Volunteers start planning 2028 bicentennial celebration for Lake Lachowiak, seek stories and photos

A resident and historical-society volunteer told the Select Board on Aug. 12 that a local group has begun planning a 200th anniversary celebration for Lake Lachowiak in 2028 and is collecting stories, family memories and photographs for an archive and commemorative booklet. The presenter said preliminary fundraising events will begin next year and invited residents to join the planning effort. He read a letter drafted by Heather (last name not read into the record) asking for submissions: stories, notes and photographs with captions to illustrate the lake's two-century history. The presenter said he will post details online and provided an email as spoken at the meeting -- "East Brookfield History 19 20 at G Mail Dot Com" -- and said a mailing address will be provided shortly for residents who prefer to submit physical items to be scanned. Why it matters: collecting oral histories and photographs builds a community record of the lake and helps organizers plan commemorative events and interpretive materials for the bicentennial year. Details and next steps: organizers will hold fundraising events beginning next year, collect submissions over the coming months, and produce a display, booklet and online archive to mark the 2028 celebration. Interested residents were asked to contact the presenter for details.