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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT By Gordon Small, PPPA President Email -‐ gordon.small@yahoo.com January 20, 2013 Happy New Year Everyone! I am honored to have started my first year as President of the Pleasant Pond Protective Association. A little about me: Like many of you, Pleasant Pond is like a second home for me. I have been coming to the pond since I was born, with my parents Shawn and Mary Small. For the past 7 years, I have called Madison, Maine, my home with my son Tristan. I have been teaching in this area for the past 7 years. I am currently midway through my first year at Skowhegan Area High School teaching math. I also have had the honor of coaching the math team as well as the ice hockey team this year. Needless to say, I have had a busy winter and have been missing out on my weekend trips to the pond. Now you know a little bit about me and I hope I get to know you as well. One thing I would like to improve on in the next couple years is the Family Day, currently at the boat landing. This past year, I was unable to help out due to a wedding in the family. This year, I would like to increase the activities and participation. I have great memories of past family days when I was child with several games, races, scavenger hunts, etc. I am in hopes to start up a committee this year for those that are interested in joining. Please contact me if you are interested. This fall was busy with the repairs to the dam, which came out great! I would like to give a big thanks to Steve Small, Todd Bayreuther and everyone that contributed to the organization and completion of the project. Job well done!
Special thanks to Chuck Piper for all your hard work and dedication to our boat landing. You are an inspiration to us all that dedicate our time to the association, thank you again! In the coming years I hope to make the association proud to have me as their president and improve the quality of life at the pond. But that last part is going to be tough, it is always a great life at the pond! Hope to see you all soon! SECRETARY/TREASURER REPORT By Craig Dickstein Membership We currently have 124 members; as strong as we have ever been. I do want to take this opportunity to thank those members that contribute more than the required membership dues of $25. I do not book this overage as a ‘contribution’, but do want to acknowledge that this happens. Kudos to those benefactors; you know who you are! Membership Renewal Please remember that this newsletter is the primary vehicle for solicitation of your 2013 membership dues. So, for those receiving a hardcopy of the Newsletter, tear off the last page and mail it in with any demographic changes you may have, along with your check. For our friends receiving this document by email, do it now! It is not that painful and procrastination leads to forgetfulness. A benefit of early membership renewal is that the Boat Launch volunteers will have you on the list for a hassle free process of getting your boat on the Pond for the season. Also, remember that membership is not ‘camp’ based, but rather ‘family’ based, where a
family is defined as being an adult 21+ years old with any associated spouse and children. Financials You will find attached to the end of this newsletter the 2012 year-‐end statement. Please note the major expenditure for the dam restoration project. I chose to fund this project from the checking account rather than cash in our Certificates of Deposits (CDs). The downside of this decision is that the checking account is at an all-‐time low. To correct this situation, I urge you to quickly send in your 2013 dues so that we may replenish the coffers prior to incurring expenses for the 2013 summer season. Please take a moment now to write that check and pop it into an envelope to PPPA, PO Box 26, Caratunk, ME 04925. Notable Items A long overdue chore for me this winter is to realign access to our bank safe deposit box. All was going well until I realized that I do not have a key to the box. So … do any of you know of the whereabouts of the two keys that the bank believes we have in our possession? A mystery that needs quick resolution; any help would be appreciated. Please feel free to write me at PO Box 36, Caratunk, ME 04925 or craig.donna@myfairpoint.net should you have any questions that I may be able to answer. Hope to see you all at the 2013 Annual Meeting on August 3. FISH COMMITTEE REPORT By Shawn Small, Chairman
A short report this year. The Fish Committee did not meet last year so this report contains my thoughts which may or may not be the opinion of the rest of the Committee. Firstly, an update on the IF&W and fish stocking debacle. As I reported at the Association 2011 meeting our previous efforts failed because the Legislative Representative for the PPond area was either not supportive or not aware of our efforts. In order to be successful in restoring fish stocking we need to gain the support of the either or both of Caratunk’s Legislative Members who are Representative Larry Dunphy and Senator Nancy Sullivan. This has still not been done.
I do not fish Pleasant Pond during open water but I do ice fish and talk with a lot of ice fishermen in the winter. Fishing has been slow this year. Today I visited two ice fishing parties with four fishermen in each party. They had only caught one Lake Trout about 17 inches long. The number of ice fishermen has been way down, partly due to the lack of ice. On January 18 there was 5 to 8 inches of ice most everywhere however on Sparks Point I found a couple of areas 20 to 30 feet wide with only 1 to 1 ½ inches of ice. This is due to a pressure ridge that opens up in this area about every year. This is why Pleasant Pond is a dangerous pond for snowmobiling and ice fishing. Today, January 25, the entire pond seems to have 8 to 12 inches of ice. . This morning at 7:00 AM it was 15 degrees below zero so more ice is forming every day. Also the rock in front of Mike Bateman’s and Hal Hepler’s camp is now a mound in the ice due to the low water resulting from the dam repair. Hitting this with a speeding snow sled would not be a good thing (see picture below taken in the fall). Please be careful if you are driving a snow machine on the Pond.
Rocks in front of Michael Bateman’s and Hal Hepler’s camp with blue Nalgene bottle on rock to show perspective. These rocks are now above the ice and dangerous. Photo by Donna Dickstein 10/25/12.
DAM COMMITTTEE REPORT By Todd Bayreuther, Chairman The replacement of the concrete guides that hold the boards in the dam is complete. The original contractor the Board of Directors authorized to complete the work had issues that precluded them from starting the work this fall. Steve Small was able
to arrange for H. E. Callahan Construction Co. (HEC) of Auburn, Maine to look at the work submit a proposal. The water in the lake was down, ready to complete the work. A purchase order was issued to HEC to do the work. All of the documentation was exchanged and the work was started after Thanksgiving. When all was done HEC held to their proposal and the work was completed for the $10,000 budgeted. The boards are back in the slots to an elevation twelve inches below normal high water for the winter. The remaining boards will be put in place this spring bring the water up to normal water level during spring run-‐off. All of the work completed will make the control of the water lever safer for the dam operators. The debris grates up stream of the slots have deteriorated over time and no longer are structurally sound. We need to replace the grates this summer. The vast majority of the work pertaining to overseeing the work and directing HEC was done by Steve Small. If it was not for Steve’s dedication to the process and his expansive knowledge of dams in general the project would have not been completed this fall. I appreciate and thank Steve for his years of determination and time maintaining the dam on Pleasant Pond.
Steve Small checking the newly completed dam on December 6, 2012 – just before the first snowstorm. Photo by Donna Dickstein
BOAT LAUNCH COMMITTEE REPORT By Chuck Piper, Member The launch season opened on May 15th 2012 with the same routine of putting up the signs, getting volunteers to install the docking system and preparing for use by boaters wanting to gain entrance to the pond.
The volunteering for the launch duty changed after assessing the situation of past years history. The names of full time (seasonal) people were placed on a list and used on a rotating basis so if the first name listed didn't answer then the next listed was called, etc. If there were volunteers who wanted to participate then they were quickly placed on the list during their stay. Using this program created the ability for more freedom of being away from their phone, outside working or away shopping for the day. If no one was available then the other alternative was to put up a closed sign (which hasn't happened yet!). Notices of the dam project were placed at the launch which affected the closing and the removal of the boats. To enhance the notice awareness, a email list obtained from the secretary/treasurer was compiled and sent which resulted in many responses of appreciation and thanks for the info. And finally, the Lease renewal program for 10 years has been finalized, signed and recorded. The only change was for the Association to be responsible for mowing the grass around the leased property. BOAT LAUNCH DATES The boat launch operation runs from the opening on May 15 to the closing on September 30. Outside of these dates the phone, port-‐a-‐potty and docks are removed. If for any reason your boat cannot come out during those times, you must contact the launch committee to make special arrangements. Thank you. WANTED – BOAT LAUNCH COMMITTEE CHAIR Pay – no money, but you will receive the eternal gratitude of the Association. Duties –
provide leadership for one of the more important Association committees
organize and manage the opening and closing of Lathe’s Landing, including signage, phone, and port-‐a-‐potty
organize and manage a dedicated group of launch volunteers
Application – contact Gordon Small, PPPA President, prior to April 15th, but after you get your taxes done PPPA COMMITTEES By Craig Dickstein Attached to the end of this newsletter is a list of current Association officers and committees. The purpose is to alert you as to who to contact on a particular question, issue, or moment of volunteerism you may want to express. You will notice two committees with empty membership and one without a chairperson. The Annual Meeting Committee is a new one created by the Board to organize and manage the annual meeting and pot luck dinner held on the first Saturday of August. The Water Quality Committee is being resurrected. The Boat Launch Committee is in need of a chairperson following the successful tenure of Chuck Piper (Thanks Chuck!!). If you have any interest in these important committees or know of a capable candidate, and I hope you do, please contact Association President Gordon Small. OUR LIBRARY By Sue Schaub The Pleasant Pond Library continues to see more use every year! We are happy to see so many people using this great resource. The “librarians”, Betty Brandenburg and Sue Schaub, estimate that at least 50 books were exchanged each week last summer. If you haven’t stopped by lately, please drop in to see our collection of fiction, biography, non-‐fiction, children’s, and young adult books, as well as puzzles, games, and tapes/DVDs.
You may wonder what we do with duplicate copies of books. If the library shelves are full, Sue will send any duplicate paperbacks that are in good condition to our service men/women through www.OperationPaperback.org. Since connecting with this organization last summer, she has sent approximately 150 books to our troops around the globe.
As always, we welcome any book donations in good condition. We would especially like some more children’s books to help parents out on rainy days! (Please do not donate magazines or reference books because there just is not enough room to store
these.) Also, it is perfectly okay to take a book (or two) home with you if you don’t get a chance to finish it before leaving the pond.
Now, get busy reading those books you got as presents then bring them to the pond to share next summer! WATER QUALITY REPORT By David & Dorothy McAllister, 2012 Annual Meeting In 2011 Pleasant Pond had an average Secchi Disk Transparency (SDT) of 12.7 meters and was the third deepest SDT in Maine. Jordon Pond in Mt. Desert had the deepest average SDT of 15.2 meters. Basin Pond in Fayette had the second deepest average SDT of 13.0 meters. The deepest SDT this year so far in Pleasant Pond is 13.95 m. on July 20 and the shallowest was 11.12 m. on May 28. The VLMP reports 23 water systems, comprising 46 distinct water bodies known to be infested with aquatic plant. For more information/explanation on lake water quality see: www.pearl.maine.edu www.mainevolunteerlakemonitors.org www.maine.gov/dep Pleasant Pond’s Midas # is 0224. TRASH AND RECYCLING By Donna Dickstein The town of Caratunk has trash pick-‐up on paved roads every Wednesday in July and August and every other Wednesday the rest of the year. Please be aware that this is a service paid for by the taxpayers of Caratunk. Part of the cost is based on tonnage. If you are not a Caratunk taxpayer and leave your trash for pick-‐up it is considered littering and/or theft of service. This is also true for the recycling bin. For convenience, the Town of Skowhegan Recycling Center will take recyclable material from anyone without a permit. They also have a no-‐fee universal waste day the first Saturday in October. The Solid Waste Management Facility is located off Steward Hill Road and is open Tuesday thru Saturday from 7AM-‐3:45PM. You can get more information at this website http://www.skowhegan.org/departments/waste-‐faq.asp.
NORTH COVE AREA LOGGING By Donna Dickstein In the fall of 2012 a wood harvesting operation was done from Deer Lane down through the North Cove area. The woods look different, but efforts were made to minimize the impact to the view from the camps and roads and to the roads themselves.
Harvesting on Deer Lane
2nd ANNUAL PLEASANT POND WING OFF By Bob Fidler When North Cove neighbor Bob Morrison gets to cooking, all bets were off for the rest of the competition at the 2nd Annual Pleasant Pond Wing-‐Off. This year’s event brought a total of 12 contestants, up from 8 the previous year. Judging from the reaction of the contestants and guests, the event looks to be a big hit for years to come. This year’s judges, Donna Dickstein, Shawn Small, and John Beauchamp certainly had their share of delicious wings. But when the contestants watched the judges licking the skewers on the wings Morrison brought, they knew the competition was over. Bob’s wings were hands down number 1. Placing second was Matt Farren, followed by Becky DeBenedetto and Katie DeBenedetto. The 2013 Wing-‐Off will once again be held at Joan and Bob Fidler’s camp on August 24th. Come to compete, eat or just to socialize – a fun time is guaranteed for all!
The 2nd Annual Pleasant Pond Wing Off crowd
The much-‐sought-‐after trophy
LOON CHICK ON THE POND By Donna Dickstein A nesting loon was seen on the pond in early summer and shortly thereafter two loon chicks were spotted with their mother. Unfortunately, only one chick appears to have survived the entire summer. Sue Schaub reports that this is only the second time in 25 years that she has seen a loon chick on Pleasant Pond. The picture below was taken by Carrie McIe, who is Sue’s son Douglas' mother-‐in-‐law. She was up visiting the pond for the first time the weekend of the pond meeting. Carrie is a professional photographer and took the picture from a safe distance using a zoom lens. The baby loon close-‐up was taken by Chuck and Jean Piper’s granddaughter Caitlin in July when the chick spent a good twenty minutes at their dock. Jean commented that she had never seen one so small. Loons are protected by the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1918. This law makes it illegal to capture or kill loons and to gather, possess, or harm their nests, eggs, or feathers. Although loons can share a lake with humans, they need quiet, undeveloped areas in the spring for nesting. If their nest is disturbed, they will likely desert the nest. If a nest is discovered, it is important to not disturb it and tell no one where it is. Thanks for the great pictures, Carrie and Caitlin!
Photo by Carrie McIe
Photo by Caitlin Sanborn
PLEASE BE AWARE … By Craig Dickstein, MATC Kennebec District Overseer
... that it is illegal to snowmobile (or ATV) on Appalachian Trail lands; this includes the trail itself and the associated corridor. The corridor that the trail runs through is marked by yellow blazes and plastic U.S. Boundary signs. The trail is marked by white blazes. Other signage is clearly visible where appropriate. This winter there have been several encroachments – one just south of the Boise Crossover Road and the other through the parking area off the Boise Crossover Road and then north on the Trail. The Maine Warden Service and the National Park Service have been notified of the problem and offenders will be prosecuted. Please help protect this national treasure that runs through our back yard by spreading the word that snowmobiling on the Trail is just plain wrong!
Snowmobile damage on the Appalachian Trail in January 2013. Photo by Craig Dickstein.
NEW LOOK ON PLEASANT POND ROAD By Donna Dickstein For those of us who have accidentally crowded others on Pleasant Pond Road or been crowded off the road ourselves, there is now a center line to guide us and indicate when we are infringing on the space of others. It has been noted by several people that this has greatly improved the driving experience on the road.
AED By Donna Dickstein
PPPA has an AED (Automated External Defibrillator) which in the summer is kept in the library, on the top shelf to the right as you enter the door. AEDs are user-‐friendly devices that untrained bystanders can use to save the life of someone having sudden cardiac arrest. Directions and pictures of where to place the pads are very clear on the machine and the machine will talk you through operation when it is turned on. The machine will automatically deliver a charge if it is indicated and do nothing if a charge is not indicated. Minutes count when someone needs emergency medical care and the AED can save a life while waiting for help to arrive. In the winter, the AED is kept at the Dickstein house at 137 Deer Lane. Call 672-‐4983 if you need it or come to the house. POST OFFICE UPDATE By Donna Dickstein The Caratunk Post Office remains open for the regular business hours of 7:30AM-‐11:30AM and 12PM-‐3:45PM. The current Postal Service plan is to cut this schedule to 2 hours per day. This change will probably take place sometime in 2014 and the actual hours will be determined at that time. The Forks Post Office has already cut hours to 8AM-‐10AM and 1:45PM-‐3:45PM Monday thru Friday (with the lobby open in between for mail pick-‐up) and 8AM-‐12PM on Saturday. Judy Bates and LaVonne Pierce are sharing the staffing. AMBULANCE UPDATE By Donna Dickstein Under the leadership of Executive Director Tim Pomelow and the Board of Directors, Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance Service has had an excellent year with financial and internal stability attained. Delivering service at near 100% paramedic level, 471 runs were logged. New staff has been added including one Critical Care Paramedic (the highest level of care available). Looking forward to 2013, UKVAS will continue to grow internally. A new Quality Assurance Program to maintain and improve the skills of all staff will be started in early 2013. Application has been made to become part of a State of Maine pilot program in Community Paramedicine, a program training UKVAS to work with the local health center to monitor at-‐risk clients in their
homes. This is a value-‐added program with little additional cost to the towns that are served. UKVAS is also applying for a grant offered by the Bureau of Highway Safety to update the aging computer systems that are carried in the ambulance. The staff of the Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance is proud to serve the towns in their large coverage area this year and for many years to come. They encourage anyone who wishes to stop by the base to say hello and take a tour.
MESSAGE TO CARATUNK TAXPAYERS By Elizabeth Caruso, First Selectman Greetings! 2012 proved to be a very busy year for the Caratunk officers. Please find below a general summary of the year’s business and matters of attention.
In Loving Memory All of Caratunk was saddened at the passing of two kind and loved residents who have impacted our small community. They will always be remembered, loved and sorely missed.
Sally York Berwin Merrill Mil Rate The mil rate for property taxes decreased from 9.7 mils to 9.2 mils. Additionally, the State Assessment for Caratunk increased from $28,200,000 (2012) to $29,650,000 (2013). This forced the tax assessment to increase to get closer to the State levels, thereby resulting in increased values for excess acreage, base lots and water frontage. The levels reached should provide for higher reimbursements of Tree Growth and Homestead in the future. The Town’s General Fund surplus is the strongest it has been in a few years. In order to ensure the town had surplus in the coming year, the townspeople (in 2011 and 2012) raised by taxation some articles historically appropriated. Their efforts worked. Roads Road maintenance in 2012 consisted of customary plowing, sweeping, shoulder mowing and cleanup of tree blow-‐downs. Additionally, the Selectmen responded to resident requests for the center striping of the Pleasant Pond Road. The budget allowed for this safety preventative measure under the vote to appropriate from surplus to clean up the Pleasant Pond Road ditches. This work was voluntarily done by a Selectman Neil Katz at no cost to the Town. Also, without State subsidy, the town purchased and transported sand and salt from private entities at a cost of $5,499. In 2012, bond
payments were $84,376. 2013 is the final year for the bond debt payment as it will be paid off with $81,988. Solid Waste Disposal For the fourth year, the Town sent out a postcard to provide the dates for curbside pickup and demo containers, as well as to delineate specifics on acceptable demo items and recycling procedures. It is imperative that people respect the rules outlined. The recycling center fared much better this year without much abuse. Caratunk recycling was refused at one of the two only transfer stations due to deposits of trash and non-‐conforming items. The Town cannot afford another mark against it. Note: To avoid curbside trash from being scattered, please place all trash in 30 gal (or less) barrels with a secured lid. Education On the bright side, the School account has $31,259 remaining. From this balance, 2nd, 3rd & 4th quarters expenses for one (1) 9th grade student need to be paid. That aside, there were no significant occurrences in the School account. Fire Protection The Bingham Fire Department provided fire protection for the Town in 2012. Their proposed budget for 2013 is similar to 2012. The BFD staff thought the year went well and is glad to serve Caratunk again in 2013. Post Office The U.S. Postal Service in Caratunk will remain unchanged until sometime in 2014. There will be a Town Meeting before the Post Office will reduce its hours of operation down to 2 hours (M-‐F) and 4 hours (Sat.). Harvesting Town Lots Once again, the State is coordinating the harvesting of a Caratunk Public Lot near the Moxie Lake Deadwater Road. In our agreement, the State incurs 100% of the expense, and the Town receives 25% of the revenue. These lots are co-‐owned with the State. Caratunk will receive its portion in January 2014 for the 2013 harvesting. New Appointments The Selectmen have appointed Ed Hanscom of Caratunk as our new Animal Control Officer. I wish to thank all individuals who assisted in another very productive and successful year for the Town of Caratunk.
WELCOME TO THE POND By Donna Dickstein
As a new feature, I would like to introduce new faces who have recently arrived on Peasant Pond.
Renee and Tony Sudnick Tony and Renee met in 2000. He attended Unity College and works for the National Park Service. They traveled around the country and worked at several national parks including the Arch in St. Louis and Zion National Park in Utah. Tony is from Massachusetts and Renee is from from China, Maine. She actually grew up on the pond with a camp in North Cove. They were married in 2004 and have two little boys, Matthew (5) and Samuel (3). They live in Lincoln, Massachusetts, in Minute Man National Historical Park, and Renee works as a personal chef/assistant (her formal training is as a massage therapist). They love Pleasant Pond and plan to use their camp (Lot #44) all year long. They enjoy hiking, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. Renee has been waterskiing since she was a little girl.
Renee and Tony Sudnick
Mark and Vanessa Bilbe The Bilbe family comprises Mark, Vanessa, Gracie(11) and Maddie(8). They also have two regular additions at the Pond -‐ Harry and Pearl their French Bulldogs, who are very much part of their family too. Mark and Vanessa are originally from South Africa, having grown up in and around Cape Town. Both girls were born in the UK where they were brought up before the family moved to Boston in 2008. They were first introduced to the Pond 4 years ago by their good friends Bob and Joan (Beauchamp) Fidler and fell in love instantly. “When Paul and Theresa Freeman's Camp at 8 Lady Slipper
Road came up for sale, we were fortunate enough to secure a place on our favorite pond in the beautiful state of Maine.” They are keen outdoors enthusiasts and love to run, hike, bike and canoe. The family hikes up Pleasant Pond Mountain and Moxie Falls is also a favorite. They love to cook and hope to make a worthy contribution to the Wing Contest this year! They live in Sudbury, MA so that Mark can be near work, but dream of spending all their time on the Pond one day!
Mark, Maddie and Gracie Bilbe
Gracie, Maddie and Vanessa Bilbe
Steve and Gloria Dean The new faces located at 114 West Shore Road are Steve who is a financial planner, Gloria who is an RN, Erika who just graduated college in Tennessee and Jessica who is a junior at University of Maine. They live in Madison and Steve is the 9th generation to live in the Town of Madison. “Us Deans aren't that bright -‐ we are just stubborn. We have totally rebuilt Helen Tuttle's old camp and would invite all to stop by to see what we have done.”
Erika, Steve, Gloria and Jessica Dean RECIPES Crispy Baked Oatmeal Recipe from Bayla Bean
2 eggs ½ c. vegetable oil 1/3 c. packed brown sugar 3 c. old-‐fashioned oatmeal 3 t. baking powder 1 t. salt ¾ t. ground cinnamon 1/3 c. flaked coconut 1/3 c. raisins 1/3 c. semisweet chocolate chips Milk optional at serving time Combine eggs, oil & brown sugar. Combine oats, baking powder, salt & cinnamon; Add to egg mixture, stirring just until moistened. Stir in coconut, raisins & chocolate chips. Spoon into a greased 13-‐in. X 9-‐in. X 2-‐in. baking dish. Bake uncovered at 350 for 20-‐25 minutes. Serve warm with milk if desired. 4 large servings. Yummy!!! (I will add almonds or walnuts next time.)
Pasta and Spinach soup Recipe from Donna Dickstein 1 tbsp olive oil 3 garlic cloves minced 2 thinly sliced green onions 4 cups chicken broth (2 cans) 2 cups water ¾ cup uncooked orzo 1 tbsp grated lemon peel 1 (15-‐oz) can chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1 tbsp fresh oregano 1 tbsp lemon juice ½ tsp pepper 1/8 tsp salt 1 (6-‐oz) package baby spinach 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese Heat a large saucepan over medium-‐high heat. Add olive oil; add garlic and onions and sauté 30 seconds, stirring constantly. Add chicken broth and water; bring to a boil. Add orzo, lemon rind and chickpeas. Cover and cook 10 minutes or until orzo is done. Stir in oregano, lemon juice, salt, pepper and spinach. Serve and top with cheese. (A tasty and easy soup for those chilly or sick days!)
We’re Downsizing Our Garden & Other ‘Stuff’
Variegated Hostas, Red Sedums, Jacob’s Ladder
& Other Perennials Memorial Weekend 2013
Call Bayla Beane Before Coming 672-4974
Watch for signs at our bridge on Pleasant Pond Road & on the community bulletin boards for
other items up for sale.
FOUND Left at the Boat Launch on 8/4/12, one trailer license plate and one life jacket. If these are yours please contact Chuck Piper at 978-‐808-‐6330 (winter) or 207-‐672-‐4128 (summer). SAILBOAT WANTED Virginia Kammer of Deer Lane is looking for a
Sunfish or small centerboard sailboat in good condition. Cell # is 251-‐709-‐5882. Camp # is 207-‐672-‐4354. MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR ACTIVITIES & ANNUAL MEETING ON SATURDAY 8/3/13 Horseshoe Tournament – 10AM at Shawn Small’s camp on Deer Lane. Family Day – 1PM at Lathe’s Boat Launch with activities for children of all ages. Pot Luck Dinner – 5:30PM at Batemen’s barn on the corner of North Shore and West Shore Roads. Anyone willing to share food and a good time is welcome. Annual Meeting – 7PM at Batemen’s barn –open to anyone interested but voting is restricted to PPPA members. Auction – Immediately following the annual meeting.
Pleasant Pond Dam Rebuild Project Report, 2012
To Whom I May Concern:
The Dam project started on 11-‐26-‐2012 after many delays due to high flows, original contractor illness and recruiting different Contractor on short notice. We were very fortunate to find a qualified contractor with an available crew while water was low for the same price!!!
HE Callahan performed the work, Mattingly Products delivered the concrete, Northeast Doran donated the stainless steel insert guides and Walker Industrial Services donated the siphon hoses.
Mobilization and actual construction started on the week of 11-‐26-‐12. The weather was frigid so a heated enclosure was utilized.
The Demolition phase revealed reasonably sound existing concrete and no unpleasant surprises.
Pouring the bottom sections of the guide inserts,and patching eroded areas of the center pier / side buttresses were challenging due to water flow through both the channel and the dam itself. Emaco T-‐430 was used for the base pour.
The major placement of concrete for the center pier cap and the top lift of the four guide inserts was done on Tuesday 12-‐4-‐12. The weather cooperated warming to well above freezing and the placement went very well. Extra concrete was ordered to avoid mixing issues and
minimum load charges. Extra concrete 1.5 cubic yards +/-‐ was wheel barreled out and placed in front of and behind the South side portion of the dam adjacent to the most Northerly buttress at an extra cost of 1 – thirty
pack of bud and a good time was had by all.
Extra Work: During the construction it was noticed that the concrete under and upstream of where the bottom board would go, in both openings, was severely eroded which would have resulted in major leakage and continued erosion in the base concrete. It was decided to place the bottom board so the top of the board was level with the upstream concrete invert and make a seal placement of Emaco t-‐415 in front of and below the bottom board, making the bottom board a permanent fixture. The invert of the channel was not altered so the flow capacity was not compromised. Two items of extra work was authorized and performed. Contractor performed the extra work items free of charge.
The last of the sandbags and cleanup were done on 12-‐6-‐12. Three 2” x 8” planks (24” in height) were placed in both slot opening and the dam was commissioned. The dam was checked 1-‐13-‐13,and the water level had risen +/-‐ 20”, or 4” +/-‐ below top of the boards.. It is recommended that the remaining 12” of boards be installed after ice out.
2013 Work Required: The trash racks in front of the dam needed to be remove to facilitate draining the pond and they were severely deteriorated to the point of falling apart.. We need 6 section of 24” by 48” steel rack to replace the deteriorated ones. Also the black siphon hoses need to be picked up and returned to the donor, Walker Industries in Skowhegan.
Respectively submitted:
Stephen Small, 1-‐14-‐13
PPPA Committes and Members
Position Name Pond # Away # Email
President Gordon Small 207.672.3762 207.949.4622 gordon.small@yahoo.comVice President Mark Schaub 207.672.9304 215.962.0779 mark.y.schaub@gmail.comSec/Treasurer Craig Dickstein 207.672.4983 207.672.4983 craig.donna@myfairpoint.netDirector Bayla Beane 207.672.4974 207.672.4974 cbayla@myfairpoint.netDirector Janice Reed 207.672.4986 207.364.7986 tjreed@myfairpoint.netDirector Charles Paddock 207.672.3927 772.245.8663 charlie.ramona.paddock@gmail.comDirector Michael Bateman 207.672.9301 908.625.4500 ambateman@mac.com
Chairman emptyCharles Piper 207.672-4128 978.808.6330 charles.piper@comcast.netGeorge Brandenburg 207.672.9249 908.369.4096 gbb.burg@gmail.comCharles Paddock 207.672.3927 772.245.8663 charlie.ramona.paddock@gmail.comJanice Reed 207.672.4986 207.364.7986 tjreed@myfairpoint.netShawn Small 207.672.3762 207-827-5703 ssmall@ces-maine.com
Chairman Shawn Small 207.672.3762 207-827-5703 ssmall@ces-maine.comSteve Small 207.672.5526 207.672.4859 Steve.Small@myllykoski.comTom Reed 207.672.4986 207.364.7986 tjreed@myfairpoint.netMark Schaub 207.672.9304 215.962.0779 mark.y.schaub@gmail.comCharles Paddock 207.672.3927 772.245.8663 charlie.ramona.paddock@gmail.com
Chairman Todd Bayreuther 207.710.1914 tbay_144@yahoo.comGordon Small 207.672.3762 207.949.4622 gordon.small@yahoo.comDan Barnes 207.672.3791 207.872.8489 mams@gwi.netGlenn Dumont 207.672.3645 207.872.8586 gcdumont@roadrunner.com
Chairman emptyemptyempty
Chairman emptyempty
Editor Donna Dickstein 207.672.4983 207.672.4983 donna.dickstein@myfairpoint.net
Chairman Sue Schaub 207.672-4103 215 321 3666 sueschaub@comcast.netBetty Brandenburg 207.672.9249 908.369.4096 gbb.burg@gmail.com
Newsletter
Library
Board
Boat Launch Committee
Fishery Committee
Dam Committee
Annual Meeting Committee
Water Quality Committee
PLEASANT POND PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATION
P.O. BOX 36 CARATUNK, MAINE 04925
Minutes from the 4 August 2012 PPPA Annual Meeting
President Michael Bateman called the annual meeting of the Association to order at 19:05.
Prologue and Acknowledgements –
Michael welcomed all attendees and thanked the Bateman, Bean, and Scott families for help in setting up the venue. A special thanks to the Smalls for hosting the horseshoe tournament (Mark Schaub, Sr. and Mateo Portanova were the winners). Thanks to Liz Scott and Max Chanoff for helping with the Family Fun Day activities.
Memoriam –
A moment of silence was called for in memory of those who we have lost this past year: Bob Ayers, George Carlson, Mark Foust, and Ed Desrosiers.
Guest Speakers –
Skye Carpenter – Paramedic, Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance Service (UKVAS)
Skye, along with others from UKVAS, had responded to a 911 call from the Pond concerning Ray Bateman’s medical incident while rowing. All went well, but could it have gone any better? He explained how an emergency response works and what residents can do to help – 1) Know your resources: It may be two hours to the nearest hospital. There may be local resources on the Pond; Ed Hanscom is a great resource for communications. AED is a valuable resource that all can use. Use of landline is better than cell phone for tracking purposes. 2) Know where you are when calling 911: They will ask for many details; be patient. We live in Caratunk, not Pleasant Pond. GPS locations are useful. 3) Egress: Can EMS and their vehicles get in to and out of the site? Be sure your camps are accessible and labeled with 911 address numbers. 4) Common injuries: What to do / not to do was discussed. Self-transport may be an option; be careful; ambulance will intercept in route.
An excellent presentation that was well received and appreciated.
Julie Richards – Old Canada Road Historical Society
Julie discussed Pleasant Pond history and photos that she brought along. She is looking for additional input from local residents. Has old video that she will be compiling and presenting at a later time. Contributions are always welcomed.
Nomination Committee Report – Anne Schaub:
The following slate was presented: Gordon Small for President and Mark Schaub for Vice President. The slate was moved, seconded, and approved by the attendees.
Secretary/ Treasurer’s Report – Michael presented for Craig who was away on family vacation:
Request for approval of last year’s Annual Meeting Minutes – so approved by the attendees Request for approval of the distributed year-to-date financial statement – so approved by the attendees Notes –
o As of July 6 we have 110 members and $3150 in membership dues o Dues are appreciated immediately following receipt of Winter Newsletter o Annual Report was filed with the Secretary of State
Fish Committee Report – Steve Small (for Shawn Small, Committee Chairperson):
No contact with new IF&W Commissioner as of yet. No smelts seen in the Pond for a few years. Compiling a summary of the Pond fishery and boat launch toward the goal of seeking a personal meeting with
the Commissioner.
Dam Committee Report – Steve Small (for the Committee) :
RFP put out to contractors; project goal is to improve the ease of controlling water level with stop boards in stainless steel guides.
Will start lowering water level September 1st; work to start between 9/15 and 10/15; should take a week to complete.
Public notices to be distributed door-to-door and posted in several places (Post Office, PPPA Bulletin Board, local stores, etc).
Boat Launch Committee Report – Chuck Piper (Committee Chairperson):
An obstacle is the need for payment of dues prior to May 1st; this allows volunteer to have accurate roster of members. Dues paid later may not be known to the volunteer; need to improve communications with the Treasurer.
Members are reminded of the rules as it relates to friends and adult family members; they must pay initial launch fee or become members with launch benefit; do not abuse the rules of membership.
Pursuing lease renewal with the Lathes; they agree to continue on the same basis with the additional PPPA responsibility of mowing the lawn; renewal date is October 2013, but the lawn mowing has begun. Will get the renewal done this fall.
Chuck expressed concern of getting boats out before September 1st and the Pond level dropping for dam repair. Discussion suggested notifying IF&W for alerting fishermen via their website, notices at Berry’s and Jimmy’s stores, email campaign for membership, etc.
Launch volunteer program continues to be fine-tuned, with many successes this summer. Michael expressed, on behalf of the Association, many thanks to Chuck and his volunteers for their
commitment to the job.
Water Clarity Report – Dorothy McAllister:
In 2011 Pleasant Pond had an average Secchi Disk Transparency (SDT) of 12.7 meters and was the third deepest SDT in Maine. The deepest SDT so far this year in Pleasant Pond is 13.95 m. on July 20 and the shallowest was 11.12 m. on May 28. The VLMP reports 23 water systems, comprising 46 distinct water bodies known to be infested with aquatic plant.
Donations made this year
Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program – $150 Maine Congress of Lakes Associations – $250 (membership) West Forks Fire Department – $250 Bingham Fire Department – $250 Maine Appalachian Trail Club – $200 Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance Service – $500
Recommendation to repeat this level of giving for 2013 – motion made, seconded, and approved by the membership
Newsletter –
Michael thanked Carol for past work and Donna for this past winter’s excellent job with the newsletter and encouraged the contribution of articles. Please send contributions to Donna.
Library – Sue Schaub
Great new books donated; please no magazines or reference books; only books, puzzles, movies, etc. Take books home for the winter; we have plenty. Library is getting lots of use and being monitored every other day.
New Business
Chris and Becky Young are promoting the painting of a center stripe on Pleasant Pond Road. Town is not ‘properly funded for this project’. Soliciting private donations to fund this project.
200’ no wake zone rule was raised as not being obeyed. Plea to obey this law and save the shoreline. The meeting was adjourned at 19:57 and the annual raffle ensued.
Respectfully submitted, Craig Dickstein, Secretary/Treasurer
Checking Bank CD's Totals
Bank Balance - 12/31/2011 $11,729.16 $19,700.54 $31,429.70
Bank Balance - 12/31/2012 $2,132.03 $19,719.86 $21,851.89
PPPA Ledger Balance - 12/31/2011 $11,717.80
PPPA Ledger Balance - 12/31/2012 $921.07
Income
Membership Dues 3,575.00Boat Launch Receipts 902.00Raffle Sales 415.00Donations in Memory of Beatrice Hamilton 100.00Miscellaneous Donations (Library, Anonymous, Lathe's Landing) 60.00Interest Income (Now Account) 6.12
Total Funds Received $5,058.12
Expenses
Excluding Boat Launch OperationState of Maine Nonprofit Corporation Annual Reporting Fee 35.00Association Liability Insurance Policy Premium 776.00Maine Congress of Lake Association Dues 250.00Donation to Maine Appalachian Trail Club 200.00Donation to Maine Volunteer Lake Monitoring Program 150.00Donation to West Forks Fire & Rescue (2011 & 2012) 1,000.00Donation to Bingham Fire 250.00Donation to Upper Kennebec Valley Ambulance Service 250.00Newsletter and Dues Notice Printing/Postage 113.44Postage (miscellaneous) 18.00USPS Box Rental 48.00Camden National Bank (Safe Deposit Box Rental) 25.00Bank Fee 1.90Miscellaneous Reimbursements 470.42 AED pads, bulletin board construction,copy/printDam restoration project 10,150.00
Sub-Total Excluding Boat Launch Operation $13,737.76
Boat Launch Operational CostsProperty Tax for Lathe Property (2012) 1,500.00Mowing Lathe's Landing 100.00Telephone Service 202.09Portable Toilet Rental & Service 315.00
Sub-Total Boat Launch Operation $2,117.09
Total Payments Made $15,854.85
Year-End Ledger Balance $921.07
Membership NumbersNOTE Year
Members Dues
2006 134 $3,8602007 127 $4,0302008 125 $3,8702009 125 $3,870
Follow-up solicitation was not done 2010 91 $2,720Follow-up solicitation done 2011 123 $4,005Follow-up solicitation done 2012 124 $3,575
NOTES:Bank vs. Ledger discrepancy due to uncleared checks written in mid-December
construction and permit fee
PLEASANT POND PROTECTIVE ASSOCIATIONTREASURER'S REPORT - 2012 CALENDAR YEAR
Reporting Period: 01 January 2012 through 31 December 2012
NOTES
NOTES
not including in-kind services