CPLA Newsletter #2

The 1^st Annual General Meeting for all members will be held July 2, 2018

4 p.m. at Comins Hall, 1387 Main Road, Eddington.

Chemo Pond Lake Association Newsletter  #2

The new CPLA email address is:  chemopondla@gmail.com

Welcome spring to Chemo Pond!  The ice is out, the loons are singing, and it is warming up—-sort of.

We mentioned in our previous letter in December that we would provide periodic updates to the members regarding state of the membership, the dam, environmental opportunities to protect our lake and participate, and other topics that arise.   So here is our first update:

1. Membership:  we have had a tremendous response to our mailing in December.  Out of 193 possible members, so far 68 have signed up, which is a great first response. First of all, thank you for your support and contribution.  It enables us to focus our message to state agencies and other interested parties and provided initial funding to launch our association.  This level of response shows others that we are serious about being involved in decisions that affect our lake.
2. The dam:  as you can imagine this is not an easy or quick process, but we are moving in the right direction. Ownership of the dam has to be determined before any other decisions can be made.  We have been in discussions with DEP, DMR, Veazie Water District, Leonard Mills and the University of Maine Foundation.  Where things stand right now is that the U of Maine Foundation has commissioned a survey to determine boundaries.  We hope this will be done in the next month or so.  Once that has been done, we will be able to move forward in discussions regarding appropriate water levels and repair of the dam.  The goal is to ensure a level that works for all who own property on the pond.

• The Pond and its environs:  as we mentioned in our previous letter, this association has a unique and essential role in ensuring the health and viability of the pond and its environs.  This can include:  monitoring water quality; defending against invasive plant/animal species; protecting native plant/animal species; ensuring all who enjoy these waters can continue to do so now and into the future.  To that end, here are some initial opportunities for your participation:
• Right now, we have several water quality monitors on the pond, but we could use people monitoring invasive and animal species.  If you are interested, please contact Kathy Trenholm a:  trenholm2014@gmail.com.   Kathy has been working with the Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program—recently renamed Lake Stewards of Maine—and is quite knowledgeable about the organization and opportunities for involvement.  In addition, we will have a speaker from this organization present at our annual meeting in July.

For additional information, please see the environmental report created by Kathy.  It is a summary of what she presented at our meeting in February.  It is very interesting and provides additional links to explore.

• We are discussing having a pond clean-up day/picnic near the end of summer.  Date and info will be discussed at the annual meeting.
• Please let us know if there are other opportunities for contribution. 

 In addition to lake monitoring and clean up, there are other opportunities for participation and contribution. So far, a small group has provided the energy and direction for our association.  We need this to become a community endeavor in order to have sustainable impact.  These could include:

1. Now that you are a member, encourage others to join!  Any adult owner or resident of 

property bordering on Chemo Pond is eligible.  There is one membership available per lot and the cost is $25 per year.  In addition, there is an option for those who do not own land on the pond to get involved.  We are offering a Supporter Option for $10.

Supporters will be included on our newsletter, activities and meetings, though they will not be able to vote on decisions or board members.  This provides the opportunity to participate with an organization dedicated the stewardship of our pond and helps concentrate our impact.  Both participatory options are tax deductible.  Please have people complete the attached form and include a check made payable to:  Chemo Pond Lake Association.  Send to:  Chemo Pond Lake Association, 4 Yawaca Road, Box 23, Clifton, Maine, 04428.

• Participate in subcommittees that will form to address specific topic or issues.  Currently we have subcommittees to research invasive and protected species, roll dam, and membership.  New subcommittees will be formed as needed.

• Contribute to our Board meeting agendas.  We will announce our meetings, via email, at least 7 days in advance.  These meetings are open and are modeled after your typical town hall meetings.  You will be encouraged to participate at meetings by asking questions/making comments after regular business is concluded.  Our next meeting will be:  June 6, 4:30 Eddington Town Office on Route 9.

• Participate in special meetings.  We anticipate that when major decisions need to made that impact the entire community—such as the roll dam, special meetings will be called and the entire membership will vote on the issue at hand.

• Attend the annual meeting.  Our annual meeting will be held each year in July to ensure the greatest participation.  This year’s meeting will be held July 2, 4 p.m. at Comins Hall, 1387 Main Road, Eddington.   At this meeting, 1/3 of the Board seats will be up for election. In addition, current topics will be discussed.  This year we have a featured speaker from The Lake Stewards of Maine, Scott Williams.  He will talk about the organization, what it does and how you can get involved.

• Contribute your ideas and knowledge to help guide the Board in making decisions that will be in the best interest of the community and the Pond and the larger eco-system.  If you have any questions or concerns regarding the lake, please to address them to one of the board members.  We are committed to representing all points of view.  The board members are:
  • Charlie Clemons, Bradley:                           chemoponder@gmail.com; 207-299-2964
  • Ron Colley, Bradley:                                       rcolley636@aol.com; 207-478-6242
  • Richard Fessenden, Bradley                       chemofess@gmail.com; 207-843-0573
  • Carolyn Miller, Clifton                                   carmillr@live.com; 207-944-3655
  • Leo “Butch” Robichaud, Eddington          butchrobichaud@gmail.com
  • Rudy Shorette, Bradley                                 exilebear1@gmail.com; 207-843-5575
  • Leslie Spencer, Clifton                                  takecaremassage@aol.com; 207-884-8603
  • Leslie Sturzenberger, Bradley                    lsalgonquin@earthlink.net; 315-569-7990
  • Deborah True, Clifton                                    debgtrue@gmail.com; 207-843-5930

As mentioned above, three of these positions will be up for election at the first annual meeting in July, 2018.  We typically meet on average one time per month, depending on need and member availability.  We work together to make sure the meetings accommodate everyone.  If you are interested in being on the board, please send Leslie Sturzenberger a note.  Her email is:  Lsalgonquin@earthlink.net.  

Again, many thanks for joining the Association and contributing your financial support.  We look forward to seeing everyone July 2!   We wish everyone a wonderful—-and warm summer!