Goldfish Pond Association proud to keep area clean

LYNN – With the summer in full swing, it’s hard to imagine a time when the leaves will change and drift down towards the sidewalk. But when that time comes, the Goldfish Pond Association will be ready for the season.For the last 30 years, the Association has been out on the little island in the middle of the pond planting flowers, situating an enormous pumpkin or placing a Christmas tree of lights to make their neighborhood a more beautiful place.On Sept. 11, the Association will hold a giant flea market with more than 100 tables to raise money to keep Goldfish Pond looking handsome. The proceeds will go toward the upkeep of the pond, taking care of the cost of the tools, flowers and equipment. In order to keep it looking its best, the Association maintains and grooms the pond at least once a week.”The annual fundraiser keeps us able to continue doing what we do,” said association member Kathy Montejunas.According to Montejunas, the flea market will be open to the public and anyone who wants to sell anything can purchase space for a table for $30 for the whole day, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. There will also be a raffle, which had $3,000 worth of prizes and gift certificates last year.In addition to the flea market, 30 years of seasons and upkeep deserves some celebration and the members of Goldfish Pond Association will be holding theirs Oct. 23 at the Lynn Historical Society and Museum. There will be photo exhibits and artist renderings depicting the history of the pond that the public will be invited to view. The Association’s founder, Gerard Dwan, will be honored at the event. The Association will determine the price of tickets in the next few weeks.A further dedication will be made in both video and print. A documentary is in the works about the history of both the pond and the Association, along with a 40-page book written by Trish Greene.Association members hope the celebration will spark memories of people enjoying the pond over the years. Both the members and the people of the neighborhood have proof that their work is appreciated already – they can see it out their windows.”People are down all day – women with babies, teenagers, old couples – people who come down to eat lunch in their cars and sit on the bench,” said Montejunas. “It has an almost European park sense to it with all the different kinds of people around.”Of course, there are always some people who don’t appreciate the pond: those who throw trash and denigrate the look that the Association works so hard to preserve. But Montejunas says they’re ready for it. “As soon as anyone does anything – like a grocery cart ending up in the pond – it’s out in a day. A few people are remarkable in their willingness to pick up after the public and they do.”