A New Video and Seasonal Reminders

Here we are at the unofficial end of summer (Labor Day Weekend) and it's time to put Fall Activities on our calendars. Make your plans early and get your reservations or tickets! These events sell out quickly. (See posters near the end of this post.)

I just got notice of a third video produced by Jamie Dimick of Kingdom Access Television (full disclosure, Jamie is my youngest son). This video is part of a series recording our struggle with Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM) here at Joe's Pond. It is titled "JPA Hand Harvesting Eurasian Watermilfoil: Volunteer Divers, Surface Monitoring and Support." 

 Description: Conversations with just a few of the dedicated volunteers discussing their common goal. This monumental task of hand harvesting EWM at Joe's Pond during the 2025 summer season requires many special people. Some have experience, others are enjoying their new experience. The volunteers, each with diverse backgrounds - kayak, scuba, snorkel, snuba divers, and surface supporters - work in a combined effort to control EWM.

Here is the link for the video with this group: Harvesting Video

To view all videos documenting JPA's struggle to control EWM, go to the EWM Page on the JPA website.

 

Tomorrow, Saturday, August 30, is the final meeting for the Joe's Pond Association for this year, 2025. It is a very important meeting as members will be presented with some hard decisions, so it is important for members to be present to be included in discussions and to vote. The business meeting will begin promptly at 10 a.m. at the pavilion, and we will wrap up this monumental summer season with lots more information about milfoil and other important matters. A reminder - there are a few special EWM fundraiser stickers still available - see Jamie Dimick to get yours.  See you at 10 a.m.! 

 

I've noticed there are numerous hummingbirds at my feeder recently. I expect most are visitors on their way south. I have seen a few other birds flocking together - like these loons that Monique Morris photographed a little while ago. Several people have mentioned seeing lots of loons together, and this is normal. Wildlife people tell us that these are likely younger loons and that generally the older adults leave first and the younger ones sort of hang out in gangs for a while - associating with loons visiting from other ponds on their way to the coast where there will spend the winter. We often worry that these less experienced loons will stay too long and find themselves with too-short "runways" as the pond begins to freeze. Generally they are gone in time, but occasionally one will get caught short, literally, and not have enough open water to get airborne. Loon biologist for the State of Vermont, Eric Hansen has saved more than one of these hapless fellows on Vermont ponds over the years.

 

On a personal note, I had a lovely time yesterday chatting with Patty Conly, directory of the Danville Historical Society, and Debby Mariner, who works with Patty and others at the historical society. Patty and Debby were part of our team when the West Danville history book was being written. Strong friendships were formed then, and we have remained in touch over the years. Our group was formed in 2013 when the initial idea for a book was being explored. At first it was Patty, Dorothy Larrabee, Jane Larrabee, and myself. We eventually persuaded Linda Bishop to join us as our editor, and Randi Leightcap later came on board as our graphic artist. Sadly, Jane Larrabee died in March, 2020, and Dorothy a year later, in April, 2021. The writing mostly finished by then, and Debby was enlisted to help us through the final stages of production, scheduling events, advertising, and managing business details.  

 

We have seen each other individually over the years since the book was published in 2021, and we talked about everyone getting together, but it never happened. Well, it still really hasn't happened. Unfortunately, the only time that seemed possible was yesterday - however, Linda was at sea, literally, sailing in Maine, and Randi had a previous commitment - but we decided we three would get together anyway and try again for a full reunion another time. I supplied the place and the wine - Patty and Deb came laden with two wonderful home-made dips and the biggest bouquet of flowers I think I've ever seen! The weather was perfect for porch sitting, and had it not been that the temperature dropped significantly after the sun dipped behind the hill, we probably would have stayed there longer. We had a lot to catch up on! 

 

As usual, the Danville Historical Society has a lot going on - and their Beanhole Supper at Greenbanks Hollow is a favorite. It is a real treat to see them uncover the pots of beans that have been cooking underground for many hours, and they taste really, really good. Each cook uses his own special seasoning and secret methods for preparing the beans for baking underground. Some are spicy, some are really dark, some lighter, and sometimes varieties are combined. It's fun to try a little from each pot. There are great cooks in Danville, so delicious side dishes and desserts make a really scrumptious meal. Add to that seeing lots of folks you haven't seen in a while and meeting new people as they are seated at the long tables, makes it great fun, especially if the weather cooperates. This year it's on September 14 - a Sunday afternoon. Be there early - at least by 12:30 p.m. to watch the uncovering of the beans!

 Then, on September 27th, the North Danville Baptist Church is serving their famous Chicken Pie Supper! I always look forward to this one every year, too. It's just about the best chicken pie supper around. I get take-out and pick my order up at the church. I love the drive there - we are usually beginning to get some color by then and over the years I don't believe I've ever experienced bad weather on that evening. However, if you are in the general area, you can arrange to have meals delivered to you. I'm not sure how that works, but I am sure they have a great system. Just make your plans well ahead of time - don't wait until the last minute or you will likely be out of luck. 

 

That's all I have for today - and I am delighted to report that this morning we have had a lovely, steady, gentle rain that has no doubt done a heap of good for our parched lawns, trees, crops and gardens. It is going to let up this afternoon - in fact I think it may be winding down already - but every drop helps. My pond is almost dry - Liz Sargent mentioned that many of the brooks and ponds in her area (North Danville) are non-existent. Water is certainly in short supply and many communities are warned to limit their use of water. It's tempting to water lawns and gardens, but just not wise when we have been so long without rain. The sky is brightening now - I'm hoping we don't get full sun - it would be nice if the ground could just absorb the moisture without having the sun boil it away before it can sink in and do some good. Unfortunately, we don't always get what we wish for!

 

Have a wonderful Labor Day Weekend - be happy, healthy, and stay safe.