Letters

From Jim Laughren: Regarding Clark Cove, abutting property owners and others who oppose this plan have legitimate concerns regarding neighborhood and pedestrian safety, trespassing by foot or vehicle, and impact on critical wildlife habitat. Those in favor point to increased water access.

From Tracy Johnson Colby: Harpswell has excellent outdoor opportunities for hikers, bird-watchers and those who prefer a quiet beach. Why do we need another trail?

From Ned Toll: While my family knows this all too well, I am hesitant to make it generally known that I am absent-minded. However, after I left my spotting scope at Wharton Point in Brunswick on Nov. 18, I need to thank a number of people in the Harpswell and birding communities who acted quickly to make sure it was returned to me.

From Nat Pulsifer: The Midcoast Wood Bank has begun a partnership with the town of Harpswell. Arranged through Town Administrator Kristi Eiane and Community Services Coordinator Katie Neal, the partnership provides free firewood, helping ease fuel insecurity for Harpswell residents in need.

Your article "Motorist collisions with deer on the rise in Harpswell" (December) blames deer for the rise. I feel that we should reframe the issue. Who determined that the deer were the problem? The deer were here first. We just moved in on them.

On Sunday, Dec. 14, my daughter Emma and I attended a moving, albeit sorrowful, celebration of life for one of Harpswell's finest: Christopher Glenn McIntire, who passed away on Nov. 24 at a mere 32 years of age, leaving a beloved wife and two little boys.

"Together, we thrive." This simple yet complicated statement is the theme of this year's United Way of Mid Coast Maine fundraising campaign.

Home fires don't stop for the holidays. In fact, they tend to spike nearly 20% because of seasonal risks. In Maine, 200-plus families experience devastating home fires every year. Every time a Mainer experiences this loss, the Red Cross will be there. I know because I am a Red Cross volunteer. Our disaster action team members respond at a moment's notice to comfort these families, providing critical care after the unimaginable happens.

Between the afternoon of Saturday, Oct. 11, and the morning of Monday, Oct. 13, two floats went missing from the beach at Mackerel Cove. They had been tied to a stout post next to the boat ramp, one behind the other, waiting to be picked up.

I read with interest the article "More wells running dry as drought grips Harpswell." Once-reliable wells are running dry and water storage systems are becoming more prevalent as "property owners run out of other options." Harpswell's geology makes wells harder to drill and more likely to run dry everywhere, especially near the shore.