Hello friends and neighbors!

There is nothing like the first snowfall of the season to remind us all what a lovely place Maine is. We happened to have tickets to Gardens Aglow last Saturday, and were simply enchanted by the beautiful rainbow lights shimmering on snow laden trees and bushes at the Botanical Gardens. The Garden staff has outdone themselves with 500,000 LED lights this year. While in the Bosarge Family Education Center, we also enjoyed the montage of video put together celebrating old fashioned winter fun. Make time to visit this treasure in your backyard by the end of the month if you can.

The snowstorm also resulted in a slow and somewhat hazardous trip back to Westport over slippery, snowy roads that some cars and drivers found difficulty negotiating. We saw more than one vehicle unable to climb a hill and several that miscalculated and ended up off the road. We all need reminders about driving in Maine winters. I myself had a tenuous encounter with a ditch on our own property that required a pull out the following morning. All’s well that ends well, but I will definitely do some reconnaissance of our driveway before attempting the steep, curving descent in the next storm.

Stop by the Town Office during open hours if you would like to help out a local family in need. Dedee has made up a series of paper mittens with Christmas gift requests for the five children in this family. Pick up a mitten at the little tree upon entry into the building to learn more about a specific wish that you could help fill. It is more blessed to give than to receive! See Dedee if you have questions.

If you want to enjoy some homemade baked goodies this holiday season without the hassle of making them yourself, call Nita Greenleaf at 882-7139 with your requests. Nita will be selling her treats on Thursday and Friday, Dec. 21 and 22, at Ames True Value from 9-4 pm. Stop by to pick up something sweet for your friends and family.

I’m still writing cards, wrapping gifts, and scratching my head about how to surprise folks with holiday fun. How do you celebrate the season of giving? Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049.