JPA Isn't Seasonal!

 This is a beautiful fall day here at the edge of the Northeast Kingdom! We have had exceptionally warm days (and nights) but no rain. However, tonight we are looking forward to the first soaking rain we've had in a long time. We might get a couple of inches! That should help the water table, but may not be enough unless we get more again soon. Everything is parched.

The foliage has been very spotty this year. I have some nice color around my house, but really only a couple of maples. Most of the maples and other trees are dulled by the heat and dust, and the leaves have either already fallen, or they are showering down quickly in today's breeze.  Fall Foliage Week had very nice weather, and that was a plus for everyone, even if the foliage wasn't up to the usual spectacular standards. Jamie filmed a parade in Groton for KATV last weekend and shared it with me. The parade is interesting, and he added some wonderful fall pictures at the end, taken on his way home that day and a few more on our ride Sunday, so if you are missing seeing nice scenery, check it out. I was impressed with the parade - it had lots of floats and I'm sure the tourists loved it, as well as the locals. 

Even though many of our summertime friends have left Joe's Pond for their winter homes, our Joe's Pond Association Board of Directors is still looking out for us and keeping us in the loop. Here is a recent message from JPA President, Joe Hebert: 

 As many of you will recall, a discussion and subsequent vote regarding the July fireworks was held at our fall meeting on August 30th. At that time the cost of the display for 2026 was unknown. The result of the vote was to proceed with the fireworks with the added stipulation that our expenditure not exceed  $15,000.  A question was posed that if the cost exceeded $15,000 could private donations be used for the difference. This concept had been proposed in 2024 for a potentially larger show.  At that time, the board of directors unanimously agreed that all donations be used to offset and not supplement any expenses. The board's recommendation was then presented at the following meeting and accepted by the members. This position was reiterated prior to the vote at the August fall meeting.

 Last week we learned that the cost for 2026 fireworks would increase from $13,000 to $20,000 which is essentially $1,000 per minute. The board of directors discussed the situation and felt that it is absolutely imperative to honor the vote of the members. Doing otherwise is not an option. Consequently we have notified the vendor of our intention to cancel the fireworks.

Parting with tradition is always difficult,  but it is essential we adapt to the current environmental and financial times. Moving forward perhaps we can collectively find another way to celebrate our nation's birthday.

Joe Hebert

President  JPA

I'm sure we will find some other way to celebrate the Fourth of July. There are always lots of individuals who manage to put on a pretty decent fireworks display, and I expect there will be plenty of celebration going on without a professional display. Joe's Ponders are creative and will come up with something fun to do that will involve everyone one the pond and in the surrounding communities. With solar generated lights available, we could have a pretty decent boat parade that night, with boats and homes decorated with lights. Those who are ordinarily out on the water to watch the fireworks would make an impressive "parade" of watercraft moving slowly around the pond - complete with lights and music (and probably an occasional firework burst!). Our boat parades in the 1970s and early 1980s  used to be during the daytime, and that was always fun, but it got to be lots of work and it was difficult to find someone to organize it. Anything worthwhile usually involves some work - and Joe's Ponders are willing and able to figure this out and put in the work. We have an enthusiastic younger generation who will think of something, I bet!

Our Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM) saga has been well documented through the process of first discovery to a variety of methods trying to control it. As you travel along Route 2 past the first pond, you will notice lots of small markers in the water. Those are marking where milfoil has been identified. Our efforts to control it have been legendary, but the fight isn't over, by any means. There is still a lot to do, and although the weather has allowed some activity this late in the season, the water is cooling and divers will need to stop their work until next spring. In the meantime, here is an interesting article that appeared in the North Star Monthly recently: WEED WARS.

On a personal note - I'm still somewhat restricted in movement and using a walker, but making good progress with my knee healing well, I think. I will have a follow-up appointment next Monday and hopefully will be able to begin moving/bending my knee more  - and maybe graduate to using just a cane. I  understand this is a long process, but everything seems to be going well, and although I get tired, there is little or no pain - as long as I don't do anything stupid. I want to thank all the friends who have sent messages, cards, phoned me, and stopped by offering help and encouragement. I love all of you, and thank you for thinking of me. Your concern is very appreciated, and I won't hesitate to call on you if I need to!

Enjoy the nice weather - and especially the coming rain. So many of our neighbors are out of water, this will be a welcome relief, hopefully. Everyone in our area has been warned to conserve water if they still have it, and Cabot Fire Department is providing water for those who no longer have it in their homes. This is very unusual, and not the way we want to head into winter. Hopefully, November will be a really wet month!