Hello friends and neighbors!

Safe travels to all this week who may be visiting family and friends, enjoying a turkey dinner, and hopefully remembering to give thanks for the many blessings we all have. They say it is not happy people who are thankful, but thankful people who are happy.

If you want to partake of Nita Greenleaf’s free Thanksgiving meal at the Old Town Hall on Thursday from 1-4 p.m., please give her a call at 882-7139 or 882-6636. Nita and her daughter Joyce Spicer and friend Louise Speese will be preparing turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy and drinks for interested island residents. Donations to cover the cost are gratefully accepted. Nita’s husband Bud can provide transportation to the Town Hall or even home delivery of the meal. Many thanks to Nita and family for the love and generosity they are sharing with their island neighbors!

Wendy Thompson of Westport Educational Consulting reminds high school seniors and their parents that there is still time to take advantage of her college counseling services before Jan. 1 application deadlines. Services include college search and selection advising and application and essay review. Wendy’s background includes twelve years as an admissions officer at Bowdoin College (2000-2012) and she has been advising students since 2003. For more information, contact Wendy at westporteducationalconsulting@gmail.com or call 882-9932.

The Westport Community Association is diligently preparing for the annual Old Fashioned Christmas scheduled for Sunday, Dec. 4 at 3 p.m. at the Community Church (The time has been changed for the convenience of everyone). Pianist Carol Blake will join the Westport Island choir and congregated visitors in traditional holiday songs. Afterward an island honoree will initiate the first annual outdoor Christmas tree lighting, followed by refreshments with friends in the Town Hall. The word is out that Santa is planning a visit for the young and young of heart. Don’t miss out on the island’s traditional welcome to the season of giving!

Still moving those oak leaves before the first snow falls. Contact your newshound Pat at pat-dick@midcoast.com or 231-4049.