Honoring MLK Through Service

It’s the beginning of a brand new week, Bowdoinhammer!

Did you know that MLK Day is the only federal holiday designated as National Day of Service?

In that spirit, we’re going to start this newsletter off by letting you know about three organizations who would LOVE to welcome some new volunteers…

Bowdoinham Community Connections: Supporting well-being and independence for Bowdoinham residents by connecting them with essential resources and social opportunities. As a project of the Governor's Cabinet on Aging, this free service helps individuals navigate available support systems within the Bowdoinham community. Trained volunteers provide personalized guidance, prioritizing concerns and promoting connections that enhance quality of life for all ages. To volunteer, contact the Outreach Coordinator at (207) 666-3171 or [email protected] or stop by the Fire Station on Fridays between NOON and 2:00 PM.

Bowdoinham Food Pantry: Providing food assistance to residents of Bowdoin and Bowdoinham. Offering a variety of shelf-stable goods and fresh produce, the pantry welcomes all residents with no income verification required. Supported entirely by community donations, the organization relies on the generosity of individuals to combat food insecurity in our community. To volunteer, visit BowdoinhamFoodPantry.org/volunteer/.

Merrymeeting Arts Center: Fostering a vibrant community by providing accessible arts experiences for all. Celebrating the cultural heritage and natural beauty of Merrymeeting Bay, MAC offers diverse exhibitions, workshops, and events that encourage creativity and environmental consciousness. Through partnerships and community engagement, Merrymeeting Arts Center promotes the arts as a catalyst for personal growth and regional economic development. To volunteer, visit MerrymeetingArtsCenter.org.

Highlights for the week:

• The 2025 application period for the Richard A. Ferrier Scholarship is NOW OPEN!! Residents of Bowdoinham between the ages of 13 and 18 as of June 1st this year are encouraged to apply.

• The Town Office is closed today (Monday) for MLK Day, but Merrymeeting Arts Center Pottery Studio is open. Visit the amazing Zachary and maybe make a coffee cup with your favorite Dr. King quote on it? Just a suggestion.

• The Guilt-Free Book Club is perfect for readers who enjoy sharing books without the pressure of finishing an assigned title. Each month, they choose a theme, but you’re free to read anything you like. Even if you don’t read on theme, you're free to share what you’ve been reading. They meet this Thursday. Everyone is welcome!

• On Saturday, Gallit and Abigail are hosting a lovely evening at Merrymeeting Hall to benefit RippleEffectProject.org. Word to the wise--never miss a meal made by these women.

• Starting this Sunday, service at Bowdoinham Second Baptist Church will begin a bit earlier at 9:30 AM. The reason? They're preparing to welcome their new pastor, who will join the congregation on February 2nd. The time shift helps fit his schedule, and they’re excited to start this new chapter together!

Free tax help for families!

Midcoast CA$H assists households earning under $67,000 with getting their taxes done right. Get the maximum refund, including valuable credits like the EITC and CTC.

Their IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers can also help you connect with programs that help you save and reach your goals.

They’ll be at the Bowdoinham Fire Department on February 18th, and March 8th. Click here to make an appointment.

General Inquiries: (207) 295-6340

To learn more about volunteering and training, contact Steve Cohen at (207) 751-3756 ​

To learn more about Midcoast CA$H, contact Doreen Fournier, Director of Community Impact, at [email protected]

Here’s what’s happening in the Ham this week:

Monday, January 20th, Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• The Bowdoinham Town Office will be CLOSED for Martin Luther King Jr. Day

• 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.

Tuesday, January 21st

• iPad Intermediate 3-Day course, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. This course builds on the skills acquired in the iPad/iPhone Basics class. The primary focus of the intermediate class is the exploration of the applications that Apple provides for free as part of iOS. Applications such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, FaceTime, and others will be covered. Pre-registration is required either at the library or at DigitalEquityCenter.org. CANCELED

• Merrymeeting Dance Alinement, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

Wednesday, January 22nd

• 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.

• iPad Intermediate 3-Day course, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. This course builds on the skills acquired in the iPad/iPhone Basics class. The primary focus of the intermediate class is the exploration of the applications that Apple provides for free as part of iOS. Applications such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, FaceTime, and others will be covered. Pre-registration is required either at the library or at DigitalEquityCenter.org. CANCELED

• 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.

• 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, January 23rd

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

• iPad Intermediate 3-Day course, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM. This course builds on the skills acquired in the iPad/iPhone Basics class. The primary focus of the intermediate class is the exploration of the applications that Apple provides for free as part of iOS. Applications such as Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Messages, FaceTime, and others will be covered. Pre-registration is required either at the library or at DigitalEquityCenter.org. CANCELED

• Guilt-Free Book Group, Bowdoinham Public Library (13a School St.), 7:00 PM.

Friday, January 24th

• 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.

Saturday, January 25th

• 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.

• Yummy Fundraiser Dinner by Gallit & Abigail, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 4:30 PM. Please join us for an evening of beautiful food, warm company, and conversation about the work that we are doing through Ripple Effect Project to support our friends in Kenya. A four-course, family-style meal with drinks will be served. $50 Suggested donation. Please RSVP [email protected]

Sunday, January 26th

• Sunday Service, Bowdoinham Second Baptist (1 Church St.), 9:30 AM.

• Sunday School/Service, Bowdoinham Church of the Nazarene (7 School St.), 10:00 AM, Service 11:00 AM.

• FREE swimming, LeRoy Greason Pool (Bowdoin College, 35 Watson Dr, Brunswick), 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM. For ALL ages and residents of MSAD 75. Runs January 12th through April 6th.

(These events may change or cancel without notice)

Next Week: The Select Board Meeting moved, Seeing the Forest and the Trees, Ice & Smelt Festival.

That’s about it for this week.

If you know of any organizations in need of volunteers, please email the details to [email protected] and I’ll compile a list to share at a later date.

Be good to yourself, Bowdoinhammer. You deserve it.

Love,

Rodney

❤️