Western Maine Neighborhood News, May 21, 2026
Hi, Neighbors! This week, anyone can read the news from Locke’s Mills, Newry, and Woodstock for free. 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.
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
Nearly 50 registered voters checked in for Greenwood’s annual Town Meeting on Saturday, along with several “out of towners” who had a particular interest in one or another of the articles on the warrant. That’s a sharp drop from the 122 registered voters who attended last year, but more than the 30-40 in attendance in several recent years.
I just learned that, in Maine, only about four percent of residents attend their annual town meeting, where voters decide how money will be spent and ordinances updated. I’m hoping the stronger showing in Greenwood on Saturday means that at least some of those who attended their first-ever town meeting in 2025 were intrigued enough by the process to come back again this year, and will continue to attend each year. (And check out the calendar listing for May 28 below for a great opportunity to learn about the basics of the town meeting format!)
Vern Maxfield was chosen to moderate the meeting, at which voters approved all 33 articles in about an hour.
Incumbent Selectman Bob Oickle, running unopposed, was elected to a second three-year term, and all budget articles passed easily, with only a few questions from those present.
At the recommendation of the Board of Selectmen and the Budget Committee, voters placed $234,500 in four reserve accounts, as follows: $75,000 each for the Highway Equipment Reserve and Fire Department Equipment Reserve accounts, $34,500 for the town’s upcoming 2027 revaluation, and $50,000 in the Fire Department Building Reserve account.
By a vote of 29-11, the Shoreland Zoning Ordinance was amended to include a “Special Exception” provision, which permits the construction of a single-family dwelling in the Resource Protection District under certain conditions with Planning Board approval.
Voters authorized the Board of Selectmen, acting on behalf of the town, to work towards designating the Finnish Picnic Grounds Parcel, an 18-acre lot on the West Paris Road that has been owned by the town for approximately 50 years, as a conservation and public common area to be subject to permanent conservation and public access and protected from future development. They also authorized the town to partner with the Western Foothills Land Trust to pursue grant funding and develop a Stewardship Plan for the parcel.
This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend, a time for picnics and gatherings and welcoming the start of summer (perhaps a bit prematurely, as it looks like the hot weather of this week will be long gone), but, more importantly, a time for remembering those who died in service in the U.S. Armed Forces. The information I’ve found about Memorial Day observations on Monday, May 25, is as follows:
9:00 AM—Locke’s Mills Legion.
11:00 AM—Bethel, on Main Street by the monument.
1:00 PM—Bryant Pond, by the monument on Main Street next to the library.
Here’s a list of some other upcoming events for your calendar.
Friday, May 22, from 5 – 6:30 p.m. in the Mason House barn at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society: Community Mending and Upcycle Group. The Feature Focus of this session is Shortening and Lengthening. Bring your own project (anything you’d like to fix—it doesn’t have to be the Feature Focus) and a few dollars to put into the MBHS donation box. As always, if you have a friend who may be interested, bring them along, too! (Note the new location—still at the historical society, but a new meeting space on the corner of Mason and Broad Streets.)
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.
Sunday, May 24, at 2 p.m. at the Deering Memorial Community Center in South Paris: Tuba ensemble Low Commotion will present a concert to benefit the Center’s organ restoration fund. See details in the flyer below.
Thursday, May 28, at 6 p.m. at The Gem Theater, Bethel: Town Meeting Pre-Party Part 1: Town Meeting Basics and Q&A. From the organizers: “A lot of us have never been to town meeting because we find the format intimidating, we’re only just learning it exists, we don’t know what it has to do with our daily lives, the list goes on. As it turns out, town meeting is pretty important. We figured the fix is simple: get a bunch of folks together, ask the people who know how this works, and figure it out as neighbors. Over two evenings, we’ll cover the basics of the town meeting format, get our questions answered by a panel of local experts, and walk through Bethel’s town warrant in advance of the June 10 town meeting.” This event is open to anyone (from any town) who is “town meeting-curious.” (Part 2 will be held on Monday, June 8, at 6 p.m.)
Saturday, May 30, from 6-8 p.m. at the American Legion Hall, 593 Gore Road, Greenwood: Live music and dancing with The Fossils.
Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m. at the First Universalist Church in West Paris: The Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida will lead the Sunday morning service. Her sermon, “Choosing the Land of the Blessed,” will explore how grounding ourselves in the gifts of everyday life strengthens us to meet the moments that break our hearts.
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.
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’s 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. See details in the flyer below.
Sunday, June 21, from 1-4 p.m. at the Lower Meetinghouse, 1797 Intervale Road, Bethel: Antiques Appraisals, sponsored by the Hastings Homestead Museum. See details in the flyer below.
Puppy Lena is growing like a weed—21.6 pounds at her last vet appointment, two weeks ago. She has another appointment later today, and I’ll bet she’s edging up on 25 pounds by now. Here she is in a rare calm moment:
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.
May 20 would have been Eli the Wonder Pup’s ninth birthday, and, as summer approaches, I am still missing him so much, remembering all of our swims at camp and our summer hiking adventures that usually ended with ice cream at the Sugar Shack.
“All dogs go to heaven because, unlike people, dogs are naturally good and loyal and kind.” – “All Dogs Go To Heaven” (1989 film)
Newry News
Amy Henley
The Visual and Performing Arts at Crescent Park last Wednesday night was fantastic. While we only walked around quickly and viewed the art and dropped by the library for the book fair, it was great to see everything the kids created. It sure was a busy place so we didn’t linger long.
The weekend was a busy one with moving some of our cattle to their summer field. When we first arrived to drop the cattle off in the luscious green field, there was a moose hanging out in the field pacing back and forth trying to figure out how to get out. After many back and forths, it finally decided it would have to jump the fence which it did without any damage to the fence. We’re hoping it stays away but it was kinda neat to see. Our home herd is five lighter for the summer.
Top priority currently is fence repair so the remaining cattle can go out on pasture. There is always so much to do this time of year and the deer sure were hard on the fence over the winter. At least there has been a breeze which has kept the bugs away. The ticks are out so remember to check when you come inside.
We’re hoping we can shut the outdoor wood boiler down soon but the nights still seem to cool down quite a bit. I’m thinking in the next week we’ll begin opening the pool up. I snuck a peek under the cover and it actually looks quite clear besides some debris on the bottom but it is encouraging.
Baking commenced on Friday and consisted of strawberry rhubarb pie and an old fashioned rhubarb cake which I had never made before and was quite good. I’ve attempted freezing rhubarb in the past but didn’t feel like it held up well so I may try again but use the FoodSaver and see if it makes a difference. If you have any good rhubarb recipes I should try, please feel free to share.
Just a reminder that the Town Office is closed on Monday, May 25th in observance of Memorial Day. There are only 6 chairs remaining from the Grange Hall. If you are interested, get them before they are gone.
Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’ll happily add it to my column next week.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
Happy Memorial Day to everyone! Right on cue, the lilacs are budding and the lilies of the valley are popping up. The long weekend starts the beginning of camping season for many, as well as getting camps open and ready for summer. I am assuming that the annual Memorial Day celebration will take place at the usual time (1:00 PM) at the monument in front of the library. I tried to find out exactly when, but all attempts failed!
I remember as a child, that I was allowed to go swimming on Memorial Day. It was often hot, and of course, the bugs would be out in full force. Also, the water was COLD!
Coming right up this weekend—Low Commotion Tuba Ensemble will be performing at the Deering Memorial Community Center in South Paris on Sunday, May 24, at 2:00 p.m. The concert is by donation with all proceeds going to the Organ Restoration Fund. This would be a great way to spend Sunday afternoon!
Coming up at the First Universalist Church of West Paris—The Reverend Scott Campbell will be delivering the sermon entitled, “Ain’t She Sweet?” It tells the story of a woman who battled with depression throughout much of her life, but how knew a deeper inner truth in the end.
First Universalist Church of W. Paris Annual Rhubarb Festival is June 6th
West Paris – The First Universalist Church of West Paris will hold its annual Rhubarb Festival, and White Elephant Sale on Saturday, June 6, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at the church, 208 Main Street, W. Paris. The Rhubarb Festival is one of the church’s traditional events which features everything rhubarb, including homemade rhubarb and strawberry rhubarb pies, cakes, cookies, fresh rhubarb, and more, and 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.
Check out the Facebook page of the Bethel Outing Club. They will post a weekly schedule of hikes planned. They plan to have opportunities for people of all ages to meet up for a walk or hike 5 days a week.
Last week I wrote about renewing my passport on line. I was quite surprised when I was notified I would be receiving the new one on Monday, May 18. And, it DID show up then! It has a different look from my old one, with American scenes throughout. I’m just thrilled that it arrived so very quickly.
Observations from the patio
On a recent afternoon, I sat out on the patio for several hours, just enjoying the beautiful weather. I have discovered 2 nests that are currently inhabited.
In this photo of one nest, you can actually see the tailfeather of the bird sitting on the nest. I haven’t seen what bird it is. I know that there is a grackle family in the other nest. And then there is the chipmunk—his nest is under my garage. I spotted it carrying grapes from my compost to its home. It made numerous trips back and forth, one grape at a time. These are just a few of the everyday goings on near the bog. Nature is truly the best TV.
My flowers are getting taller and more buds and blossoms can be spotted. All of a sudden, the lilies of the valley are ready to flower. I was really pleased to discover that a couple of plants I had moved last year, have come up in their new spot. One is a pasque flower, which has delicate foliage and a purple blossom.
I finally escaped to my friend Jane’s in Fryeburg. We were way overdue for a visit, but between an unexpected puppy, weather, and each of us getting sick at different times, it was tough. We gave each other Christmas and birthday gifts and ordered Chinese takeout. One of the highlights of the visit was a trip to the Brownfield Market. Jane and Abby have talked about this store for ages, and what great deals can be found. Run by Mennonites, it has nearly everything you might want (size wise it reminded me of Trader Joe’s) at a grocery store, but definitely not every brand. Products can vary from visit to visit. What got my attention right away was raspberries for $1.25 a pint.
It was a fun outing and I also saw Abby’s goats. Here are a few grazing in the pasture.
In a quest to find an open restaurant Sunday afternoon, Dave and I landed at the Millbrook Tavern. We arrived between 4:00 and 5:00, and discovered that Happy Hour was from 3:00-5:00. We each got a burger and fries for $10. There were other food and drink specials which were very reasonable. If you’re looking for an early, inexpensive and decent meal, you might want to try it out.
The Whitman Memorial Library held its first cookbook dinner of the season on Monday. All recipes were from James Beard cookbooks. I made a garlic and gruyere bread and Dave baked a delicious apple cake. I do think it was one of the most delicious meals we’ve shared. The next dinner is scheduled for Monday, July 20, and the theme is Mediterranean.
In other library news, Jack Montgomery, author of a new book about the Holocaust victims who now live in Maine, will be doing a program at the library on Thursday, June 18, at 10:00 AM.
The other day I went outside to sit in the sun, because my house was rather chilly. Within maybe 15 minutes I had four others sitting with me. I love me a dooryard visit, and that’s just what happened. It was especially great to have my nephew, Ben Hutchins, stop by. He stopped because I was outside, therefore he knew I was home!
This Wednesday, my sister and I, along with Jim and Julia Bennett, and Rick and Karen Bennett, will be traveling to Augusta, where Dean Bennett is to be recognized for his lifetime achievements. He, along with others, who were recommended for this award, will be the honorees. I’ll have more to report on that next week.
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
Recently someone questioned me about what I hope people knew about our local age-friendly initiative. As the Community Connector I decided to take a different tack. Rather than listing all the programs that demonstrate how AFCI supports older people, I wanted to get at the heart of what motivates volunteers.
This question prompted me to write:
“It takes a village” is more than a well-known phrase meant to inspire people to nurture the youngest in our midst. For me, it translates to taking care of the physical, social, emotional, and mental well-being of all our citizens, of all ages. Those few simple words urge us to action. Your Bethel Area Age-Friendly Initiative (AFCI) is in motion, taking actions daily, to improve our communities as we focus on serving our older population.
I often think of past generations and our present older folks. While some of us may harbor negative feelings from past experiences and relationships, I think everyone can recall at least one grandparent, parent, teacher, or “auntie” of whom they have fond memories. We benefited from their care as they dedicated themselves to us and our families, nurturing us through childhood and, often, far into adulthood. I reflect about these folks, the challenges they faced and overcame, sometimes against unimaginable odds. Surely their griefs and successes paved the way to now possessing the wisdom we seek. They are the keepers of tradition, advisors and mentors who teach younger generations. They certainly deserve our respect and care.
Yes, older folks move slower; sight and hearing may have diminished. Memory lapses are common. Frustration and worry over illnesses, injuries might show itself with impatience and irritability. Grief in the loss of a life partner manifests as withdrawal and depression. Not to mention the challenges of downsizing, living on a fixed income, forced driving cessation and the ever-changing technology. Phew! However, I remind myself that there is still a young man or woman living in that aging body. Hopes, dreams, and personal goals may have changed, but just as in youth, aspirations motivate people to fully engage, as much as possible, in life.
“Old Age is Not for Sissies” was printed on a plaque I would read when I was a young woman. I had no idea just what that meant. Now that I am in my mid-70s, I better understand the truth in that pithy statement.
I would encourage readers to look at their older neighbors differently. Get to know them. Help to break down stereotypes that plague our society. Do as I have tried to do, break old habits. I started with myself, learning about ageism. Ageism is so ingrained and accepted in our daily lives that someone must consciously strive to eliminate it. I try to be aware when my speech or attitude is detrimental to myself and my peers.
Get involved with AFCI. Volunteer. Would you like to be a volunteer driver; take someone to a doctor’s appointment, grocery store, library, hair appointment? You can sign up for either an occasional or regularly scheduled task. Or for just one function or event. We can help you find a “good fit.”
Be a part of “the village.” You are needed, welcomed and encouraged to make a difference, either through AFCI or independently. Spread good cheer and care. Show others by your example. Call an older person for a quick chat, stop in with a baked good or simple meal. Or sit and just listen. Offer to clear snow from steps. Local music programs and historical societies have free presentations; offer to take someone. The local movie theater has a great variety of movies, some matinees offering subtitles and lower volume. Be creative.
It Takes a Village!
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
I was able to attend the update given by Peter Stowell last week at the Andover Historical Society. Quite a few showed up and braved the chilly conditions in the building to hear about “The Fabric of Andover” book that Peter is writing. As an Andover native I can’t wait to read it; it really delves into some interesting people in Andover’s past. I’ll have more information about this when it becomes available.
The weather has certainly taken a turn from that night. It was rainy and quite chilly then and today it has been hot, temps in the 80s and very humid. That is soon to change, however.
