Newsletter

Province Lake Association Newsletter

Spring 2008

General

Believe it or not folks, ice is finally out on Province as of April 23^rd and the snowbanks are gone. It was actually 80 degrees on April 23^rd so we have taken a giant leap towards summer. We also watched a loon fishing near the 153 beach on the same day. Now that we’re into May the little black flying flesh eaters are back along with a few mosquitoes.

There was very little activity on the lake this winter. There were a few snowmobiles and fewer ice fishermen. Guess most people were either shoveling their roofs or didn’t want to spend the extra bucks on gasoline.

Mud season has been almost non-existent which I find amazing due to the huge amount of snow we had this winter. Water table is very high as is the lake level. The level at the flow control device is approximately 1½” over the concrete. This is still much better than a couple years ago.

It’s time to start getting your boats and camps ready for another great summer at the lake. There are already a few boats out on the lake and there is a bass tournament being held on May 14^thwith about seven boats scheduled. We have some activities planned which we’ll talk about here but for the most up to date info check on the PLA website www.ProvinceLake.org.

Boating Certificates

Effective January 1^st of 2008 ALL operators of motor boats with a horsepower rating in excess of 25hp must have a certificate showing completion of a safe boating education course. The first violation can cost you $50 and second one will cost you $250.

Also remember that all children 12 years of age and younger must wear their life jackets when the vessel is underway. The only exception is when the vessel is completely enclosed by a railing at least 3’ high and constructed so that a small child cannot fall through.

Boat Parade

The annual boat parade will be held on July 6^th this year. Last year there were only 4 boats, maybe because the 4^th of July was a Wednesday or it was just too windy. This year the 4^th is on a Friday so we’re hoping for a large turnout. Shirley Cartwright always has a nice prize for the winner so plan ahead and pick up or make some decorations for your boat. Watch for posters around the area as the date gets nearer.

PLA Yard Sale

On July 12th the Province Lake Association will have a yard sale to benefit our association. The location will be at the Effingham Fire Station just a couple miles north of the lake up Rte 153.

We are actively seeking contributions of items to be sold at the yard sale. Surely when you start cleaning up the cottage for the summer season you will come across many valuable items you no longer want cluttering up your space and will donate them to us.

Donna and Carl Davis are the co-chairs of the yard sale. They would also like to hear from volunteers to help them out. You may contact them via e-mail at davis4q@metrocast.net or via phone: 603-539-3344 They will also be the drop off destination (112 Remick Rd) for their area of the lake. We also need a drop off area (garage) on the Bailey Road side. Call them if you can help.

Raffle

At this year’s annual meeting on July 26^th we will be having a raffle. If you have anything you can donate to make this a successful moneymaker, please contact Mary McLoughlin, at her email address: msmarycanary@yahoo.com

Annual Meeting

As mentioned above the Annual Meeting of the Province lake Association will be held on July 26, 2008 at the Province Lake Golf Club. The meeting will start at 10:00 am with a social coffee half-hour starting at 9:30

This year we will be having Chris Bogard as our guest speaker. She is from NH Turtle Rescue program. She has an interesting power point presentation as well as bringing several rehabbed turtles.

We will have a table set up with samples of PLA shirts, hats, and sweatshirts for everyone to look at and order.

Our raffle with lots of unique items will be drawn at the meeting.

Don’t forget to mark this date on your calendar so you will not miss it!

Fund-raising

By now you’re probably wondering why the yard sale and the raffle, etc? Don’t we have enough money? For our normal water testing, beaver control and other expenses we do. BUT, with exotic weeds in so many nearby lakes, our president feels strongly that we need to increase our fund-raising activities. An infestation of exotics is extremely expensive to control and will deplete our funds rapidly.

Website and Adboard reminder

Our website www.ProvinceLake.org is getting a decent number of hits so if you have something to sell or are looking to buy then just email it into adboard@provincelake.org and we’ll post it for at least a month or longer if you want. Just don’t forget to let us know if it sells.

We would also like to post any pictures you may have of the lake, especially some really old ones. I can copy from 35mm slides or negatives if that would help you out.

President’s Message

Are you ready to kickoff another summer of fun at the lake? I’m certain you are. I hope your property handled the abundant snowfall with no problems and you enjoy smooth traveling on your return. For those stout residents who remained, this was a challenging winter. But now it’s time to think about a new season.

During the past summer, the Board of Directors began planning some fun filled activities that should offer opportunities for camaraderie and strategies for strengthening the financial well being of the PLA. We hope these events might build on the social aspect of our annual meeting and offer additional ways for members of our lake community to show pride in Province Lake and join in advancing the association’s goal of maintaining the quality of this special place. I encourage everyone to be part of one or all the activities described throughout the newsletter.

As we prepare to launch this summer’s programs, I’m reminded of the ongoing commitment and dedication of so many members, officers and volunteers, of our association. We’re fortunate to have such outstanding stewards as neighbors.

Enjoy the summer,

Joe

Miscellany

If you should change your email or regular mail address during the year either email your changes to info@provincelake.org or mail to P.O. Box 24, Effingham, NH 03882-0024.

Dues, Dues, Dues

What can I say, it’s that time of year again to pay you annual association dues. Please fill out the form you received via snail mail and send in with your dues payment. It really helps if you do this before the annual meeting as it saves time at the meeting so we can drink more coffee.

Newsletter editors

Jack & Barbara Wilkins