APELL - Volume 14 Issue 1

The Association for the Protection of the Environment of Latourelle Lake "Working together for our Members" l'Association pour la protection de l'environnement du Lac Latourelle "Travaillant ensemble pour nos membres" www.apell.org    Volume 14, No. 1   May 2005

A word from your president

By David Adcock

Spring has arrived and cottage season will soon be upon us.  As usual, this year's activities will include the lake clean-up, disposal of logs, children's fishing derby and the annual children and adult barbeques.  In addition this year there is a new event; "music night for cottagers".  Bring along your favourite instrument for a jam session; details follow in the calendar of events.

The spring general meeting will be held on May 28, 2005 at La Salle des Loisirs at 1030 am.  Later in the year there will be elections for a new executive committee so please come to the May meeting to discuss your choice of candidates with your friends and fellow cottagers.  Membership applications and voting proxy forms are attached for your convenience.  Please note that only paid-up members may vote during meetings.

Septic tank tests were carried out by the municipality last year in several areas of the lake.  I'm pleased to say that no problems were reported and the lake water quality continues to remain high.  A copy of the latest water quality report is attached.

Assistance is required for the lake cleanup on June 04.  Floating logs should be taken to the public access so as to remove hazards to boats.  In particular, assistance is required for the cut-up and disposal of the logs on June 18; chain saws and ATVs are needed along with lots of muscle.  The cleanup of the lake every spring is the responsibility of all cottagers; association members or not.  It's your lake so please help keep it clean.  Marc Girard will be organizing work teams; please contact him at 819-463-1316, or 613-738-0740, or marc.girard@apell.org to offer your assistance.

Finally, you may have noticed some inappropriate content on the association website under "contact us".  We ask you to disregard the content; efforts are being made to have the content deleted.
 

Minutes of the September 4, 2004 meeting

Twenty people attended the meeting held on September 4, 2004.  The following items were discussed:

• The calendar of events for 2004-2005 was discussed.  It was decided to hold the annual picnic on a regular weekend rather than a long weekend.  The revised calendar was circulated to the executive committee for its approval.
• Newsletters and membership applications will be sent by mail to all non-members, inviting them to join the association.
• Beavers continue to be a concern.  Excessive damage will be reported to the municipal authorities, who will be asked to take appropriate action.
• Water testing results were reported and will be posted on the web site.  The municipal inspector will be asked to confirm that all lakefront properties are equipped with septic systems that conform with the local laws.
• Clothing sales were discussed.  Joanne will place an order for jackets, sweaters, etc. soon.
• A financial report was provided to the association for review.
• Changes to the web site have been completed and members are encouraged to visit the new site at www.apell.org.
• An APELL association sign and a notice board will be installed next spring at both ends of the lake.
• It is rumoured that the owner of Lot 27-4, located next to Tom Roach's lot, wishes to create a boat access.  The municipality has informed us that there has been no request made for a building permit.
• It was suggested that guests and non-members attending the annual picnic be asked for a $5.00 donation to help defray the costs of the food and the children's fishing tournament.  This charge would not apply to adults attending the evening bbq.
• A survey is available on the web site, inviting members to provide their input on current activities and offer suggestions for future years.  The deadline for completing the survey is October 31, 2004.  (Editor's note: extended to June 1, 2005)
• Two new advertisers have been found for the newsletter by Joanne Girard: Rona in Gracefield and New Printing Inc. (who provided photocopies free of charge).
• The door prize, a beautiful bird feeder, was won by Chris Trauttmansdorff.

Adult BBQ - Worth the wait

By Chris Trauttmansdorff

More than 35 people came out to enjoy the annual APELL barbeque at Dave and Gisèle Adcock's place on the evening of Sunday, August 1st, after a one-day postponement due to rain.  The food and the weather were definitely worth waiting for, and of course, the company is always wonderful, rain or shine.

A dedicated crew got busy early in the day to put up the tents and set up the tables and chairs.  Chefs all over the lake took out their best salad and dessert recipes, and the rotisserie was fired up early in the day to sizzle the pork roasts to succulent perfection.

Newcomer Judy and her mom, Barb, were given a warm welcome by people keen to meet the proud new owner of the log cabin next door to Pat's place (do you think he was mentioned on the real estate agent's feature sheet?)  Hope you enjoyed the evening, ladies - we're looking forward to seeing a lot more of you in the years ahead.

APELL clothing was on display and sales were brisk as Joanne Girard juggled her drink in one hand and her receipt book in the other.  A free dose of her special insect repellent was included with every purchase... (you'll have to share the name of that stuff with everyone, Joanne.  It worked extremely well and didn't smell too bad at all!)  Those who missed the BBQ can purchase APELL clothing by contacting Joanne.

Dave and Gisèle were the evening's perfect hosts, looking happy and relaxed despite a hectic summer schedule that included their daughter's wedding the week before the BBQ.  David had his new pontoon boat on display and did a couple of laps around Tremblay Bay so those who hadn't seen it close up could get a peek at the addition to the fleet.  Retirement definitely seems to be agreeing with both of them.

The night ended with a bonfire and there was a spectacular full moon to light up the road home.  Thanks to everyone for a terrific evening, and to those who weren't able to make it, we hope to see you all this year.
 

Saturday Night Fever

By Jennifer Izzard and Michel Rheaume

It was the long weekend of September.  I went to the Tremblay's and asked if a few people wanted to come over with their guitars so we could have a little party.  Since the people at Lac Long never have a small party everybody invited a friend, a neighbour and about 43 people showed up for a excellent time.

September 2005 everyone is welcome, same time, same place.
 

Please note: The opinions expressed in this newsletter reflect the ideas of the authors and not the Association for the Protection of the Environment of Lac Latourelle.
 

Water Testing Results - July 2004

Water testing is carried out annually by the Association to verify whether the lake water is suitable for swimming, for information purposes.  Testing is not carried out to determine whether the water is suitable for consumption.  Due to many factors, results can be unreliable, depending on when and how the sample is taken, the weather conditions and numerous other factors.  The Association is in no way responsible for water quality or the accuracy of test results.  Nor is the Association liable for any use members or others may make of the information provided.  Please note:  The Département de Microbiologie recommends that lake water should only be consumed after boiling for several minutes.

APELL Survey - Have your say!

Despite the still somewhat cool temperatures outside, your executive is already planning for 2005.  Before making any decisions, we would like to get your ideas and input.  What do you expect from your lake association? What kinds of events and activities would you like APELL to sponsor in the future?  Do you have an idea or a pet project you would like to take on?

Please complete this survey (APELL-survey.pdf) before June 1^st.  Results will be presented in the next newsletter.
 

Calendar of Events - 2005

NEW PRINTING INC.    François Bellama 2450 Lancaster Road, Unit #23 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1B 5N3 Tel: (613) 738-0531] Fax: (613) 738-7559 Email: info@newprint.ca web: www.newprint.ca