Western Maine Neighborhood News, April 2, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! In this issue, we introduce a new feature: AFCI News, updates from the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative. To help our older citizens (age 60+) learn about programs to enable them to thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally, the AFCI column will always be free to all subscribers. This week, the Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead columns are also free to all readers. Upgrade to a paid subscription to read the latest Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock columns.
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
It is hard to believe that April is here already. Ol’ Mother Nature has been all over the place the last few days. Really warm temps and sun and then a morning temp of 10 on Sunday the 29th.
All the snow that fell from the last storm has melted nicely from our driveway, which the chickens love! But the mud, oh my goodness the mud. I may have to give up washing my kitchen floor (thanks to Bocephus) until some time in June. It seems like we are in the midst of an unsettled weather week. Am I correct that it is April and indeed spring?
Just a reminder that the Annual Mills Market Easter Egg Hunt takes place this Saturday the 4th at 9:00 a.m. Please keep an eye out and drive carefully if you are going through the village at this time. Big thanks to the Trish Mills & Family and to all the helpers that have kept this time honored tradition going for our town.
Claire Sessions was kind enough to send me some info for this week’s column: Here are some tidbits for you from the Historical Society and Rec. Committee.
Andover Historical Society: The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, April 9th at 6:00 p.mm at our in-town building. We would love to see some new faces, tell you all about our past year and add new members to our roster. A new book titled “The Fabric of Andover,” written by Peter Stowell, is nearing completion and we hope to have copies available for purchase at Andover Olde Home Days.
Rec. Committee: We continue to provide Pickleball play time at AES three nights a week. Tues/Thurs. Wednesdays are for those who need more practice or want to learn how to play in a slightly less challenging environment. All play starts at 6:00 p.m. and generally ends at 8:30. For those who would like to stay connected digitally, the “TeamReach” app is available for free download. We are listed as Andover, ME Pickleball. Dates and times for all play are listed along with a message board for member communication. To sign up for Team Reach, use Group code: And04216. I hope some local folks sign up and join in on the fun. The outdoor court was redone last year and will be in use this summer I have no doubt. Look here for updates.
If you happened to hear a helicopter flying around Andover on Saturday the 28th, fear not. The Andover Volunteer Fire Department would like to thank the Maine Forest Service for coming to Andover to provide some familiarization and training in Helo Ops. A few of the members got to take a ride with their outstanding crew. Great teamwork by one and all.
Another wonderful resource we have in Andover is Darlene Akers and her Dragonfly Healing Nest. Her next upcoming class is: Wild Cherry Medicine Saturday, April 11th from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at Betula Botanical Sanctuary at 4 Cardinal Way, Andover, Maine. This will be a hands on class; learn how to process the bark of Black Cherry, Prunus sertonia. We will explore the medicinal properties of the wild cherry tree. We will also play with rooting some branches. Energy Exchange: $30 You will go home with the bark that you process and cuttings to root. Contact Darlene for directions at dragonflyhealingnest@gmail.com; this address is not on Google maps. What to bring: A knife to process bark, a water bottle, a journal/pen and comfortable clothing to be outside. You can always check out Darlene’s Facebook page, Dragonfly Healing Nest, for any info on upcoming classes.
The Andover Snow Valley Sno-goers will be holding their season end meeting and election of officers on Saturday, April 11th. This will take place at the Andover Town Hall from 5-8 p.m. There will be a pizza supper from 5-6:30, then from 6:30-8 an end of year recap and highlights. Also an election of officers for the 2026/2027 season. All are welcome to attend. For more info please call (207) 233-0468.
A reminder from the Town office: Dogs must be registered in the town where they live, with proof of rabies vaccination and spay/neuter certificates needed to complete the registration. Registration fees support local Animal Control Officers, rabies control, and animal welfare investigations. Dogs residing in Andover are registered at the Town Office. The annual fee for licensing (male or female) is $6.00 for neutered/spayed and $13 for all others. Failing to register a dog in Maine (by Jan 31st) results in a $25 late fee per dog. It is a civil violation that can lead to a court summons and fines of up to $100. For dangerous dogs, late fees can reach $150. Licenses are required annually for dogs over 6 months old. On April 1, 2026 the Animal Control Officer will be provided a list of dogs that are not currently registered in the Town to follow up with owners.
The last Cabin Fever Reliever will be held this Saturday the 11th from 10-2 at the Andover Congregational Church. Bring any craft project to work on. Coffee and tea are provided. From what I have been told this has been a wonderful thing for folks to get out for a few hours during this past winter. I am hoping that it will return again next year.
In closing I want to wish everyone a very Happy Easter. I hope you all have a chance to visit with family, friends and loved ones. Please feel free to send me news or events to share. diananadeau@ymail.com
Bethel News
Linda Howe
The month of April has arrived. Spring rains. High water. Fiddleheads. Sap Season. Spring perennial flowers will be popping through the ground. April is a time of new birth. Mother Nature is waking up from her winter’s nap.
Today’s column comes out on Thursday, April 2, which is Maundy Thursday. The West Parish Congregational Church UCC in Bethel will be having a Maundy Thursday Communion and Tenebrae Service starting at 7:00 p.m. All are welcome to attend.
“Maundy” comes from a word meaning “commandment,” recalling Jesus’s words to his disciples at the Last Supper; that they love one another as he has loved them. “Tenebrae” is a Latin word meaning “darkness” or “shadows.” In this powerful service, all gather at the table to share Communion and remember Jesus’ last night with his disciples. Then the story turns toward Good Friday as the portions of the Bible story reflect on Jesus in the garden while the disciples cannot stay awake, his violent arrest, his trial, his carrying of the cross, and the events of his crucifixion.
The joyous celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ will take place on Sunday, April 5th. In our towns there will be many Easter Services available for folks to attend. The Methodist Church and the West Bethel Union Church have a Sunday morning 9 a.m. Service. Locke Mills Union Church offers a 9:30 a.m. service. At 10 a.m. the Congregational UCC Church, Bethel Alliance Church, and the Pleasant Valley Bible Church will hold Church services. The Bethel Church of the Nazarene holds a 10:30 a.m. service. The Catholic Church offers a Saturday 6:00 p.m. Mass for folks to attend. Many different denominations celebrating the risen Christ!
These next 3 events coming up involve food and are held in the dining room of the Methodist Church located at 79 Main Street.
On Wednesday, April 8th, the Bethel Seniors will be meeting from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Region 9 technical students providing the meal. Guest speaker will be Lyndsey Smith from the North Star Program.
On Tuesday, April 14th, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors. This month’s meal will be chicken, stuffing and vegetables with folks bringing salad, bread and desserts. The focus for Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is to support our local Food Pantry. Non-perishable items may be brought to the Church which will be delivered to the Food Pantry. Some folks also like to make a monetary donation to help feed others in our Community. This free meal is open to everyone in our Community.
On Wednesday, April 15th, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. is Soup’s On! There are always new cooks coming on board so it makes for a variety and a delicious meal.
On Saturday, April 25th, starting at 6:30 p.m. there will be a guest speaker at the Methodist Church. “My Story,” by Alexander U. Falster. Al is an American citizen but was an immigrant. The story he is going to share is his story of how he became a citizen which was not easy but it was made easier by many people, some he only met for a minute before, others he knew longer but they all had something to offer. Advice, a handshake, a kind word during the difficult years. Al was sworn in as a citizen and gave a speech for the assembled 63 other new citizens. Al will share some of those heartwarming stories, only the good and positive aspects, lest they are forgotten. He does not want to go into current situations. His story will be told without politics. His story will give hope and show others what it takes to immigrate and especially why.
Even though we live in a small town there are many among us who have a story to be told. “My Story” with Alexander is just one of many stories that folks living in our town can share that may have an impact on our lives.
There is a free year-long program starting up on April 21 at the Bethel United Methodist Church. Called “Food Is Medicine,” it is designed for people who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, and who have limited access to affordable, healthy foods. See details in the flyer below.
This column welcomes news and local events that can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com
East Bethel News
Wally Ritz
“April, April, er macht grad was er will”; a German saying meaning “April, April, he does just as he pleases,” its meaning being constant changes in weather. We get that here even sooner as we have been seeing.
Easter weekend is coming up, so I included an old picture of my Mom and I on Easter morning. My older sister was there also, naturally. It was taken after we played “who can throw an egg the furthest without breaking it.” It was fun and turned the field into specks of color. My Mom wouldn’t like me showing this picture as she still had her rollers in her hair.
I think as a child I liked Easter more than Christmas. There was just nothing like searching the whole yard for eggs, chocolate bunnies, and whatever presents were hidden. Memories truly are a treasure,
The votes stopped coming in and sadly were not very numerous concerning the favorite greenhouse in the area. Hopefully in the future more folks will participate in a fun activity like this. So, Mountain Greenery came in first place with three votes, Pooh Corner Farm second place with 2 votes, Longfellow Greenhouse and Young’s received one vote each. Personally, I love to stop at each and every greenhouse anywhere.
Call me at 595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com
Wishing you all a Happy Easter.
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
What is the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI)???
AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and emotionally.
A BIG Thank You to our volunteers for donating their time & resources.
FREE PROGRAMS
Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)
HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)
Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays ,1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)
‘Games-On’ (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)
Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & Fall prevention
Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages.)
AFCI is supported by 6 towns: Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock
Board Members: President Julie Hart, Eileen Broderick, Katina Colombotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Wendy Hanscom, Tim LeConey, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Remington
For more information, to request a ride, or to volunteer call:
207-824-4444
Email: agefriendlybethel@gmail.com
For current information visit our Facebook Page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/
April 2026 / Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families
Walk the Gym. Tuesdays and Thursdays thru April. (April 2,7,9,14,16,21,23,28,30)1:00-2:00 P.M. Gould Academy Fieldhouse, (Free, Age 60+, sponsored by AFCI & Gould)
Games On! Thursdays (April 2,9,16,23,30) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, Age 60+, sponsored by AFCI & Library) Come and have a good time playing games, connecting puzzles, or just enjoy conversation and a snack.
Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (April 2,9,16,23,30) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming, supportive group, drop in for coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation.
Yarn Hub Tuesdays, 10:00A.M.-12:00 P.M., (April 7,14,21,28) Bethel Library (Free, All Ages) Bring your Knitting and crochet projects or just drop in to learn more about getting started. This creative and friendly group will assist you. Donated needles, hooks and yarns are available at no cost.
Village Makers Tuesdays, (April 7,14,21,28)5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Bring a friend. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond
Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (April 7,14,21,28)12:00-1:00 P.M. (Free, 50+)
Tech Help at Bethel Library, April6th, 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00A.M.-1:00 P.M. (Free, All Ages)
Food is Medicine Program Yearlong program starts April 21st 12:00-1:00 P.M. Meets weekly at the same time and location for 4 months and then 2 X a month for the rest of the year. Support and activities for people at risk for Type 2 Diabetes and who have limited access to affordable, healthy foods (Free, All Ages) United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel. For more information contact: allison.kelly@mainehealth.org
April 8, Wednesday,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch Methodist Church, 75 Main St. Bethel. Delicious Meal prepared and served by students of Region 9 Culinary Arts Program, Speaker is Lyndsey Smith /Director of Northstar Mentoring Program. Sign-Up available for Spring Yard Clean-up (Meal $15, Annual Club Membership $10, Age50+)
April 9, Thursday, 4:00-5:30 P.M. ‘To Your Health’ Meditation and Music Interactive program featuring Mindfulness Meditation by Will Chapman and Ukelele Sing-Along by OHUG/ the Oxford Hill Ukelele Group. West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church St. Bethel (Free, All Ages, Sponsored by SAD44 Adult Ed, Western Mountain Senior College, and Bethel Family Health Center)
April 14, Tuesday, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St. Bring a friend or the whole family. (Free, All Ages, Donation to Food Pantry welcomed)
April 15, Wednesday, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Soups On- for Seniors! Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel (Free, Age 60+, Donations accepted,) Volunteer cooks provide a variety of delicious and hearty soups, breads and desserts. Bring a friend or make new friends.
April 25, Saturday, 9:00A.M.-12:00P.M. Smile Fund Indoor Yard Sale. Proceeds support the Smile Fund which has provided over 108 dentures to local folks. Donations for the Smile Fund may be brought to the basement of the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel between Friday, April 17 and Thursday, April 23. Accepting donations: toys, tools, books, knick-knacks, housewares, and gardening supplies. Please don’t bring: jewelry, clothing, shoes, electronics or stuffed animals. Thank you!
April 25, Saturday 6:00-8:00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance. This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (Free, All Ages, donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills
April 29, Wednesday, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. (Free, All Ages, Donations) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available
Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider or a driver: 207-824-4444
More AFCI News:
The Whitman Memorial Library recently made a generous donation to support the efforts of the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Initiative (AFCI) . We are very honored to partner with this wonderful library in serving the needs of the greater community.
The library graciously hosts a game time for older folks each Thursday afternoon 12:00-2:00 P.M. We play a variety of card and board games along with dominoes and puzzles. You will hear much laughter and gentle teasing as we learn new skills and strategies from each other. Everyone is a winner at Games on! (This is a free program and light snacks are provided.)
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
Things got a lot more interesting around here on Monday morning, when Will and I went to Turner and brought home our new black Labrador puppy, Lena. Named for my Bethel grandmother, Lena Belle Farwell Wight, she’s eight weeks old, adorable, and a handful!
We couldn’t have asked for a more perfect day than Monday to bring home a new puppy. It was 60 degrees, sunny, and neither Will nor I had anything else pressing that we needed to be doing. We got to spend several hours bonding with her, much of it outside in the sunshine.
