I had mentioned last week that Susan and I were going to Augusta to a ceremony where our cousin, Dean Ben…

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I remember as a child, that I was allowed to go swimming on Memorial Day. It was often hot, and of course, the bugs would be out in full force. Also, the water was COLD!

Coming right up this weekend—Low Commotion Tuba Ensemble will be performing at the Deering Memorial Community Center in South Paris on Sunday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. The concert is by donation with all proceeds going to the Organ Restoration Fund. This would be a great way to spend Sunday afternoon!

Coming up at the First Universalist Church of West Paris—The Reverend Scott Campbell will be delivering the sermon entitled, “Ain’t She Sweet?” It tells the story of a woman who battled with depression throughout much of her life, but how knew a deeper inner truth in the end.

First Universalist Church of W. Paris Annual Rhubarb Festival is June 6th

West Paris – The First Universalist Church of West Paris will hold its annual Rhubarb Festival, and White Elephant Sale on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church, 208 Main Street, W. Paris. The Rhubarb Festival is one of the church’s traditional events which features everything rhubarb, including homemade rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb pies, cakes, cookies, fresh rhubarb, and more, and all prepared by church members and friends for this important annual fundraiser. Pies are $18 each; other rhubarb treats will be individually priced. Doors open at 9:00 a.m., no ‘early birds’ and no pre-orders. For more information, please contact Marta Clements, 207-674-2143, mclements96894@roadrunner.com.

Check out the Facebook page of the Bethel Outing Club. They will post a weekly schedule of hikes planned. They plan to have opportunities for people of all ages to meet up for a walk or hike 5 days a week.

Last week I wrote about renewing my passport on line. I was quite surprised when I was notified I would be receiving the new one on Monday, May 18. And, it DID show up then! It has a different look from my old one, with American scenes throughout. I’m just thrilled that it arrived so very quickly.

Observations from the patio

On a recent afternoon, I sat out on the patio for several hours, just enjoying the beautiful weather. I have discovered 2 nests that are currently inhabited.

In this photo of one nest, you can actually see the tailfeather of the bird sitting on the nest. I haven’t seen what bird it is. I know that there is a grackle family in the other nest. And then there is the chipmunk—his nest is under my garage. I spotted it carrying grapes from my compost to its home. It made numerous trips back and forth, one grape at a time. These are just a few of the everyday goings on near the bog. Nature is truly the best TV.

My flowers are getting taller and more buds and blossoms can be spotted. All of a sudden, the lilies of the valley are ready to flower. I was really pleased to discover that a couple of plants I had moved last year, have come up in their new spot. One is a pasque flower, which has delicate foliage and a purple blossom.

I finally escaped to my friend Jane’s in Fryeburg. We were way overdue for a visit, but between an unexpected puppy, weather, and each of us getting sick at different times, it was tough. We gave each other Christmas and birthday gifts and ordered Chinese takeout. One of the highlights of the visit was a trip to the Brownfield Market. Jane and Abby have talked about this store for ages, and what great deals can be found. Run by Mennonites, it has nearly everything you might want (size wise it reminded me of Trader Joe’s) at a grocery store, but definitely not every brand. Products can vary from visit to visit. What got my attention right away was raspberries for $1.25 a pint.

It was a fun outing and I also saw Abby’s goats. Here are a few grazing in the pasture.

In a quest to find an open restaurant Sunday afternoon, Dave and I landed at the Millbrook Tavern. We arrived between 4:00 and 5:00, and discovered that Happy Hour was from 3:00-5:00. We each got a burger and fries for $10. There were other food and drink specials which were very reasonable. If you’re looking for an early, inexpensive and decent meal, you might want to try it out.

The Whitman Memorial Library held its first cookbook dinner of the season on Monday. All recipes were from James Beard cookbooks. I made a garlic and gruyere bread and Dave baked a delicious apple cake. I do think it was one of the most delicious meals we’ve shared. The next dinner is scheduled for Monday, July 20, and the theme is Mediterranean.

In other library news, Jack Montgomery, author of a new book about the Holocaust victims who now live in Maine, will be doing a program at the library on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 AM.

The other day I went outside to sit in the sun, because my house was rather chilly. Within maybe 15 minutes I had four others sitting with me. I love me a dooryard visit, and that’s just what happened. It was especially great to have my nephew, Ben Hutchins, stop by. He stopped because I was outside, therefore he knew I was home!

This Wednesday, my sister and I, along with Jim and Julia Bennett, and Rick and Karen Bennett, will be traveling to Augusta, where Dean Bennett is to be recognized for his lifetime achievements. He, along with others, who were recommended for this award, will be the honorees. I’ll have more to report on that next week.

I recently saw a pair of small black and white birds on the bog side. I’ve tried to fi…

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I stepped inside the house, and was immediately impressed by the huge kitchen. MaryEllen explained how each resident has his own space for food, which is labeled. Labels are used to distinguish who has access to what. Two refrigerators, two ovens, and a huge Coke cooler (which is not up and working just yet) are in use. The large kitchen area turns into a living area at the opposite end of the room. Here, couches and chairs make up a cozy spot to watch TV or gather. Marc is the manager of the house, and his bedroom is downstairs. Upstairs are rooms which residents share (two beds per room).

The rooms are bright and cheerful, with beautiful handmade quilts on the beds. MaryEllen pointed out item after item which had been donated.

As we walked through the house, Haven the puppy was close behind. Marc mentioned that he really doesn’t have time for a puppy, but, oh well! I had to laugh later on when I saw her quietly trot by with a shoe in her mouth!

There have been numerous articles written about Chris’ Haven of Hope, as well as TV news coverage. Their mission is (taken from their brochure):

At Chris’ Haven of Hope, our mission is to provide men in recovery, with the structure, accountability, and community needed to build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.

We believe that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the steps toward change.

Recovery happens one day at a time, and no one has to walk that path alone.

What they have to offer:

Drug and alcohol free housing

Guidance toward employment and personal growth

Structured sober living environment

Supportive peer community

Laundry on-site

49 acres of land

18 bed newly renovated sober home

4 bathrooms

Large common area with 100”TV

Transportation for unlicensed residents

They are currently in need of transportation, so stay tuned for fund raising information.

Also, the May issue of Bethel Living has a wonderful article about Chris’ Haven of Hope.

If you would like more info, check out the website: www.chrishavenmaine.org

There is also a Facebook page, where you can find out the latest happenings.

Happy May! This week it’s the forsythias in bloom. Apparently they wintered well, and the blossoms are covering the bushes. I’ve noticed buds forming on the lilacs. Grass is finally getting green and I can see the buds on the trees!

This coming weekend is a busy one. On Saturday there will be a cookie walk at the American Legion in Greenwood. I hear they are apt to sell out quickly, so make sure to get there early!

Sunday, of course, is Mother’s Day. One way to celebrate would be to take your mom to the Mahoosuc Community Band spring concert at Gould Academy. The concert is scheduled for 4 PM in the Bingham Auditorium. Donations are accepted at the door to help defray the cost of the music.

First Universalist Church of West Paris- May Worship Services

May 10, When Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion, the people ask a simple question: “Who is this?” This sermon will be led by The Rev. Scott Campbell and will explore this same question in the modern context. Who is Jesus and what does he have to do with us?

May 17, The First Universalist Church of W. Paris will join the congregation of the South Paris Universalist Church on this Sunday. Their service starts at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments following the service.

May 24, led by The Rev. Scott Campbell, the sermon for this Sunday is entitled Ain’t She Sweet? It tells the story of a woman who battled with depression throughout much of her life, but who knew a deeper inner truth in the end.

May 31, “Choosing the Land of the Blessed” led by The Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that we all too often find in the world exactly what we are seeking- our expectations, what we see, how we understand it, and how we choose to respond. We will explore how grounding ourselves in the gifts of everyday life strengthen us to meet the moments that break our hearts. Jodi (she/her) organizes Multifaith Justice Maine, building power among people across the spectrum of faith traditions and beliefs. Jodi is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who has been grounding people of faith in the discipline and practice of radical love for more than 25 years, serving in a parish for over two decades before joining MPA to develop Multifaith Justice Maine. Jodi’s organizing is rooted in the principles and analysis she learned serving as Maine’s faith tri-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and shaped by the fierce commitment she experienced within the harm reduction community.

For more information about the church and services, please contact Marta Clements, 674-2143,mclements96894@roadrunner.com, or Suzanne Dunham, 665-2967, dunhamfarm@msn.com.

Announcing Western Maine Hikes for All Ages, a new collaboration of several individuals from the region!

This intergenerational program is designed to encourage and support people to get outside and walk or hike on a regular basis.

There is a variety of times, locations, and skill levels offered Monday through Friday. We are looking for more volunteers to be Greeters for a walk/hike.

Note: Be prepared for walking/hiking conditions, including appropriate footwear, clothing, water, and a snack. Participants knowingly assume risks, both known and unknown, associated with hiking.

The schedule will be posted on The Bethel Outing Club (BOC) and Bethel Fun for Kids Facebook Pages.

The BOC FB page will be the first place people should check for any updates and changes.

By all accounts I’ve seen, it was a successful cleanup day on Saturday. I plan to get out soon with some trash bags (plus gloves and a grabber) and do my part cleaning up Rumford Avenue.

Happy 100th to Amy Davis on May 4. Both of my daughters had her for a Kindergarten teacher. That is a huge milestone!

On Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Andy and Louise Frank, and Dave and I decided to partake in some Mexican food at Romero’s in Bethel. As we stood in line, waiting to order, we could see the sky turn black. Eventually, the wind picked up, and holy smokes! I felt like I was in a dust storm—the air was filled with dirt and sand, objects started to take flight, and then the rain came! The temperature dropped significantly and then we were drenched. A huge thank you to Wade and Beth of the Gem, who opened the theater lobby so that folks could eat under cover. The musician who was scheduled to perform moved inside too. Romero’s must have done very well, because by the time we ordered, the menu was quite a bit smaller. We finally got our food, and were able to eat it in a dry place, even though we were all pretty soaked. It was definitely an experience!!

I highly recommend making a stop at The Local Hub to see the canvas photos by Veronica and Brian Penley. They have taken some gorgeous photos and put them on canvas. Most are for sale—their bird photos are exceptional.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.

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It takes me back to April vacation 2010, when four of us had a trip to Ireland planned for the week. Of all the things that could cancel our trip, it was a volcano in Iceland! There was so much ash in the air it was affecting flight visibility. That was extremely disappointing. However, we did take the trip in August that year, and had absolutely perfect weather and a fabulous time.

Both times I’ve visited Ireland, I was very fortunate to be traveling with someone licensed to drive in Ireland. There’s no way I’d have attempted it. It worked out very well, and we were able to take ourselves to numerous places at our own pace. We landed in Shannon, so we stayed in that area for the week. We toured the Ring of Kerry, the Cliffs of Moher, saw the Book of Kells at Trinity College in Dublin, and of course, had to go to a castle for a medieval dinner. Blarney Castle was another spot we visited and I recall how incredible the gardens and grounds were.

I have been down with a cold for a week and a half now. I am starting to have more energy, but this has been ridiculous. Stuffy nose and coughing/blowing. A few others around me have also been afflicted with this bug. It makes me so grateful that I don’t have to be anywhere, or call out sick for work. That was something I rarely did—take a sick day.

I finally have some daffodils in bloom! They have to be tough to survive in these up and down temps. Last fall I planted some more tête-à-têtes. Several of them are up and blooming. I’ve also spotted lupines and hollyhocks, and my heather is starting to blossom.

The highlight of the weekend was watching my great-niece, Madison LaForce, perform her senior recital at UNH. Because I had been under the weather, I watched it online from home. What a talent this girl is! She had a varied program, with several different genres. Of course, there was a jazz set, and her dad, Marc LaForce, stepped in to play sax in one number, and her Uncle Brian Hathaway played bass in the combo. It’s hard to believe she’s graduating from college this year.

Upcoming:

This coming Saturday, April 25, from 9-11 a.m. the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel is hosting its annual Smile Fund Sale. Stop in to find just what you didn’t know you needed! All proceeds go toward dentures for adults who need them in the SAD 44 area.

Services for the First Universalist Church of West Paris this coming Sunday, April 26: The Good Shepherd and whose voice deserves our allegiance. Here’s an excerpt: “Beloved, we hear a thousand voices calling for us to follow every day. Advertisers hawk their ware, image vendors would make us over in to their desired likeness, culture tells us what success looks like, and politicians offer the promised land; beware of all their claims. Make room in your quiet times to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd—the One to whom you are a sacred trust, the One who will lead you to places that will sustain you the One who will protect you in the face of danger, and the One whose heart is tender and merciful. This is the voice to listen for. Let all others fall on deaf ears.” The church is located at 208 Main Street, West Paris.

The Mahoosuc Community Band will perform its Spring Concert on Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day), at 4 p.m. at Gould’s Bingham Auditorium in Bethel. Ed Ryan is conducting the band consisting of adults and Gould students. The concert program is full of familiar favorites. Donations are welcome at the door to help defray the cost of music.

The Woodstock Conservation Commission is sponsoring a Green-Up Woodstock Day on Saturday, May 2, from 9 to noon. This is in collaboration with the conservation commissions in Greenwood and Bethel and the Town of Newry. Meet at the Bryant Pond ballfields at 9 AM and bring work gloves and wear colorful clothing. All are invited to Davis Park in Bethel for a lunch at 11:30 a.m. FMI contact Jane Chandler at jane.h.chandler@gmail.com.

This is ongoing, but this Friday, which is the last Friday of the month, is Blood Donation Day through the Red Cross at the Ripley Building of Stephens Hospital in Norway. Anyone can make an appointment by calling 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767). This takes place on the last Friday of every month.

Coming up on Saturday, May 9, at 1 p.m. at the Deering Community Center, South Paris, is a presentation by Rivera Sun, author of the Ari Ari Series. This is being hosted by the Paris Public Library and the Whitman Memorial Library. There is no cost to come, and there will be refreshments.

Please send me your news/events: Note a change in email— lalalindastowell@gmail.com

Thanks! Have a great week!

April is being a big tease—giving us a taste of the weather we crave, then slapping us with the showers and cooler temps. My daffodils and tulips are up, but I haven’t had much opportunity to start uncovering all the little blooms that will appear.

I’m currently under the weather with a nasty cold.…

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Here is info on a special event coming up soon:

Award-Winning Maine Author, Rivera Sun, To Visit
Deering Community Center in South Paris on May 9, 2026

Paris Public Library in South Paris and Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond are pleased to co-sponsor a community presentation by Rivera Sun, well-known author of the Ari Ara series.

The event, funded by a private donation, will happen on May 9^th at 1 PM at the Deering Community Center in South Paris (across the street from The Square restaurant and next to the Paris Public Library - in the former Methodist Church). There is no cost to attend and members of surrounding communities are welcome.

Rivera Sun’s books blend action and adventure with the skills of conflict resolution, anti-bullying, and ending violence. They are enjoyed by readers of all ages – from young students to older adults - and will claim a spot on your bookshelf and a place in your heart. Program attendees will have the chance to win a complete set of the popular Ari Ara series signed by the author.

For more information, please contact the Paris Public Library (207-743-6994) or the Whitman Memorial Library (207-665-2505).

I had breakfast with Kathleen DeVore last Friday, our usual day to meet at The Hub. I’m so happy to have this spot close by. Kathleen and I have been meeting for breakfast every month for over a year now. It’s truly great to visit, and get caught up on what’s happening. We also got a look at artwork by Hunter Verrill, which is awesome.

On Saturday I went to hear Graham Platner at the Gem in Bethel. There was a large crowd and he was well received.

The Locke Mills Union Church hosted a Maundy Thursday service last week, followed by a pot luck meal. It was delicious, and there were only eight of us there! The next day was a Good Friday service, and then on Easter, a sunrise service followed by breakfast. Regular service was at 9:30. We are still meeting in the Sunday School room to save on heat.

West Paris news—

Coming right up-this Saturday, April 11, there will be a meet and greet for artist Shelly Shibles at the West Paris library at 3:00. Come and meet the artist and view her artwork. Refreshments will be served.

Jeff Holley is organizing a group of people to bring back Old Home Days in West Paris. This will be on Saturday, June 13. Volunteers are wanted and needed.

Upcoming services at the First Universalist Church of West Paris:

April 12—“The Story of the Road to Emmaus” led by Rev. Scott Campbell

April 19—Earth Day led by guest Marylin Tiemann

April 26—The Good Shepherd

The Smile Fund Sale, which provides dentures for adults in the SAD 44 region, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 AM at the West Parish Congregational Church. The church is looking for donations to benefit this community yard sale. Items can be dropped off at the church between Friday, April 17, and Thursday, April 23. Appropriate items include toys, books, housewares, tools, gardening supplies, and small furniture. Please NO electronics, clothing, jewelry or stuffed animals. For an application or more information about the sale, contact West Parish Congregational church at 824-2689.

On Easter Sunday, I hosted a group for a potluck lunch. Those who came were: Andy and Louise Frank, Dan Quigley, Lainey Cross, Deb Hays, Dave Matthews, Sarah and Colin, and yours truly. I made a lentil soup and focaccia. There was a wonderful selection of tasty dishes, and it was a relaxing and enjoyable time.

On my birthday, I went to Chris Cole’s for freshly made popovers. It was a really nice gathering, with Barb Russell, Lainey Cross, my sister Susan, Kathy Bennett, Chris and I. We sat for three hours, yapping away and eating two rounds of popovers! The rest of my day was very uneventful. More celebrating is planned for later this week.

I welcome your news/events: lstowell@roadrunner.com

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Coming up at the Locke Mills Union Church: there will be a Maundy Thursday service on April 2, at 4:00pm, followed by a potluck meal. On Friday, April 3, Sondra will conduct a Good Friday service, also at 4:00. On Easter Sunday, we will have a sunrise service, followed by breakfast, and then regular church at 9:30.

I hope everyone adjusted to the time change. It seems that every year it’s discussed on whether to change the clocks or not. It makes me think of the year I turned 50. My birthday was actually the same day as the time change that year (before the earlier date change in March). My mother and sister threw me a surprise party! I really was surprised, and was rather annoyed that no one made any plans to celebrate with me. Well, my friend Joey told me a good story that I believed, and next thing I knew….surprise! It was a really fun party, and just as we were sitting down to eat, Jayden and Ken Irons showed up! Apparently they didn’t get the memo for the time change, so showed up an hour later. We got a good laugh out of that.

Woodstock’s town meeting will be Monday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the fire station.

Happy Spring! It arrived shortly after my return from a very warm place. It’s a difficult thing to switch climates like that. One moment you’re in the sun, 80’s, and warmth, then POW!

Our return flight last Thursday was pretty routine, except for a rather bumpy trip to Boston. It was a bonus to go through customs in Aruba, but, it took the longest time for luggage to show up! We had tickets for the 8:10 C & J bus to Portsmouth, though we hoped to maybe get on an earlier bus if possible. We did manage to score seats on a bus which was 15-20 minutes earlier, and that eventually got us home about midnight. We had no issues with TSA on either flight, which was a relief. I was glad I left my boots in the car.

One amazing thing about Aruba is its water supply. Tap water is exceptionally pure and safe, produced by advanced high-quality distillation. It’s unusual to visit an island and not worry about drinking the water!

On our last full day there, we went to the Aruba Aloe Factory, where there was a big sale. The store there was packed, and there were festivities outside—play area for children, a stage for music, and lots of food! We finally got to taste a pastechi, which is a hand pie, and filled with cheese, or different seasoned meat. Ours were with beef, and they were delicious! We also tried some Dutch pancakes—tiny ones, with many choices of toppings.

After that, we made our way to the downtown shopping area. We found a good jewelry store, where we were able to get some larimar earrings. Larimar is found exclusively in the Dominican Republic, but of course, sells well anywhere. We followed up with lunch at the Sexy Shrimp. Because it was their Anthem and Flag Day (like our 4th of July), there was a lot happening all over the island. The restaurants were not busy, so we enjoyed a last lunch out (chicken tenders for me, while everyone else got shrimp!!).

On St. Patrick’s Day, we were prepared with our “green” shirts. We went out that evening on the KuKu Kunuku bus. What a hoot that was! We were the first to be picked up. We climbed aboard an old school bus—no windows, brightly painted, and maracas stationed nearby so that everyone could participate. Music blasted as we drove on, stopping to pick up passengers.

We were given a cup with a rum punch (not our favorite), and made stops at three different bars. At each stop, we exited the bus and went in, where we could buy a drink if we wanted, or just hang out and dance. Dancing was the best part! We were the last to get off the bus, and it was close to midnight, I think. It was a fun evening, and the party atmosphere just increased as the night went on.

First Universalist Church of West Paris April Worship Services:

While ‘spring’ (astronomically speaking) officially arrived on March 20, April

brings the real signs of spring, which symbolize renewal, growth and hope. Our services for this month in many ways convey the transformative nature of spring. Please join us Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Music by Davy Sturtevant. Refreshments following the service. All are welcome.

April 5, Easter Sunday Service, led by Pastor Linda Couture and the worship service committee.

April 12, “The story of the Road to Emmaus” led by The Rev. Scott Campbell. Here’s an excerpt: “Ordinary events that become sacred moments in the midst of our lives…That is what happens on the road to Emmaus. The choice to walk the road of faith together, brothers and sisters, in conversation with each other about the things that truly matter, to allow one another to enter into our stories and to willingly enter into another’s—keeps us alive and engaged throughout our days.”

April 19, Earth Day, led by guest Maryli Tiemann. “What do Maine’s own Senator Muskie, pink toilet paper, The Hobbit, and blade-less windmills have in common?” Our Earth Day service will include a reflection from Maryli Tiemann and music by Davy Sturtevant. Maryli will share recent innovations which promise cost effective solutions to our global energy needs, including a pocketful of small ideas we can use to create our own positive changes.

April 26, The Good Shepherd and whose voice deserves our allegiance. Here’s an excerpt: “Beloved, we hear a thousand voices calling for us to follow every day. Advertisers hawk their wares, image vendors would make us over into their desired likeness, culture tells us what success looks like, and politicians offer the promised land. Beware of all their claims. Make room in your quiet times to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd—the One to whom you are a sacred trust, the One who will lead you to places that will sustain you, the One who will protect you in the face of danger and the One whose heart is tender and merciful. This is the voice to listen for. Let all others fall on deaf ears.”

For more information about the church and services, please contact Marta Clements, 674-2143, mclements96894@roadrunner.com, or Suzanne Dunham, 665-2967, dunhamfarm@msn.com. To learn more about the Unitarian-Universalist Association, visit http://www.uua.org/

The First Universalist Church of West Paris is located at 208 Main St., W. Paris 04289

Have a great week, everyone! Send me your news: lstowell@roadrunner.com

I have had the opportunity to spend 8 days in paradise, with the best of friends. Kathy Hodsdon, Cindy McNinch, and I flew out last week from Boston. We arrived late afternoon in Aruba, and Lainey Cross was waiting for us! She drove us to Caribbean Palm Village, where we are staying until heading home on Thursday.

Lainey is an excell…

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A group of ladies from the library went on a road trip last week. It was decided at our last meeting that a group would travel to South Portland for the purpose of getting a new computer for the library (for public use),…

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Here is news from the First Universalist Church of West Paris:

Many of our worship services cover topics that are very relevant for our times. Not only do we experience spiritual guidance, but there is also much to ponder and apply to our individual lives. Please join us Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Music by Davy Sturtevant. Refreshments following the service. All are welcome.

March 1, “Listening,” led by The Rev. Scott Campbell who will explore what it means to truly pay attention to one another. Here is an excerpt:

“A basic premise underlies the business models on which social media networks are predicated. Tell people what they want to hear. Unfortunately, the corollary to that rule is also a part of the formula. Don’t tell them what they don’t want to hear. As a result, we are isolated from each other in virtually soundproof booths. One of the tragic results of this estrangement from one another is the corrosion of basic human decency.”

March 8, our speaker is Bob Neal. His topic is “The Mustard Seed and the Pullman Porters,” which is based on the parable of the mustard seed (Matthew 13) using the example of how the black middle class arose from the occupation of sleeping-car porter. It was the best job most black men could get, and the pay and tips were enough to create a middle class in a still-segregated country.

March 15, “Kindness,” led by The Rev. Scott Campbell. What motivates people to care for each other? Here is an excerpt:

“In the eleventh grade I found myself in my first extended philosophical debate with a group of other students. Each day at lunch we would pick up the argument anew. The crux of the conversation centered around whether anyone ever did anything for any reason that was not basically selfish. Even the noblest action, they insisted, was motivated by the desire to be thought noble by others. All kindness was ego-driven.”

March 22, “Americans Who Tell the Truth: The Spirituality of Activism.” The service will be led by Ellen Gibson. Robert Shetterly, an artist from Brooksville, Maine, has spent the last twenty years working on a project that’s called “Americans Who Tell the Truth.” Shetterly believes that truth is at the foundation of a functioning democracy. To date, he has painted 280 portraits of Americans who exemplify moral courage and civic engagement, from Abraham Lincoln to Stacey Abrams, Margaret Chase Smith to Samantha Smith, Pete Seeger to Richard Blanco. A number of Mainers are subjects of his portraits. In this service, we will investigate how activism intersects with the seven UU principles. For more information on this project, go to

https://americanswhotellthetruth.org/

This service was rescheduled from January.

March 29, “A Noble Life” led by guest speaker, Marilyn Hammond. “Along with the traditional Luke account of Palm Sunday and a lighter look at the ancestry of Jesus, I want to change the focus from the death of Jesus to the life of Jesus, from the divinity of Jesus to his humanity.”

For more information about the church and services, please contact Marta Clements, 674-2143, mclements96894@roadrunner.com, or Suzanne Dunham, 665-2967, dunhamfarm@msn.com.

To learn more about the Unitarian-Universalist Association, visit

http://www.uua.org/

The First Universalist Church of West Paris is located at 208 Main St., W. Paris 04289

Also happening at the church: there will be another Cabin Fever Fun Day on Wednesday, March 4, from 1:00-3:00 PM. Bring your own game or join in with others. There will be jigsaw puzzle, plus a couple of cribbage boards, along with refreshments and a good time socializing. If it’s a stormy day, we meet on March 5.

Several of us gathered at the home of the Adamses in Fayette on Saturday, to get together with the world travelers and hear their tales. Josh, age 18, recuperated quite quickly from jet lag. Tim, however, discovered it took him a bit longer to recover. Youth has its advantages! Josh did add that after skiing most of the days, he headed to bed early!

I had made plans to visit my friend Jane, on the farm, over the weekend. However, there was trauma and drama on the farm. I will summarize to the best of my ability.

Jane’s daughter Abby raises goats, and has a Great Pyrenees guardian dog who lives in the barn with the goats. The dog, Brynn, is about eight years old, and Abby had plans for her retirement, so got Casper, another guardian dog, who was a pup. Casper was a great dog, except he was an escape artist, and would be found down the road, exploring the neighborhood.

Well, apparently Casper and Brynn partied together, and the result was a pregnant Brynn. Casper got re-homed a while back, and last week, Abby discovered that Brynn was in labor! It didn’t go very well, and a couple of pups passed, after difficult deliveries. Knowing that Brynn was in distress, Abby searched high and low, and eventually found a vet who would do a C-section on the dog. The result was two healthy pups and mom. They came home that night and have taken up residence in the living room (too cold in the barn for the wee pups).

Abby was most concerned about Brynn’s condition, so thankfully, she is well and recovering, and being a good mom to her babies. There was a lot going on at the farm, so I will wait until I get the OK! It will be kidding season soon, so lots of action.

Today is the Class B Alpine Ski Championship at Black Mountain. Grandson Zack is racing for Maranacook.

The boys won the MVC Alpine Championship just before vacation. This will be it for the racing season.

I expect to have two more seasons of skiing while Zack is still in high school.

Now that the Olympics are over, maybe I can be more productive. I admit, I got sucked in—those skaters! And the hockey! And bobsled! Exciting stuff.

Another page on the calendar will be turned this weekend. March is arriving—as a lion or a lamb? From the poem “Chicken Soup With Rice”:

In March the wind blows down the door

And spills my soup upon the floor

It laps it up and roars for more

Blowing once, blowing twice, blowing chicken soup with rice

A great poem (Maurice Sendak) and song (Carole King) about eating chicken soup with rice every month of the year!

I was very sorry to learn of Stan Howe’s passing. I knew Stan because he was a classmate of my sister’s. They graduated together from Gould, then Gorham State Teacher’s College, then at UMO (master’s degree), and Stan went on from there. He will be remembered for his contributions to the Bethel Historical Society. My condolences to all his family and friends.

I thank those of you who send news! Please share news and events: lstowell@roadrunner.com

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I love reading these words about my mother, written so many years ago, And yes, my mother’s name was Barbara. Next Tuesday would be her birthday.

I’ve been watching a steady dose of the Olympics. I so admire the dedication and determination of the athletes. There was a brief pause on the Olympics due to the Super Bowl, which I find no need to discuss.

On Monday, Susan, Dave, and I went to Conway, NH, to surprise brother Michael at Casamigo’s at lunch. He and Penny, their children, Brian and Brenda, and a friend, Lori, met us at the restaurant. Mike was very surprised (thanks to Brenda), and it was a great meal and time to celebrate his birthday, which is the 10th.

I am very happy to report that my son-in-law Tim and my grandson Josh are right now in Japan, on the big ski trip. They left very early Saturday from Portland, on to Newark, and then the 14-hour flight to Tokyo. That’s when they encountered a problem. The weather caused their next flight to be canceled. Rachel had dealt with many of the issues from home, so she got them a flight out, and arranged transport to the ski resort. It was quite a task, but they made it. Of course, they had arrangements made, but due to the cancelled flight, it was like they were back at square 1. But, they had a van waiting for them when they got off their flight. Phew. I think Josh must be having the time of his life, skiing in deep powder, and eating sushi! They have a guide for a couple of days to show them around the ski area (Niseka) and take Josh to the wooded trails in powder. The guide has been great at taking photos and videos, which then get shared to a group photo album on our phones. They return home on the 16th, if the weather allows!

I do have the dates for the Lenten luncheons, which will be on Wednesdays, from noon to 1:00 this year. The dates are February 25, March 4, and March 11. This simple meal of soup and bread is an opportunity for people of different faiths to gather and reflect together on the journey to Easter. The meal is free. Each church is invited to bring the food for the three Lenten luncheons.

The West Parish Congregational church is sponsoring an American Red Cross blood drive on Friday, Feb. 13, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. There is a critical shortage of blood right now. Your pint of blood or platelets can save someone’s life.

Send me any news or events: lstowell@roadrunner.com

I was on my way to West Paris Monday, heading to my sister’s. Right after turning at Trap Corner, I spotted an eagle in a tree. I pulled over the best that I could, found my phone, and managed to get a couple of shots throug…

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Following the service, there was a bounteous buffet. After all, Owen’s favorite pastime was eating! Everything was delicious, and we are certain that Owen approved. Finger rolls, fruit, sweets, chips, chili, and mac ’n cheese were all plentiful.

It was a wonderful tribute. One notable thing was when Anna Sysko of The Gemini Cafe delivered a huge box of pastries before the service. Our friends, Amy Newman and Brent Noorda, of Florida, ordered “one of everything” to be delivered to the church in honor of Owen and his love to eat. We met Amy and Brent on a Carribbean cruise a few years back. We ended up going on a second cruise with them, and had a wonderful time. They had dinner with us several times and we established a real friendship. We have had a couple of visits from them here too! It was a very thoughtful and much appreciated gesture.

There was no church last Sunday. The decision to call it off was due to the extreme cold. Many of our members don’t enjoy going out in inclement weather, or the cold. It looks like there may possibly be more snow next Sunday, though it’s pretty early to be sure. Coming up is the Four Chaplains Sunday.

I recall the winter of ’69, and the incredible amount of snow we had. It was Telstar’s first year of operation, and the school year got off to a later start, due to the school not being quite finished. Then we had so many snow days! I really couldn’t see out the kitchen window because the snow was so high! That winter was very challenging. I don’t recall if or how many days we had to make up.

That also brings to mind a plan that my best high school friend, Cindy Russo, cooked up. The fashion of the late sixties was mini-skirts. That’s all well and good, but waiting for a bus in mid-winter with bare legs exposed was not so fun. One day, we wore pants to school (corduroys) and proceeded as usual. We were called down to the principal’s office, where we were questioned about our defiance of the school dress code. We explained, ever so politely, that it was most impractical to wear short skirts in cold weather. Our reasoning was heard, and it wasn’t long after that the dress code was changed so that girls could wear long pants to school! We remain very proud of our “resistance,” which paved the way for others.

The First Universalist Church of West Paris will be hosting a Cabin Fever Fun day on Wednesday, February 4, from 1:00-3:00. There will be a puzzle to work on, cribbage boards and cards, or bring your own game or craft. Join us for a social afternoon. Refreshments will be served. Snow date is February 5, same time and place. You can also mark your calendars for March 4, when another Cabin Fever Fun day is scheduled.

Please let me know of any events of news: lstowell@roadrunner.com

I am very sad to report the passing of Owen Melville on Monday evening, January 19. Owen was on hospice for over a year and a half, defying all odds. Owen came into our family during Covid, when he and Susan decided to “shelter in place” together at Susan’s. Susan and Owen were classmates at Gould Academy, and Owen grew up right beside our grandparents’ house in Locke Mills. He led a full and interesting life, serving in the Marines and in the Peace Corps, as well as hosting his own local tv show! He loved to eat, and wasn’t at all bashful about it. Many a package from QVC came his way, satisfying his love for kitchen gadgets. Owen was a great guy and we will miss him terribly. A funeral service is scheduled for this coming Saturday, January 24, at 11:00 a.m. at the Locke Mills Union Church.

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When I was young I learned to play “Pounce”, which was a favorite. Each player has their own deck of cards. The object is to get rid of the pounce pile (13 cards) before the other players. I guess it’s a bit like playing individual solitaire, all the while playing as many cards as possible in the middle, as each suit is built. When someone plays the last card in their pile, they call out “Pounce” and all playing stops, though there may be a frantic effort to get a last card into the middle. I have played in a group of 6, and let me tell you—it gets pretty wild! Now and then someone yells to stop so we can regain some order! When the Hathaway women went on a Mediterranean cruise a few years ago, we each brought a deck of cards, specifically for playing this game.

That makes me think of other games I played when I was much younger. I never had the patience for Monopoly. I had the game Clue, and that was a fun one. I remember one called Lie Detector, and some mechanism lit up to give a true or false reading. Then there was Uncle Wiggly! This was a leftover from a previous generation, I think. Other toys I enjoyed were the Spirograph, Colorforms, Silly Putty, and Slinky. I’ll have to take a trip into the attic and see what games I find.

When I was probably about 11 or 12, I had a fabulous birthday gift one year. My parents gave me two marionettes—Hansel and Gretel—straight from Sears. I was fascinated with the way they moved by the pull of a string. The most amazing thing though, was that Bob McKeen, Sr. made me a puppet theater, so Hansel and Gretel could have a stage. It was complete with pull curtains and footlights. Fold out sides and top sections hid the puppet masters from view. This provided hours of fun for me and my friends. I have fond memories of my cousin Pam Hays being my puppet partner. She and her family were here in the summers to visit her mother’s brother, Gil Whitman. Pam and I were close in age and hung out.

Pam and sisters, Sandy and Deb, were all here. Deb is the one who returned to her family land and is here today. I’m happy to have reconnected with her through our work at the Whitman Library.

Dave and I got to the movies this week to see the Avatar movie. It was good, but in my opinion, way too long at 3 hours, and 17 minutes!

I know the flu and all kinds of crud are going around, so stay healthy.

Let me know of anything happening out there!! lstowell@roadrunner.com

The weather has been interesting. I’ve kept the wood stove burning through the winter so far. Although, I certainly recall over 40 years ago, when the girls were young, having days of twenty below. It was so cold that we had frozen pipes and a frozen pump. It …

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