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- The dogs are us
Good Monday morning to you, Bowdoinhammer!
The two hot topics over on facebook last week were property taxes and Pratt Road. Reading the comments on those posts shows that you can't build a real community on facebook.
People don’t act right when they engage in debate on social media. It’s kind of like this video of two dogs barking and snarling at each other through a picket gate. When the gate slides open, they chill out. When the gate closes again, they return to barking and snarling.
The picket gate is facebook, and the dogs are us.
On a related note, I heard a New York Times interview with Sean Penn this week. The second part of the interview happened right after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot. Sean Penn told The New York Times that, despite disagreeing with "almost everything" Kirk believed, he thought America needs people like him to keep public debate alive.
He argued that "we need that debate" and that society should "fight it out and find a compromise" rather than resorting to political violence, which he described as part of "these fashions of violence."
He said Kirk "truly believed" his views and wasn't a "snake oil salesman," distinguishing him from those in politics who act in bad faith.
No matter how you feel about Charlie Kirk, Sean Penn, or facebook, I think we can all agree that these debates ARE important, and we can disagree better.
What do you think?
Keeping Bowdoinham connected takes time, Love, and a bunch of caffeine. ☕
If you’d like to chip in, your support means the world: buymeacoffee.com/bowdoinhammer
Thank you!
Meet the Candidate: Marc Babcock for Select Board
Marc Babcock is running as a write-in candidate for Select Board this November and wanted to share a message with the community. If you're also running, please email [email protected] so Bowdoinhammer can help introduce you to your neighbors.
I love Bowdoinham, moved here in 2021. Originally from Boothbay Harbor. I am a Retired Marine. I don’t want to see Bowdoinham towns folk forced out of their homes and the town they love due to such high taxes. I want to be the voice of the people. There are a lot of unhappy people right now. From the select few scared of not getting plowed on Pratt to families trying to figure out how to pay property taxes. In my little time here we are on the third owner of the store and are all waiting to see how that is going to go. The hardware store shut down, a daycare went in and shut down. We need to attract the right businesses that can help both the town and the people. Our people right now have to leave town for almost all basic needs. Thank you for your time.
R/S,
Marc A. Babcock
SSgt/USMC/Ret
Sagadahoc County has rolled out RAVE Mobile Safety, a new emergency notification system designed to keep you in the loop when it matters most.
By signing up, you'll receive alerts directly to your phone, email, or social media, whether it's about weather emergencies, road closures, or other critical updates. You choose what kinds of alerts you want, and messages can even be translated into multiple languages.
👉 Sign up here: RAVE Registration Link
Need a hand? Bowdoinham Community Connections will be available to help you sign up on Fridays from NOON to 2:00 PM at the Fire Station (57 Post Rd.).
Happening This Week:
MONDAY, October 6th
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, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM. CANCELED
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TUESDAY, October 7th
Bowdoinham Community Connections LiHEAP assistance, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. This fall, Bowdoinham Community Connections will offer 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.
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WEDNESDAY, October 8th
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.
Youth Cross Country home running meet, Cathance Meadow trails (the trails up in the field/woods behind the new Riverfront Park), 4:30 PM. The meet is part of the Coastal Running League, and Bowdoinham's own team competes regionally each Wednesday. This week, they'll be hosting a home meet right here in town, welcoming teams from Topsham, Harpswell, Brunswick, Wiscasset, and Brightfield. Mailly Park will be closed to traffic from the Main Street side during the event to allow parking for spectators and runners.
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.
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THURSDAY, October 9th
Trash Pick-up Day. You can buy the $3 trash tags at the Town Office and Public Works Facility. Pick-up times vary.
Intermediate Yoga Class with Ann Flannery, second floor of Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.) 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM. Designed for those with some yoga experience, but modifications are always offered. $15 payable by cash, check, or Venmo. FMI: [email protected] or (207) 751-9589.
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.
Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
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FRIDAY, October 10th
No School for MSAD 75 Students.
Bowdoinham Community Connections LiHEAP assistance, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), NOON - 2:00 PM. This fall, Bowdoinham Community Connections will offer 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.
Open House, Bowdoinham Fire Department (57 Post Rd.), 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Go check out the Fire Department as part of Fire Prevention Week.
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SATURDAY, October 11th
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.
Artist in Residence Exhibit - Ruthanne Harrison, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. MAC & Merrymeeting Adult Education combine efforts to feature this year’s Artist in Residence, featuring the work of Ruthanne Harrison.
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SUNDAY, October 12th
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, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM. 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]. Visit Ground Well Counseling to sign up for their newsletter and get notifications of other events.
Community Swim at the LeRoy Greason Pool (35 Watson Dr., Brunswick), 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM. Free to residents of Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Harpswell, and Topsham. Pre-registration required.
Events may change or be canceled without notice.
"I believe that Facebook's products harm children, stoke division and weaken our democracy."
- Frances Haugen, Facebook whistleblower
Happening Soon:
🧑🚒 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!
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📖 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.
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🧵 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.
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🎃 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!
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📚 The Bowdoinham Booked Moms have chosen "The Mother Next Door" by Tara Laskowski as their book for Wednesday, October 29th. On Ivy Woods Drive, the picture-perfect Halloween block party hides more than pumpkins and candy - it hides the truth. When old secrets collide with new threats, the neighborhood moms discover just how far they'll go to protect their families. Want to meet other Bowdoinham moms and enjoy a good book and conversation (with other adults)? Join them at Merrymeeting Hall on the last Wednesday of each month for laughter and connection. For more info, email [email protected].
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🗳️ Election Day is coming up on Tuesday, November 4th, at the Bowdoinham Community School. Voting isn't just about politics; it's about shaping the community we live in every day. On the local ballot, residents will decide whether the town should continue to take on winter maintenance of a short section of Pratt Road. Statewide, voters will weigh in on two significant referendum questions: one proposing changes to Maine's election laws, and another addressing whether courts can temporarily restrict access to firearms in cases of demonstrated risk to public safety. Every vote matters, especially when it comes to decisions that directly impact our town and state.
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🎶 Merrymeeting Music House Concerts will feature Triton at Merrymeeting Hall on Saturday, November 22nd! Click here to get on the mailing list, so you don’t miss your RSVP link. Hailing from Vermont and Québec, Triton creates an orchestral blend of Old World sounds that defy every stereotype of their instruments. Their performances move seamlessly from Breton dance tunes to Scottish hornpipes, always with passion, precision, and a touch of storytelling. This is going to be a wonderful 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!
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🥧 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!
Be good to yourself AND another Bowdoinhammer this week.
Love,
Rodney
❤️