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Yo homies,
I did not go to the Farmers Market on Saturday, not because of the rain, but I was sporting a 100° fever.
What has two thumbs and gets sick this close to summer?
This guy.
If I missed you, I’m sorry. Spot me at the next one, ask me for a sticker. I’ll hook you up.
Here we go…
Beware of asphalt bandits.
MAC announces Art Classes for Homeschoolers.
There’s a new Book Club in town.
Vote on Tuesday. Don’t forget, OK?
The Town Office will have short hours on Wednesday, as they’re hosting the Annual Town Meeting. Should be fun!
Thursday isn’t just the last day of school for MSAD 75; there’s also a Red Cross Blood Drive.
Last Friday’s Bowdoinham Rebel Runners Celebratory Fun Run was rescheduled to THIS Friday.
On Saturday, you can check out Doug Chess’s art show at MAC before you get your Farmers’ Market on.
Don’t forget to call your Dad on Sunday, if you can.
Keep scrolling for more info about these and other events.
Don't Get Rolled by These Road Rascals!
Road Repair season usually starts when the first mosquitos start poking around for a snack. All that paving going on over on Route 201 in Bowdoin reminded me of a story.
One day, my dad was home, doing what retired dads do, and a truck pulled into his driveway. A couple of dudes popped out and asked if he’d like the end of his driveway filled in with the leftover pavement supplies they had. They promised it wouldn’t take long at all, and they’d do it for a couple of hundred bucks.
At the time, there was a paving project happening on Route 1 in front of his house. He figured these dudes were part of that, and they were just trying to make a quick buck under the table before heading home, so he said “Sure”.
After a few hours, they knocked on his door and said they were done. When he took out his checkbook, they said they wanted $800. He reminded them that they originally quoted him $200. They told him that it took more material than they thought, and he should pay or else they would make things unpleasant.
He wrote the check.
This scam happened a while back, but it’s still going strong today. The reason for this is that there are still trusting folks out there who don’t know what to do when confronted with this situation. The Maine Attorney General issued a statement about it in 2023.
Here are some red flags:
They’re knocking on your door to sell you something. This is the biggest and often overlooked red flag. Legit door-to-door sales died a long time ago. When someone knocks on your door and asks for money, unless they’re your landlord or your kid, tell them “No thanks”.
The truck they’re driving is unmarked. It’s not clear who these turkeys work for. When they do a bad job (and they will), who do you complain to?
High-pressure selling tactics. If it’s a “Now or Never” situation, go with “Never”.
They ask for cash only. Most professional services take credit cards or will bill you.
No contract. If scammers were vampires, contracts would be sunshine.
Name-dropping. A less common red flag is the scammer fakes legitimacy by mentioning a neighbor by name: “We just did the end of Sally’s driveway, down the street, and she was happy about it.” This one is easy to figure out if you talk to Sally.
Oh no, it’s the EPA! A recent twist to this scam is that after the scammers leave, another scammer will show up claiming to be from the EPA, insisting that the asphalt be removed or you pay a fine right then and there. In this case, you can request the agent's credentials and contact the EPA Hotline at 1-888-546-8740.
When these scammers visited my dad, it was before mobile check depositing was a thing. After they left, my Dad called his Credit Union and put a stop payment on the check. They never came back so he essentially got a free, crapy paving job out of the deal, but it’s still better to tell them “No Thanks”, shut the door, and call the Sheriff’s Office.
Homeschoolers, Art you ready?
Those folks over at the Merrymeeting Arts Center asked me to let you know that they are cooking up something pretty special for this fall: Art Classes for Homeschool Students!
They're still dotting the i's and crossing the t's on the exact dates and times for the upcoming school year, but trust me, you'll want to know when registration opens, because it will fill up fast.
If you've got a budding Picasso or a future Frida Kahlo at home, do yourself a favor and shoot an email to Nan at [email protected]. She'll make sure you get all the details the moment those class spots are ready to grab!
For Moms Who Love to Read AND Socialize
Have you ever wished for a magical place where you could actually take a break and connect with other local supermoms over a good book?
Good news! Our very own Kasey Hughes and Hannah Spinrad are making that dream a reality with their brand-new book club, Bowdoinham Booked Moms!
Their goal is simple: to create a space where moms can genuinely unwind and make new friends through reading and engaging discussions.
They'll be meeting on the last Wednesday of the month at 7:00 PM in Merrymeeting Hall, kicking things off on June 25th! They're keeping it flexible in terms of genres and titles, and the initial meeting will be a group decision-making event to determine how everything works.
This club is designed to be as stress-free as possible.
For now, they're looking for mothers with a Bowdoinham connection (whether they live here, work here, grew up here, or their children attend school here). This is truly about having an enjoyable time to look forward to each month.
For more information, email [email protected]
Happening in Bowdoinham THIS week:
Monday, June 9th
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, June 10th
June Elections, Bowdoinham Community School (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.
Pickleball, Bowdoinham Community School TENNIS COURT (23 Cemetery Rd.), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Weather permitting. This is open to adults of all ages and abilities. The group has friendly games with mixed levels of competition.
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, June 11th
The Town Office will be open from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM to prepare for the Town Meeting, which will take place later at the Bowdoinham Community School.
Pickleball, Bowdoinham Community School TENNIS COURT (23 Cemetery Rd.), 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Weather permitting. This is open to adults of any age and ability. The group has friendly games with mixed levels of competition.
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.
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.
Annual Town Meeting, Bowdoinham Community School (23 Cemetery Rd.), 6:00 PM.
Thursday, June 12th
Last day of school for MSAD 75 students.
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, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 9:30 AM - NOON. Hosted by Age Friendly Bowdoinham.
Age-Friendly Bowdoinham Monthly Luncheon, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.) 11:30 AM - 2:00 PM.
American Red Cross Blood Drive, Village Lodge (13 Main St.), NOON - 4:30 PM.
Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
MSAD 75 School Board Meeting, Mt. Ararat High School (68 Eagles Way, Topsham), 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM.
Friday, June 13th
The Town Office will be closing at 12:30 PM for a staff event.
The Three Robbers Pub opened on June 13th, 2019.
Pickleball, Bowdoinham Community School TENNIS COURT (23 Cemetery Rd.), 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM. Weather permitting. This is open to adults of any age and ability. The group has friendly games with mixed levels of competition.
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.
Bowdoinham Rebel Runners Celebratory Fun Run, Center Point Preserve (Center Point Rd.). Packet pick-up starts at 4:15 PM, run starts at 5:00 PM. _This event marks the end of a season focused on running and building essential life skills like goal setting and perseverance. Proceeds will support the Rebel Runners and the Bowdoinham Food Pantry/Falcon Market. Register online by June 4th ($30 includes a t-shirt and race bib) or on the day (shirt while supplies last). Parking at the Six River Farmstand.
Saturday, June 14th
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.
Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Stuff… Drawings & other work by the artist Doug Chess, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM.
Sunday, June 15th, Father’s Day
Sunday Service, Bowdoinham Second Baptist (1 Church St.), 9:30 AM. Potluck Luncheon following service.
Sunday School/Service, Bowdoinham Church of the Nazarene (7 School St.), 10:00 AM, Service 11:00 AM.
Events may change or be canceled without notice.
Coming Soon to a Bowdoinham Near You:
📖 The Loose Ladies Book Group will discuss "The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks" by Rebecca Skloot on June 19th (Juneteenth). This award-winning non-fiction book, even featured on Radio Lab, promises a thought-provoking discussion. Copies may be available at the Library or local booksellers.
. . .
📸 Professional photographer Leah Haraden is leading a super fun Kids' Summer Photography Camp for ages 8-11 on June 24th and 26th (1:00-3:30 PM) for just $30. Your child will learn photography basics, composition, and lighting with hands-on practice, even getting work displayed in a September exhibition! They just need to bring their own camera (cell phones work!), plus a $10 printing fee for a professionally printed photo. What a cool way to start summer!
. . .
🎸 The annual Sunday Summer Concert Series kicks off on July 6th at Mailly Waterfront Park, running through August 31st with music from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM. This year features nine concerts with a fantastic lineup, including Cilantro, Dooryarders, Novel Jazz, Rough Sawn, Peter Galway, Pretty Girls, Intergalactic Yurt Band, Leopard Girls, and Stringtide, with some events potentially paired with a benefit dinner. For more information, visit http://bowdoinham.com/event/2025-sunday-summer-concert-series
. . .
🎭 The Camden Shakespeare Festival is bringing a FREE performance of "The Two Gentlemen of Verona" to Mailly Waterfront Park on Friday, July 11th, at 6:00 PM. (If it rains, they'll move the show to Merrymeeting Hall.) This one's a real knee-slapper where Valentine tries to find love, only for his best pal Proteus to make a move on his new sweetheart! Naturally, Proteus's girlfriend Julia has to get in on the action by disguising herself to sort things out. Despite everyone making some truly impressive "boneheaded moves," it all comes together in the end. Oh, and did we mention there's even a dog?! It's one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, performed with live music - definitely not one to miss!
. . .
🚴♀️ The 4th Annual Le Tour de Bowdoinham Food Pantry Charity Ride is pedaling our way on Saturday, August 16th, and they're looking for volunteers! Whether you're a cheering type, snack master, finish line greeter, course marshal, or chalk artist, shifts are super flexible (1.5 to 3 hours). Businesses, you can be a superhero too: sponsorships (cash, raffle goodies, or discounts) get your logo on the new jersey, posters, website, and social media. Get in on the action by emailing Yvette Meunier at [email protected] or calling (207) 666-3096. Let's make this ride the best yet!
Have the best week ever, and smile the whole time you’re doing it.
Love,
Rodney
❤️
PS. Hi Emily. It was so good to see you! Those girls grew up too fast, didn’t they?