~ May 2024 ~

Hello CVOA,

Greetings CVOA members,

Closing out the winter season

We had powder days. We had Bluebird days. We had wide open groomers and glades. We had X-C tracks set up to perfection. These are days to remember from the 2023-24 ski season. One day that stands out for me, was the total solar eclipse on April 8. No matter where you were on the mountain or in the Valley, you saw a unique astronomical event. Words can’t describe it.

For additional Eclipse Photos Click Here

Photo from public Facebook post

The Spring Equinox and the Maine climate do not usually coincide. The Maine Spring does not occur in mid-March no matter how the earth and the sun are positioned. It’s still winter and some of the best winter ski days follow March 20. I wouldn’t bother the climatologists with this revelation as they might eliminate all the seasons and leave us stuck in perpetual Mud Season. So let’s put an end to this ski season and store everything for next year. Sock, vest and mitten batteries set for optimal storage; boots taken apart (can you put them back together in the fall? I’ve skied several days at the beginning of the season with my liners in the wrong shell); lift grease removed from the parka; goggles and scratched lenses slid into in their bags; skis dipped in wax; pockets emptied (what was the strangest thing you found?). And each year I discover that despite a closet full of stuff, I wear the same thing every day. This wasn’t a moment of self-discovery but was pointed out to me. Here is some advice. This year, take the time to carefully put away your toys and clothes, discard that which you no longer use and organize for your first days of skiing right now, so that it’s easy to find everything and it’s in good order. This is precisely the kind of advice I don’t need when I’m in a hurry to move on.

CVOA Volunteers - Our Treasurer

Thank you to all those who volunteer to make CVOA an interesting, exciting, reliable, affordable and friendly organization. I would like to recognize volunteer Sam Hudspath. He is the CVOA Treasurer and has served in this capacity for four years. CVOA relies on Sam to maintain good fiscal order among our many activities. And like good Treasurers, he helps with and supports the budgets for each of our activities. He tracks our financial condition and always knows where the Association is regarding actual expenses versus budget. Our bills are paid on time. If there is an overrun in expenses, Sam will recommend a solution. If there is money left over, he will carefully watch the credit and put it to good use in another activity. All of this is done with kindness and a sense of humor that our officers and social and activity leaders appreciate. And yes, his work is always accurate. You can rely on his accounting and on his word. Sam Hudspath is one of the quiet reasons that CVOA enjoys its success. Thank-you, Sam, for serving as our Treasurer. We appreciate your friendship and your work.

Sadly, Board Member Mike Martin passed away in early April. In addition to serving as a Director of CVOA, Mike was on the Activities Committee. He loved the outdoors and was appreciated for his ideas and suggestions regarding CVOA activities. His enthusiasm and contributions will be missed. CVOA sends condolences to all his family and friends.

Thom Johnston

May 2024

May 11 - Carrabassett Valley Route 27 Clean Up and BBQ

May 18 - 9:00 - 12:00 Range Cleanup Day and BBQ

May 25 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

May 26 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

May 31-June 7 - Alaskan Dream Cruise

Check out the CVOA 2024 EVENTS CALENDAR

Click here: CVOA Calendar

IMPORTANT MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION!

It’s our goal to make joining CVOA an easy on-line process. But when our software vendor makes an “improvement” as part of an update, sometimes it makes things more difficult. A recent vendor update required creation of a new online “Join Now” form. Unfortunately, this change allowed folks to renew their memberships twice in one year. As a result, some of CVOAs diligent members renewed their memberships for 2024 when they had already done so earlier in the year. If you have a question whether your membership was renewed more than once, please contact me via email at johnston.patti63@gmail.com, and I will check it for you. Joining twice creates extra work for you, for me, for our treasurer and it costs us money. If you are receiving this Newsletter, your membership is up-to-date.  

Thanks so much for your help. Enjoy the last days of skiing if you are still out there! Looking forward to having many CVOA members participate in the spring, summer and fall activities until we meet on the mountain again!

Patti Johnston, Membership Secretary

Michael A Martin, fondly known as "Boopa" and "Grandpa," passed away peacefully on April 2, 2024. He leaves behind a legacy of love, adventure, and unwavering devotion to his family.

A true renaissance man, Michael's talents knew no bounds. Whether he was paddling canoes, capturing the beauty of the world through his painting, or carving turns on the slopes, he approached each endeavor with passion and skill. Yet, above all his accomplishments, his greatest joy came from spending cherished moments with his children and grandchildren.

Michael's enthusiasm for life extended to every corner of his being, especially evident in his love for holiday traditions. From Easter egg hunts to festive Christmas gatherings, he embraced each occasion wholeheartedly, often accompanied by his beloved clam dip and an infectious laughter that filled the room. His thoughtfulness knew no limit, as he was renowned for his impeccable memory of birthdays, always ensuring that each celebration was marked with a handwritten card and heartfelt message. His genuine care for others was a beacon of light in the lives of all who knew him. 

In the late 1970’s, Michael embarked on a new adventure, relocating to Alaska where he established deep family roots and found solace in the rugged beauty of the Last Frontier. His time spent working with the Alaska Native Health Board allowed him to immerse himself in the unique culture and landscapes that captured his heart. His stories of Alaskan adventures will forever echo in the memories of those who shared his journeys. Upon return to Maine, he adored watching his three children and seven grandchildren grow up, often sharing how proud and grateful he was to have them in his life. In Maine, Michael continued to work in public service roles, mirroring his heart for loving others. When not working or spending time with his family, Michael appreciated the time engaged in community nonprofits over the years including the Abanaki Ski Club, Maine Adaptive Skiing, Kiwanis Club of Augusta and the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association.

Though his physical presence may be gone, Michael's spirit will live on in the hearts of his son Michael Martin (and wife Jill), daughter Whitney Reeves (and husband Seabren), and daughter Chelsey Carrier (and husband Pete), grandchildren Seabren, Brayden, Sondre, Parker, Kinsley, Sebastian and Mackenzie. His legacy of love, laughter, and boundless curiosity will continue to inspire generations to come. Please carry on Michael’s love of traditions by watching Christmas movies, attending local fairs, making big breakfasts, sending cards to friends and family, capturing pictures of adventures, and spending time with family. 

A celebration of Michael's life will be held in the Summer of 2024, a fitting tribute to a man who embraced every moment with joy and gratitude. To honor his dedication to community service and tradition, we invite you to contribute to and join your local outdoor activities organizations. 

The committee would like all members to know about formation of the CVOA

Activities Committee. This group of engaged CVOA members have been meeting since January to assist members in setting member adventures and establishing our activity calendar. The committee’s goals are as follows:

•  Be a place for members to vet activities they would like to lead

•  Provide coaching to members who have ideas and would like guidance on running an activity

•  Come up with ideas for future activities

•  Be a clearing house for ideas and conduit to help find leaders

•  Maintain and manage an activities calendar to be incorporated into the overall CVOA calendar.

Most recently the group reviewed the results of the 2025 Ski Trip Survey and worked to finalize the 2025 trips being offered to members. It will be tackling 2026 soon to ensure we get the best deals at the destinations in which our members are most interested.

If you have ideas or are interested in being a trip leader, please email CVOA.Secretary@gmail.com or reach out to any of the Activity Committee members:

Bonnie Farrar                       bfarrar7@aol.com

Tracy Goller                         tracylgoller@gmail.com

Dan Hitchcock                     dan@wesmac.com

Thom Johnston                    tandpjohnston@gmail.com

Mike Parker                          golfski33@gmail.com

Margie Roberts                     mjaneroberts56@gmail.com

Martha (Muffy) Witham        muffyw52@gmail.com

Carrabassett Valley Clean Up

Saturday May 11

2024 Annual Carrabassett Valley Route 27 Clean-Up

The Annual Carrabassett Valley clean-up of Route 27 will be held Saturday, May 11. You may choose to clean up your section early.For those who choose to clean up on the 11th, we will begin assigning sections at 9:00 am at the Town Office. We have a few kid-friendly areas available!

If you wish to clean up prior to May 11, please contact Tim via phone or text (207) 400-6831. Or you can email mwmhearth@gmail.com

Thank you!!!

The post clean-up barbecue will start at 12:00 pm at the Town Park!  Salads or desserts are welcome.

🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️ 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 TBD Trying to get a caterer for lunch

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

June 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 Hudspaths’: 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. They 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

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

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

Alaskan Cruise 2024

May 31-June 7

Just 1 month away!

This is the last month to book your Alaskan adventure! Alaskan Dream Cruises is now offering a 25% discount for CVOA members. Also, there MAY be a FLASH sale with deeper discounts during the last two weeks prior to sailing if rooms are still available. If you are interested, keep an eye on their website!

There are now 30 CVOA members signed up for the “top-rated” Alaskan Dream Cruise trip May 31-June 7, 2024. There is ONE AA cabins (double occupancy) still available for anyone wishing to go on this adventure (and ten AAA cabins). Full cruise details have been in the last few newsletters. If you would like additional information, visit the website at:

https://www.alaskandreamcruises.com/cruises/2024-last-frontier-adventure/ 

Email Bonnie Farrar, trip coordinator at bfarrar7@aol.com if you have additional questions.  Reservations cannot be made online, but by calling 866-845-5886 and mentioning CVOA to get the full 25% discount. 

Because this is not a CVOA-sponsored trip (just CVOA friends traveling together), it is the responsibility of each member to make their own reservations for the cruise/hotel/flight. It is sure to be a great adventure!

bfarrar7@aol.com

207-735-3984

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 will be on Saturday, May 18th from 9am to noon followed by a BBQ. We need help setting up the archery net and targets, setting new targets on the Rifle and Pistol ranges, raking, club house and 5 stand buildings need window cleaning and sweeping. We stained the 5 Stand last year, and need to stain a few of the smaller buildings. We will supply the stain and paint brushes. If you can bring extra rakes, that would be appreciated. Also, for the BBQ, the range will supply the grilling needs and drinks. If you can bring a simple side or dessert would also be appreciated. Thank you all in advance for all your support!

Weekly Five Stand start 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.

Introduction to Basic Handgun class with experienced trainers Tammy Acker and Deb Shilling at the Range on Saturday, June 29th. 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. 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 are in the mail and the new gate code will go into effect on May 12th. 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

Post Ski Trips Picture Party and 2025 Trip Information

One of the year end traditions of CVOA, is to host a Picture Party of the Ski Trips taken during the past season. On Saturday April 6, about 75 members gathered at Carrabassett Valley Library to reconnect with fellow travelers and trip leaders and recall the memories of their 2023-24 ski trips. These journeys took skiers to Val Gardena in Italy, Heavenly Valley at Lake Tahoe and three ski areas around Quebec City. Sue Myer did a superb job in the creation of the slide show with photos of memorable days and nights. art of the tradition of our Picture Parties is the announcement of tentative ski trips for the next ski season of 2024-25. Mike Parker described the trip to Lake Louise and Banff in the Canadian Rockies, Jon and Lee Goss presented a trip to Jackson Hole in Wyoming, Steve Smith offered a trip to Mont Tremblant outside of Montreal, and Dan Hitchcock described a unique opportunity for a ski trip to Chile in the summer of 2025. Keep an eye on COVA newsletters for official announcements of these trips with details and the process for reserving a spot.

To foster and promote the conservation of our natural resources

and the creation of recreational opportunities in our region.