FOC Newsletter, Chairman's Letter, Summer 2016

The latest news regarding the hatchery: The first batch of eggs has successfully hatched and we now have fingerlings, which are growing very rapidly. Once these are tested and hopefully found to be disease free, they will be released into the raceway ponds to proceed to grow and eventually be stocked into the river.

We are waiting for permits from the Department of Environmental Conservation to begin construction of the plaza and entrance ramp at the mill. As soon as this is received, the final phase of work will commence and when complete, the mill will be dedicated and open for visitors.

While standing on the road near the grist mill one Sunday morning, I was approached by two gentlemen who were visiting the Connetquot Preserve for the first time. One had a very distinct British accent. We spoke briefly. I introduced myself and told them an abbreviated version of the park's history. They were very impressed by the condition of the buildings and the overall preservation of such a beautiful property. As they proceeded their walk, I overheard them comment that they were pleased they had chosen to spend some time there and would be visiting again in the future.

The Friends and the State have been working hard to make the Preserve a quality place to visit. Restoration of the grist mill and refurbishing the historic trout hatchery are two of our major accomplishments. There remains much more to be addressed and much work to be done to insure this historic gem remains for future generations to enjoy. Volunteers are always welcome to help. On "I Love My Park" day over seventy volunteers pitched in to do all kinds of tasks that otherwise may not have been done, due to lack of State manpower and time.

If you would like to register to assist with our efforts, or have a question or comment to be addressed, please visit our web page at www.friendsofconnetquot.org and select "Contact the Friends."

On a sad note, I wish to mention the loss of our dear Friend and Vice President, Frances Levesque. Fran passed away from pancreatic cancer on August 5th. She was one of our most dedicated, enthusiastic and kind Board members we had the honor to know. Always willing to pitch in, plan and organize our events such as Love my Park Day, the annual Gala, Trail Ride and others. We will greatly miss her.

Sincerely,
Bob Labuski

Current President's Letter

Past President's Letters:
Winter 2021
Fall 2020
Winter 2019-20
Fall 2019
Fall 2018
Winter 2018
Fall 2017
Summer 2017
Spring 2017
Winter 2017
Fall 2016
Summer 2016
Spring 2016
Winter 2016
Fall 2015
Summer 2015
Spring 2015
Winter 2014-15
Fall 2014
Spring 2014
Winter 2013-14
Fall 2013
Summer 2013
Spring 2013
Winter 2012-13
Fall 2012
Summer 2012
Spring 2012
Winter 2011-12
Summer 2011
Spring 2011
Winter 2010-11
Fall 2010
Summer 2010
Spring 2010
Winter 2009-10
Fall 2009
Summer 2009
Spring 2009
Winter 2008-09
Fall 2008
Summer 2008
Spring 2008
Winter 2007-08
Fall 2007
Summer 2007
Spring 2007