October, 2011 President’s Message I can’t believe summer is over and the State Fair and the start of school is upon us. Your Officers, Directors and a few concerned members have accomplished much in these few months. I don’t know how we would have kept our busy schedule if we did not have these dedicated individuals. The same people keep stepping up to the challenge and deserve all the thanks we can give them. Won’t you consider stepping forward and volunteering a few hours to reduce the load on these overworked members? I know when I see members at meetings and when they send in their memberships, many times they list activities they would be willing to help in but when the call is made it is not returned or they are not available. We all have very busy lives but can always find the time to do the things that matter the most to us. Won’t you make your Association one of those things that matter? By doing so you are helping to leave the lake, river and the surrounding environment in better condition for future generations, your grandchildren and great grandchildren. As the years go by this is of more concern to me and hopefully to all of you. Your present Officers and Directors are not going to be around forever and the time has come to start breaking in the next generation to take over the mission. Consider coming to a membership meeting to see what is needed and how you can help by learning the duties and responsibilities of being and Officer, Director, or Committee Chair and if one of those fits with your interests. The only requirement is the ability to work well and in harmony with others and the dedication to be available when the call is made. Water Quality testing for the TMDL Study has been resumed after the State shut down halted all activity that was supported by the state. The Association took Water Quality Funds to do the TMDL testing during this time in an effort to get the data to support the study on the required schedule. We are also testing streams going into the lake but this money has not been affected by the shut down. Be sure to read the Water Quality articles written by Jerry Trent in this and other issues of the CROSSINGS. We are all so fortunate to have someone with Jerry’s qualifications to oversee the testing, draw conclusions from the data and keep the appropriate agencies informed. We have purchased and placed 12 coconut rolls this summer in various culverts to help reduce the nutrients entering the lakes from farm fields. These rolls are biodegradable, having a life of about 3 years, and need yearly maintenance. Thanks to Ron Levin, Frank Ramish, Jerry Trent, David Videen, and Dean Yorston for their hard work in this effort. This project is being paid for by a grant applied for and received from the Snake River Watershed Management Board and the MPCA. By documenting reductions in nutrients using these rolls we were able to continue this project. Activities in this issue are the Freedom Fest and our Food Booth that helps support our Scholarship Program. We were able to make $500.00 to support the program. The July Boat Parade, though small, was fun and very casual. Dinner/Dance tickets go to the winner, Bill McManus and his crew. See pictures in this issue. The Senior Outing at Lakeside is always a great success. All the residents and the Senior Singers were served Cookies, root beer floats, lemonade, and Ice Cream after the Senior Singers concert. The Fair booth and Fair Parade will also be over as you read this. Again it was very hard to get volunteers to man the booth even for two hours at a time. Many calls were made but only a few stepped forward. Without your Officers and Directors taking multiple shifts this booth would not have been open. Once again we joined with Pokegama for our Annual Golf Outing, a fun time for all. A very important activity is our Annual Meeting on Saturday, September 17th at 9:00 a.m. at the Legion where you vote for Association Officers and Directors. We need a quorum to hold this very important meeting so put it on your calendars now. Don’t’ forget to sign up for our fall Dinner/Dance and Silent Auction at the Legion on October 9th. There will be a Halloween Theme and dancing to the Cruisers for a fun time for all. Thanks to all the members who contribute with their time, support, and money to Water Quality and our great Social Events. Without you there would be no Association. Judy Yorston, President, The Cross Lake Association of Pine County | |