Back at it

Lake Region Schools are back in session this week. Just two days to get back in the groove, then a respite for the Labor Day Weekend. I always find it amazing how nature cooperates with this rhythm. The mornings are cooler, making it a bit easier for the kids to board that bus. This year has been so warm, and I do believe that trend will continue over the weekend. However, on this morning’s walk I did see browning of the leaves, so get ready.

Summer fun lives on
at the Togue Derby

Fishing enthusiasts mark your calendar for Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, because the Sebago Lake Anglers’ Association will be holding the largest open water Togue Derby in Maine on Sebago Lake. The derby will be run out of beautiful Point Sebago Resort, which is offering reduced priced packages that include lodging, some meals, free boat launch and overnight dockage at the marina. (Make reservations directly with them).

The derby is sponsored, in part, by Point Sebago Resort and Kittery Trading Post, and will run from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day. Cash and merchandise prizes will be awarded to fishermen or ladies turning in the 10 largest togue by weight. Weigh-in must occur at 4 p.m. each day at Point Sebago and an awards ceremony will be held at Point Sebago on Sunday evening. All IF&W fishing regulations apply, including the slot limit on Togue. Illegal fish will not be accepted at the weigh-in station. You need not fish both days nor be present to win as long as your fish have been registered by 4 p.m. each day.

The cost is $30 per adult and $10 for youths under 16. Proceeds go, in part, towards funding Youth Lifetime Fishing Licenses for resident Maine youth. Applications are available at several area variety stores and at Naples Bait and Tackle, on Route 35 in Naples. For a complete set of rules or an application call Bob Chapin, 655-1028 or 571 217-1700, or email chapin780@aol.com; or call Dave Garcia at Naples Bait and Tackle, 310-1435, or email naplesbait@yahoo.com.

Sebago Lake Anglers Association is a Naples-based association of like-minded anglers who meet once a month to discuss local hot spots not only on Sebago but all other Lakes Region lakes – and lie about the fish they’ve caught! They have expert guest speakers, discuss tackle, tactics and technique –what lures or bait are working where, how many colors deep, how fast to troll, etc., and comment on issues affecting fishing. They are also actively involved in local conservation issues such as watershed surveys, salmon redd counts and debris removal in the Crooked River, threats of oil and tar sands to area waters, and participate in IF & W focus groups affecting rules and regulations. Several members are “Hooked on Fishing” certified instructors and conduct programs for youth groups such as the Boy and Girl Scouts. They meet the second Tuesday of every month except November (deer hunting!) at the Methodist Church in Naples for a potluck dinner at 6:30 p.m.

Naples 5K

Hats off to George Vooris for once again organizing a great family fun event. With over 200 runners of all ages and abilities, this race can be labeled a smashing success. Congrats to all the fine runners and walkers who participated, all for some great causes, namely the Patrick Dempsey Center and our local food pantries. Thank you, George, for all you do.

Bus trip to Boston

Dea Dea Robbins is planning some fun. On Saturday, Sept. 17, head down to Boston in style. Enjoy the day on your own exploring the Freedom Trail, Boston Common, the Aquarium, Fanueill Hall and more. The cost is $35. On Saturday, Oct. 22, the height of Halloween season, the next bus excursion will be to Salem, Mass. The cost for this trip is $34. All bus trips start at the American Legion in Naples at 7 a.m., with a stop at Larrabee Road Park and Ride in Westbrook at 7:45 a.m. For more information, call Dea Dea at 693-3408 or 671-8899.

Route 114 closure

Please note Route 114/11 (Sebago Road) will be closed Monday, Sept. 19, at 6 a.m. for the replacement of the Crockett River Bridge near Camp Mataponi. No vehicles will be able to pass the intersection of Gore Road and Route 114. The closure may last as long as 26 days while a new bridge is built by the MDOT. Detours will be posted by MDOT on major roads. For more information, call MDOT at 885-7000.

Have a fantastic Labor Day Weekend! Life will slow down a bit in our little town, and Tony’s won’t be so darn crowded! Hallelujah!

The  Sebago Lake Anglers’ Association will be holding the largest open water Togue
Derby in Maine Sept. 10-11.