Bethel

Sometimes we do not see the changes in front of us until they are pointed out. A few weeks ago my mother asked if I knew when the finial was put on the Bethel Common bandstand. I admitted that I didn’t know it was there. The bandstand, also known as the gazebo, was completed in 1995, but a finial was never added. Over the past fifteen years, the bandstand has been used for art shows, con-certs, weddings, picnics, and as shelter from the rain and snow. A friendly debate has continued over whether the Greek Revival model structure is technically a gazebo or a bandstand. Occasion-ally, someone asked, “When’s it going to be finished?”

I asked Stan Howe at the Bethel Historical Society when the finial was added. He referred me to Stuart Crocker, the architect of the bandstand. Mr. Crocker told me that the copper finial was made by Maine Weathervanes and was installed by him and Tom Wentworth last November. So, now the bandstand is complete. Whatever each of us calls it, bandstand or gazebo, all of us take pride in this beautiful structure. The words on the dedication plaque remain as true today as they did in Sep-tember 1995: “The Bethel Common Gazebo was built by the people of Bethel and stands as a tribute to community spirit. Enjoy its beauty and admire its strength; it will forever stand as a symbol of people’s love for their town.”

The ski season may be over, but local businesses continue to offer quality service for local cus-tomers. The Foothills Grille & Catering Co. had a sign out last week that said they were not closed for the season, but were open for local customers. The restaurant is offering two meals for the price of one on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings from 5 to 9 p.m. Two meals for $15.99! The res-taurant, located at the bottom of Main Street, has excellent food and service.

On Thursday, May 6, from 4:30 to 6 p.m., Polly Mahoney, Registered Maine Guide, will present a slide show on her horseback trip through Mongolia at the Mahoosuc Mountain Lodge, located at 1513 Bear River Road in Newry. The meeting is sponsored by the Western Mountains Senior Col-lege. Admission is free and everyone is welcome. There will be a potluck supper following the pres-entation. If you plan to stay for the supper, please bring a dish to share. To reach the lodge, take Routes 2 and 26 to Newry for six miles and continue on Route 26 North for 7 more miles. The lodge is on the right. For more information, call Bonnie Pooley at 824-2236.