The first meeting of the Norwood Lake Association was held May 30th, 1984 at the municipal building with 20 people in attendance. Primarily through the efforts of Bill Grant and Terry LaFleur, who were concerned about the poor water quality in Norwood Lake, the association was incorporated on May 13th, 1985. Bill Grant was elected to be the first president and serve the group for 2 years (1985-1986). Jim McFaddin was elected president in 1987 and currently serves the community.
The association’s goals are to help maintain good water quality in Norwood Lake, to foster pride in Norwood properties, to enhance recreational use of the lake, and to promote social interaction within the community.
In addition to McFaddin, officers, Josh Cook – 1st Vice president; Larry Averill – 2nd Vice president; Elaine Perry – Treasurer; Elaine Saarinen – Secretary.
Association membership has grown to over 160 members. Members keep busy doing many projects that benefit the entire community such as the annual winter family fun day. They also established the Norwood Lake Association Recycling Center. For the regatta, Lake Association members are coordinating all events.
1985 – the Norwood Lake Association formed to address water quality issues in Norwood Lake. A local industry was suspected of discharging harmful pollutants that caused the local Beach to close on occasion because of the company’s actions. It was later verified that barium, lithium, and titanium were being discharged. Water clarity was another concern as it was not possible to see in the very murky water. The Norwood Lake Association assisted by the DEC and other agencies work together to rectify this action and today tests show much improved water quality in Norwood Lake. Residents are encouraged to take pride in their lakefront property and this effort has also proven successful as quality housing has been built and there is a very good community spirit. One concern of present is the high assessment rendered on their properties causing a financial concern to some residents. The Norwood Lake Association is following this and insists on fair assessment for all town residents.
1988 – The Norwood Lake Association membership has increased from 20 members to 160. 60. They identified a need to stage an event that would raise funds for the organization and improve business for local merchants. Hydroplane boat racing was decided on with food and crafts with the event planned for Norwood Beach. The Norwood Lake Regatta is now planning projects that have benefited local citizens. A few of their projects are providing a boat dock at the boat launch they worked on with the local hydro company to establish. That project brings many to Norwood Lake to fish, boat, and enjoy all water sports on our Lake.
1989 – The Norwood Lake Association assisted 56 homeowners to settle grievances with a small hydro developer who was building two projects on the Racquette River. They were ruining tree stands, flooding private property, ruining water sources without offering compensation and it was felt they had little or no concern for resident complaints. The Lake Association with assistance from FERC, local governments and other agencies addressed these concerns and in the end, residents were satisfied with settlements offered by the developer.
1990 – local dumps were closed by state order and household waste had to be reduced so the Norwood Lake Association using profits from the annual regatta established the Norwood Lake Association Recycling Center. They identified markets and in 2010 the center serves over 300 families each Saturday who are able to dispose of 90% of their household waste at no cost. No wages have ever been paid and it is operated by Norwood Lake volunteers. It has received many awards and is considered a model for other communities. In the 20 years of operation they have never closed even on holidays.
Norwood village was attempting to save a historic building from destruction but lacked the funds to do so. The Norwood Lake Association provided $4,000 from regatta profits to rebuild the structure to save it from collapse. There are now plans to establish a railroad museum in the building and operate a tour train from it which will benefit the entire community.
Local School officials identified children who when on vacation often went without food. The Norwood Lake Association working with village and school officials deliver bagged lunches to these families when school is not in session. On a recent occasion, they delivered 640 bag lunches to grateful residents. They assisted NNCS to establish a summer lunch and recreation program where youngsters are bust to our local Beach daily during the month of July. The Norwood Lake Association assisted by others, provide lunch. The youngsters then enjoy their beach recreation and our bussed home. This very successful program is in its second year and expects to continue. Again, profits raised by the association are used to purchase the food for the 140 youngsters.
Some local residents were running out of fuel during the winter months so again the Norwood Lake Association working with the village assisted. As funds were available, The Lake Association purchased 25 gallons of fuel which the village delivered and the furnaces started. Seven families were served this year. In most cases a box of food was delivered as well.
The Norwood Lake Association is currently rebuilding a gazebo for shelter and use by boaters as they visit our area. They also assist on a case-by-case basis as possible in projects that improve our community and the quality of life of our residents.
The Norwood Lake Association has spent over $6,000 in partnership with Brookfield Power to restock Norwood Lake. This fish stocking program has resulted in much improved fishing!
The Norwood Lake Association is working to control the spread of milfoil, discovered in Norwood Lake in 2012.
Bill and Mary Grant (with President Bartlett) 40 years with NLA holding various roles as Founding members, President & Secretary, Advisors, Committees, and Volunteers. Continuing with NLA as Honorary Advisors, and Members.
Elaine Perry (with Advisors Valerie and Dave Mooney, and President Bartlett) 38 years w NLA serving various roles Treasurer, numerous Committees, Advisor, and Volunteer. Continuing with NLA as Member.
Terry LaFleur (with Vice President Stevens) – Terry was the first Vice President and has spent 40 years with NLA holding various roles as Founding Member, Advisor, numerous Committees, and Volunteer. Continuing w NLA as honorary advisor and Member.
These individuals and others were instrumental in establishing and strengthening the Norwood Lake Association for decades