Dear Editor:

As has often been our tradition, my brother and his wife joined me in Wiscasset this 4th of July to view our great, small-town New England parade. It’s been our practice to stand at the corner Route 1 and Middle Street where we can enjoy the shade provided by the trees in front of Treats as we watch the participants make the turn down toward the waterfront. And as this 4th was a very hot one, that shade was much appreciated.

Then I learned that the Wiscasset Public Advisory Committee would be making a recommendation not to have any trees planted in the changes that the DOT will be making in the block between Treats and Sarah’s Café. Evidently it is now up to the Board of Selectmen to make the final decision.

To further add to my unhappiness, I also learned that the Wiscasset Parks and Recreation Director, Lisa Thompson, said that it might be time to reconsider holding this event on the 4th of July.

Pardon me. Do trees and tradition no longer have a place in our town?

Susan van Alsenoy

Wiscasset