Hello from West Paris on this first day of October, 2026. Let me introduce myself. My name is Stephanie Emery and I was raised here in West Paris. Beginning with college I took a chunk of time off from my hometown for about 30 years and lived in various places including New York, Massachusetts, and Utah. A music teacher by formal training, I taught for about seven years professionally, privately, and in public schools. I still consider myself a musician, but my flute playing is much more sparse these days.
For the past 22 years I have been running my own company called Adventure Bus which takes folks on hiking and camping tours throughout the US, primarily to the National Parks. Once based in Utah, I have now brought Adventure Bus to my hometown and offer many tours in Maine and beyond. I am a Maine Guide, an avid birder and love spending time in the woods or on a lake.
Now that I once again live in West Paris full time, I am striving to be more involved in the community. I am a member of the Bobcat Committee and the current secretary for the West Paris Historical Society. I do not claim to be a writer, but when asked if I wanted to be the contributor for the West Paris section of the Western Maine Neighborhood News, I thought why not… I’ll give it a try!
I will primarily report on local events, meetings, and activities but may become brave and offer up more at some point. For now, here is a photo of a frequent visitor to my backyard, and a summary of what is going on in West Paris.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a fairly common bird in the forests of the Northeast, but this is the first time I have had one hanging around consistently for several months. A fun fact I found on AllAboutBirds.org states “A Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly 2 inches past the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the birds spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices.”
Two Important Surveys for West Paris Citizens:
1. Please fill out the Survey Questions for the Town of West Paris Comprehensive Plan and return to the town office by Oct 29th, 2026. Copies are available at the West Paris Town Office.
2. Please fill out the West Paris Vulnerability Assessment Survey (due by 10/31/26) from CEBE. Complete the survey and/or attend a Community Forum to win a $100 Hannaford Gift Card. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Town Office and West Paris Library. You can also fill it out online at https://forms.gle/uxh5BpxzF3VXiQLy5 The goal of the Assessment Survey is to help West Paris become more resilient to extreme weather and other climate impacts.
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Now through December 30: Art Exhibit, “The Nature of Trees” by Mick Liimatta, at the West Paris Library. Library open hours are Monday and Friday, 1:30-6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1:30-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3: The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) will hold a Community Forum at the West Paris Town Office from 10-11 AM.
Thursday, October 9th and October 16th: Selectman Meetings at 5PM (always the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month) at the West Paris Town Office.
Tuesday, October 13: West Paris Planning Board Meeting at 6PM at the West Paris Town Office.
Tuesday, October 13: West Paris Library Advisory Board Meeting 6:30-7:30PM. This is the a monthly meeting and is open to the public.
Monday, October 19th: West Paris Historical Society will hold a Potluck Supper followed by a presentation/speaker at 6PM: “Love Letters for Leland.” A look back into West Paris History by Bethany Riley. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Tuesday, October 20th: Bobcat Committee Meeting at 6PM at the West Paris Library. New members are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, October 21st: 6PM-7:15 PM. Poetry and History Discussion Group with Rodney Abbott at the West Paris Library.
Wednesday October 21st: 5:30 PM, West Paris Old Home Days Planning Meeting. Held at Ripple Retreat, 186R Main Street, West Paris. All are welcome to join and share ideas.
Monday Oct 26th: Goodwill Fellowship meeting/potluck at 12 noon at the West Paris Unitarian Universalist Church. Pokeno theme for Thanksgiving.
Saturday October 31: Community Trunk or Treat at 5:00-7:30 PM at the West Paris Fire Station.
Sunday, December 6th: 100th Anniversary of the West Paris Library from 2:00-4:00 PM. Speaker: Rodney Abbott with displays and more. Join us to celebrate our 100-year-old Library! Everyone is welcome!
Ongoing West Paris Meetings/Events:
Recovery Ripples Meeting Every Tuesday at Ripple Retreat from 5pm to 6pm. This is a meeting for those in longterm recovery to discuss the good in our lives now, thanks to sobriety, rather than focusing on the bad. It’s an hour of Gratitude, sharing what we are grateful for as a direct result of our sobriety. We don’t share war stories or look in the past, we focus on today and the future. The meeting is held in person at Ripple Retreat, 186R Main Street, West Paris, ME 04289 and online at https://ripple-retreat.com/recovery-resources/.
The First Universalist Church of West Paris Worship Services Sundays, 9 AM. October’s services will feature music by guitarist Davy Sturtevant and a variety of guest speakers. Refreshments served following the service. All are welcome!
October 4, “All Inclusive Grace” led by guest speaker, Darrell Dyke.
October 11, “There Is No ‘Them” led by guest speaker, Linda Smith.
October 18, “Stuff Beyond Hope,” a reflection from guest speaker, Maryli Tiemann.
October 25, “Repairers of the Breach” led by The Rev. Scott Campbell.
If your West Paris organization has an event or meeting you would like to have listed in this newsletter, please email Stephanie at semery73@yahoo.com.