Sun Journal Special Sections Winter in Maine

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

20 WINTER IN MAINE

Advertising Supplement to the SUN JOURNAL Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Is it time for new boots?

By Dave Irons / Freelance Writer

For the truly tough to fit or for a real custom fit there are foam injec“If the boots don’t work, nothing works,” says former Olympic skition liners. They add to the cost, but er Julie Parisien of Auburn. That simple statement has more meanare close to a guarantee of a snug ing for a skier than almost anything to be said about alpine skiing. fit. New this year is the Hot Form The boot is the critical contact with the ski, and problems with fit not system by Tecnica, a pre wired liner only hamper performance, but also lack of comfort can send skiers that can be attached to a special away from the sport. transformer, which heats the liner.

The good news is today’s boot fitter is better equipped than ever to Ten minutes to heat up and five minmake sure every new pair of boots has the proper fit. Most boot liners utes with your foot in the boot and are filled with a material that forms to the foot after 20 minutes or a you have a custom fit. This is not half hour wearing the boot, which is why we have to plan on spending only simpler than previous foaming, considerable time in the shop trying on different models. but can be reheated and done again This is the key to good fit, taking the time to find the right brand for if it doesn’t quite fit. It also has the your foot, and making any needed adjustments. To get a good fit we advantage of having special transneed to know what constitutes a good fit. A properly fitted boot will formers that can be plugged in at be snug around the heel and ankle, with good full contact between the home or to the car lighter to heat the bottom of the foot and the insole. The big toe should barely touch the boot before skiing. front of the boot or remain just short. The heel should not lift when Another key factor in ski boots flexing forward and the buckles over the instep need to be firm. Any is the stance. Boots have various pressure points should be alleviated or a different boot tried.

Ski boots need to fit properly, and with all the new adjustments that can even out alignThe most common problem is boots that are too big. They feel great options available this year, you’re sure to find just ment problems assuring we stand on in the shop, and because they are made of stiff plastic, seem plenty the right pair. a flat ski to start with. An improper tight, but once on the mountain the pressures of skiing force the foot alignment can result in catching to move inside the boot. Sometimes this can be fixed with padding, but edges and difficulty in initiating turns. Good skiers can and often do compensate it’s not a good solution. Start with a boot that feels almost too snug and wear it in the shop until it forms to the foot and feels more comfortable. If the length is right, for minor variations, but it’s much better to get the boot right in the first place.

Take the time in the shop to get this right and don’t hesitate to go back if they’re most shops can adjust the fit from there. not right when you get to the hill.

Often a boot fitter can make adjustments to a boot that seems too small. An exFor those with major stance problems Dalbello has the Stance Geometry Seample might be pressure on the ankle bone. One solution to this is a shim under ries.

These boots have a cantable sole that can adjust extreme stance positions. the heel to raise the ankle into the These are the key factors to consider when purchasing new boots. Notice that, proper position in the pocket. The except for the new product from Tecnica and the SGS from Dalbello, we didn’t heel can also be lowered if the bone deal with brands. The reason is we should go shopping for boots without a brand is too high for proper positioning.

The first demo days will be at in mind. Every foot is different and unless you have learned over the years that Custom foot beds can also address Sunday River and Sugarloaf your foot fits a particular brand, go with an open mind. A good boot fitter can this problem. Almost every profes— November 30 to December 1 check your feet and recommend a brand. This is the most important piece of your sional skier uses custom foot beds ski equipment. That’s why we carry them on to airplanes and through airports, at Sunday River and Sugarloaf; to enhance both comfort and perforheavy though they may be. If this is your year for new boots, take the time to get mance. Every serious skier should December 6-8 at Sugarloaf. the right fit. It could make your season. consider this item.

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WINTER IN MAINE

Wind Chill

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

19

Family Sunday with Art scheduled at the Farnsworth

S

unday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Farnsworth Art

By DAVE IRONS / Freelance Writer For almost thirty years weather forecasters have warned us of dangerous wind chills. They were basing those dire warnings on a chart developed by Antarctic explorers in 1945.

Those of us who spent great amounts of time outdoors in winter (Read skiing almost every day from mid December to late March.) have questioned these warnings for years. We knew the chart measured the effect of the wind and old on raw flesh, and with today’s ski wear, recreational skiers were unlikely to suffer any serious harm.

Now, science has stepped in and we can say we were right.

To understand the change it helps to know the methodology used in 1945.

Plastic jugs of water were suspended 30 feet in the air and how fast they froze was measured at different temperature and wind speeds. This, At Sugarloaf/USA, the wind chill above the of course, ignored a couple of salient timberline can be quite strong. facts. First, the average face is just over five feet off the ground, not 30. Second, unlike a jug of water, the human body produces heat from within.

That should have been enough to challenge the chart, but it hung on for 30 years and even today, weather forecasters still like to throw in the term “dangerous.”

That term is based on how fast flesh can freeze under certain conditions. Where the old chart mentioned flesh freezing in 30 seconds, the new chart lists 30 minutes!

Here are some samples. Under the old formula, a 10 mph wind was supposed to make 30 degrees feel like 16 and 15 degrees like minus 3. Under the $ PLUS worth of FREE new formula that same 10 mph wind makes 30 degrees feel accessories/apparel on select models* like 21 and 15 like plus 3.

Simply purchase any new Yamaha snowmobile between September 1st and December 31st, 2002 and you pay ZERO down. ZERO interest and ZERO payments for 4 months*! Take The new chart came out a advantage of this limited-time offer, and you also receive $300 worth of free accessories or year ago, but the weather folks apparel on select models!** still use the wind chill to hype their forecasts. All winter sports enthusiasts have to do is understand that the measurement applies to the effects 70 Topsham Fair Mall Rd.,Topsham on raw flesh.

Properly dressed skiers, skaters, snowmobilers and *Offer good September 1 - December 31, 2002. On your Yamaha credit card, subject to credit approval. Finance snowshoers don’t have to charges will be imposed on the purchase and payments will not be required during the 4 month promotional period if your Account is kept current. Thereafter, 11.99% APR will apply. For accounts not kept current, the worry. Of course, you do have 123456789012345 Default Rate, 21.9% APR, will be applied to all balances. Minimum Finance Charge $1.00. **Buy select new 2003 John Smith to know enough to come in out or select new prior year snowmobile from September 1 - December 31, 2002 and receive $300 in free accessories. Accessory offer subject to dealer participation. See dealer for details. Always wear a helmet and eye protection. Observe of the cold, but don’t let the all state and local laws. Respect the rights of others. Ride with your capabilities. Allow extra time and distance for maneuvering.

2002 Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. weather folks scare you out of For the Yamaha snowmobile dealer nearest you call: 1-800-88-YAMAHA *yamaha-motor.com. enjoying winter outdoors.

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Museum’s Family Sundays with Art series will present a workshop on illustrated family dinner place cards created in the Russian tradition. Families will

work together to create illustrated place cards representing the unique qualities of the people with whom they will share their holidays. A museum art educator will guide the workshop with ideas from the Russian folk tradition.

Family Sundays with Art are held once a month in the off season and are free to the public. Reservations are suggested. To make your family’s reservation or for more information, call the Farnsworth at 596-0949 or 596-6457.

The Farnsworth Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed Mondays. Adults $8; seniors $7; students age 18 and over $4; children 17 and under and Rockland residents, free.

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18 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

skiing, sleigh rides, human curling, human dogsleg events, gigantic sliding hill, Moosestompers Ball and more, 532-4216.

13-16 BELFAST Francis Dykes Bonspiel curling tournament, for men with five or fewer years of experience 785-6134 14-15 GREENVILLE Inaugural Moosehead Riders Sno-Deo, 695-4561 15 RUMFORD Sassi Memorial Race, Black Mountain, 364-9877, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 20 BRIDGTON Family Fun Day features a magic show, noontime barbecue in the courtyard and family friendly events both in the base area and on the mountain .

21 FARMINGTON 51st Annual Dart-

rial Race, Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 8 BRIDGTON Joe Jones Snowriders Festival for snowboarders and skiers, a day of fun, sun and great live music, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 8 FARMINGTON Dummy Downhill, Titcomb Mountain, 778-9031 11-14 HARRISON Olde Home Days, 647-3472 15 GREENWOOD 42nd Anniversary Celebration, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 15 NEWRY andicapped Skiing Skia-Thon, Sunday River Ski Resort and Cross Country Ski Center, 824-2440

mouth 50th Race, Titcomb Mountain, 778-9031 23 NEWRY Joy of Skiing Picnic, (progressive picnic on skis) to benefit the Maine Lung Association, Sunday River Inn & Cross Country Ski Center, Sunday River, 824-2410, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 27-March 4 FORT KENT Mardi Gras Festival, snow sculpture contests, basketball tournaments, kids’ day, soiree dance, 834-5354 28-March 4 FORT KENT Can Am Dog Sled Races, awards and mushers banquet, race date March 1 8 a.m., 834-5354

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21-23 BELFAST Wood Memorial Open curling tournament, 785-6134 22 BRIDGTON Spring Fling Beach Park, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 22-24 STATEWIDE Maine Maple Sunday will be celebrated throughout the state; check local listings for area activities, www.mainefoodandfarms.com 30 BETHEL Pole, Paddle & Paw Race, Sunday River, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com If you would like your organization’s events printed next year, please send date, place, name of event, brief description and contact information to Special Sections Editor, Sun Journal,PO Box 4400, 104 Park St., Lewiston by October 1, 2003.

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By CARLENE SMART Freelance Writer Sliding on snow is, after all, what snow sports are all about. But most - particularly skiing and snowboarding - require a steep learning curve, as anyone who has attempted to dismount a chairlift on a snowboard for the first time can attest. Frustrated wannabes who have abandoned the effort altogether now can get out there and enjoy that “speed thing” with the rest of the family.

Tubing works for just about anyone who can climb into and out of a tube, and many resorts have an attendant stationed at the top and bottom of the lift to help you do both.

“Tubing is definitely a popular aspect of visiting our mountain,” said John Andrews, communications coordinator at Sugarloaf/USA in Maine. “In fact, we’ve already gotten calls and e-mails asking what the status of the Turbo Tubing Park will be for vacation times.

Scarborough is one of the first Snow Tubing parks in the state boasting of six state-of-the-art HKD tower guns that could spay over 500 gallons of water a minute and produce one thousand cubic yards of snow per night - in case Mother Nature didn’t feel up to making her own snow. There is also a snow cat for grooming the hill each night.

“So many people would love to recapture that feeling when they were smaller, you know, flying down the hill on a sled? Snow tubing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all members of the family, and recreate that sense of adventure while lowering the potential for injury you might encounter with skiing or snowboarding.” said Cowan.

Planning to open the day after Christmas for the 2002-03 season, the snow tubes are canvas products made for the ski industry with a solid bottom and

Tubing at Seacoast Snow Park in Windham. handles on each side, made of light truck inner tube and PVC material with a canvas bottom. These snow tubes are constructed to be towed.

Walking up hill doesn’t need to be a problem when at Mountain View. The converted ski lift will take you to the top of the hill. The attendant will take your tube attach it to the lift. Attached, you sit on the tube and the lift will transport you upward. From there, choose from one of four runs, some faster than others. 1200 feet up in the air you can try runs with small bumps and jumps.

Children age 3-5 rides in the lap of an adult. Children 5 and older can have their own tube ( smaller tubes for children).A lift ticket will cost $11.00 per person for 1 hour, $13 for two hours and $15 for three hours. They’ll be open for vacations and holidays,

weekends (Fri.4:30-9:30 p.m., Sat.10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sun.1 p.m.-6 p.m.) Cowan tells people,” Children should have helmets, and you should dress warm for the weather.” There is a snack bar and a warm up area should you get cold.

Sea Coat Fun Park in Windham 892-5952(David Ennif, Manager) offers nothing but snow tubing on open bottom snow tubes. Tubes are included in the time block for 12.00. You must be over 4 feet tall to go alone.

Children 3 to 4 feet tall with an adult tube for $6. Sea Coast Fun Park plans to open the weekend before Christmas, with 4-6 lanes featuring some fast and steep, others with some bumps.Time blocks include: Friday from 3 p.m-9 p.m., Sat.-9 a.m. - noon, vacation days, noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m., 4-9 p.m The longest tubing run in Maine (over 1300 feet) is sure to provide you with all the thrills you can handle at Mount Abram in Greenwood (875-5002). It’s a great way to spend part of your day or night, and a great outing for group gatherings and birthday celebrations!

Tubing opportunities are Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and school vacation weeks, and the costs are as follows: 1 hour, $6; 2 hours, $8; 3 hours, $10; all day, $12. Patrons can convert regular or Westside lift ticket to a same day tubing ticket for $5 any time.

The small, local family recreation area located in Longfellow’s mountain range, near the junctions of Rt. 2 and 108, Black Mountain in Rumford (3648977)has a little something for everyone. Beginners have plenty of room to learn on Milk Run serviced by its own handle tow.

A T-bar accesses six great runs including the challenging Stone Wall and Blaster Pasture runs. There are 35 kilometers of cross-country trails with a new Touring Center, plus snow tubing on five, 300-foot chutes making for exciting alternatives.

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Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -Calendar-

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

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© 2003 Kawasaki KFX50 is recommended for use only by persons 6 years of age or older, and ALWAYS with direct adult supervision. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. WARNING: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain.

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Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

4

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Family skating

By DONNA KEENE ROUSSEAU Freelance Writer

F

ind a frozen pond or even a large patch of ice in a nearby schoolyard and chances are you’ll find adults and children alike, skating across the cold, smooth surface, noses and cheeks ruddy from winter’s chilly temperatures. Unlike so many forms of exercise that feel more like work, skating feels like play and can be enjoyed by the entire family.

The only necessary piece of equipment required to enjoy some time on the ice, of course, is a pair of skates, and the key to a fun-filled afternoon of skating is comfort. That’s why L.L.Bean, Maine’s own resource in providing outerwear to challenge the elements, has worked toward providing a recreational skate that addresses the issues of both comfort and warmth.

“If you can skate for an hour and be comfortable and warm, you’ll do it,” says Ben Pearson, L.L. Bean’s product manager for outdoor sporting. “If in fifteen minutes you’re in pain, you won’t.” He describes their line of Comfort Skates as “softer with more padding and insulation.” Fashioned after in-line skates, Pearson adds, “They fit like athletic shoes in many ways.”

In addition, the improved, quick lacing systems and Velcro straps on both the adult and youth versions of the skate prepare skaters for fun sooner and with fewer frozen fingers. “The only thing we haven’t solved is how to avoid parents having to bend over to put the skates on. That’s next on the list,” laughs Pearson.

Skates now even come in colors other than the traditional white or black. L.L.

Ski Maine

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4 coupons to each: Big squaw Mt. Lost Valley Mt. Abram Shawnee Peak Sugarloaf/USA Sunday River Saddleback

Application available on-line at: www.skimaine.com

17

Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -Calendar-

Bean’s and Nike’s Comfort Skates offer fun, updated looks in colorful combinations of teal and silver, light blue and white, and black and white or gray and silver.

For skates with less insulation, you’ll want a fit that allows for a pair of wool socks, according to Dan Levasseur, manager of Gee & Bee Sporting Goods in Auburn. A good fit makes for maximum warmth and comfort. He suggests one half size larger to accommodate. He also recommends, for toddler skaters, a molded, plastic, insulated skate that resembles a ski boot and provides stiffness and stability for developing, little ankles.

While outfitting the family for skating, parents will also want to consider skating helmets, particularly important for kids who may fall frequently or who skate with wide open enthusiasm. From the skateboarding world, ice skating helmets cover the entire back of the head, and they do differ from hockey helmets. As with biking helmets, it’s best to try skating helmets on for proper fit, and ask for assistance to be sure the helmet provides optimum protection.

Bundled up with skates in tow, the only remaining question is where to skate. If an inside skating experience is in order, Lewiston-Auburn offers two ice skating arenas with family skate hours throughout the week. At the Auburn Pettingill Park Arena, family skating is offered on Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. Children under the age of four skate for free, and the snack shack is open on Sundays. Be sure to bring your own skates, as the arena does not have rentals.

The Central Maine Civic Center provides family skating on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Fridays from 7:15 to 9 p.m., and Sundays from

3 to 5 p.m. Children under 5 skate free on Sundays. Office Manager, Georgette Richard adds that rentals are offered, skate sharpening is available in the Pro Shop, and the snack shack is open during all family skate hours. Skating aids useful for children just learning to skate are available at both arenas.

For a nearby, outside excursion, the pond at Bates College is a popular spot for skaters, weather permitting. Check with the college for pond conditions. Not far from Bates, the Holy Family outdoor rink is also available for community skating, courtesy of the Holy Family Booster Club.

Farther south, Portland parks with ponds and flooded common areas are popular skating spots. Payson Park on Baxter Boulevard, Deering High School (Ludlow Street), Breakwater School, Eastern Prom (North

G & L Power Sports Snowmobile, ATV, Small Engine Parts & Accessories 10 Turgeon St., Lewiston (207) 783-2551 GLPowersports@aol.com

30 minutes from Sunday River Minutes from ITS Snowmobile Trails

10 AUBURN Turn til Twelve, Lost Valley Ski Area, 7841561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 10 GREENWOOD Maine Alpine Racing Association Competition, Slalom, evening race, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 12 FARMINGTON Wes Marco MARA Race (SI), Titcomb Mountain, 778-9031 11-12 NEWRY Maine Telemark Festival, nearly 500 participants will take part in clinics, product demonstrations and a fun up&down race, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 824-3000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 12 GREENWOOD Maine Telemark Appreciation Day, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 17-19 BELFAST Ben Ames Williams curling tournament, 785-6134 19 BRIDGETON Super Hits Sunday, the second date of a season-long contest, throw your best trick and compete for great prizes, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 20 AUBURN JP Parisien Memorial Race, Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com

Specializing in:

Fresh Maine Seafood Sizzling One Pound Steaks Melt in Your Mouth Prime Rib Bite Size Turkey Nuggets an ongoing tradition Italian Pasta Entrees A La Carte Fried Foods by the pint Life Is Uncertain ~ Eat Dessert First!

20 NEWRY Martin Luther King Celebration, Sunday River, Maine Nordic Ski Council, FMI: 824-2410, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 23-25 RANGELEY Snowmobile SNODEO includes a chili and chowder cook-off, poker runs, snowmobile parade and fireworks, highlighted by Frozen Turkey Bowling competition, FMI: 864-5364, mtlakes@rangeley.org, www.rangeleymaine.com 24-25 BRIDGETON Celebrate 65 years with a great birthday party for Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 25 AUBURN Handicapped Ski-a-Thon, Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 25 GREENVILLE Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity supporting the Marrow Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Travis Roy Foundation and Give Kids the World, 338-0700 25-26 NEWRY All-Star Aerial Show, exhibition by World Cup, Olympic and international aerialists, Saturday night fireworks spectacular, Barker Mountain, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 824-3000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com

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25-26 FREEPORT, YARMOUTH, FALMOUTH Maine Winterfest feaaturing ice carvings of Maine lighthouses in the three communities, other activities, FMI: 865-1212, www.Mainewinterfest.com 26 FARMINGTON Pat Webber MARA Race (Dual SI), Titcomb Mountain, 7789031 27-Feb. 2 NEWRY Take your Daughter to the Snow Week, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 824-3000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 31 AUBURN Turn til Twelve, Lost Valley Ski Area, 7841561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 31-Feb 2 OXFORD and BETHEL Oxford Carnival at Carter’s and the Bethel Ski Fest at Carter’s. 539-4848, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 31-Feb. 2 BETHEL WinterFest, includes antique snowmobile show and grooming rodeo, radar run, Androscoggin River Polar Bear Plunge, Snowbox Derby and lots more, 824-2282.

31 BRIDGETON Moonlight Charity Challenge benefitting Camp Sunshine and the Shawnee Peak Adaptive Ski Program, 647-8444

31-Feb. 2 CAMDEN 13th Annual National Toboggan Championships featuring more than 250 teams from across the US competing in 2- 3- and 4-person toboggan races, Camden Snow Bowl, 236-3438, PO Box 1207, Camden, 04843

FEBRUARY 1-8 GREENWOOD Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 6-9 BELFAST Men’s Little International curling tournament, 785-6134 7-9 AUBURN City of Auburn Winter Carnival, ($10 lift tickets/ $10 rentals), Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 7-9 MADAWASKA Annual International Snowmobilers Festival in Madawaska and Edmonston, Canada, with more than 400 miles of marked trails on both sides of the border, fireworks, moonlight drag races, dances, barbecue suppers, casino night and more. FMI: 7280949, 363 Main St., Suite 101, Madawaska, 04756, www.isfim.com 7-9 HOULTON Moosestompers Weekend, parade, Poker Run, x-country

Calendar, continued on 18

YOUR SKIING & RIDING

SKATING continued on next page

Greenville Auburn Greenwood Bridgton Kingfield Bethel Rangeley

2 coupons each: Bigrock Mars Hill Black Mountain Rumford Camden Snow Bowl Camden Eaton Mountain Skowhegan Lonesome Pine Trails Fort Kent Mt. Jefferson Lee Hermon New Hermon Mt. Quoggy Jo Presque Isle Windham Seacoast Snow Park Spruce Mt. Jay Titcomb Mt. Farmington Books are transferrable & valid every day during the 2002/03 ski season.

COST: $595 A limited number are available Ski Maine Association Box 7566, Portland, Maine 04112 207-761-3774

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

SKI DEPOT

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RT. #4 JAY MAINE & Black Mountain, Rumford 897-5445 www.ski-depot.com

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16 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

New Hampshire ski areas 2002-2003 AREA

ATTITASH BEAR PEAK Bartlett (603) 374-2368

THE BALSAMS

Dixville Notch (603)255-3951

BLACK MOUNTAIN Jackson (603)383-4490

BRETTON WOODS Bretton Woods (800)258-0330

CANNON MT

Franconia (603)823-8800

GUNSTOCK

Guilford 800-GUNSTOCK

KING PINE

East Madison 800-367-8897

LOON MOUNTAIN Lincoln (603)745-8111

MT CRANMORE North Conway (603)356-5543

TENNEY MOUNTAIN

Plymouth 888-TENNEY2

WATERVILLE VALLEY

Waterville Valley (800)468-2553

WILDCAT MT

Jackson (800)255-6439

VERTICAL DROP

1,750’

1,000’

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SNOW MAKING

2dqc 1 qc 3 tc 3 dc 3sl 2tc 1 dc 2 sl

SKI SHOP

NIGHT SKIING

Yes

14 Novice $49 daily $53 holiday 33 Intermed.

23 Expert

Yes

No

85%

Yes

4 Novice $30 weekend 6 Inter. $25 mdwk 4 Expert

Yes

No

97%

RENTALS

ADULT RATE

TRAILS

1,100’

1 tc 1 dc, 1 jb 1 pony

98%

Yes

$32 weekend 13 Novice 14 Inter. $20 mdwk 13 Expert

Yes

No

1,500’

1 dqc 1 qc, 1 tc 1dc 2 sur

95%

Yes

$57 weekend 20 Novice $49 midwk 27 Inter.

15 Expert

Yes

Yes

2,146’

1 tram 1dqc, 3tc, 1ht, 1mc

97%

Yes

$45 weekend 10 Novice 18 Inter. $34 mdwk 14 Expert

Yes

No

1 conv. 1qc 2tc 2dc, 3sl

80%

Yes

$46 weekend 3 Novice 33 Inter. $36 midwk 9 Expert

Yes

Yes

2 tc 1 dc, 1 jb, 2 surface

100%

Yes

$30 weekend 8 Novice 5 Inter. $22 midwk 3 Expert

Yes

Yes

99%

Yes

$54 weekend 9 Novice 30 Inter. $49 midwk $56 holiday 7 Expert

Yes

No/ night tubing

1400’

350’

2,100’

1,200’

1 4g, 1dqc 2 tc, 3 dc 3 sl 1dqc 1 tc,3dc 5sl

100%

Yes

$35 daily

14 Novice 17 Inter.

8 Expert

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

1400’

1 tc, 1 dc 2 sl

90%

Yes

$34 weekend 4 Novice 19 Inter. $21 midwk 10 Expert

2,020’

2 dqc 2 tc 3dc 4 tb

100%

Yes

$39 weekend 19 Novice 23 Inter. $39 midwk $51 holiday 10 Expert

1 dqc 12g 4 tc

100%

2,100’

Yes

$52 weekend 12 Novice $42 midwk 21 Inter.

14 Expert

Yes

Yes

No

Calendar -

continued from 15

7-22 ROCKLAND Farnsworth Homestead Open House, normally closed during the winter, the museum opens the homestead for holiday viewing. Sat, Dec. 7, 14, 21: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sun, Dec. 8, 15, 22: 1- 3 p.m.; Wed evenings Dec. 11 and 18 5 p.m.

- 6 p.m. FMI: 596-6457. PO Box 466, Rockland, 04841. farnsworth@midcoast.com. www.farnsworthmuse um.org.

7 NEW GLOUCESTER Shaker Christmas Fair, Nine rooms of the 1816 Trustee’s Office at the Sabbathday Lake are open to the public and offer a multitude of holiday gifts for all ages. Shaker homemade baked goods are for sale: fruitcakes, cookies, candies, hot herb biscuits, breads. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, FMI: 926-4597. 707 Shaker Rd., New Gloucester, 04260. usshakers@aol.com. www.shaker.lib.me.us.

8 RANGELEY walk to Bethlehem, Caroling at each church and the Giving Tree, pageant to follow at the Church of the Good Shepherd. 5 p.m. Rangeley Village, FMI: 864-3900. PO Box 333, Rangeley, 04970. rfa@rangeley.org. www.rangeleyarts.com.

27 BRIDGTON Ullr Fest 2002, an event welcoming winter, complete with “The Beating of the Drums,” fireworks and a torchlight parade, followed by a dance, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 29 GREENWOOD Mt. Dew Vertical Challenge, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 31 BETHEL New Year’s Bethel, an affordable, chemical-free festivalfeaturing a community bonfire, lighted vehicle parade, music, dance, story-telling, food and fireworks. Location: Bethel Village.

FMI: 824-2908. 800-824-2910. PO Box 12, Bethel, 04217. info@bethelhistorical.org. www.bethelhistorical.o rg.

31 PORTLAND New Year’s Portland, the largest New Year’s celebration north of Boston features liveentertainment including high quality music, dance and theater, kids events and creative funfor-all within a safe, chemical-free, family-oriented environment. Fireworks at midnight. FMI: 874-8683. 389 Congress St, Portland, 04101. E-mail: lad@ci.portland.me.us. www.portlandmaine.com 31 BRIDGTON New Year’s Eve celebration at Shawnee Peak, live music, midnight toast and more; must be 21. 647-8444

JANUARY

1 BETHEL Carter’s Last Stand, 5k race, sponsored by the Maine Nordic Ski Council, FMI: 539-4848, 800SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com Because the information for this chart was prepared prior to the start of ski season, we recommend you call first for hours and other information.

1 GREENWOOD Jeep Appreciation Day, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 4-12 RUMFORD US Nordic Championshiops, hosted by the Maine Nordic Ski Council, FMI: 364-9877, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 5-10 NEWRY Sprint Gotta Rock College Week, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 8243000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 8-March 13 BRIDGTON Racing with the Moon series, corporate team racing, all abilities wel������������������������ come, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 10 AUBURN Turn til Twelve, ���������������������� Lost Valley Ski Area, 784������������ 1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� www.lostvalleyski.com

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

SKATING, continued Street, next to Common Gardens) and Deering Oaks Park offer community skating and are maintained by the Portland Parks and Recreation Department.

Families can find a unique skating experience at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth, featuring an arena inside and a concrete pond flooded and frozen for outdoor skating. An appealing addition is the Pond House, a post and beam building furnished with long tables and chairs where skaters can take a break, rest and get warm. The Pond House is open during the center’s busy hours and even offers a fireplace!

The outdoor, free form structure is scheduled for flooding Thanksgiving weekend. Weather permitting, the pond is open for skaters from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Call for ticket information and for hours.

Because pond tickets are good for the whole day, skaters with tickets have the option to skate inside or out during arena public skating hours.

Even with the availability of snack bars, some families may choose to bring goodies. A large insulated thermos is just right for hot cocoa or warmed apple cider, and bottled water is handy for keeping everyone at play well hydrated.

Simple snacks might include bananas, carrot or celery sticks, all easy to handle even with gloves or mittens on.

Granola and cereal bars, pretzel rods, plain or chocolate dipped, or bagels prepared with peanut butter or cream cheese can provide a quick pick-me-up without a lot of fuss. Though high in calories, trail mixes with dried fruit, nuts and candied chocolate are tasty, fun to eat, and can give the body’s furnace that little surge of energy needed for a few more laps around the rink.

For easy transport of skates, snacks, extra cold weather clothing, and maybe even a first aid kit, try a wide opening, heavy duty, canvas bag. For traveling small children to an outdoor skate site, why not load up a wagon with wide, all-terrain type wheels or use a toboggan and give the little ones a lift. There’ll be fewer trips to the car for you and great fun for the children before they even step onto the ice.

One final tip: Play it safe when heading out for area lakes or ponds. Check with the local Game Warden service to be assured the lake or pond you plan to visit is frozen deeply enough to support your activity. Then slip on those skates and enjoy some good, old-fashioned, winter fun in Maine.

5

Belfast Curling Club winter schedule

T

he Belfast Curling Club announced its winter 2002/2003 schedule this week.

The excitement of the Winter Olympics last year has spilled over into this year’s schedule.

The club has added two new leagues, one on Saturday mornings and the other on Sunday afternoons, to complement the weeknight leagues; curling will be available seven days a week.

League play began November 11. League signup sheets will be available at the open house. The open house gives people the opportunity to try out some basic aspects of curling, enjoy refreshments, and then play a match during the open curling offered immediately after.

In addition to league play international bonspiels (tournaments) draw curlers

WHAT IS

with five years or less of curling experience. It will include curlers from clubs around the northeast US. This event rotates among all the member clubs and Belfast is the proud sponsor this year.

The Belfast Curling Club is also the home of the US National Wheelchair Curling team.

The team has already scheduled matches with Canada for this season and is training for the next world competition in 2004 and the Photo courtesy Louise Shorette/Waldo Indepent paralympics in 2006. The wheelfrom New England and Eastern Canada chair players are fully integrated to Belfast. The schedule includes the Ben into league play and have been a great Ames Williams Mixed January 17-19, addition to the club.

Men’s Little International February 6-9, The Belfast Curling Club is Maine’s and the Wood Memorial Open March 21only curling club. Curling requires no 23. Other informal funspiels are schedspecial equipment and is fun for all ages. uled throughout the season.

Curling is easy to learn and skill develThis year the club is the site for the opment clinics are offered before the seaGrand National Curling Club five and son starts and through the year. under bonspiel The curling season includes opportuFebruary 13-16. The nities to travel throughout the country Francis Dykes Bonand Canada to participate in bonspiels spiel is an annual at other locations. For information call tournament for men Bart Read at 207- 785-6134.

CURLING?

C

urling is an ice sport of fitness and finess enjoyed ty thousands of Americans and more than 1.5 million people in 35 nations. Men,

women and youths curl for winter recreation and competitive satisfaction that can last a lifetime.

Curling beame a full-medal sport in the 1998 Olympic Winter Games at Nagano, Japan. U.S. men’s and women’s curling teams competed earlier this year at the 2002 games.

Curling’s great tradition began in 16th century Scotland, originally played outdoors on frozen lochs and marshes.The modern game of curling is marked by a high degree of physical skill and mental toughness.

Rocks, with the now-familiar round shape, were stan-

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6

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Snowshoeing: The cure for cabin fever Text and photo by DENISE SCAMMON Freelance Writer

* Exercise , Race , Running :

If you plan on running local trails to stay in shape this winter, the light-weight construction and bindings Snowshoes aren’t just for battles any more. Invented in this category are designed to lace up and hold your as a means of transportation more than 6,000 years running shoes/boots firmly in place. Some will have ago, these ultimate, flat-footed ferriers were put to use an extra cleat under the toe for better traction while during the colonial wars, when Captain Robert Rogers running. led his Rangers on snowshoes through the New York About 30 years ago, snowshoes were twice as large woods in March 1758. and wide as they are today. So how do you know which Today, however, you might want to use them for size is right for you? “Each snowshoe manufacturer outdoor winter exercise, which can be a rewarding has its own general sizing charts according to a snowexperience as you snowshoe through woods and shoer’s weight,” fields blanketed in fresh snow. There are many Simpson noted. types of snowshoe designs, so before you buy the These charts first pair you see, think of how you will use the should be used snowshoe. Will you use your snowshoes for recas general guidereation, hiking, mountaineering or exercise ? lines only, she said, because Recreational : they do not conIf you plan on snowshoeing for fun on gentle sider whether terrain, these shoes are designed to be comfortyou will be carable, have easy-to-adjust bindings and a conrying a 20-pound servative traction system. “This type is perfect backpack or the for the casual or beginner snowshoer,” said type of snow Kathy Simpson of Al’s Sport Center in Lewiston. conditions and “Many of our snowshoe customers are older couterrain in which ples who plan on snowshoeing on weekends.”

The smaller size shown here at Al’s Sports you travel.

“The larger the Center in Lewiston is most popular with Hiking : women, as the manufacturer’s recommended snowshoe, the If you plan on snowshoeing frequently, posweight allowance is 80 to 160 lbs. Notice the more flotation it sibly off trail or on steep slopes, look for a highoffers, which is quality, durable shoe. This is the largest category snowshoe in the middle has been turned over perfect for light, to show the crampon’s ‘teeth’ on the of snowshoes on the market. The decking matefluffy snow,” rial, crampon quality, and frame design provide underside. The larger10”x36” size has a said Simpson. the versatility needed to go from level terrain to manufacturer’s recommended weight of 140 “Well-packed, mountain trails. to 220 lbs. A smaller 8”x21” size is available for hard snow trails require less flotachildrenfrom 80 to 120 lbs.

Mountaineering : tion.”

If you plan on aggressive snowshoeing on Once you choose your size, you’re ready to look at challenging terrain, wearing bulky boots, carrying a the different snowshoe materials, shapes and colors. heavy backpack or ski/snowboard equipment, these The traditional snowshoe frame of steam-bent wood snowshoes are designed to accommodate deep snow has evolved over the years to aluminum, wood, rubber, and icy slopes. The heavy-duty binding, which is often plastic, steel, titanium and synthetic frames in roundratcheted, is meant to fit to a bulkier boot. The traction ed, pointed, symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes. system uses larger crampons for icy and steep terrain.

The traditional rawhide lacing has evolved into variThe decking material is highly durable for varying ous decking materials such as rubber and plastic. weather and terrain conditions.

The old-fashion bindings of yesteryear — simple

*

*

*

leather straps — have been replaced by several designs falling into two categories — fixed and pivot. Fixed bindings are similar to rubber bands and hold the snowshoe to your foot with each step. Pivot bindings are attached to the snowshoe with a metal rod allowing the snowshoe to pivot 90 degrees. The fixed binding offers a more natural stride; however, it collects snow on its tail, whereas the pivot binding shakes the snow off the tail with each step.

Choosing a rounded or pointed tail means a tradeoff between stability and flotation and being able to use your natural stride. The rounded have more of a surface area meaning you’ll need to take longer strides and use a wider stance than is normal for you. The pointed allows for a more natural stride, but they are less stable as the front is much wider than the back.

Crampons for traction on the bottom of the snowshoe are designed according to its intended use. Toe crampons are typically stainless steel and are meant to dig into snow to provide traction.

While recreational snowshoers need moderate traction, the snowshoes preferred by climbers have long talons to dig deeply into slopes. Serious racing snowshoes use strong but lightweight crampons made out of titanium.

“Crampons are basically meant to dig into icy, crusty surfaces, but most people don’t plan on snowshoeing when the icy stuff is coming down,” Simpson added. “However, crampons are nice to have on your snowshoe when you come upon an unexpected icy spot on the trail.”

Once you have purchased a pair of snowshoes, it’s time to hit the trails. Bradbury Mountain State Park on Route 9 in Pownal grooms five miles of trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.

They even have snowshoe rentals. (FMI 207-688-4712) Bradbury is located five miles from the Freeport-Durham exit off U.S. 95. The 460-foot summit offers a view of Casco Bay and 590 acres of forested countryside.

You can also find a number of registered Maine Guides who offer guided snowshoeing tours throughout Maine, such as on the Appalachian Trail. In Rangeley, snowshoe a somewhat flat section of the AT, under 4 miles round-trip, which includes two warming huts along the way.

Any ski center offering cross country trails most probably allows snowshoers to use those trails, too.

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WORKOUT FITNESS STORE

200 Gorham Rd., Clark’s Pond, South Portland (Next to Olive Garden) 772-7110 M-F 10-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-4 www.workoutfitness.com

Race begins in January “Racing with the Moon” is a ten-week race series for riders and skiers of all abilities. The series will start Wednesday and Thursday, January 8-9. Teams will consist of 5 to 10 members, age 21 and older.

Your team will race on your chosen night for ten weeks. Your team’s eight best scores will determine final standings.

In March there will be banquets for the teams. Friday March 7 is the BEST OF SERIES RACE, when the top teams compete one last time for the coveted BEST OF SERIES Title.

Following each race, there will be apres race fun with prizes from sponsors and live entertainment at Blizzard’s Pub. For additional questions or for more information contact: Shawnee Peak RR 1 Box 734 Bridgton, ME 04009, 647-8444, Ski@shawneepeak.com

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

15

Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -Calendarconcerts and performances in a variety of venues throughout the city’s Downtown District.

Unique holiday light displays,

carolers and “citizens” to welcome you and free horse and wagon rides every Fri, Sat, and Sun afternoon. Every weekend

until Christmas Eve. Old Port and Arts District, FMI: 7726828, 94 Free St, Portland, 04101. kcameron@portlandme.com.

Activities

Sunday, Dec. 21 THE

www.portlandmaine.com.

30 ROCKPORT 23rd Annual Holiday Craft Market, Mainemade, hand-crafted items for

Contact the Bethel Area Chamber for complete list of events.

207-824-2284 www.bethelme.com

LIVING NATIVITY

On the town common at 5:00pm. Local people re-enact the Christmas story. A community event with live animals, Christmas carols and great performers. 207.824.2289.

THE BLACK DIAMOND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES

held in the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel at Sunday River Ski Resort.

Tickets are $4/$6 advance, $6/$8 door. 7:00 PM. Dec. 28, 30, Jan. 15, 19, Feb. 8, 15, 18, 20, 22, 26, Mar. 1, 5, 12. FMI - 207-824-3575.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

5TH ANNUAL "NEW YEAR'S BETHEL" CELEBRATION starting at 6:00pm.

An affordable, chemical-free festival featuring a variety of live entertainment at selected sites within historic Bethel Hill village. Programs and advance sale tickets available by contacting the Bethel Historical Society office at 207.824.2908 or 800.824.2910.

January 31-February 9

AT BETHEL STATION Four First Run Movies New Weekly!

Independent/Art Films Visit our Web Site: www.compmuflare.com/casablanca

BETHEL AREA WINTERFEST 2003

Welcome party - Hot Air Balloons - Ice Sculptures - Polar Bear Plunge - Antique Snowmobile Show & Grooming Rodeo - Jeep Show & Obstacle Course - Fischer Nordic Cruising Day - Moonglow Party & Bonfire - Free Guided Snowmobile Tours to Fireworks Rock the River Concert - Fireworks - Snowmobile Radar Run - Snowbox Derby - Flying Moose Classic XC Race. Call 207-824-2282 for more details.

Monday Night Bargain Night! $4 • Check for Matinee Specials

(207) 824-8248 • Located at INTERSECTION of Rts. 2 & 26

www.bigadventur e.com

Saturday, March 15

THE 18th ANNUAL MAINE HANDICAPPED SKI-A-THON

Four Seasons of Fun!

at Sunday River Ski Resort and at Sunday River Cross Country Ski Center. Join others in a free day of skiing and riding to benefit MHS, Maine's largest winter adaptive sports program! Call 207.824.2440 or visit www.skimhs.org

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Outside Summer Fun

Mini Golf Water Slides

Corner of Airport Rd. & Rt. 2 (Just over the bridge) Bethel, ME

207-824-0929

January 18, 2002 • February 15, 2002 • March 1, 2002 On ITS-82 Snowmobile Trail

Madison Grand Buffet 1st Saturday of every month

Email: madison@gwi.net U.S. Route 2 Rumford, ME

22 Minutes from Sunday River

www.MADISONINN.com 864-7973 800-258-6234

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Stay & Eat Packages 2 People

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SKIING: Wildcat 8 miles, Sunday River 30 miles SNOWMOBILING: Direct access to NH Corridors 12 & 19 DINING: Finest Food Anywhere! Featuring Roast Prime Rib, Charcoal Broiled Steaks, Chops, Lobster, Fresh Fish, Children’s Portions Available

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LEISURE: Full Facility Health Club, Indoor Heated Pool, Whirlpool & Steambath, Entertainment Fri. & Sat. Your Hosts: The Labnon Family Located in the heart of the world-renowned Shelburne Birches

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The Labnon Family - Your Hosts Since 1956 MOTOR INN

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U.S. Route 2, Shelburne, NH. Just 1/4 mile east of Gorham For reservations 800-325-4386. In NH call 603-466-3315 E-mail: labnon@townandcountryinn.com www.townandcountryinn.com

.

sale at all day craft event. Juried craft show with over 70 exhibitors. Photos with Santa. 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m., Samoset Resort, FMI: 596-0376. PO Box 508, Rockland, 04841. jhall@midcoast.com. www.therealmaine.com.

30 RANGELEY Lighting of the Giving Tree, 864-5364

DECEMBER 1 OLD ORCHARD BEACH 10th Annual Celebrate the Season by the Sea Tree-lighting event with hayrides, entertainment, hot chocolate and food.

Bonfire and caroling on the beach and holiday bazaar. Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrive on a fire engine making this a very special tradition and holiday event.

FMI: 934-2500. PO Box 600, Old Orchard Beach, 04064. info@old orchardbeachmaine.com. www. oldorchardbeachmaine.com.

5 BETHEL Christmas with the Masons, music and refreshments in the Mason House period rooms, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bethel Historical Society, Broad Street, 824-2908 6-14 FREEPORT 9th Annual Sparkle Weekend…and Beyond, Main Street Magic Parade of Lights, carolers, talking holiday tree, Santa, 50-tuba band concert, horse drawn carriage rides and much more! village-wide, FMI: 865-1212, 800-865-1994., PO Box 452, Freeport, 04032-0452. chamber@freeportusa.com. www.freeportusa.com.

7-8 PORTLAND Christmas at the Cathedral, The Choral Art Society returns to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for another in its series of acclaimedseasonal concerts. FMI: 828-0043, PO Box 8815, Portland, 04104. mhenderl@maine.rr.com. www.choralartsociety.org.

7 NEWRY Third Annual Santa Sunday and Weekend kicks off with the Santa Blues Ball, followed by free skiing and riding Sunday to any skier dressed as Santa and making a donation to the local Rotary club’s fundraiser for needy children.

Sunday River Ski Resort, 8243000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 7 LIVERMORE Christmas at Norlands, holiday decorations, food, building tours, carol singing, jingle bell rides, cookie walk and a gift shop. Reservations required for sit-down meal. Call for fee. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Norlands Living History Center. 897-4366, 290 Norlands Rd, Livermore, 04253, norlands@norlands.org. www.norlands.org.

Calendar, continued on 16

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -CalendarCalendar, continued from X Paints the Dancer More than 35 paintings and drawings of dancer Rudolf Nureyev by American artist James Browning Wyeth will befeatured in this exciting exhibition at the Wyeth Center of the Farnsworth Art Museum in the Cowan Gallery. 596-6457; PO Box 466, Rockland, ME 04841-0466. farnsworth@midcoast.com. www.farnsworthmuseum.org.

Fashioned Christmas features window display competitions, outstanding decorations, special events, a parade and prizes,

FMI: 442-7291, 4 Centre St, Bath, ME 04730. mainstbath@suscommaine.net. www.mdf.org/ downtown/portal/bath/.

open houses, Living Nativity, 824-2282 or 800-442-5826 29- Dec. 24 PORTLAND Light Up The Holidays, Holiday

Bethel Area Winter November 28-December 24

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL

From Thanksgiving to Christmas - open houses, ice skating on the common, horsedrawn wagon rides, workshops, musical performances, Thanksgiving dinner at Sunday River Ski Resort, the Community Messiah Sing, sales and store specials, the Living Nativity, and so much more to experience in this beautiful historic New England village.

NOVEMBER 2 BANGOR Designing Women Fall Show & Sale, more than 15 professional female artists display and sell their work, helping raise money for local organizations that benefit women and children. Holiday Inn, Main St (Across from Paul Bunyan statue), 327-1462. FMI: 17 Middle Rd, Bradford, 04410. mail@designingwomen.org. www.designingwomen.org.

3 PORTLAND First Annual Maine Pet Expo, annual fundraiser for animal welfare organizations in Maine sponsored by Paws, Inc. This event will include: manufacturers, distributors, retailers, breeders, clubs, veterinarians and trainers. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Portland Exposition Building.

FMI: 874-0046. Write: 638 Congress St, #206, Portland, 04101. mainepetexpo@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/ mainepetexpo/.

17-Dec. 1 NEWRY Demo Days, top ski and snowboard manufacturers will present the 2002-2003 season’s equipment slopeside, Sunday River Ski Area, Route 2, 800-543-2SKI, www.sundayriver.com 17 ROCKLAND Family Sundays with Art workshop on illustrted family dinner place cards created in the Russian tradition, reservations suggested; FMI: 596-0949 or 596-6457, 1-3 p.m.

22 - Dec. 21 ROCKLAND Festival of Lights Celebration, Santa Claus arrives by lobster boat, a tree lighting ceremony, parade, downtown parade of lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and other special events, 596-0376, PO Box 508, Rockland, 04841.

E-mail: jhall@midcoast.com. www.therealmaine.com.

24 MANCHESTER Antique Show & Sale, free parking and a delicious home cooked Down East luncheon available. Grange 172, Manchester - four miles west of Augusta Armory. FMI 623-3436. PO Box 5, Manchester, 04351.

24- Dec. 31 BATH Old

29- Dec. 24 BETHEL Country Christmas Weekends, Taste of Bthel, theme wreath auction, wagon rides, shopping specials,

Restaurant

43 Main Street • Bethel, ME

Relaxed, Casual & Comfortable Prime Rib every Thursday Night Lunch • Dinner

Monday-Saturday

824-2589

Friday, November 29 LOCAL

Saturdays Nov. 30-December 21 WAGON RIDES in Bethel village. Meet at the fire station. 2-4pm.

Saturday, December 7 TASTE

OF BETHEL & THEME WREATH AUCTION 12noon - 2:00 PM.

Telstar High School Cafeteria - 5th annual. Delicious samples for 75¢ from area restaurants. Main dishes, soups, desserts, and more will satisfy every appetite at this festive social event! While you're there, bid on the many wreaths at the SILENT AUCTION! Fully decorated with toys, gift certificates, from all local businesses.

Incredible values to be had at this event! FMI 207.824.2282.

ile Rentals Snowmobwith

Liam’s Restaurant and Jack’s Pub

Sun Valley Sports & Guide Service RENTALS

SALES

Summer Kayak /Canoes Shuttle Service Fly Fishing Drift Boat Trips

Old Town-Necky Canoe/Kayaks Fly Fishing • Bait • Tackle Non-Resident Reg. & Licenses

1/2 & Full Day Tours Evening Ride/Dine Specials Snowshoes

Your 4-Season Outdoor Recreational Specialists & Registered Maine Guide Service

207-824-7533 1-877-851-7533

Email: svs@sunvalleysports.com

Great Grizzly American Steakhouse

Website: sunvalleysports.com

Matterhorn Wood-Fired Pizza & Fresh Pasta

292 Sunday River Rd. • Newry, ME

WARES FAIR

A true hometown craft and wares fair, prime opportunity to do some of the best holiday gift shopping! Variety of mediums including dolls, kitchenware, wooden bowls and utensils, clothing, jewelry, and so much more -- all locally hand-crafted! 9:00am-4:00pm at the Bethel Inn Conference Center. FMI: 207.824.2282.

“The Place To Be...”

Sunday River Road’s newest full service restaurant

Eat In or Take Out

Ice Cold Beers Drink Specials

Located on Access Road to Sunday River

Coming in December

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Experience the

charm ofHoliday the Season Inn this

(207) 824-6271

Located Trailside at 13-S. North & South Newry at the Base of Sunday River

Book your Holiday Party with us!

Our beautifully decorated inn will provide the perfect location for any size group or business.

Thanksgiving Day Feast • Christmas Day Dinner New Year’s Celebration Make plans to spend time with family and friends...call today for information!

SPECIALS Brick-Oven

Pizza 2 topping $5.00

Tuesdays 3pm-Close

Complete Complete Steak Dinner BBQ Dinner includes salad & dinner Includes baked beans, corn

$10.00

Wednesdays 5pm-Close Saturdays 5pm-6pm CLIP & SAVE Must Present Coupon

bread, coleslaw & dessert

$10.00 Thursdays 5pm-Close

On the Common, Bethel ME 207-824-2175 800-654-0125 www.bethelinn.com

Holiday Gift Certificates Available for Golf, Dining, Skiing, & More!

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

7

New skis in your future?

T

By Dave Irons / Freelance Writer

he shaped ski revolution has turned into an evolution that shows no signs of abating any time soon. The deep side cut designs have settled into a standard shape for most models with some exceptions. The most common shape is wide at the tip, narrow at the waist and 10-15 millimeters more narrow at the tail than the tip.

This shape gives the ease of turn initiation expected of a shaped ski but doesn’t lock the ski into the turn as a wider tail does.

These shapes work best on the groomed runs most of us ski here in the East. For soft snow and deep powder there are wider models ranging from the Rossignol Bandit XX with a 74 mm waist to the full powder Volkl Explosive with its 95 mm waist. Skis up to 74 mm such as the Rossi Bandit can also be used on groomed slopes, but the real wide bodies are strictly for powder and are usually furnished on heli ski trips or available for rental at western resorts if you’re at the head of the line on a powder day.

All of the new skis share one characteristic. All are shorter. This is a trend brought on by racers and shared by the rest of us. It started with adding plates under the bindings and continued as technology created new materials and construction methods. The result is shorter skis with the same stability of the old, longer models. The downward line curve has been so steep that FIS, the governing body of international ski racing, has issued minimum lengths for alpine skis.

For the 2002-2003 season men’s GS skis can be no shorter than 185 cms and men’s slalom skis no less than 155 cms. The slalom length will be raised to 165 cms for 2003-2004. Not many years ago GS skis were 207-210 and slaloms 200-205. That’s quite a drop, and if those shorter lengths work for racers they will surely work for recreational skiers.

One result of the trend is a swing away from the traditional Eastern ski. For years Eastern skiers favored slalom models for their solid edge hold on hard pack. Today’s slalom models are so short and specialized that more skiers are going toward a GS type ski although many of them don’t

carry that label. The sidecuts and dimensions are similar. Construction is different with the racing models utilizing an extra layer of two of exotic metals and integrated plates.

Another evolution continues in bindings and ski performance. For years manufacturers have been working to either reduce the effect of bindings on ski performance which led to creating bindings that would enhance ski performance. Now with the consolidation of companies (Salomon, Atomic and Rossignol with boots skis and bindings, Head/Tyrolia, and Volkl/Marker) we have the logical result, ski/binding systems.

Although Ess with its plates, and Marker with its Select Control were early performance enhancing bindings the trend setter in the newest round was Salomon. With the Pilot System Salomon built a ski that would take only their binding with the mounting done with an axle through the sidewall. This eliminated the usual top screws freeing the ski to flex according to its design.

Volkl and Marker have teamed up with the Motion System with the binding attached to pair of rails on the top of the ski, simplifying mounting and smoothing out the ski’s flex. Atomic calls its system the Device.

Head/Tyrolia, Look /Dynastar, and Rossignol all have integrated ski binding systems that claim to enhance the ski’s performance.

The big question for skiers is “Do the systems work?” The answer is yes, but. . .

For most testing situations the skis come mounted only with the system binding so testers have no way of knowing whether it’s the specific combination of ski and binding that provides the performance, but what difference does it make if the skis work? That’s the yes part. From the top racers down through the recreational lines skis have never been easier to ski.

The carver shapes make them easy into the turn and the new materials and construction give them stability. And it’s nice not to have to cram a 209 cm GS ski

into a rental car. A 180 is a lot easier to handle in every way. Finally, what about price? At first glance the systems look expensive. Until we look at the cost of skis and bindings separately and see that they often add up to more than the cost of the system, including the binding. Another factor is buying skis and bindings from the same manufacturer.

Often the manufacturer offers dealer incentives and the shops can pass this along in packages.

If you’re in the market for new skis, the best bet is to demo the new models. Be sure to try them in shorter lengths than your present skis, especially if more than five years have passed since you bought new skis.

In summary, the evolution continues and will give us even better skis next year, but it isn’t like computers. The next generation won’t make your new skis obsolete, so go ahead and get on some skis that will give you more pleasure this year.

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FYI:

The Boston Snowsports Expo will take place November 14-17 at Bayside Expo. Take exit 15 (JFK/UMASS) off the Expressway South, I-93.

Show hours are Thursday and Friday 4-10 PM, Saturday 11 AM- 9PM and Sunday 11 AM-7PM. Admission is $10 for adults, children under 12 free. A $3.00 discount coupon can be downloaded at www.SnowSportsExpo.com.

Photo courtesy Sugarloaf/USA

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Routes 2 & 4 at Trailside Crossing, Wilton 645-2210 www.trasksinc.com or email us: trasksinc@cybertours.com

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WINTER IN MAINE

Sleigh rides a great way to spend a wintry day

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xperience one of the Sleigh-riding at Sugarloaf USA joys of winter in Maine with an old-fashioned sleigh ride through snow-covered fields at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore. If there is snow, rides are offered Saturdays in January and February between 1 and 4 pm. (Rides are available by reservation on weekdays for groups of 15 or more.) Popcorn and hot chocolate served in the Big Kitchen are included in the price of $6/adult and $3/child (between 2 and 14). For more information or to make reservations, call (207) 897-4366. As Maine weather is so unpredictable, the answering machine message will be updated each weekend to confirm availability of sleigh rides. Please be sure to call before making the trip.

Directions:

From – take Rt 4 south toward Auburn. 1.5 miles south of Livermore Falls, look for Norlands sign and turn left onto Gibbs Mills Rd. Follow signs 3.5 miles to Norlands.

From Auburn – take Rt 4 north to Livermore. One mile north of Livermore Village, turn right onto Rt 108 east; go 1.2 miles and turn left onto Norlands Rd. Travel 1.8 miles to Norlands.

From Augusta – Take Rt 202 west to Winthrop; take 133 north to Wayne; 1 mile outside of Wayne village, turn left onto Rt 219 west. Travel six miles, crossing three metal bridges and turn right onto Rt 108. Go 3 miles and turn right onto Norlands Rd.

Other areas offering sleigh rides include: Bethel Inn & Country Club Nordic Center, every Saturday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; call for reservations; located on Broad Street on the Bethel common. Call 824-6276 or 824-2175; FAX 824-2233; email: info@bethelinn.com or visit: www.bethelinn.com Meadow Creek Farm, horse-drawn covered wagon & sleigh rides...weddings, anniversaries, birthdays; Becky & Duane Durgin, 58 River Rd., Sumner, 388-2044 or email: beckyd@megalink.net Pleasant River Farm Carriage Rides, horse-drawn carriages for hire; weddings, historic tours of Bethel village, scenic country drives. Tracey Wilkerson, manager, 166 Smith Farm Rd., Bethel, located off the Flat Rd. in West Bethel. Tel: 836-2559 Email: tracenator@yahoo.com or visit: www.pleasantriverfarm.com

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Calendar of Events ONGOING Following is a partial listing of Maine events for the next several months.

For a more complete listing, visit the Maine Office of Tourism web site at www.visitmaine.com or the individual web sites of the organizations sponsoring the events. The items listed here were gleaned from a variety of sources.

You are urged to confirm the date, place and time of these events before heading out. We regret we are unable to print all the events taking place throughout the state.*

PORTLAND The Art that is Glass: Selections from the Greenberg Collection This special exhibition celebrates the art glass collection of the late Sylvia and Morris Greenberg, bequeathed to the Museum in late 2000and spans the “golden age” of art glass from the years 1880-1920.

Portland Museum of Art. 775-6148 or 800-639-4067. 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101. pma@maine.rr.com. www.portlandmuseum.org.

Through Jan. 15 — ROCKLAND Capturing Nureyev: James Wyeth

Calendar, continued on page 14

WinterKids makes winter fun WinterKids is a 5013c non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of Maine children by offering winter outdoor fitness programs for all Maine children and their families. interKids has been working for the last five years to make winter a wonderful experience for children all over Maine. We believe that winter and winter activities are a unique facet of Maine life-the birthright of all who grow up here. It is our mission to ensure that more and more children gain access to healthy winter outdoor activities.

Winter is Maine’s best and longest season, and enjoying it is key to a lifetime of health, physical fitness, and family fun. Our flagship program, the 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Passport, gives every Maine 5th, 6th, and 7th grader the chance to enjoy free cross-country and alpine skiing and snowboarding at Maine ski areas all winter long. Our Winter Sport Fitness Curriculum Guide further expands the opportunites for children, their families, and teachers to enjoy safe, educational, and healthful winter activites.

Now 5th, 6th and 7th graders with disabilities can use their Passports, too.

WinterKids is happy to partner with Maine Handicapped Skiing, a winter adaptive sports program offering downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing lessons. WinterKids believes it is important that every 5th, 6th and 7th grader in the state has the opportunity to take advantage of the Passport’s offerings, and this partnership is part of that philosophy.

You can contact WinterKids in a number of ways: 120 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine 04101; PO Box 7566, Portland, Maine 04112; 761.3774; FAX 879.9483; www.winterkids.org; cmarcus@winterkids.org

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Check out these places for snowboarding Big Squaw Mountain P.O. Box 430, Greenville, ME 04441 207-695-1000

Lonesome Pine Trails P.O. Box 372, Fort Kent, ME 04743 207-834-5202 Lost Valley P.O. Box 260, Auburn, ME 04210 207-784-1561

Bigrock Maine Winter Sports Center P.O. Box 518, Mars Hill, ME 04758 207-425-6711

on Every Ariens Snowblower in Stock Now!

Black Mountain P.O. Box 239, Rumford, ME 04276 207-364-8977

Mt. Jefferson R.R. 1, Box 1005, Lee, ME 04455 207-738-2377

Camden Snow Bowl P.O. Box 1207, Camden, 04843 207-236-3438 snowbowl@midcoast.com

New Hermon Mountain RFD 1 Box 1347, Searsport, ME 04974 Newburg Rd. Hermon, ME 207-8485192

Glade snowboarding at Sugarloaf USA Eaton Mountain HCR 71 Box 128, Skowhegan, ME 04976 207-474-2666 eatonmtn@panax.com

NO OTHER SKI SHOP IN MAINE CAN MAKE THIS STATEMENT.

MT BLUE AGWAY

Routes 2 & 4,E. Wilton

778-6751

w w w.mtblueagway.com

Saddleback P.O. Box 490, Rangley, ME 04970 207-864-5671/Info.

Seacoast Snow Park Route 302, Windham, ME 04062 207-892-5952 Shawnee Peak Rt. 302, Bridgton, ME 04009

Boy, would it be nice...

207-647-8444/Info. & ski conditions info@shawneepeak.com Sugarloaf USA RR1 Box 5000, Kingfield, ME 04947 207-237-2000/Info. info@sugarloaf.com Sunday River P.O. Box 450, Bethel, ME 04217 207-824-3000/Info. snowtalk@sundayriver.com Titcomb Mountain P.O. Box 138, West Farmington, ME 04992 207-778-9031

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Membership Eligibility Required. Some Restrictions Apply. For more details, contact one of our loan officers at the number provided above.

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Y-A-W AY Pre-Season Ski and NO W! Snowboard Savings!

Rossignol Salomon K2 Atomic Tecnica Karhu Thule Volkl Marker Line

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Quoggy Jo Ski Club Maine Winter Sports Center Presque Isle, ME 04769 (207) 764-3248

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13

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Swag Rip Zone Spyder Orage Burton Ride Snojam Goode Smith Scott

JUST A SHORT DISTANCE TO SAVE BIG! NEWION! T LOCA

15 Main Street • Freeport

865-0077

(opposite fire station)

Route 1 Oak Hill Plaza Scarborough • 883-2878

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12 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

Dogsledding trips Have you ever wanted to try your hand at dogsledding? Here’s where you can make arrangements to give it your best shot!

Bear River Mushing Co. & Kennels offers hands-on introduction and intermediate classes on the thrill of dogsledding. It’s a great way to spend an hour or more with your family working with a team of Siberian Huskies. New this year, Bear River offered wheeled-rig dog rides for children and adults, ages 7 and older, during the fall months.

Bear River Mushing Co. & Kennels also serves as the Western Maine Siberian Husky

rescue location. They have 12 years experience as canine behavior specialists and dog obedience instructors and are located 15-20 minutes from Sunday River Ski Resort, near Grafton Notch State Park.

For more information, contact Kim Baker, 1359 Bear River Rd., Newry, ME 04261; call 824-2679; FAX: 824-2679; or email: bearrvr@megalink.net Also offering dog sled adventures are Liz Como & Andy Chakoumakos of Winter Journeys, RR2, Box 1105, Lovell, ME 04051; tel: 9282026 or email: sleddogs@pivot.net

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Santa!

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Annual Shaker holiday fair slated for Dec. 10

3rd Annual Santa Weekend December 7-8

Everyone is welcome to enjoy live music Saturday night during the Santa Blues Ball at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry.

On Sunday, those who have pre-registered and arrive dressed as Santa or Mrs. Claus, bring a cash donation for local charity and participate in a photo opportunity, will ski for free. Register on the Sunday Ribver website — www.sundayriver.com. For more information, call 824-3000 or email: info@sundayriver.com

The Maine Music Society and the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra invite the audience to join members of the Androscoggin Chorale in a spirited rendition of Handel’s “Messiah” Friday, Dec. 20, at St. Joseph’s Church, Main Street, Lewiston. The event gets under way at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $5 at the door. For more information call 782-1403 or FAX 783-1851. Email: mms@gwi.net or visit the web site, www.mainemusicsociety.org.

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VERT.

AREA

DROP

BLACK MOUNTAIN Rumford 364-8977

470’

EATON MOUNTAIN Skowhegan 474-2666

HERMON MT Searsport 848-5192

LOST VALLEY Auburn 784-1561

Cider and muffin sale at the annual Shaker Christmas Fair.

MT JEFFERSON

The Shaker Christmas Fair is a traditional holiday fair. Nine rooms of the 1816 Trustee’s Office at the Sabbathday Lake are open to the public and are full of a multitude of holiday gifts for all ages. A special room of note is the Good Room, where Shaker homemade baked goods are for sale — fruitcakes, cookies, candies, hot herb biscuits, breads, and much, much more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, is located on Route 26 in New Gloucester. For more information, one may call 926-4597, email: usshakers@aol.com, or visit the web site at www.shaker.lib.me.us.

Rangeley rolls out frozen turkeys

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Maine ski areas 2002-2003

CAMDEN SNOWBOWL Camden 236-3438

Messiah Sing-Along December 20 in Lewiston

The Annual Rangeley Snowmobile SNODEO in January will include everything from a chili cook off to poker runs, from a snowmobile parade to fireworks. The highlight of the event, which will be held from Jan. 23 through Jan. 25, might just be the Frozen Turkey Bowling competition that is always a favorite of family members of all ages. Started as a joke a few years ago, turkey bowling is an event that must be seen to be believed.

While events take place each of the three days, the snowmobile parade and the fireworks display are always held on Saturday. For more information on the SNODEO, contact the Rangeley Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 207864-5364. E-mail: mtlakes@rangeley.org or visit www.rangeleymaine.com.

 

 



Lee 738-2377

SADDLEBACK Rangeley 864-5671

SHAWNEE PEAK Bridgton 647-8444

MOUNT ABRAM Locke Mills 875-5003

BIG SQUAW MT Greenville 695-2272

SEACOAST SNOWPARK Windham 892-5952

SPRUCE MT

PO Box 113 Jay, ME 04239

SUGARLOAF/USA Carrabassett Valley 237-2000

SUNDAY RIVER Bethel 824-3000

TITCOMB MT Farmington 778-9031

950’

LIFTS

SNOW MAKING

RENTALS

“Quality Service Since 1964” LAYAWAY

RATE

TRAILS

NIGHT SKI SHOP SKIING

75%

Yes

$17 weekend 2 Novice $12 half days 4 Intermediate & nights 4 Expert

Yes

Yes

1 dc 2 tb

45%

Yes

2 Novice $28 wknd $18 midweek 7 Intermediate 2 Expert

Yes

Yes

100%

Yes

5 Novice $20 weekend 7 Intermediate $20 mdwk 6 Expert

Yes

Yes

622’

1 dc

350’

1 tb 1dc 1ht

100%

Yes

$19 wknd $12 mdwk

6 Novice 7 Intermediate 7 Expert

Yes

Yes

240’

2 dc 1 tb

100%

Yes

$30 wknd $18 mdwk

6 Novice 4 Intermediate 5 Expert

Yes

Yes

432’

2 tb 1 rt

NONE

Yes

$15 weekend 3 Novice $10 mdwk 6 Intermediate 3 Expert

No

Yes

1,830’

2 dc 3 tb

50%

Yes

14 Novice $49 weekend 14 Inter $32 mdwk 13 Expert

Yes

No

1,300’

1 qc,2 tc 1 dc 1 ht

99%

Yes

$41 weekend 7 Novice 19 Inter. $30 mdwk (plus specials) 12 Expert

Yes

Yes

1,030’

2 dc 2 tb 1 ht

85%

Yes

11 Novice $35 weekend 19 Intermediate $26 mdwk 10 Expert

Yes

Yes

1,750’

1tc 1 dc 1tb 1ht

70%

Yes

9 Novice $25 weekend 14 Intermed. $15 mdwk 8 Expert

Yes

No

100’

2 ht

NONE

?

$20 weekend 5 acre terrain park

No

No

300’

3 rt

50%

Yes

$16 weekend 3 Novice 5 Intermediate $14 mdwk 3 Expert

?

Yes

Yes

$53 weekend 35 Novice 38 Inter. $53 mdwk 56 Expert

Yes

No

2,837’

2 dqc 2 qc 1 tc 8dc, 1tb

2,340’

4dqc 5qc,4 tc 2dc, 3ht

92%

Yes

42 Novice $53 weekend 46Intermediate $49 mdwk 40 Expert

Yes

No

340’

2 tb

75%

Yes

$17 weekend 4 Novice 5 Intermediate $14 mdwk 5 Expert

Yes

Yes

92%

Auburn/Lewiston’s

Family Ski Shop

See Us For The New “Shape Skiis”and the Lastest in Snowboards Performance Packages Mix &Match!

HELMETS

ADULT

1 tb 2 ht

 



1818 Lisbon Road, Lewiston • 784-7591 HOURS: MON-FRI 9-5:30, SAT 9-4

9

Custom Stone Grinding

Racing Equipment Dealer d Rossi d Atomic d Solomon d Obermeyer d Oxygen

Located at the corner of North River Road & Center Street in Auburn d 784-0103

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

10 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Snowmobiling in Maine:

By DENISE SCAMMON Freelance Writer

Snowmobiling offers a unique combination of sensations... the smell of fuel, the throaty roar of an engine, the way the cold air pinches skin, the puffs of smoke on exhale, the crunch of snow underfoot.

“There has been a significant and steady growth in the popularity of snowmobiling in the state of Maine, notably since 1997,” said Scott Ramsay, Supervisor of Off-Road Vehicles in the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Ramsay really ‘knows’ snowmobiles and trails...he’s snowmobiled since 1971 and has worked for the Department since 1978. He’s held his current position since 1987 and notes that he rides about 2,000+ miles a year as part of his job. “In addition to snowmobiling recreationally on my own time,” Ramsay said, “ I occasionally enjoy rides with my family as part of my job.”

Registration and snow cover allow access to 12,793 miles of groomed snowmobile trails running throughout Maine and connecting to out-of-state trails in New Hampshire, New Brunswick, Quebec and as far away as New York. Over 94% of Maine’s trails run across privately owned land.

“Almost 300 miles of new trails were added during last winter and we expect to see an increase in trail miles again this winter,” noted Ramsay.

You could travel on your machine

Maine’s Own

and Lands for club and municipal grants for snowmobile trails, grooming of state trails, landowner liability insurance etc. and is available to all snowmobile clubs on file with the Snowmobile Program. A Municipal Grant is available to municipalities or counties for sharing the cost of the construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails. “The club grants help pay for some of the expenses clubs incur in snowmobile trail preparation, including preseason work and winter grooming.

This differs from the municipal grants in that it is made directly to a club and does not require municipal involvement,” explained Ramsay.

“The money for the grant Photo courtesy Scott Ramsey programs is derived from snowmobile registration fees, a These snowmobilers take off for a day of riding in the Millinockett area. small percentage of the gas tax, and other sporadic sources of uninterrupted for weeks on this vast netwhich publicizes snowmobiling news grant money which increased the total work of trails within the state of Maine. through its newsletter, the media, and by $127,000 over last year,” said Ramsay.

There was a drop of Maine resident snow- clubs. “It is also an ally in the legislative “The money is spent on administrative mobiles registered by 6,000 in 2001 than halls of Maine. It keeps an eye on issues support, operations and maintenance, in the previous year. That is common in around the country that could ultimately and grant and aid programs. Total exwinters with little snow. “However, we affect Maine’s snowmobilers.” penses this year were up $290,000 over gained over 4,000 non-resident registra“The trail system in Maine, which last year’s expenditures of $2,305,000.” tions than the previous year. So the total includes the Interconnected Trail Sys“Grants were awarded to 254 clubs in number of registered snowmobiles retem — a 3,000 mile stretch of trails from fiscal year 2002. These clubs reported mained the same at 96,000,” said Ramsay. southern to northern Maine — is second their expenses at $961,000 of which the Snowmobilers are members of more to none in New England when compargrants reimbursed $501,000.” Ramsay than 290 snowmobile clubs, most of ing dollar-for-dollar the amount spent on added, “The clubs come up with innovawhich are affiliated with the Maine maintenance,” explained Ramsay. tive ways to pay for the balance, such as Snowmobile Association. Ramsay exMoney comes from the Maine Departfund raisers, raffles, donations.” plain ed that MSA is an excellent group ment of Conservation, Bureau of Parks Municipal grants differ from club

W INTER PLAYGROUND With Snow Making Capabilities

SUPER TUBING

• 800’ Slide • 6 Individual Runs

grants in that an application must be submitted by the town, city or county and requires local money. “This is a reimbursement program and money must be spent before State money is received.

Trails that are of regional or statewide significance, main artery trails that enable a person to travel from town to town or to major points of interest, were helped by 115 municipal grants.” Ramsay explained that municipalities reported expenses of $2,200,000 and the grants reimbursed $1,446,000. “Some municipalities budget their money to cover trail costs; they all depend on help from local snowmobile clubs.”

Five major trail systems in Maine are administered by the Bureau, which include Mount Blue State Park in Weld, Big Moose Mountain in Greenville, Beddington in Washington County which includes old logging roads, White Mountain National Forest in Evans Notch with spectacular scenic vistas, and Frye Mountain in Liberty.

Trails are regularly groomed and maintained by clubs, volunteers, and municipalities. Some trails are “one lane” and others are “two lane.” The southern portion of the state typically has four-foot wide one-lane trails, while up north the trails are more expansive. There you will find the trails are more like highways, with multi lanes and median strips. . . and alot of snowmobilers.

The MSA did a study in 1997 that showed snowmobiling was the most popular winter sport. Estimates show that almost 100,000 snowmobilers used Maine’s trails in the winter of 2001-02. “A conservative estimate of its economic

T

ters in Bethel (207-824-2134) for information about trails there. Local chambers of commerce in many areas have information about local trail systems and accommodations.

Visit the Maine Snowmobile Association’s web site for current conditions.

Five major trail systems are administered by the Bureau: 3 Mount Blue State Park, Weld. 35 miles of scenic trail winding through Maine’ s rugged western mountains, connecting Mount Blue to ITS 89 and Avon.

3 Squaw Mountain, Greenville. 30 miles of trail high above Moosehead, Maine’s largest lake. Snowmobilers starting here may travel on interconnecting trails to Jackman, Greenville, and beyond.

impact in Maine was $260 million that year,” said Ramsay. “However, the study did not include substantial purchases, such as vehicles and seasonal cottages, because although those items might have been purchased expressly for the enjoyment of snowmobiling, that is not their only use.”

Ramsey went on to say that snowmobile clubs, which are the backbone of the industry, inspect miles and miles of trails year-round.

“If not for the clubs, we wouldn’t have a trail system. 99% of the work done on trails is done by volunteers, 95% of that work is maintenance,” he added.

“The one percent of trail workers who receive a stipend are the groomer operators. They are on the trails four to seven days a week, usually half the night.

That’s going beyond the realm of volunteerism.”

Clubs check the trails every year to make sure they are safe and often find

that many signs — Curve Ahead, Caution, Stop, and Stop Ahead — have disappeared over the summer months. Signing is a big job that takes up hundreds of volunteer hours every year. Clubs are always looking for new volunteers to help place and replace signs along the trail system.

Guide services are available in many areas of the state to help first-time sledders or those unfamiliar with the area.

A brand new grant was created by the Legislature last year to reimburse clubs for purchases of grooming equipment, on a limited basis through a special appropriation called the ‘Capital Equipment Grant.’

“We received 100 grant applications from clubs which spent $1,900,000 on grooming equipment last year. They were reimbursed $619,000,” said Ramsay.

That amounts to almost 32% of the purchase price.

Another legislative change is the elimi-

Thursday Night Special 10.00 5:00 to 9:00 Full Snack Bar & Heated Lodge $

1971 LISBON ROAD, LEWISTON • 783-4103

HOURS: School Vacation everyday 9am - 7pm • Fri. 5pm - 9pm • Sat. 9am - 8pm • Sun. 10am - 6pm

3 Beddington, Washington County.

Travel 44 miles of old logging roads passing through eastern Maine’s scenic countryside.

3 White Mountain National Forest, Evans Notch. High in the spectacular White Mountains, this area offers countless scenic vistas along 35 miles of groomed trails.

3 Frye Mountain, Liberty. 20 miles of trail that connect local trails to Lake St. George State Park.Snowmobile and ATV registrations are handled by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Renew your snowmobile registration online!

Read and abide by Maine snowmobile laws.

nation of reciprocity with New Hampshire. Non-resident snowmobilers who cross the border into Maine pay a nonresident fee of $65.

“We knew that people would be upset by this, and the first year’s non-resident registrations were down a bit as riders stayed away to prove their point,” Ramsey stated. “However, Maine is too great a product, it’s a beautiful place to snowmobile. The non-residents who registered last winter increased and proved this.”

Using the sport for fund raising, snowmobilers have proven they care about their neighbors.

“Snowmobilers participate in fund raisers to help large causes as well as individuals or families who have suffered a catastrophe, such as losing their home in a fire or battling a life-threatening disease,” Ramsay said. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised and given to deserving charities, because snowmo-

Fast Snowmobile Loans!

Special Area for kids ages 1 to 7

We Make Our Own Snow For Early Operation and Always Good Conditions!

11

Five snowmobile trails traverse the state

housands of miles of maintained snowmobile trails throughout Maine are available to followers of this exciting and popular winter sport.

Many of the trails interconnect and adventurous snowmobilers can travel extensively, even beyond Maine’s borders into Canada and New Hampshire. This growing network of trails is the product of a cooperative program between snowmobile clubs, municipalities, private landowners, and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Additional information and trail maps of some areas are available from the Off Road Vehicles Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Contact White Mountain National Forest Ranger Headquar-

Affordable Fun For Everyone All Equipment Provided

SNOW TUBING

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

• 1 Hour Approval* • Free Life Insurance**

Come see the latest MX-Z-REV 007!!

4.90% apr***

GET $300 ON SKI-DOO PARTS, CLOTHING AND ACCESSORIES WHEN YOU PURCHASE ANY ELIGIBLE 2003 SKI-DOO MODEL.†

GRIFFIN’S GAS & SKI-DOO Sales and Service 16 Weld Street • Dixfield, Maine • 562-4641

603-466-5454 Toll Free 1-800-827-5454 www.currierrv.com

Serving Franklin County and the local communities * 1 Hour approvals under normal circumstances **$30,000 Life Insurance per member (subject to eligibility) ***Annual Percentage Rate. Rates are subject to change without notice.

4.90% Annual Percentage Rate for a 3 year term would result in payments of $29.93 per $1,000. Rates accurate as of 11-5-02.

170 Main Street, Jay 897-0900 1-800-848-3688 www.otisfcu.org

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

10 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Snowmobiling in Maine:

By DENISE SCAMMON Freelance Writer

Snowmobiling offers a unique combination of sensations... the smell of fuel, the throaty roar of an engine, the way the cold air pinches skin, the puffs of smoke on exhale, the crunch of snow underfoot.

“There has been a significant and steady growth in the popularity of snowmobiling in the state of Maine, notably since 1997,” said Scott Ramsay, Supervisor of Off-Road Vehicles in the Department of Conservation, Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Ramsay really ‘knows’ snowmobiles and trails...he’s snowmobiled since 1971 and has worked for the Department since 1978. He’s held his current position since 1987 and notes that he rides about 2,000+ miles a year as part of his job. “In addition to snowmobiling recreationally on my own time,” Ramsay said, “ I occasionally enjoy rides with my family as part of my job.”

Registration and snow cover allow access to 12,793 miles of groomed snowmobile trails running throughout Maine and connecting to out-of-state trails in New Hampshire, New Brunswick, Quebec and as far away as New York. Over 94% of Maine’s trails run across privately owned land.

“Almost 300 miles of new trails were added during last winter and we expect to see an increase in trail miles again this winter,” noted Ramsay.

You could travel on your machine

Maine’s Own

and Lands for club and municipal grants for snowmobile trails, grooming of state trails, landowner liability insurance etc. and is available to all snowmobile clubs on file with the Snowmobile Program. A Municipal Grant is available to municipalities or counties for sharing the cost of the construction and maintenance of snowmobile trails. “The club grants help pay for some of the expenses clubs incur in snowmobile trail preparation, including preseason work and winter grooming.

This differs from the municipal grants in that it is made directly to a club and does not require municipal involvement,” explained Ramsay.

“The money for the grant Photo courtesy Scott Ramsey programs is derived from snowmobile registration fees, a These snowmobilers take off for a day of riding in the Millinockett area. small percentage of the gas tax, and other sporadic sources of uninterrupted for weeks on this vast netwhich publicizes snowmobiling news grant money which increased the total work of trails within the state of Maine. through its newsletter, the media, and by $127,000 over last year,” said Ramsay.

There was a drop of Maine resident snow- clubs. “It is also an ally in the legislative “The money is spent on administrative mobiles registered by 6,000 in 2001 than halls of Maine. It keeps an eye on issues support, operations and maintenance, in the previous year. That is common in around the country that could ultimately and grant and aid programs. Total exwinters with little snow. “However, we affect Maine’s snowmobilers.” penses this year were up $290,000 over gained over 4,000 non-resident registra“The trail system in Maine, which last year’s expenditures of $2,305,000.” tions than the previous year. So the total includes the Interconnected Trail Sys“Grants were awarded to 254 clubs in number of registered snowmobiles retem — a 3,000 mile stretch of trails from fiscal year 2002. These clubs reported mained the same at 96,000,” said Ramsay. southern to northern Maine — is second their expenses at $961,000 of which the Snowmobilers are members of more to none in New England when compargrants reimbursed $501,000.” Ramsay than 290 snowmobile clubs, most of ing dollar-for-dollar the amount spent on added, “The clubs come up with innovawhich are affiliated with the Maine maintenance,” explained Ramsay. tive ways to pay for the balance, such as Snowmobile Association. Ramsay exMoney comes from the Maine Departfund raisers, raffles, donations.” plain ed that MSA is an excellent group ment of Conservation, Bureau of Parks Municipal grants differ from club

W INTER PLAYGROUND With Snow Making Capabilities

SUPER TUBING

• 800’ Slide • 6 Individual Runs

grants in that an application must be submitted by the town, city or county and requires local money. “This is a reimbursement program and money must be spent before State money is received.

Trails that are of regional or statewide significance, main artery trails that enable a person to travel from town to town or to major points of interest, were helped by 115 municipal grants.” Ramsay explained that municipalities reported expenses of $2,200,000 and the grants reimbursed $1,446,000. “Some municipalities budget their money to cover trail costs; they all depend on help from local snowmobile clubs.”

Five major trail systems in Maine are administered by the Bureau, which include Mount Blue State Park in Weld, Big Moose Mountain in Greenville, Beddington in Washington County which includes old logging roads, White Mountain National Forest in Evans Notch with spectacular scenic vistas, and Frye Mountain in Liberty.

Trails are regularly groomed and maintained by clubs, volunteers, and municipalities. Some trails are “one lane” and others are “two lane.” The southern portion of the state typically has four-foot wide one-lane trails, while up north the trails are more expansive. There you will find the trails are more like highways, with multi lanes and median strips. . . and alot of snowmobilers.

The MSA did a study in 1997 that showed snowmobiling was the most popular winter sport. Estimates show that almost 100,000 snowmobilers used Maine’s trails in the winter of 2001-02. “A conservative estimate of its economic

T

ters in Bethel (207-824-2134) for information about trails there. Local chambers of commerce in many areas have information about local trail systems and accommodations.

Visit the Maine Snowmobile Association’s web site for current conditions.

Five major trail systems are administered by the Bureau: 3 Mount Blue State Park, Weld. 35 miles of scenic trail winding through Maine’ s rugged western mountains, connecting Mount Blue to ITS 89 and Avon.

3 Squaw Mountain, Greenville. 30 miles of trail high above Moosehead, Maine’s largest lake. Snowmobilers starting here may travel on interconnecting trails to Jackman, Greenville, and beyond.

impact in Maine was $260 million that year,” said Ramsay. “However, the study did not include substantial purchases, such as vehicles and seasonal cottages, because although those items might have been purchased expressly for the enjoyment of snowmobiling, that is not their only use.”

Ramsey went on to say that snowmobile clubs, which are the backbone of the industry, inspect miles and miles of trails year-round.

“If not for the clubs, we wouldn’t have a trail system. 99% of the work done on trails is done by volunteers, 95% of that work is maintenance,” he added.

“The one percent of trail workers who receive a stipend are the groomer operators. They are on the trails four to seven days a week, usually half the night.

That’s going beyond the realm of volunteerism.”

Clubs check the trails every year to make sure they are safe and often find

that many signs — Curve Ahead, Caution, Stop, and Stop Ahead — have disappeared over the summer months. Signing is a big job that takes up hundreds of volunteer hours every year. Clubs are always looking for new volunteers to help place and replace signs along the trail system.

Guide services are available in many areas of the state to help first-time sledders or those unfamiliar with the area.

A brand new grant was created by the Legislature last year to reimburse clubs for purchases of grooming equipment, on a limited basis through a special appropriation called the ‘Capital Equipment Grant.’

“We received 100 grant applications from clubs which spent $1,900,000 on grooming equipment last year. They were reimbursed $619,000,” said Ramsay.

That amounts to almost 32% of the purchase price.

Another legislative change is the elimi-

Thursday Night Special 10.00 5:00 to 9:00 Full Snack Bar & Heated Lodge $

1971 LISBON ROAD, LEWISTON • 783-4103

HOURS: School Vacation everyday 9am - 7pm • Fri. 5pm - 9pm • Sat. 9am - 8pm • Sun. 10am - 6pm

3 Beddington, Washington County.

Travel 44 miles of old logging roads passing through eastern Maine’s scenic countryside.

3 White Mountain National Forest, Evans Notch. High in the spectacular White Mountains, this area offers countless scenic vistas along 35 miles of groomed trails.

3 Frye Mountain, Liberty. 20 miles of trail that connect local trails to Lake St. George State Park.Snowmobile and ATV registrations are handled by the Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Renew your snowmobile registration online!

Read and abide by Maine snowmobile laws.

nation of reciprocity with New Hampshire. Non-resident snowmobilers who cross the border into Maine pay a nonresident fee of $65.

“We knew that people would be upset by this, and the first year’s non-resident registrations were down a bit as riders stayed away to prove their point,” Ramsey stated. “However, Maine is too great a product, it’s a beautiful place to snowmobile. The non-residents who registered last winter increased and proved this.”

Using the sport for fund raising, snowmobilers have proven they care about their neighbors.

“Snowmobilers participate in fund raisers to help large causes as well as individuals or families who have suffered a catastrophe, such as losing their home in a fire or battling a life-threatening disease,” Ramsay said. “Hundreds of thousands of dollars are raised and given to deserving charities, because snowmo-

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Five snowmobile trails traverse the state

housands of miles of maintained snowmobile trails throughout Maine are available to followers of this exciting and popular winter sport.

Many of the trails interconnect and adventurous snowmobilers can travel extensively, even beyond Maine’s borders into Canada and New Hampshire. This growing network of trails is the product of a cooperative program between snowmobile clubs, municipalities, private landowners, and the Maine Bureau of Parks and Lands.

Additional information and trail maps of some areas are available from the Off Road Vehicles Division of the Bureau of Parks and Lands. Contact White Mountain National Forest Ranger Headquar-

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

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170 Main Street, Jay 897-0900 1-800-848-3688 www.otisfcu.org

12 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

Dogsledding trips Have you ever wanted to try your hand at dogsledding? Here’s where you can make arrangements to give it your best shot!

Bear River Mushing Co. & Kennels offers hands-on introduction and intermediate classes on the thrill of dogsledding. It’s a great way to spend an hour or more with your family working with a team of Siberian Huskies. New this year, Bear River offered wheeled-rig dog rides for children and adults, ages 7 and older, during the fall months.

Bear River Mushing Co. & Kennels also serves as the Western Maine Siberian Husky

rescue location. They have 12 years experience as canine behavior specialists and dog obedience instructors and are located 15-20 minutes from Sunday River Ski Resort, near Grafton Notch State Park.

For more information, contact Kim Baker, 1359 Bear River Rd., Newry, ME 04261; call 824-2679; FAX: 824-2679; or email: bearrvr@megalink.net Also offering dog sled adventures are Liz Como & Andy Chakoumakos of Winter Journeys, RR2, Box 1105, Lovell, ME 04051; tel: 9282026 or email: sleddogs@pivot.net

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Annual Shaker holiday fair slated for Dec. 10

3rd Annual Santa Weekend December 7-8

Everyone is welcome to enjoy live music Saturday night during the Santa Blues Ball at Sunday River Ski Resort in Newry.

On Sunday, those who have pre-registered and arrive dressed as Santa or Mrs. Claus, bring a cash donation for local charity and participate in a photo opportunity, will ski for free. Register on the Sunday Ribver website — www.sundayriver.com. For more information, call 824-3000 or email: info@sundayriver.com

The Maine Music Society and the Androscoggin Valley Community Orchestra invite the audience to join members of the Androscoggin Chorale in a spirited rendition of Handel’s “Messiah” Friday, Dec. 20, at St. Joseph’s Church, Main Street, Lewiston. The event gets under way at 7:30 p.m.; tickets are $5 at the door. For more information call 782-1403 or FAX 783-1851. Email: mms@gwi.net or visit the web site, www.mainemusicsociety.org.

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VERT.

AREA

DROP

BLACK MOUNTAIN Rumford 364-8977

470’

EATON MOUNTAIN Skowhegan 474-2666

HERMON MT Searsport 848-5192

LOST VALLEY Auburn 784-1561

Cider and muffin sale at the annual Shaker Christmas Fair.

MT JEFFERSON

The Shaker Christmas Fair is a traditional holiday fair. Nine rooms of the 1816 Trustee’s Office at the Sabbathday Lake are open to the public and are full of a multitude of holiday gifts for all ages. A special room of note is the Good Room, where Shaker homemade baked goods are for sale — fruitcakes, cookies, candies, hot herb biscuits, breads, and much, much more. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, is located on Route 26 in New Gloucester. For more information, one may call 926-4597, email: usshakers@aol.com, or visit the web site at www.shaker.lib.me.us.

Rangeley rolls out frozen turkeys

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Maine ski areas 2002-2003

CAMDEN SNOWBOWL Camden 236-3438

Messiah Sing-Along December 20 in Lewiston

The Annual Rangeley Snowmobile SNODEO in January will include everything from a chili cook off to poker runs, from a snowmobile parade to fireworks. The highlight of the event, which will be held from Jan. 23 through Jan. 25, might just be the Frozen Turkey Bowling competition that is always a favorite of family members of all ages. Started as a joke a few years ago, turkey bowling is an event that must be seen to be believed.

While events take place each of the three days, the snowmobile parade and the fireworks display are always held on Saturday. For more information on the SNODEO, contact the Rangeley Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce at 207864-5364. E-mail: mtlakes@rangeley.org or visit www.rangeleymaine.com.

 

 



Lee 738-2377

SADDLEBACK Rangeley 864-5671

SHAWNEE PEAK Bridgton 647-8444

MOUNT ABRAM Locke Mills 875-5003

BIG SQUAW MT Greenville 695-2272

SEACOAST SNOWPARK Windham 892-5952

SPRUCE MT

PO Box 113 Jay, ME 04239

SUGARLOAF/USA Carrabassett Valley 237-2000

SUNDAY RIVER Bethel 824-3000

TITCOMB MT Farmington 778-9031

950’

LIFTS

SNOW MAKING

RENTALS

“Quality Service Since 1964” LAYAWAY

RATE

TRAILS

NIGHT SKI SHOP SKIING

75%

Yes

$17 weekend 2 Novice $12 half days 4 Intermediate & nights 4 Expert

Yes

Yes

1 dc 2 tb

45%

Yes

2 Novice $28 wknd $18 midweek 7 Intermediate 2 Expert

Yes

Yes

100%

Yes

5 Novice $20 weekend 7 Intermediate $20 mdwk 6 Expert

Yes

Yes

622’

1 dc

350’

1 tb 1dc 1ht

100%

Yes

$19 wknd $12 mdwk

6 Novice 7 Intermediate 7 Expert

Yes

Yes

240’

2 dc 1 tb

100%

Yes

$30 wknd $18 mdwk

6 Novice 4 Intermediate 5 Expert

Yes

Yes

432’

2 tb 1 rt

NONE

Yes

$15 weekend 3 Novice $10 mdwk 6 Intermediate 3 Expert

No

Yes

1,830’

2 dc 3 tb

50%

Yes

14 Novice $49 weekend 14 Inter $32 mdwk 13 Expert

Yes

No

1,300’

1 qc,2 tc 1 dc 1 ht

99%

Yes

$41 weekend 7 Novice 19 Inter. $30 mdwk (plus specials) 12 Expert

Yes

Yes

1,030’

2 dc 2 tb 1 ht

85%

Yes

11 Novice $35 weekend 19 Intermediate $26 mdwk 10 Expert

Yes

Yes

1,750’

1tc 1 dc 1tb 1ht

70%

Yes

9 Novice $25 weekend 14 Intermed. $15 mdwk 8 Expert

Yes

No

100’

2 ht

NONE

?

$20 weekend 5 acre terrain park

No

No

300’

3 rt

50%

Yes

$16 weekend 3 Novice 5 Intermediate $14 mdwk 3 Expert

?

Yes

Yes

$53 weekend 35 Novice 38 Inter. $53 mdwk 56 Expert

Yes

No

2,837’

2 dqc 2 qc 1 tc 8dc, 1tb

2,340’

4dqc 5qc,4 tc 2dc, 3ht

92%

Yes

42 Novice $53 weekend 46Intermediate $49 mdwk 40 Expert

Yes

No

340’

2 tb

75%

Yes

$17 weekend 4 Novice 5 Intermediate $14 mdwk 5 Expert

Yes

Yes

92%

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9

Custom Stone Grinding

Racing Equipment Dealer d Rossi d Atomic d Solomon d Obermeyer d Oxygen

Located at the corner of North River Road & Center Street in Auburn d 784-0103

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

8

WINTER IN MAINE

Sleigh rides a great way to spend a wintry day

E

xperience one of the Sleigh-riding at Sugarloaf USA joys of winter in Maine with an old-fashioned sleigh ride through snow-covered fields at Washburn-Norlands Living History Center in Livermore. If there is snow, rides are offered Saturdays in January and February between 1 and 4 pm. (Rides are available by reservation on weekdays for groups of 15 or more.) Popcorn and hot chocolate served in the Big Kitchen are included in the price of $6/adult and $3/child (between 2 and 14). For more information or to make reservations, call (207) 897-4366. As Maine weather is so unpredictable, the answering machine message will be updated each weekend to confirm availability of sleigh rides. Please be sure to call before making the trip.

Directions:

From – take Rt 4 south toward Auburn. 1.5 miles south of Livermore Falls, look for Norlands sign and turn left onto Gibbs Mills Rd. Follow signs 3.5 miles to Norlands.

From Auburn – take Rt 4 north to Livermore. One mile north of Livermore Village, turn right onto Rt 108 east; go 1.2 miles and turn left onto Norlands Rd. Travel 1.8 miles to Norlands.

From Augusta – Take Rt 202 west to Winthrop; take 133 north to Wayne; 1 mile outside of Wayne village, turn left onto Rt 219 west. Travel six miles, crossing three metal bridges and turn right onto Rt 108. Go 3 miles and turn right onto Norlands Rd.

Other areas offering sleigh rides include: Bethel Inn & Country Club Nordic Center, every Saturday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.; call for reservations; located on Broad Street on the Bethel common. Call 824-6276 or 824-2175; FAX 824-2233; email: info@bethelinn.com or visit: www.bethelinn.com Meadow Creek Farm, horse-drawn covered wagon & sleigh rides...weddings, anniversaries, birthdays; Becky & Duane Durgin, 58 River Rd., Sumner, 388-2044 or email: beckyd@megalink.net Pleasant River Farm Carriage Rides, horse-drawn carriages for hire; weddings, historic tours of Bethel village, scenic country drives. Tracey Wilkerson, manager, 166 Smith Farm Rd., Bethel, located off the Flat Rd. in West Bethel. Tel: 836-2559 Email: tracenator@yahoo.com or visit: www.pleasantriverfarm.com

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Calendar of Events ONGOING Following is a partial listing of Maine events for the next several months.

For a more complete listing, visit the Maine Office of Tourism web site at www.visitmaine.com or the individual web sites of the organizations sponsoring the events. The items listed here were gleaned from a variety of sources.

You are urged to confirm the date, place and time of these events before heading out. We regret we are unable to print all the events taking place throughout the state.*

PORTLAND The Art that is Glass: Selections from the Greenberg Collection This special exhibition celebrates the art glass collection of the late Sylvia and Morris Greenberg, bequeathed to the Museum in late 2000and spans the “golden age” of art glass from the years 1880-1920.

Portland Museum of Art. 775-6148 or 800-639-4067. 7 Congress Square, Portland, ME 04101. pma@maine.rr.com. www.portlandmuseum.org.

Through Jan. 15 — ROCKLAND Capturing Nureyev: James Wyeth

Calendar, continued on page 14

WinterKids makes winter fun WinterKids is a 5013c non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health of Maine children by offering winter outdoor fitness programs for all Maine children and their families. interKids has been working for the last five years to make winter a wonderful experience for children all over Maine. We believe that winter and winter activities are a unique facet of Maine life-the birthright of all who grow up here. It is our mission to ensure that more and more children gain access to healthy winter outdoor activities.

Winter is Maine’s best and longest season, and enjoying it is key to a lifetime of health, physical fitness, and family fun. Our flagship program, the 5th, 6th, and 7th Grade Passport, gives every Maine 5th, 6th, and 7th grader the chance to enjoy free cross-country and alpine skiing and snowboarding at Maine ski areas all winter long. Our Winter Sport Fitness Curriculum Guide further expands the opportunites for children, their families, and teachers to enjoy safe, educational, and healthful winter activites.

Now 5th, 6th and 7th graders with disabilities can use their Passports, too.

WinterKids is happy to partner with Maine Handicapped Skiing, a winter adaptive sports program offering downhill and cross country skiing, snowboarding, and snowshoeing lessons. WinterKids believes it is important that every 5th, 6th and 7th grader in the state has the opportunity to take advantage of the Passport’s offerings, and this partnership is part of that philosophy.

You can contact WinterKids in a number of ways: 120 Exchange Street, Portland, Maine 04101; PO Box 7566, Portland, Maine 04112; 761.3774; FAX 879.9483; www.winterkids.org; cmarcus@winterkids.org

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Check out these places for snowboarding Big Squaw Mountain P.O. Box 430, Greenville, ME 04441 207-695-1000

Lonesome Pine Trails P.O. Box 372, Fort Kent, ME 04743 207-834-5202 Lost Valley P.O. Box 260, Auburn, ME 04210 207-784-1561

Bigrock Maine Winter Sports Center P.O. Box 518, Mars Hill, ME 04758 207-425-6711

on Every Ariens Snowblower in Stock Now!

Black Mountain P.O. Box 239, Rumford, ME 04276 207-364-8977

Mt. Jefferson R.R. 1, Box 1005, Lee, ME 04455 207-738-2377

Camden Snow Bowl P.O. Box 1207, Camden, 04843 207-236-3438 snowbowl@midcoast.com

New Hermon Mountain RFD 1 Box 1347, Searsport, ME 04974 Newburg Rd. Hermon, ME 207-8485192

Glade snowboarding at Sugarloaf USA Eaton Mountain HCR 71 Box 128, Skowhegan, ME 04976 207-474-2666 eatonmtn@panax.com

NO OTHER SKI SHOP IN MAINE CAN MAKE THIS STATEMENT.

MT BLUE AGWAY

Routes 2 & 4,E. Wilton

778-6751

w w w.mtblueagway.com

Saddleback P.O. Box 490, Rangley, ME 04970 207-864-5671/Info.

Seacoast Snow Park Route 302, Windham, ME 04062 207-892-5952 Shawnee Peak Rt. 302, Bridgton, ME 04009

Boy, would it be nice...

207-647-8444/Info. & ski conditions info@shawneepeak.com Sugarloaf USA RR1 Box 5000, Kingfield, ME 04947 207-237-2000/Info. info@sugarloaf.com Sunday River P.O. Box 450, Bethel, ME 04217 207-824-3000/Info. snowtalk@sundayriver.com Titcomb Mountain P.O. Box 138, West Farmington, ME 04992 207-778-9031

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Membership Eligibility Required. Some Restrictions Apply. For more details, contact one of our loan officers at the number provided above.

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Rossignol Salomon K2 Atomic Tecnica Karhu Thule Volkl Marker Line

Hurry in while the selection is best!

Quoggy Jo Ski Club Maine Winter Sports Center Presque Isle, ME 04769 (207) 764-3248

Mt. Abram How Hill Rd., Locke Mills, ME 04255 207-875-5002 tabram@skimtabram. com

GREAT SAVINGS of $100 or More

13

Nordica Tyrolia Marmot Oakley Obermeyer North Face 686 Project 13 Helly Hansen Nike

Swag Rip Zone Spyder Orage Burton Ride Snojam Goode Smith Scott

JUST A SHORT DISTANCE TO SAVE BIG! NEWION! T LOCA

15 Main Street • Freeport

865-0077

(opposite fire station)

Route 1 Oak Hill Plaza Scarborough • 883-2878

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Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -CalendarCalendar, continued from X Paints the Dancer More than 35 paintings and drawings of dancer Rudolf Nureyev by American artist James Browning Wyeth will befeatured in this exciting exhibition at the Wyeth Center of the Farnsworth Art Museum in the Cowan Gallery. 596-6457; PO Box 466, Rockland, ME 04841-0466. farnsworth@midcoast.com. www.farnsworthmuseum.org.

Fashioned Christmas features window display competitions, outstanding decorations, special events, a parade and prizes,

FMI: 442-7291, 4 Centre St, Bath, ME 04730. mainstbath@suscommaine.net. www.mdf.org/ downtown/portal/bath/.

open houses, Living Nativity, 824-2282 or 800-442-5826 29- Dec. 24 PORTLAND Light Up The Holidays, Holiday

Bethel Area Winter November 28-December 24

COUNTRY CHRISTMAS IN BETHEL

From Thanksgiving to Christmas - open houses, ice skating on the common, horsedrawn wagon rides, workshops, musical performances, Thanksgiving dinner at Sunday River Ski Resort, the Community Messiah Sing, sales and store specials, the Living Nativity, and so much more to experience in this beautiful historic New England village.

NOVEMBER 2 BANGOR Designing Women Fall Show & Sale, more than 15 professional female artists display and sell their work, helping raise money for local organizations that benefit women and children. Holiday Inn, Main St (Across from Paul Bunyan statue), 327-1462. FMI: 17 Middle Rd, Bradford, 04410. mail@designingwomen.org. www.designingwomen.org.

3 PORTLAND First Annual Maine Pet Expo, annual fundraiser for animal welfare organizations in Maine sponsored by Paws, Inc. This event will include: manufacturers, distributors, retailers, breeders, clubs, veterinarians and trainers. 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Location: Portland Exposition Building.

FMI: 874-0046. Write: 638 Congress St, #206, Portland, 04101. mainepetexpo@yahoo.com. www.geocities.com/ mainepetexpo/.

17-Dec. 1 NEWRY Demo Days, top ski and snowboard manufacturers will present the 2002-2003 season’s equipment slopeside, Sunday River Ski Area, Route 2, 800-543-2SKI, www.sundayriver.com 17 ROCKLAND Family Sundays with Art workshop on illustrted family dinner place cards created in the Russian tradition, reservations suggested; FMI: 596-0949 or 596-6457, 1-3 p.m.

22 - Dec. 21 ROCKLAND Festival of Lights Celebration, Santa Claus arrives by lobster boat, a tree lighting ceremony, parade, downtown parade of lights, horse-drawn carriage rides, carolers and other special events, 596-0376, PO Box 508, Rockland, 04841.

E-mail: jhall@midcoast.com. www.therealmaine.com.

24 MANCHESTER Antique Show & Sale, free parking and a delicious home cooked Down East luncheon available. Grange 172, Manchester - four miles west of Augusta Armory. FMI 623-3436. PO Box 5, Manchester, 04351.

24- Dec. 31 BATH Old

29- Dec. 24 BETHEL Country Christmas Weekends, Taste of Bthel, theme wreath auction, wagon rides, shopping specials,

Restaurant

43 Main Street • Bethel, ME

Relaxed, Casual & Comfortable Prime Rib every Thursday Night Lunch • Dinner

Monday-Saturday

824-2589

Friday, November 29 LOCAL

Saturdays Nov. 30-December 21 WAGON RIDES in Bethel village. Meet at the fire station. 2-4pm.

Saturday, December 7 TASTE

OF BETHEL & THEME WREATH AUCTION 12noon - 2:00 PM.

Telstar High School Cafeteria - 5th annual. Delicious samples for 75¢ from area restaurants. Main dishes, soups, desserts, and more will satisfy every appetite at this festive social event! While you're there, bid on the many wreaths at the SILENT AUCTION! Fully decorated with toys, gift certificates, from all local businesses.

Incredible values to be had at this event! FMI 207.824.2282.

ile Rentals Snowmobwith

Liam’s Restaurant and Jack’s Pub

Sun Valley Sports & Guide Service RENTALS

SALES

Summer Kayak /Canoes Shuttle Service Fly Fishing Drift Boat Trips

Old Town-Necky Canoe/Kayaks Fly Fishing • Bait • Tackle Non-Resident Reg. & Licenses

1/2 & Full Day Tours Evening Ride/Dine Specials Snowshoes

Your 4-Season Outdoor Recreational Specialists & Registered Maine Guide Service

207-824-7533 1-877-851-7533

Email: svs@sunvalleysports.com

Great Grizzly American Steakhouse

Website: sunvalleysports.com

Matterhorn Wood-Fired Pizza & Fresh Pasta

292 Sunday River Rd. • Newry, ME

WARES FAIR

A true hometown craft and wares fair, prime opportunity to do some of the best holiday gift shopping! Variety of mediums including dolls, kitchenware, wooden bowls and utensils, clothing, jewelry, and so much more -- all locally hand-crafted! 9:00am-4:00pm at the Bethel Inn Conference Center. FMI: 207.824.2282.

“The Place To Be...”

Sunday River Road’s newest full service restaurant

Eat In or Take Out

Ice Cold Beers Drink Specials

Located on Access Road to Sunday River

Coming in December

New Menu

824-6755 • 96 Sunday River Rd, Bethel • OPEN EVERY DAY

Experience the

charm ofHoliday the Season Inn this

(207) 824-6271

Located Trailside at 13-S. North & South Newry at the Base of Sunday River

Book your Holiday Party with us!

Our beautifully decorated inn will provide the perfect location for any size group or business.

Thanksgiving Day Feast • Christmas Day Dinner New Year’s Celebration Make plans to spend time with family and friends...call today for information!

SPECIALS Brick-Oven

Pizza 2 topping $5.00

Tuesdays 3pm-Close

Complete Complete Steak Dinner BBQ Dinner includes salad & dinner Includes baked beans, corn

$10.00

Wednesdays 5pm-Close Saturdays 5pm-6pm CLIP & SAVE Must Present Coupon

bread, coleslaw & dessert

$10.00 Thursdays 5pm-Close

On the Common, Bethel ME 207-824-2175 800-654-0125 www.bethelinn.com

Holiday Gift Certificates Available for Golf, Dining, Skiing, & More!

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

7

New skis in your future?

T

By Dave Irons / Freelance Writer

he shaped ski revolution has turned into an evolution that shows no signs of abating any time soon. The deep side cut designs have settled into a standard shape for most models with some exceptions. The most common shape is wide at the tip, narrow at the waist and 10-15 millimeters more narrow at the tail than the tip.

This shape gives the ease of turn initiation expected of a shaped ski but doesn’t lock the ski into the turn as a wider tail does.

These shapes work best on the groomed runs most of us ski here in the East. For soft snow and deep powder there are wider models ranging from the Rossignol Bandit XX with a 74 mm waist to the full powder Volkl Explosive with its 95 mm waist. Skis up to 74 mm such as the Rossi Bandit can also be used on groomed slopes, but the real wide bodies are strictly for powder and are usually furnished on heli ski trips or available for rental at western resorts if you’re at the head of the line on a powder day.

All of the new skis share one characteristic. All are shorter. This is a trend brought on by racers and shared by the rest of us. It started with adding plates under the bindings and continued as technology created new materials and construction methods. The result is shorter skis with the same stability of the old, longer models. The downward line curve has been so steep that FIS, the governing body of international ski racing, has issued minimum lengths for alpine skis.

For the 2002-2003 season men’s GS skis can be no shorter than 185 cms and men’s slalom skis no less than 155 cms. The slalom length will be raised to 165 cms for 2003-2004. Not many years ago GS skis were 207-210 and slaloms 200-205. That’s quite a drop, and if those shorter lengths work for racers they will surely work for recreational skiers.

One result of the trend is a swing away from the traditional Eastern ski. For years Eastern skiers favored slalom models for their solid edge hold on hard pack. Today’s slalom models are so short and specialized that more skiers are going toward a GS type ski although many of them don’t

carry that label. The sidecuts and dimensions are similar. Construction is different with the racing models utilizing an extra layer of two of exotic metals and integrated plates.

Another evolution continues in bindings and ski performance. For years manufacturers have been working to either reduce the effect of bindings on ski performance which led to creating bindings that would enhance ski performance. Now with the consolidation of companies (Salomon, Atomic and Rossignol with boots skis and bindings, Head/Tyrolia, and Volkl/Marker) we have the logical result, ski/binding systems.

Although Ess with its plates, and Marker with its Select Control were early performance enhancing bindings the trend setter in the newest round was Salomon. With the Pilot System Salomon built a ski that would take only their binding with the mounting done with an axle through the sidewall. This eliminated the usual top screws freeing the ski to flex according to its design.

Volkl and Marker have teamed up with the Motion System with the binding attached to pair of rails on the top of the ski, simplifying mounting and smoothing out the ski’s flex. Atomic calls its system the Device.

Head/Tyrolia, Look /Dynastar, and Rossignol all have integrated ski binding systems that claim to enhance the ski’s performance.

The big question for skiers is “Do the systems work?” The answer is yes, but. . .

For most testing situations the skis come mounted only with the system binding so testers have no way of knowing whether it’s the specific combination of ski and binding that provides the performance, but what difference does it make if the skis work? That’s the yes part. From the top racers down through the recreational lines skis have never been easier to ski.

The carver shapes make them easy into the turn and the new materials and construction give them stability. And it’s nice not to have to cram a 209 cm GS ski

into a rental car. A 180 is a lot easier to handle in every way. Finally, what about price? At first glance the systems look expensive. Until we look at the cost of skis and bindings separately and see that they often add up to more than the cost of the system, including the binding. Another factor is buying skis and bindings from the same manufacturer.

Often the manufacturer offers dealer incentives and the shops can pass this along in packages.

If you’re in the market for new skis, the best bet is to demo the new models. Be sure to try them in shorter lengths than your present skis, especially if more than five years have passed since you bought new skis.

In summary, the evolution continues and will give us even better skis next year, but it isn’t like computers. The next generation won’t make your new skis obsolete, so go ahead and get on some skis that will give you more pleasure this year.

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FYI:

The Boston Snowsports Expo will take place November 14-17 at Bayside Expo. Take exit 15 (JFK/UMASS) off the Expressway South, I-93.

Show hours are Thursday and Friday 4-10 PM, Saturday 11 AM- 9PM and Sunday 11 AM-7PM. Admission is $10 for adults, children under 12 free. A $3.00 discount coupon can be downloaded at www.SnowSportsExpo.com.

Photo courtesy Sugarloaf/USA

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Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

14 WINTER IN MAINE

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6

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Snowshoeing: The cure for cabin fever Text and photo by DENISE SCAMMON Freelance Writer

* Exercise , Race , Running :

If you plan on running local trails to stay in shape this winter, the light-weight construction and bindings Snowshoes aren’t just for battles any more. Invented in this category are designed to lace up and hold your as a means of transportation more than 6,000 years running shoes/boots firmly in place. Some will have ago, these ultimate, flat-footed ferriers were put to use an extra cleat under the toe for better traction while during the colonial wars, when Captain Robert Rogers running. led his Rangers on snowshoes through the New York About 30 years ago, snowshoes were twice as large woods in March 1758. and wide as they are today. So how do you know which Today, however, you might want to use them for size is right for you? “Each snowshoe manufacturer outdoor winter exercise, which can be a rewarding has its own general sizing charts according to a snowexperience as you snowshoe through woods and shoer’s weight,” fields blanketed in fresh snow. There are many Simpson noted. types of snowshoe designs, so before you buy the These charts first pair you see, think of how you will use the should be used snowshoe. Will you use your snowshoes for recas general guidereation, hiking, mountaineering or exercise ? lines only, she said, because Recreational : they do not conIf you plan on snowshoeing for fun on gentle sider whether terrain, these shoes are designed to be comfortyou will be carable, have easy-to-adjust bindings and a conrying a 20-pound servative traction system. “This type is perfect backpack or the for the casual or beginner snowshoer,” said type of snow Kathy Simpson of Al’s Sport Center in Lewiston. conditions and “Many of our snowshoe customers are older couterrain in which ples who plan on snowshoeing on weekends.”

The smaller size shown here at Al’s Sports you travel.

“The larger the Center in Lewiston is most popular with Hiking : women, as the manufacturer’s recommended snowshoe, the If you plan on snowshoeing frequently, posweight allowance is 80 to 160 lbs. Notice the more flotation it sibly off trail or on steep slopes, look for a highoffers, which is quality, durable shoe. This is the largest category snowshoe in the middle has been turned over perfect for light, to show the crampon’s ‘teeth’ on the of snowshoes on the market. The decking matefluffy snow,” rial, crampon quality, and frame design provide underside. The larger10”x36” size has a said Simpson. the versatility needed to go from level terrain to manufacturer’s recommended weight of 140 “Well-packed, mountain trails. to 220 lbs. A smaller 8”x21” size is available for hard snow trails require less flotachildrenfrom 80 to 120 lbs.

Mountaineering : tion.”

If you plan on aggressive snowshoeing on Once you choose your size, you’re ready to look at challenging terrain, wearing bulky boots, carrying a the different snowshoe materials, shapes and colors. heavy backpack or ski/snowboard equipment, these The traditional snowshoe frame of steam-bent wood snowshoes are designed to accommodate deep snow has evolved over the years to aluminum, wood, rubber, and icy slopes. The heavy-duty binding, which is often plastic, steel, titanium and synthetic frames in roundratcheted, is meant to fit to a bulkier boot. The traction ed, pointed, symmetrical and asymmetrical shapes. system uses larger crampons for icy and steep terrain.

The traditional rawhide lacing has evolved into variThe decking material is highly durable for varying ous decking materials such as rubber and plastic. weather and terrain conditions.

The old-fashion bindings of yesteryear — simple

*

*

*

leather straps — have been replaced by several designs falling into two categories — fixed and pivot. Fixed bindings are similar to rubber bands and hold the snowshoe to your foot with each step. Pivot bindings are attached to the snowshoe with a metal rod allowing the snowshoe to pivot 90 degrees. The fixed binding offers a more natural stride; however, it collects snow on its tail, whereas the pivot binding shakes the snow off the tail with each step.

Choosing a rounded or pointed tail means a tradeoff between stability and flotation and being able to use your natural stride. The rounded have more of a surface area meaning you’ll need to take longer strides and use a wider stance than is normal for you. The pointed allows for a more natural stride, but they are less stable as the front is much wider than the back.

Crampons for traction on the bottom of the snowshoe are designed according to its intended use. Toe crampons are typically stainless steel and are meant to dig into snow to provide traction.

While recreational snowshoers need moderate traction, the snowshoes preferred by climbers have long talons to dig deeply into slopes. Serious racing snowshoes use strong but lightweight crampons made out of titanium.

“Crampons are basically meant to dig into icy, crusty surfaces, but most people don’t plan on snowshoeing when the icy stuff is coming down,” Simpson added. “However, crampons are nice to have on your snowshoe when you come upon an unexpected icy spot on the trail.”

Once you have purchased a pair of snowshoes, it’s time to hit the trails. Bradbury Mountain State Park on Route 9 in Pownal grooms five miles of trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter.

They even have snowshoe rentals. (FMI 207-688-4712) Bradbury is located five miles from the Freeport-Durham exit off U.S. 95. The 460-foot summit offers a view of Casco Bay and 590 acres of forested countryside.

You can also find a number of registered Maine Guides who offer guided snowshoeing tours throughout Maine, such as on the Appalachian Trail. In Rangeley, snowshoe a somewhat flat section of the AT, under 4 miles round-trip, which includes two warming huts along the way.

Any ski center offering cross country trails most probably allows snowshoers to use those trails, too.

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Rumford

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• HOME GYMS • LIFE CYCLES • TREADMILLS • CLIMBERS • ROWERS • FREE WEIGHTS • MORE!

WORKOUT FITNESS STORE

200 Gorham Rd., Clark’s Pond, South Portland (Next to Olive Garden) 772-7110 M-F 10-6, Sat 10-6, Sun 12-4 www.workoutfitness.com

Race begins in January “Racing with the Moon” is a ten-week race series for riders and skiers of all abilities. The series will start Wednesday and Thursday, January 8-9. Teams will consist of 5 to 10 members, age 21 and older.

Your team will race on your chosen night for ten weeks. Your team’s eight best scores will determine final standings.

In March there will be banquets for the teams. Friday March 7 is the BEST OF SERIES RACE, when the top teams compete one last time for the coveted BEST OF SERIES Title.

Following each race, there will be apres race fun with prizes from sponsors and live entertainment at Blizzard’s Pub. For additional questions or for more information contact: Shawnee Peak RR 1 Box 734 Bridgton, ME 04009, 647-8444, Ski@shawneepeak.com

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

15

Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -Calendarconcerts and performances in a variety of venues throughout the city’s Downtown District.

Unique holiday light displays,

carolers and “citizens” to welcome you and free horse and wagon rides every Fri, Sat, and Sun afternoon. Every weekend

until Christmas Eve. Old Port and Arts District, FMI: 7726828, 94 Free St, Portland, 04101. kcameron@portlandme.com.

Activities

Sunday, Dec. 21 THE

www.portlandmaine.com.

30 ROCKPORT 23rd Annual Holiday Craft Market, Mainemade, hand-crafted items for

Contact the Bethel Area Chamber for complete list of events.

207-824-2284 www.bethelme.com

LIVING NATIVITY

On the town common at 5:00pm. Local people re-enact the Christmas story. A community event with live animals, Christmas carols and great performers. 207.824.2289.

THE BLACK DIAMOND FAMILY ENTERTAINMENT SERIES

held in the Grand Ballroom at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel at Sunday River Ski Resort.

Tickets are $4/$6 advance, $6/$8 door. 7:00 PM. Dec. 28, 30, Jan. 15, 19, Feb. 8, 15, 18, 20, 22, 26, Mar. 1, 5, 12. FMI - 207-824-3575.

Tuesday, Dec. 31

5TH ANNUAL "NEW YEAR'S BETHEL" CELEBRATION starting at 6:00pm.

An affordable, chemical-free festival featuring a variety of live entertainment at selected sites within historic Bethel Hill village. Programs and advance sale tickets available by contacting the Bethel Historical Society office at 207.824.2908 or 800.824.2910.

January 31-February 9

AT BETHEL STATION Four First Run Movies New Weekly!

Independent/Art Films Visit our Web Site: www.compmuflare.com/casablanca

BETHEL AREA WINTERFEST 2003

Welcome party - Hot Air Balloons - Ice Sculptures - Polar Bear Plunge - Antique Snowmobile Show & Grooming Rodeo - Jeep Show & Obstacle Course - Fischer Nordic Cruising Day - Moonglow Party & Bonfire - Free Guided Snowmobile Tours to Fireworks Rock the River Concert - Fireworks - Snowmobile Radar Run - Snowbox Derby - Flying Moose Classic XC Race. Call 207-824-2282 for more details.

Monday Night Bargain Night! $4 • Check for Matinee Specials

(207) 824-8248 • Located at INTERSECTION of Rts. 2 & 26

www.bigadventur e.com

Saturday, March 15

THE 18th ANNUAL MAINE HANDICAPPED SKI-A-THON

Four Seasons of Fun!

at Sunday River Ski Resort and at Sunday River Cross Country Ski Center. Join others in a free day of skiing and riding to benefit MHS, Maine's largest winter adaptive sports program! Call 207.824.2440 or visit www.skimhs.org

OPEN 7 Days a Week!.

Video Game Room On-Site

Pig Roast Packages

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Inside Four Seasons

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Outside Summer Fun

Mini Golf Water Slides

Corner of Airport Rd. & Rt. 2 (Just over the bridge) Bethel, ME

207-824-0929

January 18, 2002 • February 15, 2002 • March 1, 2002 On ITS-82 Snowmobile Trail

Madison Grand Buffet 1st Saturday of every month

Email: madison@gwi.net U.S. Route 2 Rumford, ME

22 Minutes from Sunday River

www.MADISONINN.com 864-7973 800-258-6234

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WEEKEND $ & HOLIDAY from

SKIING: Wildcat 8 miles, Sunday River 30 miles SNOWMOBILING: Direct access to NH Corridors 12 & 19 DINING: Finest Food Anywhere! Featuring Roast Prime Rib, Charcoal Broiled Steaks, Chops, Lobster, Fresh Fish, Children’s Portions Available

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LEISURE: Full Facility Health Club, Indoor Heated Pool, Whirlpool & Steambath, Entertainment Fri. & Sat. Your Hosts: The Labnon Family Located in the heart of the world-renowned Shelburne Birches

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U.S. Route 2, Shelburne, NH. Just 1/4 mile east of Gorham For reservations 800-325-4386. In NH call 603-466-3315 E-mail: labnon@townandcountryinn.com www.townandcountryinn.com

.

sale at all day craft event. Juried craft show with over 70 exhibitors. Photos with Santa. 9 a.m.

- 4 p.m., Samoset Resort, FMI: 596-0376. PO Box 508, Rockland, 04841. jhall@midcoast.com. www.therealmaine.com.

30 RANGELEY Lighting of the Giving Tree, 864-5364

DECEMBER 1 OLD ORCHARD BEACH 10th Annual Celebrate the Season by the Sea Tree-lighting event with hayrides, entertainment, hot chocolate and food.

Bonfire and caroling on the beach and holiday bazaar. Santa and Mrs. Claus Arrive on a fire engine making this a very special tradition and holiday event.

FMI: 934-2500. PO Box 600, Old Orchard Beach, 04064. info@old orchardbeachmaine.com. www. oldorchardbeachmaine.com.

5 BETHEL Christmas with the Masons, music and refreshments in the Mason House period rooms, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Bethel Historical Society, Broad Street, 824-2908 6-14 FREEPORT 9th Annual Sparkle Weekend…and Beyond, Main Street Magic Parade of Lights, carolers, talking holiday tree, Santa, 50-tuba band concert, horse drawn carriage rides and much more! village-wide, FMI: 865-1212, 800-865-1994., PO Box 452, Freeport, 04032-0452. chamber@freeportusa.com. www.freeportusa.com.

7-8 PORTLAND Christmas at the Cathedral, The Choral Art Society returns to the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception for another in its series of acclaimedseasonal concerts. FMI: 828-0043, PO Box 8815, Portland, 04104. mhenderl@maine.rr.com. www.choralartsociety.org.

7 NEWRY Third Annual Santa Sunday and Weekend kicks off with the Santa Blues Ball, followed by free skiing and riding Sunday to any skier dressed as Santa and making a donation to the local Rotary club’s fundraiser for needy children.

Sunday River Ski Resort, 8243000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 7 LIVERMORE Christmas at Norlands, holiday decorations, food, building tours, carol singing, jingle bell rides, cookie walk and a gift shop. Reservations required for sit-down meal. Call for fee. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. Norlands Living History Center. 897-4366, 290 Norlands Rd, Livermore, 04253, norlands@norlands.org. www.norlands.org.

Calendar, continued on 16

16 WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

New Hampshire ski areas 2002-2003 AREA

ATTITASH BEAR PEAK Bartlett (603) 374-2368

THE BALSAMS

Dixville Notch (603)255-3951

BLACK MOUNTAIN Jackson (603)383-4490

BRETTON WOODS Bretton Woods (800)258-0330

CANNON MT

Franconia (603)823-8800

GUNSTOCK

Guilford 800-GUNSTOCK

KING PINE

East Madison 800-367-8897

LOON MOUNTAIN Lincoln (603)745-8111

MT CRANMORE North Conway (603)356-5543

TENNEY MOUNTAIN

Plymouth 888-TENNEY2

WATERVILLE VALLEY

Waterville Valley (800)468-2553

WILDCAT MT

Jackson (800)255-6439

VERTICAL DROP

1,750’

1,000’

LIFTS

SNOW MAKING

2dqc 1 qc 3 tc 3 dc 3sl 2tc 1 dc 2 sl

SKI SHOP

NIGHT SKIING

Yes

14 Novice $49 daily $53 holiday 33 Intermed.

23 Expert

Yes

No

85%

Yes

4 Novice $30 weekend 6 Inter. $25 mdwk 4 Expert

Yes

No

97%

RENTALS

ADULT RATE

TRAILS

1,100’

1 tc 1 dc, 1 jb 1 pony

98%

Yes

$32 weekend 13 Novice 14 Inter. $20 mdwk 13 Expert

Yes

No

1,500’

1 dqc 1 qc, 1 tc 1dc 2 sur

95%

Yes

$57 weekend 20 Novice $49 midwk 27 Inter.

15 Expert

Yes

Yes

2,146’

1 tram 1dqc, 3tc, 1ht, 1mc

97%

Yes

$45 weekend 10 Novice 18 Inter. $34 mdwk 14 Expert

Yes

No

1 conv. 1qc 2tc 2dc, 3sl

80%

Yes

$46 weekend 3 Novice 33 Inter. $36 midwk 9 Expert

Yes

Yes

2 tc 1 dc, 1 jb, 2 surface

100%

Yes

$30 weekend 8 Novice 5 Inter. $22 midwk 3 Expert

Yes

Yes

99%

Yes

$54 weekend 9 Novice 30 Inter. $49 midwk $56 holiday 7 Expert

Yes

No/ night tubing

1400’

350’

2,100’

1,200’

1 4g, 1dqc 2 tc, 3 dc 3 sl 1dqc 1 tc,3dc 5sl

100%

Yes

$35 daily

14 Novice 17 Inter.

8 Expert

Yes

Yes

No

Yes

No

1400’

1 tc, 1 dc 2 sl

90%

Yes

$34 weekend 4 Novice 19 Inter. $21 midwk 10 Expert

2,020’

2 dqc 2 tc 3dc 4 tb

100%

Yes

$39 weekend 19 Novice 23 Inter. $39 midwk $51 holiday 10 Expert

1 dqc 12g 4 tc

100%

2,100’

Yes

$52 weekend 12 Novice $42 midwk 21 Inter.

14 Expert

Yes

Yes

No

Calendar -

continued from 15

7-22 ROCKLAND Farnsworth Homestead Open House, normally closed during the winter, the museum opens the homestead for holiday viewing. Sat, Dec. 7, 14, 21: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.; Sun, Dec. 8, 15, 22: 1- 3 p.m.; Wed evenings Dec. 11 and 18 5 p.m.

- 6 p.m. FMI: 596-6457. PO Box 466, Rockland, 04841. farnsworth@midcoast.com. www.farnsworthmuse um.org.

7 NEW GLOUCESTER Shaker Christmas Fair, Nine rooms of the 1816 Trustee’s Office at the Sabbathday Lake are open to the public and offer a multitude of holiday gifts for all ages. Shaker homemade baked goods are for sale: fruitcakes, cookies, candies, hot herb biscuits, breads. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Sabbathday Lake Shaker Village, Route 26, FMI: 926-4597. 707 Shaker Rd., New Gloucester, 04260. usshakers@aol.com. www.shaker.lib.me.us.

8 RANGELEY walk to Bethlehem, Caroling at each church and the Giving Tree, pageant to follow at the Church of the Good Shepherd. 5 p.m. Rangeley Village, FMI: 864-3900. PO Box 333, Rangeley, 04970. rfa@rangeley.org. www.rangeleyarts.com.

27 BRIDGTON Ullr Fest 2002, an event welcoming winter, complete with “The Beating of the Drums,” fireworks and a torchlight parade, followed by a dance, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 29 GREENWOOD Mt. Dew Vertical Challenge, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 31 BETHEL New Year’s Bethel, an affordable, chemical-free festivalfeaturing a community bonfire, lighted vehicle parade, music, dance, story-telling, food and fireworks. Location: Bethel Village.

FMI: 824-2908. 800-824-2910. PO Box 12, Bethel, 04217. info@bethelhistorical.org. www.bethelhistorical.o rg.

31 PORTLAND New Year’s Portland, the largest New Year’s celebration north of Boston features liveentertainment including high quality music, dance and theater, kids events and creative funfor-all within a safe, chemical-free, family-oriented environment. Fireworks at midnight. FMI: 874-8683. 389 Congress St, Portland, 04101. E-mail: lad@ci.portland.me.us. www.portlandmaine.com 31 BRIDGTON New Year’s Eve celebration at Shawnee Peak, live music, midnight toast and more; must be 21. 647-8444

JANUARY

1 BETHEL Carter’s Last Stand, 5k race, sponsored by the Maine Nordic Ski Council, FMI: 539-4848, 800SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com Because the information for this chart was prepared prior to the start of ski season, we recommend you call first for hours and other information.

1 GREENWOOD Jeep Appreciation Day, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 4-12 RUMFORD US Nordic Championshiops, hosted by the Maine Nordic Ski Council, FMI: 364-9877, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 5-10 NEWRY Sprint Gotta Rock College Week, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 8243000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 8-March 13 BRIDGTON Racing with the Moon series, corporate team racing, all abilities wel������������������������ come, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 10 AUBURN Turn til Twelve, ���������������������� Lost Valley Ski Area, 784������������ 1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, ������������������������������������������������������������������������������� www.lostvalleyski.com

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

SKATING, continued Street, next to Common Gardens) and Deering Oaks Park offer community skating and are maintained by the Portland Parks and Recreation Department.

Families can find a unique skating experience at the Family Ice Center in Falmouth, featuring an arena inside and a concrete pond flooded and frozen for outdoor skating. An appealing addition is the Pond House, a post and beam building furnished with long tables and chairs where skaters can take a break, rest and get warm. The Pond House is open during the center’s busy hours and even offers a fireplace!

The outdoor, free form structure is scheduled for flooding Thanksgiving weekend. Weather permitting, the pond is open for skaters from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Call for ticket information and for hours.

Because pond tickets are good for the whole day, skaters with tickets have the option to skate inside or out during arena public skating hours.

Even with the availability of snack bars, some families may choose to bring goodies. A large insulated thermos is just right for hot cocoa or warmed apple cider, and bottled water is handy for keeping everyone at play well hydrated.

Simple snacks might include bananas, carrot or celery sticks, all easy to handle even with gloves or mittens on.

Granola and cereal bars, pretzel rods, plain or chocolate dipped, or bagels prepared with peanut butter or cream cheese can provide a quick pick-me-up without a lot of fuss. Though high in calories, trail mixes with dried fruit, nuts and candied chocolate are tasty, fun to eat, and can give the body’s furnace that little surge of energy needed for a few more laps around the rink.

For easy transport of skates, snacks, extra cold weather clothing, and maybe even a first aid kit, try a wide opening, heavy duty, canvas bag. For traveling small children to an outdoor skate site, why not load up a wagon with wide, all-terrain type wheels or use a toboggan and give the little ones a lift. There’ll be fewer trips to the car for you and great fun for the children before they even step onto the ice.

One final tip: Play it safe when heading out for area lakes or ponds. Check with the local Game Warden service to be assured the lake or pond you plan to visit is frozen deeply enough to support your activity. Then slip on those skates and enjoy some good, old-fashioned, winter fun in Maine.

5

Belfast Curling Club winter schedule

T

he Belfast Curling Club announced its winter 2002/2003 schedule this week.

The excitement of the Winter Olympics last year has spilled over into this year’s schedule.

The club has added two new leagues, one on Saturday mornings and the other on Sunday afternoons, to complement the weeknight leagues; curling will be available seven days a week.

League play began November 11. League signup sheets will be available at the open house. The open house gives people the opportunity to try out some basic aspects of curling, enjoy refreshments, and then play a match during the open curling offered immediately after.

In addition to league play international bonspiels (tournaments) draw curlers

WHAT IS

with five years or less of curling experience. It will include curlers from clubs around the northeast US. This event rotates among all the member clubs and Belfast is the proud sponsor this year.

The Belfast Curling Club is also the home of the US National Wheelchair Curling team.

The team has already scheduled matches with Canada for this season and is training for the next world competition in 2004 and the Photo courtesy Louise Shorette/Waldo Indepent paralympics in 2006. The wheelfrom New England and Eastern Canada chair players are fully integrated to Belfast. The schedule includes the Ben into league play and have been a great Ames Williams Mixed January 17-19, addition to the club.

Men’s Little International February 6-9, The Belfast Curling Club is Maine’s and the Wood Memorial Open March 21only curling club. Curling requires no 23. Other informal funspiels are schedspecial equipment and is fun for all ages. uled throughout the season.

Curling is easy to learn and skill develThis year the club is the site for the opment clinics are offered before the seaGrand National Curling Club five and son starts and through the year. under bonspiel The curling season includes opportuFebruary 13-16. The nities to travel throughout the country Francis Dykes Bonand Canada to participate in bonspiels spiel is an annual at other locations. For information call tournament for men Bart Read at 207- 785-6134.

CURLING?

C

urling is an ice sport of fitness and finess enjoyed ty thousands of Americans and more than 1.5 million people in 35 nations. Men,

women and youths curl for winter recreation and competitive satisfaction that can last a lifetime.

Curling beame a full-medal sport in the 1998 Olympic Winter Games at Nagano, Japan. U.S. men’s and women’s curling teams competed earlier this year at the 2002 games.

Curling’s great tradition began in 16th century Scotland, originally played outdoors on frozen lochs and marshes.The modern game of curling is marked by a high degree of physical skill and mental toughness.

Rocks, with the now-familiar round shape, were stan-

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Family skating

By DONNA KEENE ROUSSEAU Freelance Writer

F

ind a frozen pond or even a large patch of ice in a nearby schoolyard and chances are you’ll find adults and children alike, skating across the cold, smooth surface, noses and cheeks ruddy from winter’s chilly temperatures. Unlike so many forms of exercise that feel more like work, skating feels like play and can be enjoyed by the entire family.

The only necessary piece of equipment required to enjoy some time on the ice, of course, is a pair of skates, and the key to a fun-filled afternoon of skating is comfort. That’s why L.L.Bean, Maine’s own resource in providing outerwear to challenge the elements, has worked toward providing a recreational skate that addresses the issues of both comfort and warmth.

“If you can skate for an hour and be comfortable and warm, you’ll do it,” says Ben Pearson, L.L. Bean’s product manager for outdoor sporting. “If in fifteen minutes you’re in pain, you won’t.” He describes their line of Comfort Skates as “softer with more padding and insulation.” Fashioned after in-line skates, Pearson adds, “They fit like athletic shoes in many ways.”

In addition, the improved, quick lacing systems and Velcro straps on both the adult and youth versions of the skate prepare skaters for fun sooner and with fewer frozen fingers. “The only thing we haven’t solved is how to avoid parents having to bend over to put the skates on. That’s next on the list,” laughs Pearson.

Skates now even come in colors other than the traditional white or black. L.L.

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Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -Calendar-

Bean’s and Nike’s Comfort Skates offer fun, updated looks in colorful combinations of teal and silver, light blue and white, and black and white or gray and silver.

For skates with less insulation, you’ll want a fit that allows for a pair of wool socks, according to Dan Levasseur, manager of Gee & Bee Sporting Goods in Auburn. A good fit makes for maximum warmth and comfort. He suggests one half size larger to accommodate. He also recommends, for toddler skaters, a molded, plastic, insulated skate that resembles a ski boot and provides stiffness and stability for developing, little ankles.

While outfitting the family for skating, parents will also want to consider skating helmets, particularly important for kids who may fall frequently or who skate with wide open enthusiasm. From the skateboarding world, ice skating helmets cover the entire back of the head, and they do differ from hockey helmets. As with biking helmets, it’s best to try skating helmets on for proper fit, and ask for assistance to be sure the helmet provides optimum protection.

Bundled up with skates in tow, the only remaining question is where to skate. If an inside skating experience is in order, Lewiston-Auburn offers two ice skating arenas with family skate hours throughout the week. At the Auburn Pettingill Park Arena, family skating is offered on Wednesdays and Sundays from noon to 2 p.m. Children under the age of four skate for free, and the snack shack is open on Sundays. Be sure to bring your own skates, as the arena does not have rentals.

The Central Maine Civic Center provides family skating on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:45 a.m. to 1:15 p.m.; Fridays from 7:15 to 9 p.m., and Sundays from

3 to 5 p.m. Children under 5 skate free on Sundays. Office Manager, Georgette Richard adds that rentals are offered, skate sharpening is available in the Pro Shop, and the snack shack is open during all family skate hours. Skating aids useful for children just learning to skate are available at both arenas.

For a nearby, outside excursion, the pond at Bates College is a popular spot for skaters, weather permitting. Check with the college for pond conditions. Not far from Bates, the Holy Family outdoor rink is also available for community skating, courtesy of the Holy Family Booster Club.

Farther south, Portland parks with ponds and flooded common areas are popular skating spots. Payson Park on Baxter Boulevard, Deering High School (Ludlow Street), Breakwater School, Eastern Prom (North

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10 AUBURN Turn til Twelve, Lost Valley Ski Area, 7841561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 10 GREENWOOD Maine Alpine Racing Association Competition, Slalom, evening race, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 12 FARMINGTON Wes Marco MARA Race (SI), Titcomb Mountain, 778-9031 11-12 NEWRY Maine Telemark Festival, nearly 500 participants will take part in clinics, product demonstrations and a fun up&down race, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 824-3000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 12 GREENWOOD Maine Telemark Appreciation Day, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 17-19 BELFAST Ben Ames Williams curling tournament, 785-6134 19 BRIDGETON Super Hits Sunday, the second date of a season-long contest, throw your best trick and compete for great prizes, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 20 AUBURN JP Parisien Memorial Race, Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com

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20 NEWRY Martin Luther King Celebration, Sunday River, Maine Nordic Ski Council, FMI: 824-2410, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 23-25 RANGELEY Snowmobile SNODEO includes a chili and chowder cook-off, poker runs, snowmobile parade and fireworks, highlighted by Frozen Turkey Bowling competition, FMI: 864-5364, mtlakes@rangeley.org, www.rangeleymaine.com 24-25 BRIDGETON Celebrate 65 years with a great birthday party for Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 25 AUBURN Handicapped Ski-a-Thon, Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 25 GREENVILLE Ricky Craven Snowmobile Ride for Charity supporting the Marrow Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Travis Roy Foundation and Give Kids the World, 338-0700 25-26 NEWRY All-Star Aerial Show, exhibition by World Cup, Olympic and international aerialists, Saturday night fireworks spectacular, Barker Mountain, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 824-3000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com

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25-26 FREEPORT, YARMOUTH, FALMOUTH Maine Winterfest feaaturing ice carvings of Maine lighthouses in the three communities, other activities, FMI: 865-1212, www.Mainewinterfest.com 26 FARMINGTON Pat Webber MARA Race (Dual SI), Titcomb Mountain, 7789031 27-Feb. 2 NEWRY Take your Daughter to the Snow Week, Sunday River Ski Resort. FMI: 824-3000, PO Box 450, Bethel, 04217. events@sundayriver.com. www.sundayriver.com 31 AUBURN Turn til Twelve, Lost Valley Ski Area, 7841561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 31-Feb 2 OXFORD and BETHEL Oxford Carnival at Carter’s and the Bethel Ski Fest at Carter’s. 539-4848, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 31-Feb. 2 BETHEL WinterFest, includes antique snowmobile show and grooming rodeo, radar run, Androscoggin River Polar Bear Plunge, Snowbox Derby and lots more, 824-2282.

31 BRIDGETON Moonlight Charity Challenge benefitting Camp Sunshine and the Shawnee Peak Adaptive Ski Program, 647-8444

31-Feb. 2 CAMDEN 13th Annual National Toboggan Championships featuring more than 250 teams from across the US competing in 2- 3- and 4-person toboggan races, Camden Snow Bowl, 236-3438, PO Box 1207, Camden, 04843

FEBRUARY 1-8 GREENWOOD Take Your Daughter to the Snow Week, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 6-9 BELFAST Men’s Little International curling tournament, 785-6134 7-9 AUBURN City of Auburn Winter Carnival, ($10 lift tickets/ $10 rentals), Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 7-9 MADAWASKA Annual International Snowmobilers Festival in Madawaska and Edmonston, Canada, with more than 400 miles of marked trails on both sides of the border, fireworks, moonlight drag races, dances, barbecue suppers, casino night and more. FMI: 7280949, 363 Main St., Suite 101, Madawaska, 04756, www.isfim.com 7-9 HOULTON Moosestompers Weekend, parade, Poker Run, x-country

Calendar, continued on 18

YOUR SKIING & RIDING

SKATING continued on next page

Greenville Auburn Greenwood Bridgton Kingfield Bethel Rangeley

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WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

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Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

skiing, sleigh rides, human curling, human dogsleg events, gigantic sliding hill, Moosestompers Ball and more, 532-4216.

13-16 BELFAST Francis Dykes Bonspiel curling tournament, for men with five or fewer years of experience 785-6134 14-15 GREENVILLE Inaugural Moosehead Riders Sno-Deo, 695-4561 15 RUMFORD Sassi Memorial Race, Black Mountain, 364-9877, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 20 BRIDGTON Family Fun Day features a magic show, noontime barbecue in the courtyard and family friendly events both in the base area and on the mountain .

21 FARMINGTON 51st Annual Dart-

rial Race, Lost Valley Ski Area, 784-1561, inf@lostvalleyski.com, www.lostvalleyski.com 8 BRIDGTON Joe Jones Snowriders Festival for snowboarders and skiers, a day of fun, sun and great live music, Shawnee Peak, 647-8444 8 FARMINGTON Dummy Downhill, Titcomb Mountain, 778-9031 11-14 HARRISON Olde Home Days, 647-3472 15 GREENWOOD 42nd Anniversary Celebration, Mount Abram Ski Area, FMI: 875-5002, mtabram@skimtabram.com 15 NEWRY andicapped Skiing Skia-Thon, Sunday River Ski Resort and Cross Country Ski Center, 824-2440

mouth 50th Race, Titcomb Mountain, 778-9031 23 NEWRY Joy of Skiing Picnic, (progressive picnic on skis) to benefit the Maine Lung Association, Sunday River Inn & Cross Country Ski Center, Sunday River, 824-2410, Maine Nordic Ski Council, 800-SKI-XCME, info@mnsc.com 27-March 4 FORT KENT Mardi Gras Festival, snow sculpture contests, basketball tournaments, kids’ day, soiree dance, 834-5354 28-March 4 FORT KENT Can Am Dog Sled Races, awards and mushers banquet, race date March 1 8 a.m., 834-5354

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By CARLENE SMART Freelance Writer Sliding on snow is, after all, what snow sports are all about. But most - particularly skiing and snowboarding - require a steep learning curve, as anyone who has attempted to dismount a chairlift on a snowboard for the first time can attest. Frustrated wannabes who have abandoned the effort altogether now can get out there and enjoy that “speed thing” with the rest of the family.

Tubing works for just about anyone who can climb into and out of a tube, and many resorts have an attendant stationed at the top and bottom of the lift to help you do both.

“Tubing is definitely a popular aspect of visiting our mountain,” said John Andrews, communications coordinator at Sugarloaf/USA in Maine. “In fact, we’ve already gotten calls and e-mails asking what the status of the Turbo Tubing Park will be for vacation times.

Scarborough is one of the first Snow Tubing parks in the state boasting of six state-of-the-art HKD tower guns that could spay over 500 gallons of water a minute and produce one thousand cubic yards of snow per night - in case Mother Nature didn’t feel up to making her own snow. There is also a snow cat for grooming the hill each night.

“So many people would love to recapture that feeling when they were smaller, you know, flying down the hill on a sled? Snow tubing is a sport that can be enjoyed by all members of the family, and recreate that sense of adventure while lowering the potential for injury you might encounter with skiing or snowboarding.” said Cowan.

Planning to open the day after Christmas for the 2002-03 season, the snow tubes are canvas products made for the ski industry with a solid bottom and

Tubing at Seacoast Snow Park in Windham. handles on each side, made of light truck inner tube and PVC material with a canvas bottom. These snow tubes are constructed to be towed.

Walking up hill doesn’t need to be a problem when at Mountain View. The converted ski lift will take you to the top of the hill. The attendant will take your tube attach it to the lift. Attached, you sit on the tube and the lift will transport you upward. From there, choose from one of four runs, some faster than others. 1200 feet up in the air you can try runs with small bumps and jumps.

Children age 3-5 rides in the lap of an adult. Children 5 and older can have their own tube ( smaller tubes for children).A lift ticket will cost $11.00 per person for 1 hour, $13 for two hours and $15 for three hours. They’ll be open for vacations and holidays,

weekends (Fri.4:30-9:30 p.m., Sat.10 a.m.-9:30 p.m. and Sun.1 p.m.-6 p.m.) Cowan tells people,” Children should have helmets, and you should dress warm for the weather.” There is a snack bar and a warm up area should you get cold.

Sea Coat Fun Park in Windham 892-5952(David Ennif, Manager) offers nothing but snow tubing on open bottom snow tubes. Tubes are included in the time block for 12.00. You must be over 4 feet tall to go alone.

Children 3 to 4 feet tall with an adult tube for $6. Sea Coast Fun Park plans to open the weekend before Christmas, with 4-6 lanes featuring some fast and steep, others with some bumps.Time blocks include: Friday from 3 p.m-9 p.m., Sat.-9 a.m. - noon, vacation days, noon-2 p.m., 2-4 p.m., 4-9 p.m The longest tubing run in Maine (over 1300 feet) is sure to provide you with all the thrills you can handle at Mount Abram in Greenwood (875-5002). It’s a great way to spend part of your day or night, and a great outing for group gatherings and birthday celebrations!

Tubing opportunities are Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, holidays and school vacation weeks, and the costs are as follows: 1 hour, $6; 2 hours, $8; 3 hours, $10; all day, $12. Patrons can convert regular or Westside lift ticket to a same day tubing ticket for $5 any time.

The small, local family recreation area located in Longfellow’s mountain range, near the junctions of Rt. 2 and 108, Black Mountain in Rumford (3648977)has a little something for everyone. Beginners have plenty of room to learn on Milk Run serviced by its own handle tow.

A T-bar accesses six great runs including the challenging Stone Wall and Blaster Pasture runs. There are 35 kilometers of cross-country trails with a new Touring Center, plus snow tubing on five, 300-foot chutes making for exciting alternatives.

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Purchase by Dec. 14, 2002 for these rates (20% off)

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CAROLINA

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2003 Prairie® 650 with and Winch /mo* 41⁄2Plow Year Warranty

29

$

29/mo*

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1975 Lisbon St., Rt. 196 • Lewiston Just 2 miles East of Exit 13

L.B.EVENS

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Calendar - Calendar - Calendar -Calendar-

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

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2003 KFX™ 50 41⁄2 Year Warranty

2003 Prairie® 360 4x4 Plow and Winch /mo* with 41⁄2 Year Warranty

2003 KLX™ 400 SR /mo* 41⁄2 Year Warranty

REGGIE’S KAWASAKI Leeds Junction Rd., Wales • 946-7767

for qualified buyers

2003 MX Z REV 800

29

$

/mo*

• 933-4976

(10 minutes North of Lewiston, Just off Route 202)

Open 6 days a week Monday-Saturday

© 2003 Kawasaki KFX50 is recommended for use only by persons 6 years of age or older, and ALWAYS with direct adult supervision. Kawasaki also recommends that all ATV riders take a training course. For more information, see your dealer, or call the ATV Safety Institute at 1-800-887-2887. WARNING: ATVs can be hazardous to operate. For your safety: Always wear a helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Never carry a passenger. Never ride under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never ride on public roads or pavement. Avoid excessive speeds and stunt driving. Be extra careful on difficult terrain.

Inventory going FAST!

Call for Pricing!

Financing available on all products sold new or pre-owned!

REGGIE’S SKI-DOO

Leeds Junction Rd., Wales • 946-7767 • 933-4976 (10 minutes North of Lewiston, Just off Route 202)

Open Mon.-Fri. 9-5:30; Sat. 9:00-3:00

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2

WINTER IN MAINE

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Is it time for new boots?

By Dave Irons / Freelance Writer

For the truly tough to fit or for a real custom fit there are foam injec“If the boots don’t work, nothing works,” says former Olympic skition liners. They add to the cost, but er Julie Parisien of Auburn. That simple statement has more meanare close to a guarantee of a snug ing for a skier than almost anything to be said about alpine skiing. fit. New this year is the Hot Form The boot is the critical contact with the ski, and problems with fit not system by Tecnica, a pre wired liner only hamper performance, but also lack of comfort can send skiers that can be attached to a special away from the sport. transformer, which heats the liner.

The good news is today’s boot fitter is better equipped than ever to Ten minutes to heat up and five minmake sure every new pair of boots has the proper fit. Most boot liners utes with your foot in the boot and are filled with a material that forms to the foot after 20 minutes or a you have a custom fit. This is not half hour wearing the boot, which is why we have to plan on spending only simpler than previous foaming, considerable time in the shop trying on different models. but can be reheated and done again This is the key to good fit, taking the time to find the right brand for if it doesn’t quite fit. It also has the your foot, and making any needed adjustments. To get a good fit we advantage of having special transneed to know what constitutes a good fit. A properly fitted boot will formers that can be plugged in at be snug around the heel and ankle, with good full contact between the home or to the car lighter to heat the bottom of the foot and the insole. The big toe should barely touch the boot before skiing. front of the boot or remain just short. The heel should not lift when Another key factor in ski boots flexing forward and the buckles over the instep need to be firm. Any is the stance. Boots have various pressure points should be alleviated or a different boot tried.

Ski boots need to fit properly, and with all the new adjustments that can even out alignThe most common problem is boots that are too big. They feel great options available this year, you’re sure to find just ment problems assuring we stand on in the shop, and because they are made of stiff plastic, seem plenty the right pair. a flat ski to start with. An improper tight, but once on the mountain the pressures of skiing force the foot alignment can result in catching to move inside the boot. Sometimes this can be fixed with padding, but edges and difficulty in initiating turns. Good skiers can and often do compensate it’s not a good solution. Start with a boot that feels almost too snug and wear it in the shop until it forms to the foot and feels more comfortable. If the length is right, for minor variations, but it’s much better to get the boot right in the first place.

Take the time in the shop to get this right and don’t hesitate to go back if they’re most shops can adjust the fit from there. not right when you get to the hill.

Often a boot fitter can make adjustments to a boot that seems too small. An exFor those with major stance problems Dalbello has the Stance Geometry Seample might be pressure on the ankle bone. One solution to this is a shim under ries.

These boots have a cantable sole that can adjust extreme stance positions. the heel to raise the ankle into the These are the key factors to consider when purchasing new boots. Notice that, proper position in the pocket. The except for the new product from Tecnica and the SGS from Dalbello, we didn’t heel can also be lowered if the bone deal with brands. The reason is we should go shopping for boots without a brand is too high for proper positioning.

The first demo days will be at in mind. Every foot is different and unless you have learned over the years that Custom foot beds can also address Sunday River and Sugarloaf your foot fits a particular brand, go with an open mind. A good boot fitter can this problem. Almost every profes— November 30 to December 1 check your feet and recommend a brand. This is the most important piece of your sional skier uses custom foot beds ski equipment. That’s why we carry them on to airplanes and through airports, at Sunday River and Sugarloaf; to enhance both comfort and perforheavy though they may be. If this is your year for new boots, take the time to get mance. Every serious skier should December 6-8 at Sugarloaf. the right fit. It could make your season. consider this item.

Demo schedule:

2003 Chevy Silverado 1500 Series 1/2 Ton Extended Cab 4x4 All colors available.

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23,888

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Call for Prices and Straight Information

784-3503

1 800 696-0766

“A Family Affair” WINTER FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY! Now 90% Snowmaking All New Terrain Park with 300” 1/2 Pipe!

• • • • • • • • • • •

Meticulously Groomed Trails Largest Snow Tubing Park in Maine Free Beginner Lift Programs for Kids & Adults Special Group Rates Snowboard Park Snowmobilers Welcome Cross Country Skiing Snack Bar & Lounge Ski Depot Ski Shop Gift Certificates & Discount Coupon Books • Nightly Specials • 6 & Under Ski Free • Senior Citizens Ski 1/2 Price

COME VISIT US THIS WINTER! FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT ANY OF OUR PROGRAMS CALL US AT 364-8977 Glover Road, Rumford, Maine

WINTER IN MAINE

Wind Chill

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

19

Family Sunday with Art scheduled at the Farnsworth

S

unday, Nov. 17, from 1 to 3 p.m., the Farnsworth Art

By DAVE IRONS / Freelance Writer For almost thirty years weather forecasters have warned us of dangerous wind chills. They were basing those dire warnings on a chart developed by Antarctic explorers in 1945.

Those of us who spent great amounts of time outdoors in winter (Read skiing almost every day from mid December to late March.) have questioned these warnings for years. We knew the chart measured the effect of the wind and old on raw flesh, and with today’s ski wear, recreational skiers were unlikely to suffer any serious harm.

Now, science has stepped in and we can say we were right.

To understand the change it helps to know the methodology used in 1945.

Plastic jugs of water were suspended 30 feet in the air and how fast they froze was measured at different temperature and wind speeds. This, At Sugarloaf/USA, the wind chill above the of course, ignored a couple of salient timberline can be quite strong. facts. First, the average face is just over five feet off the ground, not 30. Second, unlike a jug of water, the human body produces heat from within.

That should have been enough to challenge the chart, but it hung on for 30 years and even today, weather forecasters still like to throw in the term “dangerous.”

That term is based on how fast flesh can freeze under certain conditions. Where the old chart mentioned flesh freezing in 30 seconds, the new chart lists 30 minutes!

Here are some samples. Under the old formula, a 10 mph wind was supposed to make 30 degrees feel like 16 and 15 degrees like minus 3. Under the $ PLUS worth of FREE new formula that same 10 mph wind makes 30 degrees feel accessories/apparel on select models* like 21 and 15 like plus 3.

Simply purchase any new Yamaha snowmobile between September 1st and December 31st, 2002 and you pay ZERO down. ZERO interest and ZERO payments for 4 months*! Take The new chart came out a advantage of this limited-time offer, and you also receive $300 worth of free accessories or year ago, but the weather folks apparel on select models!** still use the wind chill to hype their forecasts. All winter sports enthusiasts have to do is understand that the measurement applies to the effects 70 Topsham Fair Mall Rd.,Topsham on raw flesh.

Properly dressed skiers, skaters, snowmobilers and *Offer good September 1 - December 31, 2002. On your Yamaha credit card, subject to credit approval. Finance snowshoers don’t have to charges will be imposed on the purchase and payments will not be required during the 4 month promotional period if your Account is kept current. Thereafter, 11.99% APR will apply. For accounts not kept current, the worry. Of course, you do have 123456789012345 Default Rate, 21.9% APR, will be applied to all balances. Minimum Finance Charge $1.00. **Buy select new 2003 John Smith to know enough to come in out or select new prior year snowmobile from September 1 - December 31, 2002 and receive $300 in free accessories. Accessory offer subject to dealer participation. See dealer for details. Always wear a helmet and eye protection. Observe of the cold, but don’t let the all state and local laws. Respect the rights of others. Ride with your capabilities. Allow extra time and distance for maneuvering.

2002 Yamaha Motor Corp. USA Mounds View, Minnesota 55112. weather folks scare you out of For the Yamaha snowmobile dealer nearest you call: 1-800-88-YAMAHA *yamaha-motor.com. enjoying winter outdoors.

300

Museum’s Family Sundays with Art series will present a workshop on illustrated family dinner place cards created in the Russian tradition. Families will

work together to create illustrated place cards representing the unique qualities of the people with whom they will share their holidays. A museum art educator will guide the workshop with ideas from the Russian folk tradition.

Family Sundays with Art are held once a month in the off season and are free to the public. Reservations are suggested. To make your family’s reservation or for more information, call the Farnsworth at 596-0949 or 596-6457.

The Farnsworth Art Museum is open Tuesday through Saturday, 10a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday 1-5 p.m., closed Mondays. Adults $8; seniors $7; students age 18 and over $4; children 17 and under and Rockland residents, free.

Ski-Doo. Avid opponent of the-same-old-thing.

The best line of sleds is the one thats constantly improving.

Innovations in the Ski-Doo® 2003 lineup make this team of snowmobiles outstanding in the market-comfort, styling, ergonomic benefits,and designs that take the industry for a spin.

2003 features include: • A new radical platform built around the rider • New Rotax 2-TEC 800 SDI engine • 5 new Rotax® engines for all types of riders: two new H.0. engines for up to 10% more power, one new fan, and two new, clean 2-strokes for up to 25% better fuel efficiency and 50% lower emissions* • Auto Air SuspensionTM for the most comfortable ride ever, new handlebar controls, and HPG-VRTM shocks and electronic gauges

Check Out Out Great Selection of SKI-DOO Clothing & Accessories

Woody’s

• Helmets • Gloves • Jackets • And Much • Snow Suits More

Performance Center 729-1177

FOR GREAT Y GIFT A H O L I DV I N G GI

Visit our Website at www.wallingfordequip.com

WALLINGFORD EQUIPMENT CO. Turner Road • Route 4 • Auburn, ME

Tel. 782-4886 or TOLL FREE 1-800-427-4886 2003 Bombardier Inc. All rights reserved.®TM Trademarks of Bombardier Inc., or its subsidiaries. * In comparison with Rotax 600 and 800 series 3 engines. ®

FULL LINE

There’s nothing like it.

Lewiston, Maine, Friday, November 15, 2002

Black Magenta Yellow Cyan

20 WINTER IN MAINE

Advertising Supplement to the SUN JOURNAL Friday, November 15, 2002