To the Editor:

The Rotary Club of Bethel held its annual week-long yard sale the first week of August. The sale was wildly successful, earning over $10k more than in previous years – allowing the club to increase its scholarship budget and potentially add new vocational scholarships.  In addition, this year, the Bethel club partnered with Gould Academy to support the refugee community in Lewiston/Auburn with donations of furniture, kitchen items, and clothing for more than 8 recent immigrant families.

The yard sale is the biggest fundraiser of the year for the Bethel Rotary Club and it has become a much-anticipated community-wide event! Many thanks to all who donated items over the past year, those who allowed us to store the treasures and borrow trucks for pick-ups and drop-offs, all who came to shop and helped us spread the word, and especially to all the Rotarians and friends who braved the intense heat, storms and long hours to make this a success.  A special shout-out to Scott Hynek, who devoted hundreds of hours and many miles for donation pick-ups. We could not do this event without him!

On August 14, the Bethel Club grilled burgers at the Annual Mahoosuc Land Trust Monarch Butterfly Festival. The Bethel Rotary Club is a first-time sponsor of this important and fun environmental education activity.

On September 18, we invite everyone to the 6th Annual Rotary 5K and 1 mile, with the title sponsor being the Bethel Family Health Center. We encourage everyone to register online at http://www.runreg.com/bethel-rotary-5K or, if you prefer a paper application, please pick one up at the Bethel Town Office. Participation is totally free for anyone 18 and younger and the first 100 registrants receive a commemorative, high-quality fanny pack, sponsored by Blair Industries.

Additionally, on September 11, we will be collaborating with the Local Food Connection, Bethel Area Arts & Music, the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Mahoosuc Way to host the 2nd Annual Mahoosuc Art & Agriculture Tour, from noon – 4. Tickets are available online at http://www.tinyurl/2022maat Tours will bring you to six local farms featuring their products, as well as featuring local artists at each location. For more news and information about membership in our wonderful organization, check out our website, which is www.bethelrotary.org, or talk to one of our Rotarians.

Jean Benedict

Club President

Robin Zinchuk

PR Chair

Bethel