Greenwood City

Greenwood City

by Wayne Hakala

Going from a couple of inches of snow to 86 in a few days is just plain ugly. We should be able to build up to such a change. We did not need the black flies coming from the wild beyond. Spring is sure here!

Saturday I hauled the JD up to the Post and smoothed up some of the winter damage. Also pre-pared some area to make more lawn. We need it. Al and Rich need to exercise them shiny mowers. Old Gravely will run them both over. Rich did show me a wonderful way to sharpen up my blades and going to take him up on it too. Just gotta get the old machine out and clean it up. Might even put some polish on it too for good measure.

Thursday evening is the Post and Unit 68 installation of officers. There will be a potluck supper and the installation after. There are many tasks to be accomplished in the new year. So come with your sleeves rolled up and ready to go to work.

Friday evening, the 7th, is a special Bingo at Post 68 to support the Military Vehicle Show at the Maine Veterans’ Home in South Paris on July 17. We do not want to see any funds coming from the Advisory Council’s fund. The Council provides so many needed items for the veterans in the home and makes it possible for groups to get out and enjoy a meal. Joe Cooney and Gene Bickford spend many hours at the Home helping out. But we need to make Ken groan with adding up the take from the Bingo Friday night. But we can write the check very easily. I want to see over a hundred play-ers just to make the evening interesting. Come early and stay late. Doors open at 4 p.m. and games start at 6 p.m. Regulars might want to be early if you want your usual seats.

The second Tuesday of May is coming right up. That means there will be a Supper/Dance put on by the Legion Auxiliary. Playing for your dancing and listening pleasure will be the Wally Jones Band. Always good toe-tapping music. Anita has not made a decision yet as to what will be served. Ed Damon said it didn’t matter as he knew it will be good. If this heat keeps up she ought to think of a picnic.

There are many actions going on here in Greenwood that need attention. Look at the mill, in trouble and Augusta is about as interested as the man in the moon. Representatives Sawin Millett, Jarrod Crockett, Senator Snowe have all gone to bat for all of us. But we aren’t of the right industry and so on. I’m sure if this was a matter of recreation industry, Augusta would be first in line.

The mill means much more than the jobs that will be lost, the tax revenue to the town, but a place in the history of Greenwood will close. The real people in the mill spend money from here to there. The tax revenue sure will be lost and a big amount will have to be made up some place. And all I keep hearing is big ideas and spending money. Where is it coming from? We need to start asking many more questions and make the Selectboard be responsible to us. Not get flippant answers.