Kouign-Amann & Kindred Spirits

Bowdoinhammer - Week of September 22nd to the 28th

Author

Rodney Kloberdans
September 22, 2025

Happy Monday, Bowdoinhammer

Have you ever tried Kouign-amann (pronounced queen-ah-mahn)? It's a contradiction in pastry form. Salty and sweet, crunchy and soft.

People get excited about food in funny ways. They’ll say things like, “OMG, it’s like crack!”

I’ve never done crack, but I have fallen in love. And if I had to compare, it’s like seeing your crush again, but the day after you found out they have a crush on you too. If that feeling were a pastry, it would be Kouign-amann.

Bowdoinham is lucky to be home to Counterpoint Bread, who make some of the best pastries in Maine. You can find their creations regularly at East of Eden Farm Stand and Six River Farm Stand. 

To find their delicious merchandise, subscribe to their newsletter at the bottom of their website (linked above).

They’ll be at the Bowdoinham Farmers' Market this Saturday.

They'll have Kouign-amann.

You know what to do. 😉

It Takes a Village to Run a Bookstore

Jen Foley (left) and Kate Cutko at the beginning of Merryreading Books.

Picture this: you're surrounded by shelves of gently-loved books, sipping your tea, greeting friendly neighbors, and maybe sneaking peeks at the latest mystery or cookbook that just came in. Sounds dreamy, right?

That's basically what volunteering at Merryreading Books is like. 

The shop sometimes has to close because they don't have enough helping hands. Every closed day means fewer dollars for our Bowdoinham Public Library. Libraries across the country are facing devastating federal cuts in 2025, and Bowdoinham isn't immune. Our library relies on sales from Merryreading Books more than ever.

You can help. Just two hours of your time, once a week, once a month, whenever you can, keeps this essential community resource running. If you're dependable, love books, and like chatting with neighbors, they want you on their team. Shifts are short, training is easy, and the impact is huge.

Interested? Email Kate at [email protected]

Shop hours: Tue. & Thu. 1-5, Sat. 9-4

Love books? Love Bowdoinham? THIS is how you can make a difference!

“The reading of all good books is like a conversation with the finest minds of past centuries.”

- René Descartes

A Record Fair with Heart

The In Bloom Record Fair will take place this Saturday, September 27th, at the Merrymeeting Hall.

I asked one of the founders what it’s all about:

“The first In Bloom Record Fair is a joint project of lifelong friends, Adam Levesque and Chris Lajoie.  We've visited other record fairs and found some of them to be impersonal, distracting, and where we are often left wondering, "Is this guy ripping me off?"  Bowdoinham is an art town, with friendly people and discerning tastes, which makes it the ideal location for the type of event we'd love to attend.  We want friends and neighbors to stop by and take their time chatting while they peruse a wide range of high quality vinyl at their own pace.  We'll have coffee and croissants from Counterpoint Bread available - come early, stay long, enjoy the music that brings us together!” 

- Chris Lajoie

Early Bird entry will be $10 (9-10AM), $3 After. FMI: [email protected]

Happening This Week:

MONDAY, September 22nd

  • Bowdoinham Community Connections sandwich luncheon, Bowdoinham Estates (29 Preble Rd.), 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM. Space is limited, call Jason Lamoreau at (207) 666-3101 by September 12th to reserve your spot.

  • 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. Spend an hour resting and recalibrating with a gentle sound bath featuring Himalayan singing bowls, a tongue drum, and voice. Bring a mat, pillow, and/or blanket. Free of charge, but donations gratefully accepted. FMI: [email protected]. Visit Ground Well Counseling to sign up for their newsletter and get notifications of other events.

TUESDAY, September 23rd

  • Bowdoinham Community Connections LiHEAP assistance, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. This fall, Bowdoinham Community Connections will be offering in-person support to help residents prepare for upcoming changes to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and to apply for Real IDs. To make an appointment, call (207) 666-3101.

  • 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.

  • Public Hearing & Select Board Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 6:00 PM. Townhall Streams link. For a list of other town meetings, visit the town's calendar.

WEDNESDAY, September 24th

  • 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.

  • 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. 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.

  • Solid Waste Committee meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 6:30 PM.

  • Bowdoinham Booked Moms Book Club Meeting, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 7:00 PM. They will be discussing “A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham. This fun, no-fee club was created as a stress-free space for moms with a Bowdoinham connection to unwind, connect, and make friends through reading and discussion. FMI: email [email protected].

THURSDAY, September 25th

  • Trash Pick-up Day. You can buy the $3 trash tags at the Town Office and Public Works Facility. 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. Hosted by Age Friendly Bowdoinham.

  • 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. 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 - 9:30 PM.

  • 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. This month, they will be discussing books about natural disasters.

FRIDAY, September 26th 

  • Bowdoinham Community Connections LiHEAP assistance, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), NOON - 2:00 PM. This fall, Bowdoinham Community Connections will be offering in-person support to help residents prepare for upcoming changes to the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and to apply for Real IDs. To make an appointment, call (207) 666-3101.

SATURDAY, September 27th

  • 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.

  • Bowdoinham Farmers' Market, Mailly Waterfront Park (1 Main St.), 8:30 AM - NOON. 

  • 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.

  • In Bloom Record Fair, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM. Early bird entry from 9:00-10:00 for $10, then $3 entry starting at 10:00. They are looking for vendors, so if interested, please email Adam at [email protected] for information.

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

  • Frederick Ndabaramiye Exhibit, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Rwandan-born painter and writer Frederick Ndabaramiye is now based in Portland, Maine. His art tells a story of resilience, hope, and creativity through vibrant colors and textures, giving viewers a glimpse into his unique perspective.

  • Introduction to Digital Photography, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM. $40. For adults and teens who have always wanted to perfect using their camera! 

SUNDAY, September 28th

Events may change or be canceled without notice.

Bowdoinham Country Store Thanks You

(A special message from Ashleigh & Logan)

We’re sending a huge thank-you to the extremely generous and kind human who poured so much time and love into creating the beautiful corn stalk decorations for the store. What a delightful and heartwarming surprise! Your generosity has not gone unnoticed and is greatly appreciated. 

Be sure to check them out!

With heartfelt thanks,

Ashleigh & Logan

Happening Soon:

🚚  Following a successful Bulky Waste Day in the spring, Bowdoinham Community Connections (BCC) will once again organize a volunteer effort on October 4th to assist residents with bulky waste removal. This service is intended for community members with mobility challenges or those who lack transportation. BCC is seeking volunteers with trucks and the ability to move heavy items. Residents who need help with removing items or are able to volunteer their time or vehicle are asked to call (207) 666-3101 as soon as possible. The goal is to make Bulky Waste Day more accessible and easier for everyone in Bowdoinham.

. . .

🎶 Merrymeeting Music House Concerts will feature Greg Boardman, Elsie Gawler, and Steve Muise at Merrymeeting Hall on Saturday, October 4th! Click here to RSVP your spot. This is going to be a fantastic 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! If you’re not on their mailing list, click here to sign up. 

. . .

🧑‍🚒  Support our local heroes at the Bowdoinham Fire & Rescue Association! They’re raffling off a Blackstone 36” griddle, complete with a 6-piece professional griddle kit and protective cover. Every ticket you purchase for $5 (or five for $20) goes directly toward helping our dedicated firefighters and EMS responders acquire new equipment to better serve your community. You can purchase tickets from a firefighter or EMS responder you know. The lucky winner will be drawn on October 13th, so be sure to get your tickets and show your support!

. . .

📖 The Loose Ladies Book Club will discuss “The Road to Dalton” by Shannon Bowring, October 16th. In 1990, the lives of several residents in a small Maine town are quietly intertwined, each facing personal struggles from hidden abuse to secret love. This "measured, wise, and beautiful" novel explores their journeys with honesty and compassion, ultimately revealing what it means to find endurance in the world. Get your copy at Bowdoinham Public Library or your favorite local bookseller.

. . .

🧵 The Merrymeeting Arts Center invites you to The Art of Indigo, a natural dyeing workshop led by artist Elizabeth Davis. Join them on Saturday, October 18th, from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. For $40, you'll explore the history and science of Indigo, learn how to make a dye vat, and try dyeing techniques like Shibori and clamping. Open to all skill levels, this hands-on session lets you create several unique, hand-dyed textiles to take home. All materials are included, and you'll also get tips on proper aftercare for your pieces. Registration for this and MAC’s other events is online at MerrymeetingArtsCenter.org.

. . .

🧛‍♀️ Trunk-or-Treat is back at Mailly Waterfront Park on Saturday, Oct. 25, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Admission is simple: bring a non-perishable item or a small donation. Your generosity helps fill shelves at the Bowdoinham Food Pantry and supports the Maine Credit Unions’ Campaign for Ending Hunger. Big thanks to Ancorum Credit Union for sponsoring this spooktacular night. Sweet treats, spooky vibes, good causes! 

. . .

🥧 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 a lot of good stuff, right there!

Go have a Bowdoinhammy adventure.

Love,

Rodney

❤️