February 2020Around the Lake

Mike Clark, President – Board of Directors, Lake Lorman Corp.

It seems that we have no shortage of construction projects going on around the neighborhood these days! Once vacant lots are becoming homes, and even some existing houses have been razed, with nicer, new homes being built in their place. While construction activity does point to a more vital, healthy,growing community, it can bring muddy and sometimes damaged streets, inconvenience to residents, and sometimes spill-over to other properties. Thankfully, construction projects are relatively short-lived events, with the long-term result being a better quality, more highly valued community for all. The Board understands these problems and we are doing what we can to lessen the “pains” of progress, although attimes, there is little we can do to make the process easier on all concerned. We do intend for any damages to be repaired, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding and patience. In the long run, our community will be much nicer and all the more desirable, with our property values enhanced as the resultof all of the new investment.

A Note from the Lake Lorman Utility DistrictDon Seagrove, president

Flashing Red Sewer LightsEach pumping station is equipped to flash a red light should an operational problem develop with the pump. This often happens during a heavy rain. Should you see a red light flashing, please give it 30 minutes to correct. If it continues to flash, please call our sewer operator at (601) 981-1657 to report problems. Please give your name, address, and a phone number where you can be contacted.

The subject often arises as to what can you place into the sewer system. The followingitems should NOT be placed in the sewer system: Do not flush flammable, toxic cloths;flushable wipes; diapers; cigarettes; paper towels; egg shells; condoms; sanitary napkins; tampons and applicators and other solid products. This can lead to pump failures and increased maintenance.

We appreciate you as a customer of Lake Lorman Utility District. We stand ready to assist you in any manner.

New Fire Station

The Southwest Madison County Fire Department has officially opened its new $1.6 million station, which was funded by the county.

Fire coordinator Minor Norman said plans for the project were first drawn upin November 2017, with District Three Supervisor Gerald Steen and outgoingDistrict Four Supervisor David Bishop heading it up. “It's been a longprocess,” Norman said.

Minor Norman

The Southwest Madison County Fire Department, which is a volunteer department, currently has a nine fire rating.

“We wanted to get that fire rating lowered eventually to a seven,” Norman said, which would give the communities it services not only better fire protection, but also lower fire insurance costs.

Construction was completed in November, and the station was fully furnished recently. Norman said the county also supplied a new $327,000 firetruck for the station.

The station currently has 19 members on its volunteer staff. However, Norman said after the first of the year, they will hire a paid firefighter to man the station Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

This will allow someone to be present for medical calls or take the engine out for fire response so that the volunteers may head straight to the call instead of running back to the station to get the truck.

The Southwest Madison County Fire Department covers partsof North Livingston, Robinson Springs Road, the Lake Cavalierarea and the Lake Lorman area.

(Article compliments of the Madison County Journal)Footnote: Lake Lorman resident and Board Member BenHawthorne will be the Fire Chief at the new station. ManyLake Lorman residents enjoyed an Open House at the newstation December 14, 2019 including hot dogs and hamburgersgrilled by Eddie Zigler and tours of the station and newfiretruck.

Stop the NCL LandfillKay French

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality held ameeting on January 14 regarding the proposed landfill on NorthCounty Line Road. Despite torrential rain, the meeting roomwas at capacity and they were turning people away due to thecrowd and fire code. It was evident that everyone there wasopposed to the landfill and the only people in favor, are the onesasking for approval.

They decided to table their decision until an updated needsassessment could be done. The Madison County Board ofSupervisors is working on this. There has not been a needsassessment since 2003. Please voice your opposition to this

landfill.

This website has detailed information about the landfill: http://stopthencllandfill.com/

There is also a Facebook page under this name with links and telephone numbers of the Madison County Board of Supervisors.

Christmas PartyAllie Elkin

Many thanks to everyone who came out to theAnnual Lake Lorman Christmas party held at theclubhouse Saturday, December 7.

The clubhouse looked very festive with the additionof new holiday decorations. Fresh rosemary treesdoubled as table decorations and door prizes.

Once again,a team ofaccomplished cooks provided a wide variety of hot soups and stews along with appetizers and desserts. There were old favorites like chicken and dumplings, gumbo and taco soup along with some new favorites such as Coconut Kale and chicken enchilada soup. No one left hungry!

After dinner, the evening continued with several rousing rounds of Bingo. Throughout the evening, door prizes were awarded for youngest and oldest resident, newly married and married the

longest, newest and oldest residents. Winners were able to select from a variety of prizes such as lake themed cups and napkins, bottles of wine and potted rosemary plants.

Many thanks to all the hands that helped decorate the clubhouse, cook the food and made the evening a success. We are fortunate to have such a wonderful community with whom we can celebrate the holiday season.

New Neighbor SpotlightVicki Husband

We are so happy to have you in the neighborhood! If you are new to Lake Lorman we would love to feature your family in an upcoming issue of the Lake Lorman News. Please send a photo and a few sentences telling us about yourself. We look forward to getting to know you better.

Email New Neighbor Spotlight photos and information to lakelormancommunitynew@lakelormanms.com.

Think Blue!Kelley Dickinson

Researchers have long known that exposure to natural environments, such as green spaces, contribute to physical and mental health. Now there is mounting evidence that "blue spaces" also confer a variety of health benefits.

Marine biologist Wallace Nichols was interviewed in USA Today on November 13, 2017 about his book "Blue Mind: The surprising science that shows how being near, in, on, or under water can make you happier, healthier, more connected, and better at what you do." Wallace explained that the term "blue mind" describes, in his words, the mildly meditative state we are in when we are around water. He added, "Research shows that being near, in, on, or under water can provide a long list of benefits for our mind and body, including lowering stress and anxiety, increasing an overall sense of well-being and happiness, a lower heart and breathing rate, and safe, better workouts."

This was confirmed by a large Canadian study of over one million non-immigrants living in Canada's thirty biggest cities. "We found significant, reduced risks of mortality in the range of 12-17% associated with living within 250 meters of water in comparison with living farther away, among all causes of death, except for accidental causes. Protective effects were to be found higher among women and all older adults than among other subjects, and protective effects were found to be highest among deaths from stroke and respiratory-related causes." The study also mentioned the protective effects were among all income groups which indicated the effects were "not due simply to more affluent people being able to afford to live near water." The researchers also pointed out their data was based on potential views of and passive exposure to water, not time spent swimming or boating. (Environmental Health Perspectives, vol. 126, number 7, 2018)

A 2016 study in New Zealand comparing residents whose neighborhoods gave them a view of the sea and residents whose neighborhoods gave them a view of green space concluded seeing blue space had a "statistically significant" impact on mental health. "Higher levels of blue space visibility were associatedwith lower psychological distress." (Health and Place, May 2016)

Although they have not proven causation, researchers have come up with possible explanations for the positive effects of blue space. Some of these are increased physical activity near water, more social contact, better air quality, and reduced stress. Others have suggested the sounds of water are calming.In any case, it's clear we are fortunate to enjoy an extra sense of well being by calling Lake Lorman home.

Please share your good news! Send birth announcements, graduations news, promotions,weddings, etc. to lakelormancommunitynews@lakelormanms.com . Don’t worry about wording

or spelling. That’s our job.

Geese Management Kelley Dickinson

The Lake Lorman board will continue its geese management program this year to handle the excess Canada geese population, but the board has decided it will not be necessary this summer to conduct a goose roundup. Last June agents from the United State Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services and Lake Lorman volunteers removed 94 geese. Milton Jenkins, chair of the board's Lakes and Dams committee, reported at the January board meeting, just under two dozen geese were seen recently at the lakes. Starting in March the board will employ a nest and egg degradation program recommended bythe USDA to reduce the hatch rate.

The federal government allows property owners, includinghomeowners' groups, to apply annually for a permit toreduce the hatch rate of the nests through a process knownas "egg addling". From March 1 to June 30, permit holdersare allowed to spray or wipe corn oil on goose eggs in theirnests. The eggs are placed back on the nests so themother goose will attempt to continue to incubate the eggs.If the eggs were removed she would just lay more eggs onanother nest. The eggs will not hatch, however, because theoil permeates the shell and prevents further development.Also called "egg oiling", the process does not harm themother goose who will eventually abandon the nest whennothing hatches.

The board is requesting lot owner cooperation to assist in keeping down the over abundance of the Canada geese population by not feeding the geese and notifying Milton if you see a nest on your property. The nests which are made of vegetation such as leaves and moss usually contain 5 or 6 eggs or more. The Wildlife Service indicates that a lone goose is a strong indicator that there is a nest in the vicinity. Milton said four geese in February will produce ten geese in the spring , which will result in 14 geese by the end of June. Neighbors should not attempt to oil the eggs themselves as we are required to keep a record of the nests and eggs. The eggs should not be shaken. After contacting Milton, he and volunteers will count and oil the eggs. In October the board will report the results to the USDA.The Wildlife Service has put out a video on YouTube for people who want more information or want to see the process.

Twin Lakes Garbage Pick-Up DayKay French

I'm sure you have all noticed the enormous amount of garbage plaguing our beautiful roads. It is past time for our community volunteer pick up day. The past two times we have partnered with Lake Cavalier. About 30 people have tackled the task of picking up garbage along Coker Road and Lake Cavalier Road.Bags have been donated by “Keep Mississippi Beautiful”. Several volunteers with trucks have picked up the garbage bags and consolidated them at Twin Lakes Baptist Church. Fun and fellowship with a light lunch will follow after all of the hard work! It is Lake Lorman's turn to host so we will assemble at the Clubhouse. Mark your calendar for 9:00 a.m. February 29 with a rain date of March 7! Reminders will be posted on Nextdoor, Lake Lorman Facebook page and the online Calendar. See you There!

The Bird’s Eye ViewBy Dale and Sarah Lea Anglin

Waiting, waiting, waiting…still waiting on the finches toreturn. Normally at this time of the year, our feeders arefull of finches, American Goldfinches, Purple Finches,House Finches, and their cousins the Pine Siskins.Normally, they feed voraciously from a thistle sock or (if itis too full of other finches), wild bird seed mix. But winterof 2019-2020 isn’t “normal” in terms of bird migration. Wehave a total of two goldfinches, zero purple finches andpine siskins, and possibly one or two house finches; thered-breasted nuthatches are also missing. Where haveall the finches gone? Let’s work that out using a bit ofgood old scientific analysis. First, the finches (andnuthatches, and siskins) have something in common:their beak shapes are similar. Nature shapes a beak overmany, many generations to match the food supply, and finch/siskin/red-breasted nuthatch beaks are shaped for one very specific purpose: to dig seeds out of the cones of conifers. Second, the other usual migrants (juncos, white-throated sparrows, even the yellow-bellied sapsuckers) did arrive as usual, on time and in similar numbers to previous years. These birds have different beaks, not beaks for digging seeds from conifers. Third, Audubon websites have indicated that the finches and their buddies migratedthis year, but they did not migrate as far south as usual—they didn’t disappear, they just stopped before they got here.

Occam’s Razor tells us that the simplest explanation is usually the best. Given that many birds did migrate as usual, what is the common theme among those that didn’t? Food source, of course! Our forester friends tell us that the conifers further north of us (where the finches stayed for the winter) had a bumper crop of cones loaded with seeds this year, so the food supply was abundant, and a smart bird will conserve its energy and stay put, where the food supply is. This intermittent pattern of migration is not uncommon among animals. In fact, we as humans can interfere with migration patterns, sometimes to the detriment of the species. Butterflies that feed on milkweed will delay their migration if the milkweedcontinues to flower too long—this happens when we plant non-native milkweed in our gardens. Those butterflies that stay are doomed to die before they reproduce, because they didn’t leave early enough. Another example of altered migration occurred when catfish farms were built in the Mississippi Delta: cormorants that formerly migrated all the way to the coast found in the catfish farms a steady and abundant food supply, and thus stopped their migrations short. Passenger pigeons, a now extinct species that once was so abundant the flocks darkened the daytime skies as they flew, were hunted to extinction over a few decades in the late 1800s because they stopped to feed on grains that were mass planted. While our goldfinches are likely to return next year, this gives us “food for thought” (pun intended) as we go about our daily routines, plant our gardens, and create micro-habitats for wildlife. Meanwhile, we’ll be waiting, waiting, waiting on those goldfinches!

Get your garden tools ready! Yard of the Month will resume in March. Cindy Holt has sponsored this award for many years now. The Beautification Committee selects a yard monthly, March through September. The winner receives a $25.00 gift certificate from Lowe’s. And, the glory of the sign in their yard for the month! Neat and tidy with asplash of color is always in style. Good luck!

Notes from the Bill Jones

A rambling commentary on gardening from one person's perspective:

Mid January/February and it feels like spring… do not be fooled. An old folks saying “Thunder in February Frost in April...” There has been a lot of thunder the past few weeks but while “nice days” are in(and out) maybe we should spend some time preparing for spring.

If you haven't done pruning – now is the time to cut back CrepeMyrtles (if you need to). Large Crepe Myrtles clipped too fardown can result in flower heads which cascade over ratherthan stand up. Hydrangeas should not be cut to the ground but“tipped” if necessary – old growth sprouts out to produce flowerheads. Of course in all trimming (pruning) be sure to removeall old dead wood.

February is the best time to prune roses – take out dead wood– shape by removing interior or overlapping canes and prune toabout 6 to 8 inches above the crown.

It is much too early to fertilize turf grass (lawns). If you must fertilize, wait until you have mowed the “weeds” which so freely come up, a couple of times. Then, if you still feel the urge to fertilize, broadcast a good general well balanced granular such as 8-8-8 at about half the recommended strength (remember the fertilizer companies are selling –you are buying and the grass/trees hardly know the difference). While on the subject of mowing, a higher blade will allow the grass to withstand the hot dry summers we often get. Low, well-manicured look great, but grass roots can suffer. With this (high blade) method the grass does not need to be cut as often – has more “natural” look and hubby will love it.

It is also a good time to clear those fallen leaves from corners, off rooftops and in areas they have lain since fall. Put them to use and mulch them around acid loving plants such as azaleas and camellias. Do not over do pine straw – pile it too thick and it acts like a thatch roof on an old English cottage by keeping water out and can result in “to dry” roots.

Also do not prune/trim azaleas this time of year as they set their springbuds last September. Azaleas should be trimmed/shaped/prunedshortly after the blooms shed and the fertilize lightly. Do not overdonitrogen.

These “rules” are not cast in stone nor are they guaranteed toprovide results, but in gardening as in all things – moderation

always provides the best outcomes.

~ Peace & Love,

8-8-8 Granular Fertilizer

Azalea Buds

Recipes from the Garden…Allie Elkin

Eat your greens! Cold and wet winter days just beg for a hearty bowl of soup. The weather iscooperating, so here is a family favorite of ours. The ingredients are very flexible, sofeel free to add or delete to fit your family’s preference.

White Bean and Kale Soup (with or without sausage)

Ingredients

Optional – 1 lb venison or other smoked, link sausage 1 medium onion, diced ½ 1 lb bag of baby carrots, sliced 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 large bunch fresh kale, chopped 2 (15 oz) cans white or cannellini beans, undrained 1 carton of chicken or vegetable broth Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions1. If using sausage, cut sausage into coins and fry in a Dutch oven until cooked through. Remove

from pain and put on paper towel to drain.

2. Using the same pan, leave the drippings from the sausage and add a small amount of olive oil. Add carrots and onions. Cook until onions are starting to brown.

3. Add garlic and chopped Kale and cook for a couple of minutes – until kale is starting to wilt.

4. Add undrained beans and broth. Cook until carrots are tender 10-15 minutes.

5. Serve with good crusty bread and a green salad.

6. To customize – add more or less kale, add collards or other greens in place of kale, add more beans or different variety of beans, use ground beef instead of sausage.

7. Gather your family around the table (or in front of a fire) and enjoy!

Hi, it's me again, Edith, you know the swan from the little lake, letting you know what's been going on from my perspective (avian that is). I had a lot of friends from the Reservoir drop by for a few days visit. As they seem to every year between Christmas and mid February. Seems they heard there was a fresh new supply of fish in the big lake.

They formed a three prong attack much like any well trained war machine does. The pelicans traveled on the surface side by side (or wing by wing) forming a solid front and using a crescent forward motion steered the school of small fish in toward the shallow water; the cormorants (think submarine) follow behind and the sea gulls take on the air attack finally the herons andegrets on the bank take care of the wounded floating by.

Upon command once the fish are corralled in theshallows, the pelicans begin feeding movingalong the shoreline. Next the cormorants divefor the fish who have gone deeper to avoid thepelicans and pick them off under water. The seagulls circling above fold their wings and divebomb… spearing fish separated from the school.Last but not least the herons and egrets standingon waters edge pick off the wounded laying inthe water, sideways at the shore's edge. It was ashow to be seen.

Nature has a way to balance things out one way or the other and whether we agree with her or not… sheusually takes the upper hand. If you see me flying or swimming around the big or little lake give me a wave.

Your favorite swan,

What’s Bugging’ You?Karen Hulett

It is true confession time. Raise your hand if you have ever seen a giant cockroach in your home.

What are these creatures – where do they come from – how do I get rid of them?

The American cockroach is the largest (1-2 inches) cockroach in our state. It is also one of the fastest insects in the world – they are impossible to catch/squish. Other cockroaches are smaller and slower. American cockroaches use their wings to glide from high elevations to lower surfaces - hence the sightings of flying roaches. American

cockroaches prefer to live around humans and not on forests/grasses... they invade homes and commercial buildings where they breed in suitable conditions..

They came to America and around the globe on ships from Europe. they are also long lived – about 3 years from egg to adulthood. They are also prolific - about 300 babies per female life span. Roaches generally are inactive during the day and feed at night. The Spanish word for cockroach is “cuc-a-racha” which transitioned to cock roach in English.

To control/eradicate the cockroaches several steps need to be taken… Define entry points in your home – cracks around doors and windows and thresholds where the roaches can easily penetrate. Reducing food sources inside and outside the home helps. This includes garbage cans and pet food kept in garages. Be sure to use tight fitting lids. Do not leave food on kitchen counters at night. The pet self feeding devices are a mecca for roaches.

Removing piles of debris and stacks of lumber near the house can help – takes away their living quarters.

Finally, insecticide baits or perimeter sprays are useful especially if used in combination with the above practices.

Save the Dates:

SCHEDULED EVENTS:

Twin Lakes Road Garbage Pick-up Day: Saturday, February 29 – 9:00 a.m. Lake Lorman Utility District Board Meeting: Monday, February 10 – 7:00 p.m. Lake Lorman Corporation Board Meeting: Monday, February 17 – 6:00 p.m. Democrat/Republican Party Primaries March 10 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Lake Lorman Utility District Board Meeting: Monday, March 9 – 7:00 p.m. Lake Lorman Corporation Board Meeting: Monday, March 16 – 6:00 p.m. HOA Maintenance Fee due: April 1 Lake Lorman Utility District Board Meeting: Monday, April 13 – 7:00 p.m. Lake Lorman Corporation Board Meeting: Monday, April 20 – 6:00 p.m. Lake Lorman Utility District Board Meeting: Monday, May 11 – 7:00 p.m. Lake Lorman Corporation Board Meeting: Monday, May 18 – 6:00 p.m.

Be sure to check the Calendar on the Lake Lorman website for scheduled activities, meetings and events.

Twin Lakes Baptist ChurchYou Are Invited to Join Us ~ Everyone is Welcome!

Regular Weekly services: Sunday-Bible Study 9:30 am, Worship 10:30 am and 6:30 pm. Youth meet at 6:30 pm. Tuesday – Community Men's Bible Study 6:15 am in church fellowship hall Wednesday, Supper 5:30 pm and Bible Study 6:30 pm. Children 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. Call church

at 601-856-2305 no later than Tuesday morning to make reservation for meal. Cost $6.00.

Hugh Smith, Pastor (601-259-4567) - ALL ARE INVITED

Notice to Residents:Your help is needed in order to make the Newsletter comprehensive, interesting, informative and meaningful. Contact any Communications Committee member with suggestions for stories of interest, “Letters to the Editor”, school awards, births, weddings, trips, etc. We need your help in making an interesting and informative Newsletter. We reserve the right to edit to fit available space. We will makeevery attempt to contact those who provide articles, etc. prior to publication if changes are necessary. Any submissions should be sent to lakelormancommunitynews@lakelormanms.com with proper info as to how to contact contributor.

If you know of a neighbor who does not do “computer” please let us know and we will get a hard copy delivered… we want everyone involved in our Lake Lorman Community.

For additional lake information: http://www.lakelormanms.com and onFacebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/Madison-MS/Lake-Lorman/309416818289 .

Change Happens: Please let us know of changes to your email or home address at: info@lakelormanms.com

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