President’s Message: I know it is still March, but I am ready for spring. The piles of snow have melted from my yard, and I already see signs of growth everywhere.

One of the biggest indicators that spring is here, however, is the number of people outdoors exercising. And why not? Maine is the perfect place to get physical.

Whether you enjoy tackling trails and mountains or a leisurely stroll with the kids, the sport of biking is growing more popular each year. And what better place to bike than Midcoast Maine? From our rolling hills to sandy beaches, our region has all types of terrains suited for biking. You can bike just a few miles — or a hundred.

Before you hit the road or trail, however, be sure you get your bike tuned up by a professional. Proper tire inflation, chain tension, and lubrication for gears are just a few things you want taken care of before you need them.

Prefer to walk at your own pace instead of pedaling a bike? Hiking and wildlife watching are also great pastimes in our region. There are hundreds of quiet places that offer solitude and a wilderness experience.

Whether it be meandering up a sandy beach while bird watching or hiking an inland trail looking for deer or moose, spending time in nature will not only provide your body with exercise, it will provide your mind a chance to reflect on what is really important in life.

Before you hit the trail, make sure you’ve got the right gear for the trip. I always recommend you bring a day pack with extra water, first aid gear, a navigational device and change of socks when hiking.

Also, if it has been a while since you got out and stressed your body, it would be good to check with your physician first, too.

If you want to use your arms instead of your feet, try canoeing or kayaking. Excursions for both can be arranged through various chamber member businesses. Our area is covered with streams, rivers and waterways that allow for canoe trips of any length through diverse kinds of wilderness. Kayaking offers the same stunning opportunity for adventure, and sea kayaking is becoming popular up and down our Mid-coast.

Now, I must admit, my favorite forms of outdoor activity have shifted over the years. In my younger days, I use to love to ski, camp, fish, canoe and hike. Nowadays, I have traded it all in for the wondrous sport of golf.

Golfing in Maine is as beautiful as it gets. I have been told that Maine has more than 130 golf courses, and I am working on playing them all. As I did last year, I plan on starting my 2012 golfing excursions right here in Brunswick, followed closely by Sebasco Harbor Resort.

Our area really is a microcosm of the best Maine has to offer. No matter how busy your schedule gets this year, make sure you take plenty of time for you and your family to get outside and enjoy Maine’s great outdoors.

I know you’ll love it.

Upcoming Events: March’s Mid Day Chambers is Thursday, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Topsham Public Library, 25 Foreside Road. The presenter is Jay Martin, Maine’s Small Business Advocate, Office of the Secretary of State. He is an independent voice for Maine small business owners. His top priority is to assist small business owners who feel they are being treated unfairly or improperly by state agencies.

Come join Burgess Computer’s staff and friends at the official ribbon cutting at 4 p.m., followed by an open house, until 7 p.m. on Thursday. The location is their new building at 6 Oak Grove Ave. in Bath. The owners of the company, Michael Dorr, Matthew Rice and Jeanne Stanton, purchased the property over the summer of 2011 and recently completed renovations to the space.

Also celebrate the opening of a new business in our region: Resurface Skin & Body Health at 33 Bath Road. Its ribbon cutting is 5 p.m., March 20. Resurface is a full-service skin care and body health studio specializing in medical grade microdermabrasion and chemical peels, full body and target massage, pregnancy and deep tissue massage.

March’s Chamber After Hours is March 28 at Day’s Jewelers, Merrymeeting Plaza, Brunswick. Come and enjoy the camaraderie of other business people and view the latest in fine jewelry fashion and watches. To register for this event, call 725-8797 ext. 1 or go to www.midcoastmaine.com.

Members in the News: SMMC welcomes Seaside Technology and Kevin Morris Photographer to its membership.

The chamber proudly serves 660 businesses and organizations in the following communities: Arrowsic, Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Dresden, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Harpswell, Phippsburg, Richmond, Topsham, West Bath, Westport Island, Wiscasset and Woolwich.

news@timesrecord.com

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