Bethel Living Issue #74 April / May 2026

#74 April / May 2026

Bethel LIVING

Chris’s Haven of Hope

A Sober House for Men in Bryant Pond

The Fare Share Coop in Norway, Maine

Early Risers Yoga with Elba Sacris-Bove

Independence 250 Celebration Programs & Events in Bethel

ScarWork with Janet Willie Spring Recipes

Spinach Quiche, Asparagus Salad, Lemon-Ricotta Dessert Cake

A Message from the Chamber PLUS a Listing of Local Events

Publisher’s Note

Spring is the time for stories of inspiration, resilience, and compassion from across our community. Chris’s Haven of Hope opens its doors in Bryant Pond, offering a safe and supportive home for men in recovery. Elba introduces us to Harriet Langley’s uplifting Early Risers Yoga, while Meryl reports on the good things happening at the Fare Share Market in Norway. We also sit down with Bethel’s own LMT Janet Willie to talk about her recent calling to offer ScarWork to wounded Ukrainian warriors.

In the kitchen, spring arrives with fresh recipes for asparagus salad and spinach quiche—perfect for light seasonal meals. And with warmer days ahead, Bethel has plenty of events and happenings to explore throughout April and May.

As always, I am thankful to my support team. My production team is wonderful, as are my advertisers and readers – you make knocking together this magazine a joy, not a task.

Bethel Living is trademarked and owned by Laurie Ann Knowles. All rights reserved. Re production 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 consid er them first when patronizing businesses in the Bethel, Maine area.

Cover photo supplied by: Andy Gagne Photography www.andygagnephotography.com

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

Andy Gagne Photography

Chris's HAVEN of Hope

A Sober House in Bryant Pond

WITH MARY ELLEN AND MARC MONTPLAISIR

Addiction has touched nearly every community in America. In 2024 alone, an estimated 80,000 people in the United States died from drug overdoses, though that number marked the first significant national decline in years.

In Maine, the crisis has been felt deeply in both cities and rural towns. The state recorded 490 overdose deaths in 2024, down from 606 the previous year, continuing a hopeful downward trend.

But statistics only tell part of the story. In counties like Oxford County, where overdose deaths reached about 45 per 100,000 residents, the crisis is often personally felt in families, churches, schools, and small communities.

Behind every number is someone’s child, brother, parent, or friend.

For the Montplaisir family, it was all of those.

And out of that struggle, and out of love for one

by Laurie Ann Knowles

brother in particular, Chris’s Haven of Hope, a 501(c)(3) was born.

A Family’s Long Road Through Addiction

Mary Ellen Montplaisir’s eldest son, Chris, grew up with his three brothers in southern New Hampshire. Like many families grappling with addiction, their journey was long and difficult. Chris and his brothers struggled for years with substance abuse.

By his early 30s, Chris had landed in prison.

After serving 18 months, Chris made a decision that would change his life. He enrolled in an Adult & Teen Challenge Program in Minnesota—a faith-based residential recovery program with more than 215 centers across the United States and Canada. The program focuses on mentorship, life-skills training, and longterm support, offering participants the time and structure needed to rebuild their lives.

For Chris, it worked.

After completing the program, he returned home to Manchester, New Hampshire, with a mission: to find and help his brother Marc.

Marc had already been through several rehabilitation programs, but nothing had truly stuck. Chris convinced him to try sober living—an environment where recovery is supported through community, accountability, and time.

Marc stayed for a year and a half.

Within four months, he became the house manager.

During that time, the two older brothers did something remarkable: they went back to the streets and found their younger brother Billy.

Today, Billy still lives in the same sober house where Marc began his own recovery journey.

A Loss That Sparked a Vision

Chris remained sober for years. He lived to see

his brothers rebuilding their lives—something that once seemed impossible.

But at age 40, Chris died unexpectedly from a heart attack.

The loss shook the family deeply.

For Marc, grief slowly transformed into purpose. He began to imagine creating a sober living home of his own—one that would honor his brother’s legacy and give other men the same chance Chris had given him.

Around that time, Marc moved to Maine to help his mother Mary Ellen, who was navigating her own grief.

Mary Ellen had long-standing ties to the Bryant Pond and Greenwood area. Her family had a camp on North Pond near the “big rock,” and she had built a second home in the region nearly three decades later.

Marc followed.

And soon, the vision began to take shape.

Building Chris’s Haven

On 49 acres in Bryant Pond, Marc found what he calls “a big shell with potential” which he and Mary Ellen purchased - an unfinished home that had been vacant for some time.

In January 2025 they closed, and broke ground in April. By April, he had moved to Maine and begun the long process of turning the building into a recovery home.

But Chris’s Haven was not just a family project, It quickly became a community one.

Members of Moss Brook Church in South

“ WHAT STARTED AS AN IDEA IN MY HEART — IN MEMORY OF MY BROTHER CHRIS — IS NOW REAL PEOPLE, REAL LIVES, AND REAL RECOVERY HAPPENING UNDER THIS ROOF.

Paris helped complete much of the work. Local businesses and volunteers stepped forward with supplies, labor, and donations.

Hancock Lumber donated store credit $10,000

Clean Cut Painting sent a crew and donated 40 gallons of primer.

Pre-Hung Doors supplied solid interior doors.

Agren Appliance donated a double oven.

Plumbers, electricians, and countless community members—many of whom had lost loved ones to addiction—offered help wherever it was needed.

Marc salvaged and repurposed much of the furniture himself, transforming donated items into functional pieces for the home.

The house also received certification through the Maine Association of Recovery Residences (MARR), which inspects recovery homes and ensures they meet safety and quality standards for individuals in early recovery.

Slowly, room by room, Chris’s Haven came to life.

Opening the Doors

Following an open house in late February, Chris’s Haven officially opened its doors on February 18th.

The sober living home provides housing for men committed to rebuilding their lives. Prospective residents must apply and typically complete detoxes or rehabilitation before arriving. Once accepted, residents commit to maintaining sobriety and participate in weekly drug and alcohol testing and house rules.

Residents attend two to three recovery meetings per week—church services may count—and share responsibility for chores and maintaining the

home. Rent is kept intentionally low at $200 per week, though residents provide their own food.

Marc strongly encourages residents to stay six months to a year, believing long-term structure is essential for building healthy habits and sustainable recovery.

Beyond housing, Marc offers job coaching and has built connections with local businesses willing to hire residents looking for a fresh start.

“People don’t just need sobriety,” Marc says. “They need opportunity.”

Hope Growing on 49 Acres

The work at Chris’s Haven is only beginning.

Spring plans include planting flowers and vegetable gardens, building a chicken coop, and creating walking trails across the 49-acre property—giving residents space to work, reflect, and reconnect with the land.

The Haven is still in need of a van and volunteer drivers to help residents reach jobs, appointments, and meetings.

Mary Ellen’s parents, Nancy and Ron Staudinger, are deeply involved, and community support continues to grow. A GoFundMe page and Venmo account help cover ongoing expenses.

For Mary Ellen and Marc, the house stands as something more than a recovery residence.

It is a living tribute.

A place built from grief, sustained by community, and dedicated to the belief that no one is beyond hope.

What began as one brother’s memory is now becoming many men’s second chance.

CHRIS’S HAVEN OF HOPE  47 Old County Road  Bryant Pond, ME

PHONE: Marc’s Cell: (603) 820-6658  House Line: (207) 665-0001

The Momentum of Many Small Steps

The Story of The Fare Share Coop

Nearly fifty years ago, on a goat farm in West Paris, a handful of families gathered around bulk shipments of grain and produce hauled from Boston’s Chelsea Market or Fedco Market. Their informal buying club divided food, swapped ideas, and talked - about what it meant to feed their families well in a place where options could be limited.

What may have seemed insignificant held within it the seed of something much larger.

In 1978 they formalized their efforts creating the non-profit Oxford Hills Food and Nutrition Exchange, Inc. This move allowed them to open The Fare Share, a small cooperative market focused on providing access to Natural food and products in the town of South Paris.

The Slow Burn of Community

Growth, in the early years, was steady. The storefront adapted to what was available,

expanding only as capacity allowed. It was, in every sense, a slow burn.

By 2001, their roots had deepened enough that when the Town of Norway, Maine began exploring rural revitalization efforts, the co-op was ready for a pivotal opportunity. The town offered them a building on Main Street - for just one dollar. It was as much a gamble as it was a gift.

The building was far from functional. Volunteers had to strip it down to the studs to even begin renovations. It required vision, labor, and a willingness to invest in something that would not pay off quickly.

Volunteers cleared trash and contractors, many of them deeply connected to the co-op, stepped in. What emerged from that effort was not just a storefront, but a cultural anchor whose impact extends far beyond shopping.

A Building Becomes an Ecosystem

Today, that building at 443 Main Street is home to Fare Share Food Co-Op - a cooperatively owned natural foods grocery store. Upstairs, office suites house community minded organizations like Norway Downtown and Western Foothills Land Trust.

On the ground floor is the Center for an Ecology-Based Economy (CEBE).

When Central Systems Strain, Local Systems Matter

In recent years, the importance of localized food systems has become undeniable. Centralized supply chains revealed their fragility through empty shelves and delays indicating clear warnings, not inconveniences.

Globally, up to one-third of all food is lost or wasted, often due to gaps in storage and distribution. For small and rural farmers, the stakes are even higher.

Shortening supply chains, investing in regional infrastructure, and strengthening direct relationships between producers and consumers can reduce waste, build resilience, and keep more economic value local.

Fare Share’s evolution offers a compelling alternative to traditional grocery distribution— one rooted in flexibility, efficiency, and community strength.

Quiet Work, Lasting Impact

In 2019, the co-op leadership faced a familiar set of challenges: thinly stocked shelves, unstable

distributor relationships, aging infrastructure, and uncertain finances. There was no single fix.

Instead, progress unfolded as it could. Often invisible, but essential improvements were in constant motion. Heat pumps were installed. The basement was insulated. Coolers were replaced. A new point-of-sale system was implemented. Distributor contracts were renegotiated. And once more a co-op member rose to the moment, donating new porticos over the back entrances of the store. None of these changes made headlines. But together, they stabilized the foundation. Another truth about momentum is that it is often built through unglamorous consistency.

Investing in the Future of Food

Ushering The Fare Share into its next phase of community impact is the construction of a 3,600-square-foot climate-controlled food storage and distribution hub. What was once an underutilized basement is now the focal point of an ambitious reinvestment in our local food system changing what is possible for local farms.

When completed, the basement will allow the co-op to store larger quantities of local produce, support bulk purchasing from nearby farms, expand value-added food production and establish forward contracts that give farmers greater financial stability.

This kind of infrastructure addresses one of the most persistent barriers facing smallscale agriculture: The gap between harvest

and market. Without proper storage and distribution, even the most abundant harvest can become a loss. With this infrastructure, a bumper crop can carry a farm through a season as opposed to presenting challenges to consider.

The Compounding Power of Small Actions

Looking at Fare Share today, it would be easy to focus on the visible outcomes: a freshly painted building, upgraded infrastructure, a growing membership, ambitious plans for the future including expanded kitchen and potential for a local foods-driven cafe. As bright as this future looks, the real story here is in the accumulation:

Five friends sharing food at a goat farm

A tiny natural foods storefront

A one-dollar building

Consistent volunteer labor

A community hub

A regional powerhouse

This is not a story that belongs to any one person. It is carried in fragments by those who unloaded trucks, balanced books, stocked shelves, repaired coolers, showed up for meetings, and kept coming back.

Each step, on its own, is small. But together, they form necessary momentum.

There is a tendency to underestimate what a small group of committed people can do over time. The Fare Share offers motivated dreamers a beacon of hope and inspiration to start their work with the smallest of steps - to resist the urge to scale too quickly or measure impact too soon, to recognize that systems (especially those rooted in place and people) do not emerge overnight. They are built through repetition, through care, through the willingness to keep showing up even when progress feels static.

In Norway, Maine, that persistence has transformed a humble buying club into a multi-level regional hub for food, education,

community, and resilience. And perhaps most importantly, it has created a model. Not one that can be duplicated exactly but one that illustrates a powerful principle: When people invest in each other, in shared infrastructure, and in the long-term health of their local systems, momentum is not something they have to chase. Once it begins, it has a way of carrying forward - gathering energy, inviting participation, and opening possibilities that, at the start, would have been hard to imagine.

Perhaps one of the most quietly radical aspects of Fare Share’s work is its approach to food access.

Through the Co-op Food Fund, supported by “round-up” donations at the register, cumulative spare change is converted into gift cards and placed on a community board. Anyone can take one, no questions asked. It is a system built on trust.

443 Main Street Norway, Maine 04268 (207) 743-9044

HOURS

Open 7 days a week, 9a to 7p

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MINUTES FROM: Skiing • Hiking • Canoeing • Golfing • Relaxing

A Quiet Energy Brews: Early Risers Yoga

by Elba Sacris-Bove

Before dawn spills its first pale light over the mountains of Bethel, a quiet energy gathers inside the Annex at the Bethel Methodist Church on Main Street. At 6:30 a.m.—while most alarms are still silenced— mats are unrolled, backs are stretched awake, and a committed crew assembles for Early Risers Yoga with Harriet Langley.

One recent Thursday, I slipped into a corner spot, fully expecting a gentle wakeup. What I received was something far more effective. It woke me up—and then some. Exactly what I needed, even if my hamstrings briefly disagreed.

Harriet leads with calm authority and

technical precision. Her cues are clear and purposeful: stack the joints, engage the core, broaden the collarbones, anchor through the feet. The class begins with a collective hum and deliberate mobility work, coaxing the body out of its overnight stillness. From there, it builds methodically into strength and balance. Standing sequences generate heat. Planks and controlled transitions demand focus. For those inclined, inversions and arm balances are layered in seamlessly, without disrupting the flow.

What distinguishes Early Risers Yoga is its structure. Each sequence builds logically upon the last, creating a coherent arc from warm-up to final rest. The intensity is real—shoulders

“ WHAT DISTINGUISHES EARLY RISERS YOGA IS ITS STRUCTURE. EACH SEQUENCE BUILDS LOGICALLY UPON THE LAST, CREATING A COHERENT ARC FROM WARM-UP TO FINAL REST.

tremble, legs engage—but it is intentional. Participants are encouraged to modify when necessary and deepen when ready.

The demographic spans a healthy spectrum of experience. Seasoned practitioners press confidently into headstands while newer students refine foundational alignment. Harriet manages this range skillfully, offering progressions and regressions that keep the room unified. The atmosphere is focused but not intimidating; rigorous yet welcoming. No one is posturing—except, of course, in Warrior II.

The benefits extend well beyond thematic. The class builds flexibility, balance, and core strength— essential for skiers, snowboarders, hikers, and anyone who lives for the outdoors— making it an ideal early morning tune-up before heading to the trails.

Perhaps my favorite moment comes near the end, when Harriet moves through the room offering gentle foot and neck stretches to each student. It is a brief, thoughtful touch that transforms the experience from disciplined practice to personal care. Shoulders soften. Sighs escape. It’s the collective “ahhh” that

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

contact Harriet Langley - harrietlangley@hotmail.com

says, yes, this was worth the alarm.

By the time we settle into final rest, the shift is unmistakable. Breathing has slowed. Spines feel taller. Faces look brighter. The early hour, once ambitious, now feels strategic. There is a quiet satisfaction in knowing the most demanding physical task of the day may already be complete—before some have poured their first cup of coffee.

Classes meet Mondays and Thursdays at 6:30 a.m. Mats, blocks, and bolsters are available, though many bring their own. Arrive a few minutes early—and prepared to work.

If you are seeking more than a casual stretch—if you want disciplined movement, thoughtful sequencing, and a community that values effort—Early Risers Yoga is worth rising for.

ABOUT ELBA

Elba Sacris-Bove writes from lived experience and the quiet wisdom of the soul. A devoted student of life, she reflects on mindfulness, gratitude, and the gentle balance between body and spirit. She lives in Bethel, ME

At Watershed, we believe in crafting a unique dining experience where tradition meets innovation. Our intimate restaurant is nestled in the heart of Bethel, Maine, housed in the town’s historic water district building. We offer healthy Italian cuisine and wood-fired sourdough pizza. Experience the essence of this special place. Come and enjoy our delicious food in a cozy, welcoming and casual atmosphere.

Thursday, Friday, Saturday 4:30 to 8:30 - check Google maps and

Independence 250 BETHEL, MAINE

Independence 250 is a series of programs, events, and other projects happening in the Bethel, Maine, area in 2026 in commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence and the American Revolution.

The project was initiated by the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society and has been developed by a committee made up of a diverse group of community members. Committee members and other partners include the Bethel Library Association, Mahoosuc Land Trust, MSAD #44, Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, Age-Friendly Community Initiative, Bethel Area Arts and Music, Gould Academy, Rumford Public Library, Waterford Library, ad Norway Memorial Library.

The committee has planned a very full calendar of events for 2026! Activities include a book discussion series, speaker series, Fourth of July Community Celebration, exhibits, and special projects. There is something for everyone!

Book Discussion Series

(All book discussions are held at 2:00 pm. Hybrid option also available -- contact the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society.)

May 9, Rumford Public Library: My Dear Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie

September 12, Waterford Public Library: The Radicalism of the American Revolution by Gordon S. Wood

November 21, Museums of the Bethel Historical Society: The Founding Foodies by Dave DeWitt

Speaker Series

Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier. June 13, 2:00 p.m., Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Professor William Huntting Howell of Boston University will share his research and analysis of an unusual Revolutionary War memoir.

Meet John Adams. September 3, 5:30 p.m., Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. George Baker returns to the Museums of the Bethel Historical

Society to bring his portrayal of President John Adams to our annual potluck supper and meeting. What Revolution? October 17, 2:00 p.m., Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. Just how revolutionary was the American Revolution? Two historians, David Jones and William Andrews, will take up this question in a spirited discussion of the events of 1776 and their place in history.

Fourth of July Community Celebration

In honor of the 250th anniversary of American Independence, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society’s traditional Fourth of July Community Picnic and Concert will be expanded into a full day of festivities. The big celebration will feature a parade to start the morning, concert by the Portland Brass Quintet, games and activities, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. The parade will begin at 10:00 a.m., followed by the concert at 11:30 a.m. The full schedule of activities will be available in the weeks before the event.

Special Exhibits at the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society

Connected by a Thread: 250 Years of Stitching Community

July 2 – August 29, 2026 - Howe Exhibit Hall, Mason House. This exhibit will feature a selection of quilts from the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society collection.

Commemorations: Past and Present

May 26 – October 9, 2026 - Robinson House. The 250th anniversary of American Independence is the latest major milestone in our nation’s history.

For More Information

Visit 250bethel.org for a full listing of events.

Phone: (207) 824-2908

Email: info@bethelhistorical.org

ScarWork

with Janet Willie by Laurie Ann Knowles

When Bethel massage therapist Janet Willie boarded a plane for Poland earlier this year, she had only a rough itinerary and a strong sense of purpose. Somewhere beyond Warsaw, she would join a team of practitioners to teach a delicate healing technique to Ukrainian medical professionals treating soldiers wounded by war.

For Willie, a Licensed Massage Therapist and Licensed Practical Nurse who has practiced in Bethel for more than 35 years, the trip felt like a calling.

Willie has long been fascinated by fascia, the body’s fiber fluid connective tissue that forms a continuous matrix and through our entire body. Healthy fascia allows fluid movement; when it tightens or adheres, it can lead to pain and restricted mobility.

But Willie believes, and science now shows, fascia holds more than structural function. “It’s the interface between our environment and our internal perception,” she says. “Our fascia senses every place we enter.”

That curiosity eventually led her to ScarWork, a technique developed by Sharon Wheeler that addresses scar tissue using extremely gentle touch. In November 2024, Willie trained in the method at the Dempsey Center for Cancer & Support in Lewiston and later traveled to England for additional study.

Scars form from many experiences— surgery, cancer treatments, burns, accidents, and traumatic injuries. Traditionally, therapists tried breaking scar tissue apart or avoided

working on it. ScarWork takes a different approach, using feather-light touch to encourage communication of tissue’s and the body’s natural healing.

When Willie learned some of her mentors were traveling to Ukraine to teach the technique to doctors and therapists working with wounded soldiers, she joined them. After flying into Warsaw and traveling another twelve hours, Willie met a team of instructors working with Ukrainian doctors, physical therapists, and orthopedic specialists. Together they treated soldiers whose bodies bore the visible marks of war. Many had lost one, two, three, or even four limbs.

The devastation was clear. Yet Willie was struck by the soldiers’ spirit. “They were incredibly resilient,” she recalls. “Despite everything they had endured, there was optimism.” During treatments, practitioners

often saw surprising results. Using the lightest touch, ScarWork helped soften rigid tissue, mitigate phantom limb pain, and increase range of motion. The work reflects a different understanding of the body—not as a machine to be forced into alignment, but as a living system capable of reorganizing itself when given the right support.

War leaves wounds that reach far beyond the physical. Ukraine has endured years of conflict, and the scars—visible and unseen— are everywhere. Each morning at 9 a.m., the country pauses for a minute of silence to honor those who have died. Yet life continues. Flowers are sold on street corners. Musicians appear on sidewalks. Ballet still performs at the National Opera House, though ticket sales are limited to the number of people who can safely fit into the nearest bomb shelter. Willie also saw quiet acts of resilience. One local artist was creating small stained-glass houses from shards of windows shattered during bombings—turning destruction into something hopeful.

Back in Bethel, Willie continues to study and practice ScarWork with clients who carry their own surgical or traumatic scars. She hopes to

return to Ukraine to assist with further training.

For Willie, the work has distilled into three essentials: listening with feather-light touch, connecting healthy tissue around the scar to the injured area, and simply being present. Even in places marked by war, healing can begin with something as simple—and as powerful—as the lightest human touch.

Spring Recipes

DIRECTIONS:

1. Gather all ingredients. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.

2. Melt butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until lightly browned, about 7 minutes.

3. Stir in spinach, mushrooms, feta, and 1/2 cup Cheddar. Season with salt and pepper.

4. Spoon mixture into prepared pie crust.

5. Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium bowl until combined. Season with salt and pepper

Spinach Quiche

INGREDIENTS:

• ½ cup butter

• 1 small onion, chopped

• 3 cloves garlic, chopped

• 1 (10 ounce) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

• 4.5 ounces Shady Grove mushrooms, chopped

• 1 (6 ounce) package herb and garlic feta, crumbled

• 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese, divided

• salt and pepper to taste

• 1 deep-dish (9-inch) pie crust

• 4 large eggs

• 1 cup milk

6. Pour over the spinach mixture in pie crust, allowing egg mixture to thoroughly combine with spinach mixture.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.

8. Sprinkle the top with remaining Cheddar and bake until set in center, 35 to 40 minutes longer. Allow to cool briefly before slicing and serving, about 10 minutes.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add asparagus, and cook uncovered until bright green and just tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Thick asparagus spears may take just a bit longer.

2. Transfer asparagus with a large slotted spoon to a bowl of ice water for a few minutes to stop the cooking. Drain well and pat dry with a paper towel.

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Grease an 8-inch round springform pan with butter and line with parchment paper.

2. Mix flour and baking powder together in a small bowl.

3. Cream sugar and softened butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer. Add vanilla and beat 1 minute longer. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing thoroughly after each addition. Add

Asparagus, Cucumber, and Tomato Salad with Sesame Soy Vinaigrette

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 pound asparagus, tough ends trimmed and cut into bitesized pieces

• 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 1 teaspoon white sugar

• 1 English cucumber, halved lengthwise and cut into 1/4-inch thick slices

• 1 pint grape tomatoes, halved

3. Meanwhile, for dressing, combine vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in a small bowl. Whisk until well mixed combined.

4. Place asparagus, cucumbers, and tomatoes in a large bowl. Drizzle dressing over the veggies, and toss gently until well coated.

Lemon-Ricotta Dessert Cake

INGREDIENTS:

• 1 cup cake flour

• 2 teaspoons baking powder

• ¾ cup white sugar

• ½ cup butter, softened

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• 3 eggs

• 1 cup ricotta cheese

• 1 large lemon, zested and juiced

• ¼ cup milk

ALL RECIPE CREDIT: ALLRECIPES.COM

in flour mixture; beat until combined. Add ricotta cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to batter; beat on medium speed for 2 minutes. Add milk and beat on low speed only until combined. Pour batter into the prepared baking pan.

4. Bake in the preheated oven until a knife inserted in the center comes out clean, 45 to 50 minutes. Let cake cool completely before serving.

Message from the Executive Director

Celebrating the Longevity of Chamber Membership and Its Local Impact

When a business maintains its Chamber membership year after year, it’s more than just a mark of longevity—it’s a commitment to the people, schools, and neighborhoods that make our community.

Every dollar spent locally stays here, supporting not only businesses but also employees, local sports programs, schools, and community programs that make our town a better place to live.

Chamber members help create a strong local economy by investing in connections and resources that benefit everyone. Through networking events, promotional opportunities, and advocacy, our members ensure their businesses—and our community—continue to grow together.

We want to extend a special congratulations to our long time Chamber members. Your continued support demonstrates a dedication to our community’s well-being, and we’re grateful for the role you play in sustaining local jobs, enhancing programs for our youth, and strengthening our neighborhoods. Your commitment makes a difference every day.

Every year of Chamber membership reinforces the idea that business and community go hand in hand. By keeping business local, supporting one another, and investing in our future, our members help ensure that our town remains resilient, economically healthy and full of opportunity for everyone.

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

LOCAL Events

APRIL

Sundays:  Join the Sunday River Christian Ministry for Sunday Services at North Peak throughout the season. 10:00 AM.  Check for dates  www.sundayriver.com/events/sunday-service

Tuesdays: The Yarn Hub Drop-In Knitting Group at the Bethel Library meets on Tuesdays mornings from 10-noon. 6 Broad Street, 207-824-2520, bethellibrarymaine@gmail.com

Wednesdays: Story Hour at The Bethel Library 10am to 11am 6 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine

Thursdays: Coffee House Conversations Bethel Alliance Church - 9am

- noon Stop by for an hour or all three! Enjoy a cup of coffee, a donut or a bagel and conversation around the table with new friends. All are welcome! 251 Walkers Mills Road, West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church st., Bethel. All ages welcome, open to the public. Guest speaker Will Chapman, Mindfulness Meditation Practitioner and the Oxford Hills Ukulele Group

Fridays: Fun with Friends Playgroup West Parish Congregational Church Families with children 0-4 years old. 9am to 10:30am 32 Church Street, Bethel, Maine

Apr. 3-5: Bust ‘n’ Burn at Sunday River Think you can hang with the best? Let's see. Test your freestyle skills on the infamous White Heat and see if you've got the chops to take down Donny Pelletier. FMI: www.sundayriver.com/events

April 5: Easter Egg Hunt at Sunday River 7:30am, Slopeside at the Grand Summit Hotel, Sunday River Resort, Newry Maine. Little ones ages 6 and under will search for eggs slopeside on the snow, while kids 7 and above head into the woods for a more adventurous hunt. www.sundayriver.com/events/easter-egg-hunt

April 8: Gardening for Birds, Butterflies and Pollinators Mahoosuc Land Trust A 6 week course. Learn How to create a Habitat For All Garden. 5:30pm - 7pm at Telstar Regional High School FMI & to RSVP - www.mahoosuc.org/event-details/in-person-course-gardening-for-birds-butterflies-and-pollinators

April 9: Meditation & Music: A FREE wellness program sponsored by “To Your Health”, 4-5:30pm. West Parish Congregrational Church 32 Church Street, Bethel

April 15: Chirps, Squawk and Symphonies, Part 1 Mahoosuc Land Trust Learn how to use technology to identify the birds singing. Webinar 6pm - 7pm FMI & RSVP www.mahoosuc.org/event-details/chirpssquawks-and-symphonies

April 16: MMGM Third Thursday Activity Sessions at The Bethel Library Birthstones - Learn the history of why different months have different gems assigned to them. Why do some months have more than one birthstone? Which birthstones can we find in Maine? Take home an art project designed around your birthstone! 3pm, 6 Broad Street, Bethel

April 18: Chirps, Squawks and Symphonies, Part 2 Mahoosuc Land Trust Listening for birds in the field. 10 am to noon at Valentine Farm 162 North Road, Bethel, Maine. FMI & RSVP www.mahoosuc.org/ event-details/chirps-squawks-and-symphonies-part-ii

April 19: Outdoor Skills: Survival and Navigation Mahoosuc Land Trust at Valentine Farm, 162 North Road, Bethel, Maine 9:30 am to 4pm. Learn the skills to keep you safe while enjoying the outdoors. FMI and RSVP www.mahoosuc.org/event-details/outdoor-skills-survival-and-navigation

April 22: Bethel Library Book Club - “The Frozen River” by Ariel Lawhon Meeting held at 2pm at the Bethel Historical Society, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine

April 23: Introduction to Turkey Hunting Mahoosuc Land Trust at Valentine Farm, 162 North Road, Bethel, Maine 9am to 1pm. FMI & RSVP www.mahoosuc.org/event-details/introduction-to-turkey-hunting

April 25 Annual Smile Fund West Parish Congregational Church - 9am to noon. All donations to this sale will be used to buy dentures for adults who need them. Donations of household goods, books, toys and puzzles may be dropped off at the Congregational Church starting on April 17th through the 23rd. For an application for dentures, please call the church at 207-824-2689. FMI, please contact Jane Chandler at jane.h.chandler@gmail.com

MAY

Sundays:  Join the Sunday River Christian Ministry for Sunday Services at North Peak throughout the season. 10:00 AM.  Check for dates  www.sundayriver.com/events/sunday-service

Tuesdays: The Yarn Hub Drop-In Knitting Group at the Bethel Library meets on Tuesdays mornings from 10-noon. 6 Broad Street, 207-8242520, bethellibrarymaine@gmail.com

Wednesdays: Story Hour at The Bethel Library 10am to 11am 6 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine

Thursdays: Coffee House Conversations Bethel Alliance Church - 9am - noon Stop by for an hour or all three! Enjoy a cup of coffee, a donut or a bagel and conversation around the table with new friends. All are welcome! 251 Walkers Mills Road, Bethel

Fridays: Fun with Friends Playgroup West Parish Congregational Church Families with children 0-4 years old. 9am to 10:30am 32 Church Street, Bethel, Maine

May 2 & 3: Maine Pottery Tour A self guided tour to enjoy the hospitality of local potters in their studios. Nearly 60 pottery studios around the state are organized into 4 regions, allowing several studios to be visited in a single outing. It’s a fun chance to meet the artists, peek in the kilns, see demonstrations, and shop for pottery and other handmade goods. Interactive maps of each region are available at MainePotteryTour.org. Locally, Martha Grover and Joshua Rysted are at The Pottery Studio, 630 West Bethel Road, Bethel

May 3: Early Woodland Wildflowers Mahoosuc Land Trust - 10am to 11:30am As days lengthen and tree buds swell, a group of woodland wildflowers take advantage of this brief window of sun to bloom before the canopy closes. Join Maine Master Naturalist, Julie Reiff, on a walk through the Shelburne Riverlands to discover spring ephemerals, such as trout lilies and bellwort. Learn how these plants adapt and form unique partnerships with insects. Approximately 90 minutes of gentle walking. Meet at the parking lot on North Road. FMI & RSVP www.mahoosuc.org/event-details/early-woodland-wildflowers

May 9: Independence 250 Reading Group - My Dear Hamilton 2pm at the Rumford Public Library. Join us for a discussion of the book, My Dear Hamilton: A Novel of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton by Stephanie Dray and Laura Kamoie. Coming of age in the perilous frontier of  revolutionary New York, Elizabeth Schuyler champions the fight for independence. And when she meets young Alexander Hamilton, General George Washington’s penniless but passionate aide-de-camp, she’s captivated by the young officer’s charisma and brilliance. They fall in love, despite Hamilton’s bastard birth and the uncertainties of war. Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, 207-824-2908, bethelhistorical.org.

May 19: Bethel Library Book Club - “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald. Meeting held at 2pm at the Bethel Historical Society, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine

• MAIN LIVING AREAS — The large eat-in kitchen features an island and direct access to a covered porch. The living room and dining room offer an open concept layout with views of the second-floor catwalk, plus a custom stone fireplace with an insert pellet stove to heat the entire living area.

• FIRST FLOOR BEDROOMS & ADDITIONAL ROOMS — The primary bedroom includes a private bath, walkin closet, and a large private covered porch. Also on the first floor are a second bedroom, full bath, storage closet, mudroom, and laundry room.

• SECOND FLOOR — Two large bedrooms sit on either end with vaulted ceilings and large windows to capture stunning views and natural light. A full bath and catwalk lead to an open office/studio that highlights the beautiful surroundings.

• FLOORS & LOWER LEVEL — The floors are wood and tile with radiant heat on the first floor. A wrought iron detailed staircase leads to the lower level, which features a large game room with bar, sauna, and in-law apartment, plus patio doors opening to a polished stone patio and hot tub.

• ADDITIONAL FEATURES — The home includes a full house generator, solar energy, and a 3-car garage with an unfinished area above for added space.

Nestled in the beautiful western mountains of Lovell, Maine, this property is close to all four-season outdoor activities, including Sunday River and Pleasant Mountain Ski Areas, Kezar Lake, North Conway NH, Portland, and the White Mountain Regional Airport. $2,700,000