Archive for May, 2011
Romantic Inns are Pearls of southern Maine
May 26th, 2011 categories: Sanford Lakes Region
Mousam Lake in the York County/Sanford Lakes Region of Maine
For those of you lakefront property house hunters who love the romance of a gracious inn or B & B, there’s no better place to kick back and relax than in southern Maine. The inns and B & Bs we recommend are all either on the National Register of Historic Places or have earned Yankee Magazine’s Editors’ awards. All are located within an easy drive to the fabulous sandy white beaches of southern Maine, fabulous shopping in Kennebunkport, Ogunquit, York, Kittery, Wells, Portland and Freeport, Maine, including L.L. Bean, plus Portsmouth, New Hampshire. They are also close to Hackmatack Playhouse, Ogunquit Playhouse, Arundel Barn Playhouse, City Theater, Legacy Theater Company and Garrison Hill Players. So . . . let these innkeepers pamper you as we help you locate a spectacular piece of waterfront real estate.
PineCrest Inn Bed and Breakfast, touted as a “hidden gem,” is located at 91 South Street (Route 114) in Gorham. This Victorian Home is listed as a registered historical landmark. The seven rooms each offer a private bath. Gourmet dinners are served Thursday thru Saturday at the inn’s restaurant, 91 South. At the intimate Wine Bar, guests may choose from at least 110 wines and a fine selection of Maine brewed draft beers. Throughout the year wine tastings, concerts, wine dinners, cooking workshops, book readings and signings are offered at the inn. Innkeepers: Matt and Amy Mattingly; Web site: www.pinecrestmaine.com.
Old Orchard Beach Inn at Six Portland Avenue, Old Orchard Beach, is located one block from the picturesque beach and pier. On the National Register of Historic Places, this was the first inn in Maine opened to travelers. The Victorian-style house was originally built in the 1730s and one hundred years later it became Ye Olde Staples Inn. Recently the building underwent an historical restoration. You may choose from five tastefully decorated rooms and enjoy an extensive Continental breakfast. Innkeepers: The Bellino family; Web site: www.oldorchardbeachinn.com.
Captain Lord Mansion, also on the National Register of Historic Places, received the AAA 4 Diamond B & B rating. Built during the War of 1812 by wealthy shipbuilder Nathaniel Lord, it sits at the head of a sweeping lawn the locals call the “River Green,” on Pleasant Street, Kennebunkport, and overlooks the Kennebunk River. Sixteen rooms in the mansion and four in the garden house are all comfortably appointed. Guests enjoy a family-style, three-course breakfast. Snacks and beverages are available in the afternoon. Innkeepers: Bev Davis and Rick Litchfield; Web site: www.captainlord.com.
Angel of the Berwicks is a Queen Anne-Eastlake residence built by Mary Hurd, one of our nation’s first female industrialists. Located at 2 Elm Street, North Berwick, this inn received Yankee Magazine’s “Best of New England” Choice, 2011 award. “Inside and out, the 25-room Hurd Manor is a gem, showcasing hand painted 11-foot ceilings, detailed friezes, elaborate woodwork, and plentiful antiques” according to Yankee Magazine. Guests may choose from two-room suites and over-sized rooms. Full gourmet breakfasts are offered each morning. Innkeepers: Sally McLaren and Ben Gumm; Web site: www.angeloftheberwicks.com.
Academy Street Inn Bed and Breakfast at 15 Academy Street in South Berwick, received the Yankee Magazine Editors’ Choice award in 2008. This 1903 Grand Colonial-style Victorian home features oak wainscoting, carved fireplaces, Austrian crystal chandeliers and leaded glass windows. It was originally designed as a private home for the prominent lawyer, George Yeaton. Today, guests find five beautifully appointed rooms and a hearty breakfast awaiting them. Innkeepers: Paul and Lee Fopeano; Web site: www.academystreetinn.com.
Be sure to make one of these fine places your home away from home while you shop for lakefront real estate in the York County/Sanford Lakes Region. All are pearls of southern Maine. To learn more about waterfront properties for sale in this region, just click below:
Search for lakefront properties in York County/Sanford Lakes Region
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Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Regions of Maine May 26-June 1
May 25th, 2011 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village Opens this Weekend
May 26, Thursday, 7:30-11:30am, Birding with Jean Preis, will cover 1-2 miles over fairly even terrain, but participants can come for any length of time, if raining at 7am and predicted to continue through 10am, the walk will be canceled, $5, Holt Pond Preserve, Grist Mill Road, South Bridgton. FMI: 207-647-8680,http://www.mainelakeschamber.com.
May 26, Thursday, 1:00-3:00pm, Artists Workshop, calling all those interested in joining others for an informal art session, bring your own supplies and choose your own medium, working outside if weather permits, free, Hobbs Library, 227 Main Street, Lovell. FMI: 207-925-3177, http://lovellmaine.us/calendar/.
May 27, Friday, 10:00am, Opening Day for Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, the village opens for the 2011 season with museum tours, the special major exhibit, “Creating Chosen Land: Our Home 1783-2010,” nature hikes and a spinning demonstration by R & R Spinners, call for details, Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, New Gloucester. FMI: 207-926-4597, http://www.creativenewgloucester.org.
May 28, Saturday, 10:00am-3:00pm, Poland Spring Heritage Weekend, live music, horse drawn wagon and tractor rides, games and activities for kids and adults, historic and educational exhibits, contests, craft and community tables, food, free, Poland Spring Resort and Preservation Park, Route 26, Poland. FMI: 207-998, 4142, http://www.sebagolakeschamber.com.
May 29, Sunday, doors open at 6:30pm, show starts at 8:00pm, “Barn Burner” Music Series, featuring the Iodine Brothers, fronted by Dennis Brennan, backed by Duke Levine and Kevin Barry on guitars and a killer rhythm section with Richard Gates and Billy Beard, this is not a block party, not a barn dance, not a club gig…it’s all those things, seating limited, pizza made to order, $10, order tickets in advance, see “by the ways”, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dug Way Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207-935-7292, http://www.stonemountainartscenter.com.
May 29, Sunday, 7:30pm, Seacoast Wind Ensemble, in the style of the Sousa Band, honoring Veterans and providing a musical salute to thank those that served in the armed forces to preserve our nation and ensure freedom, contribution accepted, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Bradley Street, Fryeburg. FMI: 207-935-9232,http://www.fryeburgacademy.org.
June 1, Wednesday, 1-5:00pm, Workshop on Invasive Woodland Plants, sponsored by Loon Echo Land Trust, Maine Forest Service and town of Bridgton, first 2 hours and in classroom and last 2 hours are outdoor field trip, dress accordingly, registration required, free, First Congregational Church, 33 South High Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207-441-3712, http://www.mainelakeschamber.com.
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Out and About for the York County/Sanford Lakes Region of Maine May 26-June 1
May 25th, 2011 categories: Sanford Lakes Region
William Bunting at Saco Museum
May 26, Thursday, 6:30pm, The Gadget Concierge, come and find out about all of the latest, cutting-edge hot and cool summer gadgets, and even try them out, doorprizes, bring your old cell phone to recycle, free, McArthur Public Library, 270 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: 207-284-4181, http://www.mcarthurpubliclibrary.org/.
May 26, Thursday, 7:30pm, “The Importance of Being Earnest,” an Oscar Wilde farcical comedy in which the protagonists maintain fictitious personae in order to escape home obligations, $8, Kennebunk High School, Route 35, Kennebunk. FMI: 207-468-8461, http://www.rsu21.net/khs.shtml.
May 26, Thursday, 8:00pm, “Avenue Q,” this Broadway musical is the winner of three Tony Awards, the show conveys life’s tough lessons through the trials and tribulations of Princeton, a recent college graduate, who is anxious to discover his purpose in life; but first, he must find an apartment and a job, with no work experience-but an English degree, Princeton is joined with the Broadway puppets for this toe-tapping, hilarious and often moving musical, not appropriate for those under the age of 17, see website for ticket details, Ogunquit Playhouse, 10 Main Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207-646-5511, http://www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.
May 27, Friday, 6:30pm, “Live Yankees: The Sewalls and Their Ships,” William H. Bunting’s book is about a Maine maritime culture, the Sewalls built and managed a fleet of a hundred vessels from the City of Ships-Bath Maine, hear about the author’s adventures in researching and writing about the great age of sail, books will be available at the museum, free, Saco Museum, 371 Main Street, Saco. FMI: 207-283-3861, http://www.sacomuseum.org.
May 27, Friday, 7:30-9:30pm, “Something You Did” Readers Theater, loosely based on the life of Kathy Boudin who was paroled last year after 30 years in prison for participating in an anti-war demonstration that cost the life of a policeman. The play confronts issues of guilt and forgiveness, atonement, racism and exploitation. The author will attend and lead a discussion with the audience following the play, York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York. FMI: 207-363-2818, http://chamber.gatewaytomaine.org.
May 28, Saturday, 8:00pm, Ronnie Earl and the Broadcasters, two-time W.C. Handy Blues Award winner as Guitar Player of the year, his blue’s release, “Grateful Heart: Blues and Ballads,” won Downbeat’s Blues Album of the Year Award, $35/advance tickets, $39/at the door, Jonathan’s Restaurant, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit. FMI: 207-646-4526, http://www.jonathansrestaurant.com.
May 30, Monday, 9:00am, Wells Memorial Day Parade, Servicemen and Servicewomen of all wars, American Legion, B.P.O. of Elks, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts, music by Wells High School and Junior High School Bands, the 5th and 6th Grade Band, and the Elementary Recorder Band, parade will march to Wells Corner thence to Ocean View Cemetery, Wells. FMI: 207-646-5114, http://wellschamber.org.
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Out and About for the Belgrade Lakes Regions of Maine May 26-June 1
May 25th, 2011 categories: Belgrade Lakes Region
“Alex Katz: Drawings,” at Colby
May 26, Thursday, 10:00am-5:00pm, “Alex Katz: Drawings,” this exhibition offers and overview of Alex Katz’s drawing practice, from ink sketches to carefully finished graphite drawings constituted by the effects of light and pose, free, Colby College Museum of Art, 4000 Mayflower Hill, Waterville. FMI: 207-859-4000,http://www.colby.edu.
May 26-29, Thursday-Sunday, 8:00pm Thursday-Saturday, 4:00pm Sunday, “I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change,” the second longest running play on Broadway, this play takes a funny and witty look at relationships from the first date through marriage and death, $20.50/advance, $22.50/at the door, Lakewood Theater, 76 Theatre Road, Madison. FMI: 207-474-7176, http://www.lakewoodtheater.org.
May 27, Friday, 5:00-9:00pm, Inaugural Artwalk Lewiston Auburn, grassroots group of community members, artists and businesses transform downtown Lewiston and Auburn, free, downtown Lewiston and Auburn. FMI: 207-782-7758, http://%20Team@ArtWalkLewistonAuburn.co.
May 28, Friday, 9:00am, 5k Race, get out those running shoes and help a good cause, funds go to Belgrade Public Library, $15, Belgrade Central School, 185 Depot Road, Belgrade. FMI: 207-465-3524, www.belgrade.lib.me.us.
May 28, Saturday, 6:00pm, 2nd Annual Hogs (Motorcycles), (Pizza) Pies, and Fireworks Event, motorcycle parade, pizza tasting competition, Maine’s largest fireworks display, free, Water Street, Gardiner. FMI: 207-582-3100, www.gardinermainstreet.org.
May 28, Saturday, 7:30pm, Maine Mountain Chamber Music, under the direction of Laurie Kennedy, cello, and Yuri Funahashi, piano, this spring’s concert will feature special guests Jasmine Lin, violin, Jennifer Elowitch, violin, and Elizabeth Anderson, cello. The program will include The Piano Quintet in G major by Dmitri Shostakovich, $12, Nordica Auditorium, UMF Merrill Hall, 111 South Street, Farmington. FMI: 207-778-4699, http://www.umf.maine.edu.
May 30, Monday, 10:00am-4:00pm, “Portraits and Voices: Shoemaking Skills of Generations,” exhibit celebrating Lewiston and Auburn’s history and present-day legacy in shoemaking, the museum celebrates the economic, social and technological legacy of Lewiston-Auburn and its people, $5, Museum L-A, 35 Canal St, Bates Mill Complex, Lewiston. FMU: 207-333-3881, http://museumla.org/.
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Wildfires of 1947 Forever Changed the Lakes Regions of Maine
May 19th, 2011 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Everything sparkles on Little Ossipee Lake in Waterboro
Around the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine, a discerning eye can detect evidence of the catastrophic wildfires of 1947. Pine trees growing en masse and homes or public buildings lacking historical significance are ready indicators of that week in late October of ’47 known as “The Week Maine Burned.”
It hadn’t rained for 108 days and the dry woods were like tinder. Ground fires erupted in communities, including Fryeburg’s Oak Hill section. Crews from Fryeburg, Brownfield and Denmark thought they had the fire under control, but overnight a strong wind blew and brought it back to life. About 2,000 acres burned by the next night and the fire spread to the edge of Brownfield.
As the wind kept shifting, folks in all three towns began to panic. Farmers turned their livestock loose or herded them to farms in neighboring towns. People packed as many belongings as they could and evacuated the area.
By morning, most homes and public buildings in Brownfield Center were mere piles of ash. Stately places including The Sundial House, the Stickney Mansion, and the Farnsworth Place where Dr. Philo Farnsworth, a pioneer in the field of television, spent his summers, had burned. Churches, schools, the post office, Grange hall, library and town hall had all gone up in smoke. Only 20 houses survived.
From Brownfield the fire raced on to Hiram, Cornish and Limerick. All told, about 20,000 acres burned in this area.
Meanwhile in the York County/Sanford Lakes Region of Maine, the towns of Shapleigh, Waterboro and Lyman were extremely hard hit by a series of forest fires that week. Fires also erupted in Alfred, Newfield, Kennebunk, Dayton, Wells, Biddeford and Saco.
All in all, over 200,000 acres burned in southern and coastal Maine.
According to the Waterboro Town Web site, “Austin H. Wilkins, Maine’s supervisor of forest fire control at that time, gave this graphic description of the happenings:
‘It was (an) awesome sight to see the solid walls of roaring fire sweeping over the [Ossipee] mountain and across level areas, consuming everything in their path. The smoke hung so thick and heavy for days over the area that it was difficult at times to determine just how near or how far away the fires were. The sun did not penetrate through the thick wall of smoke for over 10 days. Men using trucks, cars, and bulldozers had to use their headlights as much in the daytime as at night.’ The sound of the rushing fires, sometimes on fronts several miles long, was described as a continuous frightening roar.”
Many local historical societies have documents and photographs of that infamous week. Wildfire Loose: The Week Maine Burned, written by Joyce Butler and published by Down East Books, provides an historically accurate account of the natural disaster.
As you explore lakefront properties in the Lakes Regions of Maine, stop by the local historical societies for more information or pick up a copy of Ms. Butler’s book.
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Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Regions of Maine May 19-25
May 18th, 2011 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Rufus Porter-talk and book signing, Bethel
May 19, Thursday, 8:30am, Crooked River Habitat Training, training for volunteers to identify and document the condition of the banks and vegetation along the Crooked River, teams will be assigned to work in areas of the watershed, free, Crooked River Adult and Community Education Center, 1437 Poland Spring Road, Casco. FMI: 207-892-4700, http://www.loonecholandtrust.org/html/event_calendar.html.
May 19, Thursday, 7:30pm, “Folk Art Murals of the Rufus Porter School: New England Landscapes 1825-1845,” illustrated talk and book signing by co-authors, Jane E. Radcliffe and Linda Carter Lefko, free, Mason House Exhibit Hall, Broad Street, Bethel. FMI: 207-824-2908, http://www.bethelhistorical.org.
May 19, Thursday, 7:30pm, “Cadence in Concert,” four men, four microphones, no instruments, this is the formula for this Toronto’s celebrated vocal band, this group thrills with its innovative arrangements of popular and original songs, hailed as “Canada’s premier jazz-pop a cappella group,” $20/adults, $15/seniors, $10/students, Leura Hill Eastman Performing Arts Center, Bradley Street, Fryeburg. FMI: 207-935-9232, http://www.fryeburgacademy.org/podium/default.aspx?t=121373.
May 20, Friday, 12:00pm, Nature Walk-Exploring the Fresh Green, check out the vast ecosystems of Holt Pond with time for pictures, journaling and strolling, wear sturdy walking shoes, repellent, hat and bring water, $5, Holt Pond Preserve, Chaplin Mill Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207-647-8580, http://www.mainelakeschamber.com/calendar_visitors.html.
May 20, Friday, 12:00pm, Gardeners’ Get Together, join a group of enthusiastic gardeners as they share their gardening experiences, plans and dreams, scheduled for this session is a discussion of garden journals, participants are encouraged to bring their journals and two more plants to share and trade, bring a bag lunch and enjoy the company of fellow gardeners, free, Hobbs Library, 227 Main Street, Lovell. FMI: 207-925-3177, http://lovellmaine.us/calendar/.
May 21, Saturday, 8:30am, 1st Annual Naples Spruce-Up Day, volunteers needed to help spruce up the town, volunteers must have their own transportation, bring own rakes, water and work gloves, a barbeque at the Inn at Long Lake will be provided for all volunteers, free, Inn at Long Lake, Lake House Road, Naples. FMI: 207-693-6226,http://www.sebagolakeschamber.com/calendar.html.
May 20-22, Friday-Sunday, 7:30pm Friday and Saturday, 2:00pm Sunday, “Truly Talented Kids Variety Show,” kids showcase their talents to raise money to support the Sebago Schoolhouse, come and see this amazing talent, $5, Sebago School House, Route 114, Standish. FMI: 207-642-3743,http://www.schoolhousearts.org.
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Out and About for the York County/Sanford Lakes Region of Maine May 19-25
May 18th, 2011 categories: Sanford Lakes Region
Perennial Sale, South Berwick
May 19, Thursday, 12:00-1:00pm, National Estuary Tour, estuaries, where rivers meet the sea, are important and often beautiful places, many of which are protected by the National Estuarine Research Reserve System through federal partnerships with coastal states, Suzanne Kahn Eder, education director, takes you on a tour of 28 estuarine reserves, bring your brown bag lunch, $2, Wells Reserve, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. FMI: 207-646-1555, http://www.wellsreserve.org.
May 20, Friday, 7:00-9:00pm, Dyan deNapoll-Author Series, this author/penguin expert and educator will speak about The Penguin Rescue her book detailing the world’s largest and most successful animal rescue, the program is accompanied by dramatic photographs taken during the rescue effort, this presentation is appropriate for adults and older students, free, York Public Library, 15 Long Sands Road, York. FMI: 207-363-2818, http://chamber.gatewaytomaine.org.
May 20, Friday, 8:00pm, An Evening with Mindy Smith, this vocalist gives voice to the myriad of sentiments that accompany falling in love, she incorporates banjo, slide guitar and cello, $22/advance tickets, $25/day of show, premier seating must make dinner reservations in advance, Jonathan’s Restaurant, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit. FMI: 207-646-4526, http://www.jonathansrestaurant.com.
May 21, Saturday, 10:00am-12:00pm, Hamilton House Perennial Plant Sale, bring a little history to your own garden and welcome spring with perennials divided from plants in the celebrated gardens of Hamilton House, free, Hamilton House, 40 Vaughan’s Lane, South Berwick. FMI: 207-384-5269, http://chamber.gatewaytomaine.org/events/.
May 21, Saturday 11:00am-5:00pm, Beerfest on the Pier, come down and sample some of the best brews out there, lots of vendors offering up samples of great micro-brews as well as some standards, food to be served all day, so bring your appetite and whet your whistle, make sure and stay around for “The Sold Out Show Band,” playing in the Patio Pub later in the evening, OOB Pier, Old Orchard Street, Old Orchard. FMI: 207-934-5714, http://www.oldorchardbeachmaine.com.
May 21-22, Saturday-Sunday, 10:00am-4:00pm, “The Garden Conservancy’s Open Days Program Garden Tour”, explore the private gardens, includes formal and informal borders, orchards, a woodland walk, water features and ocean views, $5, Braveboat Harbor Farm, 110 Raynes Neck Road, York. FMI: 888-842-2442,http://chamber.gatewaytomaine.org.
May 25, Wednesday, 9:30am and 10:30am, KinderKonzert: Percussion, Sounds All Around, from honks and beeps, to sirens and squeaks, the PSO Percussion Trio will “transport” you through exploring the sounds of inventions that move people and things, contact PSO to sign up, free, Dyer Library, 371 Main Street, Saco. FMI: 207-773-6128, http://www.sacomuseum.org/lib_events.shtml.
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Out and About for the Belgrade Lakes Regions of Maine May 19-25
May 18th, 2011 categories: Belgrade Lakes Region
“The Man from Massachusetts,” in Gardiner
May 19, Thursday, 6:30pm, Poetry and Music Series, featuring Cony student poets and musicians, free, Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta. FMI: 207-626-2415, http://www.lithgow.lib.me.us.
May 21, Saturday, 7:30pm, Half Moon Jug Band, high octane mix of incredible music and comedy, a four-man musical mob of desperadoes hijacking the plodding freight train of folk music, $14/adults, $12/seniors, $8/children 12 and under, Oddfellow Theater, Route 117, Buckfield. FMI: 207-336-3306, http://www.oddfellow.com.
May 21, Saturday, 7:30pm, David Wax Museum, Dawn Landes and Hounds, two eclectic up-and-coming indie bands to perform, the David Wax Museum has been called “pure, irresistible joy” and hailed for “virtuosic music skill and virtuosic harmonies,” Landes has been praised as “one of the finest voices in modern Americana offering gorgeous country-flavored pop,” $18, Olin Arts Center, 75 Russell Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207-786-6163, http://www.bates.edu/.
May 21, Saturday, 7:30pm, Midcoast Symphony Orchestra, since 1990, this symphony has been a vibrant part of the Maine music scene, presenting works of the symphonic literature to communities in midcoast and central Maine, concert series IV, Javelin by Michael Torke, piano concerto #1, op.11, E minor by Chopin Will Bristol, piano soloist, Symphony #1, op.68, C minor by Brahms, $15, free for ages 18 and under, Franco American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207-783-1585, http://www.francoamericanheritage.org.
May 22, Sunday, 2:00pm, “The Man from Massachusetts, An Afternoon with John Adams,” Sam Goodyear performs a one-man costumed portrayal of John Adams, this original work is written by the performer, during the intermission the performer will take questions from the audience and will share information about John Adams’ visit to Maine in 1774 when he was an attorney riding a circuit around New England, $18/adult, $10/ages 18 and under, Johnson Hall, 280 Water Street, Gardiner. FMI: 207-582-7144, http://johnsonhall.org.
May 23, Monday, 8:15pm, Cinder Conk, plays music drawn from the Black Sea – the wellspring of Europe’s deepest and most diverse musical traditions, it is the sound of celebration and lament of those who have lived on its coast over thousands of years, this artist mixes frenzied accordion riffs and thundering double bass counterpoint with a classic bardic lyricism that invites and transcends, $15, Slates Restaurant, 169 Water Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207-622-9575, http://www.slatesrestaurant.com.
May 25, Wednesday, 12:00-1:00pm, Brown Bag Live Music Hour with Neil James, this versatile and multi-talented performer brings his violin for a program of blues, jazz, and folk duets for violin and guitar, Neil is an accomplished in a variety of instruments and styles, from finger-style jazz to renaissance lute, he will be joined by finger-style guitarist Michael Knowles, bring your own brown bag lunch or order out at The Library Café, free, Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring Street, Auburn. FMI: 207-333-6640,http://www.auburnpubliclibrary.org/.
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Anglers Find Fast Action on Sabattus Pond in the Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine
May 12th, 2011 categories: Belgrade Lakes Region
Rainbow over Sabattus Pond
Scenic mountain and water views await those wishing to spend at day on Sabattus Pond in Greene, Sabattus and Wales. At 1,962 acres, Sabattus Pond is a large body of water. It is also rather shallow, with a maximum depth of 19 feet and an average depth of 14 feet.
Located about 30 minutes from Portland and Augusta, and only 15 minutes from the twin cities of Lewiston and Auburn, Sabbatus Pond is a favorite for anglers. Coves along the shoreline offer excellent fisheries. Abundant white perch and chain pickerel provide fast action to both open water and ice fishermen. Yellow perch, northern pike and largemouth bass are also fine catches. And the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife periodically stocks the pond with alewives. A public boat launch is located at the end of Lake Street near Martin’s Point in Sabattus.
The Maine Department of Environmental Protection has rated the water quality of Sabattus Pond as poor due to frequent algal blooms. Concerned residents, the Sabattus Pond Watershed Partnership, the Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District (AVSWCD) and the towns have combined efforts to improve the water quality. Their goal is to reduce erosion and the export of sediment and phosphorus into the pond.
The water quality has improved in recent years, but continued work using Best Management Practices is necessary. The AVSWCD received a Section 319 of the Clean Water Act grant funded in part by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to address the erosion issues and plant buffers along the shoreline. They encourage those living within the watershed to do the following:
• Prevent soil erosion and re-seed areas of bare soil
• Use phosphorus-free fertilizer and consider alternatives such as spot treatments or lime
• Dispose of oil, gas, paint and household chemicals at appropriate collection centers
These are rules for all of us in Maine should consider in order to protect our precious lakes and ponds.
To further help with this problem, Sleeper Dam, which impounds the Sabattus River, is opened each fall to allow the water level to be drawn down.
It is the hope of the residents of this area that these actions will have a positive effect on the water quality of Sabattus Pond.
Check out all the current waterfront property listings on Sabattus Pond by clicking on the box below:
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Out and About for the Sebago Lakes Regions of Maine May 12-18
May 11th, 2011 categories: Sebago Lakes Region
Taste the Summer Brews, Pineland Farms
May 12, Thursday, 7:00am-3:00pm, Birding at Brownfield Bog, the 1-2 mile walk , to be led by Jean Preis, will last for several hours but you can come for any length of time, bring binoculars and dress for the weather and for bugs, if it is raining at 7am and predicted to continue through 10am, the walk will be canceled, $5, meet at LEA for carpooling or by the little white house in the Bog, Brownfield Bog, Route 113, Brownfield. FMI: 207-647-8580 ext.12, http://www.mainelakeschamber.com.
May 12, Thursday, 3:00-6:00pm, Beer Tasting, a complimentary tasting of summer-themed beers including Rogue Somer Orange, Wolaver’s Wild Flower Wheat, Gritty’s Vacationland, and Brooklyn Summer, free, Pineland Farms, 15 Farm View Drive, New Gloucester. FMI: 207-688-4539, http://www.pinelandfarms.org.
May 12, Thursday, 7:00pm, Southern Maine Children’s Chorus, youth from all over the northeast join their voices in the SMCC under the direction of Paul McGovern, donations accepted, Corthell Concert Hall, 37 College Avenue, Gorham. FMI: 207-780-5555, http://www.usm.maine.edu/music/events/.
May 13-15, Friday-Sunday, 11:00am-6:00pm Friday, 10:00am–6:00pm Saturday, 10:00am-4:00pm, Sunday, Northern New England Home, Garden and Flower Show, three days of exhibits, talks and demonstrations presented by the regions foremost experts and artisans, $9/adults, $7/seniors, $4/ youth 6-16, Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Route 5, Fryeburg. FMI: 207-935-3268, http://www.homegardenflowershow.com.
May 14, Saturday, 9:00am-1:00pm, Black Fly Festival, a morning of fun for the whole family, craft and food vendors, games for kids, great music, free, Wadsworth Arena, 26 Bradley Street, Fryeburg. FMI: 207-935-9232, http://www.fryeburgacademy.org.
May 14, Saturday, 9:00am, Herb Walk with Kevin Pennell, take a walk through Pondicherry Park and learn about the many uses of Lake Region’s native plants, free, registration required, Pondicherry Park, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207-647-8580 ext. 12, http://www.leamaine.org/calendar.html#KPennell.
May 17, Tuesday, 7:00pm, Jo Radner, master storyteller, folklorist and oral historian’s performance traces some of the tangled threads in the relationships of English settlers and Native peoples in the 17th and 18th centuries, refreshments served, free, Hobbs Library, 227 Main Street, Lovell. FMI: 207-925-3177, http://lovellmaine.us/calendar/.
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Tom - MrLakefront
