More on a C.O.O.L. Day...

Mary Oelirich was kind enough to send me a whole CD of pictures she took at our clean up day, so I will be adding a few at a time for your viewing pleasure. Board member Dennis Wittig talks to Chuck Faber, a board member of Oneida County Lakes and Rivers, who came in support of the kids.

Dan Knuth and family talks with Julie Lenard. Sue Knuth and Stephanie Smith get ready for the launch.

Dan and his kids ready to go while Frosty and Chris Lenard look on.

Some of our hearty volunteers.....

The KIDS from C.O.O.L.

Staring on the right is Nate Kretlow, Simon Martinez, Kyle Lenard, Matt Kenote, Luke Lenard, Trevor Ringwellski ( I spelled it just like it sounded Trev) Chris Lenard and Julie Lenard.

My man Trev, with the ladder I found around the old Two Acres vicinity. Trev was in my group and what a funny sense of humor he had.

I wish I could have gotten a photo of all those who helped, but by the time this was taken we were down to just Frosty, Roscoe, and I. And we also made the front page of the North Star Journal with this one. There was a nice article about the boys and their work, and we had a mention!

Here's what we found...

A tractor tire and various aluminum cans and plastic bottles, bait contaners,

and old buoy, 2 more tires,

and old oar, a crutch, a usable squirt gun, a full bottle of Malibu Rum to name a few.

A Day with the C.O.O.L. Kids......

...and here's how it started out, the gang has donned their gear and are ready to start. The leaders, Luke (in blue shorts) and Kyle (in green shorts) are ready to man the boats and walk the waters. You'll notice that some volunteers are suited up for the event. They did some diving and snorkeling in deeper waters so the rest of us didn't have to get too wet. Even though some of us got all the way wet anyway!

Making sure all gear works right and probably having a little fun too.

Frosty came by, with his boat, to help out as did Dan and Sue Knuth and their family. We had some others walk the area around where they lived as well, like the McEnroe kids from Norwood.

More Dinner Photos

Our new Treasurer, Mike Rolling assumes his post at the door along with Jean Kilbane, the one who really knows what's going on.

Joel Furda, Mary Oelirich, and Bob Rossi.

Lake Thompson Annual Dinner Meeting

Last Friday night was the Lake Thompson Annual Dinner Meeting. First to arrive were the Kowalski's Gert Rossi and the Smith's. I'm sure Frosty would like me to remind you to get your story in by the July 1st deadline. I will be adding more photos
of the dinner and the results of the C.O.O.L. project in the coming days so stay tuned.

BOATING SAFETY

Now that summer is finally here, we'd like to insure that everyones safety and enjoyment can be at full capacity. On the roads, in winter we need to remember to drive defensively. That goes for the Lake as well. In order for everyone to enjoy their time spent on the lake we need to be cognizant of our actions. As I use to tell my son when he was little, "every action usually has a reaction". When you're speeding down the length of the lake, wind in your hair,generally enjoying the fact that snow and cold are still months away, you need to be aware of how those actions might be affecting someone else. Are you using speeds appropriate to your conditions?
Are you too close to other watercraft or piers? Are you aware of the buoys in your vicinity and what they signify? As a little reminder I have posted some of Wisconsin's Boating Safety Laws below for you to review and practice. Also in the Links list you can click on Boating Laws and find the DNR'S site with all rules and regulations. Let's make sure everyone has a good time on the Lake. See you out there!

A SUMMER REMINDER....

WISCONSIN BOATING LAW BASICS DEPT. OF NATURAL RESOURCES
Reckless & Negligent Operation:
No person shall operate any vessel or manipulate water skis or similar towed devices in a reckless or negligent manner. The failure to exercise the degree of care necessary to prevent endangering life, limb, or property may be considered reckless and negligent. Below are just a few of the prohibited methods of operation in Wisconsin.
Specifically, it is unlawful:
• To operate any boat beyond the safe carrying capacity of passengers or cargo or to equip a boat in excess of its safe power.
• To operate a boat within an area clearly marked in accordance with the law by buoys or some other distinguishing device as a bathing or swimming area or other restricted use area.
• To allow any person to ride or sit on the gunwales, tops of seats, backs or sides or on the decking over the bow on a motorboat while underway, unless such a person is inboard of guards or railings provided to prevent passengers from being lost overboard, except for when anchoring, mooring or casting off.
• To operate a motorboat repeatedly in a circuitous course within 200 feet around any other boat or around any person who is swimming.
• For any boat or water skier to operate or approach closer than 100 feet to any skin diver's flag or any swimmer unless the boat is part of the skin diving operation or is accompanying the swimmer.
• To operate any type of motorboat that is engaged in skiing, aquaplaning or similar activity within 100 feet of any occupied anchored boat, marked swimming area, or public boat landing.
• To operate any type of motorboat that is engaged in skiing, aquaplaning or similar activity and get within 100 feet of a personal watercraft or allow the tow rope to get within 100 feet of a personal watercraft.
Additional laws that apply to personal watercraft (PWC):
A personal watercraft is considered a motorboat and must follow the same laws and regulations as above. In addition there are other laws that apply to personal watercraft (PWC). Specifically , it is unlawful:
To operate a PWC between sunset and sunrise.
To participate in water skiing, aquaplaning, or similar tow sport activity unless the PWC is designed to seat three people.
To operate a PWC at greater than slow-no-wake speed anytime:
The PWC is within 100 feet of any other boat or PWC on any body of water.
The PWC is within 200 feet of the shoreline of any lake.
To operate a PWC within 100 feet of the following:
Another boat towing a skier or person engaged in a similar activity.
The tow rope of another motorboat towing a skier or person engaged in a similar activity.
THE LAKE THOMPSON ASSOCIATION WOULD LIKE TO INSURE THE SAFETY OF ALL ITS RESIDENTS AND GUESTS. PLEASE COMPLY WITH WISCONSIN’S BOATING LAWS. THE LAKE ASSOCIATION ALSO ASKS THAT YOU CONFINE JET SKI, WATER SKI, TUBING AND RELATED PLAY ACTIVITIES TO THE HOURS BETWEEN 10:00 AM AND 7:00 PM.