Maidstone Lake Mirror – Summer Solstice 2023 Edition
Greetings!
As we come upon the summer solstice – on behalf of the MLA Board of Directors — we hope that you have a wonderful upcoming holiday and a very sunny summer at Maidstone Lake and the Northeast Kingdom!
Caution – this is a long read and may cause periods of drowsiness…
There are a lot of upcoming events and chances to interact with your neighbors on the lake! There are also available opportunities to put your voice in action by serving on the MLA Board of Directors! There are other opportunities to serve as well – like coordinating the 2024 Annual Maidstone Lake Ice-Out Contest!
Your membership serves as the resources we use 100% to serve & improve the lake community. Thanks in advance to all those who have already paid their dues & trailer fees — and just a reminder that you can process your membership online – see below for details.
Also- note below that NEK Broadband is seeking input on Broadband coverage in our area – see below and reach out to them.
We hope to see all of you out on the lake for a Boat Parade!
July 4th – 1 PM: Boats will gather up – rain or shine – offshore near the Day Use area and then proceed around the lake to celebrate our independence & the amazing lake that we share together. Dress up your boat, dress up on shore, dress up yourself, wave & yell, cheer on the boats as they pass by your camp.
We also hope to see you all at the Annual Meeting on Saturday July 8th at 9AM at the Maidstone Park Day Use Area. We have some great speakers lined up and as always some great food and conversations.
Annual Picnic: Immediately following the annual meeting – around 1115 – Rob Lafontaine, Lot 61A/62A will be serving pulled pork sandwiches, baked beans, & coleslaw – Thanks Rob!
Sweet Treats provided by the Maidstone Lake Bakers!
How can you say no!
There is no cost for the picnic and again you DO NOT need to be a member to attend.
In order to plan as best we can for the Picnic Lunch – please fill out this survey!
https://forms.gle/NougAHSJMvL1fNsR7
Music on Lake!
July 15th – “Best for Last” is again playing on the East Side of the lake and offering to do a fundraiser to support the Lake – thank-you Benoit Lamontagne & Best for Last!
To donate online for Musical Fundraiser event – Click the link and then click Donate!
https://maidstonelake.net/summer-social-fund
Maidstone Lake Watershed Plan
| Please join the presentation via Zoom on Tuesday June 27th – 6PM to get updates on the Lake Watershed Action Plan for Maidstone Lake!
ECNRCD and Stone Environmental, Inc. have been working on a Lake Watershed Action Plan by performing shoreline and stormwater assessments, developing associated project prioritization and concept designs, and drafting the LWAP report. The Maidstone Lake Watershed Action Plan follows the VTDEC LWAP Technical Guidelines for shoreland, roadway, and tributary assessments. This LWAP was developed over the course of 2022 and 2023 through field work as well as interacting with stakeholders from the Town of Maidstone and ECNRCD to identify and prioritize projects that will help improve the health of Maidstone Lake. Please join us for an informational presentation on the LWAP produced for Maidstone Lake. Stone Environmental and ECNRCD will present the results of the LWAP and answer questions from the community. Join at the following Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83941455370?pwd=alNtWGU4UmpJT0lSdW5YcGpmc005dz09 (meeting ID 833 5033 1346). For more information on this presentation or on how to join by phone, contact Sam Mayne at [email protected] or 802-424-5353. ECNRCD and Stone Environmental, Inc. have been working on a Lake Watershed Action Plan by performing shoreline and stormwater assessments, developing associated project prioritization and concept designs, and drafting the LWAP report. The Maidstone Lake Watershed Action Plan follows the VTDEC LWAP Technical Guidelines for shoreland, roadway, and tributary assessments. This LWAP was developed over the course of 2022 and 2023 through field work as well as interacting with stakeholders from the Town of Maidstone and ECNRCD to identify and prioritize projects that will help improve the health of Maidstone Lake. Please join us for an informational presentation on the LWAP produced for Maidstone Lake. Stone Environmental and ECNRCD will present the results of the LWAP and answer questions from the community. Join at the following Zoom link https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83941455370?pwd=alNtWGU4UmpJT0lSdW5YcGpmc005dz09 (meeting ID 833 5033 1346). For more information on this presentation or on how to join by phone, contact Sam Mayne at [email protected] or 802-424-5353. Sam Mayne, ECNRCD is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting. Join Zoom Meeting Meeting ID: 839 4145 5370 |
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Tuesday Jun 27, 2023 ⋅ 6pm – 8pm (Eastern Time – New York) |
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https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83941455370?pwd=alNtWGU4UmpJT0lSdW5YcGpmc005dz09 |
Service Matters! The MLA Board is seeking new board members – there are presently two vacancies on the Board. Anyone interested in shaping the future of our lake should seize this opportunity to serve. There will also be at least one other vacancy for the next Board term starting July 8th, 2023. Be part of the future! Email us back if you are interested.
Boat Trailer Parking: As a reminder – The Boat trailer parking lot on the East Side requires a sticker EACH year to be present on your trailer. We have modified the Boat Trailer Parking lot program. Stickers will be required each year and will cost $55 for non-MLA members and $5 for members. We also ask that you put your name on the trailer near your sticker — should there be an issue that we need to contact you. Please….Only boat trailers in the lot please, Not construction trailers with kayaks in them or any other trailer not designed to hold a boat/watercraft. Contact Sam Gorham for a sticker: 802-676-3965 – 5142 Maidstone Lake Road. The trailer lot is only available for parking during the summer.
We warmly welcome all the new camp owners to the lake! We appreciate the great community the many wonderful neighbors & volunteers – past & present – have created here at Maidstone! We hope you enjoy this piece of paradise.
Other News & Updates:
NEK Broadband Update & Input wanted!:
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Maidstone Lake Baseline Study:
MLA contracted to have a baseline study done of the lake aquatic species so we can better understand our plants in the lake. See the attached report which is a really good read! Inventory Many thanks to Chris von Alt for working on this project and helping us position our lake to be proactive & sustainable.
FOMO?: If you missed the annual meeting last summer and want to catch up on the happenings – the full MLA Annual Report can be found online at:
Membership Matters!
Thanks to everyone who has joined the Association over the years! Membership runs from July 1 – to June 30th annually.
Our online Paypal form has helped us improve responses and dues — however we hope to get 100% participation!
Special thanks to Director Eric Gagnon who has enabled easy online payment methods to pay dues & trailer parking fees.
Click the following links to pay online for dues, donations, & trailer parking!
The Maidstone Lake Service Award:
The MLA Service Award was established in 2014 to honor those who have placed service above self to improve our lake community. You can cast your vote for 2023 anytime!
Prior Award Recipients:
Lee & Mary Stewart
Lin Mixer
Sam Gorham
Bert Desrochers
Bill Sanborn
Willy Barrett
Bob “Gator” Lancraft
Gail Giampaolo
Carol Anne Gorham
The nomination period for this year’s award will be due June 22, 2023.
Please click on the link below to make a nomination.
It is important to recognize those that have selflessly given so much to improve our community for the benefit of all. There is no other way to have done all the great work at the lake over the years without people who care, and will look beyond their own self-interest to serve a greater cause that will help preserve & improve our shared environment!
Boating Safety
Please review the boating safety highlights: Yes – we can start thinking about next summer!
Safety Matters! – Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Maidstone Lake has 2 AED’s that are presently mounted and ready for service – one on the East Side and the other on the West Side. The locations are 4488 Maidstone Lake Road on the East, and 37 Private West 2 on the West. There is signage showing you where they are located on the property and there will be further signage along the lake road to indicate their location.
Maidstone Lake Directory: Mary von Alt maintains the latest version of our Directory, so please let her know of any changes. What a wonderful resource this is for us! Thanks Mary! Did your email or other contact info change? If you would like to update, join, or validate your info that we have in the current Maidstone Lake Directory – please email Mary vonAlt at [email protected]. This directory is voluntary and the Association does not share that information.
2023-24 Membership Form Info: Here is an online membership form if you are old school and want to print one out!
Rubbish & Recycling: 2023 Schedule
https://maidstonelake.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/2023-Maidstone-Waste-Schedule.pdf
Just a reminder – Recycling is every week in the summer months. Rubbish & Recycling is picked up on Mondays unless Monday is a holiday – then it is Wednesday. Please put your trash in containers that animals cannot get into!
Maidstone Lake History…A few Books still available but not for long – Great gift item! Get a copy of the Maidstone Lake History Book! The cost of the publication is only $35. The book is 186 pages of color and some black & white photos along with the history of the lake & camps. Pass the word to those who are not connected! Thanks for the support! For those who want to order online and want a book shipped:
http://bit.ly/MaidstoneHistory
Maidstone Lake Gifts: Also… don’t forget the great variety of items that Sam & Carol Gorham have for you to buy! From shirts to hats to sweatshirts to all kinds of lake crafts – they have something that would make a great gift or something you buy as a gift and keep for yourself! Contact the Gorham’s at their camp or email us and we will get you connected. 802-676-3965 – or visit 5142 Maidstone Lake Road.
Boating Safety: Think Summer! The boating safety course is available online at: https://www.boat-ed.com
Doing work on your property? Here is a handy worksheet to help determine what is needed when developing your property:
Information when doing work on your property
MLA Directors Meetings & Feedback Loop:
The MLA Directors meetings start in May and end in October. If you have any input – please reply to this email.
Please email [email protected] or contact one of the Directors if you have anything you would like to pass along.
The current MLA Directors are Greg Poer,”Sam” Gorham, Chris von Alt, Jim Mewkill, Sharon Atkinson, Eric Gagnon, Sharon Taylor and Jim Mazzonna.
Save Valuable First Responder Time!! – Get your 911 Signage:
You can still reserve/purchase your sign from the MLA. If you don’t have one – you really should so that if there is ever an emergency – first responders can locate your camp. If would like to purchase a sign please email us at [email protected]
Your cost is our cost: $10.
Maidstone Town News: See the latest information & resources online at the Town of Maidstone Website.
Selectboard Meeting First Monday of Every Month – 7 PM via ZOOM, or in person.
Maidstone Lake Website: Open 24 Hours a Day! Please explore the entire site that is full of reference material and other great resources – open 24 hours a day! http://maidstonelake.net/
Check out all the Online Resources that are easier to find:
https://maidstonelake.net/mla-lake-info
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Vermont Boating Regulations & Resources
All persons born after January 1, 1974, must successfully complete an approved boating safety education course to legally operate “any” motorized vessel including personal watercraft. The card must be carried when operating the motorized vessel. Online training & certification can be found at: https://www.boat-ed.com/vermont/
No one under 12 years of age may operate any vessel powered by a motor of more than 6 horsepower.
No one under 16 years of age may operate a Personal WaterCraft (PWC),even if they have successfully completed a boating safety education course.
“All vessels”, except sailboards, must carry one wearable US Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V Personal Floatation Device (PFD) for each person on board. That includes paddle boards, peddle boats, & tow behinds. The PFD’s must be readily available, serviceable and of the proper fit for the intended wearer. A person under 16 years of age must wear a PFD at all times while on board a sailboard.
“All vessels” 16 feet or longermust have a US Coast Guard approved Type IV throw able PFD on board and readily accessible.
Children under 12 years of age must “wear” a US Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III PFD at all times while underway on the open deck of any vessel. Anyone being towed must wear a PFD.
Please take note of this as it is a common issue on the lake: Every vessel towing a person(s) on water skis or any other device must have a person who is at least 12 years old on board in addition to the vessel operator, in a position to observe the towed person(s). If towing a person(s) with a Personal WaterCraft, the PWC should be rated for at least the number of persons involved, operator, observer (facing backward) and towed person(s). Maintain 100 feet of distance between the towed person(s) and a swimmer, canoe, rowboat, kayak or any other small vessel with a person on board.
Everyone on a Personal WaterCraft must wear a PFD.
A Personal WaterCraft must have passenger capacity for everyone involved in its activity.
Registration & Validation: Your motorized vessel must have a valid registration. Additionally, if your vessel is registered outside Vermont – you MAY need to have a Vermont Validation sticker if your boat is used in Vermont waters for more than 30 days in any calendar year. Check out all the requirements at: https://dmv.vermont.gov/registrations/new/off-road-vehicles/registering-your-motorboat & also https://www.boat-ed.com/vermont/handbook/book.html
Know your Speed & Wake requirements! Improper Speed or Distance is not maintaining a proper speed or distance while operating a vessel or while towing a person on water skis or any similar device.
Specifically, the following actions are ILLEGAL:
Operating a vessel (except sailboards) at greater than “no wake speed’s WITHIN 200 feet of:
– The shoreline
– A person in the water – A canoe, rowboat, or other vessel
– An anchored or moored vessel with a person on board – An anchorage or dock
SO……Maintain 200 Feet (at least) to the above situations!
Operating a vessel at speeds of five miles per hour or greater within 200 feet of a marked Swimming or Diving Areas. Swimming Area is marked with buoys offshore of the Day Use Area of Maidstone State Park.
Diver Down Flag
Operating a vessel at speeds that may cause danger, injury, or damage. Be aware of and obey all regulatory markers, including areas marked as “No Wake” “No Wake Speed” means … operating your vessel at a speed at which the vessel does not produce a wake, not to exceed five miles per hour.
Vermont law prohibits anyone from boating while intoxicated (BWI) due to alcohol, drugs or any combination.
Navigation lights must be displayed between sunset and sunrise. Personal Watercraft may not be operated between sunset and sunrise.
Fire extinguisher (a Type B) is required on all motorized vessel, it should be easily accessible and in proper working condition.
Milfoil & Aquatic Nuisance: inspect your vessel, trailer and equipment and remove any plants prior to launching. Please report any issues found to the Launch Greeter or MLA and do not launch your vessel if you have identified Milfoil or other Aquatic Nuisance.
Safety & Compliance Patrols: You will see the waters being patrolled – on occasion – by either the Vermont State Police (VSP) or Local Game Warden. Please have your registration on the vessel and all required safety gear. The VSP can do a safety check and you would receive a Decal if you have met all the requirements.
Northeast District Game Warden for Maidstone: Trevor Szymanowski – 802-695-1314
https://vtfishandwildlife.com/contact/contact-a-warden
Vermont State Police Derby Barracks
35 Crawford Rd
Derby, VT 05602
802-334-8881