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Go To Upcoming Events Calendar May, 2008 Notes from the President. . . |
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Funny, this is the last time that I will be writing that headline. Four years has gone by incredibly fast. Sadly, once again we should pause to remember two of our members that have passed away. Marcia Toole passed away on October 6th 2007. Marcia and Bob’s home is on 6 Spur Lane. Phyllis Epstein passed away on March 2, 2008. Phyllis and her life-time companion Miriam Goldstein have a home on 9 Spur Lane Sister Peggy O’Dea, Bernie Quinn’s sister, also passed away in the fall. Garret E. Taylor, Ronnie Kruger`s father and long time HPA member also passed away in March. We will remember them all at our Annual Meeting. 2007 certainly was an interesting year for our Association. We continue to make improvements at the Beach.  The new barbeque area was completed and from the comments I have heard, I would say the membership is pleased with the new grills, the defined area and electrical work provided for more convenience. The trash shed was relocated to a less visible location but still easily accessible area. The storage shed was completely revamped inside. It is actually easy to find what you are looking for now. I am told that there is a closed circuit camera in the shed to monitor the proper storage of items being placed on the clearly labeled shelves.  We did remove some dead trees as promised and most likely will remove some more this spring. New frames have been constructed for the horseshoe pits thanks to Norm and will be installed as soon as the ground thaws. There is also talk about installing a Bocci Court. The Shed needs a new door and the swim platform will be covered with outdoor carpet to eliminate the splinter problem. We will be getting a truckload of sand for the beach just in time for the clean-up day. This year some of the clean-up crew will work at North Beach which is in need of some cleaning and clearing. The Adopt-A-Something Program is still in effect so please step up and pitch-in. There is always something that needs attention and it is a great way to keep our member assessment at the low level we continue to enjoy. The most significant issue that has generated a great deal of attention over the past year has been the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) proposed by the Owner of Lake Candlewood and the Federal response to the plan by FERC. You should take pride in HPA`s |
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contribution in formally objecting to the SMP. From the number of members who attended the Public Meeting which ultimately resulted in FERC rescinding their position, to the speakers from HPA who presented objections to the SMP at that meeting and finally to the formal recognition of HPA being listed as an Intervener "together we have made a difference". While the Board has been involved, it truly has been the amazing efforts of a few that has insured that we were heard. Thank you Roseann Dimatteo. And very special THANK YOU to Phyllis Schaer who devoted countless hours in research and document preparation to guarantee that we were very well represented. To give you some idea of how professional Phyllis’ work is, she was asked by the First Selectman to prepare an application for the entire Town to file as an Intervener. Phyllis completed that task when given just a days notice prior to the close of submissions. For the record the Board recognizes that there may be individual homeowners that support the SMP. However as none came forth when we were actively objecting to the SMP we did not make mention of any individuals in support of the Plan. Are you thinking what I am thinking? We are truly fortunate to have so many members that give of themselves for the benefit of us all. This year looks to be another fun filled experience for HPA. Other members of the Board will be telling you all about the calendar events and other items of interest so I won’t steal their thunder. You know by now that it just wouldn’t be me if I didn’t remind you to please observe our rules governing guests at the beach. Placing the onus on Board Members to enforce by-laws doesn’t make for a great day for the Board Member that is expected to do so.  Finally let me say Thank You to the Board Members that I served with. It has really been a pleasure working with you for so many years, especially the last four. I honestly believe that together we did some See you around the Point! Ed Hayes, President |
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The Secretary Says. . . |
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PARTICIPATION is THE MAGIC WORD ... That was the heading of my column last year...but little did I know just how prophetic that phrase would be. This past year Holiday Pointers came out in record numbers; not only to lend assistance to our HP neighbors and to community projects but also to join together to voice our concerns over the structure and content of the proposed Shoreline Management Plan and it’s effect on Candlewood Lake. The board and our independent group of Concerned HP Homeowners kept everyone aware of the issues and the progress of the plan. We held open meetings at the Main Beach and in my backyard to clearly present the issues and concerns to our homeowners. We spoke out as a unified group, representing our individual concerns and those of the Holiday Point community at the FERC Public Hearing held in September. Our voices have been heard and we have made a significant impact. Though our comments and letters are now part of the public record, there has been no definitive ruling yet from FERC on the results of their investigations and review of the proposed SMP: the volatile issue of deeded rights, and the justification for planned fees, the concerns on controlling excessive boat traffic, measures to improve the lake ecology and a viable boat sticker plan. Most importantly we need to be concerned that, as stakeholders and lake residents, our voices continue to be heard in addition to those of First Light, the current Lake Owner and Licensee, or their successors. Stay involved and aware. There has been recent word that the Lake may be up for sale again, the Connecticut legislators and the Attorney General are concerned that any future sale should have some sort |
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 of assurance that the new owners accept their long range responsibility for the healthy ecology of what has become one of CT’s most valuable natural resources, and not just view it as a short term financial profit making venture. "The Holiday Point Globetrotters" Once again the Holiday Pointers traveled spreading our unique brand of good will. To join our ‘Globetrotting Group” send us a photo wearing your HPA Logo Wear, taken while on or about some exotic or interesting locale. Send your photos to Al Burgasser. TAG SALE….we have planned another Tag Sale this year in June. Do your Spring Cleaning & join us at the Main Beach June 7th & 8th. Phyllis Schaer, Secretary |
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Community Coffer Communique. . . |
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To date, we have collected approximately 87% of our 2007- 2008 annual assessments and $1,000 of the $1,450 of the 2006-2007 annual assessments that were uncollected at the end of our last fiscal year. We would like to express our appreciation to those members who have already paid their annual assessment and remind those who have not already done so to please send a check in the amount of $500 to: Donations Our Coffer was also enriched by a very generous gift in memory of Marcia Toole from her loving family. The Toole Family has requested that this money be used for “ flowers and plantings at our Community Beach” so that Marcia’s love of flowers can live on in her honor. And, in the One Good Deed Deserves Another category - as soon as Joel Judd of Judd Construction became aware of the Marcia’s Garden Project, he kindly offered to donate the soil and wood chips for the garden in memory of Phyllis Epstein! Last but not least, I am pleased to report that we are essentially on budget with respect to our expenditures for the 2007-2008 fiscal year so far this year. This is principally due to the fact that our snow plowing, representing $8,600 of the total expenditures to date of approximately $15,900, was done under a contract price that was negotiated well before the sharp increase in gas prices that we are currently enduring. However, since the maintenance of our |
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 community roads (including repairs, plowing and sweeping) represents in excess of 60% of our overall expenditures each year, I would expect to see a sizeable increase in these costs for the 2008-2009 fiscal year. As a result, our annual assessment will most definitely need to be increased again this year. Please be assured that the entire Board will continue to diligently work to minimize our out-of-pocket expenditures by: encouraging the use of sweat equity by our membership as much as is prudent, scheduling road repairs wisely and working to obtain competitive pricing for the services that we purchase on behalf of the Holiday Point Community. Bernadette Schopfer, Treasurer |
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Report on Holiday Point History. . . |
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We are continuing our project to document the history of our association at Holiday Point. If you are a resident with memories or old photos to share concerning Holiday Point and its events over the years, please write them down and submit them to us, so we can share them with our homeowners. You can see a draft of the first two chapters of in now on our web site: http://www.cmmp.com/holidaypoint/ Click on History at the top of the home page. There is lots more on our web site to see too.    |
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 We want to be sure all of our members are aware of the website and have their email addresses listed with us under Members Only. The "user name" and "password" information is listed in our VP column in this issue, if you forget just ask a Board member.  Please review what I will be posting through the winter and let me know how to make it better. AGAIN, don’t forget ... Send me any of your documents or memories of the history that may be of interest to us all. Email: csdiamond@comcast.net. Steve Diamond, Historian  |
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2008 Vice-President's Column. . . |
 2007 was a very good year for Holiday Point activities…we only had one fundraiser, the wine tasting, but the annual picnic, lobster fest, and treasure hunt were big successes. This year is shaping up to be just as much fun. Check out the calendar in this newsletter for tentative dates, but keep an eye on the website (www.cmmp.com/holidaypoint) and the postings at the beach and inside the bus stop for any changes. Start saving all your good junk - the giant community tag sale will make a comeback after a 1 year hiatus…The tag sale will be conducted as an HPA fundraiser and Phyllis Schaer and I will send out details as the date gets closer (notice how I subtly volunteered Phyllis?). Hopefully, we can convince Ed and Marie Hayes to organize another golf outing – always a major fundraiser for us. If any member has a suggestion for an activity or a fundraiser please feel free to let me or one of the board members know – we’re always looking for new ideas. Maybe a horseshoe competition as soon as the pits are completed... The setup and cleanup for all these events take a lot of work – but as they say, many hands make light work. If you can help with setup please ask a board member (or Bernie Quinn, 'cause she usually knows this stuff) when to arrive before the event and someone will put you to work. We always need volunteers to clean-up. Our goal is to clean while there’s still a little bit of light left – that way the cleanup crew can enjoy any entertainment or relax around the fire pit rather than tripping over tree roots because it’s too dark. Wish List-You may know that our revenues from member assessments are budgeted for mandatory expenses and fundraising profits are spent on 'nice to have's'. Tentative 'nice to have's' for the 2008 season include replacing some of those old picnic tables and outdoor carpeting for the large swim float (I don’t know about you, but I’m still plucking out splinters from last summer). The board usually discusses lots of options before deciding how we’ll spend the fundraising money, so please share your ideas with a board member. |
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GUESTS - As always, members and their guests are invited to attend all the HPA events. The beach and facilities can be reserved by members for private parties (limited to a couple per season). You must contact a board member in advance to reserve the date and, new in 2008, Fill out a Private Party Request which asks you to
agree to some common sense restrictions (such as noise level, cleanup, parking, etc.) that the board has compiled
into a form for the comfort and safety of members and guests. Please note – HPA members are still entitled
to use the beach during a private event, but typically we keep our distance and try to not embarrass you. Remember the 2007 annual meeting? We mentioned that HPA would apply for a FEMA grant to reimburse us for the repairs to the culvert at the intersection of Hillside and Oak Drives. Now I know why New Orleans is still a mess! Without boring you with all the gory details, the 'grant' turned out to really be a loan (with interest!). FEMA turned over our application to the Small Business Association (because we’re a business not a private residence) and the SBA required that we assess our members $60K over 5 years (for a $5K repair!). Needless to say, the board rejected their generous offer.  The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and the Shoreline Management Plan (SMP) were also discussed at the meeting. Phyllis is our resident FERC expert, so I’ll leave it up to her to write about the SMP status. I don’t think HPA can thank Phyllis enough for all the time spent & effort she put in to ensure that HPA was well prepared and well represented at the September FERC hearing and in response to recent FERC notices. Thank you, Phyllis!!! Before you know it, we’ll be breaking out our rakes for Beach Cleanup Day so… Think Spring!!! Roseann DiMatteo, Vice-President |
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Around the Point with Tobi. . . |
 Get Well Soon!
Celebrations
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Farewells We said sad goodbyes to long-time Holiday Point members this year:
 Holiday Pointers Serving Sherman As we know, neighborhoods just don’t get any better than Holiday Point, and our members are hard at work keeping the town of Sherman ship-shape as well:
Tobi Andrews, HPA Goodwill Ambasador |
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Candlewood Lake News 2008 ... |
 As you may already know the boat sticker program that was proposed this past year in the Connecticut legislature was sent to committee and turned down before it could be brought to the entire house for a vote. This is a disappointment. It met with strong opposition. The EPA was against it for several reasons, not the least was control of the money’s collected. Phyllis and Ro have greater details if you want more information. There has been no recent news from First Light on the status of the SMP or any proposed changes. We are still waiting for the final response from the FERC Commission to the public hearing they held in September and numerous letters and filings against the proposed SMP, submitted in protest to FERC.  The Lake is currently at the normal level for this time of the year It may seem low now compared to earlier this Spring but the water level at its correct seasonal level . It was higher than usual earlier this Spring due to heavy rains and run off. First Light is using that water to make electtricity ( that’s why they bought the lake). It will be back to normal levels by Memorial Day. For Dock Leases: Please contact the HPA board member Laura Hernandez for further details. Just a |
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reminder to those boat owners who require a boat slip, you must re-file your dock request each year and Dock Lease forms must be filled out and up-to- date. Important to note: if you are building a new dock or repairing an existing one on the HPA community dock spaces, permission and approval is required from the HPA as to type of construction, size and location . Ernie Krubsack should be contacted for information on proper Dock construction, and repair issues. Your dock must be approved before installing. Check the by- laws for greater detail. The best source of information can be fond on the Candlewood Lake Authority website. If you wish to know the level of Candlewood lake call 1-888-41 RIVER, 1-888-417-4837. Save boating ... Ernie Krubsack, Board Member  |
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2007 Holiday Point Newsletter (pdf) 2006 Holiday Point Newsletter 2005 Holiday Point Newsletter 2004 Holiday Point Newsletter |
