Barbara Hershey, Realtor Maine Real Estate

Looking for something to do? Need an indoor activity to occupy the kids? Well...have I got a place for you! In Bath, Maine...like in many small towns...we try to provide as many activities for our young people as possible. A safe place for them to hang out with friends, see a movie, and maybe even get some exercise. One such place is the Bath Youth Meetinghouse and Skatepark. Yes...it is the largest indoor skatepark in Maine. But even if you don't enjoy skateboarding, there's still plenty to do in the meetinghouse! For example, you could....

Bring your bike! There are specific times when you can bring your bike to try out the ramps, bowls, and half-pipes!

See a movie! The theater features surround sound and 15' x 24' viewable screen! Plus, the kids pick the movie!

Attend a concert! Yup...it even has a concert hall Check the website to view past concerts and upcoming concert dates.

Hang out in The Garage! The Garage is a resource and hang-out area. It is currently under construction, but should be ready by spring! Here you'll find games, computers with connections to the internet, and a low-key hang out space. The Garage will also provide 2 counselors...for kids who want some help with life's tricky issues.

While you're visiting be sure to enjoy the hang-out lobby with games, treats at the cafe, the free internet-cafe, or sign up for a course at the multimedia center.

The Bath Youth Meetinghouse and Skatepark is a great place to hang out...especially on a winter day! Drop in the next time you're in town...you might catch me on the 1/2 pipe! Okay...you won't see me on a skateboard...but you will have a great time!

If you'd like to walk to the Bath Youth Meetinghouse and Skatepark from your new home in Maine, call The Hershey Home Team!

If you'd like to have a community activity featured here...call The Hershey Home Team!

Welcome back to the Phippsburg Community Profile Series! I've noticed that a lot of people are under the impression that Maine winters are dark, dreary, and only good for inside activities. Well...think again! Now if you want to spend the days curled up in front of the fire with a good book, then that is certainly an option! But if you're looking for something to do there's plenty to pick from!

How about ice fishing? It is a huge sport in Phippsburg and actually is one of my favorite things to do! Bundled up, out on the ice just as the sun comes up, clutching a thermos of coffee, and trudging out to the "secret spot", is something that will stay with you forever. Holes are drilled...traps are set..and everyone settles back to watch. Fish stories are traded, fires are built, everyone gets comfortable, and then BAM! A flag goes up! Nothing is funnier than watching 10 adults, each sporting about 20 layers of clothing, trying to run across the ice and beat the other to the fish. Myself included! The Phippsburg Sportsman's Club holds its annual fishing derby every February. The prizes are huge and the crowds are too, so if you plan to join us get there early! There are numerous ponds with prize winning fish, including Center Pond, Sprague Pond, Wattuh Pond, and Winnegance Pond. Where do I fish? That's a secret....

Not into fishing? How about some good old-fashioned sledding? Just ask a native where the sledding hill is....everyone will know what you're talking about and point you in the right direction. But not before giving you pointers about which sled to take, how to make it go even faster than usual, and what happened to George the last time he went down on the west side of the hill. So allow for at least a 20 minute dialogue when you ask for directions...

What about cross-country skiing? There are numerous preserves in Phippsburg which offer trails for skiing or snowshoeing. It's very peaceful, quiet, and odds are you'll see plenty of deer and maybe a moose or two!

Like the beach? I guarantee you it won't be crowded! It's a great time of year to see the sights, watch the wave action, and find some serious shells! Did I mention the 20 layers of clothing?

Okay..so you want to stay inside? How about joining us for one of the public suppers? The best food, company, and conversation you'll ever find! Once a month you can attend family movie night at the elementary school...a movie, popcorn, and drinks for $1.00 a person! Attend story hour at the library, join the book club, sit in on a presentation at the Historical Society, or attend craft fairs at the Fire Hall. The possibilities are endless!

I hope I've dispelled some of the rumors about wintertime in Maine! Feel free to contact The Hershey Home Team if you'd like more information on any of these activities. And, as always, if you're interested in buying a home in Phippsburg, call The Hershey Home Team!

Welcome to HAP Central! If you haven't read the 1st post or questions 1 and 2, you can find them here.

This week's question happens to be the one I hear most often....

Question #3: Who is eligible for HAP?

Answer: "Any service member or federal employee assigned to or employed at or near the installation at the time of the public announcement of the closure action could be eligible. Non-appropriated ... employees assigned in connection with the installation are also eligible. "

Remember that you must have been with the installation and owner-occupants at the time the closure was announced.

If you are on an overseas tour within 3 years prior to the announcement and you own a home in the affected area you may be eligible....

If you are a civilian employee on an overseas tour with reemployment rights in the affected area....

And if you are a military member homeowner who was ordered into on-post housing within 6 months prior to the announcement you may be eligible!

I am telling everyone who asks.....if you think there's even a remote chance you will qualify...Apply! Do you have to use it once you are accepted? Nope! But it's good to be a part of if only to have as a safety net.

Additional Info can be found at http//hap.usace.army.mil.

Feel free to contact The Hershey Home Team with any HAP questions you may have. And if you'd like to find out how much your home is worth in today's market, contact The Hershey Home Team! Be sure to check back next week for Question #4!

Bath Sunrise Rotary Club's annual "Death By Chocolate" Fund-raiser!

Saturday, February 9th, 6:30-8:30pm at the Bath Middle School Cafeteria, 6 Old Brunswick Rd, Bath ME

Piano music by local keyboard artists and Silent auction. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door. You can also purchase tickets at the following businesses:

Now You're Cooking, Bath Sweete Shoppe, and Magnolia. Proceeds support many community organizations and projects including Flying Changes, Patten Free Library, YMCA, Bath Area Food Bank, Odyssey of the Mind, and local youth sports! Come join the fun!

NOTE: Due to the approaching snowstorm, this event has been rescheduled to March 29th. Tickets are still available!

If you would like to have a community event listed here, call The Hershey Home Team!