Winter 2013 - Great East Lake Improvement Association

GREAT EAST LAKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION - 81st Year, Winter 2013
President’s Column
By Jennifer Craig
I, for one, am hoping for a decent ice year! Last year
it was so warm the ice was treacherous for most of the
season and the year before that we had so much snow
so early that it acted as an insulating “blanket”,
leaving a big slush layer. My snowshoes and cross
country skis are parked by the door of the camp and I
am ready to get out there and enjoy our wonderful lake
in this special season. Every season is extraordinary at
Great East Lake!
Reflecting back on 2012, it was a year of great highs
and terrible lows for GELIA. The sudden loss of our
past president, Bess Smith, was a blow to all of us as it
was to her family. We also experienced painful board
transitions and unforeseen organizational challenges.
On the other hand, the Lake Hosts continued to do a
fantastic job of protecting our lake from invasive
species, there was a breakthrough AWWA (Acton
Wakefield Watersheds Alliance) project completed in
partnership with the Langley Shores Association to
control pollution from erosion, the fishing derby
returned, and contributions through membership dues
increased 24%.
I want to take this opportunity to thank everyone who
is a member of GELIA and offer special thanks and
appreciation to those who contributed above and
beyond the basic dues level. Your contributions
allowed us to achieve full, seven-day staffing for Lake
Host boat inspections and to contribute to large
erosion mitigation projects on our lake that really
affect water quality. As you can see from the financial
reports included in this newsletter, we are a lean
organization with the bulk of our revenues going to
support our shared goal of clean, clear, beautiful
water. Your dollars are well-spent.
Looking forward, I encourage you to keep it up!
Please be as generous as you can when you receive the
March membership letter. And here is a
special additional plea: consider serving on the
GELIA Board. We need an additional seven
board members to reach the full complement
allowed in our by-laws and we are looking for
fresh ideas and perspectives. We only meet
three times per year plus the Annual Meeting,
so it is not a huge commitment. If you think
you might be interested, email me at
[email protected] and we can have a
conversation, no strings attached.
Happy winter and here’s to ever-longer days in
our march to spring!
Looking for the Best Summer
Job Ever?
Become a Lake Host!
Although it seems far away, the summer is
fast approaching. The Lake Host program
and GELIA dedicate their time to protecting
our lake against invasive aquatic plants. We
are currently looking to hire some new
employees and volunteers for the 2013
season. Being a Lake Host is a rewarding job
that allows individuals the firsthand
opportunity to protect the natural resource
that is Great East Lake. Lake Hosts work at
the boat launch in Acton and check all
incoming and outgoing boats for any aquatic
species. This is a great job opportunity for
people who love the lake and working
outdoors. The position is part-time while the
likely compensation is $10/hour. It is
important to understand that working on the
weekends is required and reliability is
necessary. If you are interested in being a
part of the Lake Host program to protect
Great East Lake then please contact me by
email at [email protected].
Page 2
Great East Lake
Improvement
Association
OFFICERS
Jennifer Craig, President
Dave Mankus, Vice
President
Linda Schier, Acting
Treasurer
Gene Rosenthall, Secretary
Linda Schier, Past President
DIRECTORS
Janet Gould
Mack Hendrick
Chuck Hodsdon
Marcia Hodsdon
Bill Hohenberger
Effie Jaramillo
Dee Kasprzak
Carol Lafond
Ron McKay
Arnie Murray
Walter Neff
Dorothy Smith
Pat Theisen
Stephanie Theisen
Mission
To preserve, enhance and
protect the advantages of
Great East Lake and its
environs.
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS
NH Legislative Update
By Jennifer Craig
“NH Lakes” is a terrific organization that, among other things, is the
main contributor and coordinator of the state-wide Lake Host program
to prevent invasive species infestations. Their recent e-newsletter
contained updates on three pieces of legislation being worked on by the
state of NH that you should know about.
House Bill 292: This is a bill requiring private boats registered in
other states to display a milfoil decal in order to boat on NH
waters. The money collected through the sale of these decals
would be used to support the increased cost of treating invasive
species infestations and prevent the spread of these plants.
(These days it is costing property owners, towns and the state
almost a million dollars every year to combat existing
infestations and another quarter million to support boater
education. We remain fortunate to be milfoil-free on Great
East Lake but we have to continue our vigilance!)
Legislative Service Request 2013-S-0864-R: This is not yet an
actual bill but State Senator Jeanie Forrester is working with
NHLakes, the Loon Preservation Committee, NH Audubon and
others to prohibit the sale of lead sinkers and jigs. To many
of us it is astonishing that this is not already law given the
proven lethal effects to loons of swallowing lead fishing tackle.
This time there seems to be stronger support and we are
hopeful the eventual bill will become law.
Legislative Service Request 2013-H-0418-R: This addresses
some modest changes to the current Shoreland Water Quality
Protection Act proposed by the bill’s prime sponsor, Rep.
Judith Spang. Its purpose is to clarify some of the Act’s
provisions and to improve DES’s ability to enforce the law.
All of these pieces of legislation have the strong support of NH
Lakes, an organization GELIA respects and supports. You are
encouraged to visit their website at www.nhlakes.org where
you can find out more information about protecting our lakes
and also learn how you can make a difference, especially if you
live in New Hampshire.
Condolences
GELIA extends condolences to the family of Mildred (Merrey)
Laningan who passed away December 31, 2012. Dick and Joyce
Foley recall “Millie” as a dear friend, neighbor, and a truly nice lady.
She loved the lake and they are sure it was her favorite place to be.
Millie resided earlier on the NH South Shore and later on the Maine
South Shore in the Narrows area. We gratefully acknowledge the gift
received in Millie’s memory.
Page 3
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS
Page 4
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS
Thank you, Members!
The Great East Lake Improvement gratefully acknowledges your membership support and
donations to the Invasive Species Defense Fund.
STEWARD ($500+)
Anonymous (1)
Brian & Margot MacArthur
Gary & Betty Maffei
Jeffrey P. Beale
John & Jane Butler
Robert E. Klotz, MD
Peter & Kim Clairont
Jennifer Craig
Tom & Tanya Hayes
Leslie & Tachi Yamada
Tony Maffeo
Nancy Maloney & Jon Dinsmore
Robert Maloney
Aurelian & Anahid Mardiros
Marilyn Marrotte & Amos Blanchard
Scott & Vicky Matheson
Richard & Denise McCarthy
Philip & Susan McLaughlin
PATRON ($250-$499)
John & Joyce O’Day
Anonymous (1)
Jack & Audrey Orenstein
Gary & Janet Gould
Michael & Deborah Parkin
Dave & Ginny Hallett
Bruce Pearson
Sergio & Effie Jaramillo
Nathan & Susan Pieri
Jack & Pam Kelly
Mark & Amy Ranalli
Jim & Ellen Labrie
William & Kathryn Read
Doug & Bess Smith
Harry & Linda Rich
Donato Tramuto
Daniel & Ella Richardson
Charlie & Arnie Wills
William Ring, Jr.
Manuel Rogers & Merike Van Zanten
SPONSOR ($100-$249)
Stanley & Harriet Roketenetz
Anonymous (1)
Gene Rosenthall
David & Mary Beth Barr
Carol Rubin
Bob & Denise Berube
Charlie & Sheila Sargent
Jaime & Angela Blaisdell
John & Linda Schier
Craig Bridwell
Joan Scruton
Ken & Cathie Bridwell
Daniel O. Seaward, Jr. & Linda Seaward
Sue Cain
Paul & Susan Shannon
James Callan
Dorothy Smith
Romeo & Kathy Cedrone
Milton Smith
Bob & Maria Chipman
Mark Smith & Andrew Mark
Chris Coffin
David H. Smock
Bruce & Judy Conant
Jeff & Beckie Smock
Charles & Dorothy Crespi
Inez G. Snowdon
Helen Cummings
Dwight & Cindy Sowerby
Edward V. Cyburt MD & Karol M. Cyburt Joseph & Alice Stasio
Elwell Family
Jim & Pat Theisen
Mary Farrell
James & Anne Tobin
Robert & Stephanie Fischer
Jens & Merry Touborg
Alan & Debbie Freedman
Bob & Linda Vanderhoof
Steve Fugarazzo
Robert & Susan Ware Vining
Steve & Tricia Gallo
Richard & Judy Yannaco
Adrian & Diana Genotti
Kirt & Maureen Gillum
Great East Home & Shore, LLC
Bill & Jane Haubrich
Jay Hendrick
Mack Hendrick
Larry & Ania Higgins
William & Cynthia Hohenberger
K.R. Jannota & W.B. Harrigan
Theodore O. Johnson
William Jones & Tara Jonsson
Mike & Dee Kasprzak
David & Carol Lafond
Mildred Lanigan
Todd & Michelle Lee
Thomas Leonard & Catherine Hill
David Litchfield
SUPPORTER ($50-$99)
Anonymous (8)
Mark & Heather Adamske
Tom & Carolyn Alessi
Eunice Alger
Ernest & Susan Alvino
Charles & Lucinda Arlington
Assets Realty Group, Inc.
Christopher & Nancy Bancroft
Donald & Emily Bell
Alan & Mary Bernier
Rock & Celeste Bisson
Johnny Black
William & Deborah Blackwood
Michael & Cynthia Boyle
Bradley Family Camp
Dale & Anita Broach
Forrest C. & Charlyn E. Brown
Daniel Callan
Nicholas & Janet Capano
Steve Caramello
Matthew & Catherine Carino
Roberta E. Carlson
Robert & Catherine Chasse
Herb & Daralyn Clark
Stan & Robin Clark
Kent Coit & Gail Mazzara
Lynette Colangelo & James O’Brian
Peter Connor
Andrew & Karen Coppola
Claire Cullinane
Dick & Joan Dailey
Carla Dale
Sharon Davie Family
Robert & Christine Devine
Mark & Eileen Donahue
William Eichelberger
Craig & Lucinda Farley
Elizabeth Flemings & James Harris
Richard & Melanie Folsom
Leo & Nancy Ginns
Larry & Charlene Gottlieb
Prescott & Dorothy Green
Richard & Lisa Halperin
William & Lela Harrison
Sonja Carter Hartl
Terence J. Hayes
Daniel & Greer HIggins
Dr. David Higgins & Susan Higgins
Gregg & Janice Hunter
Jerry Janelle
Dan & Deb Jantzen
Thomas & Carolyn Julian
Michael Kaplan
Shaun & Lisa Kelly
David W. Kershaw
Bernie & Joyce Kosowsky
Robert & Mary Kraft
Dr. Jess P. Lewis
Michael & Nora Long
David & Bethann Lynch
David Maloney
Dave Mankus
Mary Marcinkowski
Irene Martin
Peter & Kate McCarron
Ron & Martha McCarthy
Ron & Kathy McKay
Joan Meader & Paul Morgeau
Bill & Elaine Meagher
Melvin Village Marina
Phil & Jan Meyer
Catherine Mills
Elaine More
Ed & Florence Morrison
Connie Moulton
Page 5
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS
Thank you Members continued from pate 4
Timothy & Mary Mullin
Walter & Susan Neff
Joseph & Margaret Nolan
Holly Jo Nordholm
Norm & Norma Panall
Mason & Elizabeth Peck
Dr. and Mrs. John Pella
Alex & Marie Petrosino
Edward & Barbara Pinho
Ann Prest & Liz Clogston
Arlene Reyenger & R.C. Dunn
Doug & Sheila Ross
Dick & Sandy Samuels
David & Christine Savukinas
Darrell & Ann Sayles
David & Laura Schultz
Robert & Janet Sears
Dave & Cory Sells
Robert & Jane Shanks
William & Regina Sherman
David & Maryann Sidebotham
Jim & Darcy Sidwell
Eddie Silva
Scott & Dianalyn Sirota
Nancy Smith
Doyle T. & Elaine M. Sowerby
Robert & Linda St. Germain
David Starrett
Judith Stearns
Robert & Victoria Sullivan
Ray & Barbara Sundstrom
George & Josephine Szirbik
Christine Buck Taylor
Jonathan & Bonnie Timlin
Frank & Doug Tremberth
Gino & Mimi Tzortzis
Barbara Upton
Parker & Donna Vanderhoof
Walderloch Realty Trust/Jeff Parker
Cathy Wall & Kathy Messina
Douglas L. Walsh
Mark & Debra Walz
Michael Warren
Henry & Florence Whicher
Daniel & Janice Whitney
Jack & Jeanne Whitney
Dan & Linda Wiggin
Heather Wilcauskas
Gary & Christine Wobrock
MEMBER ($20-$49)
Anonymous (7)
Donald & Martha Aiken
Paul & Mary Allen
Voight & Beverly Archer
Mary Arsenault
Newton V. Bates
Mildred H. Bauer
James & Diane Beggan
David M. Benjamin
Robert & Leslie Berlan
George(Pete)Bisson & Brian Bisson
Diana V. Borgo
Al & Denise Boulais
Carl Boutwell
Dennis & Sandra Brackett
Emily Bridwell
Peter Brown
Rich & Lisa Brown
Jeff & Cindy Burbank
Mr. & Mrs. William F. Burt
Herb & Barbara Burwell
Stephen & Nancy Campbell
Selma Carlson
Robert & Marguerite Carrington
Andy & Holly Cashman
Joseph & Barbara Cawlina
Stephen Chamberlain
John & Noreen Chapman
Ray & Donna Charbonneau
Conrad & Lorettaa Chick
Michael & Lucille Chin
Robert Chooljian
Dick Clancy
William & Maryann Clark
Henry S. Coe, Jr.
Georgianna Cook
Cindy Courtney
Steve & Betty Cullen
William Curran
Donna Dailey
Stephen & Mimi Daitz
Robert & Sandra Daniels
George & Paula Demers
Robert J. Demers
Doug Desautels
Robert Dick
Dion Family
Joe Donahue & Nayla Zreik
Mr. & Mrs. Norman Dufresne
Donald & Dorothy Dunbar
Bob & Sue Duran
Paula Edwards
Rob & Judi Eisenberg
Gayle Elsberry
Richard & Ginny Elwell
Joanne & Paul Emerson
Larry & Sylvia Emery
Gayale Emond
Roland & Barbara Fernald
Gary & Mary Field
Robert & Frances Fleming
David & Lorraine Flynn
Richard Foley
Steve Fortune
Earl & Julie Frost
James & Jean Fyrer
Marie Gardiner
Paul (Sonny) & Lynne Gauthier
Stephen Geranian
Dona L. Girvan
Michael & Lee Glennon
Gerald & Anne Gordon
Beth Graden Rom
Lew & Cynthia Harriman
Janet Harris
Richard & Cynthia Hart
Mr. & Mrs. Leonard Harty
Donna Harvey
Robert & Sandra Harvey
Hayes Real Estate
Ernie & Margie Henrichon
Richard & Ginger Hilow
Charles & Marcia Hodsdon
Andrew Jacque
Francis & Barbara Jacques
Priscilla Jenness
Roberta T. Joudrey
Andrew & Barbara Kalafatis
Philip Max Kay
Eugene & Marlene Kelley
Bruce Kennedy
Max & Mickey Khazam
Wilson & Malathi Kistler
Paul & Nancy Krawczynski
Tom & Lee Kubishta
Richard & Carole Lamb
Gordon Lang
Jeffrey Lebida
Laurie Ledonne
Phil & Annis Legrow
Robert Lenington
Neal & Donna Lewanda
Richard & Debra Little
Mark & Karen Lovering
Madeline Lussier
Dana & Laura MacAllistar
Bob & Shirley MacFarlane
Douglas & Dorothy MacKenzie
Richard & Ruth Macy
Rolland & Jean Marsh
William & Nancy Marshall
David McAdams
Chris McKay
John & Sharon Meader
Gary Miller
Mark & Susan Millward
Jean Minkle
Michael & Michelle Mitchell
Rodney & Mary Lou Monnat
John Moore
Brenda Moulton & Pat Potter
J.B. Murdoch
Arnold & Judith Murray
Steven & Cindy Murray
Dean & Ellen Musser
Sharon Nash
Douglas Newman
Mark & Shaunda O’Malia
Bryan & Jane O’Neil
Deborah Ostedt
Paul & Beth Ozarowski
Stella Pelletier
Christy Peterson
Althea Petkewich
Ruth Petrick
Frank & Joan Pifalo
John & Joann Pifalo
Charles & Claire Poirier
Al & Lisa Polmonari
Denis & Nancy Rafferty
Bill Rauhala
Jon & Martha Rausch
Floyd Rayburn
David & Michelle Rhudick
Todd & Gail Richards
Ray & Cathy Richardson
Martin & Jennifer Ritson
Robert & Kathleen Rogato
Armand & Frances Roy
Peter & Ida Scheuplein
Dwayne & Darlen Scruton
Brian Shaw
Richard Sigel
Barbara Skinner
Tom & Huntley Skinner
Arthur & Karen Solomonides
Luis M. Sorrentino
Jeff & Molly Springer
Albert & Sally St. Hilaire
Terry St. Laurent
Donna J. Stadig
Bob & Ruth Stanieich
Gloria F. Surette
Les & Liz Swenson
Elwin & Ann Swicker
Ted & Ruth Ann Teitelman
Skip & Sharon Theiling
Craig & Stephanie Theisen
Norman & Susan Therrien
William & Jean Theurkauf
Stephen & Donna Towne
D. Bernice Tozier
Ann Travers & Becky Carney
Ray & Cindy Tsao
Leonard & Helen Turcotte
Martin & Dorothy Turcotte
Brooks & Eleanor VanEveren
Donna M. Vanderhoof
Doug & Julie Venell
Steve & Joanne Voigt
Joe & Barbara Wadleigh
Gail Waibel
Jay & Carol Ward
Walter Wehrmann
Robert W. White
Peter White
David & Jean Wilk
Jo-Ellen S. Wood
Donna Worthington
Eric Peters
Page 6
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS
Winter 2013 Update from AWWA
By Linda Schier
While most of us are busy with our “real” lives away from the lake this time of year we at the Acton
Wakefield Watersheds Alliance are busy with our winter activities and preparing for the upcoming
season partnering with the lake associations and community members.
Our “AWWA in the Schools” program is in full swing in both the Wakefield Paul School and Acton
Elementary where we are teaching the students about the properties of their well water,
investigating watershed science and meeting the various aquatic creatures in our lake
neighborhoods.
Erosion control road projects on Abbott Road on Great East, Hawk Road on Wilson and Brackett Road
on Lovell are planned for this spring and will add to the significant pollution being prevented from
reaching our lakes. The Langley Shores project in the fall of 2012 was a huge success keeping
almost 6 tons of sediments out of Great East each year. Thanks to all the folks on the road
associations, the York County Soil & Water Conservation District, GELIA and the ME Dept. of
Environmental Protection for making these projects possible.
Stayed tuned for announcement of the road and septic socials being planned around the lake for the
summer 2013. These entertaining and informative events will be held in neighborhoods around the
lake. Come learn what you and your septic system, driveway and camp road have to do with the
crystal clear waters of Great East while meeting neighbors and new friends.
Stay connected with the beautiful areas around the lake this winter with AWWA’s updated website and
fascinating blog “From the Headwaters.” Join Program Manager Dustin Johnson as he explores the
winter wonders in our beautiful lake region at www.AWwatersheds.org.
As always we welcome your questions, comments, suggestions and/or requests for assistance so please
go to our improved, dynamic website for contact information and a treasure trove of interesting
information about keeping our lakes clean.
Take the Plunge: Get Involved!
By Ron McKay and Walter Neff
GELIA’s effectiveness in helping to preserve this wonderful lake over the years has resulted from the
combination of extraordinary member participation and the creativity and energy of its Board of
Directors. As an association we have moved from a routine “property owners club” to a dynamic
organization that thinks beyond our own water quality to address the health of the entire watershed
(AWWA), interact with local and state governmental agencies (Acton, Wakefield, NH and ME), and
take care of the immediate, daily needs of our lake (Lake Hosts, Weed Watchers, Boating Safety, Water
Quality, Loon Watch, etc.).
As a result of these activities we are constantly on the lookout for new candidates for our Board of
Directors to help improve these programs and/or to replace members whose terms have expired.
Do you know anyone at Great East Lake who you feel would be a good candidate? Or are you the
candidate? Does that person have the time and the possible skills that would help us do our job?
Continued on page 7
Page 7
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS
Take the Plunge continued from page 6
At this time we are particularly looking for people who have the following experience or interests:
Bookkeeping/Accounting
Information Technology
Experience in Town Politics
Desktop publishing
Marketing/Media Competence
General Non-Profit leadership
Environmental Issues
Fundraising
If you know of someone who might be a good candidate, please let us know. If you send us a brief
email, or a phone call, to either of us at the below addresses we will contact you for more information.
Thanks for your continuing support of GELIA.
Ron McKay
[email protected]
603-772-1967
Walter Neff
[email protected]
603-926-7278
Go Back to Sleep!
By Jennifer Craig
Just after New Year’s my kids and I were sitting in the living room watching TV when a bat emerged
from the space between the stone fireplace and the wall and started to fly around. As experienced
campers, no one moved and we were all greatly relieved when the bat crawled back into its slot and
went back to sleep. However, this prompted me to do some on-line research about bats and
hibernation.
Most of us grew up with an understanding that hibernation meant going to sleep for the whole winter.
As it turns out, reality is far from being this absolute. What seems to be the case is that certain animals
have hibernation or “torpor” as part of their physiological tool kit, to be employed as circumstances
demand. This is an amazing and wonderful adaptation.
Hibernation is characterized by low body temperature, slow breathing, low heart rate and low metabolic
rate. The purpose of hibernation is to conserve energy during a period when food is scarce. In the case
of my bat, this is important because of the dearth of insects in a Maine winter. Hibernating animals
experience drops in body temperature to near ambient temperatures but the torpor is often interrupted
by periodic arousals, like flying around my living room. Scientists are not at all sure why these
moments of arousal exist but theories include their need to urinate (yuck!) or to remove toxins from
their inactive muscles.
Bears, the iconic hibernators, in fact function differently from rodents or bats. They benefit from a
unique metabolic suppression, rather than a simple lowering of body temperature. They are able to
recycle their proteins and urine and actually stop urinating for months. Female bears even give birth in
torpor, nursing and nurturing their cubs passively until the arrival of spring.
Isn’t nature amazing?
We’re Getting A Face Lift!
By Jennifer Craig
Or at least our website is….
We are in the process of improving the appearance and navigational aspects of the GELIA website and
want to invite you to visit us in March to see our “new look”. We are building in some enhancements
as well, including a directory of local businesses, on-line giving capability, quick links from the home
page to help people “Get Involved!” and possibly live-streaming of lake conditions from a web cam.
Our web designer, Stephanie Theisen, is a real talent and we are fortunate as well to have technical
advice from Mack Hendrick. Be sure to check it out!
www.greateastlake.org
March is Membership Month!
Be on the lookout for your membership renewal letter to arrive sometime during the month of March.
As always, we urge you to mail your membership form and dues at your earliest convenience.
~~~~~~ Many thanks ~~~~~~
Pat Theisen, Membership Coordinator
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
GELIA
PO Box 145
Stratham NH 03885
NEWICHAWANNOCK NEWS