Garden work is no excuse to look dowdy. Just see how Sweetie the goat accessorizes with her cunning rhubarb-leaf hat, to chic effect! Sweetie resides in Machias with her friend Grace Moore.

Whatever summer excitement you have planned for next week, Blake Davis has something better.

He just doesn’t know it yet.

On Thursday afternoon, Make-A-Wish America will make one of Blake’s dreams come true, delivering a big surprise to his home in Jonesboro. Now four years old, Blake was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis not long after his birth.

Blake’s good fortune in receiving his Make-A-Wish dream is at least equaled by the fact that this year, Make-A-Wish will remove cystic fibrosis from its list of qualifying conditions, “...given the ongoing life-changing advances in cystic fibrosis.”

One such advance is the medication Trikafta, which Blake began using one year ago.  

“They call it the miracle drug for cystic fibrosis,” says Blake’s mother, Jessica Davis. “He used to be sick every week, so we had to take him to the doctors quite a bit. But now that he’s on the Trkafta, he hasn’t been sick in a year.” 

Initially, Blake’s parents, Jessica and Jesse, were given dire—and, thankfully, inaccurate—predictions.

The Davis Family including parents Jessica and Jesse, daughter Wrenley, almost 7 months old, and Blake, age four. This Thursday, Blake will be surprised with his dream Make-A-Wish at his home in Jonesboro.

“When we first found out, we had a rough start. We were told he might not live to 40,” said Jessica. “Then we went for his first [specialist] appointment, and they told us that’s not what it looks like anymore, the new medications paint a different picture. Now they’re seeing lifespans into their 70s.” 

This fall, with some precautions, Blake will begin attending public school. When he’s home with his family, which now includes baby sister Wrenley, born on Veteran’s Day last year, Jessica says Blake has classic Maine interests – he loves All Things Outdoors. 

“But his most favorite things are fishing, hunting and four-wheeling,” says Jessica. “He also loves playing sports like baseball, and he’s playing tee-ball this year. They say that for kids with cystic fibrosis, the more active they are the better it is for their immune system and their lungs.”

The exact nature of Blake’s wish is top secret, and Make-A-Wish has requested the guest list remain small. But the family has requested that The Washington County Almanac live-stream it. Tune in at 4 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at this link. 

“We have so many friends and family in the community that have helped Blake in his journey that’s why I wanted everyone to see his reaction,” said Jessica.

One such friend to the family is Jimbo Cox, who donated something that will enable Blake’s wish to come true. Sorry, to tell the donation might spoil the surprise! 

“I just am so thankful,” said Jessica.

Flag iris growing along the Machias River at Great Falls. Did you know there are several places to paddle and camp along the Machias River? Including one not far from here, at Great Falls. This summer, our eldest, Griffin, is working for Project Share, spending his work hours walking in and working in Washington County rivers. Growing up in rural Maine certainly has its advantages. Photo by Michael Hoyt

It feels like it rained non-stop between December and, well, two weeks ago. But the faint tint of brown revealed in last weekend’s mowed lawns tells me we’re lagging, though we are not technically behind according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

December and January’s record-breaking storms took a massive toll on the Down East Sunrise Trail, seen here from the sky thanks to Ryan Malagara of Drone’s Eye View. Huge washouts necessitated the trail’s closure for many months. But, once the repair contract was awarded to Hanscom Construction, the work went quickly and happily, as of yesterday at 5 p.m. the trail is once again open for business, in plenty of time for the Machias ATV Jamboree, set for June 28-29.

Hanscom Construction machinery is seen hard at work to repair major washouts along the Down East Sunrise Trail. Looking up the trail from Helen’s Restaurant, you can make out new swaths of white stone, like bright band-aids where winter storms cut through the former railway line. Photo by Ryan Malagara, Drones Eye View Inc.

This beautiful horse chestnut is in bloom next to the Machiasport Congregational Church, framing a special view to the ocean. Churches and schools and all manner of outbuildings enjoy some world class views in Washington County.

For a wide collection of Facebook local event listings, click here.

The Friends of Porter Memorial Library Annual Seed and Plant Sale will take place TODAY, Saturday, June 8, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the library, 92 Court Street, Machias. The University of Maine at Machias Garden Club will also be on hand selling lots of wonderful houseplants. The event will also feature a raffle, bake sale, book sale, yard sale, and general revelry!

The next Touch-a-Truck event will take place tomorrow, Sunday, June 9, at the Jonesboro Grange! Organized by the Jonesboro/Roque Bluffs VFD, there will be emergency vehicles, construction vehicles, Coast Guard boat, the Downeast Institute touch tank, face painting, stop drop and roll, crawling through tunnels, spraying the water tanks, fire safety and more. This is a free event come have fun and the Grange is also doing a free boys and girls bike raffle for the kids.
The Fire Department will have a raffle table if you would like to try your luck and all money raised goes towards a new Thermal Imaging Camera. Food and drinks will be available for purchase.

The next Machias Area Community Supper is set for Thursday, June 13, at Centre Street Congregational Church, Center Street, Machias. It’s free, and a program of Machias Food Connections. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and supper is served from 5 to 6 p.m. The menu changes each week to make use of donations from area businesses, but it’s always delicious.

The next Machias Valley Airport Fly-In Pancake Breakfast is scheduled from 7 to 9 a.m. on Saturday, June 15. The perfect way to fuel up for Margaretta Days, or your next flight! (Airplane not required.)

The Margaretta Days Festival & Craft Fair will be back Friday and Saturday, June 14 & 15, on the grounds of the University of Maine at Machias. See the full schedule below. Can’t wait!

In Milbridge, WHRL will begin a new Tai Chi class on June 15. All the details are here. While you’re in town, do not miss their incredible work with community gardens, and the spectacular Milbridge Commons.

The Crush Cancer Lobster Crawl 5k is back in Jonesboro, this year set for Saturday, June 22. This amazing and energetic event draws huge crowds thanks in large part to the passion of its founder, Rebekah Cox Hodgson, and legions of devoted volunteers. Go for the walk, go for the run, or just go for the great energy. You can sign up to participate here.

The Milbridge Community Arts Center & Theater has three events still to come in June! Click here to read more.

The Machias ATV Jamboree is set for June 28-29 in Machias, and will feature trail rides, live music, shopping, and a parade!

When it comes to Machias-area Revolutionary War Reenactment events, somehow Team Dedmon always ends up on the side of the Redcoats. Maybe it’s because we’re from away. That’s my son, Griffin, in the blue knit cap, filling in during a 2019 Machias reenactor filming exercise. You can see the Redcoats AND the Machias Patriots in action next weekend at Margaretta Days. Can’t wait? Check them out in this episode of the PBS show, A Taste of History

This face! I am at once terrified and charmed. It’s egg-laying season for Maine’s snapping turtles. Click the photo to see a collection of other turtle snaps, pun intended. Photo by Tanya Decatur