CARTHAGE – Selectmen are making plans to attend two regional meetings that could have local implications. They also have set the annual date to hear of changes in local properties.

At least one of the three selectmen will attend the Franklin County Municipal Officers Association on Wednesday, March 24, at Franklin Memorial Hospital. Selectman Steve Brown said those attending will hear state Office of Health Policy and Finance representative Adam Thompson and hospital president and Chief Executive Officer Richard Batt discuss the Dirigo Health plan and proposed cuts to Medicare.

On Wednesday, March 31, all three selectmen plan to attend the River Valley Municipal Summit in Dixfield. Here, selectmen and town managers will discuss problems common to the 10 towns in the River Valley and possible solutions.

Brown and Selectmen Bill Houghton and Brenda Flagg will hold their annual Assessors Day from 1 to 5 p.m. at the town office. Residents have a chance at that time to claim any changes to their property and discuss property valuations.

-Eileen M. Adams
Gilead: Bicentennial books ready

GILEAD – When residents attend their annual town meeting on Saturday, March 27, they will have a chance to buy two books published in honor of the town’s 200th birthday.

Lin Chapman, town clerk, treasurer and Bicentennial Committee member, said, “The Smile of Providence, A History of Gilead, Maine,” written by Howard Reiche Jr. and Hugh Chapman, will be on sale. A second publication with more than 60 photographs of the small western Maine town may also be ready for distribution.

The committee has been working for many months toward the celebration of the bicentennial. The next fund-raiser, a spaghetti supper, is scheduled for April 24.

Gilead was incorporated on June 23, 1804. Its population is about 155 people.

Eileen M. Adams