Dear friends and neighbors,

Right on schedule, the osprey is back. Robins are finding spring worms. Tom turkeys are proudly displaying. Wood frogs are calling. The “Big Night” is upon us! If you know amphibians, you know that rainy spring nights above 41 degrees wake up slumbering frogs and salamanders so they can migrate to their breeding grounds. Acorn-sized peepers and spotted salamanders are two of the local creatures which somehow sense it is time to find those thawing vernal pools for egg laying. Unfortunately if the pools reside on the opposite side of a roadway, tiny creatures are in danger of not completing their lives’ purpose. If you are out on a rainy spring night, please slow down and do your best to watch out for amphibians crossing.

This Saturday, April 21, the Westport Community Association (WCA) is hosting a Public Pancake Breakfast for interested residents at the Old Town Hall from 8-10 a.m. Come to see your neighbors and enjoy some blueberry or chocolate chip buttermilk pancakes at the same time. Although this event is free, donations are appreciated and will be given to Westport’s Helping Hands Food Pantry. All are invited!

WCA events are always free because local businesses and individuals generously lend financial support. This month special recognition is due to G & D Cromwell, who is sponsoring this week’s breakfast as well as events throughout the year. G & D have been season supporters for years, and they also helped boost the annual fund of $250 Educational Stipends to Westport students. Any Island resident in good academic standing enrolled in a post-secondary school or training program should pick up a stipend application at the Town Office and complete it by July 15. Funds will be disbursed by September 1, 2018. Next time you see Gary and Dennis, thank them for supporting their community!

Finally, we hope to see a good turn out for the Conservation Commission’s Annual Island Clean Up on Saturday, April 28, rain or shine. Just show up at the Old Town Hall by 9 a.m. for some coffee and treats, a garbage bag, and a road assignment. Please wear gloves and appropriate footwear. All participants will be rewarded this year with a special gift in recognition of your efforts. If you are someone who walks on the Island, we encourage you to take a bag with you during walks to help keep Westport clean and green!

Welcome spring, feathered friends and migrating amphibians. What signs of the season are you seeing? Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049.