President's MessageAugust 2010Dear Chautauqua Lake Neighbor, This letter is to ask you to please help us financially. We provided this year’s needed services. Would you be so kind as to provide for us so that we can continue to serve you? Needless to say, the July 24th Tornado on the lake came with a vengeance and our crew was on the lake at dawn on Sunday morning cleaning up the debris floating in the lake and on the shores of the hardest hit communities. We returned several times to areas we had just cleaned and found that we also had to address many of the problem areas. The storm was felt even in the lower basin. This unexpected expense has left us in need of assistance from you. Please don’t feel that it is someone else’s obligation as we depend upon individuals and businesses for operating expenses. Again this summer, we worked from dawn to dusk with two shifts on weekdays Our shoreline crews cleaned the entire 42 miles of shoreline at least once and returned to problem areas many times. Our harvesting crews have removed over 135 tons each and every day and our weekly production was reported throughout the season on our web-site. These increased efforts, initially begun two seasons ago have led to a noticeable difference in the quality and enjoyment of the lake. We also have continued, through Cornell University’s Research Ponds Department, our efforts to control invasive weed growth with herbivores. A brochure addressing these efforts was enclosed depicting valuable information especially for lakefront owners in your last appeal letter. The results of the Cornell work, particularly in Burtis Bay, have contributed significantly to the improvement in the lake’s condition this summer. By all reports it has been a great year for the enjoyment of the lake, except for the late algae bloom, which is a natural occurrence. As we move into our repair and maintenance operations for the balance of the year, we especially need your financial help in order to finish the year at a break-even level. Some of our expenses increased substantially this year. The second shift results in significantly higher payroll expenses and other costs. We rely on individuals and businesses to contribute approximately 60 % of our annual budget, with local and state governments (this year we will only receive $25,000 instead of $50,000 from New York State and we have not received it yet) providing the remaining 40%. We appreciate your continued support and ask that you consider assisting us in any amount you can afford and a small increase would be greatly appreciated. Your donation is tax deductible. Please mail your pledge card in today. On behalf of the Board of Directors, I thank you for your support! Sincerely, P. Christian Yates President |
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