We’ve done it! Created our own logo and printed it upon great-looking tee’s and caps. After looking at many designs we finally settled on a sketch based upon a photo belonging to Susie and James Holleran. The artist, who lives in Freeport, has his own company, selling unusual "bug & animal" shirts at some of Maine’s most prestigious festivals. Our shirts, of finest quality cotton, are a smart teal and feature a sailboat on a windy, sunlit afternoon. They’ll sell for $13 and the caps, white and teal, will be under $10.

We’ll start selling them at the Yard Sale, then at the Annual Meeting. Orders will also be taken and filled within a short time. We’re proud of this accomplishment and want you to enjoy wearing them.

We wish to welcome Poland’s new Code Enforcement Officer, Art Dunlap, of Poland. Prior to becoming the full-time CEO, he’d been a building inspector and had served as interim CEO following Ed Blow’s untimely death. Mr. Dunlap also holds a degree in engineering.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the new Poland high school/middle school was held at noon on March 24 at the project site near the intersection of Routes 11 and 26. Granger Northern, the general contractor, had already begun site work and is scheduled to have the facility completed for the Fall of 1999.

Ed Hinkley, our ad man par excellence, has outdone himself, selling over 50% more ads this year than last. His efforts have resulted in thirty-five advertisers this year, seventeen of whom are new. This newfound revenue pays for publishing our Newsletters and gives us the seed money for our t-shirt project.

Not only has Ed done a great job but says he really enjoys it. Even businesses who aren’t directly connected to the Lake have been willing to support our Organization. We thank you, Ed, and truly appreciate your efforts.

It’s been positively gratifying and overwhelming to see our numbers grow. Since 1996, we’ve seen a 25% increase in membership and a large number have increased their donations. Since 1993,membership has grown 50%. This past year, I decided to send letters to each member who’d forgotten to renew. The returns were prompt and many were grateful for the reminders. Notes of thanks and kind words about our Newsletter were tucked in with their checks.

I thank all who joined and have become our newest "angels." The extra money will help reduce our debt and my worrying. Keep up the good work…we’ll need your continued support for tending and mending our lake.

The new members are:

Benefactors

Lisi and Ron Kaufman of Springfield, VA.,who reside on Jordan Shore Drive.

Sustaining Members

Pam and Ron MacDougall, Poland, ME.,who reside on Garland Swamp Road.

Those who increased donations since last year are:

Benefactors

Mr. and Mrs. Neal Clark

Robert Donoghue

Dr. Harriet Doolittle

Mr. and Mrs. Patrick Lebel

Poland Spring Bottling Company

Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Sauer

Sustaining Members

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph D’Amour

Mr. and Mrs. David Given

Annette and Betty Harvey

Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kneeland

Mr. and Mrs. John Mangini

Mrs. Joan Smith

Mr. and Mrs. Wendall Tinkham