This Thursday, March 20, parents of Westport students have a chance to learn more about Lincoln Academy. LA’s Head of School David Sturdevant, and Director of Counseling and Studies Sarah Wills-Viega will be at an open house at 7 p.m. at the Town Hall to talk about the high school’s academics, campus and student activities, with a question and answer session to follow.

Looks like some important local offices could use your time and skills! On June 10, we’ll be voting for a third selectman, a school board member, and five new budget committee members. Nomination papers for candidates (please think about it!) are now available at the Town Clerk’s Office until April 29. Stop in and learn more about these offices, required paperwork, etc., during office hours: Tuesdays, noon to 7 p.m. and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Coming up next week, the Cottage Pantry shifts to different hours and days (hooray for spring), and will be open Monday, March 24, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tuesday, March 25, 5 to 7 p.m.

We’re all keeping an eye on shrinking snow banks and the slow uncovering of grass and dirt in our yards. It still will be some time before we can poke in the garden, though. On Sunday, April 13, Kyle and Angie from the Squire Tarbox Farm will talk about “The In's and Out’s of Composting.” This program, sponsored by the Westport Community Association, will teach us about the science behind composting, and how to start and manage a compost pile at your house. They’ll also talk about organic raised bed gardening. Bring your questions and knowledge to this fun workshop, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Town Hall.

Another sign of the season, the annual Knox-Lincoln Soil and Water Conservation District Spring Plant Sale is underway! Lots of new varieties and old favorites are available including fruit trees and berries, conifers, native and native-friendly trees and shrubs for landscaping, wildlife and conservation, Maine-grown native perennials and herbs. Check out their website www.knox-lincoln.org (look for Sales and Special Events) for info about ordering, and lots of details about the plants and best soils. The pick-up dates for pre-orders are Saturday, May 3 and Sunday, May 4 at the Union Fairgrounds (not too far from Route 235 out of Waldoboro). Or give District Coordinator Hildy Ellis a call at her Rockport office, 207-596-2040.

Interesting film program at the Lincoln Theater this Sunday afternoon, March 23. The Theater is presenting the Camden International Film Festival's Aging in Maine Film Tour with a documentary feature, “The Genius of Marian,” a brief public discussion about aging and a series of short films. It’s at 1 p.m., and tickets are $8 adult/$6 for LT members and youth 18 and under. The documentary is about a woman diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease who is trying to preserve her own mother’s legacy. We’re all aging, and maybe at the same time watching our parents, grandparents or good friends age, but we’re not alone in this.

Collecting more ideas about books to share with you. When you headed south for some warmth, what did you read on the beach? When the house was quiet and you were the only one home, what did you reach for? Glad to pass on your suggestions for fun or serious books, comics or how-to’s.

It doesn’t seem right, the Celtics losing to a team called the Pelicans.

Watching the big moon rising in the east at mewbarnes2@yahoo.com or 207-882-6055.