Final JPA Meeting of the 2023 Season!

This was the final meeting for the Joe's Pond Association for this year, 2023.  Although a couple of board members could not be present today, there was an excellent turnout of members - this was an important meeting and it started promptly at 10 a.m. and miraculously, it was adjourned a bit after 11. I didn't actually look at my watch, but I had expected it to go much longer. Today's meeting was orderly and efficient. There were important issues to discuss and vote upon - mainly the fireworks; but nobody monopolized the floor or got too long-winded with their comments, and there were valid points brought up on both sides of the issue. It is impossible for everyone to be pleased with the outcome in a situation like this, but now we know what the majority of our members want, and that is a fair, democratic way to resolve any issue. 

Because just about every camp on the pond was represented at today's meeting, I'm sure just about everyone knows the outcome, but for those of you who are not members of JPA but who may be interested, the members voted (by paper ballot) strongly in favor of having fireworks in 2024. Now the question is, will JPA be able to find a location from which to fire them off? 

I have explained earlier that the rail trail is no longer viable because traffic would need to be rerouted around the setup location which would mean directing hikers and bikers onto Route 2, and this would not only be a very expensive proposition, it would also be dangerous with increased holiday traffic  on Route 2 and more than the usual number of hikers and bikers using the trail because of the holiday. Not a good mix. Liability for JPA would be a serious drawback.  President Joe Hebert gave a brief overview of the specific requirements that have to be met, and discussion was brief and constructive. A search committee is ready to begin looking at possibilities and they will report to the board in the spring. If all goes well, fireworks will happen in 2024.

It always impresses me that JPA meetings are so congenial and civil. Even when there are serious disagreements, our members rarely get very heated - or if they do, they are great about not being disruptive or discourteous. Robert's Rules were used today to be sure people were heard and the process was fair and moved ahead efficiently. The vote by paper ballot was an exceptionally rare occurrence, but it was handled perfectly. Again, I was impressed and very proud of our board and our members. All good people! Thanks to Jamie Dimick for the photos!

And so we close the summer season "officially" and advance to fall. Here is one of the early indicators that autumn is almost here: 

Liz Sargent sent me notice of the chicken pie supper at North Danville that is coming right up. This is one of the really, really good dinners, believe me. Fred and I always looked forward to getting take-out meals, and I still do - usually including some friends in the plan. You can even have your meals delivered if you are in the St. J/Danville area. But I love the drive to North Danville especially that time of year - the foliage is usually beginning to show nice colors and actually I don't remember ever going there on a rainy day to pick up our meals. Whether you decide to eat there, pick up, or have your meal(s) delivered, I know you won't be disappointed.

When I got home from the meeting today I had an email from my neighbors, John and Liz Randall.  Liz sent these photos. She commented on the fact that there were more rainbows than usual this summer! She said that pot never got filled with gold, though!

I bet John's grandchildren will be cheering him on to continue holding that pot at the end of every rainbow - just in case! 

Have a wonderful, safe and happy Labor Day Weekend, Everyone!