It’s Halloweek! I’m not feeling a Halloween vibe, though I do have some pumpkin lights in the window. This is quite a week, with a full moon, the holiday, time change coming, etc. It all makes for a challenging time for teachers! I’m still wondering how October went by so quickly.
What becomes of old railroad lines? They become trails. Cindi Wight recently biked some of Northern Maine’s converted rail beds and brings the photos and the stories to West Parish Congregational Church in Bethel on Friday, November 6 along with other rail trails she has biked on. Potluck supper at 5 PM (bring a dish to share), illustrated talk at 6 PM.
I will add that the rail trails are a great thing. My daughter Sarah, lives in Farmingdale, and there is a rail trail directly behind her house. It’s a wonderful way to get out and move.
The Mahoosuc Land Trust recently shared this Stewardship Update from the Buck’s Ledge Community Forest:
A couple of Thursdays ago, Mike Richards of the Maine Forest Service joined the Woodstock Conservation Commission and MLT at the Buck’s Ledge Community Forest to take inventory of the black ash swamp.
Why black ash? These trees hold cultural significance for Wabanaki basketmakers, who use their sapwood to weave traditional baskets. The inventory will be shared with Wabanaki basketmakers in Maine, helping connect knowledge of this special forest with the people who have long relied on it for their craft.
We’re grateful for the opportunity to learn more about this unique habitat and support the continued practice of Wabanaki basketmaking.
The First Universalist Church of West Paris is planning its annual Thanksgiving dessert pie fundraiser. Those interested in purchasing a dessert pie(s) please place your orders by Thursday, November 19, by contacting Marta Clements at 207-674-2143, or email mclements96894@roadrunner.com. Pick-up is on Wednesday, November 25, between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m. at the church, 208 Main St., West Paris. The price is $18 per pie, and the selection includes apple, pumpkin, and blueberry. For more information, please contact Marta.
It was a big night at the museum last week. We arrived at the Maine State Museum shortly before 5:00 last Thursday. We received a warm greeting upon entering, found our name tags, and had refreshments. We found our friend Laurie LaBar, who was working at the museum at the time the switchboards were moved there. She has since retired, but was brought back to assist in the quilt exhibit. At 6:00, after the speakers finished, we were released into the museum to see it for ourselves. It didn’t take long to find what we had come for—the exhibit with the switchboards that used to be in my living room.
Even though not all floors are yet open, this museum is a treasure! Admission is free through December.
There was one other thing that occurred on our way home. When we got to the intersection in Turner, there were all kinds of flashing lights, and backed up traffic. Once we could see what was happening, we realized it was one of those big generators that are on the move—very slowly. We didn’t have to wait too long, and it was quite a procession!
I’m very happy to report that all my wood is stacked—the woodshed is full and the rest is stacked outside the back shed door. My grandsons Josh and Zack (along with Josh’s girlfriend Molly), came over to get it done. They are excellent workers, and took care of every detail, including clean-up. They also enjoyed a meal from KFC. It’s such a good feeling to know that I’m set for winter—well, mostly. The garage needs re-arranging for me to get my car in.
The chili and chowder meal at the Locke Mills Union Church was delicious. There wasn’t as large a crowd as there was last time, and there was a lot of food!
Coming up this week:
Hope to see you there at the opening!
Dave, Louise, and I took a ride up to Aroma Joe’s on Sunday, where they were holding a community day. We could try any drink for free, so I got myself a cappuccino, which was delicious. WOXO was broadcasting, and the Southern Spoon had a table set up with all kinds of yummy goodies. We were given raffle tickets for the several prizes available. This morning I had a text telling me I had won a prize! I’ll pick it up later today. I’m happy to know that I still have some luck on my side!
Please send me your news/events! lalalindastowell@gmail.com