Family Day Showcases Lake Community

By Kendra Bobowick

Snow cones and a children’s inflatable funhouse were the first sights to greet guests who soon discovered the kayaks and fishing lessons, a picnic, and waterskiing all welcoming neighbors to the Newtown boat launch for the first Lake Lillinonah Family Day on August 4. Friends of the Lake hosted the event.

Standing in the center of the lot and at once looking out over the lake and then back toward the food tents and guests were Friends of the Lake members Jeffrey Silverman and George Walker, who were glad to see families arrive and enjoy the afternoon on the water.

“It’s a great turnout,” Mr Walker said. Visitors gathered either in the shade or at the water’s edge were exactly who he had hoped to see. “The neighborhood people we had hoped for are here.” Flyers and advertising managed to reach lake-oriented residents from Brookfield, Bridgewater, Newtown, New Milford, and elsewhere who enjoy water sports, boating, fishing, and the pastimes Lake Lillinonah provides.

Family Day organizers hoped to knit all these strands together. Mr Walker explained, “It was to promote the community of the lake and the people who live on or near or use the lake. It pulled the community together.”

Reclining in the shade and looking across the water as skiers and boaters cut wakes across its surface, mother and daughter Cindy and Amanda LaPorta of Newtown were already looking forward to another family event.

Ms LaPorta said, “I hope they do this again next year.” Her daughter agreed. Aside from the groups of residents seated on the lawn, or meandering through the food tables, were those interested in the several water sports representatives taking advantage of the day’s venue to offer lessons or demonstrations. Tim Davies with New Milford’s GMS Rowing Center was among those taking guests out to learn to row. Like other guests, he was pleased at the chance to introduce his sport to residents. Learn more at www.gmsrowingcenter.us.

Locally, Richard Newman of Newtown Bait and Tackle also spent time with guests during fishing lessons. The children especially made the day a success for Mr Newman.

“Some caught their first fish — it’s worth it right there,” he said.

Sandy Cox with the Housatonic Valley Paddle Club was glad to be a part of the afternoon. “This was a very good idea,” she said. The day served several purposes, she said. “We introduced ourselves and we helped people.” A small group of people were either stepping into kayaks for a lesson or returning to shore after a quick paddle around the lake. Learn more at hvpaddleclub.org.

Also on the water were Connecticut Bass Federation Nation representatives Paul Carter, vice president, and Dave Santos, conservation director. The pair trolled in a speedboat and offered to take guests out on the water.

Formed five years ago, Friends of the Lake has specific goals. A visit to the website Friendsofthelake.org reveals the both the objectives and mission.

The site states, “Friends of the Lake is a nonprofit organization founded in 2003 to improve the conditions on Lake Lillinonah for the recreational enjoyment for those who use it, and for the long-term environmental protection of this beautiful section of the Housatonic River.

“Friends of the lake will work closely with the Lake Lillinonah Authority, FirstLight Power, the state Department of Environmental Protection, elected officials, members, residents, and other groups to reduce the lake’s debris and pollution. We will work to increase public awareness, develop a closer lake community, foster stewardship, and obtain funding for a variety of projects.”

Family Day was meant to bring together neighbors and offer guests a chance to see the many activities the lake has to offer. Also playing a key part the day’s success was the Newtown Parks and Recreation Commission. In recent months Friends of the Lake representatives had asked for exclusive use of the town’s boat launch at the end of Hanover Road between 12:30 and 3:30 pm on that afternoon. Mr Walker said, “The town was very cooperative and they deserve a lot of credit for this.”