I have a new fella in my life. His name is Waffles, but as with any pet, he has already gained a few nicknames, the most frequently used being “Waffi.”

Though it has been many days now since all the holiday decorations have come down and the wrappings have come off the holiday presents, and even as some gifts may have begun to lose their luster, there are those gifts that are rare, longer-lasting ones. We would like to share a few with you.

I’m sitting here in the dark. Not yet 4:30. But the sun is down. And it’s dark. Or at least heavy dusk. Sullen time. Contemplating time. Twilight time. Scout would be napping if she wasn’t at doggie day care. Kathy’s reading her second Christmas present book on the couch.

Being two weeks into the new year, I’m sure we’ve all been buzzing with opportunity. Whether you are a believer of New Year’s resolutions or not, the first of the year naturally provides a breath of fresh air and perhaps a bit more room to seek new opportunities and try new things.

Sorry I missed a few weeks at the end of 2022 but things were busy. Lots of paper and cardboard recycled. I worked with Dick Spear on preparing the 2023 transfer station budget. During that budget meeting I learned that the taxpayer saved $97,000 in disposal fees by recycling paper, cardboard, plastics, and glass.

The Midcoast certainly took a pounding in the rain and high intensity storm just before Christmas. So many people without power and so many lineman and tree crews from far and wide working hard to restore the power while away from their families. Many thanks to all. It was very strange that the store and surrounding houses up and down the street were without power but we had it at our house that is behind the store. Not that we were complaining but we did feel sort of guilty!

While our Nobleboro and Jefferson campuses are quieter during the winter months as educators from The Leadership School serve in residence at local schools, they are still an ideal setting for hands-on learning experiences in and around nature. Thanks to a three-year Innovation Grant from the Maine Department of Education, we create just that through after-school programs for sixth graders from Warren Community School in Warren and Miller School in Waldoboro.

Folks, this week wraps up year 2022, and I want to send out hearty note of cheers and good wishes to my friend John, and his lovely bride Frieda, who are closing up shop, at Stars Jewelry store, down on Main Street in Damariscotta after 28 years of serving the community.

Decarbonization and concerns about energy security argue in favor of a decentralized electric power grid. The war in Ukraine with its power outages also clearly illustrates the importance of decentralizing the power grid and microgrids.