Lawsuits threatened for non-payment of lake rights fees

The Lake Winona Civic Association, at a meeting held on Aug. 19, announced plans to go ahead with filing lawsuits against scofflaws, some of whom owe thousands of dollars in back-due fees.

To recover the deficit of more than 30 thousand dollars, LWCA will proceed with plans to notify the offenders and if necessary, "bring them to court," said association secretary, Dennis Amoruso.

The required 45 dollar annual fee (increased from 15 dol- lars in 1990) is solely for the upkeep and protection of the lake and its surrounding area. Services range from water quality testing and weed harvesting to safety issues and upkeep of the dam, bridge and beach.

The fee is required whether or not the property owner is a member of LWCA.

It was also noted that there is no "grandfather-clause" concerning the increase approved in 1990. "A copy of the original resolution is on file at LWCA and is available from me upon request," said Amoruso. Those who have continued to pay 15 dollars per year since 1990 will have arrears totaling 30 dollars per year plus 18 per cent APR interest.

An amnesty program will be in effect for a time before the suits are brought. Arrangements can be made for monthly payments in some situations.

A notice of standing will be sent to all owners reflecting their status. "If you are up-to-date, the amount owed will be ‘zero’," said Patty Larson, interim LWCA vice president. "This way, everyone in the community knows what’s going on."

Payments, questions or comments may be addressed to any officer or trustee of LWCA.

Proper sanitation has been proven to be an effective method of deterrence. Trash should be stored in a secure area in airtight containers. Wash these containers with a disinfectant solution at least once a week to remove odors.

Outdoor feeding of pets should be done during the daylight hours. Feeding stations, even though empty, should be removed after feeding so no scent remains. Bird feeders are also a favorite of bears. Bring all feeders in at night.

Most importantly, do not feed any bears.

Should a bear wander near your home, stay indoors, shout, bang pots and pans. Most bears are easily frightened by loud noises and will leave without confrontation. If you happen upon a bear in the wilderness, remain upright, speak to the bear in a calm, assertive voice and slowly back away. Do not look bears, or any wild animal directly in the eyes. Most wild animals perceive this as a threat or confrontation. Do not turn your back and run. Motion and panic trigger the same feelings in bears as they do humans. Local bears have a top running speed of 35 miles per hour and can easily overtake even the best human sprinter. Bears are excellent climbers. Don’t try climbing a tree to escape. "Playing dead" is a fallacy, as a hungry bear will eat a carcass.

Remember that these creatures are hungry and thirsty. If we must coexist with them, do your best to protect yourself, your property and your neighbors.

Think you can drive?

A road rally is not a race but a test of driving skills, navigation skills and following written directions. A timed event, participants are penalized for returning too early as well as too late. There are checkpoints along the way where you must log in. You may ask questions of the checkers but be warned, their answers may confuse you even more.

Registration for the rally begins at 9 a.m. the day of the rally. There is a 20 dollar registration fee due at sign-up. Free registration is available for those who attend the Country Hoedown on Sept. 19.

Prizes will be awarded to the top finishers and refreshments will be available for spectators and participants throughout the event.

Volunteers are needed for checkers, time-keepers and servers. If you’d like to be involved in any way, please contact an officer or trustee of LWCA.

Free admission and new events are likely to draw a large crowd, so come out early and stay late on Sept. 19.

New this year are face-painting, a hot-dog eating contest, a hollerin’ contest and a pie judging contest. Carry-overs from last year will include games for kids and adults including a 3-legged race, sack races, tug o’war and horseshoes. Three 50/50 drawings are scheduled for the day of the event. Hay rides for the kids will be running all day.

Along with the best in country music and dancing, a beach bonfire will be held at dusk, weather permitting.

Food and drink will be served all day. No alcoholic beverages will be served but you are welcomed to bring your own. Please remember this is a family event. Drink responsibly.

Volunteers are needed. If you would like to judge the pie contest, be a grill-master or participate in any way, please speak to an officer or trustee of LWCA.

Kids’ movie nights re-instated

Movies

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kids of all ages to view a current or classic movie at the clubhouse.

For a nominal admission fee, snacks and soft drinks are provided free of charge.

The latest event, scheduled for Sept. 11, will feature two showings. Though information about which movies will be shown was not available at press-time, Cindy Hardy and Diane Della Volpe, organizers of the event, said the first showing will begin at 3 p.m. This presentation will be geared to kids aged 0-5 years old. Snacks provided will be "goldfish" snack-crackers and juice. The second showing, scheduled for 7 p.m. will feature popcorn and soda. Ages 6 and up are welcomed.

Make yourself comfortable by bringing pillows, blankets or a comfy chair.

If you would like to volunteer for this event, you may call any LWCA executive or trustee.

Vandalism rises in community

In recent months, the side door of the clubhouse was jimmied and its hinges ripped off. The front screen door was bent and its screen dislodged from the frame. An outdoor shower head, installed by trustee Dave Della Volpe at his expense, was stolen and the supporting pipe broken. A young teenager was apprehended while trying to steal a four hundred dollar trimmer just minutes after a volunteer took a break from trimming the grassy area near the beach. A rail beam from the spillway bridge is missing making the structure less safe for pedestrians. The bridge may have to be closed until repaired. A wrought-iron bench is missing as well as the bicycle rack. Many of these items were hand-made by volunteers and not recoverable.

At the request of LWCA, Jefferson police have increased their surveillance of the area.

Residents are asked to report any unusual activity to the JTPD or any executive or trustee of LWCA.

Crime Watch volunteers needed

As noted at the Aug. 19 meeting of LWCA, indifference of residents has caused a lack of responsibility to reporting crimes in the community.

"Why should I call the cops about anything if nobody else does," said a homeowner who wished to remain nameless. "I’m just going to watch out for myself and everybody else should, too."

Others who were dissatisfied with that response suggested the now defunct crime watch committee be re-instated. The program will be discussed at the LWCA general meeting to be held Sept. 10 at 7:30 p.m., at the clubhouse.

Concerned citizens are asked to voice their opinions on how best to institute this program.

It was noted that some are afraid to be involved because of confrontation with perpetrators. The LWCA asserts there is no need to confront anyone. Simply get as much information as possible, i.e.. vehicle description, personal description etc., and report the incident to the Jefferson Township police department.

Though a formal committee may be formed, LWCA requests all residents to report any unusual activity to the JTPD or an executive or trustee of LWCA.

Diving dock deemed unsafe

Immediate closure of the diving dock was forced by lack of funds and maintenance. The area has been posted and roped off.

Dock

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this area is extremely dangerous. Caution your children and guests immediately.

A floating dock was suggested by Rolstadt and several other attendees of the Aug. 19 LWCA meeting. Some long-time residents may remember a floating dock anchored midway in the lake. It, too, was removed due to lack of upkeep. This type of dock can be anchored at the shoreline for easier maintenance and can be brought ashore during the winter months.

"If we can’t get anyone to take care of the existing dock, what makes you think anyone will design and build a new one," said an irate member. "And where is the money coming from for materials?"

Options will be discussed at the Sept. 10 meeting of the LWCA.

Watch the wolves

Bears are a common sight in our area, but have you ever seen a wolf up close? You’ll have the opportunity if you join the Lakota Wolf Preserve trip tentatively scheduled for April 30, 2000.

Located in Columbia, New Jersey, the preserve currently houses 15 adult and 7 pups.

Patty Larson, organizer of the event, said that the trip will be an event for all ages. "This will be a great family outing; a day trip that will be fun as well as educational.

A scenic walk through the preserve will reveal many forms of wildlife indigent to the area. Informal conversations with the people who raised and care for the wolves will help you learn about the wolves’ social structure, eating habits, their interaction with humans and many other facts.

An observation area is provided for visitors to watch these beautiful animals play, interact with each other and maybe even hear them howl.

Other programs offered by Lakota include photography sessions for serious photographers and an adoption program.

love us, their guardians, and also the people who come to visit."

Are you online?

LWCA has a site for users to gather the latest information concerning the association. The site can provide information directly concerning LWCA or links for related information.

The site may be under construction when you access it, so please be patient.

If you would like to join in the effort to update the site, the webmaster would be extremely grateful.

Please address inquiries to... lwcainfo@prodigy.net.

Any information or suggestions concerning this newsletter may be addressed to... d.amoruso@worldnet.att.net.