GILEAD – The town’s Bicentennial Committee has chosen a title for its 200th birthday celebration on June 26.

The committee decided to use “The Smile of Providence, Gilead – Past and Present,” which is also the title of a history book now on sale around town.

The committee had 350 copies printed of the history written by Howard Reiche Jr. and Hugh Chapman. About 300 copies of a picture book depicting the small town over the years have also been printed and distributed to Gilead residents.

Plans are under way for another fund-raiser to help pay for the bicentennial celebration.

Lin Chapman, a member of the committee, said a spaghetti supper is set for 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 24, at the Bog Brook Training Facility. Cost is $6 for adults and $3 for children age 5-12. Seating is limited so tickets should be purchased in advance by calling Chapman at 836-2987 or the Town Office at 836-2115.

So far, a parade is planned with a grand marshal and trophies awarded, food and craft vendors, musical performances, and races and games for children. Other events will be announced as confirmed.
– Eileen M. Adams
Hanover: Group learns communications
HANOVER – About a half-dozen residents gathered last week to listen to Jeffrey Clark and Tamara Corson from the Oxford County Regional Communications Center, talk about the new E-911 emergency communications system and how it affects the town.

Town Clerk Clem Worcester said the various phone options were described, as well as how the radio system works and how responders are contacted. Because Hanover gets its dispatching service from Rumford, an extra phone call must be made to get an emergency vehicle to the town, Worcester said.

The communications speakers were part of the town’s Neighborhood Watch program. The group, which is open to everyone, meets every month or so at the Town Office. Worcester said the next informational meeting will be in June.

Also, said Worcester, selectmen plan to meet at 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 21, at the Town Office on Ferry Road.
– Eileen M. Adams
Bethel: Election papers deadline nears
BETHEL – Four of eight people who took out papers last month to run for two three-year seats on the Board of Selectmen have filed the documents.

They are former Selectmen Stan Howe and Robert Everett, former long-time Planning Board member Dennis Doyon, and Larry Smith, said Town Clerk Christen Mason.

The others who have yet to file their documents are incumbent Selectman Don Bennett, Planning Board member Walley Hannigan, fired Bethel police Chief Darren Tripp and Francis Dumont, who ran unsuccessfully for a seat on the board last year.

Of the other municipal positions open, incumbent assessors Stan Howe and David Luxton had filed papers to seek re-election to their three-year seats, which are up for grabs. Smith had also filed papers to run for one of the positions.

There are also two three-year seats open on the SAD 44 School Board. Incumbent Barbara Dumont is the only one to take out papers for re-election but has yet to file the documents.

Incumbent SAD 44 director Elaine Cross has yet to take out papers.

Deadline to file the papers at the town office is by 5 p.m. Monday, April 26.

– Terry Karkos