I wasn't sure whether to do a year two of our monthly list of good things that happened in or near Wiscasset. We noted five things a month in 2025; it sometimes felt redundant to either the reporting or editorials on some of those things. But as we this week have been in a slight break from the cold, or at least from the daytime cold, with another cold seige expected, and Punxsutawney Phil's prediction Monday for six more weeks of winter, I thought, for these and other reasons, we should try to celebrate local positives as much as possible.

So, here are January's honorees, as we start to fete six good local things a month in 2026. 

Way to go, Winterfest goers, organizers and donors for raising money for the Cooper-DiPerri Scholarship Fund that helps people take part in parks and recreation programs. The fund makes a difference for people, and Winterfest helps remind the public of that every year.

Another longtime, much beloved local cause, Friends of the Wiscasset Public Library, announced it is turning 60 this year. So am I! And I do like books and all libraries, including Wiscasset's, whose website states WPL is "the oldest continuous circulation library in the country." Impressive, and so has been the work the Friends group has put in over the years, raising money for the library on a number of fronts. The group is planning to celebrate this anniversary year and we look forward to passing along the announcements. The first one is on this week's page 4 and at wiscassetnewspaper.com. And may we be among the first to say, "Happy Anniversary!"

Wiscasset's Museum in the Streets (MITS), a program of Wiscasset Creative Alliance, got a boost with the Snow Ball at The Ledges. The photos from Wiscasset's Bob Bond of 40 Federal Studio show what a good time the ball was.

Speed round: The last three things (disclaimer: There are always more than six good things that happen in and near Wiscasset in a month, but we have to stop somewhere) were Wiscasset Middle High School teacher Shari Templeton's observations on students' "empathy and humility and understanding"; Woolwich selectmen's hearing about Age-Friendly Communities of the Lower Kennebec's efforts in Woolwich and elsewhere to help senior citizens on transportation and other challenges; and the state's naming Boothbay-Wiscasset Regional Adult Education one of 12 "Top Performers."

Week's positive parting thought: Let's hope February is warmer and just as full of good local things.