Goings On - and stuff

Did you know?

If you are remodeling and have a working appliance you want to get rid of (and don't want to "ugly up" the neighborhood by putting it out at the roadside with a "Free" sign on it - or haul it to one of the dumps in Bangor/Brewer), contact Habitat for Humanity - ReStore on IA in Holden (just past the Dog Grooming place - going toward Brewer). I saw an ad for the program on one of the cable channels the other day. I think they may even come and pick up the appliance but can't verify that. But I'll bet you can write it off as a tax deduction. Habitat for Humanity is a great organization helping people get into homes (and a wonder in rebuilding New Orleans since Hurricane Katrina).

Have you been watching the big machines clearing the lot on Route 9 - approximately 1130 Main Road? I stopped and talked to one of the workmen today. They were pulling power lines to a pole at the corner of the lot. Seems there's a double-wide, new home going in there. Looks like some new neighbors soon. Hopefully they'll decide to be active members who'll show up at the monthly Selectmen's meeting - just to hear what's going on in town.

What's with the Trash Collections? Last week (March 13) the solid waste trash wasn't collected until well past 3pm (I think it was later by the time it was picked up down by the Town Office). Today it hadn't been picked up even on Rooks Road by 1:30pm. That means it will be at least 4 pm before it's picked up on the north side of Main Road.

According to Channel 7 instructions, we're to have it out by the roadside by 7am(!). The crows and Spring critters sure know when the sun is up. And if the "stuff" isn't frozen so they can't pick up any scent, they think it's "treasure". Since the Trash Collectors don't presuppose to pick up anything the birds or critters have spread out, it would be nice if the trash truck arrived on time - or the company gave us a more accurate time to expect them. For this the town taxpayers are paying $39,760. annually (in addition to $11,800. for the twice a month recycling trash collection to the same vendor).

Saturday Entertainment - Dola & Company will be entertaining at the Clewley Farm Restaurant tomorrow night - the 21st - and next Saturday night, the 28th, too. Friends and reporters have told me that Dola does a bang up job at the mike and the sounds are great. Maybe we should all gather there tomorrow night to discuss the upcoming "elections" and the Town Meeting. Should add to the lively entertainment all around, don't you think?

There are rumors of an Eddington town Website. We'll see. It would be a good thing, especially if it included pending agendas for the Selectmen and Planning Board meetings so people knew was was being worked on - not to mention promotion of town activities. Maybe it could have a "Welcome to Eddington" section where newcomers could find information re: churches and service times, Cumins Hall and the Historical Society, contacts for school enrollment, the various businesses for gasoline, propane, auto repair, groceries, restaurants, etc.

I know when I first moved here I didn't know about Eddington Auto at a time when I needed some help closer than Brewer. The Website wouldn't need to "promote" a business necessarily, but if you don't know something exists, how are you going to look it up in the Yellow Pages?

A map of Eddington would be good, too, (including the ways to Brewer and Bangor and points beyond). Basic operating hours and phone numbers of such places as the Post Office, Fire Department and Town Office would be helpful as well as the hours of the Eddington Store and Tradewinds. Things like this are especially helpful for people in the process of moving in when there's no food in the house or cleaning supplies and you don't know where you can find some locally. Just some ideas - if ideas are welcome. I sure think we need to support our local businesses because they sure support our tax base - which makes it easier on the homeowners.

Cumins Hall - Things must be happening there. The sign out front says new restrooms are being constructed. I spotted Mark and Susan Shane in their "work clothes" out front of the Hall this morning after my inspection of Pond Road (where some serious grading is needed along with potholes filled in. Bring a flashlight if you're going to check out the potholes. Things look pretty dark down in a few of them.).

There was a little running water along the shoreline today - briefly. And the one lone ice fishing shack can still be seen out there in the middle of the pond. The eagles are happy with what he leaves behind; that's for sure. The snow continues to melt but on a gradual basis. Not too much running water is good for the pond water quality, not to mention home basements and roadways around here since it's still freezing every night. The solar heat through the windows feels good (and cuts down on the use of the heating oil) at least during the day. Maybe the slow melt is also good for ground absorption of the water which is probably better for tree roots.

Well, later, folks. Monday should be interesting.