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We had a blast
Bowdoinhammer - Week of September 15th to the 21st
Happy Monday, Bowdoinhammer.
If you went to the waterfront on Saturday morning, expecting to see a Farmers’ Market because of this newsletter, please accept my sincerest apologies. I didn’t get the memo on that one, and I should have known, given past occasions.

Photo by Rebecca Conley
As far as Celebrate Bowdoinham goes, that was a pretty good one. Right? The Town and Volunteers deserve a round of applause.
Tessa and I had a blast, people watching and catching up with old friends.
If you missed the parade, don’t worry. I made a video of the whole thing and put it up on the YouTubes (feel free to share it with whomever you want).
Loose Ladies Book Club Update 📚
Good news-the Thursday, Sept. 18th meeting is still on! (The Town calendar had it listed wrong)
The club will gather at Merrymeeting Hall to dive into This Tender Land by William Kent Krueger.
If you've read the book or just want to listen in, you're invited. Share your thoughts, meet some neighbors, and enjoy a great discussion!
You were born to be real, not to be perfect.”

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It takes coffee, time, and a whole lot of love to put this newsletter together each week.
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Thank you!
Happening This Week:
MONDAY, September 15th
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.
Bowdoinham Tree Committee: Emerald Ash Borer presentation, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 7:00 PM. The presentation will feature Colleen Teerling, state entomologist. Anyone who may have questions or concerns about this insect, which is decimating Ash trees throughout Maine, is encouraged to attend.
TUESDAY, September 16th
Bowdoinham Community Connections LiHEAP assistance, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM. This fall, Bowdoinham Community Connections will be offering 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.
Special Select Board Meeting, Kendall Room, John C. Coombs Municipal Building (13 School St.), 6:00 PM. This meeting is to set the FY2025-26 Tax Commitment for the town.
WEDNESDAY, September 17th
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, September 18th, Happy Birthday, Bowdoinham!
Bowdoinham, Maine, was incorporated on September 18, 1762, making it the 17th town in the state.
Trash Pick-up Day. You can buy the $3 trash tags at the Town Office and Public Works Facility. 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, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), 9:30 AM - NOON. Hosted by Age Friendly Bowdoinham.
Loose Ladies Book Club, Merrymeeting Hall (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM. They’ll discuss the book “This Tender Land” by William Kent Krueger. Get your copy at Bowdoinham Public Library (207) 666-8405, or your favorite local bookseller.
Merryreading Book Store OPEN, Merrymeeting Hall Basement (27 Main St.), 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM.
FRIDAY, September 19th
Bowdoinham Community Connections LiHEAP assistance, Bowdoinham Fire Station (57 Post Rd.), NOON - 2:00 PM. This fall, Bowdoinham Community Connections will be offering 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.
Opening Reception & Artist Talk: Frederick Ndabaramiye Exhibit, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Rwandan-born painter and writer Frederick Ndabaramiye is now based in Portland, Maine. His art tells a story of resilience, hope, and creativity through vibrant colors and textures, giving viewers a glimpse into his unique perspective.
SATURDAY, September 20th
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.
Frederick Ndabaramiye Exhibit, Merrymeeting Arts Center Gallery (9 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Rwandan-born painter and writer Frederick Ndabaramiye is now based in Portland, Maine. His art tells a story of resilience, hope, and creativity through vibrant colors and textures, giving viewers a glimpse into his unique perspective.
Bowdoinham Rowing Social Event, Mailly Waterfront (1 Main St.), 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM. Rowing event as part of the Dempsey Challenge. Part of the event will take place at the gazebo after the Farmers' Market concludes for the day. There is no fee to participate, but donations are requested.
SUNDAY, September 21st
Sunday Service, Bowdoinham Second Baptist (1 Church St.), 9:30 AM. Potluck Luncheon following service.
Sunday School/Service, Bowdoinham Church of the Nazarene (7 School St.), 10:00 AM, Service 11:00 AM.
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.
Stock the Falcon Market, Feed the Future
As kids head back to school, the Bowdoinham Food Pantry is raising funds to keep the Falcon Market stocked with healthy snacks, meals, and hygiene items for 180+ students at Bowdoinham Community School.
To keep the pantry well stocked for the coming school year, they’re working to raise $500 / month for 10 months. To accommodate a wide range of potential sponsors, they offer two tiers of sponsorship: one half-month (for a one-time contribution of $250) or one full month (for a one-time contribution of $500).
Wicked Joe Organic Coffees and BCDI have already stepped up as anchor sponsors.
To join them, contact John Treat at (207) 751-7779 or [email protected]
Happening Soon:
🥪 Join Bowdoinham Community Connections for a Soup & Sandwich luncheon on September 22nd in the Bowdoinham Estates dining room. It's a great chance to connect with others and learn about a volunteer-based program that helps residents access community resources. Whether you want to give back or could use a hand yourself, everyone's welcome. Space is limited, so please register by September 12th. To reserve your spot, call Jason Lamoreau at (207) 666-3101.
. . .
🗣️ A public hearing is scheduled for Tuesday, September 23rd, at 6:00 PM in the Kendall Meeting Room at the Town Office. The Municipal Officers will hear public comments on a warrant question that would authorize the Select Board to conduct winter maintenance on a 0.19-mile section of Pratt Road for the 2025-2026 season. This particular section was officially discontinued in 1978, but the town has continued to maintain it since 2014 without voter approval. This is a chance for the community to weigh in on the matter before a vote.
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📙 Using their patented, super-complex method of selecting books, the Bowdoinham Booked Moms have chosen “A Flicker in the Dark” by Stacy Willingham as their book for Wednesday, September 24th. When Chloe Davis was twelve, her small Louisiana town was rocked by the disappearance of six teenage girls, a case that ended with her father's arrest as a serial killer, leaving her and her family to grapple with the shocking aftermath. Bowdoinham Booked Moms is 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. 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].
. . .
📸 Professional photographer Leah Haraden is hosting an "Introduction to Digital Photography" class on September 27th, from 11:30 AM to 4:30 PM. This is a great opportunity for adults and teens who have always wanted to perfect using their camera! For just $40, she will cover everything from basic camera settings and composition techniques to working with natural light. Through fun, hands-on exercises, participants will develop the skills and confidence to take better photos.
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🚚 Following a successful Bulky Waste Day in the spring, Bowdoinham Community Connections (BCC) will once again organize a volunteer effort on October 4th to assist residents with bulky waste removal. This service is intended for community members with mobility challenges or those who lack transportation. BCC is seeking volunteers with trucks and the ability to move heavy items. Residents who need help with removing items or are able to volunteer their time or vehicle are asked to call 207-666-3101 as soon as possible. The goal is to make Bulky Waste Day more accessible and easier for everyone in Bowdoinham.
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🎤 Merrymeeting Music House Concerts will feature Greg Boardman, Elsie Gawler, and Steve Muise at Merrymeeting Hall on Saturday, October 4th! Click here to RSVP your spot. This is going to be a fantastic 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! If you’re not on their mailing list, click here to sign up.
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👨🚒 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!
. . .
🧵 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.
That’s all there is for this week, Bowdoinhammer.
Until we see each other again, be good to yourself.
Love,
Rodney
❤️

Wednesday, September 18th, 1912, Bowdoinham - Looking Down Main Street