~ March 2024 ~

Hello CVOA,

Greetings CVOA members,

For CVOA skiers, you know this is the prime season. The sun is higher, the days are longer, the temps are warmer. The Bucksaw lift and new trails are open. CVOA is firing on all cylinders. Every one of our social events, Third Thursdays, Soup Social, Pie Social, Meet-Ski-Go have been very well attended. Thank you Jeanette Parker and Bonnie Farrar, Social Activities Chairs for all your hard work.

Ski trips this year have filled, and we have tried to add more seats and rooms, but the supply isn’t always there to meet the demand. CVOA has sent a survey to our members to identify ski trips that would be attractive for 2025 so that we can begin planning. Earlier initiation of trips should also give us access to resorts who limit the number of groups they will accommodate. If you haven’t responded to the survey, here’s a second chance to offer your opinion on ski trips. (insert address of the ski resort survey) Whether you’re just wondering about a CVOA ski trip or you’re a hard-core traveler, please join your fellow members on April 6 at a place TBD to learn about the 2025 ski trips that are under consideration and to offer your ideas for 2025 and beyond.

There is one more event that you should attend this year - The Annual Meeting Saturday March 30 at the Shipyard. Also, this will be a celebration of CVOA for its 25 years of outdoor adventure and fun – summer, fall and winter, forget mud season. We will be entertained by comedian Paul Nardizzi, a very funny guy from the Boston area.

If you have any photos that depict the essence of CVOA over the last 25 years please bring them to the event to be placed on a poster board. 

Thom

Please thoroughly read each monthly CVOA Newsletter…especially the Calendar of Events, details and dates of Future Events and Range News. Also, we hope you enjoy the news about everything CVOA.

Thank you for being a 2024 member of CVOA.

CVOA memberships are at 383. We continue to receive new memberships almost weekly. Welcome new members! Introduce yourselves when attending a CVOA event. We are so glad to meet our new members. The great turnout for these events indicates you are glad to meet new folks as well! As a CVOA member, when you meet someone on the chairlift, at the Range or anywhere around the Valley, promote our great organization and encourage people to join. It’s as easy as logging onto our website and clicking “Join Now”. 

Membership Secretary

Patti Johnston

March 3 2:00 - 4:00 Bowling at Sugarbowl

March 5 9:00 Meet-Ski-Go at Super Quad

March 9 1:00-3:00 Yonder Knoll Hike

March 10 2:00 - 4:00 Bowling at Sugarbowl

March 12 9:00 Meet-Ski-Go at Super Quad

March 17 2:00 - 4:00 Bowling at Sugarbowl

March 19 9:00 Meet-Ski-Go at Super Quad

March 8-22 Quebec Ski Trip

Coordinator: Thom Johnston

March 21 4:30 -6:00 3rd Thursday Social

Location: Shipyard Brew Pub

March 24 2:00 - 4:00 Bowling at Sugarbowl

March 26 9:00 Meet-Ski-Go at Super Quad

March 30 5:00 - 8:00 Annual Meeting

Location: Sugarloaf Inn Function Room

March 31 2:00 - 4:00 Bowling at Sugarbowl

Click here: CVOA Calendar of Events

CVOA Sunday Afternoon Bowling …

The SugarBowl reserves two lanes for CVOA members.

2:00 - 4:00 – $10 includes shoes

Come join the fun Sunday afternoons!

March dates: 3,10,17, 24,31

Yonder Knoll Hike

Show ‘N' Go Hike 

March 9th

Meet at the Stratton Brook Hut Parking lot, just north of the Loaf Access Road. Head out at 1:05 pm. Cleats and/or snowshoes are recommended, depending on the amount of snow. Poles are important for navigating any uneven ground. We travel 15 minutes on the Narrow Gauge Pathway, then about 30 minutes up, some of which is moderately steep, but not tricky related to footing. We see the incredible view for 15 minutes or so. It’s an outstanding panorama of the Crockers, the Loaf, Burnt Mountain, and the peaks of Bigelow. The trip down is about 30 minutes. Total time is no more than 2 hours, so we will be back around 3:00 or so. This is a Show ‘N Go event, so there is no signup required. We do this no matter the weather.

Hikes the second Saturday of each month. This is the last for this season. Look forward to next season!!

Friendly dogs are welcome.

Trip leader Jan Mildram...207-491-6798 

Hope you can make it!



Meet Ski Go Tuesday Mornings

March 5, 12, 19, 26 Promptly at 9:00am Meet At The Super Quad

Calling all CVOA skiers! 

Please join us for a Ski Around The Mountain. 

Ski your favorite trails for a few runs or a few hours with other CVOA members.

No sign up…just "Show and Go"!!

Watch WSKI and go to the Sugarloaf website to review the weather, trail and lift reports. If the mountain is having issues, we will not ski together as a group.

Photo from February 28 MSG

3rd Thursday Social, Food & Trivia

March 21 at Shipyard Brew Pub

4:30-6:00pm

JOIN YOUR FRIENDS! MAKE SOME NEW FRIENDS!

Cash bar ~ Appetizers provided by CVOA

CVOA social events have drawn a strong showing from our members.

Some of our later arriving members have missed the appetizers. Please be moderate in partaking of the appetizers.

🍷Tips for servers greatly appreciated🍺



Trivia & Prizes! Door Prize: $25 Shipyard Gift Card. Come join the fun!

Support the Shipyard Brew Haus ~ Stay for Dinner!

WANTED!!!…..100 CVOA Members to Join Us For The 

ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER

and the

🍾🎈25th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION OF CVOA🍾🎈

Saturday March 30--Put this date on your calendar….

Join CVOA members at this Special Celebration Event at Shipyard Inn

Saturday, March 30 ~ 5:00 - 8:00

Social Time: 5:00 - 5:45 (with appetizers)

Buffet Dinner: 5:45 - 6:30

Annual Meeting & Program: 6:30 - 8:00

Comedian Paul Nardizzi

🥤🍺🍸🍷Purchase beverages at the Shipyard Bar🍷🍸🍺🥤

Buffet Dinner: Salad/Entrees/Dessert/Coffee/Tea

Dietary Restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice

$30.00 Per Person

Reservations & Payments are being accepted now through March 27th

RSVP to Elaine Smith at golfski@maine.rr.com or 207-237-7002

Your reservation is NOT CONFIRMED until payment is received 

Make your check out to CVOA and send to:

Elaine Smith

2425 Walden Circle

Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947

Join us and celebrate CVOA with friends, food, door prizes and fun!

If you have any photos that depict the essence of CVOA over the last 25 years please bring them to the event to be placed on a poster board. 

Quebec 2024 Ski Trip



The trip is currently Full with 29 members signed up. However, if you would like to join the Quebec trip, a waiting list is being established. If you’re interested, read through the brochure (click on it) and send in a reservation form. Trip leader, Thom Johnston, will get in touch with you. If you have questions, you can contact him at 207-852-3595 or tandpjohnston@gmail.com

Alaskan Cruise 2024

May 31-June 7

Just 3 months away!

Good News!! This EPIC CVOA adventure now has some added discounts to help off-set the increase in air fare since many members booked their travel. Alaskan Dream Cruises is now offering an additional 10% discount (so a total of 20% off) as well as a $500 credit towards your airfare!

There are now 28 CVOA members signed up for the “top-rated” Alaskan Dream Cruise trip May 31-June 7, 2024. (That’s 35% of the total passengers on the ship!). There are three AA cabins (double occupancy) still available for anyone wishing to go on this adventure (and eleven 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 second 10% 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

NEOC OUTING

September 10 and 11 2024  

3 days...2 nights

Three Premium Lodges have been secured at this time with all the amenities. Each has 2 full bathrooms, full kitchens and open living room concepts. Approximate cost at this time depends on filling each lodge but is expected to be $233.00 per person for 2 nights if all are full.

Lots of things to do such as biking, hiking, white water rafting, canoeing, kayaking, campfires and just relaxing. Near entrance to Baxter State Park, Knife's Edge Brewery and restaurant, Goldenroad Crossing. Canoe and kayaks with life jackets are free to guest. Bike and paddle boards can be rented.

If you are interested in going email, text or call Margie Roberts before March 22nd to secure a room: mjaneroberts56@gmail.com or 207 991 0667.   

🚴‍♀️ Bike Trip to Quebec 🚴‍♂️

June 11-13 2024

3 days...2 nights

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

CVOA has reserved rooms at the Hotel le Saint Paul

229 Rue Saint Paul, Québec City

418-694-4414

The hotel is near the Old City of Québec 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!

Reservations must be made by March 22nd. 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. 

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.

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.

Your hosts, 

Glenn & Peggy Bickford

Members since about 2005

Winter

Hello Range Members, 

Range member and local fire and rescue volunteer, Charlie Beers, is running to renew his seat on the NRA Board of Directors. If you are an NRA member, you should be receiving your voting ballot this month in the NRA Shooting Illustrated magazine. Please consider a vote for Charlie, one of the few Board Members representing the Northeast.

Solar Eclipse on April 8th at 3:29:58pm. The Range will be a great spot to view the Solar Eclipse and we will open the gate for all CVOA members and their guests for viewing. The Range will be closed for shooting activities at that time. We'll set out our fire pits and some tables if you like to bring chairs and snacks for a pre-eclipse get together. We'll know more about the weather as the date approaches.

Remember to renew your memberships for 2024. The current gate code will stay in effect until April. If you have not renewed before then, you will not have access to the range. Welcome to all our new and returning shooters.

Remember, Pistol and Rifle Ranges will remain open throughout the winter. Steel targets have been reinstalled on the 100yd Rifle Range. The "plink" from hitting the target is very satisfying! Remember to follow all posted safety rules and maintain at least 25 foot distance while shooting at metal targets. For paper targets, you may move as close as you like.

Bill Casey, our trusted plow guy, has cleared the Rifle and Pistol Ranges of snow for easier access to the targets, so enjoy! Thank you Bill!

Folks are getting used to the new electric gate. Please do not try to drive around the gate. Boulders will be moved to both sides and you may damage your car if you do so. Also, when exiting, the gate will remain open while multiple cars exit. The same is not true of cars entering. The gate will close after 12 seconds and may damage your car and/or break the gate. Only one car at a time should enter.

Diane Stone

Range Secretary

CVOA.range@gmail.com

207-240-4752

Sugarloaf Inn

Saturday, March 23

Social Time 12-1

Buffet Lunch 1-3

Reminisces 3-4

$40 per person - Reservations Only - Cash or Check made out to Sugarloaf Inn

Send to: Tom Andrle, 1011 Little Bigelow Road, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947

Before March 16 - NO EXCEPTIONS 

Please include email for verification 

Val Gardena Ski Trip

CVOA’s 2025 Val Gardena trip was a HUGE success! Flights, bus transfers and hotels all went off as scheduled. More importantly, trip members enjoyed the sights in Milan, sunshine, blue skies and great snow in Val Gardena, not to mention great Italian food everywhere! 

The best part of the trip was spending time with old friends and making new friends too. Our common bond was CVOA and skiing, but what really made the trip special was all of our stories and laughter. It seemed that we never had a dull moment, even on our two long bus rides.

3rd Thursday Social

February 15 at the Shipyard

WOW! Another record breaking turnout….long time CVOA members and new members continue to attend each month, 85 of them on February 15th. Smiles, laughter and fun conversations fill the room for this popular event. Your Social Coordinators, Bonnie and Jeannette, had the privilege of welcoming members while writing name tags and handing out raffle tickets. Members making their first appearance immediately recognize the welcoming atmosphere and some familiar faces. Name tags are greatly appreciated! If you are not there you’re missing out. Join us!!

Trivia teams were formed, sheets with questions distributed and the timer was set for 10 minutes. Trivia continues to be a great way to meet new people. The teams are fun, competitive, enthusiastic and wicked smart…..all with their eyes on the sweet prize bags!!!

Doorprize winners: Roni Emery: $25 Shipyard gift card; Linda Allen & Steve Porter: Valentine Git Baskets.

THANK YOU CVOA Board for providing $$$ for the appetizers.

THANK YOU Members for your generosity to our bartender and wait staff.

THANK YOU to everyone who attended. Your attendance and participation is what makes these events FUN!

Jeannette Parker & Bonnie Farrar

Social Activities

Pie Social

Twenty-eight members attended the Pie Social last February. Fifty-six members attended the Pie Social Saturday, February 24th….another great example of CVOA’s continued explosion in attendance at the club’s social events. 

As you can see from the before and after photos no one was taking home leftovers! Four appetizers for the social hour; 19 dinner pies and 10 desserts made and so generously contributed by this club’s “can do” members. Dinner with Friends … what’s more fun! Adding to the fun, the audience applauded as the pies were carried from the kitchen to the tables….making your cooks feel so appreciated!

NOTE: The plan is to hold this and other CVOA events at the Outdoor Center next year, therefore allowing more members to attend without limiting attendance.

To foster and promote the conservation of our natural resources

and the creation of recreational opportunities in our region.