This is about to get funny, eventually.

Most local meetings are part housekeeping such as payroll and minutes approval, part dry as in updates on roadwork or other repairs, and at times passionate with varied, sometimes clashing views on an issue. The minor, we don’t bother you with because it isn’t new or news that selectmen approved the payroll again; we do often note officials’ updates as those might impact readers’ taxes or their commute, or recreation. And of course if people get debating, that shows a high interest in the topic and it will quite possibly be high up in the article.

But like a serious movie or otherwise serious newscast, a little levity helps. It can break the tension or bring smiles even if there was no tension. So here is a sampling of what, unless you tuned in on Zoom or UberConference or Youtube, you recently missed that did not make the articles but will hopefully make you smile:

“You can, I don’t know if he’ll answer you.” – Wiscasset Selectman’s Chair Pam Dunning to Selectman Jeff Slack on Youtube and Zoom Nov. 17, after Slack asked if he could ask Town Manager Dennis Simmons a question

“I don’t know if I’ll answer you but go ahead.” – Simmons (smiling) to Slack 

“I don’t blame you, Dennis.” – Slack 

“Unmute yourself, Ralph. (Laughing) I never thought I’d have to say that.” – Alna Second Selectman Doug Baston on Zoom Nov. 18 to resident and longtime town volunteer and selectmen’s meeting attendee Ralph Hilton 

“I guess I have a bad internet connection, living down on the poor end of town here.” – Ralph Hilton

“Al Doman, from the north end of North End Road.” – Doman, introducing himself on Westport Island selectmen’s Uberconference meeting Nov. 16 before sharing results of the broadband committee’s survey

“I can make it. I’m retired. Life’s good.” – Alna planning board member Beth Whitney on Zoom Nov. 10 as members made plans.

Week’s partly positive parting thought: I see a lot more masks being worn since the state mandate. If you can wear one and do not, please give us all something to be thankful for and wear one.