here's - town of mount vernon
TRANSCRIPT
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Newsletter-1997 North Rd. Mt. Vernon, ME 04352
Town of Mount Vernon
Community Newsletter
Town Office: Phone: 293-2379 Fax: 293-3507 [email protected] Mon: 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Tues. & Thurs. 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Wed. 7 a.m.-noon Fourth Sat. of each month: 9 a.m. - Noon
Deputy Clerk Heather Wheeler [email protected] Town Clerk & Tax Collector Rachel Meader 293-2379 [email protected] Treasurer Marti Gross 293-2379 [email protected] Select Board: [email protected] Paul Crockett, Chair 293-3000 paul@@mtvernonme.org Clyde Dyar 592-3700 [email protected] Trish Jackson 293-8012 [email protected]
Select Board Assistant Amanda Couture 458-6389 [email protected] Select Board Meetings: Every other Mon. at the Town Office
Warrant 6:30 p.m. Regular Business 7 p.m. Planning Board: John Hagelin, Chair 293-2157
3rd Tues. of the month at Community Center, 7 p.m.
Transfer Station: Carole O’Connell 458-1425 Sat. & Sun. 8:30 a.m. - Noon Wed. 3 p.m. -7 p.m. (Memorial Day thru Columbus Day) General Assistance Clyde Dyar 293-2532 [email protected] Road Commissioner Lee Dunn (h) 293-2179 (cell) 242-5828
Animal Control Officer Kevin Wheeler 778-1815 Fire Chief Dana Dunn 293-2114 (non-emergencies) Rescue Director Pat Rawson 293-2597 (non-emergencies) Health Officer Daniel K. Onion 293-2076 Newsletter Editor Amanda Couture 458-6389 RSU #38 Supt. Of Schools Donna H. Wolfrom, Ed.D. 685-3336 Board Members Cathy Jacobs Lucas Rumler Alex Wright Local School Comm. Lucas Rumler Tammy Olson
CEO, Plumbing & Health Inspector Andrew Marble 293-2636 [email protected] Tues. 8am- 4pm
Mt. Vernon Post Office Hours
Retail Window:
Mon- Fri 7 a.m. - 10 a.m. 11:00 a.m.—2 p.m.
Sat: 9 a.m.—11 a.m.
Select Board Desk 2
Library 3
Health Officer 4
Community Announcements 5-14
Inside this issue:
Dr. Shaw Memorial Library
293-2565
Website: drshawlibrary.org Email:
Mon. 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. Wed. 9 a.m. - Noon 3 p.m. - 7 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Library Trustees: George Smith Kathleen Kelley Fred Webber Dorcas Riley Shari Hamilton
Head Librarian: Alice Olson
www.mtvernonme.org August 2018 Edition
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Select Board’s Desk
Greetings All,
Work is being done on several town roads. Please have patience and the roads will be better. My grandfather always said there are two seasons in Maine, winter and construction. Everything seems to be going well.
There are some recycling issues due to some towns/cities are putting dirty plastic into the recycling stream and now we are not allowed to put in plastic bags in the Single Stream System. Stay tuned as the Transfer Station Committee wrestles with our limited options.
Summer is rapidly going by with children soon heading back to school. Please remember them as you are driving around town. I hope you have all had a “funtastic” summer.
Check the web site for events as there is a lot going on. Many thanks to Trish Jackson for making the swimming program happen. Jesse Jacobs is looking to be replaced on the Athletic Committee and we hope that others will volunteer for this committee. Fall brings many good things to us after the hot summer including slippery leaves. Drive safely.
We welcome your input and volunteerism to help Mount Vernon be a better place for all to enjoy.
Clyde Dyar,
On behalf of the Mount Vernon Board of Selectmen
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Mount Vernon Select Board Meeting: Synopsis of Minutes for June 25, 2018
To view entire meeting minutes visit www.mtvernonme.org 7:01pm Citizen question about plowing. A citizen is building a house off Cottle Hill road a little ways after the winter maintenance on the road ends. Lee did not think the mechanics of it would be a problem as long as the driveway is wide enough. The Board will still need to discuss the budgetary effects surrounding it. Dyar stated he has concern about setting a precedence for individuals moving into roads closed to winter plowing. Dunn stated FEMA may be willing to cover costs to add gravel on the road since they initially repaired it after a storm. Dyar suggested tabling the issue until the next meeting to have time to talk with Dunn. Technically a Special Town meeting would have to be held because the snow plow budget is already set. Dyar motioned to table until next meeting. Crockett seconded. Vote 3-0 in favor. Ande Dube brought a first draft to the Select Board of the Town maps. 7:14pm Discuss town hearse – RE: Vienna (-Mount Vernon) Historical Society. There was discussion about having the hearse at the historical society and they have other historical info of the time period to add to it as a display. There was also discussion about changing the name from the Mount Vernon Historical Society to the Mount Vernon and Vienna Historical Society. Crockett agreed this is a great idea to loan it since it is currently sitting in the base-ment of the town hall. The historical society will continue to discuss this and the town will look into raising money f or help to defray the costs of the maintenance of the hearse. O’Connell stated at this point the historical society does have some funds but it would not hurt to be able to raise money. O’Connell stated another discussion would be needed regard-ing the agreement with the Town, and the historical society does have insurance. Transfer Station-cutting costs. The charge would be $66/ton which is approximately what is paid for trash. They would also give the town 2-4 wheeled carts for aluminum, glass and plastics and they would pick those up for $150/trip. There was discussion about making the existing compactor into a paper only dumpster. The Select Board and O’Connell stated there is still discussion to have about this but there has been some dialogue started. There was further discussion about how to handle the recycling issue. The town will cur-rently maintain operating it how it is and quickly figure out some more cost valuable options. Crockett will pull together the committee to keep everyone in the loop. 7:30 Select Board TODO’s for 2019 FY. Crockett stated the Select Board should conduct a salary survey regarding s few of the positions in Town. There was discussion about the legal complexity of salary surveys. Crockett also added all of the job descriptions should be rewritten for each description. Dyar stated the Select Board members needs to each pick out a project for the year that will help the town and mush it along down the highway to fruition. Jackson suggested improving the website that give more options of what citizens can do on the website. 7:45pm Other Business. Dyar motioned to submit Tina Cagel to the Budget Commit-tee. Crockett seconded. Vote 3-0 in favor. Dyar motioned to elect Crockett as Chair of the Select Board.
Jackson seconded. Vote 3-0 in favor. Crockett motioned to have Dyar continue as General Assis-tance officer as the town. Jackson seconded. Vote 3-0 in fa-vor Discussion about the gentleman who would like to cut in the Route 41 guardrail so he can get to his property. Dyar is also going to speak with DOT about filling into ditch and a speed sign that is missing. Swimming lessons start on July 9th and can get registration at town office, on website, or at the library. The Board has not heard back from the new director appoint-ed to the Athletic Committee. The Board is looking for any-one who would step in so that fall sports can occur. The Board voted in a $1,000 stipend for the Athletic Committee Director. There will be $500 paid out for the spring sports and $500 paid out for $500. New town clerk hours. As of July 1st the new clerk hours will be Mondays 7am-6pm, Tuesday 7am 3pm, Wednesday 7am 12pm and 7am -3p on Thursday closed Friday the fourth Fri-day on June, July and August. O’Connell has had many complements on Transfer station and wants to thank the Select Board for hiring such a great crew. The Board thanked Carole for running it so well. No dogs at the beach. There was discussion about another sign at the Beach making a difference.
Synopsis of Minutes for July 9, 2018
7:01pm Various updates: boat launch, State DOT. Dyar stated there is an issue with the incline of the boat launch and individuals getting stuck backing boats in. Crockett went to the Minnehonk Lake Association meeting and there has been a problem due to a drop-off after the last concrete cast on the boat launch. Dyar stated there was addi-tional concrete casts added in when the boat launch was built but he will look into it. State DOT- Dyar will contact the new individual about filling in the side of the road near the Gilman’s house, by Route 41, and for Paul Lessard. There was also discussion about the speed limit along Route 41. Crockett would like to give individuals a contact to reach out to. Community Center- Dyar stated they need to look into a grant for working on the Community Center. There was a quote for fixing the rubber that sits under the roof. There was also discussion about removing the bell from the roof. Dyar will contact the Augusta Preservation Society. Dy-ar stated the Board should research on what conditions the Town accepted the building on, and also suggested utilizing the National Guard. 7:14pm Transfer station update. Crockett stated the Town needs to evaluate the next steps on recycling and they will try to reconstitute the Transfer Station Committee. There was discussion about what to do with the old compactor. Crock-ett has spoken to on individual who is interested in taking Julie Weaver’s position. There was discussion about ordinanc-es to eliminate/cut down on plastic and Styrofoam. 7:18pm Other business. -Letter from Maine State Housing Authority to an-nounce reopening of pre-1976 mobile homes to help replace with a new energy efficient model. Dyar suggested it be turned over to the Community Partnership Program. -Swimming lessons started today at the beach but individuals may still sign up at this time. -Crockett got the sign posted for the boat trailer parking. There is also another sign to signify the boat dock from the swimming dock.
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Dr. Shaw Memorial Library August 2018
“Is everything a story to you?” Harry called after her. “Absolutely!” came Olive’s voice. “I’m a librarian, dear!” Jon Cohen, Harry’s Trees, p. 233
On Wednesday, August 1st at 4pm, wonderful local musician Greg Hatt will be doing a concert with the kids! That will be our final children’s program for the summer, and his music is not to be missed. Come sing along, and then enjoy some ice cream. There will be tickets to the Farmington Fair for kids who bring in their reading logs to show they have accomplished their reading goals. We have some very dedicated readers in the group! Thanks to Greg, & thanks to all the volunteers (Karla and Kelley!) and parents who helped put our programs together.
You can see some pictures from our wonderful “Stories From the Metroplex” night at the Mt. Vernon Community Center, on our library Face-book page. It was a sweet evening.
It seems there are a few random acts of poetry happening around Mt. Vernon & Vienna, so that must mean the annual Community Poetry Reading is coming up. That will be at the Mt. Vernon Community Center, Thursday, August 9th, 7pm. Bring a favorite poem or two to share with us. We’ll have a few anthologies available if you come to just listen and are then inspired to participate. As usual, we’ll have some snacks ready at the end of the evening. This is always such a lovely evening to spend together, as we slide towards September.
A possible online resource for beginning learning various world languages is Duolingo at www.duolingo.com. You can choose from a wide variety of languages, and work through lessons on vocabulary, alphabet, reading, listening and speaking. Much of the learning happens through various games. This can be a good introduction to a language to see if you want to continue studying, and it is free.
We are slowly updating our website, hoping to list new materials whenever we catalog them, and offering a few reviews. We’ll try to post upcoming programs and events there. You can visit us at https://drshawlibrary.org/. If you use Facebook, like us and keep up with our activities there. On Facebook, we are simply Dr. Shaw Memorial Library.
I just finished a beautifully written juvenile novel, The Language of Spells, by Garrett Weyr, and also a new adult novel, Tommy Orange’s thought provoking There There, which follows various characters as they make their way to a modern-day pow wow in Oakland, California. Meanwhile, the “long list” of the 2018 Man Booker Prize was recently released, and two of our favorite current novels are on the list – Richard Powers’ Overstory, and Ondaantje’s Warlight. What are you reading, after you’ve picked the small fruits, and made pesto from the fragrant basil in the garden?
Here is Alice Olson’s latest resource for our community elders: Did you know? Maine General Prevention and Healthy Living offers an integrated mind, body, heart approach to health that focuses on supporting lifestyle changes that reduce and eliminate chronic health conditions and support healthy living and healing. https://www.mainegeneral.org/Pages/Prevention%20and%20Healthy%20Living%20Classes.aspx Physical Movement
Chair Yoga Feel Younger Yoga
Gentle Yoga Gentle Yoga Level 2 Modern Square Dancing Nia
PiYo® Live! Tai Chi for Health Yin Yoga
Zumba® They offer a 20 percent discount per class to:
Seniors (65 and older) U.S. military veterans Current Maine General employees
Second family member of a household member who registers for the same class To receive the discounts, choose the appropriate response to "Are you eligible for any discounts?" on the online registration form, and the discount will automatically apply. For more information: Alfond Center for Health, 35 Medical Center Parkway, Augusta, Maine 207-872-4102 We have a few brochures from MaineGeneral Health Prevention & Healthy Living at the library.
Healthy Mind and Body Forest Bathing Healing Meditation with Crystal Bowls
Introduction to Meditation Workshop Medicinal Plant Walk Peggy Huddleston's Prepare for Surgery,
Heal Faster™
Stop Smoking with Hypnosis Walking the Labyrinth Chronic Pain Education
Healthy Eating and Cooking 5 Ingredients or Less Better Burgers
Buddha Bowls Cooking the Mediterranean Way Cooking with Your Kids
Cut the Carbs Farmers' Market to Table Fight Inflammation with Food
Make Your Own Spring Rolls & Dipping Sauces Secrets to Cooking Fish
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MaineCare Expansion; Signing up Dan Onion, MD, MPH ~ Mt. Vernon/Vienna Health Officer
293-2076; [email protected] August 2018
A bit of history first. The Federal Medicaid Program (called MaineCare here in Maine) was created when its enabling legislation was passed along with the better known Medicare Program in 1968, just as I was graduating from medical school. Before then, all the low-income patients I cared for as a medical student at Boston City Hospital, were dependent for free medical care at city- or county-run hospitals and their clinics, like Boston City, or community hospitals like those around us here in Mt. Vernon, all of which were committed to providing free care to those patients by acceptance of hospital construction monies dispensed through the Federal Hill-Burton program. All 3 Federal programs continue to this day.
More recently, the Federal Affordable Care Act (politicized by calling it "Obama Care", by many), created two new programs: an expan-sion of Medicaid to include adults under 65 with current annual incomes of less than $16,754 for individuals, $22,715 for couples, and $34,638 for families of 4 (see full tables below), and a "Market Place" where low-income individuals and families with incomes above those and up to 175% of poverty levels could buy Federally subsidized (discounted premiums) full insurance coverage. Over 70,000 people in Maine are getting their insurance through the latter program now but, because the governor has repeatedly vetoed the Medicaid expan-sion proposals in the name of saving Maine's 10% cost to do so, Maine people who would be eligible, are now left without access to MaineCare coverage. Nearly 2/3 states in the US are participating. Right now Maine income tax dollars are going for supporting the pro-gram in those other states but not here.
Annual Income Federal poverty upper limits Monthly Income Federal poverty upper limits
Having cared for low-income families and studied the impact on their health if they are without insurance (see Mt Vernon Newsletter, October 2017, p5)) for my entire professional life as well as my work as president of Neighbors Driving Neighbors and as town health officer for Mt. Vernon/Vienna, I know how crucial such coverage is if these folks are to be able to find work, care for their children, and remain productive members of our communities. The children are particularly important. 15-20% of children in Maine are now born into such low-income families! The future of Maine will depend on these kids being healthy and succeeding. They can't do that very easily without their and their parents' health! I don't see anything controversial about such a position. As health officer for the town, I want to do anything I can to help that hole in our population's health insurance coverage for those under 65 who are between 100-138% of Federal poverty guidelines.
Maine passed the Medicaid expansion referendum last November with over 60% of the vote. I helped get signatures to support that. Now I'd like to help any Mt. Vernon resident who fits in that category to sign up for Maine Medicaid (MaineCare). If you are not sure, ask me to help you figure it out. As many may know, the legal team at Maine Equal Justice Partners (MEJP) has taken the governor to court to implement the law as passed. It is going to happen sometime within the next year. Those who apply now will get coverage for medical expenses retroactive to the date of their application. So applying now makes sense. In the meantime, those with other insurance coverage should not cancel that insurance until this comes through.
To learn if you are eligible and how to enroll, go to MEJP at: http://mejp.org/content/medicaid-mainecare-expansion-guide, or call 1-866-626-7059. Or contact me at [email protected], or 293-2076.
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First Baptist Church Food Bank
The Food Bank has concluded another successful year of assisting the many families who visited for needed. The food bank volun-teers are excellent personable helpers. The food bank could not function with-out them in their valuable positions.
To mail in donations to the food bank please send them to: First Baptist Church Food Bank at
321 Pond Rd. Mount Vernon, Maine 04352 or to Betty White at 44 Sewall St. Apt. 102, Augusta, ME. 04330.
The food bank is located at the First Baptist Church in Mt. Vernon
Village and is open each Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to noon. If you have
a need, do not hesitate to come to the food bank. If you need supplies
when the food bank is not open, please call: Helen Wilkey 293-2351,
or Betty White 480-1525. If there is no answer, please leave a
message and a phone number and your call will be returned.
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Readfield United Methodist Church
Route 17 Readfield, Me 04355
Worship with us every Sunday 10:00 a.m. Nursery provided. Everyone is Welcome to join us. Come as you are.
The church is handicap accessible
www.readfieldchurch.org
2018 Summer at Jesse Lee Meeting House
7:00 p.m. Worship Services
Aug. 5 Celebrating Summer –DRUM UMC & East Pittston UMC Gayle Holden
Aug.12 Praise Songs and Worship- Readfield UMC-John Twitchell, Michele Johnson & Susan Tedrick
Aug. 19 Mechuwana Elementary Music Theatre Camp Stories & Songs” Laura Church, N. Vienna UMC
Aug.26 Old Fashioned Campfire Service” with Nancy Bischoff, Cox UMC
Readfield United Methodist Church
Route 17, 1564 Main St. Readfield, Me. 04355
Beach Party on August 24th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
We are really excited to offer an evening VBS night on August 24th from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. with the theme “Beach Party . The evening will allow parents with young children to have a free night out to maybe go to dinner or just relax at home. We will be offering nursery along with children 5 to 12 participating in the all evening events. Events will include games, bible story, crafts, discovery time and dinner. For more information contact the church office at 685-4211 or email [email protected]. Visit our website also at readfieldchurch.org.
Readfield United Methodist Church
Free lunch Wednesday’s from 11-1 p.m.
Starting July 11th and running through August 22nd we will be offering one hot dish (kid friendly) and a bagged lunch to all kids and teens in the area. Stop by the church and come in for lunch or if you can’t stay there is a cooler outside with
bag lunches.
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Calendar for August 2018
Wednesday Free Classes at the Mount Vernon Community Center (7:00 p.m.) August 1: Claire Porter: “Writing and Moving" August 8: Lauren Kelly-Washington & Judi Jones: “Finding Joy through Movement and Storytelling” August 15: Robin Gilmore “Exploring How We Move” August 22: Jonathan Trejo and Kareli Montoya: “Exploring Folkloric Dance”
Dance Workshops at Bearnstow
July 29–August 4: Claire Porter: “Writing and Moving, a Creativity Retreat” August 5–11: Lauren Kelly-Washington & Judi Jones: “Joy & Peace through Movement & Storytelling” August 12–18: Robin Gilmore: “Mapping the Human Terrain” August 19–25: Jonathan Trejo & Kareli Montoya: “Living the Culture of Mexico through the Dance”
Free Presentations and Performances at Bearnstow (7:30 p.m.)
August 3: Claire Porter Performance August 10: Lauren Kelly-Washington and Judi Jones Performance August 17: Robin Gilmore Performance
Performances at the Union Hall in Vienna, Maine (7:30 p.m.)
August 25: Jonathan Trejo & Kareli Montoya: “A Celebration of Mexican Folkloric Dance” September 1: Bearnstow’s Artist Residents Concert
Bearnstow is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Tax-deductible contributions are gratefully accepted. Bearnstow is located at 84 Bearnstow Road in Mount Vernaon. Please visit www.bearnstow.org.
For more information, phone 207-293-2280 after June 15.
Mount Vernon Community Center
Tuesday A.M. Breakfast
6:30 a.m.—7:30 a.m.
For more information, call 293-4082
Saturday, Community Center Café 9:00 a.m.—11:00 a.m.
Come enjoy coffee, eats and Conversation
Available for public and private functions. For more information on Community Center
Availability please contact: Linda Stanton, 293-4082
Board of Trustees: June Cauldwell, Katie Farrin, Kirsten Heck, Anna Libby, Tammy McLaughlin,
Pat Rawson, Janet Roderick, Jane Rogers, Linda Stanton, Tom Ward,
Julie Weaver, Donna Williams
On Parker Pond, Mount Vernon, Maine
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Neighbors Driving Neighbors (NDN) FREE transportation for residents of Belgrade, Fayette, Mount Vernon, Rome, Vienna
Do you recognize the riders and drivers in these pictures? The drivers are NEIGHBORS DRIVING NEIGHBORS. The riders are neighbors who need a ride.
Do you or someone you know need a ride to shop, run errands, go to the doctor or to another place? If you live in any of the five towns listed above, our volunteer drivers will
take you if the location is within 30 miles or so.
PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A DONOR.
NDN's startup was funded by grants from the Bingham Program and the Betterment Foundation; HOWEVER, ongoing costs will need to be funded by donations and fund raising. Neighbors Driving Neighbors is a 501(c)(3) organization as defined by the IRS. It offers no gifts, services, or membership benefits for contributions; thus gifts are completely tax-deductible. To send a donation, ask for rides, or volunteer to be a driver, here’s the contact information:
PO Box 142, Mount Vernon, ME 04352
Website: neighborsdrivingneighbors.org
Email: neighborsdrivingneigh-
Phone: Coordinator Irene Goff at:
860-0677
MOUNT VERNON COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP
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Belgrade
Union Church of Belgrade Lakes
Main St, Belgrade Lakes
(United Methodist)
Church Office: 495-3599
Rev. Bill Meyer
9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship
(nursery care provided)
Children’s Sunday School during
Worship
Wednesday — Adult Bible Study
Mt. Vernon
Dunn’s Corner Baptist Church
Wings Mills Road, Mt. Vernon
Church Office: 320-5902
Rev. John Dunn, Jr.
9:15 a.m. Sunday School classes
toddler to adult
10:30 a.m. Worship service,
Nursery is available
Jr. Church for children up to age 9
during worship service.
6:00 p.m. Sunday Evening Service
Wednesday, 7 p.m. Prayer meeting
- the HOUR OF POWER
Youth group Young Adults 4
Christ both Jr. & Sr. groups
meet 4 p.m. every Sun. at the
church, Sept. to June
Jr. ages 8-12; Sr. ages 13-18
For more information:
youngadults4christ-
First Baptist Church
Route 41, Mount Vernon Village
Church Office: 293-2141
Rev. Jay Wilson
10 a.m. Sunday worship service
Coffee and Refreshments follow
North Vienna
United Methodist Church
572 Tower Road, North Vienna
Laura Church, Pastor
Church Office: 293-3710
9:00 a.m. Sunday Worship
Sunday School
Creation Station, an after-school,
faith-based, arts-intensive program
for any children in grades K-
6. Meets on Wed. afternoons from
3:30-5:00 following the MSAD #9
school calendar.
Youth Group for any youth grades 6
& up meets the 1st & 3rd Sundays of
each month.
North Wayne North Wayne Church
(non-denominational)
10 Church St., Wayne
Pastor Jon Olson
Church Office: 293-2502
9:30 a.m. Sunday Worship;
Coffee, refreshments & conversation
follow each service
Readfield
United Methodist Church
1564 Main St., Route 17
Rev. Desi Larson
Church Office: 685-4211
“…extending God’s open
arms in fellowship and
mission.”
10 a.m. Sunday Worship
10 a.m. Sunday School/Nursery Care
Vienna Vienna Baptist Church
116 Main Street, Vienna
9:30 a.m. Sunday School
10:30 a.m. Sunday Worship
Pastor Everrett Maxim
293-3061
Winthrop St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church
Friends Meeting House
219 Winthrop Center Rd. (Rt 135S)
Winthrop
Rev. Susan Berry Taylor, Vicar [email protected]
Church Office: 395-2015
Sunday Eucharist 10:30 a.m.
coffee hour fellowship afterwards
Our Churches