WATERFORD — Chain saw sharpening will be the focus of a Sept. 11 SWOAM gathering sponsored by the Western Maine chapter of the Small Woodland Owners Association of Maine.

Michael Pateneaude, applications specialist for Stihl, will offer a clinic on sharpening techniques and tools as well as maintenance of the chain, bar and sprocket of a chain saw. Pateneaude, formerly of Reid’s Service Center in Oxford, has been with Stihl, based out of Connecticut, since 1996. He holds training seminars on gas-powered saws and tools throughout New England and the Northeast.

The morning event will be held at the sawmill of SWOAM chapter President Bill Haynes on Sweden Road, which is off Routes 35 and37 in South Waterford.

From the Norway area, take Route 118 to Route 37 and follow the signs.

From Bethel, pick up Route 35 in Waterford. From the Fryeburg or Lovell side, take Route 93 to Sweden and continue straight through on the Waterford Road, which flows onto Sweden Road about three miles past Pie Tree Orchards (formerly McSherry’s) in Sweden. From Bridgton, take Route 117 to Route 37.

The event, free and open to the public, begins at 9 a.m. The traditional coffee and doughnuts will be available at 8:30 a.m. Stihl door prizes will be given out, including chains and sharpening kits.

For more information contact Haynes at 583-2963 or e-mail [email protected].