LAKE PARKER ASSOCIATION, INC.

PO Box 69, West Glover, VT 05875

August 1998 Newsletter

Annual Meeting Report

The Annual Meeting and Potluck Supper was held on Saturday, July 11^th at the West Glover church. We had a wonderful turnout of about 60 people with plenty of delicious food. The desert selections were a big hit this year. Many of us had seconds! The tables were decorated with an abundance of beautiful freshly cut flowers from Sharon Smith’s(camp #17) gardens in vases provided by Joyce Littlefield. Making contact with neighbors that we hadn’t seen for awhile, the good food and jovial atmosphere made for a very enjoyable evening indeed. Many thanks too all of the volunteers who made the meeting and potluck supper such a success.

Because money doesn’t go as far as it did several years ago we voted to amend the by laws having to do with our annual dues and the spending authority of the board. The minutes of the business meeting and a summary of the Treasurer’s Report are included at the end of this newsletter. Please take a moment to review them.

 

Upcoming Events

Annual Parker Pond Regatta – Sunday Sept. 6^th 1:00PM at Randy & Betsy’s (camp # 88). Sailboat entrants are particularly needed but anything that floats is eligible and welcome. First heat is at 1:00 PM with Pot Luck following the races. Meat and corn will be provided so bring a desert, salad or casserole.  Be advised that Sandy Kepler’s cannon will sound the start of the regatta so don’t panic at loud explosive noises that afternoon. Everyone is welcome! Call Betsy Day at 525-4051 or 525-3672 for details.

Quad Lakes Fishing Derby – Sept. 12 & 13 - There is a $15.00 entry fee and all fish must be caught in Parker, Shadow, Crystal or Willoughby Lakes. Entry forms and rules are at the Lake Parker Country Store.

 

LakeFEST '98 Report

We were actively involved in the statewide LakeFEST ’98 celebration. At the 20th Anniversary of the Lay Monitoring Program and LakeFEST “kick-off” celebration in Burlington the Lake Parker Association received an award for “Excellence in Lake Protection” from the Vermont Department of Natural Resources. This award was primarily a result of the watershed survey work of Madeleine Ducham and her group of volunteers. The award is on display at the Lake Parker Country Store. At the same event Bob Richards(camp #86) was recognized for his lay monitor work on Lake Parker. LPA members Madeleine Ducham and Bob Johnson presented our watershed survey and other lake protection efforts at a statewide workshop held at the Lake Morey Inn in  Fairlee. Our certified boating safety instructors Don Kiley, John & Lynn Washburn offered the Vermont Boating Safety course.

The Lake Parker and Shadow Lake Associations co-sponsored a LakeFEST '98 poster contest for area children. The theme of the contest was “Protect Our Lakes”. Almost 90 young people entered, and the judges had a tough time picking the best from among the great entries on display at the Glover Town Hall on "Glover Day" But here are the winners:

KINDERGARTEN: 1st - Dakota Smith, Shadow Lake                                  2nd - Chelsea Smith, Shadow Lake                                  3rd - Aimmi Mathews, Glover School	GRADES 5 & 6:  1st - Emily Major, Glover School                              2nd - Chelsea Wakeman, Glover School                              3rd - Devan Poginy, Glover School
GRADES 1 & 2:      1st - Ryan Russell, Lake Parker                                  2nd - Jeffrey Smith, Shadow Lake                                  3rd - Iris Smith, Glover School	GRADES 7 & 8:   1st - Emily Young, Glover School                               2nd - Jessica Sodaro, Shadow Lake                               3rd - Kit Basom, Glover School
GRADES 3 & 4:      1st - Sadie Wolk, Glover School                                  2nd - Devin Colburn, Glover School                                  3rd - Amanda Currier, Glover School

Thanks to everyone that entered - and the staff at the Glover Community School!

 

The highlight of our LakeFEST ’98 celebration was the "Maple Leaf 7" Dixieland Band which entertained us while cruising around Lake Parker on John Washburn’s party boat after which they held a concert at the boat access. It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon and celebrate the lake; even Mother Nature did her part by providing perfect weather. Many thanks to Ron Ducham, Ron’s family, John Washburn and to all of the members of Maple Leaf 7 for making this possible.

            Cruising around Lake Parker                                                       At the Boat Access

 

Watershed Survey Update

The Lake Parker watershed was divided into 3 sections and a group of volunteers was assigned to survey each section. The survey is going well, most of it is completed. Our plan is to present our findings to the state in a final report by November 30, 1998. We will have our report ready for everyone to review at a coffee hour next summer and we are looking forward to getting started on making corrections to the problem areas that we have found.

 

Other survey volunteers not shown are Joyce Littlefield, Frank & Jean Davio, Colleen & Ernie Lord and John & Lynn Washburn for Section 2.  Arnold Smith, Jeff Millette, Bob Richards and Beryl Adams for Section 3.

 

Septic Systems

How do septic systems work?

Septic systems act as the digestive tract for household organic waste and destroy disease-producing bacteria. The most commonly approved systems today consist of a septic tank connected to a leach field. The septic tank stores solid waste and pipes waste water into the leach field where it is filtered and drained into the soil below.

How is water quality related to septic systems?

Certain nutrients build up in organic waste from your home and are dissolved in the water that ends up in the leach field. The nutrients that do not get filtered out eventually drain into the water table below ground or drain into rivers and lakes that may be nearby. Nutrients – especially phosphorus – are vital to plant and algae growth. High levels of phosphorus, however, act as a fertilizer and create an environment where growth is unnaturally rapid. This deprives aquatic animals of vital dissolved oxygen and will speed up the life cycle of a lake through the build up of plant and animal matter.

What can you do to help water quality?

In order to alleviate the problem of phosphorus build up, each of us must act responsibly when addressing waste disposal. Use phosphate-free or low phosphate detergents. Compost your kitchen garbage rather than using a garbage disposal. This keeps many nutrients from directly entering the water system. Conserve water whenever possible. The more water in your septic system the greater the possibility of nutrients leaching out through the system. Never flush toxic materials (such as paint, oil, or pesticides) down your drain. This will kill the natural bacteria in your septic system that breaks down organic waste. Be sure your septic system is functioning properly and have your septic tank pumped out at least every two to three years.

 

Note: There is currently a Bill (H.206) that has passed the Vermont House of Representatives and is now before the Senate that among other things would require a permit to modify a septic system. You can read the text of the Bill on the internet at http://www.leg.state.vt.us/docs/1998/bills/house/H-206.HTM.

 

If you would like to test your septic system you can contact Madeleine Ducham at camp #66 525-4051. She can provide the dye test tablets and instructions for using them to test your system.

 

 

Northern Lakes Federation Meeting

The 26th annual meeting of the Federation of Lake Associations - Northern Vermont was held on Monday, July 27, 1998 at Sterling College, Craftsbury Common, Vermont. The principal speaker was Ken Wagner, Water Resources Manager, Water Department ENSR, Northborough, MA., talking about "Smart" Approaches for Managing Aquatic Plants. In addition, Ann Bove and Ethan Swift, from the Waterbury offices of Vermont Water Quality Division gave a presentation on Aquatic Nuisances Here and Ones on the Way - essentially the same presentation as was given at the Glover Town Hall during LakeFEST '98 week. Sgt. Al Buck of the VT State Police Marine Division also gave a report on the problems of policing Vermont lakes to insure safe and legal operation of boats.

Sixteen lake associations (from a membership of about 29) were represented, and each gave a brief up-date on their activities and problems. The Lake Parker report included our LakeFEST '98 activities, our on-going watershed survey, and our annual weed control program. Lake Parker is a leader in the state in active member participation in water quality programs, as well as our involvement in the celebration of LakeFEST week.

The leadership of the Northern Federation is in touch with the Southern Federation, in an effort to combine resources and thus enable the State to speak with one voice in common matters of lake management. The feeling is that this would strengthen the position of the State at national lake management conferences. The Lake Parker representatives to the Northern Lakes Federation are John and Lynn Washburn.

 

Notes on the Roads and Ditches around the Lake

This summer several of us had the good fortune to attend a couple of meetings with our Road Foreman, Rick Welch, and a couple of people who were kind enough to come and share their road maintenance expertise with us. The first meeting took place where the Dewing Brook crosses Town Highway 7, near the northwest corner of the lake. This is the site where we are using our Better Back Roads Grant money to improve the roads and ditches. At this meeting Richard Cook from the U.S. Department of Agriculture gave us some good advice on how to deal with some of the problems there.

The second meeting was with Robert Niles from the Vermont Local Roads program. Robert is based at St. Michael’s College in Colchester and has particular expertise in how road maintenance practices influence water quality. At this meeting we discussed problems on the eastern side of the lake. Robert had a lot of praise for how well Rick Welch was maintaining the roads. We learned that most of the problems in the area are due to the lay of the land and the short distance between the road and lake. A lot of water, from the hill to the east, has to be routed across the road through culverts on its way to the lake. The proximity of the road and lake doesn’t allow for controlling the concentrated flows at the culvert outlets with simple inexpensive means. We learned that re-seeding the ditches was one inexpensive thing that we could do right away to improve the situation. The LPA purchased some grass seed, Rick Welch brought us some mulch hay and Ernie Lord and John Washburn re-seeded the ditches along the road on the east side of the lake. Glen Barber has also done some seeding of the west side ditches.

Another interesting tidbit of information that we learned from Robert is that the average town road maintenance person in Vermont maintains 17 miles of road. In Glover Rick and Robby have to do 66 miles! That’s 33 miles apiece – nearly double the Vermont average. We always knew that they were doing a good job …but WOW!

 

Left photo shows Robert Niles(center) chatting with Rick Welch(just his feet showing) and campers about the roads and ditches along the eastern shore.  Right photo shows John & Ernie re-seeding ditches.

 

Weed Harvesting

Notice: The weed cutting deadline is Sept. 15, 1998.  If you are planning to use the weed machine this summer you must do so before Sept. 15. Our aquatic plant control grant prohibits cutting after that date.

Please keep track of the time you spend cutting or raking weeds or working on the machine, this is very important to us because we get reimbursed for this time via the State of Vermont Aquatic Nuisance Control Grant Program. Please report your time to Glenn Barber at 525-4113.

 

Selectmen Remind Us

The Glover Selectmen remind us that water and electrical lines are not to be run through culverts as this causes problems when cleaning or replacing the culverts. Campers can, however, put lines through a culvert during the summer months as long as all lines are removed in the fall.

Camp Security - by Frank Daignault & Joyce Littlefield

One of the most important parts of closing up your camp in the fall is protecting it from being burglarized over the winter.  Some measures you may want to consider are:

1.  Hire a trusted individual to check around your property on a regular basis for any signs of burglary or vandalism.  This individual should have a set of keys, or have access, in the event they need to get in, or to secure the camp in the event there is a break-in. 

2.  Make sure all windows and doors are securely locked.  Install dead-bolt locks on all doors(the type where you need a key on both sides).

3.  There are pros and cons to boarding up windows - some believe it is a deterrent as it takes time to remove the boards, and most burglars want quick and easy access.  Others feel the criminal is more likely to do more damage and destroy more property.  Also, they may think you have valuables inside.  If you don’t board up your camp, it is a good idea not to close the drapes or blinds all the way - let them see there’s nothing of value inside and perhaps they’ll move on.  Sliding glass doors are the most likely target for vandals - so it’s a good idea to board these up.  If you have a long driveway, it’s a good idea to put a heavy chain across the driveway - or large logs, etc. - so that someone cannot drive in. 

4.  Never leave anything of value in your camp - take your TV, VCR, stereos, etc. home with you, or remove them and store them in a secure storage facility.  It’s also a wise idea to remove anything that could potentially be used to cause damage -- axes, knives, fire extinguishers, cleaning solvents, tools, etc.

5.  If you have motion detectors on the property, leave the electricity on. 

6.  Consider installing an alarm.  Mr. Smith of Memphremagog Security Co. (1-802-334-8643) can design a system to suit your needs.  If you do install an alarm, make sure it is not temperature-sensitive.  Some types of alarms will not operate in sub-freezing temperatures.  You would also want one that was tied into the alarm company via phone, and they would be alerted should your electricity or phone service be cut.

7.  The State Police will make camp checks when they are in the area.  Make sure you let them know how to reach you in case of a problem - and let them know if you will be returning to your camp during a time they may check in on it.  They will leave a card at the door to say when they’ve been by.  Due to their limited manpower and resources, they may only get by once during the season.

8.  If someone wants to get in - they will.  Make sure you carry adequate property insurance, and keep your fingers crossed.

 

Conservation License Plates

All of the proceeds from the sale of Vermont Conservation License Plates are used to provide funding for local and regional watershed conservation projects. Since none of the proceeds are used for other purposes you can be assured that your hard-earned dollars will be used as you intended. The LPA received one of these grants this year and we are using it to complete our watershed survey. If you register a vehicle in Vermont, please consider purchasing a Conservation License Plate. Applications can be found at the Lake Parker Country Store.

 

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(or use the comments section on the dues remittance form.)

 

Dues News

We have about 70 paid members so far this year.  This is a good number but somewhat less than last year at this time. The Association has been busy this year and has had increased expenses so your dues are more important than ever. There is a dues form in the newsletter and if our records indicate that you have paid dues this year the form is stamped “PAID” in the upper right hand corner. Please check your dues form and if it is not stamped “PAID” and you wanted to support the lake protection efforts of the association you may use the form to remit your dues. We’re careful with our record keeping… but if your records differ from ours please let us know.

 

JD’s CORNER People are a rotten lot! It’s in the papers and on the news. It’s common knowledge. People are dishonest, treacherous, corrupt, immoral, lazy, and generally just no dammed good! Well, I have a lot of time to observe life on the pond. Take the person who lent her home to a neighbor in need or the person who placed community well-being ahead of personal economic gain or your neighbors who donate time to their school, church, local government, library, emergency service or environmental group. Ever had a kindness extended your way? Who planted the flowers at the boat access? People are a rotten lot, they are dishonest, treacherous, corrupt, immoral, lazy and generally just no dammed good.   Ya…right!

JD is a water dog and amateur observer of life on the pond.

 

 

A young person’s view of Lake Parker and the NEK

The following was written this spring by Aaron Kohn, our 16-year old grandson of Greenville, Michigan, for his high school English class:

 

"Anybody that has traveled around New England and not stopped in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont is missing out on some of the most beautiful country and views in the U.S.  The Northeast Kingdom offers everything from sunning on the beach in the summer to skiing down some awesome mountains in the winter. All this combined with the views of the Green Mountains makes the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont a place to remember. Driving along the back roads in Vermont gives me a chance to see nature thriving. The birds singing in the morning, an occasional splash of a moose in the water, and the tree covered mountains is living proof that nature is alive and well in Vermont.

The place I enjoy the most is my grandparent’s cottage on Lake Parker. The cottage is small but well suited for spending the summer.  It sits on the most beautiful lake I have ever seen. From the porch you can see the entire lake and the mountains on the other side.  It is peaceful with little or no traffic for miles. A typical day is spent on the water swimming, fishing and boating. Our family and our cousins family get together every summer to enjoy the beauty, comfort, and relaxation that one can find in Vermont. In the evenings we grill our catch or steaks if the fish weren't biting. The sunset on the mountains is a sight to remember. As I watch the sun drop behind the mountains marking the end of a perfect day, I reminisce of the fun times I have had there and the many more to come.

In the early mornings I sit on the dock watching the birds diving for shallow fish. Seeing nature alive around me gives me peace of mind and allows me to relax. Fish breaking the surface after flies, the hoot of an owl, those are the things that have led me to appreciate the world and its living creatures. I enjoy hiking up around the lake and then looking down on the entire lake as a bird would. The best view I have had of the mountains is when I went up Jay Peak. On a clear day you can see Montreal, Canada, 80 miles away. It is truly an unbelievable sight.

All these great features are what make the Northeast Kingdom so important to me. I have vacationed there for many years and I am always seeing new things that I never knew existed. The environmental conditions are continuously improving and with the help of man we can preserve them for future generations to enjoy. I hope to continue being able to go there every year to enjoy God's greatest gifts. That is the pure spring water, the mountains, and all the wildlife they hold. That is why the Northeast Kingdom is so special to me and that is why I come back every summer." - John & Lynn Washburn

MINUTES OF ANNUAL BUSINESS MEETING, JULY 11, 1998

The annual business meeting of the Lake Parker Association was held on Saturday, July 11, 1998 at the West Glover church.  President Bob Johnson called the meeting to order at 7:05 PM.  After welcoming members and explaining the agenda, he thanked Jeff Millette and Sharon Smith for supplying flowers for the tables.

The minutes of the last meeting were read and accepted as was the treasurer's report - see attached report.

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

1) A letter from the Glover selectmen was read reminding camp-owners that if their electrical lines run through culverts, they must be removed in the fall.

2) Two letters from the Glover Ambulance Unit were read thanking the LPA for the generous donation last year.

 

There was no old business.

 

COMMITTEE REPORTS:

Membership-  Glenn Barber reported that 116 mailings were sent out in 1997 and 81 paid for membership. New members include Roland & Tessie Cote #56, Regine & Francois Richard #102, Deb & Gene Kaslo #43A, Don & Harriet King, Bill & Sue Tester, Glenn & Bev LaFont, Warren & Tara Tyler, Merle Young Sr.  In 1998, there were 118 mailings with 57 paid members to date.

Fishing:  Glenn Barber reported 1000 rainbow trout had been  stocked in the lake averaging 10.9 inches.

Boat Access & Beautification:  George Young and Joann Velander have planted flowers at the access while Bob Johnson and Glenn Barber have supplied railroad ties, gravel, and manure.  The correctional facility in Newport is supposed to mow.  A picnic table was built last year with materials and labor supplied by the LPA.

Home Security: Joyce Littlefield reported 1 camp had been broken into.  She reminded camp-owners to read the suggestions in the recent newsletter and to keep watch over neighboring camps.

Land Use & Conservation: Madeleine Ducham gave an up-date on the watershed survey.  Both the shoreline and in-lake parts have been completed. The survey should be completed this summer with 16 volunteers looking at roads, streams and land use. Already we are seeing things that can be done to help keep pollution down.  Information can be obtained from Madeleine on the various aspects of the survey. Madeleine has made contact with experts who might be able to help some of our problems.  Next Tuesday, July 14, an advisor will be walking down the east side of the lake with her and others to look at problem areas.  Bob Johnson reminded people of the various pamphlets etc. on a side table explaining how to plant buffer strips etc. 

Weed Harvesting: - Jeff Millette thanked those who have harvested.  Both  the trailer and cutter need some work done on them.  Ernie Lord was thanked for his work and help in servicing  them.  Volunteers  are needed to help cut weeds.  Glenn Barber will give instruction on using the weed machine.  Record sheets are kept at Jeff's and those raking up weeds and those using the machine must keep track of the time used for each.  If anyone is unable to rake weeds, please call Glenn or Jeff.

Water Quality: - Bob Richards noted that the quality of the lake water was low last year mainly due to the flooding. There was moderate algae. The average clarity depth was 2,7 meters.  Our recent fish kill has been caused by a bacterial infection which is natural.  The fish are all right(to eat) and people are not to worry about this.

Boat & Water Safety: - John Washburn reported that 4 from Lake Parker took a course on boat safety and are now qualified to teach the course to all those interested and to all those born after January 1,1974.  A course was set up but no one signed up for it.  Boat regulations sheet available on the table.

 

Bob Johnson noted that the spring "Ice-Out" contest had only 27 entries. $81 was collected with half going to the winner. It was agreed to have the contest again next spring.

Beryl Adams wrote a grant request to the Better Back Roads. We received a $2000 grant to be used for road/culvert improvement at the northwest area of the lake. A 5-year plan is to be drawn up in the future and a grant applied for it.  We have received a $600 watershed grant also.

 

LakeFEST '98 - Lake Parker is sponsoring several activities during LakeFEST week (July 18-26).  A Poster Contest for all Glover children and lake children in grades kindergarten through  8th grade is being held with the theme being "Protect Our Lakes". The posters will be displayed in Glover Town Hall on July 25th. On July 21st an Aquatic Nuisance Species Workshop will be held at the Glover Town Hall hosted by the Shadow Lake Association. On July 23rd a Watershed Management Workshop will be held at Lake Morey with our own Madeleine Ducham as a presentor. On July 27th  the Maple Leaf Seven - Dixieland Band will be circling the lake and then giving  a concert at the access afterward. All lake residents and any from Glover have been invited to be a part of the "grill-out". We will be selling LakeFEST T-shirts for $12.

Randy Williams thanked the LPA for the donation last year. There are 20 members of the squad who also do service work.  A CPR course will be offered in the future.  Since the ambulance squad is now separated from the fire department, they are being forced to move from their present location.  The town will be giving the old West Glover shed which the ambulance unit will have to renovate before using.  Randy reminded us all to make sure our camp numbers are visible to all emergency vehicles. The unit will be having a bake sale on Glover Day and will be selling T-shirts.

 

NEW BUSINESS: A motion was made, seconded and passed to raise LPA  dues from $10 to $15 effective 1999.

A motion was made, seconded, and passed to amend ARTICLE IV,Section 6 to read "With the approval of both the President and the Treasurer, any single expenditure may not exceed four hundred dollars in any fiscal year."

A motion was made and seconded to donate $200 each to the ambulance unit and the fire department. This motion was amended and the amendment was approved to donate $200 to the fire dept. and $1000 to the ambulance unit.

Betsy Day reported that the loon nesting platform was unused but the biologist has told us that a platform is not used the first year it is put out. Betsy said there will be a loon count on Saturday, July 18th between 8 and 9 AM.

Dr. Ray Griffin told us that there was a double-crested cormorant and a greater black-back gull spotted in the lake area. He offered help to anyone who spots a bird they are unable to identify.

 

In closing, we were treated to the video-tape Randy Williams has made for LakeFEST.

 

Adjourned at 9:30 PM.

Respectfully submitted, 

Lynn Washburn, Secretary

                                           

Summary of LPA Financial Statement presented at the Annual Meeting by Treasurer Joyce Croteau

Cash on hand July 1, 1997                                            $10,613.32

Total Receipts (July 1, 1997 – June 30, 1998)  $2,726.57

Total Expenditures (July 1, 1997 – June 30, 1998)        $2,360.90

Cash on hand July 1, 1998                                            $10,978.99

 

Balance in Community Checking:                                  $2,016.53

Balance in Community Savings:                         $3,436.04