Hello Islanders. Have you noticed that ever so slight nip in the air? Too soon! It's hard to decide what I love more, a hot Maine summer, or a beautiful Maine fall. They always seem to go too fast. Winter on the other hand ...

New Website on the way!

Our current website administrator has moved on, and we have been working diligently to set up a new website. We're almost there, and are announcing it to you in the hopes it will keep us on track to get it done by the next newsletter! Hold me to it! The new website will have much of the same structure and information as the current website, including a page for local businesses. If you own a local business and would like to be included, please fill out our Business Registration Form.

Absentee ballot applications available for Nov. 5 election

Here we go again! I never realized how frequent elections are before taking this job. You may now submit an absentee ballot application to have an absentee ballot provided to you in the manner of your choice when they become available in early October. See the Absentee Voting Notice for details.

Town Committee Vacancies

Looking for a way to get more involved and serve your community? There are several town committees with vacancies! See the list below, and submit a Town Committee Membership Application if you are interested! 

• Board of Appeals: Alternate #1 and Alternate #2
• Harbor Committee: Alternate #2
• Planning Board: Alternate #1 and Alternate #2
• New committee: Town Property Maintenance Committee! The town owns several properties that all need monitoring and upkeep. Do you have a knack for building maintenance, property maintenance, or landscaping? If so, we'd love to hear from you! 

Reminders

Dedee would like to remind you all to keep her updated on any vehicles you get rid of, and your email address, so she can send you registration reminders for your current vehicles. Lord knows we need them! Email Dedee at excise@westportisland.gov

Salty Dogs Concert: Saturday, Aug. 24,  4-7 p.m., Sasanoa Brewery, 61 Tarbox Road: Come hear local favorites the Salty Dogs while enjoying some local brews and food truck fare! Bring a chair and a friend! Brought to you by the good folks at the WCA. 

Nita Greenleaf Bean & Casserole Dinner: Saturday, Aug. 31, 4:30-6 p.m., Old Town Hall, 1217 Main Road. If you haven't been to a Nita Greenleaf dinner before, you're missing out! Come enjoy a hearty bean and casserole dinner for an unbeatable price (somewhere in the neighborhood of $10) with friends and neighbors at the historic Town Hall!

Groundwater Study Presentation: Thursday, Sept. 5, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Old Town Hall, 1217 Main Road: Join the Conservation Commission and hydrologist Carole White for a presentation on the results of the Westport Island groundwater study conducted last year with a state grant. Dr. White will present the general overall findings and takeaways from the study. 

FOWIH Annual Meeting & History Center Exhibit Opening: Sunday, Sept. 8, 12-4 p.m., History Center, 38 Ferry Road: The public is welcome to join the Friends of Westport Island History for their annual meeting and the grand opening of the new History Center Exhibit: "Heal Cove: An Icon of Island History & Beauty."

Alzheimer's Support Group: Caregivers of loved ones with Alzheimer's are invited to join registered nurse Carol Norris on the second Friday of every month from 10:00-11:30 a.m. via Zoom for support and advice. Email carolnorris2953@gmail.com, or call 207-350-2721 for the Zoom link. 

Heating Assistance Available: Midcoast Maine Community Action is now accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) for the 2024-2025 heating season. If you might need help heating your home this winter, give them a call at 207-442-7963, or visit their website at midcoastmainecommunityaction.org

Bridge work this summer/fall: MaineDOT will be re-paving the Westport bridge over the summer and fall. You can check out the plan here. Once again, our patience and neighborliness will be tested as we wait for the light to turn green (even if no one is coming the other way :) 

CMP tree work: CMP would like you to know that they will be conducting tree trimming and removal if necessary along their lines this summer. They may or may not be able to notify property owners ahead of time. If you have a tree near the lines that you are fond of, you may want to give CMP a call!

Please see the Town of Westport Island webpage for more information and follow us on Facebook. If you know any Westport Islanders who are not receiving these emails, feel free to forward this and let them know they can be added to the list by emailing townclerk@westportisland.gov 

You can find us at the Town Office at 6 Fowles Point Road during our office hours of Tuesdays 10-6; Wednesdays 10-2; and Thursdays 10-2. Call us at 882-8477 or email us anytime!