So far I’ve tucked my shovel and snow scooper to the back corner of the garage. Many of you are far ahead of me in clearing your yards of stray branches, neatly sweeping up sand along the road, building new raised beds, and generally uncovering what winter left behind. Is it still too damp to till?

Now that we’ve got a start on our yards and gardens, there’s a few areas we see every day that need our attention. That’s right – it’s just about time for the Island Clean-up Day, organized by the Conservation Commission.

Come by the Town Hall at 9 a.m. next Saturday, May 4. Start the day with a cup of coffee and a muffin or doughnut for energy, grab a couple of bags, pick a road segment and then get started.

Ann Springhorn and the Conservation Commission are very experienced with setting volunteers off to where they’re needed, and with everyone helping out, they try and wrap up around noon. For any questions, please give Ann a call at 207-882-4477.

Unless it’s pouring rain, the clean-up will go on as scheduled. If the clouds confound this plan, the rain date would be the next day, Sunday, May 5. With more hands, our beautiful roadsides will be cleaned up in no time.

Last weekend lots of computers, printers, TVs, and all kind of e-waste went off the island and soon will be properly recycled. This weekend is a chance to get unwanted drugs out of your home – it’s the National Drug Take-Back Day on Saturday, April 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Local drop-off sites include the Lincoln County Communications Building (Conference Room) in Wiscasset, and Miles Memorial Hospital. Mainers have voluntarily returned unused pharmaceuticals for a number of years to keep them out of the environment and the hands of those who would sell or abuse them.

This day gives you a safe way to dispose of unused and expired medicine.

Don’t know how many of you are helping your parents or grandparents as they grow older. Families have been taking care of each other for generations, thought it’s not always easy to know what lies ahead, in terms of finances, health, or housing.

I noticed Spectrum Generations is hosting a panel discussion called “Start Talking: Gaining the Confidence To Have Difficult Conversations Across Generations” on Thursday, May 16, beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Coastal Center, 521 Main Street, Damariscotta. For info, call 207-563-1363. My family has learned by experience. Lots to know and to understand, and then learning how to talk with loved ones in a responsible caring way can be a challenge.

There’s a little time left to submit your name and papers for town positions to be voted on June 11. Official nomination papers are available at the Town Clerk’s Office until next Monday, April 29. You can run for a three-year term as 1st Selectman, Assessor and Overseer of the Poor, for one of two three-year seats on the Budget Committee, or for Road Commissioner (also a three-year term). Office hours are Tuesdays, noon-7 p.m. and Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Getting a new wheelbarrow ready for chores. Curious about your spring toils at mewbarnes2@yahoo.com or 207-882-6055.