Bethel Living Feb / March 2022 Issue #49

Issue #49 February/March 2022

Bethel LIVING

Gemini Cafe & Bakery Comes to Main Street Stonetree Creative with Matt Stagliano

Pooh Corner Farm

with Margaret Duplessis Manbeck

Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center with Jes Carter

Steam Mill Brewing Moves to the Sunday River Road Late Winter Comfort Recipes PLUS a Listing of Local Events

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Publisher’s Note It’s been a busy winter so far with frigid temps and plenty of snow thanks to Mother Nature and our local snowmakers.

For those of us that live to slide and enjoy snow it’s been a good one!

In this issue you will receive an update on the imminent opening of the Gemini Cafe, learn about Stonetree Creative’s portraiture

and

hear

the

somewhat

parallel stories of daughters enabling their moms to kick-back into retirement as they take the reins of their family businesses.

Both Carter’s XC Ski Center and Pooh Corner Farm have new energy as the next generation forges ahead.

We welcome Steam Mill Brewing to the

Laurie Ann Knowles • 207.838.4447

Sunday River access road and provide some late winter comfort recipes along with local events from the Chamber.

As always, I am thankful to my support team. My production team is wonderful, as are my advertisers and readers – you make knocking together this magazine a joy, not a task.

Cozy rooms, great breakfast included; Mountain Explorer stop B

Dinner at The Sudbury Inn

Laurie Ann Knowles PUBLISHER

Bethel Living is trademarked and owned by Laurie Ann Knowles. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Bethel Living is made possible by the participation of our advertisers.

We offer them our thanks and ask you to consider them first when patronizing businesses in the Bethel, Maine area.

Cover photo supplied by: Emily Delamater Features Editor: Nate Scott Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com

A Bethel Legend Since 1986 Award-winning food 29 beers on tap Open 11.30 daily for lunch, dinner and late night Live Music Thursday-Saturday 8 pm

Great food, cocktails and an all-new wine list in our gorgeous bar room, fireside or on our scenic porch.

Open from 5:30-9pm Friday & Saturday Nights

151 Main Street • Bethel • (207) 824-2174 Suds Pub • (207) 824-6558 www.thesudburyinn.com Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Gemini Cafe & Bakery Coming to Main Street A

Photo Credit: Matt Stagliano for Stonetree Creative

s I put pen to paper it has been 192 longing-filled days without experiencing the bliss of a good croissant. Though the conception of my eventual savior, The Gemini Cafe, may technically have been a more recent event, honestly speaking it’s existence has been fated since long before it had a name. I believe Gemini Cafe & Bakery started many years ago with two halves on separate tracks, always moving closer to each other and their ultimate potential. Nicole Pellerin spent the majority of her career crisscrossing the country filling a wide range of roles, from production baker to line cook to key partner in cafe start ups. Anna Sysko on the other hand has lived her life deeply dedicated to the world of food right here. From cultivation to preparation to serving, her

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by Meryl Kelly

path has always been deeply intertwined with her Bethel roots. Within their movements and kind welcoming nature the seeds that are now sprouting into Gemini Cafe laid dormant, gaining energy and support even before the idea or name took full form. Twelve years ago the Gemini Cafe & Bakery “seed” was planted when Nicole arrived in town and started working with Anna. The two formed an immediate bond and their camaraderie was evident in the incredible products they dispensed through the universally beloved Cafe DiCocoa’s bakery case. In many ways they were the same — but in other ways they came together as two halves of a whole. Rising each other up and cultivating a working environment ripe with learning and innovation.

When DiCocoas closed in July of 2021 it left a noticeable hole in our community and our Main Street.

But finality holds within it regeneration, presenting a perfect opportunity to take the friendship forged in flour and turn it into the community rooted watering hole that will be Gemini Cafe & Bakery. These like-minded, driven women created a plan, sharing their intentions with the community and keeping the people of Bethel engaged from the start. Community connection and partnerships are the foundation on which this dream lies and from which it is sustained. With Anna’s deep roots and unrelenting passion and Nicole’s breadth of experience and seasoned professionalism both partners are invaluable to the future success of Gemini Cafe & Bakery.

In a way, their first partner was Cathi DiCocoa.

Under her umbrella Anna and Nicole came together, using the opportunity to strengthen their craft, forming ideas on how they would one day operate their own business. The next sets of partners — the other “Gems” in town — Beth and Wade of the Gem Theater and Larry and Mary of the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum — provided a much needed springboard with support and guidance in finding the perfect location: the former Key Bank Building at the corner of Main Street and Mechanic Street. With the location set Anna and Nicole

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T WE LVE YE A R S A G O T H E G EM INI CAFE & BAK E RY “ S E E D ” WA S P L A N T ED W HEN NICO LE AR R IVE D I N T OW N A N D S TARTED W O RKING WIT H AN N A .

Photo Credit: Matt Stagliano for Stonetree Creative

took their innovative business plan to a general contractor whose vision is always locked on the horizon. Jesper Kruse of Maine Passive House agreed to work along with a team of local people to create a warm and inviting space (complete with a temperature controlled lamination room for aforementioned croissants) all fully powered by electricity, much of it sourced in-house with the use of roof-mounted solar panels. Next, a request for support was opened to the general public. Years of trust and building relationships came to fruition when Anna and Nicole opened a kickstarter campaign for funding to complete their project. OUR community showed up in a big way! With 309 donations their campaign was 124% funded in just 25 days.

They are well on their way to opening! Current timelines predict warm ovens during transition season between spring and summer — Gemini season if you will. When the doors do open locals and visitors will be greeted in a bright open space with pops of color, accented by pine and patinaed copper elements. Dining tables, high tops and couches will fill the large room, offering accommodations for everything from extended coffee meetups to a quick bite to eat.

Outside, beneath the old bank drive thru, more seating will nestle among planter pots and vertical gardens.

Being a cafe at its core, guests can expect to find a range of delectable goodies from grab-and-go coolers, a full coffee and espresso bar featuring roasts from Greenwood Bean, a made-to-order breakfast and lunch sandwich menu as well as sweet and savory pastries — all highlighting the local and seasonal bounty of our regional farmers. But beyond the food this place will offer so much more. For one, where there is an Anna Sysko there will inevitably be music. Additionally both Anna and Nicole are excited by the opportunity to host workshops, cook with Telstar’s NorthStar Program and invite Region 9 students to complete internships with them. With collaboration and community outreach as the cornerstone of their business model it’s safe to say the options are endless.

If you are interested in keeping up with the progress of this project as it nears completion follow along with “Gemini Cafe & Bakery LLC” on social media, subscribe to their newsletter on their website “www. thegeminicafe.com” and be sure to look out for work-and-learn opportunities by way of “We Built This Workshop” lead by the incredible carpenters at Maine Passive House. v

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Stonetree Creative with Matt Stagliano

by Meryl Kelly

stonetreecreative.com

A

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s his life was going through some big changes, Matt Stagliano of Stonetree Creative made his second home his forever home by moving to the Bethel area in 2010. One of those changes was diving head first into photography as a freelance vocation. Matt spent years working in commercial photography and eventually found his creative calling with portraiture. As he shifted from commercial work he embraced an opportunity to set up shop on Mechanic Street in downtown Bethel as part of the The Maine CoLab, a group of creative businesses gathered in one shared space that offered (beyond their traditional services) a variety of open-to-the-public classes and workshops. After founder Amanda Moran took a different direction with her business in November 2020, the building became the sole home to Stonetree Creative. Matt got busy creating the workshop of his dreams, resulting in a premier portrait studio offering “big city” level service to our small mountain town.

What drives me to showcase Stonetree Creative is the sense that Matt’s work, with his natural inclination to raise up the people, businesses and community leaders of the greater Bethel area through his artistry, will have a profound and lasting effect. His self proclaimed mission is to “help you tell your unique story.” This terse tagline opens space for an infinitely important and worthwhile objective. With the snap of a shutter he creates connection not only to place, but more importantly to a client’s sense of self within that place. Let’s face it, studio portraits are a luxury product. The real value of this service is the opportunity to know yourself more deeply and invest in the creation of your own legacy. And that’s exactly what Matt’s studio set-up provides. The experience in front of his lens is an immersive one; a time stretching process.

Shoots can last upwards of 6 hours. There are drinks and food and conversation. The time is an essential piece of what he does to provide clients with an image that goes beyond just a pretty picture. Likely you will never meet your great great grandchildren but through thoughtfully curated images future generations can know you and have stronger ties to their own lineage.

Beyond the breathtaking portraits, each image posted to his social media accounts is accompanied by an endearing and intimate written appraisal of his subject

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(or subjects). His sweet write-ups encompass the spirit of each model and truly get to the heart of celebrating their unique stamp on humanity and life, further demonstrating his commitment to fully understanding his clients.

Inspired by the greats such as Annie Leibowitz and Peter Lindbergh, Matt has brought his skills to a variety of remote locations, honing and fine tuning his craft.

But — as you might guess — I believe his best work is done here at home. Perhaps his most straightforward attempt to connect with the community came in the form of his “Come As You Are” campaign, where for the better part of one month Matt offered his talents to the community for no charge. Though this was a sales cultivating endeavor at first, by the end over 50 “models” sat for him, and as the camera clicked he found himself learning more about his neighbors than he anticipated.

His love for photography drove him beyond the financial health of his business into a deeper calling for connection.

The “Come As You Are” Exhibition opened in mid April of 2019 and the community gathered not just to see their own images but also those of their neighbors.

Walking through the exhibit I was struck with many feelings. Seeing dear friends, former students and mentors as well as my personal community leadership idols on the walls was such a blessing. A reminder that though these times may seem troubled and beyond repair we live in a community filled with so much love and admiration, a community where truly all of us aim to do the right thing by our neighbors and by ourselves. The show provoked in me an affirmation of what I’ve always believed to be true: that people are fundamentally good and our purpose is to distill that goodness in ourselves while cultivating an environment where it’s easy for our neighbors to do the same.

If you are interested in booking a portrait with Stonetree Creative you can do so through Matt’s website: stonetreecreative.com where you can take a virtual studio tour. Also in the works will be the release of a new campaign titled “Unmasked”, which strives to document the authentic emotional beings behind the masks society sometimes requires us to wear. The photos captured during these sessions will be shared with the public in an open gallery exhibition, so stay tuned. v

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11

Pooh Corner Farm T

he most beloved resident of Pooh Corner is not of course Pooh Bear himself — his residence is situated along the western edge of the Hundred Acre Wood. Down in the southeast corner of the Wood, in an area described as “Rather Boggy and Sad”, sits The House at Pooh Corner, built for Eeyore by Pooh and Piglet after they mistook his original home for a pile of sticks. And just up a ways, where the Wood overlaps with Mason Township, Carole and Richard Duplessis founded Pooh Corner Farm in 1984 — naming it in honor of Carole’s childhood bear. Their place, a “Rather Cheery and Colorful” working farm — particularly when all the flowers are in bloom — will never be mistaken for a pile of sticks.

The business expanded as my Carole’s reputation and customer base grew. The florist was added in 1997, making the business year-round. That same year the retail space was tripled with the addition of the gift shop. Carole ran the flower shop while Richard sold firewood, plowed

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with Margaret Duplessis Manbeck

snow and worked as a carpenter. Their kids ran all over the farm like kids do. The flower business propagated, helped along by some wholesale accounts for tourist attractions in surrounding towns, and the seedling business flourished in the spring.

Years went by, the kids grew up, and a gift shop was added to compliment the wedding flower business.

Bethel had grown into a wedding destination, helping Pooh Corner Farm’s cash flow blossom. In the early days, the garden center generated 100% of the business. These days, Pooh Corner decorates about 80 weddings per year with the flower and gift shop generating 60% of their gross income and the greenhouses bringing in the rest.

Carole’s daughter Margaret grew up in the flower shop where she came to love creating displays and arrangements for their growing customer base. She attended Thomas College and received a degree in marketing management in 2010, moving to Rhode Island to work in digital marketing. But the gravitational pull

of Maine is quite strong and Margaret returned to work as an operation manager of a large in-state restaurant group.

In April of 2020 Margaret returned to Pooh Corner Farm to help Carole transition the business as she began to phase out and retire. The pandemic had begun and the flower cooler was shut off since no one was ordering flowers. They thought they had time to plan the transition but the spring season became busier than ever as folks turned from grocery store visits to growing their own food. In the fall, the wedding business made a return, making it was a very special time as they eased into a new routine. 2021 featured an extremely busy wedding season and now Margaret has her hands full with the flower shop, the wedding market and the expanding gift shop.

The next step for Margaret will be finding an in-town location for a flower and gift shop, expanding Pooh Corner’s reach well beyond the magic of Hundred Acre Wood. v

Cait Bourgault Photography

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PO O H C OR N E R D E C OR AT E S ABO UT 80 W E D D I N G S P E R YE A R WITH T HE F L OW E R A N D G I F T S HO P GE N E RAT I N G 6 0 % OF T H E IR GRO SS IN CO M E A N D T H E G R E E N HO USES BR IN G I N G I N T H E R E S T.

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FMI on Pooh Corner Farm visit poohfarm.com, stop by 436 Bog Road in Mason Township, just 2 miles off Route 2. And call 207-836-3276 or email flowers@poohfarm.com

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T HE N E X T S T E P W I L L B E F OR M AR GAR E T T O F I N D A N I N - TO W N LO CAT IO N , H E L P I N G H E R T O E X PAN D H E R R E A C H B E YOND THE HUN DR ED A C R E W OOD .

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Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center with Jes Carter

B

usinesses in the Bethel region have experienced steady growth and expansion for the past thirty years as people from away discover the four season splendor splashed across our woods, hills and rivers. Winter sports and skiing have long been a significant draw to the area and Carter’s XC Ski Center has expanded with a clarity of vision and concern for the community that are the hallmark of western Maine’s character. From participation in the Winter Kids Program to partnering with LL Bean to hosting local after school programs, Carter’s is dedicated to having kids and families experience cross country skiing at a reasonable rate.

In 1984 the Carter Family started promoting XC skiing from their farm stand located on Route 26 in Oxford.

Wanting to get their friends out on crosscountry skis, Anne and Dave Carter started a ski club, which enabled them to buy a surplus of equipment for everyone to use. Dave and his friend Jack Lufkin were bit early by the XC bug and skied and raced together for years. Their contagious passion to share the fun with friends and family blossomed as the Carters built trails around and through the farm’s acreage. Soon an after school program began dropping busloads of kids at the farm to ski, race and recreate. By the end of the decade Carter’s XC Center in Oxford was THE place to be for outdoorsy folks and families.

Soon, the crowds in Oxford began looking for a larger trail system and Dave responded by building XC trails and a lodge in Bethel on his family’s property right next to Middle Intervale Farm. A small cabin was expanded to become a lodge and warming area when Carter’s began hosting races.

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FMI on Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center, visit them at 780 Interval Road in Bethel Call 207-824-3880, see Carter’sxcski.com, and see them on Facebook at Carte’s XC Ski Center in Bethel By the early 90’s things were going so well that Dave and Anne decided to expand again, building trails across the road and up onto Wiley Mountain, adding a cozy post-and-beam lodge that is now the welcome center, ski shop and warming area. Dave was bouncing back and forth between Oxford and Bethel, and as their kids grew to became more involved with racing his focus began to shift from Oxford to the Bethel Center.

Daughter Jessica went to college in Santa Fe, then took a break and came back home to work with Dave. A special time for Jes, she was able to learn so much from her dad about trail work, the woods, enjoying a close-knit family and creating great memories. Unfortunately, the Carters lost Dave to cancer in 2014 but they are forever grateful for his passion and commitment to family and XC skiing.

Jes earned an Art Education Degree from the University of Maine at Orono while continuing to work at the family farm in Oxford; running the XC Center in the winters and working the farm in the summers. In 2018 the Carters sold the Oxford farmstead to Oxbow Brewing Co. in a deal that allowed winter sports enthusiasts free access to the trails. The nonprofit organization Portland Gear Hub rents skis, fat bikes and snowshoes on site.

Jes earned her Master’s Degree in Literacy just before the pandemic arrived. Anne and her friend Don were working overtime at the XC Center in Bethel and it made sense for Jes to jump on board and engineer a transition for the booming ski area. Anne and Don will continue to assist in with growth and development, but Jes has taken control of most major decisions and day-to-day operations.

A great love of XC skiing is woven throughout this branch of the Carter family, influencing many and presenting the opportunity to get out in the woods for some healthy

exercise to anyone who’s interested. The ski shop offers sales and rentals of skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and fat bikes.

Apparel is also available for sale. There are trails for beginners, intermediate and expert skiers — with challenges for those feeling brave. Carter’s offers back-country skis with metal edges for skiing in the woods and skate-skis are available as well. It is possible that they have the largest cross country equipment inventory in New England. The ski shop opens in October for weekend sales while the trails are prepped for the ski season. From Mid-November to the end of March Carter’s is open 7 days per week, no matter what conditions exist.

In the lodge are some snacks and hot cocoa, but a new food truck has greatly expanded the delicious options for sustenance, including breakfast burritos, coffee, cocoa and tea. Homemade donuts, Middle Interval Farms potato fries and thin-crust gourmet pizzas are available to provide fuel for the day’s exertions. The food truck — Wild River Kitchen — is run by Jes’s partner Matt Barker and the menu will be constantly changing. Up on the mountain there are three rustic cabins available for rent. The cabins offer no running water or electricity but have potable water supplied and feature cozy wood stoves. A two night minimum is required and plans for a few more cabins are in the works. Dogs are allowed on Carter’s trails for a small fee — it’s a super dogfriendly place. Continued trail construction is planned for skiing as well as for fat tire biking and snowshoeing.

On Saturday, February 12th from 5-7:30pm there will be a Full Moon snowshoe tour free to the public. Kindly reserve a spot if you wish to attend. There will also be Animal Track Scavenger Hunts for kids during February Vacation week, the 19th to the 27th. Come enjoy the fun while the snow flies! v Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Emily Delamater Photography

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I

n 2018, Steam Mill Brewing was established by Scott Fraser and Brent Angevine as an intimate tap room in downtown Bethel. It began as two beer brewing dudes sharing their passion with happy locals. James Kimball came on board to help with social media and promotion from his home in Montana — Scott, Brent and James all grew up in Bethel. Their beer proved quite popular and fire pits and an outdoor tent were added along with music on weekends. Tragedy befell the growing beer community when Brent’s life was taken in an auto wreck. Soon after, in June of 2020, James decided to move back to Maine, buy Brent’s half of the business and become the full time manager while Scott continued working as a full time pharmacist.

The vibe at Steam Mill is all about community — from supporting local talent to running a mountain bike club — they focus on local outreach while surprising beer aficionados from away with their amazing brews. Now,

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

with the kickoff of their new operation on the Sunday River access road the partners are on a growth trajectory unimagined a few short years ago. Inside the beautiful post and beam building there is a bounty of seating with great food and a full bar featuring specialty cocktails. Outdoor activities include fire pits, horseshoes, corn hole and dining in heated A-frames. Next winter there will be an exclusive club on the second floor that guarantees members a seat with their own bartender and tapas menu.

December 2nd, 2021 was the official opening day and business is rocking! They are attracting locals, visitors, the young, the old and everyone in between. Bartender Jeb Davis from Portland manages the front of the house along with local’s favorite Annie Foster. The entire staff at Steam Mill are outdoor enthusiasts that ski, hike, bike and enjoy what the Bethel area has to offer. With changing local demographics (thanks to the pandemic) there are many new couples and families finding their favorite hangout at

Steam Mill. A mountain bike trail connected to the Bethel Community Forest is in the works with Inland Woods + Trails on board to help with trail design and construction.

Additional plans for the property include an outdoor music pavilion and a beer production facility that will eventually offer brewery tours. Their beer is consumed mostly on premise with light takeout sales — they have no plans to be a mass production

“

brewery. They always offer 10+ brews as well as seltzer in fun flavors. And some of the beers give back - Hoppy to Help is an IPA that earns donations for the River Fund, while Lover’s Lane is a fruited IPA that supports the LGBTQ+ Community’s OUTMaine project. Swing by and settle in for some great food, drink and live music — we’re all so happy to see Steam Mill has found it’s forever home! v

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WINTER WARLOCK Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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THERE IS A BO UNTY OF SEATING W ITH GREAT FO O D AND A FUL L BAR FEATURING SPECIALTY CO CKTAILS.

ENTERTAINMENT THURS, FEB 03 Steve Moore 4pm

FRI, FEB 18 Eric Marcs, 6pm

SAT, MARCH 5 The Cobblestones 6pm

FRI, FEB 04 The Cobblestones 6pm

SAT, FEB 19 The Cobblestones 6pm

SAT, MARCH 19 Swampdog 6pm

SUNDAY, FEB 06 Drag Brunch 10am

THURS, FEB 24 Swampdog 4pm

FRI. MARCH 25 Driving Charlie Home 6pm

THURS, FEB 10 Jack Jolie 4pm

FRI, FEB 25 Driving Charlie Home 6pm

SAT, FEB 12 Swampdog 6pm

SAT, FEB 26 Milltown Roadshow 2pm The Dapper Gents 6pm

SAT, FEB 26 Milltown Roadshow 6pm

THURS, FEB 17 Steve Moore 4pm

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FRI, MARCH 4 Driving Charlie Home 6pm

SAT, APRIL 02 Milltown Roadshow 6pm

SMALL BATCH CRAFT BEERS BREWED WITH LOVE IN WESTERN MAINE

96 SUNDAY RIVER | BETHEL, ME 04217 PHONE: 207-824-1149 | INFO@STEAMMILLBREW.COM

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Late Winter Comfort Recipes Fish Thai Coconut Stew Enjoy this lovely fresh Thai-style dish

PREPARATION 1. Place all ingredients, except fish fillets, in pan and bring to the boil. Simmer for 15 minutes.

INGREDIENTS • 1 onion finely chopped • 1 cup Chicken Style

2. Add fish and poach until fish is cooked.

3. Remove fish and boil sauce rapidly until reduced.

4. Add fish to thickened sauce.

5. Serve with boiled rice and a salad of green leaves.

Garnish with coriander.

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Liquid Stock

• • • •

375 ml coconut milk 1 Tbs fish sauce 1 Tbs sugar 4 kaffir lime leaves

• • • • • •

1 lemongrass stalk 1 red chilli (small) 4 white fish fillets diced 1 Tbs lime juice 1/2 tsp salt 1 bunch coriander

French-Style Chicken in a Pot This is a 3-step dish cooked in the one pot.

INGREDIENTS • 2.5 lbs chicken thighs boned, skin on • 1/4 cup white flour • 2 tbs olive oil • 2 tbs butter • 6 shallots, halved peeled • 1 carrot chopped large • 2 thick slices bacon thinly sliced • 1/3 lb. button mushrooms quartered • 2 garlic cloves crushed • 1/2 cup dry white wine • 1 cup chicken stock • 3/4 lb. small potatoes halved • 4 sprigs thyme • 1/2 cup cream • 1/2 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley chopped

PREPARATION 1. Coat chicken in flour, shaking off excess flour. Heat oil in a large, heavy-based saucepan over high heat.

2. Cook chicken, in batches, for 5 minutes or until browned all over. Transfer to a plate.

3. Drain oil from pan. Add butter to pan and heat over medium heat.

4. Cook shallots, carrot and bacon, stirring, for 5 minutes, or until bacon is crisp. Add mushroom and garlic, and cook for 3 minutes.

5. Add wine and bring to the boil. Add stock and potatoes, and simmer, covered, for 5 minutes.

6. Add chicken and thyme sprigs and simmer, covered, for 25 minutes.

7. Add cream and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes or until chicken is tender and sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in parsley.

8. Serve and enjoy.

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Conveniently located in the Village of Bethel • Fresh & Local Produce Available in Season

• Custom Cut Meats

• Freshly Baked Breads, Muffins, Donuts & Cakes

• Beer, Wine & Liquor

• Custom Birthday Cakes

• Frozen Foods, Paper Products & More!

71 Main Street • Bethel, Maine

#ruthiesboutique

(207) 824-2121

ServiceMASTER Cle:an

Call (800) 244-7630

24 hour emergency service

For Any Disaster, Call ServiceMaster Emergency Response • Water Damage • Fire/Soot/Smoke Damage

88 Main Street • Bethel, Maine 04217 Ruth Grover, Owner 207.824.3341 or 207.824.2989 ruthiesboutique1975@hotmail.com

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Rut hie’s

BOUTIQUE

Commercial Cleaning • Carpets-Commercial and Residential • Hard Surface Floors

• Mold Remediation

• Tile and Grout

• Odor Removal

• Post Construction Cleaning

29 Brickyard Cir. Auburn, ME 04210

Get Outside with Carter’s XC Ski XC Ski Equipment Touring, Backcountry & Racing SALES & SERVICE

Facial Esthetics Boutique

RENTALS • LESSONS GUIDED TOURS TRAILSIDE CABIN RENTALS FAT BIKE RENTALS GREEN WAX SALES & SERVICE 55 KM OF TRAILS OFFERING Botox / Fillers / Threads

PREVENTION AND CORRECTION Sagging Skin / Double Chin Fat Removal Body Contouring

ENERGY DEVICES FOR TREATMENT Superficial Wrinkles / Acne Scars / Crepey Skin Skin Tightening / Skin Resurfacing Skin Rejuvenation / Hair Removal Age Related Pigmentation / Photo-Facials

ENVIRON Medical Grade Skin Care Line

786 Intervale Road in Bethel, Maine

207-824-3880 Carter’sxcski.com

Dr. Edwin Giron 18 Park Street • Gorham , NH 03581 (603) 466-2323 • freshfacestudio.com

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Local Events

Deanne Bodemer

Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 1247, 8 Station Place Bethel, ME 04217 Tel: 207.824.2282 • Fax: 207.824.7123 Toll-free: 800.442.5826 info@bethelmaine.com • www.bethelmaine.com www.facebook.com/bethelarea

by Deanne Bodemer

Feb. 4-6: Pride Weekend Sunday

flaming apparatuses set to music and both kids and adults enjoy. Perfor-

River. Our LGBTQ weekend features

mance times: 6:15pm and 6:45pm. Following the second fire dancing

stellar skiing and riding, special events,

performance, we’ll light up the night sky above the slopes of South Ridge

including a themed party, fireworks, and

with a huge fireworks show at 7PM. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

après-ski socials, all hosted by Sunday River Resort in association with The OutRyders, New England’s largest GLBTQ ski and snowboard club. sundayriver. com, 800-543-2754 Feb. 5: Flying Moose Classic XC Ski Race Hosted by the Bethel Outing Club and Bethel Village Trails, this annual Nordic ski favorite has a 20km, 10km, and 2.5km Classic Mass Start. The 20km race is part of the Zak and Club Cup Series.

Race check-in 9-10:30am, race starts at 11:00 AM, with the BKL/2.5 km

Feb. 19-27: Family Scavenger Hunt - Great Maine Outdoor Weekend Carter’s XC Ski Center. Ski or snowshoe and hunt on our trails searching for Maine animal tracks signs with a chance to win prizes! Carter’sxcski. com, 207-824-3880 Feb. 19: TruStrength Uphill Cup Series Mt. Abram Ski Resort. Gorham Bike & Ski is excited to present The TruStrength Uphill Cup Series this season! It is an uphill/downhill racing series. (Skimo, alpine touring, telemark, split board, etc.). This is the 3rd in the series of four total solo races for the season. Each course will also have a Recreational short course for skiers that want to participate but don’t want to race. FMI: mtabram.com, facebook.com/events/405438854592103

to follow immediately after. The race will be held on the Inland Woods

Feb. 20: Friends of Mt. Abram & Mt. Abram Ski Club Torchlight

and Trail’s Bethel Village Trails, headquartered at The Bethel Inn Resort.

Parade Mt. Abram Ski Resort. Complimentary hot chocolate will be

bethelouting.org, FMI: contact James Reuter at jim@smithreuter.com

served outside, and we’ll have information and a place for people to

Feb. 5: Mt. Abram Telefest Mt. Abram Ski Resort. Hosted by New

make donations to the MSAD 44 Student Pass Program. mtabram.com

England Telemark, the yearly event will include free demos and clinics.

Mar. 4: Eddy Middle School Admissions Open House Newry

mtabram.com

Corner, Newry. Please join current and past families to hear from those in

Feb. 6: FreeHeeler’s Telemark Demo Tour Sunday River. As a full day dedicated to freeing the heel, The FreeHeeler’s Demo Tour by Telemarkdown will be bringing the latest telemark gear from Crispi, Scarpa, Liberty skis, Rossignol, Atomic, and Summitcone in-house ski. Two clinics start at 10am and 1pm. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 Feb. 12: Full Moon Guided Ski or Snowshoe Tour Carter’s XC Ski Center. Join us for a Full Moon guided tour of Farwell Mountain with either skis or snowshoes. Rentals available. There will be a bonfire after with hot cocoa. Carter’sxcski.com, 207-824-3880 Feb. 18-27: President’s Week Sunday River. Presidents’ weekend and vacation week at Sunday River bring snow you can count on and plenty of fun events and activities for all! Visits with Eddy & Betty the Yetis, twilight skiing, live music, Fire Dancer show, and fireworks. sundayriver.com, 800543-2754

the trenches what The Eddy experience is all about from their perspectives. See if the ideas resonate with you and your middle school child.

5:30pm-7:00pm. Applications due April 8 for the 2022-2023 school year.

TheEddyMiddle.School, TheEddy2011@gmail.com Mar. 12: TruStrength Uphill Cup Series Mt. Abram Ski Resort.

Gorham Bike & Ski is excited to present The TruStrength Uphill Cup Series this season! It is an uphill/downhill racing series. (Skimo, alpine touring, telemark, split board, etc.). This is the 4th in the series of four total solo races for the season. Each course will also have a Recreational short course for skiers that want to participate but don’t want to race.

FMI: facebook.com/events/405438854592103 Mar. 12: Master of the Mountain Sunday River. This rally-style ski event is unlike any other challenge in the world. It combines the excitement of downhill skiing with the precision of a timed road rally, all while raising money to support our communities. Entry fees and fundraising to

Feb. 19: Fire Dancer Sunday River. Fire dancing performances have

benefit The River Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that supports

become a staple in heating up our cold winter season, and Amelia’s

youth education and recreation initiatives within our greater Bethel com-

energetic fire dancing routines blend a high-intensity mixture of various

munities. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Mar. 13: BBB - Bikes, Brownies, & Beverages Social Carter’s XC Ski

Mar. 25: Maine Brew Fest Sunday River. Sample Maine’s finest beers

Center. $25 includes a trail pass, a homemade brownie, beverage, and fat

after hitting the slopes. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

bike demos! Carter’sxcski.com, 207-824-3880

Mar: 25-27: Women’s Weekend Sunday River. Treat yourself to

Mar. 19: Friends of Mt. Abram & Mt. Abram Ski Club Silent Auc-

wellness this winter at Sunday River’s Women’s Weekend, featuring yoga

tion Mt. Abram Ski Resort. Join us for an outside silent auction with a

classes, guided alpine touring, and more. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

few live auction items also to benefit the MSAD 44 Pass Program! There will be items at both base lodges, subject to change. Found at the bar area on the Westside and a table outside of the ticket pavilion on the main side. mtabram.com Mar. 19: Shipyard Brew Haus Apres Relay Sunday River. The Après Relay is a fun après-ski race consisting of fat biking, snowshoeing, inflatable kayaking, and corn hole all at the base area of White Cap Lodge.

There’s no better way to celebrate a day on the mountain—enjoy some music, food, and Shipyard beer with your friends, all while cheering your

Mar. 26: Spring Après Concert #1 Sunday River. Come celebrate Spring with live music slopeside at South Ridge at the first of two Spring Après Concerts. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 April 1-3: Spring Fest Weekend Sunday River. Spring Festival is a celebration of the return of spring, complete with a huge tropical party, outdoor concerts, and great spring skiing and riding. Saturday brings the 8th Annual Slip ‘n’ Flip relay competition, plus all-afternoon music, brews, cocktails, BBQs and food stations. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

Après Relay Team. Activities include music, presentations, demos, food, and drinks. Grab your team and come join us for the 2nd Annual Après Relay! sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

Ongoing Winter Events Sleigh Rides at The Bethel Inn Resort A 30-minute trip around the property. Leaving on the half-hour, 5pm-

Foggy Goggle at Sunday River Resort Live Music Saturdays 3:00-6:00pm Check sundayriver.com/events for details.

7:30pm. $20 for ages 11+, $15 for ages 4-10, free for 3 and under with

Matterhorn Ski Bar

an adult. bethelinn.com, 207-824-2175 to reserve.

Live Music Daily – Check matterhornskibar.com for details.

February 5, 12, 19 – 26, 2022

Mon-Thurs 5:00-8:00pm

March 5, 12, 19, 2022

Friday

6:00-10:00pm

Saturday

4:30-8:30pm & 9:30-11:30pm

Sunday

5:00-8:00pm

Fireworks at Sunday River Viewing is slopeside at South Ridge Lodge or the Foggy Goggle deck. Fireworks go off at 7PM unless otherwise noted.

The Millbrook Tavern at The Bethel Inn Resort

Feb. 5, 19, & 26, 2022

Live Music Fridays & Saturdays 7:00-10:00pm

Mar. 12 & 26, 2022

Check bethelinn.com for details.

Live Music Around Town

Loose Boots Lounge at Mt. Abram Ski Resort Live Music – Check loosebootslounge.com for details..

Barker Bar at Sunday River Resort

Steam Mill Brewing

Live Music Saturdays 2:00-5:00pm

Live Music – Check steammillbrew.com for details.

Check sundayriver.com/events for details.

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Our Client List includes: AT&T LL Bean, Inc Big City Mountaineers Day’s Crabmeat & Lobster Foreside Fitness Gamage Shipyard Morningstar Marble & Granite Maine Mineral & Gem Museum McGraw-Hill Publishing Mother’s Mountain Mustards

Olympia Sports Syris Scientific The Buckley Group Town of Freeport VueTek Scientific Yacht North Alden Yachts Navigator Publications Swarovski America, Ltd and many, many more!

Website Development, eNews and Integrated Marketing Solutions

Creative Advertising Solutions that Work for Your Business Issue #46 August / September 2021

Issue #47 October / November 2021

Bethel LIVING

Issue #44 April / May 2021

Bethel LIVING

Bethel LIVING

Coming and Going

Community Dining in Bethel with Meryl Kelly

Badass Boss Babes of Bethel

Farm Spotlight La Ferme

Moose Ridge Wilderness School

Food Sovereignty in Bethel

The Bethel Food Pantry

The Mahoosuc Community Broadband Initiative

“Coach” Bill Hayes

with Vernon and Tammy Davis

Mr Medicinals with David Pilgrim and Zac Parsons

Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Monarch Festival

Deepwoods Farm Padmani Meditation Pillows

Shady Grove Mushrooms

with Chuck & Sarah Patten

Sparrowhawk Orchard

Wildflowers of Western Maine

Spring Recipes

Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peas and Mint Rhubarb - Brown Butter Bars

with the Crooker Family

Fall Recipes

Late Summer Recipes

Tuscan Chicken Skillet & Fall Pumpkin Soup

Mexican Street Corn Nachos Eggplant Parmesan Boats

A Listing of Local Events

44.indd 1

with Meryl Kelly

Chapman Brook Farm

PLUS a Listing of Local Events

PLUS A Listing of Local Events 4/2/21 10:36 AM

46.indd 1

7/23/21 11:37 AM

www.royalrivergraphics.com Laurie Knowles • 207.838.4447 • laurie@royalrivergraphics.com 30

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

L L I W E W OCK YOU! RO

MAINE'S PREMIER SCIENCE MUSEUM 99 MAIN STREET, BETHEL, MAINE | MAINEMINERALMUSEUM.ORG Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Making our happy place your home.

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