NORMANOCH NEWSOf Culver Lake

A Private Lake Community www.Normanoch.org Incorporated 1929

Vol 45 August 30, 2013 No. 11

Sunset Times8/30 7:36pm8/31 7:35pm9/01 7:33pm9/02 7:31pm

END OF SEASON HOURS! The Normanoch Clubhouse will be open Saturday, August 31st from 11am to 7pm, Sunday, September 1st from 11am to 3pm and Monday, Sep-tember 2nd (Labor Day) from 11am to 1pm.

FAREWELL SUMMER OF 2013 I can’t believe it’s almost over. Summer of 2013 was filled with sun, fun and good times. Thank you to the Board of Directors for their long hours of VOLUNTEER work. Their dedication to this community shows in everything around us, from water quality to the amazing clubhouse to the use of our rights-of-way and the work on the dam. Please consider serving on the Board of Directors in the future. It is a great way to learn all about our wonderful organization, both the past and where we may be headed in the future. Everyone in this community is unique and has something to share. Consider sharing it with your entire community by serving on the Board. Thank you to the Women’s club, Men’s Club, and the Swim Team for all of their hard work and dedication to this lake commu-nity. Without these Club’s, it could turn out to be a very boring summer. If you aren’t a current member of one of these great clubs, consider joining next summer. Be on the lookout for their information coming in the mail in the spring. It is a great way to meet your neighbors, find out more about your community and have some fun! Thank you also to all of the contributors to the Normanoch News. Thank you for the lake histories, the water quality information, the safety and general information articles that you all wrote. You made putting the news together a lot easier and much more enjoy-able. Please remember to thank all of our advertiser by using their services. Without them, the News could become very expensive to produce. Last, but certainly not least, THANK YOU TO THE STAFF OF THE NORMANOCH ASSOCIATION. From our Corporate Secretary (MaryClare) to our Clubhouse Managers, our Lifeguards, all of our Canteen workers and our Maintenance guru (Tim Keller). This place would not run without all of you. Your dedication and love of Culver Lake is apparent in everything you all do. Here is wishing you all a healthy and happy fall, winter and spring. See you all when we welcome Summer 2014!!!

Fondly,Claire Allen, Editor

LAKE DRAWDOWN TO BEGIN LABOR DAY WEEKENDLake drawdown will begin Labor Day weekend this year due to anticipated work on the dam. Depending on weather conditions, the lake may drop down quickly. Please plan ahead for the removal of docks, hoists, boats, floats etc., to avoid possible grounding. Those members wishing to make shoreline or dock repairs must sub-mit their plans in writing to the Normanoch office for approval. Don’t get caught unprepared. Plan ahead. Lake drawdowns are traditionally only done every 5 years however this is a special drawdown for dam work. We will also drawdown in 2015. While the lake is down, take this opportunity to do some weeding in your swimming area. Try to get the weeds out by the roots and please, dispose of the debris properly. No dumping on Rights of Way or private property.

2 The Normanoch News of Culver Lake August 30, 2013

NORMANOCH NEWSOF CULVER LAKE

The Normanoch News, sponsored by the Normanoch Association, is published weekly from late June to late August to inform members of the Culver Lake Community of activities of the lake and to strengthen the sense of community.

Items for th NN (including Advertising) may be e-mailed to: normanochnews@embarqmail.com, or mailed to the editor -Claire Allen, EditorThe Normanoch Newsc/o Normanoch AssociationPO Box 477Branchville, NJ 07826The deadline for submission is the Thursday morning one week and a day prior to tthe issue date.

CLUBHOUSE STAFFCoordinator: Claire AllenPhone: 973 948 4221E-mail: Normanoch@embarqmail.com

BUSINESS OFFICESecretary: Mary Clare van den Heuvelemail: normanoc@warwick.netPhone: 973 948 4251Fax: 973 948 6960Office hours: June - JulyMon, Wed, Fri, Sat, 9am to 12 noonAugust - Mon, Fri, Sat, 9am to 12 noon

CANTEEN & LIFEGUARD HOURSDaily 11am - 8pm - JulyDaily 11am - 7pm - AugustWeather permitting

DIRECTORY OF CHURCHESOur Lady Queen of Peace Catholic ChurchMass: Sat 5pm & Sun 8, 9:30 & 11amConfession: Sat 4-4:30pmPresbyterian Church of BranchvilleSun Worship: 10amUnited Methodist Church of Branch-ville8 Broad St., Branchville, 948-3749Sun Worship: 10amUnity Church of Sussex Cty25 Mudcut Rd., Lafayette Sun Svc: 11amSt. Thomas the Apostle Catholic ChurchMass: Sat 5:30pm, Sun 9:30

Board of Directors:Gregory Szpunar, PresidentRichard Hamilton, Vice PresidentJudy Nylen, TreasurerMaryClare van den Heuvel, SecretaryJohn AhlfeldRoy ChiarielloJohn CoylerRonald GibbinsLou LipnickeyPaul Sutphen

CHRIST UNION CHAPEL“The Little White Church by the Lake”

Celebrating 100 years 1910-2010Float Service Sundays, 6:30 pm

Join us in a rich rewarding fellowship(non-denominational)

MORNING WORSHIP 10:00 AM

ClassifiedFor Sale: 1986 Chapparal 178XL I/O, runs great, includes a galvanized E-Z loader trailer. Only ever oper-ated on Culver Lake. $2500 or best offer - Paul Kattermann h)973-948-5666 evening c)973-477-2231 days.

LOST - Round Buoy, White with Blue stripe, large and round like a beachball. Lost from North Shore. If found please call the Clubhouse Coordinator 973 948 4221.

For Sale: - Soft Tub, 500 gallons, approx. 6 ft wide, 4 adults comfortably, New motor, could use new cover, Best Offer, Contact James Massaro 973-948-6194, 173 Culverview Lane.

For Sale: West Shore 50B Myrtle Ave Culver Lake a 3 bedroom, 3 season house with low taxes and Private Deeded Shared Lakefront. House has an enclosed porch, wrap around deck, and 10x20 Shed. The newly renovated kitchen and hardwood floors were installed in 2009. Great Summer House on Culver Lake. Asking $139,000. This house and 50C can be sold as a package deal. For more information call (973) 803-8300

For Sale: West Shore 50C Myrtle Ave Culver Lake a 1 bedroom year round house. House was totally up-dated and renovated in 2009, and a new septic system installed in 2006. House has low taxes and a Private Deeded Shared Lakefront. Great starter house for the Culver Lake Area. Asking 137,500. This house and 50B can be sold as a package deal. For more information call (917) 570-6264.

CERTIFIED Teacher available July & August for babysitting and/or tutoring please call Jamie McCloskey at 862 266 6639

NEED - Motivated teen for yard work (mulching, weeding, power washing, etc.) during memorial-Labor Day season. $15 per hour cash. Call (973) 886-2056

For Sale- two 9’ fiberglass mooring whips purchased only two months ago,virtually new. $395.call Rick at 862-219-9979

For Sale 1993 Bass Sun Tracker 18 Bass Buggy with Trailer $3200.00 Call 973-513-2822

WANTED: Old Normanoch beach badges for a collection. Do not need years 1983-1991, but all other years are appreciated. Please call Steve at 609.216.4348

WANTED: Boat Lift in good working condition: one for a 3500 lb. boat. Please call Bruce at (862) 812-1098.

For Sale- Harbor Master 3000 lb capacity boat lift. Brand new carpeted bunks, $1995.Call Rick at 862-219-9979

HOUSE FOR SALE – #14 Upper North Shore Rd. (next to “The Pumpkin House”)2 bedroom / 1 bath / hardwood floors throughout/ many windows / central air conditioning /great lake view! Included in the 2012 Women’s Club House Tour. Designed by Charles Oakley, an architect who reportedly also worked as a designer for Walt Disney! $305K with option to purchase adjoining 1.75 acre lot for $75K. Call Greta 908-310-8556

FOR SALE: North Shore. 15 ft. Sea Spray Catamaran, with trailer. Boat built in 1971. Best offer. Call Chris: 973 477 4124.

HOUSE FOR SALE: 107 Lower N. Shore- Year round 3 bedroom 2 full bath house. Hardwood floors, hot water, base heat, new roof, water heater and furnance, great fireplace, large deck and 2 car garage. Brand new septic 1/2 acre lot. Lakeview $249,900.00. Call Jan 973 948 4078

FOUND: Blue baseball hat with “Wildwood - Cul-ver Lake” on it, also a sailboat embroidered on it. Tan baseball hat with “Ballyowen” on it. If either of these are yours please call the office.

3 The Normanoch News of Culver Lake August 30, 2013

ANCHORS FOR LIFE

Chapel Youth Group News Well summers finally come to a close. I had so much fun with you all at VBS. I hope to see you all next year. Next years VBS dates are July 21-25. Make sure to mark the dates on your calendars. If you’d like a CD with pictures from this years VBS please call 862-268-4227. Please leave a message with your name, your child’s name, the number of CDs you would like and your phone number. Have an amazing school year.:)-Corrie

CHRIST UNION CHAPELLAST SUMMER SERVICESThe last morning service and float service of the summer will be on Sunday, September 1. The morning service, at 10:00 a.m., will be followed by a coffee hour; everyone is welcome. As the float service at 6:30 p.m. is during a holiday weekend, with no work the next day, let’s have a great turnout!FALL SERVICE OF THANKSGIVINGThe Chapel will continue something that it began last year: a fall service of thanksgiving. Pastor Hess will lead a service at 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 12. This will be followed by a social time; everyone is invited to bring a refreshment appropriate for the autumn season. The fall colors should be at their height, and this should be a wonderful time for everyone, seasonal and year-round residents alike, to say goodbye as the season comes to a close.CENTENNIAL CAMPAIGNChrist Union Chapel’s Centennial Campaign to raise funds for improvements to the Chapel properties is coming to a close. Exten-sive renovations to the manse have been completed. Plans are now being finalized for an addition and renovations to the Chapel that will improve the kitchen, restroom, and storage facilities. If you would like to make a contribution, you may send a check payable to Christ Union Chapel and marked “Centennial Campaign” to Christ Union Chapel, P.O. Box 525, Branchville, NJ 07826. If you would like to speak to someone about a major contribution to designate a portion of the improvements in memory of or in honor of a special person, or to talk about a bequest to the Chapel, you may contact Allyn C. Jones at acj1015@earthlink.net or 973-948-6352. Please consider making a donation now, or as you plan for your end-of-year contributions. The Chapel has served the Culver Lake commu-nity for over 100 years, and we invite you to participate in the Centennial Campaign as a “thank you” in return.

Life is difficult. Just moments ago a friend stopped by and shared concerns about a struggling child. I talked recently with another friend about serious issues at work. I have listened to folks in just the past two days share concerns about aging parents, the diagnosis of terminal illness, and a broken marriage. How do we get through the tough times? For me it has been faith, family, friends and the beauty of the earth. Being in and around Culver Lake is healing. The beauty of the earth is medicine for the weary

heart. Breathing in the fresh air, taking a dip in the cool water, hiking a mountain trail, and watching the eagles soar high above the lake – this is healing for me. It has been a wonderful summer of renewal and rebirth. I also find that being around good people who are doing good things is uplifting to my spirit. The people here at the Chapel have been gracious and friendly and are always ready to assist anyone who is in need. I have never enjoyed the company of arrogant, boastful religious people. But it has been my good plea-sure to join hands with gentle, humble souls who are true servants of the Lord. That is what I have found at “the little white church by the lake.” The Centennial Committee has been raising funds for the renovation of the Chapel – for needed restroom facilities and to make the chapel fully accessible. A friend of the Chapel, a person who does not attend, recently made a generous contribution for the proj-ect. The chairperson of the campaign was surprised. When he thanked the donor for his generosity, the donor said, “I do not attend services at the Chapel, but the Chapel is what makes Culver Lake the special, unique lake that it is.” All of us associated with Christ Union Chapel hope that the residents of the lake feel the same way. We pray that our ministry is one of humble service to the commu-nity – and not a gathering of arrogant religious people. If you haven’t done so, please stop by on Sunday morning at 10:00 am and see why the little chapel is filled with joyful people, thankful to the good Lord for bringing them to Culver Lake. Another summer season has come to an end. It is always good to evaluate one’s efforts. I like to reflect upon the past and measure my success by the words of Ralph Waldo Emerson. “To laugh often and much; to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children; to earn the appreciation of honest critics and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded.” May God watch over you and yours through the autumn, winter and spring – and may we all be so blessed to meet again for another summer at Culver Lake! Lord willing and the crick don’t rise – we look forward to seeing you all again next year.

Peace,Pastor Bill Hess

4 The Normanoch News of Culver Lake August 30, 2013The continuation of a series of columns relating the histories of some of the families at Culver Lake. They are intended to show that the lake means different things to different people, whether they be

lifelong residents or newcomers, year-round residents or summer vacationers, all of whom the Nor-manoch Association is here to serve. Interested writers should contact Editor, Claire Allen

(normanochnews@ embarqmail.com) with your offers to write a column. My grandparents had camped at Lake Owassa on the East Shore with a platform and large tent. Later a house on the lakeshore was built and several members of the family shared the quarters. Then in the late thirties and early forties my father decided to check out Culver Lake for a summer home. He knew the area having deer hunted near Culver Lake and it was close enough to his busi-ness that he could commute. That decision was further prompted by a rattlesnake that we encountered in the wellhouse of a cottage at Owassa. My parents, Charles and Euena Snook and sisters, Carolyn, Geri and I soon moved to a forlorn, cottage supposedly just for sum-mer use. Fancy that!! In two years, our home was sold in Newton and thereafter we lived at Culver Lake. Very few families lived year round at the lake. Used lumber (remember the war years) enabled my family to perform some renovations. Heat was furnished by a furnace with the help of a fireplace. In those days we had an over abundance of snow so shoveling kept us busy. A school bus only traveled on the Upper North Shore- –not on the Lower North Shore and definitely not East Shore where tons of snow landed after blowing off the lake. The plows could not attempt to take care of the snow. If we had ever walked over there, we could have touched the tops of the telephone poles while standing on the high snow banks. One winter my mom walked (hiked) up to Upper North Shore with boots for my sister, Geri when she got off the bus. A noisy generator provided a minimum of electricity during outages Summers were delightful, especially because we were able to view the bottom of the lake and identify the fish and mussels from our swim raft. The clarity was magnificent! One time I had to walk out on the trunk of a downed slimy tree under water so my dad could figure out the size to haul it in and get it cut up. Throughout the 40’s and the 50’s my father had become involved with Normanoch. The directors had been meeting in a hotel in Newark. The lack of an up-to-date bookkeeping system was of no help in determining ownership of homes around the lake along with a lack of dues payments to sustain the operation of the corporation. Not only the homes paid property taxes, but also the land under the lake was assessed for property taxes. There had been three lake organizations that had helped purchase the lake bottom, the lake dam and the clubhouse. That is when I became very familiar with the Normanoch history and background of the lake, eventu-ally becoming secretary and in later years served as director up until the 1980’s. My mother was a very active member of the Women’s Club and served as House Chairwoman for many years. We as kids used to help her clean the upstairs of the old clubhouse which was always full of bat poop. My sister, Carolyn was also an active member of the Women’s Club and served as president. My dad became president of Normanoch and spent a great deal of time investigating the outstanding bondholders in the various organizations, all of which had merged in 1930 to the Normanoch Association, Inc. The Civic Association was formed, protesting payment of dues and other regulations on the lake. After many years of legal hassles and court proceedings the Normanoch Association, Inc. finally in 1963, won the long-awaited decision that the lake was definitely owned by them and the directors had every right to assess and require dues from those using the lake. My husband and I bought a house on New Street in 1955, raised our children and lived there until 1978. Our children were all very involved in activities at the lake. They were all First Niter’s and all were deliverer’s of the Normanoch News. My husband always took care of the grounds of the club mowing and was the caretaker of the Dam. My whole family has been very devoted to this lake for many, many years. In 1977, we bought available land and built a new home on Lower North Shore. This is the property that had been owned by the Cahrs on which was a barn where the Cahrs brothers had stored their newly constructed rowboats, an ice house and in later years, a small ice cream and candy stand where my sister, Geri had worked. We have seen many beautiful sights living lakefront—the rainbows, the eagles, the skiers, the morning lake mist in the fall, the ice breaking up in the spring and too many sights to mention. We’ve also lived through some terrible storms, a herd of deer on the ice heading for the open spot on the lake and a horrible tragedy on March 25, 1979 four months after we moved here when only one young man was rescued and another young man drowned despite the efforts of my son and husband to save them. My son was very anxious to start a Ski Club in the early 1980’s and it was quite successful. Then my daughter who raised her children at the lake also became involved in Normanoch first becoming President of the Women’s club and now finishing her 6 years term on the board. My grandchildren were all swimmers for the Swim Team. And now my Great-Grandchildren enjoy the lake as much as the rest of us. Due to my extreme passion for the lake, I wanted to pass on the history of the lake that I knew, in a book. Ed Wengenroth and I had collected local post cards throughout the years so we thought that the residents would enjoy these pictures and the history of the lake so we wrote the book “The History of Culver Lake” in 1995, updated by myself in 1997.

Memories from Barbara Snook Haggerty

Women’s Club Dinner

Out @ The Boat House!

5 The Normanoch News of Culver Lake August 30, 2013

Water Quality Monitoring Policy StatementPurpose:The purpose of this policy is to outline the water quality monitoring tasks that may be undertaken by the Water Quality Committee. Serving in a technical advisory function, the Committee shall advise and make recommendation of actions to the Board based on any findings that represent a water quality condition that poses a threat to the quality of water and health of the lake and membership.

Scope:These actions apply to the immediate areas governed by the Normanoch Association. It is understood that the findings of the Com-mittee may relate to areas that although affect the lake in a negative manner, are land based problems that are on private property outside of the direct governance of the Association. However, by proximity to the lake and/or being within the lake’s watershed, the Board may seek the cooperation of the property owner, Association member, the local community, and the local Township or County authorities to pursue whatever corrective measures are needed.

Processes:

Septic Systems can pose as a source of contaminants entering the lake water and therefore one focus of the committee is to collect data related to this type of contaminant. Septic’s found to be leaching nutrients may only require maintenance by the home owner. Septic’s that are malfunctioning, as defined by the prevailing health codes, are a health threat and therefore must be reported to the lo-cal health authority. The current Lake Rules and Regulations under section L. “Septic Systems” provides the underlying authority for conducting these tests and associated follow up activities.

Conductivity Testing: WQ Committee Volunteers will be doing field tests for conductivity along the shoreline. The purpose of this testing is to identify any plumes from land that may indicate presence of septic leachates. This process of checking the shoreline repre-sents a great deal of time and energy.

Follow-up Testing: If any measurement is greater by a significant amount than the background lake readings, further samples may likely be taken and analyzed for pH, nitrate and phosphorus. If these readings are indicative of a source of pollution and indicate a nutrient plume, the committee will obtainl samples under chain of custody and have them delivered to a certified laboratory to be analyzed for septic waste water content including coliform and bacteria.

Positive Findings: If these test results come back positive, the Committee would advise the Normanoch Board of the findings. If a health hazard is judged to exist, the County Health Department will be notified immediately. Additional testing would be required to obtain definitive results to pinpoint the source of the contaminants. Typically, a septic system dye test would be required to identify the source of the pollution.

Follow up Actions: The Normanoch Board would have the responsibility to pursue any further actions, if any, to obtain a septic sys-tem dye test from suspected areas. Depending on the circumstances, either a representative of Normanoch and /or County Board of Health Representative may conduct this test with the homeowner’s permission.

Membership Responsibility: Ultimately, the homeowners in the Culver Lake community have responsibility for their septic systems and are the first line of defense in addressing problems with septic systems. If you see or smell a problem of untreated septic effluent, there could be a failure of the system to adequately treat the house’s waste water – be it your house or your neighbors. Please have the problem fixed. If you suspect a neighbor may have a problem, please speak to your neighbor. They may be unaware that the prob-lem exists or they may be unaware of the danger that it presents to the Lake. All of us have in-ground septic systems that as they age, can fail for a variety of reasons. Age, design, soil conditions, overload, high sludge level and excess use of water are various common causes.Remember, the Normanoch Association is trying to protect the lake’s water quality from pollution that can endanger our health and the quality of our lake water. If you are contacted by the Association for follow up testing, PLEASE cooperate and assist us in finding the source of contaminants that may be endangering our lake.

Women’s Club Dinner

Out @ The Boat House!

6 The Normanoch News of Culver Lake August 30, 2013

Culver Lake Fishing ContestJuniorsBass:1. Maverick Liebl 2 lb 14 oz 20”2. PJ Soldano 2 lbs 13oz 18”3. Devon Liebl 2 lbs 10 oz 18” Pickerel:1. Maverick Liebl 3 lbs. 3 oz 25”2. Devon Liebl 1 lb 8 oz 20”Other:1. Ryan Van Ostenbridge 3 lbs 10 oz 19.5”(catfish)2. Marcus Raffetto 2 lbs 10 oz 17.5” (catfish)3. Andrew Van Ostenbridge 2 lbs 4 oz 18.5” (catfish)AdultsBass:1. Bobby Kreutz 5 lbs 3 oz 22”2. Ed Prozer 5 lbs 3 oz 22”3. Mike Porter 4 lbs 15 oz 22” Smallmouth Bass:1. Chris Dubis 3 lbs 9 oz 20”2. Bobby Kreutz 3 lbs 2 oz 18.5” Hybrid striped Bass1. Billy Knaust 11 lbs 12 oz 30”2. Frank Lechleiter 8 lbs 5 oz 26”3. Joe Guida 7 lbs 15 oz 26”Pickerel:1. Bobby Kreutz 3 lbs 4 oz 24.5”2. Jon Bugan 3 lbs 24”3. Chase Kreutz 2 lbs 11.5 oz Other:1. John Bugan 2 lb 3 oz 15” 2. Mark Van Ostenbridge 2 lb 15” (crappie)3. Chuck Kreutz 1 lb 13 oz (crappie)

Women’s Club News As Summer begins winding down I know I will miss our weekly issue of Normanoch News! I cer-tainly have enjoyed all of the different stories and articles that various members have contributed. Hopefully you have as well! Isn’t it amazing how the smell of the lake has been unchanged over so many years? As a young girl, the minute our maroon Pontiac Bonneville station wagon turned onto East Shore Road, ALL heads popped out of the car windows, including the dogs, to “smell the lake”! What a sight that must have been to see, unless onlookers commented to one another, “Oh look, they smell the lake too!” It has become a Lake Arrival Family Tradition – our girls, Maggie & Carey, have grown-up “smelling the lake” the minute the wheels hit East Shore! It may have seemed odd at first but now, their friends know… their cousins know… we have to smell the lake! Once I made a comment to some of my friends: “I LOVE the smell of the lake, there’s nothing like that smell!” Well, at that moment I discovered one can discern a “lake person” from a “shore person”, by their response! A shore person’s response is, “You mean the smell of dead fish?” A lake person knows it’s a very special smell that’s a combination of fresh clean water, lake weed, oak trees, mountain laurel, moss, motorboat exhaust, burning firewood and charcoal… with a hint of grilling burgers! To our dog it’s simply the smell of squirrels and chipmunks! And of course the smell of the water as you’re swimming is simply fresh and sweet… revitalizing, an aroma that instantly brings feelings of carefree summer days and lake memo-ries. So, upon your next arrival to the lake, roll-down your car window (turn off the AC), pop your head out, inhale deeply and I’m sure you will be instantly relaxed, smile and sigh … Mmmm, Lake Smell! Until Next Summer,Greta Eichlin-Bell

Thank you to all that were involved with the Murder Mystery! If you missed it, you missed a really fun evening but we will reveal that Erika Sheridan (Agnes Raffetto) was the murderess, hauled away in handcuffs by Inspector Thor Ramburg (Bruce Jorritsma) and Seargent Juliette Lyby (Linda Hoffman Joritsma). Joan Strehl, Barbara Cardinal, Bruce Dalziel and Mau-reen Myer won prizes for their solutions, both humorous and creative. Prizes included an incredible basket of pasta, sauces and cheese from Raffetto's, dinner at Riviera Maya and lovely plants from Culver Lake Nursery. We hope you will patronize these very generous businesses. We also want to thank all the helpers that made this possible:In the kitchen, Stella Wehner, Mary Ann Squashic, Claire Allen, Alice Alhfeld, Doreen Digiacomo, Donna DiSarno, Pam Sanabria and Karl Kieninger. Flowers which brought the theme of the evening to life were created by Gail Kreutz and Trish Cherny and were the icing on the cake.

And finally, to our actors without whom it could not have happened. We've mentioned some above, but also in the suspect pool were Jake Mahler (Tim Keller), Laurent Bauer (Chuck Kreutz), Valerie Ives (Ginny Kopprl and number one suspect), Stephanie Lentini (Claire Allen, better known as the body), Joseph Elvang (Ken Kopprl), Portia Warren (Anne Keller), Brenda King (Cherie Szpunar), Tipton Tellhard III (Matt Szpunar), Dagmar Dipskiirt (Nancy Scocoza), Brandon Amistaad (Chris Lackey), Stephanie Bao (Gail Kreutz)., Alma Mahler (Dorothy Spelman) and finally, our senator from New Jersey, Cole Sheridan (Larry Spelman). Since someone proposed almost all of them as the murderer, they must all have been sufficiently sinister in, what was for most, the debut of their act-ing talents. Congratulations to all!! Our servers were superb and really worked hard for many hours and we hope they also had a good time! And no, the water chestnuts were not actually the murder weapon but keep your eyes open for these evil little devils.

7 The Normanoch News of Culver Lake August 30, 2013

PROTECT OUR LAKE OUR LAKE In 1989. Coastal Environmental Services prepared a Water Quality Management Study and Lake Res-toration and Management Plan for the Normanoch Association. The study found the major problems of the lake were excessive weed growth, hypolimnetic anoxia, impaired transparency, sediment accumula-tion and loss of trout habitat. The major causes of the lake’s water quality problems were found to be septic systems, internal recirculation of nutrients, alewife population dynamics and organic sediments. Although we have made tremendous improvements, most of these problems still persist. During the ensuing 24 years, the Association has enacted major elements of the recommenda-tions of the management plan. For example, lake aeration was installed to address nutrient mobility and hypolimnetic anoxia. The aeration system this summer has performed as planned and reduced the amount of phosphorus release from the bottom sediments. Our clarity is improving as the lake becomes

less stratified and algae populations are reduced. During the early and mid-1990’s, the Association, on the recommendation of our consultants, added iron to the lake sediment. This iron replaced iron which had been lost over many, many years as iron sulfides per-manently removed iron. Currently, we have authorized our consultant to develop a plan of further iron amendment that will improve water quality further by preventing internal phosphorus recirculation. One of the most difficult challenges we face is to reduce the external nutrient loading from the watershed. The 1989 report found that septic systems were the main cause of input of Nitrogen and Phosphorus into the lake. In the past articles, we attempted to show how septic systems function and how conditions that affect them can result in nutrient inputs. The WQ Committee has completed a survey of the entire shoreline of the lake. Using this data and follow-up testing, we will determine where serious problems exist that must be fixed. The Association has adopted a policy for handling problematic septic’s. The WQ volunteers will provide to the As-sociation Board all technical results of sampling. The Association will communicate with the membership on any follow-up measures required that will lead to a solution of the problem. During the shoreline survey, we observed many pipes that lead to the lake. Since these pipes run from the land to the shoreline, there is the potential that they could carry nutrients from contaminated ground water or septic leachate into the lake. Therefore, if there is effluent from any pipe in the vicinity of where we observe a conductivity spike, the pipe discharge will be sampled. Another group from our WQ Committee has completed an exhaustive and thorough survey of the entire lake for Water Chest-nuts – an invasive species of water plant that can very quickly take over large areas. I am pleased to share with you the good news that no Water Chestnuts were found. Much thanks go to John Colyer and Bob Cappuccio and their “sentinel” team of Kayaker’s who were able to venture deep into the swamp and wetlands areas looking to eradicate this nasty weed. This is the final article for this year on water quality. I hope everyone who read the previous articles has gained a better under-standing of basic lake water quality concerns. Our original purpose was to educate. The WQ Committee will continue to function af-ter the summer season. Please think about how we can make our lake water quality better. Any ideas suggestions or help is welcome. I’d like to thank all the WQ Volunteers who have dedicated so much of their time to this worthy effort. We are open to receive anyone interested in joining us. See you next year!

Paul Sutphen

Culver lake Whitecaps The Culver Lake Whitecaps swim team ended the season with a great performance at our Wallkill Valley Swim Conference league championships. Great job to all our swimmers. We celebrated a great season with our annual end of season awards ceremony where all our swimmers are acknowledged with some special honors from Coach Meredith Berry-Toon. Special acknowledgement goes out to the following swimmers for their out-standing performance and commitment to the team in 2013.Most Improved Swimmers: Mary Martin & Derk PeerboomMost Dedicated Swimmers: Hannah Cummings & Brandon CrouchTop Swimmer: Devon Myer

Great job to the entire team and big thanks to Coach Meredith. See you all next season and make sure you bring along some more swimmers next season. If anyone would like more information about our swim team, please contact Maureen Myer, swim team presi-dent at 973-948-0870.

THANK YOU!The Children’s Theater would like to say THANK YOU to Joe Ferlauto and to the First Nighters reunion for donating his DJing funds back to the Children’s Theater program. It takes a community, Thanks!