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

Upcoming events in our communities include:

Thursday, Augu…

Read more

The next GHS program will be held on Wednesday, September 2, at 7 p.m. and will feature the history of the Howe Hill neighborhood. Howe Hill is the third book in the series based on Blaine Mills’ research of the history of Greenwood’s many neighborhoods. It is currently at the printer and should be here in time for the program.

Here are some other upcoming programs and events (starting with a fun one this afternoon):

Thursday, August 13, at 1:00 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Twitchell Education Building: Rug Braiding with Karen Bean and Lida Iles. This program is part of the annual Mill Brook Craft Series and is free and open to the public.

Friday, August 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the West Bethel Makerspace, 10 Ferry Road, Bethel: Community Mending Group monthly meeting. From the organizers: “Join us drop-in style. Yes, we’re starting earlier than usual, and yes, at the West Bethel Makerspace! Altering our usual “Feature Focus” (one specific topic and/or skill) format just a bit, we’re suggesting several possibilities of what to bring to work on. Any furniture needing repair? There will be expertise along with different glues, sanders, veneer, clamps etc. Or maybe there’s a small appliance sitting dormant in your closet. With the range of skills circulating, it could be revived! Or…get it done with 3d printing, perfect for small missing plastic parts that are holding up progress. We are thrilled with all the opportunities the Makerspace presents! The Makerspace team has created a fantastic working environment, and they look forward to making new connections that support our community. As always, rally up a friend, and a few dollars to put into the donation box so that our group can continue to grow and thrive.”

Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Paris Historical Society, 221 Main Street in West Paris: Indoor Yard Sale. Items include books, home decor, dishes, tools, games, and other treasures! Proceeds benefit the West Paris Historical Society. Parking available behind the West Paris Library.

Saturday, August 15, at 2 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Road: Silent Auction to benefit “Sunshine for Sugarsnap,” raising funds for Michelle “Sugarsnap” Roberts’ fight to save her leg through a rare two-stage joint reconstruction surgery. From Harry Orcutt, Commander of American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68 in Locke’s Mills: “In a continuing community outreach program, the Executive Committee of American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68 is providing their spacious facility to help her raise funds with a Silent Auction. Donations of items for the auction are being sought; a donation jar will be available at the event. Free admission and parking. We are trying to get the word out, to make this effort as successful as possible.”

Please see the flyer below for additional information and more ways to help.

Saturday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Paris Library: I’ll be reading from and discussing my family memoir. Published by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Just Like Glass is the story of an indomitable family and how a strong matriarch, the stillness of a small pond in western Maine, and one unexpected addition set them on a path to healing from tragedy and redefining themselves as a family unit.

Thursday, August 20, at 1:00 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Twitchell Education Building: The annual Mill Brook Craft Series continues with Mending Clothes with Sophie Drew. Learn mending techniques for common types of damage, and if you have a clothing item you’d like to repair, bring it along! All programs in the series are free and open to the public.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Lena turned six months old on August 6, which would seem hard to believe if she hadn’t grown so big! She weighed about eight pounds when we brought her home four months ago; now she tips the scales at about 50 pounds. And she’s a beautiful girl!

Between last Friday and Monday, she had three play dates in four days, two with her bestie, Puck, and one with Maybelle, a sweet mixed breed pup who visited camp with her people, Jack and Caryl Beth, on Sunday.

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.

Read more

Lena has been on four short hikes in the past week (one at Maggie’s Nature Park, one on the Lapham Loop, and two to Buck’s Ledge from camp) and has done really well at not getting jumpy and bitey, except for a bit of trouble on the return from Buck’s Ledge yesterday morning. Loop hikes still seem to be the way to avoid that particular behavior, so we may continue to stick to the Lapham Loop and the trails at Maggie’s for the next couple of weeks to see if she can get out of the habit. Still, it’s so convenient to go out the back door at camp and head up the trail to Buck’s Ledge, without having to get in the car and drive anywhere.

I’ve been on vacation this week—my first week off during the summer since 2018!—and we’ve had lots of company at camp, with more to come this weekend, when we’ll celebrate Will and Tony’s birthdays, which are both on Saturday. Donna was here from Friday through Monday, and we spent a good chunk of time relaxing on the deck on each of those days, making it finally feel like summer to me. My daughter Annie arrived from Colorado on Tuesday for a short visit, and managed to get one day of sunny deck time before the clouds and rain set in. There have also been visits from the crew who have been staying at my brother’s camp, just down the road, including my niece Sara and her husband Michael, who are here from their home in the other Portland this week.

We’ll celebrate Annie’s birthday, which was July 20, this evening (Thursday) with dinner at camp and vegan carrot cake. On Friday, Annie and I will drive to York Beach to spend the afternoon with her Colorado sister, Cait, who is on vacation there this week with her partner Ben and his extended family, and Donna will meet up with us, too, to see both girls (her honorary nieces). Then I’ll drop Annie off at the airport (in our Portland) on my way home.

On Saturday, Katie and Lila will arrive to celebrate Tony and Will’s birthdays with lobster and (definitely not vegan) cheesecake.

To top it off, on Monday I’ll be hosting three college friends for “Colby College Camp Day,” an annual gathering we’ve all been enjoying for many years.

Whew…tell me again why it’s called a vacation? At least I’m not trying to fit in all this socializing while working, too.

This past Saturday I attended the celebration of life for Beth Brough, held at her beloved West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel, which truly was a celebration, with all of her five wonderful kids and several grandchildren sharing beautiful thoughts and memories of their remarkable matriarch through words and music. I felt as though I already knew many of them through the essays Beth shared with us in our writing group meetings, and I feel blessed to have had this brief glimpse into the deep love (and abundant humor) shared by this extraordinary family. Godspeed, Beth…you will be so much missed, and so well remembered, by so many.

Facebook memories have, again, been reminding me of Eli the Wonder Pup, and what a big part he played in our lives. We are so lucky to have been his people, even if for far too short a time.

Here are some August events for your calendar:

Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall, Greenwood Historical Society program, “Growing Up Greenwood,” will feature a panel of some of our town’s oldest residents telling stories about “how life used to be in Greenwood.” It will be a great chance for newer residents to learn how life used to be here in our community.

Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, on the lawn of the Bethel Library: Annual Used Book Sale. The sale begins at noon on Friday and continues all day on Saturday. This much-anticipated event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 207-824-2520.

Saturday, August 8, is Molly Ockett Day in Bethel, beginning with the parade at 10:30 a.m., continuing all day with kids’ activities, food, vendors, and entertainment on the Common, and culminating in fireworks at 9 p.m. You can find the full schedule of events on the Bethel Area Business Association Facebook page.

Friday, August 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the West Bethel Makerspace, 10 Ferry Road, Bethel: Community Mending Group monthly meeting. From the organizers: “Join us drop-in style. Yes, we’re starting earlier than usual, and yes, at the West Bethel Makerspace! Altering our usual “Feature Focus” (one specific topic and/or skill) format just a bit, we’re suggesting several possibilities of what to bring to work on. Any furniture needing repair? There will be expertise along with different glues, sanders, veneer, clamps etc. Or maybe there’s a small appliance sitting dormant in your closet. With the range of skills circulating, it could be revived! Or…get it done with 3d printing, perfect for small missing plastic parts that are holding up progress. We are thrilled with all the opportunities the Makerspace presents! The Makerspace team has created a fantastic working environment, and they look forward to making new connections that support our community. As always, rally up a friend, and a few dollars to put into the donation box so that our group can continue to grow and thrive.”

Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Paris Historical Society, 221 Main Street in West Paris: Indoor Yard Sale. Items include books, home decor, dishes, tools, games, and other treasures! Proceeds benefit the West Paris Historical Society. Parking available behind the West Paris Library.

Saturday, August 15, at 2 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Road: Silent Auction to benefit “Sunshine for Sugarsnap,” raising funds for Michelle “Sugarsnap” Roberts’ fight to save her leg through a rare two-stage joint reconstruction surgery. From Harry Orcutt, Commander of American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68 in Locke’s Mills: “In a continuing community outreach program, the Executive Committee of American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68 is providing their spacious facility to help her raise funds with a Silent Auction. Donations of items for the auction are being sought; a donation jar will be available at the event. Free admission and parking. We are trying to get the word out, to make this effort as successful as possible.”

Please see the flyer below for additional information and more ways to help.

Saturday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Paris Library: Amy Wight Chapman (hey, that’s me!) will read from and discuss her family memoir. Published by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Just Like Glass is the story of an indomitable family and how a strong matriarch, the stillness of a small pond in western Maine, and one unexpected addition set them on a path to healing from tragedy and redefining themselves as a family unit.

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.

“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” – Sam Keen

Read more

The maps I’ve seen show the smoke that has made its way to Maine as “light,” but it’s been enough to turn the sun red in the late afternoon and evening (when I could actually see the sun through the smoke and clouds). However, the color-coded maps show the smoke in Connecticut, where I grew up and where my brother Andy still lives, as “very heavy,” with unhealthy air quality.

Harry Orcutt and Susan Vacca of Greenwood celebrated their 50^th anniversary on the Fourth of July, America’s 250^th birthday, which means that they were married on the day of the nation’s Bicentennial. They celebrated in grand style, by riding up Main Street in Bethel in an open Jeep in the Fourth of July parade, dressed in their Revolutionary War costumes.

Tony and I attended the Greenwood Historical Society program, “Greenwood 101,” last week and very much enjoyed Andrew Wheeler’s informative presentation. We also appreciated the air conditioning in the Legion Hall!

With the passing of Beth Brough on July 11, our town has lost the holder of its Boston Post cane, and I have lost a dear friend. All of the words I can think of to describe Beth fall far short of conveying what an absolutely magnificent, loving, generous, and joyous person she was. I can only say that I will miss her so much, and I will always count myself blessed to have known her. Perhaps more than anyone I have ever known, Beth embodied the advice that if you love someone, you should let them know. There will be a service to celebrate her wonderful life at the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel on Saturday, July 25, at 11 a.m. I love you, Beth.

Here are some upcoming events you may want to attend:

Saturday, July 18, and every Saturday through August 29, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.: Open House at the Greenwood Historical Society museums on Main Street in Locke’s Mills. Stop by to visit and see the exhibits!

Monday, July 20, at 6:00 p.m. at the West Paris Historical Society, 221 Main Street in West Paris: “The Poland Spring Resort; Its Stories, Guests, and Facilities.” Guest speaker Laura Brown from the Poland Spring Museums will tell stories about the facilities and its guests. Poland Spring Resort has a legendary place in the history of Maine dating back to 1794. A 5,000-acre resort attracted vacationers who were the economic and social elite of the country. The Ricker family purchased the Maine State Building of the 1893 Columbian Exposition, dismantled it, and rebuilt it at Poland Spring. Other features are the golf course, the Chapel, and of course the bottling plant. Light refreshments will be served. Parking available behind the West Paris Library.

Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall, Greenwood Historical Society program, “How it used to be,” will feature a panel of some of Greenwood’s oldest residents telling stories about “how life used to be in Greenwood.” It will be a great chance for newer residents to learn how life used to be here in our community.

Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, on the lawn of the Bethel Library: Annual Used Book Sale. The sale begins at noon on Friday and continues all day on Saturday. This much-anticipated event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 207-824-2520.

Saturday, August 8, is Molly Ockett Day in Bethel, beginning with the parade at 10:30 a.m., continuing all day with kids’ activities, food, vendors, and entertainment on the Common, and culminating in fireworks at 9 p.m. You can find the full schedule of events on the Bethel Area Business Association Facebook page, as well as the first two weekly clues for the Molly Ockett Day Medallion Hunt.

Here’s a memory from Molly Ockett Day in 2016, when the Greenwood Historical Society booth offered delicious baked goods made with recipes from some of Greenwood’s best cooks—Diddy Johnson’s blueberry cake, Phyllis Coolidge’s raisin cookies, Elsie Bennett’s molasses crinkles, and Gram Nellie Martin’s toffee squares.

Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Paris Historical Society, 221 Main Street in West Paris: Indoor Yard Sale. Items include books, home decor, dishes, tools, games, and other treasures! Proceeds benefit the West Paris Historical Society. Parking available behind the West Paris Library.

Saturday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Paris Library: Amy Wight Chapman (hey, that’s me!) will read from and discuss her family memoir. Published by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Just Like Glass is the story of an indomitable family and how a strong matriarch, the stillness of a small pond in western Maine, and one unexpected addition set them on a path to healing from tragedy and redefining themselves as a family unit.

Pupdate: Lena has had a busy week! On Saturday, Tony and I took her for a short hike on the Chapman Brook Trail, where she got to play in the brook a bit as well as hike. She behaved very well on the “out” part of our out-and-back hike, but as soon as we turned around, she was up to her old tricks, jumping on us, grabbing our clothing in her teeth, and refusing to make any forward progress whatsoever.

This has been a persistent problem since she was less than three months old, although, thankfully, it’s happening much less often now and usually only lasts for a couple of minutes. I used to be able to just pick her up and carry her for a short distance, until she got over it, but now that she’s over five months and weighs close to 40 pounds, that’s no longer an option.

Since the behavior only seems to occur when we turn around to retrace our steps, we decided that maybe the solution was to find loop trails to walk with her. On Sunday, we went back to the same trailhead on the North Road, but instead of the Chapman Brook Trail, we walked the Esker Loop, across the road…and it worked! She was pretty much a model puppy for the whole hike; I was so busy marveling that my clothes weren’t being shredded that I forgot to take a single photo.

Monday was playdate with Puck day, and both dogs wore themselves out with an hour of chase games, in and out of the lake. Puck seems to have decided that Lena is big enough now to handle somewhat rougher play, so there was a lot of wrestling involved. Five minutes after Puck left, Lena was sound asleep on the couch.

On Tuesday morning, Lena and I met my sister-in-law Louise and niece Alison at the Buck’s Ledge Community Forest and joined a group who regularly walk the Trail for All on Tuesday mornings, part of the Western Maine Hikes for All Ages program started by Sue Radway. There were eight humans on the walk, and Lena, who needs a lot more socialization than we’ve exposed her to so far (mainly because we’re pretty sure other people won’t take kindly to having their clothes shredded) behaved much better than I would have predicted. Once she had greeted everyone (somewhat boisterously) she was more interested in chasing bugs and sniffing her way along the trail than in jumping on them. Life with Lena is finally beginning to get a little easier!

I picked the first of this year’s wild highbush blueberries at camp on Monday morning, and made a batch of blueberry muffins. My family has been picking berries from those bushes, which grow close to the pond, since 1955!

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.

“You’ll never regret eating blueberries or working up a sweat.” — Jacquelyn Mitchard

Read more

Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Community Celebration, sponsored by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and the Independence 250 Committee. Here’s the full schedule:

10:00 a.m. - Parade (Assemble at 9:00 a.m. at River Lanes)

11:30 a.m. - Patriotic picnic and concert by the Portland Brass Quintet at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. (Preceded by a presentation of the colors and a reading of the Declaration of Independence)

1:00 - 3:00 p.m. - Party! Food, music, and games at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, including:

Zim Zam Jam - Open music jam (All voices and acoustic instruments welcome.)

Historic games and dress-up activities for children

Regional History Fair - Information tables and activities from area historical societies

Lawn games - Croquet, cornhole, and more

Grand opening of the “Connected by a Thread” quilt exhibit in the Mason House exhibit hall

Chronicle of Colors: Flags of the United States exhibit in the Robinson House

Centennials Past and Present exhibit in the Robinson House

Mason House Museum period room tours

Museum Shop specials

Hot dogs and snacks available for purchase from the “Mt. Zircon Bottle” lunch stand

Also happening all day on July 4th:

9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. - 22nd Annual Shy, Novice, and Closeted Art Show - Local artists (18 High Street)

9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. - Bethel Area Arts and Music Summer Art Market (Philbrook Place, 162 Main Street)

Saturday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. at Tyler Concrete, 256 North Main Street in Greenwood: Second annual Independence Cruise-in. Free admission gets you live entertainment from the Ball Brothers Band and the Fossils, Jamaican cuisine by Kool Runnings available to purchase, classic cars, and fireworks. Contact (207) 557-3785 for more info.

Sunday, July 5th, 9:15 p.m. - Fireworks Show! (Bethel Resort & Suites)

Wednesday, July 15, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Locke Mills Union Church: Public Spaghetti Supper.

Molly Ockett Day Medallion Hunt returns!

Molly Ockett Day will be held in Bethel on Saturday, August 8. In the return of an old favorite tradition, and to help commemorate America’s 250^th birthday, the Molly Ockett Day Medallion Hunt, sponsored by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and the Bethel Area Business Association (BABA), is officially underway.

The object of the hunt is to decipher a series of clues and locate the medallion hidden on public land within the town lines of Albany, Andover, Bethel, Gilead, Greenwood, Grafton, Hanover, Mason, Newry, Riley Plantation (Sunday River area), and Woodstock.

The finder of the medallion will be awarded a cash prize of $599.99 (generously donated by Western Maine Supply and Clean Cut Painting Company) during the Molly Ockett Day festivities.

Clues, each different and more revealing, will be published once a week for five weeks leading up to Molly Ockett Day on August 8, 2026. The first clue will be revealed at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s July 4th Celebration.

All clues will be announced on WOXO radio on Monday mornings, starting July 6, and then published on the Bethel Area Business Association and Museums of the Bethel Historical Society Facebook pages on Wednesday mornings at 9 a.m., starting on July 8.

If the medallion is not found by the time of the fireworks on Molly Ockett Day, the hunt will be terminated.

Here are the contest rules:

1. Anyone is eligible to join the thrilling hunt for $599.99 except for MBHS staff, trustees, Independence 250 committee members, and their immediate family, as well as Bethel Area Business Association Officers and immediate family members.

2. To claim the prize money, you must be 18 years or older or accompanied by a parent/guardian.

3. The finder of the Molly Ockett Treasure Hunt medallion must immediately return the medallion to Bethel Area Business Association by calling 207-890-3617.

4. The finder will receive the cash prize of $599.99 on Molly Ockett Day August 8th.

5. BABA reserves the right to discontinue the hunt if public property is destroyed, or if reports of private property trespassing are discovered.

6. The medallion will be in a clear container, and is generally hidden in or attached to something else. The medallion is not buried below ground and as the rules state, searchers do not need to destroy property to find it, this includes digging up the ground.

7. Searchers also do not need to risk personal injury to find the medallion.

8. All contestants agree that BABA, MBHS, and WOXO will have no liability whatsoever and will be held harmless of any injuries, losses, or damages of any kind resulting in whole or in part, directly or indirectly from acceptance, possession, misuse, or use of the prize or participation in this contest.

9. The winner grants permission for Bethel Area Business Association (BABA) and Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) to use his or her name and photograph.

Pupdate: Lena will turn five months old on Monday, July 6! She’s been learning to swim, although she’s still a bit unsure about it. She’s an excellent retriever on land, and even brings the ball (or stick, or Frisbee) back (most of the time), and she’ll swim a couple of yards to retrieve a toy in the water, but when she reaches it, she forgets to swim and gets a little panicky, flailing around and sometimes going under. (Don’t worry, I stay right with her in the water!) I think she could really use a doggy lifejacket to allow her to build up confidence (and get much-needed exercise) while she’s too young to keep herself afloat for long without one. We do have Eli’s XL lifejacket for her to wear next year, but I may have to get her a medium-size one to wear this year so she can keep up with her friend Puck on playdates.

Speaking of swimming, I’ve been going for long swims as often as I can, usually in the early mornings when the lake is calm. Tuesday morning I swam to Rock Island and back for the first time this summer, a roundtrip that takes me slightly less than an hour. In weather like this, I’m glad for a form of exercise that doesn’t leave me hot and sweaty, but I’m really missing hiking. Between a puppy who’s too young to hike yet, and a lawn that won’t stop growing, I somehow went the whole month of June without a hike!

The First Universalist Church of West Paris is closed for the summer. Members and other people interested are encouraged to attend the Universalist Church in West Sumner from July 12- August 23. The West Sumner time is 11:00 followed by a lovely luncheon. The West Paris Universalist church will reopen the Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 13.

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.

A nearly 2.5-mile section of the Greenwood Road, from the Rowe Hill Road intersection to the Howe Hill Road, is in need of major rebuilding, including digging up and removing and replacing at least…

Read more

Greenwood’s Roads Committee, which includes the selectmen, will be meeting with Rob Prue of Pine Tree Engineering at the Town Office on Wednesday afternoon at 3 p.m. to discuss both Johnny’s Bridge and the Greenwood Road.

Many of you may have read Chris Dunham’s history of Johnny’s Bridge when he posted it on the “Greenwood as It Was” Facebook page back on April 19, 2024, but some of you may not have seen it (and others, like me, may tend to forget a lot of what you read, no matter how fascinating), so I thought I’d include it here, with thanks to Chris, as always, for the incredible job he does of recording and sharing our town’s history.

This Nettie Maxim photo of Johnny’s Bridge, along with the inset photo of the concrete bridge that later bore the name, appeared in the Bethel Citizen on June 24, 2010. At that time the town was debating what to do about the bridge—a question that had arisen repeatedly over the previous 150 years.

Johnny’s Bridge and its adjacent causeways were completed by September 1844, when the first town way was laid out “Crossing the Bridge to the road leading from Hamblins Gore to Locks Mills.” It was sometimes called the “Estes Bridge” in early records. Both this and its later name honored John Estes, who settled on the “Island farm” nearby in 1848.

The early incarnations of the bridge were built for the convenience of travelers but not of those traveling by water. In perhaps its first acknowledgment of Greenwood’s recreational appeal, the town considered in 1907 whether “to raise Johnny’s Bridge, so called, high enough to admit of easy passage of small launches, row boats and canoes, and to raise money for the same.” Lemuel Dunham went to town meeting and wrote of the debate in the Oxford Democrat of March 12, 1907:

“Johnny’s Bridge extends over the narrows between South and Round Pond, in Greenwood, and North Pond in Woodstock; and by raising the bridge several feet, so as to permit the above mentioned crafts to pass through, it would enlarge the play ground of the summer pleasure seekers by permitting them to navigate the three ponds without disembarking. No one objected to the scheme, providing those who wanted it done would pay the bill; but the rural districts thought it wrong to raise the money for that purpose by taxing the town. But finally those who were in for the scheme carried the day by a small majority, and it was voted to raise $200 for that purpose.”

Work was begun in the late summer of 1908 to raise the bridge three feet. Lemuel wrote in September that farmers were obliged during the construction to “haul their sweet corn round by North Woodstock to get to the Pond” and that some of those farmers were heard to “use words hardly appropriate to be heard in Sabbath School.”

Approaching and crossing Johnny’s Bridge could be perilous. Jeremiah Bartlett, a merchant in Locke’s Mills, was elected a selectman in 1863. He would write years later that, “though doing my duty as well as I understood it (as a republican), I was not allowed to hold that honorable position but one year, but quite long enough to place guide boards in needed places, and have a railing for ‘Johnny’s Bridge,’ all of which have now disappeared, and only the tongue can supply the place of one, and the instinct of the animals that draw the carriages can guard their owners from danger.” In 1894 Capt. John F. Dearborn, formerly co-owner of the spool mill in this town, turned the corner on the Gore Road too short and fast and capsized his buggy near the bridge. When help arrived, the captain was clinging to bushes, up to his neck in water. A Buick touring car went through the fence there in 1919, and a similar mishap occurred at the same spot in the summer of 1922. From the Citizen of Aug. 17:

“It seems that the driver was in a hurry and was travelling at a high rate of speed, and when he came to the turn near “Johnnie’s bridge” he was going so fast that he could not make the turn and the car went through the railing into about three feet of water.”

“This turn in the road is a very bad one,” the reporter cautioned, “and motorists should use less gas and more time in making the turn and thus avoiding accidents.”

A year later a young woman from Rumford would be killed when the National roadster in which she was riding missed the turn and plunged over the embankment. The speeding car had passed John Howe on the Gore Road just moments before. A crowd from Littlefield’s dance pavilion rushed to the scene and extracted the victim. The Portland Evening Express noted that this was “the sixth accident to happen at this curve so far this Summer, and only last Sunday a car with four adults and seven children went over the same embankment.” The lack of proper signs was blamed.

Johnny’s Bridge was made of wood until the fall of 1926, when it was replaced with one made of concrete. The approaches were improved then as well. At that time and until the late 1930s, Route 26 and its traffic passed over this narrow bridge. While building the new highway nearby in 1938, the state sought bids for replacing “Johnnies Bridge over Johnny Brook.” The concrete bridge we all remember was replaced in 2016 by a culvert that, due to ledge being found beneath, sat higher than expected, providing some additional headroom for boaters.

Depending on the water level at any given time, trips to town by boat during my childhood summers always offered one of two challenges: would we have to pull up the motor or risk breaking a shear pin on the rocks beneath the bridge (low water), or would we have to flatten ourselves against the bottom of our aluminum boat and use our hands to push on the roof of the bridge to propel ourselves through (high water)? Sayward Lamb told a great story about being trapped under the bridge for quite some time after a sudden thunderstorm came up one afternoon while he was visiting relatives at Littlefield Beaches, causing the water level to rise suddenly, so that his boat got stuck on the way home.

Upcoming events for your calendar include:

Saturday, June 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Intervale Gateway: Goose Eye No. 6 Launch Party. Join the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and the Mahoosuc Land Trust to celebrate the launch of the latest edition of the MBHS annual history journal, Goose Eye. The evening begins at 5:30 with a short guided walk around the historic Intervale Gateway. (Meet at the corner nearest Davis Park.) At 6:00, congregate at the tents for light refreshments and a chance to pick up or purchase a copy of the new issue. At 6:30, there will be remarks by Goose Eye editor William Chapman and contributors Kirk Siegel and William B. Krohn.

Friday, June 26, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at True North Adventureware (196 Walkers Mills Road, Bethel): Community Mending Group. This month’s Feature Focus is outdoor gear repair. There will be multiple stations set up. For example, Jonathan Goldberg will be showing how to use a Speedy Stitcher, and Robin Nesbeda will demonstrate ways to work with Tenacious Tape. As always, bring your own project (it doesn’t need to be the Feature Focus) and a few dollars to put into the donation box. If you have a friend who may be interested, bring them along too! This meeting will be held outside, so dress accordingly.

Friday, June 26, at 5 p.m. at the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel: Potluck supper and program. Sue Radway will talk about her “Hikes for All Ages” initiative. Sue says her program is for “hiker wannabees, new hikers, experienced hikers, and those who wish they could but can’t.” Come hear about the opportunities. Bring a dish to share for the potluck.

Saturday, July 4, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society: A grand community celebration for America’s 250th birthday!

At the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, the theme of this summer’s Mornings at the Museum program, which takes place on Thursday mornings in July, will be “Happy Birthday, America!” See details in the flyer below.

Last Saturday, Tony and I went to Portland to see our granddaughter, Lila, perform in her dance recital. She takes ballet lessons at the Casco Bay Movers Dance Studio, and the recital showcased the many different types of dance lessons they offer, which range from traditional ballet to hip-hop and break-dancing. It was fun to see the energy all the dancers displayed, and of course our own little ballet dancer was perfect.

Lila’s eighth birthday was June 16, so we celebrated after the recital with a late lunch of pizza back at her house, followed by a walk to nearby Beal’s Ice Cream for dessert. Her mid-June birthday has led me to start a tradition of making her a “summer survival kit” for her birthday gift, filled with snacks and summer toys, as I used to do for all four of the kids on the last day of school each year.

Lena enjoyed a second play date with her new friend Puck, Betsey Foster’s two-and-a-half-year-old Golden retriever, on Monday. She still didn’t want to go into the lake far enough for her feet to come off the bottom, but she followed him a little further out this time, and got wet all over.

Happy Fathers’ Day to all the wonderful dads, stepdads, grandpas, uncles, big brothers, and father figures! Although I never knew my own dad, who died before I was born, I have been blessed to have three wonderful much older brothers who did a great job of filling his shoes.

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.

“Any man can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad.” —Anne Geddes

An inspection by an engineer from Pine Tree Engineering resulted in the recommendation to keep the bri…

Read more

I had been hearing ravens as I hiked below the ridge on my way to Buck’s Ledge, and I was hoping for a chance to see one when I got to the top, as I have a couple of times recently, but there were none to be seen when I arrived on the ledges. However, I had only gone about a quarter of a mile on the J&J trail along the ridge when I came upon a family of five ravens hanging out together in some trees on one of the smaller ledges along the trail.

There were two adults and three juveniles, and it appeared that I had happened upon a flying lesson. The young ones were so big it was hard to tell them apart from the parents, other than the fact that they were making only short, cautious flights, and spending a lot of time conversing with each other in little baby croaks as they sat on a tree branch.

I stayed and watched them for more than a half hour, during which the parents eventually flew off, leaving the fledglings discussing the situation amongst themselves for quite a while. I just happened to be taking a video of them at the moment when the parents returned and did a fly-by, which was apparently just what the babies needed to get them to abandon the safety of their tree branch and, amidst much squawking, take flight.

I don’t blame them for being cautious—it must be pretty scary to have to basically jump off a cliff the first time they try their wings. They all managed it just fine, though. Since by then it had started to rain, I turned around and headed back the way I had come, and the whole family followed along in the treetops for a short distance.

I had another bird encounter the next day, when I arrived home to find a big hawk perched on one of Tony’s apple trees. The general consensus is that it was a red-shouldered hawk, and I’m sure it was looking for a meal. I’ve taken down my bird feeders to avoid encouraging bears and raccoons, but there are still lots of birds around our yard—goldfinches, chipping sparrows, red-eyed vireos, pine warblers, American redstarts, common yellowthroats, and more, according to my phone’s Merlin app, which identifies them by their songs—and I’d rather not see them become dinner for a hawk. It’s welcome to the mice, though, and I wouldn’t mind a little thinning of the red squirrel population.

Congratulations to the Telstar Class of 2026, who will be graduating this Friday! Here are some other upcoming events:

Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the Bethel Library, 6 Broad Street in Bethel: Annual Plant Sale. All proceeds benefit the library. The sale will be held rain or shine, and plants sell fast, so come early to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: Annual Rhubarb Festival and White Elephant Sale. The Rhubarb Festival is one of the church’s traditional events, and features everything rhubarb, including homemade rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb pies, cakes, cookies, fresh rhubarb, and more, 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.

Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse (East Bethel Church), 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Celebration of the life of Dr. Stanley R. Howe. There will be special remarks by family and friends, followed by music and memories/comments from those attending.

Tuesday, June 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church on Main Street, Bethel: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors community meal, with a special focus on the Juneteenth holiday.

Friday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at West Parish Congregational Church, 3 Church Street, Bethel: American Red Cross blood drive. This is a great time to donate a pint. Your gift can really make a difference in someone else’s life. Go to redcross.org to make an appointment. Make summer shine for patients in need. Donate between June 1 and June 28 to earn a $15 e-gift card.

Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. at the Mason House, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, at 14 Broad Street in Bethel: “Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin.” Professor William Huntting Howell of Boston University will share his research and analysis of an unusual Revolutionary War memoir. Howell writes that “Joseph Plumb Martin’illis Narrative of Some of the Adventures, Dangers, and Sufferings of a Revolutionary Soldier, first published in Hallowell, Maine, in 1830, offers both a counter-record of the facts of the War and a counter-method for relating them.” Howell is the author of “Starving Memory,” an article on Martin’s Narrative which appeared in Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life.

Sunday, June 14, from 2-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: “Meetinghouse and Church in Early Oxford County,” a program by Hastings Homestead Museum Director Randall H. Bennett.

Thursday, June 18, from 1-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Antiques Appraisals, sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum.

Saturday, June 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sunset Farm (46 Intervale Road, Bethel): Goose Eye No. 6 Launch Party. Join the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, the Mahoosuc Land Trust, and hosts, the Shepley family, to celebrate the launch of the latest edition of the MBHS annual history journal, Goose Eye. The evening begins at 5:30 with a short guided walk around the historic Intervale Gateway. (Meet at the corner nearest Davis Park.) At 6:00, congregate in the barn at Sunset Farm for light refreshments and a chance to pick up or purchase a copy of the new issue. At 6:30, there will be remarks by Goose Eye editor William Chapman and contributors Kirk Siegel and William B. Krohn.

Goose Eye No. 6 is entitled “Lines on a Map, Part One,” and is the first in a two-part series exploring some of the stories behind the many different kinds of lines that we take for granted when looking at a modern map. There those that represent natural features such as rivers, mountains, and coast line; those that identify physically real features created by human intervention, such as trails, roads, and railroad track; and still others that mark purely legal or political boundaries. The issues will seek to show how none of these are timeless or inevitable; they all reflect particular historical circumstances and contingencies. The lines on today’s maps encode a legacy of conflict and struggle by humans both against nature and against fellow humans.

Pupdate: Lena has been enjoying spending some time at camp and taking short (a half-mile or less) trail hikes. She’s still a bit of a hellion, and she still has her sharp puppy teeth, so I’ve pretty much resorted to wearing nothing but clothing she has already shredded. (If you see me around town in pants that are mostly holes, it’s not a fashion statement.) I’m constantly striving for the right balance between “not tired enough” and “overtired toddler” and constantly reminding myself (and Lena) that I’m supposed to be the boss in this relationship. I keep telling Will that I don’t remember Remy or Eli being quite this challenging as puppies, but he keeps telling me that I just don’t remember their puppy days. They both grew up to be wonderful adult dogs, so I hope he’s right, and Lena will, too.

If you read about our visit to the Finnish Picnic Grounds in last week’s column, and our discovery that Will, Tony, Lena, and I were all standing in a patch of poison ivy along the bank of the Little Androscoggin River, you’ll be glad to hear that none of us came down with the dreaded rash. Apparently wiping down Lena’s fur, showering as soon as we got home, and throwing all of our clothes into the washing machine did the trick. Whew!

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.

Read more

I just learned that, in Maine, only about four percent of residents attend their annual town meeting, where voters decide how money will be spent and ordinances updated. I’m hoping the stronger showing in Greenwood on Saturday means that at least some of those who attended their first-ever town meeting in 2025 were intrigued enough by the process to come back again this year, and will continue to attend each year. (And check out the calendar listing for May 28 below for a great opportunity to learn about the basics of the town meeting format!)

Vern Maxfield was chosen to moderate the meeting, at which voters approved all 33 articles in about an hour.

Incumbent Selectman Bob Oickle, running unopposed, was elected to a second three-year term, and all budget articles passed easily, with only a few questions from those present.

At the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee, voters placed $234,500 in four reserve accounts, as follows: $75,000 each for the Highway Equipment Reserve and Fire Department Equipment Reserve accounts, $34,500 for the town’s upcoming 2027 revaluation, and $50,000 in the Fire Department Building Reserve account.

By a vote of 29-11, the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance was amended to include a “Special Exception” provision, which permits the construction of a single-family dwelling in the Resource Protection District under certain conditions with Planning Board approval.

Voters authorized the Board of Selectmen, acting on behalf of the town, to work towards designating the Finnish Picnic Grounds Parcel, an 18-acre lot on the West Paris Road that has been owned by the town for approximately 50 years, as a conservation and public common area to be subject to permanent conservation and public access and protected from future development. They also authorized the town to partner with the Western Foothills Land Trust to pursue grant funding and develop a Stewardship Plan for the parcel.

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, a time for picnics and gatherings and welcoming the start of summer (perhaps a bit prematurely, as it looks like the hot weather of this week will be long gone), but, more importantly, a time for remembering those who died in service in the U.S. Armed Forces. The information I’ve found about Memorial Day observations on Monday, May 25, is as follows:

9:00 AM—Locke’s Mills Legion.

11:00 AM—Bethel, on Main Street by the monument.

1:00 PM—Bryant Pond, by the monument on Main Street next to the library.

Here’s a list of some other upcoming events for your calendar.

Friday, May 22, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Mason House barn at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society: Community Mending and Upcycle Group. The Feature Focus of this session is Shortening and Lengthening. Bring your own project (anything you’d like to fix—it doesn’t have to be the Feature Focus) and a few dollars to put into the MBHS donation box. As always, if you have a friend who may be interested, bring them along, too! (Note the new location—still at the historical society, but a new meeting space on the corner of Mason and Broad Streets.)

Sunday, May 24, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: The Rev. Scott Campbell will lead the Sunday morning service. His sermon, “Ain’t She Sweet?” tells the story of a woman who battled depression throughout much of her life, but who knew a deeper truth in the end.

Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. at the Deering Memorial Community Center in South Paris: Tuba ensemble Low Commotion will present a concert to benefit the Center’s organ restoration fund. See details in the flyer below.

Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. at The Gem Theater, Bethel: Town Meeting Pre-Party Part 1: Town Meeting Basics and Q&A. From the organizers: “A lot of us have never been to town meeting because we find the format intimidating, we’re only just learning it exists, we don’t know what it has to do with our daily lives, the list goes on. As it turns out, town meeting is pretty important. We figured the fix is simple: get a bunch of folks together, ask the people who know how this works, and figure it out as neighbors. Over two evenings, we’ll cover the basics of the town meeting format, get our questions answered by a panel of local experts, and walk through Bethel’s town warrant in advance of the June 10 town meeting.” This event is open to anyone (from any town) who is “town meeting-curious.” (Part 2 will be held on Monday, June 8, at 6 p.m.)

Saturday, May 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 593 Gore Road, Greenwood: Live music and dancing with The Fossils.

Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: The Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida will lead the Sunday morning service. Her sermon, “Choosing the Land of the Blessed,” will explore how grounding ourselves in the gifts of everyday life strengthens us to meet the moments that break our hearts.

Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the Bethel Library, 6 Broad Street in Bethel: Annual Plant Sale. All proceeds benefit the library. The sale will be held rain or shine, and plants sell fast, so come early to avoid disappointment.

Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: Annual Rhubarb Festival and White Elephant Sale. The Rhubarb Festival is one of the church’s traditional events, and features everything rhubarb, including homemade rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb pies, cakes, cookies, fresh rhubarb, and more, 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.

Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse (East Bethel Church), 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Celebration of the life of Dr. Stanley R. Howe. There will be special remarks by family and friends, followed by music and memories/comments from those attending.

Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. at the Mason House, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, at 14 Broad Street in Bethel: “Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin.” Professor William Huntting Howell of Boston University will share his research and analysis of an unusual Revolutionary War memoir. Howell writes that “Joseph Plumb Martin’s Narrative of Some of the Adventures, Dangers, and Sufferings of a Revolutionary Soldier, first published in Hallowell, Maine, in 1830, offers both a counter-record of the facts of the War and a counter-method for relating them.” Howell is the author of “Starving Memory,” an article on Martin’s Narrative which appeared in Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life.

Sunday, June 14, from 2-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: “Meetinghouse and Church in Early Oxford County,” a program by Hastings Homestead Museum Director Randall H. Bennett. See details in the flyer below.

Sunday, June 21, from 1-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Antiques Appraisals, sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum. See details in the flyer below.

Puppy Lena is growing like a weed—21.6 pounds at her last vet appointment, two weeks ago. She has another appointment later today, and I’ll bet she’s edging up on 25 pounds by now. Here she is in a rare calm moment:

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.

May 20 would have been Eli the Wonder Pup’s ninth birthday, and, as summer approaches, I am still missing him so much, remembering all of our swims at camp and our summer hiking adventures that usually ended with ice cream at the Sugar Shack.

“All dogs go to heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind.” – “All Dogs Go To Heaven” (1989 film)

Read more

On a GoFundMe page organized by Simon’s music student and friend Lee Urban (who in 2009 lost his wife to the same devastating disease), Simon’s wife, Tennessee, wrote:

“Many of you know Simon as a musician, music teacher, and conductor. In late 2025, Simon noticed conducting was becoming harder. His right shoulder was weak…In November, Simon received an EMG and we were told he had ALS, a terminal disease that doctors overlooked because of Simon’s young age…We were told he could have anywhere from 2 to 5 years, on average, to live. There is no cure and there are very few treatments to slow progression.”

Simon has had to curtail his work schedule, and Tennessee, who is currently completing her degree at USM, is his caretaker. Donations to the GoFundMe campaign will go toward Simon’s uncovered medical expenses, transportation to appointments, and the couple’s day-to-day expenses.

On a personal note, I have known Simon’s family all of my life. His grandparents (his dad Jonathan’s parents) were among my mother’s dearest friends, and I grew up spending time with his Aunt Deb in both Connecticut and Maine.

If you are able to donate to the GoFundMe in support of Simon and Tennessee, thank you, but if you are not in a position to donate, you can make a big difference just by helping to spread the word, whether through word of mouth or social media. Thank you. The link is here: https://gofund.me/100e678de

Here’s a calendar of (some) local events taking place in the next few weeks:

Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until sold out), at the American Legion Hall on the Gore Road in Locke’s Mills: Mother’s Day Cookie Walk. Purchase a decorative Mother’s Day container and fill it with homemade cookies of your choice for $8. (I’ll be making some cookies to donate!)

Sunday, May 10, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: “Who is this?” The Rev. Scott Campbell will explore the question, “Who is Jesus and what does he have to do with us?”

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

Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. at the American Legion on the Gore Road: Annual Greenwood Town Meeting. Enjoy coffee and breakfast goodies with your neighbors, and take the opportunity to have a say in the government of your town! Copies of the Town Report, including the Town Meeting warrant, will be available at the Town Office and at the meeting.

Sunday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. at the South Paris Universalist Church: The First Universalist Church of West Paris will join the South Paris congregation for their Sunday service, which will start at 9:30 a.m.

Sunday, May 24, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: The Rev. Scott Campbell will lead the Sunday morning service. His sermon, “Ain’t She Sweet?” tells the story of a woman who battled depression throughout much of her life, but who knew a deeper truth in the end.

Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: Annual Rhubarb Festival. Pies and “everything rhubarb” will be for sale.

The free year-long program, “Food Is Medicine,” designed for people who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, and who have limited access to affordable, healthy foods, has been postponed to a start date of May 19. It will be held at the Bethel United Methodist Church and is sponsored by MaineHealth. See the details in the flyer below.

Two of Bethel’s most remarkable women celebrated birthdays this week. Arlene Harrington turned 103 on May 3, and Amy Davis reached the milestone of 100 years on May 4.

Chris Dunham posted on the “Greenwood as It Was” Facebook page on May 4:

“Amy Davis, for many years a teacher in Locke Mills, celebrates her 100th birthday today. When I saw her at the Greenwood Bicentennial, I shared my memory of a time she reprimanded me for throwing a puppet in class. Her firm hand steered me away from a life of crime, and for that I will be forever grateful.

“It was reported in the spring of 1966 that Mrs. Margaret A. Davis had ‘been employed to do special reading work at the Locke Mills School.’ That fall she was hired to teach at Ethel Bisbee in Bethel, but in 1968, when the school in Locke Mills shrank to three grades, she returned to become its kindergarten teacher. A decade later she was principal as well and teaching a second class each afternoon in Woodstock. She would continue to teach in Woodstock after the Locke Mills school closed at the end of the 1980–81 school year and until her retirement in 1986.

Happy birthday, Mrs. Davis!”

Greenwood town officials recently received some great news from Western Foothills Land Trust Executive Director Korey Morgan (who just happens to be a Greenwood native). I’m sharing the WFLT press release in its entirety here:

Western Foothills Land Trust (WFLT) has announced it has purchased nearly 70 acres of forestland abutting Noyes Mountain Preserve, expanding one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations and protecting a significant block of contiguous forest critical to the water quality of Lake Pennesseewassee and the Androscoggin River.

The newly acquired parcel strengthens the ecological integrity of the preserve, helping to safeguard forest health, wildlife habitat, and water quality in a landscape long valued by the community.

Located off Richardson Hollow Road and the Greenwood Road in Greenwood, Noyes Mountain sits within a mineral-rich area with deep ties to Greenwood’s history. The Noyes Mountain Preserve includes historic gem and mineral mining sites. WFLT continues to offer artisanal mining opportunities that connect visitors to this unique heritage. The newly conserved land also includes one of the region’s “keyhole” mines, where workers once extracted feldspar.

The expansion builds on the existing recreational opportunities available at Noyes Mountain Preserve, including hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, foraging, artisanal mining, and backcountry exploration. WFLT is currently developing updated recreation plans and policies to thoughtfully integrate the new parcel into the existing trail network and visitor experience.

“Noyes Mountain is a special place,” said Korey Morgan, Executive Director of WFLT. “With this expansion, visitors can experience the intersection of history, geology, and the Maine woods in a way that is unique to our region.”

The conservation of this property was made possible through support from the Land for Maine’s Future program, the Maine Community Foundation, other private donors, and the longstanding efforts of local conservationist and WFLT board member Rich Sousa, who has worked for nearly a decade to see this land conserved.

WFLT is planning a community celebration at Noyes Mountain Preserve, tentatively scheduled for June 27, to mark this addition and welcome the public to the expanded Preserve. The event will offer an opportunity to explore Noyes Mountain Preserve, learn more about its history and conservation values, and connect with others who care about this special place. Additional details will be shared this summer. In the meantime, those interested in supporting ongoing stewardship and management of Noyes Mountain Preserve can learn more and get involved by visiting www.wfltmaine.org.

About the Western Foothills Land Trust
Western Foothills Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization based in Norway, Maine. Founded in 1987, WFLT is dedicated to protecting forests, farms, and waters of western Maine for the benefit of current and future generations. Through land conservation,
stewardship, and community engagement, WFLT works to sustain the region’s ecological integrity, rural character, and access to the outdoors. To date, WFLT has conserved over 10,000 acres and manages more than 40 miles of public recreational trails.

We enjoyed a visit from our granddaughter, Lila, and her mom on Sunday afternoon. I think they were both surprised to see how much Lena had grown since they were last here, just two weeks ago.

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.

“The secret to longevity is ice cream.” – Paul Marcus, centenarian

Read more

It occurs to me that many of the things the town correspondents who contribute to this weekly newsletter focus on most—and, in fact, Western Maine Neighborhood News itself—are things that increase our communities’ civic capital.

Whether it’s the monthly Neighbors Feeding Neighbors dinners at the Bethel Methodist Church; Andover’s Annual Birthday Supper tradition and the volunteer efforts of the Andover Common Folk to beautify and maintain the town common; the annual Smile Fund sale at the West Parish Congregational Church; Chris’s Haven of Hope sober living house in Bryant Pond, created with the help of many volunteer community members; or the work of the Age-Friendly Community Initiative to create, enhance, and spread the word about supportive programs for seniors, our towns are rich in those important networks and relationships that enable us to thrive.

Here in Greenwood and Woodstock, our Conservation Commissions, which have taken the lead on the maintenance of hiking trails, the Swap Shop at the Transfer Station, and the upcoming Green-Up Day in several communities are a great example of these networks.

Another is the Bethel Wood Bank, which receives donations of wood, processes it into firewood, and donates it to those in need. They can also use monetary donations and volunteers to help at their “processing parties,” held on Wednesday and Saturday mornings from 9 to noon at the wood bank site, 343 Walkers Mills Road in Bethel. Visit their Facebook page, Bethel Wood Bank, to learn more.

Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the West Parish Congregational Church: Smile Fund Sale. Proceeds from this annual community yard sale go to help purchase dentures for adults in the SAD 44 region. The church is looking for donations for the 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 the church at 824-2689.

Saturday, April 25, at 9 a.m. at Maggie’s Nature Park, 290 Greenwood Road: The Greenwood Conservation Commission will host a light trail maintenance day on the hiking trails in the park. Bring loppers if you have them. Paint and supplies for freshening up the trail blazes will be provided.

Wednesday, April 29, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.: Opening Day for the Swap Shop at the Greenwood-Woodstock Transfer Station, a sure sign of spring, no matter what the weather has in store for us. Stop by and see what your neighbors have decided to part with during spring cleaning!

Saturday, May 2, in several area towns: Green-Up Day, annual roadside clean-up. Greenwood volunteers will meet at the Legion/Town Office parking lot for road assignments at 9 a.m. Trash bags and disposable gloves are provided. If you choose to do clean-up on Greenwood roads prior to May 2, please email Lynn Cobb (cobblynn12@gmail.com) or let the town office know, so they will know which sections have already been completed before making road assignments.

Saturday, May, 2, at noon: “Along the Andro: History and Habitat in Our Community.” Meet at Davis Park at noon to join Will Chapman of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and an ecologist from the Mahoosuc Land Trust to explore the history and ecology of the Androscoggin River, including indigenous people, the importance of the river to agriculture and early industries, the pollution of the river and subsequent efforts to clean it up, river ferries, bridges, floods, and the flora and fauna of the riverside. This program is part of Jane’s Walk, a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. Jane’s Walks combine the simple act of exploring a place with personal observations, local history, and civic engagement.

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

Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. at the American Legion on the Gore Road: Annual Greenwood Town Meeting. Enjoy coffee and breakfast goodies with your neighbors, and take the opportunity to have a say in the government of your town! Copies of the Town Report, including the Town Meeting warrant, will be available at the Town Office and at the meeting.

Sunday, May 17, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Silver Spur in Mechanic Falls: Per Hanson and Robin Right will be inducted into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame at the 49^th Annual Induction Ceremony and Show.

The First Universalist Church of West Paris has provided the following information about their May services, held on Sundays at 9 a.m. at the church at 208 Main Street in West Paris. Music is provided by guitarist Davy Sturtevant, and refreshments follow the service.

The May 3 service will be led by Bob Neal, whose sermon is titled “My Father’s House Has Many Rooms.” There are many paths to heaven or rewarding life here.

May 10: “Who is this?” The Rev. Scott Campbell will explore the question, “Who is Jesus and what does he have to do with us?”

On May 17, the First Universalist Church will join the congregation of the South Paris Universalist Church for a service in South Paris, which will start at 9:30 a.m.

May 24: “Ain’t She Sweet?” The Rev. Scott Campbell will tell the story of a woman who battled depression throughout most 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 Cohan Hayashida, who will explore how grounding ourselves in the gifts of everyday life strengthens us to meet the moments that break our hearts.

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.

I’m writing this on Wednesday, which is Earth Day. The very first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, as a nationwide environmental teach-in. I actually remember it—partly because yes, I am That Old, but also because that spring I had, at the tender age of 11, been shipped off on a Greyhound bus to spend my April vacation with my brother Steve’s family in Virginia, where he was stationed with the Air Force, while my mom got our house in Milford, Conn. ready to sell (we were only moving a couple of miles away, to a smaller house). Peggy took me, along with Keith and Eric, who were toddlers, to some kind of Earth Day celebration that I seem to remember involved arts and crafts and music and maybe planting a tree.

This year on Earth Day, I called in to the Maine Calling program (which was all about the “Reuse” part of the “Reduce—Reuse—Recycle” mantra) to share that my mom was legendary for her reuse of plastic Ziploc bags. I joked that it might be possible that when she passed away in 2004, she still had the first box of Ziploc bags she had ever bought, when they came out in 1968, in her kitchen cupboard.

But, on a more serious note, I added that the reuse of plastic bags was just one of my mom’s environmentally friendly (and frugal!) practices, and the example she set had far-reaching effects, as she raised five kids, who in turn raised 14 grandkids, who are raising a raft of great-grandkids, and I don’t think any of us would dare to toss out a perfectly good Ziploc bag (or piece of aluminum foil, or yogurt container) after just one use. Several years ago I wrote a blog post called “Rinsing out baggies (and other ways Mom was ahead of her time),” which you can read by clicking here.

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.

Obligatory weekly pupdate: Lena weighed 15.2 pounds at her vet visit on Wednesday—just about exactly double her weight when she came home 3.5 weeks ago! She’s discovered the joys of digging holes in her pen and started going for very short trail walks in Maggie’s Nature Park. And she still has extremely sharp puppy teeth!

“Puppies are constantly inventing new ways to be bad. It’s fascinating. You come into a room they’ve been in and see pieces of debris and try to figure out what you had that was made from wicker or what had been stuffed with fluff.” – Julie Klam, You Had Me at Woof: How Dogs Taught Me the Secrets of Happiness

Read more