• Bowdoinhammer
  • Posts
  • From Ballots to Benches, We’re Building Community

From Ballots to Benches, We’re Building Community

Bowdoinhammer - Week of November 3rd to the 9th

Author

Rodney Kloberdans
November 03, 2025

Good morning, Bowdoinhammer.

There was a huge surge in new subscribers this week, so if you're new here, welcome! Thanks for lending me your eyeballs for a few minutes. 👀

The Bowdoinhammer exists to highlight local events and announcements so you can jump in, help out, or just feel a little more connected to this sweet little corner we call home. It’s hard to be engaged in the community if you don’t have information.

Wanna read past issues? You'll find them in the archives.

Know someone who's Bowdoinham-curious? Forward this along!

Is there an event or announcement you'd like to share? Email it to me: [email protected].

I am really glad you're here.

🗳️ Your Vote, Your Town: A November 4th Guide

(Norman Rockwell - 1944 / © SEPS)

Election Day is Tuesday, November 4th, and Bowdoinham voters will head to the Community School to help shape the town’s future. Every vote matters, especially when it comes to decisions that affect our neighbors. Mark your calendar, mark your ballot, and help shape the place we all call home.

Local Decisions 

Your ballot includes a few key local matters:

  • Town Select Board: Two seats are up for election. Current member Allen Acker is running for re-election. Voters can also write in Shelley Hooper or Marc Babcock. These are the folks who help decide how the town spends its money and sets its direction, so it’s a choice worth making. If you’re unsure who you should vote for, Jarod Johnson organized a “Meet the Candidates” forum, and posted it on YouTube just for you 👉 https://youtu.be/71TsUCNvZL8?si=96J84EeaqrNDoOnW

  • Pratt Road Maintenance: Residents will vote on whether the town should continue winter maintenance (plowing and sanding) for a short, discontinued section of Pratt Road that serves five residences.

Statewide Decisions

There are also two statewide questions on the ballot:

  • Question 1 proposes changes to Maine’s election laws, specifically requiring voters to present ID and limiting options for absentee voting.

  • Question 2 would allow courts to temporarily restrict firearm access in cases where a clear risk to public safety has been shown.

Are you a parent? Bring the kids! When kiddos see a parent or guardian vote, it helps them understand that civic participation is both necessary and normal. It’s something adults do because it matters. Many polling places (including places like Bowdoinham Community School) are very family-friendly, and poll workers are usually happy to see young visitors quietly tagging along.

“Nobody will ever deprive the American people of the right to vote except the American people themselves and the only way they could do this is by not voting.”

- Franklin D. Roosevelt

The Bowdoinhammer runs on coffee, late nights, and a whole lot of neighborly love. 

If you enjoy it each week, consider fueling the Bowdoinhammer with a little donation: buymeacoffee.com/bowdoinhammer

Every little bit helps. 

Thank you!

A Gentle Reminder from the Bowdoinham Gift Shop ♻️

The dedicated volunteers at the Bowdoinham Gift Shop (our free community corner at the Recycling Barn) have asked for a little cooperation to keep their efforts working smoothly.

Please, only bring donations on Saturdays from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM; that's when a volunteer can properly handle and store them indoors. Leaving materials outside is a problem, creating extra work and a messy, unsafe situation.

The building is under electronic surveillance, and Mr. Berry confirms that anyone leaving material after hours will face prosecution for littering, so be kind to the volunteers and drop your items off at the correct time.

You can also send a message to the Gift Shop on Facebook to set up a private drop-off.

A Few Good Neighbors

Back on October 4th, Bowdoinham Community Connections organized a small group of volunteers to help community members take advantage of the town’s Bulky Waste Day. They wound up doing a little more than they planned. Here’s Select Board member and BCC’s own Jay Hodde’s update from that day: 

It was a small group of 3 of us (David, Jay, Corey) this morning, but we accomplished what we had set out to do (and more).

We picked up 3 mattresses and an old chair on Carding Machine, and then drove over to Post Rd, where we collected a curio cabinet, a dining room table, a huge 2-piece hutch, and a storage cabinet.

We were going to drop everything at public works, but decided to stop by the recycle barn first. The hutch, table, and curio cabinet were in such great shape that we donated them to the gift shop instead of tossing them into a dumpster.

While we were at the barn, another customer turned up with a flat tire that needed changing. Corey helped change the tire while David and I unloaded furniture.

We took the rest to public works, where Jacinta proudly directed us to another Bowdoinhammer who needed a truck in order to get rid of a push mower and a box spring. So we helped him out, too.

In all, it was a full morning (9-12), but people were all happy and thankful for our help.

Jay

Happening This Week:

MONDAY, November 3rd

  • Goats in the Road Trivia, Three Robbers Pub (12 Main St.), 6:00 PM - 7:00 PM.

  • 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, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. FMI: [email protected]. 

. . .

TUESDAY, November 4th, Election Day 🇺🇸

  • No School for MSAD 75 Students.

  • VOTE, Bowdoinham Community School Gymnasium (23 Cemetery Rd.), 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM. 

  • 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.

  • Merrymeeting Dance Alinement FREE Line Dancing Lessons, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 5:30 PM - 6:00 PM. FMI: [email protected]

. . .

WEDNESDAY, November 5th

  • Bridge, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - NOON. 

  • The Clothes Closet, The house behind the church (7 School St.), 2:30 PM - 5:00 PM. FREE clothes for those in need. All are welcome.

  • Bowdoinham Food Pantry OPEN, Bowdoinham Food Pantry (9 Main St.), 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. 

  • 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, November 6th

  • Trash Pick-up Day. You can buy the $3 trash tags at the Town Office and Public Works Facility. Pick-up times vary. 

  • Intermediate Yoga Class with Ann Flannery, second floor of Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.) 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM. Designed for those with some yoga experience, but modifications are always offered. $15 payable by cash, check, or Venmo. FMI: [email protected] or (207) 751-9589.

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

  • Cribbage, 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, November 7th

  • 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.

. . .

SATURDAY, November 8th

  • 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 are accepted inside during these hours, when volunteers are present to store them properly; please note that the building is under electronic surveillance, and leaving materials outside at any other time is considered littering. 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.

  • Trees and Wood-burned Art: The Love of Trees, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. An Exhibition by Evelyn Dean.

  • Bowdoinham Veteran's Day Gathering, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM. FMI: Marc Babcock [email protected].

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

  • Window Star Workshop with Asia Roberge, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM. SOLD OUT!

. . .

SUNDAY, November 9th

Events may change or be canceled without notice.

A New Bench & Our First Halloween!

(Another Bowdoinham Country Store update from Ashleigh & Logan)

Many years ago, when the store was owned by Marion, we’re told there was a bench inside… a simple seat that became the heart of the store. Children would gather there after school to enjoy a piece of penny candy. Folks sat together over cups of coffee, swapping stories about the good ol’ days. Locals would pause, for a moment, to greet a familiar face walking through the door. That bench held laughter, conversation, and connection. A small but cherished piece of Bowdoinham’s story. Today, we’re thrilled to share that the store once again has a bench and our hearts couldn’t be more full. This beautiful new bench was a gift from a dear friend and neighbor, who poured his heart and soul into creating it. Every detail shows his care, craftsmanship, and creativity. It’s more than just a bench, it’s a work of art, a labor of love, and a reminder of the kindness that makes this community so special.

We are deeply grateful for this incredible gift. Thank you for your time, your talent, and your generosity and for simply being such a wonderful human.

If you haven’t seen it yet, stop by soon and take a seat. It’s truly something special.

P.S. - Thank you to everyone who stopped by Friday night and made our very first Halloween at the store so memorable! It was such a heartwarming experience. Seeing all the costumes and smiles truly made our night. We’re so proud to be a part of this amazing community and can’t wait for all the fun celebrations yet to come.

With heartfelt thanks,
Ashleigh & Logan

Happening Soon:

🕯️ If your idea of self-care involves melting things on purpose, this one’s for you! On November 15 from 4:00–5:30 PM, Asia Roberge will be teaching a Candle Making Workshop at the Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.). You’ll pour, scent, and shape your own candles to take home. No experience required, just $30 and a good attitude. The deadline to sign up was November 1st, but they still have a few slots open. Hurry!

.   .   .

📚 The Bowdoinham Booked Moms’ special Booksgiving shindig will start at 6:00 PM on Sunday, November 16th, at Merrymeeting Hall. They will discuss "The Midnight Library” by Matt Haig while enjoying a potluck dinner. Want to meet other Bowdoinham moms and enjoy a good book and conversation (with other adults)? Email [email protected] for more information.

.   .   .

🗣️ Another important MSAD 75 Master Plan Community Forum is happening Monday, November 17, from 6-7 PM at the Mt. Ararat High School Forum (and on Zoom for those joining from home: https://zoom.us/j/92293782305). This is a chance for residents, business owners, and anyone with a stake in our schools to share thoughts on future plans, including potential building changes and district priorities. The feedback gathered will help shape the final plan, so if you've got ideas or just want to listen, your presence matters. You can also submit questions and comments through the form if you can't make it in person.

.   .   .

📖 The Loose Ladies Book Club will discuss “Memorial Days: A Memoir” by Geraldine Brooks on November 20th. In the wake of devastating loss, Geraldine Brooks seeks solace on a windswept Australian island, where silence and sea become her companions. Memorial Days is a tender meditation on love, mourning, and the rituals that help us begin again. Get your copy at Bowdoinham Public Library or your favorite local bookseller.

.   .   . 

🎶 Merrymeeting Music House Concerts will feature Triton at Merrymeeting Hall on Saturday, November 22nd! Click here to get on the mailing list, so you don’t miss your RSVP link. Hailing from Vermont and Québec, Triton creates an orchestral blend of Old World sounds that defy every stereotype of their instruments. Their performances move seamlessly from Breton dance tunes to Scottish hornpipes, always with passion, precision, and a touch of storytelling. This is going to be a wonderful night of tunes, starting with an optional potluck at 5:30 PM, followed by music at 7:00 PM. A suggested $20 contribution goes entirely to the artists who make this magic happen! To keep this series going, they are also seeking concert sponsors to cover the hall rental and people interested in hosting musicians for a night. RSVPs are required, so keep an eye on your email for the link! 

.   .   .

❄️  Scissors, paper, and a sprinkle of holiday spirit-that's all you need to kick off the season! The Merrymeeting Arts Center is hosting a Snowflake Making Workshop on Sunday, November 23, from 1-3 PM. Admission is by donation, and everyone is welcome to join in the fun as they create decorations for the upcoming Holiday Festival. If you run a local business, they want you too! To feature some of the community-made snowflakes in your windows, email [email protected] and help spread a little winter magic around town. 

.   .   .

🥧 Bowdoinham's Annual Pie Sale is back, and this year it's being hosted by the Bowdoinham Church of the Nazarene! Proceeds will be shared between the Fire Department and the Church's Compassionate Ministries Fund. The sale happens at the Fire Department on Tuesday, November 25th, starting at 8:00 AM and running until 7:00 PM (or until the pies run out!). Pie makers, this is your moment to shine! Donations of pies, ingredients, or even a little volunteer time are needed to make the sale a success. To get involved, contact Natausha Naylor at (207) 751-4014 (call or text) or email [email protected]. Donations of ingredients can be dropped off or picked up by arrangement. Details on pie drop-offs will be announced soon. It's a Bowdoinham tradition worth keeping around-so bake, buy, and be part of it!

That’s it for this week. I’m sure there’ll be more later. 😉 

Be good to yourself, and please don’t forget to vote on Tuesday (if you haven’t already done so).

Love,

Rodney

❤️