“Above the Fold”
(An introduction to each week’s newsletter from the editor of WMNN)
Hi, Neighbors! In this week’s Western Maine Neighborhood News, the Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock columns are free to all subscribers, along with news from the AFCI—the Age-Friendly Community Initiative. Upgrade to a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to read this week’s Andover, East Bethel, Locke’s Mills, and West Paris columns (and all the town columns every week).
As we reach the midpoint of October—how did that happen?!—our stunning foliage colors are beginning to fade. We’re likely to see fewer people “from away” visiting our area over the next few weeks, but it won’t be long before the holiday season is here and winter recreation is in full swing. Those of us who are fortunate enough to live here year-round know that this is one of the best times of the year to get outside and play, and that there are still plenty of programs and events happening to keep us socially engaged, active, and entertained.
This Saturday, October 17, drop by the Bethel Library between 1 and 3 p.m. to celebrate and say farewell to Library Director Kelcy Arciga and her family as they head off for new adventures in Ireland. Then, at 3 p.m., head up Broad Street to the Mason House for “What Revolution?”, a spirited discussion of the events of 1776 and their place in history with local historians William Andrews and David Jones. At 6 p.m., the Andover Snow Valley Sno-goers snowmobile club will hold a public ham supper and Landowner Appreciation Night at their clubhouse at 205 South Main Street in Andover.
Sunday is looking like a brisk and beautiful day to join Museums of the Bethel Historical Society Executive Director Will Chapman for the third of four local cemetery tours. Meet at 2 p.m. at the Pine Grove Cemetery on Route 2 in West Bethel Village. (Please park next door at Cross Excavation.) After the tour, the Pleasant Valley Commons (former Pleasant Valley Grange Hall) invites everyone in for an open house with cider and snacks. I hope to see you there!
Lena would also like to remind you that fall is the very best time for hiking! Have a great week!
Andover News
Diana Nadeau
Hello faithful readers.
First and foremost, I would love to ask for healing prayers and wishes for Mark Farrington. He was involved in a terrible automobile accident on October 8th. He had life-threatening injuries and was taken by Life Flight to Maine Medical Center where he remains. From what I understand he has had some surgeries with more to come. Healing thoughts and prayers are coming your way, Mark, and to your family as well.
Bethel News
Linda Howe
This past week there were three events at the Methodist Church which involved food and community gathering. The first event was the Loggers Supper on Saturday, October 10th. Food was plentiful and delicious. What I also enjoyed was Chris and Diane who showed photographs and spoke about the Bethel Wood Bank. This Wood Bank services the towns of Bethel, Greenwood, Woodstock, Hanover, Andover, Newry, Gilead, Albany Township, and Upton. This Wood Bank provides limited, supplemental firewood heat assistance. There are Heat Assistance Applications for the 2026-2027 Heating Season available. This will be a much needed service for the upcoming winter. Folks who volunteer at the wood lot on Route 26 across from Blake’s farm are there on Wednesdays and Saturdays. This is a terrific program and blessing to our towns.
The second event was Neighbors Feeding Neighbors on Tuesday, October 13th. Guest speakers at this event were three men from the Abenaki tribe. It was great to experience the culture of this Native American tribe with Maine roots. The food that also showed was amazing! There were also about 70 people in attendance. It was a special night for everyone to enjoy.
The third event was the monthly meeting of the Bethel Senior Citizen Club. The meal prepared by Debbie St. Pierre was delicious. She is a community member who likes to cook for Senior Citizens as a way of giving back to our oldest citizens. After the meal we had a guest speaker. Rebecca Fraser Douglass spoke about sound therapy and the benefits to our health. The science behind it is very interesting indeed. After her talk folks were invited to go into the Community Annex and experience a sound bath. It was very calming and relaxing. Sound immersion is wonderful. Rebecca is gifted using the sound bowls. Her website is raphawellnessme.com, which contains lots of information on this healing practice using sound.
On Saturday, October 17, at the Rumford Point UCC Church located on Route 2 is a Community Potluck Lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. Potluck is always fun because you never know what will show up. Everyone is welcome to come and share food and conversation.
This coming Saturday, October 17, from 1-3 p.m., the Bethel Library is having an Open House to celebrate Kelcy Arciga’s accomplishments and wish her and her family well as they head to Ireland. During Kelcy’s tenure she brought many new and creative ideas for our local public library. Many thanks to Kelcy with good wishes and new adventures as her family joins her mother in Ireland.
At 3 p.m. on Saturday, following the open house for Kelcy, head to the Mason House at 14 Broad Street for “What Revolution?”, a spirited discussion of the events of 1776 and their place in history with local historians William Andrews and David Jones.
The first of the Soup’s On! Lunches will be on Wednesday, October 21st, at the Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come and enjoy some delicious soups and conversations with our many neighbors.
This digital column always welcomes news and/or events which can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com
East Bethel News
Hayli Tuttle
Hello neighbors! I hope you all had a wonderful week. To be honest, I have had a hard time writing this week’s column. Sometimes grief just hits, and I find myself in a funk.
Last night was a Neighbors Feeding Neighbors meal. They were joined by Indigenous chefs and leaders. They had a brief presentation from the Abenaki Councils of Odanak and Wôlinak. They also gave a blessing on the meal. Unfortunately, I couldn’t be there as I had a very sleepy toddler, but I was told it was a beautiful night.
Gilead News
Lin Chapman
Since I have been fairly busy over the weekend, I am finally getting around to write my column on Tuesday. It is a miserable rainy day and hovering around 40 degrees at 4:00PM. Sometimes I wish I was headed for sunny California. Not much to write about. Most people are busy getting ready for the upcoming cold weather.
We have an antique white rose bush that was my mother’s. It has grown quite tall since we planted it out front of the pergola. A couple of years ago it had a few rose hips after the blossoms were gone. There was a flock of Cedar Waxwings that arrived and ate a lot of them. The bush is loaded this year but we have seen only one Waxwing enjoying the rose hips. Some people used to make tea and other things from them.
Judy Bishop, our dedicated GHS member from Yarmouth, attended the last concert of the season at the All Souls Chapel on the Poland Spring Resort grounds, Poland Spring, Maine. Phil House and Kathy Haley were performing. They are two of the longest performing and most beloved musicians of the summer concert series. Phil has been part of the concert series for 30 of the 50 years, and together they have played at Poland Spring for close to 30 years.
After the concert, Judy drove to Gilead to be there for the last day the GHS buildings were open for the season. The members that were there held a birthday party for her since her birthday is at the end of the month. Those that could make it were Kevin Daniels, Pete and Claudia Risbara, and Hugh and Lin Chapman.
Gilead Historical Society
The GHS has wrapped up for this season. There are still quite a few leaf-peepers enjoying the little maple in front of the buildings. We will be closed until Memorial weekend next May. Good season and thanks to all who stopped by and learned a little bit about Gilead’s history.
Letter #12
Aug 15, 1905.
My dearest Family,
Our day in Canterbury was one of the red letter days of the summer. It is so picturesque and the many associations with history and literature make it wonderfully interesting. The train from Canterbury to London took us through such pretty country: fine grassy slopes with large flocks of sheep and herds of cows grazing on them.
We reached London about six, took a carriage and with our ten pieces of baggage (Paris gowns had to be carried in pasteboard boxes) and we arrived at Miss Glover’s boarding house just in time for dinner. The first thing we did Wednesday [Aug. 16] morning was to take a bus to Cook’s where we were made happy by two or three letters apiece: several had been forwarded to Lucerne and sent back to London, one from Ethel in which she had enclosed some money. After we had read our letters we walked to London Bridge, passing the great Fire Monument on our way
Thursday [Aug. 17] we made a day’s excursion to Hampton Court, the palace built by Cardinal Wolsey and presented to Henry VIII.
The Hampton Court gardens are beautiful; long walks between fine old trees, lotus and lily ponds, and the greatest profusion of flowers; long and rather narrow flower beds beside the walk or against a brick wall, and in them hollyhocks of all colors, roses, larkspur, phlox (the loveliest and most varied in color that I have ever seen) geraniums, etc. all mixed in together. I think it was really the prettiest garden I have ever seen. From these Gardens we went into Bushy Park and walked through it (about 2 miles) to Teddington. From Teddington we went by electric car to Richmond and from the bridge over the Thames we had lovely views of the river with its windings and picturesque bridges farther up the stream.
Sunday afternoon we drove through Hyde Park in hansom cabs. In the season it is the place to see society in the afternoon. Monday [Aug. 21] was our best day in London for we really devoted that to Westminster Abbey. We didn’t see even then all that we would have liked, but it was all we were equal to in one day. On Tuesday [Aug. 22] we made another excursion, this time to Windsor. It is over an hour’s ride by train, through pretty English country. Wednesday [Aug. 23] was our last whole day in London and as usual some of it had to be devoted to shopping. We had a good time looking at the lovely silks in Liberty’s windows, and we almost spent our last cent on gloves at Peter Robinson’s.
One other thing which we particularly enjoyed was a visit to the “Old Curiosity Shop.” It is just as quaint as Dickens represents it and the little old man and his wife who live there and sell postcards are real Dickens characters.
This finishes our London experiences, for at 1:25 on Thursday, we took the train for Oxford. I shall send you only one more letter for our trip is nearly over. It will be very good to get home though I have enjoyed every minute of the trip.
Much love to you all. Mary G. Peabody, Warwick, Aug. 29, 1905.
Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
Can it really be mid-October already? The leaves are coming off in the wind and rain, and soon it will be “stick season,” that time between the riotous color of the fall foliage and the quieter beauty of the winter snows.
We’ve certainly been lucky to have so many beautiful days for all kinds of outdoor activities, and the rain we got earlier this week was welcome, too.
Newry News
Amy Henley
Going to Augusta for a convention for two days last week sure made time go quickly. Some great classes took place and connections were made as well as information from vendors. I was glad to make it home in time to get the call from Eliot that he got his first deer. It sure was exciting. So much for relaxing as we headed to Andover to tag it. I’m not into hunting but I’ll support my kid and was there taking pictures. He even convinced me to cook and try some tenderloin. I told him I was really reaching deep but I did it for him. Now he’s on the hunt for a turkey.
Eliot was given a beautiful bow but he still has some growing to do before he can use it so we headed up to LL Cote to see if we could find something that he can use now. It was great to see Mark Bartlett up there as a salesman and he was a great help in setting Eliot up with everything he needs.
Even though it was a long weekend and I had planned on doing some baking, somehow it did not happen. I did make a corn chowder and a tuna noodle casserole. No treats this week in this house.
Trapping season begins soon and I couldn’t be more thankful to have Scott Berry in my kid’s life showing him the ropes and being by his side when he got his deer. I don’t know which one of them enjoys it more. We have quite a few varmints around that need to be thinned out and Eliot and Scott are going to be on the case. I have two older hens that you probably see roaming about if you ride by and at least one was surrounded by feathers this morning. Hopefully the other, Betty, is hiding out somewhere and is safe. We enjoy watching them on the lawn picking away at anything and everything. They will even come on the back porch to visit if you are sitting with Betty always jumping on the porch swing or in my lap for a swing as well. I guess nothing lasts forever and I’ll enjoy the memories. Farm life is a good life but a hard life.
The School Board meets on Monday, October 19th at 6:30pm at Telstar in the library.
The Select Board meets on Tuesday, October 20th at 4:30pm. Dogs may be licensed for 2027 starting on October 15th. Proof of rabies vaccination is required, if not on file. Taxes were due on September 30th with interest starting October 1st. The best way to pay is on the town’s website newrymaine.org. Call the office for assistance or if you need the amount due.
Have a great rest of the week. Apparently, I didn’t take many photos this week so another beautiful leaf it is up against some barbwire.
Send me your news to newrynews24@gmail.com and I’ll add it to next week’s column.
West Paris News
Stephanie Emery
Greetings from West Paris!
On Oct 12th, 1876, the West Paris Lodge No 15 of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows dedicated their new “Centennial Hall” with a supper and ceremony. Approximately 250 people attended the supper where cakes and pies and “all the edibles which can be manufactured by New England cooks” were served along with “unsurpassable coffee provided to wash them down,” according to the Oxford Democrat. The dedication ceremony lasted for over three hours with even women in attendance, an unusual standard for groups at the time. Speeches were made by the IOOF officers and local talent provided entertainment.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
Happy mid-October! This month seems to be screaming by. Three more weeks til the election. I’m really looking forward to the end of the political ads. I am sure I’m not the only one who feels this way. Nothing is going to change my mind at this point, and I have the mute button ready to go whenever there’s a barrage of them!
I am very excited to announce this upcoming exhibit at the Whitman Memorial Library. Kenneth Hathaway was a great uncle who I never met, brother to my grandfather, Rupert. There isn’t a lot of information about him that we have been able to find about details of his life. He was in the Army, and then lived in Boston with his mother, for most of his life. His mother was Claire Whitman Hathaway. He worked at the Christian Science Monitor, and was an accomplished artist in pastels. My grandfather had many of his works, and they have been shared with the generations that followed. We selected paintings that show local scenes, or particular ones that are our favorites. Some are of the lake. I do hope that many will come in to view them.
The library is search of a new librarian. If you, or someone you know, is interested (12 hours weekly), please contact the town office.
Here’s one more plug for the chili and chowder dinner next week at the Locke Mills Union Church.
From the First Universalist Church of West Paris:
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., West Paris 04289.
On Saturday, Dave and I went to Bruno’s Restaurant in Portland for a special birthday meal. My brother-in-law, George Stowell, turned 90 last week. His children, Rachel, Sandy, and David, successfully pulled off a surprise party for him. It was a lovely day, a great group, wonderful food, and an all-round good time! I was especially pleased to see my great nephew, Andrew Sprague. It’s always a good time with the Stowell crew. I’m very grateful for them.
On Indigenous People’s Day, several us gathered at Hathaway’s Hideaway to honor and celebrate Owen Melville. We toasted him, told stories, and had his favorite snacks—even some salsa he himself made! Susan chose that day because Owen has always been proud of his Native heritage. It seemed only fitting. Each of us had a shot glass with some of his ashes, and we all went outside to scatter them. He really was an amazing man—from being in the Peace Corps to learning to do home canning!
My daughters are off to London tomorrow, for a long weekend. The company that Rachel designs for —Pulp and Wire—is being recognized at Pentawards, which is all about packaging and design. It sounds like quite an event—a Gala that looks quite extravagant. Rachel happened to be available to go to London to accept the award, and immediately asked her sister to go along. I certainly look forward to hearing of their adventures.
If you have any news or know of anything happening, please let me know! lalalindastowell@gmail.com
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
Hello, everyone!
It’s hard to believe we’re already approaching the middle of October—time certainly flies!
Our community has so much to enjoy. This year’s brilliant fall foliage and pleasant weather have made the season especially uplifting. The natural beauty right outside our doors brings an added sense of joy and richness to everyday life.
Today I attended the Bethel Senior Citizens Club’s monthly meeting and luncheon, held on the second Wednesday of each month from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the United Methodist Church on Main Street in Bethel. The club welcomes adults age 50 and older from nearby communities, including Norway and Rumford. Annual dues are only $10, and visitors—including vacationers and anyone interested in learning more—are always welcome. Lunch generally costs $10, though donations in any amount are accepted. I enjoy this opportunity to reconnect with neighbors and make new friends. As the AFCI Community Connector, I am honored to share useful information that supports and enriches the lives of older residents. Members also have time to ask questions and discuss concerns in a welcoming environment. The club’s current core leaders—Kathy Bartlet, Sandra Gunther, Linda Howe, Nancy Staudinger, Lillian Williamson—do a wonderful job. The business meeting includes the Pledge of Allegiance, secretary’s and treasurer’s reports, updates on future programs, and important contact information. Members also sing a lively rendition of Happy Birthday to the month’s honorees; October birthdays are Eileen Broderick, Eileen Ring, Frank Shaw, Donna Washburn, Maryvonne Wheeler, and Steve Wight. If you see them around town, be sure to wish them a happy birthday!
An important part of the meeting was confirming plans for those who reserved tickets and meals for the Winnipesaukee Scenic Railroad’s popular Turkey Dinner Train. We will depart from the Bethel Family Health Center at 8:00 a.m. this Friday and travel by van and cars to the station in Meredith, New Hampshire. The two-hour train excursion will include a homestyle turkey dinner catered by the renowned Hart’s Turkey Farm Restaurant in Meredith. To round out the day—no pun intended—we will stop for delicious cider doughnuts and cider. Our group of 34 is hoping for good weather and beautiful foliage, but rain or shine, this hearty group is sure to have fun!
Debbie St. Pierre of Bethel lovingly prepared a homemade lunch of lasagna, chicken tetrazzini, tossed salad, rolls, and desserts. It was delicious!!! Thank you, Debbie!
Our guest speaker was Rebecca Fraser Douglass, LMS, CMLDT, a licensed massage therapist and sound healer with Mountain View Massage in Hanover, Maine.
I personally knew Rebecca’s parents when she was a wee child, growing up in Newry. Greg Fraser (now deceased) and Robin Fraser. Rebecca explained how sound-frequency therapy may benefit people living with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Its calming effects may be especially helpful for those who experience “sundowning.”
Afterward, those interested in experiencing a sound bath moved to chairs arranged in the Church Annex. Nearby, a table held Tibetan singing bowls and other instruments that produced soothing sounds reminiscent of ocean waves, falling water, and chimes. You may be wondering, “What exactly is a sound bath?” I had the same question. If you would like to know more reach out to Rebecca at 207-370-8580 or mtviewmassage@gmail.com
The next Senior Citizens Club meeting is Nov. 11, 11:00 am. at the Methodist Church People are signing up to share a Potluck Turkey Dinner. If you missed Wednesday’s meeting, please reach out to Nancy Staudinger (240-925-4172) or Sandra Gunther (207-824-2516) to let someone know what you would like to contribute.
Next week also marks the season’s kickoff of Soups On for Seniors, a popular program founded by Bonnie Pooley and Linda Howe. No identification or proof of age is required at the door. Bonnie envisioned a welcoming place where older adults could gather during the colder months, enjoy hot soup and bread, and share meaningful conversation in the warm dining room of the Methodist Church on Main Street. The idea was simple—nothing elaborate or fancy—and, with support from the Local Food Connection of Bethel and the church’s lay members, it became a reality. Today, the lunch is held on the third Wednesday of each month during the cooler season, when people may be more likely to stay home and become isolated. If you would like to help with this gathering that nourishes both body and spirit, please contact Bonnie at 207-381-7944. We typically serve 50 to 70 people, so additional cooks are always welcome. I look forward to making fish chowder—what is your specialty?
Have a great week!
Melinda
AFCI Community Connector