2021 Newsletter






From our President, Benjamin Dexter


When I was still learning to drive a manual transmission, I pulled up to the intersection of Breed road and Eastside road. This can be a tricky intersection some days but adding clutch control to the situation raised my apprehension. As I was about to turn on to Eastside road, a car was approaching down the hill, and I had to abort all hopes of a smooth turn. I had to stop, on an incline, in a manual car. My predicament was worsened by the approach of several cyclists. The first stall felt like a given. My clutch feathering was more like a child dipping their toes in the lake on a June morning. I also felt the curiosity of those cyclists growing as they peddled closer, unsure of how to circumvent an idling buggy. A few more tries and I had to admit defeat. I coasted in my retreat back to the garage on Seaver road and waved the cyclists on before I could successfully sync the transmission with first gear and ascend the incline.

This story came to me as an analogy for what we've been working on over the last year. We're living in an unexpected and new environment. We have most of the tools and resources we need and we're figuring out how to use them. We're trying new things. Sometimes it goes well, other times we stumble. But we're not giving up. I speak for myself and our community association. I commend and appreciate the team on our board and committee chairs for figuring out how to work through the challenges and nuances. These changes include shifting key contacts for board positions, managing the lake hosts through COVID-19 protocols, conducting testing with decreased lab availability, finding the new loon nests, and of course, navigating the increase in visitors we've had year over year. I greatly appreciate the time our members give to the lake and our community.

Before those cyclists left the site of my humility, they shared some words of encouragement as they passed by. They understood the challenges of a gearbox and assured me I could make it up the hill. I hope our community can share in a similar encouragement for the work our association does, even if it needs to take a step back every now and then. Receiving those positive vibes assures us we are on the right path even if we take a misstep.

Every person who can offer help, no matter how small, stabilizes our footing. We'd love to have additional help with our invasive species prevention efforts, evaluating our precious ecosystem, growing member engagement, and even sharing a voice in the town meetings. I look forward to seeing you out there!








Membership Dues Online Payments Now Available

All membership invoices have been mailed to members. If you have not received your invoice, please let us know by sending an email to slakenh@gmail.com.

Pay your dues online! Visit our website to pay your membership dues online or make a donation to the Silver Lake Association. 








Officers and Board Members 2021 - 2022




President: Ben Dexter

Vice President: Todd Chamberlain

Treasurer: Nathan Karol

Secretary: Jillian Miner


Directors

Pam Banks

Colleen Barry

Dennis Fallon

Jeffrey Miller

Julia Pakradooni

Judy Putnam

Nathan Karol - Immediate Past President








How to Help Preserve and Protect Our Community

 








NH Lakes Association

NH LAKES is the only statewide, member-supported nonprofit organization working to inspire the responsible care and use of all New Hampshire’s 1,000 lakes to keep them healthy for the benefit of current and future generations.

There are a number of free and recorded webinars held regularly to help educate on keeping our lakes clean and healthy.
Check out what they have to offer. 











REEL IN AND RECYCLE

Just as a reminder, this unusual container wired to a tree at the Stoney Beach boat ramp is for recycling old fishing line. It is another innovation provided to us free by NH Lakes, and is a great way to protect our loons as well as other marine life and water fowl from getting entangled and hurt. We actually have a recycling center to send it to, so please, take the time to use it.









Did you KNOW?!


 

The New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) is reminding all persons operating a motorboat on New Hampshire public waters that is registered in another state (other than New Hampshire) of a new requirement to purchase and display a New Hampshire aquatic invasive species decal from NHDES. The new law (RSA 487:43) went into effect on July 1, 2019.

Decals can be purchased online for $20 each. You can purchase decals online at NHDES Invasive Species webpage, by clicking on the link for the boater decal, or at the Out-of-State Boater Decal Purchase Page.

The decal must be displayed within 3 inches of a boat's valid registration decal. Decals should be placed on the port side of the vessel. Decals expire on December 31 each year. Proceeds from the decal program will be used for the prevention and management of invasive aquatic species in New Hampshire.

For more information, please contact Amy Smagula at amy.p.smagula@des.nh.gov or (603) 271-2248.








Treasurer Report


Happy 2021 Summer season lake lovers! I'm pleased to share some highlights for SLA as it relates to our finances. Thank you for your support!

Our 2022 Annual Budget Proposal is available for review to be approved in our annual meeting by following this link. (https://slakenh.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/2022-sla-operating-budget-for-member-approval-7-7-21.pdf)








Lake Host Program Report

This summer, the Lake Host Program continues on Silver Lake.  NH Lakes has updated their COVID-19 policy. Masks are not required for employees but they are encouraged to keep a safe distance from boaters. They are not allowed to hand out literature. We have hired three people through NH Lakes  - Thom Romanello and Ryan Fallon are returning. Alice Weis is new to our lake but has worked at Granite Lake and Nubanusit. Our volunteers are Perry and Pam Banks as well as Ben Dexter. Pam Banks will continue as the Lake Host Manager.  In 2020 we completed a total of 2142 inspections (arrivals – 1222 and departures 920). Kayaks exceeded motor boats (Motor boats about 868, Non-motor boats about 1265 ) as many families spent as much time as they could outdoors and closer to home during the Pandemic. To date we have found 3 specimens on boats (2018 - variable milfoil from Lake Potanipo; 2019 - native pond weed; 2020 - another native plant). Boaters are familiar with this issue as Lake Hosting is an educational program. They typically thank our lake hosts for the work they do.  Please welcome our lake hosts and remember to Clean, Drain and Dry your boats.

To lend direct financial support to the Lake Host Program there is a link on the NH Lakes website to direct funds specifically to Silver Lake.  The Link is https://nhlakes.z2systems.com/np/clients/nhlakes/survey.jsp?surveyId=15&. Make sure to select “Silver Lake Association of Chesham and Nelson” when making your donations.

Consider volunteering as a Lake Host yourself to help keep our beautiful lake clean and clear of invasive species for many generations to come!

You can let us know if you're interested in volunteering or a paid position, this year or in future years, by completing this form at NH Lakes. 








Weed Watch Report

The Silver Lake Weed Watchers conducted three inspections during the summer of 2020 and found no evidence of any invasive species. We perform inspections in June, July and August every summer. We have a group of dedicated volunteers who perform the inspections. Some have been doing this for many years.

One of our best chances for early detection depends on individual property owners. I know most of you are very familiar with your own waterfront. If you see anything new that you do not recognize please let us know as soon as possible and we will be right out to check on it. You can call or text. We are able to contact NH DES and get an answer the same day about what we find. If we do have a problem the sooner we find it the better. If you are out kayaking or on a paddle board and see something that looks different feel free to call. A new milfoil growth will be bright green.

The main threats to the lake are variable and Eurasian milfoil, fanwort, curly leaf pondweed, hydrilla, and water chestnut. Zebra mussels and Asian clams are also a threat. Detailed information is available at www.des.nh.gov

We would also like to remind everyone to Clean, Drain, and Dry their boat before placing it in the lake. Many of us have guests who bring their own kayaks when they visit. Please remind them to do the same.

If anyone is interested in becoming a weed watcher please let me know. We are always looking for volunteers. I would like to thank Pam and Perry Banks, Todd Chamberlain, John Croteau, Sara Wilson, Beth Caldwell, Bob Gogolen, Mary Beth Mollica, Scott and Mackenzie Mason, Julia Pakradooni, Eleanor Drury, Doz Delori and Ted Braun. I appreciate all of your help protecting this beautiful lake. Call me any time. I am at the lake almost every weekend.

Dennis Fallon

163 Breed Pond Rd, Nelson
Lake 603-827-3570 
H 603-465-3591
C 603-546-5902 

dennisfallon163@gmail.com








Loon Protection Report

2020 - 2021 Loon Report

2020 may have not been a great year, but on Silver Lake, it was a SUCCESS!!! We had one loon chick hatch and mature until it was able to fledge in the fall!  A huge accomplishment as we went many years without seeing chicks grow into maturity.   

In the early spring last year, the pair choose Grassy Island to build their nest.  The nest was in plain sight, therefore signs were placed around the island.  Loon eggs incubate for ~ 28-30 days and on June 21st (which coincidently was Father’s Day), one of the eggs hatched.  After ~ 3-4 days, the pair abandoned the nest as the second egg never hatched. The nonviable egg was kept safe and “cold” under freezing temps until it was given to the LPC (they performed a necropsy to determine the cause, however no details have been given thus far).  All summer long we had the privilege of watching our chick grow strong enough to take flight and fly off the lake in the fall.

This year, we had a loon on the lake that apparently has gotten himself/herself wrapped in fishing line.  It appeared as though the hook may be lodged in his/her mouth and the line is balled up under the chin.  The LPC was called and we spent an afternoon “hunting” the loon.  Apparently, he was still pretty strong as he was an expert at eluding us.  No one has since seen this loon, however, I ask you to please keep an eye out.  If you do see him or if he beaches himself anywhere, please call fish and game [(603) 271-3421] immediately so we can arrange for rescue.
Our breeding pair of loons arrived early this year, and because of this, they nested early.  This year the nest was in Sucker Brook.  Again signs were placed to alert curious onlookers to keep a safe distance.  While our Biologist was checking on the nest, she witnessed an altercation with an eagle.  We know that eagles frequently harass loons on their nests, but our loons are strong and resilient and were able to fend off the eagle and protect the eggs.  On June 14th the eggs hatched and we now have two healthy chicks!    
Once the chicks hatch, they ride on their parents’ backs for the first two to three weeks. This protects them from underwater predators and keeps them warm when they snuggle into the soft down under their parent’s wings. The chicks are initially raised in a sheltered, "nursery", in this case, Sucker Brook, where they will grow rapidly, changing to dusky brown in about three-four weeks.  Loon chicks start acquiring their feathered juvenile plumage at around 7-8 weeks of age. Their primary flight feathers are last to develop, and, although they are the size of adults, the chicks are not able to fly until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. Loon chicks will typically leave the lake after their parents, migrating to the coast for the winter, where they will spend the next two-four years before returning to a lake in hopes of finding a mate to continue to propagate our loon population.

Respectfully Submitted,
Colleen Barry








Volunteer Lake Assessment Program (VLAP) Report – 2021


You may be asking yourself whether last year's exceptional amount of boating and other recreational activities affected the water quality. It may be a little early to tell but we do have some data to report. Because of reduced lab operations at DES last year, we were only able to sample twice. However, I am happy to report that our initial data from sampling in 2020 showed that the lake quality continues to be good and is improving.


The main characteristics we look at are pH, conductivity, and transparency. Acidity measurement is expressed as pH and is a power function with neutral being 7.0, alkaline higher and acidity lower. A pH of 6.0 is 10 times more acidic than 7.0 and 5.0 is 100 times more acidic. Conductivity is a measure of the amount of minerals in the water. Pure, distilled water is relatively non-conductive. Transparency is a measure of the water clarity, measured as the depth at which you can see a black and white object.


We want pH to fall between 6.5 and 8.0. Prior to 2015, we were nearly always below 6.5 with our worst being in 2008 at 5.9. Since that low point, we have been improving significantly with our latest at 6.72. It is important to note that this was the measurement near the surface (epilimnion layer) but pH at the deepest layer (hypolimnion) was 5.84 possibly because granite bedrock tends to make water acidic. Looking back at prior years' data, deep level pH is hovering around 6.0. For the middle layer (metalimnion), pH has been running close to the same as the top layer. The layer sampling is done at the deepest point which is between the Walker cottage and Loon Island there are two tributaries one from Lead Mine Road and the other the stream coming into Sucker Brook from the west, that are contributing to the acidity.


Median conductivity for the lakes in New Hampshire is 42.1 microsiemens per centimeter. The data shows ours at close to 20.0 for the three sampled layers. The trend analysis from when sampling began shows significantly improving (decreasing) conductivity.


Transparency is done with and without a view scope. Without a view scope, the Secchi Disk was visible at 9.12 meters (30 ft). With the view scope, which is similar to how deep you could see while snorkeling, transparency was 34.25 ft. These data have been improving steadily over the last four years. In 2017, for example, the non viewscope transparency was 21.3 ft and with the view scope 25 ft. It should be no surprise that Silver Lake transparency is much higher than the state median.


Currently, our biggest threat to the lake is not revealed in the sampling data but rather the risk of introducing aquatic invasive species from the much higher number of boats entering Silver Lake from infested waterbodies. Lake host data from 2019 show that 81 came from infested lakes or rivers and of those, 28 were not shown as having been cleaned, drained, and dry. 2020 data show similar numbers with 79 boats entering Silver Lake that were last in an infested water body. We are almost entirely dependent on the diligence of our Lake Hosts to address this threat.


In conclusion, our sampling data from 2020 showed that we are continuing to enjoy a healthy lake and that water quality is steadily improving. We hope to continue this trend. The DES 2020 data summary is attached for your review.

Sincerely,

Ted Braun, VLAP volunteer


This full report along with its data summary, historical charts, and sampling data is available on our website. Direct Link (https://slakenh.files.wordpress.com/2021/07/braun-2021-vlap-report-1.pdf)








Recreation and Safety Report
Official NH Boating Safety Course Online

As you may have seen, a new "No Wake" buoy has been placed by the southwestern entrance to Blueberry Island. This has been set by the NH Marine Patrol to help remind people to take it slow going around the island. While the loons haven't nested on the island in a couple of years, it's important to produce no wake near the shoreline to reduce erosion and damage to property.

· SATURDAY AND SUNDAY SPEED LIMIT: The speed of motorboats shall be no greater than headway speed at all times except between the hours of 12:00 Noon and 6 pm (NH Dept. of Safety Chapter 400:SAF-C 402.71).

· HEADWAY SPEED is 6 mph or the slowest speed at which you can still maintain steering, and this applies when within 150 feet of shore, swimmers, and other vessels (especially fishing boats with lines in the water) except when starting water skiers.

· RIGHT OF WAY: Motorboats must grant the right of way to all watercraft including canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and sailboats, and to swimmers.

· DIVERS: Boats must maintain a distance of 150’ from divers at all times...the diver-down flag is a red rectangle with a white diagonal stripe.

· SAFE BOATER EDUCATION CERTIFICATE is required for all operators of boats powered by more than 25hp. Driver must be 16 or older and must carry the certificate on his person while operating. Under 16 may operate if accompanied by a person 18 years or older who has the Certificate. To find out how to obtain your Certificate, click on http://www.boat-ed.com/newhampshire/

· COAST GUARD APPROVED TYPE 1, 2, OR 3 LIFE JACKETS must be carried for all passengers and crew and must be worn by all children 12 and under when riding in any kind of watercraft. NOTE: A paddleboard is considered a watercraft.

· JET SKI CRAFT are prohibited from operating on Silver Lake. NH State Law RSA 270:74

· VIOLATORS OF BOATING RULES AND REGULATIONS ARE SUBJECT TO FINES. · IT WOULD BE A COURTEOUS PRACTICE to respect the privacy of homeowners and maintain a 50’ distance between you and the shore while paddling or motoring.








Burn Permits Required

A seasonal fire permit is issued annually and is required if you plan to have a small controlled fire on your property such as a camp or cooking fire 2 to 4 feet in diameter. It must be contained within a ring of fire-resistive material or in a portable fireplace. Any person violating the permit law and who recklessly kindles a fire that causes damage to property or woodlands could incur fines of up to $2000, one year in jail, and become liable for those damages as well as the cost of battling the fire. When the weather is very dry, “no-burning” notices will be posted at the fire house.

Please contact the following for more information and to obtain this free permit:
Wayne Derosia, Fire Chief 603-827-3076
David O’Neil 603-827-3497








Silver Lake Watershed Best Practices


Visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) website. 


LakeSmart Book Download (2021)


NH Lakes LakeSmart Program 








Local Contacts
Things have changed, and so have open offices, hours and availability at our favorite local stops. 

Harrisville Selectmen’s Office 603-827-3431
Andrea Hodson (Chair), Kathleen Scott and Jay Jacobs  selectboard@harrisvillenh.org
https://harrisvillenh.org/emergency-contacts/hours-of-operation/

Harrisville Town Clerk, Cathy Lovas 603-827-5546
Harrisville Tax Collector, Jeannine Dunne 603-827-5546, Ext.24
Harrisville Police Department, Chief Mike Tollett 603-827-2903
Harrisville Fire Department, Chief Wayne Derosia 603-827-3412
Harrisville Recycling Center, Randy Tarr, Jr 603-827-2920 Fri. 10am-5pm, Sat. 8am-5pm
Harrisville Public Library 7 Canal Street, Susan Weaver, Director 603-827-2918 sweaver@harrisville.lib.nh.us http://harrisvillepubliclibrary.blogspot.com/

Olivia Rodham Memorial Library 1 Nelson Common Road, Nelson, Kris Finnegan, Librarian 847-3214...Monday and Saturday 10am-1pm...Tues.& Wed 3-7pm...Thurs.1-5pm

kofinnegan@harrisville.lib.nh.us. July 10,17,24,31...4pm...Summer Reading Program Nelson

Selectmen’s Office 7 Nelson Common Road 603-847-0047  http://www.townofnelson.org/town-selectmen/
Maury Collins, David Upton (Chair) and Gary Robinson
Administrative Assistant, Edie Drinkwater execadmin@nelsonnh.us

Selectmen meet every other Wed. at 3pm...please call in advance to place an item on the agenda Nelson Town Clerk/Tax Collector...Julia Lennon...847-9043...townclerk@nelsonnh.us Nelson Fire Department...Chief Jason Walter...847-9045
Burn Permits are now available online through the Division of Forests and Lands at nhdfl.org

Nelson Police Department...7 Nelson Common Road...Chief Richard Pratt...355-2000
Aldworth Manor 184 Aldworth Manor Rd, Harrisville 603-903-7547
The Harrisville General Store 29 Church Street 603-827-3138
Harrisville Designs 4 Mill Alley 603-827-3996
Brown House Bakery 613 Chesham Rd., Harrisville 603-827-3100...Friday-Sunday 8am-2pm. Cheryl Moschan will sell baked goods, breakfast items, lunch specials, soups, sandwiches and homemade bread. Follow them on facebook for the daily specials. Some light catering also. Grand Monadnock Maple Farm...149 Breed Rd. Maple syrup, maple candy, maple cream, wed- ding favors, custom packaged syrup...email info@monadnockmaple.com for an appointment. Community Church of Harrisville & Chesham...827-3733...13 Canal Street...10am Sunday ...Pastor Traceymay Kalvaitis
Chapel by the Lake Methodist Church...529 Granite Lake Rd., Munsonville Sundays 11am...chapelbythelakeumc@gmail.com...847-9999
Nelson Congregational Church...Sundays 9:30am...Pastor Dawn Garrett-Larsen...847-3280








Celebrations







Crista Cheap of the the Bacon Family is delighted to share her daughter, Kendall, named after the original owner of  Hillcrest, Herbert Kendall, was married April 4, 2020 to Tanner Roark. 












Beckett Christopher Austermann, born July 30, 2020, to great grandparents George and the late Betty Austermann of 70 Westside Road and Peterborough NH, grandparents Deborah and Karl Austermann of Littleton, MA, and parents Christopher and Ashley Austermann of Littleton, MA. This is Ashley and Christopher's first child! 












Peter and Susan Allen are delighted to share their daughter Dorothy Emeline Allen and her husband Erik Lougee welcomed their second son last August 21, 2020, Kaspar Tillinghast. Emeline and Erik love Silver Lake and spend several weekends each summer in the "Hemlocks", the cottage Peter's grandparents bought in 1931.












Beverly Ansaldo (far right), longtime resident of Milford, NH, passed away peacefully and surrounded by family on July 16th 2020 at the age of 92. Beverly was a property owner since 1958 in Nelson on Silver Lake.


Beverly and husband Dick had five children, seven grandchildren, seven great grandchildren and were married for 50 years. Over the years, Beverly, her family and many friends from the lake have enjoyed time at Silver Lake boating, barbecuing, playing cards and just spending time together. Now the next generation has been fortunate enough to continue enjoying the cottages and life on the lake.
Doris (Dot) Rebidue, Eleanor Fallon, Beverly and their husbands bought the Nelson property and built three cottages with only hand tools back in the late 50’s. The photo of the four ladies, taken about 14 years ago, shows all three of them still enjoying time at Silver Lake along with one of Bev’s daughters, Jane Ansaldo Church.












Catherine Teresa (Burke) Mullally, 92 of Marlborough, fondly known by all as Terese, passed away peacefully on Sunday, August 16, 2020. 

She was born October 25, 1927, in Nashua and grew up in Wilton and Milford and was a graduate of Milford High School. Terese worked for many years with Concord Labs, now known as Smiths MedicalIn her earlier years, Teresa enjoyed bowling in leagues at the former Zinn’s Bowling Alley in Keene. She was a member of the Marlborough Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary; a member of the VFW Ladies Auxiliary; and a longtime parishioner of Sacred Heart Parish in Marlborough.

Her favorite pastime was the many wonderful summers at the house on Silver Lake in Harrisville, creating many cherished memories with her family.

She will be greatly missed by many, especially her family.












Kenneth W. “Ken” Whitaker, 90, a longtime resident of Silver Lake, Harrisville, and formerly of Keene, died on Nov. 8, 2020, on his 90th birthday. He passed peacefully with the love of family near at his daughter’s home in Swanzey.

On Nov. 27, 1957, he exchanged vows with Mary L. Higgins at St. Assisi Roman Catholic Church in Norwich, Vt. They were married with family and friends in attendance. Sadly, Mary passed on May 4, 2011, after 53 years of marriage.

He enjoyed many things in life. Time was spent playing tennis, downhill skiing, cross-country skiing and sailing. He was always up for a good game of cribbage. During the early and late summer he could be found picking strawberries and blueberries. He loved to bake and make homemade chocolates for friends and family. Ken was a longtime member of the New Hampshire Retired Teachers Association, Racket Club in Keene, Silver Lake tennis court and was active in the Silver Lake Association.












Barbara A. (Noseck) Gendron, 79, of Keene and Florida, died June 26, 2021, surrounded by her family.

Barbara had many interests and talents. She was a marvelous cook, seamstress, knitter/crocheter, artist, and craftsperson. Barbara was a savvy card game player and enjoyed entertaining friends and family at Silver Lake in Harrisville. She was a devout Catholic and a communicant of St. Bernard’s Church in Keene and St. Thomas the Apostle in Homassasa, FL. She volunteered her time and skills and supported both their efforts. Barbara was a member of the Catholic Women of Charity and Prayer Shawl knitters and both the Cheshire County Retired Educator’s Association and the Retired Teacher’s Association in FL.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne, and son-in-law, John Hodgkins, of Walpole, daughter, Jennifer Fitzgerald of Lecanto, FL, and sister-in-law, Barbara Gendron of Bristol. She leaves three beloved grandchildren, Maxwell Pierce, of Philadelphia, Amanda Hodgkins, of Walpole, and Emma Fitzgerald, of Lecanto, FL. In addition, she is survived by one cherished great-granddaughter, Kaiya Pierce of Philadelphia as well as many special cousins, nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends. Barbara was predeceased by her husband, Ernest Gendron, her parents, her sister-in-law, Marie Fabrizio, and her brother-in-law, John Gendron.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday, July 7, 2021, at 10:00 am at St. Bernard Church, 185 Main St. Keene, NH. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Barbara’s memory to the Fuller School Association’s Bi-Annual Book Fair to honor her love of books and reading and provide students with book and literary options.

Fuller Elementary School
FSA Book Fair 422 Elm St.
Keene, NH. 03431.

All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Home and Crematories, 46 S, Winchester St. Swanzey, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com









Town of Harrisville 150th Celebration
Now celebrating July 22, 23 & 24 2022!
Like and follow us on Facebook for updates.
Town-wide celebration to include:
Special church service; chicken BBQ; fireworks; and much more!