Mr. Lake Front

Coffee Pond in Casco, Maine known for EXCELLENT Water Quality

Jon — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 01:37:38 +0000

The pristine waters of Coffee Pond

Situated in the Sebago Lakes Region, Coffee Pond is located 20 miles northwest of Portland and only a couple of hours from Boston. It’s easily accessible from Routes 11 and 121 to shops and activities in Freeport, the White Mountains and North Conway, NH.

At 137 acres, Coffee Pond is a quarter mile wide and a mile long. This spring-fed pond has a maximum depth of 70 feet.

Bill Mansfield, a Life Long Lake Monitor for the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitors Program these past ten years, conducts all the testing and Coffee Pond’s water quality is absolutely EXCELLENT! This is one of the Sebago Lakes Region’s most popular lakes because of its water quality.

Search for lakefront properties on Coffee Pond

Anglers are delighted with Coffee Pond. It’s managed for cold and warm water species. Brook trout are stocked annually. The pond holds 10 to 12-inch hatchery brookies from late April into June, when the water begins to warm. Small and largemouth bass plus pickerel are also caught here. The excellent smelt population provides forage for both the trout and bass. Special regulations do exist for the brook trout, bass and smelt. Fishermen should check the law books presented by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Sunapee Trout, named for Lake Sunapee in New Hampshire, were stocked in Coffee Pond from 1969 until at least 1974 as part of the management plan to increase the range of this species.

Coffee Pond is closed to winter fishing. During the rest of the year, boaters and anglers should note that access is limited to canoes, kayaks and small boats at a small, unimproved landing adjacent to the outlet.

Great swimming, boating, kayaking and fishing are among the activities lakefront homeowners and vacationers will enjoy along the shores of Coffee Pond. The pond is small and peaceful, making it one of the areas most popular. Camp Cedar, a residential summer camp for boys, is nestled along the wooded shoreline.

If you are looking for a quiet location for a seasonal or year-round home, look no more. Let the pristine waters of Coffee Pond charm you.

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Out and About in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine March 11 to 17

Jon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:22:27 +0000

“Fame! The Musical,” on stage in Gorham

March 11-14, 7:30 p.m. (2:00 p.m. Sunday), “The Pajama Game,” music and lyrics by Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, directed by Wil Kilroy, prices vary, Main Stage, Russell Hall, USM, Gorham. FMI: 207.780.5151, www.usm.maine.edu.

March 12, 7:30 p.m. “Dance for Me, Salome,” by John Manderino, based on chapters from his memoir “Crying at Movies,” dramatic reading featuring Naked Shakespeare actors Paul Haley and Kerry Rasor, $5/person, Acorn Studio Theater, Dana Warp Mill, 90 Bridge Street, Westbrook. FMI: 207.854.0065, www.acorn-productions.org.

March 12-14, 7:30 p.m. (2:00 p.m. Sunday), “Fame! The Musical,” directed by Bruce Avery, choreographed by Deb Lombard, story, set in the early 1980s, follows the last group of students who were fortunate to have been accepted at the prestigious Performing Arts School of NYC, $9/adults, $6/students and seniors, Gorham High School Auditorium, 41 Morrill Avenue, Gorham. FMI: 207.839.5754, www.goghs.org.

March 13, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Winter Walk at Chip Stockford Reserve, investigate the winter landscape and examine tracks and sign left by critters, dress appropriately and bring water and snack or lunch, weather dependent, Chip Stockford Reserve, Ladies Delight Road, Lovell. FMI: 207.925.1056, www.gllt.org.

March 13, 7:30-11 p.m. Dance to DelRossi Posse, groove-based dance band, Pulse Dance Studio, 865 Spring Street, Westbrook. FMI: 207.899.1435, www.pulsemaine.com.

March 16, 11:30 a.m. St. Paddy’s Rooster Revue, featuring Carol Noonan and friends, family-style lunch including corned beef and cabbage, followed by a one set show guaranteed to knock your socks off, $40/person includes show, lunch, gratuity and tax, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

March 17, 6:30 p.m. Seed Starting and Garden Planning, presenter Norm Steele, Master Gardner of Cumberland County, everything you need to know about starting seeds and planning your 2010 garden, Raymond Village Community Church, 27 Main Street, Raymond. FMI: 207.655.2135, www.rvccme.org.

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Out and About in the York County/Sanford Lakes Region of Maine March 11 to 17

Jon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:15:02 +0000

Screening of provocative Irish film, “My Left Foot,” in Ogunquit

March 11, 7 p.m. How to Have Great Houseplants, sponsored by the Buxton Garden Club, Groveville Fire Barn, Turkey Lane, Buxton. FMI: 207.929.3401, www.mainegardenclub.org.

March 12, 8 p.m. The Subdudes in Concert, featuring Tommy Malone, John Magnie, Steve Amedee, Tim Cook and Jimmy Messa, The Landing at Pine Point, 353 Pine Point Road, Scarborough. FMI: 207.774.4527, www.thelandingatpinepoint.com.

March 12, 8 p.m. La Stagione d’Amore! (Season of Love) - - An Evening of Opera, several of Maine’s finest singers will perform scenes from operas such as Carmen, La Boheme, Don Giovanni, The Elixir of Love, Hansel and Gretel and more, $25/adults, $10/students with ID, After-Party featuring hors d’oeuvres and wine, $15/person (21+), City Theater, 205 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: 207.282.0849, www.citytheater.org.

March 13, 2 p.m. Walk the Eastern Trail through Scarborough Marsh, led by Mark Andrews, meet at Pine Point Parking Lot, Saco Bay Trails, Saco. FMI: 207.284.4655, www.sacobaytrails.org.

March 13, 6 p.m. Irish Evening, Stillson School of Irish Dance, step-dancing and screening of the film “My Left Foot,” a provocative Irish film, $5/person, Dunaway Community Center, 23 School Street, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.5139, www.stillsonirishdance.com.

March 13, 8-11 p.m. Adult St. Patrick’s Day Dance, Spectrum Band, green beer, casual dress, cash bar, singles welcome, $10/person, Nasson Community Center, 457 Main Street, Springvale. FMI: 207.324.5657, www.nassoncc.org.

March 16, 7:30 p.m. The Galapagos Islands presented by Marie Jordan, photos show the key species of mammals, birds and reptiles, plus habitats from beaches and scrub to lava fields and tropical areas in the fascinating volcanic islands, free, Mather Auditorium, Laudholm Farm, 342 Laudholm Farm Road, Wells. FMI: 207.646.4521, www.yorkcountyaudubon.org.

March 17, beginning at 10 a.m. St. Patty’s Day Party, all day long, Irish beer specials, Irish food specials, live entertainment, Feile Restaurant and Pub, 1619 Post Road, Wells. FMI: 207.251.4065, www.feilerestaurantandpub.com.

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Out and About in the Greater Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine March 11 to 17

Jon — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:07:45 +0000

Simon and Goodwin, eclectic duo performs contemporary and traditional folk music

March 11, 6:30 p.m. Simons and Goodwin, duo performing contemporary and traditional folk music, Reading Room, Lithgow Public Library, 45 Winthrop Street, Augusta. FMI: 207.626.2415, www.lithgow.lib.me.us.

March 11, 7 p.m. Normand Beaupre, Biddeford native and noted Franco-American writer, author of “Le Petit Mangeur de Fluers,” reads from his works in French and in English, Skelton Lounge, Chase Hall, Bates College, Lewiston.
FMI: 207.786.6255, www.bates.edu.

March 11-13, 7:30 p.m (8 p.m. Friday and Saturday), “Accomplice,” Rupert Holmes’ surprising comedy thriller, adult audience only, gala opening reception will follow Thursday night’s performance, $12/adults, $10/seniors, Gaslight Theater, City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207.626.3698, www.gaslighttheater.org.

March 12, 7:30 p.m. Colby Faculty Jazz Quintet: Swinging with the Dancers, featuring Eric Thomas, clarinet and saxophone; Mark Tipton, trumpet; Carl Dimow, guitar; Rick Bishop, bass; Mark Macksoud, drums; and a secret guest artist, to support the Waterville Elks Scholarship Fund for high school seniors and the Maine Children’s Cancer Program, Waterville Elks Lodge, 76 Industrial Street, Waterville. FMI: 207.873.4235, www.colby.edu.

March 12, 7:30 p.m. “Sounds Good!” Music Live at Johnson Hall featuring The Big Moose Band, Contra dance music, Celtic and other fiddle tunes, prices vary, two sets with great desserts for sale at intermission, Johnson Hall, 280 Water Street, Gardiner. FMI: 207.582.7144, www.johnsonhall.org.

March 12, 7:30 p.m. Enter the Haggis, a musical feast, $18-$20, Waterville Opera House, 1 Common Street, Waterville. FMI: 207.873.5381, www.operahouse.org.

March 14, 2 p.m. Will Bristol, 17-year-old USM School of Music student, one of the most promising pianists in the U.S., $10/adults, $5/students, free/12 and under, Jewett Hall, University of Maine-Augusta, 46 University Drive, Augusta. FMI: 207.621.3551, www.uma.edu.

March 14, 4 p.m. Sunday, 6:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Auditions for “Bells are Ringing,” book and lyrics by Betty Comden and Adolph Green, lyrics by Jule Styne, directed by Deborah Howard with musical direction by Brad Howard, 9 men and 7 women to be casted, prepare a song from your own sheet music or be prepared to sing from a selection available, Gaslight Theater, Hallowell City Hall, 1 Winthrop Street, Hallowell. FMI: 207.512.2841, www.gaslighttheater.org.

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Lake Arrowhead Residents Make Difference in Battle Against Milfoil

Jon — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 16:59:53 +0000

Enjoying a Day On the Water, Lake Arrowhead

In 2000 Variable-Leaf Milfoil (VLM) was discovered in Lake Arrowhead, located in Waterboro and Limerick. Lake Arrowhead covers approximately 1,100 acres in southern Maine and has an average depth of 6 feet–creating a perfect breeding ground for VLM.

The Lake Arrowhead Conservation Council (LACC) raised funds and spearheaded an attack to combat the VLM. Their approach has been three-pronged as they’ve used a diver-assisted suction harvester, Benthic barrier program and vigorous courtesy boat inspector program in the fight against this invasive species.

Dave Sanfason is the lead boat captain on the S.S. Arrowhead, the suction harvester. In the Milfoil Update dated August 2009, Dave reported “that just halfway into its operating season, the S.S. Arrowhead and its crew is making a difference.”

Search for lakefront properties on Lake Arrowhead

The VLM in many of Lake Arrowhead’s numerous coves and inlets is coming under control. In 6 of the 14 infested coves, the harvester has completed its job. Though some milfoil may still be present in those coves, volunteers can now use a milfoil rack they invented to assist hand-harvesting in shallow areas.Benthic triangles have been placed in a few locations around the lake. These are barrier tarps placed in the water to prevent plants from getting sunlight, thus killing them.A vigorous courtesy boat inspector (CBI) program ensures that boats entering the lake don’t bring in milfoil and those leaving take the time to wash their boats off, therefore eliminating the threat of spreading VLM to other lakes. In 2009, there were 17 saves of VLM by CBIs on boats entering Lake Arrowhead and 197 saves on boats leaving Lake Arrowhead. These figures illustrate the importance of boat owners to take the time to inspect the boats themselves and allow CBIs to take a few minutes to examine them.

“We’re feeling a sense of guarded accomplishment,” said Peter Lowell, executive director of Bridgton’s Lakes Environmental Association, a non-profit organization that is working with Lake Arrowhead on the project. Education and public awareness are keys to preventing the spread of VLM and other invasives.

People on Lake Arrowhead are feeling upbeat about the efforts to reduce or possibly eradicate VLM. They recently learned that the Maine Milfoil Consortium has selected their lake as one of seven test lakes to receive a $40,000 matching grant for 2010. This will allow for a second suction harvester on the lake, doubling efforts to fight milfoil.

“They’ve done incredible work,” said John McPhedran, Coordinator of the Invasive Aquatic Plant Program at the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. And they will continue to do so as the folks at Lake Arrowhead are committed to saving their lake.

Here are a few news articles from our archive you might be interested in:

Towns Asked to Fund the Milfoil Harvester

Lake Arrowhead Group Seeks Town Funds to Fight Milfoil

Fast-Growing Waterboro Transfers Six Town-Owned Properties to a Trust Formed by Residents

GREEN Monster at Lake Arrowhead

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Crystal Lake in Gray, Maine is the Perfect Place for Lakefront Lovers to Return to Each Year

Jon — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 21:33:00 +0000

Dramatic Sunset over Crystal Lake in Gray, Maine

Crystal Lake in Gray, Maine offers a peaceful lakefront environment where you can lead a life-style far removed from the hectic pace of life, yet get an urban experience in nearby Portland. And its only a couple of hours drive from Boston.

Also known as Dry Pond, Crystal Lake covers 185 acres and has a mean depth of 25 feet with a maximum depth of 59 feet.

The Crystal Lake Association (CLA) works to preserve the natural beauty and the water quality of the lake. The water is tested by Peter Throits of CLA in conjunction with the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program. Peter has reported that the water quality is above average, but as with any other natural system, it must be protected.

A couple of years ago the CLA developed the slogan “Go Green: Keep Crystal Lake Clean.” CLA members have been given “green” bags to go along with the slogan in hopes that as folks use the bags they’ll remember the many changes they can make to help improve the environment.

Search for properties on Crystal Lake, Gray

At the southern end of the lake on North Raymond Road is Wilkies Beach, a 300-foot beach, intended for town and summer residents. Season passes are available at the town office. The beach is officially open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. It is also a popular fishing site during the rest of the year. You’ll find a picnic area and public boat ramp (fee) at the beach. Courtesy Boat Inspectors help monitor boats to keep invasive species out of the lake. To date, no milfoil has been found, but the CLA does have a fund to fight the invasive species.Several years ago folks on the lake began sighting jelly-like masses attached to submerged tree branches. The masses looked similar to fish or frog eggs or insect larvae, but were actually none of these. Instead, they were Bryozoa, an underwater colony of tiny animals that filter nutrients from the water for their food. It’s believed that Bryozoa don’t exist in contaminated water and are indicators of good water quality.

Swimming, sunbathing, boating, fishing, snowmobiling and ice skating are just some of the activities folks enjoy at Crystal Lake. A trail leads from near the lake to the Libby Hill Forest. Mountain biking trails are accessible just a couple of miles up North Raymond Road at Morgan Meadows.

Anglers will be happy to note that the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife has been stocking brook, brown and rainbow trout since 1989. Bass, perch and pickerel are also frequently caught. During January, Crystal Lake is home to the Crystal Lake USO Ice Fishing Derby, which raises money for the armed forces. “We have fishing instruction that is open to the general public. Their sole job is to teach people who don’t know how to fish and teach kids,” event director Todd Bagetis, an officer in the US Coast Guard, recently told Portland Press Herald reporter Deirdre Fleming.

Check out Crystal Lake. Once you experience the serenity and natural beauty of this area, you’ll want to make this your place to return to year after year.

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Out and About in the Sebago Lakes Region of Maine for March 4 to 10

Jon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:51:07 +0000

Maine Chevy Ice Fishing Derby has been canceled due to general lack of ice across the state

March 5, 10 a.m. Winter Ecology Snowshoe Walk, explore along the shores of a beaver pond at Bridgton Highlands Country Club, meet at Lakes Environmental Association, 230 Main Street, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8580, www.mainelakes.org.

March 5, 3-5 p.m. STUPA Duplication, Opening Reception, SIMPARCH, an artist collective that creates experiential installations, will explore ancient iconography and sacred architecture through contemporary methods and materials, Art Gallery, University of Southern Maine, 37 College Avenue, Gorham. FMI: 207.780.5008, www.usm.maine.edu.

March 6-7, 7 a.m. -5 p.m. Maine Chevy Derby, Maine’s largest ice fishing derby, sponsored by the Sebago Lake Rotary Club, HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO GENERAL LACK OF ICE ACROSS THE STATE, $20,000 in prizes including a brand new Chevy Silverado truck will be raffled off on March 9, raffle tickets to support local charities can still be purchased, $20/individual. FMI: www.icefishingderby.com.

March 6, 6-8 p.m. Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner to benefit Konbit-Sante, guest speakers: Dr. Sam Broaddus of Konbit-Sante and Chief William Baker of the Westbrook Police Department, both have a relationship with Haiti and will share thoughts of current situation and ways to help, $10/person, reservations required, Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church, 810 Main Street, Westbrook. FMI: 207.854.9157, www.wwcc.wordpress.com.

March 6, 8-11 p.m. WCYY Rocks the Mountain with Sidecar Radio, celebrate late-night skiing and riding with a rockin’ show and Portland’s Alternative Station, Blizzard’s Pub at Shawnee Peak, 119 Mountain Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8444, www.shawneepeak.com.

March 7, 6:00 p.m. First Annual “Academy Awards Party,” an evening of unforgettable fun and surprises, dress up like the stars (optional) and walk the red carpet at 6 p.m., followed by a complete Prime Rib or Seafood Trio Champagne Dinner, then watch the Academy Awards live on the 100-inch Projection TV, $30/person, $50/couple, benefits local area Holiday Children’s Charities, Rooster’s Roadhouse, 159 Mayville Road (Route 2), Bethel. FMI: 207.824.0309, www.roostersroadhouse.com.

March 10, 8 p.m. Altan Celebrates 25 Years Together, traditional Irish music, (dinner available by reservation at 6 p.m.), $40/concert only, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

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Out and About in the York County/Sanford Lakes Region of Maine for March 4 to 10

Jon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:42:53 +0000

Wicked Funny Comedian Bob Marley at Jonathan’s Restaurant in Ogunquit

March 4, 7 p.m. An Evening with author Gerry Boyle, reading from his new novel “Damaged Goods,” discussion to follow, McArthur Public Library, 270 Main Street, Biddeford. FMI: 207.284.4181, www.mcarthurpubliclibrary.org.

March 5, 5-7 p.m. Empty Bowls Soup Supper, sample delicious soups and breads, bowls are to be taken home as a reminder that someone’s bowl is always empty, collaboration between the Southern Maine Clay Guild, York High School students and local restaurants, benefits York Food Pantry, admission varies, York Art Association, 394 York Street, Route 1A, York. FMI: 207.363.6937, www.yorkartassociation.com.

March 5, 8 p.m. Bob Marley, Wicked Funny Comedy, first show in 2010 for Marley in Ogunquit, Jonathan’s Restaurant, 92 Bourne Lane, Ogunquit. FMI: 207.646.4777, www.jonathansrestaurant.com.

March 6, 8:30 a.m. (men), 9:00 a.m. (women), Hackmatack Playhouse Auditions for singers, dancers and actors, bring resume and headshot, be familiar with “Carousel,” “Cinderella,” and “Hello, Dolly!” plan to spend most of the day, bring water and patience, Berwick Town Hall, 11 Sullivan Street, Berwick. FMI: 207.698.1807, www.hackmatack.org.

March 7, 11 a.m. -1 p.m. Making Way for Duckings and Other Spring Wildlife, learn about the York Center for Wildlife in Cape Neddick and how it helps injured and orphaned animals return to nature, light refreshments, raffles, an adoption table, touch table for children, and an owl pellet activity, free, Ramsdell-Rogers Function Facility, American Legion Post 56, 9 Hannaford Drive, York. FMI: 207.361.1400, www.yorkcenterforwildlife.org.

March 7, 2-5 p.m. Jam Day, open to anyone at “the friendliest pub in Lyman,” Hawg Heaven Restaurant, 10 New County Road, Lyman. FMI: 207.247.6900, www.hawgheavenmaine.com.

March 9, 6:30-9 p.m. Harlem Superstars Comedy Basketball featuring Kevin “Showboat” Jackson and Chris “Super Chicken” Turnquist versus York Dream Team, $8/person, tickets available at Greater York Region Chamber of Commerce or at the door, York High School, 256 Long Sands Road, York. FMI: 207.363.3621, www.gatewaytomaine.org.

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Out and About for the Greater Belgrade Lakes Region of Maine March 4 to 10

Jon — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 02:35:54 +0000

Decadent desserts at the 6th Annual Dessert Theater in Waterville

March 4, 4:30 p.m. “Freedom of Expression: Politics and Aesthetics in African American Art,” Opening Reception, food plus live jazz music by Eric Thomas and Colby College student musicians, Colby College Museum of Art, Bixler Drive, Waterville.
FMI: 207.859.4000, www.colby.edu.

March 5, 4-7 p.m. Scott Landry, Sugarwood Gallery Artist of the Month, Open House Reception featuring Mr. Landry’s photographs, Sugarwood Gallery, 248 Broadway, Farmington. FMI: 207.778.9105, www.franklincountymaine.org.

March 5, 7:30 p.m. Primo Cubano, Hot Latin sounds to warm your cold winter night, featuring call-and-response songs, rhythm and energy on guitar, bass, trumpet, congas, bongos, maracas and claves, two sets with great desserts for sale at intermission, prices vary, call for reservations, Johnson Hall, 280 Water Street, Gardiner.
FMI: 207.582.7144, www.johnsonhall.org.

March 6, 9-11 a.m. Pruning Workshop: Restoring Old Apple Trees, hosted by Renae Morgan, associate professor of pomology at UMO, sponsored by the Kennebec Land Trust, class limited to 20, reservations required, Curtis Homestead Conservation Area, Bog Road, Leeds. FMI: 207.377.2848, www.tklt.org.

March 6, 11:30 a.m. doors open, 1 p.m. games begin, BEANO, Early bird, speed ball, cover all, winner take all, raffles and sealed tickets, refreshments served by C & T Catering, Farmington Elks Lodge, 120 School Street, Farmington. FMI: 207.778.6761, www.franklincountymaine.org.

March 6, 2 p.m. “La Boutiques Fantasque,” with the Androscoggin Dance Company, a ballet for children about a magical doll shop, $12/adults, $8/12 and under, Franco-American Heritage Center, 46 Cedar Street, Lewiston. FMI: 207.782.7228, www.androscoggindance.org.

March 6, 5 p.m., dinner at 6:30 p.m. Central Maine’s National Wild Turkey Federation Annual Hunting Heritage Banquet, raffles, door prizes, games and a silent auction, T & B Celebration Center, 414 Madison Avenue, Skowhegan. FMI: 207.858.4263, www.nwtf.org.

March 6 & 7, 7:30 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, 6th Annual Dessert Theater, enjoy a tasty night out in the R.E.M. Art Space for great laughs, great food and great company plus decadent desserts created by a local chef, $20/person, cash bar, Waterville Opera House, 93 Main Street, Waterville. FMI: 207.873.7000, www.operahouse.com.

March 7, 2-5 p.m. Mainstream/Plus Square Dance hosted by Friendship Squares, Walt Bull, caller and Carol Stewart, cuer, all are welcome, Cushing School, 10 Depot Street, Wilton. FMI: www.franklincountymaine.org.

March 9, 10 a.m. Cross-country Ski Trip, easy-moderate, visit nature at winter’s best on cross-country skis with Sarah Zazzaro, location TBA, call to register, Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance, 171 Main Street, Belgrade Lakes. FMI: 207.495.6039, www.belgradelakes.org.

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Crystal Clear Waters on Pristine Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine

Jon — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 20:45:08 +0000

Enjoying the float at Outlet Beach on Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester, Maine

Maine, The Way Life Should Be, can be found along the shores of Sabbathday Lake in New Gloucester. Situated 30 miles from Portland, along Route 26, Sabbathday Lake is spring-fed and its crystal clear water is considered to be of above average quality.

The Sabbathday Lake Association is an active group. Established in 1975, the association’s mission is to protect the water quality and natural ecosystem of Sabbathday Lake and its watershed.

Search for lakefront properties in Gray and New Gloucester

Boaters and anglers will be pleased to spend time on Sabbathday Lake. It’s a perfect setting for canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and motorboats. And fishermen will feel the tug of brown and brook trout plus largemouth bass on their lines. According to Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, “Although some natural reproduction of trout occurs in the tributaries, stocking is necessary to provide a good fishery.” They last stocked Sabbathday Lake in October 2009.

You’ll find a public boat launch (fee charged) at Outlet Beach, a.k.a. Barefoot Beach, 106 Outlet Road in New Gloucester. Launch your boat, but also make time to enjoy the beach. Since the 1920s families have appreciated this shallow, sandy beach, which offers many amenities including boat rentals and is owned by the United Society of Shakers. Why is it called Outlet Beach? Go there and you’ll soon discover that the bridge to the beach crosses over the exact spot where the Royal River begins its 30-mile meandering journey to the Atlantic Ocean.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village is a 19th religious community and the only remaining active Shaker Village in the world. During the summer season, 6 of the 18 buildings at Shaker Village are open to the public and guided tours are available. A visit will allow you to appreciate the Shaker ideals of self-sufficiency and simplicity.

A nature walk at Shaker Village follows old logging roads and trails along the eastern edge of the vast property. It leads through fields and woods to Loon’s Point on Sabbathday Lake and Aurelia’s Cascade, named for Shaker teacher, Aurelia Gay Mace(1835-1910), who took her students to the waterfall for some of their lessons. From Loon’s Point you can enjoy a panoramic view of almost the entire lake.

Today a Maine Preservation Easement exists on the Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village. Nearly 1,500 acres of mixed forestland and several hundred acres of farmland, orchards, wetlands, recreational lands and the last undeveloped shoreline of Sabbathday Lake are protected by the easement. In the years of preparing for this, Brother Arnold Hadd, a Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village community member was quoted in the Royal River Conservation Trust newsletter (spring 2006) as stating, “Stewardship is a primary concern for the Shakers: be it our faith or our land . . . we will be able to retain the land entrusted to us by our founders over two hundred years ago, maintaining our farm and forestland as we give our hands to work and our hearts to God.”

Just up the road from Sabbathday Lake is the Poland Spring Inn, which gained fame in the 1800s when a man was miraculously cured by its waters. Water from the spring continues to be bottled and shipped throughout the country today.

So . . . if you see beautiful sunsets, feel warm summer breezes and desire great fishing in your future, consider owning your own lakefront property on pristine Sabbathday Lake.

You might also be interested in reading this news article from our archives: Shaker Village Gets National Trust Award.

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