Hewnoaks Artist Colony

Here is an attractive opportunity for all Maine artists! Historic Hewnoaks on the eastern shore of Kezar Lake is offering free residences to those who would like to work in a historic setting. Although there is not a designated studio, there is space in each cabin or even on the grounds.

This Artist Colony is a volunteer effort and had a quiet start last year when a writer, a filmmaker and others participated. This year, the group is expanding the time period from June 29th to mid-September. There is an application process and the deadline is May 22nd. More details can be found at hewnoaks.org.

Since the late 1800′s, the sleepy little town has always been a magnet for a variety of artists. Whether attracted by the lake, the mountains or the ability to regenerate their creativity with fresh air, Lovell remains a vibrant artistic center. One of the group’s stated goals is for the artists to interact with the local community. Since my artistic ability is limited, I look forward to welcoming our guests and hopefully seeing their finished projects. After their initial visit to Lovell, I’m sure they will be eager to return!

Lovell Village Update

Progress being made on the now vacant corner of Christian Hill Road and Main Street in Lovell Village. It was very interesting to watch Norris Bennett and his crew pull out the big granite blocks from the foundation and to fill in the old cellar hole with sand. Hard to believe that when the blocks were set, the laborers did not have the luxury of mechanical equipment! Soon the fence will be gone and the land will be marketed for sale. Stay tuned!

The One Fund

Last week’s surreal events in Boston hit home on so many levels. Not only did it occur in our ‘backyard’, but the Boston Marathon is America’s premier road race. Every year there are local runners we know and track their 26.2 mile journey online as well as people who are going down to volunteer or to cheer their family and friends on.

In my time, I have run eight marathons and have run in or worked at many large events. It is always such a happy and joyous moment when the runners, after training so hard and for so long, approach the finish line and begin looking for their family members. The sense of accomplishment is real! I still can’t process how someone can be so evil and destroy so many lives.

How impressive was the response of the police, fire and emergency personnel just after the explosions? In discussing this with Lovell Fire Department Chief Tommie McKenzie, he said that everyone did exactly how they were trained. So, remember the next time you see one of the disaster training exercises that various towns and cities conduct, that they really do serve an important purpose.

One other observation–many people object to the outrageous salaries that professional athletes earn and the self-centered lives they lead. However, there is no question that the Boston sport teams played a tremendous role in bringing the region back together. Take a moment to watch the singing of the National Anthem at the Bruins’ game and Neil Diamond (who came uninvited on a red-eye flight from California) sing Sweet Caroline at Saturday’s Red Sox game.

The Governor of Massachusetts and the Mayor of Boston have established The One Fund, Inc., a non-profit organization to collect funds that will be used to help the victims of the bombings. Long after normalcy returns to our daily lives, the injured victims and families who lost a loved one will still need help. If you can, please donate.

Fire Department Spaghetti Dinner

 

 

 

This Saturday evening, the Lovell Volunteer Fire Department will be hosting a Spaghetti Dinner from 4-7 pm at the Center Lovell Station. All proceeds from the dinner will go to the David G. Fox Memorial Scholarship Fund. The scholarships will be awarded to graduating high school seniors who are related to a department member. In addition, a number of great items have been collected for the Chinese Auction will be held where some great items will be available.

Be certain to come out this Saturday for an enjoyable evening.  Now that winter is over, you will get a chance to see all your friends, have a nice meal, enjoy home-baked pies, go home with a prize and support a good cause!

Lovell 5k Run

Approaching the turn!

FA’s Track Coach Kevin McDonald

We all know that this sad return to cold weather will be brief and that warm days are not far away. That means it is time to start thinking about all of the fun activities of summer–fishing, swimming, riding bikes, eating ice cream and running in the Lovell Old Home Days 5k!

This year’s run is on Saturday, July 20th and the race starts at 9:45 am with the runners leading the parade down Main Street to the Athletic Field. This year’s run is the Ninth Annual and it is always a fun event for both participants and spectators. Great awards for the top runners and plenty of random prizes.

Remember that the first 100 registrants get a t-shirt designed by a Fryeburg Academy art student, so be sure to sign-up early. On-line registration is at Running4Free.com or you can download an application here.

Visit Lovell5k.com for more information, pictures and past times.

Good-Bye to the Narrows Bridge

Residents of Kezar Lake’s Lower Bay, for many years frustrated by their frequent inability to navigate under the Narrows Bridge due to high water levels, finally have had their prayers answered. Lovell’s three Selectmen, after a lengthy emergency funding meeting, have authorized the construction of a larger and higher span over the Narrows.

Inspired by the new bridge on Route 302 in Naples, the town fathers have selected a design that will permit large boats to travel unimpeded between the Lower Bay and the larger northern portion of Kezar. Questioned as to the negative visible impact on the lake, the Selectmen stated that the economic benefit to the town outweighed any other concerns.

Noting the closed Wicked Good, the Lovell Hardware Store, the Dutton office buildings and the Center Lovell Market, the Selectmen cited a sense of urgency to do something that would help get the empty stores occupied. Rose McKenzie, proprietor of Rosie’s Lovell Village Store (home of the best breakfast in western Maine), states that over the years she has overheard numerous complaints of the bridge’s inadequacies. It is expected that the increased boat traffic will be very helpful to the town.

Larry Fox and his experienced road crew anticipate the project underway shortly and to have it completed in time for the 2014 boating season.

(Happy April Fool’s Day! )

Late Winter Lovell Scenes

It takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make one gallon of syrup!

As the snow recedes and more and more of the fields reappear, you can feel the transition from winter to spring on a daily basis. Yes, we take some steps backwards as the temperatures drop and we may have a storm on Tuesday but the days are much longer and you know the daffodils will be popping up very soon. The cold nights and warm days are perfect for collecting sap and making maple syrup. Maine Maple Sunday is March 24th. Here’s a link to a map of participating sugarhouses.

Mud Season!

Another sign of the coming Spring will be the posting of the secondary roads for the purpose of prohibiting heavy trucks from doing additional damage to the soft road. Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day and remember that Opening Day for the Red Sox and Major League baseball is April 1st.

A snow octopus!