SWOAM to hold chainsaw sharpening clinic Sept. 11

WATERFORD — Chainsaw 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 chainsaw. 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 located off Rt. 35/37. From the Norway area, take Rt. 118 to Rt. 37 and follow the signs. From Bethel, pick up Rt. 35 in Waterford. From the Fryeburg/Lovell side, take Rt. 93 to Sweden and continue straight through on Waterford Road, which flows onto Sweden Road about three miles past Pie Tree Orchards (formerly McSherry’s) in Sweden. From Bridgton, take Rt. 117 to Rt. 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 further information, contact Haynes at 583-2963 or forest@maine.com.