Greetings!
Greetings CVOA members!! This is your humble new president speaking, or actually writing. I’d much rather be speaking, but times have changed for a while, and you didn’t really want a boring 50-minute speech (me either). I have the good fortune to take over the leadership of CVOA in as fine a shape as it can be. Membership is strong, ski and outing trips are well attended, our Range is a showcase to sportsmen all over and is a first class safely run operation, and our finances are solid. So I see my role as doing my best to see that these efforts continue for the benefit of you members.
My term may be a difficult match to the superb leadership of Bonnie Farrar over the past 20 months. Her dedication and concern for the welfare of CVOA and its members has been amazing. And we have a lot of amazing people in our group of members. You’ll read about some of them in our monthly newsletters.
And what does the future hold? The Board will look at a number of items we have perused over the last couple of years. In particular, our Finance Committee will look at some long range financial planning. We’ll do our best to keep offering interesting outings and trips at good prices. And we will continue our dedication to CVOA’s presence in Carrabassett Valley, helping other local groups when we can. No doubt other things that we never saw coming will arise, so we’ll be ready to address them as best we can.
I asked my wife of almost 44 years what I needed to do, and she answered, “Just don’t mess it up!” Good advice, and I’ll do my best.
~ Mark Curtis
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Thank you for joining or renewing for 2020.
Your membership is valid through Dec. 31, 2020.
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- Think Ahead to Show 'n Go events you might be able to host when we are cleared to get together.
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The last article is the Mt. Abram Ski Team Thank You. If your newsletter ends sooner, click "show more" on your device.
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Future Events & Adventures
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Greetings from your Adventure Coordinator
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What we wouldn’t give for a good CVOA adventure right about now. I wish you all well, and hope you are finding lots of “adventures” and projects to keep you active and engaged during this unusual time.
We were fortunate to have as many CVOA events as we did before the ski season came to an abrupt end on March 15. Our schedule had included the following events which we have had to cancel: Post Ski Trip gathering scheduled for April 3, (see the Jackson Hole recap contained in the newsletter), and the Sky Lodge opportunity in June. As we go forward, there are some outings and adventures in the works that we can look forward to when we have the go ahead to begin socializing once again. There is the possibility for a
June Board meeting on a date and location to be determined should we be cleared to gather at that time. Mary Berger has offered a day in
Bremen in August, and Marianne Reynolds is working on a day in
Boothbay in early September. And of course,
ski trips for 2021 are in the planning stages.
There are many CVOA folks still around the Carrabassett Valley area having determined that it is wiser to stay here than to return to our residences in more densely populated towns and cities. It is possible to practice social distancing on the trails of the Outdoor Center, the Narrow Gauge Trail, Yonder Knoll, walking around the base area and residential areas of the mountain, and catching a little skiing by skinning up or being driven up West Mountain!
I ask that you all be thinking of short notice ‘Show and Go’ opportunities for the summer.
Wishing you all good health, creativity, and peace of mind!
Best,
Patti Johnston
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Something to do during this time being home bound . . .
YONDER KNOLL ESCAPE
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Looking for an independent short get-away in our backyard, with a view that will amaze? Try a favorite hike to YONDER KNOLL, enjoyed already by at least 40 CVOA-ers. It is now well-marked all the way to the top.
Here are the directions:
Park at the Stratton Brook Hut parking lot. Poles are suggested. Walk ten minutes to the ‘straight-away’ of the Narrow Gauge, and turn right. Then only another ¼ mile and you will see a cut alder, on your left, with lots of surveyor’s tape. This is the trail-head. The whole trail is well-marked with orange surveyor’s tape. (At every piece of tape, you can see the next one.) The very last piece is moderately steep, but take your time, take breaks, and take a look at the already-emerging view.
Yonder Knoll is a big rock outcropping that you can see even before you get there. When you are up close, note that the trail goes around more easily at the north side. No need to scale the steep of the rocks that you first see, although some CVOA-ers have relished the challenge! I promise that you will love this 270 degree view!
The hike up will take less than an hour. Then about 30 minutes down. Add in your stop at the top!
Hopefully, during this challenging time, this hike will help you recharge.
Stay well!
Jan Mildram
The picture here is only part of the panoramic view that awaits you!
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Sky Lodge of Moose River
June 22 - 25
As with so many of our CVOA adventures,
we have cancelled the event for this year.
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This is what we have so far . . .
Inquiring minds want to know . . .
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- January 23-30 – Big Sky– package price $2,175 p/p double occupancy in First Class room at Huntley Lodge – includes Air from Boston to Bozeman, 7 nights, 5-day lift ticket [deduct up to $390 for IKON or Boyne Gold Pass holders] – trip leader Mike Parker
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- February 6-13 – Aspen/Snowmass – package price $2,010 p/p 4 per 2 BR, 2Bath Condo at Top of The Village Condo’s – includes Air from Boston to Denver, 7-nights, 5-day lift ticket [deduct $340 for no lift ticket] – trip leaders Lee & Jon Goss
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- February 20-27 – Snowbird/Alta – we are working on a package with our tour operator Great Events & Escapes – trip leader Bonnie Farrar
- All package prices do not include your CVOA $50 pp nonrefundable reservation fee.
Look for complete details and brochures in the May newsletter. At that time, we will have a projected date to begin taking reservations.
~ Cindy Foster
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If you recently renewed your CVOA and Range membership, or just joined, you might wonder about your range tag. The combination for the gate lock is the same as in 2019. In mid-May, 2020 range badges will be mailed to range members, and the new gate code will be printed on the badge.
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Our Pistol and Rifle Ranges will remain open throughout the winter season
. Our hours of operation are sunrise to sunset. Please note, our law enforcement officers may need use of the Range for training. That training may be after sunset, and may require full use of the Range. Your understanding is appreciated.
Also note, ours is a passive Range and it is your responsibility to follow all posted rules unless otherwise approved by a Range Officer.
While using the Range, please practice social distancing and limit the number of users at any field. Also, since this is a passive range, we do not have staff to regularly disinfect the gate or bathroom locks. Remember to wash your hands and avoid touching your face
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See you at the Range!
Diane Stone
Range Secretary
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CVOA's Commitment to our community
and the 2020 Community Fund
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Our appeal to you, our members, was met with enthusiasm and generosity. Pam Morse reported on March 25:
The 2020 Community Fund is growing and giving! The Fund began with a $5,000 starter gift from Sugarloaf Christian Ministry. Since then over 163 Sugarloafer individuals and families have donated over $33,000, making $38,000. That is almost $40,000 to assist laid off employees of the Sugarloaf region with monies for food, rent, utilities and prescriptions.
CVOA members have played a critical role in getting this fund off the ground. And sharing the word.
As of March 25: We have received donations from 45 clearly identified CVOA members, with their donations exceeding $12,000.
So very impressive. Words do not convey how wonderful it feels to have CVOA members support this effort. FYI: your $1,000 match was met with the first CVOA member donation! He was quite pleased with that!
3/31/2020 update: to date, 53 CVOA members have donated in excess of $13,200.
The CVOA Board/Officers encourage members to support the local Sugarloaf Community by making a donation (indicate “CVOA”) if you have not already done so. And Thank You if you have. To view the Fund’s criteria for assisting local folks or to make a donation go to:
sugarloafministry.com.
At the Digital Annual Meeting, a second donation of $1000 was approved by the voting members.
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Past Events and Adventures
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In May of 2018, being the proud owners of a new camper, we visited Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and Jackson, WY. We fell in love with the mountains, wildlife, and the land and talked about returning someday to ski. This winter CVOA sponsored a trip to Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee from February 26 to March 4. Despite being longtime members of CVOA, we had never taken a ski trip with them. So, in early December when a few seats became available, we took advantage and jumped in.
On Wednesday, February 26, forty-one CVOA members made their way to the 49er Inn in Jackson, Wyoming. The 49er is well situated in the downtown area and close to a myriad of restaurants, brew pubs, shops, and the famous elk horn arches in the town square. The 49er has a dedicated bus that transferred us every day back and forth to Teton Village where the Jackson Hole Ski Area is located. The skiing was all we thought it would be: steep, expansive, and visually breathtaking. The blue and double blue groomers were a joy as well as skiing the Laramie and Rendezvous Bowls. On Monday, March 2, we traveled by bus over the scenic Teton Pass to Grand Targhee for the day. The snow was soft, the day sunny, the slopes uncrowded, and we were able to ski anywhere. What a day!
In addition to the skiing at Jackson Hole and Grand Targhee, about half of the group took a memorable full day snow coach tour on Saturday into Yellowstone National Park. Yellowstone was spectacular, shrouded in its winter coat of white. We watched Old Faithful erupt with only about fifty other people. Many bison were seen up close with the thermals steaming around them. Another adventure that many of the group took advantage of was Jackson’s nearby National Elk Preserve. We went on an hour-long sleigh ride among the 5,000 elk that had migrated to winter there.
On Wednesday, March 4, we left the 49er at an early hour, made our way to the Jackson Airport and arrived back in Boston by late afternoon. What a trip!
Many thanks to Bonnie Farrar for her leadership as the trip went off like clockwork. Bonnie’s schoolteacher organization was on full display as she calmly communicated and facilitated all of the events.
~ Joe and Doris Tutlis
[front row, far right
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CVOA Digital Annual Meeting
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Our digital Annual Meeting was very successful, and we were pleased that 77 members used the Voting Machine to record their votes. All but one item on the agenda were approved unanimously, with one dissension on the item pertaining to a second $1000 donation to the 2020 Community Fund.
Please welcome the new and returning officers:
- President Mark Curtis
- Vice President Stephen Smith
- Treasurer Sam Hudspath
- Secretary Cindy Foster.
New directors: Nancy Makin and Mary Frank
A second donation of $1000 to the 2020 Community Fund was approved.
Cindy Foster, Secretary
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Member Profile - Sam Hudspath, Treasurer
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Sam grew up in Akron, Ohio and graduated from Mount Union College with a degree in Psychology. He then went to Office Training School and served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force as an administrative officer and public affairs officer, with assignments in Illinois, Texas, Germany, Maryland, New York City, Utah, South Korea, Iraq and The Pentagon. While on active duty, he earned an M.Ed. in adult and higher education from the University of Oklahoma. Following military retirement, Sam worked ten years as an administrative assistant and finance technician with Fairfax County (VA) Public Schools before moving to Maine.
Sam and his wife, Valerie, have lived in Belgrade Lakes since fall 2016. Sam loves to run, ride his ElliptiGO and play golf. In addition, Sam serves as the chair of the appeals board for the Town of Belgrade.
Sam has been hard at work reviewing the CVOA financial records and files, in order to make a seamless transition with Mary.
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In March, CVOA lost two longtime members, Frank Woodard and Connie Towne. We offer our sincere condolences to their families.
March 14 - Frank leaves Jean, his wife of 58 years. He was 80. Frank and Jean were often seen enjoying the outdoors in Carrabassett Valley. Frank's obituary can be read by
Clicking Here.
March 16 - Connie, age 81, and John, her husband of 52 years, were Sugarloaf skiers for many years, and Connie went on several CVOA ski trips. You can read Connie's obituary by
Clicking Here.
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Thank You! from the Mt. Abram Ski Program
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CVOA donated $450 to their program
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Thank you so much for your contribution to the Mt. Abram Alpine Ski Team and Junior Ski Program. With your donation we were able to meet and exceed our goals, and our funds were matched by the King’s Kids Fund of the Sugarloaf Ski Club. We purchased FIS certified helmets, updated our tuning equipment and doubled our team jacket inventory and set money aside for next year’s state meet that is being held in Presque Isle. The future is looking bright for the Mt. Abram Ski Program and we could not have done it without you. Thank you.
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Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association
Valley Crossing #6
Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
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