Thanks to hundreds of hours of volunteer time; public support from the towns of Jefferson, Nobleboro, and Newcastle; the Maine Department of Environmental Protection; and current and former staff of Midcoast Conservancy, the invasive plant Hydrilla was not found in Damariscotta Lake in 2017. This is the first year that no Hydrilla has been found in either infested location since it was first discovered in the lake in 2009.

Volunteers Mike Stevens, Bill Thomas and Bob Ives are proud of the first Shaker-inspired oval boxes that they have made to benefit The Carpenter’s Boat Shop in Pemaquid. The boxes range in price from $25 to $55, depending on the size. A nesting set of the three larger boxes sell for $125. The boxes make great Christmas gifts.  

The Coastal Humane Society of Brunswick and Lincoln County Animal Shelter of Edgecomb will again have their annual Home for the Holidays special adoption event on Saturday, Dec. 16 at both of their locations, 30 Range Road in Brunswick and 27 Atlantic Highway in Edgecomb. The adoption event will feature dozens of puppies, as well as kittens, dogs, cats, and small animals for adoption.

Maine Robotics, with support from the Manton Family Foundation, is proud to present the 18th annual Maine First Lego League championship tournament on Saturday, Dec. 9. According to Tom Bickford, the state First Lego League coordinator and director of Maine Robotics, the program is an excellent opportunity for Maine youth to really learn about technology, programming, and science in general.

Christmas has always been a special time of the year, a time of gathering with friends and family, a time of gratitude and reflection on the blessings of the outgoing year. Yet for many families, it’s also a time of want and need, particularly for those with small children and in challenging financial circumstances. 

After a successful first outing, the committee behind the Villages of Light celebration has scheduled the 2018 event for Saturday, Nov. 24.