Joe's Pond Association Spring Meeting 5/29/2021
The meeting was called to order by President Joe Hebert at 10:04 am.
Joe welcomed all to the meeting and commented on how nice it was to see everyone after the Covid year of 2020. Approximately 70 people attended the meeting.
ICE Out Winner. Galina Mesko from Newport was the 2021 Ice Out winner. There were 12,583 tickets sold which was impressive given the Covid year. A certificate of award and a check for $5,592 was presented. Galina has participated in the contest since 2013.
Board Actions/ Updates:
- New camp owners were asked to introduce themselves. Shawna Foran of Otis Drive, Dan & Jamie Hollenbeck of Rt 2 West, and Chris & Lisa Hebert of Clubhouse Circle were welcomed to the Association.
- The new flagpole with a light was pointed out and the update on the Tennis courts was given. It is expected that the repair work on the courts would begin the week of 6/2/2021.
- Joe Hebert requested boats to stay 200 feet from shore and to be on the watch for swimmers.
- Kayakers were requested to stay away from the loon nests up in the channel.
- There is a state-wide committee being formed to regulate wake boats on Vermont lakes. They have put together a petition to the Agency of Natural Resources (ANR) to ban wake boats. The JPA has chosen not to get involved. Wake boat owners were advised to be careful and be aware of the damage their boats can cause to shorelines.
- The new playground wood chips were pointed out.
- Peter Crosby is aware of the changes in camp ownership for new signs and they will be placed when they are available.
- Ice Out tickets and the 2021 new Directory were available on the tables.
- A Nominating Committee was announced for the election of the 2021 officers at the July Annual meeting. They are Don Sherwood, Cynthia Rouleau, and Richard Hackett. Don Sherwood has resigned as Vice President effective July 3rd after 21 years of service. Anyone interested in replacing him is asked to inform the nominating committee. See the 2021 Directory for contact information.
- Due to the unfortunate passing of Fred Brown in November 2020 a new website was developed for the Association. The goal was to have a website that could be easily managed by the Association. There were some trials and tribulations in putting together the pay system for Ice-out Tickets and dues. We thank the Ice-out Committee for their patience.
Secretary’s Report: A condensed version of the Board meetings in 2020 was given by Jamie Stewart. See the JPA website for details.
Financial Report: The revenue for 2020 was impressive given the Covid year. None of the dinners and/or social events occurred but the pickleball donations made up for that loss of revenue. There is $66,000 in the bank.
Water Quality Report: Boat inspections to start June 19. The milfoil inspection by the State in 2020 showed no signs of milfoil. Dorothea Penar gave the cyanobacteria report. In 2020 there were minor blooms in the Otis Drive/Narrows cove. Pam Hebert and Dorothea Penar are trained to detect cyanobacteria and they also monitor the public beach. Please check out the Water Quality section in the new website.
Events Report: Sue Bouchard reviewed the events for 2021 and referred to the Events page on the website or newsletter for dates and contact information. There were forms for sign-up for the Sunfish races. She mentioned that the International Sunfish Coordinator has been in touch with Sue and was very helpful. She reminded members that any spectator boats are to stay away from the race and informed the members about one racer, at the last race of 2020, being almost sunk due to a collision with a pontoon boat. Mahjong playing will begin next week. Tom Segale spoke about Pickleball. He thanked all for the tremendous support and donations given in 2020 for the repair of the courts. The annual tournament will be held the 2nd Sat of August beginning at 10 am. It is a lowkey affair and lots of fun. They form cross-generational teams. It was commented that playing pickleball is a great way to meet new people and all playing levels are welcomed.
Maintenance: Larry Rossi mentioned that the Flagpole and wood chips are done. The court repairs will begin next week, and the next project will be to determine whether to repair or replace the pavilion curtains. If anyone had any concerns or suggested projects to come and speak to him.
Member questions/comments:
- Andy Rudin complimented the newsletter.
- A question was asked if the Directory will be placed in the new website. Joanne Stewart said that the former camp picture directory from Fred Brown’s website is not available, but she is planning on putting the 2021 Directory with just the names and addresses of camp owners on the website by the end of June.
- Lots of concern with the geese on the lake. Richard Gagne shared his experiences in controlling the geese. There seems to be around 18 geese/goslings staying on the lake. String lines across your lawn/waterfront keeps them away.
- Shawna asked if there was any interest in a community garden or composting. Joe asked for people to talk to Shawna if interested.
- Jane Brown commented that the “West Danville History” book is completed and that an incorrect email address was given to order the book. The correct address is: book@danvillevthistorical.org .
- Shawna Foran asked if anyone had a sunfish for sale. Sue Bouchard responded and said to talk to her.
The meeting was adjourned at 10: 55 am.
Respectively submitted,
Jamie Stewart
Secretary