Western Maine Neighborhood News, June 4, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! This week’s free-to-all columns are Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock. To read the Andover, Bethel, East Bethel, and Gilead columns this week, upgrade to a paid subscription. As always, the news from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative—is free to all.
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
I had the most amazing experience while hiking in the Buck’s Ledge Community Forest on Sunday. I had hiked from the Route 26 trailhead to Lapham Ledge, then to Buck’s Ledge, with the intention of continuing to the summit of Moody Mountain on the mile-long trail that runs from Buck’s along the ridge.
I had been hearing ravens as I hiked below the ridge on my way to Buck’s Ledge, and I was hoping for a chance to see one when I got to the top, as I have a couple of times recently, but there were none to be seen when I arrived on the ledges. However, I had only gone about a quarter of a mile on the J&J trail along the ridge when I came upon a family of five ravens hanging out together in some trees on one of the smaller ledges along the trail.
There were two adults and three juveniles, and it appeared that I had happened upon a flying lesson. The young ones were so big it was hard to tell them apart from the parents, other than the fact that they were making only short, cautious flights, and spending a lot of time conversing with each other in little baby croaks as they sat on a tree branch.
I stayed and watched them for more than a half hour, during which the parents eventually flew off, leaving the fledglings discussing the situation amongst themselves for quite a while. I just happened to be taking a video of them at the moment when the parents returned and did a fly-by, which was apparently just what the babies needed to get them to abandon the safety of their tree branch and, amidst much squawking, take flight.
I don’t blame them for being cautious—it must be pretty scary to have to basically jump off a cliff the first time they try their wings. They all managed it just fine, though. Since by then it had started to rain, I turned around and headed back the way I had come, and the whole family followed along in the treetops for a short distance.
I had another bird encounter the next day, when I arrived home to find a big hawk perched on one of Tony’s apple trees. The general consensus is that it was a red-shouldered hawk, and I’m sure it was looking for a meal. I’ve taken down my bird feeders to avoid encouraging bears and raccoons, but there are still lots of birds around our yard—goldfinches, chipping sparrows, red-eyed vireos, pine warblers, American redstarts, common yellowthroats, and more, according to my phone’s Merlin app, which identifies them by their songs—and I’d rather not see them become dinner for a hawk. It’s welcome to the mice, though, and I wouldn’t mind a little thinning of the red squirrel population.
Congratulations to the Telstar Class of 2026, who will be graduating this Friday! Here are some other upcoming events:
Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the Bethel Library, 6 Broad Street in Bethel: Annual Plant Sale. All proceeds benefit the library. The sale will be held rain or shine, and plants sell fast, so come early to avoid disappointment.
Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: Annual Rhubarb Festival and White Elephant Sale. The Rhubarb Festival is one of the church’s traditional events, and features everything rhubarb, including homemade rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb pies, cakes, cookies, fresh rhubarb, and more, all prepared by church members and friends for this important annual fundraiser. Pies are $18 each; other rhubarb treats will be individually priced. Doors open at 9:00 a.m.; no “early birds” and no pre-orders. For more information, please contact Marta Clements, 207-674-2143, mclements96894@roadrunner.com.
Saturday, June 6, at 2 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse (East Bethel Church), 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Celebration of the life of Dr. Stanley R. Howe. There will be special remarks by family and friends, followed by music and memories/comments from those attending.
Tuesday, June 9, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church on Main Street, Bethel: Neighbors Feeding Neighbors community meal, with a special focus on the Juneteenth holiday.
Friday, June 12, from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at West Parish Congregational Church, 3 Church Street, Bethel: American Red Cross blood drive. This is a great time to donate a pint. Your gift can really make a difference in someone else’s life. Go to redcross.org to make an appointment. Make summer shine for patients in need. Donate between June 1 and June 28 to earn a $15 e-gift card.
Saturday, June 13, at 2 p.m. at the Mason House, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, at 14 Broad Street in Bethel: “Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin.” Professor William Huntting Howell of Boston University will share his research and analysis of an unusual Revolutionary War memoir. Howell writes that “Joseph Plumb Martin’illis Narrative of Some of the Adventures, Dangers, and Sufferings of a Revolutionary Soldier, first published in Hallowell, Maine, in 1830, offers both a counter-record of the facts of the War and a counter-method for relating them.” Howell is the author of “Starving Memory,” an article on Martin’s Narrative which appeared in Commonplace: The Journal of Early American Life.
Sunday, June 14, from 2-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: “Meetinghouse and Church in Early Oxford County,” a program by Hastings Homestead Museum Director Randall H. Bennett.
Thursday, June 18, from 1-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Antiques Appraisals, sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum.
Saturday, June 20, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Sunset Farm (46 Intervale Road, Bethel): Goose Eye No. 6 Launch Party. Join the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, the Mahoosuc Land Trust, and hosts, the Shepley family, to celebrate the launch of the latest edition of the MBHS annual history journal, Goose Eye. The evening begins at 5:30 with a short guided walk around the historic Intervale Gateway. (Meet at the corner nearest Davis Park.) At 6:00, congregate in the barn at Sunset Farm for light refreshments and a chance to pick up or purchase a copy of the new issue. At 6:30, there will be remarks by Goose Eye editor William Chapman and contributors Kirk Siegel and William B. Krohn.
Goose Eye No. 6 is entitled “Lines on a Map, Part One,” and is the first in a two-part series exploring some of the stories behind the many different kinds of lines that we take for granted when looking at a modern map. There those that represent natural features such as rivers, mountains, and coast line; those that identify physically real features created by human intervention, such as trails, roads, and railroad track; and still others that mark purely legal or political boundaries. The issues will seek to show how none of these are timeless or inevitable; they all reflect particular historical circumstances and contingencies. The lines on today’s maps encode a legacy of conflict and struggle by humans both against nature and against fellow humans.
Pupdate: Lena has been enjoying spending some time at camp and taking short (a half-mile or less) trail hikes. She’s still a bit of a hellion, and she still has her sharp puppy teeth, so I’ve pretty much resorted to wearing nothing but clothing she has already shredded. (If you see me around town in pants that are mostly holes, it’s not a fashion statement.) I’m constantly striving for the right balance between “not tired enough” and “overtired toddler” and constantly reminding myself (and Lena) that I’m supposed to be the boss in this relationship. I keep telling Will that I don’t remember Remy or Eli being quite this challenging as puppies, but he keeps telling me that I just don’t remember their puppy days. They both grew up to be wonderful adult dogs, so I hope he’s right, and Lena will, too.
If you read about our visit to the Finnish Picnic Grounds in last week’s column, and our discovery that Will, Tony, Lena, and I were all standing in a patch of poison ivy along the bank of the Little Androscoggin River, you’ll be glad to hear that none of us came down with the dreaded rash. Apparently wiping down Lena’s fur, showering as soon as we got home, and throwing all of our clothes into the washing machine did the trick. Whew!
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.
Newry News
Amy Henley
The wood boiler may have been shut down for the season but the furnace is still coming on due to cool morning temperatures. Eventually this has to break and warmer temperatures become more consistent. I’m prepared for the hot sun when it returns in the afternoon to the back porch with shades installed. I finally found what I was looking for so we can enjoy afternoon and evenings on the porch while getting some relief when it is too hot.
The water level in the pool is up and the filter is running again. Now we just need it to warm up as that water sure is cold.
The apple blossoms have been blown to the ground and the lilacs are in full bloom and smell amazing. We have white in the back yard and purple in the front. I love taking pictures of bees and butterflies on the flowers and take several pictures waiting for the right angle. My hostas are very full and look great except for one of my variegated green ones which something decided to snack on, possibly my chickens.
Speaking of plants, the library plant sale is taking place on Saturday, June 6th from 9-11am. Don’t miss it as it is a great place to get new additions while supporting the library. Most of my hostas were obtained at this sale and are amazing. I’ve missed the last few years due to other commitments but maybe I’ll make it this year.
Baking consisted of another new rhubarb recipe. This time it was a Rhubarb Crunch which was a big hit. Molasses cookies are on the list next as a request from Eliot.
Baseball continues and they had a home game Tuesday night against Poland and the kids did great. Eliot had a couple of great outs, one on first and one on third and hit a triple with his new bat. These kids are so supportive of each other and encouraging. It really is great to see how they have grown and learned to work together in the last month and we still have a couple more weeks to go.
Make sure to add the Community Engagement session to your calendar for June 23rd at 6 p.m. at the Grange Hall. This session is being held by the Comprehensive Plan Committee to obtain input while they prepare the updated Comprehensive Plan. The next Comprehensive Plan meeting takes place on Monday, June 15th at 5 p.m. at the Town Office.
Come visit the polls to vote in the Primary Election on Tuesday, June 9th from 8 a.m.-8 p.m. If you have any interest in being a ballot/election clerk, please inquire at the Town Office.
If you missed the Town Meeting that took place, you can still pick up the Town Report at the Town Office or view it on the town’s website.
That’s all for this week. Enjoy the weather and take time to enjoy the small things in life. Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
Hello, June! I certainly wasn’t expecting to still be using my heated throw, but here I am! It has been the best thing for staying warm when I really don’t care to turn the heat on or up. It does look as though there are some warmer days ahead.
Upcoming events:
American Red Cross blood drive is Friday, June 12, from 11 AM to 3:30 PM at the West Parish Congregational Church. This is a great time to donate a pint. Your gift can really make a difference in someone else’s life. Go to redcross.org to make an appointment. Make summer shine for patients in need. Donate between June 1 and June 28 to earn a $15.00 e-gift card.
The Whitman Memorial Library will be hosting Maine author, Jack Montgomery, on Thursday, June 18, at 10 AM at the library. Jack will be discussing his new book, From the Holocaust to Maine—Testimonies of the Survivors.
Ongoing: Line Dancing
There have been a couple of garden work sessions at the Locke Mills Union Church. Rosalie MacArthur has spearheaded the effort, and it’s looking great.
I’ve been trying to get back into reading more, so naturally, I go to the library when I want a good book. Pat, our librarian, always has a recommendation for me. I recently read Yesteryear, followed that with The Things We Never Say. Both books sucked me right in. When I checked the bestsellers list in the Sunday paper, I saw that those two books were in the number one and two places! That compelled me to read a bit faster, so I could return it for another reader to take out. I have a couple of library books awaiting me now: The Book of Guilt, and A Daughter of Fair Verona.
As a child, I went to the library often. I could walk or bike down easily. It was one of my summertime activities—reading. I read every horse story I could get my hands on, and knew right where to look for them. I had quite a few Trixie Belden books, and there were many Bobbsey Twin books in the house. Both my parents were avid readers (when they had the time). Our local library is a real treasure!
This is graduation week for Telstar, as well as many other high schools around the state. I am playing for graduation once again. I went to the first marching practice today, and it went quite well. On Thursday it will be more marching practice, and then the Coming Together on Thursday evening. Friday is a full day with practice, senior assembly, and graduation. I love seeing who the seniors are each year. They are still former students, it’s a challenge myself to remember names. The Yorks’ grandson, Seth Dupuis, is one of the graduates, along with Reggie Billings, grandson of Tammy Hoy. Some of them have changed significantly, while I had no problem recognizing others. It’s also great to see my old buddy, Tera Ingraham, as she teaches the seniors the ropes.
My sister and I hosted a lunch for a few relatives recently. Now that camp is officially open, that’s our go-to party place. My (I should say our) brother Michael, came over from New Hampshire. We were joined by Jim and Julia Bennett, Karen Bennett, Dean Bennett, and Cheryl Martin. Rick was unable to join us, due to his very busy schedule. Dave grilled the chicken, and we had a delicious meal prepared by Susan. Lots of great visiting. With Dean back in the area, at Market Square, he is really enjoying getting out and seeing people. His daughter Cheryl, who lives in Wisconsin, comes back often to help her dad and visit with her mom.
I had a brief visit from my sister-in-law Martha recently. It’s always so good to see her. She was on a time schedule, so we talked extra fast, and got a lot into a short amount of time. She told me of the passing of her cousin, Amanda Bowers.
I completed my flower purchases (for now) at Mountain Greenery last week. I have a gorgeous sea of colors waiting for me. The lupines are opening, and columbines about to pop. Lilacs are on their way out, while the rhododendrons and bridal wreath are just starting. After the shrubs are all done blooming, they will be getting some serious trimming. Lucky for me, I know an arborist!
Not much news on the nests—I’ve seen birds going in and out of both. I’m not sure about babies yet, but did see a couple of parents chasing a crow out of the area. Speaking of crows, they are very interesting birds. There is a group (how many to make a murder?) of four crows who hang out in the neighborhood. They particularly like hanging out in the large field on the other side of the street. Each takes its place, spread across the field, as if on patrol. When you observe nature, you do learn a lot.
Next Tuesday is Election Day, so please get out there and do your civic duty. I will be at the Woodstock polls from 8-12 AM that day. I am sure that we can ALL agree that we’re sick of the political ads on TV.
Please send me your news/events to: lalalindastowell@gmail.com
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
June 2026/ Events of Interest to Older Folks and their Families
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!!!
Games On! Thursdays (June 4,11,18,25) 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 (June4,11,18,25 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, (June2,9,16,23,30)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 (June2,9,16,23,30)12:00-1:00 P.M. (Free, 50+, sponsored by the library)
Line Dance Classes, Tuesdays and Thursdays ,6:00-7:00 pm. Tuesdays at the Bethel United Methodist Church Community Annex, Main St., Bethel, Thursdays at the Locke Mills Union Church, Rt 26, Locke Mills, $5 cash per session, (All Ages)
Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (Donations welcome, All Ages). Rt 2, Gilead
June 1, 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm Tech Help at Bethel Library, (Free, All Ages)
June 6, Saturday, 9:00-11:00am Bethel Library Annual Plant Sale, Rain or shine on library lawn on Broad St, Bethel, (All Ages)
June 6, Saturday, 9:00am, Rhubarb Festival & White Elephant Sale Annual Fundraiser First Universalist Church, 208 Main St., West Paris
June 9, 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: beef ribs, chicken, salads, and desserts (Free, donations, All Ages)
June10, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/Lunch This month arrive early at 10:30 to order from the menu at Kowloon Chinese Restaurant. Meeting 11:00 am, (Age 50+)
June 12, Friday, 6:00-8:00pm Andover Summer Concert Series, featuring ‘Drunk in Public’, free, donations welcomed. Rain or shine at Bandstand on Town Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (All Ages)
June13, Saturday 2:00pm, MBHS’s presenter from Boston University, William Hunting Howell, will discuss ‘Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin’ at Moses Mason House, Broad St. Bethel (Free, Donation, All Ages)
June14, Sunday, 2:00-4:00pmMeetinghouse and Church in Early Oxford County, program presented by director, Randall H. Bennett, of the Hastings Homestead Museum. At Lower Meeting House,1797 Intervale Rd., Bethel(Free, donations welcome, All Ages)
June18, Thursday, 10:00am The Holocaust to Maine. Maine author Jack Montgomery will discuss his new book which includes the testimony of 20+ survivors who reside in Maine, Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond. (Free, All Ages)
June18, Thursday ,1:00-4:00 pm, Antiques Appraisals sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum (up to 3 items/Donations) At the Lower Meeting House,1797 Intervale Rd., Bethel. FMI Call 207-824-2291
June 20, 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)
June 24, 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) *Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available
June 26, Friday 6:00-8:00pm, Andover Summer Concert Series, featuring Tim Dion W/ Acoustipalians, (free, donations welcome, All Ages) Rain or shine at the Bandstand on the Town Common, Intersection of RT 5&120, Andover
June 27, 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., Locke Mills
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 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
For more information call 207-824-4444.Leave name, phone number and a message. Someone will return your call.
Bethel News
Linda Howe
Springtime is always the planting season. Folks looking for a variety of plants can find a selection at the upcoming Bethel Library Plant Sale which is this Saturday, June 6th, from 9 to 11 a.m. Proceeds from this event benefit our local public library. The library is located on Broad Street and this event takes place rain or shine. Public support will be appreciated!
