Holiday Trifecta

Bowdoinhammer - Week of April 21st to the 27th

Author

Rodney Kloberdans
April 21, 2025

Good Monday to you, Bowdoinhammer

This week, we've moved through a fascinating trifecta of holidays.

Easter reminds us of renewal and hope, Patriots' Day inspires us with the courage to fight for what we believe in, and Earth Day calls us to take responsibility for our planet.

Perhaps there's a thread connecting them: a celebration of life, a recognition of sacrifice, and a commitment to a better future.

In a way, each holiday prompts us to reflect on what we value and what we're willing to nurture and protect.

Now, let’s see the future…

This Week’s Newsletter highlights:

  1. Kate Cutko explained to the Times Record why federal funding cuts are a blow to our local library.

  2. Enough people crossed their fingers for the Merrymeeting Trail Bill because the Transportation Committee reached a decision.

  3. The Town Office is closed on Monday. No, it’s not electrical. It’s just Patriots’ Day.

  4. There’s a Select Board Meeting on Tuesday. Did you know you can watch it online at Townhall Streams?

  5. Wednesday is the last day to order plants from The Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District’s first Annual Native Plant Sale.

  6. The Bowdoinham Planning Board is having a special public hearing on Thursday. Also happening that day is the Guilt-Free Book Group meeting.

  7. Bowdoinham Community Connections has open office hours on Friday.

  8. Spring Break for MSAD 75 students this week.

  9. If you're at least 16 years old and enjoy spending your days in a creative and nature-filled environment, there might be a job for you this summer.

Keep scrolling for more info about these and other events.

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it's the only thing that ever has."

Margaret Mead

Bowdoinham In the News:

Funding Cuts Lead to Uncertainty for Library Programs

Federal funding reductions are severely impacting the Maine State Library, which in turn is jeopardizing essential services provided by the Bowdoinham Public Library. These cuts could result in reduced access to interlibrary loan programs, e-books, audiobooks, and crucial digital resources. Library Director Kate Cutko has emphasized the importance of these services, particularly for Bowdoinhammers who are homebound or lack access to transportation.

For a detailed account of the situation, please see Paul Bagnall's article in the Times Record, "Federal funding cuts trickle down to Midcoast libraries" (there may be a paywall).

To support the Bowdoinham Public Library during this funding crunch, consider one or more of the following actions:

  • Give the Library money: Visit BowdoinhamLibrary.org, scroll all the way to the bottom, click on Donate to the Library, and donate an obscene amount of money.

  • Buy up all the books: Visit Merryreading Books, located in the basement of Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main Street), and buy books. All proceeds go directly to the library.

  • Volunteer: Email Kate “the Great” Cutko at [email protected] to see about volunteer opportunities.

The Bowdoinham Public Library is a vital community resource, and your support is greatly needed to ensure its continued service to our residents.

. . .

In Other News:

Merrymeeting Trail One Step Closer to Reality

The Merrymeeting Trail project has achieved a significant milestone! The Transportation Committee recently voted overwhelmingly that LD 29, the Merrymeeting Trail bill, "Ought to Pass." This positive outcome, with only one legislator opposing the measure, means the bill is now advancing to the full Legislature with strong bipartisan support. This represents a major step forward in the effort to create the Merrymeeting Trail.

It's important to note that during the legislative process, language from another bill, LD 956, concerning a similar trail project in Calais, was incorporated into LD 29. This means the success of both trail projects is now linked. The Merrymeeting Trailblazers extend their gratitude to everyone who has supported the Merrymeeting Trail. Their collective advocacy has been instrumental in reaching this stage, and the organization encourages continued support as the project moves forward.

Public Notice: Bowdoinham Planning Board Public Hearing

The Town of Bowdoinham Planning Board will hold a public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Town of Bowdoinham Land Use Ordinance.

Subject: Proposed amendment to Article 10, Site Plan Review, Section E - Use-Specific Standards, (5) Automobile Service Station.

Key changes being considered include:

  • Limiting the number of gas pumps (4 nozzles) to two and the number of diesel pumps (2 nozzles) to one.

  • Requiring all impervious areas to maintain a 50-foot buffer from side and rear property lines.

Public Hearing Details:

  • Date: Thursday, April 24, 2025

  • Time: 6:00 PM

  • Location: Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building, 13 School Street

Copies of the proposed Land Use amendments are available for public review at the Town Office.

Residents with questions are encouraged to contact the Town Office at 666-5531.

The Town of Bowdoinham encourages residents to attend the public hearing to learn more and provide input on this proposed amendment.

Summer Fun Job: Art & Nature Camp

Do you love working with kids and want a fun, rewarding summer job? Art & Nature Camp in Bowdoinham is looking for enthusiastic Camp Assistants!

If you're at least 16 years old and enjoy spending your days in a creative and nature-filled environment, this could be the perfect opportunity. Camp Assistants will earn $17/hour.

Art & Nature Camp 2025 Dates:

  • July 14-18

  • July 21-25

  • August 4-8

Camp hours are 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, and the camp is held at Bowdoinham Community School.

If you're interested in joining the team, please email your resume and cover letter to [email protected].

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

Monday, April 21st, Patriots Day

  • The Town Office will be closed for Patriots’ Day.

  • SPRING BREAK begins for MSAD 75 schools. 

  • 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].

Tuesday, April 22nd, Earth Day

Wednesday, April 23rd

  • SPRING BREAK for MSAD 75 schools. 

  • The Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District’s first Annual Native Plant Sale pre-order deadline is today to order plants. Pickup will be on May 23rd at Mailly Waterfront Park.

  • 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, April 24th 

  • SPRING BREAK for MSAD 75 schools. 

  • 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.

  • Planning Board Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM. Townhall Streams link. A public hearing to discuss a proposed amendment to the Land Use Ordinance regarding Automobile Service Station Use-Specific Standards. The amendment includes revisions to the number of gas and diesel pumps allowed and buffer requirements for impervious areas. Copies of the proposed changes are available for review at the Town Office.

  • Guilt-Free Book Group, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Have you ever wanted to join a book discussion group but have cold feet or commitment issues? Worry no more. This Book Group lets you read whatever your heart desires (theme-related or not). They just wanna hear about it. Call the library (666-8405) to find out about this month's literary adventure, and ditch the guilt.

Friday, April 25th

  • SPRING BREAK ends for MSAD 75 schools. 

  • April Vacation Art Day with Katie Hudak, Merrymeeting Arts Center (9 Main St.), 9:00 AM - NOON. SOLD OUT

  • 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, April 26th

  • 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 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.

Sunday, April 27th

Events may change or be canceled without notice.

Here’s what’s coming to Bowdoinham soon:

🩺 The Living Well for Better Health class is a six-week program (Tuesdays, April 29th - June 3rd at the Bowdoinham Fire Department) that helps people manage chronic health conditions through supportive group discussions. Participants will learn practical tools to improve their daily lives, from handling symptoms to navigating healthcare, all with the backing of national health organizations. If you're interested in gaining these valuable skills and connecting with others, please sign up! For more information, contact Monica Hawk at [email protected].

. . .

🎶 Merrymeeting Music House Concerts is bringing the Jason Anick Trio to Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.) for an evening of fantastic live music. To make it even more of a community gathering, there's an optional potluck at 5:30 PM before the 7:00 PM showtime. To support the artists, a $20 cash donation is suggested (and 100% goes directly to them!). Don't miss out – please RSVP if you plan to attend. For more info and to get on the Merrymeeting Music mailing list for future shows, email [email protected].

. . .

🎨 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 sounds like a seriously fun 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!)

That’s all I have for you this week, my friend.

Until next week, be nice to yourself.

Love,

Rodney

❤️