~ May 2023 ~

Hello CVOA,

Greetings CVOA members,

‘Rappin up the Winter

CVOA has two major seasons – Winter and Range. We’re closing out Winter 2023 and what a winter it was! Not because of mountains of snow (That happened out West – 800” and counting) or because of a seminal event at the ‘Loaf, although the cutting of a new lift line and trails was pretty interesting. No, it was because we climbed out of our lairs and started to join activities with other people. We skied, we rode chairs with three others, we danced, we traveled, we ate and drank, and we met new people. Thanks to all our members who pitched in to drive this renaissance.  

We’re looking forward to another active Ski Season in 2023-24. As you scroll through this Newsletter, you’ll see that ski trips are already taking shape. This is earlier than in the past and is driven by market factors. To grab a block of airline seats and lock up accommodations where there just aren’t enough resources to meet demand requires that we jump in early. Also, since resorts are limiting larger groups in favor of individual reservations, we need to advance plans to obtain available rooms at our favorite places. In turn, this puts pressure on our members to commit early.

It looks like we’ll have four winter trips for 2024 – Italy at Val Gardena in the Dolomites, Whistler in the Canadian Rockies, Heavenly Valley at Lake Tahoe and Quebec City. So, when the official CVOA announcements for trips are sent out, pay attention to the sign-up process and reservation dates to be sure you have the best chance at getting on the trips you want.

As we close out the “First” CVOA season, we open up our Second season at the Neal Trask Shooting Range. The Range will wake from its winter slumber with the Spring Clean-up which is scheduled for Saturday_____. Even if you’re not a Range member, your help would be welcomed. It’s an opportunity to see what the Range is all about and to meet some of its members. In this Newsletter Range Secretary, Diane Stone, has written about the coming events for the Range season.

You can join the Range at any time. For those who are already CVOA members, the additional fee for the Range is $30 for an individual, $50 for a couple and $70 for a family. Check in with Diane or Ray Stone at the Range or email our Membership Secretary at cvoa.membership@gmail.com

Thom Johnston

May 2023

May 20 - Carrabassett Valley Clean Up and BBQ

May 27 - 9:00 - 12:00 5 Stand Shoot

May 28 - 9:00 - 12:00 Trap Shoot

Check out the CVOA 2023-24 EVENTS CALENDAR

Click here: CVOA Calendar

Membership is rolling along with new and renewed members signing up every week. As of April 20, our membership totals 828 members strong, of which 394 are also Range members. Thank you to all who responded to the reminder to renew in the March Newsletter.

If you have a change of contact information, for example, postal address, email, phone number, please let me know at: cvoa.membership@gmail.com

We don’t want to lose track of you or have you miss out on anything CVOA!

The 2023 Range Badges will be mailed out soon. If you have not received yours by early May, contact me.

Enjoy the change of seasons and look for more CVOA activities to come. 

Patti Johnston

Celebration of Life May 20, 2-4pm

Cynthia Jeanne passed away on March 6. She was the first female President of CVOA. She will be sorely missed by all her family and friends. Her obituary can be viewed by clicking this link: Complete Obituary

Celebrate the lives of former CVOA members Jeanne and Cynthia Pernice on May 20, 2023 from 2:00-4:00 pm at the Competition Center at Sugarloaf. Both Jeanne and her daughter, Cynthia, were suffering from terminal illnesses. On December 15, 2022, Jeanne passed away, followed not long after by Cynthia on March 6, 2023. They both enjoyed so many years at Sugarloaf it is fitting that a gathering be held there. Hope you can attend and share memories of two remarkable women.

For questions or to RSVP please email Jeannie Madden at jpermadden@gmail.com.

Carrabassett Valley Clean Up

Saturday May 13, 2023

The Annual Valley Clean Up will take place Saturday May 13, 2023.

CVOA members have strongly supported this effort in prior years. Please volunteer for this important local effort. Detailed information can be found at https://www.carrabassettvalley.org/cal/carrabassett-valley-clean-up/

🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️ Calling All Golfers 🏌️‍♀️🏌️‍♂️

Wednesday June 14, 2023

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 14,2023

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 $30.00 for walkers pp with an additional $10.00 for a cart pp

Lunch $15.00 pp includes tax and gratuities. RSVP required.

A buffet lunch will be served after golf. 

Lunch will include 2 types of sandwiches, salad, fruit, dessert, water and soft drinks. 

Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

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 Nancy at nancymakin48@gmail.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 11th. Bonnie at Diadema and Nancy will put together the foursomes and email all golfers on Monday June 12th 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 14th‼️

🏌️‍♀️Nancy Makin 🏌️‍♀️

CVOA Board Member and Fellow Golfer

🚴‍♂️ Coastal Bike Ride - Brunswick 🚴‍♀️

Saturday, June 3rd, Rain Date June 4th

Join Linda & Paul Trueworthy for a leisurely scenic ride around the Town of Brunswick.This ride is approximately 18 miles of flat riding.

The ride will start at Linda and Paul's house on 7 Wenger Lane at 1:00 PM and continue thru some quiet neighborhoods on the way to Paul's Marina where there will be a stop for icecream (optional) and views of the water, boats and islands.The ride will continue thru the former Brunswick Naval Air Station, the Bowdoin College Campus and back to the Trueworthy's house.

After the ride we will enjoy happy hour and burgers. Please BYOB and an app, side or dessert to share. 

RSVP to: ltruew@yahoo.com or text 207-208-7305.

Directions to 7 Wenger Lane

From Interstate 295, take Exit 28 Brunswick. This will put you onto Pleasant St. Go to the 3rd set of lights (police station and laundromat on corners) and turn right onto Stanwood St. Go over the RR tracks and turn right onto Hennessey Ave. Drive past 8-9 houses on your left and turn left at the 2nd yellow fire hydrant onto Wenger Lane. House is first on left.

June Board and Member Meeting

June 25, 2023

Recreation, Lunch, Board & Member Meeting

Sunday, June 25 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

Whistler British Columbia

March 2-March 9, 2024

Reservation Postmark Date June 15, 2023

Click on the brochure on right for details and the application. Be sure to scroll thru the multipage brochure.

Trip Leaders Lee & John Goss

Quebec

March 18-March 22, 2024

CVOA is planning another ski trip to Quebec City. The trip includes four nights in Quebec City and three days of skiing, one each at Stoneham, Mont-Sainte-Anne and Le Massif. This is a great time of year to ski along the St. Lawrence River and to enjoy the restaurants and continental ambiance of Quebec City. These make for a unique trip experience. Accommodations will be at L’Hotel Manoir Victoria in the heart of the old city. Non-skiers on this trip have had just as much fun as skiers.

Don’t worry about airports or airplanes. You make your own schedule. Travelers will drive to the hotel, and from the hotel to the mountains and back each day. The hotel will serve breakfast as part of the package, you’re on your own for supper. In Quebec City, with all of its restaurant choices, you will have no problem finding somewhere to dine.

Pricing and the application process will be communicated as soon as they are available. If you have any questions, contact Thom Johnston at: tandpjohnston@gmail.com

Alaskan Cruise 2024

At the Ski Trip party, there was interest in heading to Alaska! CVOA is exploring an Alaskan cruise through www.Alaskandreamcruises.com. Our own Kip Files has captained the Chicagof Dream one of their ships. Kip suggests late May/June is a great time to cruise in Alaska with the longest summer days. The Alaskan Dream Cruises fleet consists of five small vessels, with guest capacities ranging from 12 to 76 passengers, so it’s possible CVOA could fill a whole ship! They offer a 10% discount for groups of ten or more. If you are interested in an exciting adventure, check out their website and look at the itineraries they offer for 2024. 

CVOA is currently looking into the cruise called the Last Frontier Adventure aboard the ship Chicagof Dream.

“The Last Frontier Adventure is designed for guests seeking more time in wilderness areas and a higher level of activity. The dynamic itinerary features daily adventures like hiking rainforest trails, kayaking in a glacial fjord, exploring Baranof Island’s “Waterfall Coast” and more. Sailing between Sitka and Juneau, you’ll spend the majority of your time in remote locations, including Glacier Bay National Park and Preserve. The offering also includes the company’s exclusive Orca Point Lodge”.  

Check out details at: https://www.alaskandreamcruises.com/cruises/2024-last-frontier-adventure/

If you are interested, perhaps wiling to be the Trip coordinator, or have questions or suggestions, please email Bonnie Farrar at: bfarrar7@aol.com by May 10^th so CVOA can determine if there is enough interest to pursue a group trip. If there is, CVOA with input from interested members will make a decision on the itinerary and dates, but people would make their own reservations.

Hello Range and CVOA Members, 

Range Cleanup Day and BBQ will be on Saturday, May 20th 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 building need window cleaning and sweeping, and staining the 5 stand building. 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.

Weekly Five Stand start on Saturday, May 27th from 9am to noon and weekly Trap Shoots on Sunday, May 28th, 9am-noon. These shoots are non-competitive and designed for all shooting levels. Also, open to the public.

We are planning some exciting classes for the Summer Shooting Season. Women's Introduction to Handgun Basics, USCCA Class for folks who are interested in applying for Concealed Carry Permits, and Range Safety Officer training are among the offerings. Details are still being worked out, so keep an eye on this space.

We are creating a Women's Shooting Group starting in June. If you're interested in trying different shooting sports we will meet the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 4pm to 6pm. We will post which sport we'll try in a follow up newsletter. Trap, Archer, Pistol, and Rifle. Even if you don't have the equipment, we'll share.

The new badges are being processed and should be in the mail shortly. The 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 2024 Trip Information

Over sixty CVOA members gathered on Friday, April 7^th at the CV Library to share memories of the four 2023 CVOA ski trips. More than 250 pictures were submitted for the slide show which highlighted the sights and skiing enjoyed by the 150 travelers to Sun Valley, Idaho, Telluride, Colorado, Whitefish, Montana and Monte Ste Ann, Stoneham and Le Massif Quebec.

After a good bit of socializing, the Trip Committee presented the most current information for proposed 2024 ski trips. They are Val Gardena, Italy in late January, Heavenly & Tahoe area in mid-February, Whistler, BC in early March and Quebec in late March. Details for these ski trips are in this Newsletter.

Also discussed based on a poll of member interest (which was positive) were a ski trip to Chile in August/September 2024 (info will be available after August, 2023) an Alaskan cruise (no skis) with Alaskan Dream Cruises in May/June of 2024 (details in this newsletter) and a return trip to the Whitefish area in the off-season to visit Glacier National Park, go fishing and exploration of the area. 

As you can see, CVOA is not only about ski trips! CVOA continues to seek ideas for future trips, outdoor activities and social events as well as volunteers to help plan and lead them. Just reach out to any officer or board member with your input.

To foster and promote the conservation of our natural resources

and the creation of recreational opportunities in our region.