Minutes from 11 September 2005 meeting

14 people in attendance

1. The Friends of Tully Lake finances are looking much improved (although we always need donations!).
A very successful multi-family tag sale held on August 20 nearly doubled our "war chest." Thanks to all
FOTL members, neighbors, and local businesses that contributed time, effort, and merchandise to this
landmark event. We have also published a heartfelt "thank you" ad in the Athol Daily News.
In addition, we have received several generous donations, and interest in this issue is clearly beginning to
grow across Massachusetts. We have received numerous requests for information and bumper stickers
from all over the state.

2. Several new articles on the issue have appeared in regional papers. We are also planning to send press
releases to the Boston Globe, Worcester Telegram, and other papers to increase public attention.

3. We will soon be sending all FOTL members and donors a personal letter updating them on the progress
and news related to the development. We will ask for their continued support, particularly in making donations
and attending upcoming town board meetings.

4. Relevant town boards from abutting towns (Orange, Royalston) will be requested, and in some cases
required by law, to submit written comments on the impacts of this subdivision to the town boards of Athol.
we are ensuring that they are well-informed about these impacts. Individuals from all the towns in the area are
encouraged to submit written testimony to the Athol Planning Board.

5. Lawn signs have been very effective in raising the profile of the subdivision in the area. We voted to order another batch.

6. Surveying crews working for "Dreamtime Builders" (a subsidiary of JCJ Homes, Inc. in West Boylston, MA) are already
out on Chestnut Hill Road, surveying topography. The landowner has entered into a tentative purchase and sale agreement
with this company, which is contingent on receipt of all appropriate building permits. There is time to convince town boards
that such a subdivision is extremely foolhardy. They may then deny permits or restrict the development to a smaller and
much more practical scale for the town, one that will not destroy the natural resource values of Tully Lake, endanger drinking
water, and drain town funds.

7. FOTL members discussed a number of innovative fundraising projects, including:
- a redeemable bottle/can drive at Hannaford's Market in Athol
- a volunteer hike or kayaking trip on Tully Lake
- a benefit concert with local musicians, two of whom have offered to play already
- a benefit community supper

8. FOTL members will be giving an invited presentation on the subdivision issue and our activities
at 100 Main Street, Athol on October 26 at 7pm.

9. The next meeting of Friends of Tully Lake is Sunday, October 2 (NOTE EARLY DATE SO AS NOT TO CONFLICT
WITH COLUMBUS DAY WEEKEND!) at 4pm.