Bethel Living Issue #50, April / May 2022

Issue #50 April / May 2022

Bethel LIVING Buy Local Bethel

Farmer’s Markets, Food Buying Clubs and Local Food Grocers

Pooling Resources The Key to Better Business

Joe Snow Photography Nature Lovers, Rejoice!

The Preservation of Bucks and Lapham Ledges The Bethel Sugar Shack Lemony Spring Asparagus Risotto A FREE Listing of Local Events

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Publisher’s Note Spring has sprung. In the spirit of renewal we offer a guide to the expanded opportunities agriculture CSAs,

for

supporting

through

PYO

and

farmers farm

local

markets,

stands.

New

economic trends in the sharing of retail and office space offer area business people a leg up. Plus, our new friend Joe Callanan shares his incredible nature photography, bringing us intimate images of our favorite local creatures.

Greenwood residents are celebrating the protection of their vital natural resources through the creation of Buck’s Ledge Community Forest. On the gastronomic front, we report on the Sugar Shack — their delicious food and exciting plans for expansion — while home chefs can enjoy

Laurie Ann Knowles • 207.838.4447

our recipe for Lemony Spring Asparagus Risotto. And as always, we deliver the list of 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: Joe Callanan 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 4-9:30 Thur-Mon for lunch, dinner and late night Live Music Friday & Saturday 7-10 pm

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

Limited hours and days, please call to check in

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

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Buy Local Bethel

by Meryl Kelly

As feed, fuel and environmental concerns continue to strain daily life for our local farmers it is up to us to increase our support to sustain their vital work through these changing times. Luckily for us there are a vast variety of options available to not only eat locally (and well) but support our neighbors and local farmers. Below you will find listings for just some of the many local food options in our little area. For more information please “follow” Food Sovereign Bethel on Facebook or email localfoodconnectionmaine@gmail.com

Farmer’s Markets, Food Buying Clubs and Local Food Grocers: GREENWOOD FARMERS MARKET - Open weekly on Fridays 4-6pm at the Greenwood Town Hall.

BETHEL FARMERS MARKET - Starts at the end of May and runs until Early October. Open weekly on saturdays 9a-1pm in the Norway Savings Bank Parking Lot off Parkway in Bethel, Maine BOONDOCKS BUYING CLUB - A buying club that utilizes an online ordering system to purchase high quality local ingredients in bulk that are then split and divided into member orders. For more information or to sign up email boondocksbc@gmail.com.

THE LOCAL HUB - Open Thursday through Monday for Breakfast and Lunch and Sunday through Tuesday for Taco Nights featuring local ingredients 5-9pm.

THE GOOD FOOD STORE - Open 7 days a week 9am to 8pm. Local Produce, dairy and meat.

CSA Options and Pre-Order Options: Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is a production and marketing model whereby consumers buy shares of a farm’s harvest in advance. Consumers can then either pick up their baskets of harvest at their farm of choice or in some cases at the Farmer’s Market. This pre purchase allows Farmers the opportunity to grow more with the assurance of less waste and gives participants first dibs on all the good stuff.

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ABBOTT’S FAMILY FARM - Organic Vegetable CSA and pre-order options through Harvest to Market Website with pick ups weekly at Bethel Farmer’s Market - Saturday 9-12.

CANDI ROSSEAU’S FARM BASKETS - Sign up by direct messaging “Candi Rosseau” on facebook.

Every Monday she posts a list of the veggies in the basket for that week. The bottom of the list will be herbs you pick 2 and put this in the comments. This tells them you want a basket. Pay her when you pick up. This year its $35 per basket. Pick up is on the Bailey Rd. in Bethel every Wednesday at 7pm.

CHAPMAN BROOK FARM - Offering a limited number of CSA’s, and customers can reach out to chapmanbrookfarm@gmail.com for custom or special orders if they can’t make the farm stand .

GAMUT GOODS - Bread share! Members will have the option of choosing a 14 week bread share to be picked up at Morning Glory Farm on Mondays starting at the same time as their CSA, or pick-up at our store front in West Bethel with one off order options and recurring weekly options as well JELLYDOG FARM - Will offer a variety of in season vegetables with a focus on tomatoes and hot peppers plus they plan on having pasture raised duck (whole and breast) available mid summer, as well as eggs and rendered fat.

MORNING GLORY ORGANIC FARM - Zero Waste Packaging Fruit and Vegetable CSA with options to add yogurt, eggs and flowers with pick up weekly on

BLAKE’S FARM - 384 Walkers Mill Rd. Bethel.

Open Sunrise to Sunset 7 days a week, Accepts Cash or Checks. Offers Beef, Pork with the addition of roaster chickens this summer and turkeys for thanksgiving.

STALK AND PISTIL FLOWER FARM - Waterford based flower farm offering spring, summer, and fall CSA shares with a pickup location at Chapman Brook Farm in Bethel, ME. Head to their online shop for more details.

HOWE FAMILY FARM - 1760 Intervale Rd. Bethel. Farm stand will be opening for the season in late May with fresh veggies, pork products, beef, baked goods, relishes, pickles, jams, jellies and much more.

Also accepts pre-orders on all of their baked + frozen products.

Farmstand & PYO Seasons: The convenience of going when you can and choosing what you want.

CHAPMAN BROOK FARM STAND - Located 2.1 miles down the North Rd on the right. Open Friday- Sunday from 9-6p. Offers organically grown vegetables,corn, greens and alliums.

THUNDER HILL FARM - 42 Bell Rd. Waterford.

Farm stand will open in May. Meats, ready to eat meals, vegetables, baked goods and other local farm products.

GREAT BROOK FARM - 735 Bear River Road Newry. Offers farm raised beef, pork, chicken, turkeys, eggs and maple syrup. They also sell pork and beef by the 1/2 or whole share.

MIDDLE INTERVALE FARM - 758 Intervale Rd. Bethel. Open Sunrise to Sunset, 7 days a week, Accepts Cash, Local Checks or Venmo. Offers seasonal vegetables, local dairy, frozen beef, pork and lamb as well as a variety of other locally sourced items.

PICNIC HILL FARM - 14 Picnic Hill Rd, Albany Township. Offers year round eggs and veggies, chicken and turkey seasonally.

SWAIN’S FAMILY FARM - 185 West Bethel Rd. West Bethel. Open During the growing season 7 days a week. Accepts Cash and Local Checks.

BACK TO ROOTS - 199 Curtis Hill Road Woodstock. Farm stand will be in full swing mid May offering farm raised nitrate free pork, baked goods, popcorn, pre-made foods, herbal products, seedlings, plants, and local provisions.

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Photo Credit: Matt Stagliano for Stonetree Creative

Mondays between 4-6pm at the Farm in West Bethel.

Small number of CSA shares are still available for this upcoming season. Contact through Facebook or their website.

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CARVER’S MAPLE FARM - Grover Hill Rd. Bethel. Maple syrup available year round. Can be purchased onsite or at many local retailers including Brooks Brothers, and Bob & Terry’s Ski & Sports Outlet.

Wholesale available!

GIBSON’S APPLE ORCHARD- 55 Gibson Rd, Bethel. Upick Apple Orchard offering multiple varieties.

Local honey and Maine maple syrup which is available year round. Orchard opens annually on Labor Day weekend BIRCH BOG FARM - 41 Dundee Rd,Albany Township. Organic Cranberry Farm offering wholesale, retail and PYO (in mid October) options for purchase SPARROWHAWK ORCHARD - 684 Grover Hill Rd, Bethel. uPick Apple Orchard offering multiple varieties as well as educational workshops and other farm events. (Fingers crossed for a 2nd Annual Golden Apple Hunt)

Events, Tours and Workshops: Farm events span the gamut of offerings from Farm Dinners, to music and celebration to farm tours and workshops on a variety of subjects MAINE MAPLE SUNDAY WEEKEND AT DUNHAM FARM - Velvet Hollow Sugar Works, March 26 & 27, pancake breakfast 8 am to noon, and BBQ maple turkey chili from noon to 4 pm to be served in a heated dining room or outdoors

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FARM TO TABLE DINNERS - Outdoor Farm to Table Dining Series hosted at various local farms featuring all that they’re growing cooked into family style meals to be shared with friends. For details on locations, menus and pricing watch the “Food Sovereign Bethel” Facebook page or reach out to Meryl at merylashlynkelly@gmail.com ARTS AND AG TOUR - Sept. 11th - Arts and Farming Treasure Map leading you to a fun filled day exploring, eating and engaging in a variety of activities on many of our local farms. Tickets sales will open in June through a variety of organizations. Also be on the lookout for flyers which will have QR Code Links to tickets as well.

LA FERME - Locally sourced products, Yoga Retreats and weekly classes, Pizza Night, monthly concert series and Farm to Table Dinners. The Porch hours will expand in May! Details on available options for shares in their Community Supported Agriculture and Kitchen (CSAK) Program to be released soon. Check their Facebook Page for event dates, Porch Offerings and hours as well as CSAK details.

SOUPS ON! - A recurring free event for area Seniors located at Bethel United Methodist Church (79 Main Street, across from the IGA). The event features a bowl of nutritious and often locally sourced soup followed by an afternoon of activities for Seniors; board games, cards and social time. Contact Bonnie Pooley for more information or to have soup delivered to your home in lieu of venturing out. pooleyb@gouldacademy.org

Pooling Resources, The Key To

BETTER BUSINESS

by Meryl Kelly

A

ccording to Forbes Magazine, national small business trends forecast an increase in values based businesses, collaborative work spaces and symbiotic business relationships between multiple businesses in the same location. With expansive malls out of fashion, the “shop local” movement is alive and thriving as it updates the convenience of a mall and adapts the concept to local small businesses. Malls have long catered to massive brands and allowed smaller shops to profit off residual traffic and window shopping. Why should small businesses not apply the same concepts and use our collective followings to drive sales for each other’s businesses? Bethel was privy to this notion long before rising rents began putting the squeeze on small businesses everywhere. The Philbrook Place, a nearly 30 year old emporium on Main Street in Bethel has, since its opening, been the site of a variety of shops. Throughout the years its walls have provided a jumping off point or a longstanding home to some of Bethel’s most cherished local businesses. Since current owner Sara Hemeon took over the space the barn has morphed from completely separate stores within the same building to its current

paradigm where businesses share overhead expenses such as utilities and work together on staffing so that business owners can enjoy some time off. Currently there are seven thriving shops at The Philbrook Place: Bethel Toys and Trendz (toy store),The Barn Collection (small art gallery), Little Bits (kid clothing consignment), Revival Boutique (Vintage and Fashion Forward clothing consignment), Community Sports (sports and adventure wares and equipment consignment), The Book Nook (new and used books) and Elements Gallery which bills itself as THE spot to find the perfect gift and “all things Maine-made.”

Another recent trend driving local economies around the state of Maine has been increased support for the food sovereignty movement. Towns have steadily been adopting their own food sovereignty ordinances and that momentum reached its apex this past November when Mainers were first in the nation to approve a “Right to Food’’ amendment, making it a constitutionally protected right for every Mainer to produce their own food or purchase food from whomever they choose. There has since been a resurgence of home-based businesses where

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owners are sharing space in their home with the public, selling products they produced in their kitchens direct to the consumer. Those who have led the charge on this model such as Marta’s Bakery, La Ferme and Puzzle Mountain Bakery have inspired a new wave of Bethel food businesses including one of the businesses housed in The Vestibule of Barker Road in Bethel, Maine. The Vestibule currently houses 5 friends, 3 businesses and a featured artist — all on their tiny front porch. The Vestibule is very new to town having started in the summer of 2021, but this collective of artists and makers are already gaining traction. It started with the Luna Moth Collective, a perennial favorite at the Greenwood Farmers Market, and has since grown to include Gamut Goods, bakers of artisan breads and pastries, and Sidepiece Vintage, a go to spot for unique vintage housewares. Taking advantage of social media and online ordering to drive sales, Gamut Goods drops order sheets on their social media pages as well as the Food Sovereign Bethel page to drive preorders from their selection of goodies. Sidepiece Vintage uses Instagram to showcase their ever-changing offerings. Also gracing the walls at The Vestibule is work by artist Becca Hoskins. Each business brings guests in for a variety of reasons but once they look around they’re bound to leave with more than they came for.

The Gem Theater has been a long time proponent of supporting community causes and collaboration amongst a range of local and regional businesses and organizations. In Fall 2018, they took this vision to a new level and opened The Gem Coworking space on the second floor of their building. Along with a fully outfitted Dojo where Western Maine Budo Arts offers weekly classes for a range of ages and abilities, the 2nd floor also accommodates a full bathroom, kitchenette and shared offices. The office space is a mix between “floating desks” (work space for the occasional need) and committed desks, rented monthly by various local businesses and nonprofits.

With a desk (which converts to a sitting or standing mode) 10

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THE PHILBROOK PLACE Facebook@ThePhilbrookPlace GAMUT GOODS Facebook@gamutgoods THE GEM COWORKING SPACE coworker.com/united-states/maine/bethel/ the-gem-coworking-space THE LUNA MOTH COLLECTIVE Instagram@thelunamothcollective SIDEPIECE.VINTAGE Instagram@sidepiece.vintage THE RIVER FUND www.riverfundmaine.org/future

one also has access to high speed wifi, complimentary black and white or color printers and a large private conference room which can be reserved for extra silence or discussing potentially sensitive information. The concept offers space to officeless local businesses, as well as providing more options to the plethora of newcomers choosing to work remotely.

As our town opens its doors to an influx of new residents it must adapt to the evolving needs of our transient community while maintaining economic vitality and resource opportunity for year round citizens. That’s where organizations such as The River Fund have risen to the occasion. With a broad vision and clear executable goals The River Fund has a slew of forward thinking community projects coming down the pike — ripe with opportunity for collaboration. One of these ideas includes the construction of a one stop shop community center that will offer a variety of activities and services to the Greater Bethel Area. It’s no secret that the last decade has been unkind to community centers. They seem to have followed the mall out of fashion. But Bethel values nothing if not recreation and community. So if a community center was to find long lasting success this would be the community. The backers of this project are focused not only on inclusive and varied educational programming but creating a tangible space with room to grow and evolve as the town does. The existence of such a place has every potential to bring diverse groupings of citizens together in yet another step toward long term sustainable economic vitality and shines as another example of Bethel pushing innovation as it thoughtfully commingles fixtures of the past with beacons of the future.

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Joe Snow Photography 12

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W

hen he was 11 years old Joe Callanan’s father took him on a wilderness fishing trip to Errol, NH where their group passed through a locked gate and hiked out to a cold pool called Hell Gate — a part of the Second Dartmouth College Grant. While the men fished Joe wandered off on his own to explore and discover the forest. After whacking a tree several times with a stick he was stung repeatedly by wasps and limped over to sooth his foot in a very cold stream. While recovering, he realized that if he followed the stream he could not get lost — he merely had to reverse direction to return to his starting point. So, off the city kid ventured. A quarter mile upstream he had a life changing and very close encounter with a huge bull moose. No harm done. From that moment, Joe has been shaped by nature and is passionate about being in the presence of wild animals.

Joe, who goes by the moniker “Joe Snow” when he is wearing his photographer’s hat, grew up in Cambridge, MA in a family that owned a hunting/camping/fishing store. Pursuing a desire to share the wonders of north woods animal life he started snapping photos at age 15. He doesn’t care for landscape photography, but is passionate about documenting wildlife in its dominion. His images are not altered by Photoshop; he prefers taking the time to capture what he knows will produce the ultimate

exposures: real life. Influenced by time spent with the Boy Scouts of America, Joe developed his photography technique in conjunction with the ethos of Scouting — you care for what you love, take pride in what you do, have high sporting ethics and respect the natural behavior of animals in their environment. He is always prepared and has learned to adapt in the wild. He embarks on these adventures alone — and often uses cover, blinds and camouflage. Joe camps, kayak camps and hikes frequently, taking a deep 3-5 day dive searching for the specific habitats that attract the most elusive creatures. What he has discovered is that there is wildlife everywhere. Being a better naturalist has helped him to become a better photographer.

Lake Umbagog is a National Wildlife Refuge resting across Coos County in New Hampshire and Oxford County in Maine. This pristine lake is a magical place where Joe has had breathtaking encounters with such animals as the Canada lynx, the eastern moose, and a black bear which soundlessly entered the water less then 20 feet away from his kayak. Joe was concentrating on an eagle’s nest and luckily turned to see the bear as it passed quietly by. He’s had encounters with otters, mink, owls of all sorts, eagles, osprey, loons and a variety of other wildlife. Another favorite place of his is Baxter State Park, which he refers to as the ‘Yellowstone of the East’ —

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crediting the park for limiting human visitors to ensure a pristine and wild experience.

Joe loves to share his talent — selling images online, working with galleries and gift shops and giving presentations regularly. He has been to Alaska, Yellowstone and the Grand Teton National Park. He’s been to Europe and beyond, but what he has learned is that here in the United States it’s the hunting and fishing folk that have aided wildlife research, management and conservation.

In the 1940s game began to decline as there were no regulations whatsoever. Now, fees collected by the sale for hunting and fishing licenses and an excise tax that goes through hunting and fishing businesses funds research, law enforcement, land and wildlife conservation and the protection of endangered species.

Joe and his wife Deb live in Freedom, NH and for him, the Great North Woods is EVERYTHING! Stay tuned for an upcoming event at the Mahoosuc Land Trust where Joe will present and sell prints and cards.

Visit Joe’s work at owlmagic.shutterfly.com email him joesnow02@verizon.net or call him at 603-539-1875 14

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“

T HE WOR L D WA S A L I B R A RY AND ITS BO O KS W ERE THE STO NES, LE AVE S , G R A S S , B R OOK S , AND THE BIRDS AND ANIM ALS THAT SHAR ED , A L I K E W I T H U S , THE STO RM S AND BLESSINGS O F EARTH . WE LE AR N E D T O D O W H AT ONLY THE STUDENT O F NATURE LEARNS, AND T HAT WA S T O F E E L B E A U TY. – LUTHER STANDING BEAR Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Buck’s Ledge

A dream to Conserve Buck’s Forever

“

Wit h t his k i n d o f b e a u t y a n d a cces si bi l i ty, i t’s eas y to i magi ne that Buck’s Led g e F o re s t w o u l d b e devel oped i n no ti me wi thout true p er manen t p ro t e c t i o n . A s i d e from preservi ng i ts beauty as a desi rabl e t our is t d e s t i n a t i o n , i t i s i m p o rtant to s et as i de thi s speci al pi ece of land t o p re s e r v e t h e c o n t i g u o usness of habi tat, trai l systems and wood s up p ly f or l o c a l i n d u s t r i e s .

J e s s i e Pe r k in s , E x e c u t iv e D irecto r, Bethel Area Chamber o f Co mmerce

A

dedicated g roup of Woodstock Conservation Commission member s had a dream about 20 year s ago CONSERVE BUCK’S FOREVER. Since it’s ince ption in the 90’s, the Woodstock Conservation Commission has been working with the town to promote an environmentally friendly place. T he Conservation Commission developed a Comprehensive Plan in 2 003 and an Open Space Plan in 2012. Both documents

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sing led out Buck’s Ledge as one of the most important natural resources in the Town of Woodstock.

T hat dream, thanks to the expanded network of committed volunteer s and professionals, has raised 70% of the needed $175,000 in private donations to purchase this iconic, awe-inspiring mountain in the center of Woodstock. T he remainder of the $900,000 is from g rants and foundations.

One ver y critical part of that dream is to protect the rare and endangered plants on the property, one of which has only been found in the State of Maine on this site (bur-reed sedge). T here is an area of enriched norther n hard wood forest which needs to be preserved.

Pereg rine falcons have previously nested on the clif f face. Deer and moose are often seen on the prop erty along with other wildlife.

“

T his dream for Buck ’s Ledge embodies the values of the Mahoosuc Way, a l ocal initiative to create a sustainable travel destination that preserves local quality of life and builds economic vitality across the Mahoosuc Region. T he Mahoosuc Way was developed by local residents in the towns of Woodstock, Greenwood, Bethel and Newr y.

I am e x c i t e d t h a t i n a d d i t i on to us i ng the trai l s for recreati onal p ur p o s e s , i t i s n o w e a s i e r to us e them for educati onal purposes. The new tr a i l s c o n n e c t i n g t h e school to the Communi ty Forest wi l l al l o w us t o e x p a n d o n t h e t y p e s of outdoor l earni ng that we can do wi th our s t ud e n t s . Ma n y s c h o o l s a cros s the country began to teach outdoors out of s a f e t y b u t s o o n d i scovered that outdoor l earni ng provi ded m ore t h a n f re s h a i r. I t h e l ps students l earn better, feel l ess stres sed and im p ro v e s a t t e n t i o n .

J e s s i c a W ilk e y, Te a c h in g Principal, Wo o dsto ck Elementary Scho ol

The dream of Buck’s Ledge is primarily to purchase the entire 634 acres for the Town of Woodstock. That dream extends to education, with the 4-H Freshmen Academy using the property for leadership, young people involved with trail-building and maintenance and outdoor classrooms. The trail was recently expanded to connect Woodstock Elementary School to the trail system via Echo Lane. The 20-year-old motto “No Child Left Behind” is giving way to “No Child Left Inside.”

“

T he G re e n s t o c k S n o w S p o rts snowmobi l e cl ub has used thi s parcel a s a key l i n k b e t w e e n o u r t r a i l s ystem and other regi onal systems l i ke R umf o rd a n d P e r u f o r o v er 25 years . W i thout thi s parcel , our cl ub w ould l o s e t h i s c r i t i c a l l i n k to other trai l s ystems, whi ch woul d have a s ig nifi c a n t i m p a c t o n o u r l ocal economy from the l os s of s nowmobilers t hat v i s i t t h e a re a , u s i n g gas stati ons and restaurants as they trave l t hroug h o u r a re a .

D i a n e M e r r ill, S e c re t a r y, Greensto ck Sno w Spo rts

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What is Buck’s Ledge? One of the area’s most recognizable geographic features, the iconic granite face of Buck’s Ledge rises from the eastern shore of North Pond in Woodstock, a magnet for hikers, artists and photographers. The proposed Buck’s Ledge Community Forest encompasses 634 acres, including Buck’s Ledge, Moody Mountain, and Lapham Ledge.

The parcel, already known for hiking, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling, and other traditional uses, includes rare plants, old growth trees, and nesting habitat for peregrine falcons. Nearby nesting eagles and loons are often seen and heard.

This dream to involve the community extends to the students at Telstar Middle School. The art students, under the direction of Melissa Prescott, are creating an

art display for the trailhead and plan to build benches to increase trail availability for more people, offering a chance to rest while hiking. The excitement of these students is palpable, working with local artist Leslie Rosenberg.

At the heart of this forest planning process is community engagement. The Northern Forest Center is leading a monthly planning committee to develop a Vision and Mission Statement and management plan.

A wide diversity of interests are represented in this planning committee: foresters, abutting landowners, snowmobile club members, hikers, climbers, naturalists.

Other partners include Mahoosuc Land Trust who will hold the easement and Northern Forest Center.

To make a difference, tax deductible donations toward the purchase of Buck’s Ledge can be mailed to: MAHOOSUC LAND TRUST PO Box 981 Bethel, Maine 04217 www.mahoosuc.org/bucks-ledge

This dream becomes a reality with everyone doing their part. With your help we will CONSERVE BUCK’S FOREVER. Regarding funding, the committee is waiting to hear about several federal and state grants. Private fundraising continues, with the goal of closing in August.

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A check may also be written to the TOWN OF WOODSTOCK PO Box 317 Bryant Pond, Maine 04219 For online donations go to www.mahoosuc.org and select Buck’s Ledge.

Or contact Jane Chandler, 357-3524 or jane.h.chandler@gmail.com.

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The Bethel Sugar Shack with Michelle and Anthony Wells

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t least they knew what they were getting into.

Michelle and Anthony Wells worked in the food service industry for over twenty years before they took the plunge to open their own restaurant.

Michelle worked in management for KFC/Taco Bell, McDonald’s, Burger King and Pizza Hut. When Anthony moved to S. Paris 23 years ago he managed the KFC/Taco Bell and later the Burger King, plus a stint at Tut’s in Waterford. The Sugar Shack is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner — making sixteen hours in the kitchen a short day. Preparing and serving good food is very labor intensive.

In 2018 they leased the space of a former diner on Route 2 out toward West Bethel and started selling just ice cream. After two years the steady flow of customers encouraged them to purchase the building and expand into the sale of entrees. In three years they have built a loyal clientele by serving reliably excellent food seven days a week. Depending on the hard earned experience of running other people’s restaurants they have excelled 20

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at customer service, superior food preparation and employee management.

Working with top quality ingredients, the Sugar Shack has earned the praise of enthusiastic locals who rave about their favorite meals and treats. Michelle and Anthony are thrilled that their success has far exceeded their expectations. The burgers and pizzas fly out the door and banana splits and ice cream cones sell like crazy in the summer months. Very soon, the house next door will be torn down and the Wells will have room to expand, almost doubling their seating capacity and enlarging the kitchen to allow for increased menu offerings. Additional specialty plated dinners, new items such as seafood, and greater variety of steaks will be available. Every Friday they offer a Fish Fry that always sells out and on Saturdays they offer a Rib Eye steak special. Please stop in and support the hard working people at The Sugar Shack while they plan their expansion and continue to improve the Bethel dining scene!

FMI on the Bethel Sugar Shack, stop by 156 West Bethel Road in Bethel, visit thebethelsugarshack.com, see them on Facebook and call (207) 824-1051

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Whittemore Pool & Spa

MANAGEMENT

Installation, Service & Repair Property Management Snow blowing, lawn care & caretaking

(207) 491-7713 hottub1@roadrunner.com

150 Mayville Rd • Bethel, ME 04217 LunaBluLodge.com

Jason@LunaBlu.me

833-OFF-2SKI

SMALL BATCH CRAFT BEERS BREWED WITH LOVE IN WESTERN MAINE

96 SUNDAY RIVER | BETHEL, ME 04217 PHONE: 207-824-1149 | INFO@STEAMMILLBREW.COM 22

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

“If we don’t have it... you don’t need it!”

ONE STOP SHOPPING

Beer. Wine. Liquor.

Groceries and Produce.

Pizza and Boar’s Head Sandwiches.

Great Hot Food.

Online Ordering Available.

Hot Sandwiches

bs Belly Buster

$12.50

cheese,

n

$5.00

NowGrilled open year round!

Cheese & Tomato

$6.00

$11.50

omato sauce

and Onions $11.50

t Parmesan $11.50

omato sauce

es

Grilled Cheese

Hamburger

$7.00

Cheeseburger

$8.00

BLT

$7.00

Hot Dog

$3.50

Reuben

$9.00

Pastrami

$9.00

American, Swiss, or Provolone

Bacon, lettuce, tomato, mayo on toast

Sauerkraut, relish, onions

Corned beef, sauerkraut, Swiss cheese, Thousand Island dressing on• 156 RyeWest bread 207-824-1051 Bethel Rd, Bethel, ME

$5.95 $5.95 $4.95 $3.95 $4.95 $4.95

with imported Swiss and Dijon mustard on Rye bread

WE DELIVER!

PURVEYORS OF FINE FOOD, WINE & BEER

MENU

207-824-NYNY (6969) Deli • Café • Espresso Bar Largest Beer, Wine & Liquor Selection in the Area New York Pizza Boar’s Head Cold Cuts Fresh Cut Meats Seafood • Lobster Full Line of Groceries Sandwiches • Cheese Meals to Go

Located on the Sunday River Access Road

Across from the entrance to the Grand Summit Hotel

824-6969 Fax: 824-0727

EAT-IN OR TAKE-OUT

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com 23 www.barkingdawgmarket.com

Spring Recipes Lemony Spring Asparagus Risotto Lemony Asparagus Risotto with leeks and basil is light and creamy with vibrant color and flavor, and perfect for spring! A tasty vegetarian meal, or beautiful base for fish, seafood or mushrooms.

Makes 5 cups (Serves 2-3 as a main dish, or 4-5 as a side dish)

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

INGREDIENTS • 1 onion finely chopped • 1 cup chicken 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

PREPARATION 1. Bring a small pot of water to boil on the stove to blanch asparagus. Prep the asparagus: Cut the fibrous ends off the asparagus and discard. Cut the pretty tips off (about 1 1/2 inches) and set them aside. Cut the “middles” into 1-inch pieces. Take 1 1/2 cups of the “middles” and set aside (to blanch and blend into a creamy asparagus sauce) which we will stir into the risotto at the end to give it it’s beautiful vibrant color and creamy texture. Add any remaining “middles” to the tips and keep these set aside. So you’ll have two piles of asparagus, 1 1/2 cups of the “middles” and one with the tips and leftover middles.

2. BLANCH AND BLEND: In the small pot of boiling water, blanch the 1 1/2 cups of asparagus “middles” (without the tips), until tender and vibrant, about 5 minutes depending on size.

Drain, but reserve 1 cup of the cooking liquid. Blend the blanched asparagus with the 1 cup cooking liquid, 2 tablespoons oil and the basil leaves until silky smooth, either in a blender or using an immersion blender. Set this aside to add to the risotto at the end.

3. START RISOTTO: Thinly slice leeks into half-moons, and rinsing away any dirt, strain. (Rinsing will also help soften them.) Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a pot or dutch oven over medium heat. Add leeks and saute until softened, 5-6 minutes. Add garlic, cook 2 minutes, until fragrant.

4. Add arborio rice and stir to coat, one minute. Deglaze with white wine (if using) and cook the wine off. Add 1 cup hot chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits, bring to a gentle simmer, over med-low heat stirring occasionally, letting the rice absorb the all the broth.

5. Continue adding the hot broth 1 cup at a time, letting the rice absorb it slowly, each time, stirring often. ***At the same time that you add the last cup of broth, add the pile of asparagus with the tips, letting them cook in the risotto 3 minutes or so. At this point, rice should be creamy yet slightly al dente.

6. COMBINE: Stir in blended asparagus-basil “sauce”, add the salt, pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice and taste. Adjust salt, pepper and lemon to taste. (Pecorino will add more depth and flavor here.) Heat gently over low heat letting it thicken a bit if you like, but taking care not to cook too long here, or you’ll lose the vibrant color.

7. Divide among bowls, garnish with fresh lemon zest, sautéed Miatake mushrooms, pecorino cheese, lemon zest and / or chili flakes or a drizzle of the optional leek oil.

8. Top with a piece of roasted fish, sautéed shrimp, grilled chicken or sautéed mushrooms if you like.

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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ARCADE

FLORIST & GREENHOUSES

SPORTS BAR 32 Cross Street, Bethel ME

207-705-9500

www.riverlanesbethel.com Like Us on Facebook! @RiverLanesBethel

BEER & COCKTAILS

BILLIARDS

LEAGUES MUSIC

RESTAURANT

CORN HOLE

DARTS

TEN PIN BOWLING

PUB FOOD

Performance Massage Becca Duclos, LMT 207.318.0629 Sportsmassage • Deep Tissue • NMT Post Injury / Post Surgery Recovery Stress Relief 16 Parkway, Unit 4, Bethel, ME 04216 26

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Visit us for all your spring planting needs!

Located west of Bethel, 2.5 miles off Rt. 2

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1984

207.836.3276 poohfarm.com

OFCU ALWAYS GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND TO HELP OUT. WE LIVE OUT OF STATE, BUT HAVE KEPT THEM AS OUR PRIMARY GO-TO. THE LOAN DEPARTMENT MAKES EVERY TRANSACTION SO SIMPLE . DOESN’T MATTER HOW CRAZY MY QUESTION IS WHEN I CALL, WHOEVER ANSWERS IS ALWAYS FRIENDLY AND COURTEOUS. WE LOVE AND TRUST OUR CREDIT UNION FAMILY TO HELP US MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES. - Alicia y.

Discover the credit union difference.

Joe Snow Photography

ofcu.org • 800.991.9219

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owlmagic.shutterfly.com

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Local Events

by Deanne Bodemer

April 1-3: Spring Fest Weekend

heavy on your score, so come suited up in anything but a wet suit! Prizes

Sunday River. Spring Festival is a

of all sorts will go out to the winners! Enjoy the second spring après

celebration of the return of spring,

concert with live music at South Ridge. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

complete with a huge tropical party, outdoor concerts, and great spring

April 10: Passholder Appreciation Day Sunday River. Enjoy a delicious

skiing and riding. Saturday brings the

lunch and fun for the whole family to celebrate another incredible winter

8th Annual Slip ‘n’ Flip relay competi-

season with our most loyal guests - free for all season passholders. Pass-

tion, plus all-afternoon music, brews,

holders can check out the end of season, including exclusive discounts

cocktails, BBQs and food stations.

for 21/22 and 22/23 N.E. Passholders. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 April 16: The Great Tailgate Sunday River. Pack up the grill and head to April 9: BAAM at The Gem with

the slopes to ski, ride, and work on your goggle tan in spring conditions.

Bearly Dead The Gem Theater. Join

Enjoy live music in the Barker Mountain parking lot at the tailgate party.

BAAM at The Gem for our first live

Each year has a theme, and the best decorated tailgates win prizes.

concert of the year “Bearly Dead,” a Grateful Dead tribute band like no

This year’s theme, Caribbean Christmas, encourages tailgaters to come

other! Bearly Dead is an all-star cast of players from Boston, MA with

dressed in their best island vacation attire while donning an iconic Santa

deep roots in the New England jam & festival scene. They perform wildly

hat. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

different sets and ensure that each show is a unique experience. Doors @ 6:00, Family Friendly Set @ 7:00-8:15, Second Set @ 8:15. Masks and vax

April 24: $0 Tickets on Closing Day Sunday River. Closing day at Sun-

required. thegemtheater.com

day River offers free skiing and riding for all on Barker Mountain (some trails may not be open). Tickets must be reserved online in advance.

April 9: Pond-a-Palooza & Spring Après Concert #2 Sunday River.

What’s spring at a ski resort without pond skimming? Costumes weigh

28

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

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

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 Ann Knowles • 207.838.4447 • laurie@royalrivergraphics.com 30

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Making our happy place your home.

Visit CassieMason.com