Lewiston Lake Living TLPOA: Our Mission – Keep Our Lakes Healthy February, 2016 PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE – Winter time in Northern Michigan is not for everyone. But if you're one of those who enjoy the outdoor activities made possible by below freezing temps, ice covered lakes and snow covered ground, you'd have to agree, it took some time getting here. Ever since I was a kid, I remember enjoying the four different seasons in our Great Lake State. Each season contained different, but fun things to look forward to. Now that I'm quite a bit older, I have to admit I don't spend the same amount of time outdoors in the winter as I used to. But that doesn't mean I've lost all appreciation of a cold snowy winter's day, especially right here in Lewiston. I just have to remind myself a little, now and then. Whether you are here in Lewiston, somewhere else in Michigan, or someplace where its warm enough to go outside in a T-shirt, I'd like to take this time to thank all of you who have chosen to renew your 2016 TLPOA Membership and to those who may have contributed to our Aeration or Eurasian Watermilfoil Funds. Your support is greatly appreciated and provides the funding necessary to help keep our lakes healthy. With your support, in 2015 we started a treatment program in the fight against Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). After confirming EWM on West Twin in September, 2014, first treatment occurred in the very next growing season. This quick action paid off. Working with our applicator (Aquatic Nuisance Plant Control), the 2016 treatment plan is projected to be far smaller and limited to less than 5 acres. While that is fantastic news, we know EWM is never completely eradicated. Please review the sketch of EWM (page 3) in this newsletter. If you should see a plant you suspect to be EWM, give us a call and we will investigate it. My cell phone is 248-444-9973. Finally, your comments and suggestions make us better. Please feel free to send them, or if you have a question, to our email address: [email protected]. Thanks so much! Dominic Manzi President - TLPOA DID YOU KNOW..... A structure existed near town that kept a watchful eye and would be visited about 800 times each year? See Page 4. TLPOA EXECUTIVE BOARD President Dominic Manzi 248-444-9973 Vice President TBD Treasurer Jan Fultz 810-229-4749 Secretary Jeff Rosso Board Members: Peter Albertson Tom Conquest Dan Cook Mike Dombrowski John Jackson Pat Kish Tim Manganello Judd Wellard Karen Wilding Consultants: Greg Bator Raietta Ott Bonnie Page Pete Petoskey Website: www.LewistonLakeLiving.com Address: PO Box 807 Lewiston, MI 49756 Newsletter
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Lewiston Lake LivingTLPOA: Our Mission – Keep Our Lakes Healthy
February, 2016
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE –
Winter time in Northern Michigan is not for everyone. But if you're one of those who enjoy the outdoor activities made possible by below freezing temps, ice covered lakes and snow covered ground, you'd have to agree, it took some time getting here.
Ever since I was a kid, I remember enjoying the four different seasons in our Great Lake State. Each season contained different, but fun things to look forward to. Now that I'm quite a bit older, I have to admit I don't spend the same amount of time outdoors in the winter as I used to. But that doesn't mean I've lost all appreciation of a cold snowy winter's day, especially right here in Lewiston. I just have to remind myself a little, now and then.
Whether you are here in Lewiston, somewhere else in Michigan, or someplace where its warm enough to go outside in a T-shirt, I'd like to take this time to thank all of you who have chosen to renew your 2016 TLPOA Membership and to those who may have contributed to our Aeration or Eurasian Watermilfoil Funds. Your support is greatly appreciated and provides the funding necessary to help keep our lakes healthy.
With your support, in 2015 we started a treatment program in the fight against Eurasian Watermilfoil (EWM). After confirming EWM on West Twin in September, 2014, first treatment occurred in the very next growing season.
This quick action paid off.
Working with our applicator (Aquatic Nuisance Plant Control), the 2016 treatment plan isprojected to be far smaller and limited to less than 5 acres. While that is fantastic news, we know EWM is never completely eradicated. Please review the sketch of EWM (page 3) in this newsletter. If you should see a plant you suspect to be EWM, give us a call and we will investigate it. My cell phone is 248-444-9973.
Finally, your comments and suggestions make us better. Please feel free to send them, orif you have a question, to our email address: [email protected].
Thanks so much!
Dominic ManziPresident - TLPOA
DID YOU KNOW.....A structure existed near town that kept a watchful eye and would be visited about 800 times each year? See Page 4.
TLPOA EXECUTIVE BOARD
PresidentDominic Manzi 248-444-9973Vice President TBDTreasurerJan Fultz 810-229-4749SecretaryJeff Rosso
Total Net Revenue $18,213.06 ($7,800.00)Net Revenue – Aeration Fund $1,305.85Net Revenue – EWM Fund $9,826.15Net Revenue – Unrestricted $7,081.06Cash in Checking $78,989.46Certificate of Deposit (6/2014) $15,418.43Restricted Cash (Aeration) $20,915.89Restricted Cash (EWM) $42,993.19Unrestricted Cash $30,498.81
TLPOA Executive Board Commitment1. Fulfill all board/committee assignments2. Advance personal knowledge of lake information and issues 3. Attend Board Meetings4. Remain current on Membership Dues5. Support Zoning Administrator in Greenbelt Regulations6. Comply with local ordinances7. Be an ambassador for the Association
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
TLPOA Executive Board Meeting at the Lewiston Library on the following Saturdays in 2016 at 8:30 am.
- April 23 - August 13 * - May 28 * - September 24 - June 25 - October 22 - July 16
* Meetings that are immediately following a membership meeting. Check location below.
Executive Board Meetings are open to members to attend.
SPRING MEMBERSHIP MEETINGMAY 289:00 am at the Lewiston Elementary School
SUMMER BEACH PARTYJULY 165:00 pm at the Public Beach on East Twin.
AUGUST MEMBERSHIP MEETING – AUGUST 139:00 am at the Lioness Pavilion
We are looking for someone to host the Heart of the Summer Party, and the Wine & Cheese Event. If you are interested in hosting one of these functions, please contact a Board Member.
Newsletter
EURASIAN WATERMILFOIL SKETCH
Pictured above is what a solid bed of EWM looks like when left untreated.
Newsletter
FIRE TOWER – LEWISTON, MICHIGAN
By D. Manzi
Michigan was once home to 200 fire towers. The first fire tower was built near Higgins Lake in 1913. As many as 25 still remain standing today, although they are no longer used by the Forestry Service.
Beginning in 1962, the government began using aircraft to survey as they could coverfar greater areas with less manpower. The fire tower pictured below was located south of East Twin. In its time, a Towerman would man the structure. It was common for visitors to climb the structure and visit with the Towerman on duty, although a lot of visitors would chicken out before ever reaching the top.
Interesting Facts About Michigan's Elk Herd
By D. Manzi
Native Michigan elk that once roamed our state disappeared around 1875. In 1918, seven western elk were released near Wolverine. Since that time the elk population grew and estimates for year end 2014 had the herd at 668 heads. DNR's goal is to maintain a herd size of 500-900.
Elk are considerably larger than deer. An adult will weigh between 350 and 900 pounds. A bull elk's antlers which grows annually will weigh upwards of 40 pounds and they lose their antlers each year, usually in March. Breeding season is late September to early October.
The elk pictured above were seen on Winding Road just west of Matthews Rd on January 20th. There were 16 elk in total, however not all the elk consented to have their picture taken at the time.
Newsletter
Elk Facts – continued
Female elk, called cows, give birth to a single calf (twins are rare). A calf will weighabout 35 pounds at birth and is capable of standing after just 20 minutes of being born. Early on however, they are unable torun long distances, so they will remain motionless, until the mother returns for nursing.
The elk's coat changes with the season. In the summer, elk will appear a light tan, while by mid winter, their coats have changed to a dark brown. Want more info?Visit: www.michigan.gov/elk
TLPOA Scholarship Program for the
2016 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention
The TLPOA has established a scholarship program for two TLPOA members to attend the 2016 Michigan Inland Lakes Convention.
“Science & Leadership-A Formula for Successful Lake Protection & Management” is the title of this years convention. It is scheduled for Thursday, Friday, Saturday – April 28th – 30th, 2016 atthe Boyne Mountain Resort in Boyne Falls, MI.
The Convention topics will include: Lake Protection Tools, Natural Shorelines, Aquatic Invasive Species Management, Current Lake Research and Riparian Law.
The TLPOA Board approved the reimbursement of the conference registration fee for two TLPOA members
as part of our goal to educate membershipon our mission to keep our lakes healthy. Ifyou are interested in applying for the scholarship, please contact Dominic at 248-444-9973. The scholarship will be awarded to the first two requests received.
To register for the convention, go to:
www.michiganlakes.msue.msu.edu
Editor'Note – D. Manzi
The TLPOA puts out the Lewiston Lake Living newsletter four times each year. The editor asks for suggestions from the other Board members for topics or ideas to write about. This has proven to be not only helpful but has resulted in a better newsletter for our membership.
Suggestions and ideas are, or course, welcome from any member of the Twin Lakes Property Owners Association. We'vehad a few in the recent past and have worked those suggestions into the newsletter.
In preparing for this newsletter, past president, Peter Albertson suggested we acknowledge those who consistently assistthe TLPOA in not just dollars, but in their time and expertise as well.
We are fortunate to have so many people that share in our efforts in keeping our lakes safe and healthy, and insuring future generations will have the same use of this wonderful resource we all enjoy today.
Newsletter
Editor's Note – Continued
The Organizations and individuals listed below are proof of the dedication and support we all have....
TLPOA Membership – for the support and input you provide to the Board, your attendance at annual membership meetings, keeping a watchful eye out for our neighbors, your efforts in being active stewards of our lakes, and your outstanding generosity.
Twin Lakes Marina-for their help in obtaining permission slips for the EWM Treatment, handling of the signage which contains valuable information for boaters at all boat launches, and their generous donations. And in 2015, the awesome fireworks!
Lewiston Public Library – for allowing the Board use of their conference room for Board meetings.
Albert Township for the Planning and Zoning Boards support on maintaining the health of our lakes.
Lewiston DDA – for their efforts in improving the overall community.
Peter also made mention of certain individuals that have provided so much input over several years:
Bonnie & Tom Page
Mike Dombrowski
Judd Wellard
Greg Bator
Jan Fultz
Don Hunkins
Ron Compton
and most certainly, Pete Petoskey.
There are many others too, but for now,
A big THANK YOU to all.
Is Your Tap Water Safe? - Greg Bator
Have recent headlines made you curious about the quality and safety of your water supply? Most Lewiston residents get their water from groundwater sources.
Private drinking water wells, which tap into local groundwater resources, provide clean, safe drinking water. However, it is up to the individual well owner to take the necessary steps to make sure their water supply is safe. This includes ensuring their well is constructed properly and properly maintained to prevent fertilizers, bacteria, pesticides and other toxins from entering their water supply. One single contaminant that finds its way into groundwater can impact many individuals.
Owners of private drinking water wells are responsible for testing the water to ensureit is safe to drink. MSU Extension Service recommends that people served by privatedrinking water wells test their water at least once every year. This is especially critical to ensure the health and safety of households with pregnant women or thosewith are nursing mothers, infants, children, elderly or have compromised immune systems.
Water testing can be arranged through theMontmorency County Health Department for under $40. Visit their office at 12265 M-32 in Atlanta, MI to obtain the proper receptacles and instructions to test for bacteria and various chemical components. You can call the Public Health Department at (989) 785-4428 with any further questions.
