On Tuesday, November 6, there was a fire at a camp here on the south end of the island. Paul was the first fireman to report on scene. He did a wonderful job of sizing up the situation and radioing the information in to the Lincoln County Communications Center. While it was too late to save the camp, the firemen were able to contain the fire and ensure the safety of other homes and camps in the area. Westport has to rely on neighboring communities for mutual aid and this is especially true during weekdays as so many people are at work.

On Wednesday, Paul was feeling great and he prepared a presentation for the fire department based on how things went at the structure fire of the day before. On Thursday, Paul again had a great day, but by evening he was feeling tired and confused. He had a seizure which resulted in the Westport first responders, Westport fire department and Wiscasset Ambulance crews being paged to our house.

It's at times like this we become intensely aware of just how sparse our three-member first responder team is. David Lenz showed up, bless his heart, and provided care while waiting for the ambulance crew. The only other members are Caleb Bonyun, who is only available when he is home from college, and Sue Ann Anderson, who works an incredible number of hours in South Portland. Paul was a member, but unfortunately he is often the patient in need of care and can no longer respond to medical emergencies.

PLEASE, if you are able to join this brave crew of firemen or first responders, consider giving Chief Mooney a call at 882- 5952. Our island population is growing, but our crew is shrinking! They really need some new members to help out during these difficult times. I believe you will find it very rewarding. If you are not able to join, please try to recruit someone you know who may be able to help. Thank you to those of you who ARE willing and able to volunteer. It's reassuring to look up and see friendly faces during these times of crisis.

The History Committee is meeting on Tuesday, November 20 at 7 p.m. at the old Town Hall. Anyone with an interest in town history, something to share, or�ideas about possible activities or events is encouraged�to stop by. We'll be talking about upcoming plans for 2008, including the Fort Edgecomb Bicentennial and Wiscasset's Fourth of July parade, along with other topics

Georgia Sledge welcomes you to join them for Christmas Choir practices. Rehearsals are held at the town office on Sundays, November, 18, 25, and December 2 at 5 p.m. The dress rehearsal will be on Sunday, December 9 at 1 p.m. at the church (beside the Old Town Hall) and the service will be the same date at 7 p.m. Please call Georgia Sledge at 882-7645 if you have any questions.

The Holiday Faire will be held at the Squire Tarbox Inn again this year. The date will be Saturday, December 9. Stay tuned for more details or call Carole Dunbar at 882-8143.

For all you great hunters, Lori's Island Convenience store is a tagging station as well as a great place to have a full breakfast before you head out to the woods and a hot cup of coffee when you're chilled to the bone!

If you have any news or activities you'd like listed in this column, please call me at 882-9032, or e-mail me at pbonyun@gwi.net.