June 2017

Of The Bear Pond Improvement Association Bear Pond Currents Is The Seasonal Newsletter

President Henry Pelletier 224-0186

Vice President Larry Giroux 224-7674

Secretary Karen Wilcox 224-8061

Treasurer Eva Leavitt 224-7139

Board Of Directors Mike Gordon - 224-7812

Pete Angell - 225-3737

Pete Pilsbury - 225-3271

Mary Wallace - 224-7198

Kent Mitchell - 224-7375

Joan Kelly - 224-7312

Damkeepers - D.Twitchell, L. Giroux

Loon Nest - J. Driscoll, R. Beaudet

Newsletter - R. Bray, M. Wallace

Refreshments - Girouxs

Maine Lakes Society—L. Breidenbach

Certified Water Testing Monitors -

R. Bray, K. Mitchell, J. Kelly, G. Kimball

Certified Invasive Plant Surveyors -

R. Bray, G. Kimball

Committee Members

Membership/Fundraiser - E. Hoy, M.

Wallace, L. Breidenbach, D. Maxwell

Lake Hazards — R. Bois, D. Bois, M.

Wallace, P. Pilsbury, R. Bray

Protection - P. Pilsbury, M. Gordon, K.

Mitchell, W.Weed, E. Leavitt

Fun Day – L. & C. Giroux, P. & K.

Angell, P. & N. Pilsbury, K. & P.

Mitchell, T. & M. Gordon, E. Leavitt,

D. Maxwell, M. Wallace, B. Goddard Little Bear Water Quality & Delta -

J. Kelly, L. & J. Schwellenbach, J.

Bonaventura, K. Martin, R. Beaudet, B.

Landry

BPIA, P.O. Box 4 North Turner, ME

New officers have been elected and are looking forward to the

challenges of caring for the environment of Bear and Little Bear

Pond.

This year the two main events are the Fourth of July Boat Parade

and the Bear Pond Fun Day Celebration. People decorate their

boats with a patriotic theme and sail past the shore line of Bear

Pond. The second event is the Bear Pond Fun Day. The theme this

year is “Bear Pond Then and Now”. We are looking for old photos

of people and places. Anything from the past to compare to to-

day. This year we will have a special guest speaker. Not going to

tell you the name but, someone we all know.

There are many important environmental projects this

year. There are projects involving erosion control at cottages

around the lake. Bear Pond Association helps with partial funding

and volunteers to help with the labor on these projects.

Another environmental project involves the Little Bear Pond in-

let. There is a delta forming and depositing mud in the lake. We

are looking into grant money for this project.

Other projects include modernizing our website. The website will

be used to communicate with our Bear and Little Bear Pond com-

munity. Also to post events and the Bear Pond Newsletter.

Finally the history of Bear Pond is being written by a very special

person, our very own Mary Wallace. She is looking for factual in-

formation about Bear Pond.

We are looking for people who like to volunteer and get in-

volved. People who can do research, people who can do landscap-

ing, people who have computer skills, and people who have just a

little time to do work from home. Any help will be greatly appreci-

ated.

BPIA President, Henry Pelletier

www.bearpondme.org

Bear Pond Currents

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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BPIA Meetings — 9:00 AM at Boofy Quimby Hall

June 25th

July 30th

August 27th

July 4th Boat Parade — 2PM start at Goodwin’s

Fun Day — July 22nd at Gordon’s Boat Launch

Help BPIA Save Mailing Costs Get your newsletter electronically via e-mail. Use sign up forms at

meetings, or email webmaster@bearpondme.org

Please Remember To Pay 2017 Dues Please Send $25.00 To: BPIA, P.O. Box 4, North Turner, ME 04266

Name: Pond Address & Phone #: If Applicable, Permanent Address & Phone #:

E-mail Address for electronic newsletter delivery:

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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33 members in attendance. New member in

attendance — Lauren Hagg

Treasurer’s Report:

Checking Account - $5,362.37

Dam Maintenance Fund - $8,453.20

Environmental Protection Fund - $3,075.11

Water Testing: Three of four testing dates

have been completed and the clarity has ben

below average for both ponds. Phosphorus

and chloropyhll readings in Big Bear were also

among the highest ever seen. The very hot

and dry summer is probably partly to blame.

Little Bear Pond Water Quality & Delta

Committee: Continue to explore water quali-

ty of Little Bear and ways to solve problem

of delta forming from runoff.

Dam Committee: All is well. Due to lack of

rain the lake is 10-12 inches lower than usu-

al.

Protection Committee: One project is pend-

ing and may be completed in the spring.

Membership Committee: 120 members to

date. Mary Wallace won the membership

contest, bringing in the most members’ dues.

She won free dues next year. She declined

the prize and will pay her dues as usual.

New Officers

Henry Pelletier was sworn in as new presi-

dent of BPIA and Larry Giroux as vice presi-

dent. Karen Wilcox remains as secretary

and Eva Leavitt as treasurer.

Mike Gordon stepped down. He served with

distinction as President and moved the Asso-

ciation forward in its accomplishments. He

was a steady hand on the keel and much was

accomplished during his tenure. The mem-

bership thanked him for his service. Mike

will continue to work tirelessly for BPIA.

Please keep your distance from nesting loons

or loons with chicks. Motorboats, personal

watercraft, canoes, and kayaks can flush

loons from their nests, leaving eggs vulnera-

ble to predators, chilling, overheating, or

abandonment. Loon nests are right on the

water’s edge, and can be flooded by boat

wakes. Watercraft can disrupt parental care

and feeding of young. Please respect this

symbol of wilderness by staying as far away

as possible. Give them more room if they vo-

calize or show other signs of fear.

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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by Dave Courtemanch, Aquatic Biologist

(MDEP)

This following is an excerpt from "Foam -- A

cause for concern", which appeared in the

Spring, 1979 issue of "Maine Fish and Game"

Every summer, one of the most common

inquiries made by people to the Department of

Environmental Protection's Lakes Division is

"does foam on the shore of a lake indicate

detergent pollution and declining water quality?"

Before answering that question, we need to

know a little about detergents and the processes

which produce foam.

Foam is created when the surface tension of

water (attraction of surface molecules toward the

center, which gives a drop of water its round

shape) is reduced and air is mixed in, causing

bubble formulation. Many substances, besides

soap and detergents, will reduce surface tension.

"Soap" is generally defined as compounds of

fats, fatty acids, and caustic soda. These materials,

by reducing the surface tension of water, increase

its cleansing ability and produce suds.

The term "detergent" usually refers to synthetic

compounds which came on the market after

World War II. They also work by reducing

surface tension but have the added properties of

"softening" water and emulsifying (or mixing

with) oils. The ability to soften water gives

detergents their great advantage over soap.

Calcium and magnesium in "hard" waters tend to

combine with soap, binding soil particles and

causing the characteristic yellowing of clothes.

Phosphates in the synthetic detergents tie up the

calcium and magnesium, thus increasing cleaning

efficiency.

The first synthetic detergents to come on the

market were usually compounds of alkyl benzine

sulfonate (ABS). In the late 1950s and early

1960s, many communities experienced

tremendous foam problems in lakes, rivers,

sewage treatment plants, and even water faucets

because of contaminated wells. These events were

highly publicized, and foam became a common

indicator of pollution.

Unlike soap, the structure of the ABS molecule

was in a branched form which could not be

broken down by bacteria. Hence, the detergent

accumulated in the water and was labelled

"nonbiodegradable." To combat this problem, the

detergent industry changed the chemical structure

to a form that could be attacked by bacteria.

Virtually all detergents today are of this simple

"biodegradable" form.

To answer the original question then: "No,

foam on a lakeshore or in a stream probably is

not due to detergent contamination." Most foam

is a product of nature. Small trout streams often

have pools of foam where fish will hide.

"Natural" foaming occurs when small aquatic

organisms (such as algae) die and decompose,

releasing a variety of organic compounds. Organic

compounds leached from soil also cause foam.

The Indians were known to have used various

materials, such as bark and plant roots, to clean

items. Like soap and ABS, these compounds also

reduce surface tension.

As wind or currents stir the water, foam is

produced and may accumulate in quantities on

windward shores in coves, or in eddies. The

natural foam has a somewhat earthy or fishy

aroma, and it breaks down rather quickly. Foam

from silt or erosion is usually a dirty brown color.

Foam is often seen in the early morning hours and

is gone by midday. Detergent foam, by contrast,

will have a noticeable perfumy smell from

additives which give your wash that "rosegarden"

or "lemon fresh" smell.

Detergent pollution and foam can be a problem,

but the foam will be localized close to the source

of the discharge. A simple experiment

demonstrates that wide-spread foaming on a lake

is probably not from detergents. Using two

common brands of detergent, we found that it

took about 0.07 grams of detergent per liter of

water to create suds in the laboratory. To put this

in terms of a lake, it would take about (95,207

pounds) of detergent to suds-up a 100 acre lake

with an average depth of 5 feet. That's a lot of

detergent!

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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Fun Day planning is progressing nicely. The big tent is secured , as well as a large gas grill need-

ed for the cooking. Most of the food and refreshments have been secured along with the cooks

and helpers. The kids games are being planned and the Fishing Derby is scheduled for Friday

July 21 and Saturday July 22 until noon. The Poker Run will also be back and the details will be

nailed down soon. There will also be a session to recognize families and members that have

been involved in BPIA since way back, and this will include a guest emcee. The next Fun Day

Committee meeting is on June 15th where are plans will be finalized.

Larry Giroux, Chair, BPIA Fun Day Committee

Thanks to many hours of hard work by BPIA member Lisa Hillcoat, the new BPIA website is

ready for action. The address is still www.bearpondme.org, but you’ll find an updated FAQ

section and guide to help you through the do's and dont's of living on the pond. You’ll also

find many new enhancements including;

The ability to view with your mobile device

The ability for readers to send in comments

A new “Got Stuff” feature where folks can post items for sale or trade

Link to Twitter (@bearpondme)

Link to Facebook (www.facebook.com/pages/Bear-Pond/144018182285082)..This unoffi-

cial Facebook Page was created because people on Facebook have shown interest in Bear

Pond. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by anyone associated with the BPIA.

Check it all out and let

us know what you think!!!

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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The BPIA Scholarship has been revamped and will be available for high school graduates in

2017. The criteria has shifted from a Turner or Hartford resident with an interest in Envi-

ronmental Studies to any high school senior who has a connection with Bear Pond through their

parents/grandparents that are members in good standing of BPIA for at least three years. Up

to two $500 scholarships will be given out each year. The application process is pretty easy:

fill out the application, include an official transcript, write an essay, and have everything sent

prior to July 1st! The scholarship committee looks forward to reviewing the applications and

choosing deserving recipients next summer. Applications are also available on the website.

The Protection Committee is looking for volunteers on Saturday June 24th, at 9:00 AM,

to help with an erosion control project at the Goodwin’s at 99 West Cove Road in Hartford.

This project includes the installation of infiltration steps, and is similar to some prior pro-

jects completed by the Committee. The project includes digging out the gravel from the ex-

isting steps, installation of geotextile fabric, and refilling with 3/4” inch stone.

Ike and Bertha Goodwin will install rain gutters and a rain barrel and Ike will provide his

bucket tractor to help remove old gravel and fill, in the steps with new stone.

Eva Leavitt has taken some pictures of the existing conditions at the site. We have con-

tacted Bill Vantassel (Country Currier) and he plans to be at the Goodwin’s on the 24th to

take some pictures and write an article on our project.

Since this project will require some heavy labor, it would be very helpful to have some

young, fit people to assist on he 24th. (Sons, Grandsons, Friends, Weight Lifters)

Call Pete Pilsbury at 224-7020 to reserve your spot, and get additional information.

Androscoggin Valley Soil and Water Conservation District (AVSWCD), in cooperation with

Maine Association of Conservation Districts (MACD), and Maine Department of Agriculture,

Forestry and Conservation (DACF), will be hosting a free presentation on Tuesday, June 13th,

2017 from 9:30am-12:00pm at the Lewiston Public Works Department Building, 103 Ad-

ams Ave. Lewiston, ME, 04240 as part of the Invasive Forest Pest Outreach Pro-

ject. Androscoggin Valley SWCD asks that interested individuals register for the workshop

by June 8th, 2017.

Registration forms and invasive forest pest information can be found on the AVSWCD website

at http://www.androscogginswcd.org/

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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Bear Pond Improvement Association

Scholarship Application

The Bear Pond Improvement Association scholarships were established in August of

2013. The scholarships have been established for the following purposes:

to give back to the Bear Pond communities, and

to promote the organization and its mission through funding post-secondary educa-

tional opportunities for deserving high school graduates. Up to two $500 scholarships

may be awarded.

Guidelines to be used when selecting recipients include:

graduating high school seniors who have parents or grandparents that are members

of BPIA in good standing for at least three years,

full time post-secondary student (12 credit per semester minimum) for the 2017-18 ac-

ademic year in a two or four year accredited institution,

a completed and carefully prepared application, which includes a one page essay ex-

plaining why the applicant should be selected to receive one of the scholarships,

an official high school transcript

The completed application mailed to BPIA Scholarship Committee at P.O. Box 4,

North Turner, ME 04266 postmarked on or before July 1, 2017.

Scholarship recipients will be announced in August of 2017. Awards will be presented

during second semester of the student’s freshman year of post- secondary study once a

first semester transcript is sent to BPIA Scholarship Committee at P.O. Box 4, North

Turner, ME 04266. Recipients are required to maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point av-

erage during their first semester to receive the scholarship.

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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Application for Grant from Bear Pond Protection Fund

Names of property owners ______________________________________________________

Address of property on Bear Pond ________________________________________________

Permanent address of homeowners _______________________________________________

Phone number ________________________Cell phone___________________________

E-mail _________________________________________________________ _

Brief description of problem:

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

Estimated cost of repair (if known)

_________________________________________________________________________________

Costs incurred to date for attempts to fix the problem:

_____________________________________________________________________________

Areas of concern and additional information for Committee

_____________________________________________________________________________

Signature of property owners: ____________________________________________________

Date: ______________________________

Send to: Pete Pilsbury, Protection Committee Chair, P.O. Box 83, Turner, ME 04282.

————————————-- Do not write below this line ——————————————

Committee approved: ______________________________________________

Reason for rejection: ______________________________________________

June 2017 Bear Pond Improvement Association

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138 paid member families

Adams, Al & Winona Duguay, Jerome Morin, Richard

Adams, Ronald & Irene Duguay, Stephen Newton, Mike & Deirdre

Angell, Peter & Kelly Dunn, Josh & Meghan Olivo, Chuck & Meg

Arnold, Kip & Barbara Dwyer, Marie Pelletier, Henry & Patricia

Ayotte, Bert & Jeannine Faunce, Linda Pelletier, Shelli & Paul

Beaudet, Richard & Kathleen Martin Fish, Mary Perry, James & Deborah

Beedy, Ronald Jr & Barbara Fisher, Lorraine Pike, Shana & Ed

Bilodeau, Norm & Constance Fisher, Sylvia Pilsbury, Peter & Nat

Bisson, Susan & Roger French, Denise & Joanne Conlosue Poisson, John

Blair, Marti & Larry Grantz Frost, Peter Pomerleau, Norman & Honey

Blais, Roger & Theresa Fuller, Earle & Doris Poskus, Margaret

Bois, Richard & Dolores Giroux, Larry & Cindy Pratt, Eugene & Muriel

Bonaventura, Chad & Casey Goddard, Bruce & Gloria Ray, Bruce & Sheila

Bossie, Rachel & James Goodwin, Ike & Jody Rice Frey, Kathy & Susan Patton

Bourgion, Leo & Joline Gordon, Mike & Teri Richards, Jeffrey & Desiree Dubreuil

Bova, Brenda Gordon, Shawn & Tobie Ricker, Harry & Nancy

Boyer, Natalie & Anthony Goulette, Marcel & Joan Rivet, Sr. Edward & Brenda

Bray, Claire Gowell, Mary, Betsy Vallee Robinson, Ann & Don

Bray, John & Lynetta Grant, Kenneth Rose, Millard & Elizabeth Lacey

Bray, Ken & Annette Bosse Gray, Sharon & Ronald Sabine, Alison & John

Bray, Rich Jr & Anne Hagy, Blair & Lauren Sampson, Goldie

Buckley, Henry -Hal & Janice Harlow, Robert & Roseann Samson, Gerard & Patricia

Bunker, Steve & Cheryl Walker Harrington, David & Brenda Schwellenbach, Jim & Lorry

Burgess, Arnold & Roberta Hathaway, Lois Sherman, Wayne & Nancy

Caggiano, Sandy & Matt Hillcoat, Lisa & Michael Siekman, Bob & Margot

Calcagno Hasselbalch, Claire Hinkley, Homer, Lajoie & Christman Stankeewiez, John & Cheryl

Camp Berea, Wayne Farrington Hoy, Elizabeth & Rob Stanton, Brian & Kathy

Caron, Cheryl & Rev. Jimmy Hudnor, Francis & Rebecca Stover, Susan

Carver, Bruce Johnson, Paul & Beverly Sullivan, Paul & Nancy

Chapman, Rick & Laura Jones, Steve & Rhonda Thayer, Richard & Margaret

Chappell, Robert & Beverly Jordan, Roland, Kim, Bruce Theberge, Steve & Kathy

Chase, Matthew & Jennifer Kelly, Joan & Greg Glorach Therrien, Barry & Julie

Chong, Wei Li & Karen Kimball, Gretchen & Chistopher Boyd Town of Turner

Clum, Jeff & Bridget Kretzer, Nancy & Jonathan Twitchell, Dale & Anna

Coleman, Mike & Sheila Landry, Bert & Monique Walker, Jean & Carla & Cheryl Bunker

Conn, Douglas & Heidi Leavitt, Peter & Eva Wallace, Mary Monahan

Cooper, Michael & Verna Lipham, Sheila & Bob Walling, Tom & Lisa

Cormier, Kathleen & Ed Marsteller, Jerry & Darlene Warriner, Dave

Culleton, Chad & Bridget Mawinney, Tom Excavation Weed, Willi & Nanci

Deane, Ron & Laurie Maxwell, Doreen & Robert Weeks, Maureen & Bill

Diaz, Janet McAllister, Bernie & Anne Wellford, Bede & Leigh Breidenbach

Disotto, Bernice McCarthy, Johanna White, George

Dodge, Lynda Merrill, Jay Whittaker, Marcus & Jenne

Douglass, Larry & Nancy Merrill, Lawrence Wilcox, Don & Karen

Driscoll, James & Susane Merrow, Scott & Heidi Wilkinson, David & Kelly

Dudley, John & Margot Mitchell, Kent & Patricia Wilson, Noelle & Keith