Bethel Living Magazine, Issue #58, August / September 2023

Issue #58 August / September 2023

Bethel LIVING

Mainely Provisions

Comes to Bethel

Sunday River Farms with the McCrum Family

Ellis River Books in Andover, Maine

Food Pantry Update with Meryl Kelly

Mountain Social on Main Street

Seasonal Recipes:

Butternut Squash Coconut

Curry Soup,Ceviche and Strawberry Fields Gin Cocktail

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Publisher’s Note

Not a cloud in the high, bright blue skies of summer . . . that’s the way we remember it anyway. The muck boots of mud season still stand by the door as western Maine awaits the arrival of the long lazy (sunny) picnic days dreamt of during frigid February nights. In the meantime, get out to enjoy the season! It is the only one available.

In this issue you will read about the passing of the baton at the grocery store and the new home for the Bethel District Exchange and Food Pantry. Meet the McCrum Family of Sunday River Farms, go to Andover to visit Jacob and Denise at Ellis River Books and take a pause to enjoy delectable small plates and craft cocktails at Mountain Social — they offer up some wonderful recipes. Mark your calendar with happenings from the Events page!

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:

Siobhan Bogle from Maine Tinker Photography

Features Editor: Nate Scott

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

Laurie Ann Knowles PUBLISHER

A New Chapter for Bethel’s Independently Owned Grocery Store

by Meryl Kelly

For nearly a half century, Carl Glidden and his family have been the proud owners of the Bethel Foodliner on Main Street. As their time at the helm of this treasured community grocery store comes to a close their commitment to the Bethel community has taken its final form in the thoughtful selection of the store’s next owners. Carl and his daughter, Colleen Mccabe — who served as the store’s co-manager along with Debbie Swan, know the vital role this store holds for Bethel and the surrounding towns and they sought to pass the torch to a new family that could maintain the small town values and safeguard the accessibility they held dear during their 44 year tenure. As luck would have it the Gliddens found a capable match in serial entrepreneur Joe Christopher. Together with his three co-owners — partner Kim

Christopher, longtime business collaborator Ryan Rother and nephew Ben Christopher — he will be rebranding Gliddens into a second location of their popular Kingfield grocery store — Mainely Provisions.

Christopher, a self-made man, is a founding partner and president of Upward Management Group, which oversees an impressive stable of thriving businesses throughout Maine’s tourism/hospitality industry — purchasing properties and bestowing ownership stakes for key members of management at every turn. Rother’s retail expertise, developed as a corporate manager for the Safeway grocery store chain, made him a natural partner for Upward’s shift in focus from adventure tourism (rafting specifically) to the yearround community-oriented opportunities presented by the grocery business. In addition

to supporting Upward’s reopening of the Shipyard Brew Haus at Sunday River’s White Cap lodge, Rother has taken on the role of Head of Grocer and Convenience Businesses for both Mainely Provisions locations.

Adding to Glidden’s current staff, Joe’s nephew Ben will be onboarding as the store’s managing partner, working with Debbie to oversee day-to-day operations. Ben started his career in the corporate offices at Hannaford, which will promote an easy transition from the current business model as Mainely Provisions will continue with its Hannaford affiliation. In addition to offering affordable grocery essentials the new owners are aiming to enhance product quality — offering more ethnic, organic and diet-minded options, and rethinking the produce section to incorporate more locally grown products. The store will also operate as an agency liquor store with a wide selection of hand-selected wine, liquor and Maine brewed craft beer,

“A rising tide lifts all boats” is an aphorism Joe lives by when considering business decisions and though the success he has earned might trigger a corporate-tinged unease, at heart his company is a family run business and his staff is a welcome addition to that family. Joe is already entrenched within the Bethel area and will continue to step up for his employees and our community whenever possible. As a proud capitalist he understands that his businesses can’t thrive without good people and that “you can’t have the people you need,

if you can’t solve the problems they have.”

With this in mind he has started developing various properties throughout town to address the dire need for workforce housing. In their storefront Mainly Provisions is committed to maintaining a balance with the products they supply, keeping prices affordable while also offering a variety and quality of items that will appeal to locals and guests alike.

As we bid farewell to the Glidden family, we find ourselves at the end of an era but also

“

MAINLY PROVISIONS IS COMMITTED TO MAINTAINING A BALANCE WITH THE PRODUCTS THEY SUPPLY,KEEPING PRICES AFFORDABLE WHILE ALSO OFFERING A VARIETY AND QUALITY OF ITEMS THAT WILL APPEAL TO LOCALS AND GUESTS ALIKE.

on the brink of an exciting new chapter for our independently owned grocery store. While change in general may bring a mix of emotions, we can rest assured that we will be able to relish the small town atmosphere fostered by the dedicated staff of the former Foodliner. Among many others we will still have Lorraine at the register, Skylar stocking up produce and Barry with his friendly greetings — reminding us that growth and change do not have to disrupt the things we value most. To the Gliddens we express our heartfelt gratitude for their unwavering dedication, hard work and support of our community over the years. And to the Christophers, Welcome! Our community looks forward to seeing the growth and innovation a fresh perspective can bring.

Sunday River Farms

During the summer many, many cars cascade along Route 2, ferrying vacationers and wanderers across the width of Maine to Acadia National Park and our spectacular rocky coast. And the Irving gas station in the Mayville section of Bethel is positioned to attract a good number of those travelers. They pull in to fuel up, to stretch their legs and to gaze out over the farm fields to the east, where the Androscoggin River also streams to the coast on a journey all its own. Inside they may purchase some snacks for the trip — a bag of potato chips perhaps. And although they will never know it, the potatoes in that bag may have been grown in the very field they glanced over on their way across the parking lot. The world can

by Laurie Ann Knowles

be funny that way; simple on the surface, intricate below.

Similarly, the production of raw materials for that common bag of chips has become more interconnected and technical as the ascendance of processed foods requires ever greater uniformity. GPS systems attend to the planting, tending and harvest of the crop in real time throughout the growth cycle. Satellites and cell systems constantly monitor weather metrics to optimize plant hydration and yield. If everything goes well the FL-2137 cultivar (that’s the potato) will come out of the

ground nice and smooth — regularly formed with good shipping qualities and a high solids content; in essence, the perfect chip potato for making the perfect potato chip.

The McCrum family — the owners of that field out behind the Irving and many, many more like it — moved to Northern Maine from New Brunswick, Canada in 1875. County Super Spuds — the McCrum family business entity — farms 10,000 acres up in Mars Hill, with an additional 850 acres under cultivation in Bethel, Rumford, Andover and Gilead. They bought the large yellow Mayville farmhouse and surrounding fields in 2004 as part of a larger purchase from the Arthur Ladd family, who wanted the fields kept as they were — open for farming and agriculture, not filled up with cookie-cutter houses blocking the view to the river. Jon McCrum, a 5th generation potato

farmer, tends to the Oxford County arm of the McCrum potato empire, which operates as Sunday River Farms LLC. It’s hard work producing his share of the 120 million pounds of potatoes that County Super Spuds sends to market each year, with most of the Bethel crop going to Lays, Cape Cod and Utz to be turned into potato chips.

Modern farming may have some high tech bells and whistles but the challenges — which include drought, floods, finding laborers to work the harvest and a host of other hurdles — have been a part of farming since fields were first planted. It’s a year-round business with December through March taken up by maintenance chores on all the tractors, hauling trucks and other parts and pieces that go along with planting, tending and harvesting. Spring is time to bring in the seed, starting the

growing cycle once again. In Bethel, Jon grows two strains of potatoes, but In Aroostook the McCrums cultivate at least six, which vary from round potatoes for chips to russets for fries. All of the Bethel potatoes are chip potatoes; up north about 1/3 get harvested for french fries with the other 2/3 for chips. As soon as the potatoes are harvested they get washed, then shipped immediately to the plant for processing — sliced, fried and packaged. In Bethel, crops rotate between potatoes and corn, which is sold as cattle feed. All parts of the plants not harvested are shredded and turned back into the soil. In Northern Maine there isn’t enough heat to grow corn, so alfalfa is grown instead to sweeten the rocky Aroostook soil — so different from the

smooth and fertile soil composition found in the Sunday River Valley.

Jon and his wife Stevi have 3 boys ages 10, 8 and 6 and they all love being around the farm, with the boys showing interest in the business at a very young age. The family enjoys Bethel’s outdoor lifestyle with visits to Mt Abram’s Bike Park in the summer and skiing in the winter — mountain time is family time. Sunday River Farms is part of the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and donates chips for the football boosters, potatoes for fries and supports other sporting groups and events.

FMI about Sunday River Farms and McCrum visit www.penobscotmccrum.com or see them on Facebook at Sunday River Farms

by Laurie Ann Knowles

When the two worldly travelers Jacob Pitcher and Denise Moriba chose to settle down, plant roots and create an existence by design one of their first orders of business was tying the knot. The two met at the Museum of African Culture in Portland, which has on display New England’s largest collection of Sub-Saharan African tribal art. Denise had run a restaurant in Rwanda for a year and a half and Jacob had spent some time living in India and the UK. In keeping with their eclectic interests, the marriage ceremony at the Cataracts, a rugged hiking trail that accesses numerous pools and waterfalls along Frye Brook, was officiated by the late author Angelo Kaltsos — who summered in an offgrid cabin in Andover for about 30 years.

The newlyweds settled into their Andover home in 2015, softening the focus on their careers as they undertook the creation of a nurturing and educational environment for their two young children. By combining

the physical rigors of a small farm with the intellectual wonder of a used book store they hope to evoke the past and the present as inspirational forces. The kids love reading, while also expending plenty of energy tending to the sheep, lambs, rabbits and orchard on the family homestead.

With an inventory culled from the couple’s abundant personal book collection and expanded through their curious natures,

browsers at the shop will find used books about Maine and Maine history, books written by Maine authors like Anne Morin, homesteading guides, a large fiction section, children’s books, a section on UFOs and esoterica, shamanism, hypnosis, spirituality, magic and the paranormal. Located across from the Andover Covered Bridge, the shop is cozy and quaint, built foremost with the love

of books in mind. Among the many strange and interesting used books are occult tomes on witchcraft, many first editions and a hoard of old Saturday Evening Posts, all in a charming stockpile with something for everyone.

Ellis River Books is open from Memorial Day to Columbus Day from 10-2 Wednesday through Saturday.

FMI see them on Facebook at Ellis River Books, visit them at 864 South Main Street, Andover, call (207) 518-0428 or email ellisriverbooks@gmail.com

“ A GOOD BOOKSHOP IS JUST A GENTEEL BLACK HOLE THAT KNOWS HOW TO READ.

–TERRY PRATCHETT, GUARDS! GUARDS !

REUNITED: A New Home for the Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry

by Meryl Kelly

The Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry were founded together over 30 years ago with a mission of eliminating food and clothing insecurity in Western Maine. In 2004, Dave Bean joined the team as Food Pantry Director, working alongside many dedicated volunteers to support the organization through challenges and transitions. To best address the needs of the community, the District Exchange and Food Pantry became a 501C(3) organization in February 2012, appointing a Board of Directors to help nurture growth. Non-profit status opened up eligibility for various grants as well as partnerships with social service organizations like the Good Shepherd Food Bank. This crucial step laid the foundation for the significant strides happening now.

In 2014 a major stumbling block arose when their location, the former Ethel Bisbee School, became unavailable. This development physically split the two arms of this

organization, with the Food Pantry relocating to an expensive and challenging space in the basement of the Nazarene Church — while the District Exchange found a temporary home in the Bethel Park Apartments. Without a permanent location, the District Exchange was eventually forced to indefinitely close its doors. Finding a permanent location to reunite and reopen as a duo became a primary focus.

In 2021 a leadership restructuring saw long-time volunteer Mary McVey step into handling day-to-day operations at the Food Pantry, while Dave Bean moved into the role of Executive Director, facilitating big picture initiatives. After securing financing through a Genesis Fund loan and a $273,000 congressional appropriation sponsored by Senator Susan Collins, the divided programs were able to purchase a new facility located at 279 Walkers Mills Road, across the street from Telstar. This new location boasts ample space for a thoughtfully designed client choice

food marketplace, two long-term housing units and the long awaited reopening of the District Exchange, with Director Sue Lowe taking the lead. Dave Bean is now hard at work completing a majority of the construction on the Walkers Mill building, with hopes of getting the doors open to clients as soon as possible. With support from area construction companies the District Exchange and Food Pantry space should be ready by late summer, with additional projects being built out in manageable phases over the next year. Once the facilities are operational, Dave will shift his focus toward growing a robust and sustainable capital campaign. With a new operating budget estimated to be approximately $157,000 per year, the support of private donors and larger grants will remain crucial in continuing to offer hope and access to the over 15% of our county that experiences food insecurity, a number that balloons to 25.9% for local children.

The Bethel Area District Exchange and Food Pantry are embarking on an exciting

new chapter, reuniting under one roof to better serve the community. With expanded facilities, a dedicated team and the support of volunteers and donors, they are poised to make a substantial impact in eliminating food and clothing insecurity in Western Maine. Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient community for all.

To support this vital community service through donations or volunteering, please visit their website at https://bethelareafoodpantry.org/ or email Dave at ExecutiveDirector@Bethelareafoodpantry.org.

Mountain Social Kitchen & Bar with

Cody & Lina Gordon and Brian Weber

by Laurie Ann Knowles

Mountain Social on Main Street in Bethel is the newest installment in a family of restaurants operated by Brian Weber and Cody & Lina Gordon. Two of their three eating and drinking establishments are located in the popular tourist town of Bar Harbor, in Frenchman Bay on Mount Desert Island. Their first restaurant — Leary’s Landing Irish Pub — is a classic Irish pub featuring a large selection of whiskey, many beers on tap, fish & chips, shepherd’s pie, prime rib sandwiches, burgers and pub food galore. The trio’s second act was creating Project Social, which eschews entrées in favor of small-plates, giving guests the opportunity to delight in lots of different dishes in a social and collaborative setting. Small plates are often made to accompany matching alcoholic beverages, pairing up for a delightful gastronomic experience.

Modeled after Project Social, Mountain Social on Main Street offers seasonal craft cocktails, select wines and delicious small plates such as beef or lamb sliders, scallops and risotto, a rich lamb bolognese and savory duck tacos. The kale and brussels sprout salad is shaved, then piled high in a stack with toasted cashews, tuxedo sesame and a miso vinaigrette. The butternut squash coconut curry soup — a favorite of local fans — features sumac pepitas, toasted pumpkin seed oil and a snappy hot kick. Small plate recipes go back and forth between the two “Socials” as they share inspiration based on customer feedback. Intense, unique flavor combinations on small plates offer the chance for comparison between the sweetness of scallops and the richness of a puree, the freshness of a homemade bruschetta and the hardiness of an oxtail toast — delighting diners who seek out something more than the standard fare. Brian’s international touches from South America, Italy, Mexico, the Mediterranean and Eastern Europe generate a host of palate pleasing options.

Cody’s influence is felt mostly in the novel offerings on their cocktail menu, as well as the unique selection of fresh juices, herbs and summery delights. A ‘Midnight’ is made with blackberry and thyme infused reposado style tequila, finished with cointreau and lime. A ‘Pineapple Express’ has grilled pineapple infused mezcal, cayenne simple syrup and vanilla bean foam. ‘Strawberry Fields’ brings strawberry and basil infused gin, Domain de Canton and lemon to fantastic heights. And there are so many more. With all of these zesty detonations entertaining your flavor receptors Mountain Social creates an uncommon dining experience rounded out with fantastic service in a great location.

Lina Gordon, Cody’s wife, loves the Bethel area as much as she adores Bar Harbor. Lina grew up in Bulgaria and worked alongside the Black Sea during college, then came to Bar Harbor where she met Cody. Now Lina manages the bookkeeping, taxes, business ops, website and social media for all three businesses. Seventy employees keep their restaurants humming. With Kelly Glover as general manager and Mitchell Webster as kitchen manager here in Bethel, there are always friendly faces, professional service and a pleasing atmosphere.

As exciting as the opening of Mountain Social is for these innovative restaurateurs, it’s even better for their customers, as they delight in a constantly creative whirlwind of epicurean glee. Visit soon to enjoy some small plates and creative cocktails at the new Mountain Social on Main Street in Bethel.

Find Mountain Social Kitchen & Bar at 43 Main Street in Bethel. Call (207) 381-6354, visit them on Facebook at Mountain Social Kitchen & Bar, and email info@socialbethel.com

Summer Recipes from Mountain Social

Butternut Squash

Coconut Curry Soup

INGREDIENTS

• Onions (rough chop) 1200g

• Garlic (rough chop) 40g

• Shallots (chopped) 30g

• Olive Oil 60g

• Butternut Squash (rough chop) 6.1kg

• Carrots(peeled/ ½ “ coins) 1.7kg

• Veg Stock 4-8Qts (Separated into 2 x 4Qts)

• Maple Syrup 450g

• Smoked Paprika 10g

• Nutmeg 4g

• Cinnamon 4g

• Allspice 10g

• Cayenne Pepper 4g

• Kosher Salt 40g

• Curry Paste (Yellow) 125g

• Coconut Milk 8x12floz Cans

DIRECTIONS

1. Heat oil in large pot, add Onions/Garlic/Shallots and sweat until translucent. ADD Squash/Carrots and cook additional 10 minutes.

2. ADD 4 Qts Stock to just barely cover Squash/Onions/Shallots. ADD all remaining ingredients EXCEPT Coconut Milk. Bring to a boil then simmer over medium heat until ingredients are tender (Approx. 60-90 Minutes). Remove 4 Qts broth and reserve.

3. Once tender REMOVE from heat and ADD Coconut Milk. Make sure burner is off or it will separate if it boils. PUREE with immersion blender until completely smooth. Add 4 Qts ‘reserved’ broth from earlier to thin, if needed. Add more Veg Stock to reach desired consistency, if needed.

4. Check seasoning and adjust with additional S&P, if necessary.

5. Garnish with Toasted Pumpkin Seed Oil/Toasted Pumpkin Seeds (Pepitas), Parsley/Mint fine chopped and edible Marigolds.

“Strawberry Fields”

INGREDIENTS

• 1 pack strawberries – cut off tops and cut in halves

• 15 basil leaves

• Combine into 64floz Mason Jar

• Top jar w/ Fords Gin

• Close jar and let sit for 2 days

• Strain into bottle

TO MAKE COCKTAIL

1. 2.25 oz Strawberry & basil infused Fords Gin

2. .75 oz Domaine de Canton

3. .5 oz fresh lemon juice

4. Prep: Shake all with ice. Strain

5. Glass: Coupe or similar stem

6. Garnish: basil float

Aguachile Ceviche

INGREDIENTS

Shrimp:

• Shrimp 5 Lb (Tail Removed/Cut in 3rds)

• Fresh Lime Juice As Needed To Cover

• Salt 1 Tbs

• Garlic (Minced) 2 Tbs

• Red Onion (Sm Dice) ½ C

• Cilantro (Fine Chopped) ½ C

Marinade:

• Garlic 2 Tbs

• Cilantro 2 C (Packed)

• Jalapenos 8 Each (Will vary based on heat of pepper/season etc.)

• Lime Juice 2 C

• Salt 2 Tbs

DIRECTIONS

1. Rinse and Process Shrimp to remove tail. Add Lime Juice/Cilantro/Red Onions/Garlic/Salt. Allow to soak/”cook” in Lime Juice for 2-4 hours. Drain Lime juice/liquid when color has changed.

2. To Make Marinade combine all ingredients from Marinade section in blender and blitz. “Pulse” when blending to ensure flecks of Cilantro remain visible. Reserve.

3. Pour Agua Chile marinade over Shrimp/Cilantro/Red Onion Mix and refrigerate allowing flavors to marry.

4. To serve Individually: Portion 4 oz mix in small glass bowl. Top with 4 slices Red Onion/3 Slices Fresno Pepper/3 Slices Jalapeno Pepper/4 slices Cucumber (cut 1/2s) / 3 slices Watermelon Radish and 2 springs Cilantro Leaves. Serve with Corn Tortilla Chips.

5. To serve for a Group: Pour Agua Chile into large glass bowl. Top with Red Onions/Fresno Pepper/Jalapeno Pepper/Cucumber/ Watermelon Radish and Cilantro Leaves. Serve with Corn Tortilla Chips.

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LOCAL Events

August & September Events

MILLBROOK CRAFT SERIES

Thursdays - August 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 – 1pm at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, 10 Broad Street.

Please join us each week as a local artist or artisan will demonstrate and discuss their chosen craft or trade. Free and open to the public. August 3: Jim Oliver, Woodworking; August 10: Elina Sh, Painting; August 17: Lizz Peacock, Stained Glass; August 24th Pat Cherella and Suzanne, Spinning. Bethelhistorical.org 207-824-2908

Aug. 1-8: Bethel Rotary Yard Sale The grassy lot next to The Gem Theater. This multi-day event starts Tuesday, the 1st through Monday, the 7th. Shoppers are welcomed at any time from dawn to dusk. You’re in for a treat and lots of treasures - all while helping out the community! Bethelrotary.org

Aug. 4-5: 42nd Annual Andover Olde Home Days Andover Town Common. Live music Friday evening on the gazebo, with festivities Saturday morning with a cookie walk, craft vendors, a parade, the famous lawn mower races, antique tractor pull, a photo contest, classic car display, and food vendors all day long. 207-357-2647

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

Aug. 13: Monarch Festival Valentine Farm Conservation Center, 162 North Rd, Bethel. Join us from 11am-4pm for the annual Monarch Festival — a celebration of one of Maine’s favorite garden visitors. It is a free, family friendly event offering monarch tagging, garden tours and talks, a wildlife presentation, children’s story time, BAAM’s art activity, art/craft vendors, lunch, raffle, scavenger hunt, lawn games, and more! mahoosuc.org

Aug. 17-20: 44th Annual New England Trappers Weekend – 760 East Bethel Road, Bethel. Traditional Maine represented by trapping and hunting demonstrations, contests, stories, music, auction, kids’ events, dance, and more! Family-friendly fun! 207-875-5765.

Sept. 2: Maine Goes Gold for Childhood Cancer Bethel Town Common. Always on Labor Day weekend, come enjoy this fun event from 11am-8pm this year with kid-friendly games, food vendors, music, and the live calendar draw. Rain or Shine. Proceeds to benefit families affected by childhood cancer. haileyhugs.org, 281-917-5331

Sept. 10: Mahoosuc Art & Agriculture Tour 12-4pm. Enjoy an outing with friends and family to explore the bounty of Western Maine. Join us Sunday afternoon to tour local family farms and enjoy the Mahoosuc’s

rich agricultural and artistic offerings. Meet local artists, support local food producers, and enjoy tasty specialties of the region. The $20 per vehicle ticket includes a map to the open house sites, descriptions of the activities, and a range of special offers, discounts, and promo codes from Mahoosuc businesses. Learn more and purchase tickets at tinyurl. com/maat2021

Sept. 11: The Inaugural Community Concepts Golf Tournament The Poland Spring Resort. Join us for our first golf tournament scramble with a 9am shotgun start. Community Concepts fosters opportunities for individuals, families, and communities. All funds raised support our work in Androscoggin, Oxford, and Franklin counties. www.ccimaine. org, 207-515-3930

Sept. 16: Bethel Harvestfest Bethel Town Common. An old-fashioned fun fall festival with arts & crafts, farmers’ market area, Maine baked potato booth, burgers & dogs, apple pie contest, live music, wagon rides, and kids’ activities. Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. bethelharvestfest.com, 800-442-5826

September 16: Brew Fest – Sunday River: A craft beer event in the mountains, featuring as many as 100 beer & cider selections from around Maine, plus live music, food trucks, and scenic chairlift rides. sundayriver.com. 800-543-2754.

Sept 17: BETHEL - West Parish Congregational Church will host the annual CROP Walk (Communities Respond to Overcome Poverty) around the village of Bethel to raise money for the work of Church World Service (75%) and the Bethel Food Pantry (25%). The day begins with an ecumenical church service on the Bethel Common at 10:00 AM followed by educational stations regarding food insecurity locally and globally. FMI 207-824-2689 email jane.h.chandler@gmail.com and crophungerwalk.org

Sept. 22: Loose Boots Golf Scramble The Bethel Resort & Suites. Bring a friend to participate in this annual fund raiser to play golf, enjoy a BBQ, contests, prizes, and more. All abilities welcome. Support the Mt. Abram Ski Club, a non-profit organization providing education and scholarships related to snow sports for the youth in Western Maine. skiclub@mtabram.com

Sept. 28 - 30: 33rd Maine Mountains Jeep Jamboree. Our challenging trails, the beautiful New England fall setting, and the awesome trail guides are just a few of the reasons why this event is so popular. On Saturday at 9am, come see over 180 Jeeps parade through the town of Bethel. Information at jeepjamboreeusa.com/trip/maine-mountains, 530-333-4002

SATURDAY MARKET ON MAIN STREET 2023

WHERE: Methodist Church Lawn 79 Main Street Bethel

WHEN: May 27 -June 17 - July 1 - July 15

August 19 - September 2 - September 16

October 7

Time: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

This Market is a Community Event. Our goal is to bring folks within the Community together while providing a venue for non-profit and artisans groups to network and get their mission/product out within the Community

There will be Re-Pant bags for sale which benefits the Food Pantry and Smile Fund. Local artisans/crafters will also join the Saturday Market.

At the Saturday Market will be a collection table set up as a drop off site for items for the Bethel Food Pantry Toiletries, household items, feminine products and baby supplies are in need.

HOPE YOU CAN JOIN US!