Let’s stick a fork in it and call it good

Happy Monday, Bowdoinhammer!

When I was a kiddo, my grandpa and I spent many an hour in his workshop, where he'd tinker on his projects. He was full of sayings, always being careful about colorful language. One of his go-to phrases was "Let's stick a fork in it," meaning he'd decided he'd done all he was going to do on a particular project. He never seemed too bothered, though, because he knew that setbacks are just part of progress.

Well, I'm gonna "stick a fork" in this Bowdoinhammiest Selfie contest. Turns out, we only had 3 entries, and honestly, they're all winners! (They're each getting 5 trash tickets – because why not?) I don't see this as a bad thing, though. I've learned a lot about what motivates Bowdoinhammers!

Anyway, here are the entries for your viewing pleasure...

Speaking of contests, The Bowdoinham Public Library is preparing to host the Luke McFadyen Memorial Edible Books Festival once again, a delightful event commemorating local baker Luke McFadyen. This festival celebrates books, creativity, and community spirit.

It will take place at Merrymeeting Hall on Saturday, April 5th, at 5:00 PM.

The community is invited to participate by creating a food item inspired by a book – it could resemble the cover, represent the title, or offer a literary joke. Entry to the contest is free, and attendees can judge and enjoy the edible creations, with a small donation requested. Entries will be judged in two categories: ages 12 and under, and 13 and older.

To enter, please call or email the library by April 4th:  [email protected] or 666-8405.

Here’s this week’s highlights:

1. The Town Office will be closed all day Monday (today) for electrical work. Goats in the Road Trivia will probably be held at the Three Robbers Pub on Monday night (but I’m not 100% sure. If any of my readers know who is in charge of that, could you tell them to contact me?).

2. On Tuesday, the Select Board will be doing what Select Boards do.

3. The Bowdoinham Food Pantry is in dire need of canned tuna. If you feel like being a super-hero right now, Hannaford tuna is $1.40, so you can pick up 3 cans for under $5, and drop them off at the pantry (9 Main St., out back) between 11:00 AM - 3:30 PM this Wednesday.

4. Remember that time you wanted to be in a book group but all that guilt was holding you back? Thursday is your day to check out the Guilt-Free Book Group my friend.

5. Friday is the Opening Reception for “The Obscure,” an exhibit presented by Merrymeetig Community & Adult Education affiliated artists. The exhibit is described as “… artists invite viewers to embrace quiet influence beyond constant visibility.” I would describe it as “Shut up and take my money!”

6. The Bowdoinham Gift Shop is on the hunt for prom dress donations. Got something kicking around in your closet that would make a Bowdoinham girl feel like the princess she deserves to be? You can drop that off to be donated on Saturdays at the old Recycling Barn at 243 Post Road.

7. There’s a Helping and Professionals walk at Peary’s Garden on Sunday. Afterward, you can decorate the Hoophouse.

Is that all? No! There’s more! (keep scrolling)

Bowdoinham News:

Bowdoinham Gas Station to Close Amid Rising Costs

Bowdoinham residents will soon see the closure of the gas station located next to the former Bowdoinham Country Store. Doug Tourtelotte, the station’s owner, announced the decision on social media, citing rising costs and a drop in sales following the store’s closure.

Tourtelotte explained that a lengthy permit process hampered plans to install new fuel tanks across the road from the current location. The delay increased the project’s estimated cost, from $142,000 to approximately $250,000.

The closing of the Bowdoinham Country Store, a local hub, directly affected the gas station’s business. Tourtelotte stated that the decline in sales made continued operations unsustainable. He expressed gratitude to those customers who remained loyal, despite the station’s prices being higher at times than those of competitors.

Looking ahead, Tourtelotte indicated that the fuel tanks will be removed from the property. He is considering options for the building, including leasing or selling it.

Our very own…

Joanne Savoie, Bowdoinham's Citizen of the Year, has been named the Sagadahoc County 2024 Spirit of America Award honoree for her outstanding volunteerism. Celebrate with her at the award ceremony, on April 17th, 10:00 AM, in Bath, at the Sagadahoc County Courthouse (3rd floor).

Sally Cluchey is working hard to restore public transportation to Swan Island! Rep. Sally Cluchey, D-Bowdoinham, is a sponsor of LD 976, a bill that directs the state to develop a plan to ensure accessible, regularly scheduled transportation to the island, which has been without public access for several years. A public hearing is scheduled for Monday, March 24, with the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee to discuss this initiative that aims to bring back access to the historic and ecologically important Swan Island. You can read the full story by Emily Duggan of the Kennebec Journal: Public hearing on public access to Swan Island set for Monday (there may be a paywall).

These are the goings on in Bowdoinham this week:

Monday, March 24th

• The Town Office will be closed due to electrical work. 

• 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 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 are gratefully accepted. FMI: [email protected].

Tuesday, March 25th 

• 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 Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 6:30 PM. Townhall Streams link. For a list of other town meetings, visit the town's calendar.

Wednesday, March 26th

• 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, March 27th 

• 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.

• 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, March 28th

• 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.

• OPENING RECEPTION: The Obscure -  Presented by Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education affiliated artists, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. This exhibition honors the beauty of obscurity, showcasing unseen spaces and unnoticed actions. Through diverse mediums, artists invite viewers to embrace quiet influence beyond constant visibility.

Saturday, March 29th

• 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. 

• The Obscure -  Presented by Merrymeeting Community & Adult Education affiliated artists, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. This exhibition honors the beauty of obscurity, showcasing unseen spaces and unnoticed actions. Through diverse mediums, artists invite viewers to embrace quiet influence beyond constant visibility.

Sunday, March 30th

• 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. 

• Helping and Wellness Professionals Walk, Peary’s Garden (18 Sadie Ln.), 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM. FREE. Come meet new friends or meet up with old friends for a casual walk in a beautiful place. Networking is welcomed but optional. Plan for mud.

• Decorate the Hoophouse, Peary's Garden (18 Sadie Ln.), 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Free and open to everyone. No artistic talent is required! There will be a variety of decorative projects, which will include some art if you are so inclined, but it is not necessary. There will be some drinks and snacks available.

• 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.

Events may change or cancel without notice.

Next Week: Village Pedestrian Improvements Part 2, April Fool’s Day, Merrymeeting Dance Alinement, Learn Digital Photography, Luke McFadyen Memorial Edible Book Festival, Open Mic Night, and the LAST Open Swim at Bowdoin College.

That’s all I got. Guess I’d better stick a fork in it.

See you next week.

Love,

Rodney

❤️