BYOB: Bleach your own boat!

Now that the boating season is starting, remember to bleach your boat. We pride ourselves in the pristine state of the lake, and in particular in the lack of invasive weeds. Two-thirds of the lakes in Connecticut have been taken over by such weeds, and we do not want to add Andover Lake to the list! Thus, whenever your boat touched other waters, bleach it before bringing it back to Andover Lake.

For the same reason, no pumping of lake water is allowed, except in emergency situations (fire). Pumps need priming, which sends foreign water into the lake, potentially bringing new weeds. As previously reported, this also applies to State trucks...

Vandalism on the beach

Unfortunately, the beach is too regularly the subject of vandalism. For example, recently the (new) carpeting of the raft has been ripped off. This is really annoying, as it costs to repair damage and ties up volunteer resources who could have performed more useful duties. Among past damages, volunteers had to repair doors, repaint walls, repair guard chairs, redress and clean toppled pot-a-potties, repair the fence, and rake multiple times the sand for broken beer bottles.

We want to remind everyone that when the beach is closed, well, it is closed. No trespassing is allowed unless lifeguards are present or board members give authorization. If you notice that there is activity on the beach when there should not be, alert police or our security guard (860-655-4407).

ALPOA establishes rack policy

ALPOA volunteers have built several boat racks around the lake to reduce overcrowding and the Island Street right-of-way and reduce clutter elsewhere as well. The occasion was ripe to establish some policies as well. They are now available on the ALPOA website (direct link).

Note that part of the rules is that rack space needs to be reserved. Previous users can keep their slot by contacting Jenifer Nadeau until May 19 at kayakin@sbcglobal.net (best) or by phone (in newsletter). After that, registration is open for new slots.

Reminder: ALPOA memberships are due May 15

The membership form is here. Note that the fee is still the same as last year, and several years before that. Help through your membership preserve our pristine lake (and property values...).

Missing kayak

A red Heritage kayak is missing since last Fall. If anybody has any information, please contact ALPOA president Naida Arcenas at 742-6583.