What's better than looking back at a month of five good things that happened in or near Wiscasset? A fast-paced roundup of 10, covering two months. August and September were full of events and special moments and, as it all flew by like summer does, we did our best to cover and/or share as much as possible.

Wiscasset Art Walk Aug. 28 wrapped another season of attracting people downtown for entertainment, shopping and more in the warm months. Kudos to this classy, well-organized event that has become a Wiscasset classic. 

It takes two: Whether you wanted the school budget that passed Sept. 4 or wanted to send it back to the school committee for a third try, the voting results, 123-121, were a reminder how important it is to take part.

On a completely unrelated note, one school committee member lauded another Sept. 10 as Tracey Whitney praised Jonathan Barnes for his service as a Wiscasset police officer. The comments came after Barnes aided Police Chief Lawrence Hesseltine with Narcan after the chief's apparent exposure to Fentanyl on a call. Whitney said the community is very lucky to have Barnes. Barnes credited everyone involved in that emergency, calling it a total team effort.

The Friends of Wiscasset Public Library group reported the revenue from this year's Bands for Books, Labor Day fundraiser surpassed 2024's. The group's donations of thousands of dollars a year aid the library's summer reading program, inter-library loan system and more.

Wiscasset Area Chamber of Commerce surprised retiring manager Pat Cloutier with a party in her honor. Cloutier's dedication to Chamber members and to building and maintaining the Chamber's strong partnerships with the community have set a standard of the can-do approach that can make all the difference.

Speed round: Wiscasset's E.J. Dupont was weeks into his job directing the Maine State Ferry Service; Bangor Savings Bank helped Wiscasset Elementary School fourth graders learn about public speaking and more, and then surprised the class with $350 to buy mulch for the school's learning pavilion; in nearby Alna, volunteers made progress on the latest year of the community garden; First Congregational Church of Wiscasset bid farewell to interim pastor David Meyers and welcomed the Rev. John R. Hogue as its settled pastor; and Wiscasset recognized Linda Perry at her 10-year mark as town clerk, and John Merry for 50 years on the fire department. 

This two-month catch-up places us at the precipice of the final quarter of our 2025 run of five good things a month. Shorter days and colder nights cannot be stopped. Neither can Wiscasset.