Watatic Lake News. wataticlakeassociation.org/

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Georgia Newman
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1 Watatic Lake News It doesn t seem fair that the best season of the year slips by so quickly. We ve had a great summer weather wise, but as I am writing this, there s already a feeling of fall in the air. It actually got down into the 50 s last night. Despite my reluctance to let my favorite season go, living where we do makes every season enjoyable. Somehow, the lake takes on a calm feeling in autumn. While many folks here are full time residents, those who are not close their camps to spend the cooler seasons elsewhere. We no longer hear the roar of motorboats, the whine of jet skis or the screams of delight as children play in the water. There may be the occasional cook out or bonfire, but as autumn morphs into winter, things really quiet down, until the snows arrive. While the snow mobile s may stir up some action, many folks enjoy peacefully snow shoeing or cross country skiing on the lake. Lake Watatic is a wonderful place to live, because it gives us so much enjoyment all through the year, but there s one more SUMMER 2012 very important component- the people. This is a close knit community with some of the best neighbors around. If you need help, they ll be there no matter what. That s one of the reasons I love living here so much. Many neighborhoods have lost a sense of closeness and community. People work all day and often have little time to get together or even just say, Hi, how are you doing? to their neighbors. An overall friendly feeling pervades this little area, but even more impressive than that is the sense of commitment people have for protecting and preserving the lake. The annual weed treatment is expensive but necessary to keep Watatic s waters as weed free as possible. Every year, we urge everyone to do their part, and many do step up to the plate. Last year (at final count), 90 residents contributed, but so far this year, only 76 have done so. If you haven t sent in your contribution yet, please do it now. In the spring newsletter, we publish the names of everyone who has done their share, so we all know who doesn t. These are the people we need to reach. If you feel comfortable doing so, talk to them and urge them to share the responsibility the rest of us have willingly accepted- to care for the lake that gives all of us so much. DF OOPS! We apologize to Derek Landry, whose name was mistakenly omitted from the list of 2011 contributors. We are so sorry, Derek, and thank you for your continued support. NEW MEMBERS We welcome the following new members to the WLA. Kenneth and Marie Mullen, Lakeshore Drive John Ford, Lakeshore Drive DATES TO REMEMBER Mark your calendars! Sunday, August AM Last WLA meeting of the year will be held at the Bouvier s Beach on Forest Lane, off Hilltop Drive. Please come and hear the latest lake news, enjoy a cup of coffee and see your neighbors. Last weed treatment (for the lily pads): To be determined. Watch for the notices around the lake, and please- no boating or swimming for 24 hours after treatment!

2 2 WATATIC LAKE NEWS Summer 2012 possible to stack this special meeting, and Ron Putnam will meeting. It is in the town s best serve as the election interest to get going on this committee. Our secretary, project, because costs keep Peg Bellabarba, has resigned, so increasing. Work on the dam we hope someone will offer to will be paid for by the town. help us out. Thanks to Peg for *President s Report: The first her meeting minutes and for her weed treatment will be done on years of service. June 28 th, and residents are advised to stay out of the water JUNE 2012 WLA MEETING RECAP The first WLA meeting of 2012 was held on June 24 th, and 39 people were in attendance. Highlights of the meeting are as follows: *Treasurer s Report: Dick stated that contributions to date were $11,817, which isn t quite enough to cover the $12,270 weed treatment. The shortfall will be made up with association dues and money raised from past fund raisers. Dick indicated that last year, 88 people had contributed (at that time), and he hoped that at least as many would contribute this year. *Vice President s Report: This year, Mark stated that we have to file a notice of intent (to treat the lake), and there will be a filing fee. Aquatic Control will handle it, as they know best how the process works. Half of the boat excise tax collected goes to the lakes through the Lakes Coalition. Previously, the money was used for the police boat and overtime pay for the officer manning it. From now on, each lake will receive these funds on a rotating basis. It is expected that the WLA will receive $750 this year to be used for miscellaneous lake needs. Dam update: The current estimate for permitting costs, damage assessment, easements, design completion and survey work is $97,200. There will be an article on the town warrant in the fall to start the process for repair, and we will need as many registered voters as for the first 24 hours. Don t water plants, flowers or grass (with lake water) until July 4 th. Frank stated that there seem to be more weeds than usual this year due to the warmer than usual spring weather. If anyone visiting brings any kind of watercraft to use in our lake, Frank strongly suggests you have them clean them to ensure no new weed varieties are introduced to our lake. Frank stressed the importance of boating safety on the lake. A jet ski was confiscated by the Environmental Police recently, because it was believed to be stolen, and the operator was not wearing a life jacket and was also towing a skier. If you witness any violations to the boating law, the best thing to do is to call the Ashburnham police. Thanks to the efforts of many back lot folks, the WLA beach looks good. Frank reminded everyone that the beach is for back lot WLA members and that any guests must be accompanied by a member. No boats should be launched or removed from the lake between 9 AM and 6 PM. Frank added that no parking is allowed at the entrance to the beach. Election of officers will take place this year at the August BOAT AND JET SKI LAWS Operating any type of watercraft is a responsibility, but all too often, people with no prior experience can be seen out on the lake doing things they shouldn t. Even if you don t own a boat or jet ski of your own, it is your responsibility to ensure that guests, who visit and bring their own toys, obey the rules. For this reason, here are a few of the Massachusetts boating regulations. Age restrictions: Motorboats: No one under 16 years of age, unless they have completed a state approved boating safety course. Personal watercraft: (PWC s/jet skis): No one under 18 years of age, unless they have completed a state approved boating safety course. Life preservers must be worn by youth less than 12 years of age, personal watercraft users, water skiers, canoeists and kayakers. *On inland waters, operating at a speed greater than 45mph is considered negligent operation. *Operating a motorboat or PWC under the influence of alcohol or drugs is prohibited. *Operating a motorboat during the nighttime while towing skiers, tubers, etc. is prohibited.

3 3 WATATIC LAKE NEWS Summer 2012 PWCs may be operated only most important things in the FOLKS IN OUR from sunrise to sunset. world to him. NEIGHBORHOOD *When operating a PWC, it is He attended plays, birthdays, illegal to: christenings and Grandparents -Tow a water skier or a person Day at school. Papa was in any other manner behind it. always there. He filled their -Jump the wake of another hearts with love, and his heart vessel. was filled with pride. Over the -Speed in restricted areas. years, he enjoyed camping with -Follow within 150 feet of a his children, teaching them to water-skier. drive and planning their -Cross unreasonably close to weddings. Memories of another vessel. Christmases, birthdays and -Weave through congested family functions, especially July waterway traffic. 4 th cookouts, were filled with -Operate in such a manner that love. His greatest joy was date it endangers the life, limb, or night with his wife, Ann, of 53 property of any person. years. -Chase or harass wildlife with He was hospitalized for over your PWC. a month but touched many lives until his passing on February This is just a brief summary of the regulations. You can find complete information at this web site: CONDOLENCES Long time WLA member and supporter, Wayne Ericson, passed away earlier this year. His loving wife, Ann, wrote this touching tribute to her husband. To know Wayne was to love him. He was best known for his sense of humor. There never was a more loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, friend, worker or just a mere acquaintance. His grandchildren and great grand babies were the 20 th of this year. He will be missed by all. He loved the lake, and many people still ask for him. Thank you. Annie This year, Odd Pine Blueberry Farm on Ferin Road, is celebrating its 53 rd year as a family operated business. While most of us in the immediate area are wellacquainted with the farm s existence, word has spread far and wide about the delicious blueberries that owners Doug and JoAnn Helenius cultivate. I chatted with Doug recently about the history of the business and what it takes to run a successful blueberry farm. Doug brought me inside a small building on the premises which is now used as a storage shed and for family gatherings but was once used for cranberry processing by one of the former owners. The walls are covered with photograph collages, newspaper articles and letters from people who have visited the farm through the years. It s a virtual museum. When Doug s folks bought the property in 1959, it was just a camp, but they started planting all kinds of vegetables and sold them to the summer residents who came to the area. Doug recalls when he was just a boy how his mom would drive him in their pick up truck to deliver the goods to customers doorsteps. In 1971, Doug and JoAnn were married, and the first blueberry field was planted the following spring. They started with four varieties, but because they were new to the

4 WATATIC LAKE NEWS Summer 2012 blueberry business, it was hit or miss at first. They found that expensive these days, it s not cost effective to use them.

You can visit the Jersey variety was a no While the Heleniuses their web site anytime for go, because the plants grow advertise in several local current growth and picking quickly, require constant

4 4 WATATIC LAKE NEWS Summer 2012 blueberry business, it was hit or miss at first. They found that expensive these days, it s not cost effective to use them. yet, I recommend you put it on your to do list. You can visit the Jersey variety was a no While the Heleniuses their web site anytime for go, because the plants grow advertise in several local current growth and picking quickly, require constant newspapers, they find word of conditions: maintenance and don t yield a mouth is the best form of lot of berries. The whole family advertisement. They have html attended classes and seminars to customers from all over New educate themselves about England, but recently a In addition, if this newsletter growing blueberries. Once gentleman from Houston, TX reaches you in time, don t forget things got going, they made visited the farm. Regardless of to attend the second annual deliveries to their customers but where they re from, many folks Blueberry Breakfast on later told them they could come and pick berries themselves, and the idea caught on. When Doug and JoAnn first took over the farm, it was a return year after year. Before I left, Doug showed me more pictures on the wall of the storage shed. From 1987 to 1990, they invited folks in for Sunday, August 12 th from 9-11 AM at the Cushing Academy Dining Hall. Thank you, Doug, for your time and for sharing your story. challenge, because they were wreath making during the working full time. The weather was always an unpredictable factor, too. Too much wind or rain could be damaging to the plants. Despite all this, the farm has flourished with five acres of berries and approximately 3,000 holiday season. Customers plants. There is still a lot of work involved, but now that Doug and JoAnn are retired, it s a bit easier to manage. Pruning must be done once a year, usually in February, but is time consuming and must be done by hand. If there s too much snow on the ground, it can t be done. The plants are fertilized in the spring and are treated with an organic insecticide, Dipel, during picking season. While caterpillars, Japanese Beetles and maggots are the primary pests, most wildlife doesn t present a problem to the crops. When I asked Doug what the basic requirements are to grow healthy bushes, he replied Good soil with a PH of 5.4 is ideal. Mulching also helps, especially with sawdust and wood chips, but they are so were allowed to cut branches from the trees on their property and were supplied with all the materials they needed to make a wreath. All this plus refreshments for only $3.00! It was easy to see that everyone was having a great time by the wide smiles on their faces. The first year, 23 people showed up, but by 1990, that number grew to 250. They made it work by having people come in on hourly shifts, but it was still a bit overwhelming. In 2009, to celebrate the farm s 50 th anniversary, Doug and JoAnn had an open house to let people view the pictures and re-live some of the wonderful times and share fond memories. Doug and JoAnn are kind neighbors, too. When you check in at the booth, there is a little tin for voluntary contributions they make for various worthy causes. This year, all monies collected will go to US Veterans. If you haven t visited Odd Pine Farm A Room filled with memories (Inside the Odd Pine Farm shed) The Odd Pine Farm

5 WATATIC LAKE NEWS Summer 2012 RECIPE SWAP contribute to the weed fund, please send your check to: Now that blueberries are on your minds, here s a recipe for blueberry muffins that s rated 4 ½ out

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup white sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose

Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries.

Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done.

5 5 WATATIC LAKE NEWS Summer 2012 RECIPE SWAP contribute to the weed fund, please send your check to: Now that blueberries are on your minds, here s a recipe for blueberry muffins that s rated 4 ½ out of 5 stars on the web site. 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 3/4 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 1/3 cup vegetable oil 1 egg 1/3 cup milk 1 cup fresh blueberries 1/2 cup white sugar 1/3 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 cup butter, cubed 11/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon Preheat oven to 400 degrees Grease muffin cups or line with muffin liners. Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 3/4 cup sugar, salt and baking powder. Place vegetable oil into a 1 cup measuring cup; add the egg and enough milk to fill the cup. Mix this with flour mixture. Fold in blueberries. Fill muffin cups right to the top, and sprinkle with crumb topping mixture. To Make Crumb Topping: Mix together 1/2 cup sugar, 1/3 cup flour, 1/4 cup butter, and 1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon. Mix with fork, and sprinkle over muffins before baking. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes in the preheated oven, or until done. CLASSIFIED ADS WLA members can advertise in this newsletter or on the WLA web site for free. If you have something to sell or a service you wish to let folks know about, contact Dick Robillard or Diane Fiorentino. {Nonmembers may advertise for a nominal fee.} PAUL S PLATE GLASS AUTO-HOME- COMMERCIAL We re Your One-Stop Glass Shop 289 Water Street (Rt. 12) Fitchburg, MA WLA MEMBERSHIP INFORMATION To join the WLA (Watatic Lake Association) and to Watatic Lake Association P.O. Box 485 Ashburnham, MA Annual dues: $35 (For administrative and miscellaneous expenses.) Weed contribution: * Lake front owners: $135 * Back lot owners: $70 WLA OFFICERS President Frank Fiorentino Vice President Mark Dymek Treasurer Dick Robillard Secretary Peg Bellabarba BOARD OF DIRECTORS Harry Bellabarba Harold Dandy Monica Labrado Ron Putnam Aquatic Control Treating the Lake- June 28th

Top down vs bottom up

Top down vs bottom up Doreen from Silwood, a social housing estate in South London Mark Saunders Mark Saunders of Spectacle, a London-based independent and participatory media project, has been documenting