JPA Annual Meeting & More!

Our Annual Meeting was very well attended today, in spite of (or perhaps because of!) the showery weather. The rain came down hard early this morning and then there were some sunny breaks just before the meeting. During the meeting the clouds gathered and we had a nice, steady rain for a few minutes. That's the sort of day this has been so far. We expect more rain tonight.

At our meeting, a lot was accomplished, and you will be able to read the minutes within a day or two. I can tell you that the JPA Board recommended no action regarding changing membership rules that have been in place for many years. The present arrangement of one vote per member-household around the pond works and the very few times that may have been questioned or challenged over the years each case was considered and decided individually so that all parties were satisfied. The Board also recommended no change in how Fireworks Donations are applied; and there will be fireworks in 2025. There was no discussion and everyone was in agreement.

On the proposal of whether or not to submit a petition to the State of Vermont requesting that Wake Boat activity be prohibited on Joe's Pond was voted upon. After considerable discussion, a vote was taken and the result was 42-18 in favor of submitting the petition. Member David Kidney will help with that. Once submitted, the State will consider our petition, and there will be further meetings whereby information will be gathered from both sides of the issue before a final decision is make. The could take many months, and certainly won't happen right away; there are other lakes and ponds also submitting petitions.

The cyanobacteria report (blue-green algae) for our pond right now is not good. Rains and heat - climate change - with probably other factors have contributed to blooms in the cove near the Association's Recreation Area and also near the narrows at the southeast end of the third (largest) pond. Volunteer Dorothea Penar asked members to consider carefully what they do to their property. She said grass is not a sufficient barrier for runoff - and if fertilizers are used, that compounds the problem of runoff into the pond. Also, culverts and ditching leading directly into the pond contribute to bacteria and cyanobacteria blooms. She referred to Vermont's tracking system - a Cyanobacteria Map that can be accessed on line. If there are significant blooms in a lake, it will show up on the map and alerts will be sent to the public. She will also alert JPA members using the website. (Photos of today's meeting are by Jamie Dimick.)

On a lighter side, I have just been notified that Geoffrey & Jennie Carnes (3932 Rte 2 W, near the fishing access) will have "Cowboy Bud" playing music at their cottage this afternoon/evening. If you are out in your boat, feel free to linger a while in on the water there and listen. It's always fun to hear the music from the water - but be aware there may be passing thunder storms, so be on the lookout and prepared to get to shelter quickly if a storm is approaching. Have fun, be safe.