For the preservation, protection, and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine
Hello LSC fans.
We wanted to share with you the results of your efforts for #GivingTuesday.
We had 42 contributors giving a total of $6,850!
Unfortunately, we did not receive any matching funds from Facebook. Facebook posted that the matching funds were claimed "in a manner of seconds".
While that is certainly disappointing, we want to sincerely thank you all for your efforts.
Our treasurer Elaine will be reaching out to you with a 2019 membership package, including: a receipt, a LSCA window card, a LSCA euro sticker and a handwritten thank you note.
Our traditional, yearly membership drive will begin in February of 2019.
As you may know, the work the LSCA performs each season, including - but not limited to: milfoil control, water testing & monitoring, boat launch monitoring, lake buoy and marker maintenance and boating safety classes - costs over $125,000. Membership contributions make up over 40% of our funding each year. Your funding support is vital for the LSCA's work each season.
We've also recently applied for $49,000 in grants from the Lake Champlain Basin program to help expand our efforts in 2019. We are always on the lookout for ways to generate funds - and the best way to spend these funds to support the preservation, protection and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine.
Thank you all for your support!
Happy Friday to you all in the LSC community. We'd like to share some upcoming Independence Day activities that will be taking place around the lake during the next week.
...and here we go:
The 6th Annual LSCA Boat Parade!
It is this Sunday, July 1st - starting off in Forest House Bay and making it's way around the lake.
We all know how much fun it is to watch the parade - but it's even more fun to be in it! There is still time to get your friends and family together to come up with an idea and register your boat for the parade.
Prizes are awarded for:
Just look at all these great prizes up for grabs!
The LSCA would like to thank these generous sponsors for providing prizes for the Boat Parade:
Plus, all kids that participate get a free ice cream coupon from Stewart's Shops!
To join in on the parade, please contact Lila Burgner at BurgnerL@msn.com to register your boat today!
Lake St. Catherine State Park Activities
On Saturday, June 30th:
On Sunday, July 1st:
On Monday, July 2nd:
*programs usually meet by day use beach*
You can find more info about these events on the Vermont State Parks' Lake St. Catherine Page.
The Town Of Wells
Wells Village Library Book & Bake Sale - July 6 & 7 from 9AM - 4PM:
Join the Wells Village Library on July 6th and 7th for our annual book and bake sale! The event will be held at the MWA Annex Building located on VT Route 30 in Wells, VT. Hours are Friday, July 6th, 9:00am – 4:00pm and Saturday, July 7th, 9:00am – 3:00pm. Donations of books, dvds, games, puzzles or baked goods would be much appreciated.
The library also will be selling special raffle tickets for a local bookstore gift certificate. Tickets for this are on sale during both days of the book sale. Tickets are $2 each or 3 tickets for $5. The drawing will be held at the end of the book sale and the winner does not need to be present to win. All proceeds from this event will benefit library programs and collection development.
Book or game donations can be dropped off at the library during normal business hours (Wed 10am-3pm, Th 2-5pm, Fri 3-5pm, Sat 9am-1pm) any time before the book sale or by appointment. Baked goods can be dropped off at the MWA on July 6th and 7th. We are also seeking volunteers to help with set up the week before and on the two days of the event. Please contact the library at 802.645.0611 or by email at jcb@behaviorservices.com if you can help or for more information.
Wells Fire Department Pancake Breakfast - July 1st from 7AM
The Town Of Poultney
Poultney has a big day planned for July 4th: Food, magic, a parade, music, a dance party - and Elvis!
They will then have fireworks at dusk.
Additional information about all the festivities can be found on the Poultney Recreation website.
Otto's Cones Point General Store - Music @ The Moose
Otto's will be featuring live bands and solo musicians on their front porch throughout the summer. They will have 5 musical acts appearing next week, starting on Saturday, June 30th with the Wolf Holler Band from 5PM - 9PM. You can check out their full schedule by clicking here.
Fireworks - Saturday, July 7th at dusk
Lake resident Rick Roberts has informed the LSCA that his fireworks display will occur on Saturday, July 7th. This year, the fireworks will launch from the east side of the lake, near the mouth of Hall's Bay.
Well, that should be enough to keep you busy this week, right? :)
Be safe, have fun, and always be a good steward of the lake.
Enjoy your time at the lake this week!
Hello good folks in the LSC community.
Today, we'd like to let you know about an excellent opportunity for Lake St. Catherine. Yesterday, the LSCA applied for 4 Lake Champlain Basin Program grants, totaling $49,000. Trustee Martha Pofit has been coordinating the LSCA's effort to apply for these grants for the past month - and we are happy to report that they have been submitted!
About the Lake Champlain Basin Program:
"The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) works in partnership with government agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, private organizations, local communities, and individuals to coordinate and fund efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources. These efforts are guided by the plan Opportunities for Action. The LCBP works with its program partners, advisory committees, and local communities to implement this plan through a variety of federal, state and local funds. Core funding for the LCBP is through the US Environmental Protection Agency."
"The Lake Champlain Basin Program (LCBP) works in partnership with government agencies from New York, Vermont, and Québec, private organizations, local communities, and individuals to coordinate and fund efforts that benefit the Lake Champlain Basin’s water quality, fisheries, wetlands, wildlife, recreation, and cultural resources.
These efforts are guided by the plan Opportunities for Action. The LCBP works with its program partners, advisory committees, and local communities to implement this plan through a variety of federal, state and local funds. Core funding for the LCBP is through the US Environmental Protection Agency."
The 4 grants the LSCA applied for include:
A. Pollution Prevention & Habitat Conservation
As part of this grant application, we plan to use these funds to work with the Poultney Mettowee Natural Resources Conservation District (PMNRCD) on the upcoming LSC Stormwater Master Plan to mitigate runoff. We will also be engaging with Lake residents to have their property evaluated for the Lake Wise program. Lake Wise is a program that helps property owners manage their landscaping and shoreline to protect the Lake. Properties that meet all the criteria will be given the Lake Wise Award.
B. Aquatic Invasive Species Spread Prevention
As part of this grant application, we plan to use these funds to expand our milfoil control program - and our boat launch monitoring program.
C. Education and Outreach
As part of this grant application, we plan to use these funds for eduction and outreach to local residents and governments, the state government, and other lake associations and organizations.
D. Organizational Support
As part of this grant application, we plan to use these funds to expand our outreach to the lake community though our website, social media, and mailings & newsletters in an effort to retain, recruit and expand our membership.
Martha did a great job outlining how the LSCA would use these funds to benefit Lake St. Catherine with an integrated plan incorporating all 4 grants. Great job Martha!
As you may know, the LSCA spends over $125,000 a year for the preservation, protection and maintenance of Lake St. Catherine through our various programs and projects, including (but not limited to): milfoil control, boat launch monitoring, water testing and boating safety. Finding and applying for grants, along with retaining and expanding our membership base is extremely important to fund these important programs for the Lake. The LSCA is constantly working to raise money to fund these projects through grants, state and local government support and contributions from the Lake community.
LSCA President, Jim Canders, had this to say in our grant applications:
"The four grant applications address Clean Water and a protected Watershed, Healthy Ecosystems and prevention of Aquatic Invasive Species, Thriving Communities through outreach, education, partnerships and the sharing of best practices; and an Involved Public through a more robust Lake Association with social media tools and communication strategies and great involvement of Lake residents and the local communities.
The purpose of this Comprehensive Plan reflected in these 4 applications is to leverage the good works of the LSCA to date, and to make even greater strides in positioning the LSCA for the future."
Grant award notifications will be made by March 2019. Keep your fingers crossed :)
We'll let you know when the announcement is made.
We'd like to let you know about an excellent opportunity to help support the Lake St. Catherine Association in 2019.
This year, we'll be participating in Giving Tuesday (#GivingTuesday) on our Facebook page.
From the Giving Tuesday website, #GivingTuesday is:
"...a global day of giving fueled by the power of social media and collaboration. Celebrated on the Tuesday following Thanksgiving (in the U.S.) and the widely recognized shopping events Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday kicks off the charitable season, when many focus on their holiday and end-of-year giving."
By participating in #GivingTuesday on our Facebook page, we have the opportunity to DOUBLE your yearly contribution to the LSCA.
How it works:
On Tuesday, November 27th, starting at 8 AM, Facebook and PayPal have pledged to donate up to 7 million dollars to 501(c)(3) charities by matching donations made through the charity's Facebook page.
How is the LSCA participating?:
Each year starting in late February, the LSCA reaches out to the lake community for membership dues to help fund the good work of the LSCA for the season.
This year, we're asking you to consider making your 2019 contribution of $100 or more a few months early to take advantage of this program.
How will this help Lake St. Catherine and the LSCA?:
Well, as you may know, the work the LSCA performs each season, including - but not limited to: milfoil control, water testing & monitoring, boat launch monitoring, lake buoy and marker maintenance and boating safety classes - costs over $100,000. Membership contributions make up over 40% of our funding each year. Your funding support is vital for the LSCA's work each season.
Let's set a goal. If we can collect 10% of our membership contributions on #GivingTuesday, we'd receive approximately $5,000 from members - which would be DOUBLED to $10,000 total! That would be amazing.
How can you participate?:
On the morning of Tuesday, November 27th, starting at 8 AM, you can go to our Facebook page and click on the blue Donate button at the top of our page. A screen will appear for you to type in your credit card information and contribution amount:
This makes your 2019 contribution eligible for matching by Facebook and PayPal! Your $100 (or more) could be doubled to $200! The LSCA will then send you your 2019 thank you package which will include a receipt, a LSCA window card, a LSCA Euro oval sticker and, of course, a note from our treasurer Elaine.
Please note: you will need to have a Facebook account to be able to participate.
When should you make your contribution?:
Facebook and PayPal have committed to matching up to 7 million in funds - so the amount available for matching is limited. So, to maximize the chance that your contribution will be matched, please go to the LSCA Facebook page as soon as you can on Tuesday, November 27th, starting at 8 AM.
So, we hope you'll consider making your 2019 contribution a little early this year - on #GivingTuesday, through our Facebook page - to potentially double your generous donation.
But, we certainly understand if you prefer to not make a credit card payment online - we'll be kicking off our traditional membership drive when mailings go out in February of 2019.
Please save the date!
We'll keep you up-to-date on our #GivingTuesday efforts - and we'll be sure to remind you as we get closer to the big day.
If you have any questions about #GivingTuesday, please let us know - send us an email: info@lakestcatherine.org.
Thank you for your support!
Today, we've updated the homepage of lakestcatherine.org with some AMAZING photography from around the lake by Karen Velsor and Ben Nicolson. Take a look!
You'll see photos from the Little Lake, the Big Lake and the Lily Pond, including some close up images of the various wildlife living on the lake.
Karen and Ben often post their images in the Lake St. Catherine - Vermont Facebook group.
You can see more of Karen's photos on her Fine Art America page.
You can see more of Ben's photos on his Facebook or Instagram page.
We'd like to thank them both for sharing their photos - we hope you enjoy them!
Calling all Landscapers, Contractors, and Site Workers that work on Lake St. Catherine... We'd like to let you know about a certification program being offered by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.
From the DEC's Natural Shoreland Erosion Control Certification website:
"This Certification Course covers shoreland Best Management Practices, including techniques for erosion control, stormwater management, bioengineering and wildlife habitat protection. Lakeshore owners often rely on professional contractors, landscapers, engineers or other site workers to advice and help them manage their property. The NSECC course teaches contractors both the science for using BMPs and the science of how they work to protect the lake while remaining attractive and appealing to homeowners. All workers certified through this six hour training course will be listed on the Agency of Natural Resources web site and the list will be shared with lakeshore property owners. Those certified through this course will also be given preference for grants and contracts awarded through the new Vermont Clean Water Initiative, and are eligible for professional development credits, including four non-soil credits for Licensed Designers."
2018 Training Locations and Dates:
To register and for general questions, please contact David Addeo at david.addeo@vermont.gov.
For questions about curriculum please contact Amy Picotte at amy.picotte@vermont.gov.
The course costs $20 to attend.
If you complete the certification - or if you have already, please let us know! We'll list your Natural Shoreland Erosion Control certified business on our website.
To read more about this important program, please read the "Vermont Natural Shoreland Erosion Control Certification Program - 2018 Legislative Report".
It is extremely important to protect our lake shoreline to prevent stormwater runoff which can... "contain nitrogen and phosphorus pollutants from fertilizers, pet and yard waste. Because stormwater flows over hard surfaces directly into a water body or storm drain, there is no opportunity for soil and plants to filter out pollutants." - US EPA. Keeping these pollutants out of the lake will help with water quality and will help to minimize a nutrient supply for weeds.
Please spread the word. Thank you!
Flyer for the upcoming dates:
Hello LSC,
Back in December, we informed you that long-time LSCA trustee Martin Greenberg had passed away.
Today, we want to tell you about a new plaque that was just placed on the Welcome To Lake St. Catherine sign. But first, a little bit of history about the sign.
Former LSCA President Phil Alden provided this photo of the original sign being constructed. He notes: "The principal architect of the first sign was Don Willbrandt, ably assisted by the Binghams."
Current LSCA Presidet Jim Canders recalls, "At a time after the sign was installed, a car came down the hill from North Steet and ran it over. At that point Martin became involved."
Matrin worked with a company in Rutland to reproduce the sign and fix the damage to the area and the flowers & plantings.
After Martin's passing, LSCA trustee Rand Burgner suggested that we should place a plaque at the sign, in memory of Martin. The board unanimously agreed - and Rand and Jim started researching.
They eventually contacted Sheldon Slate in Middle Granville. The owner, Peter Tatko, was extremely generous - as he donated the plaque to the LSCA. Thank you Peter!
Last Saturday, Jim and John Belnavis placed the plaque on the sign, and we took some photos:
Jim described Martin as, "...a man for all seasons, and the best time of all for him was spending the entire summer at Lake St. Catherine with his wife Ellen at their cottage on Bert’s Nest. We thank Martin for his love of the Lake and his 15 years of service to the LSCA."
We'd like to share this blast from the past with you - an article about Lake St. Catherine from the 1997 Summer edition of Vermont Life magazine entitled "A Family Kind Of Place - Lake St. Catherine's Appeal Spans The Generations" by Nancy Boardman, photographed by Jerry LeBlond.
We've scanned it and created a PDF for you to be able to read it and view the photographs.
Take a look!
[ click the link above or the cover image below to view the PDF article ]
We'd like to let you know that invasive species have been recently discovered in two nearby Vermont lakes - zebra mussels in Lake Memphremagog and spiny water flea in Lake Champlain.
On zebra mussels: Zebra mussels are an invasive species; they are a small freshwater mollusk that attaches to firm surfaces and can clog pipes and other underwater infrastructure. They are also filter-feeders, consuming microscopic aquatic life that is the base of the food web for our lakes. Their feeding habits can impact the native species that also consume those food sources.
On the spiny water flea: Dr. Tim Mihuc, Director of the Lake Champlain Research Institute, states, “This is truly a sad day for Lake Champlain. The spiny water flea has potential to severely impact the planktonic food web and will be a huge nuisance to anglers. Unfortunately, now Lake Champlain has joined Sacandaga Lake and Lake George as a major hub for future invasions into the Adirondacks and Vermont waters.”
You can read more about these unfortunate discoveries in these press releases:
Zebra Mussels Identified in Magog Bay, Lake Memphremagog
Spiny Water Flea Confirmed in Lake Champlain
It is illegal in the state of Vermont to transport aquatic invasive species. Act 67, which came into effect in 2017, states that if a certified attendant at a watercraft decontamination station identifies a vessel or trailer as requiring decontamination, boaters are obligated to comply. Failure to do so can result in fines and the involvement of law enforcement.
Each season, from Memorial Day to Labor Day, the LSCA works with the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation to staff the LSC boat launch with well-trained inspectors called Greeters. They are paid personnel of the LSCA. These Greeters inspect incoming and outgoing watercraft looking for invasive species of plant and animal life. Through their efforts, we can closely monitor and prevent other invasive species like Asian Clams, Spiny Water Fleas, Water Chestnuts and Zebra Mussels carried on visiting boats, from invading Lake St. Catherine.
We want to make sure these invasive species do nto make it into Lake St. Catherine. It is so important to inspect your boat and trailer for invasive species before launching your boat into the lake.
You can learn more about aquatic invasive species on the Vermont DEC website's Aquatic Invasive Species page.
On Saturday, August 25th, the Lake St. Catherine Association held their fourth and final meeting of the 2018 season.
The Trustees gave their reports on many topics - Click here to see the full meeting agenda. Meeting minutes compiled by Elaine Bagley, James Canders and Jerremy Jones.
August 25th 2018 Meeting of the Lake St. Catherine Board of Trustees
Lake St. Catherine Country Club, 8:30 AM
Meeting called to order by President Jim Canders at 8:30.
Present: Jim Canders, Mary Jo Teetor, Frank Callahan, Ken Abt, Phil Pope, Jerremy Jones, John Belnavis, Elaine Bagley, Bob Williams, Ed Laird, Martha Pofit
Absent: Jeff Crandall, Rob Goldman, Rob Nesbit and Kemi McShane.
* Beck Sinclair – Reviewed and explained what he’ll need to address next years DASH program along with a review of the current year. 766 20 gallon buckets of milfoil removed. Ken Abt said that we had to work closely together with SOLitude Lake Management with regard to the Spring milfoil review. Beck said that they can show great results and take most advantage of their time addressing larger patches of milfoil. He will available by May 8 or 10 next season to conduct review. Need to purchase a new silt screen for next season - $300, after that, a new hose.
Boat Parade - Need new Chairperson for 2019. Lila and Rand did a great job developing and carrying on the event, but someone has to step in to her footsteps. Lila will advise the new person. Jerremy currently has her notes and information fro past parades.
Poultney Day - Rob and Jennifer set up our booth at this event and various people participated, staffing the booth through the day. No specific report was presented, but comments about the event were favorable.
Plaque for Martin Greenberg is ready. Pete Tatko, the owner of Tatko Bros Slate Company in Middle Granville (518- 642-1640) has donated the plaque. All we have to do is pick it up. I thanked Pete for his generosity. He said that he was glad to do it because he has always been a fan of the LSCA. Possibly we can give him a free advertisement in the spring Newsletter?
Ed Laird made comment that our insurance was in good order and that he does not see any issues as we head into the fall.
John Belnavis brought up the request from the Granville Rescue Squad. It was decided to leave it tabled as we can’t afford the items/equipment that they need.
Along these lines it was suggested that we have a conversation with the Wells Select Board on the working of the 911 in our area. It takes 20 minutes for the Granville rescue to get here, by this time in a drowning, it is more of a recovery operation.
The next meeting is scheduled for May 25, 2019 at 8:30 AM, to be held at the LSCCC.
President Jim Canders called for the meeting adjournment at 11:00 AM. Motion for adjournment was made and seconded. Meeting adjourned at 11:00 AM.
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