August / September Bethel Living 2016

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Bethel LIVING FREE • Issue 16 August / September 2016

Frank & Janie Vogt The Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiative Enrico, Dani & Helena Ronci of Jolly Drayman & Briar Lea Inn Beth Bielat’s Mainely Women’s Weekend

Gneiss Spice & The Gem Theater with Beth & Wade Harvest Gold Gallery in Center Lovell PLUS a Listing of Local Events

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

Antique Timberframe Sunday River Road

Mountain Trail Views Timber Creek Village

Sunday River Inn $338,500 $499,000

The Victoria Inn $459,000 $799,000

8 Bedroom B&B Newly Remodeled $599,000 Exceptional Home

Custom Birch Woods Home $384,900

Littlehale Road, W. Paris $275,000

$550,000

Hutchinson Pond Waterfront $339,000

Spacious Log Home $324,999

Riverfront - 5BR, 6 acre Commercial & Residential $365,000

Gehring Green Townhomes $445,000

Hanover Pines $269,900

Lakeview Chalet $244,000

Timber Frame Ski House Sunday River Road $459,000

​Round Pond - Brand New!​ 4 Bedrooms/3 Bath​

4 Bdrm. Mountainside Chalet $519,000

Great Vacation Home! $297,500

South Pond Shores $309,000

Exceptional Village Area Home $349,000

Village Area 2-Unit $250,000

Breathtaking Lake Views $349,000

Commercial Main St., Bethel $499,000

Mt Abram Ski House $269,000

South Pond Access $450,000

Red House Farm Village $349,900

4 Bedroom Chalet $359,000

Will View Ski House $319,000

Minutes to Mtn! - Will View $294,900

Log Cabin - Water Access $259,000

Andover Ranch $105,000

Viking Village - Ski in/out $629,000

Beautiful Village Home $569,000

$549,000

Skiway Views 4 bedroom New! $345,000 Sunday River Road

Sunday River Post & Beam $270,000

Waterfront Ski Home $349,000

Norseman Inn & Motel $1,249,000

Log Home - 18 Acres $325,000

$449,900

South Pond Shores Cabin $329,000

Private Log Sided Chalet $339,000

4 Bdrm Southern Exposure $295,000

South Pond Shores Chalet $310,000

South Pond Shores $255,000

New 4 Bdrm Chalet - Views!

Under Construction $317,500

4 Bed/Water Access $295,500

Birch Woods Chalet $296,000

Ideal Ski House $264,000

Minutes to the Mountain New! Philbrick Place - Retail $324,500

Beautiful Historic Inn $649,000

Private Log Home - 9 Acres $249,000

Mountain Area Vacation Home $252,900

Bethel Inn Condo $299,000

South Pond Shores $299,000

Great Location Sunday River $275,000

Intervale Road Cape $225,000

Beautiful Waterfront Home $349,900

Twitchell Brook Condo $259,000

Now is the time to buy.

3 Bedroom Chalet Bethel $229,000

Horse Farm - Views $325,000

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

6 Unit In-Town Bethel $579,000

New! Bethel Chalet $364,500

Unique Waterfront Property $360,000

Log Sided Chalet $220,000

Waterfront Cabin $159,900

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

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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

Opera House Condo $89,000

Village Area New! $209,900

Lake Christopher $154,500

Ski & Boat Waterfront $200,000

New Ski House $350,000

Carriage House Condo $158,900

Log Cabin ~ 14+- Acres $198,000

2 Family $145,000

Adorable Woodstock Bungalow $155,700

Eden Ridge Condos $159,000+

Slopeside Condos $68,900+

Cabin & 18 Acres $129,000

Riverbend Condos! $105,000+

Songo Pond Road $129,000

Riverfront Mill $229,000 Introducing The Pines Condominiums, a 38 unit development near the base of Sunday River Ski Resort. Consisting of 8 buildings, spread out over 38 acres with access to the Sunday River.

These well appointed townhouse units consist of 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, full Kitchens, spacious Great Finished Units Room with fireplace, Master suite and Mudroom.

starting at

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Mt. Abram Condo $75,000

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4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths Sleeps 12 From $1600/week

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Mountain View Chalet

Bear River Log Cabin

Merrill Brook Condo

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths Sleeps 12 Nov - April $21,500

3 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Sleeps 9 Nov - April $13,500

On Mountain • Sleeps 8 2 Bedrooms, 2 Baths Nov - April $20,000

Clark Street

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4 Bedrooms, 3.5 Baths Sleeps 12 Nov - April

4 Bedrooms, 3 Baths Sleeps 12 From $500/night

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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

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Please call or e-mail for local and out-of-town rates

Portland Jetport/Train and Bus Station Boston/Logan/Manchester

159 Mayville Road (Rt. 2), Bethel • 824-0309

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

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Publisher’s Note As I write this note, summer is in full swing.

Kayaks, canoes, bikes and boats are seen on and/or behind the many vehicles traveling through town. Camp sites are bustling and the mountains are green and lush, offering hiking, exploration, bike rides and the chance

Websites, Print Marketing & More

Bethel LIVING

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Issue 8 FAL FREE •

Bethel G LIVIN

Updates at the Sunday n Rich DickinsoCo. uise Brewing LoRiver oftalked with Ron Savage about HomeWe

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FOREST LODG

Maine Moose Lottery & Festival RIGHT HERE!! In Bethel, Maine

N MAINE IN UPTO

the Savage Companies, and the

importance of Community & Family

June 12-14, 2015

to bask in nature’s abundance. That is, after

FREE • Issue 9 WINTER 2015

l Societye l Historica tern Main The Bethe from Wes Exhibits Region

Mt Abram

Bethel Bait, Tackel & More

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Even Mt Washing Using lessspower to make more snow News, and the tfitter & New Ou technology for playground sustainability Orion lights vice Dinner De k Guide Sering & Getting n Harvesttinis • Broiled Miso Stea ily , Fish Maine Mineral & Gem Museum Hunting PLUS a Listing ofFam Local Events Autum le Mar Fournier med Corn with the ed Crea rbon Map

With Sarah Lane and Jeremy Fredette Guns, ammo, fishing gear and more!

all, why so many of us visit and live in this area

doorsthe Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce OutFrom

Plans for expansion are in the works!

Fall Upcoming Events FREE & the Festivals

— the opportunity to enjoy a bit of the wild.

Bou ps • Spic t Puddling ese Cris Bleu Che • Butternu ot Salad Kale & Carr

• Issue 10 SPRING

2015

The Local

from ins Reports Jessie Perk r Chambe Bethel Area

enwood elle Hub in Gre Dara & Mich with

Fresh &

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Local • Prod

Also in this issue, Bethel Living brings you an account of a lovely octogenarian couple

Amanda Moran

’s

Edible Main Stree t

who have spent much of their lives here as

Visit Norway, Maine

they worked, played, made a home, and

Check out Tucker’s Pub!

loved each other and their family. We profile

Greenhouse & Gard ’s ens

Anna Sysko

the area’s comprehensive aging-in-place

Bethany and Wade recap the resurrection of The Gem Theater: it’s more than a place to see movies. Harvest Gold in Center Lovell

L VA

INE The

BETHEL MA

2015

Honor the Brave Flag

Y OSE LOTTER

B

& MO

dly A family-frien brating weekend cele

space inside and outside of the Inn.

adventure, relaxation and spirit sharing.

O S E F E S TI

Listing of Area Even ts

of the Jolly Drayman on future plans for more

be offering exercise, health classes, music,

June 12-14,

TIVAL MOOSE FES MO

initiative, then check in with the new owners

Beth Bielat’s Mainely Women’s Weekend will

Western Maine’s Fly Fishing Expo

L MAIN E HE ET 2015

ING EVERYTH

MOOSE!

Laurie K. Gilbert • 207.838.4447

INSIDE

ival Map dule & Fest Event Sche el & Do in Beth What to See ting Wildlife & Hun e Main tern Wes in

PRESENTED

www.royalrivergraphics.com

BY

WITH SUPPOR

T FROM

c o m e f e s t . e m o o s l m a i n b e t h e

laurie@royalrivergraphics.com

tells us how they feature local art. And as usual, we offer the event listings to keep you up to speed with what’s going on!

I’m so grateful to my production

team,

my

contributors, my advertisers and my wonderful family.

Bethel Living is a delight

“Where To Eat” New York Times, January 2013

Pet-Friendly Rooms • Three Unique Dining Options

to produce. Now, go out and enjoy all the summer fun this amazing area has to offer!

Laurie Gilbert Publisher

Bethel Living is trademarked and owned by Laurie Gilbert. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is prohibited. Bethel Living is made possible by the participation of our advertisers. We offer them our thanks and ask you to consider them first when patronizing businesses in the Bethel, Maine area.

Cover photo credit: M Dirk MacKnight

A Bethel Legend Since 1986 Voted 2014 Best bar menu and beer selection Open 11.30 daily for lunch, dinner and late night Live Music Thursday-Saturday 8 pm

At The Sudbury Inn Great Brasserie food plus Sudbury Inn classics in our gorgeous bar room, fireside, or on our scenic porch Open from 5:30 pm Fri – Sat for dinner and cocktails

Features Editor: Nate Scott Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Gilbert for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com

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

5

Frank & Janie Vogt

There was a time here in Maine between WWI and WWII when the rumor of a young girl sporting a white two-piece bathing suit (white!) was enough to spur a young man to travel up to Norway Lake just to see the sight.

Apparently, the trip was worth it because the curious boy and the daring girl married, had a family and now — 74 years later — they can reflect back on a full life in Bethel and the way they helped to shape our Western Mountain community.

Janet Shepard, “Janie” as she was known back in 1942, grew up working at Shepard’s Camps, the family business 6

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

which once thrived down along Norway Lake. Consisting of 14 rustic camps nestled among the pines and birch along this serene inland sea, Shepard’s was the place for well-to-do families from away to spend their summers.

The service lodge offered 3 meals a day to their guests and was quite a bustling place in the ‘20s, ‘30s and ‘40s.

Frank Vogt, born in 1926, the same year as Janie, lost his father as an infant and was raised by his Holyoke, MA high school teacher / coach Uncle Dan Regan, the man who brought Frank to Norway at age 9 for a two week vacation, creating a strong desire to live in Maine and

changing Frank’s life forever. As “Frankie” aged into his teens, the annual 2-week vacation grew to several months, and by age 16 he was working at Cumming’s Dowel Mill, becoming more of a Norway summer fixture. Leaving the city of Holyoke behind and moving to Maine for good was his dream.

One warm summer afternoon, Frank and his friends headed up to swim at Shepard’s Camps in search of table girls (waitresses) and the young woman in the bathing suit.

Frank and Janie met, he was completely smitten, and the rest is history. His Uncle Dan saw to it that Frank attend

Deerfield Academy and he joined the Navy directly after graduation, worked in a flight tower, then went on to Middlebury College to earn a BA in English. Janie went to Colby-Sawyer but had to return home to help her mother after her father passed away; life was difficult due to the privations of World War II. After college, Frank helped coach football, direct drama and taught English at Bridgton Academy for six years. While there Janie was dorm mother, librarian, and managed the dining hall and Frank and Janie got married and started a family. They moved down to Worcester Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

7

Academy for two years, until an opportunity opened up at Gould Academy. The young and expanding Vogt family moved to Bethel, where Frank taught for twenty-two years, coached the cross-country team, and teamed up with then Music Director Jim Owens to put on Brigadoon, Carnival and Camelot all while helping Janie raise their five children.

In 1982, Frank left Gould and was enshrined in the Gould Academy Athletic Hall of Fame. The Vogts moved from a home on the edge of campus to their current home by the Bethel Common, a shift of less than a quarter mile.

The past 34 years since leaving Gould have flown by in a whirlwind of family and gardening, fly fishing and visits with the grandchildren. Dinner on many Fridays was delivered straight from the local waterways, carried home in a well-used creel. Special to him was his comic companionship with Stan Fox, his fly-fishing and canoeing “persecutor” of 30 years, during which time Frank penned “The Fox and the Grasshopper” as many readers may recall. In her new home Janie’s green thumb has resulted in amazing gardens that have been visited and appreciated by hundreds. Other dear friends Aldro French of Forest Lodge and Mac Davis have become close companions and often share discussions of current world affairs as they reminisce at the threshold of age. Frank and Janie are cared for by their 5 children: Dan, Cathy, Susan, Amy and Laurie, as well as many grandchildren.

Finally, Frank’s lifetime of service, to both his country and generations of students, has been capped by a devotion to the land itself through active participation in the Mahoosuc Land Trust, the Western Foothills Land Trust and a 12 year stint on the Bethel Planning Board.

He was also president of the Lakes Association of Norway, assistant scout leader of Troup 535, board member of the early Bethel Family Health Center, and a charter member of the Nordic Maine Handicapped Program (now Maine Adaptive). The Vogts have created a beautiful life here in our corner of the world — and left their mark in the most significant of ways.

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Davis Mountain Builders

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TIMBER CREEK VILLAGE

TIMBER CREEK VILLAGE Located only minutes from the Bethel village, Timber Creek Subdivision has mountain views of Sunday River Ski Resort and the White Mountains. Lots range in size from 1.47 acres to 3.37 acres.

Lot boundaries were strategically placed to provide privacy to each homesite. Driveways are roughed in, building envelopes have been cleared, lots have been surveyed and soil tested.

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

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

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

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

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

www.savagecontracting.com

Maine Street Realty & Rentals We want to work for you

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(207) 592-9614 Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

11

The Age-Friendly Community Initiative “I could not, at any age, be content to take my place by the fireside and simply look on. Life was meant to be lived. Curiosity must be kept alive.”

— Eleanor Roosevelt Over the past year the local towns of Bethel, Newry, Woodstock and Greenwood have joined the AARP Network of Age-Friendly Communities, a loose confederation of municipalities working toward making their areas a great place for people of all ages.

While the AARP is best known as a senior citizen interest group, this initiative — run in conjunction with the World Health Organization — seeks to benefit everyone through the lens of improving life for the elder population. By encouraging older residents to stay active in their towns the AARP hopes to tap into their accumulated wisdom in addressing issues relating to housing, food security, fraud alert, community engagement, volunteering and social inclusion.

“Our ultimate goal, after all, is not a good death but a good life to the very end.”

— Atul Gawande Nancy Davis, who writes a weekly column on aging in the Bethel Citizen, along with her friends Al and Jackie Cressy found inspiration to move the community forward after reading a book

by Atul Gawande entitled Being Mortal: Medicine and What Matters in the End. Also, their participation in a series of free programs entitled

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

“To Your Health”, offered through our local Senior College — part of SAD #44’s Adult Education program, operated out of Telstar High School — opened their eyes to the importance of quality experiences as we age, not simply surviving.

Mahoosuc Heart & Soul is a way to include everyone’s voice in shaping our communities. Over the course of this two-year project, the Mahoosuc Heart & Soul Coordinator and Action Teams will collect stories from residents and visitors in the towns of Bethel, Greenwood, Newry and Woodstock as a way to understand what matters most to community members. These stories and values will lead to a series of action steps identified by participants that will be carried out by towns, individuals, nonprofit organizations, ad-hoc groups, businesses, and others.

The surrounding townships will be encouraged to participate, as well. Keep your eye out for Mahoosuc Heart & Soul events beginning later in 2016. For more information, contact Amy Scott, BANC, amyscott@ bethelmainenonprofits.org, 207-357-3189. To learn more about the Community Heart & Soul process, visit: www.orton.org.

“It’s paradoxical that the idea of living a long life appeals to everyone, but the idea of getting old doesn’t appeal to anyone.”

— Andy Rooney

Improving senior living conditions ultimately helps everyone, since everyone wants to live a long life.

Some long range plans in the Bethel area include a community center, a volunteer coordinator, an area resource directory of senior services and activities, a daily-call and/or check-in system, improved public safety in pedestrian areas, handicapped accessible nature trails and expanded services from Meals on Wheels.

Even though the future seems far away, it is actually beginning right now.

— Mattie Stepanek The AARP Age-Friendly Community Initiative is a chance for everyone to improve other peoples lives — and their own future as well.

FMI contact Al Cressy ajcressy@megalink.net, (207) 824-0508 or Nancy Davis nancydavis.bethel@gmail.com, (207) 824-2355

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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A Bit of Britain in Bethel & More…

By Cheryl Gillespie

One of our favorite Bethel landmarks changed hands about five months ago. My husband and I both love the Briar Lea Inn and the Jolly Drayman Pub just the way it is. With the usual trepidation of a true Central Mainer who hates change, I set forth to meet the new owners on a Saturday morning in early July.

Enrico opened the door of the pub porch and invited me in before I had a chance to knock. When we entered the comfortable foyer, he waved his hand around the room and announced, “We love it here!” My heart melted. His wife Dani asked me to sit down on a comfortably worn couch by the fireplace. Over coffee and warm blueberry muffins, it wasn’t long before I was completely taken with these enthusiastic “out-of-staters.”

Dani and Enrico Ronci are a handsome, charming couple at retirement age from southern California. They came looking to settle into a retirement project. Dani is tall and professional with expertise in business and marketing. Enrico emigrated from Italy many years ago and spent years as a contractor, working with the renowned architect Ronald G. Firestone. They are full of outstanding ideas to enhance their new acquisition while constantly expressing a wish to preserve the unique flavor of the inn and pub, and show respect for their place in the community.

Dani explained that their co-owner and daughter Helena had 16

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

found the property by working with a realtor who specialized in inns and B&Bs. Friday night my husband and I had settled into the larger of two dining rooms and peeked over the pub menu. The walls are covered with pictures and lights that advertise English beers such as Dirty Dick’s and Arrogant Bastard ale and Tetley tea. Builtin cupboards host English china. A small replica of a red British phone booth houses condiments. From the dining room, you can see the bar area which is also decorated with British pub items.

I finally decided on a Monty Python ale; my husband ordered an Old Speckled Hen ale. Both were good. For dinner I had cottage pie which was delicious and of such a generous portion that I asked for a to-go container. My husband had bangers and mash. We split a Jolly sundae for dessert and very much enjoyed our dinners.

On other occasions we have enjoyed appetizers such as spring rolls and fried pickles. I like their Wellies dish. My husband has tried and liked the chicken korma from their Jolly Indian dishes.

The Duke is a wonderful char-grilled burger that we’ve had. The menu, that is designed to resemble a newspaper called The Jolly Good Times, has mixed drinks and wines, plus “softies” like ginger beer. We have also stayed at one of the rooms at the inn and found

the experience reminiscent of a trip to Britain.

I continued to sit with Dani and Enrico as they talked about their plans for the future. I could easily visualize their dreams as Dani described their projects. They want to keep the British pub in the front but expand out the back to add another dining area.

They are thinking of another kitchen and bar. Out back there would be Italian dishes served. They talked of real Italian pizza and appetizers. Dani has learned that the restaurant was originally an Italian place before being turned into the pub, and she talked about serving crepes which are not just for breakfast she reminded me.

One of the best ideas they have is to create a back entrance to the place for customers who would like to arrive on snowmobiles, cross country skis, or snowshoes, where customers could be greeted by a warm fire pit. The Roncis would also like to add additional rooms to the inn. Dani talks of adding a spa and smiles at Enrico when she does. Obviously, his expertise in marblework in California will come in handy. So, they plan to keep the British ambience and add a strong European or Italian flavor to the place as well.

The Jolly Drayman presently hosts the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance bimonthly and would love to have other groups, including small weddings. Dani thinks about having a tea.

They are hoping to do après ski happy hours from three to five.

One of their waitresses presently displays her handmade jewelry at the pub, and Dani would love to invite more artists to do this as well.

I departed full of excitement over the knowledge and vision the Roncis exuded. I was anxious to relate to my husband that our favorite haunt was in good hands. You can visit the Briar Lea Inn and Jolly Drayman Pub at 150 Mayville Road on Route 2, nestled between the Norseman Motel and Timberlakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Home Store on your way to or from Sunday River Ski Area. Best of luck in all your ventures, Dani, Helena, and Enrico!

FMI call 207-824-4717 and visit briarleainn.com

Cheryl Gillespie is a retired English teacher who is pursuing writing as a second career. She writes memoir, fiction, and poetry. Visit and like her latest anthology project at http:// tinyurl.com/gqfu88s.

Photo Credit the Bethel Citizen Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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HOME isn’t just where the heart is. Shared branching

means that “home” is anywhere there is a credit union.

At Oxford FCU you can complete a range of transactions anywhere you go! Credit Unions share their branches so you can access your finances when you are visiting, working, at college, or wherever you might be. There are over 170 Shared Branches in Maine and 5400+ nationwide, with all those shared branches, Oxford FCU is 225 River Road • Mexico

always nearby!

54 Fair Street • Norway 1.800.991.9219

oxfordfcu.org Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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presented by Beth Bielat and her fun-loving, inspirational staff Nature, Sisterhood, Wellness & Fun A Weekend Getaway on September 8 - 11 Photo Credit: Craig Shaknis

Over the last decade Joan Lunden from the Good Morning America Show and her personal trainer, Beth Bielat, have hosted “Camp Reveille” in Naples, Maine. After a marvelous, lifeenhancing ten year run at Camp Takajo, Beth has decided to move the fiesta of fitness, fun and healing to the Bethel area. The new “Women’s September Retreat” is a celebration of sisterhood, nature, health and nurturing.

Attendees mix and match a full slate of activities to create an R&R get-away, a fitness extravaganza or a nature adventure camp. The retreat staff works to ensure that every participant has a unique and fulfilling adventure.

Set in the well-appointed Jordan Hotel at beautiful Sunday River Ski Resort, guests of Mainely Women can thrill to zip lines, bungee jumping, climbing walls and gondola rides. A Friday morning paddle down the Androscoggin River offers lush natural vistas. Saturday’s adventure is a guided hike on the Appalachian Trail in spectacular Grafton Notch.

About LifeBreath™ Beth has been studying breathing techniques and meditation for many decades. Twenty-five years ago she created her own breathing technique called LifeBreath™ and it is both life changing and magical.

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

LifeBreath™ is a high level transformational self-help tool that affects the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual well-being of its practitioners. It is used to create radiant health, energy, endurance, and enhanced physical performance. It is also a tool for pain management, and helps expedite the healing process.

LifeBreath assists practitioners in creating focus and clarity, as well as letting go of stress and tension. Emotional well-being and even spiritual connection are enhanced by the practice of deep breathing and focused concentration developed through LifeBreath ™.

What people are saying . . .

“LifeBreath has changed my life!”

“I didn’t know that going to a retreat would change my whole life. Beth and her staff were awesome ~ I’ll never be the same. We all had a blast!”

“There are no words that can explain how powerful the weekend was. Thank you.”

FMI on Beth or to register: call 207-310-0626, email Beth@mainelywomen.com or visit Mainelywomen.com

For the outer you: • Yoga • Pilates • Group Fitness classes (like “flabby arms be gone” and “I want my waist back” and HIIT) • Zumba • Aqua Zumba

Indoor fun: • Chakra Dance ™ • Rock and Roll Dance Party • Jewelry Making

Outdoor fun: • Hiking • Paddling • Healthy Eating & Lifestyle • Drumming with Inanna

Photo Credit: Craig Shaknis

For the inner you: • LifeBreath™ • Introduction to Chakras • Meditation • Reiki • Life Readings • Sound Healing

Beth Bielat • 35 years as a fitness professional

• World Karate Union Hall of Fame

• 47 years as a Martial Artist

• 7th degree black belt

• 25 years as a Life Coach

• Martial Arts Women of the year 2013

and Certified Nutritional Counselor

• National Fitness Trainer of the year nominee 2013

• LifeBreath Institute, Founder

• Fitness Professional and manager at the Ocean

• Bushido Karate Dojo and Fitness Center, Founder

Reef Club, Key Largo Florida (Voted the number

• Author and Speaker

one healthiest club in America in 2014)

• Tai Chi / Chi Kung Instructor

• Fitness Director for Joan’s Camp Reveille

• Group Exercise Videos

• Mainely Women, Founder 2016

Certified: Personal trainer, group exercise instructor, Spin, Cycle, Yoga, Tai Chi, TRX, Tabata Boot Camp, Step, Martial Arts Instructor, Self Defense, Transformational Breath Coach, LifeBreath Coach, and Nutritional Counseling.

Other: Mom, Grandmother, devoted wife, outdoor enthusiast including cycling, hiking, canoeing, backpacking and swimming, healthy cooking devotee and a strong believer in spirituality and faith. She and her husband are living off the grid and building a log home from scratch with logs from their property.

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

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Jewelry worn globally, crafted from Maine-mined gemstones

That’s something we can dig.

Museum Store and Preview Gallery Now Open Open Monday - Saturday 10-5 Jewelry • Maine Gems • Gifts 99 Main Street • Bethel, Maine MaineMineralMuseum.org • 207-824-3036 22

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

Ready to buy a home of your own?

Franklin Savings Bank makes it easy.

Chat with one of our lenders and find out how easy it is to

.

Why would anyone bank anywhere else?

www.FranklinSavings.Bank River Valley Branch - Rumford: 364-7866 z 800-287-0752

EQUAL HOUSING

LENDER

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

23

The Gem Theater, Gneiss Spice and More!

Wade Kavanaugh & Bethany Weisberger

The days when a small town movie house could prosper just by showing the latest Hollywood offerings and selling some popcorn passed many years ago. Competing entertainment choices have proliferated: color television in the 1950’s and 60’s, VHS tapes in the 1970’s, DVDs, the internet and movie streaming. Hollywood’s compulsory switch to digital projection didn’t help. It was the last straw for many modest theaters, including the Casablanca here in Bethel, which closed in September 2012.

Wade Kavanaugh and Bethany Weisberger both grew up in Winthrop, Maine. They went to the same high school, attended different colleges, and became reacquainted at their younger sibling’s high school graduation years later. Beth was an Earth Science teacher in New York City and Wade an artist. They bought an old farm in the Western Hills of Maine, with the intention of it being Wade’s studio. The studio eventually became the home of Beth’s small business, Gneiss Spice. They loved going to the movies, but never gave much serious thought to the movie industry.

All of which sets the scene for a magical mutual reinvention that could have come straight from Hollywood’s most celebrated script writers — at least that’s what the people around here think.

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

You see, no one could figure out how to restart the theater, so the building went onto the market for sale. They would spend summers at their place in Maine, then return to teach and work in Brooklyn, which they loved. Wade landed freelance jobs that fit with his studies in economics and art at Bowdoin College. Beth taught at a public high school — until one day the spice cabinet in her tiny Brooklyn apartment exploded in a fragrant avalanche of frustration. Recalling that a friend had created some homemade spice containers out of mason jars, Beth set about designing her own solution with hexagonal magnetic jars that line up like a honey comb. The concept was so enchanting that on-line sales soared as did the success of Gneiss Spice (gneiss is the metamorphic bedrock of Maine, which also rhymes with spice). Once they spent a year here developing Beth’s business it became really hard to move back, as they were using the entire studio for the business, and it would have been prohibitively expensive to grow the business in Brooklyn.

And this is where the story takes a turn toward the theatrical.

The spice jar business grew rapidly. Beth and Wade were running out of operating room at the farm. Wade had to give up his art studio space in the barn to store the burgeoning Gneiss Spice

inventory. Tensions were high, options were elusive, time was running out. Well, not really. But as the couple pondered what to do, they happened to drive past the old Casablanca and were struck by the idea of restarting the projectors in the abandoned movie house while pursuing their art and business in the new space. And what better way to help their new community? But was this an unattainable dream? A fit of hubris?

Act three starts. The budding entrepreneurs go to Dana Bullen at Sunday River and propose re-opening the theater – could Sunday River help? The two had a daring plan to presell tickets just before the holidays to raise $40k for one digital projector. Sunday River agrees to match the first $20k in tickets sold. The drive takes on a life of its own and within three days the necessary funds to secure a projector are raised! Sunday River spreads the word through their networks, the local folk realize that the theater will finally be saved and more money streams in from the surrounding area. The three week campaign ends with the purchase of a second projector. Crowds fill the vestibule, tears course down Jimmy Stewart’s face, a bell rings . . . sorry wrong story.

Anyway, the new theater demanded a new name and “The Gem” made sense since Bethel has such a historic geological

connection.

The doors opened on February 12th with two theaters which have been converted to digital projection.

Beth and Wade have established a much needed community arts and event space with The Gem offering beer and wine tastings as well as happenings that feature local farms and foods. An evening is in the planning stages for a “Mom’s Night”, put on in conjunction with the Local Hub. On September 15th, The Gem will be hosting the Maine Outdoor Film Festival, and in October there will be a Yopp Skis extravaganza featuring ski movies and local food and beer.

FMI on Gneiss Spice visit gneissspice.com, and on Wade’s art visit stripedcanary.com. Please give Wade and Beth your support. To learn more about the theater visit thegemtheater.com or call (207) 824-8248.

“White Stag,” an art installation by Wade Kavanaugh and Stephen B. Nguyen at Mass MoCA in North Adams, MA.

Spice up non-GMO popcorn with Gneiss Spice when you visit the Gem! Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

25

Harvest Gold Gallery to

Celebrate Nineteen Years It’s hard to believe Harvest Gold Gallery is celebrating its nineteenth year right here in Center Lovell. Staying true to our roots, the gallery now exhibits the work of over two hundred American artists and fine craftsmen, along with the Harvest Gold Jewelry collection created by owners Lynda Rasco and Bill Rudd. Each piece of jewelry is carefully handcrafted to showcase the unique beauty of Maine tourmaline, rare gemstones and the classic look and versatility of gold. Harvest Gold’s one-of-a-kind jewelry has been sold in art galleries and jewelry stores across the globe for over 30 years.

Lynda began her journey as a jeweler at the age of 12 at the DeCordova Museum in Lincoln, Massachusetts. She continued her study of jewelry through high school and attended the Massachusetts College of Art and the Portland School of Art to continue to hone her craft. Lynda then

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

completed her formal education studying gemology through the Gemological Institute of America. When Bill and Lynda met, Bill had been pursuing a career in culinary arts, but as their love bloomed, so did the seed that would later become Harvest Gold Jewelry.

With Lynda’s encouragement, Bill began pursuing goldsmithing, and within three years, was internationally awarded for his uniquely flexible gold cuff bracelet.

This success allowed Bill to pursue formal study under Finnish master-metalworker and goldsmith, Heikke Seppa.

From humble beginnings of going door-to-door to jewelry stores and galleries throughout New England, Bill and Lynda’s business quickly grew due to their shared passion for art, beauty, and long hours in the studio. As the Harvest Gold jewelry brand grew, Bill and Lynda saw the need to move to a larger location

which would act as a storefront, studio, and home. Thus, Harvest Gold Gallery was born! Located at 1082 Main Street, in Lovell, Harvest Gold is home to seven rooms of exquisitely crafted jewelry, paintings, sculpture, and so much more. With their shared artistic vision, and keen eye for quality, Bill and Lynda began collecting work of artists they had met throughout the course of their careers.

Over the years, the Gallery has exhibited over two hundred American artists and craftsmen. From oil paintings to egg tempera to wood carvings and bronze sculptures, Harvest Gold offers a little bit of everything, while continuing to maintain their standard for quality and supporting local artistry and craftsmanship.

Harvest Gold Gallery is open seven days a week, from 10:00 to 4:00. Please feel free to stop by and peruse their sculpture garden and gallery!

FMI call 207-925-6502 or visit www.harvestgoldgallery.com.

ery l l Gaaine t s Be in M

Business Lending Business Technical Assistance Residential lending Foreclosure Counseling Credit Counseling Home Buyer Education Economic and Community Development www.mainebusinesslending.com

207-333-6419

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

27

Local Events

by Jessie Seymour Perkins

Photo Credit: yeahbudphotography.com

ONGOING SUMMER/Fall EVENTS

– Trapping and hunting demonstrations, contests, music, auction, and Maine Humorist Bob Noonan. 207-875-5765.

Aug. 6: Annual Andover Old Home

Aug. 21: Bethel Bandstand Concert Series Mahoosuc Arts Council -

Days Andover Town Common -

Sunday afternoons at 4pm on the Bethel Common. Free to the public.

Parade, antique car displays, exhibits,

Rain or shine. For artist details: www.mahoosucarts.org

art & flower shows, crafts, firemen’s muster, horse show, plenty of food &

Aug. 28: Bethel Bandstand Concert Series Mahoosuc Arts Council -

music. 207-392-3761

Sunday afternoons at 4pm on the Bethel Common. Free to the public.

Rain or shine. For artist details: www.mahoosucarts.org

Aug. 7: Bethel Bandstand Concert Series Mahoosuc Arts Council -

Sept. 16-18th: Great Maine Outdoor Weekend Events held all over the

Sunday afternoons at 4pm on the

state, with several in easy reach of the Bethel area. www.greatmaineout-

Bethel Common. Free to the public.

doorweekend.org.

Rain or shine. For artist details: www. mahoosucarts.org

Sept. 17: 19th Annual Harvestfest & Chowdah Cookoff Bethel town

common - An old-fashioned fun fall festival with artists & crafters, chow-

Aug. 6: 9th Annual Maine State Kids’ Triathlon A non-competitive

der cook-off of local restaurants, Maine baked potatoes, apple pie con-

100 yard, 3 mile bike ride, 1 mile run. Ages 8-14. Everyone is a winner!

test, live music, wagon rides, and kids’ activities. Bethel Area Chamber of

Start and finish at Angevine Park, 456 North Road. Bethel Outing Club.

Commerce 207-824-2282, www.bethelmaine.com, www.bethelharvestfest.

bethelouting.org

com.

Aug. 7: 25th Annual Maine State Triathlon A sprint triathlon with a

Sept. 27: 24th Annual Fall Festival Pro-am Golf Tournament The

750-meter swim at Songo Pond, 24K bike on scenic country roads, and

Bethel Inn Resort - A lasting tradition with over $17,000 in prize money &

a 5.8 K cross-country run, starting at the Bethel Inn Lake House. Teams

merchandise. 800-654-0125, www.bethelinn.com.

or individuals. Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, 207-824-2282, www.

September 29, 30 & October 1: 27th Annual Maine Mountains Jeep

mainestatetriathlon.com.

Jamboree - The Maine Mountains Jamboree sells out each year in about 30 minutes! Our trails, the beautiful New England fall setting and the

Aug. 14: 200th Anniversary of the Middle Intervale Meeting House

trail guides are just a few of the reasons why this event is so popular. On

Festivities will include comments about the Meetinghouse and its history,

Saturday, we have a parade through the town of Bethel. www.jeepjambo-

a sing along of patriotic songs, followed by an old-fashioned ice cream

reeusa.com

social. Intervale Road, Bethel.

Oct. TBD: Upper Andro 2 Fly Contest The Bethel Inn Resort – 6 am to Aug. 14: Bethel Bandstand Concert Series Mahoosuc Arts Council -

2 pm on the Upper Androscoggin River- Anglers try to catch the biggest

Sunday afternoons at 4pm on the Bethel Common. Free to the public.

and most trout with only two flies. www.bethelinn.com, 800-654-0125.

Rain or shine. For artist details: www.mahoosucarts.org Oct. 8: Oktoberfest Mount Abram - FREE- Live music, BBQ, bounce Aug. 19-20: The 6th Annual Maine Comedy Festival The Bethel Inn

house, pumpkin decorating, and more fun. 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.

Resort - Join 15+ comics from across the country for a weekend full of

com.

laughs not to be missed! 800-654-0125, www.bethelinn.com.

October 8, 9: Fall Festival & North American Wife Carrying ChamAug. 19-21: 40th Annual Trappers’ Weekend 760 East Bethel Road

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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

pionship Sunday River Ski Resort - Fall Festival welcomes a beautiful

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

Photo Credit: Carol Savage Photography

Jessie Seymour Perkins

Horseback Riding Lessons in Classical Dressage

season in New England with foliage and fun. This autumnal celebration is home to the North American Wife Carrying Championship, the Blue Mountain Arts and Crafts Fair, the New England Cornhole Championship, and activities for the whole family. The festival also closes out the season for Sunday River’s popular summer Adventure Park. 800-543-2754, www. sundayriver.com.

Oct. 28-29: Bethel Outing Club Ski Sale Gould Academy Field House – The best deals on new and used equipment, clothing and accessories for alpine, snowboard, cross-country skiing and other winter sports. Pick up new gear or sell yours. 207-824-2282, www.bethelouting.org.

Now offering 1 hour private lessons for children and adults on well trained mounts. Emphasis on safe ground handling & correct, balanced seat. $45

Improve skills in any riding discipline with a Classical Dressage Foundation

For more information contact: Moon Dance Farm 357-8909/laurievogtbailey@gmail.com

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

www.westernmainesupply.com Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

29

BUILT BUILT FOR LIVING. FOR LIVING.

Toll-Free: (877) 209-8414 (207) 539-9600 Toll-Free: (877) 209-8414 schiavicustombuilders.com (207) 539-9600 Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com 30 schiavicustombuilders.com

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

Rock Walls

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

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

Material Delivery

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

Land Clearing

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

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

Snow Plowing / Removal and Ice Control

Foundation Holes

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

Complete digging, backfilling and grading.

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

www.crossexcavation.com

Aerosmith drummer Joey Kramer is a coffee-lovin’ Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer who has pounded the skins since his teens - fueled by his love for music and spirited beans. www.facebook.com/RockinRoastin 32

Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com

100% USDA Organic Certified Arabica Coffee Available at fine retailers throughout the Northeast including Bethel Foodliner, Hannaford Bros., Shaws Supermarkets, Star Market, Big Y, Roche Bros., IGA’s, Crosby’s, Donnelin’s, McKinnon’s, Philbrick’s, Dave’s Fresh Markets, Geissler’s and many, many others.

@RockinRoastin

www.rockinandroastin.com