2020 Newsletter
From our outgoing President, Nathan Karol
Thanks for joining us for our Annual Meeting. Our setup for the virtual meeting may not be comfortable for some and may be overly familiar for others. Thanks to Todd Chamberlain for working as our behind-the-scenes producer. There’s no way to avoid talking about the effects of COVID-19 though I’m sure many of us are simply sick of hearing about it and living with it each day. It’s the reason we’re sitting in front of our screens after all. I want to acknowledge that while many communities and people are affected by the virus, many aspects of our lives continue to move forward and that’s hopeful. Perhaps changed a bit, but indeed moving forward. Our lake host program is just one of those examples. It’s a very hands-off year as they do their job. They are still able to do their jobs thanks to the work of NH LAKES and everything they put in place to make sure they’re safe.
Six years ago, Linda Braun asked me to get involved with the lake association after years of vacationing on the lake, I was excited about a new way to meet people and be involved in the community that has brought my family and me so many memories. It shaped our lives into becoming lake people. I started my board journey as the website editor. That grew into also including social media. I guess I still in a way continue that role by pushing for updated technology like our new online dues payments and donations. In my professional life, I’ve held positions in sales, marketing, conservation leadership, and most recently as a non-profit executive, which may be why our board embraces my suggested changes or roll their eyes every time I bring something up. That’s okay as I step back, or slightly to the side, for the next couple years on our board. I’m pleased to be joined by our incoming President, Ben Dexter, incoming Vice President, Todd Chamberlain, and our ever-present Secretary, Jillian Miner, who will be joining us for another term as well. As your treasurer in the next term, I plan to focus on the financial health of the association, financial planning, and additional related aspects. A role that has been filled for many, many years by Edie Fallon, to whom we are eternally grateful.
I hope my story gives you an idea of how you can get involved. No matter your skill set, we all have a common thread, a love of Silver Lake. The future of the Lake Association, its mission, its purpose rely on active and engaged volunteers to serve on the board and the committees. We welcome a note from anyone who is interested in lending a hand or lending some time, whatever you may have. There’s so much opportunity to make a positive change and give back to our lake community.
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 2020 - 2021
President: Ben Dexter
Vice President: Todd Chamberlain
Secretary: Jillian Miner
Treasurer & President Emeritus: Nathan Karol
Directors
Pam Banks
Colleen Barry
Dennis Fallon
Judy Putnam
Ted Braun
New Nomination of Officers & Directors
Julia Pakradooni - 2023
Jeff Miller - 2023
Silver Lake Land Trust
Treasurer Report
Check out our conversation and breakdown of our report with outgoing and incoming Treasurers Edie Fallon and Nathan Karol!
Bylaws Revision - Vote Passed in 2020 Annual Meeting
The Board has voted to update two sections of our bylaws this year. The first section relates to our terms of office for directors. In an effort to use our small but talented pool of individuals in our lake community more effectively we are seeking your approval on new terms of office verbiage. The new verbiage allows directors to serve two, three-year terms back to back if approved by the board of directors.
The second section update is our committee section. We felt again to use our talent most effectively and efficiently, that an update to our committees was necessary. The proposed changes consolidate some committees and clearly states their purpose.
Please Review Bylaws Changes Here - Red text is new or revised text
Review Current Bylaws Here
How to Help Preserve and Protect Our Community
CONTACT SOMEONE from your Lake Association if you have questions or see problems around the Lake. We want to hear from you and assist if we can.
STONEY BEACH BOAT RAMP is for boats only. It is not safe to swim in that area. The two sets of stairs are the only way swimmers should enter the water. If you see people using other areas to get in and to swim, and you feel comfortable doing so, please let them know that we are trying to prevent erosion as well as keep them safe, and would appreciate their cooperation. It would be nice if you could pull some weeds while you are there, too!
POWERING ON/OFF BOAT TRAILERS is not against the law, but it can create a berm much like a reef under the water that has the potential to damage propellers. Please contact the association if you see this happening so we can address the issue with the boat owner.
WEED WATCHING Even if you are not a weed watch volunteer, you can keep an eye out around your own shoreline for unusual weeds or algae blooms and let our weed watchers know if you see anything suspicious.
NEVER PUT ANYTHING INTO THE LAKE THAT DIDN’T COME OUT OF THE LAKE.
LOON HARASSMENT can lead to jail time and/or a fine of up to $1000 Stay away!
BE A VOLUNTEER: Please continue to support your lake association through annual dues, donations and volunteerism. Check out our committees and, if possible, select one that interests you and join our mission to preserve Silver Lake into the future.
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 happening this month to help educate on keeping our lakes clean and healthy.
Check out what they have to offer.
Lake Host Program Report & Recap Video
This summer the Lake Host Program continues on Silver Lake. NH Lakes has put in place requirements to keep employees safe. Masks will be worn and social distancing from boaters will be observed. They will not be handing out literature. We have hired four people - Thom Romanello, Emily Duncan Wilson, Eleanor Hayward, and Ryan Fallon. Our volunteers are Perry Banks and Ben Dexter. Pam Banks will coordinate the program as the administrative volunteer. 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.
Weed Watching Report
The Silver Lake Weed Watchers conducted three inspections during the summer of 2019 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. A lot 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, Charlotte Porter, Zach Houle, 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. I hope everyone has a great summer. Call me any time. I am at the lake almost every weekend.
Dennis Fallon, Chairman
163 Breed Pond Rd, Nelson
Lake 603-827-3570
H 603-465-3591
C 603-546-5902
dennisfallon163@gmail.com
Water Quality 2019 VLAP Report
Check out a recap of Part 1 and Part 2
2019 was a year for cancellations. The VLAP workshop had to be cancelled due to a change in a scheduled power shut down on Hazen Drive and then the Weed Watcher cancellation. Who could have predicted what was to come for 2020.
June 19th was very calm as compared to the windy conditions in 2018. Intern Airiana Libenson from DES joined us to take a dissolved oxygen and temperature profile and a Phytoplankton sample.
You can see the little shrimp like critters swimming in the collection container. They have to be preserved with chemicals or they will eat each other before they get to the lab.
Transparency averaged 8.75 meters. Dissolved oxygen was 8.79 mg/l with a temp at 19.5C at 4 meters deep; 10.67 mg/l with a temp at 9.5C at 11 meters deep; 8.27 mg/l with a temp at 6.9C at 20 meters deep.
July 16th was also calm with the lake level low and low to no flow in many tributaries. Rich Rowse joined us and we witnessed an Eagle out fishing for breakfast! Transparency averaged 7.75 meters.
August 20th was also a nice day after some recent rains. We witnessed some bear signs in the Sucker Brook wooded area.
Transparency averaged 9.5 meters.
Observations from DES lab report.
Chlorophyll-a: Chlorophyll levels were low in June, remained stable in July, and then increased slightly in August. Average chlorophyll level remained stable with 2018 and was much less than the state median and the threshold for oligotrophic lakes. Historical trend analysis indicates relatively stable chlorophyll levels since monitoring began.
Conductivity/Chloride: Deep spot and tributary conductivity levels remained within a low range and less than the state median. Epilimnetic (upper water layer) and Sucker Brook chloride levels were also low and less than the state median. Historical trend analysis indicates significantly decreasing (improving) epilimnetic conductivity levels since monitoring began.
Color: Apparent color measured in the epilimnion indicates the water was clear, with very little tea (brown) coloring.
Total Phosphorus: Epilimnetic, Metalimnetic (middle water layer) and Hypolimnetic (lower water layer) phosphorus levels fluctuated within a low range. Average epilimnetic phosphorus level increased slightly from 2018 and was much less than the state median and the threshold for oligotrophic lakes. Historical trend analysis indicates highly variable epilimnetic phosphorus levels since monitoring began. Eastside Inlet, Lead Mine Inlet 2, Outlet, and Sandy Bch. Inlet 1 phosphorus levels were within a low range. Lead Mine Inlet 1 phosphorus levels were slightly elevated in June and the turbidity of the sample was also elevated. Sucker Brook phosphorus levels were elevated in July during low flows.
Transparency: Transparency measured without the viewscope (NVS) was good in June, remained stable in July, and increased (improved) in August. Average NVS transparency increased slightly from 2018 and was much higher (better) than the state median. However, historical trend analysis indicates significantly decreasing (worsening) transparency since monitoring began. Viewscope transparency (VS) was much higher (better) than NVS transparency in June and August and likely a better measure of actual conditions.
Turbidity: Deep spot, Lead Mine Inlet 2, Outlet, Sucker Brook, and Sandy Bch. Inlet 1 turbidity levels fluctuated with a low range. Eastside Inlet turbidity levels were slightly elevated in August following a storm event. Lead Mine Inlet 1 turbidity levels were elevated in June.
pH: Epilimnetic, Metalimnetic, Outlet, and Sandy Bch. Inlet 1 pH levels were within the desirable range 6.5-8.0 units, however epilimnetic pH levels have historically fluctuated below the desirable range. Lead Mine Inlet 1 pH levels were slightly less than desirable. Hypolimnetic, Eastside Inlet, Lead Mine Inlet 2, and Sucker Brook pH levels were acidic and potentially critical to aquatic life.
Roger Williams
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.
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
Recreation and Safety Report & Video
Official NH Boating Safety Course Online
I hope everyone is enjoying or looking forward to a fun and safe summer on Silver Lake! The volleyball net is up. Thank you Todd Chamberlain for making this happen! There is a volley ball in the tree in its usual spot. If it is missing, cross the lake to 163 Breed Pond Rd. {red cottage} where I have a spare. At this time there are no scheduled events for this summer.
On the Safety side I would like to remind everyone to be courteous and follow the rules which are included below. As residents we should set the example. We get very limited coverage from the Marine Patrol for enforcement so everyone’s cooperation is appreciated. If you are swimming away from the shore out into the main body of the lake please have a boat accompany you as the state recommends. A lone swimmer can be difficult to spot under certain conditions.
Going forward Justin Putzel has agreed to come on as the new Recreation and Safety Chair. It is always great to have new leadership come on board!
· 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 6pm (NH Dept. of Safety Chapter 400:SAF-C 402.71).
· HEADWAY SPEED is 6mph, 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 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 water craft. NOTE: A paddle board is considered a water craft.
· 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.
Silver Lake Watershed Best Practices
Pump your septic every 1 – 3 years. Check your leach field for soft, wet areas and replace faulty systems. To safeguard your system, do not let grease go down the drain, do not use additives because the natural bacteria is enough, and do not allow tree roots to grow into your leach field. Also try to avoid parking on top of your leach field.
Do not allow gray water to drain onto the ground close enough to leach into the Lake. If this is happening on your property, you need to make some changes.
Instead of a disposal, compost your garbage in an area away from the Lake.
Report any sudden increase in aquatic algae or plant growth to the proper officials.
Conserve water whenever possible.
Do not flush toxic or bulky materials down the drain, including prescription drugs.
Do not run laundry or dish washing cycles unless you have a full load.
An energy-efficient dishwasher uses about 4 gals of water and 1 kWh of energy per load as compared to 27 gals and 2.5 kWh when washing 12 place settings by hand!!
Do not use soap or detergents containing phosphates.
Do not wash boats, pets, or cars near the Lake where soap can run into the water.
Keep land clearing to a minimum.
Roads and paths leading to the Lake should be curved to reduce erosion. If you have problem areas of erosion or washout, install a water bar, or small trench, across the path to divert the water away from the lake.
Maintain a buffer zone of natural vegetation along the shore and reduce lawn area by planting shrubs and/or trees to minimize erosion…avoid altering the shoreline.
Do not use fertilizer, burn brush, or dump leaf or grass clippings in or near the Lake.
Do not urinate or defecate in the Lake and do not allow pets to do so either.
Do not feed ducks or other aquatic wildlife.
Follow appropriate sand dumping/beach construction regulations.
Remove hitch-hiking plants from boats and trailers.
If you don’t have a motor boat, please consider going online to take the free boater education course anyway. Even if you don’t take the exam to obtain the safe boater certificate, the information can be very useful.
Do not use powerful outboard motors in shallow areas.
Use a low pollution marine engine to reduce the amount of gas released into the water, and avoid spilling gasoline in your boat to keep toxic gas components out of the Lake.
Eliminate unnecessary idling and limit engine operation at full throttle.
Prepare engines properly for winter storage and follow engine manufacturer’s recommended maintenance schedule.
Visit the New Hampshire Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) website.
Loon Protection Report & Video
2020 Loon Report
Hear directly from the head of our Loon committee from the site of this year's nest in this video.
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
Jay Jacobs (Chair), Kathleen Scott and Andrea Hodson selectmen@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 Buddy Driscoll 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
Maury Collins, David Upton (Chair) and Gary Robinson
Administrative Assistant, Edie Drinkwater execadmin@nelsonnh.us
Selectmen meet every other Wed.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...4 Mill Alley www.harrisville.com
Brown House Bakery 613 Chesham Rd., Harrisville 603-827-3100...Thursday-Sunday 7am-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
Arrivals and Departures
Joseph Hugh Dumont, Born 12/22/2019 Great Grandparents George and the late Betty Austermann of 70 Westside Road and Peterborough, Grandparents Karl and Deborah Austermann of Littleton, MA and Bryan and Nicole (Austermann) Dumont of Ashburnham, MA. Joey joins sister's, Clara Elizabeth 5 1/2 yrs and Reece Josephine 3yrs. They all love being at Silver Lake!
Beckett Christopher Austermann, Born 7/30/2020 Great Grandparents George and the late Betty Austermann of 70 Westside Road and Peterborough NH, Granddparents, Deborah and Karl Austermann of Littleton , MA, parents, Christopher and Ashley Austermann of Littleton, MA. This is Ashley and Christopher's first child!
The skilled hands of the creative hair stylist fell still with the passing of Doris M. Berthiaume 92, a lifelong resident of Keene, NH, on Wednesday, August 28, 2019 at Langdon Place of Keene.
Howard P. Ross passed away unexpectedly on September 30, 2019 in Salt Lake City, Utah, from complications caused by pneumonia. He will be dearly missed during summers at the lake, family game nights, and for his sense of humor.
Max Chretien, of Waltham, died after a long and well-lived life at his home on Monday, July 1, 2019. He was 95. Max lived a wonderful life and was happiest when he was with his family in the quiet setting of their cottage in New Hampshire.
Pamela Shaw, 67, of Jersey City, N.J., died Sept. 3, 2019. She started TigerPaw Shaw Designs and volunteered with the Companion Animal Trust of Jersey City. She was involved with helping hurt and lost animals, but was best known for her ability to re-home stray cats. Pam especially enjoyed her time spent at the family cottage on Silver Lake in Harrisville.
Michael J. Saunders 77, a lifelong resident of Keene, NH, and a friend to many within our community, will be greatly missed with his passing on Friday, November 29, 2019 at the Keene Center Genesis, Court Street, Keene.
William Wallace "Wally" Francis, 89, died Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2019, of heart failure. Wally and wife Mamie lived a vigorous and happy life at their home in Maryland before Mamie died of cancer in 2003. Wally spent his remaining years living part-time in New Hampshire, bringing wit, intelligence and hard work to bear on many projects here, the conservation of forested land to protect the New Hampshire watershed chief among them.
Timothy M. Kelly, 67, of Spofford, peacefully passed away on Jan. 26, 2020, with family by his side. He was an avid fan of the New England Patriots, enjoyed watching pro-golf tournaments and spending time at his seasonal home on Silver Lake. He was most proud of his two grown children and was fondly called “Pop Pop” by his grandchildren.
Town of Harrisville 150th Celebration
Now celebrating July 2, 3 & 4 2021!
Like and follow us on Facebook for updates.
Town-wide celebration to include:
Ice cream social
Library book sale
Local craft & food vendors
Street dance
Children's games
Parade
Live music
Special church service
Chicken BBQ
Fireworks
Magician Jason Purdy
Odds Bodkin
AND MUCH MORE
From our incoming President, Ben Dexter
We did it! We were able to use this new technology to manage our meeting and you all handled it so well. This association is a resilient and capable group that can try something new. This year has many challenges and I know those challenges aren't going away soon. Like many of you, I mourn the loss of some practices that are so key to our community. I also look forward to the opportunities we have leverage tools and try something new. Phone calls will always be there. We have new video chats. And the lake gives us plenty of space to keep our distance and catch up on the latest news with neighbors. We are a strong community that can handle this and I look forward to what we can do next.