LAKE PARKER ASSOCIATION, INC.

PO Box 69, West Glover, VT 05875

August 1997 Newsletter

Annual Meeting Review

The Association Annual Meeting and potluck supper held on Saturday, July 12, was a huge success. Fifty-five to sixty people attended and there was plenty of delicious food. Everyone had seconds. Glenn Barber conducted the business meeting in a very inclusive manner laced with plenty of good natured humor. Everyone seemed to enjoy the meeting very much. We all went home feeling very proud of the much larger than normal contribution the Association made to the Glover Ambulance Squad. This is what citizens' groups are all about, people getting together, enjoying each other's company while making positive contributions to the larger community.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who made the annual meeting such a success.

The minutes of the annual meeting are attached.

 

Neighbors helping Neighbors

Notice that in the previous section we said “Many thanks to all the volunteers who made the annual meeting such a success.” We did not attempt to specifically name each of the individuals who volunteered out of fear of missing someone. Well…sometimes, someone does something so noteworthy that we feel compelled to identify that person by name even at the risk of not naming others who have made similar contributions.

So… BOB RICHARDS, camp #86, please accept our many thanks for protecting our property from damage during the recent flood. We know that you made the effort to go all around the lake doing whatever necessary to secure our boats and docks and other property from flood damage. Thanks Bob!

If you know of someone who has made a noteworthy contribution please let us know so that we can let everyone know about it!

 

Watershed Survey Update

As many of you know Lake Parker is classified as a “threatened” lake by The Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation. The primary reason for this is a high level of nutrient enrichment. Under the leadership of Madeleine Ducham, camp #66,  the Association is conducting a Watershed Survey as a first step toward finding the sources of this nutrient enrichment and better protecting the lake. The Watershed Survey consists of three parts, the in-lake portion, the shoreland portion(within 500 feet of the shoreline), and the entire watershed(about 5400 acres surrounding Lake Parker). We completed the shoreland portion of the survey last year. By the time you read this, volunteers will be doing the in-lake portion of the survey. August is the best time of year to do this part of the survey because the aquatic plants will have reached a stage of growth that should make problem areas easier to identify. The recent flood has caused us to rethink when we will do the larger watershed portion of the survey.  It may be best to wait until permanent repairs are made to the roads and culverts.

 

Conservation License Plate Grants

Proceeds from the sale of Vermont Conservation License Plates will provide funding for local and regional watershed projects in Vermont. Funds are available for water-related projects that:

·       Protect or restore fish and wildlife habitats;

·       Protect or restore water quality, shorelines, and streambanks;

·       Develop or enhance recreational access and trails;

·       Identify and protect historic and cultural resources;

·       Educate people about watershed resources;

·       Monitor fish and wildlife populations and/or water quality.

We have just received the Vermont Watershed Grants 1997 Application Guide. We will be applying for some of the available funds. John Washburn(camp #97) will be heading up this effort. We would be pleased to have your ideas about projects that fall within these guidelines and would benefit the town of Glover and/or the Lake Parker Watershed.

If you register a  vehicle in Vermont please consider purchasing a Conservation License Plate. Applications can be found at the Lake Parker Country Store.

 

Boat Access Beautification

Saturday, August 16 we plan to make a flower bed around the new bulletin board sign at the Lake Parker Boat Access. Also, volunteers will construct a new picnic table to replace the old rotted one at the access. The Association will purchase the materials. The Lake Parker Boat Access is a perfect spot for townspeople and Association members, with and without shoreland property, to stop by and take a moment to enjoy the lake. It is in this spirit that we do this. We are concerned, as are members who own property near the access, about its improper use. Rowdy late night parties, drinking, and other inappropriate use certainly decrease our enjoyment of the lake. However, we feel that putting a picnic table at the access and sprucing it up with a flower bed or two won’t change the behavior of those who would misuse the place and will greatly increase enjoyment of the lake by everyone else.

 

Boating Safety

Plans are being made to offer a certified Vermont Boating Safety Course early next summer. More information will be available in the spring as to date and location. Vermont law requires all those born after January 1, 1974 to take the course before operating a motorboat, and it is highly recommended that everyone take it - old or young! Please refer to and read the enclosed summary sheet of Vermont Boating Laws & Regulations, and

post in your home and/or camp. Note especially the requirements for carrying on board approved WEARABLE life jackets for every person and that no vessel may be operated within 200 feet of shoreline, a person in the water, other vessels, anchorage or docks except at a speed of less than 5 mph which does not create a wake. Unfortunately, there have been recent incidents of reckless operation of high-powered motor boats on Lake Parker! This endangers all other boaters and swimmers. PLEASE....do not operate boats in a manner that infringes on the rights of others to enjoy our beautiful lake!

 

Next Year’s Meetings

We would like to have your thoughts on what we should do for the meeting(s) next year. We will have the July business meeting and potluck supper of course. Should we have a second meeting in August and if so, should it be the potluck supper and speaker or should it be a picnic or some other format?

 

Thanks to Volunteers

Several of you have volunteered to help with Association projects and we want to extend our thanks to each of you for being so generous with your time. We will be in contact with each of you individually soon.

 

News about News

We plan to expand the content of the Association newsletter and publish it four times a year. We are currently organizing a communication committee to do this. What kinds of information would you like to see in the newsletter?

 

How to give us Feedback

If you would like to share your ideas on Association matters please contact Bob Johnson, camp #25, at 525-3458 during the day or 525-4078 evenings or Glenn Barber, camp #33, at 525-4113. Of course you can always drop us a line at Lake Parker Association, Inc., PO Box 69, West Glover, VT 05875.

Welcome to New Members

Thanks to the recruiting efforts of Nadean Adams, camp #38, we have several new members since the Annual Meeting July 12.  Donald & Harriet King, Ms. Eleanor Bailey, Bernard & Elaine Urie, Bill & Sue Tester, Merle & Carolyn Young, Mr. & Mrs. Glenn Lafont and Mr. & Mrs. Warren Tyler. We are pleased to welcome all of you to the Lake Parker Association. As you can see, we have several ongoing projects and we can use all the help we can get.

 

Wildlife Report

Some of the wildlife spotted on the lake so far this year are:

Common Loons - large flock stopping to feed in the early spring.

Great Blue Heron.

A family of Night Heron Chicks.

Beavers.

Osprey.

Kingfishers.

Mink.

Have you seen other wildlife?   Let us know!

 

Quad Lakes Fishing Tournament

Don’t forget the Quad Lakes Fishing Tournament Sept. 6 & 7. This is a fishing competition involving Lake Parker, Crystal, Willoughby and Shadow lakes sponsored by the Barton Area Chamber of Commerce. There is a $15.00 entry fee - kids 15 and under free. A brochure is available at the Lake Parker Country Store

 

Don’t Forget Your Dues

We have collected dues from about 66 members thus far this year.  This is about average for this time of year. Please check your records and if paying your dues has slipped your mind you may use the enclosed form to remit your dues. If you do not find a dues remittance form in your newsletter(between pages 5 and 6) our records indicate that you have paid your 1997 dues. If you have the form our records indicate that you haven't paid yet. In any case if your records don’t agree with ours please let us know.

 

LAKE PARKER ASSOCIATION, INC

MINUTES OF ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING, JULY 12, 1997

 

The annual business meeting of the Lake Parker Association (LPA) was held on Saturday, July 12, 1997, at the West Glover Church, with about 55-60 people in attendance. The meeting was called to order by Vice-President Glenn Barber at 7:10 PM. Lorna Kiley was appointed treasurer Pro-Tem, and Lynn Washburn was appointed secretary Pro-Term, by Vice-President Barber.

Glenn thanked all the volunteers for their help with the potluck supper.

A statement was read by Glenn concerning the inability of LPA President Peter Morrill to complete his term.

New summer residents of the lake were introduced: Joyce Littlefield, Camp 121; Linda Alterton, Camp 42; Betty Waskiewicz, wife of Leon Waskiewicz, Camp 101; Debra Tracy (absent), wife  of Tom Tracy, Camp 8; Dale Marriott, husband of Pauline (Edwards), Camp 40.

Guests introduced were Bailey & Barbara Woods. Rev.Bill McGregor read the list of members who had passed away during the past year, and extended the sympathy of the LPA to their families. These included Bernie Atherton, Florence Ludy, Mary Gates, Dorothy Sinberg, and Anna Anderson.

It was announced that Barbara Wright would be celebrating her 90 birthday on July 30 , with a reception at the West Glover church from 2-4 pm.

The minutes of the 1996 annual LPA meeting were read by secretary Pro-Tem Lynn Washburn. A correction was requested by Madeleine Ducham regarding the water shed survey. The minutes stated “we were made aware that the water shed survey that was turned into the state was not properly done.” Madeleine stated that there must have been a misunderstanding as the water shed survey had not been received by the state and she wished to make that clarification for the record. The secretary was requested by Glenn Barber to do so in the 1997 meeting minutes. Otherwise, the minutes were approved as read.

The treasurer’s report was read by Lorna Kiley, Treasurer Pro-Tem. See attached sheet for details. The report was approved as read.

 

Standing Committee Reports:

Fishing: Lora Atherton gave an up-date on fish stocking; approx. 1200 rainbow trout were put in Lake Parker.

Home Security: In the absence of Frank Daignault, Glenn read a report submitted by Frank, in which he reported that in the late fall & winter, he walks or skis to check on camps mostly on the north and east sides of the lake. There were no break-ins until this past June. Glenn cautioned members not to allow strangers to fish on their property as the state police have issued warnings that this was one of the ways criminals have of looking around for places to rob.

Water Quality: Bob Johnson reported the phosphorus & chlorophyl count was down this year so far. The clarity of the water last year was down possibly due to last summer’s heavy rain. In last year’s “Great American Secchi Disk Dip-In”, held around the country, Lake Parker was in 5  place. Bob introduced Bob Richards as the new water quality chairman. Fish have been caught by Bill George & Leon Waskiewicz to be tested by the state. Boat & Water Safety: There was no report. Glenn noted that he had signs to be posted at the access. John Washburn presented summary copies of state boating safety rules, and requested that they be posted in camps for owners and renters.

 

Government Liason: No reports by Betsy Day (local), or Mary Smith (state).

Land Use & Conservation: Madeleine Ducham reported that the first phase (shoreline) of the water shed survey was completed last summer and early fall, and a copy given to the state. A copy is also available at the Ducham camp (#66) for those wishing to see it. In mid-August this year, the in-lake phase will be done. As a result of this watershed survey, the condition of culverts, streams, roads, and land-use of the water shed will be mapped out. The Glover Selectboard has been informed of the survey, and  we hope for their cooperation. Madeleine also spoke of the Lake Protection Advisory Committee which has been set up by the state Water Quality Board and that 5 members were from Lake Parker. The state is selling conservation license plates with part of the proceeds going toward lake projects.

 

Weed Harvesting:  Glenn reported that the weed machine is ready to be used. It will be kept at Jeff Millette’s camp (#16-17). Users of the machine and those that rake weeds from their lakeshore should keep a record of the hours they spend as this is used to determine the amount of the state grant. If anyone needs help removing weeds from their shore, they should call the association for help.

Membership:  The membership is down from previous years. Glenn announced he plans to visit every camp this summer.

 

The slate of officers & committee chairs for the 1997-99 term was presented.

President: Bob Johnson                Weed Harvesting: Jeff Millette

Vice-President:  Glenn Barber      Fishing: Lora Atherton

Secretary: Lynn Washburn           Water Quality: Bob Richards

Treasurer: Joyce Croteau              Boat/Water Safety: John Washburn

Home Security: Frank Daignault

As there were no additional nominations from the floor, a motion was made to close nominations and cast a unanimous ballot for the slate as presented.

John Washburn informed those in attendance that the state funding of grants for aquatic nuisance weed programs expires in 1997, and that the legislators will be lobbied through the Northern Lakes Federation to be certain that the proper legislation is renewed during the next legislative session.

Don Kiley asked who was mowing the boat access. There is some question as to who does it, although the state is responsible.

New Business:

Randy Williams reported that the Glover Ambulance Unit was buying a “new” ambulance from Manchester, VT, and a defibrillator. Randy explained that a family subscription to the ambulance service is $20.00. A motion was made to donate $200 to the ambulance unit and $200 to the Fire Department. A motion to amend was made, changing the donation to $1000.00 to the ambulance unit and $100 to the Fire Dept. This was seconded and approved. A new motion, to give an additional $100 to the Fire Dept was made, seconded, and approved.

Betsy Day discussed the various activities to be held on Glover Day, July 26 . Those interested in participating should call Heidi Cooperstein.

John Washburn explained the Northern Vt. Lakes Federation which includes 30 lakes and annual dues of $15.00. A motion was made and approved to continue the LPA membership in the Northern Federation. John also stated that a boating safety course for young people might be set up with the state police if enough people signed up.

Glenn turned the meeting over to the new president, Bob Johnson, who presented his ideas and goals for the LPA:

·         improve sense of community.

·         need for milfoil & zebra mussel watchers.

·         continue watershed project.

·         boat access beautification.

·         take advantage of conservation license plates.

·         continue membership in Northern Lakes Federation.

·         bulletin board at Lake Parker Store.

·         have fun!!

For these goals we need volunteers!

A new Communications Committee has been set up which will be responsible for getting out a newsletter 4 times a year. Barbara Buchanan (Lake Parker Store) will chair this. Members should send news to her.

Bob Johnson closed by thanking Glenn for all the work he put in to organizing this annual meeting.

Meeting adjourned at 8:50 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Lynn Washburn, Secretary Pro-Tem

 

VERMONT BOATING SAFETY

OPERATING LAWS & REGULATIONS

 (excerpted from 1996 State Publication)

PLEASE POST THIS NOTICE IN YOUR HOME AND/OR CAMP

 

ÞA person under the age of 12 may not operate a motorboat powered by more than six horsepower.

 

ÞA person under the age of 12 must WEAR a Coast Guard approved Type I, II or III personal flotation device(P.F.D.) aboard a vessel, while underway and on an open deck.

 

ÞA person under the age of 16 must WEAR a Coast Guard approved personal flotation device while aboard a sailboat.

 

Þ *(The use of personal watercraft (jet-skis) is prohibited effective May 1, 1997 on lakes, ponds and reservoirs that have a surface area less than 300 acres unless modified in response to petitions filed pursuant to 10 V.S.A. Y 1424.) ( * from Vermont Use of Public Waters Rules Adopted January 29, 1997, amended effective February 28, 1997.)

 

Þ THE SURFACE OF LAKE PARKER IS 250 ACRES. THEREFORE THE USE OF PERSONAL WATERCRAFT (JET-SKIS) IS PROHIBITED ON LAKE PARKER.

 

Þ No vessel may be operated within 200 feet of shoreline, a person in the water, other vessels, anchorage or docks except at a speed of less than 5 mph which does not create a wake.

 

Þ An implied consent law similar to the DWI law has been created for boating while intoxicated.

 

Þ Residential use of overnight sleeping vessels is prohibited on waters lacking sanitary waste pumpout facilities. (None at Lake Parker)

 

Þ EFFECTIVE JULY 1, 1991, ALL INDIVIDUALS BORN AFTER JANUARY 1, 1974, ARE REQUIRED TO COMPLETE A BOATING SAFETY COURSE PRIOR TO OPERATION OF A MOTORBOAT.

 

Þ If your recreational boat is less than 16’ in length, or a canoe or kayak, for each person aboard, there must be one U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II or III  WEARABLE  P.F.D. on board. ( Type IV throwable cushions, rings etc. do not meet this requirement)

 

Þ If the recreational boat is 16’ or more in length, except a canoe or kayak, for each person aboard, there must be a U.S. Coast Guard Approved Type I, II or III  WEARABLE  P.F.D. on board. In addition, there must be at least one Type IV P.F.D. (throwable) on board.

 

Þ In addition to the operator, a boat towing a person(s) on water skis, a tube, or similar devices, must carry an observer at least 12 years old, in a position to observe the person(s) being towed.

 

THIS INFORMATION IS PROVIDED BY THE LAKE PARKER ASSOCIATION FOR ALL BOATERS ON LAKE PARKER. OBEY THE LAWS AND DO YOUR PART TO KEEP LAKE PARKER A SAFE AND FUN LAKE ON WHICH TO BOAT!

(For complete Vermont Boating Safety Laws & Regulations, please refer to the state publication, available at State Police posts.)