Bethel Living Issue #56 April / May 2023

Issue #56 April / May 2023

Bethel LIVING

Bethel Area Arts & Music with Kate Webb

Wilderness / Outdoor Education with Mahoosuc Land Trust, Moose Ridge Wilderness School & Mahoosuc Guide Service

Bethel Area Farms, CSAs and Buying Clubs

Young Entrepreneurs of Bethel

Savory Scones & Biscuits with Gemini Cafe

A FREE Listing of Local Events

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.

Publisher’s Note

It’s mud season! Must be time to break out your muck boots and broaden your horizons with new outdoor skills and knowledge! Courses and classes are being offered at Mahoosuc Land Trust, Moose Ridge Wilderness School and the Mahoosuc Guide Service.

Also in this edition we profile a bunch of Bethel area’s young entrepreneurs, and explore what Bethel Area Arts + Music will have on offer for fun and educational programming this spring and summer. Use our listing of Bethel area’s local farms, CSAs and buying clubs to fill your larder. Then bake Anna Sysko’s Gemini Café Savory Scones in your OWN kitchen!

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: Julie Zickefoose of www.warblerfall.com

Features Editor: Nate Scott

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

Laurie Ann Knowles

Bethel Area Arts & Music (BAAM)

with Kate Webb, Program Director

by Laurie Ann Knowles

In 2017 the Mahoosuc Arts Council disbanded, leaving a large void in the Bethel area art scene. As is the way in our community, a group of stakeholders jumped into the gap almost immediately to start Bethel Area Arts & Music (BAAM) with the helpful guidance of Robin Zinchuk. Six years of growth have produced a thriving organization which has already sponsored seven events in 2023, with at least ten more scheduled to come. BAAM is positioning Bethel as a regional arts destination, saving folks the trip to Portland or Camden and providing artists and performers with viable venues in the mountains of Maine. By focusing on artists of every stripe, youth arts and live programming, BAAM has built momentum and the community is consistently coming out to show support. For instance, there are two well attended events each month at the Gem Theater, where attendees are asked to “Pay What You Can” to help support BAAM programs.

Kate Webb, who took on the Program Coordinator position in late 2020, recently switched to full time Program Director for BAAM, which is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. Kate does it all — from fundraising to social media promotions, overseeing of all aspects of programming and everything else that needs to be done. Kate grew up in Alaska, has a degree in Arts Management and is a fabric

arts professional herself. From her cozy yurt in Canton, Kate and her husband (and sometimes their cat), make regular forays into the mountains to enjoy the glories of whichever season is at hand.

Fostering hands-on programs for youth, more opportunities for local artists to teach their craft and sell their work while providing live programming to the area makes BAAM indispensable to the growth of our region. By cultivating commitment and interest in a geographical area eager to support the arts BAAM serves visitors and locals alike. Volunteers are always appreciated during hands-on craft days and public support through sponsorships, donations and grants is a vital pillar of growth. Come on out and get involved with BAAM! The rewards will expand your mind and soul — because that is what art does.

ART WASHES AWAY FROM THE SOUL THE DUST OF EVERYDAY LIFE.

UNDER

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

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Carol

REALTOR ®

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C: 207.240.1641

O: 800.450.7748 carol.chaffe@beangroup.com www.carolchaffee.com

Wilderness / Outdoor Education Classes & Survival Skills

Our local lifestyle provides plenty of opportunities to be outdoors for hikes, bikes, paddles, camping, fishing, hunting and more. Why not learn more about survival skills, wildlife

behaviors and habitats, plant identification and foraging and wilderness first aid? Be an asset to the community by improving your own knowledge and awareness of outdoor surroundings.

Classes at Mahoosuc Land Trust

To register: www.mahoosuc.org/events-1

Mushrooms 101 with Amanda Moran

Webinar and In Person TUESDAYS, MARCH 21-APRIL 11, 6-7 PM

Over the course of 4 weeks, Amanda will delve into the mysterious and colorful world of fungi!

• definitions and mushroom lingo

• fungi’s uses for so much more than just food

• identification - size, shape, texture

• mushroom family trait

• learning mushrooms specific to Western Maine

The course will end with an identification challenge and a look at spore printing.

Talking with Birds Webinar

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29TH, 6:00 PM

Did you know birds speak five languages? Wouldn’t you like to be able to understand what the birds are telling you or are saying about you?  Join seasoned bird language expert and bird mimic Dan Gardoqui for this webinar that will give you the tools to decode nature’s language. You’ll learn how to shift your mindset, tune in your senses and understand the five voices of backyard birds. Come learn to speak bird!

Baby Birds Webinar WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5TH 6:00 PM

Over 15 years, Julie Zickefoose drew and painted wild nestlings day by day, bearing witness to their swift

PHOTO CREDIT: John P. Clare*

PHOTO CREDIT: Lee Hansche**

growth from hatching to fledging. In this talk, Julie shares her influences as well as her artistic process. The work, wonder, and fun of studying nestlings, including being a foster mother to orphaned hummingbirds, chimney swifts, and bluebirds, makes for an irresistible and highly inspirational presentation.

The Magic of Vernal Pools Webinar THURSDAY, APRIL 13TH AT 6:00 PM

Have you ever heard duck-like calls in the April woods near big puddles? Have you ever seen a Fairy Shrimp? Spend the evening with naturalist, Dan Gardoqui, learning about the amazing life forms vernal pools host and support. From spotted salamanders to Barred Owls, wildlife rely on vernal pools each spring, summer, and fall. Learn how to get help documenting vernal pool critters via the “Maine Big Night” as well.

Personal Habitat Webinar MAY 10 AT 6:00 PM

Julie Zickefoose feels that all life is an experiment, and gardening is one of the grandest experiments of all. Join us on a tour through time and space as Julie discusses the changes she’s made to enhance her land and gardens for maximum diversity. She battles invasive exotics, manages meadows, and turns her gardens into a bird and butterfly paradise through simple but creative enhancements. You’ll come away inspired, and full of ideas for your own space, no matter how small. This virtual garden tour showcases the stunning beauty in one place, deeply loved and closely observed, where thoughtful stewardship has made all the difference.

Moose Ridge Wilderness School

Weekend Survival Intensive with Cheeny Plante and Tim Swanson JULY 7-9

Tim Swanson of Owl Eyes Wilderness Survival is teaming up with Cheeny Plante for this weekend class. Cheeny is a registered Maine Guide, SERE specialist, thru hiker, Naked & Afraid survivalist, and an internationally experienced survival instructor.

Tim has a background as a backpacking guide, survival instructor, animal tracker, and has traveled the country testing his survival skills for the past 20+ years. Join us in the mountains of Western Maine and camp out with a great community of folks. This class will prepare you for the unexpected with loads of life saving skills. Dinner will be provided Friday and Saturday as well as morning coffee Saturday and Sunday. This class is for adults but families with mature minors are welcome!

Skills Covered: Fire Building, Water Disinfection, Map & Compass, Shelter Building, Fishing Tools, Hunting Weapons, Animal Traps, Foraging, Knife, Saw, and Axe Skills & Much More!

Naturalist Weekend With Jonathan Shapiro of Fox Paw School JULY 22-23

To build authentic relationship with the wild world, we need to read what’s happening on the landscape around

us! Join Jonathan Shapiro of Fox Paw School for an intro to the land as we learn to identify and interpret what we see in the more-than-human realm.

We’ll construct a broad-scale ecological framework of the area, then focus on tree and plant ID, animal tracking, and bird language/identification, and connect it to the cycle of the seasons. And of course, we’ll have time for contemplation of and gratitude to the beings with whom we share our home. Most of our time will be in the field, with a few short classroom segments.

5th Annual Moose Ridge Gathering with more than 20 talented instructors! AUGUST 3-6

Join us for a long weekend of camping in the wilderness and choosing from 30+ different classes and learning opportunities!  The gathering is always a great time with a community of great people.

Foraging Food & Medicine with Laura Wolfer SEPTEMBER 2-3

Have you always wanted to forage for food and medicine but didn’t know where to start?  Here’s your opportunity!  We will learn to identify some of the many edible and medicinal plants commonly found here in the Northeast.  We will also talk about the benefits of including wild foods in the diet, and learn the basics of making plant medicines.

Mayhem on the Mountain SEPTEMBER 28-OCTOBER 1

This weekend survival class and challenge is designed to set you up with a full experience where you can BE in the wilderness, while practicing these fun skills. Camp out in rural Maine with a group of like-minded folks sharing the same interest as you. Coffee, lunch, and dinner will be provided during class learning time. Campsites will be provided.

Students will learn various skills depending on which team they choose to be on. Expect to learn various styles of fire building, shelter construction, water purification, and methods for obtaining food in the wilderness. We are keeping many details of this experience vague as the element of surprise will add to the quality of this challenge. Any items that you make in class you are welcome to take home with you to remember the awesome experience you had.

FMI Visit us at www.mooseridgewild.com, call us at 617-605-0080, see us on Facebook at Moose Ridge Wilderness School and find us on Instagram at Moose Ridge Wilderness School

Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge

Wilderness

APRIL 29-MAY1, 2023 8:30-5PM

Paddle Making JULY 15-16TH

FMI

Emily Delamater Photography

Youth Entrepreneurs of Bethel

by Meryl Kelly

New Englanders are a hearty breed. Self reliance is not only a conscious choice but an instinctual way of life. This truth has been an enduring catalyst for countless entrepreneurs across our region. A shining example of this inclination is the popularity of Applied Technology schools, such as Region 9 which offer high school students the opportunity to learn a trade. Whether students aim to be a subcontractor or a full blown business owner, the desire to “be your own boss” is often a primary goal. And some twentysomethings are wasting no time in achieving it.

excavation, lot clearing and logging jobs across Western Maine, just as his own grandfather has for the last half-century.

Cyle Marriott

Cyle Marriott has heavy machinery in his blood. His grandfather has been a local logger for over 50 years, making Cyle’s move into the industry almost a foregone conclusion. His rich heritage in earth work drove him to take advantage of both Telstar’s Schoolto-Work program and Region 9’s Trucking program, where he received his class A CDL License. After working for a local trucking and excavation company, Marriott chose to parlay his family legacy and earned skills into the formation of his own company — at just 22 years young. Under the name CM Earthwork, Cyle (occasionally with his brother) has spent the last 4 years completing a variety of

Mitchell Sabins

Young business owners like Mitchell Sabins have taken more subtle cues from their family patriarchs. As the son of a car salesman, Mitchell spent his early life around many cars — clean ones at that. Initially Mitchell enrolled in Region 9’s Automotive Tech program to embark on a career as a mechanic before deciding detailing would be his niche. After graduation, he worked as a detailing tech, accumulating skills and funds to put into his now thriving business. In September 2020, at 25 years old he and his wife Monica opened M&M Detailing in response to the area’s lack of services for car owners looking to keep their vehicles tidy. The husband and wife duo, who are high school sweethearts, set up shop on Annis Road in Bethel and have been busy detailing area cars ever since. Together they currently tackle every aspect of the operation but are now hiring additional crew to keep up with increasing demand.

But not every entrepreneur used the school route as a direct line to their profession. Many made their way despite their high school

experience not because of it. The old adage, “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger,” speaks to the fire ignited by a challenging upbringing or school experience. Traditional post secondary education is no longer a prerequisite for creating and sustaining a strong business. Sometimes all that’s required is a clear direction and the ambition to see it through.

being self-employed was a no-brainer. Now, he gets to hire his good friends, determine his own schedule and produce quality work he can be proud of. Jordan’s company — 207 Painting — has been in business for 3 years, providing painting services and doing light landscaping for residential and commercial properties all over Western Maine and beyond.

While growing up, Shelby Levesque’s grandmother always encouraged Shelby’s interest in creating beautifully decorated sweets for every occasion. Feeling underwhelmed by the prospect of collegiate academics, Shelby instead sought to pursue something that filled her days with joy and variety. After a brief foray as an area line cook, Shelby’s Cakes was born in 2018 with a $50 Amazon gift card and well wishes from her former coworkers. Shelby’s Cakes now offers not only custom cakes but a whole host of other bakery items, from bagels to “ice your own” cookie kits, all of which are available by preorder or stocked at local haunts such as The Local Hub or Jade’s Homegrown. With a flourishing business at age 25, Shelby is keeping busy attending the weekly Greenwood Farmers Market and creating custom orders for patrons all across Oxford County.

Being from a local family, 26 year old Jordan Pilgrim knew he wanted to stay close to home as he began to build his own family. He thought to himself, “How can I make the most of my days doing something I enjoy, with people I want to be around?” For him,

Pilgrim works directly with home owners in addition to cultivating mutually beneficial partnerships with realtors, contractors and property management firms, helping to boost a property’s curb appeal or just keeping up on maintenance. As his own family grows, Pilgrim makes a special effort to extend support to family and friends in the development of their own business, believing that they all can rise.

One such family member is his cousin, David Pilgrim , who always hires Jordan whenever he needs help painting. At 26 years old, David has his sights set on becoming a business tycoon of sorts. After high school he worked in the marijuana industry in California. In 2017 he returned home to open Mr. Medicinals, a multi-use marijuana storefront in West Bethel. From storefronts to ATM units to grow build-outs and consultation services, David stays focused and strategic as he seeks to diversify his business ventures.

Shelby Levesque

Jordan Pilgrim

David Pilgrim

Currently he is working on an exciting new project in Auburn (so keep your eyes peeled for that announcement). As with many in our small rural town, his ambition is fueled in part by a drive to overcome the trajectory that was expected of him throughout his challenging adolescence. But what really keeps him striving for more is a dedication to his young son Lorenzo. His highest hope is that everything he creates will afford his son the opportunity to succeed and thrive in his own right.

6x. Her fabrics are all American milled and printed, and many of her designs come with organic options. She offers a “crunchy line” of reusable cloth products, produce bags and endless options of customizable clothing and apparel.

Whether honoring the traditions of their ancestors, or building a legacy for their own posterity, these young entrepreneurs are doing their part to inspire opportunity and create prosperity for both themselves and our community as a whole. This is just a small sample of the many business owners that propel our community, creating jobs and finding ways to give back to the place they call home. It is paramount for all of us to support and encourage them, as their efforts are a fundamental link in an unbroken chain of Bethel’s characteristically enterprising spirit. Their success only further ensures the vitality of our community’s future generations.

Destiny Hughes

Family tradition and providing a good life for loved ones are common threads for all of these entrepreneurs. For Destiny Hughes however, business ownership is not only a way to provide for her family, but also an opportunity to establish a broader identity after years of undivided dedication to raising three children as a stay at home mom. In 2020, at 25 years old, Destiny created her apparel and home goods line — destinedtobecrunchy — as a way to occupy her time while the children were napping. Starting with orders for friends and family, she has grown the business to include shelf space in many local shops, while attending the craft fair circuit in season and creating custom orders through online direct-to-consumer sales, mainly through social media. Since Destiny custom cuts and sews every order, destinedtobecrunchy makes products from preemie size all the way to adult

CM Earthworks - Cyle Marriott. Contact via Business Page Facebook message, call/text at (207) 381-7243 or email at cylemarriott73@gmail.com

M&M Detailing - Mitchell and Monica Sabins. 3 Annis Rd. Bethel, ME. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or call/text at (207) 583-5624

Shelby’s Cakes - Shelby Levesque. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or email at shelbyscakes207@gmail.com

207 Painting - Jordan Pilgrim. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or call/text at (207) 357-9083

Top Tier Management - David Pilgrim. Contact via Facebook message or call/text at (207) 583-5624

destinedtobecrunchy - Destiny Hughes. Contact via Business Page Facebook message or call/text at (207) 515-3120

Bethel Area Farms, CSAs and Buying Clubs Bethel Area Farms, CSAs and Buying Clubs

Bethel represents a lot of things to a lot of different people but at its core remains a farming community. As the landscape of agriculture changes across Maine, Bethel still boasts some of the oldest farms around — some shifting and evolving with the times, others running much the same operation as generations before. There is so much bounty and variation to be had. Local fields are sodden with snowmelt as Bethel Living takes a look ahead to the upcoming growing season. Who’s doing what and how we can get our hands on the fresh food our community farmers have on offer? Whether filling your fridge or taking steps to increase your food sovereignty goals, there are many options to choose from on the list below.

Community Food and Agriculture Resources - Organizations, Local Processors, Livestock Suppliers, Classes and Workshops

Piglets! Mailman

Chicks!

McChick’s Hatchery in Denmark, ME offers over 20 different breeds of (NPIP certified Marek’s vaccinate) Poultry. They sell chicks, pullets, point of lay hens, cockerels and roosters. Prices vary by breed and age. For more information or to make an order check out their website. (207) 749-6060

Processing

Margolin Processing and Kill and Chill Mobile Poultry Trailer - Currently able to set up on site at farms and homesteads to process poultry and small animals. Can be found on Facebook or contacted via phone (207) 595-2748 or email themargolinfarm@gmail.com

Information and Classes

Oxford County Cooperative Extension -  The cooperative extension offers many workshops across Oxford County in addition to offering Master Gardeners Volunteer Training.

Mahoosuc Land Trust - North Rd Bethel. Offers opportunities to engage in outdoor recreation and attend workshops and events encouraging the cultivation of natural spaces. Also be on the look out for Director of Development Barbara Murphy led gardening classes through RSU 44 Adult Ed

Seedlings

Mountain Greenery - 590 W Bethel Rd, Bethel - Conventionally Grown Annuals, Perennials, Veggies, Trees and shrubs (207) 836-3003

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

Bethel Farmers Market

Runs end of May until early October. Open weekly on Saturdays (9a-1pm ) in the Norway Savings Bank Parking Lot off Parkway in Bethel. Currently seeking vendors!  bethelfarmersmarketme@gmail.com

Boondocks Buying Club

A buying club that utilizes an online ordering system to purchase high quality local ingredients in bulk that is then split and divided into member orders. For more information and to sign up email boondocksbc@gmail. com

Greenwood Farmers Market

Open weekly on Fridays 4-6pm at the Greenwood Town Hall

The Good Food Store

212 Mayville Rd. Bethel. Open 7 days a week 9am to 8pm. Local Produce, animal products and homeopathics (207) 824-3754

The Local Hub

224 N Main St, Greenwood. Open Thursday thru Sunday 7a - 3p, Friday and Saturday Pizza Nights 3p-8p. Local produce, animal products, groceries and crafts. (207) 875-0011

CSA Options and Pre-Order Options

This pre purchase allows Farmers the opportunity to grow more with the assurance of less waste and gives participants first dibs on all the good stuff.

Candi Rosseau’s Farm Baskets

Sign up by direct messaging “Candi Rosseau” on facebook. Good beginner CSA. Participants opt-in every Monday and pay her when you pick up on Bailey Rd. in Bethel every Wednesday at 7p. This year baskets are $35.

Gamut Goods

Bread share! Members will have the option of choosing from various CSA options with pickup locations at Morning Glory Farm 4-6p on Mondays, or pick-up at their store front in West Bethel, Thursdays, 12-3p. FMI visit their website. heygamutgoods@gmail.com

Middle Intervale Farm Senior Farm Share

20 openings available to area seniors for discounted produce and meat with weekly pick up at the Bethel Farmers Markets on Saturdays.

Morning Glory Floral

Though Morning Glory Farms’ Fruit and Vegetable CSA is full for the season, there are still slots left to get in on the Flower CSA. Pick up each Monday between 4-6pm at the Farm in West Bethel. Visit the farms’ website to check out all their offerings, events and services. (207) 381-0321

Stalk and Pistil Flower Farm

Waterford based flower farm offering spring, summer, and fall CSA shares with a pickup location in Bethel, ME. Head to their website/online shop for more details. stalkandpistil@gmail.com

Farmstand & PYO Seasons

The convenience of going when you can and choosing what you want

Back to Roots

199 Curtis Hill Road Woodstock. Open 24/7 Farm stand offers farm raised nitrate free pork, baked goods, popcorn, pre-made foods, herbal products, seedlings, plants, and local provisions Accepts cash, check or Venmo. (207) 890-4320

Birch Bog Farm

41 Dundee Rd,Albany Township. Organic Cranberry Farm offering wholesale, retail and PYO (in mid October) options for purchase. (207) 357-1442

Blake’s Farm

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

Chapman Brook Farm Stand

Located 2.1 miles down the North rd on the right. Open Friday- Sunday from 9-6pm. Offers organically grown vegetables, corn, greens and alliums. Accepts cash, check or Venmo. Chapmanbrookfarm@gmail.com

Christy’s Crops

711 Rte. 232, Bryant Pond. Sunup to sundown. Christy just built a brand new greenhouse so guests of the farmstand can expect more options sooner and later in the season. She has veggies, fruits, herbs and some seedlings. Accepts cash, local check or Venmo

Gibson’s Apple Orchard

55 Gibson Rd, Bethel. Upick Apple Orchard offers multiple apple varieties as well as in season raspberries. Local honey and Maine maple syrup are available year round. Occasionally fresh cider donuts! The orchard opens annually on Labor Day weekend. Accepts cash or check. (207) 595-6944

Great Brook Farm

735 Bear River Road Newry. Offers farm raised beef, pork, chicken, turkeys, eggs and maple syrup. They also sell pork and beef shares. Accepts cash or check. (603) 723-1020

Howe Family Farm

1760 Intervale Rd. Bethel. Opening for the season in late May with fresh veggies, pork products, beef, baked goods, relishes, pickles, jams, jellies and much more. Also accepts pre-orders on all of their baked + frozen products. Accepts cash, credit or check. (207) 824-2322

Jade’s Homegrown

61 Route 232, Rumford Corner. Open 24/7, Farm stand with grass fed beef, pork, eggs, whole chicken by pre-order, maple syrup, sauces and marinades, honey and in season veggies. Accepts cash or check. pinecreekshowcattle@yahoo.com

Middle Intervale Farm

758 Intervale rd. Betel. Open 24/7,  Offers seasonal vegetables, local dairy, frozen beef, pork and lamb as well as a variety of other locally sourced items. Accepts Cash or Local Checks. (207) 890-1559

No View Farm

855 S Rumford Rd, Rumford - Open Thurs thru Sat 10a-2pm. Organic Vegetables, jams, pickles, eggs, seedlings and home made soaps and baked goods to order as well as many events and the brand new Sugar Shack for The Healing Arts where practitioners of the healing arts can meet with clients. Vendors and those interested in such services are encouraged to check out No View Farms website FMI. Cash, credit or check (207) 507-1510

Swain’s Family Farm

185 West Bethel Rd. West Bethel. Open During the growing season 7 days a week. Accepts Cash and Local Checks. (207) 357-9504

Sparrowhawk Orchard

684 Grover Hill Rd, Bethel. Upich Apple Orchard offers multiple varieties as well as educational workshops and other farm events. (207) 233-7819

Walkers Farm Stand

8 Walker Lane. Greenwood. Open 24/7- eggs, beef, pork, grain and shavings Accepts cash or check. (207) 393-7489

Events, Tours and Workshops:

Farm events span the gamut of offerings from Farm Dinners, to music and celebration to farm tours and workshops on a variety of subjects

Tree Grafting at Sparrowhawk Orchard

May 13th, 9:00 am - 12:30 pm $35 – $50 Jesse Stevens led class teaching hot to do topwork (graft) new diseaseresistant, cider, dessert or heritage varieties onto your existing trees! Register through MOFGA events.

Arts and Ag Tour

Sept. 11th - Arts and Farming Treasure Map leading you to a fun filled day exploring, eating and engaging in a variety of activities on many of our local farms. Tickets sales will open in June through a variety of organizations. Also be on the lookout for flyers which will have QR Code Links to tickets as well.

Farm to Table Dinners

Outdoor Farm to Table Dining Series hosted at various local farms featuring all that they’re growing cooked into family style meals to be shared with friends. For details on locations, menus and pricing watch the “Food Sovereign Bethel” Facebook page or reach out to Meryl

Soups On!

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

LOCAL Events

April 2 - Sunday River / Maine Adaptive Ski-a-Thon Sunday River

207-824-3000

April 8 - Bethel Library Seed Swap Library

207-824-2520

April 8: Pond-a-Palooza & Spring Après Concert #2 Sunday River. What’s spring at a ski resort without pond skimming? Costumes weigh heavy on your score, so come suited up in anything but a wet suit! Prizes of all sorts will go out to the winners! Enjoy the second spring après concert with live music at South Ridge. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

April 15: The Great Tailgate Sunday River. Pack up the grill and head to the slopes to ski, ride, and work on your goggle tan in spring conditions. Enjoy live music in the Barker Mountain parking lot at the tailgate party. Each year has a theme, and the best decorated tailgates win prizes. This year’s theme, Caribbean Christmas, encourages tailgaters to come dressed in their best island vacation attire while donning an iconic Santa hat. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

April 16: Passholder Appreciation Day Sunday River. Enjoy a delicious lunch and fun for the whole family to celebrate another incredible winter season with our most loyal guests - free for all season passholders. Pass-

holders can check out the end of season, including exclusive discounts for 22/23 and 23/24 N.E. Passholders. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754

May 6 & 7: 11th 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 16: Telstar High School Spring Concert 7:00 pm. Telstar High School. 284 Walkers Mills Rd., Bethel. 207-824-2136

May 21: Mahoosuc Community Band Spring Concert Bingham Hall at Gould Academy. Come listen to uplifting music at 4pm.

May 26: Gould Academy Baccalaureate 39 Church Street, 207-824-7700

May 27: Gould Academy Commencement 39 Church Street, 207-824-7700

Savory Scones & Biscuits

From Gemini Cafe & Bakery

Scone & Biscuit Base Recipe

Makes one large batch of scones or biscuits

Mixing & Baking:

1. Preheat oven to 425°, line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper

2. Choose a variation and toss ingredients with dry mix:

VARIATION #1: Carrot Za’atar:

• 1 recipe Za’atar roasted carrots

• 1 cup Crumbled feta cheese

• 1/4 cup Minced fresh dill

VARIATION #2: Bacon Jalapeno Cheddar

• 1 cup Crumbled crisp bacon pieces

• 1/2 cup Minced Jalapeno peppers

• 1 cup Shredded cheddar cheese

3. A little at a time, pour in:

• 1-1/2 cups Buttermilk (or less, see below)

1. In a large bowl, mix these dry ingredients thoroughly:

• 2 cups Maine Grains sifted 86% wheat flour (or sift whole wheat flour to remove bran)

• 2 cups Unbleached white flour

• 1/4 cup Brown sugar

• 1 tsp Baking soda

• 1 Tbsp Baking powder

• 1 1/2 tsp Salt

2. Using a large-holed cheese grater, grate into dry mix and toss thoroughly to mix:

• 2 -1/2 sticks Unsalted butter - cold, right out of the fridge

3. At this point, you can refrigerate the buttered dry mix until you’re ready to mix with the flavor ingredients and buttermilk.

Folding mixture over gently with a large rubber scraper, incorporate the buttermilk in about 3-4 additions being careful to not overwork the dough. We want it to be JUST moistened and JUST holding together in a cohesive mass. You may need less buttermilk to achieve this.

4. Dump mixture onto a floured surface and form (with floured hands) into a rectangle, about a couple inches thick and about 12 inches wide.

5. Using a knife, divide the dough into 16 equal pieces. Place on parchment lined baking sheets a few inches apart

6. Bake in your preheated oven for about 20-25 min, or until the top is firm to the touch when pressed with your finger and the edges and bottoms are slightly browned.

Za’atar Spice Blend

Za’atar - a middle eastern spice blend with LOTS of flavor and pizazz! Just mix these ingredients in a jar and keep around for inspired culinary moments. Amazing on eggs, hummus, and anything needing a pop of flavor.

• 2 Tbsp Cumin - toasted & ground

• 2 Tbsp Coriander - toasted & ground

• 2 Tbsp Thyme or Oregano

• 2 Tbsp Sumac

• 2 Tbsp Sesame seeds

• 1 tsp Kosher salt

Za’atar Roasted Carrots

Mix carrots with oil and spices, roast in a 375° oven until browned and fork tender, about 15 - 20 minutes. Cool before mixing with the dry scone mix.

• 3 cups Carrots, chopped small

• 2 Tbsp Olive oil

• 2 Tbsp Za’atar spice blend

Bakery Dreamin’

Two years ago, when the Gemini Bakery stopped being a notion and became an intention Bethel area residents and regular visitors started hankering. They waited patiently while Anna & Nicole totally repurposed the former Key Bank building on Main Street. Then, in December 2022 — just as the cool weather set in — the new ovens were fired up, the coffee beans were put through the grinders and the doors were opened, releasing the aroma of fresh goodies into the crisp late autumn air. And the community flocked to enjoy it. And the new team of dedicated bakers and servers marveled at the continuous line of customers. And the two very good friends who dreamed of this day many years ago as they worked together in the kitchen at the beloved Cafe DiCocoa were able — finally — to see their bakery dreams come true.

Photo credit: Stonetree Creative