Westport Column: Fishing trip, plant swap and more

Mon, 05/07/2018 - 7:00pm

Hello friends and neighbors!

Congratulations to Westport’s own Mary Ellen Barnes, who is a recipient of the United States Small Business Administration’s (SMB) 2018 Economic Development Champion Award for Maine. As executive director of the Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission, Mary Ellen assists in public planning, project development, and grant writing for community facilities and services. Mary Ellen is touted by her peers for exemplifying collaboration, dedication, and hard work. She has shown extraordinary efforts in helping small businesses start up and become successful in Lincoln County. She was honored recently at an SMB celebration at Harraseeket Inn in Freeport. It couldn’t happen to a nicer person. Thanks for your hard work, Mary Ellen!

Spring is the season when tuna run off the coast of Cape Hatteras, North Carolina. This year Bob and Ann Springhorn along with Dewey and Anne Harris joined Bill Christman and several generations of his family at their seasonal home in North Carolina to try their luck on a fishing charter. Starting in Morehead City, six stalwart fishermen chartered the vessel Bill Collector for a two-hour ride out to the Gulf Stream. Despite several meager showings, the crew managed to catch six tunas, one wahoo, and one mahi-mahi. The waves swelled larger as the day progressed, so the return ride was longer and more energetic. Still the men smiled proudly as they displayed their catch of the day on the dock upon their return.

Mark Saturday, May 19, on your calendars if you want to participate in the Westport Community Association’s Garden Plant Swap and Raffle at the Old Town Hall from 9 to 11 a.m. If the deer and porcupines haven’t decimated your entire yard (like they did ours), bring a plant or two or find a new specimen to decorate your garden. Refreshments and beverages will be provided. Per usual, any donations to Helping Hands Food Pantry are always appreciated.

Happy Mother's Day to all those unsung heroines who have given so much of themselves for others. If you are lucky enough to still have your mother, don’t miss the chance to tell her how much you care.

Contact your newshound pat-dick@midcoast.com or call 231-4049.