Attention!!! Emergency MPG Location Change

Hi Folks,

Unfortunately, we have had a crisis with our Lebanon, Maine location. Last week a pony on the property died of Eastern Equine Encephalitis. This is a mosquito born virus, like West Nile, which if contracted has a 35-50% fatality rate. Due to the fact that it is known the virus is on the property and the MPG site is bordered by a river and two hardwood swamps (where the species of mosquito which carries EEE breeds), I cannot responsibly hold the Gathering there.

My neighbors who own the beautiful Oliver West Farm have graciously agreed to host the MPG. We have not worked out all the details of siting for the Gathering on the property, but it has great potential. I don't think it is any further away from those folks heading North, and it is just as easy to get to being only 4 miles off the Maine Turnpike (I95). I will post directions below.

I want to make everyone aware that Triple E and West Nile are still an issue, as it is established from Southern Maine south all along the Eastern Seaboard. I spoke with the Director of the Maine CDC this week, and she stressed the importance of using bug repellent and wearing long sleeve shirts and pants at dawn and dusk. Mosquitoes have been minimal lately, but they are still out since we have not had a hard frost, so everyone is advised to take precautions to not get bitten. Please educate yourself to the dangers of these two diseases: Maine CDC. If the link does not work, cut and paste this to your address bar: http://www.maine.gov/dhhs/boh/index.htm

Since we are only a week away and the site is not prepared, anyone who can help me out this week would be an angel. Even if you could show up a day early would be hugely helpful. Not only do we have to brushhog an entire overgrown field, but the ridgepoles and firewood need to be moved from the old site and set up at the new. Give me a call or shoot me an email if you can help. Thanks.

I would like to send condolences and thanks to the Colwells, as they are great horse lovers, and have been very gracious and apologetic while facing their own troubles and grief. Thanks to the Oliver West Farm owners, John and Randy, for their immediate generousity.

Pleae pass this information along to anyone you know of who plans on attending. If you have any questions at all, please feel free to call or email me.

Sincerely,
Mal

Mallory L Stephens
Organizer
Maine Primitive Gathering

mallorystephens(at)yahoo.com
207-646-1856