RED CEDAR LAKE POST
VOLUME 33 ISSUE 2
SUMMER 2015
NOTES FROM OUR PRESIDENT
It seems that this season the Association’s beaches and boat launch areas are being used as
much or more than ever. Even the fishing activity on the Lake seems increased. It is gratifying to
see this. Please remember to check the posted rules for safe use of beach, swim and boat
launch areas and to be considerate of others with respect to the noise level your activities
generate. Be safe and have fun!
Your Executive Committee continues to follow-up on the questions of the Association’s rights
and responsibilities under the CT. Common Interest Ownership Act as we discussed at the
membership meeting on June 6th. We have engaged the services of Scott Sandler of Pearlstein,
Sandler and McCracken, LLC to review our Association documents in order to determine if we
are in compliance with the CIOA and to assess our rights and responsibilities now that the Town
of Lebanon has eliminated seasonal use restrictions on our lake properties.
One major concern for us is whether the change in use restrictions may require the Association
to accept responsibility to insure that our roads our maintained in the winter months. As you
know, currently our roads are legally closed in the winter months. The association does not now
plow the roads or guarantee accessibility to properties since we were originally incorporated as
a seasonal Association.
The Committee plans to present the results of our inquiry and our recommendations at the
Annual Meeting on August 29, 2015. You will be receiving an agenda for this meeting during the
last week of July. Please note the meeting date on your calendar and plan on attending.
Another issue of great concern for us is the lack of volunteers to serve on the Executive
Committee and on our Social and Activity Committees. At this point in time we are shy two
Directors on the Committee and no one has stepped forward to organize our traditional August
Membership Social. PLEASE CONSIDER SERVING AND/ OR VOLUNTEERING IN SOME CAPACITY.
Your neighbors will be very appreciative!
Mike Sidoti, President
RED CEDAR LAKE POST PAGE TWO
WATER QUALITY by Connie Berglund
Most of you know that Aquatic Control Technology sprayed for water milfoil weeds on June 22. Some
people expressed concern that many weeds remained after the treatment. On July 6, I had a phone
conversation with the technician who did the work, and he confirmed that he had sprayed all areas
along the RCLPOA water fronts. Several things impact his ability to eliminate the infestation with the
primary difficulty relating to not spraying the heavy milfoil infestation along the entire length of State
property. He says these weeds will continue to impact the residents’ lakefront and that portions of
chopped weeds travel from the weedy south part of the lake to other areas by activity from motor
boats, canoes, and kayaks as well as weather. Another difficulty is operating the spray boat in the
shallow water of bay areas near the lily pads. The southeast corner of the lake is where the milfoil is
most dense; he also identified leafy pondweed and bladder wart.
Two weeks ago, boats saw masses of milfoil floating along the state part shore area; however, on July
12, the floating weeds appeared to be gone and when we pulled buoys and anchors, there were very
few weeds compared to the previous week. Aquatic Control Technology will return in about two weeks
to do a post treatment survey and to assess the waterlily status and, if the time is right, spray the water
lilies.
For swimmers and boaters, the lake’s water quality has tested very well this season. This year, DEEP and
the water testing laboratory have recommended testing once a month versus every two weeks. Since
the testing lab also raised its price substantially, this is a financial help as well as less time consuming for
members who have been taking the water samples at two beaches and delivering the samples to
Columbia. If you are interested in assisting with sampling,
please contact RCLPOA President Mike Sidoti or Connie Berglund.
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IN MEMORY OF
The Red Cedar Lake Community lost 2 of our dear members this past year.
Dennis H. Duchesneau, 62 of Marlborough, lost his courageous battle with cancer on Saturday December 6, 2014. He and his
wife Jacqueline spent many summers at 146 Lakeside Drive. Jackie and Dennis were good neighbors and always working on
their beautiful property. For many years, he enjoyed boating but more recently just fishing off his dock at Red Cedar Lake. His
neighbors admired his strength and enjoyed his unique humor.
Catherine Curtin enjoyed many summers at 2 Stewart Lane on Red Cedar Lake. Kay was the first mate of her late husband,
George Curtin. Together they hosted the Sunday Sailboat Races. Kay would often be the starter of each race. After each race
Kay was the gracious hostess for the sailors returning to her cottage to get their ribbons. An annual picnic at Kay and George’s
was held on the last race. Kay loved watching her 6 children and later their spouses and grandchildren grow, laugh and play on
Red Cedar Lake.
Our condolences to Dennis’s and Kay’s families. They will be missed.
RED CEDAR LAKE POST PAGE THREE
COMING EVENTS
ANNUAL FISHING DERBY SATURDAY AUGUST 1ST
Please come to register on Main Beach at 9am return with (junk) fish at noon to be counted. All
ages are welcome
BINGO NIGHT SATURDAY AUGUST 8TH
Bingo from 6pm to 8pm on Main Beach. Bring a prize and get 2 free Bingo Cards.
Cards are 2 for $1.00.
RED CEDAR LAKE LOGO CONTEST EXTENDED
We are seeking new logo designs to be embroidered on the left chest pocket of RCL t-shirts,
sweatshirts etc. The one requirement is that it must have “Red Cedar Lake” incorporated into it.
The contest is extended until July 30, 2015. The winner will receive one free item of their
choice. Send all designs via e-mail to lynngonzalez1025@gmail.com or US mail to Lynn
Gonzalez, 43 Hillside Ave, Plainville, CT 06062.
Red Cedar Lake Property Owners Association Tax Assessment Committee by Honey Ragaglia
Property owners on Red Cedar Lake are subject to higher land assessment factors than property owners on Amston
Lake and Lake Williams. In essence if we could move our cottages to one of the other lakes, we would pay less
property tax!
A Tax Assessment Committee has been formed. The purpose of the Tax Assessment Committee is to give a
physical presence to our tax concerns - to be a watch dog of and perhaps even a "pebble in the shoe" of town
government.
The role of the Tax Assessment Committee is primarily educational - to gather and share information with association
members. As with all association committees, the committee will report to the executive board and obtain
approval/assistance before implementing action plans.
The following association members expressed an interest in attending our first meeting which was held November 1,
2014: Honey & Bob Ragaglia, Connie & Larry Berglund, Bruce Cagenello, Jim Florian, Brian Gill, Tony Lupinacci,
Steve & Barbara McShane, Dorene Nablo, Mike & Linda Rubin, Robin Strom, Jim Truscio
The Tax Assessment Committee has decided to schedule a meeting with the assessor, Emma Sousa this summer to
let her know of our groups existence, to express concern regarding our lake's continued boutique status (we would
pay less in taxes if our cottages were located on one of the other Lebanon lakes or ponds) and to seek accurate
information regarding the assessment process.
Our next committee meeting will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, August 8, 2015 at the Ragaglia's cottage on 1
Stacey Lane.
If you would like to join the RCLPOA Tax Assessment Committee kindly email (honeyr@snet.net) or call Honey at
860-748-0112 (cell phone) All are welcome to be active members of this group!
RED CEDAR LAKE POST PAGE FOUR
SUNDAY MORNING SAILING By Larry Berglund
The summer Sunday sailing races began July 5. The wind was almost nonexistent and variable in
direction. The sailing conditions probably contributed to the low turnout of just 5 boats. The race took
about 90 min to complete. Because of the slow sailing conditions, one boat withdrew after about an
hour and paddled home. Jim Truscio in the Large Boat class finished 1st in 55 minutes followed by
Sunfish sailors, Jeff Pasiuk, Jan Wislocki and David Chamberlin,
The conditions for the second race on July 12 were worse with even less air movement and only 2 boats
entered; Jeff and Jan. They sailed a shortened course and the 2 Sunfish boats were very close to each
other and competitive throughout. At the finish Jeff was first across the line.
July 12 race
The July 12 sailors commented that the water was clearer and less weeds were visible than on July 5,
indicating the recent weed control application is having an effect. The sailors hope for stronger winds in
following Sundays and encouraging more boats to enter.
Additional information contact Larry Berglund at 860 887 4972
SEEKING SOCIAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS
Do you like to have fun? Have an idea for a social event?
Would like help running it. We need volunteers to help with Bingo, dessert night,
movie night, crafts, etc. for the 2015-16 Red Cedar Lake seasons.
Please contact Lynn Gonzalez at lynngonzalez1025@gmail.com
RED CEDAR LAKE POST PAGE FIVE
BEACH AND BOATS by Peter Vam Steeden
Not too much to report this round, the beaches seem to be staying in pretty good shape. A reminder
though and a favor: Please keep the gates closed and locked. This is necessary in order to prevent non
Red Cedar Lake Property Owner members from gaining access to and utilizing our facilities. The extra
wear and tear increases maintenance costs. The swim lines have orange floats on them which are
supposed to be spaced in a certain fashion. At Little Beach the float spacing has been significantly
disturbed. I have been unable to get out there to fix them so far, hopefully this coming weekend.
Please advise your families and guests not to play with the float spacing.
additional reminders …
No smoking allowed on main or little beach.
CLOSE and LOCK gates when you leave either beach.
Dogs are NOT allowed in the sand areas of main and little beach.
NO CHILD under 14 years of age is allowed in the swimming area at either beach without the supervision of an
adult 14 years or older.
SAFE USE OF THE SWIMMING PLATFORM Excessive rocking and otherwise rough use of the swimming platform at
main beach can result in its damage. Please take care when using the platform so it remains in good condition for
years to come.
Please use the garbage cans that have place on main and little beach.
NO BOATS shall be lauched on MAIN BEACH between 11:00am and 4:00pm on weekends
and holidays.
RED CEDAR LAKE OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS 2014-2015
Mike Sidoti
Robert Ragaglia
Janet Wilocki
Bob Macklin
Mo Hebb
Donna Lupinacci
Peter Van Steeden
Lynn Gonzalez
Kevin Vonderkall
Vacant
Bitty Pellegrino
Connie Berglund
Vacant
President
Vice President
Secretary
Treasurer
Chair, Liaison Committee
Social Committee
Chair, Beaches/Boat Lauch Committee
Chair, Membership Committee/Recreation
Chair, Roads Committee
Finance Committee
Chair, Rules and Bylaws Committee
Chiar, Water Quality Committee
Recreation Committee
michaelsidoti@gmailcom
rragaglia@snet.net
janet.wislocki@gmail.com
bob@milfordbank.com
mohebb@charter.net
donnalupe@aol.com
pm454@aol.com
lynngonzalez1025@gmail.com
kvonderkall@yahoo.com
bittypell@aol.com
ckberglund@charter.net