Bobcats ❤️ Bowdoinham

Bowdoinhammer - Week of April 24th to May 4th

Author

Rodney Kloberdans
April 28, 2025

Ready for another week, Bowdoinhammer?

You guys will NOT believe the beast that tried to play chicken with my car the other night on my way home from work! This wasn't your average tabby; this was a legendary-sized, creamsicle-colored feline blur.

My heart did a backflip.

(I didn’t get a picture because I was driving, so this will have to do)

I swear I've never seen a bobcat in Bowdoinham before, let alone one that looked like it could eat a horse.

What's the most jaw-dropping critter you've ever encountered around here? Before this sighting, for me, it was those three coyotes I saw back in February.

Alright. Let’s get into it….

This Week’s Newsletter highlights:

  1. If you enjoy driving, there’s a volunteer opportunity available for you.

  2. Bowdoinham Community Connections helped out Bowdoinham Estates.

  3. Community College students can transfer to the University of Maine schools easily with a new program.

  4. If you’re curious about how the Library works, check out the Quarterly Library Board Meeting on Monday.

  5. The Living Well for Better Health class WAS on the town’s calendar for Tuesday, but it disappeared. They didn’t email me or announce that it was moved or canceled, and the ad copy for the actual event hasn’t changed, so I’ll leave it on the list. Just be aware that the event coordinators may have made changes without notifying anyone (tsk, tsk).

  6. Don’t forget to pay your property taxes on Thursday. We have to keep the wheels of this machine we call Bowdoinham greased.

  7. If you have Friday afternoon free and want to learn how to create a May Day Flower Arrangement, I’ve got some good news for you (keep scrolling).

  8. The Jason Anick Trio will be in town Saturday night.

  9. If you didn’t hear enough music the night before, check out the recording session at Watersong Music on Sunday.

Keep scrolling for more info about these and other events.

Rides in Neighbors’ Cars need Volunteers: 

Bowdoinham and Bowdoin are communities that believe in looking out for one another, and the Rides in Neighbors’ Cars program is a shining example of this spirit in action.

This vital initiative connects volunteer drivers with residents aged 60 and older, as well as individuals with disabilities, who face transportation challenges. For those who can no longer drive or do not own a vehicle, this program offers a lifeline, providing free, door-to-door rides to essential appointments, errands, shopping, and other locations within a 50-mile radius of Bowdoinham.

The demand for this neighborly service has increased significantly in recent years, underscoring its importance in enabling residents to maintain their independence and remain connected to the community. Without reliable transportation, many older adults and people with disabilities in rural areas like Bowdoinham and Bowdoin risk isolation and difficulty accessing vital services.

Volunteers in this program become more than just drivers; they often form meaningful connections with their riders, becoming a friendly face and a point of contact. To ensure this crucial program can continue to meet the growing demand and support the well-being of residents, more volunteer drivers are urgently needed.

Individuals with a reliable vehicle and a desire to help their neighbors are encouraged to learn more and consider becoming a volunteer driver. Those interested in making a tangible difference in the lives of their fellow community members can contact Maureen Booth, the Volunteer Coordinator, at (207) 837-9577 for more information.

BCC Delivers on Bulky Waste Day

It warms the heart to share that the Bulky Waste Day at Bowdoinham Estates, organized by our fantastic Bowdoinham Community Connections, was a real testament to community spirit. So many neighbors who lacked the means to remove large items received much-needed help from our volunteers. From clearing out space for a hospice bed to simply making homes more comfortable, it was a day of real connection and care. It's these moments of helping each other that truly make Bowdoinham special. ❤️

From Community College to University, Easy!

Do you know a student who took advantage of the free community college offer and is now wondering, "What's next on this educational journey?" 

Tell them about Transfer ME!

It's a fantastic program that allows graduates from the Maine Community College System to skip the usual transfer application process when they want to join a University of Maine System school.

We're talking no applications, no worries about test scores, no fussing over recommendations, no need to write those oh-so-fun essays, and best of all, no application fees! It's all about saving time and money so they can grab that bachelor's degree even faster.

If you know someone who could benefit from this excellent shortcut, feel free to send them over to: https://www.maine.edu/students/transferme/ to learn more!

“Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine.”

— Anthony J. D’Angelo

Here’s what’s going on in Bowdoinham this week:

Monday, April 28th

  • Open Pottery Studio, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. $10 suggested donation. The maximum capacity is 10 pottery enthusiasts. 

  • Community Sound Bath w/ Ground Well Counseling, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Spend an hour resting and recalibrating with a gentle sound bath featuring Himalayan singing bowls, tongue drum, and voice. Bring a mat, pillow, and/or blanket. Free of charge, but donations gratefully accepted. FMI: [email protected].

  • Quarterly Library Board Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 7:00 PM. BPL Board Meetings are open to the public.  Come to see the inner workings of library decisions or to participate in the happenings.

Tuesday, April 29th

  • Living Well for Better Health class,  Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM. This is a six-week program (Tuesdays, April 29th - June 3rd) designed to assist individuals in managing chronic health conditions through group discussion and peer support. Participants learn practical strategies for improving quality of life, including managing symptoms and navigating healthcare, with the program supported by endorsements from national health organizations. Interested individuals are encouraged to attend all 6 classes to gain valuable tools and community connections. FMI: Monica Hawk [email protected] 

  • Recycling Drop-off, Public Works Facility (121 Pond Rd.), NOON - 6:00 PM.

  • Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

  • Select Board Special Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 5:30 PM. Townhall Streams link. For a list of other town meetings, visit the town's calendar.

  • MSAD 75 School Board Meeting, Mt. Ararat High School (68 Eagles Way, Topsham), 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

Wednesday, April 30th

  • Bridge, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - NOON. FMI: Judy Gray, 666-3025. The group welcomes all players. Current players range from high-scoring duplicate players to seniors who played in college and newbies who have taken a class. 

  • Bowdoinham Food Pantry OPEN, Bowdoinham Food Pantry (9 Main St.), 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. For all residents of Bowdoinham and Bowdoin. Building community with food. NO income verification. FMI: (207) 751-7779. Shop there first. 

  • Pickleball, Bowdoinham Community School Gym (23 Cemetery Rd.), 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. This is open to adults of any age and ability. The group has friendly games with mixed levels of competition.

  • Open Pottery Studio, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. $10 suggested donation. The maximum capacity is 10 pottery enthusiasts. 

Thursday, May 1st

  • The 2nd half of property Taxes are due.

  • Trash Pick-up Day. Trash tags can be purchased at the Town Office for $3 each. Pick-up times vary. 

  • Recycling Drop-off, Public Works Facility (121 Pond Rd.), 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

  • Cribbage hosted by Age Friendly Bowdoinham, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - NOON.

  • Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.

Friday, May 2nd

  • Bowdoinham Community Connections Office hours, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), Noon - 2:00 PM. Pop in to see what the BCC is about! Know someone who needs assistance? Click here. Bowdoinham Community Connections is a project of the Governor’s Cabinet on Aging.

  • May Day Flower Arrangement Class, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Learn to create beautiful May Day basket arrangements with local florist Laurie Saunders in this free, 2-hour class, perfect for sharing with loved ones! Sponsored by Age Friendly Bowdoinham and the Recreation Department, registration is required by April 15th, and space is limited to 10 participants.

Saturday, May 3rd

  • Recycling Drop-off, Public Works Facility (121 Pond Rd.), 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

  • Visit/Volunteer/Donate/Shop at the Bowdoinham Gift Shop, Recycling Barn (243 Post Rd.), 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Clean and FREE curated household items, clothes, and toys are available. Donations and volunteers are welcome to support this community resource and help reduce waste. Contributions are accepted inside, and returnable beverage containers may be dropped off in the window near the road at any time.

  • Open Pottery Studio, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. $10 suggested donation. The maximum capacity is 10 pottery enthusiasts.

  • Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.

  • Merrymeeting Music House Concerts presents: Jason Anick Trio, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), Potluck (optional) 5:30 PM. Showtime 7:00 PM. A suggested cash donation of $20 will be appreciated (100% of the proceeds will go to the artist). Please RSVP. If you would like a heads-up before their other concerts, shoot an email to [email protected] and include a message like, “If you could add me to your newsletter list, the Bowdoinhammer said I would finally know what’s happening before it happens.”

Sunday, May 4th

Events may change or be canceled without notice.

Here’s what’s coming to a Bowdoinham near you:

🇲🇽 Cinco de Mayo is next Monday.

. . .

🎨 Want to create your own unique textiles? Artist Ruthanne Harrison is leading a workshop on block printing and stenciling on May 6th (6:00-8:00 PM), and it promises to be an enjoyable event. You'll design motifs, play with colors, and even print your own scarf! Bring any other fabric items you want to jazz up, too. All materials are provided, and no experience is necessary (ages 15+). Ready to get crafty? Click here to register and learn more: https://www.merrymeetingartscenter.org/store/p21/Textile_Art_Workshop.html#/ (It's $30, or pay what you can!)

. . .

Mt. Ararat High School Senior Prom is on May 10th. Be on the lookout for fancily dressed teenagers.

. . .

💐 Mother’s Day is May 11th.

. . .

🌼 Spring has sprung, and you know what that means – it's almost time for Bowdoinham Public Library's annual Dahlia Tuber Sale! But before the floral frenzy can commence on May 17th at Merrymeeting Hall, they need a posse of fantastic volunteers to make it all happen. Helping hands for everything from setting up shop and getting those tubers all bagged and labeled, to making the room look spiffy, handling sales, whipping up some tasty baked goods (because why not?), and the grand finale… clean-up. The best part? All amazing volunteers will have first dibs on the most spectacular dahlia selections, with special early-bird shopping privileges. If you're ready to get your hands a little dirty for a good cause (and snag some prime blooms!), you can sign up right here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/434137374065/false#/invitation. They're looking forward to seeing you!

. . .

☀️ Looking for a summer job that's both rewarding and fun? Art & Nature Camp is hiring Camp Assistants (must be at least 16) to help with their programs at Bowdoinham Community School from 9 AM to 3 PM on July 14-18, July 21-25, and August 4-8. Responsibilities include assisting with art and nature activities and supervising campers. Pay is $17/hour. Interested candidates should send a resume and cover letter to [email protected]

That’s all I got for you this time, folks!

I’ll most likely have more opportunities for you to interact with our wonderful community next week.

See you later, Bobcat.

Love,

Rodney

❤️