HANOVER – Selectmen approved a plan by a special Cemetery Committee for the repair of about 25 stones at the Hanover Cemetery on Route 2.

These stones, located in the older section of the cemetery, have tipped over, been broken or damaged over the years. Committee members Barbara Lapham and Helen Dolloff formulated the plan. Bethel resident Don Feeney will repair the stones in the spring.

When selectmen meet Tuesday, Oct. 21, one of the things they will likely discuss is the winter maintenance of the South Shore Road around Howard Pond. The road is not plowed by the town during the winter but instead maintained by private contractor hired by the road’s residents.

Some residents of the road had requested winter maintenance which would require bringing the road up to standard. When selectmen turned down the request, their request went before the Oxford County commissioners last month. Commissioners had said at that time that they will render a decision Oct. 21.

Selectman Bruce Powell said the commissioners’ decision will likely be discussed at their upcoming monthly board meeting.

Rumford:

Waiting list made for memorial trip

RUMFORD – A 54-seat bus destined for the dedication of the new World War II veterans memorial in Washington, D.C., in May has been filled. Now, organizer Loretta Bard wonders if there are more people who want to take the low-cost trip.

She said Tuesday that she has a waiting list of at least seven people who want to go. And instead of waiting for some to drop out of the filled bus, she is trying to find even more people to fill a second bus that will carry 46 people.

Anyone who wants to go, WWII vets, spouses, widows, family of WWII vets or Korean War veterans and families must contact her at the Rumford Veterans Clinic at 364-4098 as soon as possible. Cost for the trip, two nights lodging just outside Washington, D.C., and three meals is $225 per person.

Most of those who have committed to the May 29-31 trip for the dedication are from the Rumford area with a few from the Farmington area, she said. The trip is for anyone in the region who wants to take part in this historic event.

Of those signed up, about 30 are WWII vets, with the rest being spouses, widows, or family members of WWII veterans and a few Korean War vets.

Two nurses will travel with the group.

Bard, and WWII veteran Albert “Red” Paul have been working on getting the trip together for several months. Travelers will leave Auburn on the Cyr Busline on Saturday, May 29, attend the dedication ceremony on May 30, then return home on May 31.

Gilead:

200th birthday party plans made

GILEAD – Plans for this tiny town’s 200th birthday party are well under way with the Bicentennial Committee organizing a fund-raising event each month.

The big bash will be held June 26, mostly in the village area. But before then, suppers, yard sales, raffles and other events must take place to help fund the celebration.

Bicentennial Committee member Beverley Corriveau said a harvest turkey supper takes place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, at the Bog Brook Training Center just off Route 2 near the village. Adults, $7; children 12 and under, $4; and free for those under 5. Tickets are being sold in advance by Bicentennial Committee members. The committee meets at 3 p.m. Oct. 18 at the Town Hall to solidify plans for the supper and to continue planning for the bicentennial.

Bicentennial events planned so far include a parade, a book of history on the town, a historical display, fireworks, a country fair with food and craft vendors, and perhaps some kind of race, either by boat or canoe down the Androscoggin River or a foot race.

Gilead was incorporated on June 23, 1804. It has a population of a little more than 150 people.

eadams@sunjournal.com

Copy the Story Link