Hello friends and neighbors!

Kennebec Estuary Land Trust is offering two opportunities for you to explore Westport Island’s new Carl and Barbara Segerstrom Preserve at Squam Creek. This Saturday, May 13, at 8 a.m., birders of all ages are invited to meet on West Shore Road at the pull-out approaching the Westport Pottery stand. Local volunteer and birding enthusiast Robert Carnicella will lead folks who will scout for birds of all kinds on land and near the water of the preserve. The following Saturday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m., you can learn about wildflowers at the Segerstrom Preserve. Laney Widener, Botanical Coordinator of the New England Wildflower Society, will be leading a walk that is most appropriate for adults and children over the age of 10. For more information about either of these events, contact Becky at bkolak@kennebecestuary.org or call 442-8400. Hope you will come out to learn more about this beautiful new public property right in your back yard!

Mark your calendars now for Sunday, May 21 at 3 p.m. at Westport Island’s Historic Church on 1211 Main Road. The Westport Community Association is sponsoring a free concert event featuring Georgetown’s singer/songwriter Alison Freeman accompanied by the Shipmates, Charlie Ipcar, Liz Lannon and Chris Lannon on guitar, fiddle, banjo and mandolin. Performer, presenter, and voice teacher, Alison specializes in sea chanteys, folk songs and parlor music from the 1800s. She regularly performs throughout Midcoast Maine and Newfoundland at museums, festivals, schools and clubs.

Critics have hailed Alison’s powerful, beautiful voice and passion for her songs. Her performances are “robust, educational, and entertaining,” and her stage presence is “warm and engaging.” The audience can join in on a chorus and learn something about history through story, song and humor. Don’t miss this delightful afternoon!

Immediately following the concert, the Westport Community Association will hold a reception with refreshments next door at the Old Town Hall. Please consider bringing a non-perishable donation for the Helping Hands island food pantry. Also, due to scent allergies, a special request is being made to avoid wearing any fragrances during this concert.

For more information about this concert or any upcoming events, visit www.westportcommunityassociation.org or check out its Facebook page. As always, the WCA welcomes new members and ideas to help it plan island events. It is a friendly, fun group that meets the first Tuesday of every month at the Town Office. Helping the WCA is a great way to contribute to the community while getting to know your neighbors better. Hope to see you on the 21st!

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