Rising to the Cause(s)

 I received this notice from Steve Larrabee today: 

 

After the Association decided not to sponsor fireworks, a group of ponders decided to raise money to have them. The main reason was that July 4, 2026, is the 250th anniversary of our nation's independence. The fireworks are expensive -- $ 20,000.00, but the good news is we've already raised over 50% of it. We are looking for donations from anyone willing to do so. Thank you --  any amount will be welcome.

 

Donations can be made out to the Town of Danville, and please write "fireworks" in the memo. Also, it's important to mention your donation is tax deductible.

Your check can be mailed to: 

Town of Danville 

P.O. Box 183 

Danville , Vt. 05828 

 

Or you can drop it off at the town hall. The fireworks will be held on July 3rd with a rain date of July 5th, at the same location as for the last few years [from the Cairnes waterfront on the Rte. 15 side of the middle pond].

 

We appreciate the town clerk's office for all the help receiving the checks and making the payments.

 

We also want to mention that the Joe's Pond Association is focusing in on milfoil management and eradication, so their funds priority is targeted for that, which we all support. 

 

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Thanks to Steve for this bit of good news. It is good to know that fireworks will be seen at Joe's Pond, as usual, this special 250th anniversary of our independence. I know some Joe's Ponders were terribly disappointed when members voted not to spend money for fireworks because of the ongoing expense of trying to contain Eurasian watermilfoil (EWM). I totally understand. Fireworks have been an institution here for many years. I am happy that individuals have stepped in to preserve that tradition, especially for this special "birthday celebration year"  -- thanks to each and every one of you.

 

It is unfortunate that tough choices had to be mate now that  we are in a battle with milfoil This  is going to cost thousands of dollars each year, and all efforts of Joe's Pond Association (JPA) whether summertime fund-raising projects or wintertime Ice-Out Contest ticket sales, need to be concentrated at present on the crisis we face with EWM. Volunteers put in countless hours of time and effort trying to track and control the spread of this invasive plant this past summer, but their efforts were only partially successful and there is deep concern that the infestation is spreading and threatening to seriously clog our lake, eventually killing fish and making swimming impossible. We are concerned that it can be so easily spread to previously unaffected areas here or to other bodies of water. Even a tiny bit clinging to a boat, paddle, or fishing lure can start a new colony, so we need to conquer it.

 

It is especially heartwarming that we can all work together so we have not only a wonderful July 4th celebration, but hopefully -- eventually -- with lots of work and luck, we can once again enjoy a clean, milfoil-free lake. It is that sort of cooperation, understanding, and dedication that we have come to expect expect from our Joe's Pond community and friends of Joe's Pond. Thank you all - your support of these efforts is needed and very appreciated.

 

Wishing you all good health, happiness, and peace.