It's been a very busy and somewhat productive week for me. I finished up a porcelain doll I made for Nathan's 23 rd birthday. It was crafted using a photo of Nate when he was about nine years old and dressed in a karate outfit for Halloween. Anyone interested in trying their hand at a hand painted porcelain doll should give me a call. They are a lot of fun to make and you can bring a photo of a family member or just be creative!

On Thursday, Friday and Saturday, I worked with George and/or Gene, our CMA, on the assessing program. We managed to get most of the transfers for the past year into the computer. We're working diligently to get your tax bills out on time this year. Isn't that nice of us?

On Sunday morning I had the opportunity to join George and Ross, as the three selectmen of Westport Island, in taking the NIMS 100 and 700 courses required by Homeland Security. Getting certified allows us to apply for and receive certain federal grants. It is also the responsibility of the elected Road Commissioner to become certified and Garry Cromwell will be taking the class next week.

Please remember to put our July 12 event on your calendar. The Westport Volunteer Fire Department, along with the Community Association will put on their annual chicken barbeque that afternoon. The dinner begins at 5 p.m. featuring the usual picnic fare of chicken, coleslaw, corn on the cob and rolls. Desserts are provided by the Community Association and feature the biggest variety of homemade pies you've ever seen!

Once your tummy is full and you've had the chance to table hop, visiting with friends and neighbors, Eben Greenleaf and the Back to Basics bluegrass band will provide entertainment. This is always a packed event that people talk about all winter and look forward to all spring. DON'T miss it!

Remember, this event is open to everyone. There is no admission fee, though donations are always accepted. If you need a ride, please call a Human Resource Committee member or contact me to set something up.

The Maine Maritime Museum proudly launched a Songs of the Sea Concert Series to benefit The Bonyun Sea Music Endowment Fund, on Sundays this summer. The first concert was held June 22, and featured nautical singer-songwriter Bob Zentz and Maine singers Alison Freeman and Charlie Ipcar.

The second concert, July 20, will feature traditional nautical singer Bob Webb and Dave Peloquin. The third concert, August 17, will feature Castlebay and Roll & Go. All concerts begin at 7:30 p.m., include two sets with a break, and take place in Long Reach Hall at the Museum, 243 Washington Street in Bath. Admission is $10 for Museum members, $12 for the general public, half price for children aged seven to 17, free admission for younger children.

I received an email from Thomas Porter of Bay Shore Road informing me he is now a licensed independent agent with the Health Markets companies and can help area people with affordable health, life and disability insurance. Plus he is a field representative with the National Association of Self Employed which offers a wide variety of benefits to individuals and small business owners. These companies offer solutions to the spiraling costs of insurance and have benefits that were previously only available to larger companies. Call Tom if you'd like more information at 882-6152.

Lori, of Lori's Island Convenience Store, would like people to know they are still offering cold sandwiches, pizzas and burgers. Lori also makes finger roll platters for your parties, showers or other special occasions. Just call ahead for availability and prices at 882-9300.

Congratulations to Dana Cromwell on the birth of his first grandchild. Alestare Xion was born to Chrystine Cromwell on May 16. He is the great-grandson of Barbara Cromwell.

If you have an event, a business venture, or an announcement you'd like in this column, please contact me at 882-9032 or pbonyun@gwi.net.