President's Letter, 2022
Big Moose Property Owners Association
Dedicated to Education, Environmental Conservation, Water Quality, and Water Safety
January 1, 2022
Dear BMPOA Members,
I genuinely wish you all a healthy, peaceful, and wonderful New Year! The business conducted by the BMPOA Board and Committee’s in 2021 and plans for 2022 are included in this letter.
Water Quality: Thank you to Paul Powers, Ed Chase and, Patrick Duffy, who continue to conduct water testing per usual. Water testing for E. coli was completed in July and September, passed all the standards, and was well below recreational thresholds. The 2021 annual ALAP report will be forthcoming and available on the website. As the potential for harmful algal blooms continues to be of concern, please review NYS laws regarding the restriction of fertilizer use near lakefront property https://www.dec.ny.gov/chemical/67239.html.
Invasive Species: Kurt Purdue inspected the lake as planned despite the high water and reduced clarity. He noted areas where bladderwort broke free and exposed the lake bottom, increasing the potential for invasive species to root. A hearty thank you to Dunn's Boat Service for all you do in inspecting and washing boats, the Waldheim and Covewood for monitoring your boat launches, and to Kurt Purdue for your dedication and service.
Recreation Program: The preventive measures taken by our summer recreation program were a great success. The program focused on outdoor activities, led by Kurt and Maggie Purdue, and Anne Dew. Thank you to the Shore’s for graciously hosting swim lessons! For a few days or the entire summer, we welcome new members! The calendar will be made available in April so that families can prepare.
Youth Protection: Our Youth Protection Policy includes online training, background checks for employees, and the three R’s; Recognize, Respond, and Report. The education included in this program is invaluable. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, or neighbor of young children, we encourage you to log on and take the course! All Board and Committee members are required to maintain their certification.
BMPOA Dock: The primary purpose of the BMPOA Dock (located at the end of Higby Road and adjacent to the public parking area) is to provide BMPOA members whose summer homes are accessible only by boat with a place to moor boat(s). A secondary purpose is to provide temporary dockage (not overnight) for BMPOA members to attend sponsored activities or events at the Association Center. Dockage of personal watercraft and recreational activities are not permitted. If you are new to the BMPOA or are unsure of the policy, please review it, located on the BMPOA website. New signage regarding this policy is posted at the dock.
Boat House Bubblers: Please continue to improve communication and awareness regarding boathouse bubblers by using a light, strobe, or thin ice sign. These cautionary markers will help to alert lake users of dangerous open water or thin ice.
Financials: The BMPOA remains in good financial standing. Our annual income is roughly $45,000, and we run a breakeven budget. Much appreciation is given to Richard Widdecombe and Paul Van Slyke, who continue to work tirelessly overseeing the budget with a review by CPA Joe Hanlon. Please make Richard's job easier by promptly paying your dues. We have moved to an online platform and are considering an online payment system in the future.
Strack House and Community Center Buildings: We conducted some necessary groundwork and repairs, including removing downed trees from the Association Center property in the spring. The Strack House stove and septic tank have been replaced, and lights have been purchased for the Association Center, which are expected to be installed in the coming months. Thank you, Don Dew for helping maintain our buildings and grounds.
First Responder Support: Last year, the Big Moose Ambulance Company announced it would be closing its doors due to the lack of volunteers. SafeTech, a consultant agency, was hired to study the emergency service issues in our surrounding area and to present a sustainable and viable program for the future. While a solution has not been finalized, any decision will strongly impact the availability and accessibility of emergency services to all of us. A link to SafeTech’s presentation can be found on our Facebook page for more information.
Water Safety: Thank you, Sara Winch, for all the hard work you do in helping to assure water safety. Be mindful of safe swimming practices by ensuring you do not swim alone and are accompanied by a paddler. Please regularly check your boats for working bow and stern lights and all proper safety gear. In addition, you will want to update your registration before your boat enters the water, as tickets were issued last year.
Social Media: As we head into 2022, we continue to see the importance of staying connected virtually. Our BMPOA Facebook page and Instagram are growing. Our social media content will continue to be driven by BMPOA information. We are open to feedback as well. Please feel free to reach out to us via a message on either platform.
Fireworks: For legal reasons, the BMPOA cannot collect donations for Patrick Duffy’s upcoming 4th of July display. If you are interested in privately donating to Patrick, his address is 146 Glenmore Road, Eagle Bay.
Lastly, please post the BMPOA Dock and Invasive Species policy for your renters and guests.
Healthy and warm wishes for the New Year,
Colleen Zogby
BMPOA President zogss@aol.com cell: 315-243-5890 BMPOA.com