Future of Woodstock Roadside Spring looks brighter

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March 01, 2026

Dear friends,

Braydon Rice grew up in Woodstock, and recently found a way to give back to the town that raised him by protecting one of its quiet landmarks: the Woodstock Roadside Spring.

When the land behind the popular spring went up for sale, the future of the spring was uncertain. Because the exact location of its water source is unknown, any development or drilling on the property could have put it at risk.

Rice said his own family uses the spring only occasionally, but he knew how much it means to the community. Wanting to safeguard it for neighbors and future generations, he purchased the property to prevent any activity that could compromise the water.

He plans to place building restrictions on the deed, along with limits on ground penetration, to protect the land should it ever change hands.

Rice's decision has likely ensured the spring will continue flowing for years to come.

In today's newsletter: Pot Luck and the Pats at The Gem; A lesson in science at Bethel Library; Neighbors Feeding Neighbors supper; and much more.

Thanks for reading,

Rose Lincoln

Braydon Rice of Woodstock purchased the property next to the Route 26 spring in order to save the spring from an uncertain future (Rose Lincoln/Staff Writer)

LOCAL NEWS

Bethel's Frank Del Duca carried the American flag in Milan at the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

Andover projects a school budget of $1.58M for the 25-26 school year. The budget includes Andover Elementary and payment for students attending SAD 44 and RSU 10 schools.

Demolition of several buildings at the former Robinson Manufacturing Co. woolen mill in Oxford began this week to start redevelopment for 77 affordable apartments for seniors on the shore of Thompson Lake.

If skiing is not your thing, many ski areas around the state offer tubing, sledding, skating and fat tire biking for winter fun.

Stand in line cafeteria-style or try something different. Here is a dining guide featuring three western Maine ski resorts -- Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback.

MORE COMMUNITY NEWS

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GILEAD

BETHEL

GREENWOOD

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Hayden Brooks, 9, takes sled to snow in his Bethel yard on Jan. 30. (Rose Lincoln/Staff Writer)

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"It's cold and cruel to begin with, but it's somehow beautiful, and you miss it when it's not there. And if you hold it in your hands close enough and long enough, it changes. It melts."

— Bex Chan, fanfiction author on snow

THINGS TO DO!

Tomorrow starting at 5:30 p.m. in Theatre 4 at The Gem, 48 Cross Street, Bethel Watch the Super Bowl at Pot Luck and the Pats. Bring snacks to share.

Telemark lessons and clinics; and a Birkebeiner Skills Challenge and more are offered today at The Telemark Festival at Mt. Abram's, 308 Howe Hill Rd. Greenwood, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Discover the periodic Table, Bismuth "hoppers," and more on Monday, Feb. 9 from 3 to 4:30 p.m. The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum presentation will be held at Bethel Library, 6 Broad Street.

All are welcome to Neighbors Feeding Neighbors on Tuesday, Feb. 10 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church, 75 Main Street, Bethel. There will be an activity for children and non-perishable food and goods donations are welcomed.

Learn about "Owls: Silent hunters of the Night," a Mahoosuc Land Trust presentation on Feb. 11 from 6 to 7 p.m.

VISIT OUR EVENTS CALENDAR

THE WAY IT WAS IN BETHEL

June 9, 1983: Five Woodstock students received the winning basketball award at Woodstock Elementary School back in 1983: Scott Hoyt, from left, Danny Coffin, Chris Walker, Kim York and Devlan Bean.

Click here to read more of this story from 1983. Subscribers enjoy exclusive access to search and browse our digital archives on Newspapers.com.

EPAPER | GUIDES | HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS | GAMES | CALENDAR

Rose Lincoln is the writer and photographer for The Bethel Citizen and the author of this newsletter. Send story suggestions or newsletter info to Rose. You can support this newsletter by sharing it and encouraging friends and family to sign up. Follow the Bethel Citizen on Facebook and Instagram.

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