Greetings!
Exceptional June Board/Member meeting,
and Summer Greetings!
On a sunny, but breezy early-summer day 23 CVOA members gathered at the beautiful and welcoming lakeside home of new members Val and Sam (and Hazyl) Hudspath on Great Pond in Belgrade for a day of kayaking & visiting, eating & meeting. Thanks to Val and Sam for hosting this fun day. (You can read more about the day’s event as well as the minutes of the meeting in this newsletter).
What I want to add is just how exciting it was for me as president to see so many new faces and members, not only in attendance, but also in stepping up to lead trips and in volunteering to join committees.
It was a very productive meeting with great discussion about a number of topics. We adopted a revised donation policy and a new investment policy that will both guide our Finance Committee as it moves forward in its work. Many thanks to Mary Frank, Treasurer, and Steve Smith, Board member, for their input on these documents and work on the committee.
We formed an Ad Hoc By-laws Review Committee, comprised of both veteran and new members, which will begin meeting in early fall. Since we are entering our 20th year it is a good time to make sure that our by-laws are still appropriate and relevant for our organization.
We also formed a Founder’s Night Committee to plan our upcoming 20th anniversary celebration. We will be looking into dates and venues in the next few months, so stay tuned for details of this Not-to-Miss event in future newsletters.
Our new Activities Coordinator, Patti Johnston (whose bio you can read in this newsletter) reported on the upcoming paddle and cookout day on July 13 on Big Jim Pond hosted by the Bickfords and Frasers. RSVP information is included in their article. We are happy to welcome Patti to her role as Activities Coordinator!
We discussed our expanding list of Winter 2020 ski trips. In addition to our Italy, Utah, Wyoming and Quebec trips, we now have two Nordic trips being organized by members. Bill Cunningham, our fearless trail-breaker last January on the CVOA hut-to-hut trip, is proposing a two- or three- day Nordic trip to West Branch Pond Camps in Greenville. Check out his article in this newsletter. This is in addition to an Austria Nordic trip being organized by Pam Twaddell in January. This was not a CVOA-sponsored trip only because we are looking into “international liability” - a topic for September’s meeting. We hope to offer it to members in the future as a CVOA trip. Pam reports that her trip is full! The updates of all trips can be found in this newsletter.
Much gratitude to all members, new and veteran (I will NOT say old) who are continuing to make CVOA a vibrant, energetic organization of outdoor-loving people!
Enjoy the summer,
Bonnie
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- Paddle Big Jim Pond, and BBQ
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Future Events & Adventures
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Paddle Big Jim Pond, and BBQ at the Bickfords.
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Join us for a fun and leisurely paddle on remote and beautiful Big Jim Pond, followed by a cookout up on scenic Eustis Ridge, at the Bickford’s, on Woodcock Lane.
The plan is to meet at Natanis parking lot (on left, just past Pines Market on Rt. 27 in Eustis) at 10:00 AM. We will caravan to The King & Bartlett Road and the put in at Jim Pond, about a five mile drive.
We will spend a couple hours exploring the pond by kayaks and/or canoes. There are also beaching and swimming opportunities if you wish. Then, we will pack up and trek back to Eustis, and up the Eustis Ridge road to the Bickford’s at 12 Woodcock Lane, for a cookout and get together.
RSVP to let us know the head count and grill preferences (burger, veggie burger, chicken or hot dogs). Please bring a side to share (appetizer, side, or dessert) and a lawn chair for the cookout. BYOB. Let us know what category you plan to bring for a side, so we get a good mix of offerings for the table!
This was a fun event last August, and we hope you will join us for a good time with fellow CVOA members on the water, and hanging out together up on “The Ridge”. Bring a chair if you have one handy.
If anyone chooses/needs to rent a kayak from Pines Market, and needs transport to the Pond, let us know.
Glenn & Peggy Bickford
Alan & Susan Fraser
ps - Rain Date is Sunday, July 14
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Downeast Magazine Scavenger Hunt
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And other ideas for recreation . . .
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If anyone is inspired by these opportunities, please contact me at
cvoa.adventures@gmail.com
or 207-745-5815 with your ideas for adventures.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
~ Patti Johnston, Adventure Coordinator
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Summer Recreation . . .
So many options, so little planning . . .
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It is not too late to add an event to the summer calendar; perhaps you can share your area of Maine (check out the Down East Scavenger Hunt) with other members, introduce us to something special nearby, plan a hike or paddle, for instance.
For a mealtime gathering, CVOA offers funds to reimburse some of the costs, to the tune of $5 per member attendee. It is also appropriate to ask folks to bring a side dish, and BYOB. CVOA also maintains a large inventory of paper goods for such events; they are located in the storage unit at the range.
For short notice trips, Cindy will send out an email for you. If you can plan ahead, we will put it in the monthly newsletter.
New to leading events? We can offer you guidance.
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Val Gardena, Italy – the first CVOA ski trip to fill up in the first two days, and Mike Parker is maintaining a waiting list.
Park City/Deer Valley, February 1 – 8
Trip Leader: Cindy Foster
With only 8 signed up, we are eager to add to the group.
Jackson Hole, February 26 to March 4
Trip Leader: Bonnie Farrar
We have 25 already signed up, with room for 10 more.
Quebec City stay and ski, February 2020, contact Pete Weston if interested.
Greenville X-Country Ski Trip – see the next article.
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Cross Country Skiing Trip
at West Branch Pond Camps, Greenville
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Established in the late 1800’s, these family-run sporting camps, 28 miles north east of Greenville, have cozy, wood stove heated, winterized log cabins on a small lake with mountain views. Their own groomed trail system through the woods and around the lake connects to the extensive groomed AMC trail system. Back country xc sking, snow-shoeing trails and pond ice skating are also offered. The camps are known for their excellent hearty breakfasts, bag lunches and gourmet full suppers. It is BYOB and a comfortable, heated "gathering cabin" is provided for pre and post supper group social activities.
Limited hours of electrical power is supplied by a generator. Use of personal "electronics" is discouraged in order to have a good rest from the outside world. Bring your sleeping bags. Comfortable beds and pillows are provided. There is a central shower house with flush toilets and also outhouses behind the cabins. There are many possibilities for skiing at various levels from easy to expert.
We will drive in and park right at the camps early on the first day, stay two nights and leave in the afternoon on the third day. This would give us one full day and two half days of skiing. If there is enough interest, we could stay as a group an extra night to gain another full day of skiing.
Members would book their stay directly with owner Eric Sterling at 207- 695-2561,
ecstirling@hughes.net
. The cost is $125.00 per night per person double occupancy or $175 single occupancy. This includes lodging & all meals. Space is limited to 10 members, and it can be scheduled for a weekend or mid-week in late January or February, depending on what dates will produce the largest number of members who will go on it.
At this point in the trip planning process, please contact me, Bill Cunningham (Home 207-487-3140,
docbillc@gmail.com
, Cell 207-416-8957). If you may be interested in going, tell me what dates you are available to go and if you want to stay 2 or 3 nights. After this input, I will set the dates and length of the trip so reservations can be made as soon as possible. Thank you!
~ Bill Cunningham
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Saturday Five Stand Shoots -- 9 to noon
Sunday Trap Shoots -- 9 to noon.
Wednesday Trap Shoots with Al Poudrier -- 9:30 to noon.
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June has been a bit wet, but that has not deterred our members, their guests, and the public from accessing the Range. Five Stand Shoots continue every Saturday 9am-12pm, and Trap Shoots every Sunday 9am-12pm, and Wednesday 9:30am-12pm.
Our Archery Range is now open for your use. We have a new net which will make arrow retrieval much easier. Please remember to use only field arrows, no broad tips. The targets are only temporary and will soon be replaced by larger, permanent targets.
The Range hosted the Stratton Rec Department in a Kids Day at the Range. They were given an opportunity to shoot 22 short bolt action rifles, and try a hand at Trap Shooting with a small 410. Unfortunately, due to a problem with the youth bows, the Archery had to be cancelled. Special thanks to all the Range Members who volunteered to set up and supervise the kids. Sherie and Harvey Packard, Neal Trask, Alan Bunnell, Al Poudrier, Dave Keane, and Jim Heichel. It was a beautiful day!
Summer is finally here and the Range is all ready for your use. Come by and us check out.
~ Diane Stone
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Jim Heichel, Super-Volunteer . . .
will be missed at the CVOA Range
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Guess what? Jim Heichel was right there on the firing line last week teaching young people from the Stratton Recreation Program some of the basics of firearms safety and operation.
And by the way, he’s been doing it for probably a decade or more: for the Carrabassett Valley Rec Program, for Maine Inland & Fisheries Dept. hunter safety programs, for introductory programs at the CVOA Range for youth and adults, as well as helping out with firearm and archery safety programs of all sorts.
And that was the easy stuff. If the range needed a new building, Jim was there to help build it. Or during cleanup days, or any other time he was needed.
“I don’t remember a time when we needed help up here that Jim wasn’t on hand to lend advice and pound nails and do anything else that was necessary,” Range Chairman Neal Trask recalled. “He’s going to be sorely missed”.
Sometime this summer, Jim and his wife Jane – also a regular volunteer for CVOA projects – will be moving from their 40-acre farm on the Carrabassett River in New Portland to Virginia to be nearer to his daughter and her family. It’s with mixed emotions, he admits, and he’s already concerned about where he might be able to shoot down there.
That’s understandable, given the fact that Jim has been a regular shooting trap, five-stand and rifles and pistols throughout his years as a member of CVOA.
A native of Ohio, Jim was a teacher (probably why he was so comfortable coaching young people on the range) and ran an insurance agency before retiring to the banks of the Carrabassett. Even in Ohio he was an active outdoorsman and still keeps bird dogs at the ready.
When he learned of CVOA, he didn’t just join, he became one of the most regular of all the regulars who spend countless hours each week working and playing at the range.
Those of us who have worked with him and gotten to know him will agree that there will be an important role to fill once Jim heads south, and we’ll miss him for the great guy that he is.
~ John McCatherin
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The order form can be sent to me, Valerie Hudspath. You can order now and have it before the HOMECOMING in OCTOBER. Pretty sweet to show up and be the envy of other members who will have to wait to get theirs after October.
The women sizes run pretty true to size. I am 140 pounds and 5ft 3.5 inches and take a medium.
It would be nice to wear the association logo on those trips to Park City, Italy, Austria, or Jackson Hole. Order now.
~ Val
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Past Events and Adventures
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Unity College now owns the unique and elegant Sky Lodge resort. We were privileged to have another Couri Foundation scholarship given to CVOA members for three days in June. Fourteen CVOAers enjoyed dining & relaxing together at the main Lodge.
Some folks hiked to Moxie Falls, Mosquito Mountain and around Attean Pond. A day trip to St. George, Quebec was easy because the Canadian Border is only 16 miles North. Many enjoyed the unique 19 model train exhibition and transportation museum. Five members were given a casting lesson taught by CVOA past president & fly-fishing instructor Joe Loughran. Several went fly fishing in Sandy Stream.
Happy hours, dancing, reading, Bridge or games of pool ensued in the evenings. Everyone enjoyed Chef Gordon’s excellent daily meals! Bag lunches were prepared for those who ventured away for longer day trips. By popular demand, we have reserved Sky Lodge again for CVOA members June 22-25, 2020.
~ Mary Berger
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Recreation, Cookout, Board/Member Meeting
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Saturday, June 23, Belgrade
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The wind blew in 20 members of CVOA for the June 23rd board and member meeting to Belgrade Lakes. The activity for the day was kayaking and the bursts of 20 mph winds did not slow down some brave members. Pink and Bonnie were the first to arrive and set their kayaks. Bonnie's ride is a sleek hot red kayak. Bill Cunningham aka Bill the Beast from the xc ski trip took off in his Hobie Mirage. You actually stand up and stair step this beauty. Cool toy Bill! Even the transplanted Bickfords had their FLORIDA car hauling their kayaks. The Parkers and Bonnie Farrar ventured out in the cove, but the white caps would not be conquered, and people returned to land sooner then they wanted. Of course this meant we had more time to catch up with old friends and newcomers. Thanks for coming, Sharon Heer.
Food was abundant with special shout outs to Herschel's delicious home baked bread, Jeannette's to-die for lemon squares, Cindy's 7 layer salad and Mary's beans. After good food and great company it was time to start the meeting. When the 20.7mph wind blew the umbrella down, we decided it was better to meet inside. You can read the minutes to see all we accomplished.
Despite the wind playing havoc with the chips, umbrella and the kayaking, it was just another EXCELLENT MAINE day and meeting.
Enjoy your summer and see you at the CVOA events planned this summer
~ Val Hudspath
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Patti Johnston, Adventure Coordinator
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By way of introduction, let me say that I am excited to be your new Adventure Coordinator. Since joining CVOA two years ago and going on the trips to Copper Mountain and Steamboat, I have had the opportunity to meet some great people who enjoy the out of doors, particularly downhill skiing! My husband Thom and I have been Sugarloafers since 1985 when we purchased our condo on Penobscot Circle. At that time our development was the only building on that side of the mountain!
I am a Maniac, born in Portland and lived here most of my life (1965-1973, Connecticut, college years, and then Boston). Thom and I lived in Bangor from 1973-2016. We sold our home and moved into our condo while we searched for a home in southern Maine to be nearer to children and grandchildren. Our whole family enjoys skiing, boarding, and hiking, and just being at “the Loaf”. The third generation is now skiing from the top and most likely will leave Grammy in a snow cloud soon enough. We now have a home in Gorham where we can be found in the off season.
I look forward to working with all of you who enjoy the out of doors and, through your enthusiasm, will afford many CVOAers the chance to experience the things you like to do.
Please feel free to contact me with your ideas for gatherings and trips. CVOA has a rich history of adventures that we want to continue in the years to come. As we head into the 20th Anniversary of the founding of CVOA let’s make it a banner year for outdoor adventures!
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Jeannette Parker, Board Member
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Lifelong Maine resident, born in Augusta, 1973 graduate of Cony High School. Married to Michael since 1982 (he asked me on our first date… 4 days after we met!), we lived in Winslow for 36 years and are now retired in Stonington (Maine) and Poplar Stream Road in Carrabassett Valley. I retired after 25 years in school fundraising having worked for Nestle and Readers Digest. Not having children, working with K-12 children was a dream job and a wonderful career. I loved every day!
Having been only a cross country skier for many years, I skeptically agreed to downhill ski when Michael encouraged me to take a lesson. Mike has skied Sugarloaf since 1963. I immediately loved downhill skiing. (I race in the Wednesday Locals race league consistently finishing in the bottom third.....however, great fun with my teammates!) A Sugarloafer for over 35 years has been an amazing experience leading to many adventures and an abundance of friends.
We joined CVOA when the membership was less than 100. As the membership grew, so have its activities. We continuously talk about CVOA to non-members and encourage them to join. We are looking forward to participating in CVOA’s 20th Anniversary Celebration.
ps - ed. note - this isn't the photo Jeannette sent in, but it shows her true spirit and enthusiasm!
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Craig Lehigh, owner of Western Maine Screen Doors . . .
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... in New Portland writes:
Western Maine screen doors is looking for a retired, part time, here and there assistant who knows a little about wood working and running a orbital sander. Please email,
inquire@westernmainescreendoors.com
with some qualifications if interested.
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Adaptive Outdoor Education Center
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Seeking Volunteers for August 19th event.
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We are looking for someone to lead a nature hike around the bog at the Outdoor Center and someone to help folks fish at the catch and release dock on the bog. Would any members at CVOA be interested in volunteering with us for this event?
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And the most important news of all ....
D'Ellies has ICE CREAM!
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And for CVOA Members - BOGO
Buy One, Get One Free
(Free item is equal or lower price.)
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This month for CVOA members: Buy One, Get One Free – applies to any items – cones, sundaes, etc (as expected, free item is of equal or lesser value). To take advantage of the offer, tell the staff you are a member of CVOA.
D’Ellies is open:
Sunday to Friday 8 am - 3 pm and Saturday from 8am to 4pm; Year Round.
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Editor Cindy's note: If you noticed this newsletter is a bit short on photos and more -- it was time for a trip in my camper van, and I am having too much fun with member Rosemary Alfieri on Long Island, NY! Errors are possible.
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Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association
Valley Crossing #6
Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
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