An introduction to this week’s newsletter from the editor of WMNN

Hi, Neighbors! I mentioned last week that we would be rearranging the schedule for alternating weeks, with “Week A” including free columns from Andover, East Bethel, and Locke’s Mills, and “Week B” including free columns from Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock. Because there is no column from Andover this week (Diana will be back next week!), we’re starting the new schedule with a “Week B”—Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock columns are free to everyone this week. The Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) column will continue to be free to all subscribers in each issue. And you can always upgrade from a free to a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to read all the town columns every week.

I was so very sad to hear about the passing of our East Bethel correspondent, Wally Ritz. Wally had written the East Bethel news for the Bethel Citizen for many years, and, although she had given up the column a while back, she eagerly came out of retirement when I asked her if she’d be willing to write for the online Western Maine Neighborhood News. Although she was residing in Bethel by then, she always made sure to note birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events of her former neighbors in East Bethel.

I am hopeful that someone from East Bethel might like to take over writing the column. Please contact me at amy.w.chapman@gmail.com if you are interested. In the meantime, I’ll try to keep it going with any news from East Bethel that comes my way, so please send that along to me, too.

The next Neighbors Feeding Neighbors community meal is on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church. This wonderful community initiative was very dear to Wally’s heart, and she was very proud of the work her daughter Samantha Mullen had put in to spearhead the project, which began in August of 2025 and has served over 700 meals to date.

From Neighbors Feeding Neighbors volunteer Beth Weisberger’s Facebook post:

“It was through these community meals that I had the pleasure of getting to know Wally. Now it’s our turn to show up for Sam and Wally, and to keep the momentum going on this community initiative.”

This month’s dinner will be a lasagna feast, and organizers are looking for donations of about six pans of lasagna, as well as side salads and desserts.

Sign up to bring food here:

https://docs.google.com/.../1apztwwuWALMrgPBG.../edit...

Can’t attend? Give to our community meal fund here:

https://account.venmo.com/u/bethel-neighbors

Since Wally isn’t here to write about the milestone birthday of one of East Bethel’s lifelong residents, please join me in celebrating Dorothy “Babe” Bartlett’s 90^th with these great photos from her party, provided by Rosie MacArthur.

Bethel News

Linda Howe

There are many events up and coming in the next couple of weeks in Bethel.

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors will take place on Tuesday, September 8^th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a free meal at the Methodist Church located on Main Street in Bethel. One of our beloved volunteers, Wally Ritz, passed away and she was a big supporter of feeding our Community. The kitchen at the Church will not be the same in her absence. I hope folks come out and support this community meal.

On Wednesday, September 9^th, the Bethel Senior Citizen Club will meet at Kowloon’s in Bethel for their monthly meeting. Doors will open early for the Seniors starting at 10:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 11 a.m. There will be a discussion on the upcoming Senior Turkey Train trip in October.

Bethel’s Harvestfest will be held on September 19th on the Bethel Common from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an event that welcomes the fall season.

Over in Bryant Pond, Jane Chandler will be presenting a slide show that depicts the people that helped to make Buck’s Ledge Community Forest a reality. This presentation is on Saturday, September 12^th, at 1 p.m. at the former UU Church on Grove Street in Bryant Pond. This event is open to the public.

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this weekly column. My son, Jonathan Howe, passed away on August 17th. The outpouring of love and support for Bob and I has been a blessing that has helped lift the spirit. Grief and joy live side by side. It will be a continuous journey of both emotions. Thank you to all who have expressed their love and concern in a variety of ways. Faith has helped us to move forward. God continues to be our rock and our refuge.

Peace to each and everyone one of us.

Please feel free to send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail.com

Gilead News

Lin Chapman

September has arrived and Labor Day is coming up this weekend. Children are back to school already. I remember that school used to start after Labor Day.

Gilead Historical Society

Claudia has been busy weeding the gardens and keeping them looking great.

The new opaque shades look great. They keep out the sunlight and when they are down, it is still possible to see outside.

Hugh and Pete painted the sign on the corner. Looks great. Hugh also gave the Whistle Post a new coat of paint.

That left the Bumper Stop that needed some attention. Pete painted the information with white paint so the words would be easier to read.

Aunt May’s letters continued-

Letter #6

Deutsches Heim Old Clock Tower

Venice, July 12, 1905

My dearest Family

Yesterday I sent off a letter telling you of our last days in Florence and now I shall attempt to give you a little idea of this fairyland for such it seems to me.

I have sent you postals of the Old Clock Tower with our rooms marked so you know something of our surroundings. But that picture doesn’t show half how interesting and quaint it is. We go into a narrow dark alley, then up and up a narrow stone staircase before we reach our rooms which are really delightful. We have two large double rooms both on the verandah which is all our own.

Directly in front of us is the Piazza with the Grand Canal just beyond. Between us and the canal is the pillar with the winged lion.

There are only three bridges across the Grand Canal, and the Rialto is the only one of interest. I was grieved to find that

Shakespeare’s Rialto was the fishmarket close by and not the bridge which has quaint little shops something like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

But to return to my chronological order. Sunday [July 9] just at sunset we took a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs, through the

narrow canals and came out on the Grand Canal just by the Rialto. The sunset colors reflected in the water and on these fine old

palaces made a picture I shall not forget.

We left Venice this morning at 8:20 and reached here (Milan) about 2 p.m.

We leave here tomorrow at 10 a.m., spend the night at Domo D’Ossola, the next day on to Brieg by Diligence, and on Sunday we reach Zermatt.

I wish I had time to write more, but it is late and the others have all gone to bed. Everything is well with us and it goes without saying that we are enjoying every day.

It is still very warm though nothing like Florence and we long for the snow covered Alps. I am sending this letter to Gilead as Lily said they might be away all through August. I shall be so glad when I hear from you that my first letter has been reviewed.

Much love to each and every one. May

Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com

Newry News

Amy Henley

I’m not sure where the summer went and how we could possibly be in September already, but we are. Fall is clearly on the way with cool mornings and even a few red leaves on the trees.

Corn, a few squash, pumpkins, and onions are the only things left in the garden. Carrots were picked and processed this past weekend. The crop was not that good this year with smaller carrots than usual and the mice had begun to chew the tops. Carrots have typically done well and we have an overabundance. Wondering why this year was different, I remembered I ordered these seeds from a different company. I will definitely not do that again.

Blackberry picking continued with another batch of muffins and a cobbler with the rest going in the freezer. I did have a pint that I ended up adding to pancakes one night for supper which were very tasty.

I’ve spent some time roaming around near the river and out in the woods looking for new flowers I have not yet observed on the app Seek which is neat. The app allows you to use your camera to identify plants and flowers providing you with the name and additional information. I recommend checking it out if this is something you are interested in. It seems like each year there are new flowers around and I often wonder where they came from.

The barn received a beautiful new roof thanks to A&G Carpentry. It looks great and it was amazing to watch them put up the 22-foot-long pieces of metal roofing. If we need any projects done, we’ll definitely be calling them again. Now work continues on jacking and replacing rotten beams and then some siding.

Just a reminder that the Town Office will be closed on Monday, September 7^th in observance of Labor Day and Wednesday, September 9^th for staff to attend training.

Tax bills went out in the mail on the 27^th. If you have not received one, please contact the town office or you can find them on the town’s website, newrymaine.org. Tax bills are sent to the owner as of April 1^st and courtesy bills are sent to new owners. Payments can be made on the town’s website using the AndroGov link, selecting real estate, entering your account number and tax year 2027. We suggest using an echeck for a $1 service charge. This is a safe way to ensure payments are received and not lost in the mail. Reach out to the town office with any questions or if you need assistance.

Have a great week. Feel free to send me your news to be included in the column next week to newrynews24@gmail.com.

Woodstock News

Linda Stowell

I can’t believe it’s September already! August was a wonderful month; lovely warm days, cooler nights, and just enough rain. I’m sitting outside as I write this (Monday), and it’s a perfect day.

I can’t help but observe things around me outside, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the top of this Eastern White Pine is loaded with cones! I can even see the pitch, which sparkles in the sunshine.

Some years there is pitch everywhere, making it tough to be on the patio. That is not an easy thing to clean up. When I was a kid, and playing outside all the time, I would often come home with pitch somewhere on me. My mother would get the can of Crisco out and that would do the trick.

I had a great visit with my friend Jane. We spent quality time outside, and enjoyed visiting. I’m so very thankful for this friendship which has lasted since our college days. Like most “old friends,” we pick up where we left off.

The West Paris Universalist church will reopen the Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 13.

It was Saturday morning, when we were sitting out in the yard—Dave told me to look—and there was an all white hummingbird, zipping around and going to different flowers in the garden. I immediately grabbed my phone and went toward it, hoping to be able to catch it. Amazingly, I managed to capture the whole bird, as it was enjoying a bee balm flower. We watched it for a very short time, as it flitted about. Another hummingbird began to chase it, and then it took off. I felt very privileged to have observed it with my own eyes!

I posted this photo on the Maine Birds Facebook page, and it got a lot of attention there. It is a very rare thing to see one of these! It’s really all about being observant and watching what is around us. There is a lot going on on many different levels. I see hummingbirds on a daily basis, since I have a lot of blossoms in my yard. It would have been so easy to miss, but luckily, we didn’t!

My cucumbers and summer squash are still producing. The Sun Gold tomatoes are just starting to give a hefty handful daily. They are simply delicious.

School is back in session. My grandson Zack doesn’t start until this week, unlike many other districts, which returned last week. Grandson Josh is starting at CMCC, along with two of his friends. Ben is still at Charlie’s Subaru, and continues to learn more as he is sent to classes in Massachusetts.

Remember—this is coming up—soon!

Condolences to the family of Wally Ritz, who passed away last week.

My neighbors, the Franks, are having a sale at their house over Labor Day weekend, if anyone is interested. I keep thinking I will have one of my own, but I know the work that goes into it, and I’m just not that ambitious.

Last weekend, Sarah and Colin, along with three friends, Travis, Lex, and Cam, stayed at Hathaway’s Hideaway. They took a ride up to West Bethel to take a look at the Makerspace, where Travis will be a teaching a class on September 10. He will be instructing a class on making a “ditty bag.” Travis has taught numerous quilting classes in the Portland area, and is an avid sewer. I was a little surprised when he said the class was sold out, and that there are 8 people in it. Those taking it will have a great evening with T-Bag!

It’s that time of year when the monarch butterflies are hatching out and making their presence known. I have not seen any monarch caterpillars this year, but have seen the butterflies.

I just got word that my wood will be arriving on Thursday. Fun times!

Now to get the shed cleaned out and ready.

Every time I drive through town, I admire the new sign in front of the library. It’s such a great addition, and very easy to see. The last cookbook dinner at the library will be held on Monday, September 21, at 5:00. The theme for this meal is gourmet.

I happened to notice that the Franks had a visitor this morning--Christopher Spanks and his dog, Larry Bird. Larry got out of the VW bus and had a very vigorous play date with Bella. They played tag and had a fine old time running around, doing what dogs do. I thought it only fitting that I took the opportunity to photograph the two new friends. I should also mention that Larry is running for Mayor of Bethel, so get your vote in!

Enjoy these beautiful September days! And please send me any news or events:

lalalindastowell@gmail.com

AFCI News

Melinda Remington

September 2026/ Events of Interest to Older Folks & their Families

Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:

Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (Free walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail- 5 days a week) Updated schedule is posted each week on the Bethel Outing Club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/betheloutingclub/ Also look there for any weather updates or cancellations.

Davis Park, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am. “Buck’s Ledge Trail for All” Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursdays, 1:00-2: 00pm. Look at the Garden!

Games On! Thursdays (Sept. 3 & 24) Please note: No Games on 10^th& 17th this month) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, All Ages, sponsored by AFCI & Library) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.

Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (Sept.3,10,17, 24) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming group offers coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation

Village Makers Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond

Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (Sept.1,8,15,22,29)

12:00-1:00 pm (Free, sponsored by the library, bring snacks, crafts &games)

Rosie’s Boots & Beats Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, (All ages, $5 cash per session)

Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (All Ages, Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead

Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (All Ages, Free)

----------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 2, Wednesday, 7:00pm, Presentation by the Greenwood Historical Society: History of Howe Hill Neighborhood, Locke Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Rd, Greenwood

Sept. 3, Thursday, 5:30-7:30, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Annual Meeting and Potluck, Moses Mason Barn /Howe Exhibit Hall, 10 Broad St., Bethel. Program: Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s 2^nd President

Sept. 4 Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm. Accoustapalians play the last concert of the Andover Summer Concert Series, Rain or shine at the Gazebo on the Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (Free, Donations accepted, Bring chair).

Sept 5, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)

Sept 8, 2^nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Bring a friend or the family to share a meal of Lasagna, salads, bread, and desserts (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $ for the food pantry)

Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.

Sept 9, 2^nd Wednesday of month, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Kowloon Village Restaurant, 190 Main St., Mountain View Mall, Bethel (Age 50+, individuals order from menu and pay) Come early to order food at 10:30am!

Sept 16, Wednesday,4:30-6:30 Baked Bean Supper at Locke Mills Union Church. 286 N Main St, Locke Mills You may enter your homemade beans into a contest, for prizes! Dinner is free with donations appreciated. Menu: Beans, Cole slaw, Hot Dogs, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread and Desserts.

Sept.19, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)

Sept 19, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm Bethel Area Chamber Harvestfest on The Town Common, 21 Broad St., Bethel. Crafts, Games, Festivities, Food, Wagon Rides, Pie Baking and Pie Eating Contests Live Music!

Sept. 21, Monday 12:30-2:30 pm, Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate,

Adult Ed at Telstar HS on Monday, 9/21/26, 12:30-2:30. Reserve your seat in this FREE session to practice using your device with friends and a facilitator by calling Tel# 207-824-2136 Ext#1340 Limit 10, call soon.

Sept 26, Last Saturday of month,6:00-8: 00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (All Ages, Free, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills

Sept.30, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: Pasta Bake (pasta, meat sauce & cheese) Garlic Bread, Desserts, Drinks (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted) Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available

In addition to these local events, explore SAD 44 Adult Education offerings, Western Mountains Senior College classes, and new creative opportunities at the West Bethel Makerspace.

http://maineadulted.org

(or call 207-824-2136 ext.1340)

http://westbethelmakerspace.org

__________________________________________

*Resources Available for the Serious Challenges of Life or Aging*

If someone is in immediate physical danger call 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (press1 for Veteran Crisis Line)

Maine Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112 available 24/7

http://namimaine.org

SeniorsPlus, designated Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Mission is to enrich lives of older adults, individuals with disabilities and their families by supporting independent living and proactive choice

http://seniorsplus.org

Check out their many core services and specialties. A satellite office is located at 9 Marston St., Norway. Tel# 207-795-4010

A walk-in caregiver peer support group meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month 2:30-4:00pm (no appointment required)

Adult Protective Services (APS) to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an incapacitated or dependent adult

24-hour hotline 1-800-624-8404 http://maine.gov/dhhs/oads

Legal Services for Maine Elders1-800-750-5353

http://mainelse.org

General Community Resources Dial 211or

http://211maine.org

Bethel Area District Exchange(clothing) and Food Pantry, 281 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel Open 9:00-11:00am every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Tel# 207-890-4022 email:info@bethelareafoodpantry.org

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider, a driver, or for other questions and concerns: 207-824-4444

For current information visit our Facebook Page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/

Or Email Community Connector : melindaremington@yahoo.com

What is the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI)???

AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and socially.

FREE PROGRAMS

Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)

HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)

Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)

“Games-On” (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)

Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & fall prevention)

Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages)

Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plugs assistive technology to enhance safety in the home

AFCI receives support from Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock

AFCI serves these 6 towns and the residents of Albany and Mason Townships

Board Members: President Julie Hart; Eileen Broderick, Katina Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler

Community Connector: Melinda Remington

Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com

Locke’s Mills News

Amy Wight Chapman

Four more hikes for Lena this week, and a couple of long morning swims for me. I’m going to miss being able to jump in the lake, or onto the trails, without any pre-planning or driving, but this weekend marks the end of our summer at camp.

We could stay a couple more weeks, but it would mean burning a lot of firewood (and still probably being cold), plus my September calendar, as impossible as it seems, looks even busier than my July and August calendars did. I’m still holding out hope for some quieter days in October!

Saturday’s hike was on the Parks-Bennett Trail in the Bethel Community Forest, with Tony and Lena. I don’t know why I always forget about this great loop! Although it was my tenth time hiking it, it was the first time in almost two years. It has beautiful views, diverse terrain, a brook for dogs to play in, and, at just under three miles, it’s the perfect length for a quick hike.

Read more

Corn, a few squash, pumpkins, and onions are the only things left in the garden. Carrots were picked and processed this past weekend. The crop was not that good this year with smaller carrots than usual and the mice had begun to chew the tops. Carrots have typically done well and we have an overabundance. Wondering why this year was different, I remembered I ordered these seeds from a different company. I will definitely not do that again.

Blackberry picking continued with another batch of muffins and a cobbler with the rest going in the freezer. I did have a pint that I ended up adding to pancakes one night for supper which were very tasty.

I’ve spent some time roaming around near the river and out in the woods looking for new flowers I have not yet observed on the app Seek which is neat. The app allows you to use your camera to identify plants and flowers providing you with the name and additional information. I recommend checking it out if this is something you are interested in. It seems like each year there are new flowers around and I often wonder where they came from.

The barn received a beautiful new roof thanks to A&G Carpentry. It looks great and it was amazing to watch them put up the 22-foot-long pieces of metal roofing. If we need any projects done, we’ll definitely be calling them again. Now work continues on jacking and replacing rotten beams and then some siding.

Just a reminder that the Town Office will be closed on Monday, September 7^th in observance of Labor Day and Wednesday, September 9^th for staff to attend training.

Tax bills went out in the mail on the 27^th. If you have not received one, please contact the town office or you can find them on the town’s website, newrymaine.org. Tax bills are sent to the owner as of April 1^st and courtesy bills are sent to new owners. Payments can be made on the town’s website using the AndroGov link, selecting real estate, entering your account number and tax year 2027. We suggest using an echeck for a $1 service charge. This is a safe way to ensure payments are received and not lost in the mail. Reach out to the town office with any questions or if you need assistance.

Have a great week. Feel free to send me your news to be included in the column next week to newrynews24@gmail.com.

We could stay a couple more weeks, but it would mean burning a lot of firewood (and still probably being cold), plus…

Read more

I can’t help but observe things around me outside, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the top of this Eastern White Pine is loaded with cones! I can even see the pitch, which sparkles in the sunshine.

Some years there is pitch everywhere, making it tough to be on the patio. That is not an easy thing to clean up. When I was a kid, and playing outside all the time, I would often come home with pitch somewhere on me. My mother would get the can of Crisco out and that would do the trick.

I had a great visit with my friend Jane. We spent quality time outside, and enjoyed visiting. I’m so very thankful for this friendship which has lasted since our college days. Like most “old friends,” we pick up where we left off.

The West Paris Universalist church will reopen the Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 13.

It was Saturday morning, when we were sitting out in the yard—Dave told me to look—and there was an all white hummingbird, zipping around and going to different flowers in the garden. I immediately grabbed my phone and went toward it, hoping to be able to catch it. Amazingly, I managed to capture the whole bird, as it was enjoying a bee balm flower. We watched it for a very short time, as it flitted about. Another hummingbird began to chase it, and then it took off. I felt very privileged to have observed it with my own eyes!

I posted this photo on the Maine Birds Facebook page, and it got a lot of attention there. It is a very rare thing to see one of these! It’s really all about being observant and watching what is around us. There is a lot going on on many different levels. I see hummingbirds on a daily basis, since I have a lot of blossoms in my yard. It would have been so easy to miss, but luckily, we didn’t!

My cucumbers and summer squash are still producing. The Sun Gold tomatoes are just starting to give a hefty handful daily. They are simply delicious.

School is back in session. My grandson Zack doesn’t start until this week, unlike many other districts, which returned last week. Grandson Josh is starting at CMCC, along with two of his friends. Ben is still at Charlie’s Subaru, and continues to learn more as he is sent to classes in Massachusetts.

Remember—this is coming up—soon!

Condolences to the family of Wally Ritz, who passed away last week.

My neighbors, the Franks, are having a sale at their house over Labor Day weekend, if anyone is interested. I keep thinking I will have one of my own, but I know the work that goes into it, and I’m just not that ambitious.

Last weekend, Sarah and Colin, along with three friends, Travis, Lex, and Cam, stayed at Hathaway’s Hideaway. They took a ride up to West Bethel to take a look at the Makerspace, where Travis will be a teaching a class on September 10. He will be instructing a class on making a “ditty bag.” Travis has taught numerous quilting classes in the Portland area, and is an avid sewer. I was a little surprised when he said the class was sold out, and that there are 8 people in it. Those taking it will have a great evening with T-Bag!

It’s that time of year when the monarch butterflies are hatching out and making their presence known. I have not seen any monarch caterpillars this year, but have seen the butterflies.

I just got word that my wood will be arriving on Thursday. Fun times!

Now to get the shed cleaned out and ready.

Every time I drive through town, I admire the new sign in front of the library. It’s such a great addition, and very easy to see. The last cookbook dinner at the library will be held on Monday, September 21, at 5:00. The theme for this meal is gourmet.

I happened to notice that the Franks had a visitor this morning--Christopher Spanks and his dog, Larry Bird. Larry got out of the VW bus and had a very vigorous play date with Bella. They played tag and had a fine old time running around, doing what dogs do. I thought it only fitting that I took the opportunity to photograph the two new friends. I should also mention that Larry is running for Mayor of Bethel, so get your vote in!

Enjoy these beautiful September days! And please send me any news or events:

lalalindastowell@gmail.com

Gilead Historical Society

Claudia has been busy weeding the gardens and keeping them looking great.

The new opaque shades look great. They keep out the sunlight and when they are down, it is still possible to see outside.

Hugh and Pete painted the sign on the corner. Looks great. Hugh also gave the Whistle Post a new coat of paint.

That left the Bumper Stop that needed some attention. Pete painted the information with white paint so the words would be easier to read.

Aunt May’s letters continued-

Letter #6

Deutsches Heim Old Clock Tower

Venice, July 12, 1905

My dearest Family

Yesterday I sent off a letter telling you of our last days in Florence and now I shall attempt to give you a little idea of this fairyland for such it seems to me.

I have sent you postals of the Old Clock Tower with our rooms marked so you know something of our surroundings. But that picture doesn’t show half how interesting and quaint it is. We go into a narrow dark alley, then up and up a narrow stone staircase before we reach our rooms which are really delightful. We have two large double rooms both on the verandah which is all our own.

Directly in front of us is the Piazza with the Grand Canal just beyond. Between us and the canal is the pillar with the winged lion.

There are only three bridges across the Grand Canal, and the Rialto is the only one of interest. I was grieved to find that

Shakespeare’s Rialto was the fishmarket close by and not the bridge which has quaint little shops something like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.

But to return to my chronological order. Sunday [July 9] just at sunset we took a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs, through the

narrow canals and came out on the Grand Canal just by the Rialto. The sunset colors reflected in the water and on these fine old

palaces made a picture I shall not forget.

We left Venice this morning at 8:20 and reached here (Milan) about 2 p.m.

We leave here tomorrow at 10 a.m., spend the night at Domo D’Ossola, the next day on to Brieg by Diligence, and on Sunday we reach Zermatt.

I wish I had time to write more, but it is late and the others have all gone to bed. Everything is well with us and it goes without saying that we are enjoying every day.

It is still very warm though nothing like Florence and we long for the snow covered Alps. I am sending this letter to Gilead as Lily said they might be away all through August. I shall be so glad when I hear from you that my first letter has been reviewed.

Much love to each and every one. May

Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com

Neighbors Feeding Neighbors will take place on Tuesday, September 8^th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a free meal at the Methodist Church located on Main Street in Bethel. One of our beloved volunteers, Wally Ritz, passed away and she was a big supporter of feeding our Community. The kitchen at the Church will not be the same in her absence. I hope folks come out and support this community meal.

On Wednesday, September 9^th, the Bethel Senior Citizen Club will meet at Kowloon’s in Bethel for their monthly meeting. Doors will open early for the Seniors starting at 10:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 11 a.m. There will be a discussion on the upcoming Senior Turkey Train trip in October.

Bethel’s Harvestfest will be held on September 19th on the Bethel Common from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an event that welcomes the fall season.

Over in Bryant Pond, Jane Chandler will be presenting a slide show that depicts the people that helped to make Buck’s Ledge Community Forest a reality. This presentation is on Saturday, September 12^th, at 1 p.m. at the former UU Church on Grove Street in Bryant Pond. This event is open to the public.

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this weekly column. My son, Jonathan Howe, passed away on August 17th. The outpouring of love and support for Bob and I has been a blessing that has helped lift the spirit. Grief and joy live side by side. It will be a continuous journey of both emotions. Thank you to all who have expressed their love and concern in a variety of ways. Faith has helped us to move forward. God continues to be our rock and our refuge.

Peace to each and everyone one of us.

Please feel free to send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail.com

Dorothy “Babe” Bartlett of East Bethel celebrated her 90^th b…

Read more

September 2026/ Events of Interest to Older Folks & their Families

Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:

Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (Free walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail- 5 days a week) Updated schedule is posted each week on the Bethel Outing Club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/betheloutingclub/ Also look there for any weather updates or cancellations.

Davis Park, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am. “Buck’s Ledge Trail for All” Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursdays, 1:00-2: 00pm. Look at the Garden!

Games On! Thursdays (Sept. 3 & 24) Please note: No Games on 10^th& 17th this month) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, All Ages, sponsored by AFCI & Library) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.

Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (Sept.3,10,17, 24) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming group offers coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation

Village Makers Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond

Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (Sept.1,8,15,22,29)

12:00-1:00 pm (Free, sponsored by the library, bring snacks, crafts &games)

Rosie’s Boots & Beats Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, (All ages, $5 cash per session)

Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (All Ages, Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead

Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (All Ages, Free)

----------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 2, Wednesday, 7:00pm, Presentation by the Greenwood Historical Society: History of Howe Hill Neighborhood, Locke Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Rd, Greenwood

Sept. 3, Thursday, 5:30-7:30, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Annual Meeting and Potluck, Moses Mason Barn /Howe Exhibit Hall, 10 Broad St., Bethel. Program: Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s 2^nd President

Sept. 4 Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm. Accoustapalians play the last concert of the Andover Summer Concert Series, Rain or shine at the Gazebo on the Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (Free, Donations accepted, Bring chair).

Sept 5, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)

Sept 8, 2^nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Bring a friend or the family to share a meal of Lasagna, salads, bread, and desserts (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $ for the food pantry)

Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.

Sept 9, 2^nd Wednesday of month, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Kowloon Village Restaurant, 190 Main St., Mountain View Mall, Bethel (Age 50+, individuals order from menu and pay) Come early to order food at 10:30am!

Sept 16, Wednesday,4:30-6:30 Baked Bean Supper at Locke Mills Union Church. 286 N Main St, Locke Mills You may enter your homemade beans into a contest, for prizes! Dinner is free with donations appreciated. Menu: Beans, Cole slaw, Hot Dogs, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread and Desserts.

Sept.19, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)

Sept 19, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm Bethel Area Chamber Harvestfest on The Town Common, 21 Broad St., Bethel. Crafts, Games, Festivities, Food, Wagon Rides, Pie Baking and Pie Eating Contests Live Music!

Sept. 21, Monday 12:30-2:30 pm, Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate,

Adult Ed at Telstar HS on Monday, 9/21/26, 12:30-2:30. Reserve your seat in this FREE session to practice using your device with friends and a facilitator by calling Tel# 207-824-2136 Ext#1340 Limit 10, call soon.

Sept 26, Last Saturday of month,6:00-8: 00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (All Ages, Free, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills

Sept.30, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: Pasta Bake (pasta, meat sauce & cheese) Garlic Bread, Desserts, Drinks (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted) Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available

In addition to these local events, explore SAD 44 Adult Education offerings, Western Mountains Senior College classes, and new creative opportunities at the West Bethel Makerspace.

http://maineadulted.org

(or call 207-824-2136 ext.1340)

http://westbethelmakerspace.org

__________________________________________

*Resources Available for the Serious Challenges of Life or Aging*

If someone is in immediate physical danger call 911

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (press1 for Veteran Crisis Line)

Maine Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112 available 24/7

http://namimaine.org

SeniorsPlus, designated Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Mission is to enrich lives of older adults, individuals with disabilities and their families by supporting independent living and proactive choice

http://seniorsplus.org

Check out their many core services and specialties. A satellite office is located at 9 Marston St., Norway. Tel# 207-795-4010

A walk-in caregiver peer support group meets on the 4^th Thursday of each month 2:30-4:00pm (no appointment required)

Adult Protective Services (APS) to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an incapacitated or dependent adult

24-hour hotline 1-800-624-8404 http://maine.gov/dhhs/oads

Legal Services for Maine Elders1-800-750-5353

http://mainelse.org

General Community Resources Dial 211or

http://211maine.org

Bethel Area District Exchange(clothing) and Food Pantry, 281 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel Open 9:00-11:00am every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.

Tel# 207-890-4022 email:info@bethelareafoodpantry.org

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Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider, a driver, or for other questions and concerns: 207-824-4444

For current information visit our Facebook Page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/

Or Email Community Connector : melindaremington@yahoo.com

What is the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI)???

AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and socially.

FREE PROGRAMS

Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)

HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)

Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)

“Games-On” (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)

Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & fall prevention)

Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages)

Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plugs assistive technology to enhance safety in the home

AFCI receives support from Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock

AFCI serves these 6 towns and the residents of Albany and Mason Townships

Board Members: President Julie Hart; Eileen Broderick, Katina Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler

Community Connector: Melinda Remington

Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com

(An introduction to each week’s newsletter from the editor of WMNN)

Hi, Neighbors! For this week only, all of the columns in Western Maine Neighborhood News are free to all subscribers! Beginning with next week’s issue, we’ll be rearranging the schedule for alternating weeks as follows. “Week A” will include free columns from Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock. “Week B” will include free columns from Andover, East Bethel, and Locke’s Mills. The Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) column will continue to be free to all subscribers. And you can always upgrade from a free to a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to read all the town columns every week.

With the passing last week of Museums of the Bethel Historical Society Executive Director Emeritus Randall H. Bennett, our community has lost not only a walking repository of local history, but an engaging storyteller and a kind and generous neighbor and friend. His association with MBHS extended to more than a half-century, and he was an invaluable resource to the current staff. Largely self-taught, he was an expert in New England architecture, White Mountain art and history, genealogical research, and much more.

I learned so much from Randy over the years. I will sorely miss his quick wit, his encyclopedic knowledge of local history and genealogy, and his kindness.

Details regarding services and memorial arrangements will be announced when they are finalized.

Andover News

Diana Nadeau

The concert held at the Andover Congregational Church last Friday evening featuring Denny Breau was very well attended. My friend Amy, my husband, Bob, my dad, Ken, and I started our evening off at Mills for their famous Friday night seafood menu (I did not as I don’t care for seafood of any kind). They all raved how good everything was...I loved my non-seafood choice as well! If you haven’t made the trip up to visit Mills Market, what are you waiting for? The food is always delicious and the staff is wonderfully friendly and accommodating.

Our group then headed to the church looking forward to a few hours of entertainment by Mr. Breau and he certainly didn’t disappoint. We were treated with some of his original songs that he had written. Amy and I had tears in our eyes after hearing “Holding my Daughter’s Daughter” written after holding his first granddaughter. And thankfully he played the “Nine Pound Hammer” as I had asked for by special request for my dear sweet dad. I think he had the biggest grin in the crowd while Denny played it.

The last show in the Andover Summer Concert Series will be the Acoustipalians on September 4th on the Andover Common. I hope that the weather will be perfect for the wrap-up to the season. The concert starts at 6 pm and is free, as always with donations gladly accepted. All the generous donations will make sure that this tradition continues. Thanks to Pete Coolidge and those behind the scenes for the hard work all these years to bring these amazing performers to Andover.

This past week saw a handful of folks putting in a few days of work on the town tennis court. Thanks to Dirk, Bruce, KJ, Bill, and Mary, the court has been sealed and new lines for pickleball have been painted. The court is closed through tonight to let everything cure and dry thoroughly. Great job one and all! It does indeed take a village. A good source of information about things like this is the Andover Recreation Committee Facebook page.

On Saturday morning I attended the celebration of life for Mike Mills, who had recently passed, at the Andover Town Hall. The Hall was packed with people gathering to share memories and tributes to Mike. Continued prayers and thoughts go out to the Mills family.

It is back to school time, please be on the lookout for students getting to and from school. MSAD #44 and the Andover Elementary School started yesterday, the 26th. I’m sure that students and staff alike are asking where the summer went. I want to wish all of my dear school friends a great school year. It does seem a bit unusual still after my 23-year school career that I am not gearing up to go back. I am sure that Linda Stowell understands this as well. I always looked forward to “music day” so I could see Linda...those were certainly the days!

On Saturday I spent the day with my Ya Ya friends. It ended up not being a very good “float” day but we did have Captain Toby give us all a nice leisurely pontoon boat ride around the pond.

As always we laughed and ate very well, we certainly didn’t go home hungry! Thanks to all my dear friends, Tracy, Stacy, Steph, Amy, and Tammy for a fantastic day.

Here are a couple notices from the Andover Town Office:

The Town of Andover is conducting its yearly assessing of new and existing properties over the next few weeks. Please be advised that the following employees of John E. O’Donnell & Associates have permission from the Town of Andover to assess properties in town as needed. Please call the Andover Town Office at 207-392-3302 if you have any questions or concerns. You may also call O’Donnell & Associates at 207-926-4044. Thank you for your cooperation. The table below lists each field agent, their vehicle registration, and a description of their vehicle.

Also, the Selectboard is seeking the names of Andover residents interested in filling an unanticipated Andover School Board vacancy as of August 5. The appointment is for the remainder of the term for Michelle York, who recently resigned. Those interested in the position should call the Andover School for more details such as length of term, when and where the board meets, rate of pay, and requirements of the position. Interested person(s) will submit their name and contact to the Town Office or email it to secretary@andovermaine.gov on or before September 1, 2026 at noon. The Selectboard will consider all candidates at their September 1 meeting and, if there are applicants, vote to fill the vacancy, with the appointment effective immediately following the appointment.

Please send any news or events my way, and as always, faithful readers, have a great week. diananadeau@ymail.com

RIP Dolly

East Bethel News

Wally Ritz

Here we are and it’s the end of August already and soon fall will take over. School started this week so be extra careful for the buses and the kids.

Angie and Chuck Haines celebrated their anniversary on August 25th. Belated Happy Anniversary from the whole neighborhood, Angie and Chuck.

We have a special jubilee in the neighborhood. Happy 90th to Babe Bartlett on August 29th. All the best wishes for many more years from the whole neighborhood, Babe. We are all cheering for you.

The 46th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale is only 2 months away! It will be held Friday, October 23^rd, from 6-9pm, and Saturday, October 24^th, from 9 till noon this year, which is a week earlier than usual - so mark your calendars. And get that unused gear ready to sell! As well as the opportunity to buy from multiple shops in the same place (the Gould Academy Field House, 74 Church Street, Bethel), you have the opportunity to sell winter/outdoor gear and clothing you no longer use or have outgrown (gear should be in safe and good condition). The club takes a 20% commission on sales. More information can be found at bethelouting.org

The American Legion Post #68 on 593 Gore Road in Locke Mills invites everyone to listen to music and dance with The Fossils on August 29th from 6-8 pm. Light refreshments will be served and donations are appreciated.

Nina Mollicone reported that her mother, Marilyn R. Noyes Mollicone, who grew up in East Bethel, is one of the folks depicted in the Cart Mural, a permanent art installation created by Maine artists Chris Cart and Jen Greta Cart, which was unveiled at the Bailey Public Library in Winthrop Monday evening.

Nina grew up in Winthrop. Her mother was selected as a person who contributed substantially to Winthrop and surrounding communities. Marilyn was a botanist and an educator. She introduced many Winthrop children to nature appreciation through the years as she raised her family. She was the director of the Augusta Nature Camp for children for 19 years and was a founding member of what is now Viles Arboretum in Augusta. She returned to graduate school at the age of 58, making significant research contributions in the field of microscopic fungi. Nina feels very honored that her mother was chosen to be included in the mural.

Call me at 207-595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com

Have a great week!

Gilead News

Lin Chapman

Signs of the end of summer are all around us. School has started up and back to school shopping hopefully has been completed. The traffic on Route 2 seems to be just as heavy as it has been all summer.

This column comes out on August 27^th, which would have been my mother, Millie McLain’s birthday. She was almost 95 years old when she passed in June 2004 on the day of Gilead’s Bicentennial Celebration. She would be deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Randy Bennett, a cousin from the Heath and Bennett families. My mother and cousin Emeline Heath got together many times with Randy to sort out the family histories that connected them. Randy will be missed by the many people he connected with throughout his life.

On Monday morning, a couple of bucket trucks arrived to work on the weather station that was recently installed at the intersection of Route 2 and Bridge Street.

Gilead Historical Society

I already mentioned Randy on a personal note, but as a Life Member of the GHS, I have to add that he will be missed. His knowledge of the area and the genealogy of many families was unreal. All one had to say was “Randy, who was [such a person] related to that connects him to the [family of ]?” There was no hesitation with the answer to the question. If there was a question about it, he had notebooks full of family information.

We have lost a very good friend and all the knowledge he possessed.

This past weekend, there was a “shady” crew working at the schoolhouse. Pete Risbara, Hugh Chapman and Jimmy Lumbard installed the new room darkening shades that Claudia Risbara had ordered. These shades will eliminate having to cover up some of the items in the room when we close up on Saturday. They are opaque but will keep out the sun.

Aunt May’s Letters Continued

Letter #5

Deutsches Heim

Piazza San Marco Venice

July 11, 1905

My dear Family,

My last letter was sent from Florence in the hottest weather I have ever known. “They said” it was the most intense heat they have had for seventy years. I certainly know that it has required all my strength to keep up sightseeing and at the same time take care of myself. The shops in Florence are fascinating. We spent two afternoons wandering around and buying some things. Instead of the $10. Aunt Hattie sent me I have a very pretty gold chain for my watch. Did I tell you that I used Aunt Emma’s $2. toward some coral beads which I bought in Capri? Our last day in Florence was the sort personally conducted parties have all or at least much

of the time. First a carriage to the Church of the Carmines to see some very fine pictures by Masaccio. There are frescoes, many of them, one in each little cell, and in the large refectory a large painting (The Last Supper). To finish up our morning we spent an hour at the Bargello, a grand old palace, now a museum.

Thursday we were in Pisa for some hours. You all know the picture of the Cathedral and Baptistry with the Leaning Tower close by. That tower leans even more than it shows in most of the photographs. Of course we were sorry to leave Florence in spite of the pleasant experiences ahead of us. It really does seem as though we had been particularly fortunate in our trip so far. The voyage was

delightful; we have been able to carry out all the plans we had made and have seen even more than we expected; the weather has been good (not a single rainy day yet) hardly a shower; all the hotels and pensions have been excellent (good beds and good food); and we have all kept well.

Have I written since receiving Ada’s letter, also Mamma’s from Belmont and number 3 from Lily? It did seem so good to hear from you all. I am anxious to hear again from Akron and think it is about time for another letter from Lily. By this time Ada, Arthur and Mamma must be in Gilead. I wonder how you found the house. The supper bell has rung (7.30 p.m.) and as we are going out in a gondola at 8.30, I must close.

Much love to you all.

May

Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com

Locke’s Mills News

Amy Wight Chapman

It’s hard for me to believe that school started in MSAD #44 this week! I don’t know how the summer flew by so quickly. It still seems wrong to me for the kids to be back in school before Labor Day.

I remember my own childhood summers, when Labor Day weekend was always the time when we closed up camp for the year. We waited until the last possible day to drag ourselves away from North Pond and head back to Connecticut for the long school year, reluctantly hitting the road in the family station wagon on the morning of Labor Day so that my mom, a school librarian, could start school on Tuesday.

We kids had one more day of freedom—not nearly long enough to adjust to the culture shock of being back in suburbia, far from our beloved camp—before we had to actually put on shoes (often, in my case, for the first time in weeks) and become prisoners of the classroom for nine long months.

We may have a bit more than three more weeks left of astronomical summer, but meteorological summer begins next Tuesday, September 1, and I’ve already started to see hints of red and orange among the hardwood trees.

Here’s a crash course in the difference between astronomical and meteorological summer from the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website:

You may have noticed that meteorologists and climatologists define seasons differently from “regular” or astronomical spring, summer, fall, and winter. So, why do meteorological and astronomical seasons begin and end on different dates? In short, it’s because the astronomical seasons are based on the position of Earth in relation to the sun, whereas the meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle.

The Astronomical Seasons

People have used observable periodic natural phenomena to mark time for thousands of years. The natural rotation of Earth around the sun forms the basis for the astronomical calendar, in which we define seasons with two solstices and two equinoxes. Earth’s tilt and the sun’s alignment over the equator determine both the solstices and equinoxes.

The equinoxes mark the times when the sun passes directly above the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on or around June 21, the winter solstice on or around December 22, the vernal or spring equinox on or around March 21, and the autumnal equinox on or around September 22. These seasons are reversed but begin on the same dates in the Southern Hemisphere.

Because Earth actually travels around the sun in 365.24 days, an extra day is needed every fourth year, creating what we know as Leap Year. This also causes the exact date of the solstices and equinoxes to vary. Additionally, the elliptical shape of Earth’s orbit around the sun causes the lengths of the astronomical seasons to vary between 89 and 93 days. These variations in season length and start date would make it very difficult to consistently compare climatological statistics for a particular season from one year to the next. Thus, the meteorological seasons were born.

The Meteorological Seasons

Meteorologists and climatologists break the seasons down into groupings of three months based on the annual temperature cycle as well as our calendar. We generally think of winter as the coldest time of the year and summer as the warmest time of the year, with spring and fall being the transition seasons, and that is what the meteorological seasons are based on. Meteorological spring in the Northern Hemisphere includes March, April, and May; meteorological summer includes June, July, and August; meteorological fall includes September, October, and November; and meteorological winter includes December, January, and February.

Meteorological observing and forecasting led to the creation of these seasons, and they are more closely tied to our monthly civil calendar than the astronomical seasons are. The length of the meteorological seasons is also more consistent, ranging from 90 days for winter of a non-leap year to 92 days for spring and summer. By following the civil calendar and having less variation in season length and start, it becomes much easier to calculate seasonal statistics from the monthly statistics, both of which are very useful for agriculture, commerce, and a variety of other purposes.

No matter which calendar you prefer, there are plenty of upcoming events in our area to take you from summer to fall:

Thursday, August 27, at 1:00 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Twitchell Education Building: Charcoal Drawing with Sara Hemeon, the final program in this year’s Mill Brook Craft Series. Discover the expressive beauty of charcoal drawing in this beginner-friendly class. Sara will provide a brief history of charcoal as an artistic medium, as well as instruction in fundamental techniques. No drawing experience needed, and the program is free and open to the public.

Saturday, August 29, from 6-7 p.m. at the Telstar High School Auditorium and Sunday, August 30, from 12-4 p.m. at Valentine Farm, 162 North Road, Bethel: The Mahoosuc Land Trust’s 2026 Monarch Festival. See detailed information and full schedule below. The festival is free, but registration is encouraged: www.mahoosuc.org/monarch-festival

Saturday, August 29, from 6-8 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall on the Gore Road: Listen and dance to The Fossils. From the band: “We’ll have pizza, hotdogs, chips, popcorn, soda, and water for sale. Come shake a leg or sit and listen - we love watching all of you have a great time!”

Sunday, August 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the West Paris Public Library, 226 Main Street, West Paris: Concert by the Tourmaline Brass Quintet. TBQ is a new group composed of seasoned musicians from five area communities: trumpet players Marc Eckels of Paris Hill and Julie Schubert-Cowan of Bethel, trombonist Jim Bennett of West Paris, French horn player Kelly Bickford of Greenwood, and tuba player Tom DeLuca of Hanover. If the weather cooperates, the concert will be held on the lawn behind the library; in case of rain, it will be held inside the library. Admission for the one-hour concert is free, and children and families are welcome!

Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall on the Gore Road: Greenwood Historical Society program featuring the history of the Howe Hill neighborhood. The newest in the series of the “Greenwood neighborhood” books by the late Blaine Mills features the Howe Hill neighborhood and will be available to purchase.

Thursday, September 3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Mason House, 10 Broad Street, Bethel: Annual potluck supper and meeting, featuring “Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President,” with George Baker. Potluck supper at 5:30, followed by the program. All are welcome!

Saturday, September 12, at 1:00 p.m. at the former UU Church on Grove Street in Bryant Pond: Jane Chandler will share the recent history of Buck’s Ledge for the Woodstock Historical Society. The slide show will depict the people who helped to make Buck’s Ledge Community Forest a reality, forever preserved for the public.

Saturday, September 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the Waterford Public Library: Book discussion of The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Prize-winning historian Gordon S. Wood offers a grand and immensely readable synthesis of historical, political, cultural, and economic analysis to describe the events that made the American Revolution. Wood depicts a revolution that was about much more than a break from England–rather it transformed an almost feudal society into a democratic one, whose emerging realities sometimes baffled and disappointed its founding fathers. This is the fourth in a series of book discussions sponsored by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and the Independence 250 committee to commemorate America’s 250^th birthday. The book is available at the MBHS Museum Shop.

Lena has recovered quickly from what vets think was probably a bacterial infection that had caused dozens of itchy bumps, which she scratched into hot spots, on one side of her face. Tony and I first thought they were insect bites, but we learned that her playmate Maybelle, with whom she had romped in the pond a couple of days before, had come down with the same symptoms. Maybelle’s vet’s first question was whether she had been swimming in a lake or pond, and he was certain it was caused by some kind of bacteria.

In any case, Lena is fully healed and her fur grew back quickly, so she’s once again stunningly beautiful, if not perfectly behaved.

I don’t like to think that there was some strange kind of bacteria floating around in my beloved North Pond, but if there was, it seems to have been temporary. Lena’s been back in the pond this week, our neighbors’ dogs swam after her “episode,” I’ve been swimming almost every day, and (thankfully) none of us have suffered any ill effects.

We’ve been going for lots of short hikes, and Lena now gets excited when she hears the word “hike,” although not quite as excited as she gets when she hears me say we’re going to see her friend Puck. The most exciting thing of all is when she gets to go for a hike WITH Puck, and if the hike includes places to play in the water, that makes it even better.

This week’s hikes included two to Buck’s Ledge, one on the Sanborn River Trail, and one to an “undisclosed location” with Puck and Betsey.

This online newsletter is intended to keep our communities informed, so if you have news, events, or photos you’d like to have included here, I hope you’ll share them with me! You can reach me by email at amy.w.chapman@gmail.com or by phone or text at 207-890-4812.

“August used to be a sad month for me. As the days went on, the thought of school starting weighed heavily upon my young frame.” ― Henry Rollins

Newry News

Amy Henley

Well, my vacation week quickly came to an end and I’m back to work. I made a list at the beginning of my break and am happy to say that I crossed everything off. It included finishing washing windows as I had to get a ladder out, pressure washing the side of the house and washing the car along with some interior chores. Several trips were made to pick blackberries in a secret spot and lot of goodies were baked with many bags frozen for winter. I feel accomplished and will start a new list.

Goal making was something I truly despised when I was in high school but now I find it something I live by. Whether a professional goal or personal goal. I find it nice to have something to work towards. Goals don’t have to be big. Setting some small attainable ones that you can easily do is a great way to start and even can be encouraging to make bigger ones. So make that list and check off things as you go and start a new list when you complete that one. Or maybe you do short term goals and long term goals as some take longer than others.

The Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale is a place where local vendors and vendors from farther afield come to sell winter gear every October. Winter gear includes alpine and nordic skis, boots and poles, snowboards and snowboard boots, helmets, ice skates, hockey sticks, snowshoes, ski and boot bags, packs, winter clothing such as hats, mittens, jacket/coats, snow/ski pants, socks, and miscellaneous other items. There was even a fat-tired unicycle one year!

As well as new gear, folks can bring in used gear to sell. There is a special area to check this gear in. It needs to be inventoried and tagged by the seller and this may be done ahead of time or when it is brought in for the sale. Tagging ahead of time will save you money on tags (4 free and then 25 cents per tag up to 20, $1/tag after 20). Tags purchased the day of the sale at the sale are $1 each. Tags and inventory sheets will be available at the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and True North Adventureware starting October 1st and until 2pm on Friday, October 23^rd. More information about selling your used gear is at bethelouting.org. Used gear not sold Friday night is marked down 50% in the hopes of selling it Saturday. If you don’t want your item marked down 50%, you must pick it up by 9pm Friday when the sale closes for the night. The BOC takes a 20% commission which is used to purchase ski gear used by our local youth, aid in the ski programs for them, as well as helping send them to the Bill Koch Festival at the end of the ski season. The Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale will take place Friday, October 23rd from 6-9pm and Saturday, October 24th from 9 till noon at the Gould Academy Field House, 74 Church Street, Bethel.

Just a reminder that the Household Hazardous Waste Event is Saturday, August 29^th from 9am-12pm at Bethel Public Works at 39 Davis Road in Bethel. Information about what can be brought can be found on the town’s website.

Tax bills are expected to go out in the mail today to owners as of April 1, 2026. If you sold your property after April 1, 2026, the taxes were committed to you and you will receive a bill. Courtesy bills are sent to new owners. If you do not receive your bill, you can find a copy on the town’s website or call the office to confirm your address and we can email you a copy. Payments can be made on the town’s website as well.

The Town Office will be closed on Monday, September 7^th in observance of Labor Day and on Wednesday, September 9^th to attend training. Please plan accordingly.

Good luck to all the students and parents that started school yesterday. I know it is a big adjustment getting back into a schedule again. I know we aren’t ready to let the summer break go just yet. Usually, I’m ready for school to begin but not this year. It went too quick and still so much to do.

Have a great week and send me your news to be included in next week’s column to newrynews24@gmail.com.

Woodstock News

Linda Stowell

It’s back to school time! Not being in that loop anymore, I hadn’t given it a lot of thought. This summer went by quickly. My tiny garden is still producing cucumbers and squash, and the tomatoes are ripening. The sunflowers are all in their glory. Morning glories continue to climb up the trellis, and I have lots of flowers for bouquets. Golden rod, Queen Anne’s lace, and tansy are blooming all along the roadsides. I have some pearly everlasting, and that is also flowering. There are lots of asters as well. It’s quiet on the bog right now. There will be the occasional ducks that stop on their way south, but that’s about it.

Last weekend Dave and I headed to Fayette, where we did our best to keep up with the two grand-dogs, Indy and Stanley. They’re really just big doofuses. Taking them outside was an adventure. We were instructed that Stanley might need a little extra “keeping an eye on,” but he was a very good boy! Thankfully, neither dog went for a swim in the pond. The two of them are large dogs, and when one steps on my foot, I notice. Like many other dogs I know, they simply want to be with their people. The two can get rather rowdy inside with their playing, but eventually they tucker themselves out. The most entertaining thing was watching the dogs around the pear tree. Stanley, the yellow lab, would walk under the tree, scoping out which pear to aim for. He then jumped up, grabbing one with his mouth. He brought it back to where we were, and then proceeded to eat the pear. Indy, the golden, didn’t hurry about, but could still get it done. They sat very nicely when I gave them each a cookie after coming inside. I left Sunday morning to play at church, and then went back after church. Zack, Josh, and Molly returned mid-afternoon, so we were released from our duties. The Adams family was in Rockwood last weekend to attend the wedding of Nathan Clark, son of Mike and Jennifer (Adams) Clark.

I read the following on Facebook today, and I’m sure there are many who have been wondering about the new ownership of the Mollyockett Motel.

We’re bringing back The Mollyockett Motel!! Travis Stearns and Kinsey Durgin are the proud new owners of the western Maine landmark.

There will be tons of news, pictures and updates coming as we rebrand, update and renovate so please follow along. For starters, we have dropped the “motel” from the name and will be renaming it “The Mollyockett”. Signage and logos will reflect the change and updated look.

We plan to bring The Mollyockett into the 21st Century, with updates coming to all common areas and guest rooms. The pool house is also very high on the priority list and will be upgraded and reopened as soon as possible. We will also be exploring options for reopening the restaurant, but nothing has been set in stone yet. There is a lot to sort out, and we’ll be working through the entire property and keeping followers posted along the way.

The Mollyockett will be owned by locals, renovated by locals, and we will be hiring local when the time comes. We hope to create a great place for travelers and tourists to stay, while remaining a social hub for the community.

We’ve had the keys for less than a week and the support has already been overwhelming; we couldn’t be more appreciative of the locals backing this project! It’s clear to us that this place means a lot to the community; everyone has a story of working here, swimming here or eating at the restaurant and we’re going to bring it all back the right way.

Stay tuned for pictures and updates!

I think that is the best possible scenario, and I congratulate these young men on bringing the motel back! It will be amazing to have a restaurant close by—and a swimming pool.

Their Facebook page is called The Mollyockett.

Save the date for the baked bean supper!! I think I’ll bake beans for the supper, but I’m not sure about entering a contest. I would recommend the KFC copycat cole slaw recipe to go along with the beans.

My friend Jane, of Fryeburg, has come to visit. She arrived on Tuesday afternoon with Amato’s Italians! We have enjoyed the patio, while visiting with the neighbors. The Franks, along with their dog, Bella, showed up. We were very entertained watching Bella, who was watching a red squirrel.

That squirrel was teasing Bella, and would chatter away, as it ran up and down the pine tree. Then it would grab a pine cone, run up the tree to a small branch, and sit there eating it, like an ear of corn!

There’s nothing much better than watching nature live.

Have a great week, everyone, and please send me your news/events: lalalindastowell@gmail.com

AFCI News

Melinda Remington

Hello, Folks—

Well, you may have recently noticed the yellow school buses and kids out playing on sports fields.

I just love the sound of children playing on playgrounds or fans cheering for their favorite sports teams. Just the sound of referees blowing their whistles makes me happy. This means kids and adult are cooperating, students are engaging in healthy activities.

Some will remember sports as their most memorable experiences. Life lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork and mentorship. Lifelong friendships forged.

Learning is a lifelong process so be sure to check out what SAD 44 Adult Ed and Western Mountains Senior College are offering this Fall. Last year I took the two enrichment classes I truly enjoyed, Botanical Jewelry and Paint Your Pet. Tell me, what are some of your favorites?

A FREE new offering through the Adult Ed office is designed just with you and me in mind. “Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate” will take place in the Adult Ed room at Telstar on Monday, 9/21/26, 12:30-2:30 and Friday, 10/2/26, 12:30-2:30. Reserve for one or both time slots. Limit is 10 individuals so make sure to call soon. Tel# 207-824-2136

Adult Ed’s gracious invitation sure caught my eye! I just know I will be there! (I need to be there!)

“Thinking you want to throw your phone in the lake? Feeling overwhelmed by all the things you don’t understand that you know your phone can do? Join us and others who feel frustrated by their Iphones and just want to practice in a safe and supported classroom ‘playing’ with your phone. Practice makes perfect! Learning to use the features in your phone and practicing the steps will have you feeling a little less stressed, and more confident each time you come.”

This is NOT a course for iphone or ipad repair. If your device is not working properly, we can give you information on where to go or whom to call for help for issues like that.

Make sure to bring your device, a charger, and any passwords/pin numbers you must have to get into your phone, your email, or Google accounts.

We will learn:

* Key terminology so you can feel up to speed on all of the modern lingo!

* Some of the call features your phone has to offer—uploading, sending, downloading photos, webpages, and more

* How to find your email

* How to use system preference settings such as background images, sound, notifications

* How to use the Notes app for uploading documents (sending paper documents as a scan from your phone) and so much more

* How to use the calendar and family sharing

* How to use the tips app

* How to manage backup and storage

All of these will not be covered in one or two sessions and if people like we can extend the play date sessions further into the coming months. Please let the Adult Ed office know which of these tasks/subjects are most important to you right now.

I hope you all have a wonderful end of August. Perhaps I will see you at the Monarch Festival on this Sunday afternoon, 12:00-4:00 PM

Melinda

melindaremington@yahoo.com

This column comes out on August 27^th, which would have been my mother, Millie McLain’s birthday. She was almost 95 years old when she passed in June 2004 on the day of Gilead’s Bicentennial Celebration. She would be deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Randy Bennett, a cousin from the Heath and Bennett families. My mother and cousin Emeline Heath got together many times with Randy to sort out the family histories that connected them. Randy will be missed by the many people he connected with throughout his life.

On Monday morning, a couple of bucket trucks arrived to work on the weather station that was recently installed at the intersection of Route 2 and Bridge Street.

Gilead Historical Society

I already mentioned Randy on a personal note, but as a Life Member of the GHS, I have to add that he will be missed. His knowledge of the area and the genealogy of many families was unreal. All one had to say was “Randy, who was [such a person] related to that connects him to the [family of ]?” There was no hesitation with the answer to the question. If there was a question about it, he had notebooks full of family information.

We have lost a very good friend and all the knowledge he possessed.

This past weekend, there was a “shady” crew working at the schoolhouse. Pete Risbara, Hugh Chapman and Jimmy Lumbard installed the new room darkening shades that Claudia Risbara had ordered. These shades will eliminate having to cover up some of the items in the room when we close up on Saturday. They are opaque but will keep out the sun.

Aunt May’s Letters Continued

Letter #5

Deutsches Heim

Piazza San Marco Venice

July 11, 1905

My dear Family,

My last letter was sent from Florence in the hottest weather I have ever known. “They said” it was the most intense heat they have had for seventy years. I certainly know that it has required all my strength to keep up sightseeing and at the same time take care of myself. The shops in Florence are fascinating. We spent two afternoons wandering around and buying some things. Instead of the $10. Aunt Hattie sent me I have a very pretty gold chain for my watch. Did I tell you that I used Aunt Emma’s $2. toward some coral beads which I bought in Capri? Our last day in Florence was the sort personally conducted parties have all or at least much

of the time. First a carriage to the Church of the Carmines to see some very fine pictures by Masaccio. There are frescoes, many of them, one in each little cell, and in the large refectory a large painting (The Last Supper). To finish up our morning we spent an hour at the Bargello, a grand old palace, now a museum.

Thursday we were in Pisa for some hours. You all know the picture of the Cathedral and Baptistry with the Leaning Tower close by. That tower leans even more than it shows in most of the photographs. Of course we were sorry to leave Florence in spite of the pleasant experiences ahead of us. It really does seem as though we had been particularly fortunate in our trip so far. The voyage was

delightful; we have been able to carry out all the plans we had made and have seen even more than we expected; the weather has been good (not a single rainy day yet) hardly a shower; all the hotels and pensions have been excellent (good beds and good food); and we have all kept well.

Have I written since receiving Ada’s letter, also Mamma’s from Belmont and number 3 from Lily? It did seem so good to hear from you all. I am anxious to hear again from Akron and think it is about time for another letter from Lily. By this time Ada, Arthur and Mamma must be in Gilead. I wonder how you found the house. The supper bell has rung (7.30 p.m.) and as we are going out in a gondola at 8.30, I must close.

Much love to you all.

May

Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com

Well, you may have recently noticed the yellow school buses and kids out playing on sports fields.

I just love the sound of children playing on playgrounds or fans cheering for their favorite sports teams. Just the sound of referees blowing their whistles makes me happy. This means kids and adult are cooperating, students are engaging in healthy activities.

Some will remember sports as their most memorable experiences. Life lessons about sportsmanship, teamwork and mentorship. Lifelong friendships forged.

Learning is a lifelong process so be sure to check out what SAD 44 Adult Ed and Western Mountains Senior College are offering this Fall. Last year I took the two enrichment classes I truly enjoyed, Botanical Jewelry and Paint Your Pet. Tell me, what are some of your favorites?

A FREE new offering through the Adult Ed office is designed just with you and me in mind. “Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate” will take place in the Adult Ed room at Telstar on Monday, 9/21/26, 12:30-2:30 and Friday, 10/2/26, 12:30-2:30. Reserve for one or both time slots. Limit is 10 individuals so make sure to call soon. Tel# 207-824-2136

Adult Ed’s gracious invitation sure caught my eye! I just know I will be there! (I need to be there!)

“Thinking you want to throw your phone in the lake? Feeling overwhelmed by all the things you don’t understand that you know your phone can do? Join us and others who feel frustrated by their Iphones and just want to practice in a safe and supported classroom ‘playing’ with your phone. Practice makes perfect! Learning to use the features in your phone and practicing the steps will have you feeling a little less stressed, and more confident each time you come.”

This is NOT a course for iphone or ipad repair. If your device is not working properly, we can give you information on where to go or whom to call for help for issues like that.

Make sure to bring your device, a charger, and any passwords/pin numbers you must have to get into your phone, your email, or Google accounts.

We will learn:

* Key terminology so you can feel up to speed on all of the modern lingo!

* Some of the call features your phone has to offer—uploading, sending, downloading photos, webpages, and more

* How to find your email

* How to use system preference settings such as background images, sound, notifications

* How to use the Notes app for uploading documents (sending paper documents as a scan from your phone) and so much more

* How to use the calendar and family sharing

* How to use the tips app

* How to manage backup and storage

All of these will not be covered in one or two sessions and if people like we can extend the play date sessions further into the coming months. Please let the Adult Ed office know which of these tasks/subjects are most important to you right now.

I hope you all have a wonderful end of August. Perhaps I will see you at the Monarch Festival on this Sunday afternoon, 12:00-4:00 PM

Melinda

melindaremington@yahoo.com

Last weekend Dave and I headed to Fayette, where we did our best to keep up with the two grand-dogs, Indy and Stanley. They’re really just big doofuses. Taking them outside was an adventure. We were instructed that Stanley might need a little extra “keeping an eye on,” but he was a very good boy! Thankfully, neither dog went for a swim in the pond. The two of them are large dogs, and when one steps on my foot, I notice. Like many other dogs I know, they simply want to be with their people. The two can get rather rowdy inside with their playing, but eventually they tucker themselves out. The most entertaining thing was watching the dogs around the pear tree. Stanley, the yellow lab, would walk under the tree, scoping out which pear to aim for. He then jumped up, grabbing one with his mouth. He brought it back to where we were, and then proceeded to eat the pear. Indy, the golden, didn’t hurry about, but could still get it done. They sat very nicely when I gave them each a cookie after coming inside. I left Sunday morning to play at church, and then went back after church. Zack, Josh, and Molly returned mid-afternoon, so we were released from our duties. The Adams family was in Rockwood last weekend to attend the wedding of Nathan Clark, son of Mike and Jennifer (Adams) Clark.

I read the following on Facebook today, and I’m sure there are many who have been wondering about the new ownership of the Mollyockett Motel.

We’re bringing back The Mollyockett Motel!! Travis Stearns and Kinsey Durgin are the proud new owners of the western Maine landmark.

There will be tons of news, pictures and updates coming as we rebrand, update and renovate so please follow along. For starters, we have dropped the “motel” from the name and will be renaming it “The Mollyockett”. Signage and logos will reflect the change and updated look.

We plan to bring The Mollyockett into the 21st Century, with updates coming to all common areas and guest rooms. The pool house is also very high on the priority list and will be upgraded and reopened as soon as possible. We will also be exploring options for reopening the restaurant, but nothing has been set in stone yet. There is a lot to sort out, and we’ll be working through the entire property and keeping followers posted along the way.

The Mollyockett will be owned by locals, renovated by locals, and we will be hiring local when the time comes. We hope to create a great place for travelers and tourists to stay, while remaining a social hub for the community.

We’ve had the keys for less than a week and the support has already been overwhelming; we couldn’t be more appreciative of the locals backing this project! It’s clear to us that this place means a lot to the community; everyone has a story of working here, swimming here or eating at the restaurant and we’re going to bring it all back the right way.

Stay tuned for pictures and updates!

I think that is the best possible scenario, and I congratulate these young men on bringing the motel back! It will be amazing to have a restaurant close by—and a swimming pool.

Their Facebook page is called The Mollyockett.

Save the date for the baked bean supper!! I think I’ll bake beans for the supper, but I’m not sure about entering a contest. I would recommend the KFC copycat cole slaw recipe to go along with the beans.

My friend Jane, of Fryeburg, has come to visit. She arrived on Tuesday afternoon with Amato’s Italians! We have enjoyed the patio, while visiting with the neighbors. The Franks, along with their dog, Bella, showed up. We were very entertained watching Bella, who was watching a red squirrel.

That squirrel was teasing Bella, and would chatter away, as it ran up and down the pine tree. Then it would grab a pine cone, run up the tree to a small branch, and sit there eating it, like an ear of corn!

There’s nothing much better than watching nature live.

Have a great week, everyone, and please send me your news/events: lalalindastowell@gmail.com

Goal making was something I truly despised when I was in high school but now I find it something I live by. Whether a professional goal or personal goal. I find it nice to have something to work towards. Goals don’t have to be big. Setting some small attainable ones that you can easily do is a great way to start and even can be encouraging to make bigger ones. So make that list and check off things as you go and start a new list when you complete that one. Or maybe you do short term goals and long term goals as some take longer than others.

The Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale is a place where local vendors and vendors from farther afield come to sell winter gear every October. Winter gear includes alpine and nordic skis, boots and poles, snowboards and snowboard boots, helmets, ice skates, hockey sticks, snowshoes, ski and boot bags, packs, winter clothing such as hats, mittens, jacket/coats, snow/ski pants, socks, and miscellaneous other items. There was even a fat-tired unicycle one year!

As well as new gear, folks can bring in used gear to sell. There is a special area to check this gear in. It needs to be inventoried and tagged by the seller and this may be done ahead of time or when it is brought in for the sale. Tagging ahead of time will save you money on tags (4 free and then 25 cents per tag up to 20, $1/tag after 20). Tags purchased the day of the sale at the sale are $1 each. Tags and inventory sheets will be available at the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and True North Adventureware starting October 1st and until 2pm on Friday, October 23^rd. More information about selling your used gear is at bethelouting.org. Used gear not sold Friday night is marked down 50% in the hopes of selling it Saturday. If you don’t want your item marked down 50%, you must pick it up by 9pm Friday when the sale closes for the night. The BOC takes a 20% commission which is used to purchase ski gear used by our local youth, aid in the ski programs for them, as well as helping send them to the Bill Koch Festival at the end of the ski season. The Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale will take place Friday, October 23rd from 6-9pm and Saturday, October 24th from 9 till noon at the Gould Academy Field House, 74 Church Street, Bethel.

Just a reminder that the Household Hazardous Waste Event is Saturday, August 29^th from 9am-12pm at Bethel Public Works at 39 Davis Road in Bethel. Information about what can be brought can be found on the town’s website.

Tax bills are expected to go out in the mail today to owners as of April 1, 2026. If you sold your property after April 1, 2026, the taxes were committed to you and you will receive a bill. Courtesy bills are sent to new owners. If you do not receive your bill, you can find a copy on the town’s website or call the office to confirm your address and we can email you a copy. Payments can be made on the town’s website as well.

The Town Office will be closed on Monday, September 7^th in observance of Labor Day and on Wednesday, September 9^th to attend training. Please plan accordingly.

Good luck to all the students and parents that started school yesterday. I know it is a big adjustment getting back into a schedule again. I know we aren’t ready to let the summer break go just yet. Usually, I’m ready for school to begin but not this year. It went too quick and still so much to do.

Have a great week and send me your news to be included in next week’s column to newrynews24@gmail.com.

I remember my own childhood summers, when Labor Day weekend was always the time when we closed up camp for the year. We waited until the last possible day to drag ourselves away from North Pond and head back to Connecticut for the long school year, reluctantly hitting the road in the family station wagon on the morning of Labor Day so that my mom, a school librarian, could start school on Tuesday.

We kids had one more day of freedom—not nearly long enough to adjust to the culture shock of being back in suburbia, far from our beloved camp—before we had to actually put on shoes (often, in my case, for the first time in weeks) and become prisoners of the classroom for nine long months.

We may have a bit more than three more weeks left of astronomical summer, but meteorological summer begins next Tuesday, September 1, and I’ve already started to see hints of red and orange among the hardwood trees.

Here’s a crash course in the difference between astronomical and meteorological summer from the website of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) website:

You may have noticed that meteorologists and climatologists define seasons differently from “regular” or astronomical spring, summer, fall, and winter. So, why do meteorological and astronomical seasons begin and end on different dates? In short, it’s because the astronomical seasons are based on the position of Earth in relation to the sun, whereas the meteorological seasons are based on the annual temperature cycle.

The Astronomical Seasons

People have used observable periodic natural phenomena to mark time for thousands of years. The natural rotation of Earth around the sun forms the basis for the astronomical calendar, in which we define seasons with two solstices and two equinoxes. Earth’s tilt and the sun’s alignment over the equator determine both the solstices and equinoxes.

The equinoxes mark the times when the sun passes directly above the equator. In the Northern Hemisphere, the summer solstice falls on or around June 21, the winter solstice on or around December 22, the vernal or spring equinox on or around March 21, and the autumnal equinox on or around September 22. These seasons are reversed but begin on the same dates in the Southern Hemisphere.

Because Earth actually travels around the sun in 365.24 days, an extra day is needed every fourth year, creating what we know as Leap Year. This also causes the exact date of the solstices and equinoxes to vary. Additionally, the elliptical shape of Earth’s orbit around the sun causes the lengths of the astronomical seasons to vary between 89 and 93 days. These variations in season length and start date would make it very difficult to consistently compare climatological statistics for a particular season from one year to the next. Thus, the meteorological seasons were born.

The Meteorological Seasons

Meteorologists and climatologists break the seasons down into groupings of three months based on the annual temperature cycle as well as our calendar. We generally think of winter as the coldest time of the year and summer as the warmest time of the year, with spring and fall being the transition seasons, and that is what the meteorological seasons are based on. Meteorological spring in the Northern Hemisphere includes March, April, and May; meteorological summer includes June, July, and August; meteorological fall includes September, October, and November; and meteorological winter includes December, January, and February.

Meteorological observing and forecasting led to the creation of these seasons, and they are more closely tied to our monthly civil calendar than the astronomical seasons are. The length of the meteorological seasons is also more consistent, ranging from 90 days for winter of a non-leap year to 92 days for spring and summer. By following the civil calendar and having less variation in season length and start, it becomes much easier to calculate seasonal statistics from the monthly statistics, both of which are very useful for agriculture, commerce, and a variety of other purposes.

No matter which calendar you prefer, there are plenty of upcoming events in our area to take you from summer to fall:

Thursday, August 27, at 1:00 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Twitchell Education Building: Charcoal Drawing with Sara Hemeon, the final program in this year’s Mill Brook Craft Series. Discover the expressive beauty of charcoal drawing in this beginner-friendly class. Sara will provide a brief history of charcoal as an artistic medium, as well as instruction in fundamental techniques. No drawing experience needed, and the program is free and open to the public.

Saturday, August 29, from 6-7 p.m. at the Telstar High School Auditorium and Sunday, August 30, from 12-4 p.m. at Valentine Farm, 162 North Road, Bethel: The Mahoosuc Land Trust’s 2026 Monarch Festival. See detailed information and full schedule below. The festival is free, but registration is encouraged: www.mahoosuc.org/monarch-festival

Saturday, August 29, from 6-8 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall on the Gore Road: Listen and dance to The Fossils. From the band: “We’ll have pizza, hotdogs, chips, popcorn, soda, and water for sale. Come shake a leg or sit and listen - we love watching all of you have a great time!”

Sunday, August 30, at 2:00 p.m. at the West Paris Public Library, 226 Main Street, West Paris: Concert by the Tourmaline Brass Quintet. TBQ is a new group composed of seasoned musicians from five area communities: trumpet players Marc Eckels of Paris Hill and Julie Schubert-Cowan of Bethel, trombonist Jim Bennett of West Paris, French horn player Kelly Bickford of Greenwood, and tuba player Tom DeLuca of Hanover. If the weather cooperates, the concert will be held on the lawn behind the library; in case of rain, it will be held inside the library. Admission for the one-hour concert is free, and children and families are welcome!

Wednesday, September 2, at 7:00 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall on the Gore Road: Greenwood Historical Society program featuring the history of the Howe Hill neighborhood. The newest in the series of the “Greenwood neighborhood” books by the late Blaine Mills features the Howe Hill neighborhood and will be available to purchase.

Thursday, September 3, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Mason House, 10 Broad Street, Bethel: Annual potluck supper and meeting, featuring “Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s Second President,” with George Baker. Potluck supper at 5:30, followed by the program. All are welcome!

Saturday, September 12, at 1:00 p.m. at the former UU Church on Grove Street in Bryant Pond: Jane Chandler will share the recent history of Buck’s Ledge for the Woodstock Historical Society. The slide show will depict the people who helped to make Buck’s Ledge Community Forest a reality, forever preserved for the public.

Saturday, September 12, at 2:00 p.m. at the Waterford Public Library: Book discussion of The Radicalism of the American Revolution. Prize-winning historian Gordon S. Wood offers a grand and immensely readable synthesis of historical, political, cultural, and economic analysis to describe the events that made the American Revolution. Wood depicts a revolution that was about much more than a break from England–rather it transformed an almost feudal society into a democratic one, whose emerging realities sometimes baffled and disappointed its founding fathers. This is the fourth in a series of book discussions sponsored by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and the Independence 250 committee to commemorate America’s 250^th birthday. The book is available at the MBHS Museum Shop.

Lena has recovered quickly from what vets think was probably a bacterial infection that had caused dozens of itchy bumps, which she scratched into hot spots, on one side of her face. Tony and I first thought they were insect bites, but we learned that her playmate Maybelle, with whom she had romped in the pond a couple of days before, had come down with the same symptoms. Maybelle’s vet’s first question was whether she had been swimming in a lake or pond, and he was certain it was caused by some kind of bacteria.

In any case, Lena is fully healed and her fur grew back quickly, so she’s once again stunningly beautiful, if not perfectly behaved.

I don’t like to think that there was some strange kind of bacteria floating around in my beloved North Pond, but if there was, it seems to have been temporary. Lena’s been back in the pond this week, our neighbors’ dogs swam after her “episode,” I’ve been swimming almost every day, and (thankfully) none of us have suffered any ill effects.

We’ve been going for lots of short hikes, and Lena now gets excited when she hears the word “hike,” although not quite as excited as she gets when she hears me say we’re going to see her friend Puck. The most exciting thing of all is when she gets to go for a hike WITH Puck, and if the hike includes places to play in the water, that makes it even better.

This week’s hikes included two to Buck’s Ledge, one on the Sanborn River Trail, and one to an “undisclosed location” with Puck and Betsey.

This online newsletter is intended to keep our communities informed, so if you have news, events, or photos you’d like to have included here, I hope you’ll share them with me! You can reach me by email at amy.w.chapman@gmail.com or by phone or text at 207-890-4812.

“August used to be a sad month for me. As the days went on, the thought of school starting weighed heavily upon my young frame.” ― Henry Rollins

Our group then headed to the church looking forward to a few hours of entertainment by Mr. Breau and he certainly didn’t disappoint. We were treated with some of his original songs that he had written. Amy and I had tears in our eyes after hearing “Holding my Daughter’s Daughter” written after holding his first granddaughter. And thankfully he played the “Nine Pound Hammer” as I had asked for by special request for my dear sweet dad. I think he had the biggest grin in the crowd while Denny played it.

The last show in the Andover Summer Concert Series will be the Acoustipalians on September 4th on the Andover Common. I hope that the weather will be perfect for the wrap-up to the season. The concert starts at 6 pm and is free, as always with donations gladly accepted. All the generous donations will make sure that this tradition continues. Thanks to Pete Coolidge and those behind the scenes for the hard work all these years to bring these amazing performers to Andover.

This past week saw a handful of folks putting in a few days of work on the town tennis court. Thanks to Dirk, Bruce, KJ, Bill, and Mary, the court has been sealed and new lines for pickleball have been painted. The court is closed through tonight to let everything cure and dry thoroughly. Great job one and all! It does indeed take a village. A good source of information about things like this is the Andover Recreation Committee Facebook page.

On Saturday morning I attended the celebration of life for Mike Mills, who had recently passed, at the Andover Town Hall. The Hall was packed with people gathering to share memories and tributes to Mike. Continued prayers and thoughts go out to the Mills family.

It is back to school time, please be on the lookout for students getting to and from school. MSAD #44 and the Andover Elementary School started yesterday, the 26th. I’m sure that students and staff alike are asking where the summer went. I want to wish all of my dear school friends a great school year. It does seem a bit unusual still after my 23-year school career that I am not gearing up to go back. I am sure that Linda Stowell understands this as well. I always looked forward to “music day” so I could see Linda...those were certainly the days!

On Saturday I spent the day with my Ya Ya friends. It ended up not being a very good “float” day but we did have Captain Toby give us all a nice leisurely pontoon boat ride around the pond.

As always we laughed and ate very well, we certainly didn’t go home hungry! Thanks to all my dear friends, Tracy, Stacy, Steph, Amy, and Tammy for a fantastic day.

Here are a couple notices from the Andover Town Office:

The Town of Andover is conducting its yearly assessing of new and existing properties over the next few weeks. Please be advised that the following employees of John E. O’Donnell & Associates have permission from the Town of Andover to assess properties in town as needed. Please call the Andover Town Office at 207-392-3302 if you have any questions or concerns. You may also call O’Donnell & Associates at 207-926-4044. Thank you for your cooperation. The table below lists each field agent, their vehicle registration, and a description of their vehicle.

Also, the Selectboard is seeking the names of Andover residents interested in filling an unanticipated Andover School Board vacancy as of August 5. The appointment is for the remainder of the term for Michelle York, who recently resigned. Those interested in the position should call the Andover School for more details such as length of term, when and where the board meets, rate of pay, and requirements of the position. Interested person(s) will submit their name and contact to the Town Office or email it to secretary@andovermaine.gov on or before September 1, 2026 at noon. The Selectboard will consider all candidates at their September 1 meeting and, if there are applicants, vote to fill the vacancy, with the appointment effective immediately following the appointment.

Please send any news or events my way, and as always, faithful readers, have a great week. diananadeau@ymail.com

RIP Dolly

Angie and Chuck Haines celebrated their anniversary on August 25th. Belated Happy Anniversary from the whole neighborhood, Angie and Chuck.

We have a special jubilee in the neighborhood. Happy 90th to Babe Bartlett on August 29th. All the best wishes for many more years from the whole neighborhood, Babe. We are all cheering for you.

The 46th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale is only 2 months away! It will be held Friday, October 23^rd, from 6-9pm, and Saturday, October 24^th, from 9 till noon this year, which is a week earlier than usual - so mark your calendars. And get that unused gear ready to sell! As well as the opportunity to buy from multiple shops in the same place (the Gould Academy Field House, 74 Church Street, Bethel), you have the opportunity to sell winter/outdoor gear and clothing you no longer use or have outgrown (gear should be in safe and good condition). The club takes a 20% commission on sales. More information can be found at bethelouting.org

The American Legion Post #68 on 593 Gore Road in Locke Mills invites everyone to listen to music and dance with The Fossils on August 29th from 6-8 pm. Light refreshments will be served and donations are appreciated.

Nina Mollicone reported that her mother, Marilyn R. Noyes Mollicone, who grew up in East Bethel, is one of the folks depicted in the Cart Mural, a permanent art installation created by Maine artists Chris Cart and Jen Greta Cart, which was unveiled at the Bailey Public Library in Winthrop Monday evening.

Nina grew up in Winthrop. Her mother was selected as a person who contributed substantially to Winthrop and surrounding communities. Marilyn was a botanist and an educator. She introduced many Winthrop children to nature appreciation through the years as she raised her family. She was the director of the Augusta Nature Camp for children for 19 years and was a founding member of what is now Viles Arboretum in Augusta. She returned to graduate school at the age of 58, making significant research contributions in the field of microscopic fungi. Nina feels very honored that her mother was chosen to be included in the mural.

Call me at 207-595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com

Have a great week!

(An introduction to each week’s newsletter from the editor of WMNN)

Hi, Neighbors! In this week’s Western Maine Neighborhood News, the Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead columns are free to all subscribers, along with news from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative. Upgrade to a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to read this week’s Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock columns (and all the town columns every week).

Blaine and Margaret Mills will be remembered with a Celebration of Life this Saturday, August 22, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the old Town Hall on Main Street in Locke’s Mills. Both were steadfast and devoted supporters of the Greenwood Historical Society, where Blaine contributed 45 years to preserving and sharing the history of Greenwood through his tireless research, writing, programs, and the preservation and organization of thousands of photographic images. The GHS Museums will be open from 10:00 to 3:00 on Saturday, and all are invited to visit “Blaine’s Corner” in the Swan House, where his books on the history of two Greenwood neighborhoods will be available to purchase.

Finally, please join me in extending our deepest sympathy to Bob and Linda Howe and all of the family and friends of Jonathan Howe for their recent tragic loss. There are no right words, but may they know that they are being held in the thoughts and prayers and hearts of so many in the community.

Andover News

Diana Nadeau

My dad and I had a great visit with his family in Saco last week. We spent the entire day looking at old pictures and reminiscing about all the times gone by. It certainly means a great deal to me that I get him down to see his siblings as much as I possibly can.

I also had a lovely getaway last weekend. I went to Ironbound Pond with my bff, Amy, to her mother’s camp in Solon. The weather was perfect, we ate well, laughed a lot, floated on the pond and played games. All in all a much needed fun getaway.

Amy is coming back up here this weekend to go along with my husband, Bob, my dad, Ken, and myself to see Denny Breau at the Andover Congregational Church on Friday. This is the next concert in the Andover Summer Concert Series. The time is from 6-8 and promises to be a wonderful evening of entertainment. Concerts are free but donations to keep this summertime tradition going are gladly accepted.

Then on Saturday we are going to our friend Tracy’s camp along with all the other members of our Ya Ya group to have a visit. Floating on North Pond and variety of potluck items are on the agenda. One last hooooorah before Amy goes back to work as a lunch lady for the school year.

How is it possible that the school year is already upon us? It has been a bit of a busy couple of weeks but things will slow down and revert back to firewood duties no doubt.

Dirk MacKnight is looking for volunteers to help topcoat the new courts in town. They will be applying 3 coats and painting lines when dried. The plan is to work Wednesday (already gone by before this column is sent out) but they still need people this Thursday and Friday beginning at 9:00. Unfortunately, they have to apply the coatings in the mornings to give it time to dry before nightfall. If you can help please message him on Facebook and let me know what day(s). This would be good for a student that needs to log some community service hours.

Mills Market is hiring a Breakfast Cook. Saturdays and Sundays 4 am-11 am with potential of full time. The store is looking for a reliable, dependable breakfast cook to join their crew. If you’re hardworking, dependable, can handle a busy morning, and want to be part of a great local team, they would certainly love to hear from you. Experience preferred, but the right attitude and work ethic mean just as much. Mills Market is such an asset to our little town. Always the gathering spot for the locals and those traveling through as well. They are truly the hardest working crew in town.

The Andover Elementary School will be holding an open house for the incoming Pre-K and Kindergarten students on Monday, August 24th. Please see the attached flyer.

Here is a timely word from the Andover PTA:

We need YOU! Our PTA needs more parents! Our PTA was created many years ago as a way to keep parents involved in our little school and, most importantly, to let our kids know that we are here supporting them every step of the way. The truth is, we have a very small group of parents who keep things going, and it takes all of us to keep our school the special place that it is. We put a LOT of time, love, and work into making things happen for the kids, and we want so badly to keep that going. But we simply can’t do it without more parents stepping in.

This is a bittersweet year for me and our PTA president because it will be our last year as our kids are moving on to junior high. We would love nothing more than to see some new parents come hang out with us, get involved, and carry this little tradition forward. PLEASE don’t think joining the PTA means you have to attend every meeting! We know life is busy. We know schedules are crazy. Helping at an event, donating your time, sharing an idea, volunteering when you can, or simply showing up for the kids is just as important. Every little bit makes a difference.

At the end of the day, we’re just a bunch of parents trying to make a difference. We want our kids to look around and see their parents cheering them on, supporting them, and being part of these important early years. So come hang out with us! Come meet other parents, help with an event, bring an idea, or just see what we’re all about. We have put so much heart into making this school year special for our kids, and we want the tradition to continue long after our kids move on. We need you. Our kids need you. And our little school needs you. Let’s make this year the best one yet—and make sure the PTA continues to be just as strong for the years to come! Come join us. Let’s do this together! ~ The Andover PTA

I was fortunate enough to work at the Andover Elementary School for 15 years and it genuinely is a special place, full of school spirit and a feeling of community. I believe that the first student day for AES is next Wednesday, the 26th.

Please send any news or events my way. diananadeau@ymail.com

Bethel News

Linda Howe

This week the vegetable to can was tomatoes. They only need five pounds of pressure in the canner for ten minutes so it is a fast one compared to other vegetables. Will come in handy making soup this winter. I enjoy processing food for the upcoming year. It is a very satisfying feeling and blessing.

The end of public school vacation is this week with teachers and students heading back into the classroom. Wishing everyone a productive and fun 26/27 school year!

I have been doing a lot of camping up in the Rangeley area. The drive up through Grafton Notch never gets old. Seeing a lot of thru hikers near the trails. This time of year you also see them in town stocking up on supplies.

Another town you drive through is Upton, Maine. If you blink, you will miss it. However a new Country Store opened in Upton.

They serve breakfast sandwiches and lunch/dinner items. They also have a small room for folks to sit down and eat in-house. I tried the breakfast sandwich and also their chicken quesadilla for lunch. Both were very good. The ladies that work there are friendly. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Open hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is a beautiful drive which makes for a great outing not far from home. Carol is the new owner so I hope they can make a go out of this new business. There are not many year-round residents so the travelers on the road will be a big plus. Hope folks stop in to support their efforts.

News from the Bethel Outing Club: The 46th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale is only 2 months away!! It will be held Friday, October 23, from 6-9 pm, and Saturday, October 24, from 9 til noon this year, which is a week earlier than usual - so mark your calendars. And get that unused gear ready to sell! As well as the opportunity to buy from multiple shops in the same place (the Gould Academy Field House, 74 Church St. Bethel), you have the opportunity to sell winter/outdoor gear and clothing you no longer use or have outgrown (gear should be in safe and good condition). The club takes a 20% commission on sales. More information can be found at bethelouting.org

News and events are always welcome by sending to lhowe7273@gmail.com

Please send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail./com

East Bethel News

Wally Ritz

At the Bethel Library Plant Sale I bought a couple of geranium seedlings. They grew into two amazingly beautiful plants as you can see for yourself in the photo I included. Plants and flowers bring so much joy, don’t they?

Trappers’ Weekend and the sale at the Locke Mills Union Church both were quite successful. I will try and get some details from Neil after he has had some time to relax and also get the clean-up done.

Lisa Haines celebrated her birthday on August 17th. Happy Belated Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Lisa.

Next week school is already starting up. Please, help keep our kids safe and pay attention to the buses and the flashing lights.

Call me at 207 595 0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com

Have a great week!

Gilead News

Lin Chapman

Before you know it, school will be starting up in about another week. It seems like it just ended.

Condolences go out to the family and friends of Selectman Jon Howe.

The workers are very busy at the Town Hall. The granite slabs are now back in place in the concrete base, with the building now resting on them. It will be nice to see it when all the work has finished. It will be ready to either repair or replace the windows.

Work has begun at the corner of Route 2 and Bridge Street. There were two poles installed a while back and now the reason has been revealed. There is going to be a weather station installed there. Not too much more information was found out other than it will help report winter weather conditions in the area.

Gilead Historical Society

Last weekend the corner was busy with quite a few visitors. Alison Aloisio stopped by to see what the GHS has been busy with recently. She was thinking of doing an article with the latest updates.

May Peabody letters Continued

Letter #4

Pension Benoit

13-15 Lung Arno Serrestori Florence, Italy

[no date, must have been started on 29 June or later]

My dear Family,

My last letter was such a miserable hodge podge that I have little courage to attempt another. Yet I suppose you will want to hear

from me so will take new courage and try again. We reached here last Thursday at nine o’clock in the evening and were met by the

concierge of the Pension Benoit. We had engaged our rooms before leaving Rome and had asked to be met. This pension is

delightful. Miss Hyde and I are roommates this time and our window looks out upon a pretty square and the Arno just beyond. Across the river we can see Santa Croce (the most interesting church perhaps in all Florence), Giotto’s Tower (the bell tower of the Cathedral) and the queer old tower on the Palazzo Vecchio. This is the pension where Kathleen staid and recommended so highly. We pay only $1.20 a day which includes even wine. Our general method of procedure when we arrive in a new place is first to go to Cook’s, then visit places in the city we most wish to see. We followed that program here. I was delighted to find Frank’s letter

announcing the safe arrival of John Wright Peabody. I think I am very glad that it is a boy and I am particularly pleased with the name. I do hope Ethel will get well quickly.

I wish you could all see Giotto’s Tower. It is impossible to give you any idea of its beauty. How I wish you could all see this

Beautiful group of buildings! It impressed me quite as much as the fine old ruins in Rome. We staid at Hotel Subasio,

close to the church. The view of the luxuriant valley below is magnificent. Vineyards and large wheat fields everywhere to be seen and all so peaceful and restful. Again we were favored with balcony rooms. I don’t know how I shall ever be able to live in New York if this sort of thing continues. The view of a plain brick wall will seem worse than ever. We walked about the town a little; the streets are narrow + steep + picturesque. We saw women going to the wells carrying waterjugs on their heads. The costumes were very picturesque and fitted in with quaint old streets.

By this time you must have received my first letter. I’m wondering if the Gilead home is open today. I do not know the date of Colby’s commencement but have a vague idea that it comes this week. I shall try to send a letter every week and postals in

between. Am hoping for a letter from you, Ada, sometime soon.

With very much love to you all.

May

Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com.

AFCI News

Melinda Remington

Hello Folks,

We certainly have had a good stretch of nice, varied weather. Just enough rain and dew to help the gardens. Yesterday I joined friends for a late afternoon dip in the Sunday River. Cool and refreshing on a hot, humid day. I often reminisce about how I took my children to the covered bridge on lazy, idyllic days; as we filed down over the embankment I would warn them about the slippery rocks and the nearby poison ivy. 50+ year olds now, with grown children of their own, and I still feel compelled to protect all of them.

I suppose we never stop nurturing what we hope to preserve and see flourish. I think of children of all ages, wild and domestic animals, gardens and forests, and both long-standing and emerging friendships and family ties. We also nurture the institutions that support our communities’ well-being, including schools, houses of worship, medical facilities, and public safety services. The Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI), Rotary, the Outing Club the RePant project, the 4-H Youth Hub, and other local volunteer-run nonprofits play an invaluable role in supporting individuals and strengthening the broader community.

We all are invited to have a place at the table. To be a spoke in the wheel. A leg of a stool. You get the picture.

AFCI could use your support in helping our older citizens to stay in their own homes, in their own neighborhoods. Like you, we would like to see people of all ages flourish. An “age-friendly community” is for all ages. You probably have noticed on our monthly “Events of Interest to Older Folks and Their Families” includes social opportunities that are designed for people of all ages.

We need more volunteer drivers to ensure that every older adult who requests a ride can receive one. Unfortunately, we must decline some requests because we do not have enough volunteers. Please reach out to: melindaremington@yahoo.com or by leaving a message at the AFCI Tel.#

207-824-4444.

I would like to share a reflection I wrote today:

This week I caught a sweet exchange between 2 women as we were finishing up our group stretching exercise session at the pool. One woman had complained of pain in her rib cage area from doing yard work the day before. We had all noticed her discomfort and that it had limited her normal robust participation that morning. We did feel bad for her and said we were sorry to see her experiencing twinges of pain.

At the end of our hour-long session, I noticed a fellow swimmer move closer to speak quietly with her. I could not hear their conversation, but I saw the woman stand behind the ailing lady. She preceded to hold her two hands, palms flat, on both sides of other’s rib cage, about three to four inches away without touching. They stood silently as one cared for the other. She was offering a Reiki treatment to help ease her friend’s pain. After about five minutes, they spoke to each other. Had that “non-touch” ministration helped? I learned through my own questions to them, “What was that?” that both women were skilled in Reiki. Interestingly, neither had known about the other’s training.

What I witnessed in those short minutes was someone showing compassion and then demonstrating care by offering what they could to help someone else. She did not just say she was sorry. She offered a possible solution.

The woman with the healing hands was led to offer the gift of her time and skill. The other woman humbly accepted, with thanks.

Think about how each of us can demonstrate compassion and care to anyone in need, whether the situation is large or small. We might bring a meal to a sick neighbor, listen patiently to someone who is grieving, help a stranger carry a grocery bag, or simply offer a kind word to a person having a difficult day. We can also practice humility when others care for us by accepting their help and saying a sincere thank you. Which comes more easily to you: offering help or receiving it?

Please consider volunteering with AFCI.

My friend who likes to swim in Sunday River just texted. I must run along. I am going to join her and go swimming again this afternoon. This time at a local public sandy beach. Another place I used to take my children….

I hope you all enjoy the rest of August.

Melinda Remington

Locke’s Mills News

Amy Wight Chapman

Former Selectman Arnold Jordan, who celebrated his 92^nd birthday on Wednesday, August 19, is now Greenwood’s oldest resident. Town Manager Kim Sparks and all three members of the current Board of Selectmen presented Arnie with Greenwood’s Boston Post Cane on Wednesday at his home on the Gore Road. We love you, Arnie!

Read more

Upcoming events in our communities include:

Thursday, Augu…

Read more

We certainly have had a good stretch of nice, varied weather. Just enough rain and dew to help the gardens. Yesterday I joined friends for a late afternoon dip in the Sunday River. Cool and refreshing on a hot, humid day. I often reminisce about how I took my children to the covered bridge on lazy, idyllic days; as we filed down over the embankment I would warn them about the slippery rocks and the nearby poison ivy. 50+ year olds now, with grown children of their own, and I still feel compelled to protect all of them.

I suppose we never stop nurturing what we hope to preserve and see flourish. I think of children of all ages, wild and domestic animals, gardens and forests, and both long-standing and emerging friendships and family ties. We also nurture the institutions that support our communities’ well-being, including schools, houses of worship, medical facilities, and public safety services. The Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI), Rotary, the Outing Club, the RePant project, the 4-H Youth Hub, and other local volunteer-run nonprofits play an invaluable role in supporting individuals and strengthening the broader community.

We all are invited to have a place at the table. To be a spoke in the wheel. A leg of a stool. You get the picture.

AFCI could use your support in helping our older citizens to stay in their own homes, in their own neighborhoods. Like you, we would like to see people of all ages flourish. An “age-friendly community” is for all ages. You probably have noticed on our monthly “Events of Interest to Older Folks and Their Families” includes social opportunities that are designed for people of all ages.

We need more volunteer drivers to ensure that every older adult who requests a ride can receive one. Unfortunately, we must decline some requests because we do not have enough volunteers. Please reach out to: melindaremington@yahoo.com or by leaving a message at the AFCI Tel.#

207-824-4444.

I would like to share a reflection I wrote today:

This week I caught a sweet exchange between 2 women as we were finishing up our group stretching exercise session at the pool. One woman had complained of pain in her rib cage area from doing yard work the day before. We had all noticed her discomfort and that it had limited her normal robust participation that morning. We did feel bad for her and said we were sorry to see her experiencing twinges of pain.

At the end of our hour-long session, I noticed a fellow swimmer move closer to speak quietly with her. I could not hear their conversation, but I saw the woman stand behind the ailing lady. She preceded to hold her two hands, palms flat, on both sides of other’s rib cage, about three to four inches away without touching. They stood silently as one cared for the other. She was offering a Reiki treatment to help ease her friend’s pain. After about five minutes, they spoke to each other. Had that “non-touch” ministration helped? I learned through my own questions to them, “What was that?” that both women were skilled in Reiki. Interestingly, neither had known about the other’s training.

What I witnessed in those short minutes was someone showing compassion and then demonstrating care by offering what they could to help someone else. She did not just say she was sorry. She offered a possible solution.

The woman with the healing hands was led to offer the gift of her time and skill. The other woman humbly accepted, with thanks.

Think about how each of us can demonstrate compassion and care to anyone in need, whether the situation is large or small. We might bring a meal to a sick neighbor, listen patiently to someone who is grieving, help a stranger carry a grocery bag, or simply offer a kind word to a person having a difficult day. We can also practice humility when others care for us by accepting their help and saying a sincere thank you. Which comes more easily to you: offering help or receiving it?

Please consider volunteering with AFCI.

My friend who likes to swim in Sunday River just texted. I must run along. I am going to join her and go swimming again this afternoon. This time at a local public sandy beach. Another place I used to take my children….

I hope you all enjoy the rest of August.

Melinda Remington

Condolences go out to the family and friends of Selectman Jon Howe.

The workers are very busy at the Town Hall. The granite slabs are now back in place in the concrete base, with the building now resting on them. It will be nice to see it when all the work has finished. It will be ready to either repair or replace the windows.

Work has begun at the corner of Route 2 and Bridge Street. There were two poles installed a while back and now the reason has been revealed. There is going to be a weather station installed there. Not too much more information was found out other than it will help report winter weather conditions in the area.

Gilead Historical Society

Last weekend the corner was busy with quite a few visitors. Alison Aloisio stopped by to see what the GHS has been busy with recently. She was thinking of doing an article with the latest updates.

May Peabody letters Continued

Letter #4

Pension Benoit

13-15 Lung Arno Serrestori Florence, Italy

[no date, must have been started on 29 June or later]

My dear Family,

My last letter was such a miserable hodge podge that I have little courage to attempt another. Yet I suppose you will want to hear

from me so will take new courage and try again. We reached here last Thursday at nine o’clock in the evening and were met by the

concierge of the Pension Benoit. We had engaged our rooms before leaving Rome and had asked to be met. This pension is

delightful. Miss Hyde and I are roommates this time and our window looks out upon a pretty square and the Arno just beyond. Across the river we can see Santa Croce (the most interesting church perhaps in all Florence), Giotto’s Tower (the bell tower of the Cathedral) and the queer old tower on the Palazzo Vecchio. This is the pension where Kathleen staid and recommended so highly. We pay only $1.20 a day which includes even wine. Our general method of procedure when we arrive in a new place is first to go to Cook’s, then visit places in the city we most wish to see. We followed that program here. I was delighted to find Frank’s letter

announcing the safe arrival of John Wright Peabody. I think I am very glad that it is a boy and I am particularly pleased with the name. I do hope Ethel will get well quickly.

I wish you could all see Giotto’s Tower. It is impossible to give you any idea of its beauty. How I wish you could all see this

Beautiful group of buildings! It impressed me quite as much as the fine old ruins in Rome. We staid at Hotel Subasio,

close to the church. The view of the luxuriant valley below is magnificent. Vineyards and large wheat fields everywhere to be seen and all so peaceful and restful. Again we were favored with balcony rooms. I don’t know how I shall ever be able to live in New York if this sort of thing continues. The view of a plain brick wall will seem worse than ever. We walked about the town a little; the streets are narrow + steep + picturesque. We saw women going to the wells carrying waterjugs on their heads. The costumes were very picturesque and fitted in with quaint old streets.

By this time you must have received my first letter. I’m wondering if the Gilead home is open today. I do not know the date of Colby’s commencement but have a vague idea that it comes this week. I shall try to send a letter every week and postals in

between. Am hoping for a letter from you, Ada, sometime soon.

With very much love to you all.

May

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