Bethel Living #55, February / March 2023

Issue #55 February / March 2023

Bethel LIVING

Functional Medicine Meets Main Street with Bluebird Wellness

Northern Forest Center Purchases

Gehring House

Bethel Outdoor Adventure Center with Erin and Garin Martin

Invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer with Sonja Johanson

Reenvisioning the Ethel Bisbee Lot

Delicious Reuben Bowls

A FREE Listing of Local Events

Publisher’s Note

Welcome to the February / March 2023 Issue of Bethel Living!

Many new and wonderful things are happening in town, from the grand opening of Bluebird Wellness at the top of Main Street to the reclamation of Gehring House. Learn about the new owners of the Bethel Outdoor Adventure Center and how to protect your trees from the Emerald Ash Borer.

There is a townwide call for ideas about what comes next for the Ethel Bisbee property - get involved and have a say. Hungry? A delicious recipe for Reuben Bowls makes a great meal or party dish, and check out the Events Listing on page 28.

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.

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: Patrice Bouchard

Features Editor: Nate Scott

Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com

Laurie Ann Knowles PUBLISHER

Functional Medicine Meets Main Street

by Meryl Kelly

Here in Western Maine there is no shortage of treasured gems hidden off the beaten path. Our meandering backroads and acres of woodlands hold within them innumerable amounts of fascinating people and extraordinary places. But not all good things require a journey or gatekeepers. When something is truly special, sometimes it’s best to let everyone know. Hidden in plain sight, in the offices at 14 Main Street, Bluebird Wellness is just that kind of universally accessible gem.

Bluebird Wellness is an integrative and functional medicine practice, founded and operated by Dr. Jenny-Mae Wheeler MD. Her “slow medicine” approach is aimed at reintegrating people of all backgrounds into a trusting and compassionate relationship with their own health; one that brings the focus back to each individual patient, meeting them where they are every step of the way.

Growing up on Mason Street in the Bethel Village, Jenny was inspired by Dr. John Gehring and his medical practice, housed in a large estate at the end of Broad Street from 1890 until 1925. Now known as the Gehring House, his clinic operated as a therapeutic haven for his patients. His treatments, tailored to the individual, were usually a combination of hypnosis, dietary changes, talk therapy, medicine and exercise. In 1947, MIT

Established Collaborative Partners

psychologist Kurt Lewin chose the Gehring property to establish his newly conceived NTL Institute, transforming it into a groundbreaking gathering place for the pioneering study of group dynamics. Jenny’s fascination with these two moments in Bethel’s history sparked an ambition to pursue a career in medicine with the goal of becoming a similarly creative and accomplished physician. The healing arts, and specifically the connection between mind and body became her guiding light.

Jenny, a graduate of Gould Academy, followed her professional pursuits all across America. She attended college at Tulane University in Louisiana and Medical School at Mercer University School of Medicine in Georgia. She completed her Family Medicine Residency at Eisenhower Medical Center in California. Throughout her career she has worked as a traditional Family Medicine Physician (in both hospitals and private practice), a hospice physician and a traveling MD making home visits to patients in rural Kentucky.

Over the years, Dr. Wheeler has maintained her focus on alternative healing treatments — based in quality science — which effectively enhance the body’s natural healing mechanisms. The ability to draw from this pool of knowledge is particularly helpful for patients who haven’t responded completely

Photo Credit: Matt Stagliano for Stonetree Creative

The Dragonfly Healing Nest - Andover, ME Small apothecary herb shop and classroom

Seed & Sound Apothecary - Windham, ME Herbal apothecary serving much of Maine

Troy Ryerson - Bryant Pond, ME Local forager and maker of chaga products

Stephanie Clark, MS,LAT,ATC - Minot, ME Structural Integration Therapist

to conventional medical treatments or who prefer to avoid pharmaceuticals altogether. With certifications from the American Board of Family Medicine, the American Academy of Medical Acupuncture and The Institute of Functional Medicine, Dr. Wheeler is able to fuse several healing modalities into a unique approach for each patient. In 2020, while pursuing a life-long dream of practicing with Native American populations, Dr. Wheeler found herself working on the Torres Martinez Indian Reservation in Southern California. During the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, while witnessing the profound communal connection between tribe members for whom she was caring, she felt the tethers of her own community roots calling her home.

When she returned to Bethel in June of 2021, Dr. Wheeler was saddened to see the Gehring House in a state of disrepair. She always secretly dreamed of restoring it back to its former identity as a holistic community health center and retreat. With this in mind, Dr. Wheeler pivoted from her remote practice with an integrative and holistic primary care center in California to a new in-person practice, Bluebird Wellness PLLC, opening her doors in November 2022.

Bluebird Wellness offers personalized consultations, standard exams, acupuncture

and lab work as well as access to advanced functional lab testing that helps pinpoint root causes of disease. Bluebird Wellness has also partnered with regional plant based apothecaries and holistic practitioners of bodybased therapies to create local accessibility to their products and services (check out the sidebar to see some of the local professionals she’s working with!) Creating access to other businesses dedicated to the healing arts is an invaluable step towards her future aspiration of building a therapeutic haven of her own. When the stars align, this modernized healing arts and wellness co-op will provide a variety of holistic science-based treatments and lifestyle choices for Bethel and its surrounding communities.

Dr. Wheeler believes the sacred relationship between patient and doctor should be cultivated in an environment of unrushed mutual respect and trust. If you are someone who would like to learn how integrative and functional medicine could help treat what ails you, know something is not right but can’t quite figure it out or simply want to include another perspective on your healthcare team give Bluebird Wellness a call and Dr. Wheeler will be happy to listen to you and tailor your healthcare to your needs. v

8 Gore Line Road, Hanover, ME $825,000

Newly built home in Hanover Pines Subdivision with OUTSTANDING VIEWS!

Unique setting offering both sunrise and sunset! This spacious home has 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, oversized kitchen w/ center island and quartz countertops. Open living room with cathedral ceiling and fireplace. Master bedroom w/walk-in tile shower, plus an additional spacious bedroom. Views from every angle of Sunday River, Mt Washington, the Androscoggin River, Mt Abram and many more mountains! Fantastic sunsets. Lower level features a spacious family room w/ wet bar, 2 additional bedrooms, full bath w/laundry, mud room. Full house generator, A/C, well insulated. There is a second driveway near the back of the house. Only 15 minutes to Sunday River, excellent snowmobiling out your door.

Northern Forest Center Purchases Gehring House

with Amy Scott

The staunch local effort to restore many of the significant properties within the Broad Street Historic District of Bethel gained crucial momentum with The Northern Forest Center’s purchase of the Gehring Clinic on December 15th. The historic building, which sits on 10 acres at the southern end of Broad Street, will be completely renovated for use as middle-income apartments. The Center plans to restore the historic integrity of the building, creating up to 10 quality 1-2 bedroom rental units in the house itself, with plans to further expand local housing opportunities by building new homes on a portion of the adjacent acreage.

“The Gehring mansion, constructed in 1896 is one of the most architecturally and historically significant buildings in Bethel,” said William F. Chapman, executive director of Museums of the Bethel Historical Society.

“The house served as both the home of Dr. John George and Mrs. Marion True Gehring and the clinic where Dr. Gehring would treat patients from all over the United States. After years of watching and wondering what would happen to the property, we could not be more excited to know that it will be preserved and continue to serve in a community function.”

The Center and property owner Paul Boghossian reached an agreement in early December enabling both parties to achieve their goals. Besides adding substantially to the acreage of the site during his ownership, Boghossian was also able to secure vital historic tax credit approvals for the project.

“We are thrilled to acquire this important building in downtown Bethel and add housing development to the many community revitalization programs we have going with partners in Bethel and the Maine West area,”

said Rob Riley, president of the Northern Forest Center. “The historic tax credits Paul secured will be an invaluable tool to restore the historic house to its former glory and reposition it as vital housing for the community.”

The Northern Forest Center is a nonprofit organization with a successful record of property redevelopment in both Millinocket, ME and Lancaster, NH. The Gehring redevelopment initiative complements the Center’s ongoing work in the region, including projects that improve recreation access and resources, assist wood products and tourismrelated businesses, advance sustainable tourism, create Community Forests, expand broadband service and build area non-profit capacity. Their goal is to create vibrant communities across the varied economies of the Northern Forest region of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York to attract and retain young people and families in these rural areas.

“Our aim is to create middle-market housing that will be attractive and financially

within reach for young people and families who contribute to the community through their work as teachers, health care providers, entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals and other roles,” said Amy Scott, the Center’s program manager, who will oversee the Gehring redevelopment project alongside her work managing the Maine West collaborative.

The Center is using capital from its Northern Forest Fund – which integrates impact investment dollars, private capital, philanthropic donations and grants from public sources – to bankroll the purchase and initial redevelopment expenses for the Gehring House project. The Center has previously rehabilitated two major properties: the $3.5-million redevelopment of the Parker J. Noyes building in Lancaster, which created commercial space in addition to 6 middlemarket apartments; and the Millinocket Housing Initiative which invested more than $1 million to renovate six homes, creating 12 quality rental units from properties that had been severely neglected. v

FMI please call Amy Scott at (207) 357-3189 or email ascott@northernforest.org

“ THE GEHRING MANSION, CONSTRUCTED IN 1896 IS ONE OF THE MOST ARCHITECTURALLY AND HISTORICALLY SIGNIFICANT BUILDINGS IN BETHEL – WILLIAM F. CHAPMAN

CUSTOM BUILT TIMBER FRAME 292 SABATTUS ROAD LOVELL, ME 04051

3 beds • 3 baths • 3,146 sq ft • $2,100,000

Custom Built ‘’Andy Buck Timber Frame’’ Home designed by Andrea Warchaizer! This home is tucked in off the road on 15.5 acres of serene privacy including a Traditional Wood Fired Sauna, *EXCLUSIVE HIGHLIGHTS of the home include* Marvin Windows and Doors,* Rocky Mountain Hardware Door Handles, *Doug Fir Trim throughout, *Leaded and Stain Mahogany Entry Doors, *Custom Milled Red Oak Floors, * Sip Panels, * Wara Juraku – Japanese Organic Stucco, * Radiant Heat System in 1 ½ Grout, * 30 Feet Cathedral Ceiling in the Grand Living Room, * Gourmet Kitchen with Vermont Soapstone Counter Tops, Viking Appliances, Crown Point Kitchen Cabinets. Pantry, * Large Back Deck, *Screened Porch, *Large Mudroom, with plenty of space inside and out for entertaining or relaxation in Western Maine’s 4 Season Activities.Fly into Fryeburg’s Eastern Slope Regional Airport, close to North Conway, NH, Portland, Sunday River, Bridgton, and part of the ‘’renown’’ Fryeburg Academy School District!

Carol Chaffee

REALTOR ®

C: 207.240.1641

O: 800.450.7748

carol.chaffe@beangroup.com

www.carolchaffee.com

Bethel’s very own Main Street cafe and bakery, established December 2022. Handmade and naturally leavened breads, pastries and bagels with a full espresso bar and 28 cozy seats inside. Our open kitchen is in full  view so you can see the baking magic happen right in front of you!

Bethel Outdoor Adventure Center with Erin

and Garin Martin

by Meryl Kelly

For the past 30 years Bethel Outdoor Adventure has been a fixture at the intersection of Route 2 and the Androscoggin River. As the former owners move into retirement a new duo will take the helm to ensure that the campground continues to offer the perfect spot to stay — at a wooded tent site or in a pull-through RV — as well as a variety of outdoor recreation experiences for visitors and locals alike.

How Did We Get Here?

In the late 1970s a girl named Pattie was touring the USA in her converted-VW van. She ended her solo travels in Florida upon becoming smitten by a fella named Jeff Parsons. Together they traveled north exploring and searching for a place to call home. Eventually they landed here in Bethel. In 1995 Pattie and Jeff purchased 70 acres abutting the banks of the Androscoggin River, including the entirety of Hastings Island, with dreams of sharing their love of the area. After clearing sites and building a main lodge, Bethel Outdoor Adventure (BOA) opened to the public in the spring of 1996.

After almost 30 years in business, the twosome began to consider new adventures, and as it would happen, there was a young couple walking in surprisingly similar footsteps. Much like the adventuresome Parsons many years before, Erin and Garin Martin drove their RV from Florida to Maine in the spring of 2019. Though the original plan was to continue on their journey after visiting Garin’s home state, Maine worked its usual magic and won

over Florida native Erin, who insisted they stay. The Martins knew of Bethel as a top ski destination, and as avid skiers they couldn’t think of a better location to set down roots.

Erin and Garin bought a home and wove themselves neatly into the fabric of our community. Erin’s digital marketing agency, SocialManas, quickly became a force, building websites and supporting social media accounts for many of our area’s local businesses. Garin made use of his engineering background by first working the obligatory couple seasons at Sunday River as a lift mechanic before taking a position as a line mechanic at Poland Spring’s Bottling Plant. Both were happy in their careers but a shared dream waited in the wings, biding time for an opportunity to arise. That dream was to own a campground. Time went by and they began to hear murmurs around town that BOA was coming up for sale. They withstood the temptation for a little while but eventually the entrepreneurial spirit overtook them. With the dream of owning a campground in their sights they quickly got their ducks in a row.

What Now?

After months of negotiations the ink on the deed transfer dried on November 30th of 2022 and Erin and Garin Martin officially stepped into their new role as owners and operators of Bethel Outdoor Adventure. The torch was passed. Erin and Garin are well prepared to seize this opportunity and expand the business. A newsletter will keep former guests engaged as

the duo works to strengthen all aspects of the operation. Leaning on Erin’s digital expertise they will modernize processes and procedures to forge more seamless operations, freeing them up to focus on big picture goals. These upgrades include offering online booking and reservations while at the same time expanding their reach by listing BOA on a wider range of tourism sites. Garin will spearhead the campground’s physical transformation, overseeing the implementation of their 10 year plan: constructing yurt sites (allowing for year round camping), building a pavilion to host events and mapping out a low impact disc golf course on Hastings Island.

BOA’s growth doesn’t hinge only on the strengths of the new owners. They are excited by the opportunity to create a stronger business through building thoughtful symbiotic relationships with neighboring tradesmen, chefs and farms. Taking advantage of our area’s robust local food scene, they will curate a menu of grab & go food options. To round out the guest experience they will partner with local guide services to provide tailored excursions, ranging from fishing to more advanced paddles in the deeper water found downriver. This brokering of experiences unique to our area will allow vacationers or residents to have an immersive adventure without the headache of planning all the details.

Growth does not however mean abandoning what already exists. The Martins recognize the tremendous inherited history of all they now own. In the short term the camping sites and their amenities will remain the same. The

sluice will continue to provide a beginner rockhounding experience. During their inaugural season the months of operation will be May through October, as usual. They will honor traditions such as the Workamping Program, which offers participants (and their pets) a connected campsite and access to all the BOA toys in exchange for 20 hours of labor per week. In general the heart of the operation will remain the same, any changes will be in the service of achieving the overarching vision

of securing BOA’s position as a compelling four season tourist destination and an engaged community resource.

With Erin and Garin’s moxie, Bethel Outdoor Adventure will continue to thrive as a conduit for guests to revel in the expansive beauty of our little corner of Maine. All improvements will be viewed through the lens of the river’s guardianship. Central to their vision will be drawing area residents into a more mindful kinship with the “Scrog”, beginning with a commitment to host community days, at which stakeholders can use BOA gear to engage in river and shoreline clean ups. The future of Bethel Outdoor Adventure is bright. They see collaboration and music and many faces — new and old, from far and near — filling their campground to commune with the river and like minded adventurers. So stay tuned as they progress and re-open their doors to the community and visitors alike in May 2023. v

Invasion of the Emerald Ash Borer with Sonja

Johanson

by Laurie Ann Knowles

In early June of 2002 an unfamiliar iridescent green beetle was delivered to the University of Michigan Department of Entomology, prompting a team of entomologists to visit a stand of unnaturally declining ash trees in the City of Detroit. State regulatory officials quickly joined the university naturalists to determine the scope of the problem. Over the following weeks, all concerned parties were surprised and staggered by the level of Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) infestation in the southern Michigan area. By mid-July the Michigan Department of Agriculture imposed a statewide quarantine regulating the movement of ash nursery trees, logs and related products. In October of 2003 the US Department of Agriculture established a nationwide quarantine of a similar nature. Unfortunately, the beetles, which probably arrived (as many as ten years prior to their

discovery) in packing crates from Asia, have continued to spread unabated.

The challenge presented by the EAB is — in one important way — the same as that posed by gum disease. Just like a person suffering from the onset of periodontitis, a tree in the early stages of infestation by this bright metallic green jewel beetle will show very few symptoms. Unlike gum disease however, the ash borer, once established in an area of ash trees, spreads quickly from host to host. A second similarity is that both of these problems are best addressed preemptively, by practicing good oral hygiene to keep your teeth healthy and by the use of insecticide treatments to protect high-value trees, such as large shade trees, historic trees and trees specifically valued by homeowners.

First detected in Maine in 2018, the EAB will slowly migrate across the entire state. It

is impossible to protect ash trees in the forest — the EAB does not have local predators and treating a forest with insecticides is completely unworkable. It will not however completely devastate the genus; most of the large ash trees will be destroyed but ashes have the ability to stumpsprout. The root systems produce shoots and from them trees will regrow. But the EAB attacks trees about 6” in diameter or larger so the cycle of destruction and regrowth will likely continue indefinitely. Also, since mature ash trees produce abundant seeds, saving trees at people’s residences will be key in helping the species regenerate. Eventually scientists hope to introduce natural predators to help control EAB populations, but it is expected to take roughly twenty years for those controls to become established.

About 10% of trees in the Great Northern Forest are ash species of one sort or another. Here in western Maine our forests contain White Ash, Green Ash and Black Ash in the swamps (Black Ash is the wood used for basketry by Indigenous peoples). Green and white ash are large, deciduous, wind-pollinated trees which can reach 70-100 feet at maturity. These attractive shade trees can be identified by their tightly furrowed bark, pinnately compound (featherlike) leaves, bright yellow autumn foliage and winged seeds (samaras) on the female trees. Locally, an impressive example of stately ash trees greets drivers at the intersection of the

Intervale Road and Route 26 just as they enter downtown Bethel from the south. Looking to the right travelers will see the long white fence at the Shepley Farm offset by an impressive row of 60-year old male ash trees. Currently, the Shepleys are consulting with their neighbor Sonja Johanson, who works as the lead horticulturist for Nadeau Development in Woodstock, about options to protect their trees from infestation.

Sonja was a founding board member of the Massachusetts Master Gardener Association, a not-for-profit organization which provides public outreach and education by trained horticultural volunteers. She served for five years as the Master Gardener Training Class Coordinator, then went on to hold a variety of positions at MMGA, including Education Coordinator, Outreach/Volunteer Coordinator and President.

Sonja, who grew up in Auburn and studied Ecology at the College of the Atlantic in Bar Harbor has worked with Mike Nadeau for the past three years. Preventative treatment options for the EAB include pesticide spraying and/or soil drenching - but trunk injection, which requires training in the use of specialized equipment, is safest for both people and the wider environment. Trunk injections affect only the trees being treated, and do not risk being spread through air, water, or soil. Commercial landscapers like Sonja, who specialize in this type of tree care, must be certified by the Maine Board of Pesticide Control and licensed as a Master Applicator with a specialty in ornamental plants and trees.

The ash borer has a look-alike — the tiger beetle. Anyone who finds a beetle can send a photo or the bug itself to the state’s offices for identification. v

“

ABOUT 10% OF TREES IN THE GREAT NORTHERN FOREST ARE ASH SPECIES OF ONE SORT OR ANOTHER.

Reenvisioning the Ethel Bisbee Lot

by Meryl Kelly

“What really matters from the point of view of social capital and civic engagement is not merely nominal membership, but active and involved membership.”

During his keynote speech at the founding of the National Municipal League in 1894, Teddy Roosevelt expounded on the importance of cultivating communities in which civic engagement did not end with the act of voting. He instead called for town officials to encourage selfgovernment, where every citizen feels as though they have an obligation to the greater good of the community. If decision making on local issues is left solely to the discretion of our local elected officials, there is no assurance that the outcome will be what WE the people want. The management of the Ethel Bisbee School and property has long been one of these hot button issues, ripe with the necessity for grassroots input.

In downtown Bethel at the end of Philbrook Street sits the aged yet beautifully stoic Ethel Bisbee School. For over a century the old

building provided employment and education to many of our community’s residents, business owners and leaders. In June of 1991 the school bell rang for the last time and until 2011 the building, still operated by SAD #44, was used for a variety of community programs and continuing education opportunities. In late 2014 the Town of Bethel officially acquired the property and so began the process of determining what to do with the historic lot.

Recently, the Board of Selectmen began the process of accepting bids to raze the school. It is the general consensus that the 1.75 acre property would offer the most opportunity as an empty lot. Sadly, the costs associated with getting the (now 12-years-vacant) structure up to code would not only be a considerable burden on taxpayers but would result in a building with inefficient space and severe energy cost challenges. Demolition is expected to be

Municipal Department Needs Sell Off and Pray Community Values

(See the Northern Forest Service/ Gehring house story on page 10)

Robert D. Putnam

completed in Spring 2023. What comes next is up to us. As Bethel taxpayers our options are endless. So far the formal proposals fall into three categories: “Municipal Department Needs”, “Sell It and Pray” and “Community Value”. Whatever the future holds, the important takeaway is that we as concerned community members have an obligation to get involved and help guide this process in a thoughtful and engaged way — putting aside our personal interests to act upon the vision espoused by President Roosevelt. There are several ways Bethel taxpayers can get involved in this process. We can attend Select Board meetings and speak during the “citizens forum” portion of the agenda, we can connect with like minded community members to gather, synthesize and offer options to community leadership, or we can reach out directly to Select Board members, who are tasked with being responsive to the will of their fellow townspeople. v

Recipes

Rueben Bowls

DIRECTIONS

1. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, pickle relish, ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Make the bowl: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, toast caraway seeds, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Transfer to a plate.

3. Return skillet to medium-high heat and heat oil. Add onion and cook stirring until lightly golden, about 3 minutes. Add the cabbage and carrot and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cabbage is crisp-tender, 5 minutes.

4. Stir in corned beef and sauerkraut, tossing until warmed throughout, 1 minute more. Top cabbage mixture with Swiss cheese, cover, and cook until cheese is melty and bubbly, 3 minutes. Remove from heat.

5. Scatter roasted caraway seeds and cornichons on top, then drizzle with dressing and garnish with green onion before serving.

INGREDIENTS

For The Dressing

• 1/4 c. mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp. sweet pickle relish

• 4 tsp. ketchup

• 1 1/2 tsp. prepared horseradish

• 1 tsp. fresh lemon juice

• 1/2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

• Kosher salt

• Freshly ground black pepper

For The Bowl

• 2 tsp. caraway seeds

• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1/2 yellow onion, chopped

• 1/4 green cabbage, thinly sliced (about 5 c.)

• 1 c. shredded carrot

• 3/4 lb. corned beef, sliced 1/2” thick

• 1 1/2 c. sauerkraut, drained

• 1 c. shredded Swiss

• 1/4 c. thinly sliced cornichon pickles

• 1 green onion, thinly sliced

• 1 cup chopped red peppers

LOCAL Events

Feb. 3-5: Pride Weekend Sunday River. Our LGBTQ weekend features stellar skiing and riding, special events, including a themed party, fireworks, and après-ski socials, all hosted by Sunday River Resort in association with The OutRyders, New England’s largest LGBTQ ski and snowboard club. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

Feb. 11: Full Moon Guided Ski or Snowshoe Tour Carter’s XC Ski Center. Join us for a Full Moon guided tour of our trails with either skis or snowshoes. Free event, Rentals available, bring a headlamp. After our guided tour we will enjoy a bonfire and Wild River Kitchen food truck will be Open until 8pm. cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880

Feb.12: Free Community XC Ski Days for kids from SAD #17 and SAD #44 and RSU #10. Carter’s XC Ski Center FREE trail passes for all students from these districts on January 8, January 29, February 12, and March 12, with a family-friendly celebration on the last date. Scavenger hunt, obstacle course, food truck, fire pit, snacks and hot cocoa, and prizes. cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880

Feb. 12: 32nd Annual Flying Moose Classic Half-Marathon The Bethel Outing Club, Nonstop Nordic, and NENSA. Part of both the Zak Cup and NENSA Marathon Series, this fun and exciting event starts at the Bethel Inn Resort and takes you through the rolling hills and forest lands of the Bethel Inn and Inland Woods and Trail’s Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Maine, providing you with a wonderful scenic adventure. Skiers can select from either the 12.5KM or 25KM course, and there is a 1KM kids race (grades K-5) and a 3KM Middle School Race (grades 6-8) that will take them over fun little obstacles and zig-zag pathways. Kids race starts at 9:00 a.m. (mass start); Middle School starts at 9:30 a.m. (mass start); 12.5KM & 25KM races start at 10:00 a.m. (mass start). Awards and cookies to follow at ~12:30 p.m. with a special after party event at Carter’s XC Ski Center with a food truck and beverages (12:00-5:00 p.m.). Cost: 25KM = $35; 12.5KM = $35; 3KM = $15; 1KM = $10 (FREE for Bethel Outing Club Members & MSAD 44) https://nensa.net/event/flying-moose-classic-2/

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

Feb. 12: Join us at Carter’s XC Ski Center for an apres ski race party! Try out our xc ski trails, FREE for any Flying Moose race registrant! Also all race registrants can enjoy 10% off all Swix products that day at our ski shop, in which we carry an extensive inventory of classic, skate, touring, and backcountry equipment. We will also be holding our annual Winterkids day with information about the Winterkids program, kids activities, and free swag. Additionally folks can demo fat tire bikes for only $20. Our food truck, Wild River Kitchen, will be serving our full menu including hot cocoa and smores kits. We invite you to experience our family-friendly and dog-friendly atmosphere complete with a central fire pit, picnic tables, and indoor lodge seating too. FMI check out cartersxcski.com. 786 Intervale Road, 207-824-3880

Feb. 12: Carter’s XC Ski Center Winter Kids Family Day- Extra savings for everyone the Winterkids app with family oriented activities, giveaways, & learn about the Winterkids program. 786 Intervale Road, 207824-3880

Feb. 17: Telstar High School Winter Carnival Dance – 7pm to 10pm 284 Walkers Mills Road, 207-824-2136

Feb. 18-26: President’s Week Sunday River. Presidents’ weekend and vacation week at Sunday River bring snow you can count on and plenty of fun events and activities for all! Visits with Eddy & Betty the Yetis, twilight skiing, live music, Firedancer, and fireworks. sundayriver.com, 800-5432754

Feb. 18-26: Winter Fest at Mahoosuc Land Trust, Outdoor Fun For All Saturday, February 18 thru Sunday, February 26 Most events held at Valentine Farm, 162 North Road.

Feb. 18 - 26 Family Scavenger Hunt - Great Maine Outdoor Weekend Carter’s XC Ski Center at 786 Intervale Road in Bethel. Ski or snowshoe and hunt on our trails searching for Maine animal tracks signs with a

chance to win prizes! Every participant will receive a FREE Animal Tracks card and a small prize. Trail pass required, rentals available. Free entry for kids to win prizes for the Scavenger Hunt. 9am to 4pm cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880

March 12: Free Community XC Ski Day End of Season Celebration

Carter Cross Country Ski Center. For kids from SAD #17, SAD #44, & RSU #10 FREE trail passes for all students from these districts with a family friendly celebration. Scavenger hunt, obstacle course, food truck, fire pit, snacks and hot cocoa, and prizes. 786 Intervale Road, cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880

Mar. 25: Western Maine Fly Fishing Gould Academy Field House. Fish-

ing guides and outfitters, camps, retail vendors, fishing presentations and seminars, videos, fly tying competitions, outdoor authors and artists, a casting area to test drive new rods, kids’ fly-tying bench, a silent auction, raffles with prizes drawn every hour. FMI: facebook.com/mollyockett.tu

Mar. 26: Spring Après Concert #1 Sunday River. Come celebrate Spring with live music slope side at South Ridge at the first of two Spring Après Concerts. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

Mar. 31 – Apr. 2: Spring Fest Weekend Sunday River. Spring Festival is a celebration of the return of spring, complete with a huge outdoor party, concerts, and great spring skiing and riding. sundayriver.com, 800-5432754

Bethel Winter Dining Guide

THE USUAL SUSPECTS

KOWLOON VILLAGE: Wed. thru Mon., 11:30a - 9p. 190 Main St

BUTCHER BURGER: Open Daily, 11:30a - 9p. 188 Main St

SUDS PUB: Open Thurs. thru Mon., varying hours.

151 Main St (use side entrance)

CHOSUN: Open Wed. thru Sun., 5p - 9p. 141 Main St

LE MU EATS: Open Tues. thru Sat., 12p - 8pm. 119 Main St (use side entrance)

BETHEL SUGAR SHACK: Open Thurs. thru Tues., 11a - 8p.

156 W Bethel Rd

MILLBROOK TAVERN: Open Tues. thru Sat., varying hours.

21 Broad St (downstairs at Bethel Inn)

STEAM MILL BREWING: Open Thurs. thru Mon., varying hours.

96 Sunday River Rd

SUNDAY RIVER BREWING COMPANY: Open Wed thru Mon., 11a - 9pm. 29 Sunday River Rd

RIVER LANES: Open Wed thru Sun., varying hours. 32 Cross St

THE GEM THEATRE: Open Fri. thru Mon., varying hours. 48 Cross St

CROSSROADS DINER: Open Daily, 5:30a - 2p. 24 Mayville Rd

NEW TO THE SCENE

GEMINI CAFE AND BAKERY: Open Fri. thru Mon., 7a - 4p. 96 Main St

THE ELIZABETH: Open Wed. thru Sun., 3p - 9p. 32 Main St

MOUNTAIN SOCIAL: 43 Main St. (Tues thru Sat.) apres tapas, dinner & drinks

GRAB AND GO

BETHEL HOUSE OF PIZZA: Open Tues. thru Sun., varying hours. 186 Main St

LA FERME: Open Thurs. thru Tues., 8a - 6p. 104 Skillings Rd

THE PIE HOLE - Open Wed. thru Sun., varying hours. 320 Mayville Rd

THE GOOD FOOD STORE - Open Daily, 9a - 8p. 212 Mayville Rd

WILD RIVER KITCHEN - open Fri. thru Sun., 9:30a - 4p. 786 Intervale Rd

ON THE HORIZON

PETE’S GRIDDLE: Opening Soon. 159 Mayville Rd. dinner service + drinks

THE WATERSHED: Still under construction.

11 Philbrook St. woodfired pizzas, entrees and more.

THE GRACENOTE INN: Opening Soon. 174 Mayville Rd. charcuterie & wine for apres service.

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP.

Same great food, same great beer, same great service!

A Maine microbrewery & restaurant, the Sunday River Brewing Company combines classic New England fare with contemporary styles. Outdoor dining in the warmer months or fireside in the winter.

6 days/week – lunch & dinner – closed Tuesdays

SEE THE CURRENT MENU ON OUR FACEBOOK PAGE

Jamaican Stout