Hello friends and neighbors!

If you own a dog, it’s time to get it licensed again. Maine law requires dogs to be licensed in their hometown at six months old or within 10 days of ownership. 2018 licenses are now available through the town clerk. All dogs not licensed by Jan. 31 are subject to a $25 late fee. Licenses for neutered dogs are $6 and $11 if not neutered. Licensing ensures that dogs have rabies vaccinations, as proof must be supplied at the time of licensing. Fees help pay for an animal control officer and fight animal cruelty by funding the state Animal Welfare Program. Also, if you no longer own a dog or need help financing a rabies vaccination, call (882-8477) or email Gaye at townclerk@westportisland.us. Please help keep us and our furry friends safe.

I know it’s hard to believe, but the holidays are right around the corner! The Westport Community Association (WCA) is planning its annual old-fashioned Christmas celebration for Sunday, Dec. 3 at 4 p.m. The WCA is seeking interested folks to join the Christmas choir, and no experience is necessary! If you enjoy singing with others, please contact Jim Swist, choir director, at jimswist@gmail.com or call Jim at 781-799-0286. Practices will be held at the town office Sundays from 3:30-4:30 p.m. beginning next Sunday, Oct. 22 through Nov. 26. Join your friends and neighbors to get in the holiday spirit.

Speaking of spirits, goblins and all things scary and fun, the WCA is also preparing the ever popular Halloween Costume Party and Dance at the Old Town Hall on Saturday, Oct. 28, from 7 to 9 p.m. Come in costume for a chance to win a prize. Dance to the tunes of a great DJ and indulge in some Halloween treats. This family friendly event is free, but donations to the Helping Hands Food Pantry are always appreciated. Hope to see you there!

Finally, don’t forget that there are four important questions to vote on Tuesday, Nov. 7. Early and absentee ballots are now available with the town clerk during office hours. Get yourself educated about allowing slot machines in York County, expanding Medicaid for those at or below the poverty level, authorizing a bond issue to improve highways and bridges, and proposing a constitutional amendment to reduce volatility in state pension funding.

Some folks in Maine have already experienced a killing frost, and thus are enjoying Indian summer now. We haven’t seen temperatures below thirty-three yet, but we finally cleaned the chimney in preparation for the fires to come in our wood stove. Winter is just around the corner!

Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049.