Western Maine Neighborhood News, July 30, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! In this week’s Western Maine Neighborhood News, the Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock columns are free to all subscribers, along with news from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative. Upgrade to a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to read this week’s Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead columns (and all the town columns every week).
Molly Ockett Day
Molly Ockett Day will be celebrated in Bethel on August 8. Here’s some history of the first year of this long-running midsummer festival (from the former Bethel Journals website, created by the late Donald G. Bennett), along with a sampling of photos from several different eras (most found on Facebook, with the photographers unknown):
The first official Mollyockett Day was held July 27, 1957. Miss Eva Bean, who would be founder of the Bethel Historical Society, and Rev. Clifford Laws were tendered very special thanks for serving as co-chairmen of the event and for the many hours they had put into its organization. Mrs. Richard Young was honored for her inspiration of renaming the Bethel Bazaar to Mollyockett Day.
Guy Butler was given special thanks for arranging to have Maine’s millionth visitor, Jean Caillouet of Washington, DC, attend the day’s activities and especially for crowning the Princess of Health. The Princess was in the full authentic dress of an Old Town Indian. The Princess of Health was a full blooded Indian girl from Old Town. Crowning was held at 4 P.M. on the Common.
The day’s activities started with an auction held at the Community Room with Stuart Martin as auctioneer.
The three photo collages above (c.1950) were taken (probably by Don Brown) at one of the early “Bethel Bazaars” before the event was renamed Mollyockett Day in 1957.
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
Dear Readers,
Looking at all the public events available to us, not mentioning our own personal family reunions, day trips and other “must do” commitments, I am sure we will all have fond memories of this summer. Take time to savor each small delight.
Melinda Remington
Your Community Connector
August 2026/Events of Interest to Older Folks & their Families
Recurring Weekly or Monthly Events:
Western Maine Hikes for All Ages (Free walks and hikes throughout our region, for a variety of ability levels, ages, a different trail- 5 days a week) 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, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am. ‘Buck’s Ledge Trail for All ‘ Tuesdays ,9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursdays,1:00-2: 00pm.Look at the Garden!
Games On! Thursdays (August 6,13,20,27) 12:00-2:00 P.M. Whitman Memorial Library, 28 S. Main St., Bryant Pond (Free, All Ages, sponsored by AFCI & Library) A good time playing games, puzzles, conversations, snacks.
Coffee and Conversation Thursdays (August 6,13,20,27) 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 offers coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation
Village Makers Tuesdays, (August 4,11,18,25)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 (August 4,11,18,25)
12:00-1:00 pm (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’, Quilt Exhibit. 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. (All Ages Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead
Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (All Ages, Free)
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July 31-August 1, Friday and Saturday, Andover’s 45 th Annual Olde Home Days Theme: ‘A River Valley Playground’ For more information:
https://www.facebook.com/andoveroldehomedays/
Includes:
July 31 Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm Andover Summer Concert Series, Rain or shine at the Gazebo on the Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover Free, Donations accepted). This concert is part of Andover Old Home Days and features Brad Hooper performing 4:30-6:30 pm and James Rice performing 7:00-9:00 pm. (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted)
August 1, Saturday10:00 am Parade
August 1 Saturday 6:30-9:30 pm Town Dance at the Lone Mountain Riverfront Campground -SR1 Pavilion Performers are inductees into the Maine Country Music Hall of Fame, Preston and Curry (AllAges$5 per person)
August 6-9, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday Bethel Rotary Yard Sale, Starts Thursday 12:00-5:00 pm (No Early Birds, please! Friday, Saturday, & Sunday 8:00am-5:00pm. Lawn outside the Gem Theater and Bethel Chamber of Commerce, Cross St., Bethel (furniture, housewares, toys, athletic equipment, and collectables) Proceeds fund local scholarships, programs
August 8, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
August 8, Saturday,10:30 am Molly Ockett Day, Festivities, Music, Food, Bethel Common, Broad St., Organizer: Bethel Area Business Association- BABA
Parade starts at 10:30 am. Route: Railroad St., up Main St.to the Common
For Schedule of Events:
https://www.facebook.com/bethelareabusinessassociation/posts/molly-ockett-day-event-schedule-if-you-would-like-to-sign-up-for-any-eventscompe/122157103244466894/
August 11, 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 to share a meal (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $)
Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.
August12, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at The Square, South Paris (aka Market Square Restaurant, (Age 50+, individuals order from menu and pay)
August 13-16, Friday-Sunday Annual New England Trappers Weekend, 760 East Bethel Rd., Bethel. Hunting and trapping demos, gear vendors, live music, public auction and camping (All Ages, $10 per person admission fee at the gate, Camping available for a fee.)
August 15, Saturday,9:00am-2:00pm, Locke Mills Union Church Annual Craft and Yard Sale, 286 N. Main St, Locke Mills
August 16, Sunday, 5:00pm Mahoosuc Community Band at the Gazebo on the Bethel Common. Bring a lawn chair. (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted)
August 26, Last Wednesday of month,4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: BBQ Baked Chicken Legs, Potato Salad, Broccoli, Desserts and Drinks (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available.
August 29, 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. (All Ages, Free, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills
August 29&30, Saturday 6:00-7:00 pm at Telstar HS, Sunday ,12:00-4:00 pm Annual Habitat for All Monarch Festival at the Mahoosuc Land Trust Valentine Farm Conservation Center, 162 North Rd., Bethel (All Ages, Free) Please note: Keynote Address ‘What We Have learned from the Garden’ by Mike and Barbara Murphy at Telstar High School Auditorium, August 29, Saturday, 6:00-7:00 pm, MLT Annual Meeting August 30, Sunday,11:00am and Monarch Festival August 30, Sunday, 12:00-4:00 pm
For more info and schedule of events:
https://www.mahoosuc.org/monarch-festival
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, a driver, or for other questions and concerns: 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 Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Remington
Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com
Newry News
Amy Henley
I can’t believe we are winding up the last of July as it seems like school just ended. Just a reminder to make the best of the coming weeks ahead. I have begun to notice the difference in daylight hours with it not getting light as early and it getting darker earlier.
The garden continues to grow and I can see little cucumbers coming and we all know how quickly they grow so I better keep an eye on them as they will be good size before I know it. Some of the beets are big enough to pick and I better get freezing and pickling soon before other crops are ready to be processed.
The squash and pumpkins have lovely yellow flowers and hopefully we’ll have a bounty of both. I never did get to any greenhouses this year so I did not get a zucchini plant but hopefully someone has a few extra they can share, which is usually the case, so I can make some bread.
Sunday, we took advantage of Open Farm Day and made a trip to Canton to visit Conant Acres with some friends. We had a great time seeing everything and talking with them about their operation. We also enjoyed food from Volkernick’s Sausage and Riley’s Lemonade. If you haven’t tried either, I strongly suggest if you see their trailers to try them out.
While I still consider it summer, many fall items are making their way into the stores such as candy corn and pumpkin creamer. So with that I decided to make some pumpkin bread and a carrot cake in an effort to make more room in the freezer. I’ll continue to use up my corn, beans, carrots, and beets to make room for this year’s harvest.
While going to check out some flowers out back I saw something quickly fly past, so I set out to investigate and came upon what I believe to be a Hummingbird Moth. It was like a cross between multiple animals: humming bird, bee, and butterfly/moth. I found it oddly interesting and took several pictures as it moved about quickly.
The Select Board’s next meeting is Tuesday at 4:30 pm. Agendas and approved minutes can be found on the town’s website, newrymaine.org. The Planning Board continues to look for an alternate. Please reach out to the town office, if you are interested. Start cleaning up and gathering your household hazardous waste as you can dispose of it at Bethel Public Work on Saturday, August 29th from 9am-12pm. Visit the town’s website for more information of acceptable items.
Have a great week. Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’ll be happy to add it to my column next week.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
It’s nearly time to turn a page on the calendar again. July went by in the blink of an eye! It has felt quite fallish lately, especially at night.
I picked my first cucumber today. My singular summer squash has many blossoms and small squashes forming. The tomatoes are progressing, but not rapidly. I do have three large sunflowers, one in bloom, that stand proudly by the driveway. This trio started on their own this spring, taking root from fallen seeds. More sunflowers are growing, but because they were planted later, they have a ways to go.
The bees have been crazy around the oregano. I try not to walk barefoot on the grass, because there’s a lot of white clover blooming. I do not need to step on any kind of stinging insect. The phlox are showing their colors now; different pinks, purple, and white.
The lilies are in their prime. The rhododendrons and bittersweet are also about to take over the house! I have to get the loppers out soon.
Susan and I went to see Frozen last week and it was very well done. One more show next week and that’s a wrap for this summer. Our trip to Brunswick always involves a stop at the Dairy Joy on Spring Street in Auburn. We have our “supper” at this stop. Usually it’s some sort of parfait. New on this year’s menu is a Dubai chocolate parfait, which I tried. Wow! There’s a lot of the chocolate in it, as well as strawberries, making for something very delicious.
Also on August 15th is the Whitman Memorial Library Book Giveaway/Craft Sale, along with a Whoopie pie contest from 9-2.
It looks like you can certainly find something to do on that day, without going very far! All support great causes.
A Greenwood Historical Society program on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:00 p.m. at the Legion Hall in Locke Mills will be a panel of some of Greenwood’s oldest residents telling stories about “How it Used to Be.”
The Greenwood Historical Society Museums are open on Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m., from now until August 29th.
The Whitman Memorial Library recently hosted a similar event. A good number of folks showed up to talk about how things have changed and again, “how it used to be!” There was a wonderful response and it went over very well. I opted out of that event, due to many tiring hours of travel the day before.
Last week I visited my friend Joey Riley at her place in Roxbury. We had our usual lunch at Mills’ Market, then headed back to change into our suits and hit the pond. It was a perfect afternoon for floating and visiting. When I finally got out of the water, it was after 6 o’clock!
I appreciate all the news that is sent my way. I’m more than happy to get the word out about anything!
Please note the change in email: lalalindastowell@gmail.com
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
As I’ve heard so many others express, it’s hard to believe it’s almost August. The older I get, the faster time goes by, which is a bit alarming, considering the many things I still hope to get done in my lifetime! Among the items on my lengthy bucket list are climbing at least one other 4,000-footer (besides Old Speck, which I’ve done a few times); completing the novel I’ve been working on, off and on, for years (and maybe writing a couple more?); and becoming a proficient sourdough baker. Would any readers care to share some items from their bucket lists for a future column? It should make for interesting reading, and I’m willing to bet some of you have more ambitious goals than mine!
Lena has been on four short hikes in the past week (one at Maggie’s Nature Park, one on the Lapham Loop, and two to Buck’s Ledge from camp) and has done really well at not getting jumpy and bitey, except for a bit of trouble on the return from Buck’s Ledge yesterday morning. Loop hikes still seem to be the way to avoid that particular behavior, so we may continue to stick to the Lapham Loop and the trails at Maggie’s for the next couple of weeks to see if she can get out of the habit. Still, it’s so convenient to go out the back door at camp and head up the trail to Buck’s Ledge, without having to get in the car and drive anywhere.
I’ve been on vacation this week—my first week off during the summer since 2018!—and we’ve had lots of company at camp, with more to come this weekend, when we’ll celebrate Will and Tony’s birthdays, which are both on Saturday. Donna was here from Friday through Monday, and we spent a good chunk of time relaxing on the deck on each of those days, making it finally feel like summer to me. My daughter Annie arrived from Colorado on Tuesday for a short visit, and managed to get one day of sunny deck time before the clouds and rain set in. There have also been visits from the crew who have been staying at my brother’s camp, just down the road, including my niece Sara and her husband Michael, who are here from their home in the other Portland this week.
We’ll celebrate Annie’s birthday, which was July 20, this evening (Thursday) with dinner at camp and vegan carrot cake. On Friday, Annie and I will drive to York Beach to spend the afternoon with her Colorado sister, Cait, who is on vacation there this week with her partner Ben and his extended family, and Donna will meet up with us, too, to see both girls (her honorary nieces). Then I’ll drop Annie off at the airport (in our Portland) on my way home.
On Saturday, Katie and Lila will arrive to celebrate Tony and Will’s birthdays with lobster and (definitely not vegan) cheesecake.
To top it off, on Monday I’ll be hosting three college friends for “Colby College Camp Day,” an annual gathering we’ve all been enjoying for many years.
Whew…tell me again why it’s called a vacation? At least I’m not trying to fit in all this socializing while working, too.
This past Saturday I attended the celebration of life for Beth Brough, held at her beloved West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel, which truly was a celebration, with all of her five wonderful kids and several grandchildren sharing beautiful thoughts and memories of their remarkable matriarch through words and music. I felt as though I already knew many of them through the essays Beth shared with us in our writing group meetings, and I feel blessed to have had this brief glimpse into the deep love (and abundant humor) shared by this extraordinary family. Godspeed, Beth…you will be so much missed, and so well remembered, by so many.
Facebook memories have, again, been reminding me of Eli the Wonder Pup, and what a big part he played in our lives. We are so lucky to have been his people, even if for far too short a time.
Here are some August events for your calendar:
Wednesday, August 5, at 7 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall, Greenwood Historical Society program, “Growing Up Greenwood,” will feature a panel of some of our town’s oldest residents telling stories about “how life used to be in Greenwood.” It will be a great chance for newer residents to learn how life used to be here in our community.
Friday and Saturday, August 7 and 8, on the lawn of the Bethel Library: Annual Used Book Sale. The sale begins at noon on Friday and continues all day on Saturday. This much-anticipated event will take place rain or shine. For more information, call 207-824-2520.
Saturday, August 8, is Molly Ockett Day in Bethel, beginning with the parade at 10:30 a.m., continuing all day with kids’ activities, food, vendors, and entertainment on the Common, and culminating in fireworks at 9 p.m. You can find the full schedule of events on the Bethel Area Business Association Facebook page.
Friday, August 14, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the West Bethel Makerspace, 10 Ferry Road, Bethel: Community Mending Group monthly meeting. From the organizers: “Join us drop-in style. Yes, we’re starting earlier than usual, and yes, at the West Bethel Makerspace! Altering our usual “Feature Focus” (one specific topic and/or skill) format just a bit, we’re suggesting several possibilities of what to bring to work on. Any furniture needing repair? There will be expertise along with different glues, sanders, veneer, clamps etc. Or maybe there’s a small appliance sitting dormant in your closet. With the range of skills circulating, it could be revived! Or…get it done with 3d printing, perfect for small missing plastic parts that are holding up progress. We are thrilled with all the opportunities the Makerspace presents! The Makerspace team has created a fantastic working environment, and they look forward to making new connections that support our community. As always, rally up a friend, and a few dollars to put into the donation box so that our group can continue to grow and thrive.”
Saturday, August 15, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the West Paris Historical Society, 221 Main Street in West Paris: Indoor Yard Sale. Items include books, home decor, dishes, tools, games, and other treasures! Proceeds benefit the West Paris Historical Society. Parking available behind the West Paris Library.
Saturday, August 15, at 2 p.m. at the Locke’s Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Road: Silent Auction to benefit “Sunshine for Sugarsnap,” raising funds for Michelle “Sugarsnap” Roberts’ fight to save her leg through a rare two-stage joint reconstruction surgery. From Harry Orcutt, Commander of American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68 in Locke’s Mills: “In a continuing community outreach program, the Executive Committee of American Legion Jackson Silver Post 68 is providing their spacious facility to help her raise funds with a Silent Auction. Donations of items for the auction are being sought; a donation jar will be available at the event. Free admission and parking. We are trying to get the word out, to make this effort as successful as possible.”
Please see the flyer below for additional information and more ways to help.
Saturday, August 15, at 6:30 p.m. at the West Paris Library: Amy Wight Chapman (hey, that’s me!) will read from and discuss her family memoir. Published by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, Just Like Glass is the story of an indomitable family and how a strong matriarch, the stillness of a small pond in western Maine, and one unexpected addition set them on a path to healing from tragedy and redefining themselves as a family unit.
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.
“Deep summer is when laziness finds respectability.” – Sam Keen
Gilead News
Lin Chapman
July has gone by a lot faster than it should have. There were several warm days but only a few that had high humidity. The nights were sometimes in the 50’s, which made it nice sleeping weather.
The Fire Department/Town Garage has gotten a face lift. Ivan, who does mowing and odd jobs for the Town, has painted the whole building. They decided to give it a new look from all white to some red on the front.
