Holy mackerel! (I like that expression, anyone know where it came from?) Has a week gone by already? At this rate, spring will be here before we know it; March 20 to be exact. We had the pleasure of having both Nathan and Caleb around for part of this last weekend.

Last Thursday evening I attended one of the workshops for the committee working on the school consolidation project as a guest. They are held in the Whitefield school at 6:30 p.m. First, the group of about 25 people met as a whole for general discussions. Then, they broke up into sub-committees to work on individual issues such as finances, governance, contracts, education, etc. It was a real eye-opener as to the complexity of this situation.

If you have an interest in attending any of the meetings, please feel free to go (they are held on Thursdays) or call one of the members for directions and possible carpooling. You can reach Dennis Dunbar at 882-8143.

On Sunday, Paul joined Mary Ellen Barnes at a presentation of the Lincoln County Historical Society in Wiscasset. Paul really enjoyed learning some local history, which focused on local roads, Indian trails and crossings. Next Sunday's presentation will focus on maritime vessels in the mid-coast area used for commerce. You might want to consider joining them.

Another fun outing you won't want to miss is happening courtesy of the Shellfish Committee. On Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m., Dr. Brian Beal, Professor of Marine Ecology at the University of Maine at Machias, has volunteered to make a presentation to the Shellfish Committee and other interested parties on the propagation of shellfish. It will be held at the new Town Office (as opposed to the Old Town Hall!).

Remember, the fire department's baked bean supper is just a week from Saturday. If you show up at the fire station beginning at 5 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, you'll be treated to a delicious dinner. There is no admission, but donations will be gratefully accepted.

Congratulations go to Christy Hopkins. Christy won a gold medal participating in the Special Olympic 100m cross county skiing competition at Sugarloaf on January 29.  She also enjoyed snowmobiling that weekend. Now there's a person who knows how to combine hard work with great fun.

I'm happy to report that Cyndi Lewis is now home recuperating under the loving care of Newt. I saw her at the pharmacy, and I was very impressed with how well she was doing.

Sympathies go to Marjorie Hodgdon whose mother passed away last week. The passing of a loved one, especially a parent, is never easy. May her memories of happy days past lighten the burden of the days ahead.

Thankfully, business at the store has picked up despite the cold, dreary weather. This Thursday I plan to make another big steamy pot of chili. Hope you'll stop in and say hi.

If you have any news, upcoming event or a family happening you'd like posted in this column, please contact me at pbonyun@gwi.net or call me at 882-9032.