Gosh, Sprucewold closes up quickly when the end of August approaches! On my daily walks I am already seeing cabins with their wooden shutters in place, and traffic on our roads has diminished considerably. Fortunately, Gail and I are here for at least another month and perhaps longer depending on the fickle Maine weather at this time of year. After Labor Day weekend we will be hosting visitors from Minnesota with whom we served in the Air Force many years ago. We will also have a new Golden Retriever puppy in tow to keep Griffin company.

I would be remiss if I did not thank those who served on the governing board of Sprucewold during the year, specifically: Cec Widup, Donna Muzzy, Skip Babcock, Laddie Drucker, Elisa Goldsmith, Larry Jeager, Pat Moore. Kathy Moulaison, Mary Otto, Elaine Rittershaus, Kent Gonzales, Greg Muzzy and Jack Angel. In addition, we need to thank the Park Committee, co chaired by Gretchen Murray and Dottie Reilly, for their efforts in keeping the park looking so great during the summer. And certainly Jim Powers for his maintenance work at the Park. The Hiking group was also active this summer led by Sheila Jaeger. We have the Safety Committee to thank for all the Firewise Community activities during the summer.

Formerly chaired by Curt Norred, Greg Muzzy will now assume its leadership. Thanks to Alan Fisher and his Aquaculture Committee for their efforts in helping to defeat the fish farm in Linekin Bay. Wally Moulaison once again did a masterful job maintaining the Sprucewold Blog and the Sprucewold address book. We welcome Doug Reilly on the Executive Committee as the new Association treasurer and heartily thank Donna Muzzy for filling in at the treasurer’s spot for the last year. Lots of people are involved in our smoothly run community. I will probably be pilloried for leaving someone out of the list but that is the risk I take.

And a big thank you to Richard and Dana Pizer, owners of the Sprucewold Lodge for all they do for the Sprucewold area associations. Without them, our operations would be a lot more cumbersome.

As a last hurrah, the Crooked Pine Road folks held a potluck supper hosted by the Muzzys and the Babcocks. I am told that about 30 people were in attendance and a good time was had by all, superb food and great camaraderie. Sounds like something other parts of Sprucewold could do as well.

Hopefully, many of you will enjoy the end of season breakfast at the Lodge on Sunday morning. Have a great winter season and we look forward to seeing you all next year.