Happy New Year!
Eli the Wonder Pup and I continued our streak of Christmas Day hikes with our ninth annual one, a short snowshoe hike on the Orange Trail in Maggie’s Nature Park. It was the first time on snowshoes for my new knees, and they held up well. We broke out the trail in fresh powder snow, and the 1.3 mile loop was plenty of exercise for both of us.
Three days later, Eli and I went back to Maggie’s Nature Park for another hike. By then the trails had been traversed by several others, and while I still needed my snowshoes, I was able to make it to the top of Peaked Mountain without much difficulty. I haven’t been out for a hike since Monday’s storm and the ensuing deep freeze, but I’m sure I’ll find the conditions have changed quite a bit, and I will probably be back to Microspikes, at least until the next snowstorm.
Five years ago this week, in my last column of 2020, I wrote, “As a confirmed introvert, and a dedicated avoider of most kinds of raucous celebrations, I’ve never enjoyed the party aspect of New Year’s Eve. I have, however, always loved the concept of the incoming new year as a time for new beginnings, an opportunity to do things a little better the next time around, and a time of great optimism and hope.”
Those two things haven’t changed: I still avoid raucous celebrations, and I still look forward to each new year with great (even if misplaced) optimism. As usual, I’ll be making—and probably breaking—a few resolutions. How about you?
I’m so sorry to have learned recently that several families in our community are grieving the loss of a loved one this holiday season. Sincere sympathy goes out to John and Eva Coolidge and their family for the loss of their beautiful granddaughter, Corey Blais, on December 29; to the family of Duffy Ellsworth, who passed away on December 23; and to Ken and Michele Cole and family for the loss of Michele’s mother on December 21. We are all holding you all in our hearts.
With the start of 2026, the country is preparing to celebrate its Semiquincentennial, or, if you prefer, Bisesquicentennial, Sestercentennial, or Quarter Millennium. Yes, those are all technically correct ways to express the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but there seems to be a general consensus across the country that, for ease of remembering—and spelling—the name, it should be called simply “America 250.”
“Engage With Our History - Independence 250” is a series of programs and events taking place here in western Maine, sponsored by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and community partners. Follow the Independence 250 Facebook page to stay informed about all of the upcoming events and activities throughout the year—the first two are coming right up!
Saturday, January 10, at 2 p.m. in the Meeting Room of the Mason House, 14 Broad Street in Bethel: Independence 250 Kick-off. This event will feature a screening and discussion of a highlight reel from Ken Burns’ The American Revolution documentary. (The complete documentary is now available for streaming on Public Broadcasting.) Come and learn more about what is planned for 2026, and pick up a copy of the first reading group book.
Saturday, January 31, at 2 p.m. at the Bethel Library on Broad Street: Book discussion of American Scripture: Making the Declaration of Independence, by Pauline Maier. In American Scripture, Maier shows us the Declaration as both the defining statement of our national identity and the moral standard by which we live as a nation. A hybrid option will be available for those unable to attend in person.
Here are more things to do in the new year:
The Bethel Library Book Club meets monthly at 2 p.m. in the Reading Room of the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s Robinson House, next door to the library. The Reading Room is located in the back of the building, with access through the rear door on the driveway side, and plenty of parking behind the building or on Broad Street. The first meeting of 2026 will be held on Wednesday, January 21, at 2 p.m., and the book is Mad Honey, by Jodi Picoult and Jennifer Finney Boylan.
The Yarn Hub Drop-In knitting group at the Bethel Library meets on Tuesday mornings from 10-noon. The group has been on hiatus for the holidays, but will resume meeting on Tuesday, January 6.
The Village Makers meet year-round on Tuesdays from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at the Whitman Library in Bryant Pond to enjoy crafting and community. Organizer Liz Hatch calls herself “an obsessed knitter,” but crafters of all kinds are welcome.
MSAD 44 Adult and Community Education is sponsoring a four-day hands-on workshop on the Art of Sourdough, Wednesday-Friday, January 7, 8, and 9, from 6-7:30 p.m., and Saturday, January 10, from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For more information and to register, contact the office at 824-2136, ext. 1341, or email adulted@sad44.org.
Age-Friendly Community Initiative sponsors a drop-in indoor walking program at the Gould Academy Fieldhouse on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1-2 p.m. through April. The program has been on holiday break, but will resume on Tuesday, January 6.
If you haven’t yet checked out Western Maine Neighborhood News at wmnn.org be sure to do so. You can read columns by seven former Bethel Citizen town correspondents on the website, or subscribe to have them delivered to your inbox each week. This online newsletter is intended to keep our communities informed, so if you have news, events, or photos you’d like to have included there, I hope you’ll share them with me! You can reach me by email at amy.w.chapman@gmail.com or by phone or text at 207-890-4812.
Happy New Year, Amy. Thanks for providing information on upcoming events in the area!