Over a March weekend, teams from St. George, Rockland, Thomaston, Camden and Cushing participated in the 23th annual Mussel Ridge Hoops Tournament. This year's event was a huge success as usual and would not have been possible without the collective efforts of many, many individuals and businesses. I would like to thank the following for their selfless contributions that allowed nearly 80 2nd, 3rd and 4th graders to experience first rate competition and hospitality, while raising over 5000 dollars for the St. George Recreation Boosters who support recreational offerings for the young people of St. George.

Thank you: St. George Town Office Staff, particularly Patty St. Clair and Tara Elwell;

St. George School Staff, particularly Jan Letourneau, Randy Elwell, Cheryl Worthing, and Janet Harjula;

St. George Recreation Committee – Missy Gill, Meghan Benner, Gary Minery, Ann Hoppe, Summer Ward, Cassie Kilbride, Jaime MacCaffray, Bryan Morse and Brandon Caron;

community members Cindy Hall, Davin Putansu, Dan Miller, Tracy Leavitt, Peter Henderson, Angie Vachon, Dave Schmanska, Jeanne Andreasen, Raymie Upham, Michael Cushman; and innumerable people who donated food or their time to help.

Thanks to business sponsors: The Black Harpoon, Beckett's Auto Service, Wa2Much Trucking, Midcoast Diesel, Brooks Trap Mill, Superior Bait and Salt, Maine Coast Petroleum, The Miller Family, St. George Realty, Port Clyde Co-Op, Benner Marine Transport, J.K. Kalloch, G.C. Minery Plumbing and Heating, Harbor Builders, Fuller Chevrolet, Haskell's Water Treatment, Mainely Boats, Leo Construction, Midcoast Marine Supply, Hoppe's Tree Service, Gill Timber Frame, Heal Accounting, Union Fair Auto, The Happy Clam, Jess's Market, Cushman Creative, P.E. Handyman and Builders, Maine Real Estate Network, Hammer Down Construction, First National Bank, Puffins' Nest, St. George Community Sailing, St. George Community Development, J.D. Miller Construction, TJ's Lite Excavation, DJ Dan Miller, Lorraine Construction, Linda Bean Lobster, Perle Photography,Wiggins Meat Market, Rockland Ford, Midcoast Duct Cleaning, Yard Bird Canteen, Neighbor to Neighbor and Maine Printing.

Thanks also to Mark Haskell and Ron Hawkes for their tournament coverage.

Finally, a sincere thank you to the players, coaches and fans for their help in making Mussel Ridge a success. What a great team effort by all involved.

Ben Vail is the St. George Parks and Recreation Director