Bethel

The Geminid meteor showers will peak tonight. With no moon to spoil the show, the best viewing should be from 1 to 3 a.m. on Dec.  14. The Geminids are the last meteor showers of the year, and in the past have given spectacular shows, including fireballs streaking across the sky. If the skies are clear, astronomers predict that viewers may see as many as 50 meteors an hour. The Geminids are named for the constellation Gemini, from which they appear to originate. However, these meteors are actually pieces of 3200 Phaeton, the rocky remains of a comet that lost its ice-covered outer shell when it repeatedly got too close to the sun. Where to view: Go to a dark spot away from town lights. Bring a reclining lawn chair, warm clothes, and a hot drink.

Dog licenses are due by Jan. 1, 2013, in Bethel, Albany, and Mason. Licenses are available at the Town Office. Every dog older than 6 months needs a license. Fees are $11 per dog or $6 per spayed or neutered dog. Dog owners must present a current rabies certificate for their dog.

There will be a rabies vaccination clinic on Saturday, Dec. 15, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Bethel Fire Station. The rabies shot costs $15 and only cash payments will be accepted. A staff member from the Bethel Town Office will be there to license dogs from Bethel, Albany, and Mason.

Are you looking for something different to do to celebrate the holiday season? The Christmas comedy, “Dashing Through the Snow,” which has been performed by theater groups across the country, is now coming to Bethel. The Telstar High School Theater Department is presenting the play this weekend. The play starts tonight, Dec. 13, and runs through Saturday, Dec. 15, with performances at 7 p.m. each evening. There will be a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. All performances are at the Helen C. Berry Auditorium at Telstar. The play is for the entire family and admission is free.

If you’re still looking for holiday gifts and want locally made products, check out Maine Line Products on Route 26 in Locke’s Mills. The store sells locally made products and a wide variety of Maine foods, everything from Maine-made mustard to blueberry jelly. The wood shop is located at the back of the store and you can watch the work through the window. The store’s annual Holiday Open House is this Saturday, Dec. 15, and Sunday, Dec. 16. Santa will be there on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Check out the light display outside the store.

If you have news you’d like to share, call me at 824-2483 or e-mail nancybrown1150@yahoo.com.