Carla McClain, left, presented Dean Schwalm with a token of appreciation for his years overseeing the water quality testing on Syracuse Lake. McClain and several others have been learning the procedures from Schwalm who is retiring from his testing duties. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

The largest Syracuse Lake Association breakfast meeting in its history was held Saturday morning at Syracuse Community Building. More than 84 association members and families attended to hear what the SLA has been doing the past year.

Among business was a presentation by board member Nate Shoemaker seeking interest to add music (synchronized with a local radio station) in coordination with the annual July 4th fireworks display. The overwhelming consensus of those present was to pursue the idea.

Shoemaker reported he inquired if adding music would be an additional cost, which that itself would not, however, more firework shells would need to be added, increasing the cost. He explained the synchronization requires a specific number of shells because “it takes several shells to hold a note … It would be a bigger and better show.” Shoemaker noted the numbers would come later, but he feels the cost would be attainable.

Heather Harwood, executive director of the Wawasee Area Conservancy Foundation, spoke of the weed control on the lake. A grant was received for an aquatic weed survey and treatment. The survey found additional locations of starry eyed stonewort in the lake, while unfortunate, has been expected and the isolated area was treated by the Department of Natural Resources. Treatment of Eurasian watermilfoil in locations found in the study is being coordinated with the DNR.

Becky Fox, right, Syracuse Lake Association president, talks with SLA members Marie and Gordy Moore prior to the annual SLA Breakfast meeting on Saturday morning. This year was the largest turn out for the breakfast meeting with more than 84 members present. (Photo by Deb Patterson)

“We have water, more than enough water,” stated Becky Fox, SLA president, who announced dredging would not need to take place at the channel going under the railroad bridge. “The channel is navigable,” she said, but encouraged members to contact her if there are problems. While “stuff” from trains going over the bridge falls, the major concrete debris is quickly removed. “That waterway is a part of our lives. A lot of people coming to our lake use that channel.”

Individuals who have assisted the association in various ways — from overseeing the dusk to dawn light, placement of buoys, organization of the morning’s breakfast meeting were recognized.

Encouragement to get younger residents involved was stressed, especially regarding buoy placement. “We don’t need the patrol guys doing it. We need to teach young boys how to do it,” stated Fox. The buoys along the eastshore are for protection from the unseen tree stumps in the lake.

A gift of appreciation was given to Dean Schwalm, who is retiring from numerous years overseeing the water testing. He noted the change in the lake over the years he’s been a resident is the quality of the lake water has improved.

A special program for the morning was given by Mark Eastway, former area pastor now in North Manchester, on the proposed Rock Solid Teen Center. Eastway is currently held at the community center and provides a game room, tutoring and programs with different activities.

The tutors include former teachers and college professors. “The long range goal is to have a teen center,” he stated, providing an active place for teens that is faith based. “It makes a difference in young people’s lives. Our dream is to have one in Syracuse. A place they can come to hang out.”

He left brochures for those present in which individuals can contact the Syracuse Community Youth Initiative, 1413 N. Long Dr., Syracuse or visit rocksolid.us. Individuals can also email [email protected].

For a more in-depth account of Saturday’s breakfast meeting, see this week’s issue of The Mail-Journal.