Spring is almost here, and from the point of a sports enthusiast, the last two months have almost been worth the wait. The New York Giants won the Super Bowl (allowing me to collect on bets from two of my sons) Tiger Woods is on an incredible winning streak, the University of Connecticut’s women’s team won the Eastern League Championship, and the men’s team should also do very well in their tournament (Editor’s Note: He was wrong on that one!). And best of all, the greatest sports event from a spectator’s view, called March Madness or the NCAA tournaments, is about to begin. In addition, adding to all of this pure joy, baseball is a couple of weeks away from the first pitch. Congratulations to all of us who have survived the doldrums of winter to reach this moment.

While we are speaking of sports, at our annual summer picnic a few HLWA members were discussing the possibility of holding a small HLWA golf tournament this fall. I agreed to investigate the possibility of holding the event, so I would like to ask if you would be interested in playing in a tournament this fall. If so, please let me know. The event would be open to men and women. I would like to hear from you if you believe this is something we should sponsor.

On a more important subject, perhaps the most essential project facing the Town and the lake is the Plan of Conservation and Development (POCD). As we have previously reported, the required revised plan is vital to the future of the Town. Mark Schrader has done an excellent job coordinating the efforts of the Town and the University of Connecticut’s NEMO project. He has more details on page 4 of this newsletter.

At the first NEMO meeting, we had an excellent turnout, with a good cross-section of the town represented; however, at the February 21 meeting, the attendance had substantially fallen off. The group mainly consisted of members of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourse Commission (IWWC) and Planning and Zoning Commission (P&Z). This is an important issue, and I urge everyone to attend the next meeting and become involved. As explained by the NEMO officials, the POCD is a townwide project and will only be successful if it is adopted by the entire town. Apathy, especially voter apathy, is crippling to the development of a strong democratic and well-run town government, as well as a vital POCD.

The HLWA Board of Directors has been discussing plans for commemorating the 50th anniversary of the HLWA that will take place in 2009. We will have more to say on the subject in future newsletters and at the HLWA annual meeting on July 12, 2008. I have been trying to find documents regarding the history of the Association but so far have been largely unsuccessful. We would be grateful for any suggestions you might have on how we can celebrate the occasion.

I would also like to hear from those members who might have some documents from the earlier years of the Association or have some information to share with the membership on these past 50 years. Perhaps some longtime members would like to get together to discuss the earlier years of the Association. Please give me a call if you are interested. I have often thought, in gratitude, of all of those residents of Highland Lake who have worked so diligently to protect the watershed over these many years. They are responsible for the lake we enjoy today.

Speaking of enjoyment, our first annual HLWA Snow Ball Dinner/Dance, held at Crystal Peak on January 26, was a wonderful party, and kudos must be given to Pat Masucci and her committee. If you couldn’t make it this year, please be sure to join us next year. The Evening on Highland Lake in the summer and the Snow Ball in January have become important, don’t-miss events on the HLWA calendar.