Waterford, ME

May 20-22, 7 p.m. Saturday matinee at 1 p.m. "Guys and Dolls," produced by Telestar High School's Drama Club, with music by Telstar High School's Pit Band, Helen C. Berry Auditorium, Telstar Regional High School, 284 Walkers Mills Road (Route 26), Bethel. FMI: 207.824.2136, ths.sad44.org.
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May 21, 5 p.m. dinner, 8 p.m. dance, Madri Gras Dance, music by Vintage Band, $9/dance only, reservations required, Poland Spring Resort, 99 Robbins Road, Poland Spring. FMI: 207.998.4351, www.polandspringinns.com.

May 21, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Chicken Barbecue Supper plus Time is Money Raffle Drawing, chicken, beans, cole slaw, macaroni salad or potato salad, corn bread, lemonade or ice tea, dessert, $10/adults, $5/under age 12, benefit for LRHS Project Grad 2010, Lake Region High School Gymnasium, 1877 Roosevelt Road, Naples. FMI: 207.647.3581, www.sad61.k12.me.us/lrhs.

May 22, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Indoor Yard Sale, includes cutlery, home-made goodies, White Elephant items and much more, Sabbathday Lake Grange #365, 370 Shaker Road, New Gloucester. FMI: 207.998.2586, www.mainestategrange.org.

May 22, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Open House at Saint Joseph's College Campus Farm, activities include "kindergarden" at 10, square-foot gardening demonstration at 11, hoop house growing at 1, learn about benefits of permaculture and sustainable garden practices, meet farm animals, purchase eggs, plus vegetable and flower seedlings, Pearson Town Farm, 289 Whites Bridge Road, Standish. FMI: 207.310.0976, www.sjcme.edu.

May 22, 1 p.m. Jugtown Plains Habitat Walk and Talk, with Plant Biologist Pixie Williams, wear comfortable walking attire and boots, bring water, plus bug and sun protection, meet at Casco Firehouse, Route 121, Casco. FMI: 207.647.4352, www.loonecholandtrust.org.

May 22, 1:30-3:30 p.m. "Write Quick: War and a Woman's Life in Letters, 1836-1867," authors Roberta Gibson Pervear and Ann Chandonnet will discuss their book based on Civil War era documents and artifacts, Moses Mason House, On the Commons, Bethel. FMI: 207.824.2908, www.bethelhistorical.org.

May 22, 8 p.m. Rose Cousins, Canadian Singer/Songwriter, a new artist at Stone Mountain, $10/person, doesn't include dinner which is available by reservation before the show, Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

May 23, 7 a.m.-2 p.m. Car Show hosted by the Sons of the American Legion, trophies in 26 classes, food, fun and door prizes, $5/show car, free/spectators, American Legion Field, Route 11, just off Route 302, Naples. FMI: 207.653.3351, y2camaro.com.

May 26, 10 a.m. "Bach at Leipzig," a play by Itamar Moses, book discussion, Waterford Library, 663 Waterford Road, Waterford. FMI: 207.583.2050, www.waterford.lib.me.us.

Keoka Lake, in the quintessential New England village of Waterford, has provided the background for the Stockwell family retreats these past 70 years.

Tom Stockwell's grandfather first rented a cabin on Keoka for family vacations in 1930. Eventually he purchased the adjacent cabin. Tom's parents, aunts and uncles later purchased five others and in the early '50s Tom began coming to the lake each summer.

He remembers when he was five, he loved to walk along the shore and throw worms out to the fish so he could watch them eat. Today, Tom still loves to fish at Keoka, but does note that the fishery has changed. As a child he remembers smallmouth bass, yellow perch, brook trout and pickerel in the lake. Today, brook trout, largemouth and smallmouth bass plus white perch are the predominate species. Landlocked salmon were introduced three years ago.

Traveling life's path, Tom knew he always wanted to live year round in Maine. In the early '70s that dream became a reality when he spent a winter at the cabin and had to chop a hole in the ice for water. Since then he moved to Bridgton, but the cabin at Keoka is still the summer home for his family.

Part of the beauty of Keoka is that it has always been a family compound-Stockwell family members gather together here each summer. It's a place where memories are made.

"It's wonderful to have family, the people you don't see on a regular basis, get along so well," says Tom. "Keoka is a treasure."

The charm includes special places on the lake, i.e. views of Hawk Mountain and Mt. Ti'rem, with Pleasant Mountain nestled between. Rock Island, a rocky outcropping, is another special place. At least two loons make their homes on Keoka. Last summer they had a chick. And during recent Octobers Tom has sighted a bald eagle.

The charm also includes stories such as the legend of Thomas Pond, Keoka's former name. Supposedly, in the early 1800s Thomas Chamberlain ran away from Native Americans and survived by hiding in a crack in a rock. Though the lake is no longer named for him, Tom Rock Beach holds his legacy.

Because he values this gem in western Maine, Tom Stockwell is actively involved with the Keoka Lake Association (KLA), where he served as president for six years, beginning in 1996. Tom is also a long-time board member for the Lakes Environmental Association (LEA). Originally KLA was formed to manage the dam at the outlet which flows into Bear Pond.

Through a grant, the association has worked with Colin Holme of LEA, plus the folks at Oxford Hills Association, Maine DEP and town representatives, to control erosion and maintain water quality. The water quality has improved from high to a moderate degree of concern in the last few years.

Grant monies are also used to hire Courtesy Boat Inspectors, thus keeping milfoil at bay. Other issues the KLA has addressed recently include trail work at Hawk Mountain to keep it from eroding into the Muddy River and on into the lake and renovation of the picnic area along Routes 35/37, leading into Waterford Flats from Bridgton and Harrison. Here they stabilized the soil, added native plants and placed a culvert under the road.

Volunteers for the KLA "Plant Patrol" have surveyed the aquatic plant life of the lake. Though Eurasian Milfoil has not invaded Keoka, there are two other concerns. A hybrid pond weed that no one can seem to identify is growing in the middle of the lake. Tom calls it "Keoka Hybrid." Chinese Mystery Snails are also prolific in the lake. These snails are known to get rid of algae, which is good, but like Tom says, "When they die off, the smell is awful."

Formed by glaciers advancing and retreating, this 465 acre pond is about 42 feet deep. Very few cabins are visible from the shoreline and there is light boat traffic. A boat launch and two public beaches are easily accessible for residents.

Visit historic Waterford Flats on Keoka Lake and, like the Stockwells, I guarantee you'll feel Tom's passion and fall in love with this lakefront location.

For more information, check the KLA Web site at www.keokalake.com or LEA at www.mainelakes.com.

To view all the lakefront properties currently for sale on Keoka Lake click below:

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The perfect lakefront getaway location in the Sebago Lakes Region is McWain Pond nestled, in the hills of Waterford, Maine.

Formally known as Long Pond, it is approximately 450 acres and has no public access. At 3 1/2 miles long, it's perfect for boating, water skiing and swimming. Fishing too! The spring-fed pond contains large and small mouth bass, smelt, sunfish and blue gills.

Legend has it that after David McWain settled in the area around 1775, he helped later settlers survive hard winters by selling his surplus corn at a low price. He is also rumored to have hid silver in pine trees to protect it from being stolen. Hmmmm . . . might be worth owning a piece of lakefront property here just to learn more about this latter story.

Tony Butterall, President of the McWain Pond Association, recently told me that according the the Lakes Environmental Association, which monitors the water quality of the pond, "We are in the moderate/high degree of concern, however, we are in the middle of a Watershed Improvement Project and have made some major improvements."

Since the early 80s, the Lakes Environmental Association (LEA) has provided extensive water testing on McWain. And in the last couple of years, LEA has been a key partner in the McWain Pond Watershed Project. The project aims to curb eroding soil that washes from surrounding land carrying phosphorus into the lake, the chief threat to water quality in Maine.

In 2008, the McWain Pond Watershed Project reduced nutrient pollution by an estimated 22 tons. In 2009, the project continues with erosion control for town and camp roads, plus the addition of vegetative buffers. All of this will help the McWain Pond Association achieve their primary goal "to preserve the water quality of the pond and the gentle quality of the environment around the pond for future generations."

The shoreline of McWain Pond is fringed with seasonal and year-round residences. It is also home to two summer camps. Birch Rock is a small residential camp for boys. It's located on McWain Hill and was founded in 1925 by William "Chief" Brewster and his wife Onie. The camp continues today under new leadership, but the property is still owned by the Brewster family. Camp Waziyatah is a co-ed residential camp. Disney filmed the TV show "Bug Juice" at Camp Wazi.

FMI: McWain Pond Association, www.mcwainpond.org.
Birch Rock Camp, www.birchrock.org, 207.741.2930.
Camp Waziyatah, www.wazi.com, 207.583.2267.

If you have an interest in looking at the current lakefront properties for sale on McWain Pond just click on the box below:

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October 8-11, 9:00 a.m.-closing, 159th Annual Fryeburg Fair, Maine's Blue Ribbon Classic continues with harness racing, midway, food booths, the world's largest steer and oxen show, exhibits, energy row, Old McDonald's petting farm, agriculture, museums, demonstrations, entertainment, contests and more. $8/person except $10/person on Saturday, free/under age 12, $5/on site parking, Fryeburg Fairgrounds, Route 5, Fryeburg. FMI: 207.935.3268, www.fryeburgfair.com

October 8, 7:30 p.m. "Starr King's The White Hills and 19th Century White Mountain Tourism," free lecture presented by Randall H. Bennett, program marks the 150th anniversary of Reverend Thomas Starr King's seminal guidebook, "The White Mountains: Their Legends, Landscape and Poetry," (1859), Mason House Exhibit Hall, 10-14 Broad Street on the Common, Bethel. FMI: 207.824.2908 or 800.824.2910, www.bethelhistorical.org.

October 9, 8 p.m. Bob Marley, local comedian and national success, $25/person concert only, dinner is sold out (no credit cards accepted on site), Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.935.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

October 10, 10 a.m. 4th Annual Mountainview Woodies Fall Foliage Cruise, launch at Moose Landing Marina at 10, motor to Caswell House in Harrison for lunch and then back. Join the fun via boat, or enjoy the view from the shore of these classic wooden boats. Moose Landing Marina, Route 302, Naples. FMI: www.mountainviewwoodies.org.

October 10, 11 a.m. 10th Annual Fall Festival Weekend at Sunday River including the North American Wife Carrying Championships, 278-yard course, winner receives wife's weight in beer and wife's weight times 5 in cash, also Arts and Crafts Fair, free concert with Entrain and more, Sunday River Ski Resort, 15 South Ridge Road, Newry.
FMI: 207.824.3000, www.sundayriver.com.

October 10, 5 pm to finish. Annual Harrison Village Library Turkey Supper fundraiser. On the eastern shore of Long Lake at the Camp Newfound dining hall, off Rte. 35 in Harrison. The food is great, the price is right, and the venue can't be beat. Adults $8, children $4. FMI: 207-583-2970.

October 10, 5-7:00 p.m. 16th Annual Turkey Dinner with all the fixings, plus homemade pie, $7/adults, $4/children, free/under age 4, benefit church's Outreach Programs, St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 42 Sweden Road, Bridgton. FMI: 207.647.8549, www.stpetersbridgton.org.

October 11, 11:30 a.m. 10th Annual Waterford 5K Fall Foliage and Fun Run Race, benefit the Tony Wadeier Scholarship Fund, 1-mile fun run for kids at 11:30, followed at noon by a scenic run beginning at the historic Waterford Commons and continuing beside Keoka Lake to Bear Mountain Inn and back, held in conjunction with the Greater Bridgton Lakes Region Chamber of Commerce's Great Western Chili Cook Off, free chili samples to all race participants, Waterford Commons, Route 37, Waterford Flats. FMI: race-207.583.4611, chili cook off-207.647.3472, www.mainelakeschamber.com.

October 14, 11:30 a.m. The Rooster Review, variety show with Carol Noonan, Mike Miclon, Lisa Saffer, Tim Ostendorf, Katy Noonan, Julia Hendrickson and Sonny Barbato, $36 includes lunch, entertainment, gratuity and tax, (no credit cards accepted on site), Stone Mountain Arts Center, 695 Dugway Road, Brownfield. FMI: 207.93.7292, www.stonemountainartscenter.com.

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Water is the place to be in the Sebago Lakes Region as summer finally kicks into place. The weather looks great for all the outdoor activities planned for this weekend.

There is so much going on, but a few water events include the 18th Annual Highland Lake Regatta, a rowing event in Bridgton(www.rowmaine.org), The Great Adventure Challenge triathlon, which includes kayaking on Moose Pond in West Bridgton (www.maineadventureracing.com), the 16th Annual Naples Antique and Classic Boat Show on the Causeway (www.mountainviewwoodies.org) and the 18th Annual Maine State Triathlon and Aquabike on Songo Pond in Bethel (www.bethelmaine.com).

Here are more activities going on in the area in the week to come:

July 31, 7:30 p.m. "Crisis on 13th Avenue," written by Jake Dunham, presented by The Children's Backyard Theater Group, starring many local actors and actresses, The Lovell Brick Church for the Performing Arts, 502 Christian Hill Road, Lovell. FMI: http://lovellbrickchurch.org

July 31, 8:00 p.m. Joan Baez, Merrill Auditorium, 239 Park Avenue, Portland; Tickets: $37.50 and $42.50. FMI: 207.842.0800 or https://tickets.porttix.com/public

August 1, 7 -8:30 a.m. registration, 18th Annual Highland Lake Regatta, Maine State Rowing Championships held at Highland Lake Resort, North High Street, Bridgton, 5,000-meter stake and 1,000-meter sprint; entry forms available on-line; no dogs please as host doesn't allow them. FMI: 207.647.2196 or www.rowmaine.org

August 1, before 8:00 a.m. registration, race begins at 9.a.m. The Great Adventure Challenge, a one-of-a-kind triathlon, kayak 2.5 miles on Moose Pond, mountain bike 14 miles and dash/hike 2 miles up and down Pleasant Mountain, entertainment and vendors at Shawnee Peak Ski Area, presented by Good Neighbors, Inc., which provides life supports for Lakes Region residents with developmental disabilities; register before 8 a.m. at Shawnee Peak, $60 for singles, $150 for teams of 2 or 3. FMI: 207.647.8244 x 15 or www.maineadventureracing.com, www.goodneighborsinc.com

August 1, 10 a.m. -3 p.m. 16th Annual Naples Antique and Classic Boat Show on the Causeway, Naples, presented by Mountainview Woodies Classic Boat Club, some of the rarest and most beautiful antique and classic boats and cars still in existence will be on display, (rain date August 2) FMI: www.mountainviewwoodies.org

August 1, 5 p.m. Baked Bean Supper, Sebago Town Hall, 406 Bridgton Road (Route 107), Sebago. FMI: 207.787.2457 or www.townofsebago.org

August 1-2, 10 a.m. -4 p.m. Scribner's Mill "Back to the Past" Celebration, Scribner's Mill Preservation, Inc., Scribner's Mill Road, Harrison, watch 19th century wood-product machinery at work and tour the 1820 Carlson Farmstead and Museum, Pig Roast Supper on Saturday at 5 p.m. FMI: www.scribnersmill.org

August 2, 8 a.m. race starts, 18th Annual Maine State Triathlon and Aquabike, Bethel Inn Lakehouse on Songo Pond, Routes 35 and 5, Bethel; 1 k swim, 24 k bike, 5.8 k run; must pre-register on-line at www.active.com . FMI: 207.824.2282 or www.bethelmaine.com

August 3, 6:30 p.m. Theater on the Lawn, a one-hour version of "Romeo and Juliet" performed by the Poland Players, Auburn Public Library, 49 Spring Street, Auburn; bring your own blanket and picnic basket. FMI: 207.333.6640 or www.auburn.lib.me.us

August 3, 7:30 p.m. Piano Concert by Cody Michaels, Eastman Performing Arts Center at Fryeburg Academy, Cody's music is highly inspired by his experiences in the White Mountains, $10 adults, $5 for students and seniors. FMI: 207.935.9232 before 1 p.m. or www.fryeburgacademy.org

August 4, 7:30 p.m. "Mendelssohn's 200th Birthday" presented by Sebago-Long Lake Chamber Music Festival, Deertrees Theatre and Cultural Center, 162 Deertrees Road, Harrison, Tickets $20, students free. FMI: 207.583.6747 or www.deertreestheatre.org

August 5, 7:30 p.m. "Loons, Loons, Loons" presentation by Bonny Boatman, sponsored by the Greater Lovell Land Trust, Charlotte Hobbs Memorial Library, 227 Main Street, Lovell. FMI: 207.925.3177 or www.gllt.org