“Above the Fold”
(An introduction to each week’s newsletter from the editor of WMNN)
Hi, Neighbors! I’m excited to announce that, starting with today’s edition, West Paris now has its very own town columnist! Please join me in welcoming Stephanie Emery, and be sure to read her first column, which is included for free to all subscribers this week as a bonus (and as a way to introduce her).
In this week’s Western Maine Neighborhood News, the Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock columns (the “Week B” group) are also 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, East Bethel, and Locke’s Mills columns (and all the town columns every week). Beginning next week, Stephanie’s West Paris column will also be part of the “Week A” group, so there will be four free town columns each week, plus the AFCI news.
Have you visited the West Bethel Makerspace? The Community Mending and Upcycle group met there last Friday to learn about adhesives from Susan Barras—the basics of how adhesives work, the range of options when choosing an adhesive, and tips for getting the best adherence.
The Community Mending group will hold its next meeting at the Makerspace on Friday, October 9, from 5-6:30 p.m. From the group’s organizers: “The Community Mending and Upcycle Group meets monthly to work on repair and upcycle projects, share skills and material resources, and build bridges with other like minded groups and individuals.” They add, “The Makerspace team has created a fantastic working environment, and they look forward to making new connections that support our community. Rally up a friend, and bring your own project (it doesn’t need to be the Feature Focus) along with some donation money so our group can continue to grow and thrive.” For more information, contact Betsey Cooper: phone (207) 381-0713 or email awoodenhouse100@gmail.com or Robin Nesbeda: phone (978) 895 2320 or email RNesbeda@gmail.com
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
Hello to all the faithful readers.
It is hard to believe that October is here already! The color on the leaves is really starting to pop right now. The Nor’ Easter seemed to have fizzled a bit in our area. We certainly need the rain, but not the wind that goes along with storms of that type. I measured 1.25 inches in my rain gauge over the course of the few days of rain that we did get.
Speaking of October, here are a few dates to mark on your calendar:
Bethel News
Linda Howe
The next four events in Bethel are connected to food and community gathering.
On Saturday, October 10th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. is a Loggers Supper at the Methodist Church on Main Street in Bethel. There will also be a guest speaker who will talk about our Community Wood Bank. The menu planned will be delicious. This event is open to the public.
On Tuesday, October 13th, is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Community members share food with one another and spend time enjoying pleasant conversations. Stop by and get to know your community.
On Wednesday, October 14th, the Bethel Senior Citizen Club will meet for their monthly meeting starting at 11 a.m. After a short business meeting folks will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Debbie St. Pierre. She is a fantastic cook who enjoys cooking a meal for Bethel’s oldest citizens. When the meal is done, seniors will have an opportunity to experience a Sound Bath in the Community Annex.
On Wednesday, October 21, starting at 11 a.m. is the start of another season of Soup’s On! This happens the third Wednesday of every month, from October through April. An amazing assortment of homemade soups magically appear in the church dining room. Such a variety and all very good. Bread, drinks, and desserts are also provided. Come and enjoy some homemade soup and spend time with your community members.
All of the events above take place at the Methodist Church located on Main Street in Bethel. The Church does continue to feed the body, but it also feeds the soul at our 9 a.m. Sunday church service where everyone is always welcomed!
The next event takes place in Hanover at the Gardner Roberts Memorial Library, located on Ferry Road. This annual Fall Festival takes place on Saturday, October 10th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a fun-filled family event with live entertainment with The Cobblestones starting at noon. Come out for a good time and help this local library with their fundraising efforts. Everyone is welcome to attend!
Please send any news or events to lhowe7273@gmail.com
East Bethel News
Hayli Tuttle
Hello, beautiful people! This week was another hectic and exhausting one. Thankfully I had ways to relax and unwind throughout. Today I made two fresh sourdough loaves and started a third since the loaf I made for my house is almost gone. I made them with my starter, who I have named Miss Ritz. The starter is in a jar I got from my Oma so the name felt fitting, haha!
Gilead News
Lin Chapman
The first column of October. September is behind us. At least the nor’easter that was coming up the coast just brought us some rain.
The leaves are turning but there are still a lot of trees holding onto their green leaves. The photo is of the tree between our garage and the Fire Station. Since it is ablaze with color, beside the fire station is a good place for it.
Gilead Historical Society
The GHS Annual Meeting was held on Saturday, September 26th. Lunch was provided by the GHS. After lunch, the agenda was passed out and the meeting began. The agenda noted that the GHS lost two members this year—Maureen Swain and Life Member Randy Bennett. There were also five new members who signed up over the summer—Cynthia Ouellette, Kerrie Daniels Westerland, Mary Jo Landry, Rusty and Kerrie Myers. (There was one new member who signed up at the meeting—Celia Broomhall.)
Election of Officers was held and the following were elected: President Kevin Daniels, Vice President Tedd Brown, Secretary Claudia Risbara, Treasurer Lin Chapman, and a Trustee for three years—Jimmy Lumbard.
Finances were presented, dates for 2027 were set, projects completed were discussed and upcoming projects, also. The website that Tedd is working on with a designer will be up and running soon. The GHS is also taking quotes for walkways to the buildings that will make handicap accessibility easier.
Door prize and raffle tickets were drawn. Thanks to Eileen Dupont for filling in for me at the last minute at the sale table, since I could not be there.
The guest speaker was Chris Silva, Executive Director of Custom House Maritime Museum, Newburyport, MA, Director of Facilities, Capital Planning and Real Estate, Harvard Arts Museums, and Director of Operations Facilities and Safety, Massachusetts Historical Society. In his speech, he talked about how important documentation of historical events can be. The C.H.M. Museum preserves documents that have been entrusted to them for safekeeping. They have a temperature-controlled environment to store them in so future generations can view them and learn of their historical significance.
Many thanks to all those who worked so hard to make it a successful day.
Aunt May’s Letters
Letter #10
Aug. 1–5. [1905]
My dearest Family,
I closed my last letter with preliminary remarks on Holland I believe. We reached Amsterdam late Tuesday afternoon [Aug. 1] and the next Saturday afternoon [Aug. 5] we arrived in Paris. So you see we had only a glimpse of the Low Countries though we kept on the go every minute of the four days.
The men we saw working here wore wooden shoes, the first we had seen. Saw the women in their pretty white caps and some quite characteristic Dutch costumes.
The next morning [Aug. 3] we devoted to the Ryks Museum. Saw much that showed the early industries of the Dutch people and their ways of living. Rooms fitted up with old furniture, old pewter and old silver. The picture gallery has much that is finest in the Dutch School. The Rembrandts, Ruysdael’s Mill, Gerard Dow’s are some I liked especially. At 2.07 we were on the train for the Hague.
Friday afternoon we went on to Antwerp. We staid at English Hotel (Owens Hotel). I can’t tell you what a pleasure it was to hear my own language from maids and porters. Of course we have heard English in the office at every hotel but we have often had rather amusing experiences making our wants known to porters and chambermaids. What little we saw of Antwerp as a city I liked. It is quite a commercial city with a good many fine buildings and squares. I would really like to see more of it.
We left Antwerp at 11.55 a.m. and about 5 p.m. we reached this gay city of Paris. My next letter will tell you of our stay here which has been very pleasant. At least I have a letter from Gilead, one from Mamma written on July 18. She refers to one Ada wrote the week before which has not reached me yet. I tried not to be anxious but it was an immense relief to hear from you. I hope the letters I have written you have not gone astray. Tomorrow we leave here so my Paris letter will be written and mailed in London. The time is drawing near when we shall start for home. I shall be quite [glad?] to go though I have enjoyed and am enjoying every minute of our trip.
Love to you all and keep well.
Mary G. Peabody
Got any news? Email chapman@hotmail.com
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
It’s October first! Happy National Black Dog Day to all who celebrate!
Newry News
Amy Henley
Where did September go? Fall is a beautiful time of year; it is what follows that I’m not looking forward to. The leaves are quite colorful. Trying to capture the true beauty of them in a photo is challenging and I’ll continue snapping photos for the perfect one.
Cooler weather encourages cooking and baking in this house. Chocolate chip cookies were baked along with a couple of loaves of zucchini bread. With the cold rainy weather, corn chowder was on the menu with strawberries and whipped cream on freshly baked biscuits.
The cattle are all home and it is nice to see them all out in the field. They have been enjoying apples off the trees as a treat still and we go shake the trees for them and they come running.
The first installment of taxes was due yesterday, September 30th. Payments can be made on the town’s website by using the AndroGov link.
The Comprehensive Plan Committee’s next meeting is Monday, October 5th, at 5 pm. The Select Board will meet on Tuesday, October 6th, at 4:30 pm and the Planning Board on Wednesday, October 7th, at 6 pm. Agendas can be found on the town’s website newrymaine.org.
Just a reminder that the Town Office is closed on Wednesday, October 7th, and Thursday, October 8th, for staff to attend training. The code enforcement officer will be available. The Town Office will be closed on Monday, October 12th, in observance of Indigenous Peoples’ Day.
That’s all for this week. Feel free to send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I will include it in my column next week.
West Paris News
Stephanie Emery
Hello from West Paris on this first day of October, 2026. Let me introduce myself. My name is Stephanie Emery and I was raised here in West Paris. Beginning with college I took a chunk of time off from my hometown for about 30 years and lived in various places including New York, Massachusetts, and Utah. A music teacher by formal training, I taught for about seven years professionally, privately, and in public schools. I still consider myself a musician, but my flute playing is much more sparse these days.
For the past 22 years I have been running my own company called Adventure Bus which takes folks on hiking and camping tours throughout the US, primarily to the National Parks. Once based in Utah, I have now brought Adventure Bus to my hometown and offer many tours in Maine and beyond. I am a Maine Guide, an avid birder and love spending time in the woods or on a lake.
Now that I once again live in West Paris full time, I am striving to be more involved in the community. I am a member of the Bobcat Committee and the current secretary for the West Paris Historical Society. I do not claim to be a writer, but when asked if I wanted to be the contributor for the West Paris section of the Western Maine Neighborhood News, I thought why not… I’ll give it a try!
I will primarily report on local events, meetings, and activities but may become brave and offer up more at some point. For now, here is a photo of a frequent visitor to my backyard, and a summary of what is going on in West Paris.
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is a fairly common bird in the forests of the Northeast, but this is the first time I have had one hanging around consistently for several months. A fun fact I found on AllAboutBirds.org states “A Red-bellied Woodpecker can stick out its tongue nearly 2 inches past the end of its beak. The tip is barbed and the birds spit is sticky, making it easier to snatch prey from deep crevices.”
Two Important Surveys for West Paris Citizens:
1. Please fill out the Survey Questions for the Town of West Paris Comprehensive Plan and return to the town office by Oct 29th, 2026. Copies are available at the West Paris Town Office.
2. Please fill out the West Paris Vulnerability Assessment Survey (due by 10/31/26) from CEBE. Complete the survey and/or attend a Community Forum to win a $100 Hannaford Gift Card. Paper copies of the survey are available at the Town Office and West Paris Library. You can also fill it out online at https://forms.gle/uxh5BpxzF3VXiQLy5 The goal of the Assessment Survey is to help West Paris become more resilient to extreme weather and other climate impacts.
Calendar of Upcoming Events:
Now through December 30: Art Exhibit, “The Nature of Trees” by Mick Liimatta, at the West Paris Library. Library open hours are Monday and Friday, 1:30-6 p.m.; Wednesday, 1:30-7 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Saturday, Oct. 3: The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) will hold a Community Forum at the West Paris Town Office from 10-11 AM.
Thursday, October 9th and October 16th: Selectman Meetings at 5PM (always the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month) at the West Paris Town Office.
Tuesday, October 13: West Paris Planning Board Meeting at 6PM at the West Paris Town Office.
Tuesday, October 13: West Paris Library Advisory Board Meeting 6:30-7:30PM. This is the a monthly meeting and is open to the public.
Monday, October 19th: West Paris Historical Society will hold a Potluck Supper followed by a presentation/speaker at 6PM: “Love Letters for Leland.” A look back into West Paris History by Bethany Riley. Everyone is welcome to attend.
Tuesday, October 20th: Bobcat Committee Meeting at 6PM at the West Paris Library. New members are welcome to attend.
Wednesday, October 21st: 6PM-7:15 PM. Poetry and History Discussion Group with Rodney Abbott at the West Paris Library.
Wednesday October 21st: 5:30 PM, West Paris Old Home Days Planning Meeting. Held at Ripple Retreat, 186R Main Street, West Paris. All are welcome to join and share ideas.
Monday Oct 26th: Goodwill Fellowship meeting/potluck at 12 noon at the West Paris Unitarian Universalist Church. Pokeno theme for Thanksgiving.
Saturday October 31: Community Trunk or Treat at 5:00-7:30 PM at the West Paris Fire Station.
Sunday, December 6th: 100th Anniversary of the West Paris Library from 2:00-4:00 PM. Speaker: Rodney Abbott with displays and more. Join us to celebrate our 100-year-old Library! Everyone is welcome!
Ongoing West Paris Meetings/Events:
Recovery Ripples Meeting Every Tuesday at Ripple Retreat from 5pm to 6pm. This is a meeting for those in longterm recovery to discuss the good in our lives now, thanks to sobriety, rather than focusing on the bad. It’s an hour of Gratitude, sharing what we are grateful for as a direct result of our sobriety. We don’t share war stories or look in the past, we focus on today and the future. The meeting is held in person at Ripple Retreat, 186R Main Street, West Paris, ME 04289 and online at https://ripple-retreat.com/recovery-resources/.
The First Universalist Church of West Paris Worship Services Sundays, 9 AM. October’s services will feature music by guitarist Davy Sturtevant and a variety of guest speakers. Refreshments served following the service. All are welcome!
October 4, “All Inclusive Grace” led by guest speaker, Darrell Dyke.
October 11, “There Is No ‘Them” led by guest speaker, Linda Smith.
October 18, “Stuff Beyond Hope,” a reflection from guest speaker, Maryli Tiemann.
October 25, “Repairers of the Breach” led by The Rev. Scott Campbell.
If your West Paris organization has an event or meeting you would like to have listed in this newsletter, please email Stephanie at semery73@yahoo.com.
Woodstock
Linda Stowell
September is quickly slipping away, and October is upon us. My little corner of the world has been rather busy. There is much to do this time of year, especially in preparation for winter. The weather has been a bit weird too. Rainy days, but not too much. I’m looking forward to some warm fall days, which I hope will be arriving.
Last week I took a ride with Susan to deliver Leslie Greenberg (daughter of Jim and Julia Bennett) to the airport. She was returning home to Maryland after spending time with her mother during her hip replacement surgery. We went to the Market Basket in Westbrook before heading home. It’s crazy that one item they carry is $3 cheaper than at Hannaford. Of course, I bought two! They also carry crumpets, which Susan and I both like. I have really hoped that another grocery store line would come closer to this area. I’d like to have more choices. Enough about that.
The weekend was a busy one for weddings. David and I went to the wedding of my nephew, Michael Lloyd (son of Rebecca) and Jasmine Hand in South Paris. It was a beautiful setting outside at the home of Rebecca. The rain held off until later in the afternoon. It was great that they had a tent for the reception. There was a ton of food! I made a gigantic pasta salad, and I’m sure there were plenty of leftovers, but I didn’t want to take any home!
Michael’s best man was Jacob O’Leary. I was pretty sure I’d had him as a student at Andover Elementary. He confirmed my suspicion when I asked him about it. It was nice to visit with members of the Stowell family.
Happy Fifth Birthday Buck’s Ledge Community Forest! The Woodstock Conservation Commission plans to celebrate the 5th Annual Buck’s Ledge Community Forest Day on Saturday, October 10, at 1 PM with reflections on progress last year and looking forward to the next phase. Karen Rosenberg and Melissa Watkins, Phys Ed teacher at Woodstock Elementary School, will discuss the important connection between the school and Buck’s Ledge. The celebration will happen at the Scenic Overlook.
And Monday, October 12, Myles Felch will lead a geology tour on Buck’s Ledge. Meet at the parking lot at 9 AM.
October Worship Services at the First Universalist Church of West Paris
Please join us for Sunday worship services at 9:00 a.m. to experience a variety of speakers and themes you can apply to your everyday life. Music by guitarist Davy Sturtevant. Refreshments following the service. All are welcome!
October 4, “All Inclusive Grace” led by guest speaker, Darrell Dyke. His topic is ahistorical look at Universalism from the first days of the early church to modern Unitarian Universalism as we practice it today. What do the Gospels say about God’s Grace? We will investigate the truly Good News promised to us all, from the beginning.
October 11, “There Is No ‘Them’” led by guest speaker, Linda Smith. This is an eclecticservice with offerings from the Celtic, Native American and African American traditions. There is also a reading from a gentleman from India who won a Nobel Prize for literature, and a short story by an American-born, fully ordained Tibetan Buddhist nun. The service centers around a children’s parable specifically because children’s parables contain simple language whose meaning is difficult to misconstrue. While lively and fun, I believe the message to be deeply meaningful.
October 18, Our guest speaker, Maryli Tiemann, will be sharing a reflection, “Stuff Beyond Hope.” “In the midst of endless dramatic news items, I like to remind myself to continue believing in the truth of the potential of human beings. I’m sure any of us could grouse about all we’re not doing. Yet what’s interesting is to pause and look at what happens intuitively as we live, the gut stuff. The process of evolving in motion, in constant revision.”
October 25, “Repairers of the Breach” is led by The Rev. Scott Campbell. Here’s an excerpt: “I am sometimes quite envious of my friends who seem to have the gift of choosing sides and believing utterly and completely in their cause. There is a certain kind of clarity about their positions that I sometimes lack. They are often blissfully unencumbered by the concerns of those they deem to simply be wrong. They know the truth and carry no burden of caring for those who do not. I’ve never quite been able to muster that kind of certainty about my positions in relation to those of others. Way too often I find myself standing in the middle ground and trying to bring folks together. The problem is that compromise is not nearly as compelling as the cause, whatever it may be. To repair the breach often means to put oneself in a position of pleasing no one. It can be a position that is despised until both sides decide they need something that only you have—a middle place to meet. The real art, the real challenge, is to fill that middle ground in such a way that it bends towards justice. Those who would repair the breach in a way that endures are not those without conviction, but those who love all people enough to move them towards loving each other.”
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. To learn more about the Unitarian-Universalist Association, visit http://www.uua.org/ . The First Universalist Church of West Paris is located at 208 Main St., W. Paris 04289
Get ready for the next meal at the Locke Mills Union Church!!!
The past week has brought a lot of added color. I took a few photos around the house and bog, where the color always starts early.
I had my second Mahoosuc Band rehearsal last Monday evening. I was handed a bell kit that had been hanging around—very dusty case—so it came home with me after the first rehearsal. This is a whole new challenge for me—playing the bells! I’m not super fast with the mallets yet, but as long as I can keep track of where I am in the music, not too worried. At least I’m familiar with the Christmas music!
Have a wonderful week, everyone! Please send me your news/events: lalalindastowell@gmail.com
AFCI
Melinda Remington
Hello Folks,
Please find below the October calendar of all the kinds of local activities you can enjoy with family and friends. Or you can attend by yourself and meet your neighbor and make new friends. All are welcome! My family all met up at the Common Ground Fair in Unity, Maine this past Sunday.
It turned out to be pretty nice weather and we all had a good time. It sure has grown and changed since I attended over 30 years ago! The grandchildren especially liked the children’s craft area. The older girls loved the hula hoops. And the pigs! Actually, 10-year-old Kathryn reported to me that was her favorite part of the day.
I hope everyone gets a chance to get out to their favorite farm or agriculture fair. Or a nice long ride to look at the foliage.
I hope to see you at some of these events listed. Reach out if you would like me to email you a copy that you can download. Or you can pick up a printed copy in the front of Mainely Provisions.
Have a good week!
Melinda Remington
AFCI
Community Connector
melindaremington@yahoo. com
October 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, Monday mornings 9:30-10:30. ‘Buck’s Ledge Trail for All ‘ Tuesday mornings 9:00-10:00. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursday afternoons1:00-2:00
***AFCI’s Walk the Gym program starts in November, Tuesday & Thursday 1:00- 2:00pm. (Free, Age 60+) Gould Academy Fieldhouse, Church St., Bethel Look for future information in next month’s November’s Events Calendar***
Games On! Thursday afternoons,12:00-2:00, 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 mornings, 9:00-12:00, 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 Tuesday evenings, 5:30-7:30, Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Learn a new craft.
Knitting and Crochet Circle at the Bethel Library, Tuesday mornings, 10:00-12;00, 6 Broad St, Bethel (Free, All Ages) Knit, crochet, chat and have a good time while creating and learning from each other.
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)
Gilead Historical Society Buildings Tours, Open each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm during warmer months. Coffee and snacks available. (All Ages, Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead
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Oct.2, Friday,12:30-2:30 pm, Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate,
Adult Ed at Telstar HS. Reserve your seat in this FREE session to practice using your device with friends and a facilitator by calling Tel# 207-824-2136 Ext#1340 (All ages, limit 10 people. Also, Check with the Adult Ed office for future fun Tech Talk Playdates.
Oct. 4, Sunday, 2:00 pm, Tour of Woodland Cemetery, Route 5 (about one mile south of Bethel village). Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Executive Director Will Chapman will discuss people buried in the cemetery, with special attention to Revolutionary War veterans.
Oct 4, Sunday, 5:00pm The Painter’s Fire, at MBHS Robinson House, Broad St., Bethel. A special Independence 250 talk by author Zara Anishanslin, Professor of History and Art History at the University of Delaware. She will discuss her book The Painter’s Fire: A Forgotten History of the Artists Who Championed the American Revolution.
Oct.10, Saturday, 1:00-2:00 pm Buck’s Ledge Community Forest Day. Rt 26, Bryant Pond/Woodstock. This annual celebration, held at the Scenic Overlook, features special guest speakers and festivities. Enjoy Peak Foliage with views of Mt. Abram, the Presidential Mountains, and Mahoosuc Range. Fantastic views of the ledges and local lakes and ponds. Handicapped parking is available at the upper parking lot.
Oct. 10, Saturday, 4:30-6:30pm Loggers Public Supper, Methodist Church dining hall, 75 Main St., Bethel Menu: ham, baked beans, macaroni and cheese, chop Suey, coleslaw, rolls, homemade pies. (All ages welcome, donations appreciated) A guest speaker from the Bethel Area Community Wood Bank will be featured. Come and learn about how you can apply for free firewood to heat your home this winter.
Oct. 11, Sunday 2:00pm, Tour of Riverside Cemetery, North Rd, Bethel (across from the airport) Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Executive Director Will Chapman will discuss people buried in the cemetery, with special attention to Revolutionary War veterans.
Oct. 12, Monday, 9-10 am Geology Walk at Buck’s Ledge Community Forest with Myle Felch. Meet at the RT 26 trailhead parking, Bryant Pond/Woodstock
Oct. 13, 2nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Hearty meal, menu varies. Bring friends or the family. Meet your neighbors. (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $ for the food pantry welcomed)
Oct.14, 2nd Wednesday of month,11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Methodist Church dining room. 75 Main St., Bethel Menu: salad, main entrée, rolls, dessert. (Club membership annual dues are $10. Residents from any town who are age 50 + are welcome to join. This month’s hearty homemade lunch will be provided for $10) After the meal, guest speaker Rebecca Fraser Douglas will present information about Sound Therapy and how it benefits those living with Alzheimer’s disease. Also, final details will be provided about the cost and transportation for the Friday. Oct 16th club outing to Meredith NH and the ‘Turkey Train’.
Oct14, Wednesday, 4:00 pm Ghosts of Mt Washington talk by author Marianne O’Connor. Bethel Library, 6 Broad St., Bethel. She will discuss memorials /death markers on Mt. Washington and some mysterious events. The goal of program is to share individual incidences, raise awareness and provide strategies to help the public prevent future fatalities.
Oct. 17, Saturday, 2:00pm What Revolution? How revolutionary was the American Revolution? A spirited discussion of this topic by two local historians, David Jones and William Andrews. MBHS Howe Exhibit Hall at the Moses Mason House, Broad St., Bethel.
Oct.18, Sunday 2:00pm Pine Grove Cemetery Tour, Rt 2, West Bethel. Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Executive Director Will Chapman will discuss people buried in the cemetery, with special attention to Revolutionary War veterans.
Oct 21, third Wednesday of month, 11:00am-1:00pm Soups On (for Seniors)
Methodist Church dining room, Main St., Bethel
Oct 21, Wednesday,4:30-6:30 Public Chili and Chowder Supper at Locke Mills Union Church, 286 N Main St, Locke Mills. Menu: variety of homemade chilis and chowders, breads, desserts and drinks (All ages, Donations welcomed.)
Oct. 23&24, Friday 6:00-9:00 pm and Saturday morning 9:00-NoonBethel Outing Club 46th Annual Ski and Snowboard Sale, Gould Academy Fieldhouse, Church St, Bethel
Oct 25, Sunday, 2:00pm, Middle Intervale Cemetery Tour. Middle Intervale Rd., Bethel (located 4 miles from Bethel village) Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Executive Director Will Chapman will discuss people buried in the cemetery, with special attention to Revolutionary War veterans.
Oct. 28, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper: Harvest Meal Hosted by the Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: turkey, gravy, stuffing, local mashed potatoes & squash, rolls, cranberry sauce & desserts (All Ages, Free, Donations welcomed) Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available
Please Note: This is the last supper of 2026. Meals resume in January 2027
Oct.31, Last Saturday of month,6:00-8: 00, The Fossils/ Music and Halloween Dance 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills, 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. Join in the fun. Cash prizes for 3 categories of costumes: Funniest, Scariest & Most Original. Contest starts a 6:00 and ends at 7:00 break (All Ages, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion)
In addition to these local events, explore SAD 44 Adult Education offerings, Western Mountains Senior College classes, and new creative opportunities at the West Bethel Makerspace.
http://maineadulted.org
(or call 207-824-2136 ext.1340)
http://westbethelmakerspace.org
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*Resources Available for the Serious Challenges of Life or Aging*
If someone is in immediate physical danger call 911
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 (press1 for Veteran Crisis Line)
Maine Crisis Hotline 1-888-568-1112 available 24/7
http://namimaine.org
SeniorsPlus, designated Area Agency on Aging for Androscoggin, Franklin and Oxford counties. Mission is to enrich lives of older adults, individuals with disabilities and their families by supporting independent living and proactive choice
http://seniorsplus.org
Check out their many core services and specialties. A satellite office is located at 9 Marston St., Norway. Tel# 207-795-4010
A walk-in caregiver peer support group meets on the 4th Thursday of each month 2:30-4:00pm (no appointment required)
Adult Protective Services (APS) to report abuse, neglect, or exploitation of an incapacitated or dependent adult
24-hour hotline 1-800-624-8404 http://maine.gov/dhhs/oads
Legal Services for Maine Elders1-800-750-5353
http://mainelse.org
General Community Resources Dial 211or
http://211maine.org