Fay Adams, our Select Chairperson, tells me that the Select Board is meeting every other Monday instead of the 1st and 3rd Mondays–so, remember, the next meeting is scheduled is for Monday, July 25 …. usual time 6 p.m. at the Smith Hall.

Register at the Strong town office or the New Vineyard library for the annual swimming lessons. This program runs from July 25 through August 5; Monday through Friday. No fee will be charged for children who live on the lake, or in Strong or New Vineyard. The program is open to all other children at a minimum fee of $10 per child per week. Level 5 and 6: start at 8:30 through 9:10; Level 4 starts at 9:20 though 9:50; Level 3 starts at 10:00 through 10:30; Level 2 starts at 10:40 through 11:10; and Level 1 starts at 11:20 through 11:50. This program is sponsored by Porter Lake Association and the towns of Strong and New Vineyard. This is not a MSAD #58 nor a RSU #9 sponsored program. Take advantage of this and ENJOY.

Take time to stop at our library and admire the log home made by Lenny Ellis. It is certainly a work of art and includes a stone fireplace and chimney among the hand made furniture.

Speaking of the library, applications for the part time librarians need to be submitted by Friday, July 15 for consideration by the library board.

Our most sincere condolences to the families of Barbara Toothaker, Marjorie Howard, and Stacy Haines (whose dad is Clyde Barker who grew up on the Barker Road and schooled here at Roosevelt Grammar). Each of them has touched so many lives here in our town and will be so, so missed by the so many relatives and friends.

Lewis and Shirley Holbrook celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in June. A gathering was held recently at their home on Lake Street also honoring them of their 80th birthdays. Nearly 100 percent of their family made it a splendid occasion and the weather was most favorable.

Gardens are flourishing with the excellent rain over the past weekend. The deer are enjoying mine during the night. I have been tempted to sit in the garden at night with a broom to chase them off since I don’t have a gun. With my luck, l’d fall asleep in my chair and fall over, then someone would have to come to the rescue and help me up. Therefore, I turn on the porch light during the night and ring my wind chimes so, if my neighbors wonder what the noise is, it’s only the old woman trying to preserve her garden that she spends so much time in!

A referendum to validate the vote of the RSU #9 budget meeting will be held Thursday, July 28 at the Smith Hall from 1 – 7 p.m. If, for some reason, you cannot attend this important matter, you can request a ballot and vote in the presence of the town clerk during office hours on Friday July 15 through Monday, July 25.

Sue Lambert is to be praised for her working on the fire department building for the outstanding face lift it is receiving.

The next planning board meeting is scheduled for July 28.

“Believe you can and you’re halfway there.”