To all the local candidates running for office – new candidates and contested races only – in the upcoming May and June elections, good luck on your campaigning and may you represent your constituents well if elected. I am asking you here to send me and Wiscasset Newspaper editor Susan Johns an email – kevinburnham@boothbayregister.com and susanjohns@wiscassetnewspaper.com – so we can send you our questions for the April 24 edition of the Boothbay Register and the May 29 issue of the Wiscasset Newspaper, or an earlier edition. Once we have your contact information, we will send you the questionnaire. Good luck!

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I returned to work on Monday after nine days off. No pre-spring break trip to a sunny and warmer location – just a relaxing, yet somewhat busy time away from the office. My experienced co-workers did a fine job of cranking out the newspaper and, according to reports, no major problems arose. With help from my son-in-law Robbie Watts, more progress was made on refurbishing our home. The next projects will be simpler (we think!) with assistance from hired help. Like my friend Dan Fayen says, “Short-term pain for long-term gain.” The refurbishing job has been going on for over a year but, barring any problems, the end is in sight!

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Congratulations to the BRHS Drama students and director Dr. Mary Miller for their success at the Maine Drama Festival’s regional One Acts tournament held at Medomak Valley High School, Saturday, March 8. Read all about it online and in this issue. I am somewhat in awe of these young actors and actresses (or should I just say “players”) for learning their lines and getting on stage in front of an audience and judges. Having a small part in a play just once at the Boothbay Playhouse – and shaking in my shoes – I can’t imagine having a leading role!

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The weather is getting warmer, the Major League baseball season is starting in about two weeks, but the NCAA men’s and women’s basketball tournament begins next week and during my time away from the office, I got more in the mood by watching a lot of college hoops. I have been a Duke fan for a long time and having Newport’s Cooper Flagg playing for them makes this season extra special. I will probably pick them to get to the Final Four (hopefully they’ll win the championship), but Auburn, Florida and a few other teams will give them a challenge – then there’s the proverbial underdog who gets hot while the top dog has a bad game. That’s why they call it March Madness. Enjoy the games!