Mechanic Falls

MECHANIC FALLS — Mechanic Falls has been swept clean thanks to spring clean up recently.

The new street sweeper the town purchased a while back does a good job, but, I have to say I sort of miss seeing the old red street sweeper that used to lumber through the streets of McFalls at a snail's pace. I guess the folks at Loony Tunes wanted it back.

Perhaps because it was no longer sweeping sand, but spraying it. Back onto my lawn.

I recently had the privilege of attending an instructional open house at the Mechanic Falls Historical Society, which hosted an event for Elm Street School. Eriks Petersens did a great job imparting the local history and lore of Mechanic Falls to students, who, by the way, knew quite a bit already.

Two standouts for students were the tree bridge and the bayonet. Intrigued? Then stop by the Society to get the full story.

You can check out these and more at upcoming events on May 5 and 6. On Saturday, the 5th, from noon to 3 p.m. an Open House will take place for anyone wishing to stop by. The Society has expanded the upstairs of the building showcasing memorabilia of the town's history.

Later, from 4:30-6:30 p.m., the Society is hosting its Almost Famous Roast Beef Community Supper. The cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under.

On Sunday, May 6, the society will present, A Music of Note. This concert is organized by Robert Malcolm, a former music teacher and church organist for the First Congregational Church.

The concert will feature several area organists, including Connie Benwitz, organist for the Hebron Community Baptist Church and West Minot Union Church, Claire Poulin, organist for Monmouth Center Church, and Vicki Stubbs from the Poland Community Church.

Rounding out the afternoon will be John Whitmore, Merton Lord and Robert Malcolm playing selected pieces on the organ as well. The concert is free.

It is Teacher Appreciation Week, so if you are a teacher and you are reading this, thank you. Teachers in the 21st century do so much more than impart the academics.

They fix zippers on coats, they stock tissues, they do not let children burp, spit, talk mean, or slouch. They say "You can do it" all the time. They bring work home every night. They call parents, even when it's good news. They come to work early and stay late.

And they worry. Did everything get taught that needed to be taught in 10 months?

Thank you, teachers at Elm Street School. Your investment has not gone unnoticed.