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Summertime in the BelgradesContentsfor Printing
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Celebrating The Watershed CauseCelebrating the Belgrades was the theme of the August 17 observance of the Tenth Anniversary of The Conservation Corps of the Belgrade Regional Conservation Alliance (BRCA,) a legacy of watershed-wide work and awareness, protection and preservation that will benefit generations to come. Featured events were a Pro-Am Invitational Golf Tournament at the Belgrade Lakes Country Club that involved 18 teams in a net best-ball format with visiting professionals, and a celebratory dinner at The Village Inn attended by over 135 guests. The anniversary celebration started with the surprise announcement that Harold Alfond, a major community benefactor of the Belgrades Region, had committed $25,000 for the fundraising efforts to support the Corps and the five adjoining Lake Associations (East Pond, North Pond, Salmon Lake/McGrath Pond, Great/Long Ponds — the Belgrade Lakes Association, and Snow Pond/Messalonskee). His gift, he said, was particularly motivated by the widespread support of the many sponsors, the volunteer leaders, and area residents who were involved in the celebration. Co-chairs of the day were Jerry Tipper of Smithfield (Golf Tournament) and Brian Bernatchez of Belgrade and Golden Pond Wealth Management of Waterville (Celebratory Dinner). According to Tipper, net proceeds from the day will likely total over $60,000, with one-half of the proceeds to support the continuing vitality of The Conservation Corps in service to the water quality of the Belgrades, and one-half to be split five ways to support each of the five Lake Associations. "The positive impact of The Corps and the Lake Associations on the water quality of the Belgrades through the initiatives made possible from this generosity will be both substantial and long-lasting," he observed. The Pro-Am Golf Tournament witnessed spectacular golf from pros and amateurs alike. Winning the $2,500 top professional prize was Mark Fogg of the Gorham Country Club who fired a one under par 70 on a blustery afternoon. Second place winner was Adam Hemon for the Weston Golf Club. There was a tie for third place between Jerry Diphilippo of the Portland Country Club and Ron Bilbeau of Riverside Golf Club. Five-person teams playing a net best ball format included a visiting pro and four amateurs. Top team prize went to Boothby Bartlett Insurance of Waterville who shot an amazing 18 under par on the tough Belgrade Lakes Golf Club course. Their day included ten natural birdies and one natural eagle! Team members were professional Jerry Diphilippo and amateurs Dan O'Hallloran, John Jabar, John Quirk, and Dan Hourihan. Second place was won by the team of professional Greg Sandell (Purpoodock Club) and amateurs Justin Alfond, Zack Brooks, Steve Hildreth, and Adam Palmer. Third place was won by the team of professional Doug Van Wickler (The Woodlands Club) and amateurs Nate Fulling, Alexie McCarthy, Alfie Michaud, and Bob Timmons. For more information about the BRCA and the Conservation Corps call 495-6039 or visit www.belgradelakes.org. | ||