Happy April! I haven’t been very impressed so far. I’m not at all surprised at the crappy weather, but it’s tough having one nice day thrown in the mix with the bad. I want to get outside and work in the gardens. At this point, I’m just impatient!
Here is info on a special event coming up soon:
Award-Winning Maine Author, Rivera Sun, To Visit
Deering Community Center in South Paris on May 9, 2026
Paris Public Library in South Paris and Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond are pleased to co-sponsor a community presentation by Rivera Sun, well-known author of the Ari Ara series.
The event, funded by a private donation, will happen on May 9th at 1 PM at the Deering Community Center in South Paris (across the street from The Square restaurant and next to the Paris Public Library - in the former Methodist Church). There is no cost to attend and members of surrounding communities are welcome.
Rivera Sun’s books blend action and adventure with the skills of conflict resolution, anti-bullying, and ending violence. They are enjoyed by readers of all ages – from young students to older adults - and will claim a spot on your bookshelf and a place in your heart. Program attendees will have the chance to win a complete set of the popular Ari Ara series signed by the author.
For more information, please contact the Paris Public Library (207-743-6994) or the Whitman Memorial Library (207-665-2505).
I had breakfast with Kathleen DeVore last Friday, our usual day to meet at The Hub. I’m so happy to have this spot close by. Kathleen and I have been meeting for breakfast every month for over a year now. It’s truly great to visit, and get caught up on what’s happening. We also got a look at artwork by Hunter Verrill, which is awesome.
On Saturday I went to hear Graham Platner at the Gem in Bethel. There was a large crowd and he was well received.
The Locke Mills Union Church hosted a Maundy Thursday service last week, followed by a pot luck meal. It was delicious, and there were only eight of us there! The next day was a Good Friday service, and then on Easter, a sunrise service followed by breakfast. Regular service was at 9:30. We are still meeting in the Sunday School room to save on heat.
West Paris news—
Coming right up-this Saturday, April 11, there will be a meet and greet for artist Shelly Shibles at the West Paris library at 3:00. Come and meet the artist and view her artwork. Refreshments will be served.
Jeff Holley is organizing a group of people to bring back Old Home Days in West Paris. This will be on Saturday, June 13. Volunteers are wanted and needed.
Upcoming services at the First Universalist Church of West Paris:
April 12—“The Story of the Road to Emmaus” led by Rev. Scott Campbell
April 19—Earth Day led by guest Marylin Tiemann
April 26—The Good Shepherd
The Smile Fund Sale, which provides dentures for adults in the SAD 44 region, is scheduled for Saturday, April 25, from 9 to 11 AM at the West Parish Congregational Church. The church is looking for donations to benefit this community yard sale. Items can be dropped off at the church between Friday, April 17, and Thursday, April 23. Appropriate items include toys, books, housewares, tools, gardening supplies, and small furniture. Please NO electronics, clothing, jewelry or stuffed animals. For an application or more information about the sale, contact West Parish Congregational church at 824-2689.
On Easter Sunday, I hosted a group for a potluck lunch. Those who came were: Andy and Louise Frank, Dan Quigley, Lainey Cross, Deb Hays, Dave Matthews, Sarah and Colin, and yours truly. I made a lentil soup and focaccia. There was a wonderful selection of tasty dishes, and it was a relaxing and enjoyable time.
On my birthday, I went to Chris Cole’s for freshly made popovers. It was a really nice gathering, with Barb Russell, Lainey Cross, my sister Susan, Kathy Bennett, Chris and I. We sat for three hours, yapping away and eating two rounds of popovers! The rest of my day was very uneventful. More celebrating is planned for later this week.
I welcome your news/events: lstowell@roadrunner.com