Berwick WHERE TRADITION MEETS TOMORROW - In this issue - Berwick, Maine
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THE
ISSUE N O 01
Berwick SUMMER ’21
QUARTERLY
WHERE TRADITIO N
MEETS TO MO RROW
In this issue SUM M E R CAL E NDA R • V O L U N T E E R I N G O P P O RT U N I T I E S • B E R W I C K S U MME R B U C K ET LIST
UPDAT E S F ROM T H E E D G E , B E R W I C K P U B L I C L I B R A RY, R E C R E AT I O N D E PA RT ME N T, AND M O R E!
A Sense of Place
TRADITION
THE
This land was traditionally called We shifted to Kittery Commons as BERWICK
Newichawannock, a vibrant Native the loss of the prime trees and newly-
American summer settlement between
HISTORICAL SOCIETY
opened fields brought farmers. These
the Salmon Falls and Great Works settlers established the three Berwick
Rivers. The site, with these rivers as communities we recognize today.
its thoroughfares, was ideal for fishing,
agriculture, and trade. We flourished into a town when New interest is brewing for the historical
Kittery designated Berwick as its own society to find a permanent home so
The region became known as Great place. We eventually voted to move the collections can be displayed, documents
Works when Ambrose Gibbons, the first Town Meeting House from Blackberry can be available for research, treasures
English settler, established a trading Hill Road, the previously rural town can be stored, and meetings and events
post and the first sawmill in America center, to School Street at the Salmon can take place.
near Quamphegan Falls. Falls River’s edge.
If you have any suggestions for an
We were the Parish of Unity while We created Sullivan Square and our available location please pass them
our bountiful eastern white pines current Town Hall and The Prime Tanning along. Or, if you have a location to donate
were shipped along the Mast Road— Company began operating, producing (always worth the ask) please let us know.
later Blackberry Hill Road—off to be fine leather hides.
transformed into His Royal Majesty’s Once some options are found, information
Naval masts. We renewed our town center when the will be presented and if supported,
vacant tannery lot was approved for a fundraising will be the next step to reach
Brownfields Grant and a revitalization our goal. Very exciting!
opportunity was born.
If you would like to get involved with
The Berwick Historical Society and help
to get things going again, please email
lisahuestis@gmail.com.
Did you know?
Berwick sits on the traditional land
of the Abenaki/Abénaquis, Wabanaki
(Dawnland Confederacy), and
Pennacook tribal nations.
The Indian history of the area centers
around three distinct tribes of the
Top photo: Samuel region: the Newichawannocks on
Perkins and John R. the banks of the Piscataqua,
Perkins on the Perkins the Sokokis, or the Saco tribe,
Farm, Blackberry Hill living in the vicinity of the Saco
Road, 1892. River, and the Abenaki tribes
Right photo: Sullivan from Canada.
Square Preparedness
Parade, May 20, 1917.
Sources: native-land.ca and The Story of Berwick, 1963
A BRIEF HISTORY OF BERWICK
JUNE 9 FEBRUARY 12
The first English explorers reach America’s first water-powered BERWICK INCORPORATED REVOLUTIONARY SOUTH BERWICK
the coast of Southern Maine sawmill and gristmill built as the 9th town in Maine WAR INCORPORATES
c2000 BC EARLY 1600s 1631 1634 1675-1713 1713 1774 1775-1783 1783 1814
Native American hunters and Ambrose Gibbons leads Warfare throughout JULY 18 Berwick and Somersworth
fishermen settle the Berwick area, the first party to settle at New England and the Berwick votes to pay 4 pounds, build a bridge over the
fishing the Salmon Falls river Newichawannock, which would Berwick region between 14 shillings, and sixpence Salmon Falls River in the
and later planting corn and beans become a busy trading post built English settlers and toward the expenses of the village of Great Falls
alongside the river banks on the local timber Native Americans Massachusetts representatives
to the Continental Congress
Source: “Berwick’s Timeline”, a document compiled by Brian Cincotta for the Berwick Historical Society
Berwick to us is the epitome of small town living.
Encouraging community and family values.”
– MARLA & JOHN EARL
LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT:
The Auto Barn
How did we start in Berwick? The people in this town exemplify good We are very fortunate that we were able to
We lived here so having a home business old-fashioned values. We always have run raise our four boys working part time in the
was appealing to us. John’s original vision the business in this manner. Our customers business when they were younger. Berwick has
was to use the old post and beam barns for appreciate the at-home atmosphere. While always been a great town with people seeking
Corvettes. signing documents, we bake a fresh apple a simpler lifestyle. It is a great place to raise
pie for each client in our antique stove in the a family.
What made us pick Berwick and what do we summer kitchen adjacent to the office. It is
enjoy most about it? our way of saying “Thanks for choosing us”. Our wish for Berwick is that it doesn’t
really change too much. Berwick to us is the
We chose and love the vibe of our 1770 We are proud of how we were able to start our epitome of small town living. Encouraging
Historical Farmhouse Home, with original business on very little investment. We have community and family values.
attached large barns, in the nicest little New been able to forge some great relationships
England town. It is a great location. You with many customers over the years who are – Marla & John Earl
can get anywhere. We are close to beaches, now buying vehicles for their grandkids.
mountains, Portland, and Boston.
The Triumph Hose Company Former Prime Tanning
MARCH 15 MARCH 22 formed (Berwick’s first fire Prime Tanning Hackmatack JUNE 9 property sold and renamed
department). Stephen Grant builds Company begins Playhouse Berwick celebrates “The Edge”, bringing new
Maine becomes NORTH BERWICK
Grant’s Hotel in Sullivan Square, operations founded its 300th business and residential
the 35th State INCORPORATES
of the Union (destroyed by fire in the 1940s) Anniversary opportunities to Berwick
1820 1823 1831 1861-1865 1873 1928 1935 1939 1972 2003 2013 2014 2019 2021
Great Falls THE CIVIL WAR, to which Berwick sent 4-H Club is JANUARY 28 DECEMBER 13 JANUARY The premiere
Manufacturing many young men to fight, including the organized The new Town Berwick Library Berwick’s first issue of The
Company incorporates 17th Volunteer Infantry which suffered Hall opens Association breaks Winter Farmers’ Berwick
and become a large great casualties. Berwick voted to pay with dedication ground for library Market Quarterly arrives
employer for many every volunteer and funded this with ceremony building in mailboxes!
Berwick residents loans or gifts from townspeople
JUNE More events may be added after this lands in your mailbox, so please connect with us @envisionberwick.me
on Instagram, facebook.com/EnvisionBerwick, or berwickmaine.org for additional news and updates.
6/3 6:30PM
6/19 9AM-NOON
PLANNING BOARD MEETING BROOK CLEANUP DAY WITH
7PM THE BERWICK HACK IT BACK PACK
MSAD 60 BOARD MEETING Work together with a group of neighbors to clean up the brook
by the police and fire station. Please bring a rake, shovel, or
loppers to cut trees and a mask for dust protection. Safety
6/6 8AM-2PM
BERWICK CAR SHOW
glasses and gloves will be supplied along with a volunteer
t-shirt. Once cleaned up and brought back to life, this
Hosted by the American Legion Post #79, with over 120 cars spot will be enjoyed by many. To get involved,
showcased in 2019! Enjoy a 50/50 raffle, giveaways, t-shirts, music, contact aoconnor@berwickmaine.org
food, and trophies in 15 categories. $5 to register a vehicle (free to
attend without vehicle registration). Proceeds to benefit local vets.
Rain date 6/13. 6/22 6:30PM
SELECT BOARD MEETING
6/8 8AM-8PM
6/24 6PM
ANNUAL TOWN MEETING MAKE YOUR OWN MYSTERY AT THE BERWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
ELECTION AND MSAD 60 BUDGET If you are a mystery lover, you won’t want to miss this presentation! A
REFERENDUM panel of authors will draw facts for a mystery to be solved, then, with
intense help from the audience, they’ll share how they make decisions
This will include the MSAD 60 budget, Town Department when they create their books. This is a fun and hilarious interactive
budgets, any Land Use Ordinance updates, and several event, and you will become part of the process of writing an incredible
other article questions. Absentee ballots must be received mystery! Who knows, we might create the next best seller! Outside,
by the municipal clerk by 8pm on June 8th. Warrant weather permitting!
articles with supporting documentation can be found at
berwickmaine.org/government/town_clerk/elections.php.
6/26- ADVENTURE ACROSS AMERICA WITH
6:30PM 8/14 THE BERWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
We’re (virtually) hitting the roads
SELECT BOARD MEETING
and exploring America this summer,
and we want you to join us! This
6/10 6PM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING
year’s summer reading program
is open to children, teens, and
adults. Earn tickets for our prize
drawings by reading books and doing
6/12 2PM fun activities. The more you participate,
NOBLE HIGH SCHOOL the more tickets you’ll earn! We’ll have weekly
crafts and STEM activities, an art contest, library activities,
GRADUATION performances, virtual programs, a Maker Day at Home
Congratulations class of 2021! experience (July), and more! Visit berwick.lib.me.us for details.
9AM-3PM
COUNTRY CRAFT FAIR AT DUNN FARM 6/28 7PM
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
Featuring pottery, signs, photography, quilted items, and more from
over 20 local artisans! 4 Circuit Road Berwick, Maine
6/28- SUMMER CAMP BEGINS!
6/15 6PM
AUTHOR TALK WITH CAROLINE AILANTHUS
8/13 The Berwick Recreation Department summer camp will be held
Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm at the Knowlton School until Aug
AT THE BERWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
13th. Camp activities will include games, music, arts and crafts,
nature, sports, special performances, themed days, and more!
Caroline will be talking about her new book Ecological Memory.
Primarily a science writer, Caroline’s fiction blends science and story.
Ecological Memory, her second published novel, is part scientific
detective story, part post-apocalyptic travelogue, and, at its heart, is
a tale about what happens after you lose everything. In addition to
writing novels, Caroline is also the author of the Climate in
JULY
Emergency blog. Outside, weather permitting!
6PM 7/1 7PM
MSAD 60 BOARD MEETING
ENVISION BERWICK MEETING
7/4 INDEPENDENCE
6/16 MSAD 60 LAST STUDENT DAY OF SCHOOL (Early Release)
Have a wonderful summer! DAY
6/17 6:30PM
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
7/5 TOWN HALL CLOSED
In observance of Independence Day
7PM
MSAD 60 BOARD MEETING 7/8 6PM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING
Zoom meetings: MSAD 60 Board, Select Board, Comprehensive Plan, Envision Berwick, and Recreation Commission. In person and Zoom hybrid meetings: Planning Board
7/9- BACKYARD CAMPOUT 8/19 6:30PM
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
7/11 Grab your tents, s’mores supplies, and
firewood, and get ready to enjoy the outdoors at home! 7PM
The whole town is invited to participate in this weekend of camping MSAD 60 BOARD MEETING
in your backyard. Share your backyard campout photos using
hashtag #mainebackyardcampout. No camping gear required, we
just want everyone to have fun and be safe! Visit berwickrec.com
to learn more! 8/24 6:30PM
SELECT BOARD MEETING
7/13 6:30PM
SELECT BOARD MEETING
8/30 7PM
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING
7/15 6:30PM
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
7PM
MSAD 60 BOARD MEETING BERWICK
7/20 6PM
ENVISION BERWICK MEETING
7/25 BERWICK OPEN FARM DAY BUCKET LIST
Do you ever wonder what our local farmers are raising and growing?
Or what a typical day looks like in all those big open fields?
Come visit our farms to experience firsthand the important SOME OTHER IDEAS OF WHAT YOU CAN DO RIGHT HERE
and exciting things already happening right here in Berwick. IN BERWICK TO EXPERIENCE A LITTLE SUMMER MAGIC!
You may go home with fresh eggs or flowers, snuggle
a few baby goats, or learn a new growing technique to Book a staycation at Beaver Dam Campground
use in your home garden. You’ll gain a whole lot of new
knowledge and appreciation for the hard-working folks
keeping local agriculture vibrant right in our backyard. Go for a dip or paddle at Hatfield Pond
To plan your day visiting Berwick’s farms, go to
berwickmaine.org/community/berwickopenfarmday.php Grab a cold beer by the river at Corner
Point Brewing Company
7/26 7PM
RECREATION COMMISSION MEETING Catch a show at Hackmatack Playhouse*
Pick up a take-and-make craft from the
7/27 6:30PM
SELECT BOARD MEETING
Berwick Public Library
Hike a trail in Berwick and sketch
7/28 6PM
MAINE AUTHOR TALK WITH MALCOLM SMITH
something in nature
Join us at the Library for Smith’s newest book called Peyton Place Go for a float down the Salmon Falls River
Comes Home to Maine: The Making of the Iconic Film. Outside,
weather permitting! Find some balance or restorative energy at
a Rooted in Flow yoga or meditation class
AUGUST Cool off with some ice cream at Dairy Delite
8/5 6:30PM
PLANNING BOARD MEETING
Catch a trout at Keay Brook
Participate in the Summer Reading Virtual
7PM
Escape Room through the Library
MSAD 60 BOARD MEETING
Enjoy a delicious lobster (or crab) roll or
8/10 6:30PM
SELECT BOARD MEETING
cup o’ chowdah at Lobstah on the Go
Buy some fresh corn at Dunn Farm
8/12 6PM
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN MEETING etlist
To download and fill in your own #berwickbuck
Berwick Summer Bucket List:
8/17 6PM
ENVISION BERWICK MEETING
berwickmaine.org/community/berwickquarterly.php
* Please visit hackmatack.org for status updates on their mid-late summer show.
A Promising Future Did you know?
TOMORROW
We have a can-do attitude and a where local talent, entrepreneurship, Berwick already has some incredibly
neighborly way of life—we look out for and agriculture flourish. amazing things here, many of which were
those in need. made possible because of the efforts of
We know we can create the future we our wonderful volunteers.
We pitch in. We cherish our land and hope for as a town. A future as bold and
rivers. We value open spaces and our enchanted as our past. To do this we • We have a town park along the Salmon
rural village vibe. need you. And you. And you, too. You’ll Falls River called Great Falls Park and
be amazed what can happen in no time we just need some dedicated friends to
We are connected to and actively at all. help move the project along.
engaged with each other—with a focus
• We have a summer concert series
on cultivating our unique strengths and We are BERWICK. You are here.
called Bring Your Lawn Chairs to
character as a community. Join us. Volunteer.
Sullivan Square. Although it has
Our charm is our authenticity. Our small- been postponed due to COVID-19,
town character allows us to prioritize it will be coming back stronger than
small business and creative outlets ever in 2022!
• We have a Winter Farmers’ Market
that runs monthly every November
through April with so many incredible,
local farmers and vendors.
• We have a Salmon Falls River kayak
launch that is accessible to folks with
disabilities thanks to the EZ Launch®
Accessible Transfer System.
• We have a locally-renowned chocolatier
creating and selling chocolates at the
Bring Hackmatack farm stand.
Your L
Sulliv awn
an Squ Chairs to
are, S
ummer • We have a system of hiking trails
2019
run by the Great Works Regional
Land Trust.
• We have a local TV station called
BCTV and they recently premiered
a documentary about the former
Prime Tanning site called “Old Town,
New Village”.
Paddling down the Salmon
Falls River, Summer 2020 Berwick Riverfron
t Cleanup Day,
Summer 2017
NEW BUSINESS COMING TO THE EDGE IN 2022:
The Badwolf Butcher Great Falls Construction is currently working with
their team on design, planning, and development
We are very excited for what lies in the go, including vegan and keto options. of the site. They have a big milestone coming up
store for The Edge, (the property Prime A beer and wine collection will add to the for a required permit submission in mid-July.
Tanning used to occupy). One of the lineup once their liquor license is secured.
very first confirmed businesses is The Community Update Sessions are planned for June
Badwolf Butcher. Badwolf will have a full Their ultimate goal is to become a 23rd at 6pm and August 18th at 10am. Both are
case of locally-sourced yet economical gathering space for the community with interactive virtual events broadcast via BCTV on
meats, as well as some locally-sourced fun culinary classes, a workspace with local TV or their YouTube channel. These sessions
produce. They’ll also be whipping up light free wifi, and long community tables to serve to provide regular updates (every 2 months)
breakfast and lunch fare (like toasts, dine in and reconnect with family, friends,
on the project’s goals, objectives, timelines, and
smoothies, and paninis), and will have and neighbors.
plans. Previous update and listening sessions can
refrigerated, prepared meals for folks on
Yes, please
! be found on BCTV’s website. Stay tuned for more
updates at facebook.com/TheEdgeatBerwick
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES: NO MATTER WHAT YOU’RE PASSIONATE ABOUT, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED.
PARKS & TRAILS WINTER FARMERS’ MARKET
We’ll be working with the Rec. Department to expand recreational The Farmers’ Market is looking for folks to help set up and break
opportunities throughout the town. We can always use help down vendor stands, greet market guests, organize theme days,
maintaining and creating trails, cleaning up recreation facilities, help with social media and digital content, plan market logistics and
and moving big ideas forward like the Great Falls Park. layout, fundraise, create kids activities, recruit musical artists to
perform at the market, and more!
BERWICK PUBLIC LIBRARY
The Friends of the Berwick Public Library is seeking interested RIVERFRONT PROJECTS
community members who would like to help the library with special This group is dedicated to providing increased access and
programs, activities, and fundraising ideas and events! The Berwick recreational opportunities to Berwick’s waterfronts. We’ll need help
Library Association is also looking for new members who would like to installing the kayak launch in the spring and taking it back out in
join the Board of Directors, to help support the library to fulfill their the fall. We’re also going to be putting a boat launch in at Hatfield
mission to the community. pond. If you are interested in helping with any of these projects,
let us know!
COMMUNITY EVENTS & CONCERTS
If you love helping make fun, larger-scale events happen, this is HISTORICAL PRESERVATION
the committee for you! Our premier summer event, Bring Your Preserving our past is so incredibly important and we need
Lawnchairs to Sullivan Square will be returning Summer 2022 and volunteers to help manage storage of all our historical documents,
we’ll need lots of fun-lovers to help make it a huge success! photos, artifacts, and preserving places of historical import.
BCTV BERWICK FOR A LIFETIME
Our local TV channel could use some help covering local sports This group’s mission is to assist in making Berwick a better place to
and school events as well as assistance writing Public Service live for all ages by improving communications, transportation and
Announcements of various Berwick happenings. housing, and implementing the Berwick for a Lifetime Action Plan
that was developed in 2019.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
This committee’s function is identifying businesses we want in VOTING EMPOWERMENT
Berwick and encouraging interested businesses. Other projects The Voter Empowerment Committee is intended to bring
include marketing Berwick and utilizing our town branding, beautifying voting to the forefront of our culture in town, increase voter
our downtown, moving projects forward for streetscaping and turnout, and educate our voters on articles that impact our lives
amenities, and focusing on improved traffic circulation and walkability. and community. Your voice matters!
Ready to get started?
To get involved with one (or more!) of these projects, please contact Envision Berwick
and we’ll direct you to the right person and get you on your way!
EnvisionBerwick@gmail.com
MEET BERWICK’S NEW FULL-TIME RECREATION DIRECTOR
Angela O’Connor I truly believe it takes a
Angela comes to us from Needham, MA, holds a Maine Guide License in village and that Parks &
where she was the Assistant Director for recreation and whitewater rafting.
Needham Park & Recreation for three years Recreation can provide
overseeing operations of their recreation Angela’s experiences growing up with the
facility and aquatic and programming staff. Boys & Girls Club, and then later in college a safe and nurturing
Prior to Needham, Angela was the recreational studying therapeutic recreation and behavioral place for the youth of th
programmer for the town of Kennebunkport sciences, helped shape who she is today. She e
for 11 years where she also implemented and is excited to be part of Berwick’s vision and community to grow.
led the Outdoor Adventure Program. growth. She’ll guide and implement programs,
initiatives, and improvements to the town’s – ANGELA O’CONNO
R
Angela has coached a variety of high school, fields, trails, courts, and playground, and will
travel, and recreational league sports including aid in creating a space that is inclusive to
basketball, soccer, lacrosse, and softball, and everyone in the community.
TOWN OF BERWICK Pre-Sorted Standard
11 Sullivan Street US Postage
Berwick, ME 03901 PAID
RAM Companies
berwickmaine.org ECRWSS
POSTAL PATRON
BERWICK POLICE
PROPERTY CHECKS: Summer is approaching and with some of the COVID-19 restrictions being PUBLIC WORKS
lifted some residents may be taking vacations away from their homes. The police department offers to nd Hill Rd and
conduct daily checks of your property while you are away. They will conduct these checks for a period DOT PROJECTS: Diamo
Ridlon Rd bridges (50 % State). The
up to 30 days per request. If the check is requested to exceed 30 days, a new request will need to be
abi lita tion of Edd y and New Dam Bridge.
made. Requests for “Indefinite” checks are not accepted. You can find the property check request form at reh e culvert under
The rep lace me nt of the larg
berwickpd.org/property-check.html. San ford Rd , bonding of
Rt. 9 near Old k replacement
CHILD SAFETY SEATS: The Berwick Police Department participates in the Child Passenger Driscoll Lane and brid ge dec
ar Horns Mill Rd).
Safety (CPS) Program in cooperation with the Maine Bureau of Highway Safety. The purpose of the Hubbard Bridge (ne
is to ensure children riding in motor vehicles are safely secured at all times, that child safety
TOWN PAVING IN 2021
(subject to change):
seats are properly installed, and to ensure the caregiver can install the seats themselves each w Roa d - from #188 to
and every time. Officer Milton Fogg is certified through the State as the police department’s • Cranberry Meado
Safety Seat Technician. If you are interested, please contact the Berwick Police Department Worster Rd, reclaim
Lily to Ali Pond,
to schedule an appointment. This appointment will last approximately 30-45 minutes. • Long Swamp Road - Wood
reclaim
• Tall Timbers - reclaim
BERWICK COMMUNITY TELEVISION STA TE PAVING (tentative):
BCTV IS YOUR LOCAL STATION ON COMCAST • Sawmill Hill Road (.35 mil
es)
CHANNELS 22 AND 95. • Hubbard Road (5.81 miles)
POT HOLES: Please call
(207) 698-1220
BCTV creates videos about town BCTV has recently installed two web of Pu blic Works, Jody
departments, updates from the town or email Director
cameras in the town hall cupola covering can get the m filled or
manager, Berwick Public Library The Edge site and the town square. Gigon, so they aine.org
programs, MSAD 60 school concerts patched: jgigon@berwickm
and plays, holiday parades, and American BCTV accepts videos from residents
Legion Post #79 events. There are to air. Videos should be informational,
special segments about changes to town entertaining, or be about a Berwick event.
We air a slide show of local events every WATER DEPARTMENT
office hours, voting schedules, and where
to find town resources. three hours on both channels and our We worked very hard in 2017 to successfully instal
streaming site, a free service to all non- Potassium Permanganate system that reduces l a
profits and local organizations. amount of Manganese in our finished drinking water the
If you have a video or an event that you by changing the dissolved Mn to a solid form so
TOWN HALL would like others to know about, send us our filters are able to remove it. The State drinki that
an email at BCTVCh22@gmail.com. water standards says the manganese is not harmng
but it can have a taste and cause white clothes toful,
NEW HOUR
S
Mon & Wed 8A BCTV is also streaming at berwicktv.org, turn orange in the wash. (Even local well owners
M -5:30PM
Tues & Thurs 8A or on YouTube at Berwick Community TV. this problem). Wright Pierce Engineering firm hasbattle
M– 5PM been hired to review drinking water source option
s.
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