The 125th Twins Lake Day anchored a series of lake-related activities running from morning to night on Aug. 2. The canoe races and other games started at 1 p.m. In the morning, TLA members heard good news about the battle with hydrilla during the annual meeting. In the evening, members partied to the sounds of deejay Justin as part of a new event coordinated by Erica Cohn. All activities took place at Isola Bella.
The turnout for Twin Lakes Day, organized by Sharon Aiuvalasit, was among the largest in recent memory. The usual ribbons and prizes were awarded to winners in their age groups. Special recognition went to attendees who produced winner’s ribbons from decades ago, honoring the annual event’s long history.
The oldest ribbon award went to Chris Baron (photo nearby), daughter of John O’Hara, senior. She brought ribbons from as far back as 1921. The Haupt, Putnam, and Meyers families all brought ribbons dated decades ago.
Kicking off the marathon day, nearly 100 members assembled for the annual meeting at 10 a.m. Board member Russ Conklin delivered welcome news on the invasive weed front. Hydrilla, once widespread in the north cove, is now limited to a few spots near the marina. This is noteworthy progress. But Conklin and the scientists who spoke at the meeting emphasized the need to continue treating the North Cove.
Plant matter may be embedded in the lake bottom and spring to life, as occurred at Coventry Lake a few years ago after they thought they had eradicated hydrilla and stopped treatments.
Greg Bugbee (photo nearby), Associate scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and head of the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species, offered an overview of hydrilla’s spread to 10 Connecticut lakes. He discussed the various ways lake associations have tried to eradicate the plant but have had little success. Many are now looking at Twin Lakes as model for dealing with this troublesome plant.
Dominic Meringolo, environmental engineer with Solitude Lake Management and regional leader for projects in central and northeast Massachusetts and northern Connecticut, offered an overview on progress at Twin Lakes. He said the slow, steady release strategy with the herbicide Sonar is proving to be the most effective.
Greater detail on these and other presentations at the meeting can be found in the slides used at the meeting. These includes the TLA financial summary and projected budget. Expenses have risen to around $500,000 annually. They will likely stay at that level for the next few years.
Fundraising for the 2026 season has begun. Each year, the TLA spends all the funds it collects through donations, dues, and grants. The response from our members has been impressive, but we are nowhere near rid of this problem and must remain engaged. Please give what you can to protect the lakes.
In other news, members approved bylaw changes making it easier to establish a quorum to approve board action, the TLA launched a new initiative to monitor land-based invasive plants, and photo contest winners went to Ethan Bravin (first place) and Gephardt Vogus (runner-up).
Here is a short video of Twin Lakes Day activities. Enjoy the photos below.
Deejay Justin spinning the ’70s, evening dance
The pizza got hit, evening dance
Vintage Haupt family ribbon
Lou Putnam and Nina Mathus
Multi-generation contestants Karen Meyer and granddaughter Elizabeth
40 and over contestants who once competed in the six and under: Sharon Auivalasit, Justin Meyer, Christa Consolini Logue, Tony Auivalasit, Mary Ellen Meyer
The turnout for Twin Lakes Day, organized by Sharon Aiuvalasit, was among the largest in recent memory. The usual ribbons and prizes were awarded to winners in their age groups. Special recognition went to attendees who produced winner’s ribbons from decades ago, honoring the annual event’s long history.
Greg Bugbee (photo nearby), Associate scientist at the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station and head of the Office of Aquatic Invasive Species, offered an overview of hydrilla’s spread to 10 Connecticut lakes. He discussed the various ways lake associations have tried to eradicate the plant but have had little success. Many are now looking at Twin Lakes as model for dealing with this troublesome plant.
