Dear friends and neighbors,

I don’t know about you, but for me this last episode of snow and rain with the ensuing mud is getting a bit old. I did manage to do some nice skiing at a groomed area last weekend. However, trying to hike a 2,000-foot mountain with a south facing exposure turned out to be challenging due to steep, ice covered trails. Fortunately we have the latest version of micro spikes that grip quite well, but an ice axe would have worked better than ski poles on this particular venture. It just seems like winter “ain’t what it used to be!”

Team Casco was on the road again last week for their first 2018 foray into Dock Dog Competition. Erin Bailey, along with sister Jessica and ever faithful black lab Casco, drove to Charleston, South Carolina, to participate in the Southeastern Wildlife Exposition. This three-day event showcases products from the agriculture and forestry industries while promoting wildlife and nature conservation and preservation. One can view artwork by 500 different painters, sculptors, and carvers, plus wildlife shows, falconry demonstrations, decoys, sporting arms, lectures, exhibits, outdoor outfitters, and, of course, retriever demonstrations! This is where Casco came in! He is always excited to see how far he can jump, how high he can jump, and how fast he can retrieve! In this year’s competitive field of hundreds of canines, Casco managed to place third in Speed Retrieve. Great job, Team Casco!

Erin and Jess were happy to rendezvous with their parents at the South Carolina competition. Then the entire family drove to Jeff and Debbie’s winter home in Florida, where the Baileys are currently serving as campground hosts. Animal encounters included deer, snakes, squirrels, tortoises, and even a wild boar! Manatee Springs is a registered natural landmark that contains a cave system into which interested folks can dive. However, after seeing the swimming water bandit snake and hearing about lurking alligators, people should do their homework to learn about safe places to explore. In addition, the Baileys visited Disney World and the Cedar Keys, tried the local cuisine, and took a pontoon boat ride on the Swanee River. The return trip included overnights in Georgia and Maryland before arriving in Brunswick on Sunday evening just in time for bowling! Ah, the energy of youth!

Our town clerk Gaye wants to alert everyone that nomination papers for the municipal offices of second selectman (three-year term) and Regional School Unit #12 School Board member (three-year term) are available at the town office as of Thursday, March 1. The papers require a minimum of twenty-five signatures and will be due in the town office by Friday, April 13. Elections will be held on Primary Day, June 12. If you have questions, call Gaye at 882-8477, extension 3.

Some of you may know that Westport Island has formed a Democratic Committee that will be caucusing with Lincoln County Democrats on Sunday, March 4, at 2 p.m. at Boothbay Region High School, 236 Townsend Ave., Boothbay Harbor. Participants will have the opportunity to meet and talk with local candidates for office, elect delegates and alternates to the state convention, organize local committees, and participate in a statewide virtual rally among all caucusing locations through social media. Carpooling will be available leaving from the Ferry Landing parking lot at 1 pm. For more information, call Jeff Tarbox at 776-2015.

Finally, parents with children and any interested residents are encouraged to attend a Regional School Unit 12 budget informational session at the Westport Island Town Office on Monday, March 12, at 5:30 p.m. in advance of the selectmen’s meeting. This public forum will feature both RSU 12 Superintendent Howard Tuttle and Business Manager Belinda Waterhouse. Come to learn, ask questions, and give input!

Hoping that March does not decide to come in like a lion! Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com