As I sat down to write this President’s message, I began to reflect on the idea of change - some of it welcome and some of it not so welcome. We see the welcome change of seasons, new faces and families around the lake, and hopefully, a few new loons making Lake Blaisdell their home. But in the category of “not-so-welcome change”, it’s also inevitable that we will experience the loss of friends and loved ones throughout the year and our lake family is no exception.BLPA lost several community members this year including Bruce Ellsworth, John Godkin and Tori Willard, and our sympathies go out to all of their families. More personally, it’s the passing of my uncle and former BLPA-er, Frank Leichthammer, that has put me in the surprising position of family patriarch, a title which I feel way too young to be stepping into but here I am. Being the eldest changes your perspective. It makes you think about history, traditions, legacy, and the future.
Lake Blaisdell is a big part of my history and is home to many traditions including summer vacations, water and snow skiing adventures, Specials at the Dog House and fundraisers on the beach, Red Hot Fireballs from Wrights General Store, 4th of July boat parades and fireworks, and simply sitting on the dock and taking in the same view year after year. It is up to all of us to continue to tell the stories and traditions of Blaisdell and in doing so, to keep the memory of those individuals that have had such a positive impact on the Lake alive. BLPA also plays a large role in those memories and in ensuring that those traditions can continue to happen year after year for me as well as for my kids and the generations to come. To keep Blaisdell and BLPA vibrant into the future, we need your involvement today, and your kids and grandkids involvement too. So much of what we enjoy about the lake is impacted by BLPA and its mission of lake protection via dam maintenance and water quality monitoring and simply by creating a community. All this work is carried out by a volunteer board and funded by your membership dues. We need the next generation to become an active part of the Blaisdell Lake community and the BLPA to ensure that traditions can continue and the future can be full of possibilities. Speaking of the future, 2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of BLPA! Plans are still developing, but we could use some help to make them happen. There is a lot of great information in this edition. Some of it touches on topics that have the potential to impact Blaisdell’s future. So read up, enjoy, and think about how you can help! And maybe do an “anti-rain” dance so that it doesn’t rain every weekend this summer!
Steve Domber
Saturday, July 6th
Boat Parade at 4 PM Show your spirit! Decorate your boat and come in costume for the Pud Ellsworth Boat Parade. Boats will line up as they arrive at Spruce Point for a full lap around the lake.
Electronic Flares at 9 PM We strongly encourage everyone to go green and purchase battery-operated LED flares. They are a safe and reusable option that still put on a great display.
Please be respectful of your neighbors and our lake.
Clean Up All Fireworks Debris:
Help keep our lake beautiful and safe by properly disposing of all debris. Limit Use to Designated Night: Please only use fireworks on the specified night to minimize disturbances and impact on our lake community. Pass this along to your visitors and renters.
Bradford Independence Day Celebration
Saturday, June 29th
5K Road Race at 9 AM
Nick's Other Band Performance from 7-9 PM
Fireworks at 9 PM
Thursday, July 4th
Sutton Annual Parade The Sutton Historical Society will sponsor the traditional Fourth of July parade on Thursday, July 4. Meet up at the corner of Roby Road and 114 at 11 AM if you want to march. Otherwise don’t blink as the parade passes by!
Please join us for the BLPA Annual Meeting on Saturday, July 27 at 10 AM. We will once again meet in the historic Pillsbury Barn at Muster Field Farm in North Sutton. NH LAKES will present and answer questions.
Believe it or not, the United States Coast Guard (USCG) has officially classified a Stand Up Paddleboard (SUP) as a vessel. Operators of SUPs are required to follow these laws:
All SUP operators 12 years of age and YOUNGER are required to wear a USCG-approved life jacket or Personal Flotation Device (PFD) and carry a safety whistle. Flashlights are required for night use.
All SUP operators 13 years of age and OLDER are required to have a Type III adult USCG-approved life jacket or PFD either attached to the SUP or worn by the SUP operator and carry a safety whistle. Flashlights are required for night use. Tethering (wearing a leash connected to the SUP and operator) is deemed to be an alternate or replacement for having a PFD.
If you choose a tether, be sure it is long enough to prevent injury if you fall off the board! A short tether can break a leg or worse.