Good news: The town voted in favor of the Edgecomb Eddy School's tractor purchase. Now the question is its maintenance, since the old tractor could have gone on much longer, if it was taken care of. If the old one is put out to bid, who would buy a rusted out tractor? Or are there ways to clean and repair it. That’s probably more expensive than it's worth. Or can we get a little for it as parts, or scrap metal?

It was nice to give Chip Griffin the three-volume "History of Edgecomb," by Katherine Chase Owens, as a token of the town's high esteem for the moderator.

Other sets ($25, or $10/volume) are available from the Edgecomb Historical Society, along with "More Water!" by John Chase ($10) and "Blockhouse and Battery: A History of Fort Edgecomb" by Joshua Smith ($10). If interested, contact me (contact info at the bottom of the column) or EHS President Sue Carlson at sue@larchlea.net or 207-882-8155.

In other town news, Maine DOT will ditch along Eddy Road in 2015, and remove accumulated sand from under the guard rails. The causeway embankment is subject to undercutting by tidal action, and must be studied further. "Festina lente," as the Romans said.

Hurrah Avenue: For the crew at the Boothbay Region Water District, for rallying around their colleague, John Orne and his wife Cathy, who were injured in a car accident last month. John, who suffered a broken leg and ribs, started in to build a wheelchair ramp for Cathy, whose injuries are much more extensive. His co-workers and his nephews Danny and Mark Murphy have completed the work. We all send our sympathies to John and to Cathy, who will be at Cove's Edge Rehab Center for an undetermined time..

Once again, I'll play the role of spooky old wet blanket: Rather than the lonely, sometimes dangerous ritual of trick or treat, why not take your children to the Boothbay Harbor Memorial Library's Halloween Parade, or any of the parades and parties being held by towns, area schools, libraries, churches, social service organizations? Whatever, have a wild and woolly Halloween, flush away the tofu treats and eat the mini Tootsie Rolls!

This is the last October Edgecomb column. As we segue into November, be aware that daylight saving time sets in as of Sunday, Nov. 2. And Tuesday is Election Day.

It will all be over by the time my next column appears, and thank goodness! No matter who wins what, the sudden quiet that is bound to follow the 2014 election will come as a relief. I wish all candidates well (and, as in "Alice in Wonderland," all should have prizes!) So, go out and vote, everyone.

The suspense mounts at 234 River Road, 207-633-2978 and jocam@tidewater.net.