It's that time of year again. Snow is on the ground, Christmas decorations have been packed away, school vacations are over, and a New Year is beginning.

We ended the year 2007 on a high note at the Community Center with our Holiday Fun Workshop on December 17 and our Christmas Party on December 19.

About 15 ladies attended the workshop. We decorated the Christmas tree, made candle centerpieces, wrapped children's gifts, ate cookies, drank mulled cider, enjoyed lots of laughs and had a great time.

The officers and trustees served a delicious dinner at the Christmas Party to about 45 very appreciative Barters Islanders. We had a large ham, and a turkey with all the trimmings, in addition to many tempting appetizers and desserts brought by the guests. The hall looked very festive with the candle centerpieces (made at our workshop) and the Christmas tree laden with children's gifts, all beautifully wrapped. It was a truly festive evening as everyone seemed to be in the holiday spirit. We would like to send a special thank you to Santa for delivering a gift to every Island child.

The first event of 2008 will be our usual Potluck Supper on Wednesday, January 16, at 6 p.m. We'll be looking forward to seeing our friends and neighbors (and hopefully some new faces). Just bring an appetizer, main dish, salad or dessert and help us celebrate the New Year.

Don't forget!! We're hoping to receive some recipes for our Barters Island Cookbook. Progress is slow and we need all your help. Please submit your recipes as soon as possible to Lorraine Hodgdon, P.O. Box 401, Trevett, ME 04571. We will also be holding a contest to decide what name will appear on the cover and the winner will receive a free cookbook. Please don't put your name on your entry, just your phone number.

Wishing you all a very healthy and happy 2008!