By Tom Seymour

338-9746

tomgseymour@gmail.com

We in Waldo woke up on the first day of spring only to face more than a foot of new snow. I understand that Punxatawny Phil, the woodchuck who predicted an early spring, is facing bribery charges ... he accepted carrots in exchange for his false prediction.

In other news, Kelly Jacobs reports that the Waldo Boosters have moved their Italian Bistro night to April 6, from 4-6 p.m. at the Waldo Town Hall. Menu includes homemade manicotti, authentic Italian lasagna, pasta with homemade sauce and meatballs, toasted garlic bread, fresh tossed salad and a variety of desserts. Proceeds will benefit local families.

Reader writes

Here is a note from Dale Whitmore to readers of the Republican Journal. If anyone would like to answer, just contact me. Here’s Dale:

“Many years ago, 1969 as a matter of fact, I left the town of Waldo to seek my fortune in this big world out here, first by pledging the next 4 years of my life to the United States Marine Corps, then upon discharge moving to Brunswick. I now live in Freeport, serve on two different town boards here, plus numerous ad-hoc committees, and enjoy reading the Journal, the articles, the editorials and the town news.

"I often wonder though, how many of the people I went to school with (Mount View 1968) [and how many of my] teachers are still kicking around Waldo County. I haven't been able to say that I recognize many names in your column, but I'm sure there must still be some around up there that I know."

Perchin’ prediction

We have only three days until opening day of trout fishing in brooks and streams. Will the weather cooperate? Will trout bite? Stay tuned until next time for the answer.

Bird reports

I saw my first red-winged blackbird of the season last Friday. Also, observer Dan Avener reports seeing a song sparrow, a killdeer and a woodcock.

Town meeting

Waldo Town Meeting will begin at 9:30 a.m. on March 30 at Waldo Town Hall. See you there.

Weekly quote

Writing in a late 19th-century newspaper, Mrs. Bessie G. Raymond said: “Never pour cold water on beans that have once been heated or boiled, as that hardens the shells.” Just remember, you heard it here first.