Andi herself was one of a group who met with the ambassador from the Marshall Islands in the Pacific Ocean, concerned about rising sea levels attributed to the global warming phenomenon. These islands are only nine feet above sea level; plans have already been made to evacuate their population of 12,000 to New Zealand in the event their homeland is deluged. Andi is currently considering the possibility of bringing islanders from all over the world to meet the island residents of Maine to share insights and ideas about combating this threat.

The Maine delegation traveled to Boston in a biodiesel-powered van loaned them by the Chewonki Environmental Foundation and continued to NYC by means of public transportation. To compensate for any pollution generated by the delegation's travel, the Environmental Justice Program has bought a Green Tag from the Maine Interfaith Power and Light Company, who has as one of its goals the incorporation of wind and solar power into the national power grid.

Welcome, little Steven Richard Densmore, born Oct. 30 to Toby and Stacy Densmore and big brother Aaron! The Densmores are new residents on the River Road.

A serious accident on McKay Road last Saturday, a complete rollover. Four teens were taken to Miles Memorial Hospital, but fortunately injuries to three of them were minor, the fourth unscathed. Nevertheless... McKay is a tricky road. Fire Chief Johnston also reports some bad accidents on several Edgecomb bridges. Remember, please, bridges freeze before road surfaces do, and in this weirdly warm, rainy weather, bridges are particularly treacherous.

Kudos after kudos to Lindsay Leone who has been racking up honors for Wiscasset HS's girls' soccer team! Her school's Coaches Award, Mountain Valley Conference recognition as a First Team MVC All-Star, MVC Academic All-Star, State of Maine Recognition as Wiscasset Girls Soccer the Team and Lindsay as an All-Star player. Wotcher going to do with all those kudus, Lindsay? Compete with Gary Balducci's llamas? (Heh heh heh.)

The Schmid Preserve Committee needs a sign-maker for replacement signs around the Preserve. Must have the ability to make routed letters. Call Bob Leone, 882-9613 for details.

Sunday, Dec. 7 is the opening of the exhibit "20/20 Envision" at Colby College Museum of Art in Waterville. Among the featured works will be examples from a new Fraas-Slade series of quilts inspired by the international signal flag alphabet. The exhibit will run through Jan. 25, 2004.

All the reminiscing about President Kennedy's death, and I recall when we learned about it. We had just arrived at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria, hadn't been there a week, staying with friends while our quarters were being readied. That night, outside in the dark, we heard a voice call, "Are there any Americans here? Any Americans with a radio?" Our hosts went to the door to tell him they were Americans, come on in, what's wrong? The very tall and lanky youngster–I doubt he was older than 17--gasped out, "The President's been shot!"

Officialdom Department: The Property Tax Circuit Breaker deadline for filing is Wednesday, December 31. This program returns money to people who pay more than 4% of their income on real estate taxes. There is an income limit for couples and singles, but for full details call the Tax Collector at 882-7018, or visit her during Town Office hours, Mondays 7:00 to 9:00 p.m., Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00 to 5:00 p.m

Perhaps you have noted the "Home Heating Assistance Available" notices in recent newspapers. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program, which helps needy households pay for their heating costs, is open to any family with an income not exceeding 150% of the federal poverty guidelines. Eligible persons interested in this assistance should contact their local community action programs or the Maine State Housing Authority at 1-800-452-4668.

A cautionary word to persons reclaiming or improving abandoned roads: Be sure you comply with the Maine Department of Environmental Protection's laws and regulations in your work. It would be well to inform the Town Selectmen and/or Code Enforcement Officer of your intentions, as well. Not to mention your neighbors.

Tales Under the Literary Christmas Tree: Van Reid's "The Widowy Worries of the Moosepath League," the 4th in this good-humored series; Lea Wait's second detective story, "Shadows on the Coast of Maine," and her second Wiscasset historical juvenile, "Seaward Bound."

Lea Wait, among 40 other Maine authors, will be at a special Holiday Book Signing sponsored by the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance, at the MWPA offices on Washington Street in Bath, Saturday, December 6, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Seasonal music, refreshments, good cheer! The books you buy can be signed by the writers to enhance your gift-giving!

You can catch Van Reid and several other Maine writers on Saturday, December 13, at Bookland at Cook's Corner, 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., for the same purposes!

The body of a little black and white dog was recently discovered in the vicinity of the Salt Shed on Parsons Point Road. Anyone missing this animal should talk to Rick Heaberlin, Edgecomb's Animal Control Officer, 882-7661.

The Town Hall Book Exchange has really taken off! Does anyone have a spare bookcase they would care to donate to hold all the books? It should not stand too high, maybe four feet. If you have such, please contact me, or Lee Smith at the Town Hall, 882-7018, during office hours.

Just loaded up on calories, neighbor Maggie Hoyt selling cooky dough! By the vat! To finance new uniforms for the Wiscasset Middle School's girls' basketball team.

Meanwhile, working off the holiday calories att 234 River Road, 633-2978, bonesukl@midcoast.com. This column appears in The Boothbay Register, The Lincoln County News, The Wiscasset Newspaper, and at www.Edgecomb.org.