After I wrote about MDOT doing paving on West Alna Road during last week’s school vacation, they changed their mind. It will be done some time in May; no date given yet. Sorry about this mistake.

Jeff Verney has lifted the road posted signs. Truck traffic will be heavier so please be aware of this.

The big light in the parking lot had to have wiring replaced. Chris Cooper planted crocus of many colors along the topsoil, covering the conduit pipe. Friday they had poked up through and were so pretty. Now this is the first real sign of spring for me anyway. Thank you, Chris, and also for the new cork board you put up in the office. Amy's message board now looks neat and organized

Our birthdays from April 26 to May 2 are: Cindie Averill, Kelani Cundy, Tyler McGhee-Thompson, Peggy Averill, Joesph Barth, Michael Trask, Charles Hinckley, Ryran Urquhart, Nikolai Brank, Aaron Weisablum, Maylene Mitchell and Bonnie Hardman. Have a day filled with good memories and lots of affection from family and friends.

The Friends of the Head Tide Church are having their annual Baked Bean Supper on May 4 at 4:30 p.m. till food is gone. It’s being held at the Alna Fire Station.  The cost is $7 for adults and $3 for children age 10 and under.

The Hidden Valley Nature Center (HVNC) loves dogs. Starting April 28, Sunday's will be open to dog walks. A “puppy play date” will meet at 1 p.m. at the gate. This is meant for well-behaved dogs that are friendly and like to play with other dogs. You and your dog can stay as long as you want. This will be an informal meet up lead by Jane Solozano with her puppy, Carmen. For more information, call 207-200-8840.

Gary Hayward, co-founder of HVNC, is stepping down as director. Gary welcomes new director, Andy McEvoy, who has been assisting him in managing the 1,000 acres of woods. He has served as a forestry coordinator for the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association for the past year. He grew up in Maryland, went to Colby College,  and has a degree in biology. Like Gary, his ultimate goal for the HVNC is to create a community of sound stewards of our environment. Andy and his wife Liz live in Alna just down the road from the nature center. Glad to know we have another new couple on Egypt Road. “I'm glad to be able to bike, hike or ski to my work,” Andy says.

Gary is glad to have a man like Andy to take over as director. Gary will continue to work and play at HVNC in a less visible, but no less important capacity.

Looks like the weatherman still doesn't know we are supposed to be having warm, dry days. Hope he gets the message soon, summer will be here and gone before we know it. Have a good week.