Bethel

The District Exchange needs donations of winter clothing, especially coats, boots, and snowpants. Now that we have had our first major snowstorm, this need will increase. Whatever you can do to help keep people of all ages warm this winter is greatly appreciated. Donations of gently used clothing can be dropped off at the District Exchange when it is open. No exceptions. The Exchange is located at Bethel Park, 23 Mason Street, in Bethel. The hours are Monday 1 to 4 p.m., Thursday 4 to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Clothing can also be dropped off at the Northeast Bank on Main Street in Bethel during business hours. For more information, call 824-4090.

Bethel’s Living Nativity is this Sunday, Dec. 23, at 5 p.m. on the Common. This has been an annual tradition in Bethel for almost fifty years. The first Living Nativity Scene on Dec. 20, 1964, had three late afternoon shows and was viewed by nearly 1,000 people. It was filmed and shown on WMTW-TV (Channel 8) on Christmas Eve. In recent years, the audiences have been smaller, but the event is still just as exciting. The Christmas story is read as local people and live animals re-enact the nativity. Everyone is invited to join in the singing of Christmas carols. The Common and the gazebo are already decorated with lighted trees, evergreens, and red ribbons. In the next few days, a stable will be added. This year, it looks like we will have snow for the event, so dress warmly.

Have you tried the newest restaurant in Bethel? Inman’s Diner and Dairy Bar recently opened at 160 West Bethel Road (Route 2), previously the location of Bethel’s Best. My friends gave the restaurant rave reviews – especially the lobster roll. On Sunday afternoon, at the beginning of the year’s first real snow storm, my mother and I ran in for take-out sandwiches. My test of a restaurant is the quality of their BLT. I give Inman’s a thumbs up for theirs. The bread was freshly baked and thickly cut; the sandwich was piled high with perfectly cooked bacon, fresh lettuce and tomato, and just a smear of mayonnaise. The restaurant serves breakfast, appetizers, sandwiches, pizza, and desserts. They also have gift certificates, perfect for holiday gifts.

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