RANGELEY – The August meeting of the Rangeley Region Guides and Sportsmen’s Association was dedicated to the celebration of a successful season.

Following a salmon and steak cookout, more than 100 members, friends and guests gathered inside the clubhouse to pay homage to volunteers whose dedication enables a variety of activities and projects.

President Don Palmer cited the following projects for celebration:

• The completion of an additional parking lot with special thanks to Mac and Steve Dudley who cleared trees and brush and M&H Logging who completed the job.

• The eighth successful Junior Guides summer program and its coordinator, Stephanie Palmer, who provided weekly outdoor learning experiences to between 30 and 40 youngsters.

• Carol Harvey and her crew who organized another successful Strawberry Festival.

• Carl Dodge and Kirby Holcomb, who chaired the Outdoor Sporting Heritage Days, plus retailers and bidders who made its silent auction another great fund-raiser.

• All who continue to support the Rapid River Project, noting that signs are being posted to alert everyone to the danger of introducing invasive fish.

• Director Mac Dudley and her archery program.

• Ray Franson and his crew who always come through with maintenance projects required to keep the physical plant in good shape.

It was noted that stream restoration on South Bog Stream is about to begin from the bridge on South Shore Drive to Rangeley Lake.

Director Ben Bowditch spoke briefly on the importance of supporting the Rangeley Lakes Heritage Trust and urged all who hunt, fish, play on the lakes or look at the mountains to join the trust in support of land preservation activities. The trust welcomes all supporters as it answers an immediate challenge to preserve thousands of local acres.

Game Warden Blaine Holding of Stratton accepted the club’s thanks and recognition of his having been named Warden of the Year, 2003. Palmer noted that Holding, a friend of the club and protector of wildlife, volunteers annually to teach fly fishing to the Junior Guides. Holding shared the spotlight with his wife, Bonnie, noting her support, and his mother, who “let me sneak out in the outdoors when I was a kid.”

The evening culminated with a live auction called by professional auctioneer and Mooselookmeguntic resident Bob Glass resulting in raising $1,200 for club projects.

The next meeting on Thursday, Sept. 16, open to all who care about the great outdoors, will begin with a potluck meal at 5:30 p.m. Speakers will be George Smith, executive director of the Sportsmen’s Alliance of Maine, and Chuck Halsey, Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife biolotist, on the bear referendum. They will be available to answer questions and clarify issues surrounding the November vote.