Congratulations to Coach I.J. Pinkham for amassing 600 wins in his 40-year coaching career. His Boothbay Region High School teams have provided many tournament appearances over the years — perhaps more than any other Class C team over the past four decades. The community has supported him and has come to expect success, which he has delivered more often than not. Having coached with I.J. for four years as junior varsity boys coach in the early 1980s, I learned the dedication it takes to be a good coach. He has been involved in the YMCA basketball program — his feeder system — and his way of doing things hasn't changed much over the years, expecting respect for the game, for your teammates, the school and the community. Way to go coach ... now it's on to the tournament!

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As disappointed New England Patriots fans continue to mourn over the loss to the Denver Broncos in the AFC championship game on Sunday, all should take solace in the fact that four NFL teams have never been to the Super Bowl. The Patriots have won four in the Tom Brady era, lost two, and have been to the big game eight times in 30 years.

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All good things must come to an end and it appears that the Fishermen's Festival is over. Kudos to Brenda Blackman, Corey Pottle, Ryan Casey and the many others who kept the festival alive for a half-decade or more after the former regime of committee members retired. Great memories and please support the Festival committee in the future on any fundraisers for the upkeep of the memorial.