Lake James Property Owners Association, Inc.

Lake James Newsletter
Spring 2009

The Presidents Corner
By Larry Bittner

Spring has arrived officially but as I look out the window there is still ice on the lake. I hope everyone has had a great winter.

We have set a date for our 2009 Annual Meeting. It will be held on August 22, 2009 @ 10:00 am at the senior center behind The Pines Theater. Please remember, we will be voting on new a LJPOA logo contest) and we will need to elect 3 to 5 new officers.

New “info” signage has been added to the 3 existing LJPOA entrance signs which will let everyone know what is presently going on now and upcoming events, etc.

Check out the changes to the LJPOA website! A new service added is our new Ask the Board section. Feel free to drop us a question, comment or suggestion at anytime.

If anyone is interested in a boaters safety class let a board member know so we can try to set it up. Please check boating safety rules on our site. Last summer there were several infractions observed emanating from underage operators of PWC’s including skiing with no spotters, underage operators, and also kids sitting on the front of pontoon boats with their feet in water as the boat is moving! All of these could turn into a tragedy in a minute. If you are unsure of any water safety rules, call a marine safety patrol member (phone numbers are on website) and they will handle it. Interested in joining the Marine Safety Patrol? Call, e-mail or contact me through the LJPOA – “Ask a Board Member website.) Remember our Safety Patrol can write a violation, which we then send to the Roscommon Sheriff. They will then decide to issue a ticket or warning to the boat owner not the guest. 75% of past years violations were guests of the boat owner.

Also any one can check zoning ordinances for Denton Township at this site: www.dentontownship-mi.org/ordinances.html

Vice Presidents Report
By Rodger Shutter

Spring is finally here! The Winter was long, cold & snowy, which some people enjoyed & that was great. We had good weather & a good turn out for our annual Winter Picnic at the Red Barn. A warm Camp Fire, Hot Cider, Hot Dogs & plenty of Laughter made a very enjoyable afternoon. Thanks to all who came out! The Officers are keeping busy with meetings and discussions how to improve things around the Lake, which is always a full time project. Right now we are in the process of installing (3) Bulletin Board Signs, at the existing (3) Lake James signs, they will tell the coming events to take place on the Lake. (Times & Dates) Good Idea! Eh! Also, the Spring Clean up is around the corner, see Parks for all the details. I did manage to find some time to go out ice fishing, the ice was really thick, and caught the best eating fish in the lake, the "Bluegill!" Always fun on a nice Cold-Sunny Day to watch your bobber, bob up & down in the fishing hole.

Lake James provides so many enjoyable things to do, even if you just watch all the abundant ducks and birds around the Lake & so much clean-fresh air to smell & breath, these are just a few simple things we take for granted.

There is no place like Mid-Michigan and God bless our Freedom!

Aquatic Weed Management
By Dan Nelson

The ice is starting to melt and as the shoreline reappears, the 2009 weed management plan will begin to take effect. I personally think the lake looked the best it has in the 8 years I have owned my cottage.

The Eurasian Milfoil treatment last summer using Renovate OTF will be evaluated in mid May to see how it worked and if the extended watering ban was worth it. Speaking of the watering ban, I have been in touch with Aquatic Nuisance and the company that makes Renovate OTF is reviewing the restrictions on the product. They MAY lift them for the watering of lawns, but the restriction would still be in effect for all broad leaf plants (most flowers). I will update the web site as information becomes available.

Any one that paid to have their lily pads sprayed in 2007 had their property sprayed at no cost in 2008. I had so many complaints about them, that Aquatic Nuisance bit the bullet and did it again. And the price was right.

Remember when fertilizing this season to use Phosphate free fertilizer. It is available at all stores in Roscommon County. We need to do our part in keeping the lake from becoming weed filled. This is one of the best ways to help the lake.

IMPORTANT NOTICE!
This spring, our lake will again be chemically treated for weeds and milfoil. Please read the attached DEQ lake spraying information and notification:
http://www.lakejamesmi.org/images/DNR_chem_notice.pdf

LJPOA Events
By Jane Tomaszewski

BOAT PARADE
Thanks for all who made the winter picnic a great success. With summer approaching, we are ready to do it all over again. On Saturday, July 4th @ 11:00 AM, we will have our annual boat parade and our picnic at the barn afterward. The boat parade has steadily grown over the years and we are hoping to make this the biggest and finest ever. This year we are awarding a trophy for first place (trophy to be like the Stanley Cup with each years winner to be inscribed on the trophy). To be considered for competition, you must register at the pole barn before the parade or by emailing a board member. An independent committee of judges will judge the competition. Start now getting your plans together.

LOGO CONTEST
Everything needs to be updated once and awhile, so there will be a Logo Contest to update our present one. Get your sketches together and submit them to a board member. All LJPOA members will vote for their favorite at the Annual Meeting in August. The logo receiving the most votes will become the new logo.

Lastly, the Board wishes to make this a happy place to live and play and is looking suggestions for future events that will make this happen. Please send any suggestions to me @ jkrantzie@aol.com or call me at 989-366-0975. You can also contact any board member or visit our website and list your suggestions on the "Ask the Board" link. We look forward to your suggestions.

Parks Management
By Jim Preczewski

As a reminder, the LJPOA Parks Clean-Up Day is scheduled for May 2, 2009. We will meet at the boat ramp @ 9:00AM. Please, bring leaf rakes, friends & neighbors. After the clean up we will go to the barn for refreshments and hot dogs…our treat for giving us some of your precious relaxation time! In case of heavy rain May 9, 2009 will be the LJPOA Parks Clean-Up Day.

Also something new is coming! Watch for new informational signs to be located at the 3 main entrances to Lake James. These signs will provide you with important LJPOA news. Look for new playground/park equipment to be installed very soon! We have purchased a new playground set that will be installed at Hazelwood Park and have upgraded the bridge to be wheelchair accessable.

Lastly, if you need a new key to the boat ramp (Moosehead Park) call Jim Preczewski (989)366-5536 or Rodger Shutter (989)366-9575. Remember, DO NOT LEAVE THE GATE OPEN!

Dam Management
By Larry Bittner

This summer, our dam needs to have its 3 year inspection. We will send our bidding requirements to contractors within the next month.

With regard to the lake water level, the "boards" will be put back in the dam to raise the water level as soon as all of the ice melts.

Revised Wednesday May 27, 2009 12:28 PM