Acadia Trash Clean Up
2024-04-27
Saturday, April 27, is Friends of Acadia annual clean up day. Pick up trash in the morning, hike or bike in the afternoon.
Get a head of the crowds by visiting Acadia National Park and do a good deed as well.
As an added incentive, you can tent at my place in Ellsworth or park your camper in my driveway. There will be a pot luck dinner Saturday night and a campfire with smores.
Please let me know if you will attend by calling or texting 207-801-1488 or send an email to marty@donnellpond.com

Call for volunteers! Phoning in for Baxter State Park group site reservations.
2024-04-30 08:00 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
We are looking for an “A Team” to help get a MOAC weekend reserved at Baxter State Park this year!
Please email me your contact information if you’re interested.
This is for the big Labor Day weekend, so game faces! It’ll be a highly competitive reservation to go for so any help is appreciated.
Phone lines open on April 30th (Tuesday) at 8:00 am sharp.
I’ll coordinate which sites/dates we are going for once I have the team together.
Looking forward to hearing from you!
Thanks,
Josh Soucy

MOAC National Trails Day Annual Trail Maintenance
2024-06-01 09:00 - 15:30
Join the MOAC trail crew as we celebrate National Trails Day by volunteering to help maintain MOAC’s adopted hiking trails. The Bald Peak and Sue’s Way trails on Pleasant Mountain have been under our care for a few years now. The Loon Echo Land Trust manages all the trails on Pleasant Mountain and we work with them to keep the trails clear, safe, and fun for everyone. A day of trail maintenance involves clipping back the limbs and brush, raking twigs, sticks, leaves, cleaning water bars, and removing smaller blowdowns. MOAC has a collection of trail tools, so unless you have a favorite rake or pair of clippers, all you need to being is enthusiasm and elbow grease. Of course you’ll also want to wear sturdy footwear, work gloves, bring plenty of water, lunch, bug dope, and a day pack for it all. Watch the weather and be sure to have a warm and/or dry layer as necessary. We start at 9am and end around 3:30pm-ish. Please meet at the Bald Peak trailhead parking lot on Mountain Road Bridgton, which is off Route 302. The trailhead is about a mile past the ski area. Most members will volunteer for the whole day. But you can join the fun for just the morning, or just the afternoon. All help is welcome! Just please let me know. If you have any questions about the day, give me a call or email. We’d love to have you as part of the MOAC Trail Crew 2024!
Dana-the-Maintain-ah 650-5197 trails@moac.org

MOAC June BBQ and Volunteer Recognition & Gear Swap
2024-06-05 17:30 - 20:30
Rain or Shine! If it rains, we’ll be in the church.
The grilling season has started and it’s time for the traditional MOAC pot luck and BBQ. Bring a dish and something for the grill. It’s also time to recognize volunteers and board members who have helped MOAC during the year. We will set up starting at 5:30 (we always need help) and then start grilling and eating at 6.

Please bring something to grill for yourself.
Please bring something to share (appetizers, salads, deserts, etc).
Bring camp chairs if desired.
Please do not bring alcohol as we are at a church.

Also, please clean out your closets/attics/garages and contribute to our gear swap. And who knows what you might find to take home.

Volunteer with Scarborough Land Trust at Broadturn farm preserve
2024-06-08 09:00 - 14:00
Join MOAC for a volunteer day in partnership with Scarborough Land Trust! This post is for coordination. Stephen “Zam” Zameriowski will be the lead that day! He’s a skilled trail builder and fun outdoorsman to work with. SLT will provide tools snacks and extra water for anyone who needs some. Volunteers should bring their own work gloves, extra water, and a bag lunch.
Parking at this pin: https://maps.app.goo.gl/mzUsqnhwhow6XcNQ9?g_st=ic
Projects will include
-spreading wood chips
-Moving lumber
-Constructing bridges

-Clearing drainage ditches

Let me know if you are planning to join!

Baxter State Park Carpool
2024-08-30 - 2024-09-02
The link below will be a directory for members who want to carpool up to Baxter State Park.
Carpool list
If you are driving please list yourself.
It’s participants responsibility to reach out to drivers and figure the details! Also note that your carpool buddy may be driving on another day you need.
Please stay punctual and reliable for the benefit of everyone!

Community Connections Fair – Volunteer wanted
2024-09-14 13:00 - 16:00
MOAC is staffing a table at the Community Connections Fair at HopeGateWay, to promote the club’s visibility and reach out to increase our membership.
We are not selling memberships there. We are handing out cards and info. about the club, answering questions and speaking to people when they drop by our table.
I will be volunteering and I would love to have one or two more people with me. That way we can have an opportunity to take a break and check out the fair ourselves.
If you are attending the fair, drop by, say hi and introduce yourself.
HopeGateWay
515 Woodford St, Portland, ME
(diagonally across from Rosemont Bakery on Brighton)
Description of the event from the flyer:
Enjoy food, activities, and performances by local music groups while connecting with clubs, classes, and volunteer opportunities in your community!
Find places to make friends, learn, volunteer, create or donate.
If you would like to volunteer, please email me at melanieslawlor@smccme.edu or phone 207, two-hundred nineteen – 9622.

Greenville Fall Foliage Seniors Getaway
2024-09-24 15:00 - 2024-09-27 11:00
We would like to invite fellow active MOAC seniors to join us for our Thursday Hikers Fall Getaway to Greenville.
Update – It looks like the place is sold out at this time for rooms. There is camping available at the same location in a grassy area behind the resort. This can depend on weather. I can also keep a wait-list in case someone cancels from our group. Room rate of $120/night, Sept. 24-27. The rooms have full kitchens and 2 double beds. Be sure to tell them you are with Thursday Hikers/Michell Moody group. Be sure to check out their website for more info about the property. They also offer camping behind the resort. Call the resort at 800-726-2302 to book one of the rooms we are holding (the rooms are not on their website until after July 1). Book ASAP if you want to come. Please verify their cancellation policy when booking. 7 days for this time of year would be appreciated.
https://www.leisureliferesort.com/
Please let me know if you book. Also let me know if you would be willing to share a room and I can let others know. Please include your phone number and email so I can add you to our rooming list and send more info later.
This is a wonderful area with a great variety of hikes and paddling opportunities. Some biking as well. The colors should be starting while temperatures usually aren’t too cold yet.

MOAC Trail Maintenance Day
2024-10-19 09:00 - 16:00
It’s time for another MOAC trail maintenance day on our adopted trails on Pleasant Mountain. Please consider joining us Saturday October 19th as we work on the Bald Peak and Sue’s Way trails, which are under the stewardship of the Loon Echo Land Trust. Come fall, there’s always plenty of leaves to rake and waterbars to clean out. If we get a big enough crew, we’ll start work on rebuilding the rock causeway on the Bald Peak Trail that’s just before the junction for the Sue’s Way trail. If you’ve never joined a trail crew to help maintain a trail, not to worry – there’s no experience necessary! Just be sure to wear work clothes that will probably get a bit dirty, bring good sturdy footwear, work gloves, plenty of water, your lunch, and a day pack to carry it all! Watch the weather forecast bring appropriate outerwear. If it’s a really rainy day, I’ll reschedule. But I’ve emailed Mother Nature asking for a sunny day. So, we’ll see what we get! 🙂
Meet us at the Bald Peak trailhead parking lot at 9am. The trailhead is on Mountain Road, Bridgton, about a mile after the ski area. We usually call it a day about 3 or 4pm. If you have any questions about the day, or just want to sign up, shoot me an email, send me a text, give me a call, or send a carrier pigeon, whatever work for you!

Back yard indoor camping – Take Pride in Acadia Weekend
2024-11-01 17:00 - 2024-11-03 12:00
Join the Take Pride in Acadia Weekend crowd but stay at my place in Ellsworth. I have room for 4 or 5 folks at my place in Ellsworth, about 20 miles from Acadia. If more are interested, bring your camping gear and stay in my back yard, or in your van in my driveway. You are welcome for 2 nights so you can join Saturday night dinner plans with the group.
Bring your sleeping bag, pillow, towel, and toothbrush, plus what ever. I will supply coffee in the morning.
Be sure to sign up using Peter Mullen’s form for the Take Pride in Acadia MOAC Team on the event calendar . Signing up to stay at my place does NOT get you signed up for the MOAC Team.
Contact me at 207-801-1488 or marty@donnellpond.com to let me know you are coming. I will send more details and directions.

Take Pride in Acadia Day, 2024 - Registration is closed
2024-11-02 08:00 - 13:00
For 33 years, volunteers have gathered on the first Saturday of November to help ready the famous carriage roads for winter. Sponsored by Friends of Acadia, teams are assigned troublesome sections of carriage roads where erosion can cause damage over the winter. The task? Rake the leaves and debris off the shoulders and into the woods. MOAC has had members at this event for many years. We have a team that will work together.
If you follow the Friends of Acadia link above, there will be information about how to sign up for the event. PLEASE do not do that. Since we are working as a group, use the sign up link below so I can keep track. I will submit our roster of names to Friends.
Please click HERE to sign up. Your email is so we can communicate before the weekend. Your phone number so we can as well during the weekend.
Most who sign up make it a weekend, but that is not required. The actual commitment to the park is from roughly 8:30 am to noon on Saturday. If you choose to make it a weekend, the rest of the time is yours.
There is no cost to the event itself. If you choose to stay over, you will need to find your own lodging. Tam and I are staying at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, right in downtown and that has been the hotel of choice for the most part for a few years now. But, you can do as you wish in this regard. The Grand offers a free breakfast. Local restaurants for the rest.
Except for the provided lunch after the work Saturday. After our work commitment is done, we can head over to the Hulls Cove Visitors Center for a “CCC” lunch. Chili, cornbread, and cider. Aside from the ingredients, it’s named to honor the Civilian Conservation Corp, who did a lot of work in Acadia.

MOAC Holiday Party 2024 – Tickets on Sale
2024-11-06 - 2024-12-04
2024 Holiday Party Tickets NOW on Sale through Eventbrite

November 6, 2024 – December 4, 2024

HOT DEAL now available! Get your tickets at
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moac-holiday-party-2024-members-only-tickets-1074692055869
BARGAIN at $12.00 for prepurchase through Eventbrite (member pays for Eventbrite fee)
Another MOAC Party not to be missed. December 7, 2024 from 5:30 to 11:00.
Sale price available only through December 4th. Price at the door is $15.00.
Once again we will party at the Robert W Boyd, AMVETS Post 2, 48 North Road, Yarmouth, ME.

MOAC Monthly Meeting and Presentation - Changed
2024-11-06 18:30 - 20:30
Kindness: The Superpower for the 21st Century
Jeff Edelstein has had epic adventures in his life, from the remote Southwest deserts to the high peaks of the Rockies to the barrenlands of arctic Canada. But he’ll be talking about a different type of adventuring, highly relevant in these times: his work resolving environmental conflict around the U.S., helping members of Congress work together across party lines and – most recently – launching Acts of Kindness Maine, helping individuals, businesses, public entities and communities cultivate the kindness that exists in all of us, in these challenging times.
In just two years, AOK Maine has touched the lives of Mainers throughout the state and attracted national interest. At the meeting, folks will get to “Spin the Wheel of Kindness,” hear and share stories of acts of kindness – in the outdoors or anywhere – and learn about AOK Maine’s activities. Everyone will receive a small kindness gift that can be used to create a kindness ripple effect.
Jeff’s life has followed a fulfilling winding path. After dropping out of college, he commercial fished in Alaska, lived in a Buddhist monastery, ran a farm and logged in the Northwest, roamed around Central America, and hitchhiked all around the US. He returned to school and got an engineering degree, but his true calling turned out to be working as an environmental mediator, resolving conflict on federal forest management policy, fracking in the Yellowstone region, hazardous waste cleanup on NYC’s Gowanus Canal, resolving the South Portland “Tar Sands Pipeline” controversy, and much more. Jeff is now devoting himself to the adventure of exploring the depths and breadth of what kindness actually means, and planting seeds of kindness everywhere. Kindness: The Way Life Should Be!
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In addition to the presentations, the meeting is a chance to hear about recent outings, hear about upcoming outings, and socialize with other MOACers. It’s also a chance for new or prospective members to ask questions. Meeting begins at 7:00, but come at 6:30 to socialize and meet people.
Location: the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland (near Northgate Shopping Plaza). Here’s a Google Map link.

MOAC Monthly Meeting and Presentation
2024-12-04 18:30 - 20:30
Injury Prevention and Muscle Balance Techniques for Rebelling Knees and Hips
Our December MOAC presentation welcomes Physical Therapist Joe Legere and his talk will revolve around preventing injuries via effective stretches for the hips and knees, before AND after rigorous activity outdoors. In addition, Joe will be providing manual self-treatment ideas for attendees to use in the future.
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Joe Legere, PT, is a native of Windham, Maine and a graduate of The University of New England, where he earned his physical therapy degree in 1992. He is the owner of JPL Manual Physical Therapy, located in Portland. Throughout his career, he has spent the majority of his efforts treating orthopedic injuries incurred from sports activities, the workplace, and as a result of musculoskeletal and joint dysfunction. He is an active guy, who relates well to high level athletes, people battling postural issues, and the weekend warrior. He is an outdoor enthusiast and conservationist. Joe resides in Falmouth, and enjoys spending time with his wife, Vicki, and their two daughters, Blair and Grace.

2024 Holiday Party Set Up
2024-12-07 12:00 - 14:00 | Amvets, 148 North Rd, Yarmouth, 04096, United States
December 7, 2024 @ 12:00 pm – 2:00 pm
Join the Party before the Party!!
We need help with transporting supplies and decorations from the storage unit to our venue and we will need help to return them the next day.
We will be setting up the hall with tables, chairs and decorations (trees, lights, tables) for the evening.
There will be plenty of time to get home and change before the festivities begin.
Lots of volunteers are needed in the early afternoon (as well as during the party). Come join the fun!
Contact this years organizer or email board@moac.org to sign up.

Bike Travel Film Festival One Longfellow Sq Thu Dec 12th 7pm
2024-12-12 19:00 - 22:00 | One Longfellow Square, 181 State St, Portland, M, 04101, United States
15th Annual Ciclismo Classico Bike Travel Film Festival Thursday, December 12, 2024 at 7pm
One Longfellow Square, Portland, Maine https://onelongfellowsquare.com/event/the-15th-annual-ciclismo/
Adventure is for everyone – you don’t have to be a cyclist to enjoy these journeys featuring people young and old, in the USA and abroad! We’ll be sharing an evening of short films and good company that will delight and inspire any attendee.

This show is a benefit for One Longfellow Square. A portion of festival proceeds also goes to the nonprofit Adventure Cycling Association. Thank you to our show sponsors Cyclemania www.cyclemania1.com and the Bicycle Coalition of Maine.
6:00 PM Social Hour
7:00 PM Films begin

ADVANCE PURCHASE: $20
AT THE DOOR: $25
All tickets will incur an additional $4.50 surcharge.
OLS MEMBERS:Please click here to ensure you are logged in so your discount is reflected above and applied at checkout.
All surcharges and member discounts will be calculated at checkout.

Holiday lights in Portland
2024-12-18 18:00 - 20:00
Happy Holidays!
Let’s walk the streets of Portland to admire the lights. We meet in front of the Art Museum at 6:00 and will consider some refreshments afterwards. Show and go!

MOAC Monthly Meeting and Presentation
2025-02-05 18:30 - 20:30
MOACer Andi Bartlett takes us to Africa.
Longtime MOAC member, Past VP, Past President and current Vice President is your guest speaker. Andi is on the right in this picture.
After hiking in every state, Andi Bartlett has expanded her adventures and travels to 55 other countries. She and MOACer Mary Ann Mclaughlin (their 15th travel adventure together) along with twelve other people joined Overseas Adventure Travel’s November 11th to December 2nd trip “Ultimate Africa: Botswana,Zambia & Zimbabwe Safari. Seven of us also chose to do the offered Pre-Trip to Safari in South Africa where we saw the”Big Five”!

Come to the meeting to learn more about this fantastic trip.
The experience was so interesting, Andi will return to her fourth trip to Africa this Fall. This time it will be Overseas Adventure Travels, “Namibia & Skeleton Coast: Africa’s Last Wilderness” with a Post-trip to Madagascar.

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In addition to the presentations, the meeting is a chance to hear about recent outings, hear about upcoming outings, and socialize with other MOACers. It’s also a chance for new or prospective members to ask questions. Meeting begins at 7:00, but come at 6:30 to socialize and meet people.
Location: the Allen Avenue Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland (near Northgate Shopping Plaza). Here’s a Google Map link.

Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour
2025-02-07 19:00 - 22:00, 2025-02-08 19:00 - 22:00
Banff returns to the State Theatre in Portland for a slate of films focusing on the outdoors and mountain culture. This is the 24th year of the festival coming to Portland. The festival will be shown on Friday, February 7 and Saturday, February 8. A different slate of films each night.
See list of where tickets are available or click HERE for the State Theater calendar.

Wolfe’s Neck Volunteer Opportunity
2025-04-18 08:00 - 17:00
Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport and MOAC have a long history. We have done trail maintanence for them, we have held Winterfest there, and we had our 20th anniversary celebration there as well.
They are holding a volunteer work day on Friday, April 18. One can either sign up for morning or afternoon times, or all day. Lunch is provided. This is the first time since before the pandemic that they have offered this opportunity. Tasks will involve cleaning up the campground and other spring-time chores.
This is not a “MOAC event” per se. This is just a way to get word out to people that might be interested. If interested, please register by clicking HERE. Don’t forget to check the YES box at the bottom of the form for this Earth Day opportunity.

Volunteer at Rachel Carson Reserve – Native shrub potting for wildlife habitat
2025-04-24 09:00 - 15:00 | Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge Greenhouse, 429 Post Road, Wells, 04054, United States
Volunteer opportunities with Rachel Carson WildLife Refuge during the week of Earth Day. This activity involves planting native shrub bare root seedlings into pots which will be later used for wildlife habitats.
Dates/Time and Location:

Location: Rachel Carson WildLife Refuge Greenhouse, 429 Post Road (Rt 1), Wells (enter via small drive located just down Route 1 from Saltwater Farm)
David D

What: Potting native shrub bare root seedlings
Where: 429 Post Road in Wells – the Rachel Carson WildLife Refuge Greenhouse
(enter via small drive located just down Route 1 from Saltwater Farm)
When: Thursday April 24th, 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM (or any portion of this day which is day 2 of this 2 day event)
PLEASE RSVP: Confirm attendance for day or portion of day to Elena at: elena_chagnovich@fws.gov
David D. (MOAC organizer) will be at Congdon’s Donuts (https://congdons.com/) at 8:30am, then proceeding to Rachel Carson Greenhouse
Rachel Carson National Wildlife Refuge is holding its annual shrub potting volunteer event a day or two after Earth Day 2025. RCNWR will be receiving a large order of bareroot native shrub seedlings and will get to work potting nearly 1500 shrubs. This is great opportunity to get your hands dirty, learn about growing container stock, and check out our greenhouse in Wells! We have selected specific native shrubs with habitat goals in mind. Many of these shrubs will be outplanted for early successional/young forest habitat restoration projects.
Bring water. Garden gloves are recommended but can be provided if need be.

Friends Of Acadia - Earth Day Roadside Cleanup Registration
2025-04-26 08:00 - 17:00
Please join us on Saturday, April 26 for the 24th annual island-wide Earth Day Roadside Cleanup. Local community members and visitors from around the state will gather to pick up a “winter’s worth of trash” from the roadsides of Mount Desert Island and Trenton.
Please click here for more information or contact Stewardship Manager Nikki Burtis at nikki@friendsofacadia.org or 207-288-3934.

Memorial Day Weekend Camping in Bar Harbor
2025-05-23 13:00 - 2025-05-26 12:00
Let’s keep a long-standing MOAC tradition alive by welcoming summer with a group campout on Mt. Desert Island. It’s getting harder to do but I think this will work.
For those wondering, Bonnie has family obligations and said she isn’t going to post this trip this year.
A check of both Seawall and Blackwoods in Acadia National Park show pretty much sold out already.
As of 3/22/25, Hadley’s Point Campground has 29 tent sites and 28 water/electric sites available. This is according to their website. Hadley’s Point is just off Route 3 as you head to Bar Harbor. It is 2.5 miles before Bar Harbor Campground.

Field tent sites are $36.08 per night
Wooded tent sites are $38.08 per night
Sites with water/electric are $53.08 per night

There appears to be a $3.25 campground fee, plus tax of course.
Tammy and I have reserved site C-39 (water and electric) and it is near to a pod of tent sites (13-20, 30-36, 40-42).
If you choose to go, please drop us a line at pcm25me@gmail.com so we know who to expect.
You do have to make your own reservations. Deposit amounts vary. For 1-2 nights, it is the full balance. For 3 or more it is $100. Unfortunately, they state there are no refunds for a holiday weekend.
It might be best to grab a site as soon as you can if you are interested.
We will continue the traditional experience of group happy hours and pot luck dinners on Saturday and Sunday evenings in one area to be determined to be the group hangout. Activities during the day will be up to the group. Hiking, biking, paddling, etc.

Monthly Meeting - Scotland: The Great Glen Way and Beyond!
2025-08-06 18:30 - 20:30 | Unitarian Universalist Church, 524 Allen Ave, Portland, 04103, United States
Get ready to be transported to the green vistas, blue waters and windswept landscapes of Scotland’s Highlands and the Shetland and Orkney Islands! Reconnecting with cherished friends from Australia and Switzerland, MOACers Kevin Huber and Cathy Getchell traversed the 75-mile Great Glen Way, tasting whiskeys and Scottish cuisine along the way.
Then, picture dramatic coastlines and ancient history as they explored the mystical Shetland and Orkney Islands. From dramatic, exposed landscapes to island mysteries, their journey was packed with unforgettable moments.

Trail Magic for AT Thru Hikers
2025-09-03 - 2025-09-05
Join Us in Spreading Kindness on the Trail! Are you looking for a meaningful way to support AT thru hikers on their epic journey? Join our Trail Magic event and help make a difference! You too may earn your wings as a Trail Angel. Wed., Sept 3- Thurs., Sept 4 and possibly Sept 5th.
What Is Trail Magic? Trail Magic is a cherished tradition along the Appalachian Trail—unexpected acts of kindness that provide hikers with nourishment, encouragement, and a sense of community. Our event aims to offer a welcoming respite for hikers, featuring delicious food, coffee, and friendly faces.
Where? We’ll be stationed at Lake Nahmakanta, where there are several campsites, picnic tables, fire rings, and latrines. Bring you kayak or canoe to explore the lake and extend your stay at one of the lake campsites. More details to follow.
How You Can Help?
We need helping hands with the following tasks:

Preparing and Serving Food: Cook, assemble, and serve snacks and meals to hungry hikers as they pass through. No culinary expertise required—just a willingness to pitch in!
Gathering Trash: Help keep the trail and our staging area pristine by collecting litter and properly disposing of waste. This small act leaves a big impact on the trail environment.

Please contact Julie Sells to sign up and for more information. jksinmaine@gmail.com
Come be a part of the magic—see you on the trail!

France: Robert Louis Stevenson Trail trek with donkey [FULL!]
2025-09-22 - 2025-09-29
Walking trip in France from Langogne to Pont de Montvert along the trail known as the GR70. Short daily walks (under 20km per day) with stays in hotels and B&Bs with breakfast and dinner. We will walk at the pace of the 2 donkeys who accompany us. Price for lodging and rental is around 980 Euros for those who want a single room. Does not include flights to and from US or travel within France to and from the trail. Deposit to be paid in advance. Limit 10 participants. Contact Maria Snyder for details: mariahsnyder501@gmail.com Event has filled! Sign up is closed.

MOAC Trail Maintenance Day
2025-09-27 09:00 - 16:00 | Bald Peak Trail on Pleasant Mountain, Mountain Road, Bridgton, M, 04015, United States
Join the MOAC trail crew on Saturday September 27th for a day of trail maintenance on our 2 adopted trails on Pleasant Mountain, the Bald Peak Trail and the Sue’s Way Trail. As summer fades into fall, our focus will simply be cleaning out waterbars, removing debris from the trail, clipping back limbs and brush, and raking some of the early leaves.
We’ll start our day at 9am at the Bald Peak trailhead parking lot. The parking lot is on Mountain Road, Bridgton – about a mile past the ski area. We usually end around 3 or 4 pm.
There’s no experience needed to volunteer for trail maintenance. Just a desire to give back to all the trails we love and enjoy hiking. That said, I will tell you it is a somewhat steep trail. But it doesn’t really feel like it, as we are always stopping to work, then hike a little more, then work a little, then hike, then work, … you get the idea. Before you know it, we’ve cleared the trail and we’re sitting at the top having lunch!
I’ve submitted my request to Mother Nature for good weather. But you should be prepared if it is a cool or damp day. If it turns out to be a rainy day, I’ll reschedule. Please wear sturdy footwear, work/hiking clothes, and bring work gloves. You will also need to bring plenty of water, your lunch, and a day pack. Most members will volunteer for the whole day. But you’re welcome to join us for the morning or just the afternoon. All volunteers are good volunteers ! Please let me know if you plan to join us. An email or text is great.
Dana-ah the Maintain-ah
danathurston1@gmail.com or 207-650-5197

MOAC Trail Maintenance Day
2025-10-19 09:00 - 15:00 | Bald Peak Trail on Pleasant Mountain, Mountain Road, Bridgton, M, 04015, United States
Join the MOAC trail maintenance crew for the last work trip of the year. We will be working on our adopted trails on Pleasant Mountain – the Bald Peak trail and the Sue’s Way trail. This time of year, we will be focused on raking the leaves from the trail to better define the path. Besides, who wants to hike on wet slippery leaves?! Of course we’ll clear the waterbars, and remove fallen limbs and debris from the trails. We start our day by meeting at the Bald Peak trailhead parking lot at 9am. It’s on Mountain Road, Bridgton, Maine, about a mile past the ski area. We usually call it a day around 3pm. If, no, when, you sign up, please be sure to wear sturdy footwear, bring work gloves, water, lunch, and a day pack. Watch the weather and bring appropriate outerwear. Please let me know if you want to volunteer for the day, and I’ll add you to my list. Also, please note that this is a Sunday, not the usual Saturday worktrip. I’ve had to work around all the other fun stuff happening in October!
I’ll keep my fingers crossedd for good weather and hope to see you there !!
Dana-ah the Maintain-ah !
trails@moac.org
207-650-5197

Take Pride in Acadia Day, 2025 - Rescheduled to 11/9
2025-10-31 08:00 - 2025-11-02 13:00
Due to the government shutdown, TPIAD has been moved to Sunday, November 9. If the government is still shutdown on November 3rd, the event will be cancelled.
Tammy and I cannot attend on the 9th, so there will be no official MOAC group this year. If you would like to participate as an individual, please sign up here:
Take Pride in Acadia Day

You will be assigned to random groups.
I have left the original information from the event below.
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For 34 years, volunteers have gathered on the first Saturday of November to help ready the famous carriage roads for winter. Sponsored by Friends of Acadia, teams are assigned troublesome sections of carriage roads where erosion can cause damage over the winter. The task? Rake the leaves and debris off the shoulders and into the woods. MOAC has had members at this event for many years. We have a team that will work together.
Most who sign up make it a weekend, but that is not required. The actual commitment to the park is from roughly 8:30 am to noon on Saturday. If you choose to make it a weekend, the rest of the time is yours.
There is no cost to the event itself. If you choose to stay over, you will need to find your own lodging. Tam and I are staying at the Bar Harbor Grand Hotel, right in downtown and that has been the hotel of choice for the most part for a few years now. But, you can do as you wish in this regard. The Grand offers a free breakfast. Local restaurants for the rest.
Except for the provided lunch after the work Saturday. After our work commitment is done, we can head over to the Hulls Cove Visitors Center for a “CCC” lunch. Chili, cornbread, and cider. Aside from the ingredients, it’s named to honor the Civilian Conservation Corp, who did a lot of work in Acadia.

MOAC Holiday Party 2025 – Tickets on Sale
2025-11-05 - 2025-12-03
2025 Holiday Party Tickets NOW on Sale through Eventbrite
November 5, 2025 – December 3, 2025
Get your tickets at:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/moac-holiday-party-2025-members-only-tickets-1962507020327?aff=oddtdtcreator
$17.00 plus fees for prepurchase through Eventbrite (member pays for Eventbrite fee)
Online sales available only through December 3rd. $17 cash or check at the monthly meeting. Price at the door is $20.00.
Another MOAC Party not to be missed. December 6, 2025 from 5:30 to 10:30.
Once again we will party at the Robert W Boyd, AMVETS Post 2, 48 North Road, Yarmouth, ME.

Portland Museum of Art -Free Friday Evening Admission
2025-11-07 17:30 - 19:00
Let’s enjoy the Museum’s collection Friday night when admission is free. Meet inside in the main lobby at 5:30. The museum’s three floors will provide a modest workout as we train for the start of ski season. Show and go.

Winter Giveaway Drawings – tickets to Saddleback, Sugarloaf, BrettonWoods; lodging at MH&T, LAAX Switzerland - and More
2025-11-16
Best of Snowbound Expo: Winter Drawing Giveaways!
Below is a curated list of some of the top drawing prizes and adventure giveaways straight from the exhibition floor of Snowbound Expo that I attended. Enter for a chance to win lift tickets, lodging, and combination of both lift and lodging.
Have a look! Act today (Sunday) as some of these drawings may close today 11/16, the last day of Snowbound Expo in Boston.
The links to each of the drawing listed below will bring you to the MOAC Bulleting Board where the QR codes to enter each drawing has been posted. So, either follow the individual links below, or hop directly onto the MOAC Bulletin Board and choose from there.

Enter These Snowbound Expo Drawings:
Saddleback — Free Lift Tickets👉 Link to Saddleback Drawing Entry QR code posting on the Bulletin Board
Sugarloaf — Free Lift Tickets👉 Link to Sugarloaf Drawing Entry QR code posting on the Bulletin Board
Mont-Sainte-Anne (Québec) — Complimentary Ski and Lodging Package👉 Link to Mt Sainte-Anne Drawing Entry QR code on the Bulletin Board
BrettonWoods drawing for Ski&Stay OR Season Pass👉 Link to BrettonWoods Drawing for Ski&Stay OR Season Pass
Maine Huts & Trails — Adventure Overnight Stay👉 Link to Maine Huts and Trails Drawing
LAAX, Switzerland — Alpine Lodging Package 👉 Drawing for Five days of lodging at LAAX Ski Resorts in Switzerland

Discounts:
👉 Sunday River Lift and Lodging discounts deals – valid thu Monday 11/17

Dean McCrillis Artist Talk - Cove Street Gallery 6 PM Thursday & Rising Tide Aftah
2026-01-07 08:00 - 17:00
The artist of a current Cove Street exhibit speak Thursday at 6 pm. Rising Tide tour pours until 8 PM. Meet inside the gallery at 5:45.
Artist Statement of his current exhibit at the Cove Street Gallery in Portland. When you see his work, you can tell his “gets” western Maine.
The woods and waters of Western Maine serve as a backdrop for this group of pictures, as it holds the deepest love and connection of any area I have known. However, with the passing of time, and an ever-growing distance between my present station in life and the tributaries of my youth, I feel a sense of yearning for this place that shaped me.
I connect to these foundational spaces through my process, paying homage to a way of life lived slightly closer to the earth, and to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of a geographic region of personal and ancestral significance. Through the act of painting, real memories and imagined spaces can coalesce. Earth tones and fluorescent paint can entwine, holding space for one another at the same time.
Invoked throughout is an acknowledgment of Jim Harrison’s poetic insights on how we spend our lives immersed in the richness and immediacy of living, barely aware of the passage of time and the constant state of flux in which we and everything around us exist. These works lean into the paradox of how our memories and sense of self are eternally bound to, though continuously flung further from, an ever-expanding chain of ephemeral experiences.
~ Dean McCrillis

Cove Street Gallery Artist talk followed by optional Rising Tide Brewery Visit
2026-01-08 17:45 - 19:00
Dean McCrillis, the artist of a current Cove Street Gallery exhibit, speaks Thursday, January 8, at 6 pm. Rising Tide tour pours until 8 PM. Meet inside the gallery at 5:45. Here is the Artist Statement of his exhibit:
The woods and waters of Western Maine serve as a backdrop for this group of pictures, as it holds the deepest love and connection of any area I have known. However, with the passing of time, and an ever-growing distance between my present station in life and the tributaries of my youth, I feel a sense of yearning for this place that shaped me. I connect to these foundational spaces through my process, paying homage to a way of life lived slightly closer to the earth, and to the awe-inspiring natural beauty of a geographic region of personal and ancestral significance. Through the act of painting, real memories and imagined spaces can coalesce. Earth tones and fluorescent paint can entwine, holding space for one another at the same time. Invoked throughout is an acknowledgment of Jim Harrison’s poetic insights on how we spend our lives immersed in the richness and immediacy of living, barely aware of the passage of time and the constant state of flux in which we and everything around us exist. These works lean into the paradox of how our memories and sense of self are eternally bound to, though continuously flung further from, an ever-expanding chain of ephemeral experiences.
~ Dean McCrillis

American Heart Association CPR and First Aid Course
2026-02-07 09:00 - 16:30 | Nine Tigers Kung Fu, 366 Elm St., Biddeford, ME, 04005, United States
Learn life saving skills including CPR, defibrillator (AED) use, bleeding control, fractures, shock, poisonings, burns, scene safety, and calling for help! Be prepared to respond to medical emergencies.
The course includes classroom learning along with scenario based, hands-on training.
This program is taught by Sgt. John Mulloy (Ret.). John was a 35 year police officer and supervisor. He is a 40 year certified Emergency Medical Technician in Massachusetts and Maine, Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor, and CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Aid Instructor.

“From Rails to Trails” event
2026-02-19 18:30 - 20:00 | Wescustogo Hall & Community Center, 120 Memorial Highway (Route 9), North Yarmouth, ME, 04097, United States
I’m a longtime MOAC member and also a volunteer town rail trail builder with the Casco Bay Trail Alliance (CBT).
Join me at a free CBT film screening event I’m co-hosting in my hometown of North Yarmouth. The film highlights the story of how abandoned railroads have been transformed into trails for biking and walking, all across the country is nothing short of inspiring. Mark your calendar and join us for this great PBS film! Refreshments and Q&A to follow.
(Since I’m co-hosting the event, I will be there to greet you when you arrive but am not leading you.)
February 19, 6:30 to 8 pm
Wescustogo Hall & Community Center
120 Memorial Highway (Route 9), North Yarmouth
RSVP:
RSVP to join “From Rails to Trails” screening

Winterfest 2026
2026-02-28 - 2026-03-01
It is time to put the winter back in Winterfest! This year it will be held at Bretton woods NH! , in the heart of the White Mountains. Expect plenty of snow!
We have already booked 25 bunks at the center for Saturday night February 28th as a start, we expect more. The price is $120 and it includes dinner and breakfast Sunday morning.. The rooms are bunk style, either 4 or 2 per room. Nordic, Alpine skiing and snowshoeing all nearby! We are exploring different ticket discounts
This will be a big event not to be missed, details forthcoming.
To secure your spot email Arthur Cornell: acornell@maine.rr.com
Payment options:
I prefer Venmo to: @CascoBayIT
A check to Arthur Cornell , 666 East Bridge St. , Westbrook ME 04092
Please submit payment before December 28th

American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid
2026-03-07 08:00 - 2026-03-08 16:00 | Nine Tigers Kung Fu, 366 Elm St., Biddeford, ME, 04005, United States
American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid
Saturday and Sunday March 7 and 8, 2025 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
$200.00 per person.
Be prepared to respond to medical emergencies in the great outdoors! The primary purpose of the ARC-WRFA course is to provide individuals a foundation of first aid knowledge and skills to respond to emergencies and give care in areas that do not have access to immediate emergency medical services (EMS) response. In this course you will also develop leadership skills and learn how to help
The course includes classroom learning along with scenario based, hands-on training.
The American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course meets the requirements for Scouting USA High Adventure Camps and is recommended for wilderness guides, campers, backpackers, rafters and anyone who enjoys the outdoors!

This course is presented by Sgt. John Mulloy (Ret.). John was a 35 year police officer and supervisor, police firearms and active shooter response instructor. He is a 40 year certified Emergency Medical Technician in Massachusetts and Maine, Volunteer Hunter Education Instructor, and CPR/First Aid and Wilderness First Aid Instructor. John Works hard to make his classes informative, useful and fun!

Wolfe's Neck Center annual Spring Cleanup
2026-04-17 09:00 - 15:00
This is not a MOAC-led event.
MOAC has a long history with Wolfe’s Neck Farm in Freeport. We’ve had multiple Winterfests there, done trail maintenance, and had camping events there as well.
Join other volunteers for their annual clean up day to ready the farm/campground for another season. Options can include cleaning up the campground, or doing work on the farm itself.
A BBQ lunch will be provided.
Click HERE to sign up.

Friends of Acadia Roadside Cleanup
2026-04-25 08:30 - 11:30
This is not a MOAC-led event.
Join other volunteers for the annual roadside cleanup sponsored by Friends of Acadia. People will work to collect trash along roadsides to help keep Mt. Desert Island looking beautiful. MOACers have been involved in this tradition for years and the club enjoys Acadia and the island throughout the year.
For more information, click HERE.
Click HERE to register.

Memorial Day Weekend Camping in Bar Harbor - UPDATE!!
2026-05-22 13:00 - 2026-05-25 12:00
As of 3/25/26, Hadley’s lists 9 tent sites available and “plenty” of RV sites (water/electric/some with sewer). If you are interested in this trip, please don’t wait too long. You also do NOT need to stay at Hadley’s. You are welcome to outdoor adventure with us and hang out for the evening/whenever festivities.
Let’s keep a long-standing MOAC tradition alive by welcoming summer with a group campout on Mt. Desert Island.
We camped at Hadley’s Point CG last year and had a great time. Hadley’s Point is just off Route 3 as you head to Bar Harbor. It is 2.5 miles before Bar Harbor Campground. Holiday weekend prices appear to be:

Field tent sites are $37.00 per night
Wooded tent sites are $39.00 per night
Sites with water/electric are $54.00 per night
They even have cabins if you want to check those out

There appears to be a $3.25 campground fee, plus tax of course.
https://www.hadleyspoint.com/
Tammy and I will reserve site C-37 (water and electric) and it is near to a pod of tent sites (13-20, 30-36, 40-42). We will also reserve C-36 to use as a home base for the group. We will ask attendees to help pay for this community site. If we get 25 people, that will mean about $5 per person for the weekend.
If you choose to go, please drop us a line at pcm25me@gmail.com so we know who to expect and what site you are in. You can also stay anywhere you like and come visit as well.
You do have to make your own reservations. Deposit amounts vary. For 1-2 nights, it is the full balance. For 3 or more it is $100. Unfortunately, they state there are no refunds for a holiday weekend.
It might be best to grab a site as soon as you can if you are interested.
We will continue the traditional experience of group happy hours and pot luck dinners in the evenings. Restaurants are also on the table. Activities during the day will be up to the group. Hiking, biking, paddling, etc.

Maine Canoe Symposium
2026-05-29 16:00 - 2026-05-31 13:00
This not a MOAC led trip.
This is the 40th anniversary of the Maine Canoe Symposium. Join fellow paddling enthusiasts in on-water and on-land classes, demonstrations, speakers, and all things canoe.
It is the last weekend of May and will be held at the University of Maine 4-H Camp & Learning Center at Bryant Pond. Weekend or Saturday only options are available. Meals are provided and different levels of bunking are available.
https://www.mainecanoesymposium.org/

Street Jam at First Friday: Join me for random acts of Violins, Violas, Guitars, other things to make lots of noise!
2026-06-05 18:00 - 20:00
I’m thinking we meet somewhere on Congress by MECA and start playing. I’ve participated in many jams with MOAC members and we’ve played popular folk, Americana, country, rock tunes. But it really doesn’t matter what we play and with what. Bring any skill level and any instrument. Hide in the middle of the group if you are afraid (safety in numbers). This could be great or a complete mess, but I’m sure it will be fun! I’ve been thinking about this and watching the weather which finally looks better so I figured I needed to post this now! Details to follow once I hear from interested parties. Ate Ate 9- Ate 5 1 Ate, which is a cell phone number written in Kiddspeak.

American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid
2026-06-13 - 2026-06-14 | Nine Tigers Kung Fu, 366 Elm St., Biddeford, ME, 04005, United States
American Red Cross Wilderness and Remote First Aid Course
Sat & Sun June 13 & 14 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Cost $200.00 Covers books, training equipment and materials, Red Cross fees, and lunch each day.
Class link at bottom of Flyer
The 16 Hour Wilderness and Remote First Aid (WRFA) course provides students with the knowledge and ability to learn wilderness first aid. Hands on practice and realistic scenario based training ensures that students learn the skills needed to perform in an emergency.
Topics covered include: Pre-trip Preparation, Primary and Secondary Survey, Documentation, Shock, Musculoskeletal Injuries, Soft Tissue Injuries, Heat & Cold, Allergies, Breathing Issues, Bites & Stings, Diabetes, Lightning, Moving patients, Treatment Scenarios.
students should come prepared to be outside in the elements and to bring your day pack or backpack loaded with whatever you bring with you into a remote setting.
CPR certification or higher care is a prerequisite for registering for WRFA. A CPR course is usually offered the evening prior to the start of the WRFA course. Ask about CPR if needed. Students who successfully complete the course will receive an American Red Cross WRFA Card which is good for two years from the date of the course. You must attend both dates to receive the card by email. American Red Cross WRFA meets the requirements for Scouting America’s High Adventure Camps. The course is also recommended for hikers, backpackers, boaters, and workers in remote areas,
The cost of the course is $200.00 per student which covers the cost of training materials, textbook and certification card, Red Cross fees and lunch each day. To register or for questions email Instructor John Mulloy – EMT at: jmulloy01821@gmail.com or call 508-423-4069 for further details.
For more information go to Red Cross Training | Take a Class | Red Cross, type in Biddeford, ME and select First Aid from the Find a Class drop down menu. On the next page select Wilderness First Aid from the Class Focus drop down menu.
The June 13 & 14, 2026 course will be held at Nine Tigers Kung-fu,
366 Elm St., Biddeford, ME 04005
Class begins at 8:00 AM sharp and ends by 4:30 PM, each day.

MOAC Meeting: Sailing to Newfoundland and Labrador.
2026-08-05 18:30 - 20:30 | A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, 04101
Join us for a sail to Newfoundland and Labrador.
In 2019, 2022, and 2025 Jonathan Fulford sailed a BCC 28 sailboat from Maine to Newfoundland and northern Labrador. Forty people have joined him on some portion of these expeditions (up to five at a time onboard). These trips have been filled with icebergs, whales, arctic char, cod, lots of bears (both polar and black), fiords, remote fishing villages, and warm friendships.
The crews also witnessed the environmental and climatic changes affecting these subarctic and boreal lands and waters which directly impact the Gulf of Maine. They learned some of the region’s history of exploitation and ecological collapse, as well as seen the continued resilience of these communities and ecosystems.
—————
Jonathan Fulford is a sailor and environmental activist from Waldo County. He has worn many hats – father, grandfather, carpenter/builder, farmer, whitewater kayaker, pilot gig racer, wilderness canoer, Captain, political candidate, public power advocate, and non-profit organizer. He is currently a founder and the board president of both Waldo County Bounty and Penobscot Bay Waterkeeper.
Meeting begins at 7:00. Come at 6:30 or so to socialize with your friends and meet new people.

MOAC Meeting Reminder - Sailing to Newfoundland and Labrador
2026-08-05 18:30 - 20:30 | A2U2 Church, 524 Allen Avenue, Portland, 04101

Eastern Trail "Gap" Ribbon Cutting/Opening
2026-08-06 10:00 - 11:00
https://www.easterntrail.org/news/ribbon-cutting-ceremony-and-grand-opening-of-the-eastern-trails-gap-section/
It’s finally here!!! The “Gap” on the Eastern Trail between Wainwright Sports Complex and the Scarborough Marsh section has been closed. Bicyclists will no longer have to navigate Highland Ave and Black Point Rd as they travel the Eastern Trail.
The ribbon cutting is set for Thursday, August 6, at 10 am, at the Wainwright Sports Complex and the trail will open for public use at its conclusion. Be one of the first to officially bike/walk this section. There are also two free Welcome Walks scheduled. See the details for those from the link above.

Swim at Sebago Lake
2026-08-07 13:30 - 15:00
Let’s go swimming – the water’s fine! Drive to Sebago Lake State Park and park at the Pine Grove Group Picnic area.
We don’t have a table reserved, but walk from the restrooms towards the beach. On the left, just before the playground, I’ll post a OAC sign. Check with me to confirm – I don’t want to conflict with other moac event: Marianne Hill 601-906-7487 or hillmarros@ aol dot com. You can picnic if you wish. No cost to residents over 65.

ARC Wilderness & Remote First Aid
2026-09-26 - 2026-09-27 | Southern Maine Fish & Game, 30 Martin Rd, Kittery, 03904, United States
Wilderness & Remote First Aid (WRFA) is a two-day American Red Cross certification course designed for anyone who spends time in the backcountry, leads outdoor programs, or works in remote environments where emergency medical services may be hours — or days — away. You’ll learn to assess and manage medical emergencies using the resources you have on hand, make smart evacuation decisions, and provide sustained care until professional help arrives. This course meets American Red Cross and BSA standards for wilderness first aid certification.
ARC WRFA is a two-day course and has a prerequisite of CPR certification.

MH&T’s Flagstaff Hut Weekend
2026-10-23 13:00 - 2026-10-25 17:00
Since we will not be around for August and a good part of September, we are posting this now so you can save the date. Registrations will open about a month before the event. Check out the website below to learn more about Maine Huts and Trails and their huts. Price for the weekend is still to be determined. It was $155 last year.
We will answer any questions at any time.
Join us for the 13th annual Maine Huts & Trails weekend. MH&T’s operates four “ecolodges” along their network of trails in the Bigelows, Flagstaff Lake, and the Dead River. For this weekend, Flagstaff Hut, on the eastern shore of the lake is all ours.
It’s far more than a “hut”. A full commercial kitchen, hot water, showers, electricity, composting toilets, etc. Sleeping is bunk room style (earplugs). This “hut” has a capacity of 48. We hope to limit it to 40 or so.
Activities can include hiking, mountain biking, paddling (boats and gear provided), swimming, or doing nothing. It will be late October.
You must walk in. From the parking lot, it is 1.5 miles on a service road or two miles on actual hiking trails (for the full experience). Gear shuttle provided if you can get there by a certain time on Friday and possibly later. This would mean leaving your gear in a building at the parking lot and it will be delivered in (and out) so you only have to walk.
You only need to bring clothes (slippers or something for inside the hut), sleeping bag/bedding, pillow case, personal items, earplugs, and food as described below. You DO NOT need to bring anything to cook with or to eat on. Refrigeration is available but limited. You will have access to the kitchen.
The way the food works, you provide your own food for Friday, Saturday morning and noon. You will be asked to bring a “slice” of Saturday night’s dinner which all the “slices” will be combined for a fantastic feed. This year’s Saturday evening menu is still undecided. In the past we’ve done a pizza bar, pasta bar, taco bar, friendsgiving dinner. There will also be Happy Hours you can contribute to.
On Sunday morning a portion of your payment for the weekend will provide a full spread breakfast. Pancakes, frittata, bacon, sausage, fruit, granola, yogurt, etc. Vegetarian? Vegan? We have options for everyone. Coffee and tea and hot chocolate provided at least in the morning. Potable water available anytime. You will need to bring any other beverages you desire. BYOB for alcohol.
