The article about the Benthic Barriers is below the Newsletter



Okara Lakes Association Newsletter---April 2008

Greetings to all and happy spring in the Adirondacks.

If you are a member, you know by now that this annual newsletter is a major effort by the president and members of the association to keep everyone up to date on issues, concerns and happenings affecting All residents of Lakes Easka and Tekeni.

This newsletter will be mailed to all members, and will also be posted on our website. Remember our web address is www.okaralakes.com.

OKARA LAKES WEBSITE
Computers are our friends.. that's what I tell myself every time mine misbehaves and I want to punish it. They are, however, wonderful tools and regardless of your specific level of competence or lack thereof, it is VERY easy to type www.okaralakes.com and hit "return" (that's the larger rectangular key on the right side in the middle). The reward for your efforts will get you to a homepage that is changed at regular intervals. This way, if you're not here, you can keep up with any "late breaking" local news! More often than not, pictures are posted to let you see what's going on. Granted, until you start sending me some of your own digital photos, you're going to look at what's nearby to me. The site was re-designed this winter and, if we have your e-mail address, you will be notified if something important has been posted. This year, those who provided addresses, were able to find the results of Okara Road West and the Property Assessment vote the very next morning! If you would like to be included, pass along your e-mail address when you send in your dues or e-mail me at j-dmunyan@hotmail.com.

SPEAKING OF DUES
We are all creatures of habit. Many of you send in your dues at the beginning of the New Year while others wait until the July meeting (like me). We also have those who forget and/or need reminding. I like to think of us as a growing organization. I have been very pleased with what I see as a new level of participation within our membership. When you come right down to it, we are also a bargain - it only costs ten bucks to belong! So, if you have room for one more "New Years Resolution", please write that check to our Treasurer, Bill Palmer sometime in that January through July "window". After that he has to start sending reminders and that, of course, is an expense. Everyone that is a member receives this publication; so if you are in the "forgetful" category, please take immediate action. Dues cover Jan-Dec 2008.Please send as soon as possible.

Association Dues are $10
Make payable to: Okara Lakes Association
Please mail or give to :
Bill Palmer
18 Pleasant View Place
Whitesboro, NY 13492

WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS:
In 2007, six new members joined the Okara Lakes Association. The following were welcomed at our July meeting:
Marie Maier - 125 Easka Road
Amber La Fountain - 1934 State Route 28
Patrick Carey and Amie MacLagger - 103 Easka Road
Brett and Elizabeth Keller - 203 Okara Road West
Kevin and Linda Bailey - 289 Okara Road West
Lynn and David Jones - 615 Okara Road East

Congratulations to NEW GRANDPARENTS:
The following Okara Lakes members are new grandparents:

Ray and Marcia Alcuri Granddaughter Eve Marie
Don and Jean Davis Granddaughter Molly Marie
George and Lorraine Mitchell Granddaughter Emma Ruth
John and Deb Munyan Granddaughter Lana Lois

LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT

Dear Okara Lakes Members,

Spring has not fully sprung in the Okara Lakes. As of this writing there is still lots of snow and the lakes are frozen tight - but there is hope in the air as the temperatures warm up. We will hit a point when suddenly everything changes - we hope it's soon.

I am looking forward to this summer when the Association's 50th Year Anniversary party, hosted by John and Pat Tappan, takes place. Our very first major social event is shaping up to be a spectacular one. I want to encourage each and every member to check your calendars to make sure you can attend. Talk to your neighbors and come as a group. It will be a perfect opportunity to become acquainted with Okara Lakes' residents you may have never met before.

My central message this year is thanking Association volunteers. Although we are a small group, we have a voice in the community that has been heard. Our area is improving and we are moving forward.

Remembering when I was a member, and volunteers were needed for one thing or another, I learned from looking around that the best thing to do was to look at your shoes until the next topic came up. I was a confirmed "shoe watcher" and at my first meeting as President I remember observing the tradition from a different point of view. When people feel welcome, they become a part of the group. One of my personal goals is to try to make a point of meeting new people that attend our meetings and I enjoy saying hello to those who attend regularly. The meeting rarely starts on time because I'm "yakking" with people.

So this year, I want to thank those members who have come forward and helped the Association by volunteering. To begin with let's start with some long-term participants,
Association Officers:
Georgia Quinn (Secretary),
Bill Palmer (Treasurer)
Ed Girtler and Glenn Candee, (Vice Presidents).

Committees Chairpersons:
Mimi Hannan (History),
Maggie Tonkinson (Easka Lake Weeds),
Ed Girtler (Adopt-A-Highway Clean Up) and while I'm at it, thanks to those of you helped pick up 5 miles of assorted road trash and debris - (that's 2 ½ miles for each side of the road).
Carol Dygert (Newsletter Editor),
Paul and Chris Dawicki (Fishing Contest),
George Pierson and Jim Hofer (Tekeni and Easka Lake Water Testers)
Pat Tappan (50th Anniversary Party); and the many of you who are working with her to make this a success.

In the category of "Other" for "behind the scenes help" I would like to thank:
Jim and Mary Hofer for maintaining the benches at the beach and put up and take down meeting signs,
Linda Yancey for her helpful advice for challenging your assessment,
Jack Flora for using his tractor to haul sand to the beach,
Bill Murphy for restoring and adding a roof the bulletin board by the beach.
Ed Girtler for taking his tractor to the beach and keeping the grass area mowed.
Also under "Other" are those of you who pick up after others at the beach and helped deliver the 911 flyers. Everyone who helped Mimi Hannon deliver questionnaires to camps.

This is an impressive list of people and I hope that as more people get to know one another, the numbers increase. Understandably this area has become a refuge for some to relax and unwind and to get away from the work environment. I respect that position and practiced it for many years. However, if you decide at some point that you would like to become more involved with the Association, please let it be known. You will find yourself in the company of a great group of folks.

I look forward to see/meeting you this summer.

John Munyan, President

Okara Lakes Association Note - We also would like to thank President John for his dedication and hard work
from the editor and association


LAKE WEED COMMITTEE REPORT
Some concerns have been expressed regarding build-up of weeds in Lake Easka. John Munyan invited a diver whom he had met, who was knowledgeable about the subject, to dive in the lake and help to identify weeds growing there. The diver reported that the middle of the lake is weed-free. Of the weeds observed around the shoreline, none are invasive. If property owners wish to eradicate some weeds, mechanical harvesting or cutting is permitted. Also, using Benthic mats to cover weeds in order to smother them is allowed. Any of these methods require a permit. Maggie Tonkinson has spoken to several people at the DEC, Nature Conservancy, APA, and to a certified lake manager. She has web sites and phone numbers if anyone is interested in pursuing this.

LAKE WATER TESTING

The Residents’ Committee to Protect the Adirondacks (RCPA) and the Adirondack Watersheds Institute at Paul Smiths College (AWI) has teamed up and jointly administers the Adirondack Lake Assessment Program (ALAP). At the July 2007 meeting, Jim Hofer (Lake Easka) and George Pearson (Lake Tekeni) volunteered to be the “official” water testers for their respective lakes. They attended a training session in Blue Mountain and during the summer and fall; tests were made checking clarity, and water depth. Water samples were taken, filtered and frozen then returned to the lab at Paul Smiths College. The Okara Lakes now joins a group of neighboring lakes in the area that will have information available sometime this year. Results will measure water quality and assemble a water quality profile of lakes and ponds across the Adirondacks. Their findings will be reported on the website, Association Meetings and in next year’s newsletter. The Association would like to thank Jim and George for their volunteer efforts.

OKARA LAKES 50th YEAR CELEBRATION
The Okara Lakes Association will celebrate its 50th anniversary on Saturday, August 9, 2008 from 2-9 p.m. at the Tappan home on Lake Easka. The day will be filled with fun, food and festivities. Mitch Lee will offer the kids storytelling at 2, and for the adults at 3.
There will be face painting for kids and games for all ages throughout the day. A chicken barbecue, hot dogs, hamburgers and beer, wine, soda, and water will be offered for $15 per household. Each family is requested to bring an appetizer, side dish/salad, or dessert to share. Everyone will receive a commemorative souvenir from this special event. A tent supplied by Glenn Candee will be erected to house all the activities, rain or shine .Mimi Hannan and her committee will display historical articles, photos, and artifacts in the Tappan garage. Please contribute any special memorabilia from Okara Lakes to Mimi.
Meetings will be held in June to delegate responsibilities, planning and organizing.
We welcome all who want to make this a big success. Contact either John Munyan or Pat Tappan (johnpattappan@frontiernet.net or 369-6778 for info.

Good news! OLD FORGE RE-ASSESSMENT VOTED DOWN
For those of you who were not in Old Forge during February and March, you have missed a very hot topic. Everyone has received their new assessments and have undoubtedly, had some concerns.

On April 1st, at the Town of Webb Board meeting, a vote was taken to accept or reject the new assessments. In a 3 to 2 vote, the Town of Webb Board voted to ask the assessor not to adopt the "reval" figures and go back to last year's assessments. The Assessor has indicated he will follow the wishes of the Town Board.

Many people, including Okara Lake's member Bill Baumann and Linda Yancey, spoke at the meeting. Linda Yancey stated: "Thanks to many people from Okara Lakes and the Town that the poor re-assessment is being turned down by the town board. They passed the resolution tonight (4-1-08). The resolution says to start over and have it ready for spring 2009". (Okara Lakes Forum)

Mike Mitchell spoke in behalf of his parents (Okara Lake's members George and Lorraine Mitchell) who were out of town. He talked about trying to find out why his parent's assessment was so high. There were no "comps" on the computer so the Assessor apparently gave him five - four of which were on 4th lake! There were many other "horror" stories - apparently too many to ignore.

Members in attendance reported that it was the "feeling" that Supervisor Robert Moore was in favor of "fixing" the current assessments. However, when it came time to vote, he voted against the assessments and justified his decision by speaking to the assembled group. When he finished, the crowd gave him and the board a standing ovation.

According to an e-mail from Councilman Richard Risley: "Mike Ross and I were the minority, but rest assured, we continue to respect our fellow board members and will do everything we can to support an accurate re-evaluation that best serves our constituents."
A group has been formed to help keep residents and seasonal property owners informed concerning this situation. If you are interested, you can join the Town of Webb Taxpayers Group by logging on to: TOWTaxpayers@yahoogroup.com

Before the above news, our own Linda Yancy ASA, IAO, CCC, certified General Appraiser from Okara East had sent an article to us about how to Challenge your assessment. This was excellent information and follows: 


Before Installation Tips:
· When possible, plan for a spring installation during the previous summer
· Map areas where barriers will be installed, including dimensions of beds, bottom conditions, and slope, and take a photograph (may be required for permit)
· Submit permit application before the end of February

Construction Tips:
· Newer systems use a breathable, webbed tarp that allows gases to escape, usually in 6ft x 30ft rolls. Landscape fabrics or geotextiles are suitable for blocking sunlight and venting gases; burlap will deteriorate more rapidly than others
· The tarp is held to the bottom by a frame of concrete reinforcing bar in slightly larger diameter, sun-resistant PVC pipe that has been slotted lengthwise. Tarps should be vented with one inch cuts in regular intervals throughout the tarp
· A loop of the web sheet is inserted within the PVC and is held in place with the rebar. The PVC pipe is then capped at both ends.
· These bars are placed 18 or 20 inches apart making the system quite heavy even in water. These mats can then be placed over weeds with the aid of four strong friends.
· Wooden frames (2 x 2 boards) can be used, provided the wood is not pressure treated- the tarp can be attached to wood frame with the use of corner “gussets”.
· Frames should be limited to 12ft x 12ft sections- larger frames are too difficult to install and maneuver

Installation Tips:
· Barriers should be installed in the spring (before May 1st) and removed no later than 10 weeks later (by July 1st)
· Barriers installed in less than 6 feet of water should be marked with buoys to protect boaters and swimmers
· Barriers should not be installed within 50 feet of any public or private water intakes
· Remove any sticks or large stones from the barrier site prior to installation
· A house full of guests can provide the manpower and will quickly appreciate the immediate improvement in the recreation area.
· Wood-frame barriers should be anchored with native lake cobbles placed in sand bags (polypropylene), and ropes should be used to tie the bags shut and attach the bags to the frame. The stone bags may also be needed to submerge the barrier frames during installation

Post Installation Tips:
· The barrier materials and frame should be periodically inspected and maintained to prevent the barriers from becoming a navigational hazard
· The tarp needs to be “burped” (with additional vent cuts) if there is any evidence of air bubbles underneath the tarps
· In heavily trafficked lakes, warning signs might help to keep boaters and their anchors away from the barrier site
· These mats can be moved after two or three weeks to extend the area of weed-growth suppression.
· Weeds in the original area will regrow slowly similar to their start-up growth in the spring.

Source: Kelly Somerlot, Cornell Cooperative Extension of Onondaga County, 2005. Funding provided through the City of Syracuse, and the E.P.A. Great Lakes Grants Program, E.P.A. Great Lakes National Program Office, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation

How to Challenge your Assessment

You have just received your new assessment and now what to do? Log onto www.herkimercounty.org  and look for the real property department. Click onto the property search, which is called “Imate”. You can log in by your name, tax account number located on the sheet sent to you from the town or by address. Once you find your property, review everything to see if the information is accurate. Make note of things that are not, to later provide the assessor.

To the left of the main page is a tab for finding comparables. Click that tab. Then arrow down to the bottom and check sales and then come back and check it by comparable assessments. There are tabs for multiple comparables so be sure to look at them all. There you can find properties to compare yourself to.

Find properties that are closest in square footage and amenities to yours for both sales and comparable assessments.  The rule of appraisal is if the comparable is better than yours in some way such as more sq footage, you make a negative adjustment (-) to the assessment on the comparable for the difference. If your home has more square footage, you make a (+) plus to the comparable. Plus (+) and minus (–) the differences until you come to the adjusted numbers which give you a range of values for your own home.  You shouldn’t adjust square footage more than $15 per sq ft, bathrooms full =$1500 and ½ baths =$750.  Water frontage varies, $500 per front ft to $3000 depending where you are. You have to use common sense on that one.

Make grids of what you feel comparable sales and comparable assessments are that represent the assessment your home. Try to get an appointment with the assessor for a hearing. At the hearing provide the list of things that are incorrect about your property on the web site and then use the comparable grids to show the assessor or hearing officer what you feel your assessment should be. Pictures are really good for discussion. They go a long ways. Wetland maps and surveys are some other good items to have.

 You may be successful in convincing the assessor your assessment needs an adjustment. He will send you a response. If you are not successful with the assessor, you can then go to the Grievance Board, which will meet right after Memorial Day. You have already prepared most of what you will need to go to Grievance. The only thing you will need to check before Grievance is to see if any of the comparables you have were lowered by the assessor during the hearing process and adjust the numbers on your grid. The final choice is Small Claims, which is a fee of $25. The Small Claims has an independent hearing officer.  I will write more on that topic later.

I will only say this: I have reviewed several assessments per the owners’ request. I think there seems to be a pattern of 15% to 20% adjustment needed. It is worth the time to do your homework.

Find a computer and log into www. herkimercounty.org. Do your homework before meeting with the assessor.  Good luck.

Linda Y Yancey ASA, IAO, CCD

NYS Certified General Appraiser

OKARA ROAD WEST OUTCOME
At the Okara Lakes Association, July 4th, 2007 weekend meeting, Town of Webb Supervisor, Robert Moore, addressed the group with a problem concerning a portion of Okara Road West. About 20 years ago, the Town connected a section of Okara Road West that had previously been two dead ends. At some point in the 90's a complaint had been issued and the APA (Adirondack Park Agency) was called to look into the situation. It was unclear as to the origin of the complaint and why it was not fully addressed at that point in time.
It was brought to the attention of the Association, last spring (2007), that the APA still had this matter on their books and wanted to bring it to resolution. It was determined that this particular section of roadway was a "wetland" area. A directive was issued ordering the Town remove the road, apply for an appropriate permit and, if the permit was granted, the road could be replaced. The APA is very serious concerning matters of "wetlands" and "filling" whether it is public or private.
The Town stated that they had a right-of-way to that particular section of land when they installed the road, and had no intention of removing it. They offered to work with the APA to try to come to some workable solution.
After the July Association meeting, those in attendance, as well as many others, wrote letters of support to an APA representative. Obvious points were made that the area has changed in the past 20 years and this was no longer a seasonal camp area but rather, a developing community of year round property owners, who have utilized and depend on services ranging from fire and ambulance to school busses.

In the fall of this year, the APA and the Town reached resolution that allowed the road to stay in tact. The consequences for the Town are somewhat unclear but allude to having the Town fund the repair of some other "wetland" area. There has been no additional information available.


911CAMPAIGN
Another topic at the July, 2007 meeting concerned the visibility of 911 numbers. Camps/homes that did not have a regulation reflective, 911 number displayed, by the road, or still had the old green lot numbers displayed, received a flyer from the Association (placed in the doorway). The goal was to let property owners know that The Association had been working with the Fire, Ambulance, EMT and Police Departments to make sure everyone in the Okara Lakes has the best opportunity for immediate response in the event of an emergency. That goal would best be achieved by having a regulation, reflective 911 sign visible from the road. The effort simply asked members to "consider" making the 911 "street address" as visible for emergency personnel as possible. This was obviously not a directive, but an effort to ensure individual and community safety.
Results of this campaign were positive and immediately noticeable. Our area, as you all know, is NOT easy to navigate. Numbers do not always appear to be logical. In conversations with emergency personnel, they indicated that a call to the Okara Lakes is often hampered by the lack of proper signage. In the past, positive efforts, to bring camps/homes up to the new 911 standards, were implemented. As the area and the property owners change, so does the need for updating. New laminated, color coded maps have been provided to the Fire, Ambulance, EMT's, and Police. This should help facilitate emergency response.
If you have not already done so, write down basic directions to get to your location. Refer to the "First" entrance (Okara Road East) or Second entrance (Onekio Road) or the Third entrance (Okara Road West) across from Flatrock Mountain Outpost. Be as specific as you can to guide help to your door. Once you have written this down, simply keep it by the phone and make family and guests aware of it. The best insurance to a speedy response is to meet emergency responders at 28 and guide them in. We all hope that we never need to make such a call however, just like our State Lottery.."Hey, ya never know."

ADOPT-A-HIGHWAY
Thanks to the efforts of Committee Chairperson Ed Girtler and his ever so gentle demeanor, the small blue Adopt-A-Highway signs have been replaced with the same regulation size and color signs seen throughout the Adirondack Park. Ed organized a "pick up" group last July and the 2½ mile stretch was quickly shaped up. It produced many orange trash bags that were picked up by the state within 24 hours. This team effort was rewarded by a wonderful picnic lunch at the Girtler's. During the experience, member Lynn Otto (you may remember she won the contest last year for finding the most unusual item - which we're still not going to print) made another interesting find. While picking up trash by the guardrail, she spotted a wallet complete with license, credit card, traffic violation, other assorted items and $70. The Boonville resident was more than surprised when Lynn called to report the find - even more surprised to recover his money. Good members that they are, Lynn and her husband Johnny (he's the one riding his bike through the area during the summer) delivered it to them. If you would like to join this group - (and as odd as it seems, it is an amusing event), e-mail us (through the website) or call Ed and we'll get you fitted for a snappy orange vest and a pair of cotton gloves. Remember - Business is picking up!

HATS AND SWEATSHIRTS
We still have some Polo/Golf shirts ($22.) in men and women's sizes as well as our standard Hats ($10.) and Sweatshirts ($20.) in adult and children's sizes. Additional clothing will not be ordering until we reduce our existing inventory. If you are interested in a specific size, you need to notify me before the end of May. That way I can check to see if we have the size you would like and if not, it can be ordered so you can have it before the first meeting in July. I will not be ordering unless I am contacted. E-mail requests at j-dmunyan@hotmail.com.


GARBAGE
Not a year goes by that this subject isn't brought up. It seems that no matter what is written or said the trash dilemma won't dispose of itself. Whenever it is addressed at a meeting, I am more than certain that those who need to hear this are not in attendance. As I write this I realize that the offenders are probably not members. So what to do? I can offer two solutions:

The first strategy is one that I had success with last year. Owners had rented out their camp and garbage was put out way too early and the bears spread it all over the yard and woods. I called the owners, got their answering machine, and simply said, "This is a courtesy call as you are probably not aware that there is trash all over your yard and woods." I explained that the garbage had been put out early and what had resulted. I also told them that the Old Forge Transfer Station would take garbage every day except Wednesday. I did leave my name and number. They called back and left me a message that it would be taken care of and thanked me. It was cleaned up the next day.

The second strategy is to simply call the police and let them know that there is a litter problem and give them the specific property. I would utilize this if the first attempt doesn't work.




PROBLEM PROPERTIES
Every year I receive e-mails, phone calls or someone will stop by to talk to me about a property that appears to be in neglect. As the community changes and grows, a new awareness is developed as people begin to take pride in their piece of the Adirondacks. When properties fail from disrepair or neglect, or become an attractive nuisance, it is usually brought to my attention. As property owners, you have the right to bring this to the attention of the Codes Officer. More often than not, I am called upon to be the "voice" of concern. I have met with Andy Getty, the Codes Officer for Old Forge and the surrounding area (which is very large). I have shared member concerns, of specific properties, with him. He has worked with us and has been helpful in moving things in a positive direction. His office is understaffed for the size of the area he is responsible for and he does not have a magic wand. He will, however, follow procedures and knows the appropriate codes and laws. If you attended the July meeting, four years ago, when Andy was our guest speaker, you may recall the immediate response that occurred when he pursued a neglected property. A walk around the community will illustrate progress that has been made. As always, my message to the membership is this - I will be glad to relay your concerns; however, I become one voice in the matter. The old adage "the squeaky wheel gets the oil" is appropriate. If it is of concern to you, it may also be to others. Don't be afraid to call and encourage neighbors to do the same. The Codes Office will assess the problem and determine a course of action.
If you are a reader or subscriber of the Weekly Adirondack, Andy writes a weekly column, "Talking Code", which is very informative on a number of "code" related subjects. I feel that he has done an outstanding job trying to educate the readers and community by making pertinent information available.

CIVIL DIFFERENCES
Civil problems tend to deal with situations experienced with neighbors and/or seasonal renters. The most common complaints are loud noise, inappropriate language, and excessive noise after 11 p.m., dogs barking or not on leashes and speeding cars on the roads etc. As property owners you have the power to remedy these situations. Here are a couple of recommendations on how to deal with this:
1. Approach the person and make them aware of your concern. Let them know why it bothers you

2.If it is a person renting a camp, a very good into line is "I see you're renting this week and I was wondering if you were provided with the Okara Lakes Courtesy Rules?" More than likely they have not been. Get them a copy or explain to them what they are doing that is disturbing.

3If you are not a person who is comfortable confronting, there is a simple call to the police. I always give my name when I've made calls because the Police are not going to tell the person who is concerned. If you have neighbors who are also annoyed by a behavior, have them call as well. Multiple calls will add importance to the situation.

4. If you are not comfortable confronting and are nervous about calling the police, then you will have to put up with what is annoying you and hope that the problem goes away.

LOON NESTING PROGRAM
Well perhaps three times is the charm. For the last two years, the loon platform that Gary Lee provided for us has not yielded any feathered residents. As soon as the ice is off the lake, it will be replaced in the protective cove on Lake Easka.
If you are boating by and see activity on the platform, please remember to keep a respectful distance. If you enjoy wildlife, read Gary Lee's column in the Weekly Adirondack.


WEEKLY ADIRONDACK NEEDS YOUR SUPPORT
As we all know, there are two newspapers in Old Forge - The Express and the Weekly Adirondack. The Express, which used to be a true local paper, was sold and is now one of a chain of newspapers. After the sale, some former employees left the Express and formed a new paper we now know as the Weekly Adirondack. This venture proved to be a difficult one for the new paper as they were sued by the new owners of the Express. Although, the Express did not win the suit, they caused a $30,000 financial hardship to the new editor in legal fees. The loss of the suit didn't stop the Express from using additional unsavory tactics. One example of the "bullying" was the purchase of the internet domain name "Weekly Adirondack." Now, in addition to their domain (Adirondack Express), those trying to log onto the "Weekly" would find themselves getting the Express instead. Adirondack Life Magazine documented this in their January 2007 issue. The article is well written and articles of community support for the Weekly appeared in both papers. Some columnists have left the Express and now have their articles in the Weekly.

I encourage the Okara Lakes membership to support the Weekly as it is a true local paper. Both papers offer a subscription, but did you know that the Weekly has a flexible option. If you just want to receive the paper while you're away, that can be done. If you want it for the winter or even a few weeks, they can accommodate you. Below is a subscription form or contact them by e-mail or phone if you have any questions. This is the paper you will see the Okara Lakes Meeting announcements in.

Old Forge is a small town and there is certainly room for two newspapers. They are both "free" but also available by subscription. However the Express offers a one year subscription while the "Weekly" offers a flexible subscription. If you are gone for the winter or perhaps just a couple of months, you can subscribe for those smaller amounts of time. In addition, you will receive the truly local news. This is the publication where you will read about when the Okara Lakes Association meetings are held.


TEKENI BEACH
This common area is a wonderful beach for those camp/homeowners that are not on water. It offers great swimming and is an easy launch for a canoe. Please keep in mind that the word "Common" or "Community" assumes that those using this beach will be respectful of others during their stay.

*Keep your dogs on a leash and be mindful of sanitary conditions.
* If you bring it in, take it out.
Be respectful concerning language and smoking.


SCHEDULE OF MEETINGS & EVENTS FOR 2008

Saturday, May 10th - 1st Scheduled Adopt-A-Highway Pick-up date
(The Community Pride Day - general Old Forge pick-up May 7th)

Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25 - Giant Garage Sale - Get rid of your stuff - get and ad or put out a sign.

Saturday, July 5th - The first meeting of the Okara Lakes Association - 10:30 at Tekeni Beach.

Saturday, July 26th - AACH (Adirondack Architectural Heritage) Tour of Okara Lakes Camps built between 1920-25. Old Forge Antique Show & Sale

Saturday, August 9th - Okara Lake Association 50th Year Celebration.

Saturday, August 30th - Final meeting of Okara Lakes Association - 10:30 at Tekeni Beach.

For a complete look at events at the Art Center, Historical Society (walking tours), Library, and around the town, log onto www.oldforgeny.com for a complete list to help you plan your summer.

HISTORICAL SOCIETY TO FEATURE OKARA LAKES ORIGINAL CAMP TOURS

If you're planning weekends for the summer, here's another to consider. On Saturday, July 26, the AARCH (Adirondack Architectural Heritage) will be conducting tours of some of the original camps built in the 1920's. Camps featured on the tour will be original buildings designed to be Japanese Tea Houses when Lyon DeCamp developed the area. Tours can be set up between the hours of 10:30 and 4:00 pm. Interested people should contact the Town of Webb Historical Association (369-3838) for tickets. Also that weekend will be the Art Center's Antique show and sale at the Hildebrand pavilion on North Street.



NO PASSING ZONE
A signed petition was sent to the Town Board requesting a section of Route 28 from Okara Road East to Okara Road West be designated a "no passing zone". Concerned residents felt that there a dangerous condition existed when pulling out of driveways. This has been compounded by the development of lots on the south side of the road. NYS Department of Transportation along with the State Police conducted a study and reported they could find no reason to change the road at this time. Look both ways and drive defensively.

FISHING CONTEST
This year the Okara Lakes Association will sponsor another fishing contest. The two to beat this year are last year's winners:
Justin Hofer - Lake Easka
Andrew Buck - Lake Tekeni (anyone interested in beating Andrew needs to get up early and think BIG BASS). Paul and Chris Dawicki will have details at our first meeting in July.

OKARA LAKES BOOK CLUB
Anyone interested in belonging to a summer/fall (maybe winter) book club should contact Aimee MacLagger at aimee.maclagger@gmail.com. She has offered to host the first meeting at their camp at 103 Easka Road offering wine and treats! Interested members should contact Aimee soon so that books and dates can be arranged. Additional information will be available at the first meeting. Thanks, Aimee, for this great idea.

MEMORIES
From Ray Alcuri "We bought our camp in 1988 when my son Raymond was 8; he quickly developed a friendship with Mike Gomes who spent summers at his Grandparent's camp-Clem and Lee Balduzzi. The boys became great friends and spent as much time together at Okara as possible, working at the 'Forest,' fishing and swimming. Both are now married. Each was the other's Best Man. They each have had sons born by the end of 2007: Jack Alcuri, born September 2007, and Michael Anthony Gomes.
In March, daughter Hillary Skelton and husband had a baby daughter, Eve Marie.

FOR SALE
173 Easka Road for sale. Camp of Carol Pelnik. 3 bedroom, one bath 1950's cottage with 100' of lake front. Fully insulated, propane furnace, steel roof, vinyl siding, 4 new appliances, washer, dryer, self cleaning oven, refrig./bottom drawer freezer. Roll out dock. 2 storage sheds. Well maintained. Call Century 21, Main Street, Old Forge.

Amusingly Practical ~~Mosquito spray ...
I was at a deck party awhile back, and the bugs were having a ball biting everyone. A man at the party sprayed the lawn and deck floor with Listerine, and the little demons disappeared.
The next year I filled a 4-ounce spray bottle and used it around my seat whenever I saw mosquitoes. And voila! That worked as well. It worked at a picnic where we sprayed the area around the food table, the children's swing area, and the standing water nearby.
During the summer, I don't leave home without it ... Pass it on. JM
OUR FRIEND'S COMMENTS:
I tried this on my deck and around all of my doors. It works -- in fact, it killed them instantly. I bought my bottle from Target and it cost me $1.89. It really doesn't take much, and it is a big bottle, too; so it is not as expensive to use as the can of spray you buy that doesn't last 30 minutes. So, try this, please. It will last a couple of days. Don't spray directly on a wood door (like your front door), but spray around the frame. Spray around the window frames, and even inside the dog house


In closing, I wish all of you a fair weather summer on the Okara Lakes. Carol Dygert, newsletter editor.


OKARA LAKES MEMBER BUSINESS SERVICES

There are those of you who may not know that we have a number of members who have business services. I would encourage you to support them if you are in need of what they offer. In alphabetical order they are:

Tom and Tricia Crofut - Flatrock Mountain Outpost - horseback trail rides and pony rides for kids (dog-sledding in the winter) 369-2657
Tom is also an artist with his excavator) 369-2657

Bill and Barb (BJ) Baumann - Wrap-City N' Glue. Packing and shipping located at the busy corner in Old Forge

George Pearson - Stump Ugly - when you're tired of mowing around or tripping on the tress stump, their state of the art grinder will make it disappear.
Linda Y Yancey ASA, IAO, CCD
NYS Certified General Appraiser
315 594 2248 office
315 594 2248 fax
315 576 4234 cell

Bob Kennerknecht - Painting and Staining - 369-2229 Additional Services include:

* Offering to find lost metal objects e.g.: rings, jewelry, car keys, etc (if a person knows the approximate area where lost) with a metal detector. It is also good in water up to about chest deep. Even if the object was lost many years ago! Call me and I can give you more details

* Appraisals - I love those old bottles and will help anyone try to identify and determine value. If anyone has an old site for me to poke around and look for bottles, that would be nice too! Pre 1900 is best for collectibles. I'm also buying any that I need for my collection. Give me a call. You have nothing to loose!

Linda Kennerknecht - will be working as a hair stylist Monday's and Tuesday's at Park Ave Studios on Park Ave in Old Forge this year. Her Cell # is 315-369-8120 for an appointment.

Johnny the Geek - Now bringing computer support from July till October. This can be upgrades, hardware and software troubleshooting and installs, network and wireless. Will also do Windows reinstall and virus/spy ware removal. Email at johnny.p.otto@gmail.com or call 315-369-6681



An Insiders Guide to Benthic Barriers: