Keoka Lake Association
Keoka Lake Will Miss Betty Miller
It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Betty Miller died on September 15, 2021. Those who knew her, adored her. Her enthusiasm knew no boundaries. She loved Keoka and her Waterford family. For over 100 years, her family, and extended Kokosing community, pioneered many aspects of life on our lake. Her long battle with Alzheimer’s may have taken the wind out of her sails, but her impact and memory will live on. Extending deepest sympathies to her family and all those who loved this enchanted spirit.
Her family request that in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to KLA in her memory. For those wishing to make a contribution via credit card through PayPal please use this link: Betty Miller Memorial.
KEOKA LAKE: History of Our Life on Our Lake
The 400-page book of photos and stories of Keoka Lake will be available for pickup throughout the summer. The book is being sold at cost and the price is $35 per copy. Books may be purchased at the Waterford Library during their normal hours. Payment is by cash or check made out to KLA. Books will also be available at various KLA and Waterford events.
We now have a shipping option for the KLA books! To order, send a check for $35 plus $6 shipping for each book ordered to:
KLA/Nancy Eaton
PO Box 51
Waterford, ME 04088
Over the past year we have put together a 400-page book of photos and stories of Keoka Lake. To read more about the making of the book and its contents click here. If you own the book please share your feedback with others and "like" the book by clicking the link below.
Gift memberships can be given using this form. See the top of this page for how to order books that will be shipped to you. Contact Joanne Eaton for KLA merchandise. Happy Holidays!
Dock Removal Party
Volunteers braved the chilly water to take out the KLA-managed dock at the boat ramp. If you missed the fun, watch for the Dock Installation Party coming this spring!
Boat Ramp Apron Paved!
Thanks to Jeff Ward, KLA, Waterford, and donors, the apron to the new boat ramp was paved. This makes it easier and safer to launch boats. It also helps direct runoff away from the lake and into the plunge pool.
Dam Signs & Buoys
Andy Tabor installed three dam warning signs, the dam buoy, and float lines. He also removed the loon nest and loon nest warning buoys. We are hoping for better loon luck next year. Read more about our dam here.
KLA Annual Fall Board of Trustees Meeting
The KLA Annual Fall Meeting was held in-person in the Town Hall as well as on Zoom. Read the minutes of the meeting here.
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8th Annual Bud Lazott Regatta
and 2nd Annual Camp Cup
The day dawned clear and with winds already picking up. Larry Griffin, John Wait, Greg Peterson, and Al Struck were out on the lake at 9:00 am placing the buoys for the afternoon race. Since it is an open registration, we had no clear idea of how many boats would be in the fleet. We did know that the three camps vying for the Camp Cup were fielding 13 boats. We hoped that Fernwood Cove will rejoin us next year in the quest for the Cup.
The registration desk was manned by Tom and Joann Aiello who have a place at Keoka Beach Campground. We are so grateful to Chris Searles for allowing the Regatta to launch from the Keoka Beach Campground Beach. Logistically, this has really helped make the Regatta doable. The winds were blowing between 10 and 15mph. The sailors had their boats tuned and ready to go. Brenda Hambleton captained the Committee boat with able assistance from Doss and Riley Hassan.
Twenty boats composed the fleet leaping forward at the opening horn as they surged toward the first mark just shy of Rock Island. Unfortunately, the flags on each of the markers could not withstand the winds and disintegrated before the race began. The safety boat manned by Dodi and John Wait and Steve Dosh pressed folks into service to help the sailors see where the turns were located. Sailing was spirited with competitive contact at buoys. The wind upset several boats and the lead was exchanged a few times in the various classes. Riley Hassan dove into the water to get an accurate account of the finish. Right to the end the outcome was a toss-up. The winners were exhilarated when they found themselves crossing the finish line first.
Once the results were confirmed the awards were presented to the winners on the beach at the Keoka Beach Campground. The Camp Cup was won by Birch Rock this year wresting it from Camp Wigwam. A young man named Teddy was the first camper to cross the finish line winning the cup and coming in first in the Camp Laser Class. Nate, also from Birch Rock took first place in the Sunfish Class. The Catamaran Class was won by a young lady named Sterla, from Camp Waziyatah, who had just learned to sail that previous Tuesday! The Bud Lazott Memorial Regatta was won by Glen Haberbush in the Laser class and Daniel Frey in the Open Class.
Many thanks to all those who helped make this first post-COVID Regatta a success. We hope to see you and many more boats return next year.
Pictures of this year and other years can be seen in the Regatta Photo Gallery.
About
Keoka Lake Association (KLA) is a volunteer organization supported by those who love Keoka Lake, whether they be landowners along its shores, citizens/taxpayers in Waterford who use and treasure the lake or some for whom Keoka Lake holds a special place In their hearts.
KLA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Why?
KLA is committed to keeping our lake beautiful for generations to come. We need your help to educate and engage all who have the chance to enjoy it through programs, communication, and activities on water quality, wildlife, and invasives.
Get Involved
Supported primarily by member dues, KLA is committed to maintaining the health and safety of Keoka Lake, especially in the face of the threat of invasives, both flora and fauna, and naturally-occurring and man-made environmental threats. Join us and become a member and a volunteer.