BLA April 2007 Newsletter

Baldwin Lake Association Newsletter

An Anchor for our Community

April 2007 - Volume 14 - Issue 2

President’s Corner

By the time this reaches you all the bitter cold and snow that is predicted for the holiday will be history and we will be experiencing a renewing and delightful spring in Michigan.

With spring come thoughts of cleaning. The Township has not yet scheduled the Annual Township Cleanup Project, but we understand it usually is the first Saturday in June. For that reason we are planning the Four Lakes area Garage/Yard Sale for June 2nd. Please watch the web site, www.mlswa.org/baldwin-lake-366/ for any changes re: both of these events as well as for the Spring Road Pick-up scheduled for Saturday, May 5th. Trash bags and pick up will be provided for volunteers who pick up trash along Sunset and Hilltop.
Our email address: <baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org> can be used for questions and comments also.

Membership continues to be a concern and starting with this issue the date that your paid up membership expires (or expired) is printed on the mailing label. If you are an advertiser, it is the date your ad runs to.

Since attendance at the watercraft inspections has been waning for the last few years we will try to hold these inspections every other year. The next one is expected to be July 2008.

The annual business meeting will be Saturday, July 21st at the CCCC at 9:00am. The offices of Vice President and Secretary will be up for election. Preordered kits for testing of home drinking water can be picked there. Details are included in this newsletter. The annual picnic will be later that day. Attendance at this event has been declining also and I invite you to use our email to let us know how we can make this social gathering more inviting. This year will be the indicator re: the future of this event.

The CCCC has been reserved for December 1st for the annual holiday dinner dance. We are planning some changes that we hope will be well received.

Keep an eye on the web site for information about watercraft safety classes. If we schedule one the date will be posted and if not the dates of ones in the area will be.

This a busy time of the year and a lot is going on, but I urge all residents to take time to vote on May 8th.

The next newsletter will be sent by July 1st. Please let us know of any changes or improvements you would like to see.

My sincere thanks to Patti Hayne for organizing, editing, and printing the newsletters, to Karen Balch for distribution, and to the all friends and neighbors for articles and contributions,

Alice Ann Troy - BLA President

HOME DRINKING WATER TEST
Reserve your kit before July 1st!

The EPA recommends testing your drinking water about every 2 years, especially when (1) Density of homes in the area is high, with many drawing from one aquifer, (2) Wells are less than 70" deep or (3) Soil-type allows quick passage of contaminants into wells. As an individual, you can contact a lab to do the tests for you, but the cost would be higher than what the lake association can offer. Our bulk rate is passed on to members. The cost was raised from 2005 but the laboratory offered to hold the 2005 price so we can still offer them at $55.00 for members and $75.00 for non-members. Pre-ordered test kits can be picked up at the Annual Lake Association meeting held on Saturday, July 21st or at the picnic on the same day. Payment by check or cash is needed when you pickup the kit.

WHAT DO WE TEST FOR?

Coliform Bacteria: These bacteria are abundant in human and animal waste and are found in groundwater that has been contaminated. Elevated counts can cause a variety of recurring illnesses with symptoms such as nausea and diarrhea. Particularly susceptible are young children and older adults.

Nitrates: Elevated nitrates can be caused by improperly operating septic systems or from fertilizers containing nitrogen compounds which may break down into nitrates. Of particular concern in our area are the homes bordering agricultural or grassy areas, since fertilizers are frequently applied. This may be true in our own lawns and gardens and is dependent upon the types and rates of chemicals used, methods of application, soil type, topography, and seasonal precipitation. Consumption of nitrates contributes to a number of illnesses and disabilities, including gastrointestinal problems leading to liver or kidney damage.

Lead: Underlying rocks and soil may contain heavy metals but rarely are found at levels that present a problem. However, activities such as construction (i.e. increased excavation) can release larger amounts into nearby groundwater. Of primary concern is lead used in pipes, solder, or fixtures, especially in homes built prior to 1988. Only homes built or replumbed before a 1988 lead-solder ban are normally affected. Even copper pipes soldered with lead could be a problem due to a corrosive process caused by the acidity (PH), temperature, and mineral content of your water. Some brass-plated submersible pumps can leach lead into wells. Consumption of these by-products, even at relatively low amounts, can be harmful. Possible health threats include mental disorders in all ages, premature birth problems and other health risks, including retardation. Lead is a toxin, and a suspected carcinogen.

RESULTS:

Approximately 2 weeks after testing, each individual household will receive a printout from Underwriters Laboratories with explanation and interpretation of each test and what action, in any, should be taken.

By our request, these results are all CONFIDENTIAL and sent ONLY to you!

Pickup Kit: Saturday, July 21st, at the annual meeting or the picnic.

Return Kit: Sunday, July 22nd 1pm until 4pm (EDT) at Scot Billings’ house on Sunset.

Detailed written instructions provided at the time of pickup. Please reserve your test kit before July 1st!

Contact Scot Billings at 641-5336, or email us at <baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org>, or

return the form below by mail to BLA -- PO Box 311 -- Union, MI 49130.
************************************************************************************* Home Drinking Water Test Kit Reservation

Pick up July 21

Name________________________________________________ Member____ Non-member____

Address_____________________________________________________________

Phone_______________________________________________

Lawn Care for Our Lake Properties

By Carol Erbe

As spring nears I must remind everyone that weeds now are one of our biggest water quality problem. Many factors feed the weeds in our lake, runoff, leaves, grass clippings, animal waste and lawn fertilizer. Some of these we can’t control but some we can. Keep leaves raked away from the shoreline. Never mow the shoreline blowing the grass clippings into the lake. If you can plant a buffer wherever the runoff closest to your home is you will planting a filtering system for the lake. With more bigger, more beautiful houses being built around the lake we have more and more runoff.

Lawn fertilizer has become a concern. We all want perfect lawns but any fertilizer put down within 500 feet of a lake has been determined that when you feed the lawn you feed the lake too. Phosphorus has been outlawed to use around lakes and streams in many states, townships, and lake districts. If you search the internet for “lake fertilizer” many sites will inform you about the seriousness of the damage being done. Many producers of fertilizer are supplying fertilizers just for lakes that do not contain phosphorus. Phosphorus is the middle number listed on the package and should be 0 or a lowest number you can find. Kruse Farm Supply in Bristol does offer this product along with a planned lawn service just for lake properties as I am sure many suppliers are following. If you have a lawn service, please find out what they are using on your lawn and how they are mowing the shoreline. Some controversy on this issue is from Michigan Lakes and Streams Association who will not promote any fertilizer to be used because they feel that the nitrogen is worse than the phosphorus as far as feeding the weeds in the lake.

We have some local areas that are considering banning phosphorus in fertilizer and the state of Michigan is also considering some guidelines. We will keep looking into this and keep you informed. If you have any questions please contact me <baldwin-lake-366@mlswa.org> , Carol Erbe

To purchase phosphorus-free, lake-friendly fertilizer, look for the
Lake-Friendly Fertilizer signs at your local hardware stores,
nurseries and home improvement centers.

To make sure your fertilizer is lake-friendly, simply check the fertilizer bag.
The phosphorous content is measured as phosphate and appears as the
middle number in a series of three numbers printed on the bag.

Got Any Ideas???

Social Committee Comments!
Although the main purpose of the Baldwin Lake Association is to maintain and preserve our lake, the association tries to plan activities that will create a greater sense of community. With that in mind, I’d like to encourage you to get involved. We have our annual meeting coming up at the Conservation Club in July with a picnic at the lakeshore of Weldon and Marylou Park’s in the afternoon. We would love to make this a fun event for people of all ages. Your suggestions are needed! If participation is low again this year, we will have to cancel the picnic in the future.

I am often approached by people around the lake who say they would love to socialize more with the other fun-loving folks but find it hard to get acquainted. So, I’m asking for some help. If you have any ideas for social activities that we could sponsor or promote, please email them to me at karenbalch@comcast.net. Meanwhile as you cruise the waters of Baldwin Lake this summer put on a smile and wave at the other boaters.

Township Powers
From the Michigan Lakes and Streams Newsletter

The Township Rural Zoning Act provides that the township may adopt ordinances to do the following:

(1) Establish zoning districts, setback distances, height and size of buildings, and maximum number of families that may be housed in a dwelling.

(2) Regulate the use of land for various purposes.
These township powers can be quite beneficial if applied wisely in determining appropriate waterfront property setbacks, and reasonable lot sizes.

A township also has powers to establish a police department, regulate public health, safety and general welfare, provide for fire protection, provide regulations for traffic and parking of vehicles, regulate hawkers, peddlers, solicitors, circuses, carnivals, public amusements, etc.

A township may limit improper use of land, conserve natural resources and energy, reduce hazards to life and property, and conserve property values and natural resources. Townships may also take several additional actions in the interest of health and public welfare.

Judy's Jottings

Submitted by Judy Kankel

Diving Birds: I am totally fascinated by both the Coots and the Loons on the lake. So, as usual, I got out my books on birds to learn more about them.

Coots are the chicken-sized black birds with ivory bills, and are a member of the Rail family. They have long toes with lobes on the sides for swimming and walking over lily pads. Their habitat is in vegetated ponds, marshes, and river bends and lakes with two feet or more of open water. They lay 8-12 eggs in a platform nest usually on the edge of open water. Old nests are used throughout the year for resting and preening. They feed mainly by diving to the bottom, but also dabble from the surface or graze on lawns when they winter in urbanized coastal areas. They winter where waters don’t freeze.

Isn’t it thrilling to hear the call of the Loon ? They also have dark bodies spotted with pearl-white marks. The yodeling call is given on breeding grounds and less commonly on migration. It is usually uttered at night when it is still. They lay 2 dark olive-brown eggs on a mound of vegetation at water’s edge and both parents care for the young. They are powerful divers and have been caught in fishermen’s nets 20 feet below the surface. Dives seldom last more than 30 seconds, but have been known to be 2 to 3 minutes. Have you watched and watched, wondering if it was ever going to come up again?

From the Kitchen: At our house, brunch is a special treat, usually served on Holidays. One thing my grandchildren love is when I take English Muffin halves, butter them, sprinkle with sugar and cinnamon mixture and put under the broiler until hot and crispy. Watch them closely, however, they don’t take very long. Another favorite brunch dish is the following which I have served for many years:

Sausage Soufflé

6 eggs
2 Cups milk
2 slices bread, cubed
1 tsp dry mustard
1 lb. tube mild pork sausage - - Brown the sausage, drain & cool.
1 Cup shredded cheddar cheese
1 tsp. salt

Beat eggs. Add remaining ingredients and place in 9” x 13" buttered baking dish.
Refrigerate overnight. Next morning bake at 375 degrees about 45 minutes, or until set.

To Make You Smile:
1) Why do we say “after dark” when it really is “after light?”
2) A truly happy person is one who can enjoy the scenery on a detour.
3) Why are wise man and wise guy opposites, and fat chance and slim chance the same?
4) Why do slow down and slow up mean the same thing?
5) If you lend someone $20 and never see that person again, it was probably worth it.

Membership Dues to July 2008 are $25

Adult Names: ______________________________________________________________________

Children (with ages) _________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________________

Lake Address: _______________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________ Fax: _______________ Email: _______________________

Winter Address (if different):

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

Phone: _______________ Fax: _______________ Email: ________________________

Donation for Mosquito Control – We hope everyone can donate $25 or more Name: ________________________________________________________________________________

Lake Address: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Comments: ______________________________________________________________________________________

Are we going to continue Mosquito Control? Baldwin Lake Association wants to determine how we can continue spraying for Mosquito Control in 2007 & thereafter since the 2006 spraying totally depleted our mosquito funds, including the "cushion" from a couple of years that weather lowered the mosquito population. Mosquito Population, with potential to spread a number of diseases like WEST NILE VIRUS, is a serious concern. BLA has tried to control this problem since the late 90's using voluntary contributions from many association members & other residents. It is becoming too expensive, considering that spraying the land, & swamps, around Baldwin Lake costs about $1700 per spray, for BLA to continue with only the voluntary donations of less than 25% of the residents, even though many have been very generous. To continue Mosquito Control we need support from the ENTIRE community (BLA members & non-members). We ask ALL community residents to help contributing at least $25.00 per year enabling this project to continue. The form for Mosquito Control is above & the attached envelope can be used for membership & mosquito.