Carrabassett Valley, ME — Despite the threat of hurricane Bill, The 25th Anniversary CVA Sugarloaf Golf Classic brought out a full field of golfers and some wonderful weather for a weekend of golf, fun and making a difference. Participants from right here and around the country gathered at the Sugarloaf to raise money for the Martha B. Webber Scholarship Fund – which helps local families, take advantage of Carrabassett Valley Academy. Through the generosity of sponsors, participants and auction attendees over $50,000 was raised for the scholarship fund.

Reel Action Charters based in South Portland has just added three new boats to their charter fleet, which makes them one of the largest charter fleets in New England. They have added a 58ft yacht, a 36ft Albemarle sportfishing boat, and a 24ft Albemarle center console. With the additional boats, they can now handle charters from all price points. All the boats were purchased from a local Maine dealership.

This year’s dance was hosted by the girls volleyball and hockey teams with the boys football team coming on board for the first time. A record 500 tickets were sold, packing the newly renovated Italian Heritage. In total the event raised $14,000 as the live auction brought in another $7000 to the ticket sales with Kim Block and Charles Crosby wooing the bids..

In February, a student at Greely High School with Downs Syndrome was sent into the school’s basketball game, and proceeded to score 2, 3 pointers! Since then his life has really changed, with interviews, a spot on Good Morning America, and the buzz of the school. Now CBS wants to do a spot with him for the Final Four!

Portland’s easygoing quality of life is praised in the April 1st feature. The list was compiled based on a leisure index, crime data and 5-year cost of living average and unemployment figures. Kudos for local highlights go to Grittys, Cinque Terre, Blackpoint Inn and Cold River Vodka!

On Thursday, March 26th, Mt Abram Resort in Greenwood reported setting a single season ticket sales record with two weeks remaining in new owner, Matt Hancock’s 1st season of ownership. All three areas of ticket sales: season passes, group sales, and daily tickets are up over the previous high set in 2005. Mt Abram’s closing date is scheduled for Sunday, April 5th. Saturday the 4th, the Resort will be holding its 1st Annual White Grass Festival, a celebration of day-long music, skiing and “decking” with music presented by the resorts best bands of the year. Music starts at 12:00.

Joe Saindon and Mike Tyler, owners of the new North Atlantic Inflatables Company that specializes in high quality inflatables at very affordable prices, report having a great show at the recent Boston Boat Show. The company is doing so well that they are now moving into a new location at Gowan Marine, 400 Commercial St.

Check out their product line at www.northatlanticinflatables.com.

Port Harbor Marine in So. Portland has launched a timely alternative to boat ownership called the Boat Club in Maine. The program maximizes the benefits of the Maine boating experience while eliminating many of the responsibilities of boat ownership. Port Harbor’s President, Rob Soucy, said the concept grew out of the company’s successful boat rental program at its five locations and includes a program for Family Membership as well as Business Membership.