Hello Islanders. Here's hoping on Valentine's Day you got lots of hugs, flowers, jewelry, food, or peace and quiet depending on your love language. 

Mud season is almost upon us, and this is your friendly annual request to try not to order heavy things, or many things, in March and April. Those trucks tearing up and down the dirt roads to deliver your Amazon packages can really do a number on them! 

Facebook 101: The town's social media presence can get a bit confusing, so let's review! The town has an official Facebook page where we post official announcements and notices. There is also a civilian Facebook group, that is not affiliated with the town government. It is run by our lovely Municipal Agent, Dedee, but as a private citizen. If you want official town announcements, follow the page. If you want a place to interact with your neighbors, join the group. Please note that the town government does not monitor the group, and will not respond to matters raised there. If you would like to bring something to the attention of town officials or staff, please give us a call or email!  

Nomination papers available Tuesday, March 3: Looking for a way to give back to your community? Well, look no further! This year, the town will be electing a selectboard member and an RSU 12 board member, both for three-year terms. You can pick up nomination papers from yours truly during regular office hours starting Tuesday, March 3. You will need at least 25 signatures from registered Westport Island voters (always good to get a few more just in case). Papers are due Friday, April 10, when the town office will be open from 4 to 5 for the purpose of accepting nomination papers only. 

RSU 12 budget presentation Monday, March 9 at 6 p.m. Join the selectboard and the good folks from RSU 12 for a preview of next fiscal year's school budget. This budget is a major component of our town budget, and it's always fascinating to hear all the things the RSU has to juggle to put it together. 

Property Tax Relief Programs: The state offers several programs to help property taxpayers including the Homestead Exemption Program, Property Tax Deferral Program, Current Land Use Programs, and many more. Why are we bringing this up now? All applications need to be received in the Town Office by April 1 to be applied to this year's property taxes. A little paperwork now could save you in the fall! 

Town Meeting Prep: The Town Meeting isn't until June 2, but we're already hard at work. If you've got any thoughts on our ordinances, ideas for projects, or general input about the direction of the town, let the selectboard know at selectboard@westportisland.gov or (207) 882-8477, x.4. 

WCA Annual Chili Cook Off, Saturday, March 7 from 4 to 6 p.m. This year, the chili cook off will be at the Fire Station at 644 Main Road. Any style of chili is welcome! Please prepare a minimum of five quarts per entry and bring it in a crock pot or Instant Pot so it can stay warm. Also include a full ingredient list (no measurements needed) for allergy purposes. Might also want to let people know how spicy it is on a scale of 1-5 alarm fire :) 

Income Tax Help: Midcoast Cash, an initiative of United Way of Midcoast Maine, offers free tax assistance from IRS-certified tax preparers to households earning up to $69,000 annually. Scheduling will begin any day now if it hasn't already.

Winter Sand and Salt: Sand mixed with salt is available free of charge to island residents from our public sand shed (right next to the big sand and salt shed) in the Town Office parking lot. BYO buckets and shovel. Two buckets per storm, and may we not need too many buckets this season! 

Heating and Food Assistance: Thanks to the generous donations of many of you, Neighbor to Neighbor is available to help island residents in need with heating and food. If you are in need, or know someone who is, reach out to them at neighbortoneighborwi@gmail.com

Give a ride, get a ride: Friends in Service Helping (FISH) is a great local organization that coordinates local volunteers willing to give rides with their neighbors in need of rides. If you want to volunteer, contact FISH at lincolncountyfish@gmail.com or call at 350-9808 and let them know you want to serve Westport Island (or other towns if you're willing!). If you need a ride, just reach out to them at least a day or two in advance. 

Snow Buddies: Need help getting your walk cleared? Want to help a neighbor and get some exercise to boot? Sign up for Snow Buddies! Resident Carol Norris will take down your name and help match volunteers with those in need of a hand (or shovel). Just give her a call at (207) 350-2721.

Westport Island Woodchucks Emergency Firewood Supply: There is a decent pile of seasoned firewood available for those in need. Contact Donna Curry if you are in need or know someone who is, at 353donnac@gmail.com