Flowers of the Forest: Let us salute the passing of Tom Callahan, long time car service professional, son of Bud and Margaret Callahan, who were good friends of my family.

Our deepest condolences go to his family and extended family.

If you have photos with Tom to share or tales to tell, send them in care of the Callahan family, 106 River Road, Edgecomb, ME 04556.

A celebration of life is planned for later on. If you have transplantable flowers, the family would love to plant them throughout his homestead's orchard at that time.

Town news: What's your opinion of the idea of a facilities subcommittee for the Edgecomb School Committee? Under study is the major cleaning operation of the Edgecomb Eddy School's cistern, which is suffering sediment build-up.

Cost estimates will be considered at the next School Committee meeting, Tuesday, Feb. 10, 5:30 p.m., in the school's conference room. The current chair of the ESC is Sarah Clifford. Let her or the school know of your interest.

Hey, Early Risers! The taxation of nonprofit organizations (which are tax exempt under federal 501(c)(4) guidelines) will be the subject of a public forum from 8 to 10 a.m., Friday, Jan. 23, in the Porter Auditorium of the Skidompha Library in Damariscotta.

The Library and State Representative Mick Devin are the co-sponsors, and Lincoln County News Editor Sherwood Olin will be the moderator. Come around 7:30 a.m. for coffee and donuts to reinforce your opinions.

Little editorial comment: I can't believe they'd get much from the Edgecomb Historical Society in the way of taxes! As to the social service nonprofits, to tax private funds going toward the living assistance that the state and federal governments feel are too much of a tax burden ... tsk. Smacks of hypocrisy to me!              

Double Hurrah: Nancie Atwell, founder of The Center for Teaching and Learning, who has never quite retired, has been nominated for the new international Global Teacher Prize offered by the Varkey GEMS Foundation, a branch of Global Education Management Systems. She is one of 50 candidates from 26 nations, 16 of whom are from the U.S. The ultimate award will be made some time in March.

Bravo also for the brave souls who endured wintry climate on the Davey Bridge last week, protesting the Keystone XL Pipeline. Bravo for Bob Rose's cartoon commemorating the Charlie Hebdo martyrs. Bravo for Jarryl Larson's letters to the editor on various issues of concern to us all.  

Hoozah for Nick Gorey of the BRHS Seahawks (basketball), Anna Sirois of Lincoln Academy's swim team, and Chris Groneng of BRHS' swim team. I keep waiting for an annoyed
parent to call, pointing out their Edgecomb child also excels ... believe me, I welcome such information.

Ava Carmolli competed with the CLC YMCA gymnastics team in a meet with Augusta, Waterville and Farmington teams in Augusta, and then on to the Bath YMCA. Ava is a Level 4 (ages 11-14) contender, and did so well in the vault, bars, beam and floor exercises at both meets, she came in first place. Well done!

The Lincoln County Animal Shelter is in need of a new Shark Steam Mop. Not for steaming sharks, but for cleaning floors at the shelter. If anyone is looking for a way to make a
donation, here is one option!

Included in the Lincoln Academy honor roll for fall 2014, 11th graders Miles Geisler, Johanna Neeson and Avae Traina. If there are other Edgecomb kids in honors or high honors, from any of our regional high schools, public or private, please do let me know. 

Incidentally, for any Edgecomb alumni of Lincoln Academy, the school is asking for email addresses, to make their online newsletter and other publications available to us all. I expect other schools in the county and region would welcome this information from their alumni, as well.

I should think that LA would know where to find me, ever at 234 River Road, 207-633-2978 and jocam@tidewater.net.