Bethel LIVING
Publisher’s Note
Look out, summer—here we come! As the days grow longer and warmer, Bethel comes alive with endless ways to paddle, swim, ride, fish, golf, camp—and simply enjoy the season.
In this issue, we welcome Margaret Manbeck and Alden & Co. Flowers and Gifts to the top of Main Street, and explore peaceful wellness spots like the Om Dome in Roxbury and NoView Farm in Rumford. Find tranquility in the Pollinator Garden at Valentine Farm. Celebration 250 has Donna Gillis in creation of the “Connected by a Thread” quilt. Elba Sacris-Bove shares a look at Bethel’s Age-Friendly Community Initiatives.
In the kitchen, enjoy a Pistachio & Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin from Vicky Fumiani of Watershed Woodfired Kitchen and a refreshing Triple Berry Shrub from Mary Harrington. And don’t miss our packed events calendar—get out and make the most of these beautiful summer days and nights!
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.
SATURDAY & SUNDAY, JULY 11-12
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: Shelby Maniatty kairosimagesbyshelbymaniatty.com
Graphic Design: Ben Bruno and Laurie Ann Knowles for Royal River Graphics www.royalrivergraphics.com laurie@royalrivergraphics.com
SATURDAY, 11-3 at Valentine Farm (162 North Rd, Bethel) features Flyfishing skills workshops led by TU members, local guides and outfitters
• Beginner Casting
• Fly Tying Stations
• Stream Ecology and Entomology
• Children’s Activities
• Vendor and Educational Booths
SUNDAY, 10-3 Androscoggin River Cleanup from Gilead to Newt’s Landing (West Bethel) with a brown bag lunch on the river and a celebration barbeque at the takeout!
Where Flowers, Gifts, and Good Things Come Together in Downtown Bethel
by Laurie Ann Knowles
At the top of downtown Bethel, a bright yellow four-story building stands proudly at the corner of Church and Main Streets, its historic presence impossible to miss. Now, that landmark has become home to a fresh new chapter in town life: Alden & Co. Flowers & Gifts.
More than simply a flower shop, Alden & Co. is rooted in the kind of thoughtful connection that makes small towns feel like home — familiar faces, meaningful celebrations, and the simple joy that comes from something beautifully made. Newly opened in the heart of Bethel, the shop offers artfully designed florals and a carefully curated collection of gifts for life’s milestones, everyday gestures, and everything in between.
Flowers have long been known to brighten moods, strengthen connections, and transform ordinary moments into memorable ones. Whether celebrating a birthday, welcoming a new baby, offering sympathy, or surprising someone “just because,” flowers have a unique way of saying what words sometimes cannot. At Alden & Co., those sentiments are woven into every bouquet and arrangement.
For owner Margaret Manbeck, the journey
began long before the storefront opened its doors. Raised in her family’s business, Pooh Corner Farm, Margaret learned floral design, customer service, and event work from an early age. The name “Alden & Co.” had lived in her imagination since college — so much so that she purchased the domain name back in 2006, quietly holding onto the dream for nearly two decades. “Alden” is a family name, making the business both personal and deeply rooted in heritage.
Margaret and her husband Roland, proud parents of three, always envisioned creating something of their own after returning to help run Pooh Corner Farm alongside Margaret’s mother, Carole Duplessis. As the floral side of the farm continued to grow, so did the idea for a dedicated downtown shop — one that felt accessible, welcoming, and connected to the community.
That community connection runs deep. Several of Margaret’s former Telstar High School classmates — now local contractors —
helped bring the vision to life through renovations including wiring, plumbing, painting, and flooring. The result is a warm and inviting space that reflects both craftsmanship and hometown pride.
“It’s a very personal project,” Margaret says, “and one we hope contributes to the continued vibrancy of downtown Bethel.” She especially loves the quaint, walkable charm of the village and the sense of connection it fosters.
Seasonal offerings will continue to expand and include grab-and-go bouquets, online ordering, holiday arrangements, event florals, and a Frequent Flower Club featuring monthly floral subscriptions with pickup or delivery options. Regular fresh flowers not only add beauty to a home or workspace, but studies have shown they can reduce stress and create a more welcoming atmosphere — one reason flower subscriptions have become increasingly popular.
Meanwhile, Margaret’s oldest brother, Forest Duplessis, and his girlfriend Lainey have taken over operations at Pooh Corner Farm alongside Carole Duplessis. Located at 436 Bog Road in Mason Township, the farm continues growing herbs, flowers, vegetable seedlings, shrubs, and other flora that have long been beloved by the community.
At Alden & Co., customers will find arrangements, wrapped bouquets, houseplants, succulent gardens, terrariums, prom flowers, wedding florals,
gift packages, and local delivery options. The shop also features a thoughtfully curated gift selection from makers including Emily Lex, Near & Native Candles, Cardthartic Cards, Hampstead Teas, Wayward Chickadee (soaps and body products), Sugarhouse Leather, Hygge Light Candles, Bunnies by the Bay and many other constantly changing offerings.
People often come to a florist when the moment matters most. From weddings and anniversaries to sympathy arrangements, gratitude, celebrations, and fresh starts, flowers help people express care, comfort, and joy in a tangible way. Margaret and her team approach each order with intention, creating designs rich in seasonal color, natural texture, and heartfelt detail. Just as important, they take the time to listen — ensuring every arrangement feels personal from the first conversation to the final ribbon.
For more information, stop by Alden & Co., 2 Main Street in Bethel, visit Alden & Co., or call 207-824-2000. To learn more about Pooh Corner Farm, visit Pooh Corner Farm or call 207-836-3276.
Maine Custom Interior Accents
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Out-of-the-Way Wellness
At The OmDome Nature Retreat Center and No View Farm
In an era where wellness has become a billion-dollar industry of green juices, meditation apps, and curated self-care routines, something essential is often lost: the healing power of connection and inner stillness in a world that constantly shifts the goalposts of what it means to be “well.”
Wellness does not require a luxury spa. More often, it looks like simple communion— strangers gathered around a bonfire under a star-filled sky.
Luckily, the mountains of Western Maine still hold spaces like this: sanctuaries where friends and visitors come together in shared experience, reminding us that healing is rarely a solitary pursuit. These places return us to something older and more enduring— that humans have always healed in circles: in villages, around fires, through ritual, food, and the witnessing of one another’s stories.
One such place is the OmDome Nature Retreat Center operated by owner and visionary
by Meryl Kelly
Ryan Holt in Roxbury, Maine. Set in one of the state’s most pristine mountain regions, the hostel is surrounded by 40 acres of rivers, lakes, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
At the center of the landscape sits the dormitory-style hostel and, perched above it on the second floor, the OmDome—a timberframed geodesic oasis built by friends and family as a gathering space for seemingly endless shared experiences.
Inside, guests find a cathedral-like communal space with quiet corners for reflection, shared meals, art, and group healing. Outside, the grounds are dotted with gardens, yurts, geodesic chicken coops, outdoor showers, communal fire pits, and sweeping mountain views.
At its core, the mission of the space is rooted in a simple belief: that everyone is both student and teacher, and that true healing happens in relationship—to ourselves, to nature, and to each other.
This philosophy is perhaps best showcased through the center’s annual Warriors’ Awakening Retreat (W.A.R.), which supports male veterans navigating the often invisible terrain of healing and reintegration. Veterans from across the country are invited to engage in a range of healing practices designed to foster dialogue, trust, and lasting support networks. Its premise is simple but powerful: warriors deserve peace too.
Community spaces like the OmDome matter because they resist the idea that wellness must be transactional or solitary. What distinguishes them from more commercial wellness destinations is their expansive definition of healing.
Here, structured offerings blend ancient and modern modalities— Reiki, sound healing, hypnotherapy, ancestral work, yoga, meditation, and emotional balancing sessions. Participants move between gentle restoration and deeper introspective work with trusted local practitioners such as Aimee Grimmel and Jasmine Grover.
Alongside this guided work is a strong emphasis on community access. Free gatherings and events— such as Summer Solstice potlucks or weekly community nights—ensure the Dome remains a living, evolving space shaped by the people who pass through it. The property is also open to the community as a place to wander, to sit in the forest, or simply exist without expectation. The OmDome is not just a place to visit; it is a place to return to.
cultivating not only food but a deeply rooted community around her South Rumford Road business.
Return is something frequent collaborator of the OmDome Nature Retreat Center and owner of No View Farm, Inn and Bakery, Annette Cochran, understands deeply. For more than 25 years, she has welcomed people onto her farm and into her bakery to till soil and break bread,
As Cochran steps back from the physical demands of daily farm and kitchen work, her focus is shifting toward curating No View Farm as a place-based hub for wellness, gathering, and skill-sharing. Less time spent in the kitchen and fields creates space for events, energy work, and hands-on classes that reflect the breadth of her knowledge and practice.
That evolution extends beyond the buildings and into the land itself. The gardens are shifting from a high-production growing system toward a
slower, more regenerative perennial food forest. Each tree, shrub, and flower has a place and purpose, contributing to a larger interconnected system designed to support both ecological and human wellbeing.
In many ways, the transformation at No View Farm mirrors the same principle that draws people to the OmDome: healing is not an isolated act, but something that emerges through communion—to land, to labor, and to one another.
What is unfolding here is not simply a business adapting to change, but an expression of a larger question: what does it mean to live well in a world that has made wellness something we consume rather than something we participate in?
When a business is truly rooted in community, it does not resist change—it listens for it. It adapts not only to economic realities, but to the deeper rhythms of the people and the land it exists alongside.
That willingness to evolve is an increasingly rare quality in how we imagine business itself. The dissonance between how we move through the world and how we tend to our inner lives is where the tension becomes most visible.
We often dream of traveling out of the way in search of meaning—a hidden waterfall, an ancient mountain ashram, a breathtaking summit. Yet our inner lives, already here and always available to us, are often met with something far more reduced: quick fixes, productivity hacks, and fifteenminute mindfulness breaks squeezed between obligations.
And yet, just a short distance from home, there are places intentionally slowed down—spaces designed not to optimize us, but to return us to ourselves. Models of a different relationship between people, place, and purpose, where wellbeing is not extracted or commodified, but practiced, shared, and sustained.
What might our communities look like if we gave the same attention to our inner wellbeing—and to our local places—that we so easily give to destinations beyond them?
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Human-Nature Hostel and Om Dome
Owner: Ryan Holt
Email: OmDome369@gmail.com
Website: www.TheOmDome.com
Address: 463 Horseshoe Valley Rd Roxbury, ME, 04275
No View Farm Inn and Bakery
Owner: Annette Cochran
Phone: (207) 507-1510
Website: www.noviewfarm.org
Address: 855 South Rumford Rd, Rumford, ME 04276
The Habitat For All Garden
So Much More Than A Collection of Spectacular Plants
BARBARA MURPHY, Habitat For All Program Director
MIKE MURPHY, Head Gardener, Habitat For All Garden
We may be surprised by how far some visitors travel to reach Bethel, but we’re not surprised by the enthusiasm of the comments left by visitors in our garden log. Since 2020, our visitor log has been filled with reflections—both brief notes and heartfelt testimonials—describing the garden’s beauty and meaning. This steady outpouring of appreciation affirms what has been, for us, an extraordinary and deeply rewarding journey. Transforming a former squash and pumpkin field located at Mahoosuc Land Trust’s Valentine Farm into a one-of-akind garden has truly been the experience of a lifetime.
Since 2019, a dedicated cohort of volunteers has worked alongside us to reimagine what a garden can be. Rather than simply a collection of plants, we believe gardens can—and should— serve as vibrant, central spaces in our lives. Even the smallest plot can offer opportunities
to engage with the natural world, create habitat for wildlife, grow food for ourselves and our communities, and provide a sanctuary from the pressures of modern life. In bringing these elements together, a garden fosters not only enjoyment but also a deeper understanding of, and empathy for, the environment, inspiring a lasting commitment to its care and protection.
At the heart of the Habitat For All Garden is a richly layered ecosystem designed to support pollinators and birds. While it is undeniably a feast for the eyes, with a diverse mix of flowers and grasses, both familiar and unusual, it is also a carefully constructed habitat. This densely planted area offers not just pollen, nectar, and foliage, but also essential cover, nesting sites, and overwintering spaces for a wide range of insects, supporting their full life cycles.
Beyond the plantings, additional features enhance the garden’s ecological value. A small pond with a gentle waterfall provides water for
ALL PHOTOS CREDIT: MIKE MURPHY
“ BEAUTIFUL, VERY CLEVERLY DESIGNED, INSPIRING—SO MUCH FUN! LOVED THE KIDS’ CORNER AND THE POPS OF COLOR EVERYWHERE!
— Visitor
from Adelaide, South Australia
drinking, bathing, and even play—one visitor delighted in watching hummingbirds “shower” beneath the falls. To support native bees, hollow stems of Joe-Pye Weed are left standing through the seasons, offering nesting sites for solitary species. Patches of bare, sandy soil are intentionally preserved for ground-nesting bumblebees. And to encourage birds to settle and thrive, a multi-species thicket provides shelter, protection, and nesting opportunities.
Perhaps the most delightful outcome is that a garden designed for wildlife naturally becomes a welcoming space for people as well. In a world that often feels rushed and noisy, the Habitat For All Garden offers places for pause and connection. Thoughtfully placed chairs and tables invite visitors to sit, reflect, meditate, or journal. These same spaces also become gathering points for conversation, perfect for sharing coffee with friends.
The garden inspires curiosity and creativity in many forms. Photographers arrive in the early morning to capture the quiet beauty of dew-covered leaves and the first stirrings of the day. Others engage more actively, contributing to community science initiatives like eBird and iNaturalist by documenting species as they explore the paths. For many, the act of growing food within the garden brings a sense of resilience and self-reliance. The process of tending, harvesting, preparing, and preserving crops deepens one’s connection to the land and fosters a greater appreciation for the rhythms of nature.
A striking collection of beautiful and unusual flowers, shrubs, grasses, and vines makes the garden a destination in its own right. What truly brings it to life, however, are the handmade signs, whimsical art, and the
imaginative world of Anna & Oliver’s Garden.
Tucked into the southwest corner, amid a riot of archways draped in colorful vines, a frog pond, an art tent, and more, lies the “basecamp” of Anna and Oliver, two fictional, globe-trotting 13-year-olds. They’ve chosen Bethel as the home of their laboratory, museum, and discovery zone. While off on their adventures, they invite visitors to tend their ongoing experiments by making observations, taking measurements, and answering thoughtprovoking questions.
Scattered throughout this magical space are handmade dragonflies, fish, birds, and other creatures. Mystery lovers can dive into the Case of the Monkey Puzzle, a Valentine Farm-wide search for clues, while a piece of artwork poses the question: “If you could tame an owl, would you keep it in a cage?”
At the heart of it all is a small greenhouse filled with specimens, art supplies, and creative prompts. Visitors—especially children—are encouraged to draw, imagine, write, and observe closely.
In every sense, the Habitat for All Garden lives up to its name: a place where plants, wildlife, and people all feel at home.
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 or www.watershedwk.com for
The “Connected by a Thread” Quilt for the America 250 Celebration
by Donna Gillis
Quilting, one of our oldest enduring crafts, dates back to the 1300s. As a member of the Museums of Bethel Historical Society’s Independence 250 Committee, I designed a collaborative quilt representing the State of Maine in honor of this milestone celebration.
To bring the vision to life, I created a two-sided design and presented it to the Cross Country Quilters Chapter in Bethel. Once they embraced the project, all chapters of the Pine Tree Quilters Guild of Maine were invited to contribute a block representing their group.
Each of Maine’s counties was assigned a specific color to unify the design. Thirty-nine chapters participated, creating blocks within a set size and incorporating their county’s color as a border. The Cross Country Quilters assembled the pieces into a double-sided quilt based on the original design. One side reflects Maine’s counties in their geographic locations and assigned colors; the other showcases the individual blocks from each participating chapter.
The quilt was expertly finished by Newry long-arm quilter Alan Rothberg of Bo’s Bags and Quilts (The Quilt Doctor), who stitched the two sides into a single, cohesive piece.
The quilt will be displayed in the Moses Mason Barn on the campus of the Museums of Bethel Historical Society from July 4 through August 2026, with a special showing at the Augusta Quilt Show at the Augusta Civic Center from July 21–26.
Available for loan to museums and exhibitions, the quilt will be permanently housed at the Museums of Bethel Historical Society when not on display.
For more information, contact Donna Gillis at seamsundone@gmail.com, or the Museums of Bethel Historical Society at info@bethelhistorical.org or 207-824-2908.
CONNECTING COMMUNITY ENRICHING LIVES
A Conversation with Melinda Remington, AFCI Community Connector
by Elba Sacris-Bove
In a small town like Bethel, community is more than a concept—it’s a lifeline. At the heart of that connection is Melinda Remington, Community Connector for the Bethel Area Age-Friendly Community Initiatives (AFCI). In conversation, it quickly becomes clear that she brings not only experience, but a distinct sense of purpose to her work.
From the outset, Remington speaks with an urgency and care that set the tone for everything she does. Her role places her at the intersection of outreach, advocacy, and program coordination for the region’s aging population. Her approach is deeply personal.
“I care greatly about this community,” she says, a statement reflected in action. She meets people where they are, engaging in one-on-one conversations at local events and in everyday encounters. These interactions form the foundation of trust and connection. As she puts it, “In Maine, life can be hard, but it makes people hardy,” a perspective that underscores both her empathy and her respect for the resilience of those she serves.
AFCI, a nonprofit organization, supports
older adults aged 60 and above across Bethel, Newry, Hanover, Gilead, Greenwood, Woodstock, Albany, and Mason Township. Its mission is simple yet impactful: to enhance quality of life through accessible, inclusive programming. The organization offers a range of free services designed to support both physical well-being and social connection—an often overlooked but essential component of healthy aging.
Among these programs is Neighbor2Neighbor Rides , which provides transportation within a 30-mile radius for medical appointments, errands, and social engagements. HandyNeighbor connects high school students with older residents for spring and fall yard and garden work, fostering meaningful intergenerational collaboration. Walk the Gym offers a safe indoor walking space during the colder months at Gould Academy, while Safe Bethel Walking
Trail Maps encourage outdoor activity when weather permits.
Social connection remains central to AFCI’s work. Games-On , held Thursdays from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Whitman Memorial Library in Bryant Pond, provides a welcoming space for recreation and conversation. Home Safety Assessments , conducted by a certified occupational therapist, focus on fall prevention and overall safety. Life Reviews , another intergenerational initiative, invites storytelling and shared learning, preserving personal histories while building relationships.
Accessibility defines these programs. By offering services at no cost, AFCI removes financial barriers that might otherwise limit participation. Remington emphasizes that sustaining this impact depends on community involvement. “It takes a village to make a difference,” she notes. “You are needed, welcomed, and encouraged to be part of the village.”
Listening is central to her work. Through both informal conversations and structured feedback, Remington gathers insight into the evolving needs of the community. This
For more information, call 207-824-4444, email agefriendlybethel@gmail.com, or visit www.facebook.com/agefriendlybethel
responsiveness allows AFCI to remain relevant and adaptive, ensuring its programs reflect real, lived experiences.
In a stage of life that can often feel isolating, AFCI reinforces the idea that connection remains close at hand.
More than a coordinator, Melinda Remington is exactly what her title suggests: a true community connector. Through her dedication, Bethel’s aging population is not only supported, but genuinely valued and celebrated.
“ IN A STAGE OF LIFE THAT CAN OFTEN FEEL ISOLATING, AFCI REINFORCES THE IDEA THAT CONNECTION REMAINS CLOSE AT HAND.
Summer Recipes
Rhubarb Chutney
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 1/2 cups rhubarb, cut into 1/2" pieces
• 1/4 onion, diced
• 2T dried cranberries
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 t fresh ginger
• 1/4 t allspice
• 1/4 t black pepper
• 3T apple cider vinegar
DIRECTIONS:
Victoria’s Pistachio, Pepita & Herb Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Rhubarb Chutney and Nettle Pesto Pasta
INGREDIENTS:
• 1 Pork Tenderloin seasoned with salt and pepper
• 3T Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup nuts of your choice. You can also use pepitas
• 3T sturdy herbs such as rosemary, sage, marjoram
DIRECTIONS:
1. Pulse herbs in the food processor until they are minced. Add nuts and pulse until it becomes a crunchy coating. You do not want a paste.
2. Rub mustard over the tenderloin so that it is completely coated
3. Dump crunchy nut and herb coating onto a piece of parchment paper and roll the mustard coated tenderloin until it is completely coated
4. Bake in a 400 F oven on parchment paper until the tenderloin reaches 145 F internally. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into medallions. Serve with rhubarb chutney.
1. Combine all ingredients and simmer for 10 minutes or until rhubarb is soft
Watershed
WOOD-FIRED KITCHEN
Nettle Pesto
INGREDIENTS:
• 3-4 cups nettles, blanched
• 3 cloves garlic
• Salt to taste
Delicious Italian food in a unique space. From-scratch pasta and sourdough pizza, wood-fired! 11 Philbrook St, Intown Bethel, serving supper 4:30-8:30, Thursday, Friday, & Saturday • www.watershedwfk.com
• 3 T walnuts (or nut of your choice, or pepitas)
• 4 T olive oil
DIRECTIONS:
1. Toss garlic cloves in the food processor while it is running. This will chop the cloves effectively.
2. Whir remaining ingredients except the olive oil in the food processor.
3. When combined, add olive oil in a slow steam until it becomes emulsified.
4. Toss into cooked pasta of your choice and top with a good hard Italian cheese, such as pecorino or parmagiano.
Mary’s Triple Berry Summer Shrub
INGREDIENTS:
• 1C. White vinegar
• 1C. Sugar
• 1/3C each: local blueberries strawberries raspberries
FOR A HOT PROCESS SHRUB:
1. In a medium saucepan over low heat warm vinegar, add sugar until dissolved, add berries in a medium saucepan over low heat, stirring until the sugar is completely dissolved at a low simmer.
2. Let it bubble away until the syrup has become the color of the fruit and the fruit looks tired and shriveled.
3. Allow to cool for about 3 hours, strain out and discard the berries or use pickled berries for garnish, or topping as they have a bright tart/sweet flavor.
4. Enjoy over ice with soda, approximately 1oz shrub to 6oz seltzer or your favorite ginger beer. Makes a lovely prebiotic drink highlighting Maine’s native summer berries.
5. Store in an airtight container refrigerated for months and enjoy summer berries of season
Message from the Executive Director
Growing Forward: Balancing Economic Vitality & Community in the Bethel Area
In the Bethel area, growth is a conversation rooted in values. It’s not about becoming something different—it’s about protecting what makes this community special while ensuring it continues to thrive for generations to come.
Why Economic Growth Matters
Economic growth in a small town isn’t about expansion for its own sake. It’s about sustainability. Local businesses need a reliable, year-round customer base. Employers need access to a workforce. Families need opportunities to build careers and put down roots. Growth, when done thoughtfully, strengthens everything—from schools and services to the overall quality of life.
The Power of a Diverse Community
A thriving Bethel area is one where multiple generations live, work, and contribute together. Retirees bring experience, volunteerism, and investment in the community. At the same time, younger residents and working families bring energy, innovation, and long-term sustainability. One group doesn’t replace the other—they complement each other. The goal isn’t to shift away from one identity, but to broaden it.
Protecting What Makes Bethel area…the Bethel area
There’s a shared desire to preserve the charm of a unique, boutique downtown—independent businesses, local character, and a sense of place you can’t find just anywhere. That doesn’t mean resisting growth. It means shaping it.
Growth can look like:
• Supporting small business startups and entrepreneurs
• Encouraging year-round employment opportunities
• Creating spaces where people can live and work locally
• Investing in experiences that attract a wider demographic All without introducing big box stores or franchises that dilute the character of the community.
Creating Opportunities for the Next Generation
One of the most impactful ways to ensure long-term vitality is to make it possible for younger people to stay—or choose to come here.
That means thinking about:
• Workforce housing
• Career pathways beyond seasonal roles
• Support for remote workers and small business owners
• A community that feels welcoming to different stages of life When people can see a future here, they invest in it.
A Community Choice
The future of the Bethel area isn’t something that happens to the community—it’s something shaped by it. By supporting local businesses, encouraging thoughtful development, and staying grounded in shared values, the Bethel area can continue to grow in a way that feels intentional and inclusive. Not bigger for the sake of being bigger—but stronger, more balanced, and built to last.
Bobbi Vandenbulcke, Executive Director • Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce
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
JUNE AND JULY
First Monday of the month: Tech Help at the Bethel Library 11am to 1pm. 6 Broad Street, 207-824-2520, bethellibrarymaine@gmail.com
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
Tuesdays: Seniors' Social Time at Bethel Library Come have a conversation! Noon to 1pm. 6 Broad Street, 207-824-2520, bethellibrarymaine@gmail.com
Tuesdays: Food is Medicine Oxford County - Sponsored by MaineHealth, Food is Medicine (FIM) refers to programs that provide food and nutrition as a part of health care to treat or prevent disease and advance health equity. This work includes prescribing meals, groceries, meal kits or fresh fruits and vegetables to support specific health conditions, well-being and social needs. FIM programs offer access to foods and meals from different cultures as well as education for diets to treat specific health conditions. Tuesdays 12 to 2pm, Bethel United Methodist Church, Main St., Bethel, Maine
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
Thursdays: Hoot Night at the Suds Pub 151 Main St., Bethel, Maine 9pm to 11pm FMI - 207-824-2174
Fridays: Fun with Friends Playgroup New to the community? This is your space to make new friends. Tired of your own four walls during the cold weather? Make playgroup a regular outing. Looking to meet others with children the same age as yours? This is the place. Need another parent perspective on a stage your child is going through? Learn tips from others who have already experienced it. Looking for kid-friendly places to explore with your child? Learn about other's experiences or invite others to explore with you. 9am to 10:30am West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church St., Bethel, Maine
Fridays: Greenwood Farmer’s Market - 4pm - 6pm at the former Grange Hall beside the Post Office in Lockes Mills, Greenwood, Maine
Saturdays: Bethel Farmer’s Market In the Norway Savings Bank parking lot on Parkway in Bethel, Maine 9am to 1pm FMI:(207) 890-6859
Saturdays: Outdoor Storytime at Valentine Farm Read - ExploreCreate Meet at the garden gate. Nature - themed stories and related activities offered weekly by volunteer readers. Book titles posted weekly on the Bethel Fun For Kids Facebook page. Bring something to sit on.
Wear shoes comfortable for walking in the woods. 3-4pm FMI: ://www. mahoosuc.org/storybook-walk-and-activities
Andover Summer Concert Series
Every other Friday evening from late May - Early September at 6pm. Rain or shine at the bandstand on the Andover Town Common, or at the Church, as noted. Family friendly series featuring local musicians. Free admission, (donations appreciated) FMI: 207-392-1028
June 12 Drunk in Public/ Eric Schmersal
June 26 Tim Dion and the Acoustapalians
July 10 Barney Martin (at the Church)
July 24 Pete Coolidge Originals
JUNE
June 3: Business After Hours - Clean Cut Painting Learn more about the company and the owners, and meet others from the Bethel area to connect with more businesses. Please remember to bring your business cards! 4pm to 6pm. 1 Parkway Rd, (Norway Bank building), Suite 203, Bethel, Maine
June 4: Della Valla Trio - American Roots Music, 7pm, at the Bear Mountain Music Hall, 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
June 5: Telstar High School Graduation 7pm - 8pm 284 Walker’s Mills Road Come join the celebration!
June 7: Antique Appraisals at Bear Mountain Music Hall - Various antique dealers will be there to talk to you about your items at 2pm and Craig Rivas will be playing music in the cafe. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
June 10: Bethel Library Book Club - “The Color Purple” by Alice Walker. Meeting held at 2pm at the Bethel Historical Society, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine FMI: 207-824-2908
June 11: Nicoleta Savvidou at Bear Mountain Music Hall - Classical Music on the Bosendorfer Piano at 7pm. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
June 12: Andover Summer Concert Series - Drunk in Public/ Eric Schmersal 6pm. Rain or shine at the bandstand on the Andover Town Common. Family friendly series featuring local musicians. Free admission, (donations appreciated) FMI: 207-392-1028
June 12: American Red Cross Blood Drive - Consider giving blood to save someone’s life. Make an appointment at redcross.org. 11am to 3 pm at the West Parish Congregational Church, 32 Church Street, Bethel, Maine
June 13: “Memoir of a Revolutionary Soldier: The Narrative of Joseph Plumb Martin” with William Huntting Howell - Museums of the Bethel Historical Society 2 p.m. Howe Exhibit Hall, Mason House. Professor William Huntting Howell of Boston University will share his research and analysis of an unusual Revolutionary War memoir. 10 Broad St., Bethel, Maine FMI: 207-824-2908 or bethelhistorical.org/events/ Free, with donations gratefully accepted.
June 14: Song Circle at Bear Mountain Music Hall - 3pm. Local musicians sharing songs in the cafe. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
June 18: Pia Louise Capaldi & Emma Holder Belly Dancing - 7pm Bear Mountain Music Hall, 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine FMI: bearmountainmusichall.org
June 26: Andover Summer Concert Series - Tim Dion and the Acoustapalians 6pm. Rain or shine at the bandstand on the Andover Town Common. Family friendly series featuring local musicians. Free admission, (donations appreciated) FMI: 207-392-1028
June 28: Songwriters in the Round - Singer /Songwriters Original Music 3pm. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
JULY
July: Summer Concert Series at Sunday River - South Ridge. FMI: www.sundayriver.com/events/summer-concert-series
Date Time Band
July 3 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM D-No & The Full Send
July 4 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM The Northside Ramblers
July 11 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM TJ Swan
July 18 11:30 AM - 2:30 PM James Rice
July 24 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Skosh
July 25 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM The Middle Men
Thursdays in July, (July 9, 16, 23, 30), 9:30-11:30 Mornings at the Museum: “Happy Birthday, America!” In celebration of 250 years of independence, the theme of our popular summer children’s program this year will be “Happy Birthday, America!” Museums of the Bethel
Photo Credit: Victor Salvo
Historical Society, 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine. FMI: 207-824-2908 bethelhistorical.org/event/
July 1: Business After Hours -Wheeler Insurance Learn more about the company and the owners, and meet others from the Bethel area to connect with more businesses. Please remember to bring your business cards! 4pm to 6pm. 1 Parkway Rd, (Norway Bank building), in Bethel. FMI: 207-824-2282
July 2: Dan Moore on the Bosendorfer Piano - 7 pm 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
July 4: America’s 250th Birthday 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, a concert by the Portland Brass Quintet, games and activities, and a reading of the Declaration of Independence. 10 Broad Street, Bethel, Maine 207-824-2908 bethelhistorical.org/events/
July 4: 4th Annual BAAM Art Market - The Philbrook Place 162 Main St., Bethel, Maine. 10 am to 4pm. Local artists, crafters & artisans will be set up to showcase and sell their handmade creations. FMI: bethelareaartsandmusic.com
July 4: 22nd Shy, Novice & Closeted Art Show - This art show provides the opportunity and the encouragement for any person who considers themselves a shy, novice and/or a closeted artist to show their work(s) of art. All mediums, all levels of proficiency, from all ages welcomed. Show is from 9am to 4pm and is located at 18 High Street in Bethel. FMI: Contact Janet Willie at 207-824-3889
July 7: Antique Appraisals at Bear Mountain Music Hall. Craig Rivas will be playing music in the cafe. 2pm to 5pm. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, ME 207-256-0060
July 10: Andover Summer Concert Series - Barney Martin (at the Church) 6pm. Family friendly series featuring local musicians. Free admission, (donations appreciated) FMI: 207-392-1028
July 11: BAAM at The Gem & CEBE: The Future is Here with Alisa Amador & Halcyon - Combining live music with film, community voices, and stop-motion animations, The Future is Here celebrates the ingenuity within our communities through a series of vignettes that tell stories of the concrete actions being taken to mitigate the climate crisis and build communities that are more equal, more sustainable, and more open. 6pm to 7:30pm. Pay What You Can. FMI: www.bethel-
maine.com/event-detail/oWgYrXU%7CmkJbBdDkDnAL2A2/baam-atthe-gem-cebe-the-future-is-here-with-alisa-amador-halcyon
July 12: Song Circle at Bear Mountain Music Hall - 3pm. Local musicians sharing songs in the cafe. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
July 16: Peter Griggs & Steven Silverstein at the Bear Mountain Music Hall - Cafe Brazil Classical Guitar, clarinet & sax at 7pm. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated.
July 18: Ballroom Dance at the Bear Mountain Music Hall - Elizabeth Converse hosting at 7pm. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated.
July 19: Understanding Astrology Workshop at Bear Mountain Music Hall - Leslie McGuirk at 2pm, with ticket required. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
July 21: Sound Journey Meditation with Rusty Wiltjer - 7pm. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207-256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
July 24: Andover Summer Concert Series - Pete Coolidge Originals 6pm. Rain or shine at the bandstand on the Andover Town Common. Family friendly series featuring local musicians. Free admission, (donations appreciated) FMI: 207-392-1028
July 25: Tough Mountain Challenge at Sunday River - Think you're tough enough? Join 3,600 lunatics this July for a 5K of mud, water, walls, and whatever else we feel like throwing at you. 8am FMI: www. sundayriver.com/events/tough-mountain-challenge
July 26: Mini Mountain Challenge at Sunday River - Let the little adventurers loose! The Mini Mountain Challenge is a fun obstacle course for kids ages 4–12, designed to test their grit and keep them smiling. It features uphill and downhill running, dirt, mud, fun obstacles, and even snowguns! www.sundayriver.com/events/mini-mountain-challenge
July 30: Elizabeth G. Roth & Friends at Bear Mountain Music Hall7pm, Harp & Vocals. 427 Waterford Road, Waterford, Maine. FMI: 207256-0060. Free Admission with donations deeply appreciated
