34 minute read
Angels of Action
Angels
of Action
Joni Thompson
In an ever-changing world, with few things to rest assured in, we find ourselves on the same battlefield, fighting the same war against childhood hunger. Mecosta County children struggle with food insecurity at a rate of 60%. Throughout this pandemic, these numbers certainly haven’t decreased. At Angels of Action, our commitment level to feed the kids has not only increased but it has grown well beyond its original mission. We have moved passionately into new and exciting programs that have been well received by the kids and families in Mecosta County. With the generous donors throughout our community and by the grace of God, our first summer lunch program, Lunches Across Mecosta, was a giant success. Just look at these numbers!
fresh lunches served – 24,000 family bags distributed – 1,200 kids served – 581 families served – 198
Lunches Across Mecosta was ambitiously driven by our team here at Angels of Action, numerous volunteers, and the use of satellite sites. Together we combatted transportation barriers by providing a delivery service to homes and having several sites set up for pick up throughout the county. We had volunteers who packed lunch bags with us, made thousands of sandwiches, and drove weekly delivery routes to ensure no child went hungry for lunch during the summer. It was a great run and we look forward to next summer!
After seeing the numbers from the summer lunch program and comparing them to the number of students enrolled last year in our backpack program, we
foresee an increased need for this upcoming school year. We are preparing to serve over 900 kids weekly during the 2020-21 school year. We are also planning to use a similar system if needed for those kids learning remotely from home. Our output of food has become more colorful and bountiful since March. We have loved being able to serve fresh sandwiches along with fresh fruit and veggies made available through grants and local farmers. This pandemic has moved us into a food standard that we plan to mimic every opportunity going forward.
We are growing as trusted messengers in our community. This is an area we feel heavily blessed in and look forward to the opportunities it will bring. Testimonies are at an all-time high between the kids and families on the receiving end as well as the volunteers who have helped us to endure these transitioning times.
At Angels of Action we believe in counting our blessings and then sharing them. So, a mighty thanks to all who have been helping to make this possible along the way.
Although this pandemic has created loss and separation in so many areas, we find ourselves coming together and gaining in new ways. Working together with other local missions has helped us navigate these new systems of food output as well as the successful implementation of new ideas. Our summer lunch program ended on August 25th and we are already on to the next. Our latest project, Rock the Crock, is off to a great start. This is a 10-week virtual cooking program that encourages families to cook, eat, and spend time together at the dinner table. Encouraging conversation is a large part of this program. After all, “talking is teaching.”
Working with Manna Pantry has helped secure the food cost for this project; Great Start Collaborative provided a grant which funded the crock pots, kitchen tools, and informational binders while Spectrum Health is helping keep the meals fresh by providing our families with veggie and fruit vouchers to be used at the local farmers’ markets. Rock the Crock was created by us at Angels of Action and we foresee it being introduced at a state level, encouraging similar programs throughout Michigan and outside our state.
We love finding the positive in all that is happening around us right now but a hard truth that we must consider sharing is the one that is not happening. With limited ability to create events, our fundraising efforts have been cut way short this year. There have been several events that we have had to cancel. These specific canceled events have proven to be large contributors to the monetary needs of our school backpack program over the last several years. On a positive note, our largest fundraising event is STILL scheduled for November. That’s right, Century 21 White House Realty presents Light Up the Night 2020. November 6th will be the BIG day with amazing food, drinks, auctions, dancing, and fabulous friends. We have been selling raffle tickets for this event and getting our sponsors excited about this opportunity to showcase their local business as well as raise money for our children within Mecosta County. If you didn’t get your event ticket this year make sure to mark your calendars for next year. We would love to spend an evening with you. Beyond raffle ticket sales or tickets to events themselves, there are still ways to help contribute monetarily to Angels of Action. We pray you will find it in your heart to become part of our monthly giving program. You can sign up via our website at www.angelsofaction.org and follow the steps for monthly giving. Sponsoring a child is also an option for the school year. For $195 you can sponsor a child for the entire school year. We ask that God bless you and your generosity for giving to the kids of Mecosta County.
JESSICA SLENDAK Marketing Director jslendak@clpoc.org
Marketing Director Jessica Slendak jslendak@clpoc.org
Marketing Associate Lindsay Halcomb lhalcomb@clpoc.org Assistant Webmaster Lee Ann McCormick canadianlakes.org
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High season is over in Canadian Lakes and it has been a season we’ve never seen or experienced before, but we made it didn’t we? Summer is over. Camping (for the most part) is over and so is boating. Do you hear me whimpering as you read my article? Anyone who knows me, knows that this is a sad time for me and my heart aches. I’ll go into dormancy as the snow falls and cold temperatures roll in. Many of you folks are heading south for these cold months and I’m jealous. I’d like to go with you. Nonetheless, you’ll all return, and boating will too along with golf and all the other activities we’ve come to love in Canadian Lakes during the warm months.
Our advertising is over for this season as well and it’s all been quite interesting! I can tell you there has never been a better time to be on TV! Going back almost 10 years ago, I worked closely with area businesses not only with their radio advertising, but all of their advertising plans. The housing crash or recession (whatever one would like to call it) hit hard in our small market. I had clients that pulled their advertising completely — all of it. Then, on the other hand, I had clients that pulled back their advertising investment just a bit — say from $2k a month, down to $1200 a month. I even had clients that didn’t change their plans at all. They forged ahead and kept consistent with their advertising and marketing plans. When COVID hit us, all our advertising on radio, web and new this year, television was to start in just a couple weeks after we were all sent to stay at home. I’ll admit I was nervous. If no one could go anywhere, why would I spend BIG cash telling them to come to Canadian Lakes? The economic effects of COVID would be atrocious. Many people were (and still are) out of work and will certainly not be buying real estate. How can I really move forward with all this advertising? I recall a couple emails from members stating I should pull everything.
I reminded myself that I had been in a similar situation years ago during my radio days. Those clients who remained consistent, although not investing fully like they had previously done, bounced back faster and raked in some serious profits when the economy turned back around. They were busier before the recession hit. They remained consistent to their brand and kept top of mind awareness. It was their best decision ever. I stayed true to the advertising plans and didn’t pull a cent when COVID hit. All advertising ran as scheduled. Our brand is so very important and disappearing for just one season would cause us to spend even more the next year, and probably the following year, to gain our awareness back. There was no way I was going to allow our awareness to become diluted or washed away. We told and showed what Canadian Lakes is. We told consumers to visit our website for more information and they did just that! With over 1300 radio commercials and mentions, over a dozen social media posts by our influencers, over 500 TV commercials and over 400,000 internet impressions, all of our advertising proved strong with an increase of 12% in our web traffic compared to last year. Traffic is up 68%
from 2018. Through use of geo-fencing, in our internet advertising, we got over 500 people who clicked directly through to our website. Over 1000 people who were in the geo-fenced areas came to Canadian Lakes. Just over 150 people who saw our display ad on the internet that were in the geo-fenced areas also visited Canadian Lakes during our campaign. In 2019 we had 58 inquiries who shared their contact information with us and requested more information about Canadian Lakes. During this 2020 advertising season, that number jumped WAY up to 157! Fantastic! No way in the world will I ever pull advertising in trying times. Look at us, COVID, you didn’t get us! Ask any realtor in the area. Our local offices are swamped like never before, I’m told. 2020 was darn GOOD for Canadian Lakes and the Marketing Department.
What’s coming in 2021? Oh, it’s big and I’ll be very excited to share with you fully in the December/ January edition of The Canadian Laker. I have to wrap my head around all the possibilities and capabilities before I can tell you all about it! Until then, happy fall and enjoy your GOOD life here in Canadian Lakes, folks!
Store with confidence in a well lit facility with 24 hour surveillance and top-notch customer service.
231.972.4777 www.thelakesselfstorage.com
at the
Enjoy a great round of Fall golf! $16 per player for 9-holes or $32 per player for 18-holes *good for members in good standing and guests everyday starting 10/1/20
231.972.8979 | 9775 Clubhouse Dr. E | Canadian Lakes | www.canadianlakes.org/golf/
BY ROGER STOBERT VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR
Changes were made to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste availability last year. The facility will only be open on Wednesdays and Sundays,10 a.m. to 4 p.m., April through November. Our last day open in 2020 will be Sunday, November 29, weather permitting. No longer will the gate be opened at other times.
This change was necessitated because unallowed items were left at the site and wastes were deposited in the roadway instead of back against the wood line.
Canadian Lakes Yard Waste was established to provide a place for Canadian Lakers to dispose of yard wastes since burning or dumping it on neighboring lots or common areas is prohibited in Canadian Lakes. One errant smoldering leaf could spell disaster if open burning were allowed.
The site is located on the south side of Pierce Road between 110th Avenue and Tullymore Drive.
Items allowed to be brought to Canadian Lakes Yard Waste include tree and shrub branches and limbs less than four inches in diameter and plant-based materials normally associated with residential yard maintenance such as grass clippings, leaves, and discarded mulch. Do NOT leave materials outside the gate when the site is closed.
Items NOT allowed to be left at the site include campfire ashes, garbage, such as food scraps like rinds, peels, cores, etc.; other prohibited items include paper, plastic, and
Drive by photo of Bill Ballard volunteering at Canadian Lakes Yard Waste.
styrofoam products, including yard waste containers.
To gain access, attendants (all volunteers) will check for a current CLPOC ID, vehicle sticker, or guest pass. They may ask you to uncover your wastes to allow for inspection. Contractors doing yard maintenance for members may also use the facilities, but they must provide the CLPOC ID, guest pass, or the lot number and member’s name to gain access.
When depositing your yard wastes, please place them behind or on top of already deposited materials rather than in front of or on the access road to minimize the number of times we need a “push back” to allow access to the road and turnaround. Your compliance with this request reduces the number of push backs required thus keeping membership costs for operating the site as low as possible. Should you have any questions regarding Canadian Lakes Yard Waste, the attendants will be pleased to help you, or you may contact Roger Stobert, Yard Waste Coordinator, 231-972-1232, 231-288-0148, or spankky@charter.net.
BY EARL CHRISTIANSON President 313-204-0877 eande751@sbcglobal.net I ’m sitting here at my side of the desk (I share one with Elaine) writing my second to the last article for The Canadian Laker as President of the CLA, and I don’t have “Jack Squat” to say. But if you’ve read any of my articles in The Canadian Laker or the Lite Lines, you know that’s never stopped me before. I can always find something to discuss, so here goes.
It’s that time again to either renew your membership to the Canadian Lakes Association or join us as a new member. For all of you who are current members, and I thank you for that, please read the rest of this anyway to make sure I did not leave anything out.
If you are new to Canadian Lakes and you’re not sure who we are or what we do, let me explain. We began in 1975 as the “Year-Arounders” Club. It was a small group of people who decided to create an organization that would provide social and educational events for the members of Canadian Lakes. In 1980 we filed our Articles of Incorporation with the state of Michigan and we became the Canadian Lakes Association. Our goal remained the same which was to provide more organized and enhanced social and educational events for Canadian lakes members. Our social activities, including a variety of sanctioned clubs, far exceed the number of educational programs, but we continue to provide them from time to time when we have something that we feel is beneficial to our community. We operate with a Board of Directors that serves a term of office of three to six years and these volunteers must be members of the Canadian Lakes Association.
Just as a reminder, the CLPOC, Canadian Lakes Property Owners Corporation, manages the day to day operations of Canadian Lakes. We became members of the CLPOC as soon as we purchased property in Canadian Lakes and paid our annual fees. The CLPOC is overseen by a nine-person volunteer Board of Directors and a General Manager who reports to the Board.
However to be a member of the Canadian Lakes Association you must: 1) be a member of the CLPOC in good standing and 2) pay an annual fee of $25 per year per family (separate from the CLPOC annual fee). This fee has been the same since 2009 and for the $25 you have the following available to you, your family and guests: 1. A Winter Carnival in February during which we provide hot dogs, chips, baked beans or corn, coffee, hot chocolate and cookies. We also provide a clown with a balloon show for the children along with a kids craft area, stick-on tattoos, horse-drawn wagon rides, ice skating, snow tube tow and, weather permitting, a snow sculpture contest with cash prizes. For CLA members only we have door prize drawings. All at no additional costs to you, your family or guests. 2. In March we have a Pot Luck Dinner. Everyone who attends brings a dish to pass and the CLA provides coffee and dessert. It’s an opportunity to meet with friends whom we have not seen during the winter as well as an opportunity to make some new friends. We usually have some door prizes as well. No additional cost. 3. On the Saturday before Easter, we have our Annual Easter Egg Hunt for kids up to 12 years old and adults over 60. We hold this in the parking lot of the Highland Haus. All of the eggs have candy inside and some have a note inside which means they have won a special prize. This applies to the children’s area as well as the area set up for those over 60. There is also a visit by the Easter Bunny and an opportunity for pictures. This is also available to all CLPOC members, their familes and guests at no charge. 4. In May it’s the CLA Community Information Day. This event (formally known as the Newcomer’s Get-Together), takes place at the Castle. We have approximately 50 areas set up with information from our sanctioned clubs, local and area businesses, area medical and financial institutions, CLA and CLPOC history, some musical entertainment, snacks and more. This is a great way for
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new CLPOC members to gain information about Rapids provides us with an evening of musical enCanadian Lakes, the surrounding area and the tertainment consisting of patriotic and Americana CLA. It also gives them an opportunity to meet music. It’s an incredible evening. This is the only other Canadian Lakers and maybe make some new time the CLA will ask for a voluntary “free will” friends. This is available at no cost. offering. As long as the weather is good, we have a “Kite 11. In October we provide a Flu Shot Clinic through Day” in May at the Canadian Lakes airstrip. The the Mecosta County Health Department. We also CLA provides kites, cookies and lemonade. This have an adult Halloween Costume Dance at the event is for CLA members only. No additional cost. Castle for a small fee. It is usually a pot-luck and On Memorial Day the CLA sponsors a Memorial there is a cash bar. The biggest event in October is Day Program at the Castle which honors all the the Trick or Treat at the Castle on Halloween night. men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice The Castle is decorated and we have about 50 areas for our country along with honoring our vets. set up and volunteer members of our community In June we provide an outdoor concert on the dress up and provide candy to the little trick or Castle veranda. This concert features the treaters. Adults and kids alike dress up for this fun, Ferris Community Summer Band. They have been free event. entertaining Canadian Lakers for years. Also in June we have an outdoor Art and Craft Show on the boulevard between the Highland Haus and the Alpine “Let me help you through your next door!” Haus. There is no additional cost for either of these events. On the Saturday closest to the Fourth of July we provide the CLA Annual Summer Picnic. This event is also free to all CLPOC members, their famSue ilies, and guests. Just like the Kempton Winter Carnival we provide hot dogs, chips, potato salad, pop231-638-3498 corn, ice cream, coffee and lemsuelakesrealty@gmail.com onade. We also offer a bounce house for the kids, our balloon clown is back to entertain the children and adults, stick-on tattoos, horse rides (as long as it is not too hot), live music on the deck of the Highland Haus and a variety of lawn games. There is also a 5k walk/run, a fishing contest, fireworks, and a parade provided by the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club and the CLPOC. We have an Ice Cream Social at the Castle in August. The CLA Service Beyond the Sale provides free ice cream, a wide variety of toppings, and cookies. Thanks for Bring your family and guests the Busy and enjoy the evening with Summer! other Canadian Lakes friends. It won’t cost you a dime. Every other year in September Call for a free market analysis! we bring “The Voices of Freedom” to Canadian Lakes. This acapella group from Grand
12. November brings a Euchre Tournament, a Gals’ Night
Out and an incredible Christmas Craft Show at the
Castle on the Saturday after Thanksgiving. There are approximately 45 crafters and lunch is available for purchase. This show is very popular and admission is free. We also have a “Cook-Off” in November. Sometimes we have chili and sometimes we have soups. The evening is open to all CLPOC members, but only CLA members are allowed to enter for a chance to win cash prizes. There is a small entrance fee of $5.00 per person to sample up to 12 homemade soups or chili. The CLA provides coffee and dessert and sometimes we have door prizes. The proceeds from this event are used to purchase new items for our Medical Supply Room. 13. In December we have a Home Decorating Contest for
CLA members only. This gives our members a chance to not only decorate their homes for the holidays, but the opportunity to win cash prizes. December ends with a great New Year’s Eve Party at the Castle. A deejay provides all the dance music; we have a great selection of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, a snack at midnight and a cash bar. This is always a fun night at a very reasonable price per person and very close to home. 14. As a CLA member you also receive the monthly Lite
Lines mailed to your home which is a 16-page newsletter that provides you with information about all of the
CLA events, club activities and local and area entertainment and events. In addition you receive a CLA
Directory and Buyer’s Guide. This directory comes out new each year around the first of June and contains the contact information of most of our members, local and area numbers for state and local government offices and a yellow pages section with many local and area businesses and services listed. 15. We have over 40 different clubs that you can join, or if you don’t find one that suits your fancy, think about
starting your own club. As long as it meets the requirements established by the CLA you can start a club and have the use of a Canadian Lakes facility at no cost to you or your club. 16. We also have a Medical Supply Room. This service loans out such items as wheelchairs, crutches, canes, knee walkers as well as shower and other bathroom needs. These items are available to all CLPOC members at no cost. Some items are purchased by the CLA and others are donated by community members. 17. We also make donations to some local and area organizations.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this article, we are now at the time of year where we ask you to renew your membership. And for those of you who are not members, we ask that you join us as members to help financially support all that we provide. I realize that 2020 was a total surprise to everyone and that we have not been able to offer you a normal year of events. I also realize that you know it was out of our hands and I thank you for your understanding, your support and your kindness during these strange times. Included in this edition of The Canadian Laker is a Membership Application that can be used for renewal or for new members. You can also pick up an application from the CLA Information Center located in the CLPOC Office or download one off of our website, www.canadianlakesassociation.org. By going to our website you can also get more information about the CLA, our clubs and view pictures of some of our events over the last five years. If you have any questions, please contact our Membership Director Jo Alex at 847-754-8137. You can also contact me or any of the other CLA Board members for information about the CLA. Our contact information is located at the bottom of this article. Let’s hope that 2021 is a much better year for everyone in Canadian Lakes, across our great nation and around the world.
BOARD OF DIRECTORS President-Earl Christianson
313-204-0877 I eande751@sbcglobal.net
Vice-President - Robin Bielby
231-823-4302 | rbielby3@gmail.com
Secretary - Sharon Schmidt
517-483-3182 | schmidts55@yahoo.com
Treasurer - John Loy
616-481-4000 | jloy@carlsonwagonlit.com
Jo Alex
847-754-8137 | jolalexclakes@comcast.net
Mike Burke
231-359-1114 | mburke890@charter.net
DIRECTORY WHITE PAGES/MEMBERSHIP Jo Alex
DIRECTORY YELLOW PAGES Norm Brohl
901-826-3972 | Nbrohl.cla@gmail.com
DIRECTORY AD SALES Bill Kerwin
231-580-9698 | billkerwin35@gmail.com
Alice Brandt
214-843-8825 | abrandtcl@gmail.com
Jeff Butzin
586-599-9684 | jsbutzin@aol.com
MEDICAL SUPPLIES Sharon Schmidt Mike Burke Fred Marsh Tom Gawenda NEWCOMERS Earl Christianson Elaine Christianson
PURCHASING John Loy Mike Burke SOCIAL ACTIVITIES Peggy Brohl
901-831-1673 | msbrohl@comcast.net
VOLUNTEERS Robin Bielby
231-823-4302 | rbielby3@gmail.com
WEBSITE ADMINISTRATOR Lee Ann McCormick
BRICK SALES Liz Dean
231-972-8576 | ldean710@charter.net
LITE LINES DANIELLE HAUCK
443-900-6211 I danievaughn1@comcast.net
CANADIAN LAKES ASSOCIATION EMAIL
cla.10700@gmail.com
CANADIAN LAKES ASSOCIATION WEBSITE
www.canadianlakesassociation.org
Section I: Applicant Information
Renewal ☐ New Member ☐
Lot #
If this is a RenewalANDall information in Section I; II; III belowis the same as Last Year, check here: ☐ add your name above, and skip to Section IV, to enter your payment information.
Address #1
Street City/State Zip
Phone#1 ( E-Mail #1
Address#2
Phone#2 ( Street
Section II: Directory Information
E-Mail #2 City/State Zip
IMPORTANT: Please mark ( ☒ ) the information below that you want included in the next CLA Membership Directory.
Only the marked information will be printed in the directory.
Same as Last Year ☐ Name ☐ Address #1 ☐ Same except new phone # ☐ Address #2 ☐ Phone #1 ☐ Phone #2 ☐ Same except new Email ☐ Email #1 ☐ Email #2 ☐
Section III: Lite Lines Mailing
IMPORTANT NOTE:
The Lite Lines are not forwarded. To ensure delivery please read the Mailing Directionsand mark mailing address(es) accordingly.
MAILING DIRECTIONS:
You will receive the Lite Lines approximately one (1) week prior to the beginning of the month it covers.
At Address #2 from ☐ to
to All Lite Lines Mailed to Address #2 ☐ Leaving on or aboutdate Leaving on or aboutdate
Section IV: Payment
2021 CLA Dues Number of ADDITIONAL Directories at $10.00 each ( Total enclosed $25.00 $ $
Any questions, contactJo Alexat847-754-8137, or email at jolalexclakes@comcast.net. Please complete and return this form with your check made payableto “Canadian Lakes Association” (CLA),for $25 (plus $10 for each additional directory), and mail to: Membership Director, 9420 Taylors Turn, Canadian Lakes, MI 49346. Or drop off atthe CLA kiosk information center located in the CLPOC Office on Pierce Road.
BY CASEY SMITH Facilities and Compliance Director csmith@clpoc.org FALL/WINTER ROAD MAINTENANCE
With fall comes winter, fine practice, but realize these stakes and I would like to are just guidelines. The stakes used remind everyone that should be made of something that CLPOC has 66 feet of will not cause damage if hit, such road right-of-way throughout most as fiberglass or wood. If a big storm of the development. In many areas, occurs, Canadian Lakes Excavating, members have chosen to take lawns our plowing contractor, will do its to the road edges and not leave a best to stay within the stakes but shoulder area. Shoulders are a very should not have to worry about doimportant aspect of road mainteing damage to the trucks if a stake is nance; they not only give us room hit. Please refrain from using metal for plowing snow, but they keep stakes or rocks/boulders along the grass away from the asphalt surface, road edge. which prevents future damage from Fall is a beautiful time of year, cracking. especially here at Canadian Lakes.
In the fall, many members like Take the time to enjoy our wonderto mark the edge of their lawns ful area. As always, if you have queswith stakes to show the plow trucks tions or concerns, feel free to contact where their lawns begin. This is a me at csmith@clpoc.org.
Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home Inc.
13985 Northland Drive Big Rapids, MI 49307 231-796-3611
Christine Daggett Manager-Director Holly Holstrom-Director Gary Gilbert-Director
• Funeral Services • Cremation Services • Pre-Planning • Monuments
Shrink Wrapping Winterize Inboards & Outboards Short & Long Distance Hauling
ALL SEASON RV & BOAT STORAGE
Repair and Service Work Custom Canvas Covers Harbor Master Docks Boat Detailing
Dave & Kacy Dertien
231-972-4813 www.emsboatstorage.com
FOCUS ON
BY DALE DOEPKER For questions about fishing in Canadian Lakes or the Fishing Club, contact Dale Doepker at dtroutman97@aol.comor 231-972-8663
Pete Aleksnyas holding the largest bullhead at the bullhead tournament.
Photo Credit: Dale Doepker
Bullhead Tournament Results
Twenty-nine people entered the Bullhead Tournament August 7-8. At the weigh-in on Saturday, 20 fishermen brought in 171 total bullheads. Winner for total weight, with 25 bullheads, weighing 22.45 pounds, was Chris Lafave. In the other category, winner for largest bullhead was Pete Aleksynas with 1.405 pounds.
Second for total weight went to Mark Eschman with 18 bullheads weighing 16.08 pounds and third to Ken Grzeszak with 12 bullheads, weighing 8.20 pounds. Second in largest bullhead was Rich Jaskot with 1.34 pounds and third was Dave Jenkinson with 1.33 pounds. Mark, Pete, and Chris qualified to place in both categories, but since we limit winners to only one prize, they were awarded in the category which gave them the highest award.
Thanks to Dan Glazier and Mark Eschman for cleaning them, and Sue Glazier for hosting the Tournament. George Groll and Dale Doepker were also significant help with the event. Many participants took home either whole bullheads or cleaned filets. Due to COVID concerns, in lieu of cooking bullheads and a buffet lunch, we had snack bags and bottled water. Annual Youth and Largest Fish Contest Final Reminder
Get your entries in by the deadline of October 10. This year, because the annual Young Angler’s Contest was cancelled, we are encouraging all youth 14 and under to enter this contest for a trophy and prize. Both the Youth Fish and Largest Fish of the Year Contest run all year, from October 1, 2019, to September 30, 2020. There is one entry form for both. If it is an entry for the Youth Fish Contest, 14 years and under, the information for the angler must be filled in as to age, etc. Every youth who enters, regardless of fish size, will receive a trophy, so long as it is for a species trophy they do not already have. The youth entries for the longest in each species and some others will also receive prizes, along with the trophy. All entries will be eligible for the Largest Fish Contest trophy, if the minimum length is met. Entry forms are available on the CLA website, https://www.canadianlakesassociation.org/ and at the CLPOC office. Keep track of your catches and take photos if possible, so you can enter them by the deadline of October 10, 2020. Remember to release live all bass, pike 24 inches and over, and all muskies. Last Fishing Club Meeting of the Year, Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Everyone interested in fishing is invited to attend our last meeting of the year at the outdoor Pines Pavilion. At this meeting we will have a recap of all our events in the past year and consideration of next year’s events. Results of the September 12 Pike Tournament and winning lures will also be discussed. Election of officers for 2020 will be held. As always, members will share their recent fishing trips, good or bad. Remember to release all largemouth bass and muskies and any pike which are 24 inches and over. COVID Impact on Fishing Club
Due to COVID pandemic concerns, the Canadian Lakes Fishing Club had some major changes this year which included: • The Annual Young Angler’s contest was cancelled. • Little Pine Island Youth Camp was closed for the entire summer. • Club meetings for April, May, and June were cancelled. • Club meetings for July through September were held at the outdoor pavilion. • Bullheads were not cooked at the Bullhead Tournament weigh-in. • Paid membership was only 19, compared to 42 last year.
The Youth Ice Fishing Derby, Fish Fun Nights, Bass Tournament, Bullhead Tournament, Pike Tournament and the Annual Youth Fish and Largest Fish Contests were held this year, as usual.
Main Lakes Level As of September 9, 2020, the main lakes level, measured at the overflow, was exactly at the courtordered zero level of 961.0 USGS Datum. The lowest lake level measured so far this summer was 3 inches below the zero level. Note that the lake pumps are not normally run after September 15.
Final Loon Observations We had one loon baby from the East Lake nest, Far West Lake nest produced two baby loons, and Lake of the Clouds nest produced two babies. We had only 11 baby loons reported for our entire Mecosta County this year, the same as last year. By the time you read this article, the adult loons will have already left for the season and the juveniles may have left already. Apparently, the adults give their babies directions on where to migrate before they leave. It may also be interesting to know that there have been 18 osprey nests and four bald eagle nests identified in our county this summer.
ARE YOU getting enough VEGETABLES?
By Marie Glover
As we head into winter, we can all agree that there isn’t always the best selection of vegetables. Don’t get me wrong, you will find cabbages, collard greens, carrots, and dare I say radishes? That’s a vegetable you either love or hate. Did you know that the U.S. dietary guidelines recommend we eat two to two and a half cups of vegetables a day? Not a hard task if you have vegetables with every meal, but that’s not always going to happen. I am pretty sure there are not any vegetables in my morning pastries and donuts.
How will we get our two cups everyday with limited produce? The answer is salad. Before you turn the page hear me out. Salads are a great way to get your veggies in. Just because summer has passed does not mean we can’t throw together a fantastic salad for one or ten. The photo below is of a salad I made for a Christmas party last year. Now I realize the serving dish is less than desirable, but who wants to bring a dish and expect the host to get it sparkly clean when the dinner is over. Not me. We can all agree the salad looks scrumptious and would be a welcomed addition to any gathering or just to share with a spouse.
Salads have become so versatile there are endless possibilities. Let’s talk possibilities. Below you will find ingredient lists for specific kinds of folks. Salad ingredients can be fresh, canned, dried, jarred, or frozen. We have covered there are endless possibilities, right? The lists below are different ingredients I personally add to create a perfect salad.
First, we must pick our greens. This task is difficult in many households because we all like different kinds of lettuce and greens. In our house we mix our greens, dark greens for me and romaine lettuce to keep it light for my family. Do not be afraid to mix your greens to find your perfect match. Your body will thank you. Our mix packs the salad with vitamin B, folic acid, antioxidants, iron, and more. This is how I justify my donut intake.
GREENS
• iceberg • butter lettuce • baby spinach springmix romaine watercrest
Second, pick some meaty vegetables to make the salad filling and juicy. My family likes a traditional salad topped with tomatoes and cucumbers. Depending on the season, you could add peppers, beets, asparagus, or onions. Add these grilled or raw. Possibilities, people! Don’t forget your fruit, only if you like that kind of thing on salads.
VEGGIES
• green, red, yellow, orange peppers • cucumbers • tomatoes • carrots • green, purple onion • asparagus • brussels sprouts • beets • avocado • broccoli
FRUIT
• strawberries • blueberries • dried cranberries, figs, apricots, etc • apples or pears • mango
Third and fourth. These steps are my favorite: meats and cheese. These two ingredients can make your salad a meal or convince someone who may want to skip a salad to decide otherwise. I often like to add chopped salami and provolone cheese to my salad because nine times out of ten I have those in my refrigerator ready to go. But a nicely dressed salmon salad does not hurt my feelings either.
MEAT, ETC.
• bacon • • steak or chicken • • salmon or shrimp • diced ham, turkey, or both dare I say anchovies? salami
CHEESE
• cheddar (white or yellow) • blue cheese • swiss • provolone • mozzarella • pepper jack • gorgonzola • feta • goat cheese • provolone
The final step to an amazing salad is the nuts/ crunchies and dressing. The list below provides some ingredients to put some crunch into your salad. As far as dressing goes, I really can’t help you there. Salad dressings are all about preference and most people have a favorite salad dressing already. Whether you make your own or buy one at the store just stick to what you like. Here is a tip, try a different dressing on the side at a restaurant if you are craving a different taste than what you are used to. This way, in case you don’t like it, you didn’t just ruin a perfectly good salad and you won’t have a full bottle of dressing sitting in the fridge to throw out in six months.
NUTS & CRUNCHIES
• almonds • walnuts • cashews • pecans • croutons • traditional peanuts • fried onions • wonton pieces
That’s all she wrote folks. Vegetables are important to eat every day and hopefully the lists provided you with inspiration to create your own favorite combination.
We would love to see what you come up with! Please feel free to send us your recipe and a photo of your creation to thecanadianlaker@gmail.com. If we receive enough responses, we would like to share your recipes & photos right here in a future issue. Cheers Canadian Lakes and enjoy!
