Trash Tickets & Town Tales

Bowdoinhammer - Week of February 24th to March 2nd

Author

Rodney Kloberdans
February 24, 2025

Hi Bowdoinhammer,

It’s Monday again—time to kick off another week in our beautiful little town. And while you’re basking in that thought, why not snap a selfie and send it to [email protected]? You could score 5 trash tickets (because nothing says “local celebrity” like free trash disposal).

My tech wizard is currently cooking up a photo rating page so we can officially tally the entries—coming soon!

In the meantime, here’s a quick refresher on the contest rules:
📸 Be a Bowdoinhammer to enter.
📍 Take the picture in Bowdoinham.
🖼️ One photo per participant.
⏰ Submit by NOON on Sunday, March 16.

I can’t wait to see what you send my way—bonus points for creativity (just kidding… or am I?).

Happy snapping! 😄

The week’s highlights:

  • The Bowdoinham Food Pantry needs bags for its Weekend Foods for Kids program. You can drop them off on Wednesdays at the pantry (9 Main St.), or call (207) 751-7779 to make an arrangement. They are also still looking to hire an Executive Director.

  • Goats In The Road Trivia will probably be at the Three Robbers Pub on Monday.

  • The Select Board will be doing Select Board things on Tuesday.

  • Artists and Farmers (and Farmer’s Mums) are encouraged to attend the Open Farm & Studio Day Planning Meeting on Wednesday.

  • Don’t worry about it. The Guilt-Free book club will be meeting on Thursday.

  • The Bowdoinham Community Connections open office hours are on Friday.

  • The Candle Dipping class at Merrymeeting Arts Center for Saturday has sold out, but they have other classes coming up that you might want to check out, like Watercolor for Beginners. You could be the next Winslow Homer!

  • Comedians, Musicians, Storytellers, Poets and all-around show-offs are invited to share material in front of an audience at the Open Mic sponsored by Merrymeeting Arts Center on Sunday.

There’s more information about these and other events below, so keep scrolling.

Bowdoinham in the News:

Vietnam War veterans share their stories at Bowdoinham festival

Four Vietnam War veterans shared their personal stories at the Bowdoinham Ice and Smelt Festival, providing a glimpse into the realities of the war and its lasting impact. Frank Connors, Brent Zachau, Gene McKenna, and Ryan Jennings each recounted their experiences, from harrowing close calls to the challenges of adjusting to life after returning home. Their stories highlighted the difficulties faced by those who served in Vietnam, including the unpopularity of the war, cultural shock, and the ever-present threat of combat. The event offered a valuable opportunity for veterans to connect and share their experiences, reminding the community of the sacrifices made by those who served in Vietnam.

Listen to the event at the Bowdoinham Public Library’s website.

Read the full article by Paul Bagnall of The Times Record "Vietnam War veterans share their stories at Bowdoinham festival" (there may be a paywall).

Who killed 90-year-old Emily Chase?

Maine State Police are seeking new leads in the 1978 cold case murder of 90-year-old Emily Chase in Bowdoinham. Chase, a beloved member of the community, was found dead in her home with a fractured skull. Despite previous investigations, the case remains unsolved, leaving her family and community searching for answers. Police urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward and help bring closure to this decades-old tragedy.

"Help the life of one person and you can help the community."

- Steven Sawalich

Have you heard of these resources?

They offer support and resources for family caregivers navigating the challenges of caring for a loved one, especially those with Alzheimer’s or related dementias. Through educational support groups and the Family Caregiver Respite Program, eligible caregivers can receive up to $4,136 annually to help cover costs like in-home care, adult day services, overnight respite stays, home modifications, and assistive devices. The program aims to ease the emotional and financial strain of caregiving, offering trusted guidance and connections to additional resources. To learn more or see if you qualify, call 1-800-639-1553 or visit spectrumgenerations.org/support-groups.

A volunteer-run, non-profit organization dedicated to providing firewood to families in need across Bath, Bowdoin, Bowdoinham, Brunswick, Harpswell, Topsham, and Woolwich. Founded in 2023 and a proud founding member of the Maine Wood Bank Network, its mission is simple yet vital:

“To free our neighbors from having to choose whether to heat or eat.”

The organization relies on community support through donations of hardwood logs, firewood, equipment, supplies, and financial contributions. While donated wood is provided free to those in need, surplus and green firewood are sold at market rates to fund fuel assistance for households unable to burn wood. As a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charity, the Wood Bank also benefits from matching gift programs, with some employers offering up to a 3:1 match on donations.

Mark your calendar:

To support its mission, the Midcoast Wood Bank is hosting a “Wood Bankquet” on March 27th, at 5:00 PM at the Holden Frost House (7 Academy Lane, The Highlands, Topsham). This complimentary dinner—valued at approximately $50 and prepared by renowned Highlands chef Andy Walton—is open to the public, but seating is limited and reservations are required. Donations are encouraged, and thanks to a matching gift, all contributions made before February 28th will be doubled, up to $4,000. To reserve a seat or make a donation, contact the Wood Bank at (207) 829-6222 or [email protected]. Checks can be mailed to Maine Wood Banks (Memo: Midcoast WB) at PO Box 32, Freeport, ME 04032.

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

Monday, February 24th

  • 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.

Tuesday, February 25th
Wednesday, February 26th

  • 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.

  • Open Farm & Studio Day Planning Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 11:00 AM. Artists and farmers are invited to this meeting to review past Open Farm & Studio Day events and plan for this year’s event (to be held on Sunday, July 27th). Past and prospective participants are welcome to join the discussion. Please share with anyone who may be interested!

  • 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, February 27th

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

  • MSAD 75 School Board Meeting, Mt. Ararat High School (68 Eagles Way, Topsham), 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM.

  • Guilt-Free Book Group, Bowdoinham Public Library (13a School St.), 7:00 PM.

Friday, February 28th

  • 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, March 1st

  • 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.

  • Candle Dipping with Asia Roberge, Merrymeeting Arts Center Studio (9 Main St.), 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM. SOLD OUT. These classes can fill up fast (just like this one did). For more of a heads-up, make sure to visit their Classes & Workshops calendar often. 

Sunday, March 2nd

  • 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.

  • Open Mic Night, Watersong Music (9 Main St.), 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM. Hosted by Merrymeeting Arts Center. Musicians, storytellers, poets, comedians, and audience members. It’s a great time to practice new material, dust off old classics, or enjoy community.

  • FREE swimming, LeRoy Greason Pool (Bowdoin College, 35 Watson Dr, Brunswick), 4:30 PM - 5:30 PM. For ALL ages and residents of MSAD 75. Runs January 12th through April 6th.

(These events may change or cancel without notice)

Next Week: Kate would like to see who the fastest puzzler is, Merrymeeting Dance Alinement, File your taxes for free, and Samuel James is coming to town.

That’s all I have for you this time, folks.

I hope you have a wonderful week ahead of you.

Take care.

Love,

Rodney

❤️