A plaque on the bench reads:

*James Aikman

*Lewis Murray

*Peter Jordan

*Robert "Bert" Skehan

I walked a good portion of Klondike, Garland Swamp and Jordan Shore Drive, showing people what it actually looked like, then asking them to remove it from their properties. While walking, I also removed all that I saw on vacant shorefronts, hoping others would do the same. I plan on repeating this exercise next year and could use a few assistants.

Enter Patrick Kneeland, 14 year old grandson of Joseph and Marjory Kneeland, Looking for a part-time job, he paid me a visit and volunteered to help remove Purple Loosestrife. For about an hour a day during July and August, he cut and bagged hundreds of plants growing on the shores of Klondike and Garland Swamp Roads. We gifted him with a small sum of money and are extremely grateful for his efforts. Thanks so much, Patrick. We could use more enthusiastic volunteers, young and old, next summer.

Many thanks also to Tripp Lake Camp and its counsellors who volunteered to remove thousands of plants from its shoreline. Using a pontoon boat with several canoes in tow, they filled bagfuls from dawn to dusk, ferrying the filled canoes back to the camp. Their efforts, we hope, will produce fewer plants next year. Repeated removals are necessary to reduce its numbers and eventually eradicating it.

The plant, not native to Maine, has spread over much of the lake. Because of its attractive flowers, many people are reluctant to remove it. However, it’s rapid growth is replacing vegetation beneficial to the lake and its critters.

Each plant contains millions of seeds and should be removed, ideally, before it flowers. It can grow to heights of 6 or 7 feet and can be easily be identified by its square stem. Its removal should include cutting the flowering head over a large plastic bag, being careful not to let the flowers scatter, then pulling (if it can be done easily) or cutting the rest of the plant at its base. If roots are broken as the plant is tugged, new roots will develop and produce more plants the following year. All stems should be bagged as well, and brought to the dump for disposal, not put into a compost pile.

If the plant is on dry ground, spraying with a root killer such a Roundup, is another possibility. However, it cannot be used on plants growing in or near the water.

Next spring, Gene and Betty Fuller will design a Loosestrife sheet, in color, with instructions on its removal as well as other pertinent "do’s and dont’s" for new lake dwellers. It will be delivered to all homeowners over Memorial Day weekend. If you need more information, please don’t hesitate to call.

Babs Shapiro

We’d discussed it for years, but nothing was done ‘til this fine day, the Judson’s of Hemlocks made it ok. Thanks to them and their guests, a new trend’s begun. Join in next year and continue the fun!

(Apologies to real poets).

Babs

Caps (tan w/ colorful embroidered sailboat on front) are $15. Some in khaki/navy and white/green are still available. Tee’s for adults and kids are available in denim blue w/black and white logo. They come in all sizes and sell for $13. Some older versions in gray, white or teal are on sale for $8 (in a variety of sizes). Sweatshirts (denim blue w/black and white logo) are also available for adults and children. Some are also available in light gray. Adults sizes are $25, children’s $20. They make great gifts and can be worn year-round. Please call or write Barry for particulars. She’ll be happy to fill your order.

We can’t become nonchalant about membership. It’s our lifeblood and we can always do more. Try to get your neighbors who aren’t yet members, to join. The larger the pool, the more help we can get, the more involved we can become in lake issues. Numbers are a great indicator of the health of an organization.

The new members are: Leonard and Pat Adams from Blue Springs, MO., Brett Berry from Poland, the Judson’s from The Hemlocks Camping Area in Poland, Ruth-Kay Keene of Lewiston, Heather and William McCarthy of Auburn, Mike and Michelle Parker of Hamilton, MA., David and Sandi Wood, of Lisbon, Capitola (Cappie) Goss of Mechanic Falls, Edith Hunter of Poland, Ruth and Marvin Miller of Boynton Beach, Fl., John Burns of Brockton, MA., Anne and Owen Turner of Newton, MA. and Chris and Jean Velletri of Newfields, NH.

Not all members own property on the lake. Some have just enjoyed it over the years and choose to continue their support. Thanks to all and a warm welcome to TLIA

This years winners were:

Susie Stover---$75 gift certificate from Wolf Cove Inn.

Chris and Jean Velletri--- $25 gift certificate from Wal-Mart.

Susan Carbone, Joanne Legro, Anna Lyon, Richard Smith and Gae Hinkley---one case each of Poland Spring Water.

Fran Jordan, Don Stover and Carly Kaufman---$25 gift certificates from The Falls Gift Shop.

Judy King---$25 gift certificate from Future Foods.

John Laskey-- gift certificate for lunch from Marco’s Restaurant.

Pat Cowperthwaite---$25 gift certificate from Rolandeau’s Restaurant.

Anna Lyon, Pat Lebel, Dale Osgood and Herb Sauer --- $10 gift certificates from DaVinci’s Restaurant.

Rae Myers and Louis Fox---gift certificates from Sheila’s Hair Salon.

Brittany Eagan and Margaret O’Connell---$10 gift certificates from Eggscettera Restaurant.

We thank all who have helped make this project a success, especially businesses who have graciously donated raffle items. More donations are invited. If you care to help out, please let us know.

The pictures are dry-mounted and will be mailed for a nominal fee, about $3. The prices are: 10x13---$35, 8x10---$25; 4x6---$6 (not dry-mounted); 5x7---$10 (not dry-mounted). Write or call now!