Western Maine Neighborhood News, April 16, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! In this issue, the Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead columns are free to all readers. Upgrade to a paid subscription to read this week’s Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock columns. News from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative—is always free to all—be sure to check it out!
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
The weather on this Sunday the 12th is beautiful and sunny, although a bit chilly. Time for some of those outside chores that have been waiting. It seems like the upcoming week looks a little unsettled with some showers predicted.
The hens have had their coop spring cleaned...I just wish I had time to do my “coop”! Hopefully in good time.
I was able to attend the visitation for Maureen Swain this past weekend. Although I only met her a handful of times, I got to know her by the stories told by her loved ones. There was a wonderful slide show with pictures of her throughout her life. It was lovely.
Claire Sessions again came through with some information from the Rec. Committee:
We have now placed a net, four paddles, and some balls at the outside pickleball court. The equipment is stored in the large black box located on the court and is available to anyone at any time, weather permitting.
We ask, if you have never put together the net, to reach out to any Rec. Committee member via the Messenger app on Facebook for a short tutorial. Once you see it done, it will be easy to do. It can be a bit confusing when you first look inside the carrying bag.
Also, please make sure you return the equipment to the box as you found it. Should there be an issue with any of the equipment, please reach out to us so that we can fix it and ensure everything is ready for the next set of players.
Inside Pickleball at the school will continue for a few more weeks.
The Rec. Committee is in conjunction with the Andover Common Folk. On “Green-Up Day,” Saturday, May 2nd, 2026 starting at 10:00am, we are inviting the community to come and help us clean up the Common from the winter debris. We need folks with rakes, shovels for the acorns and disposable, biodegradable containers to put them in. Sturdy, reasonably sized cardboard boxes would be appropriate.
The Common is at the heart of our community, where many fine events happen, bringing everyone together to enjoy the space. Let’s help out our Town Crew by getting the Common ready for our upcoming Concert Series and Andover Old Home Days—”Many hands make light work.”
The town of Andover never ceases to amaze me. I am sure that there will be a great turn out for this clean-up day. If anyone has a student that needs community service hours’ I believe that this is an awesome opportunity. If time permits I hope to lend a hand as well. Many people enjoy the town common for all sorts of events. It truly is the heart of our town.
The Andover Historical Society is in works to have a new Andover blanket available for purchase in the near future. The new design is at the weavers! Quite a few years back these were for sale and were snatched up quite quickly. I’m very excited for this new design to be available. It again has the Andover Earth Station (The Site, The Bubble etc.) on it where my dad worked for many many years. I have no doubt it will be very popular for those that live in Andover and for those family members and loved ones that have moved away.
The blankets will be 52x64 and have no fringe this time as the other one had. Once they know the cost they will begin taking prepaid orders. The AHS also hopes to have some available for Andover Old Home Days. These would make great holiday gifts! Please stay tuned for more details on these.
The Historical Society has, in its possession, a very large and very heavy safe in the basement that is taking up valuable storage space. If you, or anyone you know, recycles scrap metal, they would love to talk to you. You would need to have the appropriate equipment capable of safely removing the safe and liability insurance. You can send a message to them directly via their Facebook page: Andover Maine Historical Society and Museum, or send me an email and I can get your information to them.
Mills’ Market is hiring for the summer season. They are looking for motivated, reliable people to join their team. Hiring for: cooks, cashiers, waitstaff, prep cooks and dishwashers. If you’re hardworking, enjoy a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a four-generation, family-owned small business, they would love to hear from you! Apply in person at Mills’ Market. Come be part of a place where everyone pitches in and works together!
Mark your calendars for the ever popular Annual Birthday Supper. This will be held at the Andover Congregational Church on April 25th at 5 pm. The menu this year consists of shepherd’s pie, cole slaw, homemade rolls and of course...the most delicious fancy birthday cakes. The cost is by donation.
My predecessor Jane Rich knew all the history of this annual gathering. It has been going on for decades. I believe that the only time it was canceled was during the war because of the food rationing. If I can find the history on it I will try and write about it in a future column. Please send any news or events my way.
Bethel News
Linda Howe
In the Town of Bethel the second quarter real estate tax bill is due on Friday, April 24th at the town hall. There are no reminders sent out so folks have to remember on their own accord. As the saying goes...Death and Taxes. You cannot avoid it.
Next Saturday, April 25th, there will be a church supper at the Methodist Church on Main Street from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This supper will have an Italian theme on the menu. Funds raised from this supper will be going into the capital account to help with efforts for a new church roof. After the supper starts at 6:30 p.m. there will be a guest speaker. “My Story” by Al Falster will be a first-hand account on how he came to America as an immigrant to become a U.S. citizen. His story will give us hope and show us what it takes to immigrate and especially why.
Another event on Saturday, April 25th, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. is an inside yard sale at the Congregational Church on Church Street. Funds raised from this sale go into the Smile Fund which is ministry work to help community members who need assistance to purchase dentures. This is a much needed program that can be a game changer for an individual. Community support for this program would be appreciated very much.
On Saturday, May 2nd, at noon there will be an informative walk beside the Androscoggin River with Will Chapman of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and an ecologist from the Mahoosuc Land Trust, called “Along the Andro: History and Habitat in Our Community.” Meet at Davis Park at noon 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. Click here for more details.
On Tuesday, April 14th, was the Neighbors Feeding Neighbors event at the Methodist Church. This event has turned into a community effort in a variety of ways. To start with, the team that plans the meal knows how to cook! The meal on the 14th was a turkey dinner with turkey, gravy, stuffing, mashed potatoes, squash, and green bean casserole as well as a veggie platter, fruit platter and a bowl of fresh fruit.
There were a variety of folks who showed up at this free meal—young families with small children and locals of different ages.
The intent of Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is two-fold. One purpose is to bring community together to share food and feed one another. Second, is to bring attention to our local Food Pantry. Folks coming may bring non-perishable items which are transported over to the Food Pantry, which is near Telstar High School. Donations are always accepted with gratitude.
The next Neighbors Feeding Neighbors will take place on Tuesday, May 12th (always the second Tuesday of the month), and I am hearing talk of grilling outside now that the weather is warmer.
Wednesday, April 15th, was the last Soup’s On! for the 25/26 season. The next Soup’s On! will be on October 14th. As always there were some amazing soups. The shrimp bisque seems to be a big hit. Many fine soups for folks to enjoy. Not to be outdone, the desserts were excellent as well. Maryvonne Wheeler made these coconut chocolate chip squares that didn’t last long. What has always impressed me with this event is seeing the true nature of folks wanting to share their soup or deserts with others. We were expecting 7 soups but ended up with 10 soups! There never is a shortage of food, with the excess packaged up and delivered to senior citizen homes. Soup is certainly on and what a blessing it has been to many.
This digital column is always ready to receive news and or events which can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com
East Bethel News
Wally Ritz
This month seems to be just flying by. It must be because all the wonderful events happening have been keeping us busy.
At the last Bethel Seniors Group meeting, the students from the Culinary Arts of Region 9 served us a three-course meal again. It was absolutely amazing and delicious. Therefore, I was so happy to see that our local Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen is having a fundraiser/benefit dinner for our Telstar sophomore Henry Perks to travel to France to further his culinary career at the Le Cordon Bleu. On April 26th the Watershed Wood-Fired Kitchen will turn into a French Bistro from 5:30 till 7 in support of Henry. Please, if you can, support this young man. Call or text Henry for information at 207-291-0110.
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At the same meeting, Lyndsey Smith talked to us about the North Star Program. We, residents at the Bethel House Senior Housing, are proud to help some by donating all our returnables to this wonderful program which helps so many of our local youngsters. Through this program they also do a lot of community service.
I was recently told that I cannot keep my small charcoal grill here at the apartment complex anymore, sigh. Old school as I am, can’t get myself to put it in the dumpster. Let me know if you would like it....first come basis,
Call me at 595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail.com
Think Spring!
Gilead News
Lin Chapman
Sunday was a very nice day. The thermometer hit 62 degrees around 1:00pm and by 5:00pm, it said 55 degrees.
There are a few Happy Birthday wishes to go out this week. My husband, Hugh Chapman and our daughter-in-law, Kym Chapman (Chris’ wife) share a birthday on April 22nd, and Jason Steigerwald, our granddaughter Mariyah’s husband, has one on April 20th. Also, anniversary wishes to our son and wife, Tim and Michele Chapman. on April 18th.
Judy Bishop, from Yarmouth, ME, stopped by last Saturday for a visit. She was in West Bethel to attend the funeral service for Maureen Swain and decided to stop by here to say hello. She had a chance to visit after the service with a few relatives that were in attendance.
Hugh stopped by Pete and Claudia Risbara’s the other day. He was gifted some of Pete’s maple syrup that he has been making. Claudia also sent home some delicious cookies that she had just baked.
Again, not too much to report on the bird feeder. The hawk is still visiting and bothering the other birds. There were several Red-winged Blackbirds and Grackles out there over the weekend.
I found this newspaper clipping that my mother, Millie McLain, had saved along with a few others. This is just a little excerpt from it-
“When the first three months of a year have plodded through their days, and a man tears the third sheet from the big Feed Store calendar on the kitchen wall, he knows that true spring is still some distance away. April is a heady filly, not broken to the harness. There are periods when the Weather Man cannot make up his mind, and blue skies and dark clouds take turns as the hours pass. But each day means one day nearer to the time when true spring will come. You can feel, smell and hear the voice of change, and the heart responds when eyes and ears see and hear the SIGNS. The banks of the creeks begin to show green and the red maples’ blossoms are bright pennants in the woods.
Then comes the morning when a man is certain. On the way to the barn to do the chores, he stops in the yard and savors the day. The sun is a golden platter in a blue sky; mountains are blue-green against the horizon; the bluebirds and robins are giving their morning concert. The air is soft against one’s face and the smell of warming earth is heady in the nostrils. A man breathes deeply and inhales the fragrance of a new season. Suddenly, he knows. This is the day he has waited for. Spring has arrived.”
Gilead Historical Society
Historical Note: Excerpt from GHS publication, {Hastings, The History of a Maine Lumbering Town that Emerged, Flourished and Vanished within 25 Years - - - (1892-1917) by Howard Reiche and Hugh Chapman, 2006}-
The winter was challenging for the people in Hastings, but the spring brought a whole new set of problems. The maintenance of the railroad and bridges was a constant challenge. The water coming from the melting snow and spring storms rushed down the mountain side and washed out the railroad and bridges causing a lot of damage. Bridges over the river had to be rebuilt after each storm or replaced completely.
Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
Today is feeling very “Springish.” April Showers are promised for the next week. However, we need to keep a spring in our steps as there are many wonderful things to look forward to in the next few months. I love to get out in my yard to rake and add to my gardens. I just know we will have family and friend gatherings and want everything spiffed up and welcoming. I always feel a sense of accomplishment after all the hard work and then feel that I can relax and enjoy company. We have two children, 12 grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Those visits are what I am particularly envisioning. What are some things you are planning and dreaming about participating in during the Spring and Summer? I find that being a grandparent or grandfriend is an especially fun and rewarding relationship.
As I sit writing today and see the puddles of water, I am reminded that it was just last year when many of us experienced the effects of the drought in our area. At my home in Bethel we have a dug well and were forced to be mindful of taking short showers and limiting our clothes washing to one load a day. By the end of July, I had to give up on watering my lovely gardens. I had enough water stored in rain barrels to pour on the saddest of my plants. But alas, even that ran out. Poor plants, I felt very badly seeing how thirsty they were. Being a baby boomer, we may have had an abundance of resources and opportunities while growing up. But our parents and grandparents often reminded us that they lived through the depression and/or war years. They continued to demonstrate by example and to teach us how to be resourceful. (Just in case the need arose.) Some people call it “Yankee ingenuity” but I think it is practiced throughout the world. I try to apply these thrifty principles but am not always successful. Can you think of a few specific ways you practice resourcefulness that are unique to your family or living situation? So, while I am careful with my resources, I feel that I live each day with abundance. I hope you all experience the same, even if in different ways than me. I am very thankful for this sense of having plenty, and the life skills and values taught by my parents and grandparents.
Speaking of abundance, today 4/15/26 is the last day of our “Soup’s On for Seniors.”
This FREE lunch-time meal is held the 3rd Wednesday of the month, November-April. Bonnie Pooley, a driving force in the Bethel Food Connection group, was inspired to collaborate with Linda Howe, a lay leader at the Bethel Methodist Church. The vision: seniors gathering for hearty, nutritious soups and breads while sharing conversations around long tables. Provide support to older people during the long and often dreary, isolating months of the winter.
What could be better than a shared meal, including hot drinks and desserts? It gets even better! Old acquaintances and friendships are renewed while new ones are forged. Locals and visitors are equally welcomed. Our community is strengthened—physically, mentally and socially. Just one example of “it takes a village” as all the food is donated by volunteer cooks. And we have the best cooks in Western Maine living amongst us! Thank you to the many volunteers and supporters. We see you!
Another demonstration of living in an age-friendly community is the upcoming AFCI Handy Neighbors program. Many of you have already benefited from this collaboration with SAD 44, the Northstar program, and AFCI. Telstar High School students and adult volunteers provide FREE yard clean up: leaf raking, removal of debris, stacking wood. Chores that are too much for us to handle alone. Each Fall and Spring students earn service credits while also getting to know their neighbors. To request this service please call the AFCI number 207-824-4444 and leave your name, telephone number, and request. Someone will return your call. The work dates are May 7 and 8, Thursday and Friday.
I hope everyone has a good week. Please contact me if you have any age-friendly news or comments.
Melinda Remington, AFCI Community connector
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
I just know that everyone who reads this column is looking for puppy updates and photos. Lena is growing like a weed! She weighed around 7.5 pounds when she came home, and I’ll be interested to see how much she weighs at her vet appointment next week, when she’ll get a full going-over and her second set of puppy shots. She’s definitely gotten bigger, and looks more like an actual dog than a roly-poly guinea pig now.
