Back in the late ’70s, Russ Brackett was the Nissen bread man who delivered supplies to the Tugboat Inn at 2:30 a.m. while I was cleaning the kitchen and dining room there. I provided a piece of apple pie with a dollop of vanilla ice cream and a fresh brewed cup of coffee. Probably should not have been so generous with Tugboat grub. But at least Russ was sober. Such was not the case with many who dropped in “after hours.”

Russ has worn a lot of hats. He worked with Ken Brown marketing lobster and other sea creatures up and down the east coast. He went lobstering. Then he started the Video Loft. I kind of stalked Russ through many of his careers and plowed tons of film through the photo lab at the Video Loft.

Nick Mirabile worked with Russ for many years, largely in the technology department, specifically, the cell phones area. Nick and partner Emily took over the Video Loft/Harbor Tech Solutions and adjusted the focus of the business hoping to capitalize on changing times. The cell phone business vaporized, technology is way more user friendly, and now COVID-19. Rather suddenly the vast Video Loft space became too much. It was decision time.

Enter Woodsong Market & Cafe on Route One in Edgecomb, next to the old Muddy Rudder. A new venture with some twists. You can still get digital photos printed on good machines, great coffee and a variety of yummy treats. It’s not starting over, but it’s close. Nick and Emily are able to afford the space with hopes that old customers, like me, will be supportive while growing new business.

Nick and Emily have history here. In high school and beyond at The Boothbay Playhouse they were part of many performances together. I guess they acted together until it wasn’t an act and they married. We all remember Emily and her brother Robo in “Y-arts” performances with mom Ginny Bishop at the helm and the grand YMCA New Orleans national convention, a remarkable undertaking that involved huge community efforts and remarkable experiences for many young and old. Emily is still involved at the local YMCA, instructing dance and voice. Chorus will return once things with the virus subside.

I hope that Nick, Emily and son Oscar, pictured above, can make a go of it. It’s a big step to a smaller space that requires an even bigger leap of faith. Stop by, say hi and check out the new digs. They will be happy to see you and show off their new enterprise. Good luck.