Edgecomb will pay tribute to a former selectman by dedicating the 2020 Annual Town Report to him. Jack Sarmanian served 13 years as a selectman and board chairman. During the March 22 board meeting, selectmen approved honoring Sarmanian with the dedication. Recording Secretary Barbara Brennan will use past Boothbay Register articles about Sarmanian for the dedication. 

Sarmanian first arrived in Edgecomb in 1965 accompanying his wife Sandy to her family camp on the Mockowando Trail. In 1974, the couple bought their own summer place on Cross Point Road and became full-time residents in 1998 after buying a Shore Point Road home. Over the past quarter century, Sarmanian served on various municipal boards and committees, but his service came to a close at the conclusion of the Oct. 5 board meeting. 

On June 29, Sarmanian told selectmen prior to seeking his fifth term it was “unlikely” he would finish another three-year term. Earlier in 2020, Sarmanian and his wife put their home up for sale. “I’ve sold my house and the closing is set for Oct. 9. So the Oct. 5 meeting will be my last,” he said. “It’s been a privilege working with a fine group of people and committed volunteers.”

Selectman Ted Hugger served four years with Sarmanian. “It’s been a great experience. Jack is old-school and understands town politics and how to bring people together through compromise.” Mike Smith served with Sarmanian on another municipal committee prior to joining the select board. Both served on the Fire Department Search Committee. “Jack is a very dedicated individual and the town has been lucky to have his service over the years,” he said.

In December, Dawn Murray was elected to fill Sarmanian’s unexpired term.