To the Editor:

The 10th Annual Bethel Rotary/Mahoosuc Kids Association (MKA) 5K run/walk and 1-mile fun run for kids was a huge success on May 17. MKA did a fantastic job creating a fun slime run, along with face painting and a dance party, which resulted in more kids and families participating! Thanks so much to Amy Connell, Jenn Evans, and their MKA team.

100% of the net proceeds of the event are dedicated to supporting scholarships to after-school and enrichment programs offered to the youth of the Bethel area. Thanks to the sponsors who have been so generous, the Rotary Club of Bethel is accepting grant proposals from all the various providers of these enrichment programs. Find the grant application on www.bethelrotary.org.

Each year, for the 10 years Rotary has organized the event, HealthReach Community Health Centers has been the Presenting Sponsor, Blair Industries has been our amenity gift sponsor, and The Glen House has been the Prize Sponsor. A huge thank you to these generous sponsors. Additionally, more than 70 local businesses and friends stepped up as sponsors! They are: Antje & Hans Peter Schaefer, AVA Woodworks, Bancroft Contracting, Barker Mountain Bikes, Bethel Auto Sales, Bethel Beverage Co., Bethel Family Dentistry, Bethel Kitchen Designs, Bethel Station Chiropractic, Carter’s Cross Country Center, Carver Maple Farm, CassieMason.com, Cho Sun Restaurant, Clean Cut Painting, Clearwater Builders, Central Maine Custom Builders, Cochecho Family Dentistry, Community Energy/Brooks Bros and Craig Harris Associates.

Also, Jarrod Crockett Esq., Cross Excavation, Crossroads Diner & Deli, Dan & Julie Hart, Doug Zinchuk Roofing, The Elizabeth Inn & Restaurant, Field Plumbing & Heating, Gemini Café, Gneiss Spice, Good Food Store & Catering Co., GraceNote Inn, Bill Hamel Auto Care, High Country Realty, LLC, Holidae House B&B, Independent Electric Supply, Inland Woods & Trails, JAR Co, LLC, Kelly O. Newkirk, CPA, Kowloon’s Chinese Restaurant, Bob & Lynn Laux, Mahoosuc Realty, Mahoosuc Land Trust, Mainely Provisions and Maine Mineral & Gem Museum.

Also, Mark & Darlene Beck, Michael Steven & Associates, Mountain Glow Skincare, Newry Mall LLC, Northeast Bank, Norway Savings Bank, Orchestration Services LLC, Perennial Endurance Coaching, Polished Dental, Pooh Corner Farm & Greenhouses, RC Elite Racing, Riverview Resort, Root Cellar, Savage Auto Body, Smokin Good BBQ, Sport Thoma, Steam Mill Brewing, Stony Brook Campground, Sunday River Ski & Snowboard Club, The Dan Gray Family and The Sudbury Inn.

Also, Mt. Abram Ski & Bike Resort, True North Adventureware, We’ve Got The Look, Western Maine Budo Arts, Pat Roma, Western Maine Roofing & Siding, Western Maine Supply Co., Wrestling Mat Light. Many thanks to the Bethel Area Chamber for the use of their safety road vests, to Scott Sumner/Town of Bethel for the use of safety cones, to Crescent Park School for the use of their facility, and to the Oxford County Sheriff Deputy who assisted with the road safety!

We would not be able to orchestrate this event without our volunteers! Many thanks to: Mary Smith, Mary Ellen & Greg Gilbert, Scott Parker, Mac McConathy, Kevin Finley, Kit Beebee, Dan & Julie Hart, Michele Cole, Garry Morissette, Darlene & Mark Beck, Anne Carter, Morgan Richmond, Richard Tummon, Gabby Thompson and fellow FBLA members -Teresa, Sophia & Connor, Jean Benedict, Rich & Susan Kenney, Steve Wight, Steve Smith, Bruce Pierce, Lucy Abbott, Scott Hynek, Alison Aloisio, Ellie Andrews, Robert Halacy, Scott Fraser, Michael Rodney, & Marilyn DiFillipo.

Next year’s event is scheduled for Saturday, May 16. Please mark your calendars and we’ll hope to see you then!

Robin Zinchuk 

Dr. Kevin Finley,

Event co-chairs

Bethel