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The second event was Neighbors Feeding Neighbors on Tuesday, October 13th. Guest speakers at this event were three men from the Abenaki tribe. It was great to experience the culture of this Native American tribe with Maine roots. The food that also showed was amazing! There were also about 70 people in attendance. It was a special night for everyone to enjoy.

The third event was the monthly meeting of the Bethel Senior Citizen Club. The meal prepared by Debbie St. Pierre was delicious. She is a community member who likes to cook for Senior Citizens as a way of giving back to our oldest citizens. After the meal we had a guest speaker. Rebecca Fraser Douglass spoke about sound therapy and the benefits to our health. The science behind it is very interesting indeed. After her talk folks were invited to go into the Community Annex and experience a sound bath. It was very calming and relaxing. Sound immersion is wonderful. Rebecca is gifted using the sound bowls. Her website is raphawellnessme.com, which contains lots of information on this healing practice using sound.

On Saturday, October 17, at the Rumford Point UCC Church located on Route 2 is a Community Potluck Lunch starting at 11:30 a.m. Potluck is always fun because you never know what will show up. Everyone is welcome to come and share food and conversation.

This coming Saturday, October 17, from 1-3 p.m., the Bethel Library is having an Open House to celebrate Kelcy Arciga’s accomplishments and wish her and her family well as they head to Ireland. During Kelcy’s tenure she brought many new and creative ideas for our local public library. Many thanks to Kelcy with good wishes and new adventures as her family joins her mother in Ireland.

At 3 p.m. on Saturday, following the open house for Kelcy, head to the Mason House at 14 Broad Street for “What Revolution?”, a spirited discussion of the events of 1776 and their place in history with local historians William Andrews and David Jones.

The first of the Soup’s On! Lunches will be on Wednesday, October 21^st, at the Methodist Church from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Come and enjoy some delicious soups and conversations with our many neighbors.

This digital column always welcomes news and/or events which can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com

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On Saturday, October 10^th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. is a Loggers Supper at the Methodist Church on Main Street in Bethel. There will also be a guest speaker who will talk about our Community Wood Bank. The menu planned will be delicious. This event is open to the public.

On Tuesday, October 13^th, is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Community members share food with one another and spend time enjoying pleasant conversations. Stop by and get to know your community.

On Wednesday, October 14^th, the Bethel Senior Citizen Club will meet for their monthly meeting starting at 11 a.m. After a short business meeting folks will enjoy a delicious meal prepared by Debbie St. Pierre. She is a fantastic cook who enjoys cooking a meal for Bethel’s oldest citizens. When the meal is done, seniors will have an opportunity to experience a Sound Bath in the Community Annex.

On Wednesday, October 21, starting at 11 a.m. is the start of another season of Soup’s On! This happens the third Wednesday of every month, from October through April. An amazing assortment of homemade soups magically appear in the church dining room. Such a variety and all very good. Bread, drinks, and desserts are also provided. Come and enjoy some homemade soup and spend time with your community members.

All of the events above take place at the Methodist Church located on Main Street in Bethel. The Church does continue to feed the body, but it also feeds the soul at our 9 a.m. Sunday church service where everyone is always welcomed!

The next event takes place in Hanover at the Gardner Roberts Memorial Library, located on Ferry Road. This annual Fall Festival takes place on Saturday, October 10^th, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This is a fun-filled family event with live entertainment with The Cobblestones starting at noon. Come out for a good time and help this local library with their fundraising efforts. Everyone is welcome to attend!

Please send any news or events to lhowe7273@gmail.com

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Voting for Dog Mayor of Bethel closes today, Thursday, September 17, at 4:00 PM and the winner will be announced at Harvest Fest at noon. The Dog Mayor program is an opportunity to recognize one of our beloved canine companions while bringing neighbors together to celebrate the joy, friendship, and community spirit that dogs bring to Bethel. Votes are $5.00 each, with proceeds benefiting the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and the Town of Bethel’s Animal Control Department. The winning dog will have their picture framed in the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce and will also receive a free grooming session from the The Local Barkin Spot Salon. Cast your final votes before time runs out at bethelmaine.com/events/dogmayor

Another event on Saturday is the monthly Rumford Point Potluck Social which takes place in the dining room at the Rumford Point Congregational UCC Church starting at 11:30 a.m. This is a potluck lunch that is open to everyone. Please bring something to share with others and enjoy an assortment of food along with good conversation.

Sunday, September 20, from noon to 4 p.m., join Mahoosuc Land Trust at Valentine Farm for the Homegrown Food Festival. See the flyer below for details.

Tuesday, September 29, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at the Telstar High School Library: To Your Health presents “A Guide to Healthy Living” with Dr. Kevin Finley of the Bethel Family Health Center. This event is FREE and open to all ages. Students and families are encouraged to attend. To Your Health is in its 21st year of providing free health wellness programs to the greater Bethel and Western Maine communities.

On Saturday, October 10^th, there will be a Loggers Public Supper at the Methodist Church from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. On the menu will be ham, chop suey, mac & cheese, cole slaw, rolls, and pies for dessert. During the supper there will be a speaker who will provide information about the Community Wood Bank. This wood bank is a community outreach program to help folks who need firewood for the upcoming winter months. We hope information can help folks who are in need of firewood. Please mark your calendars for this upcoming event.

This week is the start of digging potatoes to store in the root cellar. First out of the ground are the Norland Reds. They are dug in the morning to let the sun help dry off any moisture before they are put into buckets and stored away for the winter. Potatoes are easy because there is no freezing or canning to be done. Just a good back to dig the potatoes and pick them up off the ground.

This column always welcomes news and events which can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com

Harvest Fest will take…

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Neighbors Feeding Neighbors will take place on Tuesday, September 8^th, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. This is a free meal at the Methodist Church located on Main Street in Bethel. One of our beloved volunteers, Wally Ritz, passed away and she was a big supporter of feeding our Community. The kitchen at the Church will not be the same in her absence. I hope folks come out and support this community meal.

On Wednesday, September 9^th, the Bethel Senior Citizen Club will meet at Kowloon’s in Bethel for their monthly meeting. Doors will open early for the Seniors starting at 10:30 a.m. with the meeting starting at 11 a.m. There will be a discussion on the upcoming Senior Turkey Train trip in October.

Bethel’s Harvestfest will be held on September 19th on the Bethel Common from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. This is an event that welcomes the fall season.

Over in Bryant Pond, Jane Chandler will be presenting a slide show that depicts the people that helped to make Buck’s Ledge Community Forest a reality. This presentation is on Saturday, September 12^th, at 1 p.m. at the former UU Church on Grove Street in Bryant Pond. This event is open to the public.

It is with a heavy heart that I am writing this weekly column. My son, Jonathan Howe, passed away on August 17th. The outpouring of love and support for Bob and I has been a blessing that has helped lift the spirit. Grief and joy live side by side. It will be a continuous journey of both emotions. Thank you to all who have expressed their love and concern in a variety of ways. Faith has helped us to move forward. God continues to be our rock and our refuge.

Peace to each and everyone one of us.

Please feel free to send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail.com

The end of public school vacation is this week with teachers and students heading back into the classroom. Wishing everyone a productive and fun 26/27 school year!

I have been doing a lot of camping up in the Rangeley area. The drive up through Grafton Notch never gets old. Seeing a lot of thru hikers near the trails. This time of year you also see them in town stocking up on supplies.

Another town you drive through is Upton, Maine. If you blink, you will miss it. However a new Country Store opened in Upton.

They serve breakfast sandwiches and lunch/dinner items. They also have a small room for folks to sit down and eat in-house. I tried the breakfast sandwich and also their chicken quesadilla for lunch. Both were very good. The ladies that work there are friendly. They are closed Sunday and Monday. Open hours are Tuesday and Wednesday from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursday and Friday from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Saturday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. It is a beautiful drive which makes for a great outing not far from home. Carol is the new owner so I hope they can make a go out of this new business. There are not many year-round residents so the travelers on the road will be a big plus. Hope folks stop in to support their efforts.

News from the Bethel Outing Club: The 46th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski and Snowboard Sale is only 2 months away!! It will be held Friday, October 23, from 6-9 pm, and Saturday, October 24, from 9 til noon this year, which is a week earlier than usual - so mark your calendars. And get that unused gear ready to sell! As well as the opportunity to buy from multiple shops in the same place (the Gould Academy Field House, 74 Church St. Bethel), you have the opportunity to sell winter/outdoor gear and clothing you no longer use or have outgrown (gear should be in safe and good condition). The club takes a 20% commission on sales. More information can be found at bethelouting.org

News and events are always welcome by sending to lhowe7273@gmail.com

Molly Ockett Day, which is now the second Saturday of August, brought many folks into Bethel. T…

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The Mason Lodge on Chapman Street is serving a pancake breakfast that starts at 7 a.m. and goes until 10 a.m.

On Main Street the Methodist Church will be having their monthly Market from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Indoor yard sale and the grills will be out on the front lawn. Lunch will be $6.00 Hot dog, chips and drink. Hamburger, chips and drink for $7.00. Chili dogs, sausage sandwiches, and ice cream are also on the menu. Revenue from the Church sale will go into our building project funds.

Saturday, August 8, is also Molly Ockett Day! There will be a parade coming to Main Street at 10:30 a.m. Up on the Bethel Common starting at 10:30 a.m. you will find vendors and food trucks as well. Going back to tradition from past Molly Ockett Days will be kids’ activities from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dunk tank, face painting, bounce house, hula hoops, frog jumping contest, and 3-legged races are some of the activities taking place on the Common. The evening will hold live music on the Bethel Common with fireworks scheduled to be set off at 9 p.m.

The Bethel Library located on Broad Street will also be holding their annual book sale starting on Friday, August 7, from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. and also on Saturday, August 8, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, August 9th is a self-service day at the book sale: pay what you can for any of the books at the sale.

The Bethel Rotary Club will also be holding their yard sale under the tent near the Gem Theater. This sale takes place August 6, 7, 8, and 9 for folks to stop by and check out the items up for sale.

The upcoming weekend will be a busy one in our small town. I hope all the local businesses are ready for the abundance of people who will be in town.

Two events taking place the following week include Neighbors Feeding Neighbors on Tuesday, August 11, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church. Free meal which is open to the public.

The second event is the monthly meeting of the Bethel Seniors Club on Wednesday, August 12, starting at 11 a.m. which will be held at the Square Restaurant in South Paris, ME.

Last weekend Bob and I attended Camp Mechuwana’s Middle/High School Music-theater Camp. The camp is located in Winthrop, Maine, and our great-niece Emilie Kelley was on stage. She has a terrific singing voice and had her first solo in Act 2. The production they put on was Godspell. The show is about a small group of people who help Jesus Christ tell different parables by using a wide variety of games, storytelling techniques and a hefty dose of comic timing. An eclectic blend of songs, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, is employed as the story of Jesus’ life dances across the stage. Dissolving hauntingly into the Last Supper and the Crucifixion, Jesus’ messages of kindness, tolerance, and love came vibrantly to life! Music theater at Mechuwana has been a tradition for more than 55 years and the number of campers is growing. The show was very professionally done and amazing! These young students learned so much in only six days!

After the morning show we ventured over to Honey Run Campground located in Peru, Maine near Worthley Pond to attend the 85th Fontaine/Prevost Family Reunion. We are up to five generations and it was great seeing young children in attendance. My first cousins still consist of a good number today and it is always great to catch up on an annual basis. My father was so right when he would always tell me, “If you do not go to family reunions, you will never know your first cousins.” There were 40 first cousins so there were lots to meet over the years.

Mother Nature continues to provide in our vegetable gardens. This week I made zucchini relish. On Monday evening I prepared the cut vegetables and placed them in a big bowl.

It sets overnight and the next morning you cook it all up and store in jars. Homemade relish is the best and I enjoy the whole process of making it work. Those huge zucchinis serve a purpose and relishing it is just one way to find use for them.

Folks with news and events are always welcomed to send them to lhowe7273@gmail.com

In Bethel on Saturday, August 8^th, is Molly Ockett Day. This event is shaping up to be a good one as well. There will be activities and vendors on the B…

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I’m planning on attending the Friday morning 8 a.m. class at the Community Annex on the subject of breathwork. T.J. Farnum is the instructor so I am looking forward to learning about more practices for self-care.

This Saturday, on lower Main Street at the Philbrook Place you will find Randy Bennett signing his White Mountain books from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Talking with a Maine historian always provides a treasure trove of information. Stop by and visit Randy as well as check out the offerings inside the Philbrook Place. (This book signing was rescheduled from July 18 to this Saturday, July 25.)

Events next week include the monthly Community Supper at the Bethel Alliance Church on Wednesday, July 29, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m. The church is located across from Telstar on the Walkers Mills Road. This meal is free and open to the public.

On the topic of meals, the recent Neighbors Feeding Neighbors in July provided free meals and donated provisions for our local food pantry. The hamburger that was grilled came from Blake’s Farm which is supporting our local farms in our area.

Folks also donated salads, which is always a blessing. The next Neighbors Feeding Neighbors will take place on Tuesday, August 11, at the Methodist Church.

I graduated from Mexico High School in 1972 and over the decades I still get together with some of my classmates/friends. Joanie Dawson and I have been friends for decades. Joanie lives in rural Maine with her husband. She worked for over 40 years with juveniles who got into some legal troubles. Upon retirement, she took up watercolor painting and still continues with that art. Joanie then decided to try her hand at writing short stories and recently had her first book published.

Her book, Something For Everyone: Three Short Stories From Maine, features three stories. “Starting Over” is a love story. “The Old Seaman’s Chest” is a mystery. “Finding A Home” is written for middle grades, ages eight to 12, but adults enjoy the story, too. What makes this book unique is she is not only the author but the illustrator as well. It’s unusual to see the same person as author and illustrator, but Joanie is very talented along with being humble as well. I hope she continues to paint and write, for these gifts to make life more enjoyable for us all.

Please send any news or events to lhowe7273@gmail.com

For events in Bethel this Saturday, July 18, on Main Street in Bethel is the Summer Market on the front lawn of the Methodist Church with an indoor yard sale set up in the dining room of the c…

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Upcoming next week on Tuesday, July 14, from 4:30 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. is Neighbors Feeding Neighbors at the Methodist Church on Main Street in Bethel. The grill is coming out and hot dogs and hamburgers, side dishes and dessert will be on the menu. There is no charge for the meal. Food magically appears and everyone shares what they bring. Part of this event is focused on our local food pantry. A box is set out so folks can bring nonperishable items to the church and the donated items are delivered to the food pantry on Wednesday morning. Also at Neighbors Feeding Neighbors is a featured community group. The July event will feature the Bethel Recreational Committee. This will give community members an opportunity to learn more about this organization and what they provide in our town. Come out and meet your neighbors and have a wonderful “suppah.” Everyone is welcome!

On Saturday, July 18, there are two events taking place on Main Street in Bethel. From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. is Saturday Market on Main Street at the Methodist Church. Local crafters and artisans will be set up on the front lawn. Inside the dining room the church will be having its yard sale. All are welcome to attend.

The second event will take place on lower Main Street at the Philbrook Place from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Randall H. Bennett will be doing a book signing of his White Mountain history books. Also available are copies of Stan Howe’s book, Bethel Maine: A Brief History. Books will be selling for $20 plus tax. Meeting an author is a rare opportunity. All are welcome and Randy would love to meet you!

On Friday mornings at 8:00, beginning on July 24, TJ Farnum will offer a guided breathwork session at the Methodist Church Community Annex. See the details in the flyer below.

What a wonderful time out at Morning Glory Farm for the Bethel Senior Citizens Club. The hospitality was first class and very accommodating. The meeting started at 11 a.m. with reports, updates, and new events.

Guest speaker was Will Chapman, Executive Director of the Bethel Historical Society. His talk consisted of history from the past in our area. Really interesting information. We also learned of programs/events happening at our local Historical Society. They are very active! Learn more from their website, bethelhistorical.org

The Seniors also participated in a Sing Along. Many Patriotic songs were sung. God was given reference in many of the songs! The meal of homemade, wood-fired oven pizza was fabulous. It melted in your mouth. Great meal with dessert being cake and ice cream. Great time for our local Senior Citizens.

Please send news and events to lhowe7273@gmail./com

On High Street in Bethel is the 22nd annual Shy, Novice and Closeted Art …

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Janet Willie will be holding her Shy, Novice & Closeted Art Show at her home from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. on the Fourth. Janet lives at 18 High Street, behind the grocery store in Bethel. This is a unique art show with a variety of mediums on display and some for purchase—always an interesting show that will delight many in attendance. This show is open to the public.

The BAAM (Bethel Area Arts & Music) Summer Market will take place from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. on lower Main Street in Bethel at the Philbrook Place. This is another show and market with local artisans selling their creations. There will be a variety of exhibitors set up and this is a popular annual show that folks like to attend every year.

On the middle of Main Street, you will find the Saturday Market on Main Street at the Methodist Church. There will be a yard sale going on inside the church. The church will also be selling homemade donuts and coffee with a lunch menu of hot dogs, hamburgers and sausage sandwiches. Proceeds raised by the church go into our capital account to help us maintain our historic building. There will also be community members set up on the front lawn who have an assortment of hand crafted items for sale.

The Museums of the Bethel Historical Society, located on Broad Street, will also have a variety of activities for folks to enjoy on the Fourth of July. New this year will be a Fourth of July Parade on Main Street. This has not happened in a long time so it is great that we have a parade to celebrate our Nation’s 250th birthday. Find the full schedule of Fourth of July events online at 250bethel.org . The Fourth of July is turning out to be a busy day in the town of Bethel!

The Bethel Senior Citizen Club will be meeting on Wednesday, July 8, at 11 a.m. This monthly meeting will take place at Morning Glory Farm located at 343 Flat Road in West Bethel. We will also be celebrating America’s 250th birthday which will be a fun meeting for our community’s oldest citizen. New members are always welcome!

There are two local businesses that are now open. The first one is Chapman Brook Farm Stand located on the North Road, at the corner of Daisy Bryant Road. This farm is one of the few farms that is certified by MOFGA as truly 100% organic. They have a self-service stand and folks can pay with cash or Venmo. They are open on Fridays and Saturdays only. This seasonal business is owned by Vernon and Tammy Davis and they can grow some wonderful vegetables!

The second business is also owned by another local person. Dawn Eliot-Johnson has opened up a dog grooming business called Local Barkin’ Spot Salon located at 279 Walkers Mills Road in Bethel, which is across from Telstar by our local Food Pantry building. For services, Dawn offers grooming, cleaning ears, trimming nails, and teeth cleaning. Dawn also raises Dalmatian dogs. For more information or to book an appointment call or text Dawn at 207-381-0122. This is a service that has a great need in our community. Good luck to Dawn in this newest dog grooming business.

This column always welcomes news and events that can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com

For events in Bethel, June 20th is Saturday Market on Main Street at the Methodist Church on Main Street. Local artisans will be joining church members on the front lawn. The church will be holding a …

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The Club is planning a fall trip. The turkey train is being organized and planned for the month of October. More details will follow.

The Seniors are holding their July 8th meeting at Morning Glory Farm out on the flat road in Bethel. It will be a patriotic themed gathering and everyone is looking forward to visiting one of our local farms. Museums of the Bethel Historical Society Executive Director Will Chapman will tell us about past centennial celebrations in Bethel and special exhibits and programs being held at the historical society this year to commemorate America’s 250^th birthday.

This Senior Club, which began in 1962, welcomes Seniors to join its membership. Club dues are $10.00 for the year. All are welcome!

The June gathering for Neighbors Feeding Neighbors was a hit! In recognition of the upcoming Juneteenth federal holiday, Donald Coverdale prepared ribs, fried chicken, and potato salad, which were delicious.

The Bethel Library also provided books which were very helpful educating people on the topic of slavery. This monthly community event is growing and everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the food and get to know your neighbors.

This column welcomes news and events that can be sent to lhowe7273@gmail.com

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