Issue #48 December 2021 / January 2022
Bethel LIVING A Heritage of Tradition
The Return of Bethel’s Community Ice Rink
Le Mu Eats Finds its Forever Home
Winter Recipes
with the Corriveaus
Birch Bog Farm
with Tracyn Thayer & Steve Leen
Sunday River Brewing Company and the Boland Family
Easy Pad Thai, Grilled Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing
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88 Main Street • Bethel, Maine 04217 Ruth Grover, Owner 207.824.3341 or 207.824.2989 ruthiesboutique1975@hotmail.com
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Publisher’s Note Winter steals in with glacial persistence and the promise of snowbound diversions. As the holiday season skips into full swing our shops and restaurants will offer treats and surprises, so stroll through the village and take in the new and the old! Bethel is a great place to be this time of year with flurries, sunshine and fun brewing in the mountains. Evenings offer fine dining or delicious pub grub, movies, bowling and the opportunity to sing a merry carol on skates — volunteers and the town Rec Department are resurrecting the public skating rink! Meryl Kelly brings a fresh perspective with her love for farms and food — in this issue she writes of homesteading with the Corriveaus and fuels our culinary anticipation for the new Le Mu grand opening in the old Cafe DiCocoa building. We explore Birch Bog Cranberry Farm, and introduce you to Michael Boland, the new owner of the Sunday River Brewing Company. Recipes for Easy Pad Thai and Grilled Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing are tempting on page 24.
Laurie Ann Knowles • 207.838.4447
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.
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Laurie Ann Knowles PUBLISHER
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: Stephen Leen Features Editor: Nate Scott Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com
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A Heritage of Tradition by Meryl Kelly
To many, the Bethel area is known for outdoor recreational opportunities, gorgeous views and its home away from home spirit. But beyond the bucolic pastures is a pulse that beats strong in its long time residents. As new imports rush to Maine to live a Nearing-esque lifestyle of homesteading and reconnection to nature, many local families continue on, as they always have, unfazed. For generations they have farmed the land, foraged and harvested in the woods, then canned or preserved the fruits of their labors so that even on the darkest winter days they will be comforted by the memory of summer’s bounty. Take, for instance, the Corriveau family of Gilead. At its beginning in 1804 the Town of Gilead was laid out in ranges along the river, each parcel a hundred rods wide. After this division there were eighteen ranges on the north side of the river and nineteen ranges on the south side (now the town center). At the time, each range furnished the foundation for an excellent farm. Settler’s purchasing a full range were promised that, “all they need is to be properly dressed and cultivated, with the smiles of Providence,
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to insure a bountiful crop.” Of course these settlers were not the first to discover the bounty of Gilead. Long before their arrival the Southern Abenaki tribe known as the Anasagunticooks travelled up and down the river, hunting and fishing to support their nomadic lifestyle. In the early 20th century Darie Corriveau, with his wife and many children, travelled by train from Quebec to take up residence in the former Heath family home. The Corriveau family has lived in the 1800’s era farmhouse ever since. A logger by trade, Darie worked for the Brown Company, working his way up the ranks to become a foreman. It is family legend that he would go on expeditions with local Anasagunticook men, drawing out the lay of the land while exploring the woods, gathering bits of wisdom as he went, such as the recipe for ash cakes. After Darie’s passing his youngest son Fernand lived in the house with his family. Also a man of many talents, Fernand was a driven entrepreneur, jumping first into the wood business with Fernand F. Corriveau Logging, followed by F&B Wood, a dowel turning operation. Later on Fernand tried his hand
at generating hydro power with Corriveau Hydro Electric, located on the Swift River in Mexico, ME. The Corriveau family has a long history of commitment to the betterment of Gilead. For 20+ years Fernand was Chair Selectman for the Town of Gilead, while his wife Beverley served as tax collector and town clerk, running the town office out of her home — often at all hours and days of the week because she just didn’t have the heart to turn anyone away. Fernand was a hard worker but Beverly looked after their children and had all the snacks and meals ready at the mill for coffee break, lunch, afternoon break and dinner. Fernand and Beverly’s youngest son Freeman and wife Seneca moved into the family home to care for Fernand towards the end of his life and with his recent passing in 2019 have taken up primary residence at the Corriveau estate. Taking on much of the entrepreneurial spirit of his father, he owns Freeman’s Construction and is constantly adding to his skillset. He also followed in his father’s footsteps and is currently Chair Selectman. In the spirit of Gilead’s founding residents Freeman and his wife have committed to the natural surroundings of their river front property which hosts gardens, livestock (currently just pigs and a very friendly cow named Dash) and a sprawling orchard with some of the best tasting apples around. They raise meat for their family (beef and pork), vegetables from the garden and recently their two sons have fallen in love with hunting. Hunting and fishing along their section of the ‘Scrog has always been a Corriveau tradition, and it is being picked up with enthusiasm by the newest generation. Seneca Corriveau grew up Seneca Brooke, daughter of a family that has lived in Newry for five plus generations. Her parents instilled an appreciation for the offerings of western Maine’s natural bounty. Seneca recalls her father’s extensive gardens as well as her mother’s knack for expertly constructing small dwellings that are actually full sized and modeled after Native dwellings, Teepees and longhouses mainly. She uses them as little retreats for family (and herself). One of her most treasured memories occurred when she and her father went camping with no food, just a fishing pole and knowledge of
the woods. She thought they would surely perish but instead feasted on fish and foraged delicacies. Seneca is a homemaker first and foremost, an ever present and nurturing force for her three children and husband. But beyond caring for her family and tending to the needs of an old wood heated farmhouse with livestock and gardens, she is an artist. Seneca embodies “Creative Impulses”, the name of her business, weaving graceful artistry into all that she does. From needle felting to leather work, creating lotions and tinctures, crafting jewelry and throwing pottery Seneca has tried her hand — and succeeded — with many crafty undertakings. Her skills don’t rest solely in the creative either. It’s said that she is a very gifted butcher, an incredibly helpful skill to have for a family that raises their own meat and gets a deer or partridge every now and then to boot. Seneca’s grandmother Carol Jordan taught her the simple pleasures of canning. As a child she helped her grandmother process vegetables and fruit from the garden, canning and preserving until her massive root cellar was fully stocked. A treasured recollection she has since recreated with her own daughter, Kaiya, who helps can the garden-sourced salsas and jams. This tradition of circling back to the past and gleaning from it all that is good is a strong heritage in Maine. While out in the woods the Corriveau boys — Samuel and Benjamin — could be walking the same trails their grandfather Darie once walked with Gilead’s native tribe members oh so many years ago. Who knows? It is this feeling of place that connects generations. Though they may have never met, each generation carries with it traditions and values from the past, spoken and unspoken. As the Bethel area transforms by welcoming new families into our community it’s nice to see families of the original settlers retain a small town, simple life feel. Progress doesn’t have to come at the expense of what was here before. We all have much to teach and learn and show through art and the hardworking trades that make our area and its people what it is. Families like the Corriveaus can take pride in all that they have given to the area and in turn all the area has given to them. v
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Le Mu Eats Finds its
Forever Foundation by Meryl Kelly
For the past two years the Charming Blue Shanty, a small food trailer with a tiny service window, has housed Le Mu Eats, a comfort-food haven serving dishes inspired by chef/co-owner Sayvepen Sengsavang’s Lao-American heritage. He and his wife Elise, a branding and social media guru, have built their thriving business while persevering through frozen pipes, electrical frustrations, staffing hurdles and a global pandemic — all while keeping their eye on the prize: getting off wheels and onto a foundation here in Bethel. In mid-December their dream will finally come to fruition. Shortly after DiCocoa’s Market and Bakery in midtown Bethel closed, Sav and Elise were approached to see if the space would work for them. Being the visionaries they are, they set out to make something special in a building that has already lived 8
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a full and beloved life over the last couple decades as a Bethel go-to gathering spot. They quickly got to work rethinking the layout and gathering cherished furnishings that would fill the restaurant with inspired decor curated by their lives together. Their goal: create a bustling oasis that transports you from our quiet little Main Street to a place all its own. Comfort-food Narnia? Yes, please. Walking through the new and unassuming front door — hidden beneath the pergola on the Vernon Street side of the building — you are met by a bright space overflowing with vibrant energy. Design elements are drawn from Chef Sav’s Laotian background and enhanced through Elise’s Western Maine roots. A custom bar divides the dining room from the open concept kitchen. Elise gives a nod to their former Auburn restaurant, Mu Noi, with Manga style comic
book art lining the hallway to the bathroom. White stone tables with melamine plates continue the theme of mixing nostalgic items with a modern setting. Another design aspect features natural wood elements such as rattan backed chairs and a bespoke live edge maple banquet designed by local craftspeople and sibling duo Renee and Justin of Purple Shed Woodworks. The culmination of these choices will create an approachable yet lively aesthetic thoughtfully designed to round out the guest’s dining experience. In addition to the indoor space Le Mu’s new home will offer guests the opportunity to dine outdoors. This option could be available this winter but will definitely be finished come warmer spring weather. With the help of their new neighbors — Terrapin Landscapes — they will redo the patio, building steps from the Vernon Street sidewalk to the new front door and retraining the grape vines so they can continue to thrive for years to come. When complete, the patio will be a little hideaway tucked inside edible gardens, creating a natural barrier from the passing traffic on Main Street. Le Mu Eats fans can rest easy knowing that the new menu will honor most of their favorites from the Shanty while adding new items and welcoming back cherished specials. The expanded space allows for the addition of a stunning beverage program complete with specialty cocktails, local beer and wine, innovative non-alcoholic options and a full tea and coffee service — yes this means espresso drinks too! Their intention is to source a variety of coffee from different Maine roasters and rotate options from time to time, giving our little Bethel a taste of it all. The coffee service will also offer Southeast Asian specialties such as
Vietnamese Drip, Thai Coffee and Boba Tea (which Elise fought hard for so be sure to thank her after you give it a try). Counter service dining will add to the laid back air in the restaurant, making it an appropriate choice for a full blown meal with all the smalls or just a simple coffee date with a friend. Hours are currently set for lunch and dinner on Thursday thru Saturday with brunch service only on Sunday. If you are a local: I know, I know, I know! I know exactly what you are thinking and they’ve thought it too. And here is the compromise: Monday night chef ’s table dinners! This reservation only ticketed experience will spotlight Sav’s creativity, classical training and passion with a gloriously prepared meal of many courses. Take a seat at the bar and watch him go. These interactive dinners are designed to bridge the usual gap between kitchen staff and the guests they are feeding. It will be an opportunity to learn more about the “how’s and why’s” of building a dish and to meet the man behind the food. Options to add a drink pairing will also be available, making your evening complete. In this modern world it takes a village to raise a restaurant and I for one look forward to the day when I can sit down in Le Mu Eats’ new dining room and relish the fact that these good people were given a chance to make their vision a reality — and that they chose to share their gifts with the greater Bethel area.v
FMI: 119 Main Street • lemueats@gmail.com Web Address: Le Mu Eats on Facebook and Instagram Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com
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with Tracyn Thayer, Stephen Leen and kids
Bethel Living readers may recall our 2019 article detailing Tracyn Thayer’s experiences on the survival show “The Brigade”. At that time, she was living in Mason Township with her husband Stephen Leen while raising their four “combined family” kids: Isaac, Dylan, Lucy and Madelyn. Stephen owned a camp, Tracyn owned the home they all lived in and the thought occurred — as it does to parents with older children — that a setup with a main lodge and smaller cabins where the kids could return to visit as they went through life would be ideal. This is the story of how Steve sold his camp, Tracyn sold her house and they both went all in to “buy the farm”. After he sold the camp Steve began looking for commercial property and stumbled across an organic cranberry farm off Sawin Hill Road in Albany Township. He took Tracyn to see it the day after Christmas last year and they promptly made an offer, putting it under contract. A few months later the deal closed and they went out to survey their new holding. Noting the fresh leaves budding from the beautiful stands of glowing
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white trees around a large placid pond, they renamed the farm after its two most stunning features — Birch Bog Farm was born. Set on 16 acres, with two full acres dedicated to a bog for cranberry farming, they have added honey bees and raised beds for gardening carrots, beets, herbs and more. This first year has been a great one at Birch Bog Farm. Although they might have underestimated the amount of work involved, the results achieved are quite phenomenal. Other bogs that supply cranberries to large companies like Ocean Spray have had a rough go of it this season, producing light and mottled berries due to climate changes resulting in substantial temperature and moisture fluctuations. Birch Bog Farm’s 2021 harvest of approximately 2 tons of cranberries are uniform, plump and beautifully crimson-colored. There was a minor fruit worm issue — but the introduction of a small worm-eating wasp solved the problem without the dangers of using pesticides. The community has embraced Tracyn and Steve as they attend the Bethel and Greenwood Farmers Markets. With strong sales to
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T HE C OMMU N I T Y H A S EM BRACED T R A C YN A N D S T E V E A S THEY AT TE N D T H E B E T H E L A ND GR EE N W OOD FA R ME R S M ARKETS.
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outlets like Royal River Natural Foods, Portland Food Co-op, Lois’s Natural Marketplace, Littleton Food Coop and Concord Food Co-op, Birch Bog Farm will sell out this first season for sure! During the winter months the bog is flooded to protect the plants from frigid temperatures, giving Tracyn time to take agricultural courses in an effort to continue improving the harvest. Some places around the bog are more productive than others, and dealing with pesky weeds, dangerous fungi and destructive insects requires diligence and specialized knowledge. Tracyn has been busy making cranberry scones, cranberry cornbread and gingerbread with cranberries, while working on a cranberry infused vodka — playfully
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tagged as “Bog Grog”. Utility berries go into her pies and pigs, while the best berries are sorted and separated for their various uses. Look for Birch Bog at the local market and enjoy a fresh late fall treat! v FMI on Birch Bog Farm, visit birchbogfarm.com, see them on Facebook and Instagram or call (207) 357-1442
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A VISIT WITH
Michael Boland, New Owner of the Sunday River Brewing Company Welcome to Bethel, Michael Boland! Fifty years ago a new restaurant opened with a simple concept that seemed radical in the face of the fast food explosion sweeping the country at the time. In reality, the idea of creating a menu that varied with the products available from local farmers is as old as the first wayside inn. Widely credited with starting the farm-to-table movement in this country, restaurateur Alice Waters established Chez Panisse in Berkley, CA to serve friends and neighbors the type of food she experienced during her time in rural France. Over 20 years ago restaurateur Michael Boland — taking a cue from Waters’ vision — opened Havana in Bar Harbor to offer American fine dining with a Latin American flair made from locally sourced food products. Well known for its eclectic wine list and imaginative menu items, Havana has won the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence every year since 2004. In 2010 President Obama and First Lady Michelle dined there, joining thousands of other patrons who consider the restaurant a requisite stop when visiting the island. Building on Havana’s success, Michael has branched out into a diverse, interconnected web of eateries in the Bar 16
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Harbor area. His cafe, Choco-Latte, prepares offerings with roasted coffee sourced through Acadia Coffee Company, an enterprise Boland founded to provide fair-trade, organic coffee for his own establishments — as well as wholesaling to other venues. The cafe offers great coffee drinks served by knowledgeable baristas to compliment a menu featuring breakfast, lunch and tacos in the evening. A short boat ride from the bustle of Bar Harbor sits an old coal loading pier anchored to the rocks of Little Cranberry Island, the setting for Islesford Dock, a seafood place that Michael co-owns with Mitchell Rales. Patrons enjoy the freshest lobster and seafood, fine wines, cocktails and craft beers including Sunday River Brewing on tap. A quick trip around Sutton Island from Little Cranberry sits the town of Northeast Harbor — the site of Copita — Boland’s latest addition to dining in the Acadia region. As with all Michael’s restaurants the mediterranean inspired menu leans heavily on fresh locally sourced ingredients. Each of his kitchens are overseen by Havana’s Executive Chef Cassady Pappas, a long-time partner in Michael’s expanding culinary realm.
June 9th, 2021 marked the reopening of SRBC under the leadership of Michael Boland and his team. For now they plan to keep it mostly as is, sans the breakfast service, slowly introducing higher end options for entrees and an improved wine list. Michael appreciates the improvements the Savage brothers made to the brewery and plans to keep updating the look and feel of his newest venture.
FMI on Sunday River Brewing, visit sundayriverbrewingcompnay.com, see them on Facebook or call 207-824-BEER. You may also send email to michaelcharlesboland@gmail.com
Which brings this story to western Maine. While establishing their restaurants on the coast, the Boland family began to explore Bethel during ski vacations at Sunday River. When the pandemic hit, the thought of having their daughter attend Gould Academy intrigued them. Some people dip a toe, Michael and his wife Dee are clearly the type to jump right in. They purchased downtown Bethel’s Victorian Inn as well as the Sunday River Brewing Company!
The Victorian Inn has a new roof, with many more improvements to come, as the Bolands feel out the building to determine its highest and best use. Soon, the inn will reopen for lodging with a new name, new beds, linens and decor, while the addition of fine dining (of course) is in the plan for next summer. Reopening the Sunday River Brewing Company and forging a rebirth of the Victorian boosts the growth and charm of Bethel village and its surrounding area. The fact that folks can walk from the movie theater and many restaurants to the bowling alley and the grocery store attracted the Bolands to Bethel just as much as the quality of skiing at Sunday River. They are pleased with the level of activity at the brewpub during the summer months and expect to see Bethel prosper in all seasons. As Bethel has grown to become more of a year-round destination visitors and locals alike will want more options for dining and shopping, better access to trails, rivers and everything else the area has to offer. The Bolands are a new and welcome force for sustainable progress, and for this we are all very thankful. v
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The Return of Bethel’s Community Rink
by Meryl Kelly
“Skating on Bethel Common” 93-94 by Helen Morton. Allow me to set the scene. Afternoon shopping at the Philbrook Place to buy a pair of ice skates upstairs at Community Sports. You carry on up Main Street, maybe ducking into Le Mu Eats for a cocktail or a bite to eat, maybe a stop at Gemini Cafe for coffee and a pastry. (Maybe both!) The stroll continues, peeking in the windows of the Gem Museum or Ruthie’s Boutique. Undoubtedly you wave to a neighbor as they make their way into the grocery store. You however turn left after Brooks Brothers and head up Philbrook street to our brand new community ice skating rink! You lace up and hit the ice, skating until your heart’s content. Maybe you’re free skating, maybe you’re meeting up with friends to shoot the puck around. However you see it this afternoon can be your reality this winter. 20
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A group of dedicated volunteers in coordination with the Bethel Rec Department are bringing back Bethel’s community ice skating rink! The existence of a public ice rink seems to be something of oral legend. The first appearance being Christmas Day back in 1929 on the Commons. In the past the skating rink has depended on the commitment of single volunteers. Throughout the 60’s and 70’s Francis “Hi” Berry volunteered many hours on a skating rink, on the Commons and at Crescent Park School. In the early 90’s, former SAD 44 Superintendent Duane Craig tended the ice at the Commons. Dwayne Bennett of Bennett’s Automotive took this post over for its final season in 2014. Many others also lent their time and resources throughout the years. Given there is a true art to ice-making the
more volunteers are willing to support the project the higher the likelihood for lasting success. This latest resurrection of a public rink will arise at the site of the old Ethel Bisbee School in downtown Bethel. Breathing life into this seemingly forgotten town property will hopefully stir a new energy of revitalization around the neighborhood — led by the addition of The Watershed Woodfired Kitchen, which plans to make its home in the old Water District Building soon. Within easy walking distance from Main Street and with plenty of on site parking the Bisbee School provides a perfect, if somewhat hidden location, for this community gem. The 40’ by 80’ rink purchased from EZ ICE was selected as a fully customizable rink system with the ability to grow as community demand expands and shifts. Mary Scanlon, Bethel’s Recreation Director, is hoping to see the rink transform with hockey style boards and perhaps night skating in seasons to come. For now the operating hours will be regulated by the
sun. Of course, as with any outdoor rink, the hours are also subject to the weather but if all goes well we will be skating by mid December. The season is expected to last until March and ice time will be divided between free skate time and designated blocks for pick-up hockey. Thus far, fundraising efforts have been more formal with support given through many local organizations such as Norway Savings Bank and The River Fund. Organizers are working on starting an online fundraising campaign, such as a GoFundMe, but until then financial support can be given to the project through direct donations at the Town Office. If you are willing to donate your time please reach out to Mary at bethelrec@gmail. com. Those of you interested in the most up-todate hours and ice status please follow “Bethel Rec Department” on Facebook. v Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com
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Winter Recipes Easy Pad Thai Not traditional, but comes together in 20 minutes!
INGREDIENTS • Kosher salt • 8 oz. wide rice noodles • 2 tbsp. lime juice • 2 tbsp. brown sugar • 1 tbsp. fi sh sauce • 1 tbsp. low-sodium soy sauce • 1/4 tsp. Cayenne pepper • 2 tbsp. vegetable oil • 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 eggs, lightly whisked • 1 lb. shrimp, peeled and deveined • Freshly ground black pepper • 2 green onions, thinly sliced • 1/4 c. roasted peanuts, chopped PREPARATION 1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook noodles until al dente. Drain. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together lime juice, brown sugar, fish sauce, soy sauce, and cayenne pepper. Set aside. 3. In a large nonstick pan over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add bell pepper and cook until tender, about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add the shrimp and season with salt and pepper. Cook until pink, about 2 minutes per side. 4. Push the shrimp and vegetables to one side of the pan and pour in the egg. Scramble until just set, then mix with the shrimp mixture. Add the cooked noodles and toss until combined. Pour in the lime juice mixture and toss until the noodles are coated. 5. Garnish with green onions and roasted peanuts before serving.
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Grilled Steak Salad with Blue Cheese Dressing Seared skirt steak, grilled romaine, and onions meet bright cherry tomatoes, avocado, and creamy homemade blue cheese dressing for a grilled steak salad that’s sure to be your new salad staple.
INGREDIENTS • 2 lb Skirt steak (or flat iron) • 2 Romaine hearts, cut in half lengthwise • 1 Red onion, cut into 1-inch rings, keeping rings intact
• 2 Avocados, cut in half, pit removed • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, halved • 3 tbsp Olive oil • Sea salt & Pepper • Blue cheese, for garnishing
PREPARATION 1. Grill Steak and thinly slice against grain, with a perfect medium-rare sear, the steak is (obviously) the star of the show. Skirt steak or flank steak are our favorite cuts of steak to feature in a steak salad. 2. The dressing (see below) is it for us when it comes to steak salad. It’s reminiscent of those retro-classic steak house salads, and we just love it. 3. The salad part of the salad: in other words, all the crispy, crunchy, healthy vegetables that lighten up this steak dinner. Loads of crisp grilled romaine lettuce, juicy cherry tomatoes, creamy avocado, the bite of sliced onions and sweetness of bell peppers. It’s all about crunch, contrast, and the never-ending quest for the perfectly constructed bite.
Better-Than-Store-Bought Blue Cheese Dressing INGREDIENTS • 3/4 cup Mayonnaise • 1/4 cup Sour cream for a hit of fresh tanginess
• 1 tsp Worcestershire • 1 tsp White vinegar • 2 Tbs Fresh lemon juice • 2 Tbs Fresh chives • 1 Tbs Heavy cream • 4 oz. Blue cheese crumbled
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FMI: Contact Mahoosuc Land Trust • Valentine Farm Conservation Center 162 North Road, PO Box 981 • Bethel, ME 04217 • 207-824-3806 26
Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com
Hanover Land Donation Expands Androscoggin River Conservation Hanover, ME – In a state as heavily forested as Maine, the visual impact of open space is significant. When the field is along a river, the visual experience of an open, welcoming space is magnified. Thanks to the generosity of Richard Stratton and Sandra Francis, a conservation easement, to be held by Mahoosuc Land Trust, will permanently protect 13 acres along the Androscoggin River in Hanover. “Stratton Meadow” includes an 8+ acre field currently farmed for hay by Brad Wight and Alan Fleet of Newry and more than 1500 feet of river frontage. Essentially, a conservation easement permanently removes the land’s development potential. The landowners retain many of their rights, including the right to own and manage the land, sell it, and pass it on to their heirs, and the right to limit or allow public access. Each easement is tailored to protect the land’s natural and cultural values, meet the landowners’ financial and personal needs, and meet the conservation goals of the land trust. Stratton Meadow is MLT’s 12th conservation easement; all are donated, the first in 1992. “This is one of those small parcels with many important values,” said Kirk Siegel, Executive Director of Mahoosuc Land Trust. “For example, with the increasing conversion of land to development in the surrounding area, this easement will extend the protection of the riparian zones along the Androscoggin River and both banks of Stony Brook. The property will also protect water quality by filtering surface water
and limiting erosion.” The owners will be able to continue hay production and other agricultural activities on the property. Other options the owners can consider: maintaining unpaved trails, and allowing low-impact outdoor recreational and educational uses like walking, hiking, cross country skiing, fishing, horseback riding, hunting, trapping, and snowmobiling. MLT acquired the adjacent 4.7-acre Moran’s Landing, a public boat launch site, in 2002 with support from the Land for Maine’s Future program. Moran’s is one of many access points along the Androscoggin River Trail developed by MLT and others. About Mahoosuc Land Trust Mahoosuc Land Trust is a nationally accredited land trust founded in 1989 with a mission “to conserve and share the Mahoosuc region’s important natural lands with our communities now and for the future.” MLT welcomes visitors to enjoy nature-based activities at Valentine Farm Conservation Center, 14 MLT preserves, and 4 Androscoggin River canoe landings, and engages hundreds of volunteers per year to care for them. The land trust operates in western Maine and northern NH. Over 9,000 acres of land is conserved in the region, including mountaintops, waterfalls, trails, boat landings, farms, and natural habitat. For more information, visit www. mahoosuc.org. v
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Local Events by Deanne Bodemer
Deanne Bodemer
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
Dec. 3: Cookies with Santa Bryant Pond. 6:00pm-7:00pm. Tree Lighting by Santa on the town common of Bryant Pond near the post office. Then the fire department brings Santa to the Grange Hall near the library where you can enjoy cookies, hot cocoa, games and activities while visiting with Santa. FMI: 207-6652228 Dec. 4: Christmas Tea in a Bag & Mini Fair West Parish Congregational Church. 10:00am-2:00pm. Stop by for a Christmas bag of cookie walk cookies, a mini quick bread, a selection of special tea goodies plus coffee and cocoa for 2. To reserve a bag for $20, email dianeyorkme@roadrunner.com. Also, enjoy a small festive fair featuring Christmas and other handmade crafts, baked goods, and attic treasures. FMI: email peggywight56@gmail.com Dec. 4: Christmas at the Mason House Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. 1-4pm. Visit Bethel Hill’s oldest surviving home to experience Christmas at the Mason House. The first floor period rooms in the 1813 Mason House will be decorated in traditional 19th century style and lit by candles. Step back in time as you enjoy holiday music and refreshments. Free, but donations welcome. bethelhistorical.org, 207-824-2908 Dec. 4: Horse drawn wagon rides through historic Bethel village – Free! Meet in front of the Chapman Inn on the corner of Church Street and Main Street. 1:00-3:00pm Dec. 4: Demo Day Sunday River. Test out the latest and greatest equipment from top ski and snowboard manufacturers from 8am-12pm. The cost to participate can be applied as a credit towards any new ski or snowboard purchase. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
Entertainment will chase winter from Alaska’s Prince William Sound to Maine’s community of craftsmen and women devoted to sliding on snow. We’re sharing the dreams of Olympic ambitions and the resolve of adaptive athletes. Follow big mountain skiers Marcus Caston and Connery Lundin on a road trip of a lifetime all the way up to Alaska. Catch up with speed riding legend JT Holmes and meet new friends like Madison Rose
Dec. 5: Santa Sunday Sunday River This signature Sunday River event
and Vasu Sojitra. Get stoked because winter starts now! FMI: thege-
kicks off the holiday season in style by celebrating the arrival of winter
mtheater.com, sarah@thegemtheater.com. Tickets to be purchased on
and the upcoming holiday season with more than 250 Santas cruising
eventbrite.com.
down to South Ridge. All money raised goes towards the River Fund. Santas must be in full Santa-attire. Registration information found at sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
Dec. 10-12: Oxford County Shrine Club Feztival of Trees Sunday River. The Oxford County Shrine Club is hosting the its annual Feztival of Trees at Sunday River’s Jordan Hotel. Come see and take a chance on
Dec. 8: 2021 Warren Miller National Tour: Winter Starts Now The
twenty fully decorated trees sponsored by area businesses. Also have
Gem Theater is so excited to be part of the 2021 Warren Miller National
your picture taken with Santa and Mrs. Claus. This event is a fundraiser by
Tour. We are one of 4 theaters in Maine to be part of the Tour! Starts at
Oxford County Shrine Club a division of Kora Shrine to help enhance our
6:30pm. The 72nd annual ski and snowboard film from Warren Miller
support of our charitable causes. FMI: korashriners.org/ocsc-feztival-of-
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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com
trees, 207-824-3611, or email OCSCFeztivaloftrees@gmail.com Dec. 11: Horse drawn wagon rides through historic Bethel village – Free! Meet in front of the Chapman Inn on the corner of Church Street and Main Street. 1:00-3:00pm Dec. 17-19: Winterfest Weekend Sunday River. Winterfest Weekend is all about fun on snow plus a plethora of activities to celebrate! Meet Santa, fireworks at South Ridge at 8:30 pm on Saturday, and more! sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 Dec. 18: Horse drawn wagon rides through historic Bethel village – Free! Meet in front of the Chapman Inn on the corner of Church Street and Main Street. 1:00-3:00pm Dec. 18: Light Up Main Street Holiday Car Parade Decorate your cars, trucks, and tractors, dial in your favorite holiday music, and meet us in the lot by The Gem Theater on Saturday, December 18th, by 4:15pm (departure about 4:30pm). A member of the Oxford County Sheriff’s Department will escort this festive line of vehicles up to the Bethel Common, passing all of the beautifully lit houses and businesses on Main Street along the way. Rumor has it that Santa will be catching a ride up on one of our local firetrucks and will help us light the common! Cars
kilometers with Strava or another app and post to social media with our specific tags and be entered to win a raffle prize. Also log the most KM on our trails that day and win a prize! Prizes will be given to top 3 finishers! cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880 Jan. 3-7: Children’s Festival Sunday River. Children’s Festival is a celebration of skiing families with a number of activities, including fireworks, and a deal that allow kids to ski for free when staying with a paying adult. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 Jan. 8: Indie Demo Day Sunday River. Test out the latest and greatest equipment from amazing independents ski and snowboard brands. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754 Jan. 16: Wooden Ski Day Carter’s XC Ski Center. Free trail pass for folks on wooden skis. Dig out your vintage or retro Nordic ski clothing and get in the spirit of celebrating the history of Nordic Skiing. Prizes will be given to 3 winners based on the following categories in a Ski Parade at 1pm: Most Old-Timey, Traditional Nordic Ski Wear, and Retro Ski Wear. Ski historian, Glenn Parkinson, from Maine Ski & Snowboard Museum, will share knowledge of Nordic ski history. Bring your ski artifacts to learn more. cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880
will be greeted by Santa as they circle the common and take in the extra
Jan. 22: Sam Adams Air and Après Sunday River. This nighttime
lights and decorations this year. So gather your family and friends, deck
showcase combines the thrill and technical skill of some of the best skiers
those cars in a little holly jolly, and let’s have a community parade to help
and riders in the sport, alongside cutting-edge 3D projection mapping.
get us in the holiday spirit!
Sam Adams Air & Après is an on-snow spectacular that has to been seen
Dec. 19: Living Nativity - Tentatively scheduled on the Bethel Town Common at 5:00pm. Actors and live animals recreate the Nativity scene,
to believe, featuring Olympic and X-Games athletes. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
then enjoy refreshments afterward at the Dr. Moses Mason House. FMI
Jan. 24-28: Seniors Week Sunday River. Celebrate with special activi-
and to confirm this event, please check facebook.com/BethelAlliance-
ties and deals for 50+ throughout the week. sundayriver.com,
ChurchBethelME
800-543-2754
Jan. 1: 36th Annual Carter’s Last Stand Carter’s XC Ski Center. Come ring in the New Year at Carter’s with a Nordic ski or snowshoe! Log your
Ongoing Winter Events Sleigh Rides at The Bethel Inn Resort A 30-minute trip around the property. Leaving on the half-hour, 5pm7:30pm. $20 for ages 11+, $15 for ages 4-10, free for 3 and under with an adult. bethelinn.com, 207-824-2175 to reserve. December 18, 24 – 31, 2021 January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29, 2022 Fireworks at Sunday River Viewing is slopeside at South Ridge Lodge or the Foggy Goggle deck. Fireworks go off at 7PM unless otherwise noted. Dec. 18, 28, & 31, 2021 Jan. 5, 15, 22, & 29, 2022 Country Christmas in Bethel Experience the Christmas season in the postcard-perfect New England village of Bethel. Shop locally, meet Santa, enjoy the lights, hop on a horse-drawn wagon ride, or take in a performance. Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce. bethelmaine.com/ country-christmas, 800-442-5826
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Our Client List includes: AT&T LL Bean, Inc Big City Mountaineers Day’s Crabmeat & Lobster Foreside Fitness Gamage Shipyard Morningstar Marble & Granite Maine Mineral & Gem Museum McGraw-Hill Publishing Mother’s Mountain Mustards
Olympia Sports Syris Scientific The Buckley Group Town of Freeport VueTek Scientific Yacht North Alden Yachts Navigator Publications Swarovski America, Ltd and many, many more!
Website Development, eNews and Integrated Marketing Solutions
Creative Advertising Solutions that Work for Your Business Issue #46 August / September 2021
Issue #47 October / November 2021
Bethel LIVING
Issue #44 April / May 2021
Bethel LIVING
Bethel LIVING
Coming and Going
Community Dining in Bethel with Meryl Kelly
Badass Boss Babes of Bethel
Farm Spotlight La Ferme
Moose Ridge Wilderness School
Food Sovereignty in Bethel
The Bethel Food Pantry
The Mahoosuc Community Broadband Initiative
“Coach” Bill Hayes
with Vernon and Tammy Davis
Mr Medicinals with David Pilgrim and Zac Parsons
Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Monarch Festival
Deepwoods Farm Padmani Meditation Pillows
Shady Grove Mushrooms
with Chuck & Sarah Patten
Sparrowhawk Orchard
Wildflowers of Western Maine
Spring Recipes
Roasted Chicken Thighs with Peas and Mint Rhubarb - Brown Butter Bars
with the Crooker Family
Fall Recipes
Late Summer Recipes
Tuscan Chicken Skillet & Fall Pumpkin Soup
Mexican Street Corn Nachos Eggplant Parmesan Boats
A Listing of Local Events
44.indd 1
with Meryl Kelly
Chapman Brook Farm
PLUS a Listing of Local Events
PLUS A Listing of Local Events 4/2/21 10:36 AM
46.indd 1
7/23/21 11:37 AM
www.royalrivergraphics.com Laurie Knowles• 207.838.4447 • laurie@royalrivergraphics.com 30
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Bethel LIVING | BethelLiving.com
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