Things for kids to do this summer

Good Monday to you, Bowdoinhammer

I want to send a shout-out to John Cunningham, who did a spectacular job moderating the Annual Town Meeting. Tessa and I like his combination of wit and no-nonsense.

Did you go to it? If so, what was your favorite part?

Speaking of no-nonsense, let’s get into these events, shall we?

Highlights in this Newsletter:

1. The anniversary of a Bowdoinham legend is this week.

2. Do you have a child in your house who wants to wreck opponents on the court with their tennis skills, but you can’t afford the lessons?

3. How did voters vote last week?

4. Monday is, honestly, truly, for real (this time) the last day of school for MSAD 75.

5. The Town Office and Recycling Center are closed on Thursday. In the afternoon, the Loose Ladies Book Group will hold its monthly meeting.

6. Bowdoinham Community Connections’ open office hours are on Friday.

7. If you’ve ever wanted to try rowing, Saturday is your opportunity.

8. There are a few descriptions of Merrymeeting Arts Center classes for kids at the bottom of this email. Those classes book up pretty fast, just fyi.

Keep scrolling for more info about these and other events.

From Bank Vault to Pub Name: A Wild Bowdoinham Tale!

On the night of June 21, 1866, three robbers invaded the Bowdoinham home of National Village Bank cashier Robert Butterfield. They assaulted him and threatened his family to get the bank keys. They then forced Butterfield to the bank, where they stole $73,461.50 in cash and valuables.

After their escape, a massive statewide hunt kicked off, fueled by an unprecedented $10,000 reward. Investigators eventually traced the three perpetrators, David Bartlett, Orrin Simms, and Davis McGuire, to New York City, where they were arrested in October 1866. Their trial in Bath, Maine, in April 1867, resulted in a guilty verdict, and each man was sentenced to 15 years in state prison. 

This is what the Three Robbers Pub is named after.

For all the gritty details, the Bowdoinham Historical Society has the full story waiting for you on their website.

Does your kid want to play Tennis?

The very thoughtful Meg Zellinger recently made me aware of a pretty cool opportunity for young Bowdoinhammers looking to hit the courts this summer. She was chatting with tennis pro Jason Terry over at Maine Pines in Brunswick, and he mentioned that they offer a scholarship for kids who might not otherwise be able to afford tennis lessons!

This amazing Mal Clarke Scholarship Fund is all about giving youth in the greater Brunswick region, who have financial needs, the chance to get involved and even excel in tennis. It provides support, guidance, and funding for lessons and training, all for healthy recreation and fitness.

Maine Pines has a few summer camps lined up. While it might be a bit late for the June camps, there's definitely still a chance for the later months, and it's absolutely worth a call!

• Maine Pines Tennis Summer JUNIOR Camps 2025: (For middle school and high schoolers) They'll dive into strokes and game strategies, then put their new skills to the test in match play! Bring a water bottle and snack (rackets are provided if needed). Registration is $160.

  • Dates: July 21st - 24th, August 4th - 7th

• Maine Pines Tennis Summer KIDS Camps 2025: (For ages 4-11) These younger players will work on their strokes through fun games, drills, and post-play activities. Just like the older kids, they should bring a water bottle and snack (rackets are provided if needed). Registration is $140.

  • Dates: July 7th - 10th, August 11th - 14th

To get the full scoop, make sure to contact Andrea Georgian at [email protected], Jason Terry at [email protected], give them a ring at 207-729-8433, or even visit the front desk. 

Don't forget the most important part: ask about that Mal Clarke Scholarship Fund!

On a side note, for Bowdoinham kiddos between the ages of 13 and 18, there's also the Richard A. Ferrier Scholarship Fund that might help with things like tennis lessons. The deadline for that one was June 1st, so it may be something to keep in mind for next year's planning!

The Vote

It might be old news at this point, but here are the results of the voting that happened on Tuesday, June 10th:

Article 2 - Budget Approval

• Overall: 1,848 yes to 550 no

  • Topsham: 280 yes, 94 no

  • Harpswell: 1,251 yes, 287 no

  • Bowdoin: 100 yes, 76 no

  • Bowdoinham: 217 yes, 93 no

Article 3 - 3-Year Continuation of Budget Process

• Overall: 2,221 yes to 634 no

  • Topsham: 761 yes, 101 no

  • Harpswell: 1,101 yes, 412 no

  • Bowdoin: 125 yes, 50 no

  • Bowdoinham: 234 yes, 71 no

As you can see, I’ve included the results from the other MSAD 75 communities.

Happening in Bowdoinham THIS week:

Monday, June 16th

• Last Day of School for MSAD 75. The last day of school will be a half (1/2) day.

• 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 17th 

• 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 any age and ability. The group has friendly games with mixed levels of competition.

Wednesday, June 18th

• 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. 

Thursday, June 19th, Juneteenth

• The Bowdoinham Town Office and Public Works (Recycling) will be closed for Juneteenth.

• Trash Pick-up Day will still happen as they are a contractor and don’t observe the holiday. You can buy the $3 trash tags at the Town Office and Public Works Facility. Pick-up times vary. 

• Cribbage hosted by Age Friendly Bowdoinham, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - NOON. Hosted by Age Friendly Bowdoinham.

• Loose Ladies Book Group, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM. This week, they will discuss “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot. The Bowdoinham Public Library (207-666-8405) has copies to loan to patrons. 

• 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 any age and ability. The group has friendly games with mixed levels of competition.

Friday, June 20th

• 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, June 21st 

• David Bartlett, Orrin Simms, and Davis McGuire rob Bowdoinham's National Village Bank on the evening of June 21st, 1866.

• 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. 

• TRY ROWING with Bowdoinham Rowing, Mailly Waterfront Park (1 Main St.), 9:00 AM - 10:30 AM. Anyone age 15 and older can try out a short row in the Cathance River (age 12-14 will need to be accompanied by a parent/guardian). This is free to the public and is a great way to see if rowing is right for you. Try rowing a traditional Cornish Pilot Gig, and stay for the Farmer’s Market! For more info about the club, visit BowdoinhamRowing.com.

• 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 22nd

• 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.

Coming Soon to a Bowdoinham Near You:

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 the basics of photography, including composition and lighting, through hands-on practice, with the opportunity to have their work displayed in a September exhibition. They 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!

. . .

A new book club, Bowdoinham Booked Moms, was created as a stress-free space for local moms to unwind, connect, and make friends through reading and discussion. They'll meet on the last Wednesday of each month at 7:00 PM in Merrymeeting Hall, starting June 25th, with genres kept flexible and decisions made by the group. This fun, no-fee club is for moms with a Bowdoinham connection, aiming for an enjoyable time every month! For more info, email [email protected].

. . .

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

. . .

Merrymeeting Arts Center is hosting a Kids Craft a Creature workshop for little ones aged 3 to 8. On Tuesday, July 8th, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, kiddos can dive into a pile of recycled materials, colorful scraps, googly eyes, pipe cleaners, and more to invent their very own silly, strange, cute, big, or small creature! Local artist and former teacher Courtney Hutchings will be there to guide and encourage every wild idea. Your child gets to bring home a creature they're super proud of, and Merrymeeting Arts Center handles all the clean-up! It's $20, plus a $10 materials fee. Sounds like a perfect creative morning!

. . .

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 there's even a dog! It's one of Shakespeare's funniest comedies, performed with live music - definitely not one to miss!

That’s all I have for you this week, Bowdoinhammer.

Remember, if you have news of something happening in Bowdoinham that you'd like others to know about, you can email me at [email protected] and I’ll blab about it here.

I hope you have the best week ever.

Love,

Rodney

❤️