Hello friends and neighbors!

Beginnings give us hope. Another year brings the possibility of starting anew with fresh energy and enthusiastic resolution to do things better. Reflecting on the year that has passed can help give perspective and motivation to try again, to do something a little differently, to just not give up on yourself and the world. If everyone does something positive, no matter how small, the world will change. I hope you will resolve to do what you can to make your community a better place to live.

A big thank you to all the folks who help keep things open and moving during snow, sleet, and ice storms! Those of us who can stay put in front of the woodstove while Mother Nature does her thing are the lucky ones. Some folks have to get to work, and others have to do their best to keep the roads safe for travelers. It can’t be easy to make decisions about the best time to plow, sand or just wait for fickle precipitation to pass. It is winter in Maine, and it’s time to “slow down” to keep everyone safe on the roads.

A reminder that the Westport Island Town Office is hosting a Welcome to the New Year Potluck Supper on Thursday, Jan. 11 at 4:30 p.m. Bring a dish to share or just bring yourself and join your neighbors in some conviviality during this cold, dark time of the year. Hope to see you there!

Have you made a new year’s resolution? Do you have an idea to share with your community? Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049. Happy New Year!