Western Maine Neighborhood News, April 9, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! In this issue, the Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock columns are free to all readers. Upgrade to a paid subscription to read this week’s Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead columns. News from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative—is always free to all—be sure to check it out! And if you’re enjoying WMNN, please help us spread the word!
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
I could have happily lived without Tuesday’s inch or so of wet snow, but that’s April for you. I looked back through old photos of past springs and found evidence of quite a few years with fairly significant accumulations of April snow, including this photo taken on April 28, 2010.
When I took new puppy Lena out before bedtime on Tuesday evening, she seemed very surprised to find snow on the ground. She wanted to run around and play in it, while the last thing I wanted was for her to get all wound up right before bed. But maybe the snow was actually a puppy miracle, because it turned out to be the first night since we brought her home that she slept through the night without getting me up to take her out once or twice. (Or three or four times.) I can’t remember how long it takes before puppies sleep through the night, but it can’t come soon enough!
Because it will be a long time before Lena is able to hike with me on her own—veterinarians don’t recommend taking puppies on anything but very short, easy hikes until their growth plates have fully closed, which for Labs isn’t until around 14 months—I’ve acquired two different carriers to see if I can figure out a way to bring her along. The first, a backpack made for carrying dogs up to 40 pounds, is still way too big for her, but the second, a cross-body sling type carrier made for puppies and small dogs, shows some promise. It arrived on Monday afternoon and we tried it out with a ten-minute walk around the yard.
Today, Thursday, April 9, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel: “Meditation and Music,” a unique, interactive health/wellness program presented by To Your Health. Mindfulness meditation practitioner Will Chapman will discuss the benefits of meditation, lead the group in a short, guided practice, and take questions from the audience. Then, the Oxford Hills Ukulele Group (OHUG), led by Lynette and Ray Seames, will perform their favorite tunes and lead the audience in a singalong. To Your Health, in collaboration with Western Mountains Senior College, the Bethel Family Health Center, and MSAD #44 Adult Education, provides free health education and wellness programs to the Bethel area communities.
Wednesday, April 15, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Thursday, April 16, from 12 to 5 p.m.: Third Annual Spring Fling at the Bethel Library. Come to the library to enjoy light refreshments, browse the bookshelves, visit with library staff, board members, and friends, and purchase raffle tickets. Then enter to win a wide assortment of great prizes!
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.
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.
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 the details in the flyer below.
Last Saturday afternoon I traveled to Unity, where I had the privilege of helping to celebrate the 100th birthday of former East Bethel farm girl Deborah (Farwell) Eldredge. Debbie is my second cousin, once removed (my dad’s second cousin) and she and her three sons were frequent visitors to our camp in the summers when I was growing up. I was accompanied by my brother Steve, our sister Leslie, and Marta Clements, whose sister-in-law was a close friend of Debbie’s from college. It was a wonderful celebration, and I’m sure Debbie is enjoying reading all of the cards, poems, and stories she received from the many folks who attended.
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.
“‘Snow in April is abominable,’ said Anne. ‘Like a slap in the face when you expect a kiss.’” – Lucy Maud Montgomery, Anne of Ingleside
Newry News
Amy Henley
April started off with new baby calves on the 2nd and the 4th. Thankfully everything went well. Even though we had rain and it was a bit messy, both mommas have been doing great and staying dry in the sheds. They sure are cute. It is one of my favorite times of the year and my camera sure gets a work out between new babies and flowers springing out of the ground. My tulips and daffodils are popping out of the ground and I can’t wait to see some color outside.
Saturday, we ventured to Lewiston for a birthday party at the trampoline park. All the kids had a great time and were able to burn off a bunch of energy which was nice. We’ve had birthday parties the last 3 weekends but I think we get a break next weekend.
I decided to host Easter Sunday lunch at our house. It consisted of ham, mashed potatoes, peas, squash, green beans, homemade rolls and pineapple upside down cake. I know my grandmother, dad, and mother-in-law are all smiling down on us getting together and sharing stories. We sure do miss all of them but they will never be forgotten.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee met on Monday and reviewed the Housing chapter and summary of the Economy chapter. Erica and Ethan from AVCOG are helping put together the chapters with feedback from the committee. They both bring so much excitement and really make the process easy.
A public hearing was held at the Town Office on Tuesday regarding changes to the Unified Development Review Ordinance that will be voted on at Town Meeting on May 12th at the Grange Hall at 6pm. For more information, visit the town’s website newrymaine.org.
While this hearing and Select Board meeting were taking place, Beauty decided on this snowy day she would bring a bull into this world. That makes number 3. We’re waiting on one more and then a short break before the next bunch arrives.
That’s all for this week. Send me your news to be included next week to newrynews24@gmail.com.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
Happy April! I haven’t been very impressed so far. I’m not at all surprised at the crappy weather, but it’s tough having one nice day thrown in the mix with the bad. I want to get outside and work in the gardens. At this point, I’m just impatient!
Here is info on a special event coming up soon:
Award-Winning Maine Author, Rivera Sun, To Visit
Deering Community Center in South Paris on May 9, 2026
Paris Public Library in South Paris and Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond are pleased to co-sponsor a community presentation by Rivera Sun, well-known author of the Ari Ara series.
The event, funded by a private donation, will happen on May 9th at 1 PM at the Deering Community Center in South Paris (across the street from The Square restaurant and next to the Paris Public Library - in the former Methodist Church). There is no cost to attend and members of surrounding communities are welcome.
Rivera Sun’s books blend action and adventure with the skills of conflict resolution, anti-bullying, and ending violence. They are enjoyed by readers of all ages – from young students to older adults - and will claim a spot on your bookshelf and a place in your heart. Program attendees will have the chance to win a complete set of the popular Ari Ara series signed by the author.
For more information, please contact the Paris Public Library (207-743-6994) or the Whitman Memorial Library (207-665-2505).
I had breakfast with Kathleen DeVore last Friday, our usual day to meet at The Hub. I’m so happy to have this spot close by. Kathleen and I have been meeting for breakfast every month for over a year now. It’s truly great to visit, and get caught up on what’s happening. We also got a look at artwork by Hunter Verrill, which is awesome.
On Saturday I went to hear Graham Platner at the Gem in Bethel. There was a large crowd and he was well received.
The Locke Mills Union Church hosted a Maundy Thursday service last week, followed by a pot luck meal. It was delicious, and there were only eight of us there! The next day was a Good Friday service, and then on Easter, a sunrise service followed by breakfast. Regular service was at 9:30. We are still meeting in the Sunday School room to save on heat.
West Paris news—
Coming right up-this Saturday, April 11, there will be a meet and greet for artist Shelly Shibles at the West Paris library at 3:00. Come and meet the artist and view her artwork. Refreshments will be served.
Jeff Holley is organizing a group of people to bring back Old Home Days in West Paris. This will be on Saturday, June 13. Volunteers are wanted and needed.
Upcoming services at the First Universalist Church of West Paris:
April 12—“The Story of the Road to Emmaus” led by Rev. Scott Campbell
April 19—Earth Day led by guest Marylin Tiemann
April 26—The Good Shepherd
The Smile Fund Sale, which provides dentures for adults in the SAD 44 region, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 AM at the West Parish Congregational Church. The church is looking for donations to benefit this community yard sale. Items can be dropped off at the church between Friday, April 17, and Thursday, April 23. Appropriate items include toys, books, housewares, tools, gardening supplies, and small furniture. Please NO electronics, clothing, jewelry or stuffed animals. For an application or more information about the sale, contact West Parish Congregational church at 824-2689.
On Easter Sunday, I hosted a group for a potluck lunch. Those who came were: Andy and Louise Frank, Dan Quigley, Lainey Cross, Deb Hays, Dave Matthews, Sarah and Colin, and yours truly. I made a lentil soup and focaccia. There was a wonderful selection of tasty dishes, and it was a relaxing and enjoyable time.
On my birthday, I went to Chris Cole’s for freshly made popovers. It was a really nice gathering, with Barb Russell, Lainey Cross, my sister Susan, Kathy Bennett, Chris and I. We sat for three hours, yapping away and eating two rounds of popovers! The rest of my day was very uneventful. More celebrating is planned for later this week.
I welcome your news/events: lstowell@roadrunner.com
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
We have been busy this week with the “Walk the Gym” program. Located at the Gould Fieldhouse, we will continue through the end of April. Tuesdays and Thursdays 1:00-2:00 P.M. And it is a good thing! There were folks attending yesterday as we experienced snow flurries throughout the afternoon.
We certainly appreciate Gould Academy for the use of the gym. Staying active and fit, getting outside for that needed fresh air and sunshine, is a challenge right now. But we need to stay optimistic as we know better weather is coming soon.
Many people who walk the gym have expressed a desire to keep the momentum going. They especially like staying fit and socializing at the same time. All are eager to be outside in our beautiful natural setting. I imagine many of you readers feel the same way!
If you do enjoy walking and being outside, please know that AFCI is partnering with other groups and making plans so that walking and hiking can be a regular feature of your healthy living. The planning committee’s consensus is that opportunities to walk or hike together should be intergenerational and accessible to all abilities. The details are being hammered out and there will be specific news in the next few weeks. If you would like to be involved or volunteer your services, we welcome your input.
Please email me at: melindaremington@yahoo.com
AFCI serves folks 60+. However, when we partner with other community groups, we can offer services to all ages. One of our newest partnerships is with the Bethel Rotary Club. Together, we maintain a Free Medical Equipment Lending Closet.
If you have an upcoming surgery or an unexpected medical need we offer crutches, walkers, wheelchairs, bath/shower stools etc. Call the AFCI telephone number: 207-824-4444.
Leave your name and a message. Someone will return your call and work with you to provide the equipment.
I hope everyone has a good week. Please look at the Schedule of Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families which was provided in last week’s edition of Western Maine Neighborhood News. If you would like a copy of that schedule, I would be pleased to send you one. melindaremington@yahoo.com
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
I hope you all had a wonderful Easter. The Mills Market Annual Easter Egg Hunt was well attended and there was some beautiful weather to boot.
On Easter Sunday I entertained 5 people (myself included). I had my hubby, my dad, my son and his girlfriend. My brother-in-law was under the weather and unfortunately couldn’t make it.
I cooked my spiral ham in my crock pot this year with the spices that came with it, maple syrup from Swain’s Farm and apple juice...delicious! Along with mashed potatoes, green bean casserole, honey glazed carrots and rolls. For dessert there was a choice of pineapple upside down cake (my mom’s recipe) or lemon cheesecake squares. Needless to say no one left the table hungry!
