Spring has sprung and the grass has rizzed. And we know when and where the April potluck supper is -- April 16 at the BICA hall (24 West Side Road) starting at 5:30. We’re back to the fun times of gathering and socializing with our neighbors every third Wednesday of the month at the hall.  

Thanks go out to Emily and Tony and Kim and David for hosting gatherings in their homes during the winter. And a thank you to Marianne for also offering but getting cancelled due to lack of parking because of too much snow. These are great times to enjoy good company and excellent food in a home setting during the off season.  

Special thanks to Bill and his crew for getting the water running and the heat on so the hall is ready for its first guests of the new season. For the potluck, please bring either a main dish, a side or salad or a dessert to share. As always water and coffee will be provided but you are welcome to bring your beverage of choice. If you have any questions or if you would like to volunteer to help host a potluck, please reach out to Kim at 207-350-5993.  

The agenda is already filling up. Next up on the calendar will be our third annual island trash pickup. This is scheduled for Saturday, April 19 so mark your calendars. Safety vests, gloves and bags will be provided and available for pickup at the 16th potluck or at the hall the morning of the 19th. All volunteers will be rewarded with pizza at the hall at noon. Pizza will again be provided by Sandy and Rob. Bring your own beverage if you want something other than water. If you would like to help but are not available on the 19th, no problem, just pickup ahead of time whenever it is convenient for you. If you would like to pitch in, please email Louise at pandlcowan@hotmail.com. If you have a preferred area you would like to volunteer for or if you would like the section you did last year, please mention that. 

There will also be an outside cleanup at the hall planned for the same Saturday. Bill will be looking for 4-5 people to help take care of leaves and “natures trimmings.” There may be some brush trimming as well. If you would like to help at the hall you can text Bill at 617-968-2688. This volunteer effort qualifies you for pizza as well. 

Probably the most important date for the calendar is July 5. This is the date for the Better Than A Yard Sale. This has been BICA’s most successful event and is the only fundraiser for the year. The funds raised cover much of the expenses that keep BICA going.  

It is not too early to think about contributing to the Better Than A Yard Sale and spring cleaning is always a good time to start setting aside your no longer needed amazing items to donate. This year only cook books, gardening books, books with a Maine theme or books by a Maine author are requested. As a reminder, clothing, large pieces of furniture or electronics are not accepted. Again this year indoor and outdoor plants will be requested so if you are able to help in that area it would be appreciated. Baked goods will also be needed. The list of wants is not yet complete so keep an eye out for further updates. If you have items ready now but are not able to keep them until July please let Suzanne know as well as directing any questions regarding the sale to her at 207-350-6161 or email sherman5825@roadrunner.com.  

And don’t forget that Stanley Sr. and Loriann operate Seacoast Redemption located at 15 Hardwick Road. They will donate the value of your returnable to BICA if you let them know. They are located next to Dolphin Mini Golf.  BICA appreciates the generosity of Stanley Sr. and Loriann.