Western Maine Neighborhood News, July 9, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! This week, everyone can read the news from Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead for free. Upgrade to a paid subscription to read this week’s Locke’s Mills and Newry columns. (No Woodstock column this week, but Linda will be back next week!) News from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative—is always free to all.
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
Please forgive my somewhat abbreviated column this week. I was away Monday and Tuesday in Portland with my husband while he underwent a minor heart procedure.
Well, the heatwave has broken, thank goodness. The combination of the heat and humidity really takes a toll. I feel for the folks that have to work outside in those conditions. I passed one of the hot days by going to see the Minion movie (I love those little yellow guys!) and having lunch with my friend Tammy.
My poor dog, Bocephus, doesn’t understand why he can’t play ball hour after hour outside. I tried to get out early with him to play, but a few days it was already in the 70s and humid.
I usually spend hot days on the river behind my house; most summers there is a nice beach there. Well, this year there was a little erosion of the river bank and quite a steep bank has appeared. I’ll have to take the time to find another way in.
I hope everyone had a great Fourth of July. We grilled ribs and had pasta and potato salad along with chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting for dessert for a belated birthday for the hubs. We were 8 people in all and it was nice to eat good food and enjoy great company.
It seems like all the festivities held for the holiday were well attended all around.
Now here is some wonderful news about two of our amazing Andover citizens:
Couple Receives LakeSmart Award
Ross and Christine Swain of East Andover recently earned the LakeSmart Award for landscaping their Roxbury Pond property in a way to do their share to protect the water quality of the pond.
To quote a sound bite from a video by the non-profit organization Maine Lakes, “LakeSmart is a program to work with homeowners. It’s no cost, non regulatory, and completely voluntary, and we work with homeowners to reduce stormwater runoff off their property in the hopes of reducing the amount of phosphorus that enters Maine lakes.”
Phosphorus is found naturally in runoff and erosion and is a major contributor to increasing the risk of algae blooms. Ross and Christine are both longtime members of the non-profit organization Lake Stewards of Maine. According to their website, “Lake Stewards of Maine (LSM) works to protect Maine lakes and to promote lake stewardship through widespread citizen participation in the gathering and dissemination of credible scientific information pertaining to lake health.”
When asked for a comment, Ross said, “Let me write something out for you.” Here it is:
“The recognition from Maine Lakes of our attempts at lake friendly landscaping is appreciated. My hope is that by sharing our news, more campowners will become interested in the LakeSmart program. If anyone wants to see the LakeSmart report on our property, I’m willing to share it to help people understand what this exceptional opportunity provides at no cost. It’s voluntary, free, non-regulatory, educational, and details are not shared without your permission. What’s not to like?”
Congratulations, Ross and Christine! For more info on LakeSmart, go to https://www.lakes.me/lakesmart
Here is the latest schedule of AOHD. Hard to believe that it will be here in a few weeks!
2026 Andover Olde Home Days Schedule-July 31 & August 1
Friday, July 31
3-9PM: Food Trucks, Town Common
4:30-6:30PM: Live Music with Brad Hooper, Town Common
5-6PM: Pie Eating Contest Registration, Town Common
6:30-7PM: Pie Eating Contest, Town Common
7-9PM: Live Music with James Rice, Town Common
Saturday, August 1
7:30AM-4PM: Public Parking, Grimaldi Field
7:30AM-4:30PM: Complimentary Shuttle Services to Town Common, Grimaldi Field
7-7:45AM: Road Race Registration, Andover Elementary School
8AM: Road Race Begins, Andover Elementary School
8AM: Cookie Walk, Andover Congregational Church
8AM: Registration for Mountain Misfits Highland Games, Grimaldi Field
9AM: Backseat Sulky Driver Contest Registration, Tennis Court
9AM: Parade Lineup Starts, Whites Field
9:30AM: Parade Judging, Whites Field
9AM: Highland Games, Grimaldi Field
9AM: Antique, Classic and Hot Rod Cruise-In, Akers Field
9AM-12PM: Photograph Contest and Exhibition, Andover Town Hall
9AM-3PM: Flower Show, Andover Historical Society
10AM: Parade Starts, Whites Field
11AM-1PM: Children’s Games and Activities, Ball Field
11AM-1PM: Backseat Sulky Driver Contest, Tennis Court
11AM-3PM: Art Show, Andover Historical Society
11AM-4PM: Wooden Foundry Patterns Display, Library Community Room
11AM: Fly Casting Contest, Morse Field
11AM: Antique Tractor Pull, Grimaldi Field
11:30AM: Chicken BBQ, Fire Station
11AM: Women’s Skillet Toss Registration, Field Next to Mills Market
11:30AM: Women’s Skillet Toss, Field Next to Mills Market
11AM-4PM: Book Sale and Basket Raffle, Andover Public Library
12-3PM: Cornhole Tournament, Field Next to Mills Market
1PM: First Button Drawing, Gazebo on the Town Common
1-2PM: Sing-Along, Andover Congregational Church
2PM: Andover Service Circle Raffle, Town Common
2:30PM: Second Button Drawing | Grand Prize, Gazebo on the Town Common
3PM: Ellis River Riders Gymkhana Show, Airport Road
3:30PM: 50/50 Drawing with Service Circle, Town Common
4PM: Mowta Speedway Lawnmower Races, Grimaldi Field
6:30-9:30PM: Town Dance, Lone Mountain Campground
Now here is some news about the upcoming concert from the Andover Summer Concert Series:
BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!! Friday, July 10th from 6 to 8 pm we’ll welcome back to the stage at the Andover Congregational Church...BARNEY MARTIN! Barney has entertained us for the past few years and NEVER fails to get everyone singing along! What a great show he puts on, well... you put on...’cause he’ll get you to do half the work...and it is AWESOME! If you haven’t been yet to Barney’s show...you gotta come out on Friday, July 10, to the Andover Congregational Church, adjacent to the Intersection of Rt 5 and Rt 120 in sunny Andover, Maine! Concert starts at 6 pm. I’m hoping Bob will feel up to going so we can attend. I have seen Barney perform in the past and he does indeed put on a great show.
Please send any new or events to diananadeau@ymail.com
Bethel News
Linda Howe
The Fourth of July weekend in Bethel was a busy one! Lots of folks visiting the area and roaming around Town. The Fourth of July parade was a good start bringing back a holiday parade to Main Street in Bethel. River Lanes had an awesome float. Very patriotic and well done. A parade would not be a parade without marching music provided by the Mahoosuc Community Band. Always a job well done by this community group. The next parade on Main Street in Bethel will take place on Saturday, August 8th on Molly Ockett Day!
Upcoming next week on Tuesday, July 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors at the Methodist Church on Main Street in Bethel. The grill is coming out and hot dogs and hamburgers, side dishes and dessert will be on the menu. There is no charge for the meal. Food magically appears and everyone shares what they bring. Part of this event is focused on our local food pantry. A box is set out so folks can bring nonperishable items to the church and the donated items are delivered to the food pantry on Wednesday morning. Also at Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is a featured community group. The July event will feature the Bethel Recreational Committee. This will give community members an opportunity to learn more about this organization and what they provide in our town. Come out and meet your neighbors and have a wonderful “suppah.” Everyone is welcome!
On Saturday, July 18, there are two events taking place on Main Street in Bethel. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is Saturday Market on Main Street at the Methodist Church. Local crafters and artisans will be set up on the front lawn. Inside the dining room the church will be having its yard sale. All are welcome to attend.
The second event will take place on lower Main Street at the Philbrook Place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Randall H. Bennett will be doing a book signing of his White Mountain history books. Also available are copies of Stan Howe’s book, Bethel Maine: A Brief History. Books will be selling for $20 plus tax. Meeting an author is a rare opportunity. All are welcome and Randy would love to meet you!
On Friday mornings at 8:00, beginning on July 24, TJ Farnum will offer a guided breathwork session at the Methodist Church Community Annex. See the details in the flyer below.
What a wonderful time out at Morning Glory Farm for the Bethel Senior Citizens Club. The hospitality was first class and very accommodating. The meeting started at 11 a.m. with reports, updates, and new events.
Guest speaker was Will Chapman, Executive Director of the Bethel Historical Society. His talk consisted of history from the past in our area. Really interesting information. We also learned of programs/events happening at our local Historical Society. They are very active! Learn more from their website, bethelhistorical.org
The Seniors also participated in a Sing Along. Many Patriotic songs were sung. God was given reference in many of the songs! The meal of homemade, wood-fired oven pizza was fabulous. It melted in your mouth. Great meal with dessert being cake and ice cream. Great time for our local Senior Citizens.
Please send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail./com
East Bethel News
Wally Ritz
I hope you all made it through that heat wave alright. It was nice to see so many folks come out for the parade despite the heat. The Saturday Market was well attended also and mark your calendars for the next one on July 18th.
The Locke Mills Union Church also got help and received a kitchen stove from JC Styles. Keep in mind the upcoming Public Spaghetti Supper there on July 15th from 4:30 till 6:30.
On July 14th is also the next Neighbors feeding Neighbors from 4:30 till 6:30. Planned is an old fashioned cookout with burgers (also veggie burgers), hot dogs, and various sides. Activities are in the works for the kids and bring non-perishables to donate. It will be fun for all ages again. How great is this, two days in a row when you can get out to eat and not to heat up your own kitchen. Come on out and enjoy our giving community.
Tonya and John Lewis celebrated their 16th Anniversary on July 5th. Happy Belated Anniversary to this lovely couple from the whole neighborhood.
Lucas Malley, son of Hannah and Todd, celebrated his birthday on July 5th. Happy Belated Birthday from the whole neighborhood, Lucas. We always love seeing you at Dunkin.
Call or text me at 207-595-0691 or email heinrichcracker@gmail,com. You can also find me on Facebook and reply to my weekly post there also.
Have a great week and a little reminder, be happy and keep smiling!
Gilead News
Lin Chapman
Even though the temperature is in the 80’s today (Monday), it is a lot better than the 90 degrees heatwave of last week. Hopefully, everyone had a nice safe July 4th holiday. The weather was good for the parades and the fireworks.
Our son, Chris Chapman, who works for Wreaths Across America, travels for all sorts of events. He lives in Virginia so a lot of them happen in Washington, DC. This past weekend, Wreaths Across America and Wreaths Across America Radio had the chance to set up at the Great American State Fair at the National Mall in DC and represent the great State of Maine. He met people from about every state and several countries that were in DC for the 4th. There were thousands of people who braved the heat to attend. He said that he had a blast promoting what the Pine Tree State has to offer.
Gilead Historical Society
On the 4th, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society hosted a 250th anniversary celebration, which included a concert by the Portland Brass Quintet, a parade and a few booths. Pete and Claudia Risbara and Hugh Chapman represented the Gilead Historical Society, and of course, Pierre, went with them.
A bit of history from a GHS publication: “School Days, A Brief History of the Many School Houses of Gilead, Maine~ One Room, a Wood Stove and Two Privies ~” Howard Reiche, Jr., Hugh Chapman
Emeline Heath, whose father kept a farm on the North Rd., wrote these memories below of attending school during World War One. (1914-1918):
There were six schools in Gilead to which the students walked. They had no grades and no required course of study. In summer, attendance was chiefly girls and little boys, for the big boys were needed on the farms. Those who wanted more education and had the means often attended Gould Academy, in Bethel, either boarding in private homes or renting rooms and “boarding themselves” with the help of food from home. My Aunt Ida attended Gould Academy and taught school a little while before her marriage and my father and some other young men from Gilead attended one or more winters about which I always like to hear the stories.
When I first began attending school during World War One, we had a shorter school year with a long winter vacation. After the community Christmas program, things were pretty quiet until about the last week of March. The children who lived in the village had a more exciting life, sliding on the hill, skating on the frog pond, building ski jumps, and so on. I never thought the winter would come to an end.
My Aunt Alma, who lived with us, did much to make my life happy. She would read to me and tell me about her own childhood. We would play games like “Flinch,” dominoes, and tiddley-winks and I would cut pictures out of old copies of a magazine called “Delineator.” She let me write with her fountain pen in a copybook until I did well enough to write a letter to another aunt. Also, I learned to knit.
Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
July 2026 Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families
Dear Readers,
Please consider joining in on any of these events and activities. Bring a friend or family member.
If you have any questions or suggestions please reach out to me at melindaremington@yahoo.com
Also, you may have a poem, story or pic you might like to share in this column.
Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:
Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail 5 days a week) An updated schedule is posted each week on the Bethel Outing Club Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/betheloutingclub/ Also look there for any weather updates or cancellations.
Davis Park walk is on Mondays 9:30-10:30 am.
Buck’s Ledge ‘Trail for All’ walk is Tuesdays 9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. Valentine Park is an easy walk and is on Thursday afternoons 1:00-2:00pm. Be sure to check out the gardens!!! (Free, All ages)
Games On! Thursdays (July 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) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.
Coffee and Conversation, Thursdays (July2,9,16,23,30) 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 group, coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation
Village Makers Tuesdays (July 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. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond
Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (July 7,14,21,28)12:00-1:00 P.M. (Free, 50+, sponsored by the library)
Rosie’s Boots & Beats Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:00-7:30 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, (All ages, $5 cash per session)
July 2-August 29. Connected by a Thread: 250 Years of Stitching Community Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays 1:00-4:00 P.M. Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Moses Mason House Howe Exhibit Hall, 14 Broad St., Bethel. (All Ages, donations, members free.) Read more about this outstanding exhibit at Museums of the Bethel Historical Society https://bethelhistorical.org/exhibits
Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (Donations welcome, All Ages). Rt 2, Gilead
Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (Free, All Ages)
July 7, Music Without Borders, International Piano Festival, 20th season. Opening recital is Tuesday July 7th, 7:00 P.M. Recitals are held every Tues., Wed., Fri., and Sat. July 7th through July 25 (Free) Performed in air-conditioned the McLaughlin Science Center Auditorium on the Gould Academy campus.
Public recitals of classical music spanning more than two centuries, performed by some of the most promising young pianists from U.S. and around the world. Instructed by distinguished pianist and master teacher, Tamara Poddubnaya. Free. No reservations needed, but seating is limited.
July 8, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Morning Glory Farm 343 Flat Rd., W. Bethel. (Age 50+) Pizza, cake & ice cream, lemonade provided courtesy of the farm and club. Speaker is Will Chapman, Executive Director, Museums of the BHS.
Please Bring Lawn Chairs!!!!
July 10, Friday, 6:00-8:00pm Andover Summer Concert Series, featuring Barney Martin, popular master of fun sing-a-longs. Rain or shine in the Andover Congregational Church at intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (All Ages, Free, Donations accepted)
July 13, Monday, 1:30-3: 30P.M. Sharing Our Memories of Bryant Pond, Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond. Bring your pictures and stories as we have fun reminiscing about people, places and events. (All ages, free)
July 14, 2nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Bring a friend or the family. Menu: ‘Burgers & Dogs’ and desserts (Free, donation to Food Pantry, All Ages)
Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.
July 15, Public Spaghetti Supper, 4:30-6:30 Locke Mills Union Church, 286 Main St., (Rt 26) Greenwood. (All ages, Donations appreciated)
July 18, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and yard sale at Methodist Church Lawn, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
July 25, Last Saturday of month, 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
July 29, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. (Free, All Ages, Donations) Menu: Cheeseburger Macaroni Casserole, Garlic Bread, Green Tossed salad, Drinks & Desserts*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
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/
***UPDATE: We are excited to share that the AFCI monthly list of events will now be available on-line in the Western Maine Neighborhood News (WMNN) publication. Each week go to the AFCI news to read more about healthy aging in our communities.
You may opt to buy a full subscription to receive news from all 7 area towns. However, you also have the option of receiving half the publication each week for free. (3 towns one week, 4 towns the next week)
Email Community Connector : melindaremington@yahoo.com
If you have missed reading your neighborhood news that used to be in the Bethel Citizen, then send me your email address and the free subscription will be sent to your mail inbox weekly from WMNN (on Thursdays).
Your same neighbors/writers are now writing for WMNN. They are not limited by column length and can submit numerous photos.
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 socially.
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.)
Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plugs assistive technology to enhance safety in the home
AFCI receives support from Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock
AFCI serves these 6 towns and the residents of Albany and Mason Townships
Board Members: President Julie Hart, Eileen Broderick, Katina Colombotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Remington
Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com
For more information call 207-824-4444.Leave name, phone number and a message. Someone will return your call.
Bethel Senior Citizens Club
More than 30 members of the Bethel Senior Citizens Club were hosted at their monthly meeting by the Morning Glory Farm in West Bethel.
After the meeting, and presentation of upcoming programs of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society by Will Chapman, we enjoyed a variety of freshly cooked pizzas.
This was followed by singing, birthday wishes, and ice cream and cake.
Many folks won raffled items. Thank you to the generous donors of these unique and delightful gifts. Christine Trefethen then offered a tour of the farm that she operates along with Eric List. All agreed it was a beautiful day to enjoy each other’s company while in the midst of beautiful scenery. Older folks in our community were truly honored. Thank you to Morning Glory Farm crew.
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
What a great Fourth of July celebration we had at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society! The traditional picnic and concert by the Portland Brass Quintet was expanded this year to include a parade up Main Street, a reading of the Declaration of Independence, kids’ games, information tables staffed by several other historical organizations, a music jam, and hot dogs! We weren’t sure how the hot dog sales would go, but we sold out of over 100 hot dogs in a couple of hours, and people really seemed to enjoy the addition of a traditional Fourth of July picnic favorite.
