Soon we will reopen the doors to the historic Lincoln Theater. While we have instituted several new processes and procedures for this time of COVID-19, this week we thought we would focus our column on our new ticketing process.

The Island sounds and sights foretell changes. Thinning ice layers. Dripping rain rolling off the roof lines. Less crunch more slop underfoot. The dog is always wet.

During these pandemic moments of joy here in the Villas, my new home, I would like to varnish them and keep them forever in my memories. The moments of gloom I want to paint with black paint to obliterate from my memory.

This is another one of those difficult subjects to write about in this column, because I’m not really sure how many readers it actually applies to. This happens on such a frequent basis though, I’m going to throw it out there anyways, just in case …

These words from an old column I wrote years ago about our B&B in Maine brought to mind the pandemic we are living in now. This is a time of growth, challenges, change, and connection. Each day we are facing new challenges, our schedules are changing, and we have a stronger connection with family and friends.

Maple trees will begin to be tapped over the next several weeks. March is traditionally maple sugaring season in Maine, but trees can be tapped in the latter part of February. If the weather cooperates, sap buckets will soon reappear in sugarbushes across Lincoln County. If not, look for rows of buckets to be hung in early March.

Dr. Kenelm Winslow was the first physician in Newcastle, according to the Rev. David Quimby Cushman in his book, “The History of Ancient Sheepscot and Newcastle.” Winslow practiced here in 1763. His house was on the Newcastle side of the Damariscotta River, at a run of water, next to a rock in the bay. It was southward of Christopher Hopkins’ place. Winslow’s farm, near the Hon. E. Wilder Farley’s place, was later purchased by Col. George Barstow. The late Mrs. Barstow resided here for many years.