Some residents have been known to become impatient when it comes to cleaning up local ponds, not realizing the problems didn’t happen overnight. Furnace Pond, for instance, has about 15 feet of sediment, and its average depth is about five feet of water. It has taken many years to accumulate that much sediment —a natural process that can happen with lakes and ponds. Measures to save a pond don’t happen overnight or in a year or even two. Many steps must be taken.

Consider the lobster roll. Such a simple summer delight, but still a point of delicious debate. Some like their lobster chunks chilled and dressed simply in light mayo, served with crisp lettuce on a toasted hot dog bun. Others desire their lobster warmed through, bathed in butter or a tangy vinaigrette atop a crusty roll. Some adventurous lobster lovers toss their claws with dill, tarragon or even chili powder for a seasonal kick.

Now that we have been in a period of deep freeze on them thar ponds, it seems, they are safe for skating and ice fishing — in areas where there’s no active current flowing. At least that’s the word from some of the town’s hardier men who have been just chomping at the bit to get out and do some ice fishing.

Cold enough for you? Tempted to check out the ponds for skating, ice fishing, walking? Have you heard, through various news media, how many rescues have had to be made lately from people falling through too thin ice?

As a member of the Board of Directors of the Pembroke Watershed Association, and because I am concerned about the importance of our ponds to the character of our town, this column is a variation on a theme this time — it’s a special invitation to you all.

The time has come, folks. Yes, it’s that time of year when the “little wrinkled necked” creatures, as Mark Ames calls the young herring, sense the change in temperature and decide it’s time to head for the Atlantic. Mark, a director of the Pembroke Watershed Association, also is chairman of the local Herring Fisheries Commission. Anyone interested in learning more about these little fish or their history will find him willing to share his knowledge.

Good sportsmanship, across the gunnels, is a given with both the adult and youth teams. And it is teamwork all the way. There are no “heroes” per se, though, like any group, there are people who will work themselves into leadership roles and inspire fellow teammates. “Team work” could well be the Team Saquish mantra.