Ocean Point

Lately the sun had been pouring passive solar beams of warmth into the house. There was deep green grass and dry roads to walk the dogs. Once there was actually a startling thunder and torrential rainstorm, which seemed strangely out of season. When the roads are wet, our two little dogs are like absorbent mops on their underneaths, getting sopping wet and muddy.

But today, January 14 th , the snow is tumbling down as if each flake is in a race to cover the ground first. The ground is again heaped high with smooth white blankets of snow. After all, it is January. Now our dogs get stuck in the snow banks because their little legs are too short.

The Penguin Plunge held in Grimes Cove on New Year's Day raised $1,500 in pledges for YMCA swim lesson scholarships. That was cool, in more ways than one.

The Whitehouse family members have summered for many generations at the Point. Mary Elizabeth Whitehouse and her husband, Dr. Frank Whitehouse, filled their home with the laughter of children and friends every summer at the cottage. Our community lost a friend and neighbor when Elizabeth passed on recently. I would like to send our sincerest sympathy at this time of sorrow and loss to the extended family.

This area has been busy lately, with two boat launchings last Friday in East Boothbay. Hodgdon Yachts launched a prototype vessel for the Navy Special Operations, designed to run in deep and shallow waters, with many improvements over existing crafts. It was christened with dignitaries and the traditional bottle of champagne, with high hopes that further vessels will be produced here in Maine.

Washburn & Doughty launched a new tugboat, the essential workhorses that keep the larger boats out of trouble.

Speaking of trouble, Boothbay Harbor Shipyard is repairing the J. & E. Riggin, a 1927 oystering boat, now used to sail the coast with passengers. On December 8 th the boat was allegedly vandalized by two teenagers, who cut the bow lines, causing her bow to be damaged from banging under the dock. The tradition of top quality craftmanship in boat building here in this region is highly recognized and appreciated.

What does all this have to do with Ocean Point? It is an important part of our economy and our traditional heritage, as much as lobstering, fishing, and lighthouses. So when you are stopped for a while near the store by a very long truck struggling to turn into the boatyard, it is only a minor inconvenience for us. Often a few long trucks go astray, and find out that Ocean Point corners are often impassible and require a tow truck to get them out, as happened a few days ago. Turn your car around if you can and take three deep breaths. It is another sign of progress and success!

Contact me at: (207) 633-3669 or e-mail: waldman1@roadrunner.

com . If you need more OP information, look up: http://www.brfrbo. com or http://oceanpointcolony trust.org/.