The thing about life way Downeast is that we all know absolutely that an individual or a small group of friends working together can make a difference that will benefit the entire community. Stop anyone who lives in Eastport, and they will give you examples of this magic. The arts center, the childrens’ string program, the art scene, the food pantry, were all born from the small dreams and mighty effort of the people of Eastport, Maine.

And so it was that The Passamaquoddy Bay Symphony Orchestra (PBSO) was born. When the season begins in the spring, musicians gather on Thursday evenings at the Eastport Arts Center to practice. Conductor and music director Trond Saeverud (also concert master of the Bangor Symphony Orchestra) leads the community orchestra, an artistic collaboration of musicians from Washington County, Maine, and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, which celebrates its third anniversary this spring.

The orchestra’s mission has grown in its short lifetime. As usual, several PBSO concert series will be given throughout the year, on both sides of the international border. They have arranged three orchestra weekends for the Summer Keys music program in Lubec. They will play a concert for the Machias Bay Chamber Concerts series this summer. As a means of outreach to students and a wider audience, a quintet has been formed which can perform at smaller venues, including libraries and schools.

PBSO begins its 2010 season with a series of concerts in Eastport and Machias, Maine, and St. Andrews, New Brunswick. Concerts will be held at the Eastport Arts Center on Saturday, April 24, at 7 p.m.; at the University of Maine at Machias Performing Arts Center on Saturday, May 1, at 7 p.m.; and at the Van Horne Ballroom of the Algonquin Hotel, St. Andrews, New Brunswick, on Sunday, May 9, at 2 p.m. (Atlantic Time).

The program will include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 1, described by orchestra member and PBSO board member Helen Swallow as “very Beethoven: stirring, then cheerful and lyrical, dramatic and sometimesthunderous.”

The orchestra will be joined by trumpet player Ray Phillips of the Farmington Community Orchestra to play Proclamation, a contemporary composition by Ernest Bloch. “It is short and shiny and gorgeous,” says Swallow.

The third piece in the concert was written by PBSO conductor Trond Saeverud’s grandfather, Harald Saeverud, a beloved and revered composer in Norway. They will play his Sinfonia Dolorosa, written in a time heavily influenced by the German Occupation of Norway during World War II. Trond Saeverud conducted the Bangor Symphony playing this work last year.

Tickets to the concerts are $10 per person or $20 for families and are available at the door.

For more information, refer to http://www.eastportartscenter.com/constituents/passamaquoddy-bay-symphony-orchestra/ or to the orchestra’s Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/pbsorchestra.

One of the highlights of the Eastport celebration is the arrival of a U.S. Navy ship to Eastport’s port, a tradition going back to 1905. This year, the Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigate U.S.S. De Wert will make the call to help folks celebrate Independence Day. Free tours of the vessel will be available to all.

The De Wert is named for Hospitalman Richard De Wert, who was killed in Korea in 1951 and posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for heroism while serving with the 7th Marines.

You’ll also be treated to another fireworks show, this one over the bay on July 4 (can’t have an Independence Day without lots of fireworks!), as well as the Grand Independence Parade, an antique auto show and plenty of water sports, games and contests for the whole family.

Overlook Park will be the site of a range of free entertainment, much of it geared for the kids. Everything from cupcake-decorating contests to pet shows will be held.

And several races for children are also set, with prizes going to the victors.

The event is the largest of its kind in Maine, bringing together Americans and Canadians. It isn’t just a celebration of America’s independence, either, but a memorial service to those who have given their lives for freedom.

Eastport welcomes visitors who want to come out and celebrate. Click on http://www.eastport4th.com/ to find out more.

The chowder house itself dates back to 1968, but its roots extend into the previous century. You’ll find this rich tradition all over the restaurant, as we believe your dining experience should be one to remember for more than just the excellent food.

Of course, the food is the primary concern. We recommend you start with a bowl of our famous chowder, and there’s something on the menu to please every palate. You’ll find the prices are quite reasonable, too, with just about everything on the menu coming in at less than $20. And you’ll find quite a variety there, so if you can, come back often to see what the catch of the day is.

Eastport, of course, is where the canning industry in the United States began. Sardines were the choice back in the 1870s. Canning them from a process copied from the French put Eastport on the map. So, too, did canning lobsters.

William Martin started the first cannery at a location called Martin’s Dock – the very site of the Eastport Chowder House today. The cannery operated for several decades, in good times and in bad, but like many canneries in Eastport it suffered from a lack of demand and had to be closed. In 1968, Jack and Betty Stinson bought the property and opened a restaurant on it called, appropriately, the Cannery, and in their nearly 10 years of ownership it thrived.

New owners came along and the restaurant did very well for a while, but then business slowed and, in 1989, the Cannery had to be closed. However, in 1996, the Eastport Lobster and Fish Company bought the property and undertook a major restoration of the structures and even the wharf on which they were situated. That undertaking was so successful that, in 2002, a retired restaurant operator, Robert Del Papa, who was also retired from the Coast Guard, leased and then eventually bought the property, calling it the Eastport Chowder House and reopening it as a seafood restaurant catering to the entire family.

In 2006, an outdoor deck was built onto the chowder house. It’s a great place to sit. Quite often, you can see eagles, dolphins, seals, and, if you are very lucky, whales.

You are also encouraged to take a walk to the Lobster Room on the pier to find out how they are caught. If you do, be sure to ask to see a left-handed lobster! Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.

For more information, call 207-853-4700 or log on at http://www.eastportchowderhouse.com.

The indigenous Passamaquoddy tribe have called the area home for at least 10,000 years, and some archaeologists peg the figure at closer to 20,000 years. Europeans first showed up on these shores in the person of French explorer Samuel de Champlain, who in 1604 founded St. Croix Island settlement of Acadia. Today, the site sits near Calais.

Those early explorers did not have an easy time. Champlain’s group had to endure a hard winter with no fresh water and diminishing supplies. Reports indicate 40 percent of the men died of scurvy. The survivors moved on to Port Royal, in present-day Nova Scotia.

The area was much explored by traders and fisherman throughout the rest of the 1600s and much of the 1700s, but the next major settlement to be founded in the area was set on Moose Island in 1772 by James Cochrane of Newburyport, Massachusetts. It was, naturally, a fishing port, with residents following Cochrane from Newburyport and relocating from Portsmouth, New Hampshire.

The settlement thrived over the next quarter of a century. On February 24, 1798, the Massachusetts General Court incorporated Eastport, as a town, from Plantation Number 8 PS, the name naturally deriving from the fact that Eastport was the U.S.’ easternmost point. It wasn’t until June 21, 1811, that the town of Lubec on the mainland was set aside as its own municipality.

The early 1800s were quite a time for the young city. From 1807 to 1809, the area was the site of extensive smuggling, a direct result of President Thomas Jefferson’s Embargo Act. That prompted the U.S. to build Fort Sullivan atop a hill in 1809 – which the British then took on July 11, 1814, during the War of 1812 by a fleet under the command of Sir Thomas Hardy.

After the war, England wanted to keep control of the island, asserting that it was on their side of the international border established in 1783. That didn’t last long, as control of the island was returned to the United States in 1818. Still, border disputes between the U.S. and Canada continued to plague the area, until finally, in 1842, the Webster-Ashburton Treaty settled the issue.

Things finally settled down for the area. Farms grew that produced hay and potatoes. But it was the sea that was the lifeblood of Eastport. The town’s large harbor features tides of about 25 feet – and most importantly for the town, it remained ice-free all year. Sardine fishing became a huge industry with the development of canning factories; by 1886, no fewer than 13 factories dotted the landscape, each operating long hours during the fishing season, and in total about 5,000 cases were produced every week.

The town grew so much, in fact, that it was incorporated as a city on March 18, 1893.

The turn of the century and the first part of the 1900s would not prove kind to Eastport. The sardine industry declined, and many were forced to move away. It became so bad that the city went bankrupt in 1937. Yet Eastport survived – there were always more fish to be caught, and it still had that ice-free harbor. In 1976, the Groundhog Day Gale did massive damage to the waterfront – and still the city survived, thanks not only to fishing, but to a new industry that has become a strong pillar of the area: tourism.

Today, Eastport, like many areas on the east coast of the U.S., is as much about tourism as it is anything else, including fishing. July 4 celebrations draw thousands – and a U.S. Navy vessel – every year. There’s also the annual Maine Salmon Festival every September, and numerous other events throughout the year.

The Eastport Local Foods Buying Club aims to connect local farmers and food producers with customers on Moose Island. The buying club provides easy access for consumers and keeps costs at a minimum.

Several farmers and producers are involved. Links to their websites are provided, if they have one:

• Tide Mill Organic Farm of Edmunds
• Gardenside Dairy of Jonesboro
• Chandler’s Sugar Shack of Topsfield
• Dogwood Herbs of Perry

Offerings include organic chicken, pork, beef and goat meat, goat’s and cow’s milk, goat’s milk cheeses, cow’s milk cheeses, organically grown vegetables, maple syrup, soap, herbal balms and creams and more.

Items coming soon include grass-fed lamb, seaweed, sea salt, blueberries and much more.

For details contact Amy at eatlocaleastport@yahoo.com or call 853-2367.

The following are a list of the whales that you might possibly see while cruising around the bay.

• Minke Whale: A typical minke whale is only in the neighborhood of 30 feet long and weighs 10 tons. One of the smallest of the baleen whales, you can identify the minke by watching it surface, where most of the back, dorsal fin and blowholes are visible. Deep dives of 2-20 minutes, are preceded by a pronounced arching of the back.
• Finback Whale: Measuring 75 feet long and weighing 80 tons, the finback is the world’s second largest whale and have been known to leap completely out of the water. On the surface, their dorsal fin is visible, as well as their 15-18 foot spout. With each visit to the surface, the whale will blow one to several times for about one and a half minutes each time.
• Humpback Whale: The playful whale nicknamed the “clown of the sea” has a fleshy knob on its snout and bumps along the edge of their long whitish flippers. Growing to 60 feet, the humpback whale as a long black and white tail fin, which can be up to a third of their body length.
• North Atlantic Right Whale With less than 350 of these whales still in the oceans, spotting one is a true treasure. But if you happen to come upon one, they are quite identifiable. Measuring 50 feet long, these whales have no dorsal fin, callosities on their head, and a long arching mouth.
• Blue Whale: On land or sea, this is the largest animal on earth. Not a regular visitor into the bay, you might be able to spot one during their migration periods. Measuring 75 to 80 feet in length, blue/gray in color, and when breathing, the whale emits a huge vertical single-column spout of water.

To view these graceful and rare mammals, head to Eastport, Maine. It is an outstanding choice to begin your expedition. We recommend the Sylvina W. Beal to take you out on the water and show off the bay’s beauty in a professional manner.

Here are three reasons why we think you will enjoy a weekend on Moose Island.

Explore The Bay
Visit Coastal Maine at its purest. Enjoy the nature trails at Shackford Head State Park as the bright foliage mixes with the scenic background of Cobscook Bay, the bold, rocky beaches, and the dark green of the pines. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy the crisp air as you take in the visual beauty of the area. Add in some beachcombing and wildlife watching, and your day is complete.

Explore Eastport
The downtown area is located right on the waterfront. Take in the views of Passamaquoddy Bay and Campobello Island as you walk around the town.

A must stop is S. L. Wadsworth & Son, Inc., the nation’s oldest ship chandlery, a New England hardware store that has everything anyone needs. Pick up something that is uniquely Eastport!

There are many galleries that are still open on the weekends during the fall, like Dancing Dogs Pottery, Rose Garden Antiques, and Earth Forms to name just a few.

Explore Relaxation
Eastport has several options for accommodations. Chadbourne House Bed and Breakfast, Kilby House, Motel East (with views of the bay and Canada), the Todd House, and the Weston House will answer all your questions about the area and all are conveniently located in or near downtown, so there is no need to drive.

As for eats, if you are not at the bed and breakfasts, the Waco Diner is a good place to start your day or have lunch. The menu includes burgers, stews, pies, and other continental dishes.

For dinner and drinks, try out The Pickled Herring. The wood-fire grilled rustic pizzas are superb, and the menu changes often, so there are always new appetizers, entrees, and desserts to order.

Autumn might just be the best time to visit Eastport. There’s plenty more to recommend in Eastport during the fall season, so let us know through comments or forum posts.

For 3 hours, the gallery will host an energizing show and sale along with a reception and live music. There will be a special “50 for 50″ exhibit that will offer 50 original works for 50 dollars each! A fabulous offer for fantastic artwork!

The show and sale will feature recent works from local artists. Links to their websites are provided, if they have one:

• Lisa Marquis-Bradbury
• Sherry Ashby-Cunningham
• Roland LaVallee
• Cheri Walton
• Elizabeth Ostrander

Set aside a few minutes to check the artists websites and acquaint yourself with their artistic style and the pieces they have previously created. The “50 for 50″ sale continues Saturday and Sunday if you cannot make it for the Friday event.

The discussion of the event continues on a couple of different locations, either the “50 for 50′” Gallery opening reception and sale Facebook page or the Eastport Upcoming Events forum. The choice is yours!

So spread the word about this event. It will only enhance these artists exposure to the public, both locally and beyond.

Built in 1857, the station has been in existence since 1808, when the first lighthouse was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson. Even though the lighthouse tower is not open to the public, a visitor’s center and museum that is occupied in the keeper’s house can be toured. But remember, it is only open from Memorial Day weekend through mid-October, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. As for parking, that is a nice short walk from the lighthouse, making it very convenient to all parties, young and old.

If hiking is an activity you enjoy, Quoddy Head State Park is right next door to the lighthouse. The hike from the lighthouse along the coastal trail could be one of the most beautiful views on the east coast. With high ledges, tall pines, large rocks, crashing waves, and views into Canada, you get the full picture.

Head down to the rocky beach if you can, there is a stairway near the parking lot for the park. If fog is present, you will feel like you are in a Scooby-Doo cartoon, when you hear the fog horn go off, which is every 30 seconds. And if the tide is rushing in, the sound of the waves against the smooth beach rocks is music to the ears. If you have time, spend a few minutes on the beach, watch the waves crash in and listen to this unique sound.

In addition, there is a great 1 mile hike to a unique coastal plateau bog. In this bog, you will notice sub-arctic and arctic plants that rarely seen this far south, like black crowberry, baked appleberry and Labrador tea, along with carnivorous plants such as pitcher plants and sundew.

More forceful than dress accordingly, you need to bring a jacket, something water proof if available. Even in July, the temperatures will hover in the high 50′s for a high, wind is always a constant, and the area is indeed misty.

For more information, visit http://www.maine.gov/cgi-bin/online/doc/parksearch/details.pl?park_id=10

One of the largest counties east of the Mississippi River, Washington county (or the Sunrise county), produces 90% of the nation’s blueberry crop! Blueberry barrens (where the wild blueberry grows) have sandy soil and were formed by glaciers. These ideal soil conditions are perfect for growing wild, lowbush blueberries.

With nearly a quarter million acres of barrens and an average of 30 million pounds of blueberries produced annually, the local economy gets a boost from this valuable crop. The growing, harvesting and processing of the fruit adds jobs and money to the county. Many people and businesses rely on this little fruit in order to pay their mortgage and put food on the table. In addition, all the blueberries are canned within the county, adding an extra benefit.

Health benefits abound from the blueberry. With a diverse range of micronutrients, the blueberry has essential dietary mineral manganese, vitamin B6, vitamin C, vitamin K and dietary fiber. The wild species, especially, contain anthocyanins, other antioxidant pigments and various phytochemicals that could possibly having a role in reducing risks of some diseases, including inflammation and certain cancers.

And last, but not least, if you enjoy the blueberry (who doesn’t?), then the Machias Wild Blueberry Festival is a perfect stop in the summer. With music, exhibits, and blueberry culinary dishes, the festival is the premier festival devoted the blue fruit. Be there early to try some blueberry pancakes!