new event center, games, and fireworks to cap it all off! Located at 180 W. Kennebec Road, Machias.

The Farmer’s Market at La Laiterie will run today, Sunday, August 4th, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m., featuring a wide range of delicious local farmers and food producers. Grab some coffee, bread, and pastries while you’re there. 

Upcoming events continued below…

So many great speakers and films coming up at the Milbridge Community Arts Center Theater! Click on the photo above to be taken to their FB page.

If you have littles in your life, don’t miss the Summer Reading Program at Porter Memorial Library, every Tuesday at 11 a.m. Each week features a different book, a different reader, and a special craft! Weather permitting, attendees sometimes gather in the library’s charming backyard which has picnic tables, tall trees, and a swing set. This week’s title is The Further Adventures of A LUCKY DOG, Owney, U.S. Rail Mail Mascot. The library is located at 92 Court Street, Machias. Call 255-3933 with questions.

On the evening of Tuesday, August 6th, enjoy the third of three performances offered by Machias Bay Chamber Concerts. I believe this is the series’ 54th season, which I find delightful. Tuesday’s program will lift your spirits and raise my IQ with performances by the Viano String Quartet, including pieces by Samuel Barber, Wu Man, and Beethoven. Admission is by suggested donation of $15 per person. Students 18 years and younger are admitted for free. Following the concert enjoy a reception and art show sponsored by the Machias Arts Council. The event will begin at 7 p.m. at Centre Street Congregational Church, 9 Center Street, Machias. More concert details are here.

You won’t forget the experience of doing yoga on the platform at West Branch Farms, overlooking the LIttle Kennebec. It’s an extraordinary setting. The next session, offered by Bold Coast Yoga, will take place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, August 8th, then again on Thursday, August 15th, and several Thursdays to follow. You can purchase tickets here. 

If you won’t already be attending yoga, I suggest making these next two events a combo evening for you and yours. Start by attending the free Machias Area Community Supper at Centre Street Congregational Church on Thursday, August 8th. Doors open at 4:30 p.m., and dinner runs from 5 to 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by almost too many community partners to mention, so I won’t try. The church is located at 9 Center Street, Machias. 

So far this season, only one of four possible Bad Little Falls Summer Concerts has happened due to wet weather. That luck could turn around this week on Thursday, August 8th, when The Milk & Honey Rebellion is set to take the stage. The concerts take place in Bad Little Falls Park, Machias, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Free thanks to sponsorship from Freshie’s and RH Foster.

Pianist Danny Holt will perform at the Eastport Arts Center from 7 to 9 p.m. on Friday, August 9th. Pre-concert (6:15 p.m.) and post-concert receptions will offer a chance for attendees to gather casually before and after the performance. EAC concert tickets are $15, and attendees 17 and under will be admitted free of charge. If money is an obstacle, ticket fee will be waived. Tickets are available via the EAC site or at the door. Concert details are here. You can see all of EAC’s upcoming events here. 

More great music happening on the other side of the county on Friday, August 9th. Make plans to see Maine musician Caleb Jolley perform on the Milbridge Theater Outdoor Stage. The show is free and begins at 6:30 p.m. Event details are here.

A Family Fun Dance will take place Saturday, August 10th, beginning at 4 p.m. at Machias Memorial High School, 1 Bulldog Lane, Machias. This free event will feature snacks and beverages, games, raffles and prizes, dance music, and art. Sponsors by Next Step Domestic Violence Project. Event details here. 

This one event encompasses so many other events, that I can hardly list them all here. Suffice it to say, mark your calendars for the 47th Annual Machias Wild Blueberry Festival which begins Friday, August 16th and runs through Sunday, August 18th. Do not miss Porter Memorial Library’s fantastic book sale, this year inside the Community Room at Machias Savings Bank, 4 Center Street. Come early for the special Book Sale Preview Event from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, August 16th. This ticketed event includes food and music plus first pick of the books! Don’t miss the children’s parade, the Wild Blueberry Musical Comedy, the pie, the gift shopping, or the road race. Make a full weekend of it. All the schedules and maps are here.

Passamaquoddy Language Keeper Dwayne Tomah will share stories from the Passamaquoddy culture as part of Eastport Arts Center’s Storytelling Festival presented in partnership with the Quoddy Tides newspaper and Sipayik Museum. The free event will be held on Friday, August 17th, at 7 p.m. Event details are here. Dwayne is a charismatic and wonderfully engaging storyteller. Highly recommended.