WRV Weekly News | 8/1/25
Hello WRV Community!
We are excited to have shared the White River Valley Strong newsletter with you over the past few weeks. It was created as a pilot project to gauge the community's interest in helping our groups and leaders communicate and learn about the happenings in our area, all aimed at fostering community engagement. As our UVM summer internships come to a close, we will be temporarily pausing the weekly newsletter. We would like to thank UVM Leahy Institute for their support, and Terra, our Bethel Strong summer intern, for jumping into this project. We value the great community interest and feedback this summer, and look forward to continuing conversations about how a longer-term community newsletter or other communication solutions might help our organizations better collaborate and share information.
Scroll Down to Find:
What’s next for Bethel Strong?
WRV Community Schools Summer Internship Program Wrap Up
WRV Community Schools Summer Internship Program Final Presentations
Opportunities to Join and Get Involved!
What’s next for Bethel Strong?
Plans are in progress and several opportunities lie ahead as we contemplate the next steps in redefining Bethel Strong. Bethel Strong is our local mutual aid group, established in 2020, to tackle the challenges posed by the pandemic emergency response. It functioned at that time as a platform for our community to share information and connect to resources in order to remain safe and stay at home, while meeting basic needs. Over the years, Bethel Strong has brought people together to revitalize the Bethel Area Food Shelf, an initiative focused on combating local food insecurity worsened by the pandemic. It has also supported efforts to improve accessibility and has aided in the creation of recreational opportunities through the renovation of our community trail systems. In the upcoming months, as we update the Bethel Strong website, and redefine its mission, we will continue to share initiatives focused on community engagement, resilience and opportunities for our neighbors to engage and support one another. If you are interested in participating in defining future plans, please contact us at BethevtStrong@gmail.com.
WRV Community Schools Summer Internship Program Wrap-Up
Thanks to the partnership with UVM and the WRVSU Community School Program, community groups and organizations throughout the area are paving the way for future initiatives. Here’s a quick overview of what the interns accomplished and the resources they’ve contributed:
Bethel Strong-Community Design Solutions
Terra helped Bethel Strong create a pilot White River Valley Community Newsletter to help area groups and organizations share updates, upcoming events, and news with each other. We also developed a weekly pop-up community mixer/market event in conjunction with Bethel’s summer concerts and using the Placemaking Trailer. These activities helped Bethel Strong explore how we can help share information and connect our neighbors, resources, organizations, and committees. Bethel Area Food Shelf launched its sustainability project tackling food insecurity challenges, and several groups and organizations were able to showcase community work. Hosts: Rebecca Stone and Cindy Metcalf (bethelvtstrong@gmail.com)
White River Valley Middle School - Community Trail Work
Ella helped the land manager with the final implementation of the Bethel VOREC grant, focusing on trail system improvements at Bethel School Forest and Bethel Woods including trail maintenance, new signage, Placemaking Trailer support, and volunteer engagement. Host: Chris Fors (wcfors@gmail.com)
WRVSU-Child Nutrition Program
Alex supported the WRVSU Summer Meals program by planning, packing, and distributing Summer Meal Kits at the Royalton and Bethel campuses, developing educational materials, recipes, and a newsletter, and helping to develop relationships with local farmers and businesses to establish local food sources for the Child Nutrition Program. Host: Mischa Johnson (mjohnson@wrvsu.org)
WRVSU Central Office-Communications and Outreach
Gretchen spent the summer supporting year two of the WRVSU communications strategy, supporting the transition to a cloud-based student information system. She helped create a newsletter, supported community outreach, and worked to improve district-wide communication systems. Host: Ray Ballou (rballou@wrvsu.org)
White River Valley Middle School, Bethel Campus-Makerspace
Robbie spent the summer learning about the new Makerspace equipment shop and created guides in consultation with staff. He created guides to support K-12 learners and adults and created signs for local school campuses, trails, the Tunbridge Forest, the Bethel Public Library and Bethel Area Food Shelf. Host: Pierre LaFlamme (plaflamme@wrvsu.org)
WRVSU Central Office-HealthHUB/South Royalton Health Center
Sofia spent the summer working with the cross-sector team to help improve child health/learning through analyzing school attendance data, drafting communications materials for attendance campaigns, and event planning for family engagement. Host: Dr. Ashley Miller & Anda Adams (dr.ashley.miller@gmail.com and aadams@wrvsu.org)
Vital Communities-Upper Valley Farm to School
Alexa supported the Upper Valley Farm to School Network as they developed curriculum, worked in school gardens, engaged with educators, and compiled other educational resources. Hosts: Anna Hubbard (ahubbard@vitalcommunities.org) and Francey Slater (fslater@wrvsu.org)
White River Natural Resources Conservation District - Agroforestry & Garden
Quinn, Kate, and Isabelle helped maintain vegetable gardens and tree nurseries, managed open garden hours, and supported the development of agroforestry and master curriculum materials and tree nursery maps. Host: Karen Ganey (karen.nrcd@gmail.com)
Bethel Public Library-Communications
Sophie helped assist library staff to create a new website for the library, explore cataloging software options, design instructional signage and manuals, create a community newsletter, and inventory library books. Hosts: Cathy Day & Lisa Campbell (bethelpubliclibrary@comcast.net lisa.campbell@wrsu.org)
White River Valley Herald-Journalism
Emma spent the summer working with the editorial team in the 16-town region. She wrote news stories for the paper, attended local government meetings, conducted interviews, and developed a long-form reporting project. Host: Tim Calabro (tim@ourherald.com)
WRV Community Schools Summer Internship Program Final Presentations
If you are interested in hearing from the interns and their hosts about the experiences they’ve had working here in our area this summer, please join them for the WRV Community Schools Summer Internship Program-Final Presentations on Tuesday, August 5 at 3:00pm at the White Church Hall, 129 Church St, Bethel.
Opportunities to Join and Get Involved!
As you can see, we have engaged in strengthening our opportunities to connect and interact with one another throughout our communities. If you have time, talent and interest in being involved in the Bethel Strong planning process, the Bethel Area Food Shelf Task Force, or any of the community initiatives developed during these summer internship experiences, please contact us at BethelVTStrong@gmail.com or contact any of the hosts who mentored the UVM interns this summer.
WRV Weekly News | 7/18/25
Weekly Community Updates & Good News from Bethel, Royalton, and the White River Valley
Hello WRV Community!
We’re excited to bring you the third edition of the Bethel Strong newsletter, geared toward helping our community groups and leaders share and find out what’s happening! The dedication across our community this summer has been awesome to see, and we’re committed to sharing and supporting these efforts. This newsletter isn’t just a weekly update, but a reflection of what is shared by our community and your input. Keep sharing, collaborating, and contributing!
Scroll Down to Find:
How to submit your news for next week!
Pop-Up Community Mixers at the Bethel Bandshell
WRV This Week: Highlights from Community Organizations
What’s Ahead: Upcoming Events and Activities
Get Involved: Find Volunteer Needs and Opportunities
Got News for Next Week? Newsletter Input?
Bethel Strong’s amazing summer intern, Terra, will compile each week’s news based on what you submit. The more you share, the better it gets.
Submit next week’s news! Big or small, we’d love to share your highlights, news, events, volunteer needs, and more! Fill out this quick form by Weds. night to get in each Friday’s newsletter. Submission Form
What do you think? This is our third pilot news edition! Tell us what you like, what you want to find or share, and what would make it better. Feedback Form
Join our email list! If you’d like to receive this newsletter in your inbox, sign up here. Sign up to receive more
New! Weds. Night Pop-Up Community Mixer / Market
There’s no Bethel Farmers’ Market this year, so Bethel Strong is *also* experimenting with a pilot weekly pop-up community event in conjunction with Bethel’s weekly summer concert series. Each week, we’ll set up the Bethel Placemaking Trailer with tables, chairs, tents, lawn games and more. Everyone is invited to come mingle, chat, meet, share, discuss, sell, play, and connect. See more info and a sign up form below.
RSVP to reserve a space and/or help with setup and takedown! bethelvtstrong.org/mixer-market
Popping Up Weds. July 23
Community Leader Roundtable: Capacity and Resources. Pull up a chair and come chat about what your committee or group needs to thrive!
Bethel Rec Committee & Skatepark Merch. The Bethel Rec Committee will be back and selling t-shirts, bandanas, and stickers! Come find out more about summer events happening at the Bethel Recreation Center.
Bethel Community Forward Festival. Win raffle prizes, sign up for a space and get more information about this year's Forward Festival, scheduled for Sept 20th this year.
Everyday Counts Initiative. Focused on reducing absenteeism in Vermont schools. They will have a wheel to spin and prizes!
Bethel Arts Center Free Library. Come check out awesome free books. The Bethel Arts Center is currently looking for donations of art supplies, bring what you can!
Bethel Planning Commission. Share your ideas and concerns regarding the Bethel Town Plan.
Summer Concert: The Gully Boys. Enjoy rock music at the Bethel Council on the Arts’ weekly summer concert, 7pm.
Past Highlights from Weds. July 16
Pop-up Community Leader Roundtable. Spent time discussing our newsletter’s accessibility, how to improve it, and what’s going on in the community. Great feedback!
Kid-Run Snack Stand. Drinks and treats sold by our local young entrepreneurs.
Bethel Rec Committee & Skatepark Merch. The committee shared information about ongoing summer events at the Bethel Recreation Center such as open skate sessions and “Kids & Coffee.” Find out more.
WRVS Makerspace Pop-Up. The community tried out the WRVS Makerspace’s 3D pens, with kids making everything from rings to figurines. Contact Robbie robbiemckersie@gmail.com if you’re interested in future events, workshops, or using the makerspace.
Bethel Arts Center Library. Gave out free books and talked about the 17 SDGs.
What are SDGs: Find out more.
What can you pop up at our pop-up mixer/market?
Learn more about this event, sign up for a space, and share your ideas. We’re also looking for a few good volunteers to help us set up and take down. Ways you could tap in:
“Market” booth – sell lemonade or baked goods, give away your garden extras, or have a community display or information table. Reserve a pop-up tent or bring your own.
Conversation circle – want to have a community conversation? Pitch a topic and we’ll pull up some chairs and gather folks around.
Special offering or event? Plan a hike, play music, host a fundraiser, bring a project…
Sign up here: Bethel Weekly Pop-Up Mixer Sign up
WRV this Week
Highlights and News from Community Organizations
💵Teaching Kids Money Skills ⭐️
Aldo’s Allowance Academy is a hands-on, screen-free system that helps kids ages 6–14 build lifelong money habits, right at home. Created by a parent and longtime manager at Barnard General Store, this program grew from firsthand experience: teens were entering the workforce without basic financial skills like counting change, writing checks, or understanding taxes. So, Aldo’s Allowance Academy was built, a printable system that grows with your child, from kindergarten to their first paycheck.
Learn more: bgsvt.com/aldosallowanceacademy
🪧New Projects and Events at the Bethel Rec Center ☕️🧑🧑🧒🧒
A kiosk has been installed at the Bethel Rec Center! Stay tuned for up to date information on Bethel Trails and things to do around Bethel. This week’s Kids and Coffee event was packed with energy and community spirit! Parents enjoyed catching up over coffee while their kids played safely at the park.
Join Bethel Rec at Kids & Coffee on August 1st from 9-10am — all are welcome!
Bethel Pool Hours 6/23 - 8/8: M-F 12-5pm, F 6-8pm, Sat 2-6pm
More from the Bethel VT Recreation Center
💻Innovation with Cultivator VT 📄
Local entrepreneurs, small business owners, and community members gathered over coffee to exchange ideas, ask questions, and spark meaningful conversations at Cultivator’s Monday Mix event. Cultivator is a nonprofit innovation hub based in Randolph supporting innovation and growth by providing resources and programs for entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Randolph region. If you’re looking for a relaxed, welcoming space for connection, collaboration, and building relationships, stay tuned for Cultivator’s next Monday mix at Wit & Grit.
Learn more about Cultivator VT: Click here.
What’s Ahead
Events and Activities Coming Up
Saturday, July 19
Bethel Trails Work Day
Help us to maintain the trail system next to the Bethel Recreation Center in Bethel! Bring trimmers, loppers, strong rakes, and gloves. Many hands make light work! Please contact Chris Fors, VOREC Project Coordinator, with any questions at 1 (802) 299-9889.
When: 8am
Address: Bethel Recreation Center, 115 Pleasant St, Bethel
Community Clothing Swap!
Join us at the Bethel Arts Center from 1-4pm. Feel free to drop off or pick up some gently used clothes in good condition. All for free!
Hours: 1- 4pm
Address: 257 Main St, Bethel, VT 05032
Brookfield Flea Market
The Brookfield Flea Market will have vendors with antiques, furniture, books, crafts, and more! There will be a hot dog lunch with all the fixings as well as a bake sale with various goods!
Come enjoy the day and expect treasures both inside and outside under tents! To reserve space, contact Pat at 802-728-4515.
When: 9am-3pm
Address: Pond Village Church, corner of Ridge Road and Rte. 65, Brookfield
Monday, July 21
Mountain Music Monday
Located in the hill farm hamlet of Bethel Lympus, our historic 1840 church is proud to sponsor summer events each year. The next event is Mountain Music Monday. Take a scenic drive to the four corners of Gay Hill Rd., Lilliesville Brook Rd., Campbell Rd., and Dartt Hill Rd. to the little white church for an evening of acoustic music played in a beautiful setting. Music makers from Bethel, Hancock, Granville, Rochester, Randolph, Brookfield and Braintree will perform favorite songs. The event is free, but your generous donations will help support the Bethel Area Food Shelf.
When: Jul 21, 2025, 6:30 to 8 PM
Where: Bethel Lympus
Tuesday, July 22
Harm Reduction 101 Workshop
Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. For this educational workshop, we will be joined by Kell Arbor, who is the Director of Health & Wellness programs at Pride Center of VT. Kell will talk more in depth about what Harm Reduction is and give an overview of overdose prevention techniques, address stigma, and share more resources for more support. This is the third event in an educational series by the Neighborhood Conversations initiative of the Bethel Equity & Inclusion and Town Meeting & Community Engagement Committees.
Hours: 6pm
Address: Bethel Town Hall, 318 Main St, Bethel
Saturday, July 26
Bethel Trails Work Day
Help us to maintain the trail system next to the Bethel Recreation Center in Bethel! Bring trimmers, loppers, strong rakes, and gloves. Many hands make light work! Please contact Chris Fors, VOREC Project Coordinator, with any questions at 1 (802) 299-9889.
Hours: 8am
Address: Bethel Recreation Center, 115 Pleasant St, Bethel
Monday, August 11
VCRD’s 6th Community Leadership Summit
Join hundreds of community builders from across the state to gain skills and cultivate connections for a vibrant future. This event is a chance to explore how we can work together to get things done, even when times are tough and resources are limited. Through workshops, panels, group discussions, and networking, participants will gain useful ideas, make connections, and hear inspiring success stories and tips. Register here (sliding scale).
When: 9 AM - 4 PM
Where: Vermont State University - Randolph Center
Ongoing Events!
Sharon Community Garden Open Hours
We are growing food for the community in an inclusive safe space for all. Come lend a hand and go home with fresh veggies. We also have a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs and berries planted for your learning and picking enjoyment. All Welcome.
Hours: Tuesday 1-6pm; Thursday, 2-5pm.
Address: 2564 Rt 14, Sharon VT - follow the perimeter of the field to garden
Pop-Up Office Hours at Wit & Grit with Cultivator VT
Randolph Pop-up Office Hours! Join local business owners and remote professionals at Wit & Grit for an easygoing coworking session—bring your laptop, grab a coffee and breakfast, and work alongside others in a creative, productive space. Need advice or connections? Cultivator’s Program Manager is around most weeks, and once a month, we’ll gather for an open conversation about business and local happenings.
Hours: Mondays from 9-10:30am
Address: 29 Merchants Row, Randolph, VT 05060
Bethel Council on the Arts Summer Concerts
Every Wednesday through August - Bethel Council on the Arts Summer Concert at Series at Bandshell Park.
Hours: Shows begin at 7pm
Address: 129 Church St, Bethel, VT 05032
Bethel Area Food Shelf
Hours: Mondays 12-1pm and Thursdays 5-7pm
Address: 129 Church St, Bethel
Bethel Rec Skateboarding Sessions
Hours: Thursdays 6-8pm
Address: Bethel Recreation Center, 115 Pleasant St, Bethel
Bethel Arts Center Recurring Events
Address: 257 Main St, Bethel, VT 05032
Open Studio Time
Open hours for writers, painters, drawers, knitters, crafters and artists of all skill levels. No instruction provided - this is open time to work on projects. Bring your own supplies or make use of paper, colored pencils, markers, crayons, watercolor, etc. that are available in the space. FREE.
Hours: Wednesdays & Sundays from 11-2pm
Teen Center Drop In
Open hours for young folks ages 10-18 to come hang out, snack, play games, make art, play music, and be. FREE.
Hours: Every Thursday 2-5pm
Knit Night
For experienced and new knitters alike! Come learn how to knit or bring the project you're currently working on. Needles and yarn provided for learners. FREE.
Hours: Every Thursday from 6-8pm
Comedy Night
Come laugh with local comedians on the second Friday of the month. Email bethelvtcomedy@gmail.com to sign up to perform. FREE.
Hours: 7pm, Every 2nd Friday of the month
Get Involved! Volunteer Needs and Opportunities
Bethel Area Food Shelf. BAFS runs on volunteer power! This is a great way to get involved in supporting your neighbors. New volunteers are always welcome. Contact Cindy at cindy@action-circles.com
Pop-Up Weds Event Crew. Our community Mixer / Markets need a few hands with setup/takedown each week. Bethel Weekly Pop-Up Mixer Sign up
Do you have volunteer opportunities? Big or small, we’d love to share your volunteer needs! Fill out our Submission Form.
Feedback & Contact
Thank you for taking time to catch up with us! Since this is only our third pass at our Community Newsletter, we are encouraging any feedback you can give us! We’d love your input … What else do you want to find or read in community news? What do you want to share or get out? Have feedback? Leave a suggestion.
Got news, events, and stuff to include next week? Newsletter Submission. Submission deadline: Weds. evenings. Newsletter send: Friday mornings.
Connect with Bethel Strong
Questions? Contact us! bethelvtstrong@gmail.com
Check out the Bethel Strong website for more info and a newsletter archive:
WRV Weekly News | 7/11/25
Weekly Community Updates & Good News from Bethel, Royalton, and the White River Valley
Hello WRV Community! We’re excited to bring you the second edition of the Bethel Strong newsletter, geared toward helping our community groups and leaders share and find out what’s happening! The dedication across our community this summer has been awesome to see, and we’re committed to sharing and supporting these efforts. This newsletter isn’t just a weekly update, but a reflection of what is shared by our community and your input. Keep sharing, collaborating, and contributing!
Scroll Down to Find:
How to submit your news for next week!
Pop-Up Community Mixers at the Bethel Bandshell
WRV This Week: Highlights from Community Organizations
What’s Ahead: Upcoming Events and Activities
Get Involved: Find Volunteer Needs and Opportunities
Got News for Next Week? Newsletter Input?
Bethel Strong’s amazing summer intern, Terra, will compile each week’s news based on what you submit. The more you share, the better it gets.
Submit next week’s news! Big or small, we’d love to share your highlights, news, events, volunteer needs, and more! Fill out this quick form by Weds. night to get in each Friday’s newsletter. Submission Form
What do you think? This is our second pilot news edition! Tell us what you like, what you want to find or share, and what would make it better. Feedback Form
Join our email list! If you’d like to receive this newsletter in your inbox, sign up here. Sign up to receive more
New! Weds. Night Pop-Up Community Mixer / Market
There’s no Bethel Farmers’ Market this year, so we’re *also* experimenting with a pilot weekly pop-up community event in conjunction with Bethel’s weekly summer concert series. Each week, we’ll set up the Bethel Placemaking Trailer with tables, chairs, tents, lawn games and more. Everyone is invited to come mingle, chat, meet, share, discuss, sell, play, and connect. See more info and a sign up form below.
Pop up, join in, and help out! Got an idea for next week? Want to sign up for a space or booth? Can you help set up or take down? More info and RSVP here: bethelvtstrong.org/mixer-market
Popping Up Weds. July 16
Community Mosaic Project with Daybreaks Glass Studio. Come check out and participate in an awesome community mosaic project hosted by Daybreaks Glass!
Potluck Picnic & Community Leader Roundtable. Bring a favorite potluck picnic treat and pull up a chair to chat with other community leaders about community communications: what’s working, what you need, and how we can do better.
Kid-Run Snack Stand, Free Books and more…. Drop by more booths and tables to get tasty drinks and treats by your local young entrepreneurs, free books, and more goodies.
Bethel Rec Committee & Skatepark Merch. The Bethel Rec Committee will be back and selling t-shirts, bandanas, and stickers! Come find out more about summer events happening at the Bethel Recreation Center.
Summer Concert: Michael McNaughton. Enjoy folk music at the Bethel Council on the Arts’ weekly concert, 7pm.
Past Highlights from Weds. July 9
Rock Painting. People of all ages spent time enjoying the Bethel Public Library’s rock painting booth this last Wednesday. Stay tuned for more upcoming crafts hosted by the library. Library Events Calendar
Bethel Rec Committee. The committee shared information about ongoing summer events at the Bethel Recreation Center such as open skate sessions and “Kids & Coffee.” Find out more.
Window Dressers. Local volunteers are gearing up to build and install weatherization inserts this year. Interested in helping? Need inserts in your house? Contact Lisa Campbell: lcampbell43@comcast.net
Bethel Strong Info Hub. Bethel Strong hosted a sign-up and information sharing table to promote their new newsletter!
What can you pop up at our pop-up mixer/market?
Learn more about this event, sign up for a space, and share your ideas. We’re also looking for a few good volunteers to help us set up and take down. Ways you could tap in:
“Market” booth – sell lemonade or baked goods, give away your garden extras, or have a community display or information table. Reserve a pop-up tent or bring your own.
Conversation circle – want to have a community conversation? Pitch a topic and we’ll pull up some chairs and gather folks around.
Special offering or event? Plan a hike, play music, host a fundraiser, bring a project…
Sign up here: Bethel Weekly Pop-Up Mixer Sign up
WRV this Week
Highlights and News from Community Organizations
🖨️Collaborating with the White River Valley School Makerspace🎒
The makerspace is really living up to its name! WRVS has an amazing resource at Bethel Elementary/White River Valley Middle School. Over the past few weeks, the makerspace has joined forces with Bethel trails on redesigning and updating signage throughout Bethel’s trail system. Additionally, the makerspace will be collaborating with the Bethel Area Food Shelf and creating a beautiful, new sign for their fresh produce display.
What is a makerspace? A shared space in which people can design, create, and collaborate on projects of their choosing.
What’s here: All sorts of design equipment ranging from 3D printers, embroidery machines, cricuts, and more.
Learn more: Want to get involved in the makerspace? Get in contact with the WRVS Makerspace intern Robbie at robbiemckersie@gmail.com
🇺🇸Honoring Bethel Veterans🫡
A brand-new War Memorial now stands at the Bethel Bandshell donated by Bethel Historical Society. The recently erected memorial serves to honor Bethel veterans who served in the French Indian War, Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Civil War, Spanish American War, World War I, World War II, Korean War, and Vietnam War. A ceremony was held on July 6th with the American Legion who expressed their respects through playing “Taps” and giving a Gun Salute.
Want to hear more? Click here to learn more about The Bethel Historical Society, fundraising, and the creation of the memorial. Stay in touch with BHS: Click here.
Anyone missing? Dave Kent shared on Facebook that Bethel Gilead / Gilead Brook road residents may have been left off if they had a Randolph address. If you know of someone missing, contact Dave at 802-345-2308.
🌱Educational Garden Events & Spreading Flowers Throughout the WRV🌼
Farm to School has begun hosting weekly Open Garden Drop-In events open to everyone! Alternating between Bethel Elementary/Middle School and SoRo Elementary School, children have the opportunity to participate in short, fun, and educational projects during Summer Meal Kit pick up. Kids are creating seed bombs to spread wildflowers, garden-themed rock painting, bug hotel building, and more this summer! No registration needed.
When:
Bethel: Thursdays, 3pm-5pm on July 10th, July 24th, August 7th.
South Royalton: Fridays, 3pm-5pm on July 18th, August Ist, August 15th.
Questions about Garden Drop-Ins? Please contact Francey Slater: fslater@wrvsu.org
More about Summer Meal Kits: Summer Food Program
🥕Lend a Hand and Take Home Fresh Produce🛠️
White River Natural Resources Conservation District (WRNRCD) is now hosting Open Hours at the Sharon Community Garden every Tuesday and Thursday. They’re goal is fostering an inclusive space for all within the community while teaching about gardening. Currently harvesting lettuce greens, but stay tuned for peas, garlic, beans, beets, kale and a variety of medicinal herbs and berries!
Looking to help out in another way? WRNRCD is looking for:
Some extra cardboard (have any packing boxes lying around?)
A handy set of carpentry skills
Help with a small irrigation project (installing a gutter to route rainwater into their water tank!)
Interested? Contact karen.nrcd@gmail.com for more information! Learn more about WRNRCD: Click here.
✈️Bethel Area Rotary Club International Youth Exchange Program 🧳
If you have room in your home and space in your heart, please consider serving as a host family for our Bethel Area Rotary international exchange student for the 2025-2026 school year. We anticipate our incoming student will live with two families that will host five months each, one from mid-to-late August through January, and the second family from January through mid-June. We have been sponsoring international youth exchanges for over 50 years. We need to identify 2-3 host families for our next foreign exchange student - a young man from Taiwan, who will arrive in August. Our service area includes the towns of South Royalton, Rochester, Stockbridge, Pittsfield, Tunbridge.
If you’d like to host an exchange student contact Rebecca Carleton, Youth Exchange Officer, Bethel Area Rotary 802-299- 9966. You can find out more about the program here.
What’s Ahead
Events and Activities Coming Up
Friday, July 11 - Sunday July 13
Chandler Summer Youth Summer Musical: Oliver!
The Chandler Center for the Arts Summer Youth Musical (SYM) Program is excited to present "Oliver!" The musical is based upon the 1838 novel Oliver Twist by Charles Dickens, with music and lyrics by Lionel Bart. Join us for a wonderful performance by talented youngsters, directed by skilled staff. Complete with a full set and live orchestra!
Show times: Friday 7 PM, Saturday 7 PM, Sunday 2 PM
Address: Chandler Center for the Arts, 71 N Main Street, Randolph, VT
Sunday, July 13
Bethel Area Food Shelf Volunteer Appreciation Summer Picnic
The Bethel Area Food Shelf will be celebrating our volunteers with a summer picnic this Sunday at 4pm, hosted by Mary Eastridge. If you have volunteered at the food shelf or are interested in volunteering in the future, join us! Bring a dish to share if you’d like, but it’s not mandatory. There will be tents for shade or rain, yard games, and good company. Come relax and enjoy!! Check the link for more details and to RSVP.
Monday, July 14
Bethel Selectboard Meeting
Join in person at the Bethel Town Hall or via zoom at 7pm.
Tuesday, July 15
Orange County Parent Child Center Playgroup
Join us for a special pop-up playgroup with Four Winds Nature Institute. Come explore with fun, nature-based materials and meet some new friends. This playgroup is free and open to the community. All ages are welcome and a snack will be provided. The OCPCC Community Cart will be available, stocked with food and diapers.
Hours: 10-11:30am
Address: Bethel Recreation Field, 115 Pleasant St, Bethel
Saturday, July 19
Community Clothing Swap!
Join us at the Bethel Arts Center from 1-4pm. Feel free to drop off or pick up some gently used clothes in good condition. All for free!
Tuesday, July 22
Neighborhood Conversations Educational Series on Public Safety
This is the third event in our summer series. We will be presenting Harm Reduction 101. Harm reduction is a set of practical strategies and ideas aimed at reducing negative consequences associated with drug use. For this educational workshop, we will be joined by Kell Arbor who is the Director of Health & Wellness programs at Pride Center of VT. Kell will talk more in depth about what Harm Reduction is and give an overview of overdose prevention techniques, address stigma, and share more resources for more support.
Hours: 6pm
Address: Bethel Town Hall, 318 Main St, Bethel
Ongoing Opportunities to Join!
Sharon Community Garden Open Hours
We are growing food for the community in an inclusive safe space for all. Come lend a hand and go home with fresh veggies. We also have a variety of culinary and medicinal herbs and berries planted for your learning and picking enjoyment. All Welcome.
Hours: Tuesday 1-6pm; Thursday, 2-5pm.
Address: 2564 Rt 14, Sharon VT - follow the perimeter of the field to garden
Bethel Council on the Arts Summer Concerts
Every Wednesday through August - Bethel Council on the Arts Summer Concert at Series at Bandshell Park.
Hours: Shows begin at 7pm
Address: 129 Church St, Bethel, VT 05032
Bethel Area Food Shelf
Hours: Mondays 12-1pm and Thursdays 5-7pm
Address: 129 Church St, Bethel
Bethel Rec Skateboarding Sessions
Hours: Thursdays 6-8pm
Address: Bethel Recreation Center, 115 Pleasant St, Bethel
Get Involved! Volunteer Needs and Opportunities
Bethel Trails Work Day coming soon! Stay tuned or contact Ella at ellakayski@gmail.com to get on a list.
Bethel Area Food Shelf. BAFS runs on volunteer power! This is a great way to get involved in supporting your neighbors. New volunteers are always needed. Contact Cindy at cindy@action-circles.com
Pop-Up Weds Event Crew. Our community Mixer / Markets need a few hands with setup/takedown each week. Bethel Weekly Pop-Up Mixer Sign up
Do you have volunteer opportunities? Big or small, we’d love to share your volunteer needs! Fill out our Submission Form.
Feedback & Contact
Thank you for taking time to catch up with us! Since this is only our second pass at our Community Newsletter, we are encouraging any feedback you can give us! We’d love your input … What else do you want to find or read in community news? What do you want to share or get out? Have feedback? Leave a suggestion.
Got news, events, and stuff to include next week? Newsletter Submission. Submission deadline: Weds. evenings. Newsletter send: Friday mornings.
Connect with Bethel Strong
Questions? Contact me! Terra Schommer: terra.schommer@gmail.com
Check out our website for more info and a newsletter archive:
WRV Weekly News | 7/2/25
Just dropped! The 1st edition of the WRV Strong Weekly Community News, featuring updates from Bethel, Royalton, and White River Valley community organizations.
Weekly Community Updates & Good News from Bethel, Royalton, and the White River Valley
Hello WRV Community! Bethel Strong is very excited to be launching a weekly newsletter to share and celebrate the energy and effort behind the awesome work going on this summer. We hope to become a hub for opportunities, events, collaboration, and share all the ways we can support one another.
Scroll Down to Find:
How to submit your news for next week!
TONIGHT! Pop-Up Community Mixer at the Bethel Bandshell (new weekly event)
WRV This Week: Highlights from Community Organizations
What’s Ahead: Upcoming Events and Activities
Get Involved: Volunteer Needs, Asks, Offers, and More
Got News for Next Week? Newsletter Input?
Our amazing summer intern, Terra, will compile each week’s news based on what you submit. The more you share, the better it gets.
Submit next week’s news! Big or small, we’d love to share your highlights, news, events, volunteer needs, and more! Fill out this quick form by Weds. night. Submission Form
What do you think? This is our first pilot news edition! Tell us what you like, what you want to find or share, and what would make it better. Feedback Form
New! Weds. Night Pop-Up Community Mixer / Market
TONIGHT: 6 PM @ the Bethel Bandshell | BCA Concert at 7 PM
There’s no Bethel Farmers’ Market this year, so we’re *also* experimenting with a pilot weekly pop-up community event in conjunction with Bethel’s weekly summer concert series. Each week, we’ll set up the Bethel Placemaking Trailer with tables, chairs, tents, lawn games and more. Everyone is invited to come mingle, chat, meet, share, discuss, sell, play, and connect.
Tonight’s Features
Pop-Up Tech Help. Bring your phone, ipad, laptop or tech question. Friendly folks will be here to help – and gather input on whether more tech help sessions are needed.
Free Cookies! BYO treat, dessert, snack to share, or picnic dinner if you like.
Bethel Rec Kiosk & Town Plan Input. Come see draft designs for new Bethel trail maps and rec resources and add your input. And share your thoughts as our town planning kicks off.
Got an Idea for Next Week? Can you Help Set Up or Take Down?
Learn more about this event, sign up for a space here, and share your ideas We’re also looking for a few good volunteers to help us set up and take down. Ways you could tap in:
“Market” booth – sell lemonade or baked goods, give away your garden extras, or have a community display or info table. Reserve a pop-up tent or bring your own.
Conversation host – want to have a community conversation? Pitch a topic and we’ll pull up some chairs and gather folks around.
Special offering or event? Plan a hike, play music, host a fundraiser, bring a project…
WRV this Week
Highlights and Good News from Community Organizations
🌻WRV Welcomes 12 Summer Interns 🥾
12 UVM summer interns have arrived in the WRV community and are hard at work on projects within our community schools and local organizations. These projects range from distributing free summer meals for kids, improving new trails, writing for the Herald, expanding library services, and more! Currently housed at VSU Randolph, their work will continue into August. Stay tuned for headlines regarding their work throughout the summer.
Meet the Interns & Hosts! Click here to see an overview of summer interns, host sites and projects.
Intern Gatherings: WRVs summer interns unite every Wednesday at Bethel’s White Church to share updates and insights from their host organizations as well as cook and share food from their CSA with Luna Bleu Farm.
About Luna Bleu Farm and Community Supported Agriculture. Click here.
Big thanks! Summer interns are gratefully sponsored through the Leahy Institute and Ford Foundation, allowing the University of Vermont to partner with WRVSU Community Schools for 10 weeks from June-August.
📚Bethel Public Library Expands “Library of Things”📌
What IS a Library of Things? It’s an accessible lending library full of various, easily check-outable items ranging from cake pans to snowshoes. Sophie is BPL’s intern this summer, working on making BLP’s offerings more accessible.
Intern picks: Sophie’s faves: apple peeler, an electric s’mores maker, and a variety of garden tools.
Collab ideas: Great tools for interns and community orgs: garden tools, seed library, free passes to state parks, museums, and rec sites.
Check it out: Drop in to see and check out items. More online info coming soon!
🍎WRVSU Summer Food Program Success ⭐️
WRVSU gave out over 1,000 free summer meals for kids last week at the Bethel campus alone! That’s one of four WRV sites, and meal distribution goes on all summer long. All children ages 1-18 are encouraged to pick up these weekly meal kits regardless of location and background. Come pick up a kit no questions asked!
Summer Meal Kits: These kits hold a weeks’ supply of nutritional groceries and can be picked up from various locations within the WRV throughout the summer.
More Information: For pick-up times and locations check them out here. Summer Food Program
🌾Vital Communities Farm to School Resource Hub💡
Vital Communities is launching a new Resource Hub of information on how to start a Farm to School program, growing your own garden, funding opportunities, and more!
More Information: Vital Communities Farm to School
🌳Bethel Trails (and a Surprise Find) 🤫
While mapping out and updating signage throughout the new & expanding Bethel trails system, grant project manager Chris and intern Ella found a mysterious item of value last week. Did you lose something? Contact Ella ellakayski@gmail.com if you dropped something valuable on the trails last week! Tell them what and where to claim it.
Explore the trails: Click here for pilot maps and info!
What’s Ahead
Events and Activities Coming Up
Weds. July 2
Pop-Up Community Mixer / Market at the BCA Concert: 6 PM - 7:30 @Bethel Bandshell
This week: Free Tech Help Book, Rec Kiosk Draft Designs, Free Cookies!
Meet and chat with friends and neighbors, play lawn games, free tech help booth, Rec Kiosk design input, and more. Pop-up starts at 6 PM. BCA summer concert kicks off at 7 PM with classic rock by Rusted Bones.
Thurs. July 3
Farm to School Garden Event this Thursday in South Royalton
White River Valley Elementary/High School from 3-5pm, Alexa will be hosting a DIY seed bomb activity. Family friendly event, no registration needed!
Thurs. July 10
Farm to School Garden Event in Bethel
Bethel Elementary/Middle School from 3/5pm, Alexa will be hosting another DIY seed bomb activity. Family friendly event, no registration needed!
Ongoing
Bethel Summer Concerts: Every Wednesday through August - Bethel Council on the Arts Summer Concert at Series at Bandshell Park.
Bethel Area Food Shelf Open: Mondays 12-1pm and Thursdays 5-7pm
New Sections Coming Soon!
We’d love your input for these sections… What else do you want to find or read in community news? What do you want to share or get out? Got items to add? Click here to let us know what you’d include. Submission Form
Free and/or Fun: Things to Do and Explore
Maple Creamies locations (Toziers, Locust Creek, Silloway Farm)
Tubing on the White River
Hiking the Bethel Trails
Get Involved!
Volunteer Needs and Opportunities
Bethel Trails Work Day Coming soon! Stay tuned or email Ella to get on a list
Bethel Area Food Shelf - volunteers always needed! Contact Cindy.
Do you have volunteer opportunities? Big or small, we’d love to share your volunteer needs!
Asks
Are there specific things you or your organization are looking for?
volunteers, items, outreach
Offers
What’s free to use? What are you offering or want to share?
Bethel’s Placemaking Trailer! Here is a link to its list of contents: https://bethelvtstrong.org/placemaking-trailer
Feedback & Contact
Thank you for taking time to catch up with us! Since this is our first pass at our Community Newsletter, we are encouraging any feedback you can give us!
Have feedback? Leave a suggestion.
Got news, events, and stuff to include next week? Newsletter Submission. Submission deadline: Weds. evenings. Newsletter target: Friday mornings.
Connect with Bethel Strong
Terra Schommer, Intern
Questions? Contact me! terra.schommer@gmail.com
Check out our website for more info and a newsletter archive: