Springtime for Bowdoinham. Think "Trash Out, Art In!"

Good Monday to you, Bowdoinhammer.

You’re reading this, so it means you’ve made it to another glorious week in the ‘Ham! Congratulations.

If you've got friends who’d appreciate the Bowdoinhammer, don't keep it a secret. Forward it their way! They can sign up for their own subscription at Bowdoinhammer.com (or you can keep being their newsletter fairy – I’m not the boss of you).

We’re also trying out Bluesky, so if you’re on it, let me know. I like following other Bowdoinhammers.

Let’s get on with it, shall we?

Here are the highlights for this week:

1. The Select Board loves meetings so much that they’re having another one on Tuesday.

2. Age-Friendly Bowdoinham is having its luncheon on Thursday. Later, there will be a School Board meeting at Mt. Ararat High School.

3. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to make a farmer’s market tote, there’s a two-day workshop for you starting on Friday. Later on, a Rowing Season Kick-off Potluck is happening.

4. The Quest for Quiet exhibition is showing for one last day on Saturday. Check it out before it’s gone!

5. On Sunday, attend a benefit concert for the Town Hall renovation. They could use your help reaching their $10,000 goal.

More info about these and other events is below.

Here’s the price list for this year’s Spring Bulky Waste Day…

A little birdy let me see the price schedule for Bowdoinham’s Spring Bulk Waste Day on April 19th. Like many things, the prices have increased slightly from last year.

Accepted Items and Associated Fees:

Items containing freon: $14.00

Box Spring/Mattress (per individual piece):

• Twin: $5.00

• Full: $8.00

• Queen: $10.00

• King: $15.00

Carpet:

• $2.00 per foot (fee calculated based on the lesser dimension; for instance, a 5-foot by 8-foot section will be charged $10.00)

Furniture:

• Chair: $5.00

• Chair - Recliner: $10.00

• Couch - Small: $10.00

• Couch - Large: $14.00

• Couch - Recliner: $15.00

• Couch - Pull Out: $15.00  

Electronics:

• TVs or Monitors (measuring 42 inches or smaller): $6.00

• TVs or Monitors (exceeding 42 inches): $8.00

• Laptops: $2.00

• Towers: No charge

Construction Debris:

• 1/4 yard of debris: $40.00

• 1/2 yard of debris: $80.00

  • For large or heavy quantities of construction debris, residents are directed to the following facilities:

    • Grimmel Industries in Topsham  (207) 729-1691

    • Casella (formerly Pine Tree Waste) in West Bath  (207) 442-7141 ext.1   

    • Maine Waste-to-Energy in Auburn  (207) 783-8805

Paint:

• No charge

Items Not Accepted for Disposal:

• Aerosol cans

• Tires

In other News:

LIHEAP in Limbo: Maine's Vulnerable at Risk After Layoffs!

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has enacted significant staff reductions, including eliminating the staff for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).

This isn't news specifically about Bowdoinham, but it will affect Bowdoinhammers, as LIHEAP provides crucial heating and cooling assistance to low-income households throughout Maine.

While the program itself remains, the layoffs raise concerns about its future operation and the distribution of funds. Maine relies heavily on LIHEAP, with a substantial number of households receiving assistance. Although funding for the current year is largely secured, the lack of staff creates uncertainty about the program's long-term stability and the timely delivery of aid.

You can read the full story by Daniel Kool of the Portland Press Herald: Trump administration cuts entire federal heating assistance staff. (There may be a paywall.)

There oughta be a protest or something.

Artists Wanted: Capture Bowdoinham's Spirit in a Mural

Bowdoinham is excited to announce a public art opportunity! The town is commissioning a mural to beautify the downtown village and enhance Bowdoinham’s identity as a community that supports the arts. The mural will be located on the west side of the publicly owned bathhouse at Mailly Waterfront Park, a central gathering place in our community.

This project offers a fantastic chance for an artist to create a lasting piece of public art in a beautiful setting. The theme for the mural, chosen by the community, is "Waterways and Nature," reflecting Bowdoinham's unique landscape and ecology, situated as it is on the Cathance River and Merrymeeting Bay.

Here's how artists can apply:

The Town of Bowdoinham invites artists to submit their qualifications for this mural artwork. Here are the key details:

• Mural Location: Mailly Waterfront Park (1 Main St., Bowdoinham, ME 04008)

• Mural Dimensions: 192 inches (width) x 90 inches (height)

• Award: The selected artist will receive $4,500.

• Application Deadline: May 1, 2025

• Project Completion: August 31, 2025

To Apply:

Artists should submit the following application materials:

• Statement of Interest and Artistic Project Concept:

  • Describe your artistic concept for the mural (200 words max.)

  • Describe your connection to Bowdoinham or nearby communities (200 words max.)

• Artist Description:

  • Describe your artistic experience, style, themes, and materials used (200 words max.)

  • Describe your experience creating a mural on this medium. Please explain what paint you would use and why, and how long the work should last, given your experience (200 words max.)

  • You may include your bio, resume, CV, or other relevant documents.

• Work Samples: Submit a portfolio of up to 5 images showcasing past relevant work.

• Availability: The Artist must be available to complete the project onsite between July 15 and August 31, 2025.

How to Submit:

Email all submission materials to [email protected]

This is a wonderful opportunity to contribute to Bowdoinham’s vibrant community and leave a lasting artistic legacy. We encourage artists of all experience levels to apply!

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

Monday, April 7th

• 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 8th 

• 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, April 9th

• 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 10th 

• 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, at John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 9:30 AM - NOON.

• Age-Friendly Bowdoinham Monthly Luncheon, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.) 11:30 AM - 2:00 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, April 11th

• 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.

• Basket Making Workshop, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM. Learn how to make your own Farmers' Market Tote in this two-day workshop, perfect for shopping or crafting storage, sponsored by Age-Friendly Bowdoinham and the Recreation Department. This free class (donations accepted), limited to 10 students, with a second class date to be announced.

• Bowdoinham Rowing Annual Season Kick-off Potluck, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 4:30 PM - 8:00 PM. 

Saturday, April 12th

• 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.

• The Quest for Quiet Paintings by Peter Herley, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Artist Peter Herley will exhibit paintings from his series "The Quest for Quiet" and other larger works, showcasing his lifelong exploration of life's deep and mysterious aspects.

Sunday, April 13th

• 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. 

• Community Sound Bath w/ Ground Well Counseling, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM. _Extended monthly singing bowl sound baths one Sunday a month. Spend an hour and a half 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].

• Pineland Fiddlers Concert, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 3:00 PM - 10:00 PM. A Benefit Concert celebrates 50 years of dancing at the Bowdoinham Town Hall, featuring the Pineland Fiddlers and Maine Country Dance Orchestra, who will perform tunes from Maine's past. Attendees can also enjoy historical displays and stories, making for a fun and nostalgic afternoon.

Events may change or be canceled without notice.

Here’s what’s to come:

📖 The Loose Ladies Book Club and the Bowdoinham Library are pleased to invite everyone to a free program about the poet Edna St. Vincent Millay. The presentation will be given by Gary Lawless, a poet and co-owner of Gulf of Maine Books. This engaging event is scheduled to begin at 1:00 PM on Thursday, April 17th, at Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.).

. . .

🚚 Bowdoinham Community Connections is organizing a great way to lend a hand! They're hosting a bulky waste removal day to help out our neighbors at Bowdoinham Estates, located at 29 Preble Road. If you're free on Saturday, April 19th, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM, you can join in to make a real difference. They're looking for folks with pickup trucks (at least two needed for the whole day) to transport items to the Public Works Facility on Pond Road. They’re also looking for people who can help move bulky stuff like appliances, furniture, and mattresses. 💪 If you can't pitch in with time or muscle, monetary donations are also welcome – every bit helps! If you're interested in volunteering or donating, contact Jason Lamoreau at 207-666-3101 or [email protected]. Let's all pitch in and make this Bulky Waste Day a success for Bowdoinham Estates! Don’t forget your gloves!

. . .

🐇 April 20th is Easter Sunday.

. . .

🦅 April 21st is Patriots’ Day

. . .

🎨 Remember how I mentioned back in March that Katie Hudak's April Vacation Art Day on April 25th would fill up fast? Well, guess what? It's officially sold out! 🥳 Katie's clearly a rockstar because her classes and workshops have a habit of disappearing faster than river ice in April. So, a pro-tip for all you parents of budding Picassos: You might want to consider subscribing to the Merrymeeting Arts Center newsletter if you want to stay ahead of the curve.

. . .

🌱 The Androscoggin Valley Soil & Water Conservation District is holding its first Annual Native Plant Sale. They offer a variety of Maine native plants for pre-order until April 25th, with pickup (on May 23rd) in Bowdoinham (Mailly Waterfront Park) or Auburn. Find details and pre-order information at https://www.androscogginswcd.org/plant-sale.html.

That’s all from me. I hope you have a great week.

Be nice to yourself.

Love,

Rodney

❤️