Bethel LIVING
Raises
Publisher’s Note
January rolled in with bone chilling temperatures — great news for all the folks out on the ice wanting to skate and fish. Busy weekends have brought carloads of visitors and skiers to sustain our small town and keep things lively, and for that we are grateful. Patience, that valued Maine virtue, is on display daily as the guest population swells, restaurants overflow and groceries fly off the shelves.
Welcome all; in this issue learn more about the Adult Ed programs and intrepid gardeners that nurture us year round. Join us in supporting a monumental charity run, then cook up DiCocoa’s special winter recipes and cozy up to the fire. A gentle transition from winter into spring lies ahead — the days grow longer and the temps will warm — but not until we’ve had our fill of winter; the season uniquely contrived to instill an elemental and lasting reverence for nature.
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.
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: Emily Delemater for Carter’s XC
Features Editor: Nate Scott
Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com
Nordic Skiing Opportunities in Western Maine
Any season you choose to visit Maine, undoubtedly you’ll find yourself trying something new in the outdoors. While western Maine is known for its downhill skiing opportunities, did you know that scattered within the 35-mile stretch from Bethel to Oxford, you can experience the rich tradition of Nordic skiing at no less than four different ski centers?
Carter’s Cross Country Ski Center and Retail Shop, located at 786 Intervale Road in Bethel, was founded by Dave and Anne Carter in 1984 with the mantra, “If you can walk, you can ski!” Carter’s
maintains 55k of groomed Nordic ski trails, plus a variety of options for backcountry skiing, fat-biking, and snowshoeing. Day passes start at $12 and season passes at $80. They also offer a free Community Youth Ski Pass to all eligible kids between the ages of 7-18 residing in the MSAD17, MSAD 44, RSU 10, and RSU 56 school districts. Carter’s offers ski lessons in both classic and skate techniques, with rentals included! Lodge in town, make it a day trip, or stay in one of their off-the-grid cabins. Mark your calendars for February 9th and join Winterkids for a Family Ski Day at Carter’s. This
The inside of the Roberts Farm Warming Hut, photo: Andy Gagne
Kelli Shedd, Western Foothills Land Trust
winter, keep an eye out for a rotating selection of food trucks and live music on the weekends. Visit cartersxcski.com FMI on rates, events, and more!
From Carter’s, follow the Crooked River via routes 35 and 118, you’ll find yourself in Norway, home to Roberts Farm Preserve and Nordic Center. A hidden gem operated by Western Foothills Land Trust, Roberts Farm is located at 58 Roberts Road, across from scenic Lake Pennesseewassee. In the winter, the Trust runs a community Nordic Center out of their Warming Hut. The Trust offers free onsite use of Nordic boots, skis, poles, and snowshoes during business hours when the hut is open. Not only is the equipment free, access to the 25k groomed Nordic ski trails is also free to use. A team of volunteer groomers keep the trails in excellent conditions, and you can read their trail report, the Daily Glide, for ski condition updates and a good laugh. An illuminated 2k groomed loop allows the community to enjoy night skiing as well. Roberts Farm is also home to the Annual Norway Maine Snowshoe Festival taking place on Saturday, February 15th. In its 15th year, enjoy racing on snowshoes, a chili cook off, beer from Norway Brewing Company, and a snowshoe
Carter’s XC Ski Shop & Center
786 Intervale Rd, Bethel, ME 04217
Info and Conditions: www.cartersxcski.com (207) 824-3880
Hours: 7-Days a week/ 9AM-4PM
Roberts Farm Preserve
Western Foothills Land Trust
58 Roberts Road, Norway, ME 04268
Trail Conditions: westernt.substack.com (207) 739-2124
Warming Hut Hours: (When there is snow) Mon-Thurs 1-4PM, Friday 1-7PM Sat & Sun 10AM-4PM
Inland Woods and Trails Winter Center
Located at The Bethel Resort: 21 Broad Street Bethel, ME 04217
Info and Conditions: woodsandtrails.org/daily-updates-2/ (207) 200-82409
Hours: 7-Days a week/ 9AM-4PM
Oxbow Beer Garden
Portland Gear Hub
420 Main Street, Oxford, ME 04270
Beer Garden & Ski Trail Info: oxbowbeer.com/location/oxford (207) 539-5178
Skiers enjoy the expertly groomed conditions of Roberts Farm Preserve, photo: Andy Gagne
Roberts Farm Preserve along “Coach’s Loop,” photo: Stacey Cramp continued on page 8
fashion show- a unique Maine event not to be missed. For more information and Warming Hut hours of operation, visit www.wfltmaine.org.
In addition to these two incredible ski centers, check out two more amazing options at Inland Woods + Trail’s Winter Center located at The
Bethel Resort for 16k of fat-bike and snowshoe trails, and 25k of groomed Nordic ski trails. Oxbow Beer Garden in Oxford grooms a sweet 7k of ski trails on the weekends with rentals available in advance through Portland Gear Hub.
The ski and snowshoe shed at Roberts Farm Preserve, photo: Andy Gagne
Enjoy fat bike and ski rentals at Carter’s XC, photo: Carter’s XC
Jaime Grover Raises Funds for Multiple Myeloma
by Laurie Ann Knowles
Jaime Grover grew up in Bethel, graduated from Telstar in 1999, then attended Jacksonville University in Florida, where she received her degree in Psychology. She returned to Maine, employed as a federal grant administrator in the social services sector for about a dozen years, but she never lost touch with her home town. Most everyone in Bethel knows Jaime’s mom, Ruth Grover, proprietor of Ruthie’s Boutique and the Bethel Village Motel on Main Street — both of which are about to celebrate their 50th year in business. Always active, Jaime explored different approaches to fitness by adjusting and refocusing her personal workouts over the years. She ran her first full 26.2 mile marathon — the Disney Marathon — about 10 years ago, which supercharged her fitness journey. She fell in love with the connections between physical, mental and emotional health and
made a career change to become a Certified Personal Trainer — leveraging her passion for sharing and inspiring others. Now at Dynamics Fitness in Scarborough, she lives in Westbrook and has completed 8 full marathons, over 100 half-marathons and easily close to 200 road races. She’s participated in the Tri for a Cure, raced for Global Genes and participated in many other fundraisers.
In December 2023 mother and daughter received a shock when Ruthie’s long time partner Kevin McMahon was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma. A rare cancer of the bone marrow that causes health complications by compromising the immune system, MM eventually leads to kidney failure; there is no cure. The disease strikes primarily older people, with the majority of diagnoses occurring after age 65. Multiple Myeloma hit Kevin hard and the disease progressed quickly
with little response to drug therapies. He passed in July, 2024. Jaime, now motivated to give back in honor of her stepdad, has decided to step up onto one of the most famous of marathon stages. She is training for the Boston Marathon for this April 21st, where she will be competing as a charity runner for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF) in Kevin’s honor.
A Boston native, Kevin was incredibly smart and loved to share memories of his childhood in Hyde Park. He was not afraid to boast about his Georgetown education or his unmatchable knowledge of history and economics. He was passionate about learning and education, wanting everyone to experience the same fever he had for knowledge. In his early career, Kevin worked as a Montessori teacher at the former Boston School for the
Deaf in Randolph, MA. He resettled to the western Maine mountains in the mid 80s and would spend the remainder of his working years in a variety of jobs, mostly in the hospitality industry. His masonry work was a creative outlet that allowed him to build many beautiful gardens, walls and sidewalks. When not in the garden, Kevin could be found entertaining guests at the family business or hiking in the woods with one of the many beloved family dogs. Kevin’s gift was the knack for connecting with people and his absence is a huge void for all who knew him.
There is so much still to be learned about MM, and every dollar towards research gets us a step closer to a cure. In the brief time that Kevin lived with this diagnosis, several other people in Bethel were diagnosed with the same disease. It feels hopeful knowing that organizations like MMRF are dedicated to making life better for current patients and those yet to be diagnosed. Jaime is aiming to raise over $11,500 to help MMRF help others.
Please consider a donation to help Jaime meet her fundraising goal. USE TO QR CODE OR VISIT: www.givengain.com/project/jaime-raising-funds-for-multiplemyeloma-research-foundation-86829
SWAN HILL
Views of Sunday River
• 5 Bedroom / 3.5 Baths
•Log home
• Real fireplace
• Gourmet kitchen
• Wet bar in basement
• 6 Person cedar sauna
• 22’ Ceilings
• Large mudroom
• Lots of glass
Lifelong Learning with Adult Ed
by Meryl Kelly
Economic mobility — the ability to improve one’s financial status over time — is often seen as paramount to achieving the “American Dream”. This vision holds that anyone, regardless of their background or location, can achieve their aspirations if they work hard and pursue certain educational opportunities. This carrot can be a powerful motivator, and communities that put an emphasis on providing access to education in varied formats bolster their residents’ ability to pursue and achieve success. From Pottery to Forestry, Google Drive to American Sign Language, MSAD#44 Adult and Community Education, situated in Bethel’s Telstar High School provides a vital leg up for community members looking to enhance their skills both personally and professionally. By providing affordable educational opportunities MSAD#44 empowers community members to engage in lifelong learning, not only enriching their own lives, but contributing to the overall well-being of the Bethel area.
One great advantage to having an Adult Ed office in our community is its HiSET program, which offers participants the ability to lay an educational foundation by obtaining a high school equivalency diploma. This achievement paves the way to improved employment prospects and opens avenues for financial and personal growth. Other Adult Ed programs are geared towards individuals at all stages in their professional journeys.
Many of the Bethel Area’s local business owners have leaned on Adult Ed classes over the years to strengthen their capacity to run successful enterprises. New business owners benefit from the resources offered to sharpen and grow their operations. Julie Hart, Adult & Community Education Director, is always looking to include more business courses on essential skills such as bookkeeping, marketing, social media management and customer service, to help owners streamline operations and increase efficiency. Additionally, certifications like ServSafe ensure compliance with industry regulations, particularly for food-related businesses. Beyond taking courses, business owners can also leverage adult education as a platform to teach their own classes, sharing expertise in their field while promoting their business and giving back to their community. By engaging in this reciprocal learning environment, business
Pottery~ Fairy Houses (Leah Kimball in photo)
Knitting with Betsy Raymond (Nurrie Caviness in the photo)
Martha Grover and Joshua Rysted of the Pottery Studio
owners can build valuable connections, establish credibility and enhance their skill set, while positioning their ventures for long-term success. MSAD#44’s course catalog features a variety of classes led by local instructors, making the institution a hub of community knowledge. For instance, residents can participate in knitting classes with Betsy Raymond, cooking sessions with Cathi DiCocco, pottery workshops with Martha Grover and woodworking courses with Tim O’Connor. This collaborative approach not only facilitates skill development but also solidifies community bonds. By providing opportunities for individuals to learn and grow together Adult Ed facilitates the creation of a more resilient, informed and engaged society.
Countless studies suggest continuing education plays a pivotal role in enhancing the quality of life for senior citizens. Engaging in adult education has been shown to have a positive impact on mental health and happiness which can lead to improved confidence, self-esteem and local engagement. It doesn’t take much time living in this area to recognize the advantages of an engaged and vibrant senior community. It’s genuinely difficult to think of a single organization or community board that hasn’t benefited from the engaged dedication and lifelong earned perspective of a community elder. With this in mind, MSAD#44 established the Western Mountains Senior College (WMSC), a membership based program specifically designed for adults aged 50 and above. For an annual fee of $25** members gain access to a wide array of in-house programs from September through August of the following year. Additionally, these memberships grant access to courses at any of Maine’s 17 Senior Colleges, including a variety of online courses.
In response to the growing demand for flexible learning options, MSAD#44 has partnered with online platforms like ed2go to expand its online offerings. One such course is the Certificate in Depression Awareness, which provides an indepth understanding of depression — covering its symptoms, risk factors, diagnostic criteria and treatment options. This online course and others like it allow learners to develop valuable skills and achieve certifications at their own pace and convenience.
If you would like to Teach an Adult Ed Class or for more information please contact Julie Hart adulted@sad44.org 207-824-2136 ext 1342
To View the most up to date Course Catalog please visit: sad44.coursestorm.com
Whether individuals are embarking on a new educational journey, seeking to enhance their business acumen or looking to engage in enriching activities during their free time, one key to success and well-being in today’s world lies in the commitment to “Keep Yourself Educated”. MSAD#44 Adult and Community Education serves as a valuable resource in these endeavors. By offering a comprehensive range of courses and programs it equips community members with the tools necessary for personal and professional growth, fosters social connections and contributes to the vitality of the Bethel area.
**There may be an additional cost for specific programs.
Beginner and Intermediate Fiddle (Instructor Paul Cormier in the photo)
“ H a n d w a r m e r M u g ” – H a n d - b u i l t P o t t e r y C l a s s
I n s t r u c t o r : M a r t h a G r o v e r W h e n : S a t u r d a y , F e b r u a r y 8 T i m e : 1 0 : 0 0 a m t o 1 2 : 0 0 p m
W h e r e : T h e P o t t e r y S t u d i o T u i t i o n : $ 4 0 p e r p e r s o n f o r 1 w e e k
“ F a i r y H o u s e ” – H a n d - b u i l t P o t t e r y C l a s s
I n s t r u c t o r : M a r t h a G r o v e r W h e n : S a t u r d a y , A p r i l 5 & 1 2 ( t w o w e e k s ) T i m e : 9 a t o 1 2 p m
W h e r e : T h e P o t t e r y S t u d i o T u i t i o n : $ 6 5 p e r p e r s o n f o r 2 w e e k s
B e g i n n e r B e e k e e p i n g
I n s t r u c t o r s : C h r i s t o p h e r a n d P a u l a E a s t o n o f t h e O x f o r d C o u n t y B e e C l u b
W h e n : T u e s d a y s , s t a r t i n g F e b 2 5 t h T i m e : 6 - 8 p m W h e r e : T e l s t a r A d u l t E d T u i t i o n : $ 8 5
I n t r o d u c t i o n t o F o r e s t M a n a g e m e n t :
I n s t r u c t o r s : M a i n e F o r e s t S e r v i c e D i s t r i c t F o r e s t e r , M i k e R i c h a r d T u i t i o n : $ 2 5
W h e n : T u e s d a y s , s t a r t i n g M a r c h 4 t h T i m e : 6 : 0 0 p m - 8 : 0 0 p m W h e r e : T e l s t a r A d u l t E d
A e r o b i c S w i m m i n g
I n s t r u c t o r s : L o u i s a A b a r n o W h e n : T u e s d a y s a n d T h u r s d a y s
W h e r e : R i v e r v i e w H o t e l P o o l
W o o d w o r k i n g
I n s t r u c t o r s : T i m O ’ C o n n o r W h e n : W e d n e s d a y , F e b r u a r y 1 2 t h f o r 8 w e e k s
T i m e : 5 : 3 0 p m - 8 : 3 0 p m W h e r e : T e l s t a r A d u l t E d u c a t i o n T u i t i o n : $ 8 5
K n i t t i n g w i t h B e t s y
I n s t r u c t o r s : B e t s y R a y m o n d T u i t i o n : $ 1 0 p e r s e s s i o n
W h e n : S i x w e e k s - S e s s i o n I , T h u r s d a y s s t a r t i n g J a n 8 T i m e : 4 : 3 0 p m - 6 : 0 0 p m
S e s s i o n I I , T h u r s d a y s t a r t i n g T B D
W h e r e : T e l s t a r A d u l t E d u c a t i o n
Starting A
A Garden
by Meryl Kelly
Early February might seem like a quiet month for gardening, but for those of us living in USDA Zone 5a it’s the perfect time to start planning. With its cold winters and relatively short growing season Zone 5a requires strategic planning and preparation to make the most of every frostfree day. Luckily for us, our community enjoys plenty of resources and gardening oracles to help guide the process for beginners and established gardeners alike.
Set Your Goals and Spend Time Learning
What do you want to cultivate this year? Assess the time you’ll have to commit to your space. Starting small is okay; gardens do — after all — grow. Whether you dream of a humble vegetable garden, expertly manicured flower beds or a sprawling pollinator-friendly haven, now is the time to define your priorities. If a pollinator garden is your goal consider enrolling in the SAD#44 Adult Ed class taught by Barbara Murphy, Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Director of Habitat for All, which begins on March 11. Other helpful workshops are regularly offered by the University of Maine Cooperative Extension and at community hubs like the Alan Day Community Garden in Norway or McLaughlin Garden in South Paris.
Research and Select Seeds
Is there a more pure, earnest sense of joy and excitement in the dead of Maine’s winter than finding a seed catalog in your mailbox? If you’re new to gardening try choosing a mix of reliable staples and a few experimental varieties to keep things exciting. While it’s tempting to plant everything, focus on crops
suited to Zone 5a’s climate. Pay attention to days-to-maturity and prioritize short season crops like radishes, lettuce and bush beans for quick wins. Cold-hardy options like kale, spinach and carrots extend harvests, while prolific producers like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers maximize your efforts.
There are great opportunities to get a glimpse of what’s been growing in other people’s gardens at seed swaps or neighborhood seed banks like the one at our Bethel Public Library. The Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE) in Norway will host their annual seed swap on Feb. 27 from 4:306:30pm. Attendees can bring seeds to share if they have them, but all are encouraged to attend regardless. There will be plenty to go around, in addition to a variety of seed starting calendars and gardening books to borrow. CEBE Director Scott Vlaun will give a short presentation about seed saving basics and offer a tutorial on grafting young plant shoots (known as scions) onto rootstock. There may be some scions to swap. CEBE also hosts an Agroforestry Workshop Series which will continue in the spring, so keep an eye out for those date releases.
Create a Garden Plan
Sketch a layout of your garden, noting where each plant will go. Factor in spacing
requirements, companion planting benefits and crop rotation principles. For example, to prevent soil-borne diseases, nightshades like tomatoes, peppers and eggplants should not be planted in the same spot year after year. Don’t forget to include space for pathways, trellises or raised beds, if applicable. Planning now will save you time and frustration later.
Bennett Automotive & Power Equipment in Bethel, which sells a variety of tractors, has expanded their business to rent some machinery for temporary use, allowing the home gardener a real opportunity to go bigger or establish new gardens with minimal grunt work. With a variety of Bobcat and Echo Brand machinery to choose from (as well as a Craftsman Walk Behind Rototiller) the ceiling of opportunity has gotten a lot higher for the average gardener.
Start Thinking About Indoor Seed Starting
In Zone 5a, the growing season is short, so starting seeds indoors is often necessary to get the most out of crops like tomatoes, peppers and broccoli. While it’s too early to plant most seeds in the beginning of February, it’s the perfect time to inventory your supplies. Check your seed-starting trays, grow lights and potting mix to ensure everything is ready to go for late February or early March. If seed starting feels daunting, local options abound for buying seedlings. No View Farm in Rumford grows thousands of organic vegetable seedlings, while Pooh Corner Farm and The Mountain Greenery, located along Route 2, offer a variety of conventionally grown vegetable seedlings, annuals, perennials, fruit trees, bushes, tubers and bulbs, as well as an array of gardening essentials.
Dream Big
Finally, let yourself dream! You don’t need to do it all this season but knowing where you’re aiming to go is a surefire way to get there. Flip through those catalogs, envision the blooms and harvests you’ll enjoy and allow yourself to get excited about the warmer days ahead. By taking proactive steps now you’ll be well-prepared when the snow melts. And if gardening isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Local farms and CSA programs have you covered. Check out Morning Glory Farm or New Spoke Farm for MOFGA-certified CSA options that will keep your family well fed all season long.
Winter's Work for Maine Gardeners
MAHOOSUC LAND TRUST mahoosuc.org
207-824-3806
162 North Rd, Bethel
UNIVERSITY OF MAINE COOPERATIVE EXTENSION - OXFORD COUNTY extension.umaine.edu/oxford
207-743-6329
9 Olson Rd, South Paris
ALAN DAY COMMUNITY GARDEN alandaycommunitygarden.org
207-346-0708
26 Whitman St, Norway
MCLAUGHLIN GARDENS mclaughlingarden.org
207-743-8820
97 Main St, South Paris
BETHEL LIBRARY bethellibraryassociation.org
207-824-2520 • 6 Broad St, Bethel
MAINE ORGANIC FARMERS AND GARDENERS ASSOCIATION (MOFGA ) www.mofga.org
207-568-4142
294 Crosby Brook Rd, Unity
CENTER FOR AN ECOLOGY-BASED ECONOMY ecologybasedeconomy.org
207-739-2101
447 Main St, Norway
POOH CORNER FARM www.poohfarm.com
207-836-3276
436 Bog Rd, Mason Township
NO VIEW FARM no-view-farm-inn-bakery.square.site
207-507-1510
855 South Rumford Rd, Rumford
BENNETT'S AUTOMOTIVE AND POWER EQUIPMENT www.bennettautomotive.net
207- 824-2597
149 Walkers Mills Rd, Bethel
MOUNTAIN GREENERY facebook.com/mtgreenery
207-836-3003
590 W Bethel Rd, Bethel, ME 04217
Making Bagels in Bethel for Over 20 Years.
Call and leave phone number on message machine before 1 on Friday or Saturday to pre-order 1/2 dozen or more bagels.
We will return call to confirm. Bagels available: plain, sesame, poppy, everything, kosher salt and cheddar-black pepper…while supplies last!
We also offer Hot Organic Oat Bowls, Cold Yogurt Cups with toppings and a variety of tea breads and cookies.
Cozy indoor seating available! FMI visit CafeDiCocoa.com 207-824-5282
French Toast Bagel Bake with Apples
Bake at 350° oven for 25-35 min. in a 9”x13” casserole dish or muffin tins. Frozen bagel chunks are perfect for making this French Toast. No need to thaw. Use any kind of fruit or any kind of milk. It’s a very flexible recipe.
INGREDIENTS:
• 3-4 peeled and cored apples cut into chunks
• 3T butter
• 3T brown sugar or maple syrup
• 1 t Cinnamon
• I/2 t salt
DIRECTIONS
1. Sauté in skillet till just tender, approximately 5 mins
2. In blender or bowl buzz up and set aside:
• 4 eggs
• 1 to 1-1/2c. milk or half and half (or alternative milk)
• 4 T. cream cheese, softened
• 2 T vanilla extract
3. In large bowl toss 6 cups of raw bagel croutons (3-4 bagels worth) with egg mixture and sautéed apples.
4. Submerge bread into liquid. Cover tightly and refrigerate at least 4 hrs or overnight
5. Toss and pour into greased casserole dish. Press chunks into egg mixture and add more milk as needed. Bake until golden and set. Freezes well.
How To Take Care of Your Bagels
Here are some care tips and recipes to enhance your bagel experience!
Fattoush
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 head of Romaine or crisp lettuce
• 2 Tomatoes, diced
• 3 Persian Cukes, diced
• 1/2 green pepper, diced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 5 radishes, chopped
• Parsley and mint brighten up the salad if available
INGREDIENTS: Fattoush Dressing
• 3T. Extra virgin olive oil
• 2T fresh lemon juice
Crispy Critters
Cubed toasted bagels are wonderful to make croutons to accompany salads and soups. Also great for dipping into marinara sauce or hummus for a quick snack.
DIRECTIONS
1. Sauté cubes in skillet with extra virgin olive oil over med low heat till golden and crispy.
2. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, garlic powder, Italian seasoning or whatever you like for a tasty bite. Best served hot.
3. You can also make a cinnamon sugar version for a sweet treat.
• Your freshly baked bagels are best left in a paper bag on the counter from day one
• If you plan to eat within 2-3 days put in a zip lock plastic bag-squeeze out air
• To refresh your bagel wipe with damp paper towel then toast it
• After day 4 it’s “freezer time” for future bagel enjoyment. Never microwave!
• Bagels do not go into the refrigerator. The low humidity dries them out
• Sliced bagels or chunked croutons go into air tight zip lock freezer bags
• They keep beautifully in their frozen world for up to 6 months
• No need to thaw sliced bagels before toasting
• 2 cloves garlic, grated or finely chopped
• 1t. Pomegranate molasses, optional, if you can find it
• 1t. Sumac, optional. Adds tart flavor profile.
• 1/2 t. dried mint. I use a mint tea bag- the perfect amount!
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper taste.
This is a popular fresh Lebanese chopped salad that highlights these crunchy bagel croutons. A match made in heaven! Use whatever fresh veggies you have on hand to create this refreshing salad. Here’s an authentic version as a starting place. Small dice the ingredients so that each bite has a variety of tastes and textures. Serve with crispy croutons on the side or topped on salad at the last minute.
LIVING
Bethel
LOCAL Events
FEBRUARY
Jan 31- Feb. 2: Pride Weekend Sunday River. Our LGBTQ weekend features stellar skiing and riding, special events, including a themed party, fireworks, and après-ski socials, all hosted by Sunday River Resort in association with The OutRyders, New England’s largest LGBTQ ski and snowboard club. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
Feb. 2: Sunday River Christian Ministry - Join us throughout the season for a 10am Sunday Service at North Peak.
Feb. 9: Carter’s XC Ski Center Family Winterkids Ski Day. 9-4 Get the Winterkids App and 2 kids will ski for free w/paid adult. Family activities, skiing, scavenger hunt and lots of fun for the whole family. cartersxcski.com. 786 Intervale Road, 207-824-3880
Feb. 15-23, 2025 Vacation week: Carter’s XC Ski Center Fun for the whole family, scavenger hunt for animal track signs, ski and snowshoe 9-4.
Feb. 9: 34th Annual Flying Moose Classic Half-Marathon The Bethel Outing Club, Nonstop Nordic, and NENSA. Part of both the Zak Cup and NENSA Marathon Series, this fun and exciting event starts at the Bethel Resort & Suites and takes you through the rolling hills and forest lands of the Bethel Resort & Suites and Inland Woods and Trail’s Bethel Village Trails in Bethel, Maine, providing you with a wonderful scenic adventure. Skiers can select from either the 12.5KM or 25KM course, and there is a 1KM kids race (grades K-5) and a 3KM Middle School
Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
PO Box 1247, 8 Station Place
Bethel, ME 04217
Tel: 207.824.2282
connect@bethelmaine.com www.bethelmaine.com www.facebook.com/bethelarea
Race (grades 6-8) that will take them over fun little obstacles and zigzag pathways. Kids race starts at 9:00 a.m. (mass start); Middle School starts at 9:30 a.m. (mass start); 12.5KM & 25KM races start at 10:00 a.m. (mass start). Awards and cookies to follow at ~12:30 p.m. with a special after party event at Carter’s XC Ski Center with a food truck and beverages (12:00-5:00 p.m.). Cost: 25KM = $35; 12.5KM = $35; 3KM = $15; 1KM = $10 (FREE for Bethel Outing Club Members & MSAD 44) https://nensa.net/event/flying-moose-classic-2/
Feb. 11: Apres Flying Moose Ski Party Carter’s XC Ski Center Try out our xc ski trails, FREE for any Flying Moose race registrant! Also all race registrants can enjoy 20% off all Swix products that day at our ski shop, in which we carry an extensive inventory of classic, skate, touring, and backcountry equipment. We will also be holding our annual Winterkids day with information about the Winterkids program, kids activities, and free swag. Additionally folks can demo fat tire bikes for only $20. Our food truck, Wild River Kitchen, will be serving our full menu including hot cocoa and smores kits. We invite you to experience our family-friendly and dog-friendly atmosphere complete with a central fire pit, picnic tables, and indoor lodge seating too. FMI check out cartersxcski. com. 786 Intervale Road, 207-824-3880
Feb. 12-16 Telstar High School Winter Carnival
Feb. 17: Telstar High School Winter Carnival Dance – 7pm to 10pm 284 Walkers Mills Road, 207-824-2136
Free Community XC Ski Days for kids, EVERYDAY this WINTER!!!, from SAD #17 and SAD #44 and RSU #10 and RSU #56 Carter’s XC Ski Center FREE trail passes for all students from these districts with rentals available at various rates. 786 Intervale Road, Bethel 207-824-3880
Feb. 14-23: President’s Week Sunday River. Presidents’ weekend and vacation week at Sunday River bring snow you can count on and plenty of fun events and activities for all! Visits with Eddy & Betty the Yetis, twilight skiing, live music, Firedancer, and fireworks. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
Feb. 15 - 23: Family Scavenger Hunt Carter’s XC Ski Center at 786 Intervale Road in Bethel. Vacation week, fun for the whole family, scavenger hunt for animal track signs, ski and snowshoe. 9am to 4pm cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880
MARCH
Mar: Every Wednesday, Story time at the Bethel Library, 5 Broad Street, Bethel, 10am – 11am
Mar 2: Sunday River Christian Ministry - Join us throughout the season for a 10am Sunday Service at North Peak.
March 9: Carter Cross Country Ski Center. 9-5 Free Community XC Ski Day for kids from SAD 17 and SAD 44, RSU 10, and RSU 56. Scavenger hunt, ski and snowshoe, fire pit, snacks, and prizes. 786 Intervale Road, cartersxcski.com, 207-824-3880
Mar. 29 & 30: Spring Fest Weekend Sunday River. Spring Festival is a celebration of the return of spring, complete with a huge outdoor party, concerts, and great spring skiing and riding. sundayriver.com, 800-543-2754
March 30: Rotary Country Breakfast at Gould Academy’s Ordway Hall, from 7:30 - 11:00 am. All-You-Can-Eat buffet breakfast for $15 adults, $10 children under 10. Tickets available from Rotarians and at the door.
