BLAISDELL LAKE NEWS

2003 FALL EDITION

Vol. 2-03 September/October 2003

Published Twice Each Year By Your BLPOA Board of Directors

Find Us On The Internet At “www.blpoa.org”

THE DOG HOUSE RETURNS … WHAT A WEEKEND!

From August 1-3, Estelle and Pat Rooney’s Dog House came back to the shores of Blaisdell Lake for a return engagement that seemed like “Homecoming Weekend”! Thanks to Gail Olson, Rick Bailey, their families, and lots of BLPOA volunteers, more than 1,000 guests (ok, so we counted a few heavy eaters 3or 4 times!) were able to stop by and enjoy a legendary Dog House meal and to trade stories about “the good old days”. Many were even able to visit with Estelle, who kept an eye on things all weekend and held court from her front lawn, which was overlooking the activity. Lots of folks stopped by to say hello and reminisce, and Estelle enjoyed it all, as did her visitors.

For those of you who couldn’t be there, the “new” Dog House was set up on Wright’s Beach, almost straight across Rte 114 from it’s time-honored location. It was a perfect spot, for there was plenty of room for parking, working, serving, and socializing. Many of Estelle’s “old-time” Dog House crew showed up to do the cooking and serving, including Chan Blodgett, June Regan Young, Jackie Hall Snelling, Gail Regan Ellsworth, Gail Bailey Olson, Rick Bailey, and Laura Hallahan. The original maintenance and landscaping crew was ably represented by Charlie and George Hosmer. The parking crew headed up by Al Byam and Don Hall performed skillfully, since there were no reported accidents and only a few near misses. At least 4 speeding violations were dispensed by Sutton officers on Rte 114 patrol, though!.

“Old-time” visitors were too numerous to mention, but came from all over the Eastern U.S. and either vacationed on the lake, went to one of the nearby summer camps, or attended Colby Jr. College. Some visitors even mentioned that they had never been to the Dog House before (their childhood adventures were sadly lacking!) and that the Dog House Special and Super Dog House were fantastic sandwiches! It’s very clear … there were lots of neat stories shared, and a great time was had by all!

Gail Olson recently reported to the BLPOA board that the weekend event brought in $3,610 for our capital reserve fund. Don Hall reported an additional profit of $124 from the sale of Blaisdell Lake T-Shirts, with a paid-for inventory for next year. The board thanks Gail, Don and everyone else who made this wonderful weekend possible. Special thanks and appreciation go to Bowie’s Market (Ice), Ayer and Goss (Propane), and Henry Howell (Blaisdell Lake Maple Syrup) for their very generous contributions and support.

THE LOON RANGER TO THE RESCUE!

During late August, a number of folks around the lake reported that one of “our” Loons seemed to be injured and in need of care. They thought perhaps a wing was damaged, since it didn’t seem able to fly. Well, Don Hall, our resident Marine Patrol Auxiliary officer, took personal charge of the problem and tracked that Loon for almost 2 weeks, before he was able to “corner” it on the beach at Camp Wabasso one night. Word has it that our hero even managed to corral the Loon using one hand (since he had the rope to his boat in the other and needed a way to escape!). He covered the Loon with a sheet, bundled it, boated it to his dock, transferred it to his truck, and drove a most unhappy Loon to the Bird Lady (Maria Colby) in Henniker. Maria is a skilled para-professional who works with the Audubon Society to care for injured birds. She informed Don later that week that the Loon was not injured, but suffering from Lead Poisoning (most likely caused from ingesting lead sinkers from fish it had eaten). Unfortunately, a second call informed him that the Loon had died.

Don is known around the lake for his knowledge, vigilance, care and help. He is our water safety expert and an invaluable member of the engineering crew that cares for and maintains the dam. Now we, his kemosabes, have another reason to be thankful for his presence … he is the Loon Ranger! All kidding aside, Don … we thank you for all you do around the lake, but especially for taking this particular situation into your own hands and going that extra mile to care for a friend that brought us all so much joy. We also thank those others that took the time to share their concerns; you DID make a difference!

A Message From The Loon Ranger

… To All Who Fish Our Lake

The use of lead sinkers has been outlawed in all NH Lakes … and now we know why! Please check your fishing tackle and also take a look in your tackle box. Get rid of any lead sinkers that you still may have. Replace them with safe, approved sinkers or weights … and remind your children, friends and fishing buddies to do the same!

JULY 4^TH CELEBRATION … SPECTACULAR!

Flare Night has become a much-anticipated Blaisdell tradition, and this year was certainly no exception. At 9:30PM on the 4^th, most of the shoreline around the lake was “flared” and the glow brought a timely sense of pride and patriotism to those who watched from their docks or boats on parade. Even more spectacular were the several fireworks displays that lit up the sky as the flares died out. Several groups around the lake seemed to want to outdo each other … and they did (although there was no clear-cut, official “winner”!). Thanks to all who participated in that night, whether with flares, fireworks, or both. It was a wonderful display to honor our country, enjoyed very much by all who were there. Let’s do it again next year, but first and foremost … continue to be safe and sane!

“LAST RUN” BOAT PARADE … LOTS OF FUN!

On the Sunday afternoon of Labor Day Weekend, 17 powerboats joined in a “last run” around the lake, lead proudly by BLPOA Charter Member Russell Ellsworth in his 24 foot antique Chris Craft (built in 1926 and known around here as “The Queen”). The parade line snaked along the shoreline, with boats joining in as it came by. Lots of tooting and waving, from the shore as well as from the boats, made it a truly friendly afternoon.

The board has talked about having boating afternoons to start and to wrap up the 2004 season; one each on the July 4^th and Labor Day weekends. Sailboats could rally at a given time, kayaks and canoes an hour or so later, then powerboats an hour after that. What do you think? Let us know by sending a note or by calling “the Commodore” himself (938-5306).

2003 ANNUAL MEETING REPORT

44 members attended the 53^rd annual meeting, which was held on August 2^nd. Sue Davenport, the Director of Camp Wabasso, addressed the meeting and offered a friendly welcome from the camp and its officials. She thanked us for being good neighbors and assured the association that the camp wants to be our good neighbor as well. She discussed the “Lost Bather (Camper) Emergency Drill” that is conducted in the camp every week. The drill features the repeated use of air horns, which sound until all bathers or campers are accounted for. Many folks around the lake had heard the air horns and some had even responded, thinking them to be a distress signal. Sue agreed to consider raising a flag at the waterfront during the drill so that those who might respond to an emergency will know that the air horns signify a drill in progress. This and other modifications will be considered and any approved changes will be introduced in 2004. Sue thanked us for our concerns and the support and assistance it represents. Carrie Godkin, from our board, expressed appreciation for the camp and its consistently fine operation.

For those who might not know, the camp is operated by the Patriot Trail Council, Girl Scouts of America. The council executive is Laura Watkins, whose office is located at 95 Berkley St., Boston, 02116 (Tel. 800-822-1662). The local (summer) address for Sue Davenport at the camp is PO Box 430, Bradford, 03321

Great News From The Treasurer!

The BLPOA Treasurer, Dave Hansen, was in Florida attending the 100^th birthday celebration for his mother-in-law (he even brought back photos to back up his request for an “excused absence”!). Moe Geoffrion presented the annual financial report for Dave and pointed to an increase of 13.9% in total assets, to $26,251.09. This reflects the hard work and laser-like focus of the Finance Committee, who has re-allocated our asset base to earn surprising returns in spite of the economy. The balance protects our on-going efforts to preserve the dam and the top-notch quality of the water in the lake.

2003-04 Budget

The 2003-04 budget, recommended by the board, was accepted by unanimous voice vote.

Receipts:

Dues $1,900

Fund Raiser (Dog House) 1,500

Flares 200

Total Receipts: $3,600

Disbursements:

Water Quality: Testing and Education $1,000

Administration 300

Achievement Award 100

Dam Registration 150

Dues NH Lakes Association 100

Donations (Bradford & Sutton Rescue) 200

Contingency 125

Total Disbursements: $1,975

Net Receipts (over Disbursements) $1,625

Our goal is for the revenue from dues to cover operating expenses, and we have just about reached that goal. Revenues from fundraising (which, in the budget, make up the excess of receipts over disbursements) will be used to build our asset base and for major projects such as maintenance, repairs, and water quality protection. You might have already noted that the receipts from Dog House Weekend were more than double the budget projection, so we are ahead of the game so far this fiscal year!

President’s Report

President Dave Donovan presented his annual report to the membership and summarized the wide range of association activities this past year:

· 4 Board of Directors meetings

· BLPOA committee meetings; Finance, Nominating, Conservation, Dam

· Water Testing Program (5 tests completed)

· Dam cleaning and maintenance work. State inspection pending

· Weed Watcher Patrols

· Weed Inspections at Wright’s Beach (60% of the boats launched at Wright’s Beach are owned by lake residents. Most of the other boats were launched on weekends, so we are getting to inspect a very high percentage of the boats that use that launch site)

· Adopt-A-Highway Program

· NH DES/NHLA Seminars

· Public Access (Blaisdell Lake has no publicly owned boat access. It does have one private “for fee” access at Wright’s Beach and the Wright family wants that access to continue, particularly for Sutton residents)

· Weed Prevention and Control

· NH DES Water Quality and Weed Mapping Program

President’s Report (cont.)

· 2 BLPOA Newsletters

· 3 BLPOA Fundraisers

· Yard Sale

· Raffle

· Dog House Weekend

· Flare Night

· Sound financial management; an increase in asset base to $26,000+

The range and success of association involvement and accomplishment certainly indicates clear focus and commitment ... and an outstanding value to its members.

Election of Officers and Directors

Jane Pratt presented this slate to the membership and it was accepted with a unanimous voice vote.

President: Dave Donovan

Vice President: Chan Blodgett

Clerk: Dave Young

Treasurer: Dave Hansen

Directors (‘03-’06) Nancy Isaacson

Leon Malan

Fritz Pratt

Dave Donovan congratulated the officers and new board members and then expressed the association’s sincere thanks and appreciation to the 3 board members who completed their terms: Al Byam, Mike Gudefin, and Jane Pratt. All 3 have made outstanding contributions through their influence and efforts over many years..

WHAT’S IN STORE FOR 2004?

Blaisdell Lake Yard Sale

The sixth BLPOA Yard Sale will be held on July 10, 2004, the Saturday following the Fourth of July. The Yard Sale committee will be co-chaired by Cynthia Donovan, Linda Hall, Carol Belliveau, and Nancy Isaacson, and they need your help!

The committee asks all members and friends of the association to donate at least one item in good condition, with a value of $10 or more, and with your suggested price clearly marked on it. It’s never too early to start looking over all that stuff you haven’t used for a couple of years! All funds raised from the sale will go to the BLPOA general fund and help to protect the pristine quality of our Class A lake. More about this in the next newsletter!

BLPOA Raffle

Betty Blodgett and Peg Demone will once again chair the popular BLPOA Raffle, which will most likely be kicked off at the July 10 Yard Sale and continue to the 2004 Annual Meeting, where the drawing will be held. If you have an item you would like to donate as a raffle prize, please call Betty or Peg (their numbers are found on the last page).

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS

Betty Blodgett, our Membership Director, reports that we have 73 members as we go to press. She notes that our peak membership potential is in the 105 range, so we have some room to move (upwards!). The value of association membership should be pretty clear from the results of our collective efforts … so let’s all do our part to encourage friends and neighbors around the lake to join us and keep Blaisdell the Class A lake it has always been!

WATER QUALITY REPORT

4 water quality tests were completed this season, with the last one occurring on August 26^th. Bill Hallahan continued to supervise this vital activity, with invaluable help from his erstwhile assistant, Mike Gudefin. Nothing unusual was found or reported, although water clarity has diminished some, due to the prolonged heavy rains in August. The latest E-Coli reading is –2. An E-Coli reading has to be at least +80 to be of concern, so we are in great shape! The weed-mapping trip with NHDES was cancelled (weather), but will be rescheduled for early August ’04. The NH DES testing report is available for review from Bill. He stressed the need for property owners to continue the use of sound conservation practices: don’t cut trees or plant growth unnecessarily, avoid the use of fertilizer, and maintain your septic systems by pumping them out regularly.

In response to a question at the annual meeting, Bill stressed that the spread of milfoil (and other exotic weeds) in NH lakes is a serious problem and that the state is highly committed to research and control. The state has been very helpful to our own efforts, both education and prevention. BLPOA membership awareness and active participation in weed prevention efforts is critical. Only 150 lake associations in New Hampshire have the same active program as does the BLPOA, and 60 of them have milfoil! All of us must remain

vigilant and actively look for signs of unwanted growth ... and participate in prevention efforts. The preservation of our water quality is the reason the association exists. The maintenance of the dam sustains the desired water level, and weed watchers/weed inspectors complement the efforts of all members to prevent the introduction of unwanted aquatic growth.

There are a couple of other potential water quality detractors that are questioned periodically: MBTE and terrestrial plants/weeds. Bill Hallahan advises that our prior MBTE testing has always come up negative and that the state recommended we discontinue that

Water Quality (cont.)

test. However, Bill will talk with the state and reconsider this position for next season, if so advised. Your board wants to be proactive, but intends to focus primarily on education and prevention, via this Newsletter, etc. The best way to prevent MBTE is simply to prevent the spillage of boat fuel into the lake!

We have also been asked to keep our eyes open for Purple Loose Strife (and other invasive “terrestrial” plants/weeds). This is a strikingly beautiful plant that grows rapidly and pushes natural plant life from its surrounding area. None has been seen around the lake, but be sure to notify Bill or Leon Malan should any suspicious plant growth be noticed.

Speak with your guests and renters regarding aquatic weeds and have them inspect for weeds before launching boats in the lake. Bill’s committee will continue to explore new options for weed control.

The Weed Watcher program was active all summer and nothing of concern was found. There was only one report called in and it checked out OK. We are especially thankful for the fine work of our weed watcher teams: the Malans, Coes, Isaacsons, and Morrisseys. Their vigilance is consistent and their efforts are a great example of your association at work for you!

WEED INSPECTIONS … THEY WERE WORTH IT!

The weekend weed inspections introduced at the Wright’s Beach Boat Ramp in July worked very well … and the lake continues free of milfoil! BLPOA volunteers worked one-hour shifts from 6AM-4PM to check for weeds on all boats launched from the ramp on weekends and holidays. All of the folks using the ramp were understanding and cooperative. Rainy weather and beach erosion led to the closing of the boat launch in mid-August. Charlie Hosmer completed some repairs at the launch area and it was reopened on August 29, with inspections continuing through Labor Day.

The board has agreed to continue the weekend weed inspections in 2004, from Memorial Day through Labor Day. Based on ramp usage this year, the inspection hours will be 7AM-4PM.

Thanks go out to Carrie Godkin for a great job of coordination and supervision all summer long … and to Dave Donovan for devising a volunteer-friendly schedule that was just unbeatable!

How About YOU?

Have you signed up to help out at Wright’s Beach? What’s that you say?

Well, fear not … just wait for the next Newsletter and you’ll have your chance!

THE DAM REPORT

Yes, the lake is lower … this is the year! Bruce Ellsworth reports that the work required to open the spillway at the dam is complete. At press time, the level has dropped noticeably and will drop for another 2 weeks or so. If you’ve never seen the lake when it’s low, it’s worth a Sunday drive to check things out. There is shoreline where you’ve never seen it … and people out working on docks and other repairs that would otherwise be impossible (or would have to be done while submerged!).

Bruce has also noted the need to preserve the face of the dam with some sand blasting and spray painting. This type of work is needed every 5-10 years and does not at all mean there is any problem with the dam itself. He has been authorized by the board to have this work hired out and done professionally, this fall.

There has also been some erosion to the area immediately behind the dam, and some rock fill is required. It is a project we will want to undertake sometime in the future; perhaps next year.

Finally, a professional engineer from the State of NH inspected the dam on September 24 and certified its condition. This inspection is required every 5 years. We are in good shape!

WATER SAFETY

We’ll have lots more on Water Safety in the Spring 2004 edition of the newsletter, but Don Hall (yup, The Loon Ranger wears more that one hat!) wants to pass on some season-ending news. Thanks aplenty go to everyone for a fine job of safe boating this summer. Things went well and there was only one boating accident, with no reported injuries. The foul weather roiled up a lot of bottom brush and a number of tree trunks have come to the surface, presenting a potential problem for boaters. Be on the lookout at your shoreline and have any brush removed. The lower lake this fall might work to your advantage.

Safe Boater Education Certificate (SBEC)

It’s the law! As of January 1, 2004, you must possess a valid SBEC if you are between 16 and 31 years old and operate a ski craft or a boat powered by more than 25 hp. We’ll all have to have one by January 1, 2008 … and there are several ways to meet requirements.

To Get Your Own SBEC

In a classroom …

Call 1-888-254-2125 or 603-293-2645

Or visit www.state.nh.us then click on Mandatory Boating Education for a

schedule of classes

Over the Internet …

Go to www.boat-ed.com/nh

To get your own SBEC (cont.):

By Instructional Video …

Call 1-800-830-2268 for information

Many insurance companies offer a discount on SBEC completion, so check it out

The SBEC age requirement is now up to 31 years old … Don’t get caught “short”!

THE BLAISDELL LAKE CRACKER BARREL

… Notes and Happenings

BLPOA and the NH Adopt-A-Highway Program

John Biewener reports that the association signed up for the state’s Adopt-A-Highway Program in 1996 to help keep clean 3 miles of Route 114, from Main Street in Bradford to Russell Pond. Thus, 2003 is the 8^th year in which a dependable crew of BLPOA volunteers armed with blue trash bags, ill-fitting reflective jackets, and bug spray have scoured the roadsides 3-4 times a season for trash and litter. John is the coordinator for this civic service to the Blaisdell Lake area and expresses his grateful thanks and appreciation for the reliable and willing efforts from his team of volunteers (most of whom have served since 1996!):

Guy Conkey Bob and Marty Denz Dave and Cynthia Donovan

Bill Hallahan Leon and Mary Malan Dean and Marcia Eggert

Bob Hearne Brian and Gloria Meyer Mike and Gretchen Gudefin

Fritz Pratt Norm and Peggy Forand Moe and Robin Geoffrion

Dick Manuel

Ed. Note: The association is fortunate to have someone with John’s community spirit to organize and sustain this worthwhile program … and our collective kudos go to you, John, for your dedication. And for those who want to help out, John can be reached at 938-2740!

In Memoriam

Word reached us that a long time member of the association, Chick Chandler, has passed away. Our sincere sympathies go out to his family and friends.

In The Hospital … Hip, Hip!

Both Bill Hallahan and President Dave Donovan underwent successful hip surgery in September; Bill for a replacement, and Dave for a “revision”. All went well, and both are currently driving their (physical) therapists absolutely nuts with their antics … to say nothing about their families! Best wishes go out to both Bill and Dave for a complete recovery.

That’s it for now … please feel free to contact any officer or board member with questions or suggestions:

’03-’04 Board of Directors Contact List

President: Dave Donovan 938-5306 Gail Olson 988-2446

Vice President: Chan Blodgett 938-2965 Moe Geoffrion 938-5922

Treasurer: Dave Hansen 781-453-9453 Fritz Pratt 938-5448

Clerk: Dave Young 746-6611 Leon Malan 938-2789

Dam: Bruce Ellsworth 746-3446 Nancy Isaacson 301-371-6036

Membership: Betty Blodgett 938-2965 Norm Forand 938-5843

Water Quality: Bill Hallahan 938-2339 Peg Demone 938-5484

Water Safety: Don Hall 456-3439 Floyd Mundy 938-2331

Emeritus: Estelle Rooney 938-5362 Carrie Godkin 938-5457

You can write to BLPOA at our business address:

PO Box 453, South Sutton NH 03273

LET US BE THE FIRST TO WISH YOU AND YOURS

A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON

AND A

HAPPY, HEALTHY, AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR

… SEE YOU ALL NEXT SUMMER!