“Above the Fold”
An introduction to this week’s newsletter from the editor of WMNN
Hi, Neighbors! I mentioned last week that we would be rearranging the schedule for alternating weeks, with “Week A” including free columns from Andover, East Bethel, and Locke’s Mills, and “Week B” including free columns from Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock. Because there is no column from Andover this week (Diana will be back next week!), we’re starting the new schedule with a “Week B”—Bethel, Gilead, Newry, and Woodstock columns are free to everyone this week. The Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI) column will continue to be free to all subscribers in each issue. And you can always upgrade from a free to a paid subscription ($5/month or $50/year) to read all the town columns every week.
I was so very sad to hear about the passing of our East Bethel correspondent, Wally Ritz. Wally had written the East Bethel news for the Bethel Citizen for many years, and, although she had given up the column a while back, she eagerly came out of retirement when I asked her if she’d be willing to write for the online Western Maine Neighborhood News. Although she was residing in Bethel by then, she always made sure to note birthdays, anniversaries, and other significant events of her former neighbors in East Bethel.
I am hopeful that someone from East Bethel might like to take over writing the column. Please contact me at amy.w.chapman@gmail.com if you are interested. In the meantime, I’ll try to keep it going with any news from East Bethel that comes my way, so please send that along to me, too.
The next Neighbors Feeding Neighbors community meal is on Tuesday, September 8, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church. This wonderful community initiative was very dear to Wally’s heart, and she was very proud of the work her daughter Samantha Mullen had put in to spearhead the project, which began in August of 2025 and has served over 700 meals to date.
From Neighbors Feeding Neighbors volunteer Beth Weisberger’s Facebook post:
“It was through these community meals that I had the pleasure of getting to know Wally. Now it’s our turn to show up for Sam and Wally, and to keep the momentum going on this community initiative.”
This month’s dinner will be a lasagna feast, and organizers are looking for donations of about six pans of lasagna, as well as side salads and desserts.
Sign up to bring food here:
https://docs.google.com/.../1apztwwuWALMrgPBG.../edit...
Can’t attend? Give to our community meal fund here:
https://account.venmo.com/u/bethel-neighbors
Since Wally isn’t here to write about the milestone birthday of one of East Bethel’s lifelong residents, please join me in celebrating Dorothy “Babe” Bartlett’s 90th with these great photos from her party, provided by Rosie MacArthur.
Bethel News
Linda Howe
There are many events up and coming in the next couple of weeks in Bethel.
Neighbors Feeding Neighbors will take place on Tuesday, September 8th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a free meal at the Methodist Church located on Main Street in Bethel. One of our beloved volunteers, Wally Ritz, passed away and she was a big supporter of feeding our Community. The kitchen at the Church will not be the same in her absence. I hope folks come out and support this community meal.
On Wednesday, September 9th, the Bethel Senior Citizen Club will meet at Kowloon’s in Bethel for their monthly meeting. Doors will open early for the Seniors starting at 10:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 11 a.m. There will be a discussion on the upcoming Senior Turkey Train trip in October.
Bethel’s Harvestfest will be held on September 19th on the Bethel Common from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an event that welcomes the fall season.
Over in Bryant Pond, Jane Chandler will be presenting a slide show that depicts the people that helped to make Buck’s Ledge Community Forest a reality. This presentation is on Saturday, September 12th, at 1 p.m. at the former UU Church on Grove Street in Bryant Pond. This event is open to the public.
It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this weekly column. My son, Jonathan Howe, passed away on August 17th. The outpouring of love and support for Bob and I has been a blessing that has helped lift the spirit. Grief and joy live side by side. It will be a continuous journey of both emotions. Thank you to all who have expressed their love and concern in a variety of ways. Faith has helped us to move forward. God continues to be our rock and our refuge.
Peace to each and everyone one of us.
Please feel free to send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail.com
Gilead News
Lin Chapman
September has arrived and Labor Day is coming up this weekend. Children are back to school already. I remember that school used to start after Labor Day.
Gilead Historical Society
Claudia has been busy weeding the gardens and keeping them looking great.
The new opaque shades look great. They keep out the sunlight and when they are down, it is still possible to see outside.
Hugh and Pete painted the sign on the corner. Looks great. Hugh also gave the Whistle Post a new coat of paint.
That left the Bumper Stop that needed some attention. Pete painted the information with white paint so the words would be easier to read.
Aunt May’s letters continued-
Letter #6
Deutsches Heim Old Clock Tower
Venice, July 12, 1905
My dearest Family
Yesterday I sent off a letter telling you of our last days in Florence and now I shall attempt to give you a little idea of this fairyland for such it seems to me.
I have sent you postals of the Old Clock Tower with our rooms marked so you know something of our surroundings. But that picture doesn’t show half how interesting and quaint it is. We go into a narrow dark alley, then up and up a narrow stone staircase before we reach our rooms which are really delightful. We have two large double rooms both on the verandah which is all our own.
Directly in front of us is the Piazza with the Grand Canal just beyond. Between us and the canal is the pillar with the winged lion.
There are only three bridges across the Grand Canal, and the Rialto is the only one of interest. I was grieved to find that
Shakespeare’s Rialto was the fishmarket close by and not the bridge which has quaint little shops something like the Ponte Vecchio in Florence.
But to return to my chronological order. Sunday [July 9] just at sunset we took a gondola ride under the Bridge of Sighs, through the
narrow canals and came out on the Grand Canal just by the Rialto. The sunset colors reflected in the water and on these fine old
palaces made a picture I shall not forget.
We left Venice this morning at 8:20 and reached here (Milan) about 2 p.m.
We leave here tomorrow at 10 a.m., spend the night at Domo D’Ossola, the next day on to Brieg by Diligence, and on Sunday we reach Zermatt.
I wish I had time to write more, but it is late and the others have all gone to bed. Everything is well with us and it goes without saying that we are enjoying every day.
It is still very warm though nothing like Florence and we long for the snow covered Alps. I am sending this letter to Gilead as Lily said they might be away all through August. I shall be so glad when I hear from you that my first letter has been reviewed.
Much love to each and every one. May
Got any news? Email chapmal@hotmail.com
Newry News
Amy Henley
I’m not sure where the summer went and how we could possibly be in September already, but we are. Fall is clearly on the way with cool mornings and even a few red leaves on the trees.
Corn, a few squash, pumpkins, and onions are the only things left in the garden. Carrots were picked and processed this past weekend. The crop was not that good this year with smaller carrots than usual and the mice had begun to chew the tops. Carrots have typically done well and we have an overabundance. Wondering why this year was different, I remembered I ordered these seeds from a different company. I will definitely not do that again.
Blackberry picking continued with another batch of muffins and a cobbler with the rest going in the freezer. I did have a pint that I ended up adding to pancakes one night for supper which were very tasty.
I’ve spent some time roaming around near the river and out in the woods looking for new flowers I have not yet observed on the app Seek which is neat. The app allows you to use your camera to identify plants and flowers providing you with the name and additional information. I recommend checking it out if this is something you are interested in. It seems like each year there are new flowers around and I often wonder where they came from.
The barn received a beautiful new roof thanks to A&G Carpentry. It looks great and it was amazing to watch them put up the 22-foot-long pieces of metal roofing. If we need any projects done, we’ll definitely be calling them again. Now work continues on jacking and replacing rotten beams and then some siding.
Just a reminder that the Town Office will be closed on Monday, September 7th in observance of Labor Day and Wednesday, September 9th for staff to attend training.
Tax bills went out in the mail on the 27th. If you have not received one, please contact the town office or you can find them on the town’s website, newrymaine.org. Tax bills are sent to the owner as of April 1st and courtesy bills are sent to new owners. Payments can be made on the town’s website using the AndroGov link, selecting real estate, entering your account number and tax year 2027. We suggest using an echeck for a $1 service charge. This is a safe way to ensure payments are received and not lost in the mail. Reach out to the town office with any questions or if you need assistance.
Have a great week. Feel free to send me your news to be included in the column next week to newrynews24@gmail.com.
Woodstock News
Linda Stowell
I can’t believe it’s September already! August was a wonderful month; lovely warm days, cooler nights, and just enough rain. I’m sitting outside as I write this (Monday), and it’s a perfect day.
I can’t help but observe things around me outside, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the top of this Eastern White Pine is loaded with cones! I can even see the pitch, which sparkles in the sunshine.
Some years there is pitch everywhere, making it tough to be on the patio. That is not an easy thing to clean up. When I was a kid, and playing outside all the time, I would often come home with pitch somewhere on me. My mother would get the can of Crisco out and that would do the trick.
I had a great visit with my friend Jane. We spent quality time outside, and enjoyed visiting. I’m so very thankful for this friendship which has lasted since our college days. Like most “old friends,” we pick up where we left off.
The West Paris Universalist church will reopen the Sunday after Labor Day, Sept. 13.
It was Saturday morning, when we were sitting out in the yard—Dave told me to look—and there was an all white hummingbird, zipping around and going to different flowers in the garden. I immediately grabbed my phone and went toward it, hoping to be able to catch it. Amazingly, I managed to capture the whole bird, as it was enjoying a bee balm flower. We watched it for a very short time, as it flitted about. Another hummingbird began to chase it, and then it took off. I felt very privileged to have observed it with my own eyes!
I posted this photo on the Maine Birds Facebook page, and it got a lot of attention there. It is a very rare thing to see one of these! It’s really all about being observant and watching what is around us. There is a lot going on on many different levels. I see hummingbirds on a daily basis, since I have a lot of blossoms in my yard. It would have been so easy to miss, but luckily, we didn’t!
My cucumbers and summer squash are still producing. The Sun Gold tomatoes are just starting to give a hefty handful daily. They are simply delicious.
School is back in session. My grandson Zack doesn’t start until this week, unlike many other districts, which returned last week. Grandson Josh is starting at CMCC, along with two of his friends. Ben is still at Charlie’s Subaru, and continues to learn more as he is sent to classes in Massachusetts.
Remember—this is coming up—soon!
Condolences to the family of Wally Ritz, who passed away last week.
My neighbors, the Franks, are having a sale at their house over Labor Day weekend, if anyone is interested. I keep thinking I will have one of my own, but I know the work that goes into it, and I’m just not that ambitious.
Last weekend, Sarah and Colin, along with three friends, Travis, Lex, and Cam, stayed at Hathaway’s Hideaway. They took a ride up to West Bethel to take a look at the Makerspace, where Travis will be a teaching a class on September 10. He will be instructing a class on making a “ditty bag.” Travis has taught numerous quilting classes in the Portland area, and is an avid sewer. I was a little surprised when he said the class was sold out, and that there are 8 people in it. Those taking it will have a great evening with T-Bag!
It’s that time of year when the monarch butterflies are hatching out and making their presence known. I have not seen any monarch caterpillars this year, but have seen the butterflies.
I just got word that my wood will be arriving on Thursday. Fun times!
Now to get the shed cleaned out and ready.
Every time I drive through town, I admire the new sign in front of the library. It’s such a great addition, and very easy to see. The last cookbook dinner at the library will be held on Monday, September 21, at 5:00. The theme for this meal is gourmet.
I happened to notice that the Franks had a visitor this morning--Christopher Spanks and his dog, Larry Bird. Larry got out of the VW bus and had a very vigorous play date with Bella. They played tag and had a fine old time running around, doing what dogs do. I thought it only fitting that I took the opportunity to photograph the two new friends. I should also mention that Larry is running for Mayor of Bethel, so get your vote in!
Enjoy these beautiful September days! And please send me any news or events:
AFCI News
Melinda Remington
September 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, Mondays, 9:30-10:30 am. “Buck’s Ledge Trail for All” Tuesdays, 9:00-10:00 am. Both trails are easy, handicapped-accessible; scenic with benches and/or picnic tables. MLT Valentine Farm Thursdays, 1:00-2: 00pm. Look at the Garden!
Games On! Thursdays (Sept. 3 & 24) Please note: No Games on 10th& 17th this month) 12:00-2:00 P.M. 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 (Sept.3,10,17, 24) 9:00 A.M.-12:00 P.M., Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26, (Free, All Ages, sponsored by the church) Welcoming group offers coffee, donuts, smiles, and conversation
Village Makers Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 P.M. (Free, All Ages) Bring your favorite craft to work on while you socialize and meet your neighbors. Learn a new craft. Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond
Seniors’ Social Time at Bethel Library Tuesdays (Sept.1,8,15,22,29)
12:00-1:00 pm (Free, sponsored by the library, bring snacks, crafts &games)
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, each Saturday,12:00-3:00pm. Coffee and snacks available. (All Ages, Donations welcome,). Rt 2, Gilead
Tech Help at Bethel Library 1st Monday of each Month, 11:00am-1:00pm, (All Ages, Free)
----------------------------------------------------------------------Sept 2, Wednesday, 7:00pm, Presentation by the Greenwood Historical Society: History of Howe Hill Neighborhood, Locke Mills Legion Hall, 595 Gore Rd, Greenwood
Sept. 3, Thursday, 5:30-7:30, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society (MBHS) Annual Meeting and Potluck, Moses Mason Barn /Howe Exhibit Hall, 10 Broad St., Bethel. Program: Meet John Adams: A Lively and Revolutionary Conversation with America’s 2nd President
Sept. 4 Friday, 4:30-6:30 pm. Accoustapalians play the last concert of the Andover Summer Concert Series, Rain or shine at the Gazebo on the Common, intersection of RT 5&120, Andover (Free, Donations accepted, Bring chair).
Sept 5, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
Sept 8, 2nd Tuesday of month, 4:30-6:30 P.M. Neighbors Feeding Neighbors, United Methodist Church, 75 Main St., Bethel. Bring a friend or the family to share a meal of Lasagna, salads, bread, and desserts (All Ages, Free, Donations of non-perishable food or $ for the food pantry)
Weather permitting, there will be outdoor activities on the front lawn.
Sept 9, 2nd Wednesday of month, 11:00 A.M.-1:00 P.M. Bethel Senior Citizens Club Meeting/ Lunch at Kowloon Village Restaurant, 190 Main St., Mountain View Mall, Bethel (Age 50+, individuals order from menu and pay) Come early to order food at 10:30am!
Sept 16, Wednesday,4:30-6:30 Baked Bean Supper at Locke Mills Union Church. 286 N Main St, Locke Mills You may enter your homemade beans into a contest, for prizes! Dinner is free with donations appreciated. Menu: Beans, Cole slaw, Hot Dogs, Dinner Rolls, Corn Bread and Desserts.
Sept.19, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm Saturday Market on Main Steet. Buy Crafts, food, and inside yard sale at the United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel (All Ages)
Sept 19, Saturday 10:00am-3:00pm Bethel Area Chamber Harvestfest on The Town Common, 21 Broad St., Bethel. Crafts, Games, Festivities, Food, Wagon Rides, Pie Baking and Pie Eating Contests Live Music!
Sept. 21, Monday 12:30-2:30 pm, Tech Talk; Iphone/Ipad Playdate,
Adult Ed at Telstar HS on Monday, 9/21/26, 12:30-2:30. 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 Limit 10, call soon.
Sept 26, Last Saturday of month,6:00-8: 00, The Fossils/ Music and Dance This is a fun intergenerational, 50’s-90’s rewind of your favorite songs. Local musicians and vocalists lead us down memory lane as we groove to the music. (All Ages, Free, Donations suggested to support the Jackson Silver Post of the American Legion) 593 Gore Rd., Lock Mills
Sept.30, Last Wednesday of month, 4:30-6:00 P.M. Community Supper Hosted by Bethel Alliance Church, 251 Walkers Mills Rd/Rt 26. Menu: Pasta Bake (pasta, meat sauce & cheese) Garlic Bread, Desserts, Drinks (All Ages, Free, Donations Accepted) Drive around to back of church to park, ‘To Go’ meals available
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
Bethel Area District Exchange(clothing) and Food Pantry, 281 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel Open 9:00-11:00am every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Tel# 207-890-4022 email:info@bethelareafoodpantry.org
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Reminder: AFCI’s Neighbor2Neighbor volunteer program offers free rides within 30-mile radius of Bethel (ages 60+). We are always looking for volunteer drivers. Would you like to help your neighbors? This is an enjoyable service and a great way to meet folks. Call and leave a message to apply as a rider, a driver, or for other questions and concerns: 207-824-4444
For current information visit our Facebook Page. Please click Favorites at the top of our page, comment or message us at: www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel/
Or Email Community Connector : melindaremington@yahoo.com
What is the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative (AFCI)???
AFCI is a non-profit that helps local older adults remain in their homes as they age. Programs help older citizens (age 60+) to thrive physically, mentally and socially.
FREE PROGRAMS
Neighbor2Neighbor Rides (N2N rides within 30 miles of Bethel for medical, shopping, social engagements)
HandyNeighbor (Spring and Fall yard & garden chores completed by high school students & supervisors)
Walk the Gym (November through April, Tuesdays and Thursdays, 1:00-2:00 P.M at Gould Academy)
“Games-On” (Thursdays, Noon -2:00P.M., at Whitman Memorial Library, Bryant Pond (Fun social time.)
Home Safety Assessment by certified O.T. (Personal safety & fall prevention)
Used Medical Equipment Lending Closet (Donations accepted. Canes, Walkers etc. (For All Ages)
Alexa Echo Dot and Smart Plugs assistive technology to enhance safety in the home
AFCI receives support from Bethel-Gilead-Greenwood-Hanover-Newry-Woodstock
AFCI serves these 6 towns and the residents of Albany and Mason Townships
Board Members: President Julie Hart; Eileen Broderick, Katina Columbotos, Marilyn DiFillipo, Amy George, Moriah McDonough, Charlie Raymond, Charlie Reiss, Brie Weisman, Maryvonne Wheeler, Paula Wheeler
Community Connector: Melinda Remington
Email: melindaremington@yahoo.com
Locke’s Mills News
Amy Wight Chapman
Four more hikes for Lena this week, and a couple of long morning swims for me. I’m going to miss being able to jump in the lake, or onto the trails, without any pre-planning or driving, but this weekend marks the end of our summer at camp.
We could stay a couple more weeks, but it would mean burning a lot of firewood (and still probably being cold), plus my September calendar, as impossible as it seems, looks even busier than my July and August calendars did. I’m still holding out hope for some quieter days in October!
Saturday’s hike was on the Parks-Bennett Trail in the Bethel Community Forest, with Tony and Lena. I don’t know why I always forget about this great loop! Although it was my tenth time hiking it, it was the first time in almost two years. It has beautiful views, diverse terrain, a brook for dogs to play in, and, at just under three miles, it’s the perfect length for a quick hike.
