BETHEL — These are some of the top stories of 2022.
January
“I’m just a dude from Maine and found this opportunity I fell in love with”, said bobsledder, Frankie Del Duca, of Bethel. He represented Team USA in the Beijing Olympics, after running track at Telstar and UMaine.
LeMu Restaurant was featured in the Citizen after moving into their new location on Main Street from a food truck by Steam Mill Brewery. Elise Sengsavang described her husband’s cooking style and the style of decor in the restaurant.
First grade teacher Megan Fitzmorris with her student at the start of the school year. Submitted
Crescent Park teacher, Megan Fitzmorris learned the resiliency of first graders after teaching through the pandemic. “I think they’ve handled it really well for what they’ve been dealt,” she said.
February
The state chose Bethel and more than a dozen other sites to test waste water for trends in the presence and concentration of SARS-Co V-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. The study will last a year.
Marta Clements received a quote of $50,100. to repair the 1906 stained glass window at the Universalist Church of West Paris. Clements and Susanne Dunham hoped to start a fundraising campaign to pay for the work.
A power surge caused skiers to be stuck for 90 minutes on a ski lift at Mt. Abram, in Greenwood.
Greenwood considered buying solar power shares to offset their CMP bills each month.
Skaters flocked to the Bethel Community Rink by the Ethel Bisbee School. Donations and public works money paid the $10,000. to build the arena. Many volunteers maintain the ice each week.
March
Telstar Middle School students, Alyssa Norton and Cadence Campbell, bought an inflatable hot dog, charged for rides and donated the proceeds to a fund to buy Buck’s Ledge in Woodstock.
Frankie Del Duca, left, a former member of the US bobsled team, posed for photos with all the competitors. Ben Corriveau, right and Clark Colby, middle hold up their bobsled. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
Greg Luetje gives his children Ade, left, and Charlie a push Friday evening during a cardboard bobsled race on the hill behind Telstar High School. The kids built the sled last week with their father and grandfather during school vacation. The school district PTA sponsored the event where the only materials that could be used were cardboard, glue and duct tape. Prizes were awarded based on the fastest, farthest, most spirited and epic fail. Russ Dillingham/Sun Journal
Olympic bobsledder and special guest, Frankie Del Duca joined a make-your-own bobsled race behind Telstar.
A Portland woman was in critical condition after a car crash. The Woodstock driver, Ethan Rioux-Poulis led police on a wild chase. He was arrested and charged on nine different counts.
West Paris voters rejected a proposal to allow ATV’s to travel on the roads for five months during the summer and fall.
Bethel rescue workers saved the life of a 7-month-old boy who was exposed to fetanyl in a Mason Street apartment. He was administered Narcan and taken to an area hospital.
The Hasting Homestead built in 1819 will become a museum. It stands on the corner of Broad Street and Mason Streets. Historical Society board members are keeping the museum closed until they complete a full inventory of the contents.
Mt Abram announced an expansion of their bike park, adding three or four new bike trails to the seven existing trails.
April
Telstar Principal, Mark Kenney announced Eleanor B. Hoff as the recipient of the 2022 Principal’s Award for her academic achievement and citizenship.
Crescent Park fifth graders wore blue to celebrate, classmate, Drew Walker, who has Autism. It was, “blue for Drew” on Autism Awareness Day.
15 -year-old, Reese Furneaux, of Bethel, created 96 Fleece by Reese headbands for Maine’s Eastern High School and U16 championship ski teams.
George Fox, of Bethel, helps fleeing Ukranians with a Polish friend.
May
A celebration of life was held for Merrie Lee Ojeda, a much loved Telstar Spanish teacher.
Pickleball and Basketball representatives talked to the select board about the lack of recreation space in town.
SADD 44 budget was up 3.14%.
Kate Carroll solicited donations to build a house for her disabled friend.
BAAM hosted actor, Mike Thomas to teach acting classes at Crescent Park School.
John Kimball, of Albany, petitioned to have his Civil War relative’s remains sent home to lay to rest in Songo Cemetery with the rest of his family. George Walter Kimball is currently at rest in Chalmette National Cemetery in Louisiana.
June
Memorial Day Service and Veteran’s Honor Roll Park Dedication were held on Monday, May 30, in Bethel. Rose Lincoln
Veterans Honor Roll Park was dedicated at Memorial Day service.
Gould Academy held graduation.
Five Telstar students held a fundraising barbecue to aid in preserving Buck’s Ledge.
37 Telstar students graduated. Valedictorian, E.B. Hoff and class presidents, Bailey Fraser and Myles Lilly all spoke.
Scott Cole and Mark Hutchins, two new candidates, were elected to the SAD 44 board.
Greenwood re-elected SAD 44 director, Erin Cooley
Newry school directors, Amy Henley and David Bartlett were re-elected.
Marcy Winslow, incumbent Woodstock director was re-seated.
Meryl Kelly and Frank Delduca joined the Board of Selectmen after beating out challengers.
Gary Wight was re-elected as chairman of the Board of Selectmen in Newry.
Lead was found in drinking water at Bethel Schools. Water drinking stations o.k., said Superintendent Murphy.
Arlan Jodrey was awarded Spirit of America tribute.
Waterford summer breakfasts returned to the Wilkins House on Plummer Hill.
Bethel voters approved 6.4% increase in municipal budget at Town Meeting.
July
The weather was perfect for the annual fourth of July Community Picnic and Concert held on the lawn of the Moses Mason House. The Portland Brass Quintet, the American Legion color guard and special guest Team USA bobsledder, Frankie Del Duca were there.
The 59th annual Oxford County Mineral and Gem Association’s show was held at Telstar High School.
Music Without Borders returned to Gould after pausing for two seasons due to the pandemic. Artistic Director, Tamara Poddubnaya welcomed young pianists from the U.S., Canada, and Europe for an intense stay of study and public performances.
Loretta Powers resigned as Bethel town manager to run the Town of Newry as she did before a hiatus in Florida.
Maine Public Broadcasting Network (MPBN) expanded their signal to Bethel. The new signals are used to broaden the reach of Maine Public Radio and Maine Public Classical.
Telstar High School was awarded a $250,000. RREV grant. The grant will help students find careers geared toward the economy and the outdoors.
Thomas Lowell won second place and Burke MacLeay tied for third prize in the Bill Taylor award for their essays related to the 2022 Conference, Europe. All three are Gould Academy students.
Danny Fichera, 20 months, of Bethel, was held by his grandfather, Dick York, of Rockport, MA. They were attending Bethel Summerfest on Bethel common. Rose Lincoln
MollyOckett Day returned as Summerfest, with an updated list of events, following a a two- year hiatus because of COVID.
Telstar senior, Jordan Berry broke a 48-year hurling record set by Sheri Learned. They met at the track where they each competed.
The Community Lakes Association dedicated the Greenwood kiosk by the boat launch to Mike Giunta for all of his contributions to the area lakes.
E.J.Wasel, 12, of Bowerbank, left, meets Governor Janet Mills at the Maine Mineral and Gem Museum in Bethel while on a Bryant Pond 4-H camp field trip. Rose Lincoln
Governor Janet Mills toured local businesses: the Gem Museum, the Bethel Inn, The Gem Theatre and Gemini Cafe. She discussed the challenges small businesses face including a lack of skilled labor.
Following extensive renovations, Brenda Blonde opened GraceNote Inn and Spa on Mayville Road. The name and some of the decor is in remembrance of one of Bethel’s most famous citizens, William Rogers Chapman, who started The Maine Music Festival and once lived in the home.
August
Seneca Corriveau talked about the outpouring of support for her daughter, Kaiya Edwards, who was seriously injured in a car accident.
Bethel Town Clerk, Christen Mason, retired. Darren Goyette stepped in to her role.
Area schools faced staffing shortage with fewer hires in the pool.
Reid Vitale throws candy while Mark Theriault steers their tractor on Main Street in the Andover Olde Home Days parade. Rose Lincoln
Despite the heat, thousands turned out for Andover’s Olde Home Days.
The 5th BAAM market took place at The Philbrook Place.
Woodstock welcomed new librarian, Pat Little.
September
Natalie Andrews, of West Paris, was hired as Bethel’s new town manager. She was Town Assessor for the Town of Norway and is also chair of MSAD 17 school board. Andrews will oversee 15 fulltime employees and over 100 volunteers.
Sunday River opened an 8-person chairlift on Jordan Bowl that can service 3,200 skiers per hour. It will take just 5 minutes to get to the top.
Hanover residents talked about deorganizing or giving up local municipal government to be operated by the county. Keeping their taxes low is the main driver behind the initiative.
A new tower in the lower field at Valentine Farm was erected to track birds and other wildlife to better understand migratory patterns.
The River Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit at Sunday River announced free season passes for students in MSAD 44, MSAD 17 and RSU10.
A mild earthquake rumbled through western Maine. It registered as 2.3 in magnitude by the U.S. Geological Survey. Some people in Bethel and Greenwood reported hearing an explosion which was later confirmed to be the sound of the earthquake.
State Senator Lisa Keim, Amanda Bachand, and Barb Dion dish up some tasty apple treats at Bethel’s Harvestfest on Saturday. Julie Reiff
An apple pie and apple crisp contest were part of Bethel’s annual Harvestfest sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce. Sarah Southam, a three time champ, won for her “traditional” pie. Janet Black was the “non-traditional” pie winner and Jeffrey Girouard was first in the professional category.
Bethel Area Food pantry representatives, Dave Bean and Rick Savage pleaded for more space, specifically requesting a new building be constructed on the Bisbee School locale.
Andover considers charging for transfer station disposals, specifically bulk items and tires.
October
In the battle for the Bisbee school a need for a comprehensive town plan becomes clear. At a board of selectmen meeting, Rick Savage and Dave Bean plead their case for a new food pantry. Dave Hanscom outlines space constraints at Bethel Rescue.
A dedication at Buck’s Ledge is a celebration of the newly acquired Community Forest in Woodstock. A new kiosk is unveiled, too.
The Bethel Fire Department members are the overall champions at the Fryburg Fair Firemans Muster 2022. With 17 competing departments, Bethel placed 1st in dry hose, 1st in keg roll, and 2nd in ladder climb. From the left; Donovon Thorpe, Mike Jones, Mike Fleet, Ray Crockett, Roland Manbeck, Levi Hill and Bill Jones. Chief Jodrey, along with family and friends were on hand to cheer them on.
Bethel Fire Department dominated the muster at the Fryburg Fair.
COVID struck Bethel Town Office. Three of six employees were home sick.
Kelcy Boles was hired as Bethel’s new library director.
November
Linda Howe, River Lanes, David Murphy, Penny Brown-Blake, and The RePant Project are all recognized by the Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce at their annual dinner.
Telstar freshmen work with Dartmouth College environmental science students at Buck’s Ledge in Woodstock Bethel Citizen Rose Lincoln
Telstar Freshman Academy students did tree research at Buck’s Ledge with the help of Dartmouth College students.
Brenda and Lance Stickney sued the Town of Andover over a street name dispute.
Senior College players rehearsed at Jack Kutcha’s Hanover home for their upcoming performance at Gould.
Jillian Burrill, of Albany, voted at Albany Town Hall with daughter, Calla, 4 months old. Calla’s grandmother is Joan Kimball, the registrar for the town for the past 20 + years. In the background is Ellen Marshall, the clerk. Without an automatic tabulator, they hand counted the approximately 350 ballots after the polls closed. Rose Lincoln, Bethel Citizen
Voting results by town were listed. Incumbent governor, Janet Mills at the top of the ticket, soundly defeated Paul LePage.
Telstar’s National Honor Society hosted seniors for Thanksgiving dinner at the high school.
Preservationist’s toured two Bethel homes and several public, historical buildings.
A Veteran’s Day service was held at Jackson Silver Post 68 in Woodstock. Several veterans attended. Commander Harry Orcutt spoke.
The SAD 44 School Board heard from parent, Destiny Hughes about bullying in the schools.
Fuel costs are on the rise. Mainers improvise.
Greenwood Board of Selectmen discuss the weight restrictions and need for signage on the Irish Neighborhood Road.
Bethel potter, Martha Grover was selected to present at an Israeli Symposium. Her West Bethel business is thriving, too.
The Bethel Food Pantry budget doubled as food prices rose and the number of clients increased. Generous benefactors and volunteers help to keep the shelves filled.
December
The Community forest doubled in size with the addition of 532 acres.
A raffle at Brooks Brothers was held to benefit the Families for Christmas fund.
Student Council 5th graders delivered almost 900 food items to the Bethel Area Food Pantry with teacher, Krystle Gould. Ken Bachelor drove the bus and Chris Sheridan and Maryvonne Wheeler were at the pantry to help unload. Rose Lincoln, Bethel Citizen
Student Council 5th graders delivered nearly 900 food items to the Bethel Area Food Pantry.
A surprise, one-day, coffee only, opening was held at Gemini Cafe. Patrons said they were excited for December 9 when the restaurant permanently opens and food is on the menu.
Arlene MacKill0p, 97, holds the Boston Post Cane in Waterford. She recalled her life as a mom, foster mom, wife and artist.
Tabaitha Steward received The Spirit Award from the County Commissioners. She runs Team Hailey Hugs, which helps cancer stricken families with costs. Her daughter Hailey passed away in 2017 after a five year battle with Leukemia.
Andover native, Kevin Scott Hall, co-wrote “Christmastime in Maine” with Judy Pancoast originally from Waterville. The song evokes memories of simple and snowy, Maine childhoods.
A Christmas Sing-a-long was held at First Universalist Church of West Paris. They were accepting donations to repair three stained glass windows at a cost $50,100. They are down the home stretch with about $8,000. left to get. Rose Lincoln, Bethel Citizen
Bethel held a Special Town Meeting that many citizens said they felt was not properly advertised. They questioned the process, and that articles were not broken down. Some on the Select board apologized for not being better prepared.
Woodstock taxpayers spent $350,000. to repair Bacon Bridge, but saved more than half that amount by keeping it “in house.” Town Manager, Vern Maxfield publicly praised his highway crew.
Greenwood set up a Heating Assistance Fund at Town Hall to help seniors with fuel bills.
“Santa can’t be everywhere, so I’m his helper” said Nina Wheeler, who with husband Mike founded Christmas for Families. Toys fill their two bay garage. Rose Lincoln, Bethel Citizen
Hanover townspeople voted against Deorganization at the Gem Theatre on 12/13
The historic Gehring Mansion at the end of Broad Street in Bethel was sold to the Northern Forrest Center to be developed for middle income housing
Telstar Principal, Mark Kenney, was chosen by the school board to be superintendent of schools for SAD-44.
The Bethel Inn and Resort was sold to real estate developer, GIRI Management, LLC. The 15-year old company owns 46 Northeast hotels, several are in Maine.
An anonymous donor gave a tank of oil to eight needy seniors via C.N Brown Energy company.
The Town of Greenwood purchased 17 acres on Greenwood Road with the intent to build a new city fire station on the land.
Four close friends who have known each other from high school at Telstar and Gould will be together in Florida when one is the kidney recipient for another.
Senator Susan Collin’s office announced that she has secured grant money for Bethel. $725,000 for the Maine Mineral & Gem Museum (MMGM) and $273,000 to The Bethel Area Food Pantry.
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