Annual Meeting of JPA

The latest newsletter from the Federation of Vermont Lakes and Ponds (FVLP) just arrived in my email. There will be another opportunity in August for people to voice their opinions regarding wake boats. Joe's Pond, if the current proposed regulations become law, is eligible for wake boat use. According to the general specifications, our pond meets the size and acreage criteria, and there are no boating restrictions here to be considered such as some other small lakes and ponds have put in place. 

Curious, I looked up a depth-map of Joe's Pond, and it seems to me that staying within the 20ft. depth restriction would be very difficult. There are deep spots, but they are neither broad nor extensive enough to allow a viable path for a wake boat needing to stay even 500 ft. offshore, make a turn, and still be within the 20ft. depth limit. You will see that the depth of our pond is less than 20 ft. in many spots, which would probably be a good argument for being added to the list of ponds where wake boats are prohibited.

Whatever your thoughts, you have the opportunity to express them at one of the meetings or by email through the FVLP.

Yesterday's JPA Annual Meeting was quite unusual. Generally, our meetings run about one hour at most. Yesterday, some of us were there for nearly two hours, mostly discussing fireworks. Secretary Jamie Stewart will have the minutes posted on the website soon - I'm sure he will need extra time to untangle whatever notes he was able to make during that chaotic meeting. There were numerous speakers, many pros and cons, motions made, seconded, voted and superseded. It was unclear exactly how Robert's Rules of Order should or could apply as the discussion progressed, and there were inconclusive voice votes followed by standing votes, and a reminder that JPA bylaws allow for only one vote per camp, not per person -- and the whole thing finally being tabled until the fall meeting in order to give the board time to further investigate possible new regulations regarding setting up on the rail trail, and other possible options for setting up; and perhaps some indication of what the cost of professional fireworks might be in 2024. At the current cost of $12,500 and for a display lasting approximately 18 minutes (according to treasurer Jack LaGue), the cost is almost $700 a minute.

The consensus seemed to be that JPA members want to have the historic event reinstated next year, and will search for ways to fund it. In addition to the cost, setting up on the rail-trail presents another problem. The Board will try to explore those options, seeking permission from the LVRT (rail trail) management (State of Vermont) and/or finding work-arounds that are viable.

JPA has not had so many "hot potatoes" to handle in quite some time, but I'm sure it will be worked out the the general satisfaction of most members and others concerned. 

Jamie Dimick gave me photos of yesterday's meeting. It was very well attended  and extra seating had to be put out to accommodate the larger-than-usual crowd. Overall, it was a good meeting, although too long and not that productive. People were able to express their viewpoints, and that's what it's all about. 

Ice Out Tickets are available from Diane Rossi and at Hastings Store. In years past, JPA members were given 10 tickets per camp and asked to sell those. However, as times changed and we developed a website, that custom was dropped. Now, people pick up whatever number of tickets they want - and many don't take any. Ticket sales have grown or remained about the same in recent years mainly because of on-line sales. However, I'd like to remind readers how much fun it is to buy a supply of tickets so you can distribute them as little gifts in cards for birthdays, or as "tips" for your doctor, dentist, plumber, or electrician throughout the year. We have some members who have businesses who buy tickets to give to their clients or as an added perk for their employees. Last year one of our members purchased tickets and gave them to Waterford School, and the students and staff there explored scientific probabilities involving, weather, ice formation, etc., and of course the excitement of possibly winning money for the school. If you have a special project or think of some other way to buy or sell more Ice-Out tickets, get in touch with Diane or one of her committee members. $1.00 for each ticket is an exceptional bargain, especially when recipients of these little "gifts" get such a kick out of receiving them. They make great little extras at wedding receptions or in Christmas stockings. Be creative - tuck one into Aunt Minnie's get well card and watch her face light up; or give one to the plumber who crawled under your sink to unplug a drain; or someone you don't even know but who looks like they need a pick-me-up. They are great conversation starters! Try it, and enjoy. Just be sure you mark "PAID" on the stub of the ticket you give them and tell them to be sure to send it in. Or better yet, have them make it out on the spot and you send the stub in.