Searsmont news – Waldo County VillageSoup

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get it done
One good thing about all that last bit of snow before it turned to mud and ice is how pretty it looks. Another reason is that Searsmonters feel good about a “job well done” when they move it far enough to get out of the house and into their car or truck and down onto the city’s plowed road.
Some chores have a beginning, a middle, and an end. You can step back, stretch your aching back, break the spasm out of your hands that gripped the shovel or snow blower, and say, “Well, that’s it.” It makes you think of other similar jobs, like stacking wood or filling bird feeders or pulling weeds in the garden.
Sure, you need to keep doing these things. But every time you’re done, it’s done. Full disclosure though: dishwashing isn’t on the list. It’s a real duty.
city office
Searsmont Selectmen met between snowstorms last week to cover a busy agenda. They interviewed a potential new town clerk (stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks) and discussed next year’s budget, insurance and a new auditor for Searsmont’s municipal financial statements. They also spoke to city office staff about HR policies related to timesheets, vacation time, and other employee benefits. It may not have been the most glamorous or exciting gathering in world history, but it gives you an idea of the details your elected officials must deal with on a regular basis.

Fenceline, Aldemere Farm is one of the landscapes by Hope artist Susan Dowley on display at the Searsmont Town Library. Courtesy of Jim Nickelson
library
A glance at the library’s monthly newsletter reminds Searsmonters that a Gentle Yoga program continues to be offered on Tuesday mornings at 10 a.m. each week. It is free, donations are gratefully accepted.
The library walls are resplendent (big word!) with representational landscape paintings in oil, gouache and pastel by Susan Dowley. The Hope artist, “inspired by the beauty of her immediate surroundings,” worked in Vermont and New Hampshire before coming to Maine more than 40 years ago. She has exhibited throughout New England and New Brunswick and now her work is on view here at the Searsmont Town Library until March 7th.
To be added to the newsletter email distribution list for a list of new books, films and CDs, or for more information about library programs or services, contact [email protected].
bits and pieces
Perhaps you still have time to plan a trip to the fire brigade’s public dinner at the fire station on Saturday, February 4, 5 to 7 p.m. The food will be plentiful and good to eat. More importantly, your $10 (only $5 for kids 12+) is a steal and all of the money goes to support the good people who keep Searsmont safe. See you there.
While jotting down dates, add Thursday 9 February 1:30pm when the Searsmont Historical Society welcomes Megan Pinette from the Belfast Historical Society. Megan will speak on ‘The Changing Industrial Waterfront: 1980 to 1990’ in the Community Building’s social room, highlighting the changes to the Port and Port of Belfast. Doesn’t seem that “historic” to older Searsmonters, but people will be there for the free talk, company, and delicious refreshments.
Impressive how well the city clears snow from the community center parking lot so Searsmonters can get to the winter transfer station on Saturdays. The roads aren’t too bad either considering there’s snow, mud, ice and rain.
Speaking of snow removal, Road Commissioner Chris Staples is reminding everyone that it’s illegal to plow or blow snow across a city or state highway. It’s bad enough that the end of almost every driveway now has tall piles of the white stuff. Makes it really hard to see what’s coming your way from both sides.
As more snow falls, the Searsmonters know it will be harder to find a spot to plow or blow. Sending it across the street will only make it harder to drive. And it’s kind of rude.
Here’s an impressive fact. According to the Town Office, only about 75 Searsmonters are about to pay a late fee for their canine license renewals. That means more than 425 will have completed their dog duty and completed Fido or Spike’s paperwork before the end of January.
The Fundraising Advisory Board and Cemetery Committee met last week. People should be proud of these appointed or elected volunteers and all of their neighbors who take the time to get Searsmont up and running. Gold stars all around.
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