~ June 2024 ~

Hello CVOA,

Greetings CVOA members,

When you receive this CVOA Newsletter, a group of our members will have embarked on a first for CVOA, an Alaskan cruise. In June, a group of CVOA bike riders will be in Quebec City, and skiers will be able to sign up for ski trips to Banff/Lake Louise and to Jackson Hole for the winter of 2025. I’ve been wondering about the features that draw members to our trips. These are some of the characteristics that our trips have in common: appealing location and activities, price and value, included amenities, key details taken care of, scheduled dates that generally don’t have conflicts with other events, length of trip, the company of friends and trusted trip leaders. Perhaps the best part of our trips is that our members feel that they can choose their own adventures.

Last month in this space, I started to tell our members about the officers, directors and members of CVOA who make our organization work.  This month, I will tell you about our Secretary, Tracy Goller.

It would be appropriate to label her as a hard-core Sugarloafer, having skied in the Valley since 1969.  Even as a retiree, most days you will find her at the Superquad with the 8:15 crowd. She is a true outdoor enthusiast, spending her time off the slopes XC skiing, snowshoeing, sailing, biking, hiking and kayaking.

As Secretary of CVOA, Tracy does a very credible job attending meetings, taking minutes and keeping records. Her high energy doesn’t stop here.  Tracy fully participates in CVOA discussions and decisions.  She keeps track of officer and Board commitments and calls us to account.  When our coordination and development of activities needed a boost, Tracy jumped into the chair’s slot of the CVOA Activities Committee and has re-energized short and long range planning. When you see new opportunities for CVOA members or a schedule of activities, it’s likely that Tracy is behind it.  Thank-you Tracy for all that you do with and for CVOA.  

Thom Johnston

June 2024

June 1 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

June 2 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

June 8 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

June 9 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

June 11-13 Quebec Bike Trip

June 15 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

June 16 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

June 19 - Diadema Golf Outing

June 22 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

June 23 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

June 23 - 10:00 - 3:00 Board and Member Meeting

June 29 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

June 30 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

Check out the CVOA 2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

Click here: CVOA Calendar

🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️ Calling All Golfers 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️

Wednesday June 19, 2024

It is time to dust off your clubs and join your CVOA friends for a 9 hole round of golf at the beautiful Diadema Golf Course ‼️

Date: Wednesday June 19,2024

Place: Diadema Golf Club

419 New Portland Rd.

North Anson, ME 

207-635-3060

Time: 10:00AM ~ 11:AM start and beyond if needed

Golf $35.00 for walkers pp with an additional $10.00 for a cart pp

Lunch: Sandwiches, chips, pasta salad, cookies and fruit cups will be available for lunch. Water and seltzer water will be part of lunch. Beer can be purchased at the counter. Lunch will be $10 per person.

We have 17 signed up and have room for 7 more.

Please plan to stay and chat about how much FUN we all had together on the course.

Each team will be a foursome. You can put a team together but no worries if you are a single, couple or threesome, a team will be put together for you. 

Please email Valerie at pvsam1@twc.com to reserve your golf spot and RSVP for lunch. 

The earlier you reserve the better‼️

The cut off date for sign up will be Sunday June 16th. Bonnie at Diadema and Valerie will put together the foursomes and email all golfers on Monday June 17th with your tee times. 

This is not a handicap tournament… just a FUN outing of golf at this hidden GEM of a course in North, Anson, ME. There will be prizes for the longest drive and nearest the pin for women and men. 

This is a ‘ Rain or Shine ‘ event.

 Looking forward to seeing all CVOA golfers on June 19th‼️

🏌️‍♀️Valerie Hudspath 🏌️‍♀️

CVOA Board Member and Fellow Golfer

🚴‍♀️ Bike Trip to Quebec 🚴‍♂️

June 11-13 2024

3 days...2 nights

Near summer-time on the St. Lawrence, Québec City, Canada calls.

Rooms are still available at the Hotel Le Saint-Paul

229 Rue Saint Paul, Québec City

418-694-4414

If you want to join this trip, please contact Glenn Bickford at

glenpegbic@aol.com, call the hotel, tell them you are with the CVOA group and make your reservation.

Room sizes vary and range from $239 to $289 Canadian, Current exchange rate approximately 25%. A 10% discount is available when 10 or more rooms are reserved. 

Room Cancellation Policy

No fee for cancellation prior to one month before check-in date. 10% of the reservation for cancellation between one month and two weeks before check-in date 100% of the first night including tax for cancellation less than 2 weeks before check-in date

The hotel is near the Old City and the waterfront of the St. Lawrence River. There is a bike storage room on premises and next door parking. Bicycling trails, exceptional European style restaurants & shopping are all nearby!

The Hotel is Situated next to the Old City’s ramparts in the heart of the historic district. There you will find antique shops, historic buildings and art galleries. This dynamic cultural centre is within walking distance of the Musée de la Civilisation, an urban Cirque du Soleil show, and Espace 400e in front of the Image Mill. As you stroll along the banks of the majestic St. Lawrence River, you can also discover the small bistros and fine dining restaurants in Old Québec City.

Will be a fun time with great people and usually good weather. A great event to look forward to right before schools let out and vacation season begins.

Your hosts, 

Glenn & Peggy Bickford

Members since about 2005

Board and Member Meeting

June 23, 2024

Recreation, Lunch, Board & Member Meeting

Sunday, June 23 in Belgrade

All CVOA members are welcome to attend. Val and Sam Hudspath have generously offered to be our hosts.

There are many opportunities for activities in the Belgrade Lakes area. Plan to meet at their home around 10 am, and engage in whatever adventure you wish. Activities could include:

• Paddling – The lawn at the Hudspath’s is flat with a sandy beach from which you can launch canoes or kayaks. They have 3 single kayaks and 1 tandem kayak (or you can bring your own). You can paddle Great Pond and its islands or paddle to the Post Office in Belgrade Lakes, pull up and enjoy a walk around town.
• Motor boating – You can launch your own craft from a nearby public boat launch. The Hudspaths also have a pontoon boat.
• Biking – Rt. 27 has a wide shoulder in the area and many locals bike on it.
• Hiking – There are some easy to moderate trails in the area. Check out www.7lakesalliance.org for descriptions of hikes and maps. Click on “Land” at the top menu bar, then "Trail System." The hikes are 2-6 miles away from the Hudspath’s house.

Lunch at 1pm – CVOA will provide pulled pork and pulled chicken and more. Please plan to bring sides and/or desserts. Please bring your own beverages.

Please contact Val at pvsam1@twc.com to let her know if you are coming for lunch, so we can plan for the appropriate amount of food, and in what morning activity you might be participating.

Board/Member meeting at 2 pm. We hope you will stay for the meeting.

Directions to the Hudspath's home: The address is 40 Abena Shores Drive, Belgrade 04917, on the shore of Great Pond.

If coming from Augusta take Rt. 27 North. At Carter Marine in Belgrade take a sharp right onto Sahagian Road, a paved road. After about 1/3 of a mile turn left at Abena Shores Drive. We are the 3rd house on the left. Park in the driveway or on the lawn.

If you are coming from Rt. 2, take Rt. 27 south to Belgrade Lakes. About 1 mile south of the town, Sahagian Road will be on your left at Carter Marine.

Hope you can join us!!

Val and Sam

207-495-9199

VERY IMPORTANT REQUEST for CVOA Skiers-YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED

A show of hands at the post ski trip party indicated solid interest in a Mont Tremblant ski trip. Because it is a new trip and details will be finalized very soon, please look at the brochure and indicate your interest asap by emailing or calling Elaine & Steve Smith

• Definitely will consider going
• Very interested but have some questions
• Might consider going

Preliminary room preference

• Deluxe Room
• Executive Suite

Thanks so much for assisting in planning this trip

email: golfski@maine.rr.com

207-799-8254

 🛶 Canoe/Kayak Trip 🛶

Kennebec River

Solon to the Weston Homestead

AUGUST 10, 2024

Trip Coordinators: Muffy Witham George Diplock

CVOA is sponsoring a canoe/kayak trip August 10, 2024 on the Kennebec River from the Evergreen Campground in Solon to the Weston Homestead in Madison. The trip begins at the Evergreen Campground located on the east side of the river by the bridge (the only bridge in Solon). For those who wish, we can meet at 7:30 am for a buffet breakfast ($$TBD) at the campground. Vehicles will be shuttled to Madison and the trip will head downriver at 9:00am.

Former trip leader, Pete Weston, has shared this description of the river as “absolutely beautiful with lots of wildlife, fishing, amazing scenery and historical landmarks”. The 9 mile trip has a good current requiring little paddling. Take out will be at the Weston Homestead. Those who don’t want to paddle can meet the group at the Homestead for lunch. This property was settled by Pete’s great-great-great grandfather, Deacon Ben Weston, in 1786.

Rumor has it that fishing is excellent in this section of the Kennebec River. The first portion of the river has numerous islands, is mostly shallow with a good current but not whitewater. Depending on water levels, canoes may need to be dragged a short distance. The upper portion of our trip is artificial lures only, and the lower part of the trip general fishing regulations. There are some length and bag limits so please check Maine Inland Fishing Laws to confirm and don’t forget your fishing licenses. The first stop be will across from the campground at a ledge with Indian petroglyphs. A stretch break will be included. Continuing down the river, time permitting, we hope to stop and explore Weston Island, ending at the Homestead between 1:00 and 1:30. Here we will have lunch, joining those who chose not to paddle. We will be on the east side of the river where vehicles were left from the morning. Lunch will be provided by CVOA.

Directions to the Homestead

In Madison, turn north on Weston Ave at the traffic light. Go to the end of the road (approx. 1 mile). The large white house is the Homestead.

Cost for the trip is $15.00 per person to cover parking and lunch, to be collected on the morning of the trip. Trip will be held rain or shine.

This trip is canoes and kayaks only. No motors please. As a large turnout is expected, please leave pets at home.

What to Bring:

• Bug Spray
• Sunscreen
• Appropriate water footwear
• Life vest
• Sun Glasses
• Rain Gear
• Swimwear and towel
• Water and other liquid refreshments

Please RSVP by July 31 to

Muffy Witham 207-751-9242

muffyw52@gmail.com

View the VBT itinerary here: https://www.vbt.com/tours/germany-france-alsace-black-forest-guided-bike-tour/ This is an all inclusive package of air fare, ground transportation, hotels, most meals, bikes, helmets, two guides, sag wagon, and side trips. Ray and I have taken other VBT trips and they have all be excellent.

If we fill this trip, our group earns the cash equivalent of two free trips! That savings, divided equally, is expected to be around $600 per person. If more than 22 people are interested, other trips or dates can be set up. Contact Leslie to reserve a spot! ~ Diane Stone dpstone32@gmail.com

Hello Range and CVOA Members, 

Range Cleanup Day and BBQ was a success! Our crew was small but fierce! We got 3 building stained and doors painted. Targets, Archery net, machines and tables set out and loaded. Piles of dirt and rock from the winter's plowing moved. And buildings cleaned. Thank you to: Tom Poulin, Karen Packard, John Felix, Heddi Siebel, Jim Parkinson, Jeff Sanford, Chris Brinkman, Phil Hunter, Tom Butler, Tracy Butler, Aiden Butler, Mark Bales and Ray Stone.

Weekly Five Stand starts on Saturday, May 25th from 9am to noon and weekly Trap Shoots on Sunday, May 26th, 9am-noon. These shoots are non-competitive and designed for all shooting levels. Also, open to the public. $6/round for the clays. Come meet your fellow range members and have some fun! Range Safety Officers are present and can help you navigate the games if it is your first time.

Introduction to Basic Handgun class with experienced trainers Tammy Acker and Deb Shilling at the Range on Saturday, June 29th. We still have one spot available!

This class is designed for new shooters interested in exploring handguns and learning good basic gun handling skills. 

This course will build new shooters from the ground up. Emphasis will be placed on solid fundamentals of safe handling as well as grip, stance, sight alignment, shot placement and clearing malfunctions. 

The class is $150 and will be approximately 7 hours in length and will be conducted in both the classroom as well as on range. If you are interested, we have 10 spots available to all CVOA members. Please contact Diane Stone at the email or number below.

Stop the Bleed will be offered by Tammy Acker and Deb Shilling on Sunday, June 30th. We have 6 spots available. This class is 3.5 hours long and will focus on injury and gunshot first aid. The range is equipped with trauma related first aid kits as well as an AED (located in the bathroom). Learn what to do in an emergency. This course is $75. Contact Diane Stone at the email or number below to reserve a spot. Class is open to all CVOA members.

Range Safety Officer Training to be announced. This is an all day course that will be held at our range. Range Safety Officers (RSOs) are an important part of any range insuring the safe use of facility. This certified course will make you a valuable member of any range to which you belong! The date is not yet set, but expect late summer or early fall.

The new badges have been sent and the new gate code is in effect. If you applied for membership after mid April, we will send a badge separately from the general mailing. Thank you for your patience. Any questions or concerns please contact me.

Diane Stone

Range Secretary

CVOA.range@gmail.com

207-240-4752

Carrabassett Valley Clean Up

Saturday May 11

Thank you to all who volunteered for the 2024 Valley Clean Up!  

Thank you for helping us keep route 27 Clean!  If the trees and roads could sparkle, they would!  We had an excellent turn out to clean the “miles” during the clean up week.  Many, many, bags of trash were collected and taken to the Transfer Station. There are many people that were involved in this clean up and each contributed in keeping this special place, Carrabassett Valley, looking natural and scenic to those passing through.  

A special Thank You goes out to Tim Gerencer for taking on the organization of this event once again this year!  

Thank you all for your time and commitment to this wonderful community! 

Wendy Russell

Town Clerk-Tax Collector-Registrar of Voters

Administrative Assistant to the School Board

The Town of Carrabassett Valley

CVOA was well represented at the annual road cleanup on May 11th 👍

To foster and promote the conservation of our natural resources

and the creation of recreational opportunities in our region.