Meeting Notes
Meeting Notes
Meeting Notes
Lake Hiawatha
July 19, 2026
Attendance: Kris White, Paul Gassett, Lisa Parker, Wendy and Jim Reiffarth, Regina Sanetti, Mark Pouliot, George Leal, Lou Galante, Gavin Sherman, Paula Lancto, Kim O’Neal
· Motion to start meeting at 9:05am by Paul 2nd by Kim
· June meeting minutes motion by Regina 2nd by Gavin
· Treasurer report was motion by George 2nd by Lou
Starting balance: $31,576.16
· 6/22/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 6/24/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 6/25/2026 Check Deposit $730
· 6/29/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 7/1/2026 Zelle Deposit $250
· 7/2/2026 Check Deposit $875
· 7/3/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 7/6/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 7/8/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 7/8/2026 Cash/transfer $125
· 7/9/2026 Check Deposit $500
· 7/13/2026 Zelle Deposit $125
· 7/17/2026 Check Deposit $125
Total Deposits $3,480
· 6/24/2026 RI Analytical $226
· 7/3/2026 Bite Me $150
Total Withdrawals $376
Ending Balance $34,680.16
Old Business:
· Thank you to Mike McNally for fixing the swing set and making sure it is safe.
· 115 paid members. If you have not paid your 2026 dues, please do so. We have gone around and put copies of the bills in people’s mailboxes. If you are having financial hardship, please reach out to a board member. It is very important for all to pay their dues, as the money goes to the treatments of the lake, testing of the lake, taxes, beach upgrades, and so much more.
· The second lake treatment occurred on July 16th. The company hit the coves hard this time around. There is science to the treatment of water. The company can only put a certain amount of treatment into the water, otherwise it will affect us being able to swim in the water and for the wildlife that lives in the water. The middle of the lake looks great. We are not having tall weeds like we did this time last year. Reminder that these weeds are not harmful to people, pets, or wildlife.
· DCR has a great Ponds and Lakes Division on their website with over 400 pages of information, if anyone is looking or interested in learning about how to take care of the lake, what is “normal” for a lake like ours, what causes weeds, and so much more. Our main problem with the lake is that our water is warm and shallow. The past three summers at least we have been in a D2 drought area, which is severe drought, we don’t get enough rain or snow during the year.
· The results from the lake testing in June are. Also listed are the results from last year, which show that we have a very healthy lake, even compared to last year. The testing for July will be conducted this week.
· The development off North Street has been denied by the Planning Board. The owner of the development has already made it known that they will be suing the town. We will need to continue to fight this development as much as possible. If the development is constructed it could damage our natural springs that feed into our lake.
New Business:
· The house at 133 Lakeshore has been torn down with only the foundation remaining. The owner has been given approval for the septic system. Construction of the house should occur sometime at the end of the season.
Reminder there is no fishing at the beach, there was a large fishing hook found on the beach. Also, please do not climb over the fence at the dam to go fishing, this is very unsafe. If you see something like this and need assistance, please reach out to a board member or a lake warden.
Motion to adjourn the meeting at 9:37am made by Kris 2nd by Gavin
Next meeting will be Thursday August 20, 2026, at 6pm at the lake. All are welcome and encouraged to come.
Lake Hiawatha
June 18, 2026
Attendance: Sue Diagle, Kris White, Lisa Parker, Paul Gassett, Jim Secor, Michael Molinari, Pam and George Leal, Mark Pouliot, Dylan Begin, Judy Leigh, Linda Dillion, Kim O’Neal
· May’s meeting minutes motion byGeorge 2nd by Sue
· Treasurer report was motion by Pam 2nd by Judy
Starting balance: $29,606.53
5/21/26 Zelle deposit: $125
5/21/26 Zelle deposit: $125
5/28/26 check deposit: $$1,650
6/4/26 check deposit: $1,100
6/4/26 Zelle deposit: $125
6/5/26 Zelle deposit: $375
6/8/26 Zelle deposit: $125
6/10/26 Zelle deposit: $125
6/11/26 check and cash deposit: $775
6/11/26 Zelle deposit: $250
6/11/26 Zelle deposit: $125
6/11/26 Mobile deposit: $125
6/11/26 Mobile deposit: $200
6/15/26 Zelle deposit: $125
6/18/26 check deposit: $1,000
Total deposits: $6,225.00
6/10/26 The Pond and Lake Connection: $3,700
6/16/26 ADC Septic: $200
6/18/26 Blackstone Taxes: $19.98
6/18/26 Bellingham Taxes: $335.39
Total withdrawals: $4,255.37
Ending balance: $31,576.16
· Old Business:
If you have not paid your dues, please do so ASAP. The board will be going through the list and contacting members who have not paid their dues. The dues help pay for taxes, de-weeding, testing, beach renovations, and so much more. Please remember that the reason we have a large balance now is due to selling a piece of property, that will not happen very often and if people do not pay their dues that money will decrease very quickly.
Please remember that there is no smoking, glass bottles, fishing, or pets allowed at the beach.
· New Business:
The first water testing of the seasonwas conducted on Wednesday June 17th. George will forward the results as soon as he receives them and then the board will make an announcement.
Michael Molinari offered to donate a nice swing set to the lake association to have at the beach. This swing set will be a use at your own risk and LHA will not be responsible for injuries. The signs will be made and hung before swing set is moved to the beach.
A big thank you to R&R landscaping and R. Brien Paving for their generous donation of another year of making sure our beach is well maintained and looks great.
· Motion to adjourn the meeting made by Pam 2nd by Kris at 6:34 due to storm rolling in.
· Next meeting will be July 16, 2026, at 6pm at the lake, all are welcome and encouraged to come.
Lake Hiawatha
May 21, 2026
Attendance: Lou Galante, Sue Diagle, Nicole and Paul Gassett, Lisa Parker, Gavin Sherman, Nancy Davidson,
Cory DeNault, John Brothers, Michael Molinan, Regina Sanetti, Kris White, Leah Hulstrom, George Leah , Mark
Pouliot, Judy Leigh, AT Coskie, Dylan Beuin, Danielle D’Amato, Kevin Gass, Theresa Robert, Mike Nally, Donna
Ledoux, Kim O’Neal
Treasurer report approved, motion by Gavin and by Cory
Beginning balance: $26, 363.88
Total deposits: $4,775.00
10/3/25 RI Analytical-water testing $189.00
10/21/25 Town of Bellingham 2025 & 1026 taxes $398.00
ADC Septic $200.00
Mike Parks $300.00
Pond and Lake Connections 2026 Ma Aquatic Permit $295.00
Heavy Press Graphics- 2026,2027,2028 stickers $150.00
Total withdrawals: $1,532.35
Ending balance: $29, 606.53
Old Business:
As of today, there are 39 paid members, with many members who paid at tonight’s
meeting. Dues letter went via email and Facebook. If you are still in need of a paper dues
letter, please reach out to Kim or Lisa. You can also fill out the form online and submit
via email.
Blackstone Street Development is scheduled to go in front of the Planning Board on
Thursday May 28 th at 7PM in the Arcand Room at the Town Hall. The word is that they
are going to be denying their project, but it would be great to have people show up and
support the lake community.
New Business:
The first de-weeding will take place the 1st week of June. Mark has reached out to the
company questioning if starting the treatments earlier would be beneficial to the lake, we
are still waiting for a response.
There are over 3.000 lakes and ponds in the state of Massachusetts. Of those 3,000,
there are approximately 1,000 lakes or ponds that need to be treated for weeds
during the season due to heat and shallow water. Due to LH being a
shallow water lake and if the heat continues, we will continue to have more weeds.
Massachusetts is very vigorous on their lake testing and laws regarding lakes and ponds.
The cooper-based treatment that is EPA approved and are harmless to fish, turtles, and all
wildlife, the chemicals only kill the weeds. We ended up doing an extra treatment at the
end of the season last year due to the string algae that was caused by the heat.
RI Analytical will be sending Geoge and Pam the testing kit for the lake. They will go out
and take 5 samples multiples times during the season to test for bacteria levels. The areas
that are tested are the coves and the beach. Testing will start in June.
Lake wardens are:
George Leal (508) 530-8211
Dave Buettner (508) 889-1504
Gavin Sherman (617) 265-2254
Corey Denault (508) 496-8972
Judy Leigh
If you have a problem with someone that you think is not supposed to be on the beach or
the lake, please make sure you are starting off your conversation with “hi, my name is
and I am a paying member of this private lake” and then ask them the question. If you
have any problems, please reach out to a warden or a board member.
133 Lakeshore Drive in Blackstone appears to be under contract as there was a surveyor
out there the other day. The property will be most likely torn down and another house
rebuilt on the property.
Blackstone Fire has made another request to train in our lake. The motion that was put
forward was “Blackstone and Bellingham Fire may due one training in the summer and
one ice training in the winter, each.” They will only require a boat during the summer
months. The departments will need to reach out to Mark to go over the lake and where
the access to the lakes are. They will be told that they are required to use the boat ramp,
unless there is an emergency and need to use beach access. The departments will also be
required to let a board member know when there will be training, so we can notify the
lake community. The boats that the fire departments and the lake treatment company use
do not use the propeller boats which use two stroke oil and leaks into the water. The
motion was made by Sue and 2nd by Regina.
LHA is committed to the safety of all residents and wants to be prepared for any emergency if it were to arise.
There is a blue canoe that is submerged halfway in the water in the Bernier Cove. If you
are missing a blue canoe, please reach out. If you don’t have the means to get the canoe,
there are people willing to help.
Bite Me Mosquito will be spraying at the beach again this year starting in June. This is an
organic spray that does not kill the mosquitos, only deters them away.
Meetings for this year will be:
June 18th @ 6pm
July 16 th @ 6pm
August 20 th @ 6pm
September 17th @ 6pm
October will either be the 1st or 15th @ 5pm as the sun will be setting earlier 😢�.
We also understand that it is hard to accommodate all members with meeting dates and
time and we apologize for that.
Motion to adjourn the meeting made by George 2nd by Sue
Let’s have a great lake season
Lake Hiawatha
October 2, 2025
Attendance: Lisa Parkm; Kim O'Neal, Gavin Sherwin, Lou and Marilena Galante, Judy Leigh, Kris White, Kim and Alike Pouliot, George Leal, Nancy Davidson, Leah Hultstrom, A T Coskie, Teresa AlcCarrich, Paula Lanctot
· September meeting minutes were motioned by Kim P. and 2' by George, minutes were approved.
· Treasurers report was motioned by A T and 2' by Lou, report was approved.
Starting balance: $30,907.88
Total deposits: $1.00
7/10/2025 The pond and Lake Connection- Lake Treatment: $3,745.00
ADC Septic: $800.00
Total withdrawals: $4,545.00
Ending balance: $26,363.88
RI Analytica- water testing: $189.00 (pending, waiting on last bill)
Mark and Paul were both unable to attend due to work obligations.
Members reported that the lake looked great after the September 23"1 treatment. There was mentioned that the cove down by Scott Hill area still has a lot of lily pads.
Blackstone Street Development- Gavin invited Bobby, who is a Bellingham resident, whose property abuts the land where they are looking to develop. Bobby that there is a pooling area where Blackstone St and Maddy Way meet. This pooling area is protecting the developers from being able to develop there. They have found springs in that area that feed Lake Hiawatha and other area bodies of water. If the developer was able to develop in that area the underground piping would affect the culvert that is located there. The current "road" is 23 feet wide, which would require the installation of either jersey barriers or a retaining wall due to wetlands on both sides. Definitive subdivisions can not have more than an 8% incline on the road, the current "road" has a 10% incline. They are already approved for two houses due to having a "road" there, so it qualifies under "ANR" (approval not required because a road does not need to be created). The developer is trying to widen the current "road" so that tin the future he will not need approval for the future 12 lots due to the ANR rule. Bobby is suggesting that we as concerned citizens request that they have a peer review done. A.T. is willing to write a letter on behalf of the lake association. We will then need to collect signatures, so please look for that form. Once the letter is written it will be submitted to the planning board who will review it to determine if a peer review is warranted. The developer will need to pay for the peer view, if they approve one. Bobby also stated that these types of things take time and are a long process. If you would like to write a letter on your own, you may do so, and it can be sent to Rob Lussier who is on the planning board.
· Conservation board can only vote based on the conservation and wetland laws
· Conservation meetings are held every 2"d and 4th Wednesday of the month; next one will be October 9'h at 7pm in the Arcand room at the Town Hall.
· Planning board meetings are held every and 4'1' Thursday of the month; the next one will be October 10'11 at 7pm in the Arcand room at the Town Hall
· If you can make these meetings, please go and show your support. We will continue to update on FB and email when we get updates.
The board would like to thank everyone for the great 2025 season, and we look forward to the 2026 season. Great things to come.
Lake Hiawatha Association
Meeting Date: 10/02/25
2025 Summary
Beginning Balance $ 7,368.10
May.25 Deposits $ 25,265.50
Jun.25 Deposits $ 4,800.00
Jul.25 Deposits $ 4,820.00
Aug.25 Deposits $725.00
Sep.25 Deposits $ 725.00
Oct.25 Deposits $ 1.00
Total Deposits
$ 36,336.50
3/5/2025 The Pond Connect-2024 lake treatment-INV 64444 07/18/24
$ 3,350.00
3/7/2025 Town of Bellingham-Taxes
$ 252.55
3/7/2025 Town of Bellingham-Online payment fee
0.50
3/7/2025 Town of Blackstone-Taxes
$ 4.67
3/7/2025 Town of Blackstone-Online payment fee
$ 0.50
3/18/2025 Matt Troland Check #179-Landscaping
$ 600.00
5/16/2025 Problem Animal Remediation
$ 200.00
5/29/2025 Pond and Lake Connection-Permit
$ 295.00
6/9/2025 George Leal-Stamps for mailing
$ 109.50
6/30/2025 RI Analytical - Water Testing
$ 189.00
7/10/2025 The Pond and Lake Connection-Lake Treatment-Inv 69145 05/28/25
$ 3,650.00
7/18/2025 The Pond and Lake Connection-70109-06/25/25 Treatment
$ 3,350.00
7/24/2025 Picnic Table
$ 425.00
7/28/2025 RI Analytical-Water Testing
$ 189.00
8/26/2025 Biteme-Mosquito spraying of the beach
$ 180.00
9/11/2025 ADC Septic
$ 800.00
10/1/2025 The Pond and Lake Connection
$ 3,745.00
Total Withdrawals
$ 17,340.72
Ending Balance
$ 26,363.88
136 Paid Members
Lake Hiawatha
September 4, 2025
Attendance: Mark Pouliot, Paul Gassett, Lisa Parker, Kim O’Neal, Alison Ferrone, Regina Sanetti, Sue
Daigle,Cory DeVault, John and Donna Ledoux, Jenn Kautman, Lynne Roby, Gavin Shermin, Lou and
Marilena Galante,Judy Leigh, Kris White, Rick Egan, Jennifer Fantini, Kim and Mike Pouliot, Pam and
George Leal, DanielleTremblay, Laurie and Matt Counolly, Nancy Davidson, Mike Luchuck, John Luchuck,
Jaquline Giguere, CharlesLeBlanc
August 7th meeting minutes motion made by George and 2ndby Corey, minutes were approved.
Treasurers report was motioned by Pam and 2nd by Rick, report was approved.
Algae Information:
The algae was tested and found to be non-toxic. Gavin spoke with the DCR who provided him with some
great information. The microclimate is all over the state of Massachusetts, typical for this time of the year.
The lack of rain and the heat play a major role in these algae is food for baby fish and native to this area.
Reasons for getting this type of algae is due to having shallow lakes/ponds, slow moving water, nitrogen,
and phosphorus, which is usually from lawn fertilizers and or bad septic systems ending up in the lake. To
remove the algae, take a rake (upside down) or pool skimmer and place underneath the algae and pull up,
you will need to do this slowly to ensure that the algae does not break. If you break the algae, you will not
be getting the roots of it. According to DCR, the more you remove the better situation we will be in. The
algae carpet is at the bottom of the lake and during the day gives off oxygen but during the night it gives off
nitrogen which increases the amount of algae we have. DCR does recommend killing the algae and to kill as
much of it before winter as we can. DCR recommends using Copper Sulfate to kill algae. There was a
motion made by Pam and 2ndby Cory to do another treatment on the lake, which would be the 3rd one this
year. Mark was told by The Lake and Pond treatment company that it is what they use to treat our lake
already; he will verify that this information is correct and schedule another treatment.
Development north of the lake on North and Blackstone. The company is now putting forward smaller
projects in front of the planning board and conservation boards in hopes of getting those approved and
adding on future projects. These developments will have negative impact not only on our water springs that
feed our lake but also the water that feeds the Charles River watershed and the Blackstone Valley watershed.
The next meeting is September 24that 7pm, if you can make it please attend and show support to stop this
development.
Lowering of the water, there was a lot of debate about this topic. Right now, with thewater already being
low, unknown what the springs look like under the water, thepossibility of development, work being done
over by the dam, and the possibility of amild winter again. It has been 10-12 years since the last time the
lake was lowered. Wewould need a deep freeze to kill the algae. If we did decide to lower the lake, we
would not need a permit due to the lake not being a grand pond over 10 acres. The lowering of the lake did
not pass with 5 votes to lower and 26 to not lower the lake.
Water testing results
Pelletier Cove 7.5
Marcel Lane Cove 12.1
St Germain Cove 9.5
Main Beach Area 41.7
Bernier Lane Cove 5.2
Lake website is up for renewal, $20. Alison will get a check to cover cost.
Lake Admins will take over the monitoring of Facebook. It was recommended that only paid members
should be allowed on the Facebook page. The board is also requesting that if you have a concern with
something on the lake to please reach out to a board member before posting on Facebook so we can look
into the situation and see if it can be resolved before people get nervous.
Blackstone Fire Department is looking to use our lake to do some training. This will be approved if: They provide their own insurance
Notify lake admin when they plan on conducting these trainings No gas-powered boats. No driving on beach
Cory will have Chief reach out to Mark to ensure proper communication.
Motion was made by Pam and 2nd by Judy to approve the Blackstone Fire Department to use the lake for training.
Lake yard sale set for September 20-21, 2025, to join with the town of Blackstone’s yard sale. This yard sale is not sponsored by Lake Hiawatha; everyone is on their own.
Meeting adjourned motioned by Mike 2nd by Alison
Next meeting is scheduled for October 2nd at 5PM at the lake. This will be the last meeting for the 2025 season.
Lake Hiawatha
August 7, 2025
Attendance: Kris White, Sue Daigle, Richard Eagan, Lisa Parker, Mark Pouliot, Paul Gassett, Kim and Mike Pouliot, Kim O’Neal, Loreto & Marilena Galante, Judy Leigh, Michele Cooper, John Brothen
July meeting minutes approved by Kris, 2nd by Loreto
July’s treasure’s report approved by Mike, 2nd by Rick
Beginning: $33,601.88
Deposits: $725.00
Withdrawals: $3,964.00
7/18/2025 The Pond and Lake Connection-6/25/2025 Lake treatment:$3,350.00
7/24/2025 Picnic table: $425.00
7/28/2025 RI Analytical-Water Testing: $189.00
Ending: $30,362.88
131 paid members
Pin wheels have been placed on the beach, which is deterring the geese from coming onto
the beach.
Handouts regarding lowering the lake at the end of season, we will be voting on this
matter at the next meeting. Please do your research and come to the meeting to vote.
Why Drawdown a Lake? - Lakefront Living International, LLC
E coli testing results:
Beach- 17.3 previously 81.3
Pelletier- 4.1 previously 9.8
Bernier- 88.2 previously 119.8
Marcell 5.2 previously 10.9
St. Germain- 3.1 previously 10.9
The fence is now locked
New picnic table has been dropped off at the boat ramp. Mark has not had a chance to
look at the erosion at the boat ramp yet.
Mark will speak with The Pond and Lake Connection about the lily pads and what their
thoughts are about lowering the water level.
Thinking that we may not need a third treatment as the season is coming to an end and
the water is in good condition. The green algae that are forming will need to be treated
separately from the regular treatments.
The Gasset’s will be holding their annual Veteran’s day cookout this Saturday August 2nd
at their house. Everyone is welcome and always looking for volunteers.
We will be discussing a community yard sale date. Please come to the September meeting
to get all the information.
Meeting adjourned by Rick, 2ndby Kim
Next meeting will be September 4th 6PM at the Lake
LHA would like to again thank Ronnie Beaulieu and R&R Landscaping for all the
hard work at the beach this year, making the beach look great and keeping it
looking great.
****this information is from after meeting*****Mark has spoken with The Pond and
Lake Connection about the green algae that is currently in the lake. They do not believe it
is harmful to humans or pets as Mark described it. He also told Mark that a lot of beaches
are dealing with this, due to the heat and lack of rain. We will be having him come out to
test the algae, just to be on the safe side.