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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing
Article Summaries |
BLA Going for One Hundred
"We don't thank people enough; this is all about thanking people," explained Brian Bematchez, host along with his wife Amy, at a recent lakeside reception for supporters of the Belgrade Lakes Association. As guests mingled, enjoyed hors d'oeuvres and drinks, the quiet pines and the superb lake views, the program of the evening began with storytelling by Representative Dennis Collins of Hancock County. "The issues on the coast are the same as this coast," prefaced Collins before reciting several stories by novelist Ruth Moore. He later applauded the great backdrop, Great Pond had lent to his recitation. Collins was introduced by Representative Jane Eberle of South Portland, formerly President of the BLA, BRCA fundraiser, and Chairperson of the Conservation Corps.
When it became Eberle's turn to address the guests, she focused on archival information. Members in favor of an association first got together in 1905; in 1908 they formed the Belgrade Great Pond Association; in 1919 it became the Belgrade Lakes Association. Some original families still belong. A membership list from 1954, midlife for the BLA, included Alfond, Bean, Bartlett, Baxter, and Freddie Weston. "1 want to make sure you understand why we all work so hard," Eberle stated, citing the great love for the lakes as the motivating factor. She read from Thoreau's The Illustrated Maine Woods, where he described the Belgrades and how they must be developed with great care. Bruce Fenn, President of the BLA, thanked the attendees and his tremendous Board of Directors for the impressive accomplishments of the past few years. The BLA is one of the most active lake associations in e state of Maine, Fenn stated. What was all this thanks about? This close to the year one hundred, the gathering and the thanks was about protecting and preserving, not just now but for the next hundred. The Rome Yacht Club: Racing Since '75The Rome Yacht Club, The Suitcase, Rome, Maine has its own charter, its own burgee, its own commodore uniform, and was once registered with Lloyd's of London. Started by summer residents Kay McClure and her daughter, Kathy Lowell, it also has its own unique fashion of conducting a race: it's called a treasure hunt and it's organized with clues in which everyone gets a slightly different course. Among the innovative organization of clues have been a clue game format and a poker game with cards given out for correctly found clues. Boats are divided into two categories: big boat and small boat, and participants are allowed to paddle but no motors are allowed. The 2005 race was held on Saturday, August 6, starting at 10 a.m. in front of the Vines camp on Great Pond in Rome, and it was the first race organized by the third generation: Kathy's son Peter Lowell along with Will Noel. Roughly twenty boats were anticipated, from the Rome shore and from all over Great Pond. As always, the race will end on Chute's Island with a picnic. | ||
