Carter’s XC Center
Extends Their Lodging Season
Soup’s On!
Lunch For Seniors with Bonnie Pooley & Linda Howe
EcoHeat Maine
Heat Pumps and Mini-splits with the Adams Family
Bethel’s Nonprofits
Bringing Children’s Education to Life
Rosemary Rhubarb Syrup
Mushroom Pate
Tender Beef Brisket
PLUS a Listing of Local Events
Mud Season in Western Maine is the perfect time to make plans for summer outings. Create a custom vacation by reserving accommodations at the Carter Family XC Center — now open year-round. Then, pick a local guide from our list to supercharge the outdoor activities that make Bethel so special. Catch up with neighbors at the "Soup’s On!” program for seniors, and learn about EcoHeat Maine’s exceptional options for super efficient winter heating. Our talented features writer, Meryl Kelly, reports on how Bethel’s non-profit sector is bringing place-based education to life.
In the Recipe section, concoct some Rosemary Rhubarb Syrup, make some Mushroom Pate and slow- or pressurecook a delicious brisket. Then fill your calendar with events from the Bethel Chamber listing.
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.
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: Andy Gagne Photography www.andygagnephotography.com
Features Editor: Nate Scott
Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com
Not just for xc skiing anymore, rustic cabins and a cozy lodge await your visit
by Laurie Ann Knowles
For over 35 years the Carter family’s XC Ski Center has focused on enjoying winter with skis, snowshoes and fat bikes on their many miles of scenic trails. This year the Carters are expanding their services to offer year-round accommodations for visitors seeking to enjoy the Bethel area in spring, summer and fall. The Carter's main lodge is called Willow Brook — featuring 3 cozy bedrooms, 2 baths, a kitchen, dining and living room, it’s perfect for a family group. The beautiful timber frame great room is a common space which has another dining and living room as well. Carter’s also offers 3 off-grid cabins for those seeking a more rustic adventure. Each cabin has a propane cooking stove, flash lights and a wood stove for heat. They are supplied with dishes, pots
and pans, furniture and beds. All you need is your own sleeping bag. So pack your bags for an off-grid or lodge stay while you hike, bike, kayak, swim, hunt, fish, rockhound, pan for gold, horseback ride and/or search for moose. At the end of an active outdoor day Bethel boasts great shopping and dining, The Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (a world class museum), and The Gem Theater for movies and live performances.
Carter’s exclusive and easy access to the Androscoggin (a river treasured for its fishing) is just a short walk from the lodge. Other local rivers, such as the Magalloway, Rapid, Wild, Sunday, Pleasant, Ellis, Saco, Crooked, and Bear, together with countless streams, ponds and lakes offer abundant opportunities for the challenge and
“ A WISE MAN TOLD ME ONCE, 'IT'S NOT HOW MANY FISH YOU CATCH, IT'S WHERE THE FLY-FISHING TAKES YOU IN LIFE’. – MICHAEL L. YELTON
excitement of fly fishing. April, May and June kick the season off with the release of stocked fish, creating angling opportunities for all.
Fly fishing is many things to many people — for some anglers, it's a casual hobby, for others it’s a career within a multibillion dollar industry. But all agree that freshwater fly fishing is an art, one that is constantly evolving and changing. Flies can be used to catch a variety of freshwater species such as brook trout, rainbow trout, brown trout, lake trout, landlocked salmon,
continued on page 8
Some of the Registered Maine Guides and Guided Services in Our Area:
Hakan Adams, Fishing Guide
We Fish Maine • 207-461-3738
Alex & Katy Carr, Bethel Adventure Tours
Registered Maine Guides, certified mountain bike coaches and guides for kayaking, canoeing, hiking, bird watching, mountain biking, and nature excursions for groups or private clients
757-672-3542
betheladventuretours@gmail.com
Ron Fournier, Master Maine Guide
603-401-1802
Aldro French, Fishing Guide
207-650-3890
Bob Harkins, Fishing Guide
207-381-0151 • bharkins177@gmail.com
Laurin Parker, Fishing Guide
Western Maine Guide Service
westernmaineguideservice.com laurin@westernmaineguideservice.com
Bill Pierce
wapierce1@gmail.com (independent)
Alex Poland, Fishing Guide
Western Maine Fly Fishing • 207-890-8543
Brian Reader, Fishing Guide
Western Maine Drifters • 207-205-5917
Mark Tyrrell, Upper Andro Fishing Excursions
339-2326-0224 mark_tyrrell@aol.com
For more info on local Maine Guides visit maineguides.org/find-a-guide
“ MANY MEN GO FISHING ALL OF THEIR LIVES WITHOUT KNOWING THAT IT IS NOT FISH THEY ARE AFTER.
– H. D. THOREAU
smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, pike and musky. Western Maine offers a wide variety of fly fishing opportunities which can be accessed by wading, canoeing, kayaking or fishing from a drift boat.
Whatever the adventure, the Bethel area offers numerous local guides for hire. They are the people who know every gorgeous vista from the water, atop the mountain and along each wooded trail. Their hard-won knowledge will elevate any outing into a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The Bethel United Methodist Church is now the site for a neighborly community outreach program called “Soup’s On!” — organized and run by good friends Linda Howe and Bonnie Pooley and hosted at the church’s facility for community engagement. “Soup’s On!” is a spin-off from a program started during COVID called the “Sunday Chefs,” which delivered soups and meals to local seniors. Newly reimagined as a way to encourage folks to get out and back into the “swing” of things after the pandemic,
by Laurie Ann Knowles
“Soup’s On!” invites local seniors to a monthly lunch gathering which will feature up to 8 homemade soups, plus breads and desserts — and an abundance of compelling conversation!
The Methodist Church is thrilled to be able to offer its newly renovated kitchen and dining area to support this project. Right now, about 50 to 60 people — aged 55 and above — show up for the meal, which is served from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m on the third Wednesday of the month from October to April. During any given month approximately ten core volunteers
pitch in, with many others bringing soup and/or additional goodies for the tables. Shrimp bisque, chicken soup, lentil soup, clam chowder, stuffed pepper soup or split pea soup may grace the buffet, while focaccia, yeast rolls and quick breads sit beside at least four decadent dessert choices. For those able to provide monetary assistance a donation jar sits discretely to the side. Also, new volunteers are always welcome to join the community members who have already given so much time and effort.
Jim Klesitz and James Caplinger, who started the “Sunday Chefs” program, have generously donated a dishwasher. Two stoves have also been donated to the church in support of its inspirational community endeavors.
. Bonnie Pooley, who taught, coached, mentored and counseled at Gould Academy for 32 years, was a faculty leader on each of the first twentytwo 4-Point Programs offered by the school. Amazingly, she also found time to help start the Mahoosuc Land Trust at her kitchen table in 1988. Bonnie is an unrelenting volunteer and supporter of environmental causes who loves our community and all the people in it. Linda Howe grew up in Mexico, Maine and met her husband Bob in the winter of 1978 while skiing at Mt Abram. She quickly mixed in with Bethel folks, started a family and joined the Methodist Church. Social justice and service to others are important tenets of the Methodist Church — and for Linda that feels just right.
Also of interest (again, with the help of the Methodist Church) is the “Farm Cook” program, which is funded by a grant. Each month — for 3 months a year — a local farmer is paid to bring a meal to the Bethel Senior Citizen Club with up to 4 soups, and other items like quesadillas and apple crumble. This program, too, is for seniors. Not only does it support seniors but also benefits local farms, which during January, February and March could use the help.
r
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR AND MAINTENANCE
• Tire Sales - All Major Brands
• Maine State Inspection Station
• Minor & Major Transmission Repair
• Minor & Major Engine Repair
• A/C Repair, Service, and Recharge
• Alignments • Brakes
• Warning Light Diagnostics (Check Engine, Airbag, ABS, Brake Light, etc)
• Timing Belt & Chain Services
EQUIPMENT RENTALS
• Bobcat Mini Excavator
• Bobcat Compact Tractors with Attachments
• Zero Turn Mower
• All handheld Echo Power Equipment
EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE
• Bobcat Grounds Maintenance Dealer
• Echo Handheld Power Equipment Dealer
• Kress Electric Power Equipment & Robotic Mower Dealer
• Service All Makes And Models - Sub & Compact Tractor, Zero Turn Mowers, Riding Mower, Attachments, And Handheld Equipment Brands Sold
• Briggs & Stratton, Kawasaki, And Kohler Certified For Engine Installs, Repairs, And Warranties
Heating season: thawing frozen water lines; sanding the driveway for the fuel truck; watching the gauge creep slowly toward empty day after frigid day; hoping for a significant snowfall to add just a bit more insulation around the house foundation — and those are the upsides! Let’s not even get started on the cost. In an effort to improve the situation for all Mainers, particularly those with fewer resources, the State established Efficiency Maine (EM) in 2009. As heat pump technology improved, EM set a goal of 100,000 units to be installed by 2025; that target was exceeded two years early, in 2023. The new mark is an additional 175,000 installations by 2027, rocketing the proportion of Maine homes using heat pumps to almost forty percent. With federal tax credits still available, consumers can start at EfficiencyMaine.com to find rebates, installers and help with financing. Maybe you’re ready to jump on this bandwagon, but as Ray Parker Jr. famously sang, “Who Ya Gonna Call?”. Well, as you may have guessed, not the Ghostbusters — the answer is the Adams family. And no, not the Addams Family of 1960s television; the Adams family that owns EcoHeat Maine in Norway. These Adamses are neither kooky nor all together ooky, they’re a team of experienced, knowledgeable professionals who have been leading the heat
by Laurie Ann Knowles
pump revolution in Western Maine for years. In 2013 Dennis Arsenault, the entrepreneur behind Arsenault Satellite TV starting in the early 1990s, left antennas and dishes behind and began offering heat pumps to his extensive customer base. Familiar with his devotion to quality products and excellent customer service his customers took to the new offerings quickly; then things really took off when Tim Adams joined the team — in more ways than one. After Tim married Dennis’s daughter Denise, the couple quickly became integral to the operation, soon took the reins, then made it their own by rebranding as EcoHeat Maine. They now have 5 kids with the two oldest, Addie and Alyssa working full time with their parents. This growing family business sells full-service ductless heat pumps and mini-split systems for heat pumps. Addie, who is currently 23, started shadowing Tim at a young age and has earned certification for many installation skills. Alyssa, at 21, helps with running the financial part of the company. The daughters say they got their work ethic from their parents and love the many challenges they face daily.
Heat pumps, which offer highly efficient heating, air conditioning and dehumidification are the most popular heating systems across all of Efficiency Maine’s rebates. As long as heat pumps are properly sized, there is no need for
backup heat no matter how cold. The technology has come a long way in a short time — some heat pumps work at temps as low as -31°, with many new homes using them exclusively for heating and cooling. Older homes convert easily to heat pumps as well. And they can be twice as efficient as most boilers or furnaces. Heat pumps consist of an outdoor unit connected to one or more indoor units by a line set, which carries heat between the two. Options include wall and floor units as well as ceiling cassettes and mini ducts. EcoHeat Maine conducts a thorough analysis to identify which unit options will work best for each customer’s home or business. Serving mostly Oxford County, EcoHeat Maine has about a 2-hour radius for installation and works closely with EfficiencyMaine. Newer service in New Hampshire has recently been opened.
A typical day for Addie, currently functioning as project manager, starts by meeting with Frank Damon, the manager in charge of scheduling, to find out the specifics and location of the day’s jobs. She’ll load up the trailer, organize the crew, and head to the site to communicate and oversee the installation, running pipes and hooking up units. The EcoHeat Maine team works closely and efficiently to complete a speedy and professional installation, all while displaying genuine camaraderie.
Addie is attending CMCC for Business Administration and Management, spending a lot of weekend time doing homework, but when not at work or school she loves to ski and snowboard, paddle board, fish and spend time with her dog in the outdoors. Addie is also a power lifter and has competed with USA Powerlifting. She will go into sales after graduation, building on her experience of giving estimates and performing installations. Younger sister Alyssa is also studying — you guessed it — accounting and when she’s not at work or school, she loves to ski, hike with friends, rock climb and be outside.
The Adams family has teamwork down! EcoHeat Maine sets the bar for high levels of professional experience and training, bringing their customers the very best service and industry expertise.
1. Money Savings
2. Increased Year-Round Comfort: Heat, AC, Dehumidification, Air filtration, Indoor air circulation
3. More efficient heat source, better for the environment
• Learn more about heat pumps
• Find an installer
• Figure out savings programs offered
• Explore Financing
• Get Heat Pump user tips
• Heat Pump FAQs
• Download rebate claim forms
• See homeowner case studies
In rural communities, where schools often operate with limited funding and resources, place-based learning offers a powerful tool to connect children with their surroundings while expanding their educational opportunities. By gathering neighbors together and grounding lessons in local history, literature and science, learning becomes more tangible, relevant and engaging. At first glance Bethel may appear to cater primarily to visitors and adults, yet beneath the tourism-driven exterior lies a network of nonprofits dedicated to fostering the growth and enrichment of young families and children. Throughout the year a variety of free or low-cost programs and events brim with opportunities for kids to learn, play and connect.
For the past decade, the Bethel Historical Society has invited children to step back in time through its aptly named program, “Mornings at the Museum”. Led by Rosemary Bunn and supported by a team of 11 paid student docents (and some very open-minded Museum Directors), this program takes place every Thursday morning in July from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Robinson House on Broad Street. Drawing up to 50 children each week, the sessions provide hands-on experiences that transform history from a static subject into a lively adventure. Participants may find themselves playing games, creating works of art, dancing or listening to stories. From trying on period clothing to dialing a rotary phone,
by Meryl Kelly
children get a rare opportunity to interact with artifacts in ways most museums do not allow. The student docents, many of whom go on to pursue careers in education, create an everevolving mix of activities designed to engage a variety of interests and energy levels. Since parents or caregivers are required to attend alongside their children, the program also becomes a cherished opportunity for screenfree family bonding. Each summer, “Mornings at the Museum” revolves around a theme. In July 2025, Rosemary will hand the leadership reins over to Dee Johannessen who has named "Waters of Maine” as this year's theme. Guests can expect activities highlighting the historical significance of the state's rivers and lakes.
While the Historical Society is fostering a love of our area and how we got here, the Bethel Library — just a short walk away — is encouraging a love of the world beyond; using the stories, adventures and discoveries offered by the written word. Under the leadership of head librarian Kelcy Arciga and with the enthusiastic support of the board of trustees and many dedicated assistant librarians, the Bethel Library has significantly expanded its children's programming. Beyond a wellstocked children’s book section, the library hosts a variety of engaging initiatives, including Wednesday morning 10 a.m. “Story Times” and a seasonal Third Thursday STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) collaboration with the Maine
Mineral & Gem Museum. During July the library runs a self-directed summer reading challenge, encouraging children aged 4 to 12 to read for at least 30 minutes a day. Each reading session earns them a picture to color, which is added to a visual garden display at the library, turning their collective efforts into a vibrant, community-driven art installation. The challenge culminates in a celebratory gathering at the Gem Theatre, reinforcing the joy and achievement of summer reading. Additional activities include a “Book Scavenger Hunt” and special “Author Days”, where children gain behind-the-scenes insights from writers — and sometimes meet special guests, such as the live tortoise that will accompany author Dianne Madden on her August 13 meet and greet.
Further down Main Street, the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum is sparking curiosity in young scientists. In addition to collaborating with the library on STEAM based programming , the museum offers its own engaging activities. “Sluice Saturdays” allow children to experience the thrill of panning for minerals, while hands-on workshops in the Discovery
Gallery teach everything from crystal growth to fossil identification. On July 19th, the museum will celebrate its 5th anniversary with a jam-packed day of free children's activities, reinforcing its commitment to education and accessibility. Throughout the year, the museum also hosts “Community Days”, providing free admission to Maine residents; the next opportunity falls on April 20 in honor of Earth Day. Teachers, summer program coordinators and homeschooling collectives can also take advantage of the museum's resources through its outreach program, headed by Program Coordinator Deborah Johnson, which offers free visits from Earth Science educators to classrooms and community groups. Meanwhile, the Museum’s ever evolving calendar of events features guest speakers, mineral identification workshops and family-friendly presentations, ensuring that there is always something new to discover.
Through storytelling, historical play, interactive science experiments and much
more the work of these three nonprofits highlights the impact of place-based learning in fostering deeper connections between children, their communities and the natural and cultural landscapes that surround them. And this is just a sample of the many organizations and businesses making similar efforts. By offering free and low-cost options, dedicated employees, volunteers and community leaders ensure that all children have access to enriching experiences to fuel their curiosity and critical thinking beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. The greater Bethel community is rich with brilliant mentors, educators and minds who know that investing in these opportunities not only supports local education, but also nurtures the next generation of thinkers, creators and changemakers. Now, the only question left is: who will take on making math fun?
Museums of The Bethel Historical Society: 10 Broad Street Bethel, Maine Rosemary Bunn - write_to_rosemary@yahoo.com bethelhistorical.org/mornings-at-the-museum
Bethel Library Association 6 Broad Street, Bethel, ME 207-824-2520 bethellibrarymaine@gmail.com bethellibraryassociation.org/services-and-programs
Maine Mineral & Gem Museum
Deborah W.S. Johnson Education Outreach Coordinator 207-824-3036 djohnson@mainemineralmuseum.org mainemineralmuseum.org/events
A simple, versatile method for tender, flavorful brisket that can be used in meals throughout the week.
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 whole beef brisket, trimmed of excess fat
• 2 tbsp beef tallow (or another cooking fat)
• Salt and black pepper, generously sprinkled
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme or rosemary, minced
• 6+ cloves fresh garlic, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 onion, peeled and roughly chopped
• 1 small can tomato paste
• 2 cups red wine
• 2-3 cups beef stock (enough to cover the meat)
• 2 bay leaves
Equipment:
• Slow Cooker (Crock Pot) – Best for low-and-slow cooking while you're busy.
• Pressure Cooker (Instant Pot) – Faster, but still delivers deep flavor.
• Oven – If you prefer, use a Dutch oven at 250°F for 4-6 hours, depending on the size of your meat chunks.
1. Prepare the Brisket
• Trim excess fat (save for cooking) and remove any silver skin.
• Cut into 1-pound chunks (or leave whole to accommodate a longer cooking time).
• Pat dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Sear the Meat
• Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan over medium heat.
• Add beef tallow and heat until shimmering.
• Sear brisket pieces on all sides, about 3-5 minutes per side, until browned. (This step adds flavor and locks in moisture.) *if the meat does not easily come out of the pan it's not finished searing
• Transfer browned brisket to a plate.
3. Cook the Aromatics
• Lower the heat slightly. Add reserved fat, onion, garlic, and herbs to the pan. Sauté until fragrant.
• Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
• Increase heat to medium-high and slowly pour in red wine, scraping the bottom of the pan to deglaze.
• Stir until tomato paste is fully incorporated.
4. Transfer to Cooking Vessel
• Place brisket, sautéed aromatics, and bay leaves into your slow cooker, pressure cooker, or Dutch oven.
• Pour in enough beef stock to just cover the meat.
5. Cook Until Fork-Tender
• For 1-pound chunks:
• Slow Cooker (Low): Check at 3 hours, total cook time 4-5 hours.
• Instant Pot (High Pressure, "Beef" setting): 1.5 hours, then natural release.
• (If using a Dutch oven, cook at 250°F for 4-6 hours.)
• **Note: If using grass-fed beef, check earlier, as it has less fat and can dry out if overcooked.
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 cups mushrooms, (trim all the fibrous bits off)
• 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
• 4 medium Shallots (julienned)
• 3 cloves Garlic (chopped)
• 1 Tbs Whole Coriander (optional)
• 1 tsp thyme
• Salt and Pepper to taste
• 1-1/2 cups Tawny Port
• (or booze of choice, can also use balsamic vinegar and a little honey)
• 2 tbsp Heavy Cream
• 1/4 cup Unsalted Butter (softened)
• Za’atar and Garlic Fermented honey (optional)
Use Shady Grove Mushrooms in a quick dip that can be used for a snack or as a sandwich spread.
1. If using whole coriander, start by toasting seeds in a hot skillet over medium heat until fragrant and just beginning to pop, otherwise start with step 2.
2. Onto the coriander add 2T unsalted butter, shallots and garlic. Cook, stirring frequently, until shallot begins to caramelize (6 min)
3. Shred mushrooms into pieces and add to skillet, cook until they begin to break down (2min)
4. Add desired herbs and spices and sauté for another 5 minutes being careful not to burn
5. Gradually add tawny port (or alt) and simmer until the mushrooms have absorbed nearly all of the liquid. Turn off the heat and let cool.
6. Add mushrooms to the food processor and pulse until coarsely puréed. With the food processor running, gradually add heavy cream and softened butter and blend until silky smooth
7. Transfer to a serving dish and put in the fridge to set. I like to top mine with Za’atar Seasoning and Honey Fermented Garlic but your favorite fruit spread works too!
Rosemary rhubarb syrup is a deliciously tart and herbal syrup that works great in cocktails, mocktails, or drizzled over desserts.
INGREDIENTS:
• 2 cups rhubarb, chopped
• 1 cup sugar (or honey)
• 1 cup water
• 4 sprigs worth of de-stemmed rosemary
• Juice of 1 lemon
1. In a saucepan, add the rhubarb, sugar and water
2. Bring to a gentle boil, then reduce heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes,
3. Add Rosemary and cook for 10-15 minutes more until the rhubarb breaks down and the mixture thickens slightly.
4. Remove from heat, discard the rosemary, and strain the syrup through a finemesh sieve or cheesecloth pressing on the solids to extract all the liquid.
5. Stir in lemon juice, then let the syrup cool before transferring to a clean jar or bottle. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
As the Executive Director of a Chamber of Commerce, I often hear from members looking for ways to boost their marketing strategies. Whether you're a small business or a large organization, effective marketing is essential for growth. Here are three key marketing tips to help elevate your efforts and make a meaningful impact:
1. Embrace Digital Presence: In today's world, having a strong digital presence is non-negotiable. Ensure your website is user-friendly and optimized for mobile devices. Invest time in building your social media profiles and engage with your audience through regular, valuable content. Platforms like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and even TikTok provide opportunities to reach a wide range of potential customers. Consistent and authentic engagement can help you foster relationships and build trust with your audience.
2. Build and Nurture Relationships: Marketing is not just about attracting new customers—it's about building lasting relationships. Create loyalty programs, offer personalized services, and engage with your existing customers regularly. Networking through events, such as Chamber mixers or business workshops, helps strengthen these connections. Word-of-mouth marketing, often driven by positive customer relationships, can be incredibly powerful in driving growth.
3. Leverage Data and Analytics: Don’t underestimate the power of data! Track your marketing campaigns and customer interactions to understand what’s working and what’s not. Platforms like Google Analytics and social media insights can provide valuable information about your audience’s behaviors and preferences. By analyzing this data, you can tailor your campaigns to better meet your target market's needs and ensure you are investing your resources in the most effective strategies.
By embracing digital marketing, nurturing relationships, and utilizing data, you can effectively position your business or organization for success. The key is consistency, so keep refining your approach and stay engaged with your audience.
As a Chamber of Commerce, we recognize the challenges our members face in navigating the everevolving digital marketing landscape. That’s why we offer the Member Information Center (MIC) as an essential resource. Through the MIC, we provide a variety of tools and resources to help you enhance your SEO efforts and marketing strategies.
By leveraging the MIC, members can gain the competitive edge needed to stand out in search results, attract more customers, and grow their online presence. The Chamber is dedicated to supporting your business and helping you unlock the full potential of SEO, Google Analytics, and digital marketing to drive success.
Let us help you drive traffic to your business or organization! For more information contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce by email: connect@bethelmaine.com or call 207-824-2282.
Bobbi Vandenbulcke, Executive Director Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
Every Wednesday, Story time at the Bethel Library, 5 Broad Street, Bethel, 10am – 11am
April 2: Safe Travels: Protecting Our Amphibians Online at Mahoosuc.org Thousands of amphibians need our help to safely cross the road. Join Greg LeClair, founder of Maine Big Night, for a delve into the concept of road design and ecology through the lens of massive amphibian migrations, where roads, community, and wildlife intersect. 6PM – 7PM Remote only webinar. Free! To register visit www.mahoosuc.org/events-calendar
April 6: Sunday Service 10 AM Sunday River North Peak by Sunday River Christian Ministry.
April 9: Birds From Away Online at Mahoosuc.org Learn about the birds that will soon be flooding into our region from as far away as South America. Who are they? Why do they come here? What challenges do they face and how can we protect the habitat they need to raise their young? James Reddoch, Maine Master Naturalist and bird enthusiast, will lead this webinar. 6PM – 7PM The webinar is free. Donations appreciated. secure.qgiv.com/for/mahoosuc
April 12: Pond-a-Palooza Sunday River. What's spring at a ski resort without pond skimming? Registration is free, but in order to secure a spot, head to the Welcome Center at South Ridge Lodge between
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1247, 8 Station Place Bethel, ME 04217
Tel: 207.824.2282 connect@bethelmaine.com www.bethelmaine.com www.facebook.com/bethelarea
9-10:30AM to sign the dotted line and get your bib number. Registration takes place on a first come, first served basis and is limited to 100 participants so get there early to sign up! All kids ages 18 and below need an adult to sign their liability form. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
April 19: The Great Tailgate Sunday River. Sun's Out, Fun's Out! After a day on the slopes, join us for the Great Tailgate in the Barker parking lot for live music and fun. Our top tips for a great tailgate? Awesome food, sunscreen, plenty of games, a pair of shoes to change into after hitting the slopes, and responsible partying! This event will be held rain or shine, so be sure to pack a tent and your Gore-Tex. 8AM to 4PM sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
April 20: Easter Sunday Sunrise Service 5:15AM Join the Sunday River Christian Ministry for a non-denominational service at the North Peak Lodge complete with stunning views and first tracks down the mountain. This service is free for all.
April 26: Annual Smile Fund Congregational Church 9 AM to noon at West Parish Congregational Church. All donations to this sale will be used to buy dentures for adults that need them. Donations of household goods, books, toys, and puzzles may be dropped off at the Congregational Church starting on Friday, April 18 through April 24th. For an application for dentures call the church at 207-824-2689. FMI, please contact Jane Chandler at jane.h.chandler@gmail.com
Every Wednesday, Story time at the Bethel Library, 5 Broad Street, Bethel, 10am – 11am
Saturday, May 3, 2:00 p.m.: "A Walk Through West Bethel History, With a Bit of Poetic License." Jane's Walk takes place annually in over 200 communities around the world, and is a global festival of free, volunteer-led walking conversations inspired by community activist Jane Jacobs. This walk, sponsored by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, will offer glimpses into some fascinating aspects of West Bethel's history, interspersed with poems penned by West Bethel citizens of the past. FMI: 207-824-2908 or info@bethelhistorical.org.
FMI about Jane's Walk: janeswalkme.org
May 3 & 4: 13th Annual Maine Pottery Tour is a self-guided tour to enjoy the hospitality of local potters in their studios. Nearly 60 pottery studios around the state are organized into 4 regions, allowing several studios to be visited in a single outing. It's a fun chance to meet the artists, peek in the kilns, see demonstrations, and shop for pottery and other handmade goods. Interactive maps of each region are available at MainePotteryTour.org. Local potters are Martha Grover and Joshua Rysted, 630 West Bethel Road.
May 9: Birds From Away Mahoosuc Land Trust Learn about the birds that will soon be flooding into our region from as far away as South America. Who are they? Why do they come here? What challenges do they face and how can we protect the habitat they need to raise their young? James Reddoch, Maine Master Naturalist and bird enthusiast, will lead this webinar. 6PM – 7PM Remote only webinar. The webinar is free. Donations appreciated. secure.qgiv.com/for/mahoosuc To register visit www.mahoosuc.org/events-calendar
May 13: Telstar High School Spring Concert 6:00 pm. Come hear our children make joyful noises! Telstar High School. 284 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel. 207-824-2136
May 18: Mahoosuc Community Band Spring Concert at 4 PM at Bingham Auditorium at Gould Academy. Ed Ryan conducts the band, which includes Gould students and adults. Donations are accepted at the door to defray the cost of music. FMI contact Scott Hynek (hynek@roadrunner.com)
May 30: Andover Summer Concert Series Andover Town Common, Free admission with donations gratefully accepted 6pm – 8pm
At Watershed, we believe in crafting a unique dining experience where tradition meets innovation. Our intimate restaurant is nestled in the heart of Bethel, Maine, housed in the town’s historic water district building. We offer healthy Italian cuisine and wood-fired sourdough pizza. Experience the essence of this special place. Come and enjoy our delicious food in a cozy, welcoming and casual atmosphere.
Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:30 to 8:30 - check Google maps and or www.watershedwk.com for upcoming summer hours 11 Philbrook St., Bethel, Maine • Thurs - Sat 4-8pm NO RESERVATIONS • www.watershedwfk.com Check
