April 20, 2010

CHANGING OF THE GUARD

The first woman president of the Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association plunged into her new job with a vision for a more active, inclusive, community-focused club.

"The past presidents laid a strong foundation and I am proud to walk in their footsteps," said Cynthia Pernice.

"We have strong officers and active board members. I am looking forward to working with everyone to make CVOA even better."

Cynthia, who works in the health care field in Portland, wants more input and involvement from members of the 600-member group. She plans to put out meeting agendas well in advance of the quarterly board meetings to encourage more participation from all members of CVOA.

Because Cynthia lives in Portland, she made a conscious effort to tap a vice president who lives in the Carrabassett area.

"CVOA's roots are in the Valley and it's important to have someone from the community to help lead the organization," Cynthia says. "Chris Rushton is an area realtor who lives, works and plays there. He knows the community, its resources, its residents and its seasonal visitors."

Since taking over the helm of CVOA at its annual meeting March 27, Cynthia has met with outgoing and incoming members of the board as well as those active in the shooting range. She has asked asked each member of the board to outline the five top things they would like CVOA do in the next year. She would welcome thoughts from members as well. You can contact her at: cpernice@maine.rr.com

Cynthia and Chris were elected during CVOA's annual meeting March 27.

The meeting, held at the touring center, drew almost 100 members of CVOA for socializing, a fabulous lasagna dinner and an entertaining speech from John Christie, former head of Sugarloaf and Saddleback mountains, author of the coffee table book The Story of Sugarloaf, an avid skier and a friend of CVOA"I think everyone had a great time. The food was excellent. And my sides still hurt from laughing, thanks John Christie," said outgoing President Peter Weston, praising the crew that put together the evening. "Great job to all who pitched in to make the evening a big success.

Peter presented lifetime memberships to:

* Sherie and Harvey Packard for their long-time involvement in CVOA and dedication to the shooting range, including Sherie's tenure as treasurer.

* Nancy Perry, for her long-standing commitment to the club, including two years as vice president and eight years on the board, coordinator of the web page, the CVOA cookbook and the CVOA calendar.

In addition to electing Cynthia as president and Chris as vice president, CVOA members chose new officers, including Pete Weston of Scarborough as treasurer and Sandy Jamison of Kingfield as secretary.

Board members include:

* Kathy Gagne of Saco (Term ends 2012)

* Sherie Packard of Eustis (Term ends 2011)

* Stephanie Rushton of Kingfield (Term ends 2013)

* Paul Trueworthy of Freeport (Term ends 2011)

* Bonnie Stagers of Carrabassett Valley (Term ends 2012)

* John McCatherin of Carrabassett Valley (Term ends 2013).

* Neal Trask will continue to serve as chairman of the Range Committee, with McCatherin assisting as secretary.

* Nancy Perry will continue working as web secretary, assisted by Sherie Packard, who will be beefing up the web pages for the range.

* In addition, a new job of "Adventure Coordinators" will be filled by Nancy Perry and Linda Trueworthy. The job will involve coordinating CVOA "adventures" - our hiking, biking, canoeing, camping trips. Linda and Nancy are encouraging members with ideas for club outings to contact them at nperry24240@roadrunner.com and ltruew@yahoo.com. They will help the team leaders plan and coordinate the events.

CVOA SHOOTING RANGE OPENS

CVOA's scenic rifle and pistol range off Route 27 is open for the season.

Although there's still some winter debri to be cleaned up, Range Chaiman Neal Trask says range members are welcome to use the range.

In addition, any one who has trained on the trap shooting machine may use it. Just leave $5 in he can behind the door to cover expenses. The summer season will officially get underway July 11 with the first of the weekly Sunday morning trap shoots. Neal says other events and outings are also in the works. Stay tuned for details!

Next Event:

First Board Meeting of 2010

Please JOIN US!

The first CVOA Board Meeting of 2010 will be held on Saturday, May 15th from 3:00 to 5:00 in the Carrabassett Valley Town Hall. ALL ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND. There is much on the agenda and we would like to hear from you. If you are in the area on the 15th (the same day as the town clean up) please plan on attending. If there is something you would like to add to the agenda, please let me know and I will do my best to get it in on this agenda or a future one. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to give me a call or send me an email. You will find my contact information on our website at http://www.cvoutdoors.com as well as the meeting agenda (left hand column).

Link to the agenda: http://www.carrabassettvalleyoutdoorassociation.com/may-agenda

Thanks!!

Cynthia Pernice, CVOA President

MAY 15: Annual Town Road Cleanup

9 am-Noon

Contact: Randy Cluckey (235-2605)

Tour de Gagne Good to Go! June 12-13

Bike Saturday, Kayak Sunday

Mark your calendars, tune up your bikes. haul out your boats: The second annual Tour de Gagne is just around the corner.

CVOA is sponsoring a weekend adventure on the southern Maine coast June 12-13.

On tap is a re-ride of last year's successful coastal bike trip, organized by super cyclists Danny and Kathy Gagne. The Gagne's will lead a 25 and a 35-mile loop tour from Biddeford through Goose and Fortune Rocks, Cape Porpoise and Kennebunk. If you missed it last year .. don't miss it his time! It's a great ride with great views.

And --- like all CVOA outings: Food.

The Gagne's will host a hamburg and hot dog cookout at the Biddeford home following the trek.

Water will be the featured attraction Sunday. Kayaks ONLY (no canoes)

CVOA is working with a local company (www.barekneepointkayak.com.) for a 5-mile tour of the scenic Saco river and marsh. We start in Camp Ellis and are boated up river by the IRENE B, a retired 24FT. seaweed harvesting vessel. The ride is 5 miles ending at the Dams on Main Street in Biddeford/Saco where we put in our kayaks then proceed back to Camp Ellis. The options for rentals of kayaks are Fishing Model, Tandems, or Solos.

The cost of the kayak trip is 30.00 per person and includes rental and transportation to the drop-off site. If you have your own Kayak, the cost will be 10.00 for transportation is the drop-off site. Departure time will depend on the tides. We're awaiting word from the captain on that .. so stay tuned.

The trip will take about 2 hours ... downstream.

Anyone interested in participating should contact Kathy Gagne by May 20 at: dgagne@maine.rr.com

Or .. you can just stay on dry land for some surf casting off the Ferry Beach/Camp Ellis beach or jetty.

Following the morning outing, Nancy Perry will host a seafood chowder and salad lunch at her place on Ferry Beach.

June is still early season on the coast ... so there are plenty of great deals on motels, cottages and campgrounds in the area.

Stay tuned to the web for more details.. But ... Keep The Date: June 12-13.

You won't regret it!

CVOA Moosehead Adventure: July 9-11th

CVOA's July outing to the Moosehead Lake region has proved so popular we've already booked all 14 cabins at Maynard's camps.

Although we're booked at Maynard's Camps ... there's still room at the (other) inns for CVOA members wanting to join us for our Moosehead adventure July 9-11.

So, don't despair: There are two other sporting camps within a mile that may have cabins open.

Sundown Cabins: 534-7357 (www.sundowncabins.com) Cabins are $80 for 2; $140 for 4.

Moosehead Motel: 534-7787 (www.mooseheadmotel.org). Rooms are about $70.

And Maynard's has agreed to serve dinner to CVOA members who are not staying at their camp - but want to join their friends for dinner Friday or Saturday night.

In addition, Maynard's has agreed to let us pitch tents in an open field at their sporting camp. The cost to "rough it" will be $45 per person per night and includes all three meals.

If you're staying at Sundown or the Moosehead hotel .. please make your own reservations. BUT let Nancy know you're joining the group and which meals you'd like to share with the rest of CVOA at Maynard's. Dinner is $22. A brown bag lunch is $6 and breakfast is $6-$8.

This is the first time CVOA has ventured into the Moosehead region but, given the response - it may not be the last! Maynard's offers a great location at a great price: Just $65 per person per night, including three meals a day!

Nancy has a waiting list in case there are cancellations at Maynard's. But if you really want to go, it would be advisable to book a room ... or reserve a tent site - now. We'll also be reserving dinner tables for those that just want to join us for meals - so we'll need to know which meals you want.

If you've already booked a cabin, you will need to send in a security deposit to hold your space. The deposit is $65 per person.

The deposit is due by April 15. Checks should be made out to CVOA and mailed to Nancy Perry at: #41 The Loaf, Carrabassett Valley, Me. 04947.

The balance - $65 per person - is due June 1.

Trip organizers Linda Trueworthy, Sandy Jamison and Nancy Perry are putting together a mini-guide of activities in the area .. including hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. It will be sent out in advance of the July 9-11 adventure to those joining us on the "adventure"

REAL MASSE FISHING TRIP: July 7-11th

Back by popular demand! CVOA will once again head to St. Zenon, Quebec for fabulous fishing and food!

Real Masse Hunting and Fishing Resort is a 10-square-mile outdoor paradise laced with dozens of lakes teeming with trout.

Check out the website at: http://realmasseoutfitters.com/accueil.php?lg=1

The price includes:

* Transport to lake using golf carts

* Lodging (some with whirlpools)

* Boat, motor and gas all inclusive

* Gourmet meals

* Incredible fishing!

Real Masse cleans the fish and flash-freezes them for transport.

Members should make their own reservations.

Contact Joe Lessard at 235-3492 for more information and car pooling.

CVOA Allagash Trip - August 15-21st Sunday to Saturday

A WEEK-LONG CANOE DOWN THE ALLAGASH RIVER.

By Betsy Chapman

The trip starts on Chamberlain Lake and we will paddle north nearly 100 miles to where the river meets the St. John.

This classic trip offers great variety; lakes, rapids, and meandering quiet water, with few portages, only 200 yards at Allagash Falls and short lifts around two old dams. Challenging Chase Rapids teaches you to read whitewater and will test paddling skills you've practiced along the way. We explore sites of early logging activity like the Tramway, and hike to an expansive view of the Maine woods from the fire tower on Priestly or Round Pond Mountain. Campsites are primitive and beautiful, and we try to allow plenty of time for relaxing, swimming, and exploring, especially at magnificent Allagash Falls.

YOU PROVIDE ONLY YOUR OWN SLEEPING BAG, PAD, CLOTHING, AND PERSONAL ITEMS. When you sign up, you'll receive a detailed list of clothing and gear we recommend you bring.

THE OUTFITTER PROVIDES THE REST. Allagash Canoe Trips provides all major canoe/camping gear: durable Old Town and Dagger canoes, quality paddles, life jackets, waterproof duffels, tents, cooking and eating utensils, dining fly, first aid kit, and more. If you prefer to use a suitable canoe, tent, PFD, or paddle you're fond of, you're welcome to bring it along.

ALL MEALS ARE PROVIDED.

"Years of experience have taught us how to select the best fresh, frozen, canned, and dried foods, including meats, salads, fresh fruits, natural cereals and whole-grain flours. When in season, vegetables from our own organic garden are on the menu. We serve jumbo pancakes with homemade maple syrup, and bake rolls, biscuits, and delicious nourishing desserts in a reflector oven before the open fire. Every effort is made to provide generous, tasty, and nutritious meals. On a canoe trip you can indulge your healthy appetite and still lose inches around the waist!"

"YOU WILL RECEIVE EXCELLENT INSTRUCTION in the most efficient handling of your canoe in varied water conditions. We'll teach the beginner fundamentals as well as help more experienced paddlers polish their skills. We take plenty of time preparing you to paddle the river. You will learn to read moving water, a must for successful rapid-running. Whether novice or practiced paddler, you will enjoy yourself while learning on our trips!"

COST OF THE TRIP

* $935. per person ($850 plus 10% Maine sales tax)

DEADLINE TO SIGN UP IS JUNE 15TH FOR A MAXIMUM OF 12 PEOPLE

* $200 deposit is due when you sign up

o $250 by May15th

o $250 by June 15th

o $235 by July 9th

* CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Allagash Canoe Trips

Trip coordinator is Betsy Chapman, P. O. Box 187, Hampden, ME 04444

bpchapman@roadrunner.com cell phone 207-944-3264

For more information visit: http://www.allagashcanoetrips.com/methods.asp

To download an application, click: http://allagashcanoetrips.com/schedule.shtml

2011 CVOA Ski Trip to Vail, Colorado

The 2011 CVOA ski trip will be to Vail, Colorado. The departure date for the trip will be Saturday, January 29th with the return on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. The unanimous decision to go to Vail was made last weekend at the Jackson Hole ski trip picture party that was graciously hosted by Rick Chenard and Janet. It is anticipated that approximately 40 people will sign up for this trip so you may want to mark the dates on your calendar. Dick Foote, the trip leader, would appreciate hearing from you if you think you might like to go as this information will be useful in planning the trip. You can send Dick an email at mdtravel@maine.rr.com. Over the next three months Dick will be putting the trip together and hopes to provide the trip details no later than the end of June.

HOT SHOTS FROM JACKSON HOLE: Correction to webpage!

CVOA member, Cliff George has sent us a ton of pictures and videos from the Jackson Hole trip. To check them out,

Go to: http://skisafarifeb2010.blogspot.com/

Let's Go! Let's Go!

Got a good idea for a CVOA day trip or outing?

Linda Trueworthy and Nancy Perry have teamed up to "job-share" the task of being "adventure coordinators."

So if you've got an idea for a bike ride or a canoe trip or a special place we should visit this year or next and are willing to work with them to organize the event ... please let them know.

Some ideas being tossed around include a weekend canoe trip, day paddles in Rangeley, a hike/bike/paddle/picnic to the Flagstaff Hut, an outing to the Bold Coast, a spring ski trip.

The possibilities are endless.

Contact them at:

ltruew@yahoo.com

nperry24420@roadrunner.com

See our website for the most up-to-date calendar and news!

NEWS FROM SECRETARY SANDY

March 14, 2010

To see a full list of upcoming events, news and notices, check out our Adventure Calendar on our website at www.carrabassettvalleyoutdoorassociation.com

You will also find a great collection of pictures from our past events. 

Next Event:

CVOA Annual Meeting  March 27^th

Come celebrate CVOA's 10 year anniversary! Join us at our annual meeting at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center on Saturday, March 27^th. Happy hour will start at 4:30, followed by fabulous lasagna (by Tufulios), salad and bread. There will be a 50/50 raffle! At 7:00, John Christie will entertain us with "Stories that didn't make the History of Sugarloaf".

Where: Sugarloaf Outdoor Center

When: Happy hour: 4:30 to 6:00 BYOB

Dinner: 6:00 Lasagna, salad and bread

Speaker: 7:00 John Christie

Members need to sign up IN ADVANCE so that we can get an accurate head count. Admission is $10.00 if you RSVP. $15.00 at the door (IF space is available).

We would like to have some appetizers and/or desserts, so please whip up your favorite and bring it along!

RSVP Cynthia Pernice at cpernice@maine.rr.com

Sugarloaf Ski Club has invited CVOA members to join them at their

Annual Snow Ball on March 20^th!

Swing into Spring... It's time for the 15th Annual Snow Ball!

Saturday, March 20th at the Sugarloaf Inn
Cocktail hour begins at 6:00pm  Dinner at 7:00

Elmore Twist returns! Gather your friends for a fabulous evening of dinner, music and dance at the Sugarloaf Inn.

 It's a great time to support a great cause.... the Ski Club Scholarship Fund.

Menu choices include:
Baked Encrusted Salmon
Baked Stuffed Chicken
Sirloin Steak

Tickets cost $60 and are available at the Ski Club office.

For more information or to reserve tickets call 237-6955  or e-mail us at sugarloafskiclub@roadrunner.com

Recent Events:

CVOA 6th Annual Full Moon Outing

By Barb & Bob Briggs

Over 35 CVOA members and their families and guests braved the elements created by the ongoing snow storm to convene at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center on Saturday, February 27, to enjoy our annual Full Moon Outing.

Almost all, ranging from age 7 to 70, enthusiastically snow shoed or Cross Country skied through wicked deep and heavy snow to the Warming Hut, where we relaxed and enjoyed a very happy Happy Hour. After venturing back to the Lodge, without the light of the Moon, we all indulged in tasting some delicious gourmet chowders, chili, soups and stew and a wonderful assortment of desserts. The evening ended much too soon, and we thank all those who helped out and contributed the great food.

Summer is Coming: Sign up now for CVOA Adventures!

REAL MASSE FISHING TRIP: July 7-11^th

Back by popular demand! CVOA will once again head to St. Zenon, Quebec for fabulous fishing and food!

Real Masse Hunting and Fishing Resort is a 10-square-mile outdoor paradise laced with dozens of lakes teeming with trout.

Check out the website at: http://realmasseoutfitters.com/accueil.php?lg=1

The price includes:

• Transport to lake using golf carts
• Lodging (some with whirlpools)
• Boat, motor and gas all inclusive
• Gourmet meals
• Incredible fishing!

Real Masse cleans the fish and flash-freezes them for transport.

Members should make their own reservations.

Contact Joe Lessard at 235-3492 for more information and car pooling.

CVOA Moosehead Adventure: July 9-11^th

CVOA's July outing to the Moosehead Lake region has proved so popular we've already booked all 14 cabins at Maynard's camps.

We may be booked at Maynard's Camps .. but there's still room at the (other) inn for CVOA members wanting to join us for our Moosehead adventure July 9-11.

So, don't despair: There are two other sporting camps nearby that may have cabins open. And Maynard's has agreed to serve dinner to CVOA members who are not staying at their camp but want to join their friends for dinner Friday or Saturday night.

Sundown Cabins: 534-7357 (www.sundowncabins.com). Cabins are $80 for 2, $140 for 4.
Moosehead Motel: 534-7787 (www.mooseheadmotel.org). Rooms are about $70.

CVOA reserved all 14 cabins for the July 9-11 weekend last December including a 4-bedroom bunkhouse that sleeps eight in four separate bedrooms; a 3-bedroom camp that sleeps six and several one and 2-bedroom cabins. All the beds were filled on a first come/first serve within a month.

This is the first time CVOA has ventured into the Moosehead region but, given the response it may not be the last! Maynard's offers a great location at a great price: Just $65 per person per night .. including three meals a day!

If you're interested in joining us, please let Nancy Perry know (nperry24420@roadrunner.com). She has a waiting list in case there are cancellations and will be reserving dinner tables for those that just want to join us for meals.

If you've already booked a cabin, you will need to send in a security deposit to hold your space. The deposit is $65 per person.

The deposit is due by April 15. Checks should be made out to CVOA and mailed to Nancy Perry at: #41 The Loaf, Carrabassett Valley, Me. 04947.

The balance is $65 per person .. is due June 1.

CVOA members may also contact two other sporting camps for reservations:

Trip organizers Linda Trueworthy, Sandy Jamison and Nancy Perry are putting together a mini-guide of activities in the area .. including hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. It will be sent out in advance of the July 9-11 adventure to those joining us on the adventure.

2011 CVOA Ski Trip to Vail, Colorado

The 2011 CVOA ski trip will be to Vail, Colorado. The departure date for the trip will be Saturday, January 29th with the return on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. The unanimous decision to go to Vail was made last weekend at the Jackson Hole ski trip picture party that was graciously hosted by Rick Chenard and Janet.  It is anticipated that approximately 40 people will sign up for this trip so you may want to mark the dates on your calendar. Dick Foote, the trip leader, would appreciate hearing from you if you think you might like to go as this information will be useful in planning the trip. You can send Dick an email at mdtravel@maine.rr.com.  Over the next three months Dick will be putting the trip together and hopes to provide the trip details no later than the end of June.

See our website for the most up-to-date calendar and news!

MARCH

March 7-9: Balsams Getaway

Contact: Linda Trueworthy (ltruew@yahoo.com)

March 27: Annual Meeting

Contact: Pete Weston (pbweston@maine.rr.com)

MAY

May 16: Carrabassett Town Road Cleanup

Contact: Randy Clukey

JUNE

June 12-13: Coastal bike/kayak trip

Contact: Kathy Gagne (dgagne15@maine.rr.com)

JULY

JULY 7-11: Real Masse Fishing Trip

Contact: Joe Lessard (235-3492)

Click on this link for details:

http://realmasseoutfitters.com/accueil.php?lg=1

July 9-11: Moosehead Getaway

Contact: Nancy Perry (nperry24420@roadrunner.com)

July 30-Aug. 1: Baxter Weekend

SEPTEMBER

Sept. 10-12: Camden/Isleboro Outing

Contact: John McCatherin (johnmccatherin@tds.net)

OCTOBER

Oct. 8-11: Homecoming

Contact: Cynthia Pernice (cpernice@maine.rr.com)

Oct. 15-17: Bar Harbor Weekend

Contact: Nancy Perry (nperry24420@roadrunner.com)         

DECEMBER

Dec. 11: Holiday Hike & Cookie Swap

Contact: Nancy Perry (nperry24420@roadrunner.com)

NEWS FROM SECRETARY SANDY.....

February 20, 2010

Next Event Next Saturday!

CVOA MOONLIGHT OUTING PARTY

at the

SUGARLOAF OUTDOOR CENTER

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2010

4:30-8:00 pm

Come join us for a moonlit evening of ice skating on the new rink,

snowshoeing on trails in the woods, or cross country skiing on the groomed and tracked trails. Or just sit around the bonfire and toast marshmallows or keep warm in Lodge, and enjoy the many delicious soups.

Groups will be skiing or snowshoeing (snowshoeing allowed on the groomed trail this year) up to the Warming Hut where we will enjoy refreshments (BYO wine & cheese) before heading down the hill in the light of the almost full moon. Please be ready to be out on the trail no later than 5:00 pm. Those staying behind to ice skate or snowshoe/ski around the lodge area might enjoy a little Happy Hour around the bonfire. Around 6:30 we'll all convene in the Lodge to warm up with some hot soups, chili, chowder, and dessert.

The cost of this evening of moonlight fun will only be $5 for a ticket to enjoy all or any activity.

There is no charge for those whom already have an Outdoor Center season pass. Rentals are available. Please bring your own liquid refreshment and snacks to share. Head lamps would be helpful in the event that we don't see the light of the moon.

We're looking for some of our excellent CVOA Chefs to volunteer to make crock pots of chili, soup and/or chowder, and a few cookies or bars would be a delicious addition.

Please email Barb & Bob Briggs at rsbfbriggs@gmail.com and/or phone us at 237-2336 and let us know if you plan to come and if you can bring a pot of soup etc., or dessert or something. Also we are looking for a couple of folks to volunteer (maybe someone who's skating) to help out around the lodge with setting up the soup serving counter and also to help keep the bonfire going and toast some s'mores.

We need to know how many people to plan on no later than Friday, February 26.

Mark your calendars: CVOA Annual meeting will be March 27^th. Details to follow!

CVOA, Sugarloaf Partnership: Bonus for Families

For the second time this season, CVOA teamed up with Sugarloaf to offer discount ski tickets to our members for vacation week.

The group ticket program offered CVOA members who were "blacked out" or had visiting family and friends the opportunity to buy lift tickets at discounted rates.

It was first offered on a limited basis over the Christmas holidays and proved so successful that it was offered again Feb. 14-Feb. 20 .. to rave reviews!

The praise was both widespread and glowing

* We heard from members who trucked their family to Saddleback last year because the ticket prices were more affordable. This year, with the group rates, they skied "home" and skied more days.

* We heard from members who didn't ski at all last year during blackout periods .. or limited themselves to one or two days.

* We heard from grandparents who actually invited all their grandchildren up for the week because they could afford to treat them to some Sugarloaf skiing at the group rates.

CVOA is talking with Sugarloaf about partnering again next year during both Christmas and February vacation weeks. Please let us know if you are interested .. and please let Sugarloaf know if the program has made skiing more affordable for your family.

We've already sent a "Thank You" to Sugarloaf from CVOA .. but it would be good for the mountain to hear feedback from our members as well .. especially if we hope to continue the program.

So, shoot off an email to Sally Zagnoli, the group sales coordinator who worked patiently and pleasantly with us through the sale of several hundred tickets (SZagnoli@sugarloaf.com).

And, just as important, let Sugarloaf management know what you think (JDiller@sugarloaf.com; or BLarsen@sugarloaf.com).

CVOA Moosehead Adventure

A Sellout!

CVOA's July outing to the Moosehead Lake region has proved so popular we've already booked all 14 cabins at Maynard's camps.

But, don't despair: There are two other sporting camps nearby that may have cabins open. And Maynard's has agreed to serve dinner to CVOA members who are not staying at their camp but want to join their friends for dinner Friday or Saturday night.

CVOA reserved all 14 cabins for the July 9-11 weekend last December including a 4-bedroom "bunkhouse" that sleeps eight in four separate bedrooms; a 3-bedroom camp that sleeps six and several one and 2-bedroom cabins. All the beds were filled on a first come/first serve within a month.

This is the first time CVOA has ventured into the Moosehead region but .. given the response .. it may not be the last! Maynard's offers a great location at a great price: Just $65 per person per night .. including three meals a day!

If you're interested in joining us, please let Nancy Perry know (nperry24420@roadrunner.com).

She has a waiting list in case there are cancellations and will be reserving dinner tables for those that just want to join us for meals.

If you've already booked a cabin, you will need to send in a security deposit to hold your space. The deposit is $65 per person.

The deposit is due by April 15. Checks should be made out to CVOA and mailed to Nancy Perry at: #41 The Loaf, Carrabassett Valley, Me. 04947.

The balanceis $65 per person .. is due June 1.

CVOA members may also contact two other sporting camps for reservations:

Sundown Cabins: 534-7357 (www.sundowncabins.com). Cabins are $80 for 2, $140 for 4.

Moosehead Motel: 534-7787 (www.mooseheadmotel.org). Rooms are about $70.

Trip organizers Linda Trueworthy, Sandy Jamison and Nancy Perry are putting together a mini-guide of activities in the area .. including hiking, biking, canoeing, fishing and sightseeing opportunities. It will be sent out in advance of the July 9-11 adventure to those joining us on the "adventure"

First Annual Maine Handicapped Skiing Sugarloaf Social

Consider attending the First Annual Maine Handicapped Skiing Sugarloaf Social, Saturday, March 6th from 5:30 to 9:00 at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center.  Tickets are $50 per person and there are only 150 available so get yours now.  Tickets for the Event and raffle are available at Sugarloaf Guest Services.

The Social includes: culinary sampling, Merriam Vineyards wines, Basket raffle featuring numerous prizes from local vendors, night ice skating, plus more.  ALL to benefit Maine Handicapped Skiing's adaptive alpine program at SUGARLOAF.

Maine Handicapped Skiing is a 501(c)3 non-profit organizations whose mission is to promote and provide year-round adaptive recreation opportunities for children and adults with physical disabilities. Since 1999, MHS has been teaching adaptive skiing an snowboarding to dozens of people every weekend at Sugarloaf.  All instruction, equipment and lift tickets are available free of charge to the

participants.