Lake Meridian Lake Watch

Paddle Boat Missing?

2011-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

A blue and white paddle boat was found recently. If you are missing yours, it is waiting to be retrieved at dock 90.

4th of July Boat Parade Winner!

2011-07-12T07:55:00.000-07:00

Our 2011 4th of July Boat Parade was a huge success. Thanks to everyone who participated!

Congratulations to Dan Young and his great crew!

Meridian Belle II Launch in the Kent Reporter!

2011-06-12T00:16:00.000-07:00

The Kent Reporter covered the Meridian Belle II launch event with Mayor Cooke christening the Belle!

Click here to go to the Kent Reporter site.

4th of July Approaching Quickly!

2011-06-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

Although the weather is not cooperating this year, we are still planning on a great 4th of July celebration on the lake including our new Meridian Belle leading the boat parade. It is time to start planning for how you will decorate your boat! We expect a heated competition this year and lots of participation!

We have a different 2011 fireworks flag for those who contribute $50 or more to the fireworks contract. Last year the average donation was $75.00. The generosity of the residents gave us one of the most beautiful shows we've ever had on Lake Meridian. As usual, the price of fireworks has increased...just like everything else. To get the quality of show we had last year, we need to spend just a little more. Please fill out your membership form and take it and your donation to one of the LMCA board members from around the lake. They can exchange it for your flag. If you did not get a flag last year and still want one we have a limited supply and for a donation of at least $100, you can get both!

Membership Form
Name _______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
Phone ______________________________________
Email ______________________________________

Membership:
New ___Renew ___Lakefront (30.00) _____ Senior (65+ 20.00) ____

New ___Renew ___Associate (20.00) _____

4th of July Celebration Donation ________ Must be at least $50.00 to receive this year's flag.

Total =======

To receive newsletters and be invited to the picnic please fill out this form and return

LMCA
PO Box 7578
Covington, WA 98042-0044

To give and pick up your flag call a board member near you:

Near 132nd & 256th

michellemcdowell@comcast.net

253-639-0124

Michelle McDowell

Near the park

therickers@comcast.net

253-631-2021

Ellyn Ricker

South side of lake half way down

fayjensen@yahoo.com

253-638-5459

Fay Jensen

South side of lake half way down

lakextrand@comcast.net

253-630-9406

Kathy Ekstrand

Halfway down the North side

jrhelm47@aol.com

253-350-1811

Jim Helm

dean.saggau@edwardjones.com

253-639-7155

Dean Saggau

avidjohn@yahoo.com

253-638-0826

John Wright

High bank 132nd area

bruce.axworthy@gmail.com

253-630-5574

Work to Begin on Lake Meridan Outlet Ecosystem Restoration

2011-06-02T10:08:00.000-07:00

We have just been informed that the Army Corp of Engineers has started construction as of May 25 on the lake outlet to the confluence with Soos Creek. The 2.3 million dollar project consists of building approximately 2500 feet of new stream channel. The contractor is U.S. Veterans Construction & Management, Corp. a business based in Buffalo, N.Y. The project team anticipates completing construction in April 2012.

The City of Kent is the local sponsor and Beth Tan is the senior environmental engineer working the project for Kent.

Meridian Belle II Launch Event

2011-05-31T09:19:00.000-07:00

This is a project that had its inception three years ago and we are almost ready to have the formal launch of the Meridian Belle II!

Where: The McDowell House
25860 136th Ave SE

When: Saturday June 4, 2011 - 2:00 PM

Many thanks to all the volunteers, our grant provider - The City of Kent, and everyone who has donated goods and services - Allied Waste, Johnston Docks, and families and friends around the lake.

Launching the New Meridian Belle

2011-02-27T21:33:00.000-08:00

Here are some of the pictures taken during the launch of the new Meridian Belle.

The loading was a challenge as it took two forklifts to pick her up and position the trailer beneath.

Backing down the boat launch ramp.

Just about to enter the water.

She was hesitant to float free.

Floating in her new home.

4th of July Festivities 2010

2010-05-20T12:31:00.000-07:00

The 4th of July is quickly approaching! Please send in your contribution early this year. We have a different 2010 fireworks flag for those who contribute $50 or more. Last year the average donation was $75.00. The generosity of the residents gave us one of the most beautiful shows we've ever had on Lake Meridian. As usual, the price of fireworks has increased...just like everything else. To get the quality of show we had last year, we need to spend just a little more. Please fill out your membership form and take it and your donation to one of the LMCA board members from around the lake. They can exchange it for your flag. If you did not get a flag last year and still want one we have a limited supply and for a donation of at least $100, you can get both!

Membership Form
Name _______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
Phone ______________________________________
Email ______________________________________

Membership:
New ___Renew ___Lakefront (30.00) _____ Senior (20.00) ____

New ___Renew ___Associate (20.00) _____

4th of July Celebration Donation ________ Must be at least $50.00 to receive this year's flag.

Total =======

To receive newsletters and be invited to the picnic please fill out this form and return

LMCA
PO Box 7578
Covington, WA 98042-0044

To give and pick up your flag call a board member near you:

Near 132nd & 256th

michellemcdowell@comcast.net

253-639-0124

Michelle McDowell

Near the park

therickers@comcast.net

253-631-2021

Ellyn Ricker

South side of lake half way down

fayjensen@yahoo.com

253-638-5459

Fay Jensen

South side of lake half way down

lakextrand@comcast.net

253-630-9406

Kathy Ekstrand

Halfway down the North side

jrhelm47@aol.com

253-350-1811

Jim Helm

dean.saggau@edwardjones.com

253-639-7155

Dean Saggau

avidjohn@yahoo.com

253-638-0826

John Wright

High bank 132nd area

bruce.axworthy@gmail.com

253-630-5574

Bruce Axworthy

General Meeting June 2, 2010

2010-05-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

Please join us for the LMCA General Meeting on June 2, from 7:00pm - 8:45pm at the King County Covington Library, 27100 164th Ave SE.

We will be asking someone from the Kent Police Dept. to come and update us on this year's patrols as well as the use of the fee boat ramp. Toni Azzola from the City of Kent will give us input on the neighborhood councils, we'll get updates on summer activities and have a chance to visit with city council member Jamie Perry to answer questions we have about city issues. What else would you like to cover? Please email michellemcdowell@comcast.net with your questions.

Dock Decking Material

2009-10-19T14:06:00.000-07:00

Michelle stated that she has had several requests for a source for the dock covering that meets the Shoreline Master Plan requirements for light transmission. This decking, called Aqua-grate, is a fiberglass product that is approved for use on docks. We have been talking with Cecil Johnston from Johnston Docks in Auburn about building our Belle replacement and he showed me a sample of this product. For more information call Cecil at 253-931-5526.

Fireworks Donations Help Needed

2009-03-20T21:18:00.000-07:00

The City of Kent is responsible for the festivities at the park and a portion of the money for the fireworks. However, LMCA is responsible for the majority of the funds for the fireworks. We understand this year could be difficult for many of our usual benefactors. LMCA board members are soliciting donations from local businesses, association members, and surrounding neighborhoods. Unfortunately, we need $14,000-$18,000 to put on the 15-minute, professionally shot display the community has grown to love.

Do you know of a business that would be willing to contribute to this great event? If you have suggestions, please contact a board member and we will help craft a donation letter. Thanks for you support!

Membership Form

2009-03-16T09:34:00.000-07:00

Name _______________________________________
Address ____________________________________
Phone ______________________________________
Email ______________________________________

Membership:
New ___Renew ___Lakefront (30.00) _____ Senior (20.00) ____

New ___Renew ___Associate (20.00) _____

4th of July Celebration Donation ________

Total =======

To receive newsletters and be invited to the picnic please fill out this form and return

LMCA
PO Box 7578
Covington, WA 98042-0044

The Economy vs. Our Fireworks Show

2009-03-16T09:19:00.000-07:00

With today’s economy we’d like your opinion concerning the annual fireworks show.
Here’s the options we are considering:

A show similar to 2008’s show – will require a total of about $7,000 for LMCA’s share.
A smaller show – amount needed would be about $3,500 for our share.
Cancel the show entirely.

We need to hear from you immediately! Time is of the essence so we can sign contracts with the fireworks company or cancel them. If we do not hear from you, we will assume you are opting for choice number 3 – no show. Let us know your opinion. Please reply by 3/16/09.

Shoreline Master Program is Updated

2009-03-16T09:15:00.000-07:00

The City of Kent must pass a Shoreline Master Program that will be approved by the DOE and the Department of Fish and Wildlife. Shoreline Master Act Guidelines state that “The Shoreline Management Act guidelines require local shoreline master programs to regulate new development to achieve no net loss of ecological function. The guidelines (WAC 173-26-186(8)(d)) state that, To ensure no net loss of ecological functions and protection of other shoreline functions and/or uses, master programs shall contain policies, programs, and regulations that address adverse cumulative impacts and fairly allocate the burden of addressing cumulative impacts.” The final draft of the Shoreline Master Program has come a long way from the original. The original draft called for new and replacement piers to be a maximum of 420 square feet, for the first 30 feet of our docks to be only 4 feet wide and the decking to be replaced with light permeable decking. It left no room for grandfathering in our current docks. The new revision of the proposed SMP allows for grandfathering of our docks at current sizes though decking materials would still have to be light permeable.

The original document had setbacks of 75’ shown with no averaging. The current SMP has the setbacks set at the average of the homes on either side, preserving views and good neighbor relationships. This averaging has been put back into the new version with a minimum 75’ setback from the water. More information will be available on the SMP at the LMCA general meeting.

The Meridian Belle Beyond Repair

2009-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

It has been determined that the Meridian Belle's repairs are too costly so the board is looking for someone who has the time to dismantle her. The lumber would have to be properly disposed of and the board would provide the funds for this. This could be an excellent Eagle Scout project or also a community service project for a group of high school students who need volunteer hours for their junior project or college applications. If any of you have teenagers in the house or living in your neighborhood, please pass this information on and have them call Ellyn Ricker, 253-631-2021, or Michelle McDowell, 253-639-0124 for more details.

General Meeting Date Set

2009-03-16T08:58:00.000-07:00

The 2009 LMCA general meeting will take place at the Covington Library, 27100 164th Avenue SE, at 6:30 on Monday, April 13th. The board will be asking Mayor Cooke, Councilwoman Jamie Danielson, and our lake officers to attend and answer any questions you might have. If you have suggestions for other speakers you might like to hear from at the meeting please e-mail Michelle McDowell at michellemcdowell@comcast.net with your ideas.

This is a good opportunity to meet your neighbors and catch up on current issues. New LMCA board members will be announced at the meeting and LMCA dues and fireworks contributions can be paid.

Residents Needed to Step Up for Board Positions

2009-03-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

2009 is an election year for the LMCA board. All board positions are open for election and two of the board members have decided to not run for another term. Kathy Curtis, the current board treasurer, will be vacating her position. Kathy said, “Since we moved to Lake Meridian in 1985, Don and I have spent many hours volunteering for this community. From fireworks shows and picnics, to marine patrol to the helping form LMCA and serving as your Treasurer since its inception. I have no clue how many hours it’s been and don’t regret any of them. It is however time for someone else to step in and take their turn.“ Sally McDonough who has served two terms on the board stated, “ The LMCA board is comprised of members "Working for a better environment and a safer community." The board members are a great group of people and this position is not difficult. I have enjoyed the years I have volunteered as advisor/representative for the West side of the lake and as secretary. “ Board positions run for a two year term. Board members meet once a month to discuss lake issues and plan upcoming events. Anyone interested must nominate themselves or have someone nominate them by sending a note of intent to the PO address shown on the back of this newsletter no later than March 30th, 2009. If more than one person wants any position ballots will be emailed to those we have addresses for and mailed to those without e-mail. Two years ago no one came forward to challenge any of the positions.
The positions of Secretary and Treasurer must be filled in order for the board to remain valid and for celebrations for the Independence Day fireworks to continue. If you have questions please contact a board member.

LMCA Annual Picnic - Great Fun!

2008-08-06T10:38:00.000-07:00

About 85 people attended the LMCA picnic, this year, including resident, Councilman Ron Harmon and his fiancée, Nancy, our boat patrolmen, McGruff the crime dog, other officers from the Kent Police department and very special guests Don and Darlene Hawley. Look for Sally McDonough on our Kent TV 21 as she was interviewed during the event. Great food was provided by Rooters barbeque and everyone had fun looking through a book of pictures from old Lakeshore parties that Stu Robertson had given to the LMCA board.

Another Wonderful 4th of July

2008-07-10T23:25:00.000-07:00

It was a beautiful day on Lake Meridian. The boat parade was a great success with many participants this year. The fireworks show, which was once again done by our friends at Entertainment Fireworks was spectacular. See the slideshow on this site of just some of the shots that we enjoyed and especially the great finale! Thanks Brad, our pyro, for another well done show!

Nature's Fireworks

2008-07-03T09:08:00.000-07:00

Michelle took this great picture during the storm we had on June 29th.

4th of July Schedule of LMCA Events

2008-07-03T09:02:00.000-07:00

July 4th-

12:00 PM-House Decoration judging.

6:15 PM-Begin the move to the middle for the boat races. Sign will move around the lake.

7:00 PM-Boat Races - Canoes, paddle boats

8:15 PM-Parade Sign moves around lake

8:40 PM-Meet at McDowell’s for the boat parade. Form line and stay together in that line.

9:00 PM-Parade begins its move around lake. Please do two laps and finish at McDowell’s for the judging if you wish to receive a medal. You must be at McDowell’s dock at the end of the parade to receive an award.

10:00 PM-Fireworks!!

July 5th-

6:45-Please pick up your own dock, if possible, from the Stroomers. If not, yours will be returned to you.

On a clear day...

2008-06-28T22:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of links to some great pictures taken by Mark Qvale from his radio controlled airplane flying over the lake on Father's day and this morning, June 28th. Thanks for sharing Mark and Karen!

Taken Fathers Day
Taken June 28th

Boat parade info:

2008-06-19T12:22:00.000-07:00

This year the Mayor, CAO and several council members will, once again, be joining us for the boat parade. For their float we’ve chosen a Thunderbirds theme for the Mayor’s boat in celebration of our new team in town. Please meet at Michelle McDowell’s dock at 8:40 and line up and stay behind the Thunderbird’s boats in a straight line. After assembling please remain in that line for one full turn around the lake. We need to be close to the front of every dock so people can truly see all of your hard work and close in to the park so Mark Hendrickson can do commentary on the boats in the parade. If there are people not participating, please have them out on the docks as the Thunderbirds have some gifts to toss. After returning to Michelle McDowell’s dock please remain so the medals can be given out to the winning boats and to cheer on your neighbors who have won.

Fireworks funding:

2008-06-19T12:21:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of you who have sent in your LMCA dues and fireworks money. It is very much appreciated! To those of you who haven’t…it isn’t too late! Please print the attached form and join us in supporting a safe and exciting 4th of July.

We’ve had some concerns about noise lately prompting one LMCA member to send this:

2008-06-19T12:19:00.000-07:00

The lake is a good neighbor. She is quiet before 9AM and after 6PM.

Many residents are up and out of the house before 6:30 AM for work. To sleep in, have a quiet cup of coffee or enjoy a peaceful dinner is an earned luxury. Summer is here and some of us will have guests or take vacation time and stay home. Please be good neighbors and be conscientious about when you or your workers are making noises that the neighbors can hear.

Membership Drive

2008-06-10T11:14:00.000-07:00

To make it easier on everyone we thought it best to combine our membership drive with the fireworks donation. That way you can send just one payment and be in good stand for another year. If you’ve already sent your membership and contributions thank you. To renew ones membership with LMCA, dues are just $30.00 for households that abut the lake ($20.00 if you are 65 or older) and $20.00 for those living within the lakes watershed.

As a member in good standing, you will receive all copies of the newsletter and a voice on the concerns of the lake and surrounding area. Please complete and return the remittance form with your check payable to LMCA. This will allow us to update our records more accurately. Also, if you have new neighbors, email Kathy Curtis their names and address via kcurtis33@comcast.net so we can double-check that we have them on our mailing list. Also, print out a copy of this newsletter and hand it to your new neighbor and invite them to get involved.

Name ___________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________
Phone ___________________________________________
Email ___________________________________________
Membership:
New ___Renew ___Lakefront (30.00) _____ Senior (20.00) ____
New ___Renew ___Associate (20.00) _____
4th of July Celebration Donation ________
Total =======

Mail to:
LMCA
PO Box 7578
Covington, WA 98042-0044

Donations Needed

2008-06-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

It took all our 4th of July funds to cover last year’s annual show. This year the account balance begins at a mighty $15.93. We need everyone’s help if we are going to make this year’s display a reality. As in past years, we need to collect $6,000 from the area residents. That means we would need $42.00 from every household if all 145 homes contributed. Unfortunately not everyone does. If you’re planning a large party, ask your attendees to pitch in too. Every little bit helps, and we retain our long standing tradition of an outstanding fireworks show on the lake. Please mail your contribution, along with your membership dues to our PO Box 7578, Covington, WA 98042.

Corporate Donors Needed

2008-06-10T11:02:00.000-07:00

The fireworks last year were amazing and we hope our community residents will generously donate once again to bring Lake Meridian another fabulous display for this July Fourth celebration. Many of you may not realize that our community must raise half of the money to put on the display. The City of Kent funds the other half. We are hoping that you will not only write out a personal check, but if you know business owners in Kent, you might be willing to ask for their support, too. We have a form letter we can provide to you, and we would really appreciate any size donations from the community. If you need a copy of the letter asking for a fireworks donation, please contact Ellyn Ricker at 253-631-2021.

Our Aging Belle

2008-06-10T10:56:00.000-07:00

The board assessed the structural condition of our beloved Meridian Belle and determined she is unsound. Unfortunately, she requires much more than cosmetic work. Her decking and railings have rotted to the point of being unsafe and she is in bad need of a thorough paint job. She also needs a stronger motor. To repair her properly, the Belle would need to be pulled from the water and we are not sure she will hold up structurally; also, none of the members has a trailer large enough for this task. The time and expense involved in restoring the Belle isn’t feasible for the board. Sadly, after weighing all options, we have decided the best course of action will be to dismantle her. We will save what we can in case another Belle is built some day, and dispose of the rest of her pieces. None of us is happy with this decision and we didn’t make it lightly. We will all miss seeing her lead the boat parade on the 4th of July. The Belle won’t be dismantled until summer. We will discuss the state of her condition at the General Membership meeting. If anyone has the time, money and desire to consider the enormous task of restoring her, we would love to hear from you.

Meridian has High PCB Levels

2008-06-10T10:49:00.000-07:00

Lake Meridian was reported as having high levels of PCBs in a report by the Department of Ecology titled Washington State Toxics Monitoring Program: Contaminants in Fish Tissue from Freshwater Environments in 2006 which was published in February of 2008 and can be viewed at http://www.ecy.wa.gov/biblio/0803002.html.

The manufacture of Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCB's) was outlawed in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in 1977 following evidence that PCBs cause cancer and other harmful health effects. Since the banning, new evidence suggests PCBs also disrupt the endocrine system and lower intelligence levels of children exposed in the womb. Nursing infants are also at risk. During lactation, maternal fat stores provide about 60 percent of the fat that goes into breast milk, whereas 30 percent comes from mother's diet and ten percent is newly synthesized in the breast. By virtue of their ability to lactate therefore, mammalian females are
able to excrete the toxins that have accumulated in their body fat. PCBs are introduced into mother’s milk in this way.

This leaves us with two questions “Where are they coming from?” and “How do we clean them up?”. Some have speculated that increased development in the area has stirred up old soils and that the PCBs have remained in those soils and are now, through run off through yards and from the holding ponds, flowing into Lake Meridian. Others have suggested that pesticides used on lakeside yards are the culprit. These would have to be illegal pesticides created before the 1977 ban. Some say the PCBs have always been in the lake.

The shoreline master program which is being revised this year by the City of Kent can state the cleanup of the Lake as a goal but this is not law. The City will, however, be looking at ways to improve the water quality in the lake. The lower zoning approved last year may have been the first step in achieving healthier water in Lake Meridian.

Erv Rausch Passes

2008-06-10T10:44:00.000-07:00

Ervin Rausch was born on April 20, 1919 and passed away on Thursday, April 10th. Erv was born in St. Cloud, Minnesota and was an avid pilot, beginning in high school. Erv flew in the Army Air Corps, retired as a Captain from United Airlines, flew as a corporate pilot for Puget Power and kept a plane at Crest Air Park for many years – encouraging his sons to fly, too.

Erv married Sally in 1948 and they moved to Lake Meridian in 1963. Erv loved boating, hunting, fishing, scuba diving and sailing. Erv and Sally were charter members of the Lake Shore Club (pre LMCA) and participated in the “Booze Cruises” on the Meridian Belle. Erv and Sally loved to travel and visited Europe, Asia, China, Mexico and numerous other spots.

Erv will be greatly missed by all who knew him as he was a kind, gentle, funny and generous man. In the neighborhood he collected four legged pals with his doggy bones, children with his ready smile and large candy bars, and adults with his great cocktails and conversations. Erv is survived by his wife, Sally, and three sons Mike, Bill, Tom and their families.

LMCA Annual Picnic

2008-06-10T10:43:00.000-07:00

Since last years turnout was a success the LMCA picnic will again take place on the City of Kent’s National night out. The date this year will be Tuesday, August 5th, 6:30 PM at Michelle McDowell's, 25860 136th Avenue SE. Please join us and city officials to celebrate this evening.

Will the Fireworks Go On?

2008-06-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

LMCA has two issues that must be addressed before the fireworks can go on. Adding to the monetary issue we always face is the inability to find dock space where the barges
can be loaded. Before the Brothertons moved they made the loading of the fireworks docks a part of their yearly celebration. Last year Susan Stroomer graciously offered up her dock. We
appreciated her taking her turn and heard from some neighbors that watching the process of the fireworks being loaded was as exciting as the fireworks themselves. This year we are looking for someone else to take their turn. The best scenario is someone with plenty of dock space and a steep enough drop off to easily get the docks started on the journey to the center of the lake.

The floating docks are towed and tied to the dock a week or so before the 4th. The tubes for the
fireworks are loaded a few days before the 4th and the actual charges are not loaded until the morning of the 4th. The Pyros need a way to walk down the side of the house to the docks and the ability to access a bathroom. The second issue, M-O-N-E-Y, has become a more and more difficult one as the years go by. Each home would have to contribute $42.00 to pay last year’s fireworks bill. With higher costs this would cover a slightly smaller show.

Unfortunately, not every home contributes to the show. Many have large yard parties, enjoy the
show but do not donate. These two issues have left us asking if we can continue to provide a fireworks show year after year. Things you can do to help are:
1. Volunteer to collect fireworks donations in your neighborhood
and the neighborhood off the lake behind you.
2. Talk to business owners you know and ask if they would be interested in sponsoring the fireworks show. With a large enough donation the City of Kent might be willing to name the show after them and include their name in all written materials.
3. Put out a donation can at your party. Explain to the people attending that the fireworks are paid for with the donation of Lake Meridian residents. Collect those donations and turn them in for next year.

If you would like to volunteer to collect fireworks donations or to have the fireworks dock at your house this year please contact Michelle McDowell at 253-639-0124.