LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT
by Babs Shapiro
This year has been full of surprises: a nearly non-existent early
winter, then snow in February, March and April. As I write this, (April
29) heavy wet flakes have been falling for three days, coating all
blooming things. Mother Nature’s fertilizer, the farmers say.
Maine has been in the throes of a drought, along with many other
parts of the country. Last Fall, it appeared we’d be discovering
articles lost in the lake 50 years ago. Fortunately, recent rain and
snow have somewhat alleviated the situation and the lake level is much
higher than anticipated.
Docks and boats, flowers and summer people will soon be
materializing. We rake, scrub and remodel, anticipating the short, but
sweet summertime.
Our Organization is well and thriving. Membership is up, but we
always need more. (My personal goal is 120, a magical number). Those who
don’t yet belong and are reading this, please take time to fill out
the enclosed membership envelope. $15 isn’t a lot to pay to support
the Lake Association. All who live on the lake must help in maintaining
it, not just a few. The cost of testing increases each year. This
Newsletter costs money. Winning grants and repaying portions of them are
valid, necessary expenses. Lakes don’t take care of themselves any
longer, nor does the State provide aid. We’re a non-profit group
dedicated to protecting and preserving Tripp Lake. If you’re a
resident, part-time or year-round , it behooves you to belong. Please
join us.
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The long-awaited Lake and Watershed Management Plan contract
has been approved, signed and sealed. An introductory meeting was held
on April 23 with ten members/ Townspeople in attendance, a fine
beginning. Scott Williams and Phoebe Hardesty addressed the group,
explaining the why’s and wherefore’s of the Plan. Following on the
heels of our successful Watershed Survey and Demonstration Project, the
focus of this project will be maintaining and improving the quality of
water in our lake. It’s a continuation of our previous efforts, but
this time more explicit and inclusive. There will be more meetings
throughout the next year and a half and we want as many people as
possible to participate. Please join us. The date of the next meeting
is listed on the Calendar section of this Newsletter.
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Click image to view full size |
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Invasive plants and Purple Loosestrife. Prevention and
elimination are necessary. We must learn to identify and carefully
uproot these noxious weeds which replace native plants beneficial to the
lake. Articles and information abound. Be aware. Come to our Annual
meeting and learn more.
The Poland Lakes have won a requisition for $10,000 from the
Town of Poland to fight the Milfoil threat. The Range Ponds Association
requested the funding and we’re grateful for their efforts. We’ll
know more on how it’s to be used in the weeks to come.
We need new leadership. Being President has been a gratifying
experience and I’ve loved every minute of it. I’ve enjoyed meeting
so many new people and have thrived on seeing what we’ve accomplished.
But new blood brings new ideas. I’ve served for eight years, and will
continue to help in whatever way I can. Slots for President,
Vice-President and a new Board Member are now open; a nominating
committee has been formed to seek candidates. What’s needed?
Committment. A love of the lake. Enthusisam. The rest follows easily. If
you’re called, or if you’d like to discuss the possibility, please
let me know.
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Low tide at Tripp Lake - Fall, 2001 |
We’ve already found volunteers
to chair specific jobs and we’ll continue to find more. This
will help the new leaders immensely. Co-presidents are a
definite possibility. (Range Ponds Association already has
them). Sharing a job always make the load lighter. Think about
it. I’ll be there to pave the way for a year with whomever
takes these jobs.
Many thanks to all for your support and dedication in keeping
Tripp a healthy, viable lake. You are great!
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Volume 8, Issue 1 |
| Editor-In-Chief: |
Babs Shapiro |
| Advertising: |
Ed Hinkley |
| Photos: |
Paul Cote, Babs
Shapiro |
| Webmaster: |
Larry Lee for
tripplake.com |
| Publisher: |
Copymax, Div. of
OfficeMax |
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