Meadows Valley Year in Review

As one year ends and another begins, reviewing what was and looking forward to what may be is practically a rite of passage. 2025 brought its share of challenges, surprises, joys, and sorrows, which we can each personally attest to. But what of those of our city, our valley, our community?

As your New Meadows correspondent, 2025 was my first full year, January to December, writing for you. I got to write a few stories for the second time including Labor Day Weekend’s Meadows Valley Days and the celebration of their 60th year. Covering The Fosdick Benefit Golf Tournament’s 40th anniversary was a highlight as well. We saw the opening of new community spaces and mourned the loss of a historic building, the old schoolhouse on Vet Clinic Road, while experiencing relief that our friends and neighbors escaped without physical harm. This community rallied to benefit others, cheer on our school athletes and achievers, and of course, have some fun.

As far as new content, there were many weeks where the community calendar was full to the brim! Meadows Valley is full of life, people working hard both volunteering and building businesses, supporting the children and those in need and pursuing excellence. We had many firsts and grand openings this year including a National Night Out event, grand openings of both Roberts Greenhouse & Tree Farm and Creekside Nursery, and of course the opening of the New Meadows Youth Center and the new City Hall at the Historic P. & I.N. Depot.

Meadows Valley School celebrated top growth in the state for reading growth in grades K-3 and cheered as Track & Field athletes earned new records in both javelin and pole vault. Students spread kindness with cocoa, brought books to local businesses, and raised money and goods for local organizations with both coat drives and pie sales. The Youth Advocacy Coalition (YAC) continued to provide after school programs twice a week for students supported by local, caring adults.

The Grand Opening of the Mehen Memorial New Meadows Skatepark in September brought joy to children and adults alike. This full circle celebration did not end in just one day, but people were seen enjoying the park on all sorts of wheels week after week. The park provides a new safe place for enjoyment, learning, and community. I loved seeing kids gathering after school to play and learn new skills and adults having a spot to practice a long beloved hobby they may not have been able to work at in awhile.

With that full calendar, some stories that were highlights never made it to the page. One of these was the Emergency Burnout Fund Dinner Theater Fundraiser put on by the Meadows Valley Fire Department in May that raised $6,800 for the Smith family. Sue Foster wrote and directed “Prudence Purehearts Plight” performed by community members and provided her famous cake for dessert. The fire department cooked up dinner and musical contributions were provided by Brett, Sally & Bart Carpenter and school students.

Back in April, the Meadows Valley FFA Chapter put on their first Donkey Basketball event which was entertainment galore and a beneficial fundraiser for the new group.

Meadows Valley School’s preschool gained a new classroom with the opening of the New Meadows Youth Center and was able to expand their morning programming. The opening of the Youth Center, a huge project for the City of New Meadows, was a milestone achievement born from donations of time, money, and talent with local contractors providing hours of labor, supplies, and grants and donations coming from near and far.

These are just a few of the highlights that 2025 brought to Meadows Valley. As your local correspondent, it is an honor to cover professional and personal stories and share current events. As we enter 2026, know that my resolution continues to be providing clear information for all to understand. I aim to provide clarity and highlight productive action. In the new year I look forward to broadening my scope and sharing more about our community. I appreciate it when you contact the paper with a story idea or more information and will do my best to bring New Meadows and Meadows Valley stories to the page. Happy New Year New Meadows!