Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
ROME — A tag and pie sale will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 28, at the Rome Community Center, 8 Mercer Road, to support efforts to maintain the town beach.
Those wishing to donate items may drop them off at the Community Center from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday. Pie donations will be received from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, Sept. 27, or on the morning of the sale.
In 1974, Arthur and Juanita Friedrichs donated a Great Pond frontage lot to the town to be used for public beach access. The property, which has seen great days, but also deteriorated over the years.
In recent years, the Rome Recreation Committee has made an effort to revitalize and transform the beach for the enjoyment of all Rome residents.
Improvements, led by the town Recreation Committee, have improved public access. The parking area and turnaround were enlarged and cleared of trees by Roger Davis and Carroll Bubar. Alan LaBelle installed new signs (donated by Robert Dowd and Margaret Schmidt). Lois Stratton, Tammy Lyons and a host of volunteers spread loads of mulch. Beachfront water infiltration steps were installed by Trevor Eastman and Rhoads Miller.
“I am so proud of everyone; we all really pulled together,” said Lyons, project leader and a former Recreation Committee member.
Bubar and Rick Labbe Construction upgraded the road, adding surface and regrading. LaBelle planted native shrubs.
The 7 Lakes Alliance also provided a $1,000 grant to help support the upgrades, which were all designed to reduce water runoff and improve water quality. The Belgrade Lakes Association donated a picnic table to be used by beach-goers; tables were installed by committee members, as well as Ryan Whitt and Robie Lyons.
“I see people there all the time,” said Bubar. “And they keep it neat. No litter.”
“It truly was a great team effort by many townspeople,” said resident Richard LaBelle. “It’s a wonderful place where every Rome resident has access to enjoy the lakes. Rome truly is a great place to live — full of wonderful people.”
Such projects are made possible, in large part, with the proceeds generated at the annual tag sale. The committee also supports projects to upgrade the town’s basketball court, as well as a holiday Secret Santa program to help those in need.
The Rome Recreation Committee is very active, including the town dinner, scheduled for Oct. 26.
“We do it for everyone, our seniors, everyone – to pull the town together,” said Second Selectman Lois Stratton. “I Love Rome. It is a great place to live, full of wonderful people and a great place to grow up.”
