Windsor Fair 2019 “Schedule of Events”

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The above poster is by Alyssa Willey, of Warren, who was the 2019 Windsor Fair Poster Contest winner.

Windsor Fair 2019

Sunday, August 25 through Labor Day, September 2

GATES OPEN 9 a.m. DAILY

Sunday, August 25, “Get Acquainted Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:30 P.M.

9:15 A.M. All Day Ancient Ones of Maine – Living History – Windsor Historical Society 9:15 A.M. Giant Pumpkin/Squash Contest – Registration & Weigh in – (Ag. tent)
9:30 A.M. Draft Horse & Draft Pony Show – (Outside Show Ring)
9:30 A.M. Steer & Oxen Scooting Contest, Dept. 6, Lots 1&2 – (Vanner Pulling Ring) 10:00 A.M. The Maine Classic – Open Boar Goat Show followed by Youth Boer Goat Show (Prime Show Barn)
10:00 A.M. Poultry Show – (Poultry Building)
1:00 P.M. Poultry Showmanship (Poultry Building)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
5:00 P.M. Maine Junior Holstein Show – (Prime Show Barn)
7:00 P.M. Demolition Derby #1 – Sign up at Gate 5 at 4:00 P.M. ($20.00 Entry Fee)
Sponsored by “Paul’s Pick-A-Part” of Chelsea, Maine

Monday, August 26 “24th Annual Woodsmen’s Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00 – Seniors (60+) $5.00, 15 and Under are Free
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Maine State Holstein Show – (Prime Show Barn)
9:30 A.M. Woodsmen’s Field Day Events – Check-in and number must be picked up prior to 9 A.M. 10:00 A.M. Show Steer & Oxen Log Twitching Contest – (Outside Show Ring)
12:30 P.M. Maine State Jr. Holstein Pee Wee Showmanship – (Prime Show Barn)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M. Show Steer & Oxen Log Twitching Contest – (Outside Show Ring)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
7:00 P.M. 4-WD Pickup Pulls followed by Monday Night Pulling – 10,500, 12,500, 14,500, 16,500 Stock Farm Tractors, Mini Modified, (Race Track – Infield)

Tuesday, Aug. 27 “Horsemen’s Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Show Steer & Oxen 6 Ft. Percentage Pull, Dept. 4, Class M – (Vanner Arena) 9:30 A.M. 4-H Horse Show – (Outside Show Ring)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 P.M.
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
2:30 P.M. Garden Tractor Pulls – (Vanner Arena)
3:00 P.M. Donkey Show – (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Pig Scramble – 8 year olds – (Vanner Arena) Must enter before 5:45 P.M. at the Information Booth – 12 Entries will be drawn
7:00 P.M. Tuesday Night Pulling – 7,000 Gas PU MSTTPA Rules, 2.5 Street Diesel PU, 2.5 Work Stock Diesel, 3.0 Pro Stock Diesel PU, 2X4 S/STK PU, 4X4 S/STK, 4X4 Modified PU, Pro Farm Tractors, Super Farm Tractors. (Race Track – Infield)

Wednesday, Aug. 28, “Vendor Appreciation Day & Half Price ‘Gate & Ride’ Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $5.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Show Steer & Oxen 6’ Percentage Pull, Dept. 4, Class N – (Vanner Arena) 10:30 A.M. Judging of Show Sheep – (Prime Show Barn)
1:00 P.M. Show Steers & Oxen’s Log Scooting Contest – (Outside Show Ring) Show Steers Only 1:00 P.M. Farmers Horse Twitching, Scooting (Vanner Arena)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $12.00 per person, ride until 10:00 p.m.
1-5:00 P.M. Accepting Apple Pies & Registration in the (Rt. #32 Roadhouse)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
4:00 P.M. Parade of Champions – Overall Grand Champion Sheep (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Maine 2 Crusted Apple Pie Contest at (Rt. #32 Roadhouse)
6:00 P.M. Pig Scramble – 9 year olds – (Vanner Arena) Must enter before 5:45 P.M. at the Information Booth – 12 Entries will be drawn
7:00 P.M. Farmer’s Distance Horse Pull followed by the Farmer’s 12 FT Short Pull – (Vanner Arena). Must weigh-in at 9:00 A.M.
9:00 P.M. Fireworks (Grandstand)

Thursday, Aug. 29 “Senior Citizens’ Day” (60+) $5 and Veterans Day

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00 – Seniors (60+) $5.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 1:00 P.M.

9:15 A.M. Steer Pulling – 16 yrs old & Under – Steer Under 1300 lbs. – (Vanner Arena) Open Pulling –
1700 lbs and Under
2100 lbs. and Under
2500 lbs. and Under
2900 lbs. and Under
3300 lbs. and Under
9:30 A.M. Judging of Dairy Cattle – (Prime Show Barn)
10:00 A.M. Veterans Day Ceremony – (Entertainment Area) (Veterans with ID get in free) 11:30 A.M. Sheepdog Demonstration – (Outside Show Ring)
1:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 P.M.
1:00 P.M. Oxen – 3700 lb & 4100 lbs Class – If no 2 legitimate teams in the class, they will pull in the 3700, with added weight and adjusted premiums. Sweepstakes distance pull – (Vanner Arena)
1:30 P.M. Sheepdog Demonstration – (Outside Show Ring)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
3:30 P.M. Sheepdog Demonstration – (Outside Show Ring)
4:00 P.M. Parade of Champions – Overall Grand Champion Dairy – (Prime Show Barn) 6:00 P.M. Pig Scramble – 10 year olds – (Vanner Arena). Must enter before 5:45 P.M. at the Information Booth – 12 Entries will be drawn
7:00 P.M. Oxen pulling – 3700 lb 6FT. Over & Under – Merle Vanner Memorial Trophy – (Vanner Arena)
7:00 P.M. Demolition Derby #2 – (Race Track Infield) – (Signup at Gate #5 at 4:00 P.M. – $20.00 Entry Fee) Sponsored by “Paul’s Pick-A-Part” of Chelsea, Maine

Friday, Aug. 30 “Livestock Appreciation Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 3:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:15 A.M. New England Jumpers Association Horse Show- (Outside Show Ring) 9:30 A.M. Judging of Beef Cattle – (Prime Show Barn)
11:00 A.M. Horse Pulling – 2lb Rock – Open to any weight Sponsored by “Vigue Family)
(Vanner Pulling Arena)
12:00-9:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 10:00 p.m.
1:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3000 lb & Under Distance Pull (Vanner Pulling Arena)
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
4:00 P.M. Parade of Champions – Overall Grand Champion Beef – Male & Female (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3000 lb & Under 12FT. Pull – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
“John Kelley Memorial Pull”
Sponsored by Augusta Tool Rental & Pro Rental of Rockport, Maine
7:30 P.M. Juston McKinney Admission $5 – Grandstand – followed by Fireworks

Saturday, Aug. 31 “4-H Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:30 A.M. 4-H Sheep Show – (Prime Show Barn)
10:00 A.M. 4-H Working Steers – (Outside Show Ring) 10:00 A.M. Youth Rabbit Show
12:00 noon Youth Market Baby Beef Show (Prime Show Barn)
1:00 P.M. Ladies Fry Pan Throwing Contest (Park Area)
1:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3200lb & Under Distance Pull (Vanner Arena)
Sponsored by Gagne & Sons Concrete Block, Belgrade, Maine
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game (Beano Hall)
2:30 P.M. Youth Market Lamb Show (Prime Show Barn)
2:30 P.M. Horse Pulling – Three Horse Distance Pull (Vanner Arena)
5:00 P.M. Youth Market Hog Show (Prime Show Barn)
6:00 P.M. Painted Pumpkin Face Contest at the Exhibition Hall.
7:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3200 lb & Under 12 FT. Pull – (Vanner Arena) “O. D .Lee Memorial Pull”.
Sponsored by Emily’s Restaurant.
7:00 P.M. Monster Truck Show – Admission $5.00 – (Grandstand)

Sunday, Sept. 1 “Museum & Children’s Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:15 A.M. Judging of Show Steers & Oxen – (Outside Show Ring)
9:15 A.M. All Day Ancient Ones of Maine – Living History – Windsor Historical Society 9:15 A.M. 4-H Beef Show – (Prime Show Barn)
10.00 A.M. 4-H Dairy Show – (Prime Show Barn)
10.00 A.M. 1st Annual Cornhole Tournament (Memorial Park)
10:00 A.M. Church Services – (Entertainment Area)
11:30 A.M. Kiddie Tractor Pull – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
Must enter between 9:00 A.M. & 11:00 A.M. at the Information Booth
Girls: 25-35 lbs & 36-45 lbs. Boys: 25-35 lbs & 36-45 lbs.
2:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
3400 lbs & Under Distance Pull – Sponsored by R&R Windows – Followed by 2 lb Rock – Open any Weight
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)
4:00 P.M. Animal Costume Class – (Prime Show Barn)
5:00 P.M. Bicycle Drawing – Ten Free Bicycles – (Across from Beano Hall)
6:00 P.M. Youth Sheep Obstacle Course – (Prime Show Barn)
7:00 P.M. Children’s Baking Contest – Exhibition Hall
7:00 P.M. Horse Pulling – 3400 lb & Under 12 ft Pull – (Vanner Pulling Arena)
7:00 P.M. Monster Truck Show – Admission $5.00 – (Grandstand)

Monday, Sept. 2 “Labor Day”

Gates Open 9:00 A.M.
Gate Admission Adults – $10.00, 15 and Under are Free.
Harness Horse Racing – Post Time 1:00 P.M.
Giant Midway Opens at 12:00 Noon

9:15 A.M. Horse Barrel Racing – Outside Show Ring
9:15 A.M. – 1:00 PM. – Windsor Fair Hanging Plants Sale (benefit the Town of Windsor’s Veterans Memorial Fund)
11:00 A.M. Antique Car Show & Parade – MOAL Members Only – Windsor Fair Park
11:00 A.M. Horse Pulling – Sweepstakes Distance Pull – (Vanner Arena) “Merle Vanner Memorial Trophy” Sponsored by; Dick’s Used Trucks – Chelsea, ME & Dick Condon – Chelsea, ME
12:00-5:00 P.M. Purchase your bracelet for $23.00 per person, ride until 6:00 p.m.
12:00 P.M. Youth Baby Beef Sale – Followed by Youth Market Lamb Sale – followed by Youth Hog Sale (Prime Show Barn)
1:30 P.M. Horse Pulling -3600 lb & Under Distance Pull – Followed by Special Elimination Sweepstakes 12 Ft. Pull (Vanner Arena) Sponsored by; Dick’s Used Trucks, Chelsea, ME & Dick Condon, Chelsea, ME
2:00 P.M. Windsor Fair Charity Beano Game – (Beano Hall)

ENTERTAINMENT HEADLINERS SCHEDULE 2019

Sunday the 25th

11:30 – 1:30 Walter Weymouth
11:30 – 1:30 Country Gentleman – Rt. 32 Road House
2:30 – 4:30 Chris Poulson & Company
2:30 – 4:30 B S Entertainment – Rt. 32 Road House
5:30 – 7:30 Working Class
7:00 p.m. Demolition Derby #1 (Grandstand)

Monday the 26th

1:00 – 3:00 Present Company
4:00 – 6:00 Rippleton Cross
7:00 p.m. Truck & Tractor Pulling (Grandstand)

Tuesday the 27th

1:00 – 3:00 Gelina/Pike – Mainly Blue Grass
4:00 – 6:00 Taylor Road
7:00 p.m. Truck & Tractor Pulling (Grandstand)

Wednesday the 28th

12:00 – 2:00 Delighted Soul
3:00 – 5:00 Frye Mountain Band
6:00 – 8:00 Sharon Hood & Dixon Road
9:00 p.m. Fireworks (Grandstand)

Thursday 29th

10:00 – 12:00 Veteran’s Ceremony
12:30 – 2:00 The Hyssongs
3:00 – 5:00 Spare Parts
6:00 – 8:00 Steve & The Good “Old” Boys
7:00 p.m. Demolition Derby #2 (Grandstand)

Friday the 30th

11:30 – 1:30 Country Mist
2:30 – 4:30 Milltown Roadshow
5:30 – 7:30 Wild Horse Band
7:30 p.m. Juston McKinney, $5.00, followed by Fireworks (Grandstand)

Saturday 31st

11:00 – 1:00 Jim Gallant – Rt. 32 Road House
12:00 – 2:00 The Mainely Country Band
12:00 – 5:00 “Sweetums” Clown Lady
2:00 – 4:00 Simons & Goodwin – Rt. 32 Road House
2:00 – 4:00 Kora Klowns (strolling)
3:00 – 5:00 Rockit Band
5:00 – 7:00 Meghan Clark – Rt. 32 Road House
6:00 – 8:00 Undercover Band
7:00 p.m. Monster Trucks – $5 (Grandstand)

Sunday the 1st

10:00 – 11:00 North Windsor Baptist Church Service
11:00 – 1:00 Jack Duggins – Rt. 32 Road House
12:00 – 1:00 Dana Perkins Magic Show
12:00 – 5:00 “Sweetums” Clown Lady
2:00 – 4:00 Dave Michaud, Elvis Act – Rt. 32 Road House
2:00 – 4:00 Andy Happel Band (fiddler)
4:00 – 6:00 Down East Brass (Strolling)
5:00 – 7:00 Davidson County Line
7:00 p.m. Monster Trucks – $5 (Grandstand)

Monday the 2nd

11:00 – 1:00 Court Jesters – Rt. 32 Road House
11:00 – 1:00 New Relm
2:00 – 4:00 Sue Deane Karaoke – Rt. 32 Road House
2:00 – 4:00 Silver Fox Dancers

Historical Society Museum Open Daily (Free Admission)
Gate Opens 9 a.m. Every Day
Free Parking Every Day!
All Rides Have Height Requirements
Horse, Oxen, Steer and Tractor Pulls – Daily

SEASON PASSES ARE $63.00, AND MAY BE PURCHASED AT GATES 1 & 4.

207-549-7911 • 207-549-5249

SCHEDULE CAN BE SEEN AT
www.windsorfair.com

 

BBBS introduces new board member

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Sarah Peabody

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine (BBBSMM) is pleased to welcome Sarah Peabody as the newest member of its Board of Directors. Peabody is a Vice President at Bank of America, where she has worked for more than 24 years, currently serving as a Strategies Analyst.

She has been an active volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine for more than a decade, serving as a school-based program coordinator as well as a Big Sister. She serves on the Board’s Governance Committee and is a long-time volunteer for Bowl for Kids’ Sake, the agency’s largest fundraising event held in mid-coast, eastern and central Maine.

Peabody also serves as Treasurer and Immediate Past President of the local, corporate Toastmasters Club, a non-profit educational organization that teaches leadership skills. She was recognized with the “National Community Service Award” as USA Ambassador Mrs. Maine 2017 and as Mrs. Central Maine 2018, she was honored with the “Beauty, Brains and Heart Award” for promoting community service and positive pageantry. As a charity-driven organization that promotes success through leadership, integrity, character and confidence, USA Ambassador has adopted Big Brothers Big Sisters as its national charitable benefactor.

In addition to her time promoting the mission of BBBSMM, she is also a volunteer “Wish Granter” with Make-a-Wish Maine. Peabody lives in Washington, with her husband Barry. Together, they have four grown children. In her free time, she enjoys researching genealogy, photography, kayaking, travelling and spending time near the water.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine creates and supports one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth in Androscoggin, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Penobscot, Somerset, and Waldo Counties. By partnering with parents, volunteers and organizations, children in the program have higher aspirations, greater confidence, develop better relationships, avoid risky behaviors and achieve educational success.

To learn more about defending youth potential through volunteer opportunities with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Mid-Maine, please call 236-BBBS (2227) email info@bbbsmidmaine.org,  or visit www.bbbsmidmaine.org.

Adam Folsom soars to the rank of Eagle Scout

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Eagle Scout Adam Folsom

Adam Folsom, son of Todd and Janine Folsom, of Skowhegan, attained the rank of Eagle Scout on March 27, 2019. His Court of Honor ceremony was held at the Madison VFW on Saturday, June 22, where he received his Eagle Scout award.

He is a member of Troop #403 and has earned 22 merit badges. Adam has always loved the great outdoors and chose to enhance the snowmobile trails in Canaan as his Eagle Scout project. Adam has been an active supporter of the Canaan Bog Bouncers and has helped with grooming and trimming trails. For his project he decided to build signs to help snowmobilers navigate their way through the trails. These signs consisted of reflective material and gave GPS coordinates as well as direction and mileage to various locations. These new signs have had a lot of positive feedback

As many of the locals are aware, Adam has had a boy scout bottle donation box located at the end of his driveway for the past several years and has raised over $5,000 for his troop. These funds have been used to assist with miscellaneous scout expenses and charitable donations.

From a young age Adam has always been one who likes to keep busy and started working on his uncles farm at the age of 12, where he learned what hard work and long days were all about. At the age of 16, he was offered a job at Marshall’s Automotives, in Skowhegan. He has been there for almost a year and truly enjoys working with the crew there.

Adam will be participating in the Cianbro welding program in the fall and will be graduating from the Skowhegan Area High school in June of 2020.

Those attending included some who made the trek from as far as Rhode Island to celebrate this special day; to Larry Goldsmith, Scout Master of Troop #403, who assisted Adam in attaining this rank; Jeff Hewett, who stepped in as Master of Ceremony; guest speakers, Senator Brad Farrin, Scott Eggleston, Senior Vice Commander of the Madison VFW, Charles Mahaleris, Kennebec Valley District Advancement Chairman, Mark Tanner, of the Skowhegan Federated Church, and Dave Dagniault who has seen Adam through since the very beginning.

Dow poster contest winner 2019

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Logan Dow and his contest-winning poster. (Contributed photo)

Logan Dow, a fourth grade student at Winslow Elementary School, won the poster contest entitled “Reading and Me,” sponsored by the Literacy Volunteers Waterville Area. His prize included a gift certificate to The Children’s Book Cellar, in Waterville, and a class party.

2019 PAL football camp held in Fairfield

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Young football players are getting instructions from several Lawrence High School team members and Bulldogs’ coach John Hersom during the PAL Football Camp held on July 29-31. (photo by Central Maine Photography staff)

Charlie & Son raises $2,200 for Children’s Miracle Network

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Brody Robbins, 9, of Skowhegan. (photo courtesy of Mark Huard, Central Maine Photography)

Huard’s Martial Arts student Brody Robbins, 9, of Skowhegan, raised a total of $2,200 for the Children’s Miracle Network this August. All of the money raised from this car, which was in the Skowhegan State Fair Demolition Derby on Friday, August 9, goes directly to the Huard’s Martial Arts “Karate Kids Kicking Cancer Program,” which raises money for the Maine Children’s Miracle Network.

Bike Maine Needs Volunteers Sept. 8

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Chef Ron Adams is looking for volunteers to help cook and serve lunch at the Palermo School, on Route 3, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on Sunday, September 8. This is a benefit to improve biking and walking conditions in Maine, making it safer and more enjoyable for all. For more information, please contact chefradams@gmail.com.

The 2019 Bike Maine ride begins at the Two Cent Bridge, in Waterville, and proceeds for 53.3 miles through Palermo to Hope. To learn more about Bike Maine, please go to bikemaine.org and click on the ride details button.

Andrea Nemitz named communications and marketing director

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Andrea Nemitz

Andrea Nemitz has been promoted to communications and marketing director at the Maine Community Foundation. She joined the foundation’s staff in 2013 after a 34-year journalism career at newspapers in Maine, Minnesota, Michigan and Wisconsin. Nemitz is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism.

She lives in Buxton with her husband, Bill Nemitz, whose opinion column appears in the Kennebec Journal and Waterville Sentinel, and who has local ties when he was a reporter for the Central Maine Morning Sentinel in the 1970s and ‘80s.

“Humanity Insanity” unleashed at Community Center

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(Reality Entertainment 2019)

No, this isn’t about the election. This movie addresses the throwaway society.

Native Elders say, “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” So, why is $50 billion worth of food thrown away each year as millions of people die of hunger?

The trend of growing food insecurity is slowly shifting from urban areas to rural ones, which doesn’t seem to make much sense, considering where most of the food is grown. However, there are other factors, such as the expectation that the food we get in grocery stores has to look perfect. Thankfully, there are many solutions to this problem, and each one of us can do just one thing to make a difference.

Come and see how on Friday, August 30, and join in on the potluck dinner at 6 p.m., at the Palermo Community Center, on Turner Ridge Rd., across from the ball field.

The waste problem has finally reached the attention of retail America. Plastic bags are being phased out. This is a good start. Many plastic bags are used each week by food pantry recipients who cannot afford to buy the reusable bags with their meager resources. Some people are using empty birdseed bags to make their own reusable shopping bags. If you have any of these, or other pet food bags made of the tarp material, and would care to donate them for upcycling, please drop them off on the back porch of the Palermo Community Center so they can be put back in service. The birds thank you and we thank you! For more info and directions, please call Connie at 993-2294.

IMDB link for Humanity Insanity movie

2019 Webber Pond Association takes on three controversial issues

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Frank Richards, of Vassalboro, has been president of the Webber Pond Association for 20 years.

Postpone proxy balloting and voter restrictions to 2020

by Roland D. Hallee

This year’s edition of the Webber Pond Association annual meeting took on the feel of meetings from the past. Where in recent years they have been somewhat quiet, especially in regards to the lake drawdown, this year’s version produced additional controversy, with much discussion about the drawdown, and questions about proxy voting and voting restrictions.

Many different views were presented in regards to the drawdown date. In their June meeting, the board of directors had recommended Monday, September 16, as the proposed date. The third Monday in September has been the norm for the last five years or so. The directors came to that conclusion by trying to determine a date that would pass on the first vote.

However, this year, there were other dates mentioned at the annual meeting, mainly October 28 and November 30. The two latter dates never came up for a vote as the September 16 date passed, 33-29, a far closer vote than in years past. Over the last 10 – 12 years, votes in favor of the third Monday have been more one-sided, with few dissenters.

The common thought for the September 16 drawdown was that it has “been beneficial” to lower the water level in September as opposed to later in the year, even though DEP recommendations are for a mid-August drawdown. Association Vice President Charles Backenstose, a strong proponent for early drawdown, said that the September date is a compromise that is still useful at exporting phosphorus, while enabling people to use the lake longer. “Who wants to pull boards [at the dam] in July?” he asked.

Association President Frank Richards noted that the November 30 date coincides with the end of duck season. “I don’t think we’ll get any more water quality benefit by setting the winter level on October 28. There’s just no reason to not wait until November 30, if the membership favors a later draw down.”

Attendees at the meeting also brought up the possibility of implementing proxy voting for members unable to attend the meeting because of work, or other, commitment. Discussion on this topic drew the most heated exchange of the meeting, with some in attendance insisting that the by-laws provided for them to present the question to the membership for a vote at this year’s meeting. It was moved and approved to put the question on the agenda for the 2020 meeting.

Also, a motion to change the by-laws to restrict voting rights to lake property owners only was ruled out of order by Richards. It was the president’s opinion it was too big a change to be put on the agenda without any prior notice. A motion was made to overturn Richards’ ruling, but was defeated, although 16 people did vote to support the motion.

It also was moved and approved to place the voting membership question on the 2020 agenda.

In other business, Bob Nadeau, Webber Pond Association’s representative on the China Region Lakes Alliance, reported that the reason that more shoreline work is being done on China Lake than Webber Pond and Three Mile Pond is because of the fact that China provides significantly more funding to the CRLA than do the other two lakes. Both Webber and Three Mile ponds are located in Vassalboro.

“Alewives continue to be a much-discussed topic as a water quality management tool and as a restoration effort,” said Nadeau. “There is no doubt that the water quality has improved since their introduction into both Webber and Three Mile ponds.”

Nadeau also noted that, as of his knowledge, there are no invasive plants in Webber Pond. The Webber Pond Association voted to give $1,000 to CRLA. In total, according to Nadeau, it costs about $6,000 a year to provide boat inspectors at the three lakes.

In his vice president’s report, Backenstose said the water clarity in the pond has doubled over the last three weeks, to 3.7 meters (approx. 9-1/2 feet), an improvement from less than two meters on July 13. He also has seen no collection of the scum that accumulates when a severe algae bloom is present.

Backenstose has taken Secchi disk readings on the pond for the last 15 years. He also takes phosphorus samples that are analyzed at the state level. There is no data available for Secchi disk readings in October or November, as Backenstose, a Pennsylvania resident, returns home in September and is not available to produce readings for those months, which have increasingly become part of the discussion as far as the annual drawdown is concerned. A member of the audience volunteered to take those readings in order to be able to build a data base for those two months in regards to water clarity. The offer was enthusiastically accepted by Richards.

In his president’s report, Richards said, “Webber is on track to have a really good summer with respect to keeping the lake at a good level.” They have been able to keep levels at the spillway despite several years of drought conditions.

Gov. Janet Mills, left, tries to lift a net full of alewives during the May run. Phil Innes, a Webber Pond Association director, helps the governor. (photo by Jeff Nichols)

The association has been using a management plan for Webber Pond that was drafted in 1990 by the Maine Department of Environmental Protection. That plan is in the process of being updated and will be posted on the Facebook page as soon as it is available, according to Richards.

From a question posed by Richards, no one in attendance has caught, nor heard of anyone else on the lake having caught, a northern pike. A good sign.

Richards also noted that in May, Gov. Janet Mills visited the fish ladder at the Webber Pond dam. It marked the first time a Maine governor had ever visited a fish ladder anywhere in the state of Maine. Another landmark appearance was the presence of the directors of the Department of Marine Resources and Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife to the Vassalboro dam.

Members returned all officers, Frank Richards, president; Charles Backenstose, vice president; Rebecca Lamey, secretary; John Reuthe, treasurer. Also elected were directors Robert Bryson, Scott Buchert, Mary Bussell, Darryl Fedorchak, Roland Hallee, Phil Innes, Jennifer Lacombe, Robert Nadeau, Stephen Pendley, Pearly LaChance, John Reuthe, Susan Traylor and James Webb.