CVOA holds annual meeting

By Dan Cassidy

The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center was the setting for the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association’s annual meeting, April 9.

More than 90 members attended the hospitality hour and dinner. A video photo presentation preceded the meeting of the many CVOA’s activities and outings.

Officers and board members were elected, along with other membership business. Chris Rushton, Kingfield was elected president; Paul Trueworthy, Freeport, Vice President; Sandy Jamison, Kingfield, Secretary; Peter B. Weston, Scarborough, Treasurer and Don Fowler, Carrabassett Valley, Clerk. Board members include Sherie Packard, Bonnie Staggers, Kelly Cotiaux, John McCatherin, Stephanie Rushton and Nancy Perry.

Dick Foote, trip coordinator for the organization outlined the next trip to Aspen Colorado January 28 to February 4, 2012. Sign up is ongoing.

Bill Pierce, Director of Development of Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust was the keynote speaker for the evening. Pierce has appeared on numerous television shows. He is a registered Maine Guide and in 2008 he received the L.L. Bean Outdoor Hero Award for numerous contributions and promotion of Maine’s outdoor and sporting opportunities.

He spoke about the importance of land conservation in the Rangeley Lakes area and the region. He also spoke about fishing, hunting and promoting Mane’s natural resources, recreational opportunities and ecotourism.

Pierce also introduced Bonnie Holding, a Master Maine Guide from Stratton.

Holding has spent most of her life helping others enjoy the outdoors. She is also a fly fishing instructor and volunteers at fly fishing retreats for women who are breast cancer survivors.

Holding is a fundraiser, activist, leader and caring individual where dozens of women and their families have found new hope and confidence.

She was presented with a floral bouquet from CVOA.