The Lake Iroquois Greeter Program

The greeters are back!

The greeters have returned to check boats at the Lake Iroquois Boat Access to ensure invasive species (plant and animal) do not enter the lake.  Their responsibilities include boat inspection and boat washing.  They are scheduled for all summer weekends (including Friday evenings) and holidays.  A new VT law, Act 67, requires that a boat be washed if a greeter is on duty, the washer (at Lake Iroquois for the second year) is operating at the time, and the greeter determines that the boat needs to be washed.  These conditions apply for boats entering AND leaving the water.  The greeters have documentation that more completely explains this law.  This station has been designated by the state as an Approved Aquatic Nuisance Species Inspection Station, and all greeters have been trained in all duties by the Vermont Department of Environmental Conservation.  Just one more step LIA is taking to improve lake water quality.
 

   
                                          2018 Greeters

Emilie Bernier:  Emilie is the only returning greeter from last year. She is a junior at Carleton university in Ottawa, majoring in environmental studies. Emilie is from Hinesburg.








Jim Jarvis: Also from Hinesburg, Jim is semi-retired. He is a former tool maker and engineer. He also has a background in radio and sports broadcasting. Jim is currently teaching in the electrical engineering department at the Williston campus of Vermont Technical College. He has been an avid sailboater his whole life and is also on the board of trustees at the Carpenter-Carse library.






Michelle Villeneuve: Michelle is a Hinesburg resident with a long background in physical therapy. She has worked for the VNA, Rehab gym, and a number of school districts. For the past 8 years Michelle has been working for Chittenden East schools to help provide assessments and treatments for the students in that district. She has a Master’s from Ithaca College.






Michael “Zeke” Haskins: Zeke has a background in construction and worked for a while at Blodgett manufacturing ovens. He has just recently returned to Vermont from working as a contractor in Minnesota. He is an avid fisherman and loves to play guitar.








Zachary Dubie: A senior from Hinesburg at the Center for Technology in Essex. Zach is looking at a career in heavy equipment. He has previously worked at the Public House in Hinesburg and as well as at the Mobil station.




Both Zeke and Zack also work over at the LIRD beach. 



Jim Johnson Greeter and Beach Manager: Jim is a Williston resident and graduate of the University of Vermont.  Jim has been managing the beach for the Lake Iroquois Recreation District for many years and has now added overseeing the LIA Greeters to his responsibilities.  Jim grew up on a family dairy farm that still operates in Williston. He has worked as a bus driver full-time for Champlain Valley Union High School for 29 years. He has also worked par- time driving a bus for CCTA/GMT in Burlington for past 7 years.