ANDOVER LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION ...Treasurer: Peter Klock 290.8972 Vacancy ALPOA President: Naida Arcenas 742.6583 Vice President: Gary Whitman 742.0202 Secretary: Art Wood

ANDOVER LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION

LakeshoreAN

DO

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NEWS

For updated information: www.andoverlake.com

April 2004

SUMMER ISNEARLY HERE!


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ALPOA, the Andover Lake Property Owner’s Asso-ciation is a not for profit 501(c) 4 corporation. ALPOA exists “to promote the social welfare and common good of the community of Andover, Connecticut and the owners of real estate in the vicinity of Andover Lake.” It is solely supported by its membership. Dues collected are used to maintain the dam, beach and water; pay An-dover Real Estate Taxes on the Dam, Beach and other owned property; provide insurance on all inherent risks; provide testing for ecological and water quality purpos-es; lifeguard and security guard salaries and benefits; as well as to support recreational activitiesfor members; etc. Membership in ALPOA is required for those wishing to use the lake, the Beach facili-ties and Right-of-ways for any purpose (including swimming, boating or fishing anywhere on the lake). No motors of any kind are allowed on the lake. This includes electric motors.

ALMA, the Andover Lake Management Association is also a not for profit 501(c) 4 corpo-ration. ALMA owns the Dam, the beach, the right-of-ways, the lake bottom, and several other pieces of property in the lake area. ALPOA is the only member of ALMA. ALMA has a five member board of direc-tors, all of whom have previously served on ALPOAs Board.

DUES

ALPOA dues are now payable and are accepted until May 15th. Dues received after May 15 are subject to a late fee of $15 (except for New Members and Seniors). The categories of membership are described below. Boat stickers are required on all boats which use the lake. A space is provided on the Membership Applica-tion for number of boats.

MEMBERSHIP CATEGORIES

Regular Membership is available to those who own land in the lake area. The Lake area is real estate in-volved is situated on the following streets—Lake Road, Lakeside Drive, Lakeview Drive, Sunset Lane, West Street (within Andover), West Street Extension, Island Street, Bausola Road, Brown Drive, Mathieson Drive, Rockledge Drive, Rose Lane, Woodside Drive, Erdoni Road (within Andover), and School Road. This Mem-bership class is the only class that may vote at the semi-annual, annual, or special meetings.

Associate Membership is available to legal residents of the Town of Andover who do not live in or own property in the area defined above. They have all the privileges of a regular member except for voting rights at Association Meetings.

Senior Citizen rates are available only to Regular or Associate Members who are 65 years of age or older. There is a $20 discount for senior members. Senior Members are not subject to a late fee.

Out of Town Membership is available to families that do not own property in the Town of Ando-ver. Out of Town members have all the privileges of a regular member except for voting rights at Association Meetings. The percentage of members who may be Out of Town Members is limited at present by the Board to 25% of total membership.

Lake Renters—Each housing unit must pay full Regu-lar Membership dues. Owner and renter can work out any arrangements for the annual fee. The property owner, not the renter, has voting rights, if applicable.

WHAT ARE ALPOA AND ALMA?

BLEACH YOUR BOAT AND WATER TOYS PLEASE!When you take your canoe, kayak, water floats, etc., to another lake or beach, be sure to bleach them well before putting them back in Andover Lake. Bleaching is the only way to ensure that no weeds, bacteria and other contaminants will be removed and not infect beautiful, CLEAN Andover Lake. Thank you for your cooperation on this matter.


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The ALPOA Treasurer’s Two Cents

By Lynn Scull

The last couple of years have been filled with finan-cial surprises. Few of them good. Last year when our overall lake liability policy came up for renewal, we found virtually no insurance company would write such coverage in Connecticut, let alone involving lake risks. After three months of hard work and at the 11th hour Tom Byron (ALMA’s Treasurer) found a policy with a 225% increase in premium. Unfortunately, we are not talking about one of our smaller expenses. The old premium was about $8,000. You do the math. To make it easy for you it amounted to $56 per member unit. We took the coverage and the hit. However since then some very diligent work by Tom, Peter Klock, and Art Wood has turned up a policy with a premium in the $18,000 range. We have paid this premium and are in the pro-cess of canceling the old policy, saving us about $8,000 per year. This is still an increase of $10,000 or so over the coverage that expired Aug. 1, 2003. Because of this chain of events the dam depreciation fund was under-funded last year, and will be again this year. Based on the information we had on hand when the last budget was put together, we increased dues by $30 per year for all member categories. Fortunately, the walkway assess-ment has been collected and that $35 is no longer in the totals due this year. This leaves this year’s dues at $5 less than the total on the 2003 membership form. As it turns out, the dues level almost covers the net increase in premiums. Your boards will try very diligently to keep dues at or near this year’s level in the near future.

SECURITY GUARDPAGER NUMBER 366-0949

Officers and Directors 2004

ALMA

President: Tom Byron 742.8162Vice President: Gordon Stratton 742.6996 Secretary: Neal Alderman 742.5265Treasurer: Peter Klock 290.8972 Vacancy

ALPOA

President: Naida Arcenas 742.6583Vice President: Gary Whitman 742.0202Secretary: Art Wood 742.1231Treasurer: Lynn Scull 742.9494Director: Shirley Stolzenbach 742.4406Director: John Nichols 742.9316 Director: Alan Westerberg 742.1678Director: Linda Derick 742.1284Director: Christian Zimmermann 742.0334

Deadline for advertisements for next issue:(June, 2004) is May 15, 2004

Contact Shirley Stolzenbach foradvertising in future Newsletters.

ALPOA reserves the right to refuse anyadvertisement or article it deems inappropriate.

We are not responsible for typographicalerrors submitted by advertisers.

www.andoverlake.com


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Carolyn Pashley has resigned as President of ALMA. Carolyn is passionate about Andover Lake and lake management issues, and we appreciate her dedicated service to our lake association.

On March 30, the ALMA Board elected new officers. Tom Byron was elected President, and Peter Klock was named Treasurer. Gordon Stratton and Neal Alderman will remain in their current posts of Vice President and Secretary, respectively.

After a winter that seemed to last forever, we are fast approaching a new recreation season where, once again, we will all be able to enjoy the beautifully clean water and the recreational facilities and activities of Andover Lake. However, these benefits come with a “reality check.” Andover Lake does not run itself. The dues we all pay only do part of the job. We also need people to do all sorts of things. We need people to serve on boards, help with the newsletter, participate in cleanup activities around the roads adjacent to the lake, help with handyman needs such as the soon-to-be dam walk-way and repairing vandalism damage at the beach (we need a new door on the building), and help with running special events such as the annual Beach Bash, just to name a few.

When you are filling out your membership form in anticipation of another great recreation season, please consider what you can do to help. Even if it’s only a couple of hours here and there, it will definitely help.

Finally, a word about water safety. Even though we can start to feel Spring in the air, the water tempera-ture remains very cold. Anyone suddenly immersed in it could face real physical dangers. Both common sense and the law say that persons in boats must wear a lifejacket, not just have one in the boat, when boating in cold water seasons.

Another request: The advertisements in our newslet-ter help us defray the costs of printing and distributing same. Please patronize our advertisers to whatever extent you can.

Let’s have a happy and safe recreation season.

Tom Byron3/31/04

ALMA President’s Report ALMA REPORTfor the end of ‘03 andthe beginning of ‘04

It has been a good year for the members of ALPOA. The weather this past summer was reasonably kind to the enjoyment of the lake, I saw sailboats, swimmers, fishing - a lot of people having a lot of fun. The membership size is about the same as last year.

The beach committee has done the utmost to main-tain the usability of the beach. ALMA reported that the water quality is pristine. The annual beach bash and the Fourth of July boat parade added to the enjoyment of the season.

Next year we can all expect more of the same with two new additions. The walkway over the dam should be in place and it will be possible, once again, to walk around the lake.

Some years ago we had sailboat races and I would like to revive that sport. There will be a notice in the next Lakeshore News with more details.

The major problem last year was a raise in the premium for our liability insurance from about $8,000 to about $25,000 because our carrier was not going to do busi-ness in Connecticut any more, as of the end of July. The ALMA board found a new carrier at the greater premium to continue the coverage. We have since found a third carrier at a premium of about $18,000. This new policy ends in January so there will be no more midsummer surprises.

My final note is that we need more members on the ALPOA board. It’s not that much work and, most im-portant, you will help make decisions about your lake. It is also a great way to meet other members and make new friends.

See you all on the lake this year.

Neal Alderman for the ALMA board.


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The Department of Environmental Protection’s, Con-necticut Aquatic Resources Education (CARE) pro-gram, locally known as “Fish School”, is coming to Andover just in time for opening day of fishing season. The program developed in 1986 by the DEP Bureau of Fisheries has introduced thousands of novice anglers throughout the state to the quiet pleasures and the excit-ing thrills of freshwater fishing. Classes cover many diverse topics including how and where fish live, fishing laws and regulations, fish identification, fishing tackle and techniques, how to cast, sportsmanship, safety, and how to fillet and cook your catch. The 2 day program will take place on March 20 & 27 from 9:00am - noon at the Old Firehouse on Center Street. Students will be taken on a fishing trip to a lo-cal lake on Saturday, April 10 to practice their newly acquired fishing skills. The “Fish School” program is conducted by certified DEP CARE instructors. The classes are free of charge and open to everyone over 7 years old. Students under 12 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. All required equipment will be provided. An official diplo-ma will be given to students upon successful comple-tion of the program. “Fishing provides an affordable recreational opportu-nity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and all physical abilities. It is an effective relief from mental stress, offering quality family time and is a perfect alter-native to television and computer games. “Fish School” is the ideal introduction to the sport of freshwater fishing”, says Dianne Grenier, Chief Instructor for the DEP CARE program. Preregistration is required. For registration or more in-formation call Dianne Grenier, Chief CARE instructor, at 742-3033.

FISH SCHOOLCOMES TO ANDOVER Notice to Members and

Lakefront Owners:For those wishing to install floats, rafts, docks on the Lake and install or rebuild walls, etc at the water’s edge it is required that you get permission from ALMA and also get approval from the Andover Inland Wetlands and Water-courses Commission.

The requirements generated by ALMA should be reviewed by going to our web-site at www.andoverlake.com. That is the best way to assure that you are getting the most up to date specifications.


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A Message From:

THE ANDOVER INLAND WETLANDS AND WATERCOURSES COMMISSION

Concerning Application Procedures for Regulated Activities Near or In Andover Lake

Since its creation in 1974, the Andover Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (IWWC) has been responsible for the review and approval of many activities that occur in or near wetlands, streams, or ponds in Andover. As stated in the town wetland regulations, wetlands and watercourses are an indispensable and irreplaceable fragile natural resource which are essential to an adequate supply of surface and underground water, to hydrological stability and control of flooding and erosion, to the recharging and purification of groundwater, and to the existence of many forms of animal, aquatic and plant life. The IWWC has long recognized Andover Lake and its abutting wetlands and streams as an important asset to the town’s character as well as a resource to the town’s most heavily populated area.

In recent years, a number of applications have been made to the IWWC for new or improved waterfront structures, including concrete docks, retaining walls, sandy beaches, lake filling for additional lawn, septic repairs, seawalls, decks over the lake, and sheds next to the lake. The IWWC does not wish to become the judge of what is aesthetically best for the people who dwell near or next to Andover Lake. It is our duty to ensure that what is built is done in a manner that protects the water quality and the ecology for the benefit and enjoyment of generations yet unborn. In large part, the IWWC must rely on ALMA and the common sense of lake abutters to maintain their properties and conduct activities that will be in the best interest of keeping Andover Lake a beautiful and popular resource.

To that end, the IWWC is proposing to add a brief guidance statement to its application form that will clarify the roles of the Commission, ALMA, and property owners with regard to IWWC regulated waterfront construction or other regulated activities. The draft proposed language reads as follows:

CLARIFICATION OF APPLICATION PROCEDURESFOR ANDOVER LAKE ACTIVITIES

The Wetlands Commission cannot accept an application for a regulated activity on any property without the owners consent. All applications within the Andover Lake high water mark must include ALMA, the landowner, and the homeowner as co-applicants prior to submission to the Andover Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission. These activities include, but are not limited to, lake walls docks requiring excavation for supports, placing of stones at the lakefront, steps or boat landings into the lake or any other activity within the high water mark where there is placing of material or disturbance of soil.

ADDITIONAL NOTE TO PROCEDURES STATEMENT

The Commission regulates all activities within 200 feet of Andover Lake. Activities that include disturbances of soil and placement of structures may require a permit. Lake area residents should consult with the Wetlands Agent prior to the start of these activities.

The reason for this clarification is that some confusion occurred in the past because lakefront landowners and the IWWC were not aware that all land below the high water mark of Andover Lake is owned by ALMA, not the homeowner. As a result, some applications for retaining walls were made to the IWWC without ALMA’s input or approval. In the future, water front improvements will first have to be reviewed and signed-off on by ALMA, as the co-applicant, and will then hopefully be consistent with the aesthetic desires of the lake associations.

The proposed clarification does not change the application procedure, but only makes it more easily understood by all the parties. The IWWC, made up of volunteer town residents, hopes that this process will be efficient and painless for all.

by John Valente


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Selling YOUR Home?

Residents who live around Andover Lake will be con-ducting a “Spring Cleaning Litter Walk” to clean up winter litter around beautiful Andover Lake before the summer recreation season begins.

Each year two groups, armed with plastic bags and garden gloves, gather to pick up bottles, cans and paper litter that has been deposited along the roadways sur-rounding Andover Lake over the winter months by local litterbugs.

The two groups meet, one on each side of the Andover Lake dam, and work their way along the roadway to the ALOPA Beach where they are met by a truck and driver that will haul away the day’s collection of litter to the local landfill.

It’s a simple task that produces great results. Each year neighbors enjoy a walk in the fresh air and visiting with each other, as they get their daily exercise while clean-

ing up their neighborhood. As the days become longer and warmer, neighbors take pride in a tidy looking neighborhood as they spend more time outside.

The Litter Walk effort started several years ago in support of the “Adopt a Road Program” sponsored by Conservation Commission, and it has now become an annual event.

This year residents will meet on Saturday, April 24 at 9:00am at the Andover Lake dam off Lakeview Drive and at the walk path entrance off School Road. Every-one is welcome to come join the teams. A rain date has been set for Saturday, May 8th, same time – same place.

For more information about the Litter Walk call the west side team captain, Anna Galvin at 742-3089 or the east side team captain, Dianne Grenier at 742-3033.

Every litter bit hurts!

Time for Spring Cleaning!By Dianne Grenier


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THE LAKESIDE GOURMETDory Alderman

On a crisp winter day I met a neighbor on Lake Road who had just bought a starter kit for tomatoes. I said to myself, “I guess I’m not the only one anxious for spring.” Then I asked myself, “What spring-like meal could I make for dinner?” You see by February I start talking to myself. Anyway, I remembered that I had one package of rhubarb left in the freezer from my garden. I put together the following recipe that can be made with fresh rhubarb from your spring garden - hopefully soon after this newsletter arrives.

Chicken Ginger Rhubarb3 pounds chicken parts2 1/2 pounds sweet potatoes1/4 teaspoon salt1 pound rhubarb (2 cups) cut into one-inch pieces 1 1/2 inches fresh, peeled ginger root 3 tablespoons light brown sugar

Place chicken in a single layer in a shallow baking dish.Cut the sweet potatoes in chunks and then place among the chickens. Sprinkle with salt. Scatter rhu-barb over all. With a sharp grater, grate the ginger root over the top. Last sprinkle on the sugar. Bake in a 350-degree oven one hour, or until the potatoes and chicken are done. Baste with the pan liquid 2 to 3 times during cooking. Serves 5 to 6.


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742-6100

Update on thePedestrian Bridge overthe Andover Lake Dam

Plans have been completed for a bolted-together bridge which will span the spillway of the Andover Lake Dam. We expect that the bridge will be installed by some time in the summer.

The past year has been spent reviewing the bridge pro-posal with the Department of Environmental Protection, the Zoning Board of Appeals, the Wetlands Commis-sion, and the Building Department.

The original plan featured pre-fabricated bridge sec-tions which would be assembled off-site. Much of the past year has also been spent evaluating alternate methods for installing these bridge sections. Options considered included employing a crane, various heavy machinery, a helicopter, and a crane barge. All of those options proved impractical, and an alternate plan was developed for a bolted-together bridge. Volunteers will be used to carry or roll the bridge components into place.

The bridge will allow lake association members to safely walk, run or bicycle around the entire lake.

PLEASE SLOW DOWN!

Lake Road and Lakeside Drive are narrow and dangerous!

We value the lives of our pets and children so please be careful when driving around the Lake.

Thank You!


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ALPOA 2004 Membership FormReturn by May 15th to avoid Late Fee. Read carefully, there are changes this year.

(Membership Fees are Non-Refundable)

Check membership type: See over for definitions Renewal Fee With Late Fee Lapsed Fee New Member____Regular (lake area property owner) $230 $245 $255 $380____Associate (Andover non-lake area) $230 $245 $255 $380____Regular Senior(65+) (lake area) $210 $210 $235 $360____Associate Senior (Andover non-lake) $210 $210 $235 $360____Out of Town (Sr. rates N/A) $295 - - - - - - - - $295

Lapsed fees have been reduced 75%. No late fee for seniors. NAME _________________________________________TELEPHONE # (____)_____-________

ADDRESS _______________________________________________________________________ (Enter Lake Address for those claiming Regular Membership) Use section below for mailing address if different.

CITY ________________________ STATE __________ ZIP CODE _ _ _ _ _ - _ _ _ _

MEMBERSHIP # _____________Last year’s number if you know it. Otherwise leave blank. Two cards will be issued.

NUMBER OF BOATS FOR WHICH BOAT STICKERS ARE DESIRED______ (No extra charge for more than 3 this year)

Family Members: (people living at above address, extended family are not a part of this membership). Age is required only for those 25 and under.

Name:1) __________________________Age: ____ 4)___________________________Age: ____

2) __________________________Age: ____ 5) __________________________ Age: ____

3) __________________________Age: ____ 6) __________________________ Age: ____

Please complete if this is a rental property: NAME OF RENTER ______________________________

MAILING ADDRESS: Address _________________________________________________________(Snow Birds, Summer Residents)(if different from above) City _______________________________ State ______ Zip Code _________

DATES TO USE THIS ADDRESS: From _______________ to _________________

Would you share your Email Address with us? ________________________________It will be used only by ALPOA and ALMA to notify members of special information between newsletters.

Activities you would like to see: __________________________________________________________The Beach Committee needs help for the Kids Beach Bash. Call any board member if you can help one way or another.

I agree to abide by the rules and bylaws of the Association______________________________________ (signature)

MAIL THIS APPLICATION ALONG WITH YOUR CHECK TO: ALPOA, PO BOX 54, ANDOVER, CT 06232-0054Incomplete applications will be returned

Documents

ANDOVER LAKE PROPERTY OWNERS ASSOCIATION ...Treasurer: Peter Klock 290.8972 Vacancy ALPOA President: Naida Arcenas 742.6583 Vice President: Gary Whitman 742.0202 Secretary: Art Wood