Wow, where did summer go? I was very surprised when it was time to move home from camp after Labor Day. Camp is my happy place, filled with wonderful memories of my grandparents and family gatherings. It’s where I feel totally relaxed.
My mother and I are lucky enough to each own a camp next to each other near Spruce Point. About five years ago, while reading my grandfather’s camp journals, I found a 1939 receipt from Sears Roebuck for a metal septic tank—38” by 48” for $14.95. Knowing this old system wasn’t legal, we started considering options, especially since neither system had been updated since 1950. An engineer confirmed the systems weren’t working properly and didn’t meet today’s standards.
The question was whether the expense of new systems was worth it. For us, protecting the lake was essential, and without new septic systems, we couldn’t be sure we weren’t polluting it. In addition, my camp needed new posts and drains to ad-dress dampness, so we took on the project. Clearing out decades of “just in case” items took many trips to the dump and most of the summer of 2023.
The new systems were final-ly installed in fall 2023, and the improvements have been life-changing—no more dampness, no more washed-out driveway, and no more septic worries. It feels great to be responsible stewards of the lake. Now, the next gen-eration can enjoy it safely.
Happy fall to everyone. Wish-ing you a good winter, and see you in the spring!
Cynde Robbins
The Annual Meeting of the Blaisdell Lake Protective Association took place on July 27 at the historic Pillsbury Barn at Muster Field Farm in North Sutton, this year sharing space with the NH Beekeepers Association’s summer picnic. Members approved a new Executive Committee slate: President Cynde Robbins, Vice President Jenn McCourt, Treasurer Kristine Mozes, and Clerk Betsy Fowler. New board members Kim Henley, Heather Turner, Paul Ezen, and Steve Domber were also elected to replace outgoing members.
The meeting featured re-ports from various committees and a special presentation from Andrea LaMoreaux, President of NH LAKES.
Discussions included updates on the Girl Scouts of East-ern MA’s intent to sell the Camp Wabasso properties.
Among the committee reports, Doug DeLand, who stepped into the late Bruce Ellsworth’s role, shared that last year’s dam resurfacing was highly successful and completed well under budget. Chris Kelley reported stable water quality, with Colby-Sawyer’s analysis confirming no concerns. The Rt 114 Low Salt initiative was approved and implemented successfully last winter, and Susan Kenrick announced plans for a Wright’s Beach enhancement project to add sand next spring. Gary Dellert reported effective roadside cleanup efforts, while Gail Olson shared updates on the nesting loon pair, whose recent nesting attempt, unfortunately, failed to yield offspring.
Jenn McCourt has been diligently pursuing efforts to address the failing culverts under Rt 114 that feed directly into Blaisdell Lake. She consulted with a wet-lands scientist who believes there is a strong case for permitting to dredge and replace these culverts, an essential step toward protecting lake water quality. Meanwhile, a committee has been formed to plan a diamond jubilee celebration for BLPA’s 75th anniversary in 2025. As a 75th fundraising effort, Kristen Kelley was present at the meeting to deliver and sell 2025 BLPA calendars, a portion of which the Kelley family generously donated in memory of Bruce Ellsworth.
Mark your calendars for a special milestone! Next year, the Blaisdell Lake Protective Association (BLPA) will cele-brate its 75th anniversary, and we’re planning a memorable Diamond Jubilee weekend. The celebration will take place on Saturday, July 26, 2025, on the campus of the Sunset Hill Educational Institute (SHEI) at the top of Blaisdell Hill Road, preceded by our Annual Meeting earlier that day.
In case of rain, the Annual Meeting will still take place on Saturday, while the 75th Celebration will move to Sunday, July 27 at SHEI.
To support the festivities, Kristen Kelley created a beautiful 2025 BLPA Calendar filled with nostalgic images from around the lake—some dating back to before BLPA was established. The calendar included historic photos of Wright’s Beach, the Dog House, camps around the lake, aerial views from the FAA days, and more. Calendar sales raised $1,500, with all profits going towards our 75th anniversary events.
Volunteers and ideas are needed to make this a great success, so please step up to help. Contact Betsy Fowler betsyfowler3@gmail.com to let her know that you want to be on the organizational team. Thanks in advance, we need YOU!
We’re looking forward to celebrating this incredible milestone together. Save the weekend of July 26-27, 2025, and join us in honor-ing 75 years of BLPA’s dedication to Blaisdell Lake!
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.