Super Bowl Sunday, the great American secular holiday. A chance to gather with friends and family and watch what is typically a pretty mediocre football game. For many of us, the game isn’t really the point. It is about a shared experience, the commercials, complaining about the halftime show. For me, it is planning elaborate snacks that will cover as dinner. My wife and boys love the game, though, as they make their pleasure and/or displeasure known with extremely loud vocalizing which startles the dogs. And possibly the neighbors, half a mile through the woods.

The fact that the game features our New England Patriots, possibly America’s most hated franchise, will make it all the better. Let’s go Drake Maye!

Today, however, I am writing about a different sporting event, one held much closer to home. For years, I have been avoiding the Toboggan Championship. When the event smaller, and I was a lot younger, it was a lot of fun. It got a little too big, a little too social for this Lincolnville curmudgeon.

It was Saturday’s success of the three man team The Hose Beaters, made up of Lincolnville guys, that brought me out on a Sunday morning. The Hose Beaters consist of Ben Hazen, Don Fullington, and Brandon Allen. Their four man team, The Axe Grabbers, also includes Shawn Surbey, but they were eliminated early Sunday.

Tracee dropped me off mid-morning, likely looking to get me out of the house. Hosmer pond had been turned into a village of tents and trailers carrying ice shacks. Within a minute of exiting Tracee’s truck, I was questioning my decision; the wind was whipping, and I regretted not bringing a facemask. 

Thankfully, soon after getting onto the ice, someone recognized me, though it took me a moment to place the two inches of face the gentleman had visible. He was able to direct me to the green trailer with an American flag flying, where the Lincolnville crew had made their base camp.

Inside, it was snug and warm, with a pot of chili bubbling on the woodstove. I love to write about community, and community was there in spades. Walking around with the boys, I was able to hear about the history of this event from those who were there from the beginning. Rivalries years in the making. 

I also was regaled with the saga of the three-man yellow toboggan built by Andy and Ben Hazen for the now defunct Andrew’s Brewing Company team. When Ben decided to return to the sport, his dad Andy revealed that he had sold the sled. Phone calls were made, the sled had changed hands, and it was eventually determined to be currently owned by none other than Lincolnville icon Todd Young, Ben’s boss when he isn’t driving the school bus. Good old Toddy graciously allowed The Hose Beaters to ride the sled to a second place finish in 2025.

Overall, in spite of a windchill far below zero, spirits were high, grilled meat, chili, and cold beverages were shared freely. Locals mingled with those from away, toboggans flew down the chute, racers walked a little unsteady after coming to a rest on the frozen surface of Hosmer Pond.

As of writing this, it appears that The Hose Beaters will not replicate their winning finish of last year, but there is always 2027. Maybe it isn’t really about the trophy and bragging rights- well it is, but come February in Maine, we take what we can get. A bunch of old friends, chili and grilled meat, and a frozen pond. Now to get the Super Bowl snacks prepared.

Budget Season

At 6 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, the Select Board will meet at the Town Office to hear budget requests for the next year.

I often write about the opportunity and responsibility we have to take an active role in where your tax dollars go. Attending one or both of these meetings, in person or watching via YouTube, is a great place to start.

There are many more meetings to come, but this is where the first steps happen, to ensure that our little town will have the funds to keep running into 2027, that the roads will be maintained, the fire department funded, our beaches kept clean, and the snow gets removed.

Library Happenings

Thursday, February 12 at 3 p.m. will be cribbage for everyone. My dad loved cribbage, and used to play against his nieces and nephews when they would visit, but I never learned to play until a power outage a few years ago when my wife taught me. I lost gloriously.

From 12 to 2 p.m. Friday February 13, learn to play MahJong. Also on Friday, join AARP experts from 2 to 3 p.m. for Fraud Prevention.

Finally, on Saturday, February 14 from 10 to 11 a.m. kids are invited to make and take Valentine’s cards. Materials will be provided.

Alright, Lincolnville, go make it an awesome week. If you have a secret crush, now is the time to act, Valentine’s Day is Saturday. Don’t tell anyone, but there is a special girl I have been noticing. I keep running into her in the living room, helping me bring in firewood for Ma, leaving piles of clean laundry folded for me at the end of my bed. I think I should make her a card.

Do good and be good. Reach out at ceobrien246@gmail.com.

Municipal Calendar

Monday, February 9

Select Board, 6 p.m., Town Office

Tuesday, February 10

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Select Board/Budget Committee, 6 p.m., Town Office

Thursday, February 12

Library open 3-6 p.m. 208 Main Street

Conservation Commission, 4 p.m., Town Office

Select Board/Budget Committee, 6 p.m., Town Office

Friday, February 13

AA Meeting 12:15 p.m., Community Building, 18 Searsmont Road

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Saturday, February 14

Library open 9-12, 208 Main Street

Sunday, February 15

United Christian Church, 9:30 a.m. Worship and Children’s Church, 18 Searsmont Road

Bayshore Baptist Church, 10 a.m. Sunday School for All Ages, 10:40 a.m. Coffee and Baked Goods, 11:00 a.m. worship, 2648 Atlantic Highway