Western Maine Neighborhood News: East Bethel

East Bethel News

Thu, 11 Jun 2026 08:58:59 GMT

It was nice to see many familiar faces at the Bethel Library Plant Sale. Both my daughter and I found some nice plants again. I keep hoping to see a bay leaf plant again.

Eva and John Coolidge will celebrate their anniversary on June 22. Happy Anniversary from the whole neighborhood, Eva and John.

Those of you who know Jane Hathaway, please wish her a speedy recovery for her most recent hip replacement.

In memory of Stan Howe, here is a trivia question: When were the two editions of the East Bethel Road book published?

East Bethel Road and its author, Eva Marion Bean

This should be an easy one, so call me at 595-0691 or e-mail heinrichcracker@gmail.com I would love to know if folks would like to see the Trivia come back?

Have a great week!

East Bethel News, June 4, 2026

Thu, 04 Jun 2026 08:58:27 GMT

Happy June, everyone. It seems with the arrival of June our weather seems to become more seasonable and we can enjoy the outdoors more. I started moving some plants outside, yet still trying to stay on the safe side.

Billy Hinckley Jr. celebrated his 34th birthday on June 1st. Happy Belated Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Billy.

A Celebration of Lif…

East Bethel News, May 28, 2026

Thu, 28 May 2026 08:58:50 GMT

Here we are and it’s the end of May already. Many of you are busy putting your gardens in as after this weekend we should be safe of frost.

The first Saturday Market of the season went quite well and it was nice to see many familiar faces. Rosie was there with all her beautiful creations. Plus her line dance lessons started up again also.

There seems to be a new business in the neighborhood. It’s called EBC V-Twin and according to their post on Team Bethel, they will take care of all your 2 and 4 wheel needs.

Tammy and Bill Hinckley will celebrate their 33rd anniversary May 29th. Happy Anniversary from the whole neighborhood, Tammy and Bill.

All you Fossils friends, they will be at the Locke Mills Legion this Saturday, May 30th from 6-8; donations are welcome.

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

Have a great week!

East Bethel News, May 21, 2026

Thu, 21 May 2026 08:58:47 GMT

Can we dare hope that the warmer temperatures are here to stay? I started bringing some plants and seedlings outside to let them soak up the sun and bring them in in the evening. The tough part for me is buying all the soil to fill my planters, but it sure is worth it.

Linda and Neil Olson will celebrate their 58th Anniversary on May 26th. Happy Annivers…

East Bethel News, May 14, 2026

Thu, 14 May 2026 08:58:22 GMT

In Germany it’s “Spargelzeit” (asparagus season) aka “White Gold” season. The white asparagus is the preferred type in Germany. It’s only been in more recent years that some started eating the green asparagus. After over 50 years I still miss it and make do with the green variety.

The Neighbors Feeding Neighbors went very well. People were able to eat either outside or inside. Many of us older folks opted for the warmth inside. Chris’s Haven of Hope were being celebrated and they were also a tremendous help giving a hand with dishes and general clean-up. They also made friends with some of the kids playing outside. They sure are a great bunch of guys and a wonderful addition to our community. The next event is already in the planning stages for June 9th.

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

A warming trend is supposedly starting this weekend. Please, let it be true and let the outside planting begin.

Below is a flyer describing two upcoming June events at the Lower Meetinghouse (East Bethel Church), sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum.

Have a great week.

East Bethel News, May 7, 2026

Thu, 07 May 2026 08:59:08 GMT

Happy May, my friends. According to an old German children’s song, May renews and sets your soul free, encouraging you to come outside and collect flowers. Somehow, despite my age, I still feel this way about this time of year and the song plays in my mind.

A heartfelt Happy Belated Birthday, dear Arlene Harrington. On May 3, you turned CIII (this is for…

East Bethel News, April 30, 2026

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:58:47 GMT

The last few days have been so amazing. Doors and windows open, birds chirping and trees sprouting. So far the only thing showing signs of life in my flower containers is the bleeding heart I planted last season. Hopefully more of the perennials will come back; keeping my fingers crossed.

The volunteers of Neighbors Feeding Neighbors had a productive meeting on April 28th. The brainstorming was just plain amazing and new ideas moving forward will keep making this a great monthly event. Mark your calendar for May 12th.

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

Have a great week!

East Bethel News, April 23, 2026

Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:58:28 GMT

Last Sunday I made a belated birthday dinner for my oldest grandson. I have written about him in the past when we were looking for a pup for him. It’s been almost a year now since he has had his pup, “Bird.” Bird is a beautiful, smart Australian Shepherd and the two are like two peas in a pot. Sadly, since the two found each other, all the training offered through the Epilepsy Foundation has fallen victim to all the government cuts. So, now we are looking for affordable help to train Bird to be my grandson’s service dog. Your input would be greatly appreciated.

East Bethel News, April 16, 2026

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 08:58:36 GMT

This month seems to be just flying by. It must be because all the wonderful events happening have been keeping us busy.

At the last Bethel Seniors Group meeting, the students from the Culinary Arts of Region 9 served us a three-course meal again. It was absolutely amazing and delicious. Therefore, I was so happy to see that our local Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen is having a fundraiser/benefit dinner for our Telstar sophomore Henry Perks to travel to France to further his culinary career at the Le Cordon Bleu. On April 26th the Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen will turn into a French Bistro from 5:30 till 7 in support of Henry. Please, if you can, support this young man. Call or text Henry for information at 207-291-0110.

From the Watershed: Oh la la, here it is!! We are so excited for Henry, so please support his fundraising dinner so that he can train in France this summer. Henry, a Region 9 culinary arts student, is creating the menu, sourcing ingredients, and COOKING for this event. Please contact him with any questions regarding the menu etc. If you’re unable to attend, please consider donating to his fundraiser.

At the same meeting, Lyndsey Smith talked to us about the North Star Program. We, residents at the Bethel House Senior Housing, are proud to help some by donating all our returnables to this wonderful program which helps so many of our local youngsters. Through this program they also do a lot of community service.

I was recently told that I cannot keep my small charcoal grill here at the apartment complex anymore, sigh. Old school as I am, can’t get myself to put it in the dumpster. Let me know if you would like it....first come basis,

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

Think Spring!

East Bethel News, April 9, 2026

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 08:58:56 GMT

I hope everyone had a nice holiday weekend. Despite the rain many kids still enjoyed Easter egg hunts.

I think I will plant some seeds this week or am I too early? I am never really too sure when the right time is to get started.

Hannah Malley (Kimball) will celebrate her birthday on April 10th. Happy Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Hannah. Miss see…

East Bethel News, April 2, 2026

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 08:58:36 GMT

“April, April, er macht grad was er will”; a German saying meaning “April, April, he does just as he pleases,” its meaning being constant changes in weather. We get that here even sooner as we have been seeing.

Easter weekend is coming up, so I included an old picture of my Mom and I on Easter morning. My older sister was there also, naturally. It was taken after we played “who can throw an egg the furthest without breaking it.” It was fun and turned the field into specks of color. My Mom wouldn’t like me showing this picture as she still had her rollers in her hair.

I think as a child I liked Easter more than Christmas. There was just nothing like searching the whole yard for eggs, chocolate bunnies, and whatever presents were hidden. Memories truly are a treasure,

The votes stopped coming in and sadly were not very numerous concerning the favorite greenhouse in the area. Hopefully in the future more folks will participate in a fun activity like this. So, Mountain Greenery came in first place with three votes, Pooh Corner Farm second place with 2 votes, Longfellow Greenhouse and Young’s received one vote each. Personally, I love to stop at each and every greenhouse anywhere.

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

Wishing you all a Happy Easter.

East Bethel News, March 26, 2026

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 08:58:40 GMT

Well, this was quite the storm Saturday/Sunday. It’s a mere hiccup to us Mainers as we move right along with our spring preparations and thoughts. Next week I will give you a tally of the votes for greenhouses. Be sure to still vote.

Saturday I went to the Benefit Supper at the Methodist Church. The soups, stews, chowders, and chilis were amazing, as wel…

East Bethel News, March 19, 2026

Thu, 19 Mar 2026 08:58:38 GMT

So far I only have three votes about my question concerning a favorite greenhouse. In order to ease minds, I will not say who voted how, rather merely give a tally of votes. Please, do join the fun. You may even find out about some places you didn’t know existed.

Happy Birthday to Madeline Lewis, daughter of Tonya and John Lewis, from the whole neighborhood on March 21.

Tammy Hinckley will celebrate her birthday on March 22. Happy Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Tammy. You are such an inspiration, defying the odds.

Mark your calendars for March 28th when the Fossils will be performing at the Locke Mills Legion again. Details will follow next week.

Amy Wight Chapman spoke to all of us at the Bethel Seniors Group about her book. It was very interesting and informative. Thank you, Amy.

Please, call me at 595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com

It is always great to hear from you with news and interesting tidbits.

Think Spring!

East Bethel News, March 12, 2026

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 08:58:25 GMT

This taste of spring has been amazing and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. It was nice to open doors and windows and let all the fresh air in.

I included a couple of pictures which were taken in my hometown, Linkenheim, in Germany. These stork couples return every year and their arrival signals spring has arrived. Their first activity is to fix up…

East Bethel News, March 5, 2026

Thu, 05 Mar 2026 09:58:41 GMT

Happy March everyone!!! Spring is just around the corner now and it’s time to browse seed catalogs and plan the gardens.

I am already looking forward to visiting the various greenhouses in the area. Which greenhouse is your favorite and why? Let’s do our own little neighborhood survey. It will be interesting to hear your answers. Call me at 595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com. You can also find me on facebook to get in touch with me.

Tuesday, March 10, the Neighbors feeding Neighbors community supper will be at the Bethel Methodist Church from 4:30 till 6:30. Come and enjoy a nice dinner and if possible donate some non-perishable food to help with food insecurity in our community.

The Bethel Senior Group will meet on Wednesday March11 at the Bethel Methodist Church from 11:00 till 1:00. New members and visitors are welcome.

Think Spring!

East Bethel News, February 26, 2026

Thu, 26 Feb 2026 09:58:19 GMT

As most of you may have heard already, Stan Howe passed away. All our heartfelt sympathy to his family. He will always be remembered for all he did for the community. Years ago, when I started writing the East Bethel column and did the Trivia, he gifted me one of the misprints of the East Bethel book. It sure helped me learn a lot about East Bethel.

Eva …

East Bethel News, February 19, 2026

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 09:58:14 GMT

I attended the “Raise the Roof” get together at the Methodist Church where much of the discussion centered on the need for more fundraising and/or better ways to accomplish the goals.

I ask all of you to take a moment to think about how much the Methodist Church is involved in various community events. We have become so accustomed to it just being there. Neighbors feeding Neighbors, Bethel Seniors Group, Soup’s On, yoga classes etc. all call the Church their home.

The May 2025 issue of Bethel Living Magazine featured an article about “Soup’s On!” at the Methodist Church.

In the Summer it’s also the place for local artists to show and sell their wares and their indoor yard sale.

A summertime Saturday market at the Methodist Church (Photo from the RePant Totes Facebook page)

Yet, the Church is struggling with funding for all the needed repairs whilst fulfilling our need for community. Let’s all be more mindful when we attend events there and show our support. We need to protect this precious gift of a safe space for events, gatherings and yes, worship, as this Church satisfies all the various needs of the community.

The busy calendar of events held at the Methodist Church shows the important role the church plays in the community.

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

Have a great week!

East Bethel News, February 12, 2026

Thu, 12 Feb 2026 09:58:46 GMT

It seems most of the town’s folks watched Bethel’s Frankie DelDuca carry the flag at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics. We are all cheering for Frankie and his team and all the athletes.

Wednesday, February 18^th, is the next Soup’s On at the Bethel Methodist Church as usual from 11:00 till 1:00. There’s nothing like some good soup to warm up from th…

East Bethel News, February 5, 2026

Thu, 05 Feb 2026 09:58:18 GMT

Hello February!!! We have made it through the brutal cold of January, so this short month, bringing us so much closer to spring, is refreshing. Seed catalogs should be arriving soon for the gardeners among us. Though I can’t have a vegetable garden, I do enjoy seeing what’s new out there in both the flower and vegetable world.

I need to apologize to Neil Olson for being one day off on his birthday. Made the same mistake with my cousin, who shares a mutual birthday with Neil.

Some of you may recall how years back we did the mock elections for East Bethel and Neil was voted the governor? Well, one of his daughters crowned him a Viking king for his birthday on Facebook this year. It made me think about how much fun we had with those mock elections…should we do it again this summer? Call or text me at 595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com. Looking forward to hearing from you soon.

Neil Olson and family…with some help from AI. (Photo from Carrie Olson Aube’s Facebook page)

Bettyann Hastings is celebrating her birthday on February 8th. Happy Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Bettyann.

Todd Malley’s birthday is on February 5. Happy Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Todd.

The next Neighbors feeding Neighbors Community Dinner will be on February 10th from 4:30 till 6:30 at the Bethel Methodist Church. Besides a free dinner this event does so much for the community by donations of food and money for the Food Pantry. It’s a joy to watch folks socializing and kids playing the whole time. Come and join us, please.

The Bethel Seniors Group will meet February 11th from 11:00 to 1:00 at the Bethel Methodist Church. It’s another great opportunity to socialize with friends and neighbors.

Stay warm and have a great week.

East Bethel News, January 29, 2026

Thu, 29 Jan 2026 09:58:21 GMT

In order to lighten the mood and ease the winter blues, I have included a couple of pictures of what part of my walkway looks like during the warm season. It looks different every year as I try to add new plants. I also have a small collection of cacti.

The time outside is the growth period for most of my plants. One year I was even given quite a bit of …