Editor’s Note: Since the Woodstock column for March 12 that Linda wrote before she left for her Aruba vacation got lost somewhere in cyberspace and only made its way to me today, this week’s column is a combo of the March 12 and March 26 columns—a two-fer!
There’s a lot in the works at the Whitman Memorial Library. Coming up: Community Narcan Training, visit by author Jack Montgomery, a joint event with the Norway Library with a presentation by Maine author Rivera Sun, early summer craft fair, and Cookbook Club. I will get details out as the events get near.
Some of us (who have lived here forever and are on the old side) have been reminiscing about Bryant Pond in the good old days. Just the fact that we had two grocery stores (an A & P, and MacKillop’s store—later Ken’s Market), is quite remarkable! I remember these places. There was a pay phone outside the market—a nickel for local calls. Inside was probably about anything you could want. There was also Dudley’s Store and Cole’s Hardware. The buildings for those still stand, though rather shabby looking. The Wildlife Den, run by Gil and Liz Whitman was right beside where the Buck’s Ledge Trailhead is now. That was a very interesting place, with different creatures on exhibit it. This town was really a happening place back in the day.
Coming up at the Locke Mills Union Church: there will be a Maundy Thursday service on April 2, at 4:00pm, followed by a potluck meal. On Friday, April 3, Sondra will conduct a Good Friday service, also at 4:00. On Easter Sunday, we will have a sunrise service, followed by breakfast, and then regular church at 9:30.
I hope everyone adjusted to the time change. It seems that every year it’s discussed on whether to change the clocks or not. It makes me think of the year I turned 50. My birthday was actually the same day as the time change that year (before the earlier date change in March). My mother and sister threw me a surprise party! I really was surprised, and was rather annoyed that no one made any plans to celebrate with me. Well, my friend Joey told me a good story that I believed, and next thing I knew….surprise! It was a really fun party, and just as we were sitting down to eat, Jayden and Ken Irons showed up! Apparently they didn’t get the memo for the time change, so showed up an hour later. We got a good laugh out of that.
Woodstock’s town meeting will be Monday, March 30, at 6:00 p.m. at the fire station.
Happy Spring! It arrived shortly after my return from a very warm place. It’s a difficult thing to switch climates like that. One moment you’re in the sun, 80’s, and warmth, then POW!
Our return flight last Thursday was pretty routine, except for a rather bumpy trip to Boston. It was a bonus to go through customs in Aruba, but, it took the longest time for luggage to show up! We had tickets for the 8:10 C & J bus to Portsmouth, though we hoped to maybe get on an earlier bus if possible. We did manage to score seats on a bus which was 15-20 minutes earlier, and that eventually got us home about midnight. We had no issues with TSA on either flight, which was a relief. I was glad I left my boots in the car.
One amazing thing about Aruba is its water supply. Tap water is exceptionally pure and safe, produced by advanced high-quality distillation. It’s unusual to visit an island and not worry about drinking the water!
On our last full day there, we went to the Aruba Aloe Factory, where there was a big sale. The store there was packed, and there were festivities outside—play area for children, a stage for music, and lots of food! We finally got to taste a pastechi, which is a hand pie, and filled with cheese, or different seasoned meat. Ours were with beef, and they were delicious! We also tried some Dutch pancakes—tiny ones, with many choices of toppings.
After that, we made our way to the downtown shopping area. We found a good jewelry store, where we were able to get some larimar earrings. Larimar is found exclusively in the Dominican Republic, but of course, sells well anywhere. We followed up with lunch at the Sexy Shrimp. Because it was their Anthem and Flag Day (like our 4th of July), there was a lot happening all over the island. The restaurants were not busy, so we enjoyed a last lunch out (chicken tenders for me, while everyone else got shrimp!!).
On St. Patrick’s Day, we were prepared with our “green” shirts. We went out that evening on the KuKu Kunuku bus. What a hoot that was! We were the first to be picked up. We climbed aboard an old school bus—no windows, brightly painted, and maracas stationed nearby so that everyone could participate. Music blasted as we drove on, stopping to pick up passengers.
We were given a cup with a rum punch (not our favorite), and made stops at three different bars. At each stop, we exited the bus and went in, where we could buy a drink if we wanted, or just hang out and dance. Dancing was the best part! We were the last to get off the bus, and it was close to midnight, I think. It was a fun evening, and the party atmosphere just increased as the night went on.
First Universalist Church of West Paris April Worship Services:
While ‘spring’ (astronomically speaking) officially arrived on March 20, April
brings the real signs of spring, which symbolize renewal, growth and hope. Our services for this month in many ways convey the transformative nature of spring. Please join us Sundays at 9:00 a.m. Music by Davy Sturtevant. Refreshments following the service. All are welcome.
April 5, Easter Sunday Service, led by Pastor Linda Couture and the worship service committee.
April 12, “The story of the Road to Emmaus” led by The Rev. Scott Campbell. Here’s an excerpt: “Ordinary events that become sacred moments in the midst of our lives…That is what happens on the road to Emmaus. The choice to walk the road of faith together, brothers and sisters, in conversation with each other about the things that truly matter, to allow one another to enter into our stories and to willingly enter into another’s—keeps us alive and engaged throughout our days.”
April 19, Earth Day, led by guest Maryli Tiemann. “What do Maine’s own Senator Muskie, pink toilet paper, The Hobbit, and blade-less windmills have in common?” Our Earth Day service will include a reflection from Maryli Tiemann and music by Davy Sturtevant. Maryli will share recent innovations which promise cost effective solutions to our global energy needs, including a pocketful of small ideas we can use to create our own positive changes.
April 26, The Good Shepherd and whose voice deserves our allegiance. Here’s an excerpt: “Beloved, we hear a thousand voices calling for us to follow every day. Advertisers hawk their wares, image vendors would make us over into their desired likeness, culture tells us what success looks like, and politicians offer the promised land. Beware of all their claims. Make room in your quiet times to listen for the voice of the Good Shepherd—the One to whom you are a sacred trust, the One who will lead you to places that will sustain you, the One who will protect you in the face of danger and the One whose heart is tender and merciful. This is the voice to listen for. Let all others fall on deaf ears.”
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
Have a great week, everyone! Send me your news: lstowell@roadrunner.com