Medford Township Ordinance 2005-26
Restoration Project Commentary
Below are emails about the Dam Repairs & Lake Bottom Cleaning projects.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE PRIZE
by Steve Cohen
What seems like a long, long time ago in a far away world is in fact Sunday July
11, 2004 in Birchwood Lakes. It was a near perfect summer day...not too hot,
sunny and a nice breeze. Carol and I had company that day. My college roommate
and friend (for nearly 37 years) Milt and his wife Roe (they live in West
Chester, PA) visited us. We talked, drank, ate and floated in the lake for most
of the afternoon (see photo). I recall telling Milt that living in Birchwood
Lakes is life quality at its best and better than I ever thought I would know.
Living in Birchwood Lakes is a blessing for all of us and to me it is like
winning a contest and getting First Prize.
Two days later I awoke and could only say "Where have you gone Joe DiMaggio?"
Every day since I look out on what has become a muddy stream in a meadow and I
shed a tear. On July 12 we were "stabbed" in the heart by an unprecedented act
of nature. I am not a person who runs away from challenges. I have spent more
than 35 years of my life as an engineer designing power plants and challenges
were part of my daily work life. I have taken time out from working at this time
in my life and I am focusing some of my energies and time towards the challenge
of rebuilding what I call The Prize...a rare and serene lakeside community that
fosters a wonderful quality of life.
During the recent months while working on the Lakes Restoration Committee and
talking with neighbors, I have learned that our community is made up of people
with the spirit and drive to regain what was lost. We are fortunate that many of
our neighbors are stepping up as tireless volunteers all with the same goal. I
know that not everyone has the same opinion in what should be done regarding the
restoration project. This is natural and we live in a society that allows
freedom of speech in a democratic process.
I urge all residents to keep "an eye on the prize" and rally together by
offering their support and time in bringing the serenity of the Birchwood Lakes
lifestyle back to what it was on July 11, 2004.