Western Maine Neighborhood News, May 7, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! This week’s edition of WMNN contains important information about how you can help to support one of our community’s own, Simon Smith, as he battles ALS. 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. If you’re enjoying this online newsletter, please help us spread the word!
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
I’m starting this week’s column on a serious note, with an appeal to our communities for support for Bethel native and Telstar graduate Simon Smith. At the age of just 33, Simon was recently diagnosed with ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
On a GoFundMe page organized by Simon’s music student and friend Lee Urban (who in 2009 lost his wife to the same devastating disease), Simon’s wife, Tennessee, wrote:
“Many of you know Simon as a musician, music teacher, and conductor. In late 2025, Simon noticed conducting was becoming harder. His right shoulder was weak…In November, Simon received an EMG and we were told he had ALS, a terminal disease that doctors overlooked because of Simon’s young age…We were told he could have anywhere from 2 to 5 years, on average, to live. There is no cure and there are very few treatments to slow progression.”
Simon has had to curtail his work schedule, and Tennessee, who is currently completing her degree at USM, is his caretaker. Donations to the GoFundMe campaign will go toward Simon’s uncovered medical expenses, transportation to appointments, and the couple’s day-to-day expenses.
On a personal note, I have known Simon’s family all of my life. His grandparents (his dad Jonathan’s parents) were among my mother’s dearest friends, and I grew up spending time with his Aunt Deb in both Connecticut and Maine.
If you are able to donate to the GoFundMe in support of Simon and Tennessee, thank you, but if you are not in a position to donate, you can make a big difference just by helping to spread the word, whether through word of mouth or social media. Thank you. The link is here: https://gofund.me/100e678de
Here’s a calendar of (some) local events taking place in the next few weeks:
Saturday, May 9, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (or until sold out), at the American Legion Hall on the Gore Road in Locke’s Mills: Mother’s Day Cookie Walk. Purchase a decorative Mother’s Day container and fill it with homemade cookies of your choice for $8. (I’ll be making some cookies to donate!)
Sunday, May 10, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: “Who is this?” The Rev. Scott Campbell will explore the question, “Who is Jesus and what does he have to do with us?”
Sunday, May 10 (Mother’s Day), at 4 p.m. at Gould Academy’s Bingham Auditorium in Bethel: The Mahoosuc Community Band will perform its Spring Concert. Ed Ryan is conducting the band, consisting of adults and Gould students. The concert is full of familiar favorites. Donations are welcome at the door to defray the cost of music.
Saturday, May 16, at 9 a.m. at the American Legion on the Gore Road: Annual Greenwood Town Meeting. Enjoy coffee and breakfast goodies with your neighbors, and take the opportunity to have a say in the government of your town! Copies of the Town Report, including the Town Meeting warrant, will be available at the Town Office and at the meeting.
Sunday, May 17, at 9:30 a.m. at the South Paris Universalist Church: The First Universalist Church of West Paris will join the South Paris congregation for their Sunday service, which will start at 9:30 a.m.
Sunday, May 24, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: The Rev. Scott Campbell will lead the Sunday morning service. His sermon, “Ain’t She Sweet?” tells the story of a woman who battled depression throughout much of her life, but who knew a deeper truth in the end.
Saturday, June 6, from 9-11 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: Annual Rhubarb Festival. Pies and “everything rhubarb” will be for sale.
The free year-long program, “Food Is Medicine,” designed for people who are at risk for Type 2 diabetes, and who have limited access to affordable, healthy foods, has been postponed to a start date of May 19. It will be held at the Bethel United Methodist Church and is sponsored by MaineHealth. See the details in the flyer below.
Two of Bethel’s most remarkable women celebrated birthdays this week. Arlene Harrington turned 103 on May 3, and Amy Davis reached the milestone of 100 years on May 4.
Chris Dunham posted on the “Greenwood as It Was” Facebook page on May 4:
“Amy Davis, for many years a teacher in Locke Mills, celebrates her 100th birthday today. When I saw her at the Greenwood Bicentennial, I shared my memory of a time she reprimanded me for throwing a puppet in class. Her firm hand steered me away from a life of crime, and for that I will be forever grateful.
“It was reported in the spring of 1966 that Mrs. Margaret A. Davis had ‘been employed to do special reading work at the Locke Mills School.’ That fall she was hired to teach at Ethel Bisbee in Bethel, but in 1968, when the school in Locke Mills shrank to three grades, she returned to become its kindergarten teacher. A decade later she was principal as well and teaching a second class each afternoon in Woodstock. She would continue to teach in Woodstock after the Locke Mills school closed at the end of the 1980–81 school year and until her retirement in 1986.
Happy birthday, Mrs. Davis!”
Greenwood town officials recently received some great news from Western Foothills Land Trust Executive Director Korey Morgan (who just happens to be a Greenwood native). I’m sharing the WFLT press release in its entirety here:
Western Foothills Land Trust (WFLT) has announced it has purchased nearly 70 acres of forestland abutting Noyes Mountain Preserve, expanding one of the region’s most popular outdoor destinations and protecting a significant block of contiguous forest critical to the water quality of Lake Pennesseewassee and the Androscoggin River.
The newly acquired parcel strengthens the ecological integrity of the preserve, helping to safeguard forest health, wildlife habitat, and water quality in a landscape long valued by the community.
Located off Richardson Hollow Road and the Greenwood Road in Greenwood, Noyes Mountain sits within a mineral-rich area with deep ties to Greenwood’s history. The Noyes Mountain Preserve includes historic gem and mineral mining sites. WFLT continues to offer artisanal mining opportunities that connect visitors to this unique heritage. The newly conserved land also includes one of the region’s “keyhole” mines, where workers once extracted feldspar.
The expansion builds on the existing recreational opportunities available at Noyes Mountain Preserve, including hiking, snowshoeing, hunting, foraging, artisanal mining, and backcountry exploration. WFLT is currently developing updated recreation plans and policies to thoughtfully integrate the new parcel into the existing trail network and visitor experience.
“Noyes Mountain is a special place,” said Korey Morgan, Executive Director of WFLT. “With this expansion, visitors can experience the intersection of history, geology, and the Maine woods in a way that is unique to our region.”
The conservation of this property was made possible through support from the Land for Maine’s Future program, the Maine Community Foundation, other private donors, and the longstanding efforts of local conservationist and WFLT board member Rich Sousa, who has worked for nearly a decade to see this land conserved.
WFLT is planning a community celebration at Noyes Mountain Preserve, tentatively scheduled for June 27, to mark this addition and welcome the public to the expanded Preserve. The event will offer an opportunity to explore Noyes Mountain Preserve, learn more about its history and conservation values, and connect with others who care about this special place. Additional details will be shared this summer. In the meantime, those interested in supporting ongoing stewardship and management of Noyes Mountain Preserve can learn more and get involved by visiting www.wfltmaine.org.
About the Western Foothills Land Trust
Western Foothills Land Trust is a nonprofit conservation organization based in Norway, Maine. Founded in 1987, WFLT is dedicated to protecting forests, farms, and waters of western Maine for the benefit of current and future generations. Through land conservation,
stewardship, and community engagement, WFLT works to sustain the region’s ecological integrity, rural character, and access to the outdoors. To date, WFLT has conserved over 10,000 acres and manages more than 40 miles of public recreational trails.
We enjoyed a visit from our granddaughter, Lila, and her mom on Sunday afternoon. I think they were both surprised to see how much Lena had grown since they were last here, just two weeks ago.
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.
“The secret to longevity is ice cream.” – Paul Marcus, centenarian
Newry News
Amy Henley
I caught a glimpse of red out of the corner of my eye when walking past the kitchen window and much to my surprise it was a tulip. I’m happy to see that some survived the frosts we’ve had.
Just a reminder that the bears are out and looking for food so be sure to bring your bird feeders in at night and secure all trash. The one in this picture was caught by a Newry firefighter and had just exited a fellow firefighter’s truck bed as they were able to snag a treat from the back.
The mornings are still cool but for a change of pace I decided to go for a walk instead of hitting the elliptical. It was nice and refreshing and I saw seven deer. It was neat to see those white tails flagging as they ran across the field and splashed down across the river. I’ll definitely be doing this again soon.
Tuesday night was Eliot’s first scrimmage and it was a great game. We left the house in t-shirts and having applied sunscreen but we really needed an umbrella and sweatshirts. It went from 81° to 61° in 3 hours. We got soaked and were cold but the kids did great. It started off with a bang and I have a feeling it’s going to be a great season. While drying off and warming up I made a list of things I need to pack in the car for future games: chair, umbrella, bug spray, and warm clothes.
Just a reminder that the Newry Town Office is closed today, Thursday, May 7, as staff is attending a conference in Bangor. Code Enforcement will be available. The Annual Town Meeting is Tuesday, May 12, at 6 p.m. at the Bear River Grange Hall. The town warrant and material can be viewed at newrymaine.org or picked up at the Town Office prior to.
That’s all for this week. If you have something to contribute, please send it to me at newrynews24@gmail.com. I can even include a picture, if you send one.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
I had the pleasure of visiting Chris’ Haven of Hope last week. At the end of the dirt drive stands a very unassuming building. Inside, however, are signs of hope and promise for those residing in this men’s sober living home. Here they are surrounded by brotherhood and peer-to-peer support, in a safe environment.
I stepped inside the house, and was immediately impressed by the huge kitchen. MaryEllen explained how each resident has his own space for food, which is labeled. Labels are used to distinguish who has access to what. Two refrigerators, two ovens, and a huge Coke cooler (which is not up and working just yet) are in use. The large kitchen area turns into a living area at the opposite end of the room. Here, couches and chairs make up a cozy spot to watch TV or gather. Marc is the manager of the house, and his bedroom is downstairs. Upstairs are rooms which residents share (two beds per room).
The rooms are bright and cheerful, with beautiful handmade quilts on the beds. MaryEllen pointed out item after item which had been donated.
As we walked through the house, Haven the puppy was close behind. Marc mentioned that he really doesn’t have time for a puppy, but, oh well! I had to laugh later on when I saw her quietly trot by with a shoe in her mouth!
There have been numerous articles written about Chris’ Haven of Hope, as well as TV news coverage. Their mission is (taken from their brochure):
At Chris’ Haven of Hope, our mission is to provide men in recovery, with the structure, accountability, and community needed to build a strong foundation for lasting sobriety.
We believe that recovery is possible for anyone willing to take the steps toward change.
Recovery happens one day at a time, and no one has to walk that path alone.
What they have to offer:
Drug and alcohol free housing
Guidance toward employment and personal growth
Structured sober living environment
Supportive peer community
Laundry on-site
49 acres of land
18 bed newly renovated sober home
4 bathrooms
Large common area with 100”TV
Transportation for unlicensed residents
They are currently in need of transportation, so stay tuned for fund raising information.
Also, the May issue of Bethel Living has a wonderful article about Chris’ Haven of Hope.
If you would like more info, check out the website: www.chrishavenmaine.org
There is also a Facebook page, where you can find out the latest happenings.
Happy May! This week it’s the forsythias in bloom. Apparently they wintered well, and the blossoms are covering the bushes. I’ve noticed buds forming on the lilacs. Grass is finally getting green and I can see the buds on the trees!
This coming weekend is a busy one. On Saturday there will be a cookie walk at the American Legion in Greenwood. I hear they are apt to sell out quickly, so make sure to get there early!
Sunday, of course, is Mother’s Day. One way to celebrate would be to take your mom to the Mahoosuc Community Band spring concert at Gould Academy. The concert is scheduled for 4 PM in the Bingham Auditorium. Donations are accepted at the door to help defray the cost of the music.
First Universalist Church of West Paris- May Worship Services
May 10, When Jesus enters the city of Jerusalem shortly before his crucifixion, the people ask a simple question: “Who is this?” This sermon will be led by The Rev. Scott Campbell and will explore this same question in the modern context. Who is Jesus and what does he have to do with us?
May 17, The First Universalist Church of W. Paris will join the congregation of the South Paris Universalist Church on this Sunday. Their service starts at 9:30 a.m. Refreshments following the service.
May 24, led by The Rev. Scott Campbell, the sermon for this Sunday is entitled Ain’t She Sweet? It tells the story of a woman who battled with depression throughout much of her life, but who knew a deeper inner truth in the end.
May 31, “Choosing the Land of the Blessed” led by The Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida. The parable of the prodigal son reminds us that we all too often find in the world exactly what we are seeking- our expectations, what we see, how we understand it, and how we choose to respond. We will explore how grounding ourselves in the gifts of everyday life strengthen us to meet the moments that break our hearts. Jodi (she/her) organizes Multifaith Justice Maine, building power among people across the spectrum of faith traditions and beliefs. Jodi is an ordained Unitarian Universalist minister who has been grounding people of faith in the discipline and practice of radical love for more than 25 years, serving in a parish for over two decades before joining MPA to develop Multifaith Justice Maine. Jodi’s organizing is rooted in the principles and analysis she learned serving as Maine’s faith tri-chair of the Poor People’s Campaign and shaped by the fierce commitment she experienced within the harm reduction community.
For more information about the church and services, please contact Marta Clements, 674-2143,mclements96894@roadrunner.com, or Suzanne Dunham, 665-2967, dunhamfarm@msn.com.
Announcing Western Maine Hikes for All Ages, a new collaboration of several individuals from the region!
This intergenerational program is designed to encourage and support people to get outside and walk or hike on a regular basis.
There is a variety of times, locations, and skill levels offered Monday through Friday. We are looking for more volunteers to be Greeters for a walk/hike.
Note: Be prepared for walking/hiking conditions, including appropriate footwear, clothing, water, and a snack. Participants knowingly assume risks, both known and unknown, associated with hiking.
The schedule will be posted on The Bethel Outing Club (BOC) and Bethel Fun for Kids Facebook Pages.
The BOC FB page will be the first place people should check for any updates and changes.
By all accounts I’ve seen, it was a successful cleanup day on Saturday. I plan to get out soon with some trash bags (plus gloves and a grabber) and do my part cleaning up Rumford Avenue.
Happy 100th to Amy Davis on May 4. Both of my daughters had her for a Kindergarten teacher. That is a huge milestone!
On Tuesday, Cinco de Mayo, Andy and Louise Frank, and Dave and I decided to partake in some Mexican food at Romero’s in Bethel. As we stood in line, waiting to order, we could see the sky turn black. Eventually, the wind picked up, and holy smokes! I felt like I was in a dust storm—the air was filled with dirt and sand, objects started to take flight, and then the rain came! The temperature dropped significantly and then we were drenched. A huge thank you to Wade and Beth of the Gem, who opened the theater lobby so that folks could eat under cover. The musician who was scheduled to perform moved inside too. Romero’s must have done very well, because by the time we ordered, the menu was quite a bit smaller. We finally got our food, and were able to eat it in a dry place, even though we were all pretty soaked. It was definitely an experience!!
I highly recommend making a stop at The Local Hub to see the canvas photos by Veronica and Brian Penley. They have taken some gorgeous photos and put them on canvas. Most are for sale—their bird photos are exceptional.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
A visit to Buck’s Ledge Trail for All
Melinda Remington, wearing her “Melinda Hat,” will be greeting walkers each Tuesday morning from 9-11 a.m. for an amble around this beautiful trail. People can drive up the road from the main parking lot and park in an upper parking lot. There are also two handicapped parking spaces at the outlook.
Hope to see some of your there next Tuesday morning!
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
I have cleaned, filled, and put out my hummingbird feeder. A few of my friends in Andover have seen them so I know that they are in the area. Now I sit and wait patiently. I look forward to their arrival almost as much as I look forward to hearing the spring peepers.
Rhonda Jodrey wanted me to share that the burial for her mother, Edith “Joanne” Palmer, will be taking place at the Woodlawn Cemetery in Andover on May 29 at 2 p.m. I was able to attend her visitation when it was held at Meader & Sons and got to see a number of old and familiar faces.
