The Cinco de Mayo spirit... and Moms

Happy Cinco de Mayo, Bowdoinhammer!

This holiday commemorates the Mexican army's victory over the French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. It's a day that has evolved into a celebration of Mexican culture, resilience, and the power of unity against overwhelming odds. 

This spirit of people coming together for a common cause resonates deeply within strong communities like our own Bowdoinham. We see that same strength when residents rally together.

Consider the recent Bulky Waste Day, where volunteers teamed up to help neighbors clear their homes. Or the ongoing support for our Bowdoinham Public Library, with folks pitching in to ensure this vital resource thrives. These efforts, big and small, demonstrate the power of unity right here at home.

As we approach Mother's Day this Sunday, it's a fitting time to appreciate the collective effort of families and communities in nurturing and supporting one another. 

At the risk of sounding sappy, I’d like to say that we create a stronger and more vibrant Bowdoinham for everyone when we unite with a shared purpose, whether helping a neighbor, supporting a local institution, or celebrating the bonds that connect us.

Let’s get on with it…

This Week’s Newsletter highlights:

• Our very own Jeremy Cluchey was in the news.

• Ruthanne’s Textile Art Workshop is sold out on Tuesday. If you’re looking for something else to do, Merrymeeting Dance Alinement will be fun too.

• Pickleballers unite! Pickleball is now on Wednesday and Friday mornings at the Bowdoinham Community School tennis court.

• Chow down with Age-Friendly Bowdoinham at their monthly luncheon on Thursday.

• Bowdoinham Community Connections will hold open office hours on Friday. Stop by and see what it’s about.

• Merrymeeting Arts Center is holding an opening reception for Linda Murray and her Students on Saturday.

• Don’t forget your mom on Sunday.

Keep scrolling for more info about these and other events.

Bowdoinham In the News: 

Remember that Merrymeeting Trail project we've been following?

The Maine Legislature is getting ready to vote on LD29, the bill that could turn the old railroad corridor between Brunswick and Gardiner into a fantastic 26-mile recreational trail.  In a recent interview with WMTW, Jeremy Cluchey, chair of the Merrymeeting Trail board, shared the vision of connecting existing trails and opening up a whole new way to experience our beautiful state. The trail will likely be built in segments over time, drawing on various funding sources including state and federal funds, private grants, and local fundraising efforts. Importantly for Bowdoinham, the town can also utilize the TIF funds approved in 2014 for the Merrymeeting Trail, which doesn't impact the mill rate or property taxes.  It's a project with a lot of local support and could bring some real benefits to our communities. Keep an eye out for updates as this moves forward!

Ethan Horton of the Kennebec Journal also wrote a decent, in-depth article on Sunday titled ”Trail or rail? Brunswick to Augusta rail trail nears vote, but questions remain.” I feel it covers all angles of the topic very well.

Want to know the secret ingredient to an even more awesome community? 

It's YOU! ❤️

Getting involved and lending a hand is like giving our town a big, warm hug. 

I’ve rounded up some prime opportunities to unleash your inner hero in our town. 

These wonderful local groups would love to hear from you!

Bowdoinham Public Library: Their much-awaited Annual Dahlia Sale is next week, and they still need a few more awesome volunteers, specifically to help with sales and the ever-glamorous clean-up crew. As a sweet little "thank you," all volunteers get first crack at the most stunning dahlia varieties with their special early-bird shopping privileges. If you're ready to lend a hand, you can sign up right here: https://signup.com/client/invitation2/secure/434137374065/false?_bhlid=30c3dec6247ad26547d9fb729a30ccfd79c587a8#/invitation.

Rides in Neighbors’ Cars: If you've got a car and can occasionally lend an hour or so, this is a fantastic way to help your Bowdoinham neighbors get to those critical doctor's appointments, grocery runs, or even a social get-together. The best part? There's no big commitment required – even a little bit of your time can make a huge difference. If you're curious about how this easy-peasy way to be a local hero works, give them a ring at 207-837-9577 for a chat with a volunteer. They'd love to hear from you!

Bowdoinham Community Connections: BCC is always looking for more friendly faces to join its ranks. If you've got time and a desire to make a real difference in our community, BCC would love to hear from you! It's a great way to connect with your neighbors and help make sure everyone can get what they need. If you're feeling the urge to get involved, just email their Outreach Coordinator at [email protected] or give them a ring at 207-666-3101.

Twin Town Handy Brigade: Ever find yourself handy with a screwdriver or maybe just good at tackling small chores? The Twin Town Handy Brigade might be the opportunity for you. You don't need to be a master carpenter or a plumbing pro; having a can-do attitude and a desire to lend a hand is all it takes. It's a great way to connect with your community and help with everyday things that can sometimes be a big deal for others. If you're feeling handy-ish and want to get involved, give Jason a shout at 666-3101 or Laurie Sanders a ring at 737-2161 to learn more!

Merrymeeting Arts Center: Do you ever feel like you've got a hidden talent to share or just a hankering to get involved in our small but active art scene? The fantastic folks at the MAC are always looking for enthusiastic teachers to lead some cool new classes and friendly volunteers to help with all sorts of fun stuff, from making the town prettier with posters to adding a fresh coat of paint to the walls. If you've got a brilliant idea for a class you could teach or a show you'd love to see happen, don't be shy – visit https://www.merrymeetingartscenter.org/contact-us.html#/.

Bowdoinham Food Pantry: The rockstar organization that keeps our community well-fed wants you to know it wouldn't be the incredible resource it is without its fantastic team of volunteers! Since opening its doors in 2013, the Food Pantry's volunteer crew has grown from a handful to a mighty force of 20-plus! If you have little time and a desire to help your neighbors right here in Bowdoinham, the Food Pantry would love to welcome you to its team. You can learn more about volunteering and sign up here: https://bowdoinhamfoodpantry.org/volunteer/. 

Here’s what’s going on in Bowdoinham this week:

Monday, Cinco de Mayo

• Open Pottery Studio, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. A suggested donation of $10 is requested. 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, May 6th 

• 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.

• Merrymeeting Dance Alinement, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM. For more information, or to be added to their Newsletter, email George Oliver at [email protected].

• Textile Art Workshop with Ruthanne Harrison, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. SOLD OUT

Wednesday, May 7th

• 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. A suggested donation of $10 is requested. The maximum capacity is 10 pottery enthusiasts. 

Thursday, May 8th 

• 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 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, May 9th

• 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.

Saturday, May 10th

• 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.

• OPENING RECEPTION: Pouring it On – A Linda Murray & Student Show, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. An exhibition of acrylic pour paintings by artist/instructor Linda Murray, alongside works by Merrymeeting Arts Center students Walter Chop, Drew Masterman, Nan Cumming, Barbara Snapp, Myra Delio, and Karen Pelletier.

Sunday, May 11th, Mother’s Day

• 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. 

Events may change or be canceled without notice.

Here’s what’s coming to Bowdoinham soon:

🌼 Get your gardening gloves ready because the Bowdoinham Public Library is bringing back its Annual Dahlia Sale on May 17th!  Want to make your yard the envy of the neighborhood AND support our excellent library? Well, they'll overflow with over 150 different kinds of dahlia tubers, priced at a steal from $5 to $12. They practically vanished in about an hour last year, so this is the good stuff!

. . .

🌱 Speaking of plant sales… The Bowdoinham Gift Shop is also having its annual plant sale on May 17th – a fantastic way to spruce up your gardens and throw some love (and dollars!) their way. They'll even have a second go at it on May 24th if there are any leafy leftovers. But a word to the wise: if last year's dahlia dash was any indication, those beauties will be GONE faster than a free kayak at the Town Landing on a summer day! 😉

. . .

🎸 Merrymeeting Music House Concerts is bringing the talented Peter More to our little town on June 7th for a night of tunes that'll get your toes tapping. This Texas-based songwriter is known for his cool mix of rock, folk, and a little Latin spice, serving up heartfelt lyrics and melodies that stick with you. Word on the street is he's even been making music with folks like Donald Fagen from Steely Dan – pretty cool, right? Don't be a stranger – RSVP by visiting https://forms.gle/ksQCBK2MJMxh8jbW8, and if you want the inside scoop on future amazing concerts, shoot an email to [email protected] and tell 'em Bowdoinhammer sent ya!

That’s about all I have for you this week.

Say “Hi” to your mother for me.

Love,

Rodney

❤️