Bethel LIVING

Maine Moose Lottery & Festival RIGHT HERE!! In Bethel, Maine June 12-14, 2015

Bethel Bait, Tackel & More With Sarah Lane and Jeremy Fredette Guns, ammo, fishing gear and more!

Maine Mineral & Gem Museum Plans for expansion are in the works!

FREE • Issue 9 WINTER 2015

Updates at the Sunday River Brewing Co. We talked with Ron Savage about the Savage Companies, and the importance of Community & Family

Mt Abram Using less power to make more snow New technology for playground sustainability

PLUS a Listing of Local Events From the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce

16 Parkway, Bethel ME | 207-824-2771 | mahoosucrealty.com | info@mahoosucrealty.com Visit mahoosucrealty.com or stop by our office at 16 Parkway in Bethel to view all listings.

Antique Timberframe Sunday River Road

Mountain Trail Views Timber Creek Village

Outstanding Mtn Estate $338,500 $1,590,000

Sunday River Inn $459,000 $850,000

8 Bedroom B&B Newly Remodeled $599,000 Commercial - Bethel

Custom Birch Woods Home $384,900

Antique Barn House $525,000

$549,000

Hutchinson Pond Waterfront $339,000

Lincoln Log Home $469,000

Restaurant - Bethel $459,000

4 Bdrm. Mountainside Chalet $519,000

New Construction! $389,500

Great Vacation Home! $297,500

Spectacular Views & Home $384,900

Gehring Green Townhomes $445,000

Hutchinson Pond Cabin $319,000

Timber Frame Ski House Sunday River Road $459,000

Exceptional Village Area Home $349,000

Private 4 Bedroom $319,000

Breathtaking Lake Views $349,000

Mountainside Home $725,000

Mt Abram Ski House $269,000

Paradise Road Home $500,000

Red House Farm Village $349,900

Lake Christopher $435,000

Will View Ski House $319,000

New Chalet! Views $339,000

Log Cabin - Water Access $259,000

South Pond Shores $309,000

Viking Village - Ski in/out $629,000

Waterfront Contemporary $735,000

Skiway Views 4 bedroom New! $345,000 Log Cabin - 20 Acres

$499,000

South Pond Shores Cabin $329,000

Beautiful Waterfront Home $419,000

New 4 Bdrm Chalet - Views! Under Construction $317,500

Birch Woods Cabin $329,000

Birch Woods Chalet $296,000

Mountain Vista Condo $308,000

Minutes to the Mountain New! Fantastic Ski House $324,500

Ideal Ski House $264,000

Sunday River Post & Beam $270,000

Waterfront Ski Home $349,000

6 Unit - Bethel $599,000

$659,000

Log Cabin - Mountain Views $499,000

Private Log Sided Chalet $339,000

4 Bdrm Southern Exposure $295,000

Log Home - 18 Acres $400,000

Private Log Home - 9 Acres $249,000

Outstanding Ski House $476,000

Spacious Log Home $399,000

Mountain Area Vacation Home $252,900

Great Location, Will View $329,000

Great Location Sunday River $275,000

New Ski Chalet $299,900

Now is the time to buy.

New Ski House $319,900

3 Bedroom Chalet Bethel $229,000

Private 4 Bedroom $299,000

Take advantage of historically low interest rates combined with a great selection of properties.

Route 2 - Residence $299,000

Country Colonial $280,000

Home & Apartment $280,000

Ideal Vacation Home $279,000

Private Custom Home $275,000

Sunday River Road $270,000

Visit mahoosucrealty.com or stop by our office at 16 Parkway in Bethel to view all listings. 2

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Visit mahoosucrealty.com or stop by our office at 16 Parkway in Bethel to view all listings.

Country Contemporary $269,900

New Chalet ~ Views! $269,900

1880’s Victorian/1.5+- Acres $262,500

So. Exposure 4Bdrm $249,000

Vintage Renovated Cape $249,900

Pond Access - Log Cabin $245,000

Private Chalet $239,000

Bethel Chalet $239,900

Bethel Village Home $239,000

Village Area - New! $229,000

4Bed/2Bath Home $229,000

4 Bedroom Riverfront $229,900

New Chalet! $219,900

4 Season Retreat $217,000

Ski & Boat Waterfront $209,000

Log Cabin ~ 14+- Acres $198,000

3 Bedroom Cape $195,000

Rocky Lane Cabin $185,000

3 Bed Chalet $179,000

Passive Solar Home $155,000

Affordable Ski Cabin $154,900

Bethel Village $149,900

Mt Abram Condo $125,000

Affordable Log Cabin $110,000

BOOK YOUR NEXT VACATION Mahoosuc Rentals offers seasonal rentals, short-term vacation rentals and long-term housing. From village town houses to private luxury homes. Call now to book the 2014-15 ski season. Eagle Ridge

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3 Bedroom/2 Bath Sleeps: 10 • Hot Tub Weekday Night $350 Weekend Night $450 7 Minutes to Sunday River

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4 Bedroom/3 Bath Sleeps: 14 Hot Tub $800 / Night Ski in/out

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4 Bedroom/3 Bath Sleeps: 12 • Hot Tub Weekday Night $700 Weekly $4,200 7 Minutes to Sunday River 4 Bedroom/3 Bath Sleeps: 8 Weekday $450 Weekend $700 Week $4,500 5 minutes to Sunday River

1 Bedroom/1 Bath Season $6,000 10 minutes to Sunday River

mahoosucrentals.com | 888-310-2771 Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is a coffee-lovin’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall

100% USDA Organic Certified Arabica coffee, available at fine establishments throughout the Bethel area:

of Famer who has pounded the skins since his teens fueled by love for music and spirited beans. www.facebook.com/RockinRoastin 4

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

@RockinRoastin

22 Broad Street Barking Dawg Bethel Foodliner Bethel Inn Resort Black Diamond Steak House Hannaford Mt. Abrams Resort Rooster’s Roadhouse www.rockinandroastin.com

Publisher’s Note Thank you for checking out the new Winter Issue of Bethel Living Magazine! There’s so much going on in and around Bethel this winter - be sure to browse the Bethel Area Chamber’s event listings and make note on your calendar to attend the fireworks, performances, full moon hikes, sleigh rides, Red Bull Frozen RUSH, auctions, dinners, skiing events, torchlight parades, downhill derbies and more! We know how to pack in an enormous amount of fun here in the Western Hills of Maine and New Hampshire. This is the place to be!

Websites, Print Marketing & More

Snow will be falling regularly and l can’t wait to jump on my five pairs of various types of skis, two differing sizes of snowshoes, freshly sharped skates and all the waxed up sleds I can find. I’m gonna gleefully ski, slide, skate, ride and shoe through this season of white. In this issue BL reports on next summer’s amazing new Moose Lottery Festival, right here in Bethel. We profile a couple of local entrepreneurs -- Sarah Lane and Jeremy Fredette of Bethel Bait, Tackle & More -and Ron Savage provides an update on the Sunday River Brewpub. We have news from the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum and share what we’ve learned from Mt Abram, where they’re setting the bar for sustainable playgrounds.

Laurie K. Herron • 207.838.4447 www.royalrivergraphics.com laurie@royalrivergraphics.com

Welcome to the busiest season in our beautiful mountain town! Laurie Knowles Herron Publisher

“Where To Eat” New York Times, January 2013

Pet-Friendly Rooms • Three Unique Dining Options

A Bethel Legend Since 1986 Bethel Living is trademarked and owned by Laurie K Herron. 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 Credit: M Dirk MacKnight Features Editor: Nate Scott Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Knowles Herron for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com

Voted 2014 Best bar menu and beer selection Open 11.30 daily for lunch, dinner and late night Live Music Thursday-Saturday 8 pm

At The Sudbury Inn Great Brasserie food plus Sudbury Inn classics in our gorgeous bar room, fireside, or on our scenic porch

Open from 5 pm Tuesday – Saturday for dinner and cocktails

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

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The moose or Eurasian elk, Alces alces, is the largest species surviving in the deer family. Moose are distinguished by the palmate antlers of the males, which can eventually grow to a span of more than 6 feet.

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

June 12-14, 2015

Bethel Maine

MOOSE LOTTERY & FESTIVAL Whether you are a regular hiker in the Mahoosuc Mountains of Western Maine or you just like to take random drives into the puckies, sooner or later you will come across a moose. And it will be an awesome experience because moose are huge, majestic animals -- like bigger than an SUV HUGE! But moose are elusive and sighting one is a special event. Fear not, from June 12-14 next summer, Bethel will convene a moose stampede -- gathering all things moose-related into a three day Alces alces extravaganza topped off by the Annual Maine Moose Permit Lottery. Moose, a name derived from the Eastern Abenaki word mos (twig eater), number approximately 60 to 70 thousand head in the state, according to Maine wildlife biologists. Each June, as a part of a tightly controlled management plan, a few thousand moose hunting permits are awarded by lottery. The original Moose Lottery drawing started out in Augusta, then moved on to larger auditoriums at schools and civic centers to seat the many folks who attend each year. Previous hosts of the lottery include the towns of Rangeley, Greenville, Presque Isle and Fort Kent, as well as retailers LL Bean and Cabela’s. The idea to bring the drawing to Bethel started with the University of Maine’s 4-H Camp at Bryant Pond several years ago. The camp, in conjunction

with the Bethel Chamber of Commerce, formed a committee and drafted a letter to the Commissioner of Maine’s Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife. No luck that year, but the Committee pushed ahead. After several years of perseverance and a deluge of letters to the Commissioner, Bethel finally captured the event for 2015! The Bethel Moose Lottery Festival will be packed with entertaining events taking place on the Bethel Common, around the Bethel Inn and at the 4H camp in Bryant Pond. There will be a sportsman’s expo with booths and exhibits, a highly competitive moose calling contest and a 40’ x 160’ tent with seating for 800. Friday’s kickoff activities feature the moose calling semifinals -- hosted by the Maine Professional Guides Association and matching the best callers from around the state in head to head competition -- followed by an evening concert with the Mallett Brothers: “a wildly eclectic crew of genre rebels”. On Saturday, attendees can browse booths featuring guides, taxidermists, crafters and food -- with exhibits and seminars presented by outdoors professionals such as NAVHDA, Mainely BASS, and others. The Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife is bringing their Operation Game Thief trailer with it’s display of first-class game mounts, and ATV Maine will have a track set up for ATV demos. The final round of moose calling from 1 to 3 pm will crown the best moose caller in Maine, followed immediately by the Moose Lottery drawing, which will wrap up sometime around 7 pm. Saturday evening after the lottery, Team Zespy (Jerome Holt and Jeremy Fredette) will put on an amazing 2-hour sharp-shooting Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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exhibition with many tricks and displays of firearms prowess. During the show Team Zespy will encourage volunteers from the audience to join them on-stage to participate in the fun. To watch an amazing video of Team Zespy in action, go to http://youtu.be/FbudmIXc8AA On Sunday, a golf tournament at the Bethel Inn will raise scholarship funds for the University of Maine’s 4-H Camp at Bryant Pond. Also on Sunday, the 4-H Camp will conduct it’s “Youth Field Day” offering family activities plus training exercises in shooting sports, archery, nature programs and fishing. Local shops, restaurants and lodging facilities will be offering specials, so book early to reserve a

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

room -- because like the Moose in Maine -- this is gonna be huge! Event sponsors include Cabela’s, LL Bean, Bethel Bait Tackle & More, Allen’s Coffee Brandy, 102.9 WBLM and the Baxter Brewing Company. It is hoped that Bethel, and the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, will continue to host an ongoing annual Moose Festival based largely on many of the events of this upcoming summer’s Moose Lottery Festival. FMI, visit BethelMaineMooseFest. com or contact the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at BethelMaine.com, 207-824-2282.

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Bethel Bait,Tackle & More!

One

The Bethel area, as a well known and expanding gateway to all the outdoor activities which draw people toward Western Maine, provides fantastic opportunities for local entrepreneurs to thrive. About a year and a half ago Jeremy Fredette & Sarah Lane opened the doors of Bethel Bait, Tackle & More at 7 Mechanic Street and the new undertaking has been extremely busy no matter the season. In autumn, it is hunting supplies, gun and ammo sales that keep the shopkeepers jumping. They recently became Bethel’s first tagging station to tag a moose, registering over 110 deer this past hunting season. While registering 110 deer this past hunting season, BBT&M also documented the first moose ever tagged in Bethel, weighing in at 717 pounds. If that sounds like a bit much to handle perhaps a visit to the seafood counter is in order. Jeremy and Sarah provide many local restaurants with fresh, live lobster from the Pemaquid Lobster Coop in Bristol, Maine -- utilizing a tank that holds 360 pounds at 10

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

peak season. In addition to the iconic Maine crustacean, BBT&M also carries a wide variety of local fish and shellfish, such as haddock, hake, swordfish, scallops, oysters, clams and occasionally mussels -- whatever is fresh and available at the time. Other seafood options are sourced from all parts of the world. Their salmon are flown in fresh from Scotland, where they are farm-raised without growth hormones or antibiotics. Fresh Arctic Char hails from the coastal waters of Iceland. During the summer months Jeremy and Sarah serve lobster dinners and lobster rolls on Saturdays right in downtown Bethel with al fresco dining on the picnic tables next to their shop. They offer frozen chowders and crab cakes to go, which are made at Fishermen’s Catch in Damariscotta, and they feature the world’s BEST oysters, still dripping water fresh from the Damariscotta River. The owners of BBT&M are buyers, brokers, traders and merchants finding a way to keep busy during all four seasons of the year here in the western mountains of Maine. After hunting season they turn to ice fishing, selling bait, traps, fishing supplies and licenses. Folks often come to BBT&M for leads on Registered Maine Guides, and BBT&M work with Ron Fournier of Orion

Outfitter’s and Guide Service as well as with other local Registered Maine Guides. Sarah and Jeremy have expansion plans, hoping to open a new 14’ x 28’ addition by spring to provide room for an expanded fish counter and a larger lobster tank. In the shop you can also find locally made knives with antler and wooden handles -- some with snakeskin inlay in the sheaths -- local maple syrup, crafts and signs, Mary Harrington’s soaps and scents, and Sarah’s custom wood-burning decorations and paintings on saw blades. They are open seven days a week from 7:30am to 6pm and are located at 7 Mechanic Street. www.bethelbait. com 207-824-4868.

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum

A One of a Kind Venture in Bethel, Maine By Dan Marois

Known for its charming New England countryside, quaint shops on Main Street and an array of bed and breakfasts, Bethel, Maine has always been a famous visiting spot for locals and tourists alike. Soon, it will be famous for another reason; the opening of the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum (MMGM). “Originally, the plan was to add a one room addition onto the Bethel Historical Society” said Barbra Barrett, Executive Director for the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum. “Our project, today, is so much greater than the original idea.” The project is well underway with the construction and renovation efforts to link two existing buildings on Main Street. A creative architectural design by Jim Reuter, has kept the visual and historic elements of the two buildings intact. “You can’t make a museum overnight,” Curator Dr. Carl Francis describing future exhibits says Barrett. “There are so many details to make a first class facility. Every step brings us closer to opening the facility.” “This is where we will display a 4,000 pound section of a beryl crystal from the nearby Bumpus Mine” she said, as she points to the entrance of the museum. And then there’s a familiar sign that simply says, “Perham”, paying homage to the gem and mineral store and museum that stood in West Paris, Maine for 90 years. “This area will house the famous collection that was at ‘Perham’s of West Paris’ until its closure of the store in 2009,” explains Barrett. “The Perham Collection was the largest and best collection of Maine minerals on public display in its time.” The upper level that will present truly impressive rocks;

meteorites which are rocks that have fallen to the earth from the Moon, Mars and the Asteroid belt. “There are only a few museums in the country that allow visitors actually to touch Moon meteorites,” said Barrett. “Our museum will be one of them.” “The Maine Mineral and Gem Museum promises to deliver an immersive, well-rounded, and active educational component,” said Barrett. Founders Dr. Larry T.P. Stifler and his wife Mary McFadden of Albany have assembled a large and comprehensive collection of Maine gem and mineral materials, purchased from miners, collectors and even science museums. “Our collection is truly extraordinary,” said Barrett, whose enthusiasm for completing the museum remains strong. “We look forward to introducing visitors to a wonderful part of Maine and influence the next generation of rock collectors, gemologists or intergalactic rock enthusiasts.” While earlier plans targeted a museum opening in 2013, it proved impossible given the additional scope of the project. Today, Barrett is cautiously optimistic for the doors to open by the end of 2015 or early in 2016. “We have already seen great interest in what the museum will have to offer, so once it is open, I am sure it will be worth the wait,” said Jessie Seymour Perkins, Events & Barbra Barrett, Museum Director, with CJ Marketing Manager Steven, gold hunter, as he presents his nugfor the Bethel Area gets to museum founder Dr. Lawrence Stifler Chamber of Commerce. “We believe the museum will give Bethel and the surrounding area something to be proud of.” FMI visit MaineMineralMuseum.org or call (207) 824-3036 Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Why

with

I BANK

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Jim Nicols has been Banking with Frank for more than three decades. While initially, his business was exclusively logging, he’s diversified to create the luxury home community of Locke Summit in Bethel. “We didn’t hit it at the best of times for real estate. But it’s better now,” says Jim. “Franklin has always stuck with us, in good times and bad times. That is why this project is still going.” “They’ve always supported us and believed in what we do.”

Locke Summit owner Jim Nicols, with FSB’s Rich Allen and Diane Perry.

Stop by any location and find out how easy it is to Bank with Frank!

Why would anyone bank anywhere else? www.FranklinSavings.com River Valley Branch: 364-7866 n 800-287-0752 Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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TIMBER CREEK VILLAGE

TIMBER CREEK VILLAGE Located only minutes from the Bethel village, Timber Creek Subdivision has mountain views of Sunday River Ski Resort and the White Mountains. Lots range in size from 1.47 acres to 3.37 acres. Lot boundaries were strategically placed to provide privacy to each homesite. Driveways are roughed in, building envelopes have been cleared, lots have been surveyed and soil tested.

Nice neighborhood with underground power, paved roads, stone walls, split rail fencing. Direct snowmobile access – close to ski resorts, golfing and all area recreation.

Build Packages Builder packages available in a wide price range. We’d be happy to meet with you to discuss building possibilities.

207-824-2771 | MahoosucRealty.com 16 Parkway, Bethel ME 04217 For More Information call Savage Contracting 207-357-1093

• We’ve built more than 300 homes in the Bethel area

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• Co-Owners of Mahoosuc Realty & Mahoosuc Rentals

Savage Contracting PO Box 358, Bethel, ME 04217 207-357-1093 18

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www.savagecontracting.com

A Visit with Ron Savage

The Savage Family

Updates at the Sunday River Brewing Co., the Savage Companies, and the Importance of Community & Family On some days the world is a savage place, and that makes life difficult. But Bethel is different, because here, when you go to a Savage place, your life is about to get much easier. Hungry? Drop into the Black Diamond Steakhouse or the all new Sunday River Brewpub -Rick will be in one kitchen or the other. Car troubles? Swing by Savage Auto so Keith and his twin son mechanics can diagnose the problem. Need a place to hang your hat? If Ron and the terrific staff at Mahoosuc Realty and Rentals can’t find the perfect match for you, then the gang from Savage Construction will build exactly what you want. How about heating that new place? Savage Firewood will come right over with a couple cords of quality hardwood. Welcome to the world of the Savage Family -- one of Bethel’s hardest working entrepreneurial clans. Rick and Ron Savage started out as builders and excavators, moved into realty, then branched into the food service industry. What’s next? A rocket launching pad down by the airport? With the crew of skilled workers that the Savages have created don’t be surprised! Seriously, the Savages have built several interlocking companies that support the greater goal of growth for themselves and the surrounding area. The grease that makes this machine function is simple: loyalty. The lessons learned growing up in a family of seven have been extended to the 60 or 70 workers that prepare the food and pound the nails and show the houses for the Savage’s many businesses. The average tenure of their employees is 23 years, many having spent their entire working life with Rick and Ron. And Ron leads the way, often with his crew, for community volunteerism, by offering manpower and services for so many community and Chamber events. He is an active Chamber Board member, and sits on several community committees. The Savage brother’s most recent acquisition and rebuilding project is the lease/purchase of the Sunday River Brewing

Company. Ron and Rick are refurbishing the outdoor fire pit, replacing the entire kitchen, refinishing the bar, dining and brewing areas and prepping a new menu. New beers will be complimented by new food choices of “Up-scaled Pub food” featuring gourmet burgers, innovative pizza, crisp salads and satisfying soups. Lunch and dinner will be served every day of the week all year round and they will offer a food delivery service. Weekends are going to hop with dancing and live music. Eventually, the front deck on the side closest to the Androscoggin River will be enclosed with post and beam construction to allow for an expanded entertainment space. Rick and Ron are planning a spectacular Grand Re-opening around mid-December, so keep your eyes open for the date. In the meantime the Black Diamond Steak House -- already an area favorite -- is right around the corner, offering it’s own great food, staff and entertainment. On the construction front, Rick and Ron completed about twenty homes over this past summer and still have nine currently under construction. Look for their most recent work just below the Barker Lodge, down on South Pond Shores, up in Timber Creek Village as well as at Birch Woods, the Great Brook Preserve, the Olde Mt Will Subdivision, up on Swan Hill and a final one on Powder Ridge. They are also completing a 5-unit condo project -- each with 3-bedrooms/two and a half-baths -- on the Sunday River Road, which will expand to 8 buildings/38 units with free shuttle bus transportation to and from the Sunday River ski area. Down at Mahoosuc Realty (which they own with Cindy Hiebert), sales have been brisk and winter usually brings in many potential buyers looking to set down roots in either a primary or secondary home. The Savages also offer road and driveway work, plowing and earth moving. As you can tell, the Savages, and their dedicated employees, know there will be plenty of time to sit still when the snows of age slow them down. Until then, they will be plowing this winter’s offerings and making the most of the opportunities the Bethel area provides. FMI and to contact Ron and Rick Savage, call Mahoosuc Realty at 207-824-2771 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

86 Common Road, Dixfield Maine 04224 hottub1@roadrunner.com

Reservations Accepted Lobsters * Seafood * Steaks * Pasta * Pizza Pub Fare * Full Bar * TV’s * Cold Draft Beers ½ Pound Burgers * Catering Available

Present this Coupon for $5 OFF the purchase of $25 or more! Dine In only. Limit one coupon per party per visit.

FUN, CASUAL, AFFORDABLE... ONLY AT ROOSTER’S!! www.roostersroadhouse.com 159 Mayville Road (Rt. 2), Bethel • 824-0309 20

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mahoosucarts.org - 207-824-3575

HAPPYTIMETOURS.COM Big Sky, Montana March 24-31, 2015 $1,650 p/p Double Occupancy Lone Peaks 11,166’ 400” annual snowfall 5,512 acres spanning three mountains is a magnet to all skiers/ boarders. Trails run up to 6 miles long and at this time of year crowds are nothing but a bad memory. Happy Time groups have been going to Big Sky this same week on our annual East meets West trip for 6 years and we have had snow every day. R/T Delta Air 7 nights Huntley Lodge 7 breakfasts private airport/resort transfers, tour escort. Anyone with a New England season pass can ski Big Sky complimentary. Check Boyne web site for details.

Cortina Venice Italy Feb 20-March 3,2015 $1,899 p/p Double Occupancy Have you been dreaming of skiing the Italian Alps called Dolomites then staying three days for a little apre ski in the magical city of Venice? This is your chance to check that off your bucket list. Cortina offers 375 miles of ski trails on one lift pass. Package includes R/T Swiss Air, free baggage along with skis, R/T private bus airport resort, 7 nights hotel Cortina 3 nights Venice 7 Dinners 10 breakfasts, tour escort.

Please visit HappyTimeTours.com • call for additional info office: 207-772-2008 • Mobile: 207-415-5165 email: jparent@happytimetours.com

More Than Just Pizza 6-Page Menu Beer, Wine & Spirits

Carter’s X-C Ski Center

Cross Country Ski Centers, Sales, Rentals & Lodging

Offering Gluten-Free Pizza, As well as: Home-Made on Premises Daily Pizza Dough Pizza Sauce • Lasagna • Eggplant or Chicken Parmesan

Looking for something to do?

Fish, hike, swim, bike, paddle the river. For you History Buffs - follow the Civil War Trail through Maine and stop at the Bethel Historical Society FREE 9” Breadstick Cut out this ad to receive a FREE 9” Breadstick and sauce with Purchase of $15

Dine In or Take Out 37 Mayville Road / Route 2 Across from Rite-Aid in Bethel

(207) 824-3637

www.patspizzabethel.com

We have one of the best selections of quality cross-country equipment in Maine.

786 Intervale Road in Bethel, Maine 420 Main Street, Route 26, Oxford, Maine

207-539-4848

www.cartersxcski.com • cartersxcski@gmail.com Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Temps are dropping, the snow is flying and the world of winter sports is geared up for another fun-filled season. BL stopped in for a visit at one of the area’s most friendly ski mountains: Mt Abram in Greenwood. Co-owners Matt Hancock and Rob Lally, as well as General Manager Dave Scanlan, filled BL in on summer upgrades and winter season plans at this family oriented gem. Bethel Living: There are so many big changes and cool things happening here. What was going on around here this summer? Mt Abram: One initiative has been adding events to the

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

and

Mt. Abram

Using Less Power to Make More Snow Setting the Bar for Playground Sustainability

summer calendar to bring people here during the warmer months. We partnered up with Baxter Outdoors, the new outdoor adventure arm of Baxter Brewing Company, for the inaugural Mt Abram Ascent, a four mile race taking runners up and over the summit. We hosted about 50 contestants and expect rapid growth next year as word gets out. The big addition though, was the completion of our 803 panel solar array, a venture which has been in the works since 2009. It’s a utility-interfaced system featuring a net-metered contract with Central Maine Power Company. This plan allows us to stockpile power credits during the sunnier months for expenditure when we need it most: snowmaking season. December through February are lower manufacture months, but March production is strikingly high for power manufacture due to reflection from the snow as well as longer days and a higher sun. We can apply all of our solar power credits to offset our entire snowmaking cost, which is about ¾ of the ski area’s total energy draw. The time and effort to educate ourselves about the electric power market, grid linking, filing for permits, working with inspectors, obtaining financing and applying for grants was totally absorbing, but it’s going to pay off not only for us, but our partners in the Mountain Rider’s Alliance.

BL: That sounds fantastic! What other green initiatives have you

undertaken? MA: Well, there has been a complete overhaul of our snowmaking system. An Efficiency Maine grant helped to place variable speed drives onto our pumps, reducing the electrical draw and increasing the water flow. We can now move four times the amount of water up the hill for snowmaking purposes, while cutting electricity costs. This $300,000 investment will pay for itself quickly and provide better quality snow as well. BL: That will make your customers happy.

open Friday from 3-7, Saturday from 11-7 and Sunday from 11-3. Tubing is $15 for all-day. And, of course, the Loose Boots Lounge will be offering entertainment and dining all season long. Mt Abram is an amazing mountain playground. It’s worth the time to go see it all for yourself ! Visit Mt Abram at www.mtabram.com, or call 207-875-5000.

MA: Yes it will. And the Mt Abram Ski Club (a 501c3) has pioneered a new program called “Give a Kid a Lift” to introduce more young skiers and riders to the sport. The ski club raised funds to enable 3rd and 4th graders from Oxford, Cumberland and Androscoggin Counties to receive a free lift ticket, lesson and rentals for a day. Discounts are offered for families if they come as a group, and some schools are booking a full day field trip for their 3rd and 4th grade classes. This is a push to establish alternative activities to electronics and television and get kids outside. We’re trying to get the parents outdoors too. On January 8th we are hosting a Business After Hours for members of the Chambers of Commerce from Bethel, Oxford, Androscoggin and Freeport for an evening of networking and tubing. BL: Count us in and thanks for the update! Regular ticket prices at Mt Abram are Westside only $20 for a half day and $30 for full day, or $39 for kids and $49 for adults for full-mountain access. Mt Abram will continue to offer their $79 carload special on Fridays, so fill up your van or SUV and take a Friday to ski! There is also a $25 special on Thursdays, and night skiing is available Thursday and Friday evenings. Another lane has been added to the Tubing Park, which is

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Donate to the Mt. Abram Ski Club and

Sponsored By:

this winter! Donations go directly to local students, covering the cost of lift, lesson and rental for a day (or days!) of skiing or riding at Mt. Abram, and provide local children with the opportunity to enjoy resources in their own back yard, supporting our local outdoor community and promoting healthy outdoor habits!

Giving is easy! Make your tax deductible donation on-line at: www.razoo.com/story/Give-A-Kid-A-Lift Mt. Abram Ski Club is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization P.O. Box 211 • Greenwood, ME 04255 • skiclub@skimtabram.com

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Davis Mountain Builders

Camping • Variety Store Canoe / Kayak Rentals • Pizza • Beverages • Sandwiches • Groceries • LP Gas & Ice

Carpentry Mountain & General Contracting Davis Builders

OPEN 6AM-8PM 7 Days a Week

Carpentry & General Contracting Kevin LaRue ~ OWNER 3036 Main Street • Hanover, ME 04237 MIL-TBP-41 compliant (207) 665-2348 • (207) 357-6160 Cell MIL-TBP-41 compliant

Kevin LaRue

Phone: (207)824-2836

E-Mail: camping@stonybrookrec.com

(207) 665-2348 Savage Portable (207) 357-6160 Cell Toilet Rentals Serving the Bethel Area and Oxford County

Savage Auto • Construction Sites • Weddings & Special Events Also available - Firewood Sales

207-357-5681

Savage Auto Repair & Towing, LLC • Body Work & Car Sales 54 West Bethel Road • Bethel, ME 04217 (207) 824-2630 • Fax: (207) 824-2649 Email: savageauto@oxfordnetworks.net www.savageauto.webnode.com Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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www.ski-depot.com

www.ski-depot.com • 111 Skiway Road (Previously Jack Frost), Newry, ME 04217 • (207) 824-2519

It’s Time to Play at the Jolly… 5HVHUYDWLRQV$FFHSWHG 

&ODVVLF3XE)DUHZLWK%ULWLVK ,QGLDQ 'HOLFDFLHV 

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6SHQGWKH1LJKWDWWKH%ULDU/HD,QQ â&#x20AC;¦Beautiful 5RRPVZ3ULYDWH%DWKV  0$1<$PHQLWLHV 150 Mayville Road/Route 2 207.824.4717 www.briarleainn.com

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Bethel Bait,Tackle & More

33 Cross Street • PO Box 69 • Bethel, ME 04217 (207) 824-2139 • 1-800-858-2139 Fax: (207) 824-3554

www.westernmainesupply.com

Fresh fish & live lobster, sporting goods, hunting & fishing licenses, tagging station, buy & trade guns, ammo & more! 7 Mechanic Street, Bethel, Maine (207) 824-HUNT (4868)

Serving the Western Mountain Region of Maine

We understand that great vision and healthy eyes are important and we are ready and available to help you

• Groovy Gifts • Bath & Body • Kitchen Kitsch • Apparel & Accessories • Cool Jewels

• Toys & Games • Wish Lists & Wrapping • ‘Books N Things’ pick up location • Cards

And NOW at 266 Main Street Saco, ME 04072 207-494-8626 or 844-449-9587 Toll Free Bethel, Maine - 2 Mechanic Street, 207.824.0224 Kennbunkport, Maine - 7&9 Ocean Ave., 207.967.1292 NabosInc@gmail.com • www.NabosInc.com

with all of your eyesight needs. From routine exams to eye emergencies, we are here for you. • Comprehensive Eye Exams • Full Scope Medical Eye Care • Wide Variety of Frames Rumford • 56 Franklin St. 207-364-4491 Bethel • 140 Main St. (207) 824-2227

www.mtnvieweyecare.com Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Bethel Area | Local Winter Events 2015

Black Diamond Entertainment Series – Family Fun at Sunday River All shows at the Grand Summit Hotel’s Grand Ballroom at 7 pm unless otherwise noted. Tickets available at the door, hotel front desks, South Ridge, or by calling 800-543-2754. Age 5 & under: Free, kids 12 & under: $5, Adults 13 & over: $8 Dec. 27: The Tardy Brothers - Maine’s Premiere Juggling Act Dec. 30: Ian Stewart - Master Hypnotist Dec. 31: Cirque de Light - Fire Dancers (7:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.)* Jan. 13: Hoopalula’s Fire Gaia - Fire-Hooping Troupe (6:45 p.m. & 7:15 p.m.)* Jan. 14: Rainforest Reptile Show - Interactive Reptile Exhibit Jan. 16: Mad Science Workshop - Hands-on Science Discovery Booth Jan. 18: Jason Bishop - America’s Hottest Illusionist Feb. 15: AudioBody - High-Tech Comedy and Music Feb. 18: Norman NG - The Norman Magic Experience Feb. 20: Benjamin Reynolds - Fire Dancers* Feb. 25: Russell Roderick - Comedy Hypnosis Mar. 5: Hoopalula’s Fire Gaia - Fire Dancers (7:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.)* Mar. 12: Benjamin Reynolds - Fire Dancers (7:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.)* Mar. 19: Hoopalula’s Fire Gaia - Fire Dancers (7:45 p.m. & 8:15 p.m.)* * Fire dancing shows take place outside at South Ridge and are free. Fireworks at Sunday River Best viewing is slopeside at South Ridge Lodge or the Foggy Goggle deck. Fireworks go off at 8:30pm unless otherwise noted. Nov. 29 Dec. 13, 27, 31 Jan. 9, 12, 17, 24 Feb. 7, 14, 19, 25 Mar. 4, 11, 21 Mt. Abram’s Full Moon Hike & Ski Jan. 3, Feb. 7 & 28 – A Mt. Abram tradition. At 5pm, we’ll transport your skis to the top so you can enjoy the hike and then ski/ride to the bottom, all by the light of the moon. 207875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Sleigh Rides The Bethel Inn Resort – A 1/2 hour trip on the beautiful trails behind The Bethel Inn Resort, every 1/2 hour, 5pm-7:30pm. $15 for ages 11 and up, $12 for ages 4-10, 3 and under free with an adult. 800654-0125, www.bethelinn.com. Dec. 20, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31 Jan. 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 Feb. 7, 14, 17, 19, 21, 28 Mar. 4, 14, 21 Weekends from Thanksgiving to Christmas – Country Christmas in Bethel. Horse-drawn wagon rides, shopping specials, open houses, The Living Nativity, Christmas tree lighting, caroling - a fun country Christmas atmosphere. 207.824.2282. www.bethelmaine.com Dec. 6: Christmas at the Mason House – Enjoy music and refreshments in the 1813 Mason House period rooms, decorated in traditional

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

mid-nineteenth century style and illuminated by candles! 3:30 to 6:00 PM. 207.824.2908, www.bethelhistorical.org Dec. 7: Santa Sunday at Sunday River – Dress in full Santa costume and ski or ride for free. Must pre-register. Benefits Sunday River Region Charitable Fund. 800-543-2754, www.sundayriver.com Dec. 13: Opening Day and Toy Drive Mount Abram – Bring in a toy for charity and receive $5.00 off your ticket! 207-875-5000, www.mtabram. com Dec. 13: Après Kids Trim the Tree Party Mount Abram – Tree lighting at 4 pm, lodge lighting at 6 pm. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com Dec. 25-31: Vacation Week Activities and New Year’s Eve Celebration The Bethel Inn Resort – Come celebrate the holidays with our family! Highlights include: Christmas Eve & Day Dinners - Special menus, served in our Main Dining Room from 5:30pm - 10pm. 800-654-0125, www.bethelinn.com. Dec. 31: New Year’s Eve Celebration at The Bethel Inn Resort – It’s the party of the year! A five course dinner followed by live music in The Millbrook Tavern. 800-654-0125, www.bethelinn.com. Dec. 27: Crime Scene Mount Abram – Classic rock with a twist. 8pm12am, Loose Boots Lounge. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Dec. 31: Mt. Abram New Year’s Eve Party and Fireworks – Live music in the Loose Boots Lounge and spectacular fireworks display at 9:30 pm. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Jan. 1: 31st Carter’s Last Stand Carter’s XC Ski Center – Come celebrate with a New Year ski or snowshoe at Carter’s Bethel location at 786 Intervale Road. Potluck & BBQ lunch to follow. 207-824-3880, www. cartersxcski.com. Jan. 5-9: College Week Sunday River – An entire week packed with world-class events and parties at the height of ski season, with special lodging and ticket deals for college students. 800-543-2754, www.sundayriver.com. Jan. 9: Red Bull Frozen Rush Sunday River – The biggest, fastest event to ever hit Sunday River. Red Bull Frozen Rush will bring the only head-tohead offroad/on-snow truck racing to Sunday River for the second year in a row. 900-horsepower Pro4 trucks will defy wintry conditions and gravity as they rip figure eights, fly off jumps, and shred the snow on South Ridge. 800-543-2754, www.sundayriver.com. Jan. 10: National Winter Trails Day Carter’s XC Ski Center, 786 Intervale Road Bethel. Free rentals & trail pass for beginners. 1pm. 207-8243880, www.cartersxcski.com. Jan. 12-16: Children’s Festival Week Sunday River – Children’s Festival

Week is dedicated to families. Activities include scavenger hunts, live entertainment, movies, and themed Perfect Turn kids’ clinics. Special evening performances are also scheduled and in the past have included fire dancers, a reptile show, and a mad science workshop. Kids can ski, snowboard, rent, learn, and stay for free! 800-543-2754, www.sundayriver. com.

ties, including a mid-mountain themed party, a zipline parade, fireworks, and après ski socials. 800-543-2754, www.sundayriver.com.

Jan. 13: The Maine Frontier (film) – With oral histories, archived film, compelling music, and a collection of over 1500 never-before-seen photographs, The Maine Frontier illustrates the unique life, family, and work of Isaac Simpson & his photographic subjects, and of the culture of the Maine frontier at the turn of the century. Bingham Auditorium, Gould Academy. Doors open at 6:30pm Adults $15/Students 18 and under free. 207-824-3575, www.themainefrontier.com, www.mahoosucarts.org. Jan. 17: Ride and Ski Card Day Mount Abram – Tina Kelly Band 8pm 12am in the Loose Boots Lounge and apres ski festivities from 3:30-6pm sponsored by Harpoon Brewery. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com

Feb. 9: Flying Moose Classic – Classic technique, mass start xc ski race at Gould Academy’s Pine Hill Competition Trails. 7.5 km or 22km timed races. Youth/Bill Koch League events too. 207-824-4099, www.bethelouting.org.

Jan. 17: First Annual Skee Spree & Auction Sunday River Resort – 1-7pm at White Cap Lodge. Benefits the Ski Museum of Maine. www. skimusemofmaine.org. Jan. 18: Après Family Fun Winter Party Mount Abram – beginning at 4pm in the Loose Boots Lounge. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Jan. 21-23: Mono-Ski Camp Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation hosts a 3-day clinic for mono-skiers at Sunday River. Clinics are taught by skilled mono-skiers with the goal of improving individual skiing ability and comfort level in all aspects of the sport. 800-639-7770, www.maineadaptive.org Jan. 24: Woodstock Food Pantry Food Drive Mount Abram – Bring in 5 non-perishable goods and receive $5.00 off your full price lift ticket. 207875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Jan. 26-30: Go50 Week Sunday River – Go50 Week activities include free Snowflake Factory tours, a wine dinner, moonlit snowshoeing, live entertainment, and special lodging packages for people 50 and up. 800543-2754, www.sundayriver.com. Jan. 29-Feb 1: Veterans No Boundaries Sunday River – Maine Adaptive brings together disabled veterans, active-duty personnel, plus their families and caregivers for a weekend of camaraderie and self-discovery. Open to wounded warriors, active-duty personnel, and other veterans with permanent disabilities from throughout the country. 800-639-7770, www.maineadaptive.org Feb. TBA: Fat Bike Race Carter’s XC Ski Center – 207-539-4848, www. cartersxcski.com. Feb. 1: Wood Ski Day Carter’s XC Ski Center – Free trail pass for folks on wood skis. 207-539-4848, www.cartersxcski.com. Feb. 7: Maine Telemark Festival Mt. Abram – Free your heel and free your mind with fellow tele skiers from all over New England at the annual Maine Telemark Festival. Demos, clinics, lessons, giveaways and live music all day. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com.

Feb. 8: Winter Kids Passport Day Mt. Abram – Winter Kids Passport holders ski free. Siblings and parents ski for just $20. 207-875-5000, www. mtabram.com.

Feb. 13-15: Great Maine Outdoor Weekend Events held all over Maine, with many in the Bethel area. Most events are free and familyoriented. www.greatmaineoutdoorweekend.org. Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day Dinner Specials and live music with Denny Breau Mount Abram – Loose Boots Lounge, 6:30 – 9:30pm. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Feb. 14: Valentine’s Ski Date Carter’s XC Ski Center – Free chocolate for lovers of skiing. 207-824-3880, www.cartersxcski.com. Feb. 15: Torchlight Parade and Spaghetti Dinner Mt. Abram – Start off vacation week with a torchlight parade and all-you-can-eat spaghetti dinner fundraiser to benefit the charitable activities of the Mt. Abram Ski Club. Mt. Abram ski club, staff, and guests will gather together for a torchlight parade slope-side! 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Feb. 18: Ice Cream Social Mount Abram – Fun for the whole family! 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Feb. 21: Gilpatrick/Fitch Memorial Ski Race Mt. Abram – Alpine ski race and auction honoring dedicated patrollers and friends who embodied and created the family spirit of Mt. Abram. Proceeds benefit the charitable activities of the Mt. Abram Ski Club and the Maine Cancer Foundation. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Feb. 28: Skosh at Mount Abram – Live funk, rock, and blues in the Loose Boots Lounge. 8pm-midnight. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com. Mar. TBA: Women’s History Month Bethel Historical Society – Program TBD. 207-824-2908, www.bethelhistorical.org. Mar. TBA: Carter’s Loppet Carter’s XC Ski Center – 420 Main Street, Oxford, Maine. 207-539-4848, www.cartersxcski.com. Mar. 7-8: WinterKids Downhill Derby Mt. Abram – 24 hours of nonstop skiing and entertainment to raise money for WinterKids, an organization dedicated to getting Maine kids and their families outside in the winter. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com, www.winterkids.org. Mar. 14: Baxter Outdoors Mountain Race Mount Abram – Part of the Baxter Outdoors Mountain Race Series. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram. com, www.baxteroutdoors.com.

Feb. 7: Maine State Whitegrass Festival Mt. Abram – The only bluegrass festival on snow in Maine! Expect to dance to some of the finest bluegrass in New England. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com.

Mar. 14: Wild West Festival Mt. Abram – Calling all cowboys and cowgirls! Back by popular demand, the Wild West Festival is a great way to celebrate spring skiing. Activities throughout the day include live music, BBQ, cowboy & cowgirl ski race, and a mechanical bull! 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com.

Feb. 6-8: White Out Weekend Sunday River – White Out Weekend (WOW) in association with OutRyders, New England’s largest GLBTQ ski and snowboard club. Formed in 2001, OutRyders is a non-profit, all volunteer-run organization. This weekend is full of special events and par-

Mar. 14: Lib Tech Near Canada Open Sunday River – The Lib Tech Near Canada Open returns to Sunday River Resort for a day of free, funfilled snowboarder shenanigans. Perks and prizes for competitors. www. sundayriver.com. Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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MOUNTAIN VISTAS BIRD HILL FOREST

202 Acres in Bethel Hilltop forest with ME and NH mountain views. A private retreat minutes from Bethel Village and Sunday River and Mt Abram ski areas. Several home site options and recently improved access via E. Bethel Rd. Forestry and recreational opportunities.

Quality Custom Ironwork Restoration and Fabrication Since 1984

$235,000 JEROME BROOK FOREST

334 Acres near Kingfield Views of Flagstaff Lake and western ME mountains. Adjacent to public land, Appalachian Trail and Maine Huts system. Remote and private but easily accessible via paved roads. Gentle, rolling terrain and internal trails.

$310,000 Fountains Land, Inc. Patrick Hackley 1-866-348-4010

All of our rural land listings are at fountainsland.com

Western Maine Wedding Expo Save the Date!

Saturday January 17th 11:00 am to 3:00 pm Snow Date Sunday January 18th • Come and see the exciting options of businesses that are available for your special day! • Door Prizes, Give-a-ways, and information to help make your wedding planning a breeze.

To take place at 49 Franklin Reception Hall Rumford Maine For more information please visit www.49franklin.com or call 1-207-369-0129 30

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Providing maintenance-free powder coated railings for interior and exterior use.

Richard Duka, Owner

(207) 364-7271 • rduka@roadrunner.com 22 Duka Lane •Hanover, ME 04237

Driveways We can repair your driveway after the winter wear and tear. We also re-grade and resurface driveways and parking areas.

Rock Walls

Septic Systems We install new complete systems and do repairs on existing systems.

We can build rock walls to enhance the beauty and functionality of any landscaping or driveway project.

Material Delivery

Road Work We build entirely new roads and maintain existing ones. From cutting new roads through the woods to grading and compacting gravel, we build and maintain safe long lasting roads.

Land Clearing

Our Bethel gravel pit supplies screened loam and gravel. We also accept brush and stumps for recycling at our facility. We can deliver our products in quantities small and large. We also provide quality fire wood delivery and have various types of bark mulch available.

Removal of stumps, brush and rocks; we leave the site ready to build on and transport all of the debris to our pit for recycling.

Snow Plowing / Removal and Ice Control

Foundation Holes

We offer complete snow plowing and snow removal services including sanding.

Complete digging, backfilling and grading.

P.O. Box 158, Bethel, ME 04217 â&#x20AC;˘ Phone: 207.824.2258 Fax: 207.824.3363 â&#x20AC;˘ doug@crossexcavation.com

www.crossexcavation.com

Call 824-4044 for Reservations or to reserve our Courtesy Vehicle for Sunday River Valley & Bethel

u your home away from home

We’re Bethel, Maine’s only steakhouse! At the Black Diamond Steakhouse, most everything we offer is homemade, right here in our own kitchen, from the finest quality ingredients we can find. We hand cut and age our steaks and meats, and we grow our own vegetables and herbs, and feature them on our food, beverage menus and specials. You’ll be delightfully surprised at what we have in store for you. Come join us for lunch or dinner and we’ll treat you like family. You will find our restaurant to be homey, and comfortable, with only the finest quality foods offered for your enjoyment. After all, why would you want it any other way?

We Offer... • • • • • •

Steaks & Prime Rib Cocktails & Specialty Drinks Lunch & Dinner Desserts & Appetizers Handcut Filet Mignon The Last Trax Pub with Entertainment

Pictured is our Hummer Courtesy Vehicle for Sunday River Valley and Bethel Village Patrons

Visit our Last Trax Pub upstairs with nightly entertainment on weekends and holidays 96 Sunday River Road Bethel, Maine 04217

(207) 824-4044 • blackdiamondrestaurant@gmail.com • www.blackdiamondsteakhouse.com 32

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