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PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
(the first verse of STOPPING BY THE WOODS ON A SNOWY EVENING by Robert Frost)
Yes, our woods are full of Peck's Lakers out skiing and snowshoeing. It's fun and it's aerobic - and you can get a chance to do it all at the Winter Festival on February 10th! As I said in my last message, this is a great way to meet and greet new and old neighbors (come out and try snow tubing - it's addictive!).
Later in February we're trying a new event, "PLPA Skiing at Lapland Lake Day". People of all abilities can ski here without the tougher challenges found skiing in the woods. Check for details in this bulletin.
Yes, winter is a great time to live and play at the Lake. May you enjoy it to the fullest!
Dave Pratt, President
WINTER FESTIVAL REMINDER Join the fun! Good inexpensive food, an energizing Cross Country Ski*, Broom Hockey*, Sledding*, Tobogganing*, Horse Drawn Sleigh Rides, Ice Skating (sometimes)*, Fellowship & Stories (always), and lots of snow (usually). *bring your own equipment
A grand time was had by all at the December Caroling...only the weather failed us. Thanks to Dave and Liz Pratt for hosting the caroling party for an excellent turnout of carolers!
A WELCOME TO PECK"S LAKERS FROM THE PECK FAMILY Year 2001 has started off with many changes in ownership of houses and building lots.
As the lake community continues to grow and properties change hands, particularly during the latter part of year 2000 and on into 2001, it is difficult for us to stay in touch with all the new lake residents, so please feel free to stop over at the marina and say "Hello" at any time. We will look forward to meeting all of you newcomers. If we can be of assistance to you in settling into the lake community, please don't hesitate to call upon us.
PLPA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Two new members were voted in by the Directors to fill positions vacated by resigning members since our last Annual Meeting. Maurice Cea of North Shore Road will fill Doug Moore's term expiring in 2001 and Paul Nestork of Evergreen Drive will complete Art Blanchard's term expiring in 2002.
All Peck's Lakers and their guests are invited to cross-country ski Lapland Lake Saturday, February 24th. Call Dave Pratt at 725-6460 by February 21st to register and save $2. When you purchase your ticket, mention you are from Peck's Lake and you should receive a $2 discount, (if you've registered). Rental equipment is available at the ski lodge. Plan to meet for lunch at 2pm in the restaurant or you may "brown bag it" at the ski lodge. Join us for a fun day!
Charlotte Peck passed away December 4, 2000. The PLPA offers condolences to sons Wellington and Larry Peck, their families and other relatives of Mrs. Peck.
NEWSLETTER DEADLINES Please provide Kathy Henry your articles and other items for future newsletters by the following dates:
NEW NEIGHBORS Say Hello!
| Gregory Lachanski | 516 North Shore Road |
| Owen Wilson & Alicja Zyzniewska | 594 North Shore Road |
| Robert & Pat Salvagio | 121 Evergreen Drive |
| Christine Tamsett | South Shore Lot 200 |
| Kevin Geraghty & Family | South Shore Lot 222 |
| Karl & Christine Andrezejczyk | 329 South Shore Road |
| Steven & Kelli Garger | 419 South Shore Road |
| James & Carol Regan | 473 South Shore Road |
PLEASE minimize parking on our roads, especially overnight and very especially during the winter!
TOWN OF BLEECKER Should anyone need to contact the Town of Bleecker Codes Officer, call Mike Stewart at 661-5261 who is replacing Doug Hyde.
RECYCLING & GARBAGE PICKUP SCHEDULES - 2001
| JANUARY | 4 (Th) | 10 (W) | 18 (Th) | 24 (W) | 31 (W) |
| FEBRUARY | 7 (W) | 14 (W) | 22 (Th) | 28 (W) | |
| MARCH | 7 (W) | 14 (W) | 21 (W) | 28 (W) | |
| APRIL | 4 (W) | 11 (W) | 18 (W) | 25 (W) | |
| MAY | 2 (W) | 9 (W) | 16 (W) | 23 (W) | 31 (Th) |
| JUNE | 6 (W) | 13 (W) | 20 (W) | 27 (W) | |
| JULY | 5 (Th) | 11 (W) | 18 (W) | 25 (W) | |
| AUGUST | 1 (W) | 8 (W) | 15 (W) | 22 (W) | 29 (W) |
| SEPTEMBER | 6 (Th) | 12 (W) | 19 (W) | 26 (W) | |
| OCTOBER | 3 (W) | 11 (Th) | 17 (W) | 24 (W) | 31 (W) |
| NOVEMBER | 8 (Th) | 15 (Th) | 21 (W) | 28 (W) | |
| DECEMBER | 5 (W) | 12 (W) | 19 (W) | 27 (Th) |
RECYCLING
For taxpayers in the TOWNS OF JOHNSTOWN & BLEECKER
North Shore - 1st & 3rd Thursdays of each month
South Shore - 2nd & 4th Fridays of each month
CLEAR GARBAGE BAGS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL RUBBISH & RECYCLING MATERIALS
COUNTRY LIVING by Esther P. Neal Regular visitors at our feeders this year are few. What has happened to our birds? Especially our flocks of birds. One reason is the destruction of forests in Central and South America. Birds need a lot of R 'n R (rest and recreation) to fly back to their northern nest sites and for breeding performance. As the trees south of us are being slashed for timber, industry and to make room for more planting of food crops, our songbirds are being crowded together into smaller and smaller sections of remaining forests. This causes stress to all of them. Their food sources and nesting habitats are diminished. And in the open spaces where the forests were, predators can catch them more easily.
Tallies of Scarlet Tanagers and Rose-Breasted Grosbeaks show their numbers down by 15% from the past 5 years. Both of these birds were common around the lake. Where I used to see 3 male Grosbeaks at a time, as of this past summer I only saw one. I have not seen a Tanager in 3 years. It is sad to see these beautiful birds disappear.
There are other factors that undoubtedly affect our bird population. The strange changes in our weather patterns, dryness or too much rain, plus extremes in temperature have caused deaths and even the spread of disease. Unfortunately there is nothing we can do about these natural disasters. And any changes in the behavior of those in power in the countries south of us are slow in coming; hopefully they will not be too late.
Meanwhile, try to enjoy the birds that you have. I notice more Tree Sparrows lately-as many as 6 at a time. Others that used to be present in large groups of 35 to 40, such as Goldfinch, some Siskins and Redpolls are almost non-existent. As for the Purple Finch, I have not seen one yet this year.
As usual there is the occasional Nuthatch (White-breasted), one or two each of Downey and Hairy Woodpeckers and 5 to 6 Chickadees. For the woodpeckers, be sure to check the length of the bill to determine which one you are seeing. The Downey, probably the most common, has a bill half the length of the head width; the Hairy's bill is about 3/4 the head width. Markings are very similar. Also remember the red spot on the back of the head says it's a male, no red spot, it's female. If you should spot a Pileated Woodpecker this winter, the males wear a red mustache. Females are not so flashy. Their mustache is black. Bluejays vary in number around the lake and Juncos are in and out. There seems to be a good crop of Beechnuts this year so the Jays are assured that plenty of food will be available.
The Shrike has been present at the lake off and on the past few years. Although classed as a "songbird" it is a predatory bird with a Hawk-like hooked bill, a black mark from back of the eye extending to the bill. The body is gray with black wings marked with white lines. They are commonly called "Butcher Birds" from the manner of impaling small birds or mammals on the point of a twig to tear it to bite-size pieces. Only one is commonly seen perching on a branch.
You may be lucky to see an unusual bird around here that normally goes south for the cold months, for example, a Red-bellied Woodpecker or a Baltimore Oriole. The former has been extending its range farther north in the last few years and perhaps one has elected to "tough it out" if there is a good supply of food. The same applies to the Oriole, but it would need a big supply of berries or seeds. We do get oddities from time to time. Many Robins commonly remain here or in town all year long. Happy watching!
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ARTICLES WANTED! Articles are wanted for publication in the upcoming newsletter and later on the Web Site. Submit your article, saved as a simple text file to Kathy Henry, Newsletter Editor.
